February 25, 2016

Family magazine

Healthy snacks & family dinners Social support

Spring 2016 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

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FAMILY MAGAZINE Spring 2016

Nanaimo News Bulletin

because 90% of the brain develops by age 5

because 90% of the brain develops by age 5

Family magazine

Nanaimo News Bulletin

FAMILY MAGAZINE Spring 2016 3

Social support

Family magazine is published

by Nanaimo News Bulletin and Black Press.

Nanaimo moms create a network of support through social media sites like Facebook, offering advice, guidance and friendship.

PUBLISHER MAURICE DONN EDITOR MELISSA FRYER SALES MANAGER SEAN McCUE PRODUCTION DARRELL SUMMERFELT

20 Web resources

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Family dinners

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Greater Nanaimo Early Years Partnership provides website for parents.

Editorial contributions were made by Black Press staff, members of the Early Years Partnership for Nanaimo and Ladysmith, as well as organizations involved in child development and early learning.

For information on contributing or advertising in Family magazine, please contact the Nanaimo News Bulletin at 250753-3707 or e-mail editor@ nanaimobulletin.com.

Parents are role models for healthy eating habits among children.

Healthy snacking 8 Keep snacks small and healthy for good nutrition.

Share skills

16

Home with a heart 22

Involving children in meal preparation sets them up with healthy habits.

Grief support

18

Children are often forgotten mourners.

Davis Ward was whisked away from his parents moments after his birth to undergo surgery to fix a life-threatening defect in his gastrointestinal system.

In the months that followed, the family found support through Jeneece Place.

FAMILY AND DIVORCE LAWYERS 1/4 Page 20p6 x 13p DUNCAN ALLEN LAW

250-591-1055

info@duncanallenlaw.com www.duncanallenlaw.com

Brittany Goud

Special Supplement to Nanaimo News Bulletin

Laura Allen

Kara Duncan

Seniors Resource Directory – Summer/Fall 2015 3

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FAMILY MAGAZINE Spring 2016

Nanaimo News Bulletin

Early Years offer web resources

By Erin MacDonalD echnology has been a major influencer on parenting in the digital age. While past generations used to rely on friends and family for advice on how to raise their children, today, we often find ourselves reaching to Google first when we are seeking answers.

While having a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips may seem like a good thing, for many parents, it can be an exercise in frustration. If you have ever felt over-

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Where the Music Begins!

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4 Seniors Resource Directory – Summer/Fall 2015

at 3153 Barons Road, Nanaimo is now available for Families and Care Providers on the following days from 9 am-Noon and 1-3 pm.

Wednesdays Child Care Providers

Thursdays Families

Programs: Child Care Resource and Referrals Parent Child Mother Goose Child Care Liability Insurance Referrals

www.paciďŹ c-care.bc.ca Special Supplement to Nanaimo News Bulletin

Nanaimo News Bulletin

whelmed by the sheer volume of information about parenting online, you are not alone.

Let’s face it – when it comes to parenting, everyone has an opinion, and the Internet is a perfect platform for people to share that advice. Unfortunately, that creates a messy mix of conflicting information, which can leave users feeling more confused than when they started seeking answers.

With so many online resources to choose from, it can be difficult for parents to determine what information is accurate and who the trusted experts are.

Finding localized information can also be a challenge, as it often gets buried in the mountain of materials available.

The Greater Nanaimo Early Years Partnership (GNEYP) recognized that accessing information was a challenge for parents in our community, and recent research indicates that it was even more of a barrier than originally thought.

In 2015, 35.8 per cent of parents who were surveyed in the Nanaimo State of the Child report said they were unaware of services in the community, which prevented them from accessing resources and supports.

That statistic was an immediate wake-up call, and inspired our partners to take action.

Website for Greater As a diverse group of Nanaimo Early Years more than 70 engaged Partnership launched in November offering community partners who information on are committed to improvresources, service and ing the health and develearly years programs opment of children aged in Nanaimo. Visit www. zero to six in the Greater nanaimoearlyyears.org.

Nanaimo area, GNEYP was perfectly positioned to leverage an existing network to build a website that could act as an information hub for parents.

In November 2015, the GNEYP was proud to launch our new website, which provides information about resources, services and early years programs in the Nanaimo-area.

Whether you are seeking information about health and development, literacy, childcare, or simply want to hear about local events for your little ones, we have everything you need.

So the next time you have a burning question about parenting, save yourself the headache of navigating a sea of data on Google, and visit our website at www. nanaimoearlyyears.org - we have all the information you need. u Erin MacDonald is communications lead with the Greater Nanaimo Early Years Partnership.

Quickfacts

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Are you expecting or do you have a child 6 years old or younger?

See what resources and services are available in the Greater Nanaimo area.

1/2 Page

Scan our QR42p code with your smart x 27p device to check out our website nanaimoearlyyears.org

Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: Nanaimo Early Years Twitter: @Nanearlyyears

United Way Success by 6® Partners

Seniors Resource Directory – Summer/Fall 2015 5

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FAMILY MAGAZINE Spring 2016

Nanaimo News Bulletin

Parents role models for good eating habits Nanaimo - Ladysmith Schools Foundation

A community-based charitable organization empowering SD 68 students to create a better future.

Our programs include:

1/2 Page 42p x 27p

Student Support: Help for students in need - food, clothing, shoes, school supplies, eye/dental care, grad fees, etc.

Special Initiatives: Grants for special projects.

Financial Awards: For Grade 12 grads.

We Need Your Help. Get Involved Today!

250.753.4074

Crystal Dennison, Executive Director Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation c/o John Barsby Secondary School 550 7th Street, Nanaimo BC V9R 3Z2

6 Seniors Resource Directory – Summer/Fall 2015

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FAMILY MAGAZINE Spring 2016 7

By EilEEn BEnnEwith elping children to develop a healthy relationship with food is one of the best ways for them to achieve a healthy body weight. As role models, parents play an important part in teaching their children to enjoy healthy foods.

The best way to model healthy eating is by eating together. Children who eat meals with an adult are healthier, learn better and have a better vocabulary and social skills.

Children learn to eat what their parents eat by enjoying family foods together.

There is no such thing as “children’s foods.” Making different foods for the children will prevent children from learning to eat the same variety of foods that adults eat.

Children need to try a food up to 20 times before they even know whether they like it.

To give children an opportunity to learn to like a food, it is important

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to keep offering it even if they say they do not like it and even if they refuse to eat it. Eventually, they will learn to enjoy the family foods.

Family meals should be offered in a quiet place with few distractions.

Turn off the TV, use the answering machine and limit other noise to promote conversation.

Talk about your day and joyful events. Do not talk about how the child is eating or criticize the child at the table.

Family meals are for enhancing the relationships of the family and the relationship with good food.

This is not the time to discuss behavior or to punish children.

Serve small portions of food and allow plenty of time for your children to notice when they feel full. It is better to ask for more food than to give too much to begin with.

Children should be allowed to decide how much food they want to eat and whether to eat at all. Adults do not know if the child is hungry or not.

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A good relationship with food means we trust children to know how much they need to eat to feel comfortable. A parent who bribes, threatens, forces or plays games to get children to eat is not respecting their children to know how much they need.

This destroys a healthy relationship with food and usually leads to fussy eating and mealtime battles.

If you offer meal and snack times at the same time every day, children know what to expect.

If they did not eat well at the previous meal, they can wait until the next planned meal or snack. A little hunger is not harmful and the child will eat better the next time food is served.

Healthy foods served in a relaxed family atmosphere are the best way to help children build a healthy relationship with food. u Eileen Bennewith is a registered dietitian working with public health in Island Health.

We’ve been making families happy since 1928.

From our award-winning burgers & signature fries to our Spot Classics and famous Pirate Paks.

At White Spot, there’s something for everyone.

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Thank you for voting us # # # 1 1 1 “Best Family Restaurant”!

We’ve been making families happy since 1928. From our award-winning burgers and signature fries, to our fresh salads, BC Chicken, pastas, Spot classics, and of course our famous Pirate Paks. At White Spot, there’s something for everyone.

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Present this coupon at the Nanaimo White Spot Restaurants & receive a free Pirate Pak with the purchase of an entrée.

