[Viva] Fwd: A Message from Jesse Brown, FFL Executive Director

Mon Mar 23 17:36:15 PDT 2020

Hugs!🤗💖

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Friends for Life <info at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca>
Date: Mon, Mar 23, 2020 at 5:25 PM
Subject: A Message from Jesse Brown, FFL Executive Director
To: <shetognazzini at gmail.com>

Updates and useful information about COVID-19

*A message from Jesse Brown, FFL Executive Director*

Dear Friends for Life Members,

The decision to close the Diamond Centre for Living and temporarily suspend
our wellness and brunch programs was not taken lightly. We know how much
this house means to our members and the difference it makes in the
community. However, we are committed to the heath and wellbeing of
everyone, especially those most at risk, and we trust that the measures
advised by the government to combat the COVID-19 outbreak and protect the
public are necessary. With the intention to open as soon as possible, we
will keep members updated with any new information.

I realize that for some, these measures have had an emotional and
psychological impact. Although we can’t be together in person, we will
continue to reach out to our membership to share information through our
social media channels and by email that we believe will be helpful during
this difficult time.

We continue to be guided by the advice of our public health officials and,
like each of you, making decisions based on that advice every day.
Important resources have been made available online to keep the public
informed and up-to-date on COVID-19. HealthLinkBC
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=0650338e47&e=7a68f439b0>
is
one such resource that provides the most up-to-date public health alerts
and information to the residents of British Columbia and Canada to ensure
you have quick access to the latest public information that may affect you
and your family. We encourage you to scroll through all the links that are
included in this newsletter.

We reached out to the wonderful practitioners who volunteer their time to
offer services to the FFL membership and, although they can’t be at the
house to welcome you for one-on-one sessions, they were happy to share
helpful articles that we have also included in this newsletter.

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has reached out with
kind words of support. It really means a lot. I know that together, we will
get through this. For anyone who has questions or would like to share
information, please write to info at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca. We are doing
our best to monitor emails and will get back to you as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Jesse Brown

* BC Ministry of Health  *
The Ministry of Health has launched a COVID-19 symptom self-assessment tool
to help people determine whether they need a test for the coronavirus. The
online tool at https://covid19.thrive.health
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=df8632a337&e=7a68f439b0>
poses
a series of questions about symptoms and offers advice about what to do
next including making a call to the 811 health line or continuing to
self-monitor for symptoms.

People in B.C. can now call 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319) for non-medical
information on the virus covering everything from travel recommendations to
social distancing.

COVID-19 BC Support App and Self-Assessment Tool
The B.C. government has launched a COVID-19 support app to help provide
residents with the latest information on the ongoing pandemic. The app can
be downloaded through the Apple Store or Google Play
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=b9a81ae325&e=7a68f439b0>
and
is also available as a website online here
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=739ebf09b8&e=7a68f439b0>
.

* BCCDC  *
*COVID-19 Care - *BCCDC is working with provincial and federal partners on
surveillance, diagnostic testing and infection control measures for the
COVID-19 outbreak. For more COVID-19 information for the public, please go
to http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=24a59d7e0e&e=7a68f439b0>

Information for vulnerable populations can be found at the following link:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/vulnerable-populations
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=37e6a3b175&e=7a68f439b0>

*BC Cancer Agency*
COVID-19 and Cancer Treatments - Information for Patients
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/about/news-stories/news/2020/covid-19-and-cancer-treatments
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=f2fc02f994&e=7a68f439b0>

* Government of Canada*
Get the latest information from the Public Health Agency of Canada about
COVID-19 at
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.htm
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=fe3ecf830d&e=7a68f439b0>

* City of Vancouver*
Review all impacted facilities and services in Vancouver at the following
link:
https://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/covid-19-coronavirus-within-vancouver.aspx
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=bcd2773c2a&e=7a68f439b0>

*COVID-19 LGBTQAI2S+ Resource Guide*
The following months will bring hardships for many of us: financial
hardship, social isolation, fear and anxiety, barriers to accessing
services, uncertainty and loss. Yet our communities are resilient,
creative, and have a long history of working together to care for each
other in times of crisis. Read more here
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=6dfa63fe00&e=7a68f439b0>
.

*9 tips to help keep you emotionally healthy during this time*

Courtesy of Katherine Craig (Thank you for sharing this!)

1.* Follow the three rule of physical health*.  Eat well (healthy food, not
too much or too little), exercise (at home) or walk regularly, and get good
sleep (8hrs +/- 1hr).  In other words, do that which is necessary to keep
your body healthy and fit. This reduces your stress level and strengthens
your immune system.

