It’s Time to Prep for Colder Weather

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As the weather gets cooler, the clocks go back, and it’s darker on the drive home, it’s a good time to make sure your car and home are ready for the colder weather ahead.

Driving Safety

  • Increased Darkness: With shorter daylight hours, more of your commute may happen in the dark, so be cautious about visibility.
  • Pedestrian and Cyclist Awareness: Reduced daylight can make it harder to see pedestrians, cyclists, and animals. Adjust your driving speed and be extra vigilant in residential areas.
  • Headlights and Taillights: Check that all lights on your car are functioning properly, as you’ll likely use them more often.

Sleep Adjustment

  • Sleep Routine: The “fall back” time change can disrupt your body’s internal clock. Try to go to bed and wake up at consistent times to help your body adjust.
  • Children and Pets: If you have kids or pets, they might need some time to adjust to the new schedule, as they may still wake up at their usual time.

Home Safety Checks

  • Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: The time change is a good reminder to replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly.
  • Outdoor Lighting: With darker evenings, consider adding or adjusting outdoor lighting for safety around your home.

Mental Health and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

  • Adjusting to Less Sunlight: Reduced daylight can impact mood and energy levels. Spend time outside during daylight hours if possible, and consider a light therapy lamp if you’re prone to seasonal affective disorder.
  • Exercise Routine: Staying active can help combat mood changes, so think about adjusting your schedule to fit in outdoor exercise before it gets dark.

Home and Vehicle Preparations for Winter

  • Thermostat Adjustment: With colder temperatures, you may want to adjust your thermostat settings to optimize heating and save on energy costs.
  • Winter Car Maintenance: Ensure your car is ready for winter by checking the antifreeze, tires, and wipers. The time change is a good reminder to prepare for cold weather driving.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Check your emergency supplies both at home and in your car (such as flashlights, batteries, blankets, and non-perishable food).

If you find yourself struggling remember that you have access to the free Employee and Family Assistance program. All calls are confidential: 1.800.667.0993 . Additional resources are available here: https://mennoplacestaff.com/mentalhealth/

Dress Up Day Contest Entries

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Staff from all over campus dressed up on Thursday to bring smiles to the faces of our residents.  If you didn’t get your photo taken there’s still time to send in a picture and enter the contest.

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Linda Weatherly – Recreation & Volunteers – Staff Prayer Oct

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Leonard Klassen brought us some thoughts on Philippians 4:4-7, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” and we prayed for Linda Weatherly.

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Come and Celebrate Diwali!

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Violence Prevention Workshop

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Learn practical applications to identify risk factors of violence and de-escalation techniques at a Violence Prevention Workshop on Friday, November 15, 2024. Space is limited. Register soon!

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Purple Light Nights: Bringing Awareness to Intimate Partner Violence

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We often think of October as the month that hosts Thanksgiving and Halloween. It is that time of year when the leaves change colour, the nights get cooler, and the days get shorter. You may not know that October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  

Intimate Partner Violence, also called Domestic Violence, is a serious topic and we want to help support the victims of intimate partner violence and family abuse. This year Menno Place is participating in the Purple Light Nights Campaign. If you’ve been on campus in the evening this month you may have noticed the decorative lights on all of our buildings have been purple. This is a symbol that demonstrates we do not tolerate any form of domestic abuse. Women, men, and children can suffer from domestic abuse. We shine a purple light to ensure people have a safe place to go if they need help, and to show our community that we will never forget those who have suffered or even lost their lives at the hands of violent partners.

If you are a victim of intimate partner/domestic abuse, we encourage you to seek help. There are supports available to you through these channels:

  • Those in immediate danger should call 9-1-1
  • Those seeking help in the form of therapy, strategies, and safety, can call the Employee Family Assistance Program at 1-800-667-0993 or visit Mennoplacestaff.com/mentalhealth
  • Women seeking shelter can contact the Ann Davis Transition Society (Chilliwack) at 604-792-2760 or SARA for Women (Abbotsford) at 604-852-6008 (24-hour access)
  • Those who are seeking Mennonite support can call 604-850-6639 or toll free at 1-888-622-6337
  • Gentlemen who wish to improve their relationships and be part of a Men’s Support Group may wish to explore the MCC Home Improvement Program by emailing endabuse@mccbc.ca or call 604-850-6639

Please remember that you can also speak to one of our own Chaplains who can provide spiritual support.

There is no place for intimate partner/domestic abuse in our communities. Please be kind to those around you as you don’t know what others are experiencing. If someone confides you and tells you that they are being abused, please encourage them to get help, listen without judgment, and build their confidence.

Please come see the People & Culture department for additional information.

MEMO: Paid PVPC Education

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To: All Menno Home Employees
From: Jessy Manhas
Date: October 24, 2024
Re: Paid PVPC Education

We’re pleased to announce that all non-direct care staff in Menno Home who have completed Violence Prevention Modules 1-8 are eligible to participate in the paid PVPC education on campus! This is a fantastic opportunity to further enhance your skills and contribute to a safer workplace.

To be eligible for the training, we are requesting a copy of your Violence Prevention Modules 1-8 that you completed on either Learning Hub or Surge Learning. Kindly email your certificate to HR.Projects@mennoplace.ca.

For our direct care staff members who haven’t yet submitted their certificates to the People and Culture team, please ensure you do so to qualify for this education. The deadline for submission is November 12, 2024.

Thank you for your commitment to fostering a safe environment for everyone. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity and look forward to seeing many of you participate!
Stay tuned for more information for those who haven’t completed the education yet!

Regards,
Jessy Manhas
604-851-1346
Cc: Kim Scott, Director of Care – Menno Home