Offer available for dine-in only, after 11 am at the Nanaimo White Spot Restaurants. Pirate Paks valid for children 10 and under. Limit one Pirate Pak per entrée purchase. Toppings and milkshakes extra. Not to be combined with any other promotional offer. No cash value. Limit one coupon per table per visit. Offer expires August 31, 2016.

Special Supplement to Nanaimo News Bulletin STORE NAME Address, City, Phone number

STORE NAME Address, City, Phone number

STORE NAME Address, City, Phone number

Seniors Resource Directory – Summer/Fall 2015 7 STORE NAME Address, City, Phone number

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FAMILY MAGAZINE Spring 2016

Nanaimo News Bulletin

Keep snacks small and healthy

By EilEEn BEnnEwith nacking is becoming a way of life for some families.

Instead of planning family meals, children are allowed to graze all day with no structure to meal times.

By snacking all day, children become fussy eaters because they only snack on what they like and do not have the opportunity to try the variety of foods that come with family meals.

Frequent snackers also have poor dental health because the bacterium in their mouths is being

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City of Nanaimo

SPRING & SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE Pick up your copy starting 1/2 PageSaturday, February 27 42p x 27p at recreation centres,

grocery stores, malls and libraries.

Registration begins on Wednesday, March 2.

www.nanaimo.ca · 250.756.5200 · ireg.nanaimo.ca 8 Seniors Resource Directory – Summer/Fall 2015

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fed with sugar all day long.

Children who eat with their families regularly do better in school, eat better and make healthier choices. Three healthy family meals and two or three small healthy snacks served on a regular schedule help children to eat well and to learn to enjoy food.

Healthy snacks include foods from the four food groups of Canada’s Food Guide.

Offer foods made with milk, cheese, yogurt, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, whole grains like popcorn, whole grain bread or crackers, rice cakes, beans, fish, meats, nuts, seeds or peanut butter. Variety is important to keep snacks interesting.

Snacks should not be so large or so often that they replace meals. Offer one small healthy snack between each meal.

Let children know that they do not need to eat a snack if they do not want it.

Remember mom saying, “Don’t spoil your This line is still A small, healthy dinner?” important when planning snack will keep snack times.

Whole grain crackers them going until may be healthy, but if mealtime without children nibble on them all day, it is unlikely that filling them up they will want to eat too much. anything when dinner is served.

The same goes for too much fluid. Milk is a healthy choice, but it is possible to drink too much milk and take away appetite for the healthy foods served at mealtime. If children are eating poorly at mealtimes, cut down the snack portions or offer only water for two hours before the meal.

Too much sugar, even in healthy foods like fruit, can also take away the appetite and lead to picky eating at mealtimes.

Many juices contain more calories and sugar than pop even if they are listed as 100 per cent unsweetened juice. Juice also lacks the healthy fibre that is found in whole fruits. For this reason, water is the beverage of choice for children’s snacks. The best way to get juice is to eat the fruit whole.

Children have small stomachs and may need to eat often during the day. A small, healthy snack will keep them going until mealtime without filling them up too much. u Eileen Bennewith is a registered dietitian working with public health in Island Health.

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FAMILY MAGAZINE Spring 2016 9

Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre offers a holistic approach to programming and services which nurtures the various potentials of families and young children.

Open to All For more information about our programs please contact:

250-753-6578

Ezra Soccer School Spring Break Camp (6-12 yrs) Experienced instructors will put you through the paces, ending with a game each day. Groups are divided into specific age and skill levels.

Mar 14-18 Beban Park (barcode 137422)

Ezra Soccer School Full Day Camps (6-13 yrs) Jul 11-15 Beban Gyro Fields (barcode 146790) Jul 25-29 Caledonia Field (barcode 146798) Aug 8-12 Serauxmen Fields (barcode 146780) Aug 22-26 Beban Gyro Fields (barcode 146792) ★ 9 am-4 pm ★ Afternoon swimming ★ $200 (t-shirt included)

1/2 Page 42p x 27p Ezra Soccer Soccer Tots Ezra Soccer School

★ 9 am-12 pm ★ $110 (t-shirt included)

Jul 11-15 Beban Gyro Fields (barcode 146796) Jul 25-29 Caledonia Field (barcode 146795) Aug 8-12 Serauxmen Fields (barcode 146828) Aug 22-26 Beban Gyro Fields (barcode 146797)

(3-5 yrs) Jul 11-15 Beban Gyro Fields (barcode 146800) Jul 25-29 Caledonia Field (barcode 146829) Aug 8-12 Serauxmen Fields (barcode 146791) Aug 22-26 Beban Gyro Fields (barcode 146799)

★ 9 am-12 pm ★ $120 (t-shirt included)

★ 10 - 11 am ★ $65 (t-shirt included)

Half Day Camps (6-8 & 9-13 yrs)

“A place for every player!”

REGISTER ONLINE AT ireg.nanaimo.ca OR BY PHONE AT 250.756.5200

www.ezrasoccer.com

DID WE MISS YOU? Family magazine

Healthy snacks s & family dinner Social support

Spring 2016 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

To ensure your ad is published in our next issue, please give us a call 250-753-3707

www.nanaimobulletin.com 777 Poplar Street

Seniors Resource Directory – Summer/Fall 2015 9

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Nanaimo News Bulletin

‘olivia’ tops baby name list Olivia is the most popular name for baby girls born in B.C. for the third straight year.

The province issued its annual list of top baby names chosen in 2014.

Ethan was the top name for boys, edging out Liam, the previous year’s top choice.

It’s been a long run of popularity for Ethan, which has been number one or two every year since 2002.

Emma, Sophia, Emily and Chloe rounded out the top five names for girls in 2014, while the other top boys’ names were Liam, Lucas, Oliver and Mason.

“Not surprisingly Terry was not the most popular boys’ name in British Columbia in 2014,” Health Minister Terry Lake said.

Final statistics for 2015’s names won’t be available until later in 2016, but so far Olivia appears to

be extending her streak, while Oliver was edging ahead of Liam and Ethan for top choice on the boys’ side as of Dec. 1.

The Vital Statistics Agency reported 44,500 babies born in B.C. in 2014 – 22,957 boys and 21,543 girls.

Support Our Children Helping All Children Succeed for Life.

Leonard Krog M.L.A.

(Nanaimo)

Official Opposition 4-77 Victoria Cres. Nanaimo, BC V9R 5B9 Phone: 250-714-0630 Fax: 250-714-0859 leonard.krog.mla@leg.bc.ca www.leonardkrog-mla.ca

1/2 Page 42p x 27p

Lantzville Branch welcomes you Hold your Celebration or Event here.

Reasonable hall rental rates for: • Birthdays • Anniversaries • Showers • Weddings • Staff Parties Dance Hall • BBQs • Games Room • Horseshoes Call (250) 390-2108 or (250) 390-2841 Visit our website for upcoming events lantzvillelegion.com

10 Seniors Resource Directory – Summer/Fall 2015

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FREE OR LOW COST

Nanaimo News Bulletin

FAMILY MAGAZINE Spring 2016 11

Ladysmith Primary StrongStart Centre (birth - 5 years) 8:45 am - 11:45 am Ladysmith Primary School 250.245.3912 Ladysmith Family and Friends (LaFF) Family Resource Program Suggested donation $2/family 9:30 am - 12:00 pm (drop-in) Aggie Hall 250.210.0870 Born Healthy Prenatal/Postnatal Individual Program 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Ladysmith Resources Centre 250.245.3079

Ladysmith Primary StrongStart Centre (birth – 5 years) 8:45 am - 11:45 am Ladysmith Primary School 250.245.3912 Ladysmith Family and Friends (LaFF) Family Resource Program Suggested donation $2/family 9:30 am – 12:00 pm (drop-in) Aggie Hall 250.210.0870 Adventures in Early Literacy * (3 – 5 years) Call for times Ladysmith Resources Centre 250.245.3079 LaFF’s Family Frolic Drop-in Gym Time (walking – 6 years) Suggested donation $2/family 5:45 pm - 6:45 pm Oct - May Frank Jameson Community Centre 250.245.6424

