Editor: Scott Vetter, Assistant Editor: Rosemary Parker
Announcements
Welcome to our guest speaker Lisa Barleban, Social Worker; and Teresa Thomblison, President of the Rotaract Club of Ottawa South
District Conference Discount - Some Rotaract clubs missed the deadline since they were busy with exams, so the Early Bird discount has been extended to December 31. Register now!
Christmas Kettle - We raised almost $1,000 this past Saturday with the Salvation Army kettle at South Keys Loblaws. Many thanks to Jeff Sirs, Rosemary Parker, Peter Pauker, Joan Hunter, Mack MacGregor, Bruce Bayne, Kateri Clark and her daughters, Scott Vetter.
Holiday Cards - Next week, the Rotaract Club of Ottawa South will be joining forces with the Rotaract Club of Ottawa to make holiday cards for the Ottawa Rotary Home and the Gary J Armstrong retirement centre!
Rotary Cash Calendars - Contact Joan to purchase a Rotary Cash Calendar, only $20 and many chances to win.
Tree Planting - Consider sharing your Christmas spirit with communities in Kenya and east Africa, where deforestation is a growing problem, and reforestation can revitalize local lands and economies. Donations can be made directly to International Tree Foundation.
Joan's Rotary Moment
PRAYER FOR A PANDEMIC
May we who are merely inconvenienced, remember those whose lives are at stake.
May we who have no risk factors, remember those most vulnerable.
May we who have the luxury of working from home, remember those who must choose
between preserving their health or making their rent.
May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close, remember those who have no options.
May we who have to cancel our trips, remember those that have no place to go.
May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market, remember those who have no margin at all.
May we who settle in for a quarantine at home, remember those who have no home.
During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other, let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors.
Amen
Looking after Your Mental Health During the Holidays
Lisa Barleban, Social Worker with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
Lisa gave a very informative talk concerning mental health and issues specific to the holiday season for youth and adults.
As she stated, Unprecedented has become a common word in the last two years – COVID has exacerbated the effects of mental health considerations, especially over the holidays.
There are myriad reasons that cause stress and anxiety; family situations can sometimes hinder and sometimes help. Self-care is a good source of strength for all of us. Some ideas to help us cope include:
Journaling
Meditation/Mindfulness (deep breathing is useful too)
Connecting with those who understand you
Reading or participation in a favourite hobby like music or art
Lisa also told us about the Bridges Over Barriers program. It was started by local doctors who wanted to help youth in need and created a fund for school social workers to help students and families who need immediate assistance.
They will be holding an auction in early February to raise money for the Bridges Over Barriers program. If you have an item or service to be auctioned, please contact Lisa: lisa.barleben@ocdsb.ca
Distress Centre of Ottawa (Adults):
• Distress Line: 613-238-3311 or https://www.dcottawa.on.ca/24-7-distress-line/
• Crisis Line: 613-722-6914 or https://www.dcottawa.on.ca/24-7-crisis-line/
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