Together in Community We Succeed

ST. JUDE COMMUNITY HOMES

TOGETHER IN COMMUNITY WE SUCCEED

Hey Jude! December 2013

Volume 21 Issue 2

Photos from AGM

Affordable Gift Ideas

Recipes and Jokes

Protecting Yourself from the Flu

How to Stay Positive During the Holidays

Smoking Cessation Group Gets Tips

Photos and a Drawing

Winter Word Search

In this issue: Board President’s

Message to the AGM

By Lucas E. Lung

Each December, we get together on a Sunday af-ternoon to have our An-nual General Meeting. We look forward to this meeting every year. The AGM allows us to get to-gether with all of you and to tell you about some of the things we have been doing over the last year. It has become a tradition at St. Jude’s that the presi-dent and chair of the board delivers an address at the AGM. This is the third time I have had the privilege of delivering this address. I am stepping down as president and chair effec-tive today. I have been the chair for three years and every organization needs change to remain effec-tive. I will remain on the board as a director.

Dan Carbin will be taking over as president and chair. Dan has been on the board for one year now and has chaired our quality assurance commit-tee. He has an incredibly impressive background in government and health policy. I can humbly say that he is the perfect per-son for the position. I am very excited about Dan’s appointment. We say goodbye to three of our colleagues today. Pat Mueller has been on the board for the last two years. Jenn Tuck has been on the board for al-most four years. Rocan Bradosty, who lives at 40 Oaks, is also retir-ing today. Jenn, Pat and Rocan have made valu-able contributions during their t ime on the board. We will certainly miss them. However, we are welcom-ing three new board mem-b e rs tod a y : Ka t ie Clements, Nick Lavcanski, (continued on next page)

Councillor Pam McConnell Speaks at the Annual

General Meeting.

HEY JUDE! December 2013 2

(continued from previous page)

and John Domegan. Katie is a lawyer who works with the On-tario Ministry of Environ-ment. Nick has a finance back-ground and works at TD Bank. John is a resident of St. Jude’s at the Milan site, and will be replacing Rocan. You will see him at the monthly town hall meetings. Thank you for joining us this afternoon. Please enjoy the food and fun this afternoon. Best wishes to everybody this holiday season.

Photos of residents and staff at the Annual General Meeting on

Sunday December 8.

HEY JUDE! December 2013 3

Rocan B.

Jean C.

John D.

Jeffrey F.

Matthew F.

Melvin J.

Terrie K.

Tom K.

Sang L.

Wayne M.

Michael O.

Catharine P.

Delia S.

Renata V.

Good Neighbour

Awards 2013:

Congratulations to all!

Affordable Gift Ideas For Everyone

by Philip St.

Many people worry about buying gifts at Christmas time. While people want to buy gifts for everyone on their list, they worry that they don't have enough money to buy every-one the right present. This is especially true for people on a

fixed income like ODSP. However, sometimes giv-ing everyone the right gift isn't about spending the most money. A well thought out present, or something you put a lot of work into is more valuable than a new cell phone or a $100 pair of jeans. The following are some of my own suggestions for making and giving nice, affordable gifts at Christ-mas time: Buy presents from dollar stores or thrift stores. Dol-lar stores have tons of useful things, and most of them are very cheap. Sometimes a practical gift is a better one than some-thing expensive like jewel-lery. Make presents rather than buying them. If you're good at a craft such as knitting, painting, or wood-working, you can always make your own presents. Not only is this cheaper, but the present is very personal. The time and effort you put into it will show the person you care. Buy gifts second hand. There are many places where you can find sec-ond hand items. So long as the present is in good condition, it doesn't really

matter if it's been used. Give a written gift. Another type of inexpensive gift is something you write your-self, such as a poem or a song. Just like making your own presents, such gifts are personal and show the other person that you care. Reuse old gift bags or wrapping paper. Keep the gift bags that you get for Christmas and pass them along. If you have extra wrapping paper, save it for next year. No one's going to know the difference, and it saves you a little money you can use for other presents. Give away something you no longer need. This is like buying things second hand, but is even better since it costs you nothing. As long as it's in good condition, the person will be able to use it. Make your own holiday cards. Instead of buying a holiday card from the store, design your own cards, either on paper or on computer. Not only will the card be more per-sonal, but you'll be able to save money as well. Wish people “Happy Holi-day.” Sometimes a few

HEY JUDE! December 2013 4

words will go a long way. Even if you're not giving the person a present, saying something like ―Merry Christmas‖ or ―Happy Holidays‖ will probably brighten someone’s day. Christmas can be a very stressful time for people. There's no need to add to your stress by trying to come up with enough money to buy everyone an expensive pre-sent. Even if you expect to receive some-thing valuable, as long as you get the per-son something, they'll probably still be thankful. Also, the less time you spend shopping, the more time you'll be able to spend on yourself. Remember, enjoy your holidays!