Ladysmith Primary StrongStart Centre (birth - 5 years) 8:45 am - 11:45 am Ladysmith Primary School 250.245.3912 Ladysmith Family and Friends (LaFF) Family Resource Program Suggested donation $2/family 9:30 am – 12:00 pm (drop-in) Aggie Hall 250.210.0870 Parent Child Mother Goose * (crawling - 30 months) 10:00 am - 11:00 am Ladysmith Resources Centre 250.245.3079 LaFFternoon (LaFF) (0-6 year olds) Family Resource Program Suggested donation $2/family 12:15 pm – 1:45 pm (drop-in) Aggie Hall 250.210.0870 Parent-Child Mother Goose * (birth – crawling) 12:45 pm - 2:00 pm Ladysmith Resources Centre 250.245.3079 Infant to School Age Immunization Clinic

by Appointment* Island Health 9:00 am - 3:30 pm Ladysmith Community Health Centre 250.755.3342 PacificCARE Ladysmith Resources Centre 250-245-3079

Ladysmith Primary StrongStart Centre (birth – 5 years) 8:45 am - 11:45 am Ladysmith Primary School 250.245.3912 Ladysmith Family and Friends (LaFF) Family Resource Program Suggested donation $2/family 9:30 am – 12:00 pm (drop-in) Aggie Hall 250.210.0870 Healthy Beginnings (prenatal to 12 months) Island Health 10:00 am – 11:30 am Ladysmith Community Health Centre 250.755.3388 Public Health Nurse On Site For Drop-In Island Health 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Ladysmith Community Health Centre 250.755.3388

Ladysmith Dads’ Group (Drop-in breakfast for dads & their children) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Ladysmith Resources Centre Assoc.

250.245.3079

Ladysmith Primary StrongStart Centre (birth – 5 years) 8:45 am - 11:45 am Ladysmith Primary School 250.245.3912 Ladysmith Family and Friends (LaFF) Family Resource Program Suggested donation $2/family 9:30 am – 12:00 pm (drop-in) Aggie Hall 250.210.0870 Born Healthy Prenatal/ Postnatal Group Program 10:30 am - 1:30 pm Ladysmith Resources Centre 250.245.3079

* LRCA Family & Youth Support Services. Please call 250-245-3079 for more information or to book an appointment. * Please also check with Ladysmith Parks & Recreation & Culture for additional recreational programs & events for parents and preschoolers.

250-245-6424 * Please also check with Ladysmith Regional Library for additional programs for parents and preschoolers.

(250) 245-2322 PacificCARE Child Care Resource and Referral Consultant is available at the Ladysmith Resources Centre on Thursdays to help with Childcare Searches, subsidy forms and other resources. 250-245-3079

Nanaimo News Bulletin

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FAMILY MAGAZINE Spring 2016 13

Aboriginal Home Instruction for Parents with Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) (3 to 5 years)

By Appointment In the Parent’s Home 250-754-3215

Aboriginal Home Instruction for Parents with Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) (3 to 5 years)

By Appointment In the Parent’s Home 250-754-3215

Island Treasure Box Early Literacy Program (birth-6 years)

By Appointment In the Parent’s Home 250-753-6578

Perinatal and Breastfeeding Support

By Appointment Nanaimo Health Centre 250-758-3388

Aboriginal Home Instruction for Parents with Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) (3 to 5 years)

By Appointment In the Parent’s Home 250-754-3215

Aboriginal Home Instruction for Parents with Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) (3 to 5 years)

By Appointment In the Parent’s Home 250-754-3215

Aboriginal Home Instruction for Parents with Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) (3 to 5 years)

By Appointment In the Parent’s Home 250-754-3215

Aboriginal Home Instruction for Parents with Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) (3 to 5 years)

By Appointment In the Parent’s Home 250-754-3215

Island Treasure Box Early Literacy Program (birth-6 years)

By Appointment In the Parent’s Home 250-753-6578

Island Treasure Box Early Literacy Program (birth-6 years)

By Appointment In the Parent’s Home 250-753-6578

Island Treasure Box Early Literacy Program (birth-6 years)

By Appointment In the Parent’s Home 250-753-6578

Island Treasure Box Early Literacy Program (birth-6 years)

By Appointment In the Parent’s Home 250-753-6578

The 5 Animal Spirit Bag Early Years Outreach Programme (1 to 5 years) Time: Open Parents/caregiver Home 250-754-3215

The 5 Animal Spirit Bag Early Years Outreach Programme (1 to 5 years) Time: Open Parents/caregiver Home 250-754-3215

The 5 Animal Spirit Bag Early Years Outreach Programme (1 to 5 years) Time: Open Parents/caregiver Home 250-754-3215

The 5 Animal Spirit Bag Early Years Outreach Programme (1 to 5 years) Time: Open Parents/caregiver Home 250-754-3215

Rutherford Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Rutherford Elementary School 250-758-5331

Rutherford Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Rutherford Elementary School 250-758-5331

McGirr Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

McGirr Elementary School 250-758-8946

McGirr Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

McGirr Elementary School 250-758-8946

Fairview Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Fairview Community School 250-753-3418

Fairview Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Fairview Community School 250-753-3418

Georgia Avenue Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Georgia Avenue Community School 250-753-1044

Georgia Avenue Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Georgia Avenue Community School 250-753-1044

Bayview Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Bayview Elementary School 250-754-3231

Bayview Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Bayview Elementary School 250-754-3231

Woodbank Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Woodbank Primary School 250-722-3644

Woodbank Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Woodbank Primary School 250-722-3644

Perinatal Drop-in (Breastfeeding support and baby weights) 9:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m.

Woodbank Primary School 250-754-5521

Perinatal Drop-in (Breastfeeding support and baby weights) 9:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m.

Nanaimo Health Centre 250-755-3388

Woodbank Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Woodbank Primary School 250-722-3644

Rug Huggers Parent-Tot -Drop-in (Birth to 4 years) 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Gabriola Island HOPE Centre 250-247-8730

Perinatal Drop-in (Breastfeeding support and baby weights) 9:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m.

Nanaimo Health Centre 250-755-3388

Fairview Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Fairview Community School 250-753-3418 McGirr Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

McGirr Elementary School 250-758-8946 Rutherford Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Rutherford Elementary School 250-758-5331 Georgia Avenue Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Georgia Avenue Community School 250-753-1044 Bayview Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Bayview Elementary School 250-754-3231 Woodbank Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Woodbank Primary School 250-722-3644 Immunization Clinic (Infant to School Age) 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Nanaimo Health Centre by Appointment 250-755-3342 Perinatal Drop-in (Breastfeeding support and baby weights) 9:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m.

Nanaimo Health Centre 250-755-3388 Family Place (parent and tot drop-in) 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Lantzville Boys and Girls Club 250-390-4001 Bellies to Babies and Beyond (Pregnancy to 3 years) Princess Royal Family Centre. Reg. Req. 250-753-7470 4 Seasons Early Years: Penelakut First Nation Parent Gathering (Childminding for ages birth - 6 years) 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Bi-Weekly) Penelakut First Nation Band Office 250-591-0933 Creating Healthy Familys (birth-6 years) 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Neutral Zone, 421 Franklyn St. Quarterway Strong Start (birth-5 years) 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Quarterway Elementary School 250-754-6845 4 Seasons Early Years: Nanoose First Nation Parent Gathering (Childminding for ages birth - 6 years, and 6+) 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Uy Sqwalawun Childcare at 111-A Sna-Naw-As Rd, Lantzville 250-591-0933

Rutherford Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Rutherford Elementary School 250-758-5331 McGirr Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

McGirr Elementary School 250-758-8946 Fairview Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Fairview Community School 250-753-3418 Georgia Avenue Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Georgia Avenue Community School 250-753-1044 Bayview Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Bayview Elementary School 250-754-3231 Woodbank Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Woodbank Primary School 250-722-3644 Immunization Clinic (Infant to School Age) 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Drop-in Nanaimo Health Centre 250-755-3342

Family Place (parent and tot drop-in) 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Lantzville Boys and Girls Club 250-753-2464

Perinatal Drop-in (Breastfeeding support and baby weights) 9:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m.

