Document can be downloaded, HERE.
public-faqParent Cafe’s are an opportunity to connect with other parents. Which is important now, more than ever. Parent Cafés are emotionally safe spaces where parents and caregivers talk about the challenges and victories of raising a family. Through individual deep self-reflection and peer-to-peer learning, participants explore their strengths, learn about the Protective Factors, and create strategies from their own wisdom and experiences to help strengthen their families. These will begin as soon as it is safe to do so. Please take the Parent Cafe survey to help us plan for the best time.
Parent Cafe’s Survey Link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PGYRC2D
Vitality Cafés are peer-to-peer guided discussion groups that use the six Vitality Domains and empowered engagement techniques to help participants come up with strategies to improve their overall holistic health. Vitality Cafe’s will be offered virtually at first. Please take the survey to help us plan for the best time.
Vitality Cafe’s https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/62PR65L
Virtual Winter Wellness at the Carmangay Library will begin in January. Watch for posters and on their Facebook page for details. Prizes to be won.
Skating – Champion has their outdoor ice open. Please skate with your own households and respect space from other skaters.
Fundamental Digital Literacy Skills: Online Privacy – Chinook Arch Libraries in January. Check your local library website or chinookarch.ca and go to Events.
Posters
Snow Angels – Be a Snow Angel in your neighbourhood. If you have a shovel and see someone’s sidewalk not yet cleared, pitch it and help a neighbour out. You are also helping the people who want to get out and walk safely, free from ice. You can also sign up with FCSS at 403-485-2192. We will be out of the office until Jan. 4 but you can try us on Facebook messenger.
Fireworks – Vulcan Recreation presents New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Dec. 31 at 7:30pm Vulcan Arena parking lot.
Read With Me – Ages 3-6
Ages and Stages – Development for kids 0-6years
Building Fine Motor Skills for ages 3-6
January programs at Greater Foothills Family Centre
More programs from the Family Centre
Kids in Motion – Ages 3-6
Glow – For girls 9-12
Winter Reading Challenge through Chinook Arch Libraries
MCG Careers – Job Searching During Covid
Job Searching DC Workshop. Virtual. Jan.12.2021MCG Careers – Interview Skills Workshop
Interview Skills Workshop.Virtual. Jan.20.2021MCG Careers – “Linked In” Create and Advance Your Online Presence
Linked In Workshop. Virtual. Jan.28.202165 years or older? Join a research study about games created to help keep your mind vibrant. Must have an android device.
Games for Vibrant Minds Research StudyTriple “P” parenting courses online for parents of all ages https://www.triplep-parenting.ca/alb-en/find-help/triple-p-online/?itb=4dcfbc057e2ae8589f9bbd98b591c50a
Top Parenting Tips for School Life during Covid
tpi-top-tips-covid19-school-life-ltr-can-enBalancing Work and Life during Covid
covid-19-guide-work-and-family-ltr-can-enFirst Nations Health Consortium December Newsletter
FNHC December 2020 NewsletterVulcan Library is open for Curbside Pick-up
December 14-January 12
Monday 10-3
Tuesday 10-5
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 10-5
Friday 10-3
Resources
Al-Anon Family Group -meetings as needed. Contact Betty W. at 403-652-8285 for information.
Vulcan Regional Food Bank Society and Vulcan and Region Family and Community Support Services will be closed from Dec. 24 at 12pm – Jan.3. If you are without food, there are Emergency Hampers at the Vulcan Hospital 24 Hour Reception.
There is also a new Give-and-Take Pantry For anyone in need of food or for anyone to drop off donations. Please only take what you need or donate unopened goods that have not expired. Outside the Vulcan Library.
Mental Health Support Help Lines
Family Ties Association Clinical team can provide subsidized counselling. Currently the service is available through Zoom. Referrals can come from the FCSS office or clients can call Family Ties directly and ask to speak to Clinical Intake at 403-320-8888. We ask that the clients pay what they can.