Chocolate Chunk Shortbread

By Susan

Makes 16 cookies. 1 cup unsalted butter ½ cup white sugar 1 tea spoon vanilla 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour ¼ cup corn starch 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks

1. Mix butter, sugar and vanilla until light. 2. Combine flour, corn starch and blend

into cream mixture (do not over mix). 3. Add chocolate chunks. 4. Pinch a tbsp. of butter on cookie

sheet; sprinkle flour over it. 5. Press dough roughly into shape with

two fingers and put pieces of choco-late chunk on top.

Bake at 325 degrees for 15 – 20 minutes until firm but not brown.

Christmas Shortbread

Cookies

By Aldene

½ cup corn starch ½ cup icing sugar 1 cup all-purpose flour ¾ cup butter, softened

In a large bowl mix all of the ingredients together with clean hands. Shape into one inch ball, placing each ball 1 ½ inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten with a lightly floured fork. Decorate with candied cherries, coloured sprinkles or nuts. Bake at 300 degree F (150 degree C) oven 15 - 20 minutes, cool on a wire rack. Makes about 24 cookies.

Aldene’s Jokes

Why did the chicken cross the football field? The referee shouted fowl.

What did baby corn say to mama corn?

Where’s the popcorn.

What’s the difference between bird flu and swine flu?

Bird flu requires tweetment and swine flu re-quires oinkment.

HEY JUDE! December 2013 5

Protecting Yourself From The Flu This Winter

You can take steps to protect yourself from one of winter's worst "side effects" - influenza, or the flu. These simple steps include frequent hand washing, coughing and sneezing into you arm/sleeve, getting an annual flu vaccination and staying home when sick. Get your flu shot Getting the flu shot every year is one of the most effective ways to prevent catching and spreading the flu virus. Wash your hands frequently Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds to help remove bacteria and viruses. Wash before and after eating, after you have been in a public place, after using the washroom, after coughing and sneezing and after touching surfaces that may have been contaminated. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer is also effective in killing viruses. Steps for good hand washing tech-nique:

Remove all rings and wet your hands with warm running water. Put a small amount of liquid soap in the palm of one hand. Bar soaps are not as hygienic as liquid soaps because they stay moist and attract germs. If bar soap is the only option, it should be

stored on a rack so that it doesn't sit i n water.

Rub your hands together for at least 15 seconds so you produce lather. Make sure you scrub between your fingers, under your fingernails and the backs of your hands. Rinse your hands well with clean run-ning water for at least 10 seconds. Try not to handle the faucets once your hands are clean. Use a paper towel to turn off the water. Dry your hands with a clean or dispos-able towel. Keep your hands away from your face In most cases, the flu virus enters the body through the eyes, nose or mouth.

Cough and sneeze into your arm, not your hand If you use a tissue, dispose of it as soon as possible and wash your hands. Keep common surface areas clean and disinfected Doorknobs, light switches, telephones, keyboards and other surfaces can become contaminated with all kinds of bacteria and viruses. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of these surfaces with normal household disinfectants can help. Viruses can live on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours. If you get sick, stay home If you think you have the flu, you should stay home from school or work until your symptoms are gone. If your symptoms get worse, call your health care provider. From Public Health Agency of Canada, www.fightflu.ca.

HEY JUDE! December 2013 6

How To Stay Positive During The Holidays

By Diana Doherty, eHow Contributor Christmas is a high-stress time of year for many people. The weather during the winter can affect people with seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder. The high stress levels and emotional nature of the holidays can trigger depression and mood swings, and even cause someone to commit suicide. Whether you normally suffer with emotional disorders or not, the holidays can prove to be more painful than merry. Here are some ways to help you stay positive and beat the holiday blues. Instructions:

Lower your expectations for the holidays. Just as sometimes children get sad when Santa didn't bring them the gift they wanted, adults can also be let down when the holidays fail to meet their ex-pectations. Consider listing your expec-tations on paper, then crossing off the ones you know are probably not going to be met.

Delegate holiday responsibilities. Make a list of everything that needs to be done including cooking, cleaning, making beds for guests and buying gifts. Then assign everyone in your household at least one task. Don't be afraid to ask guests for help, too.

Limit spending. If possible, do not use credit cards at all. The less you charge, the less stress you'll have hanging over your head until your credit card bills come. If you want to avoid offending, then suggest everyone spend only a cer-tain amount. Most of the time, family and

friends are all happy about having a low spending limit.

Make sure to get enough sleep and do not skip meals. Strange sleep patterns and bad eating habits through the holi-day season can take a huge toll on your body and mind.

Try to stick to your normal routines as much as possible in terms of sleep and meals. That also means being mindful about overeating.

Try changing tradition. Tradition can be wonderful, but if some traditions in your family fill you with anxiety, sadness, or even fear, then change them. Something new will give you an activity to look for-ward to and help keep you optimistic.

Be present in the moment. When the holidays are in full swing, you can't seem to get away from the action for even one second. Instead of trying to escape, soak it in. Enjoy the little things during each day that make you happy. Stop and smell the holly or stop and catch a snow-flake on your tongue.