Nanaimo Health Centre 250-755-3388

PacificCARE Drop-in Playgroup (Birth to 5 years) 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. until June 15, 2016 250-756-2022

Family Place (parent and tot drop-in) 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Chase River Boys and Girls Club 250-753-2464

Preschool Storytime (3 to 5 years, siblings welcome) 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Nanaimo North Library Call to Register 250-933-BOOK (2665)

PacificCARE Drop-in Playgroup (Birth to 5 years) 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. until June 14, 2016 250-756-2022

Family Storytime Drop-in (Birth to 5 years) 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Gabriola Island Library 250-247-7878

Parent-Child Mother Goose (Birth to 4 years) 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Gabriola Island HOPE Centre Call to Register 250-247-8730 Building Better Babies 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Tillicum Lelum Health Centre 250-753-6578 4 Seasons Early Years: Halalt First Nation Parent Gathering (Childminding for ages birth - 6 years) 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

H’ulh-etun Health Society, 8019 Chemainus Rd. Quarterway Strong Start (birth-5 years) 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Quarterway Elementary School 250-754-6845 Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Group (Little Ferns Early Learning Centre) 3:30 p.m.

John Barsby Community School Rm. 300 250-753-1783

4 Seasons Early Years: Stz’uminus First Nation Parent Gathering (Childminding for ages birth - 6 years) Stz’uminus Health Centre 3945 Shell Beach Road Ladysmith 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

250-591-0933. Phone 250-245-8551 for a ride

Toddler Time 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Jan. 7 - Feb. 18 & Apr. 7 to May 26 Wellington Library 250-758-5544 Baby Story Time (0-18 months, siblings welcome) 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Nanamio North Library 250-933-BOOK (2665) 4 Seasons Early Years: Penelakut First Nation Playgroup 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Penelakut First Nation Health Centre 250-591-0933 Building Better Babies Drop-in (birth - 6 months) 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Tillicum Lelum Health Centre 250-753-6578

Moms, Dads and Babes Drop-in (Prenatal and Postpartum) 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Tillicum Velum Health Centre 250-753-6578

Preschool Storytime 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Jan. 7 - Feb. 18 & Apr. 7 - May 26 Wellington Library 250-758-5544

Babytime 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Jan. 6 - Feb. 17 & Apr. 6 - May 25 Wellington Library 250-758-5544

Connections: Young Parent Support Group (Island Health) 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Princess Royal Family Centre 250-739-5845

Quarterway Strong Start (birth-5 years) 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Quarterway Elementary School 250-754-6845

Quarterway Strong Start (birth-5 years) 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Quarterway Elementary School 250-754-6845

Infant to School Age Immunization Clinic

By Appointment 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Nanaimo Health Centre 250-755-3342

Infant to School Age Immunizataion

By Appointment 1:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Nanaimo Health Centre 250-755-3342

The 5 Animal Spirit Bag Early Years Outreach Programme (1 to 5 years) Time: Open Parents/caregiver Home 250-754-3215 Rutherford Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Rutherford Elementary School 250-758-5331 McGirr Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

McGirr Elementary School 250-758-8946 Fairview Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Fairview Community School 250-753-3418

The 5 Animal Spirit Bag Early Years Outreach Programme (1 to 5 years) Time: Open Parents/caregiver Home 250-754-3215 Father Circle of Friends 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Tillicum Lelum Health Centre 250-753-6578 Infant to School Age Immunization Clinic

By Appointment 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Nanaimo Health Centre 250-755-3342 Soul Momas 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Drop In Last Saturday of the month 20 Fifth Street 250-754-3215

Georgia Avenue Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Georgia Avenue Community School 250-753-1044

Aboriginal Home Instruction for Parents with Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) (3 to 5 years)

By Appointment In the Parent’s Home 250-754-3215

Bayview Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Bayview Elementary School 250-754-3231

The 5 Animal Spirit Bag Early Years Outreach Programme (1 to 5 years) Time: Open Parents/caregiver Home 250-754-3215

Family Place (parent and tot drop-in) 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Lantzville Boys & Girls Club 250-390-4001 Toddler Time 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Oct. 23 to Nov. 27 Wellington Library 250-758-5544 Toddler Storytime (18 months - 3 years, siblings welcome) 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Nanaimo North Library 250-933-BOOK (2665) Walking with Elders (Birth to 6 years) 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Tillicum Lelum Health Centre Thi sis a Registered Goup 250-753-6578 Family FUNdamentals 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Gabriola Island HOPE Centre Call to Register 250-247-8730 4 Seasons Early Years: Snuneymuxw First Nation Parent Gathering (Childminding available for ages 0-6) 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

471 Irwin Street (Native Victory Chapel) 250-591-0933, call for a ride.

Quarterway Strong Start (birth-5 years) 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Quarterway Elementary School 250-754-6845

* Parent Child Mother Goose® Program at PacificCARE This group experience for parents and their babies and young children focuses on the pleasure and power of using rhymes, songs and stories together.

250-756-2022 * Please also check with Nanaimo Parks, Recreation & Culture for additional recreational programs for parents and preschoolers.

250-756-5200

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12

Nanaimo News Bulletin

Nanaimo News Bulletin

FAMILY MAGAZINE Spring 2016 13

Aboriginal Home Instruction for Parents with Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) (3 to 5 years)

By Appointment In the Parent’s Home 250-754-3215

Aboriginal Home Instruction for Parents with Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) (3 to 5 years)

By Appointment In the Parent’s Home 250-754-3215

Island Treasure Box Early Literacy Program (birth-6 years)

By Appointment In the Parent’s Home 250-753-6578

Perinatal and Breastfeeding Support

By Appointment Nanaimo Health Centre 250-758-3388

Aboriginal Home Instruction for Parents with Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) (3 to 5 years)

By Appointment In the Parent’s Home 250-754-3215

Aboriginal Home Instruction for Parents with Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) (3 to 5 years)

By Appointment In the Parent’s Home 250-754-3215

Aboriginal Home Instruction for Parents with Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) (3 to 5 years)

By Appointment In the Parent’s Home 250-754-3215

Aboriginal Home Instruction for Parents with Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) (3 to 5 years)

By Appointment In the Parent’s Home 250-754-3215

Island Treasure Box Early Literacy Program (birth-6 years)

By Appointment In the Parent’s Home 250-753-6578

Island Treasure Box Early Literacy Program (birth-6 years)

By Appointment In the Parent’s Home 250-753-6578

Island Treasure Box Early Literacy Program (birth-6 years)

By Appointment In the Parent’s Home 250-753-6578

Island Treasure Box Early Literacy Program (birth-6 years)

By Appointment In the Parent’s Home 250-753-6578

The 5 Animal Spirit Bag Early Years Outreach Programme (1 to 5 years) Time: Open Parents/caregiver Home 250-754-3215

The 5 Animal Spirit Bag Early Years Outreach Programme (1 to 5 years) Time: Open Parents/caregiver Home 250-754-3215

The 5 Animal Spirit Bag Early Years Outreach Programme (1 to 5 years) Time: Open Parents/caregiver Home 250-754-3215

The 5 Animal Spirit Bag Early Years Outreach Programme (1 to 5 years) Time: Open Parents/caregiver Home 250-754-3215

Rutherford Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Rutherford Elementary School 250-758-5331

Rutherford Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Rutherford Elementary School 250-758-5331

McGirr Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

McGirr Elementary School 250-758-8946

McGirr Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

McGirr Elementary School 250-758-8946

Fairview Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Fairview Community School 250-753-3418

Fairview Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Fairview Community School 250-753-3418

Georgia Avenue Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Georgia Avenue Community School 250-753-1044

Georgia Avenue Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Georgia Avenue Community School 250-753-1044

Bayview Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Bayview Elementary School 250-754-3231

Bayview Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Bayview Elementary School 250-754-3231

Woodbank Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Woodbank Primary School 250-722-3644

Woodbank Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Woodbank Primary School 250-722-3644

Perinatal Drop-in (Breastfeeding support and baby weights) 9:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m.

Woodbank Primary School 250-754-5521

Perinatal Drop-in (Breastfeeding support and baby weights) 9:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m.

Nanaimo Health Centre 250-755-3388

Woodbank Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Woodbank Primary School 250-722-3644

Rug Huggers Parent-Tot -Drop-in (Birth to 4 years) 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Gabriola Island HOPE Centre 250-247-8730

Perinatal Drop-in (Breastfeeding support and baby weights) 9:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m.

