Honouring Our VeteransOn Thursday, November 10th Senior Pastor BenCalvo was invited to the After School Program toshare his experience as a soldier in the KoreanWar (continued pg. 8).

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Blue Box Pick­up Days

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Head Start News4

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Health News 12

After School Program NewsHousing News 11

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COMMUNITY NEWS

COMMUNITY NEWS

Tsawout Annual General MeetingThe Tsawout First Nation Annual General Meeting will beheld on Thursday January 19, 2012. There will be adinner at 5:00 pm in the Tsawout Gymnasium, and themeeting will follow. We would like to encourage allmembers who are available to join us for this meeting.

Elders' Christmas LuncheonThe Elders' Christmas Luncheon will be held on Wednesday December14th. The lunch will begin at 12:00 noon. Please come out and enjoy awonderful Christmas meal prepared by Rose and the Kitchen Staff. We have awonderful group of talented cooks. Please join us for this special Christmasoccasion.

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Membership AnnouncementCurrently, Tsawout does not have a Membership Clerk. We are actively searching for areplacement. We are hopeful that we can fill the position or alternatively, people can contactour office for contact information for another local First Nation that can process anyapplications. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

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COMMUNITY EVENTS & DATES TO REMEMBER

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HEAD START NEWS

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HEAD START NEWS

Head Start Program Activities for December 2011Celebration of Honouring theSacredness of New LifeThis event took place on November 18th at theVictoria Native Friendship Centre. There were11 infants registered from our Tsawoutcommunity out of 70 from other locations. Itwas a beautiful day to witness. Each infantreceived a blanket and small box with gifts,including a small moccasin as a keep sake.

Head Start Panorama SwimThis is offered Wednesday,December 7th & 14th from 10:30 am ­11:30 am. Transportation is available at10:15 am.

M.O.M.S. ClubM.O.M.S. Club will meet on Monday, December 5th & 12th in the Multi­purpose room.The support being offered by other moms, along with Nurse Sarah Gamble & Janelle Opellhas proven to be a great resource for moms and a wonderful time to socialize after a hotbreakfast, which is served at 10:30 am. There are new topics shared each week from 11:00am to noon and time is given for discussion.

Christmas Craft TimeCraft time will start on Tuesday, December6th & 13th at 10:00 am – 11:30 am. Parentscan work on their craft while their little onesplay in the centre. Lunch will be served.

Trinity Time Christmas LuncheonTrinity Time will be on Thursday, December 8th at 10:30 am – 1:30 pm. Santa will visitthe children & families for pictures & a gift.Trinity Time Christmas Toy SaleToy sale will be on Friday, December 9th & Saturday, December 10th from 9:00 am– 4:00 pm. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to do your Christmas shopping early!

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Yoga ClassYoga classes will resume every Friday for the month of December and begin in the New Yearon January 6th 2012.

Gingerbread HousesThe gingerbread houses will be displayed in the Tsawout lobby onDecember 14th. The children in the After School Program will receivethe kit from the Housing Department to decorate for a raffle to raisefunds for Christmas gifts. Tickets are on sale for $1 and a draw will takeplace December 16th at 3:30 pm.

Closure of Head Start ProgramsPlease note that the Head Start Programs will be closed December 19 – 30 and will reopenJanuary 9, 2012.

We are into the blustery, chilly dark days of Autumn and the staff andstudents of the TSAWOUT After­School Program have enjoyed everyday of November 2011. It has been a very productive month.Did you make a memorable day of 11­11­11 at 11:11? I was watching theRemembrance Day Celebration, held in Toronto on T.V., when I heardthe rifle shots go off 11 times ­ a morning that will always beremembered.First of all, I am very grateful that the many departments of TSAWOUTNation are working together. For “Behold how good and pleasantit is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” I am extremelythankful that I had the opportunity to join the first CollaborativePlanning Meeting held on Wednesday, November 2nd and that thedoor is always left open for me to attend.