Online resources:
– https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/covid19-balancing-public-health-and-mental-health/
– Online Mental Health Resource from the U of A – a newly developed online mental health resource that provides tools for families and individuals. http://www.comhs.health/ this is postponed until January 2021
Text4Hope – Incoming positive daily messages. Text COVID19HOPE to 393939 to subscribe.
Caring Connections Program by Wild Rose Community Connections
Contact us at 403 437-4984 Phone or text Monday – Friday 10:00 – 5:00 or by email at [email protected] Emotional Safe Spot for anyone feeling disconnected, alone or just need to chat.
Help Lines
Mental Health Help Line: 24 hour- 1-877-303-2642
Distress & Suicide Prevention Line of Southwestern Alberta
1-888-787-2880 Lethbridge and Area
Distress Centre: 403-266-HELP (4357) Suicide Prevention
Family Violence Info Line: 310-1818
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-387-5437
Alberta’s One Line for Sexual Violence. Call or text: 1-866-403-8000
AADAC Help Line: 1-866-332-2322 Addictions
Alberta Health Link: 811 or 1-866-408-5465
Alberta Info Helpline: 211 – connects you to community and social services in your area 24 hours a day in over 150 languages.
Albertans can call the Emergency Income Support Contact Centre 24-hours-a-day to get help in an emergency for basic needs like shelter, food, clothing and transportation. 1-866-644-5135
Canadian Red Cross: 24 hour disaster services – 1-888-800-6493
Vulcan Community Health Center (Hospital): 403-485-3333
Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477
Vulcan RCMP Detachment: 403-485-2267
Poison Control: 1-800-332-1414
Article by Dr. Jody Carrington about her family getting Covid-19.
The mental and emotional toll that comes with contracting this virus is just as bad, if not worse, than the physical. There is an astounding amount of shame, guilt and fear associated with contracting Covid, and we need to be talking about it more. When you are surrounded by good people, you will be surprised by their grace and kindness, and you will rise. I would have very likely fallen apart on day three if it weren’t for this community holding us up. The love and support we were shown reinforces what I already know: We were never meant to do this alone, and I have never been more confident that we are #bravertogether.
Pandemic and Isolation Stress
This is stressful for everyone. And it is not short-term stress, we have been in this pandemic for a long time and new lockdown restrictions are a stressful blow to almost everyone. Not being able to be with your loved ones at Christmas and being further isolated from connections and support is going to take a heavy toll on everyone’s mental health. When you do not get a break from stress, it becomes toxic stress that affects your physical health as well, because your brain is telling your nervous system that it is constantly under threat.
It is important to take charge of the stress so you can get through this long term.
Furniture Villa is doing a cool thing to support local business….from Facebook
With the new strict restrictions that our government has put in place, we know that times are going to be tough for a lot of our amazing local businesses in the Vulcan County. We at Furniture Villa are strong believers in supporting the local business community, and as such we are starting our “Bring it Home” campaign as a way to help support others in the community.
Here is how it works:
From now until December 31st (or we reach $5000 converted), bring in a gift card to a “Big Box” store and trade it in for a coupon of equal value to a local Vulcan County business that has been affected by the new restrictions.
A few conditions apply:
Here are the participating businesses:
Hair by Jordyn Cornet
Kona Fitness
Mind Meld Massage Therapy
Vulcan Yoga and Wellness
Vulcan Art Studio
The Hair Hut
Mama’s Pizza
Center Street Eatery – Arrowwood, Alberta
Mossleigh Bar N Grill
Aspen Crossing
Clever Scoops
The Great Full Cup
Lynn’s Place
Village’s Bistro
New Club Cafe
Amy’s Family Restaurant
Denver’s Diner
Milo Hotel/T’s Saloon
Lisa Blair’s Beauty Room
Habitat Lifestyle Boutique
Full Motion BodyworX
ASANI Healing
Bodyworks Fitness Centre
Lori Gair
Community Liaison
Vulcan and Region Family and Community Support Services
Phone: 403-485-2192 ext. 103
Email: [email protected]
Introduction to Self-Care video is available on YouTube, HERE.