Nanaimo Health Centre 250-755-3388

Fairview Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Fairview Community School 250-753-3418 McGirr Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

McGirr Elementary School 250-758-8946 Rutherford Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Rutherford Elementary School 250-758-5331 Georgia Avenue Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Georgia Avenue Community School 250-753-1044 Bayview Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Bayview Elementary School 250-754-3231 Woodbank Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Woodbank Primary School 250-722-3644 Immunization Clinic (Infant to School Age) 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Nanaimo Health Centre by Appointment 250-755-3342 Perinatal Drop-in (Breastfeeding support and baby weights) 9:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m.

Nanaimo Health Centre 250-755-3388 Family Place (parent and tot drop-in) 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Lantzville Boys and Girls Club 250-390-4001 Bellies to Babies and Beyond (Pregnancy to 3 years) Princess Royal Family Centre. Reg. Req. 250-753-7470 4 Seasons Early Years: Penelakut First Nation Parent Gathering (Childminding for ages birth - 6 years) 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Bi-Weekly) Penelakut First Nation Band Office 250-591-0933 Creating Healthy Familys (birth-6 years) 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Neutral Zone, 421 Franklyn St. Quarterway Strong Start (birth-5 years) 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Quarterway Elementary School 250-754-6845 4 Seasons Early Years: Nanoose First Nation Parent Gathering (Childminding for ages birth - 6 years, and 6+) 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Uy Sqwalawun Childcare at 111-A Sna-Naw-As Rd, Lantzville 250-591-0933

Rutherford Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Rutherford Elementary School 250-758-5331 McGirr Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

McGirr Elementary School 250-758-8946 Fairview Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Fairview Community School 250-753-3418 Georgia Avenue Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Georgia Avenue Community School 250-753-1044 Bayview Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Bayview Elementary School 250-754-3231 Woodbank Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Woodbank Primary School 250-722-3644 Immunization Clinic (Infant to School Age) 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Drop-in Nanaimo Health Centre 250-755-3342

Family Place (parent and tot drop-in) 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Lantzville Boys and Girls Club 250-753-2464

Perinatal Drop-in (Breastfeeding support and baby weights) 9:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m.

Nanaimo Health Centre 250-755-3388

PacificCARE Drop-in Playgroup (Birth to 5 years) 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. until June 15, 2016 250-756-2022

Family Place (parent and tot drop-in) 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Chase River Boys and Girls Club 250-753-2464

Preschool Storytime (3 to 5 years, siblings welcome) 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Nanaimo North Library Call to Register 250-933-BOOK (2665)

PacificCARE Drop-in Playgroup (Birth to 5 years) 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. until June 14, 2016 250-756-2022

Family Storytime Drop-in (Birth to 5 years) 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Gabriola Island Library 250-247-7878

Parent-Child Mother Goose (Birth to 4 years) 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Gabriola Island HOPE Centre Call to Register 250-247-8730 Building Better Babies 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Tillicum Lelum Health Centre 250-753-6578 4 Seasons Early Years: Halalt First Nation Parent Gathering (Childminding for ages birth - 6 years) 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

H’ulh-etun Health Society, 8019 Chemainus Rd. Quarterway Strong Start (birth-5 years) 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Quarterway Elementary School 250-754-6845 Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Group (Little Ferns Early Learning Centre) 3:30 p.m.

John Barsby Community School Rm. 300 250-753-1783

4 Seasons Early Years: Stz’uminus First Nation Parent Gathering (Childminding for ages birth - 6 years) Stz’uminus Health Centre 3945 Shell Beach Road Ladysmith 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

250-591-0933. Phone 250-245-8551 for a ride

Toddler Time 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Jan. 7 - Feb. 18 & Apr. 7 to May 26 Wellington Library 250-758-5544 Baby Story Time (0-18 months, siblings welcome) 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Nanamio North Library 250-933-BOOK (2665) 4 Seasons Early Years: Penelakut First Nation Playgroup 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Penelakut First Nation Health Centre 250-591-0933 Building Better Babies Drop-in (birth - 6 months) 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Tillicum Lelum Health Centre 250-753-6578

Moms, Dads and Babes Drop-in (Prenatal and Postpartum) 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Tillicum Velum Health Centre 250-753-6578

Preschool Storytime 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Jan. 7 - Feb. 18 & Apr. 7 - May 26 Wellington Library 250-758-5544

Babytime 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Jan. 6 - Feb. 17 & Apr. 6 - May 25 Wellington Library 250-758-5544

Connections: Young Parent Support Group (Island Health) 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Princess Royal Family Centre 250-739-5845

Quarterway Strong Start (birth-5 years) 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Quarterway Elementary School 250-754-6845

Quarterway Strong Start (birth-5 years) 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Quarterway Elementary School 250-754-6845

Infant to School Age Immunization Clinic

By Appointment 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Nanaimo Health Centre 250-755-3342

Infant to School Age Immunizataion

By Appointment 1:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Nanaimo Health Centre 250-755-3342

The 5 Animal Spirit Bag Early Years Outreach Programme (1 to 5 years) Time: Open Parents/caregiver Home 250-754-3215 Rutherford Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Rutherford Elementary School 250-758-5331 McGirr Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

McGirr Elementary School 250-758-8946 Fairview Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Fairview Community School 250-753-3418

The 5 Animal Spirit Bag Early Years Outreach Programme (1 to 5 years) Time: Open Parents/caregiver Home 250-754-3215 Father Circle of Friends 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Tillicum Lelum Health Centre 250-753-6578 Infant to School Age Immunization Clinic

By Appointment 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Nanaimo Health Centre 250-755-3342 Soul Momas 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Drop In Last Saturday of the month 20 Fifth Street 250-754-3215

Georgia Avenue Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Georgia Avenue Community School 250-753-1044

Aboriginal Home Instruction for Parents with Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) (3 to 5 years)

By Appointment In the Parent’s Home 250-754-3215

Bayview Strong Start (birth-5 years) 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Bayview Elementary School 250-754-3231

The 5 Animal Spirit Bag Early Years Outreach Programme (1 to 5 years) Time: Open Parents/caregiver Home 250-754-3215

Family Place (parent and tot drop-in) 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Lantzville Boys & Girls Club 250-390-4001 Toddler Time 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Oct. 23 to Nov. 27 Wellington Library 250-758-5544 Toddler Storytime (18 months - 3 years, siblings welcome) 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Nanaimo North Library 250-933-BOOK (2665) Walking with Elders (Birth to 6 years) 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Tillicum Lelum Health Centre Thi sis a Registered Goup 250-753-6578 Family FUNdamentals 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Gabriola Island HOPE Centre Call to Register 250-247-8730 4 Seasons Early Years: Snuneymuxw First Nation Parent Gathering (Childminding available for ages 0-6) 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

471 Irwin Street (Native Victory Chapel) 250-591-0933, call for a ride.

Quarterway Strong Start (birth-5 years) 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Quarterway Elementary School 250-754-6845

* Parent Child Mother Goose® Program at PacificCARE This group experience for parents and their babies and young children focuses on the pleasure and power of using rhymes, songs and stories together.

250-756-2022 * Please also check with Nanaimo Parks, Recreation & Culture for additional recreational programs for parents and preschoolers.