A FTER SCHOOL PROGRAM NEWS

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P.A.C. MeetingAnother First ­ For the first time ever, the Parent Advisory Committee of Stelly's SecondarySchool met at TSAWOUT Nation in the Multipurpose Room on Tuesday, November 8th.The P.A.C. meets every month at Stelly's Secondary School to plan and discuss the needs ofstudents and parents who attend Stelly's. Thank you to Beatrice Bartleman, Anna Walkus,Roslyn and Xavier Jack and to our students, Franklin and Mary for accepting the invitationfrom P.A.C. and joining our new TSAWOUT Education Support Service Manager, Jessie Jimand our high school teacher, Cecelia Sixto, to welcome Stelly's P.A.C. to the TSAWOUTCommunity. You are important representatives for the First Nations families ofStelly's.

Rememberance Day CelebrationRemembrance Day is a day to remember our relativesand friends who fought in the wars, defending theirhomeland and helping to defend the many countries.My father, Benjamin M. Calvo was one of those HEROS!I am ever so thankful to Creator God for protecting mydad and that my dad could return home to Texas and liveto be a great grandpa. He was a Korean War Veteran. OnThursday, November 10th Senior Pastor Ben Calvo wasinvited to share his experience as a soldier in the KoreanWar. The students were able to see old photos and watcha power point presentation of Mrs. Adams’ trip to SouthKorea in 2008. The children also honored him andshowed their respect with a SENCOTEN song.

Nursing StudentsTSAWOUT After­School Program would not be as successful, if we did not have volunteers.Because we have the support of the University of Victoria Nurses coming to do theirpracticum at the T.A.S. Program, we are able to continue to accept student’s registrationsforms. On November 29th two of our practicum Nurses will be finished. Thank you toBethany Yager and Ashley Brown ­ you have been a great inspiration to all the students andyour dedication to the children and staff is genuine. We will miss you and wish you the bestas you begin your career of Nursing.

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Turtle TalkOn a sad note....Tuesday, November 8th the TSAWOUT After­School Program had to saygoodbye to a very special friend. It has been a blessing to have Angela Potskin for the past 2years supporting the TURTLE TALK activities every Tuesday from 3:30 pm ­ 4:30 pm. Wehad to say farewell to Angela and the children were very sad to hear she would not be comingto Turtle Talk anymore. Our friends, Kelly and Magie with the children and staff, made andthen honored Angela with a blanket.There was a blanket ceremony which included a drum song by our teachers. Before weshared a farewell cake and ice­cream, Anna Walkus sang a blessing song for Angela and inconclusion of the afternoon, our elder, Patty Underwood prayed a blessing over Angela.Angela is LOVED by many children. We will miss you Angela. Please come back and visitanytime.

Body WerxBody Werx with Edmond, Andrew and Adele will carry on in January 2012. Students ofGrade 4 ­ Grade 10 have thoroughly enjoyed the Health Presentations that the practicumNurses have planned. November's presentation was on Infectious Diseases which included:flu season hygiene precautions, oral hygiene, and nutrition.

Christmas Breakfast FundraiserThank you to our volunteers Roopa and Lara and to everyone who joined us at the BreakfastFundraiser for Christmas Gifts for our TSAWOUT Children. We will have anotherFundraiser Breakfast on Friday, December 2nd from 8:00 am ­ 10:00 am. The RaffleDraws for the Turkey Baskets and Gingerbread Kit will be ongoing until the draw, in mid­December. Buy your tickets! Please see Jennifer at the front desk­reception.

Upcoming ASP Events

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A FTER SCHOOL PROGRAM NEWS CONTINUED

Christmas FiestaThe Head Start ­ Grade 1 students, with our volunteer Helen Close, are preparing for ourChristmas Fiesta on Wednesday, December 14th. They are making a turtle and killerwhale Piñata out of paper mache. We will celebrate “Jesus Birthday” and have a un­birthdayparty for all the students of the After­School Program who have had a birthday betweenSeptember and December 2011. You are invited to celebrate with us!!!

