Since 2007, Literacy Now Cowichan has worked on many fronts to increase the visibility of literacy issues within the Cowichan Region. Pathways to Learning, the community adult literacy program, has helped almost 1,000 residents of the Cowichan Valley achieve their learning goals. A core group of 25 highly trained and dedicated volunteers provide hundreds of hours of tutoring each month. This community adult literacy program is funded completely with grants and donations and is provided free of charge to valley residents. If you or someone you know is struggling with reading or numeracy, contact us. No referral is required.
Community News
New Holiday Traditions
This month may be the first time for get-togethers after a long time and there may be loved ones who are no longer with us. The first holiday season after losing a loved one can be a very difficult time. Acknowledge that things are going to be different and the holidays will never be the same as they once were. Hold your memories of loved ones close and connect with other people during these cold winter days. There will be opportunities to make the holidays meaningful; be open to the change and accept it for what it is – a new opportunity to create stronger family bonds and traditions.
Sharing Time and Holiday Memories
The holiday season often brings about the feeling of “home” and family traditions. Many activities can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. The holidays provide an opportunity to reminisce about special ornaments acquired over the years and decorations that have been part of many special occasions. It is a perfect time to bring out old photo albums so that you can re-live past gatherings through pictures. Sing along with traditional and modern holiday favourites is always a crowd pleaser. The gift of time is the most thoughtful present you can give! Spending time with family and friends is priceless.
Socks for Christmas
What are you getting your family and friends for Christmas this year? How about a gift of Wellness? This year, give your loved ones a pair of socks. But not just any sock. Socks with wearable technology that works with the brain to reduce pain, increase strength and endurance and enhance stability and balance for months to come. Knee-high socks with mild compression are great for the travellers on your list. For the hikers, chose wool socks that hug the feet and keeps them warm in the outdoors. And don’t forget yourself, you too deserve a gift of wellness
Revitalize Your Skin
It is the holiday season, the time that we all want to look our best as we celebrate with friends and family. This is the perfect time for an AFA chemical peel that can stimulate new skin growth so your skin feels smoother and your skin tone appears brighter. It removes the damaged top layers, speeds up cell turnover and boosts collagen growth through the use of a naturally acidic solution. Once the peel penetrates the outer layer of the skin, it’s easier to exfoliate, hydrate, and anti-oxidate to keep your skin looking its best all season long.
Making New Holiday Traditions
The first holiday season after a move to a senior community can sometimes be stressful and difficult for your senior loved one. Creating new traditions can help with the transition and make the holiday season less stressful for everyone. Although your family holiday events may have been held at your senior loved one’s home in the past, holding gatherings at another family member’s home going forward can make things easier. Have your senior loved one help with one or two tasks that keep them involved without overwhelming them and take advantage of the many holiday events.
Do You Feel Emotional?
The holiday season can be an emotional time. It may be a time of loving reunions, heartfelt connections and joy or it can be filled with obligations, expectations and old memories. You may feel a full range of emotions from happy to sad. Be gentle with yourself in allowing any emotions you feel at this time. The holidays are an opportunity to nurture ourselves while giving and receiving. A Certified Body Code/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you release any unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions to make this season easier for you. Holiday Special: 2 Body Code Sessions for the price of 1.
Making Christmas Magic for Residents in Need
For more than 50 years, the SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program has been creating the magic of Christmas for District 69 residents. With community support, we can make sure local children find a special gift under their tree and that families and individuals can choose food that is important to them over the holidays, using grocery store gift cards. To help fill the SOS Toy Shop, find an SOS Angel Tree at participating local businesses or drop off a new, unwrapped gift or donation to the SOS Community Services Centre in Parksville. For registration information, please visit the SOS website.
Boost Your Immunity
It seems like this cold and flu season is off to a particularly aggressive start! Here are some things that we can all do to strengthen our immune systems. *When the sun is shining, soak it up. *Stay active. *Limit sugar and processed foods in your diet. *Stay hydrated. *Get lots of rest. Prioritize sleep more than ever. *Get the flu shot. If you do get sick, contact your pharmacist. They are equipped with the advice you need to feel better as soon as possible. They can recommend over-the-counter remedies for your symptoms and ensure they don’t interact with your other medications.
A Really Useful Gift
At Christmas time, it can be hard to find a suitable gift for elderly loved ones. This year, give them and yourself the feeling of security while honoring their request to age in place. Installing a medical alarm system in their home can increase their independence and reduce the risks of living alone or being left alone in their home. With a locally monitored system, they may be able to remain in their own home. You can be comforted by the fact that if something should happen, help is just a button push away.
Brain Teaser Answer
It takes one elf 5 minutes to make one doll. Therefore 100 elves making 100 dolls would, of course, still take 5 minutes!