250-756-5200

FREE

FAMILY MAGAZINE Spring 2016

FREE

12

14

FAMILY MAGAZINE Spring 2016

Nanaimo News Bulletin

Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Early Years Resources & Services Breast Feeding Gabriola Island HOPE Centre ���������������� 250-247-8730 www�gabriolahopecentre�com Healthlink BC (24hr Nurse Line) ����������������������������������������811 www�healthlinkbc�ca Ladysmith Community Health Centre - Switchboard ��������� 250-739-5777 www�viha�ca La Leche League Breastfeeding Support ��������������������������250-754-5853 www�lllc�ca Public Health Nursing ��������������������������������������������������� 250-755-3388 www�viha�ca Nanaimo Health Centre������������������������������������������������� 250-755-3342 www�viha�ca Nanaimo/Ladysmith Nursing Intake Line ������������������������ 250-755-3388 www�viha�ca Princess Royal Family Centre ����������������������������������������� 250-739-5845 www�viha�ca Snuneymuxw First Nation Health Centre �������������250-740-2337 www�snuneymuxw�ca Stz’uminus First Nation Health Centre �������������������250-245-8551 www�cfnation�com Tillicum Lelum Health Centre �����������������������������250-753-6578 www�tillicumlelum�ca Child Care Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Vancouver Island ����� 250-754-3215 www�bgccvi�com Child Care Subsidy Program ������������������������������1-888-338-6622 www�mcf�gov�bc�ca Community Care Facility Licensing Program ���250-739-5800 www�viha�ca/mho/licensing Ministry of Children and Family Development ��������250-741-5444 www�gov�bc�ca/mcf Ministry of Education ���������1-800-663-7867 www�bced�gov�bc�ca/ged/gedwhere�htm PacificCARE Child Care Resource and Referral ����� 250-756-2022 www�pacific-care�bc�ca - Child Care Resource and Referral ����������������� 250-756-2022 www�pacific-care�bc�ca - Parent-Child Mother Goose Program �������������� 250-756-2022 www�pacific-care�bc�ca - Keys to Literacy ������������������������������������������� 250-756-2022 www�pacific-care�bc�ca - Snuneymuxw DayCare ���������250-740-2335 snuneymuxw�ca/administration/daycare Supported Child Development �������������������������250-753-0251 www�nanaimocdc�com Community Early Years Initiatives/Partnerships Children First Initiative ����������������������������������� 250-816-1699 www�bcchildrenfirst�ca Greater Nanaimo Early Years Partnership 250-816-1699 www�nanaimoearlyyears�org Ladysmith Early Years Partnership ��������������� 250-210-0870 www�familyandfriends�ca Success By Six® Initiative ������������������������������ 250-591-8731 www�successby6bc�ca Vancouver Island Early Years Network �����������������������������������������������250-741-5247 Early Learning and Development Adventures in Early Literacy - Ladysmith Resources Centre Association ����������������� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Vancouver Island - Family Resource Programs ������������������������������������ 250-754-3215 www�bgccvi�com Early Years Program, School District #68 / StrongStart Centres������������������������������������������������ 250-754-5521 www�sd68�bc�ca - Bayview Strong Start ��������������������������������������������� 250-754-5521 www�sd68�bc�ca - Fairview Strong Start��������������������������������������������� 250-754-5521 www�sd68�bc�ca - Georgia Avenue Strong Start���������������������������������� 250-754-5521 www�sd68�bc�ca - Ladysmith Primary Strong Start ����������������������������� 250-754-5521 www�sd68�bc�ca - McGirr Strong Start����������������������������������������������� 250-754-5521 www�sd68�bc�ca - Quarterway Strong Start ���������������������������������������� 250-754-5521 www�sd68�bc�ca - Rutherford Strong Start ����������������������������������������� 250-754-5521 www�sd68�bc�ca - Woodbank Strong Start ����������������������������������������� 250-754-5521 www�sd68�bc�ca Island Family Information ����������������������������� 250-756-2022 www�islandfamilyinfo�ca Ladysmith Resources Centre Association ������������������� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca - Adventures in Early Literacy ������������������������������������� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca - Dads Group������������������������������������������������������������ 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca LaFF Ladysmith Family Resource Program ���� 250-210-0870 www�familyandfriends�ca Literacy Central Vancouver Island ���������������� 250-754-8988 www�literacycentralvi�org Nanaimo Child Development Centre �����������������250-753-0251 www�nanaimocdc�com Parent - Child Mother Goose Program������������������ www�nald�ca/mothergooseprogram - Gabriola �������������������������������������������� 250-247-8730 www�gabriolahopecentre�com - Ladysmith Resources Centre Association ����������������� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca - PacificCARE Nanaimo ���������������������������������������������������������������������250-756-2022 Snuneymuxw First Nation Administration ������������250-740-2300 www�snuneymuxw�ca

Speech and Language Pathology/ Nanaimo Health Centre������������������������������������������������� 250-739-6827 www�viha�ca Stz’uminus First Nation ����������������������������������������250-245-7155 www�cfnation�com Tillicum Lelum Health Centre �����������������������������250-753-6578 www�tillicumlelum�ca Vancouver Island Regional Libraries: ��������������������������������������������������www�virl�bc�ca - Gabriola Island Library ��������������������������������������������� 250-247-7878 www�virl�bc�ca - Ladysmith Library ���������������������������������������������������� 250-245-2322 www�virl�bc�ca - Nanaimo Harbourfront Library ����������������������������������� 250-753-1154 www�virl�bc�ca - Nanaimo Wellington Library �������������������������������������� 250-758-5544 www�virl�bc�ca - Nanaimo North Library ��������������������������������������������� 250-758-4697 www�virl�bc�ca Food and Nutrition Healthlink BC - Dietitian Services���������������������������������������811 www�healthlinkbc�ca Ladysmith Community Gardens Society �������������������������������������������������www�ladysmithcommunitygardensociety�weebly�com Ladysmith Resources Centre Association ������������������� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca - Community Food Bank �������������������������������������������� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca - Good Food Box ������������������������������������������������������� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca - Born Healthy Prenatal Nutrition Program ������������������� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca LaFF Ladysmith Family and Friends Food Programs ����������������������������������������������������������������� 250-210-0870 www�familyandfriends�ca Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank ��250-754-8347 www�nanaimoloavesandfishes�org Meals on Wheels ������������������������������������������������250- 753-1300 www�mealcall�org Nanaimo Community Gardens Society ���250-816-4769 www�nanaimocommunitygardens�ca Nanaimo Community Kitchens Society 250-753-7470 www�nanaimocommunitykitchens�org Nanaimo Food Share Society��������������������250-753-9393 www�nanaimofoodshare�ca Salvation Army Meal Program/Community Services��250-754-2621 www�salvationarmy�ca Tillicum Lelum Health Centre �����������������������������250-753-6578 www�tillicumlelum�ca Island Health Nutrition Program - Princess Royal Family Centre �����������250-739-5845 7-10 Club Society – The Family Soup Kitchen �� 250-714-0917 www�nanaimo710club�com Health BC Poison Control ���������������������������������������������������� 1-800-567-8911 www�dpic�org Child and Youth Mental Health ����������������������������250-741-5444 www�gov�bc�ca/mcf - Aboriginal���������������������������������������������������������250-741-3600 www�gov�bc�ca/mcf - General������������������������������������������������������������250-741-5444 www�gov�bc�ca/mcf Healthlink BC (24hr Nurse Line) ����������������������������������������811 www�healthlinkbc�ca Nanoose First Nation Head Start Program ����������������� 250-390-0003 www�bcfnhs�org Snuneymuxw First Nation Health Centre �������������250-740-2337 www�snuneymuxw�ca Stz’uminus First Nation Health Centre �������������������250-245-8551 www�cfnation�com Tillicum Lelum Health Centre �����������������������������250-753-6578 www�tillicumlelum�ca Vancouver Island Health Authority ���������������������������������������������������������www�viha�ca - Ladysmith Community Health Centre ���������������������������� 250-739-5777 www�viha�ca - Nanaimo Health Centre ����������������������������������������������� 250-755-3342 www�viha�ca - Nanaimo/Ladysmith Nursing Intake Line ���������������������� 250-755-3388 www�viha�ca - Nanaimo Regional General Hospital ����������������������������� 250-754-2141 www�viha�ca - Princess Royal Family Centre ��������������������������������������� 250-739-5845 www�viha�ca - Public Health Nursing Appointments ���������������������������� 250-755-3342 www�viha�ca Family Services Adoptive Families Association of BC ������������������� 1-800-ADOPT-07 www�bcadopt�com Autism Society of BC ���������������������������������������������250-714-0801 www�autismbc�ca BC Centre for Safe School & Communities �������������������� 1-888-224-7233 www�ufv�ca Big Brothers and Big Sisters ������������������������������������� 250-756-2447 www�bigscvi�ca Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Vancouver Island - Family Resource Programs ������������������������������������ 250-754-3215 www�bgccvi�com - Family Place ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������www�bgccvi�com - Chase River ��������������������������������������������������������� 250-753-2464 www�bgccvi�com - Lantzville ������������������������������������������������������������� 250-390-4001 www�bgccvi�com

