Merry Christmas!
There's so much good in the world!

With so much negative news, it's easy to forget that there are still many wonderful and amazing things and people in the world.

We hope this holiday season will be the beginning of better days for you and your family and friends as we all look ahead to the future with hope.

We hope you'll check out the member portal to register for upcoming regular events and join us as well for all the special events coming up in the next few months!

We wish all of you peace, warmth and good cheer this holiday season.
Covid Updates!
Here we go again....

If you were exposed to covid, try taking this self-assessment.

If you think you might have Covid, here's what to do.

And if you are curious about Omicron, here's everything you need to know about the virus, from Global News

How to keep holiday gatherings safe from the Ontario Medical Association.

Looking for a vaccine location. Check out this site
Solo Holidays
If you are alone this season or facing the first Christmas after loss, here are a few links from grief counsellor, Dr Flavia Ceschin, that consider managing through holidays.

We recognize links and internet advice aren't solutions, but perhaps these articles may provide you with a few ideas for coping over the next few days.

Here are the links - just click on them to read:




Thanks to Partner of the Month, Supperworks for their support. Supperworks provides delicious meals for one or for families. Check out their Christmas specials! Note: Sign up with Supperworks and receive $25 off your first order.
Thanks also to our December Member Appreciation Sponsor, Tryst Hair for their generous gift certificate for a haircut and style.

The draw for the gift certificate will be Wednesday December 29th at 6pm at our regular zoom. All members are eligible to win!
In Other News.....
If you missed Ana Nunes-Freitas workshops on Wellness last fall or would like to retake one or all of the 5 sessions, she is offering them again through Acclaim Health. You can register here.

Looking for our Widowed Friends Facebook site? It is now a private, members only site to protect your security and confidentiality. Just click on the link to request to join for access to the private group

Feline okay? Check out this app that will tell you if your cat is feeling happy!

And for dog lovers, here's DogTV, set to launch shortly in the UK
It's Renewal Season!

Some of you recently received your December renewal notices for your annual membership.

We hope you will consider renewing and join us as we move forward into the new year. The 2021 price of $75 is for existing members and due no later than Dec 31st ** Others will receive their renewal notices in the new year as their membership month comes up for renewal.
Congratulations to Debbie G!
Congratulations to Debbie G who won the draw for the original painting from Barb Chapman.

We are very grateful to Barb for so generously sharing this painting with us in support of raising funds for Acclaim Health's Dementia Centre.

We will be donating $545 to Acclaim Health. Thank you to everyone who purchased draw tickets. Your support helps Acclaim Health provide services throughout the Halton community and supports the new state of the art Dementia Centre. Thank you!

Happy New Year!
We're looking forward to lots of exciting new activities to come in the New Year!
Life After Loss Winter Series with Dr. Flavia Ceschin
Dr. Ceschin is returning monthly on the following Fridays, January 7, Feb 4, Mar 4 and April 1 at 10am to facilitate discussions on a variety of topics facing widows and widowers after the loss of a partner or spouse.

Dr Ceschin is a grief counsellor in practice in Oakville and Burlington. You can read more about her here.

Please note there is a $10 fee pp to attend each session.
Finding Possibility in Opportunity!
The Finding Possibility in Uncertainty special 5-week program for Widowed Friends Members starts on Jan 10th.

The goal of this group program is to help you navigate uncertainty in your life and figure out where you can take action.

Use this link to access a fun mini presentation that gives you an idea of what the course covers.

The program includes online video modules with a workbook as well as five live group coaching sessions on zoom starting on January 10, 2022 at 2:30pm. Total cost is $75.

Program facilitator is Laurie Hunt. You’ll learn more about Laurie and the program here.
Intro to Meditation
Join us Tuesday Jan 11 at 2pm when Marguerite Oranes joins us for an hour long Intro to Meditation.

If you've been wondering if meditation is right for you, join us to learn more about the process and benefits.

Register on the Member Portal to join us!
Facebook Tutorial! Jan 11 at 6pm!
Are you worried about your safety and security on Facebook? Have you heard scary stories about people being scammed or taken advantage of while using Facebook?

Join us when Facebook expert, Tammy Hudgin joins us to talk about security and how to use Facebook safely and avoid problems.

Please register on the portal to attend this session
Next Meeting January 12th at 1pm
The Book Club meets the second Wednesday of each month at 1pm.

We've read some great books and are looking forward to January's selection of The Giver of Stars by JoJo Moyes and February's pick, The Gown by Jennifer Robson.

New members are always welcome! Check out our previous selections on the Member Portal or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Lianne Harris Returns Friday January 14th at 3:30pm for The Titanic Era!
The turn of the century - 1901-1918

Sandwiched between the Victorian Age and the catastrophe of WW1, the Edwardian time was when women wore big hats, the men drove big cars, and the rich were not ashamed to live big. 

But things change--and fast!  Like the Titanic, this society is on a collision course and nothing will be the same again.

Please register on the portal to attend this session!
Sugar Junkie! Tuesday January 18th at 2pm
Suzanne Forster returns ( Ditch The DriveThru) for a presentation about how to find a safe, powerful and holistic approach to balancing sugar in your life and
kicking the sugar habit without giving up sweetness.

Please register on the portal to attend this session.
Food 4 Life
Here's a pic of some of the volunteers at our last Food 4 Life volunteer day ( a few had already left by the time this pic was taken)

Omicron permitting, we've booked two more sessions to help out in January and February. Winter is often a difficult time for those who experience food shortages. By helping out, you help feed the community.

We'd love to have you join us on Jan 19th and/or Feb 16th from 1pm-3:30pm. Check out this video to see a little more about the Food For Life process.

Please RSVP on the portal to confirm your attendance.
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Financial Q&A
Join us Jan 25th at 6pm for a financial checkup with Dana Mitchell from Basis Wealth.

Dana will join us to answer your financial questions. With the new year, tax season coming and uncertain markets, if you have questions, Dana has answers.

Email us at [email protected] with your financial questions you'd like answered and we'll submit to Dana. It can be about anything financial from bank accounts to RRSPs, RRIFS, stocks, mortgages etc. No judgement so feel free to ask any financial question on your mind!
A Christmas Miracle from Westjet!

Westjet brings Christmas miracles to the Dominican Republic.

Bringing the spirit of the season to the community was no easy feat – the Calgary-based airline sent 20 employees, who worked alongside 40 local residents and the charity Live Different. Watch the results here!

Why is Santa in blue? Westjet's corporate colours are blue!