On Tuesday, December 13th TSAWOUT After­School Program and Turtle Talk want toinvite parents of children who are participating in Turtle Talk to the Auditorium at 4:00 pm ­4:30 pm. As a token of our appreciation for your support, we want to HONOR the parentswith a gift.

Christmas PresentationOn Sunday, December 18th TSAWOUT Assembly of Praise Church Sunday Schoolchildren and teachers want to invite everyone to their Christmas Presentation at 5:00 pmfollowed by a Christmas Dinner with our Korean Friends.

If you are available to volunteer at the TSAWOUT After­School Program or at any of ourspecial events, please do not hesitate to call Stephanie Adams­ coordinator at (250) 652­9101extension 332. Leave a message and I will return your call, otherwise my schedule is:Monday to Friday 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm.THANK YOU TSAWOUT Community FOR YOUR SUPPORT and Thank You to mywonderful, amazing teachers and assistants!!!Stephanie Adams

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Holiday SafetyIt's that time of year again; time to deck the halls,hang the stockings and create your very own winterwonderland. However, before you jingle your firstbell, you should develop a holiday safety plan foryour family and home.Your plan should start with your tree. If it is anatural Christmas tree, keep it away from heavytraffic so it won't be bumped into. Make sure thetree is protected from heaters, stoves andfireplaces, and never use lighted candles todecorate a live or artificial tree.Christmas Light SafetyWhen decorating your tree, use only CSA approved lights, which signifies the lights havebeen properly tested and meet specific safety regulations. Use no more than three strands oflights linked together and avoid placing paper ornaments on tree lights. Over time, the bulbscan become hot enough to light thin paper ornaments on fire.If your decorating ideas include plants to add holiday color to your home, bear in mind thatseveral holiday­associated plants like mistletoe and poinsettias are poisonous to smallchildren and pets. Be sure to keep the plants up high where curious snoopers can't reach.

Ready to RentThe next Ready To Rent program will be taking place from February 2, 2012 ­ March 8,2012. It is now mandatory to complete this course in order to get any rental or mortgagehome on the Tsawout Reserve. Thank you.

HOUSING DEPARTMENT NEWS

Turkey DrawWhen you pay your rent on December 1st, or make a paymenton your repayment plan for rental arrears, your name will beadded to a draw for a 18 to 20 pound turkey and trimmingscourtesy of the Housing Department!!

HEALTH DEPARTMENT NEWS

TylenolThe active ingredient in Tylenol (Acetaminophen) cancause liver damage. The recommended daily dose ofacetaminophen is 4000 mg per day, the equivalent of 8extra strength tablets. Even at the recommended dose,liver damage can happen over the long term if it is amedication that is taken daily.If you have any kind of underlying liver disease or if youconsume alcohol or other drugs (including prescriptionmedications), it is important to discuss with your doctoror pharmacist if it is safe for you to take acetaminophenfor pain or if you should use another medication. Some other options that are available forpain relief and fever reduction are Advil (ibuprophen) and Asprin (ASA). Both ibuprophenand ASA can be hard on your stomach and should be taken with food. ASA should never begiven to children with a fever or a viral illness because there is a risk that they will developReye’s syndrome, which can lead to seizures and coma.Acetaminophen is in a lot of over the counter medications, especially those to treat cold andflu. Please read the label when you are taking anything to be sure that you are not takingmore than 4000mg of acetaminophen per day. Overall, if taken correctly acetaminophen is asafe and effective medication.