Avoid drinking excessively or at all. Alco-hol will worsen feelings of depression and may interact with any medications you're taking.

Tips & Warnings If you'll be alone for the holidays, ask around to see if any friends will also be alone or try something you've done before like going to an always-packed restaurant that you've heard is good.

From: http://www.ehow.com/ehow-home

HEY JUDE! December 2013 7

Group Learns Plenty of Tips For Quitting Smoking

By Aldene

The Smoking Cessation Group met on a Saturday in mid-November; it was facilitated by Judy. Information for the group came from Toronto Public Health. The group learned that with support, smokers are more likely to quit; it is important to have a plan. Sometimes using a medication can help managing withdrawal symptoms, the group was told. Toronto Public Health’s free Quit Kit from can be very useful. It includes sugarless gum, a stress ball, a toothbrush, a water bot-tle and other tools to help you through your cravings. It is available from Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600, or by email at pub-lichealth@toronto.ca. You can read some valuable information by vis it ing www.toronto.ca/health. The following are tips from Toronto Public Health on how to get started on the road to quitting:

Talk with your health care provider.

Think about your tobacco use. Make a quit plan. Set a quit date. Manage cravings. Stay tobacco-free.

Constructive encouragement from your sup-porters can be extremely beneficial, the group was told. It is important to not let them lecture you, however. Keeping a smoking diary can help by writing down when, where, why and how you are feeling when you light up a cigarette. Then you can make notes about how you can manage these experiences in order to pre-vent having another cigarette, says Toronto Public Health. One person in the group said he (she) likes to walk, but any form of exercise is benefi-cial including swimming and dancing. Medi-tation is also good to do. One person said he likes craft making kits that are sold at dol-lar stores. One person said he likes to read. For the first 2 - 4 days of quitting smoking, withdrawal symptoms and cravings will probably need to be managed. Toronto Pub-lic Health lists some common withdrawal symptoms:

John and Bill (photo on left) making scary faces at the Halloween Party. Al and Natalie (right) posing with some of the decorations residents put up for the event.

HEY JUDE! December 2013 8

Constipation; sweating; tiredness; dizziness, and headaches. If the latter two symptoms last longer than 3 – 4 days, it’s a good idea to see your health care provider. Other with-drawal symptoms are the following: Craving tobacco—this usually passes in a few min-utes; hunger; feelings of anger, restless-ness, nervousness, and agitation; dry mouth, coughing; difficulty concentrating; low mood; and difficulty sleeping. To deal with these symptoms collectively, Toronto Public Health has some advice: Try drinking 6–8 glasses of water per day. For a healthy quit, eat whole grain bread and cereals, fruits and vegetables, and drink prune juice. Go for a walk or do an activity you enjoy; take a warm (not hot) shower or bath; maintain regular bed times and wake

up times; use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing; maintain regular meal times; and drink less coffee, tea, cola, and other caffeinated beverages. Toronto Public Health also suggests playing with objects like a key chain, ball or pen; take time to relax; chew sugarless gum or sugar-free candies or place a clean straw in your mouth. You can also distract yourself and do something different. Being active during the day can help you sleep better at night, says information from the web site. It was a very enlightening discussion that had lots of food for thought on the challeng-ing task of quitting smoking.

Spectacular fireworks were among highlights of

the annual Cavalcade of Lights at City Hall.

(Photo by Rocan). Drawing by Aldene

Happy Holidays From the Staff and Board of St. Jude’s!

HEY JUDE! December 2013 9

Winter Word Search! Z I A F I U X C B Q G G H S U L S L G J

Q J L U G Q S K A T I N G H B V E S I B

W I H N X S X C S I F B E I V B H N S S

N I T V X N O O M C G W L A E A G O W K

D R V F C F R W T L I N T T T Z K W Z K

X T B V F F I C F A K R A P X C M I E I

C Z G F F Q R H N R C N U A O G Z N Q R

V O Y U S U V L I B R I L T F P D T X E

B X L Z N Z B K W E C E P L M O R E I V

Y L G D O G D B B I D A U Y D H A R T I

K I F Y W N P I C E I R Z O I E Z D F H

A X I O F C H L H R R M Y C P D Z F Q S

K I C I L Y E D L I P U P X M V I W R N

K D E D A S L A E G W F Y O W Y L T D P

H Y V C K K L S E P U F N D R R B E Y T

S I N G E M J L Q Z T S U Z V M H H Q G

L P A B V Y Y H U Z A T M P A H U T W D

F O B G S N E T T I M O Y B X U J X Z O

D F Q F R A C S R F P B O Q T W W O R Q

N C W P D G H B O Q J N W G I J L R B H

BLIZZARD COLD

EARMUFFS FLURRIES

FROST HIBERNATE

ICE ICICLES MITTENS PARKA SCARF SHIVER

SKATING SLUSH SNOW

SNOWFLAKE WINTER