Nanaimo News Bulletin

FAMILY MAGAZINE Spring 2016 15

Greater Nanaimo/Ladysmith Early Years Resources & Services Crisis Society for Central Vancouver Island ����������������� 1-888-494-3888 www�cvics�ca Family & Youth Support Services – Ladysmith Resources Centre Association ���������������� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca Foster Parent Support Services Society��������������������� 250-390-9686 www�fpsss�com Gabriola Island HOPE Centre ���������������� 250-247-8730 www�gabriolahopecentre�com Haven Society and Transition House ���������������250-756-2452 www�havensociety�com Help Line for Children ����������������������������������������� 250-310-1234 www�mcf�gov�bc�ca Immigrant Welcome Centre ��������������������������������������� 250-753-6911 www�cvims�org Kids Help Phone ���������������������������������������� 1-800-668-6868 www�kidshelpphone�ca Kw’umut Lelum Child & Family Services �������������������250-591-0933 www�kwumut�org Ladysmith Resources Centre Association ������������������� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca - Adventures in Early Literacy ������������������������������������� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca - Born Healthy Prenatal Nutrition Program ������������������� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca - Dads Group������������������������������������������������������������ 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca - Family & Youth Support Services ����������������������������� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca - Parent-Child Mother Goose Program ������������������������� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca - Volunteer Counselling Program �������������������������������� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca LaFF Ladysmith Family Resource Program ��� 250-210-0870 www�familyandfriends�ca Little Ferns ���������������������������������������������������������� 250-753-1783 www�littleferns�ca - Parent-Child Mother Goose Program ��������������������� 250-753-1783 www�littleferns�ca - Young Parent Program ����������������������������������������� 250-753-1783 www�littleferns�ca Ministry of Children and Family Development ��������250-741-5444 www�gov�bc�ca/mcf Nanaimo Child Development Centre �����������������250-753-0251 www�nanaimocdc�com Nanaimo Community Hospice Society ������� 250-758-8857 www�nanaimohospice�com Nanaimo Family Justice Access Centre��������250-741-5447 www�ag�gov�bc�ca/justice-access-centre/nanaimo Nanaimo Family Life Association�������������������������������� 250-754-3331 www�nflabc�org Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Circle ����������� 1�877�345�9777 www�parentsupportbc�ca/grandparents�html Nanaimo Family Resource Programs � 250-753-2177 http://clbc�cioc�ca/record/CLB8004 Nanaimo Men’s Resource Centre ������������������� 250-716-1551 www�nanaimomen�com Nanaimo Women’s Centre ������������������������� 250-753-0633 www�nanaimowomen�com Nanaimo Youth Services ������������������������������������������250-754-1989 www�nysa�bc�ca NARSF Programs Ltd� (Nanaimo and Area Resource Services for Families) ������������������������������������������������ 250-754-2773 www�narsf�org PacificCARE Child Care Resource and Referral � 250-756-2022 www�pacific-care�bc�ca Parent Support Services of BC ������������������� 1-877-345-9777 www�parentsuportbc�ca People for a Healthy Community (Gabriola) �������� 250-247-7311 www�phc-gabriola�org Rainbows Children’s Grief and Loss Support Group ��� 250-751-7888 www�rainbowsnanaimo�blogspot�com - Nanaimo �������������������������������� 250-751-7888 www�rainbowsnanaimo�blogspot�com - Ladysmith ������������������������������ 250-245-8921 www�rainbowsnanaimo�blogspot�com Snuneymuxw First Nation Health Centre �������������250-740-2337 www�snuneymuxw�ca SOAR Mentoring Program for women – Intertribal Health Authority�������������������������250-753-3990 www�intertribalhealth�ca Stz’uminus First Nation Health Centre �������������������250-245-8551 www�cfnation�com Tillicum Lelum Health Centre �����������������������������250-753-6578 www�tillicumlelum�ca Triple P Positive Parenting Program ����������������������������������������������� www�triplepvip�ca Vancouver Island Crisis Line����������������������������������� 1-888-494-3888 www�vicrisis�ca Island Heath ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������www�viha�ca Brooks Landing – Crisis Counselling Clinic ��������������������� 250-739-5710 www�viha�ca Vancouver Island Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (VI SCAN) program �������������������������������������������� 250-755-7945 www�viha�ca Welcome Wagon ������������������������������������������� 250-756-9794 www�welcomewagon�ca Pregnancy (Pre to Post) Birthright Information Help Line �������������������������� 1-800-550-4900 www�birthright�org Cross Roads Crisis Pregnancy Centre of Nanaimo (faith based) ��������������������������250-716-1633 www�pregnancynanaimo�com - (24 hour Helpline / Appointment line) ����������������250-714-2191 or 1-866-714-2191 Gabriola Island HOPE Centre ���������������� 250-247-8730 www�gabriolahopecentre�com

Healthlink BC (24 hour Nurse Line) ������������������������������������811 www�healthlinkbc�ca Ladysmith Community Health Centre ����������������������������� 250-739-5777 www�viha�ca Ladysmith Resources Centre Association ������������������� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca - Adventures in Early Literacy ������������������������������������� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca - Born Healthy Prenatal Nutrition Program ������������������� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca - Dads Group������������������������������������������������������������ 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca - Parent-Child Mother Goose �������������������������������������� 250-245-3079 www�lrca�bc�ca LaFF Ladysmith Family Resource Program ���� 250-210-0870 www�familyandfriends�ca Maternal Health Program –Inter Tribal Health Services �� 250-753-3990 or 1�877�777�4842 www�intertribalhealth�ca Midwives ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ www�bcmidwives�com Nanoose First Nation Head Start Program ����������������250-390-0003 www�bcfnhs�org Options for Sexual Health �����������������250-753-9511 www�optionsforsexualhealth�org Public Health Nursing ��������������������������������������������������������������������������www�viha�ca Nanaimo Health Centre������������������������������������������������� 250-755-3342 www�viha�ca Nanaimo/Ladysmith Nursing Intake Line ������������������������ 250-755-3388 www�viha�ca Princess Royal Family Centre ����������������������������������������� 250-739-5845 www�viha�ca Snuneymuxw First Nation Health Centre �������������250-740-2337 www�snuneymuxw�ca Stz’uminus First Nation Health Centre �������������������250-245-8551 www�cfnation�com Tillicum Lelum Health Centre �����������������������������250-753-6578 www�tillicumlelum�ca Inter Tribal Health Authority - Maternal Child Health ��� www�itha�ca/insidepages/programs_services/clinical_nursing/maternal_child_health�html Recreation Beban Park Recreation Centre �������������������������������� 250-756-5200 www�nanaimo�ca Bowen Park Complex ��������������������������������������������� 250-756-5200 www�nanaimo�ca Ladysmith Parks, Recreation & Culture������������������� 250-245-6424 www�ladysmith�ca Nanaimo Aquatic Centre ���������������������������������������� 250-756-5200 www�nanaimo�ca Nanaimo Ice Centre ����������������������������������������������� 250-756-5200 www�nanaimo�ca Oliver Woods Community Centre ����������������������������� 250-756-5200 www�nanaimo�ca Services Available for “Fee for Service” (Some services may be covered by the Ministry of Children & Family Development funding) Kerri Isham Sexual Abuse Prevention workshops����������������250-240-0105 www�Powerupworkshops@gmail�com Dianne Martin & Associates – Stepfamily Support �������������� 250-591-8184 www�DianneMartinAndAssociates�com Go Between Consulting ����������������������250-714-8754 www�gobetweenconsulting�com Nanaimo Family Life Association�������������������������������� 250-754-3331 www�nflabc�org Additional Resources for Families (Many organizations and agencies publish newsletters and a calendar of events� Please visit the websites for more information�) BC Association of Family Resource Programs ����������������604-738-0068 www�frpbc�ca Crisis Society Resource Book ���������������������������������������250-753-2495 www�cvics�ca Surviving in Nanaimo �����������������������������������������������������������������������250-754-4251 The Community Dental Clinic (CODE) ������������������� 250-591-0771 www�codeclinic�org Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre ������������� 250-754-3215 www�NanaimoAboriginalCentre�ca Nanaimo Youth Services Association ������������������������250-754-1989 www�nysa�bc�ca Strong Nations ������������������������������������������1-888-278-2202 www�strongnations�com

16

FAMILY MAGAZINE Spring 2016

Nanaimo News Bulletin

Share special skills in the kitchen I never too late to make memories with children around food.