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What is Al­Anon?Al­Anon is self­help recovery program for people who believe their lives may have beenaffected by someone else's drinking. We come together to find help and support in dealingwith the effects of alcoholism in our lives. The single purpose of these programs is to helpfamilies and friends of alcoholics, whether the alcoholic is drinking or not.The Al­Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who sharetheir experience, strength and hope in order to solve their common problems. We believealcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery.Al­Anon is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization orinstitution, does not engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any cause.There are no dues for membership. Al­Anon is self­supporting through its own voluntarycontributions.Al­Anon has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing theTwelve Steps, by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics, and by providingunderstanding and encouragement to the alcoholic.Meetings are held in Sidney each Wednesday from 7:30 pm ­ 8:30 pm, and Saturdaymornings from 10:00 am ­ 11:00 am.Place: Wakefield Manor, at 9924 Third Street in Sidney. Please use the back entrance.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT NEWS CONTINUED

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AA Meetings within the Saanich Peninsula Area

Every MONDAY night 8:00 pm

Time

8:00 pm8:00 pm8:00 pm

8:00 pm

Noon

Every TUESDAY

Every WEDNESDAY

Every THURSDAY

Every FRIDAY

EVERYDAY (exceptSundays)

Day

MT. NEWTON STEP, 7176 ESaanich RoadSAANICHTON BAY, #1­2475 MtNewton X RoadSIDNEY, 10030 3rd Street (church)

SIDNEY, 2410 Malaview / 5th St. (St. Paul’s)

802 Stelly’s Cross Road (in the log cabin)

SIDNEY SERENITY, 10030 Third Street

Location

Mental Health CornerBURNOUT PREVENTION AND RECOVERY TECHNIQUESWith the extra stresses associated with the season, you might want to try a suggestion or two.1. STOP DENYINGListen to the wisdom of your body. Begin to freely admit the stresses and pressures whichhave manifested physically, mentally, or emotionally.2. AVOID ISOLATIONDon't do everything alone! Develop or renew intimacies with friends and loved ones.Closeness not only brings new insights, but also helps with worry and depression.3. CHANGE YOUR CIRCUMSTANCESIf your job, your relationships, a situation, or a person is dragging you under, try to alteryour circumstances or, if necessary, leave.4. DIMINISH INTENSITY IN YOUR LIFEPinpoint those areas or aspects which summon up the most concentrated intensity and worktoward alleviating that pressure.5. STOP OVERNURTURINGIf you routinely take on other people's problems and responsibilities, learn to gracefullydisengage. Try to get some nurturing for yourself.6. LEARN TO SAY "NO"You'll help diminish intensity by speaking up for yourself. This means refusing additionalrequests or demands on your time or emotions.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT NEWS CONTINUED

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Hepatitis A VaccineWe are now ready to do the second dose of the hepatitis A vaccine. We will be contactingthose who received the first dose earlier in the year for a follow up appointment. The vaccineis still available to any First Nation’s person under the age of 18. Please call the health officefor an appointment at (250) 652­1149.

BURNOUT PREVENTION AND RECOVERY TECHNIQUES Continued7. BEGIN TO BACK OFF AND DETACHLearn to delegate, not only at work, but also at home and with friends. In this case,detachment means rescuing yourself for yourself.8. REASSESS YOUR VALUESTry to sort out the meaningful values from the temporary and fleeting, the essential from thenonessential. You'll conserve energy and time, and begin to feel more centered.9. LEARN TO PACE YOURSELFTry to take life in moderation. You only have so much energy available. Ascertain what iswanted and needed in your life, then begin to balance work with love, pleasure andrelaxation.10. TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODYDon't skip meals, abuse yourself with rigid diets, disregard your need for sleep, or breakdoctor appointments. Take care of yourself nutritionally.11. DIMINISH WORRY AND ANXIETYTry to keep superstitious worrying to a minimum. It changes nothing. You'll have a bettergrip on your situation if you spend less time worrying and more time taking care of your realneeds.12. KEEP YOUR SENSE OF HUMORBegin to bring joy and happy moments into your life. Very few people suffer burnout whenthey're having fun.Wishing you a very happy Christmas and New Year!!!

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HEALTH DEPARTMENT NEWS CONTINUED