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

Mon Mar 23 18:58:42 PDT 2020

Thanks so much for passing this along Shelly 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 23, 2020, at 5:51 PM, shelly tognazzini <shetognazzini at gmail.com> wrote:
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> Hugs!🤗💖
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> ---------- 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>
> 
> 
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> A message from Jesse Brown, FFL Executive Director
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> 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 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 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 and is also available as a website online here. 
>  
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> 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
>  
> Information for vulnerable populations can be found at the following link: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/vulnerable-populations
> 
> 
> 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
>  
> 
> 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
>  
> 
> 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
> 
> 
> 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.
> 
> 
> 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.
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> 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.   
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>     
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> 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 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.  
> 
> Free museums and gallery tours online
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> 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.
>  
> 
> 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
> 
> Free concerts online
> Here 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 
> 
> COVID-19 Daily Podcast
> OUTBREAK: The Facts and Fiction of COVID-19
> https://www.iheart.com/podcast/962-covid-19-news-and-updates-59146123/
> 
> 
> 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 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.
> 
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> 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 
> Oral cancer screening.
> 50% discount on all preventative services such as cleaning and Flouride treatment.
> 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 .  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.
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> This email was sent to shetognazzini at gmail.com 
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> Vancouver Friends For Life Society · 1459 Barclay Street · Vancouver, BC V6G 1J6 · Canada 
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