Video in Low German explaining new public health measures available on YouTube, HERE.
Posters
Youth Centre Space open for Bookings as a safe space for all ages
Family Literacy Programs – NOTE most of these programs are currently being offered online. In-person classes are suspended.
Greater Foothills Family Programs for December – Curiosity Kids, Messy Make and Take, Triple P Parenting and more.
Greater Foothills Family Centre December ProgramsVulcan Recreation Programs and Facilities Notice
Food Drive – Vulcan County Wide – Fire departments will come right to your house if you pre-book
Angel Tree for the Vulcan Regional Food Bank – Thank you to everyone who has adopted families and individuals for Christmas Hampers, almost all the tags on the tree at Vulcan Bell Park have been claimed.
Lomond Lions Food Drive at S&S Grocery Store
Holiday Train at Home Dec, 12 – The 22nd annual #CPHolidayTrain is back. And this year, its first—and only—stop is your home! Virtual concert via Facebook Live on December 12 at 6 MT to raise money for food banks across North America. Performances by Serena Ryder, The Trews, JoJo Mason, Logan Staats and Kelly Prescott.
Career and Employment Services – MCG Career Remote
Message from Vulcan Medical Clinic
Write to Santa – He’ll write back!
Champion Gingerbread Houses-
The Champion FCSS has a limited number of gingerbread house kits available! Once completed, they will be put on display at the
Champion Pioneer Club. Please message below, or call the Village Office (897-3833) if you’d like to kit!
Canada Benefit Programs
Canadian Benefit Programs-NOV26Service Canada Outreach Brochure
Service Canada Community Outreach BrochureFree Virtual Nutrition Tour
Virtual Nutrition Tour_Poster (1)How Racism can affect Child Development
How Racism can affect child development Infographic_2020Covid care kits
16th Annual Milo Family “Virtual” Christmas – December 1 – 31, 2020
Merry Christmas everyone! Since the Milo community can’t get together to have our annual Christmas celebration, I thought we could share our Christmas spirit online together! In a similar format to the Milo Facebook Fall Fair, below are categories to share our holiday pictures, videos and greetings to help lift everyone’s spirits. Add your photos/videos as comments to the discussions below.
1. Christmas Decorations – show us your indoor and outdoor decorations or lights. Try to outdo your neighbours!
2. Christmas Tree – let’s see who has the best looking tree this year! We put all the work into putting the tree up, we might as well share our work.
3. Holiday Greetings – share your family photos and well wishes with the Milo Community.
4. Food – yes, my favourite! Show off your Christmas baking, cooking and goodies!
5. Humorous – share what made you laugh this season. That holiday baking flop? The horribly wrapped present? The cat in the Christmas tree? Whatever made you chuckle, we would love to laugh with you (or at you ;-))!
Christmas Shopping
Some local Black Friday sales will be happening all week in Vulcan.
Milo Library has some local vendors and artisans’ items available in December.
Arrowwood Library has a shop local market available all December.
SABC had to cancel their Christmas Market but a vendor parade is planned check out their Facebook page for info. They also have truckloads of firewood for sale.
Resources
Family Ties Association Clinical team can provide subsidized counselling to Vulcan County residents. This service is available through Zoom. If you do not have computer and internet access, an office at FCSS can be booked at 403-485-2192. Call Family Ties and ask to speak to Clinical Intake 403-320-8888.
Mental Health & Wellness
Beverley Edwards Self referrals welcome.
Provides counselling for children ages 6 and over, adolescents, adults and seniors.
Phone for an intake appointment. 403-485-3356
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Vulcan Community Health Centre
Al-Anon Family Group—meetings as needed. Contact Betty W. at 403-652-8285 for information.