2. *Get out now and again.*  It’s OK to get out for a walk with a friend
(maintaining social distance) at times, while avoiding large crowds.  Too
much isolation can lead to a lonely restlessness, or even a sense of
hopelessness, that is psychologically costly.  There is a balance to be
found between recklessness (e.g., no mask, crowded venues) and
over-reaction (e.g., near-total isolation).  Find that balance, and
encourage others to do so as well.

3. *Spend virtual time with family and friends.*  Make time to connect
family and friends. Setting up a time for phone calls, WhatsApp, Skype, and
Facetime are safe ways to stay connected.  Enjoy their company, share
life's interests and have virtual fun together.  Remember that at a time
like this they need you as a positive influence as much as you need them.
Take pleasure in meeting the emotional needs of those you care for, as this
is a great antidote to obsessive worrying.

4. *Talk about it*. Find a kindred spirit among your family members,
friends or colleagues – someone you can call regularly to discuss current
events and how they impact you.  Learn to be a good listener as you share
what's on your heart and mind.  Draw others out, and let others draw you
out, remembering that conversation and common sense helps keep things in
perspective.  Don't keep your negative automatic thoughts and catastrophic
fears stuffed inside, unexamined, where they will eventually unnerve you.

5.* Seek spiritual strength. * If you have a spiritual or faith tradition
that is meaningful to you, now is a good time to exercise it.  This could
mean doing yoga at home, using those “Mindfulness” exercises you learned
from a seminar, or exercising whatever approach to prayer / meditation
works best for you.  Evening meditation and/or prayer, including
thankfulness for the day’s life-giving events, is a great counter to
negative automatic thoughts.

6. *Read something positive and meaningful*.  This is a good time to pick
up or download that book you’ve been wanting to read for some time.  That’s
a MUCH better use of your time – especially late at night – than checking
in on the latest CV-related newscasts and WeChat groups.  Select a book
that is positive, meaningful and enjoyable.

7. *Play beautiful music*.  Beautiful music has healing qualities that
reduces stress and touches us deeply, whether we are playing an instrument,
listening to a playlist, or attending a concert.  If you used to play an
instrument, consider picking it up again.  If alone at home for awhile,
play your favorite songs and let the beautiful world of music wash away the
day’s concerns.

8. *Maintain a routine*. Set a schedule for yourself to get up, shower and
get dressed and meal times. Make the bed! It sounds like such a little
thing but will make all the difference in the world. Without routine we can
downward spiral.

9. *Enjoy the little things!*  It's so easy if you are focused on
"Pandemic" to lose sight of the fact the flowers are blooming and the sun
is shining. Spring is fabulous! Count the wonderful things in your life
each day no matter how small.

Dear Lovely Friends,

I am writing to you from Salt Spring Island where I am reminded of our
connection to this earth and to the world. The World tarot card shows a
single free being, dancing like a Cosmic Dancer through the four forces
that frame our material world. Yet, she is free and she is connected to all
life. So while your hearts may feel heavy and your minds filled with worry
or concern, when we are asked to stay in mindful distance from one another,
it is a good time to remember this card – and to remember the connectedness
within all things is the Life Force, an inner Light that flows through each
and every one of us. The tarot speaks of paradox, opposites. Although we
are apart, we are together and we are the energy of One, we are connected
in our hearts. So we can think of one another and we can be creative, as
all life reforms itself and renews, as our cells renew in our bodies in
each moment – and even through the greatest transformation card of all,
Death. So I welcome the World as it changes form, reminding myself by
gazing at this beautiful card that this too will pass, new things come
around even as winter makes its way toward spring – we remember and know
this to be true in our hearts. So for now I will think of you all from the
heart.

In practical terms, I am offering distance healing sent each day at 7.00
pm. I will also be offering a weekly e-letter with tips and tarot
suggestions and news to inspire and help you write, journal or simply
reflect through this difficult time.

I am also offering e-readings by request. If you have a concern or worry
you can simply use one word that sums this up and let me know by email if
you would like me to read on it for you. I am somewhat limited where I am
in terms of cell phone reception, Internet, but this might change and so if
it does I may offer more. For now though, I am wishing you much love and
good health – be safe.

Cath
E: cathalamond at gmail.com

*Other things to do while you're inside...*

Vancouver Friends! Quarantinily Yours - A Virtual Drag show Starring Joan E
and Carlotta Gurl! Tune in every Saturday at 9pm for a LIVE show on
Facebook! Click here
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=e08951609d&e=7a68f439b0>
on
Saturday at 9pm to watch these AMAZING JOAN E and GORGEOUS CARLOTTA
GURL. PS...If you watch these amazing artists entertain you while you are
on your couch, please share your love and support with donating at
PayPal.me/joanandcarl.
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=1970d1b01b&e=7a68f439b0>

*Free museums and gallery tours online*

Enjoy art and culture from the comfort of your home! Over 500 museums and
galleries from around the world are bringing everyone virtual tours and
online exhibits. Enjoy everything at
https://artsandculture.google.com/partner?hl=en
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=660ecad67c&e=7a68f439b0>
.