Calgary’s Child Magazine always has some great articles and fun activity ideas.
https://www.calgaryschild.com/
Read about the survey results from The Covid-19 Parent Stress and Resilience Survey was assembled to learn about the experiences of parents and families in the Lethbridge area as they respond to the ongoing realities of Covid-19. This survey is a follow-up to the initial Covid-19 Isolation Parent Survey Building Brains Together conducted in the spring of 2020. The data from this survey is being used to make recommendations regarding supports and services during the ongoing pandemic and in future crisis situations. Although the data was collected in Lethbridge, there are likely similar concerns in your communities.
Tips for the Month
December can be a cold, busy month – but making time to move your body is KEY to combating stress and being at your best. We invite you to take our annual 12 Days of Fitmas Challenge – where every day from December 1st to 12th we will provide an activity that contributes to your overall health and wellness (like moving more, reducing screen time, and drinking more water). It’s that simple. You’ll see how a little effort can go a long way into helping you move a bit more each day. #EverythingGetsBetter #StayActiveStayHealthy #12DaysOfFitmas
THE VULCAN PALLIATIVE CARE COMMITTEE
Will be accepting donations to decorate for The TREE of HOPE
Your $10 donation can be made at the Vulcan Hospital front desk in memory of your loved one that has passed away. A decoration with your loved one’s name will be added to the tree. All money raised stays in our county and is used to assist families with palliative needs.
Don’t forget about other local charities on Giving Tuesday:
Rainbow Literacy and Learning Society
Vulcan County Health and Wellness Foundation
Kidsport – Town of Vulcan Recreation
Vulcan Regional Food Bank Society
Rowan House Emergency Shelter
Vulcan Lions Club Recreation Fund
Vulcan Healthcare Auxillary
Vulcan Daycare Society
Vulcan and District Historical Society
Local Churches who do amazing charitable work all year.
A little laugh for the Day:
-I told my wife she was drawing her eyebrows too high. She looked surprised.
-Yesterday I ate a clock. It was very time consuming. Especially when I went back for seconds.
– My doctor just informed me that I have color-blindness. It came out of the purple.
-I was selling my dirtbike and the buyer asked, “How low can you go?” I replied, “Well not less than 2kmph or you will tip over!”
-I asked my 91-year-old father, “Dad, what were your good old days?” His thoughtful reply: “When I wasn’t good, and I wasn’t old.”
-A woman in labour suddenly shouted, “Shouldn’t! Wouldn’t! Couldn’t! Didn’t! Can’t!” “Don’t worry,” said the doctor. “Those are just contractions.”
-There is a new movie coming out called “Constipation.”
-Really?
It is waiting to be released.
-What do you call a parade of rabbits hopping backwards?
A receding hare-line.
There are traditions and festivals all over the world in the wintertime which are centered around lighting up the darkness – local firework, electric light, candle procession and lantern festivals, and (of course) Hanukah, Diwali and Christmas, to name only a few. Embrace the season of light this year and make the most of putting up your lights and decorations if it brings you joy, or just walk or drive around in the evening to enjoy the lights others have put into their displays. Just like spring and summer when people covered windows and sidewalks with encouraging messages, let the light bring some cheer during a difficult year. At home use some of the candles sitting in drawers, make mood lighting during dinner, or bundle up to enjoy a backyard fire pit time.
“It came without ribbons! It came without tags!
It came without packages, boxes, or bags!”
He puzzled and puzzed till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before.
Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store.
Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more!”
So, this Christmas let’s show that Grinch! Let’s light up the town!
Regardless of where you live, anywhere in the world. Put up some lights. If you’re in an apartment light up your balcony, if you own a business light it up. If you’re up the meadow on a farm light up the barn. Decorate your house, yard, whatever you have! Put them up early and leave them up later. We can go for a walk or a drive after dinner and see the bright lights of Christmas!”