* Shaw offering free channels*
To keep people connected during this time, Shaw is offering all customers
access to a number of free channels. For more information, check it out at
https://www.shaw.ca/tv/programming/channels/news-and-free-previews?emid=27669979-0-0-0&aid=0
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=ba77fbc71f&e=7a68f439b0>

*Free concerts online*
Here
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=2bf760c9ed&e=7a68f439b0>
are
all the live streams and virtual concerts to watch during coronavirus
crisis.

A List Of Live Virtual Concerts To Watch During The Coronavirus Shutdown
https://www.npr.org/2020/03/17/816504058/a-list-of-live-virtual-concerts-to-watch-during-the-coronavirus-shutdown
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=77b0b3014a&e=7a68f439b0>

*COVID-19 Daily Podcast*
OUTBREAK: The Facts and Fiction of COVID-19
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/962-covid-19-news-and-updates-59146123/
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=03f9b5c24f&e=7a68f439b0>

*Brunch*
Wednesday brunch has been postponed until further notice due to COVID-19.

*VCMT (Vancouver College of Massage Therapy)*
The Vancouver College of Massage Therapy has canceled all massages at the
Diamond Centre for Living until further notice due to COVID-19.

*Boucher Nathuropathic School*
The Boucher Naturopathic School has canceled all appointments at the
Diamond Centre for Living until further notice due to COVID-19.

*B-I-N-G-O prizes** (B-I-N-G-O has been canceled until further notice due
to COVID-19)*
Bingo for Life helps to support the many programs at VFFL and we are always
looking for bingo prizes. With a diverse and regularly packed audience
every Wednesday at Mary's on Davie, Bingo For Life is a fantastic platform
to promote local businesses and cultivate engagement in the community. If
you know of anyone in the community who would like to donate prizes (value
$10 plus), or if you would like to donate new items as prizes, please let a
staff member know or direct people to info at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca.

*Returning Client-Members** (FFL house is closed due to COVID-19 until
further notice)*
Are you a Client-Member who hasn't been to the house in a while? We would
love to welcome you back and introduce you to some of the newer aspects to
being a client-member at the house, including BookedIn, our current
programming offerings and our partnering services. Contact us at
info at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca or stop by and speak with a client-member!

*Contact the Vancouver Friends for Life Board of Directors*
Do you have any feedback, questions, concerns or suggestions for the VFFL
board? Send you thoughts to  *board at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca
<board at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca?subject=Contact%20the%20VFFL%20Board%20of%20Directors>
*and have your voice heard.
*HOUSE SCHEDULE*
*Counselling with Shayna Hornstein (Online until further notice)*
Tuesdays: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m.
Wednesday: 1 p.m., 2 p.m.
Thursdays: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m.

*Message to FFL members from Shayna*

Greetings,

In our new reality of physical distancing how can we stay socially
connected? The uncertainty and rapidly changing news may be unsettling to
our human nervous systems. If it’s been hard to get restful sleep and your
eating routines have been up-ended, you are not alone! If you’ve been
pacing one way then the other wondering what to do next, you are in good
company. I use a somatic counselling approach that will work with you to
find simple techniques you can do to help your body settle.

While Friends for Life continues to invent new ways to stay connected, I’d
like to offer to hold sessions with you remotely. I am exploring Zoom, a
cloud based service which offers video conferencing capability if you
have a computer, or possibly by phone, if you don’t.

I’ll continue to schedule sessions for around 50 minutes and need to get a
sense of your preference of times.  I’d like to continue with Tuesday and
Thursday mornings: 10, 11 & 12 appointments as well as open a 1 & 2 o’clock
appointment on Wednesday afternoon. Your feedback would be appreciated.

For the next two weeks, please email me directly at
shayna at shaynahornstein.net to set up a time.

Stay well,
Shayna

*BINGO FOR LIFE!*

BINGO FOR LIFE HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO COVID-19.
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=beb289b64d&e=7a68f439b0>

The team at Key Dental Clinic is offering free or low-cost dental care for
our clients.
You can choose from:
Complementary comprehensive exam and X-Rays

   1. Oral cancer screening.
   2. 50% discount on all preventative services such as cleaning and
   Flouride treatment.
   3. 50% discount on minor restorative treatment, including white fillings.

*This is an exclusive offer to clients of Friends for Life Society*. If you
are interested please email info at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca
<info at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca?subject=Key%20Dental%20Clinic> .  We will
verify your association with Friends, so that you can book an
appointment.You will not be able to book an appointment without a
verification from Friends. This offer is available only to those who
receive this email; it is not transferable.
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=924dc44d3a&e=7a68f439b0>
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<info at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca>

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