By EilEEn BEnnEwith

W

hether your children are four or 34, it is never too late to share your special skills in the kitchen. Often people tell me that their mom or grandmother could make something but they never learned how.

What a sad world it will be when there is no one left to pass on the skills needed to prepare and preserve our own food.

Small children love to help out in the kitchen. Taking part in the planning and preparation of food helps children to develop a sense of independence.

This type of experience allows

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children to accomplish tasks that are ordinarily part of the grownup world.

When children have helped with meal preparation, they eat better.

Here are a few suggestions to help you get started with children in the kitchen: u Give simple tasks, like tearing up lettuce or scooping the seeds out of a cantaloupe. u Have them wash fruits and vegetables. Children as young as three can be given a plastic knife and can cut up fruit for fruit salad. u Give children everyday jobs like washing the dishes in a sink full of warm soapy water, or putting, spoons and forks in the dishwasher. Let them stir the cake batter or shake the plastic bag when you coat your chicken.

u Try not to be critical of the results. Find out the jobs they enjoy best and be generous with encouragement. Involving children in the kitchen takes time and energy. There will be a mess. u Talk to your children as you prepare the food. Tell them where the flour comes from, who makes the honey, how the nuts are grown and where milk comes from.

Talk about locally grown foods and tie it in with a visit to a local farm or farmers market. Include ethnic foods in your preparations.

Remember to make safety in the kitchen an important part of your teaching.

By eight years old, a child should be able to take on some of the cooking.

They will still need you to be in

“According to my calculations, if I can make some money at a real 1/8 Page job, plus my allowance, then . . .�

20p6 x 13p Becoming a newspaper carrier is an excellent opportunity to teach children the life skills for success.

Currently we are hiring in your area and we are looking for young people to help us deliver the Nanaimo News Bulletin.

If anyone in your family is interested in being a paper carrier, call us.

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1/8 Page 20p6 x 13p

250-734-4603

paula.king@nanaimocirculation.com

16 Seniors Resource Directory – Summer/Fall 2015

Special Supplement to Nanaimo News Bulletin

“

Nanaimo News Bulletin

FAMILY MAGAZINE Spring 2016 17

the kitchen to supervise, but let them take the lead role.

They will feel like a valuable part of the family.

All families If the early years have have wonderful slipped by and you have not had time to traditions about share your knowledge food that should with your child, begin now. Teens need to be shared with learn skills so they can the future survive on their own.

If you have skills that generations. you still haven’t passed on to your adult children, now is the time.

All families have wonderful traditions about food that should be shared with the future generations.

Your children’s children may need to know how great-grandma made a traditional recipe and it is up to you to make sure they will be able to do it. u Eileen Bennewith is a registered dietitian working with public health in Island Health.

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Special Supplement to Nanaimo News Bulletin

Seniors Resource Directory – Summer/Fall 2015 17

18

FAMILY MAGAZINE Spring 2016

Nanaimo News Bulletin

Grief society supports children I hospice offers help for forgotten mourners.

By KarEn FrEnch f children are old enough to love, they are old enough to grieve.

Children are often the “forgotten mourners” and Nanaimo Community Hospice Society offers a safe, comfortable and nonjudgmental place that is designed specifically for children of all ages.

The Grief Support for Children program honours the unique ways that children express their grief.

children in the grief programs offered by nanaimo community hospcie society have the opportunity to express their feelings through art, including music, storytelling and painting. skilled counsellors help children and teens work through feelings of grief.

I

Photo contributed

Our goal is to normalize the pain that is a natural part of the grieving process.

Skilled counsellors help children and teens work

through their feelings of grief whether it is anticipated, sudden, accidental or traumatic such as suicide or crime. They relate to the children and

youths utilizing a variety of tools such as art therapy, music, storytelling through puppet play and sand tray activities and even using “Franklyn,” the punching bag, to work through their frustrations.

There is a dedicated children’s garden for outdoor activities including a water feature with painted rock garden, a secret corner, a vegetable patch and space to run and play.

Children do not always use words to describe their feelings and it is with expressive therapies that they have the opportunity to work through their emotions in a safe

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Summer Days and Country Ways

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FAMILY MAGAZINE Spring 2016 19

children do not always use words to describe their feelings.

way which can be a powerful healing agent for a grieving child.

Nanaimo Community Hospice Society developed a website specifically targeted to provide resources and tools for teens dealing with death and the loss of someone

special in their life. At www.teensanddeath.com, youths can access information including videos and actions that can help understand their grief and support them through it.

Hospice counsellors also offer services within some local schools reaching out to older youths

in an environment that works for them.

Statistics have proven that if children are provided with the tools to cope with loss and grief at a young age, they can use those skills which lessen the need to turn to drugs, alcohol or even suicide.

The greatest gift you can

give your children is not protection from change, loss, pain or stress, but the confidence and tools to cope and grow with all that life has to offer them.

Nanaimo Community Hospice Society has been providing a variety of programs and services for individuals and families who are facing end-of-life issues – dying, caregiving and grieving for 35 years.

With compassion and dignity, Nanaimo Hospice offers its programs at no cost.

For more information, please e-mail info@ nanaimohospice.com or visit www.nanaimohospice.com. u Karen French is executive director of Nanaimo Community Hospice Society.

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Subscribe to the Community Calendar www.familyandfriends.ca For details, contact Jacqueline Neligan Ladysmith Children First Coordinator laffexecutivedirector@shaw.ca

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Toys, Puzzles & Games for all ages #102 - 2517 Bowen Rd. Nanaimo • 250-585-1778

koolandchild.com Seniors Resource Directory – Summer/Fall 2015 19

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FAMILY MAGAZINE Spring 2016

Nanaimo News Bulletin

Social groups help build connections

I

facebook used for support, exchange of information.

By rachEl StErn onnecting with a community of mothers, sharing ideas and asking questions in a non-judgmental environment is the reason Shannon Reimer created the Nanaimo Moms Social Circle on Facebook seven years ago.

As a new mother, and at the time a stay-at-home mom, she wasn’t sure how to connect with other women with children. She was the first among her friends to have kids and aside from going to the mall and stopping women with strollers, joked Reimer, she wasn’t sure where to connect.

“I was just needing something and somewhere where people could talk about things and create play groups,” she said.

Reimer just had her third child, James, in early January. Her two other boys are Clayton, who turns two in March, and Graham, who is seven and a half.

At first, Reimer turned to a meetup group, but that fizzled out as it lost organizers. Then she thought “everybody is on Facebook” and created the Nanaimo moms group, said Reimer.

The social circle now has more than 600 members and has moms ranging in ages and backgrounds.

There are first-time mothers, moms with up to five kids, homeschooling moms and moms who are moving to Nanaimo and are looking for information on the community.

Jessica Davis created the Facebook group Nanaimo Moms Helping Moms, which has more than 170 members, six years ago for

shannon reimer snuggles her newborn son, James. reimer formed the nanaimo Moms social circle, about seven years ago, to help moms connect and share in a non-judgmental environment.

C

similar reasons as Reimer. She said, in an e-mail, at the time there weren’t as many groups to connect mothers.

“I didn’t want it to be another group selling stuff as there are already too many of those,” she said. “People, especially moms, are

20 Seniors Resource Directory – Summer/Fall 2015

moms 24-7. Nobody else seems to get that except other moms. We can all relate to that.”

Having someone to relate to what you’re going through is an important aspect of these online social groups, said Reimer.

“Sometimes you just need some-

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Nanaimo News Bulletin

one to listen. It’s nice to go on there and vent,” said Reimer.

Sometimes mothers just want to know if what they are, or their kids are, experiencing is normal.

“Members ask for basic advice, not medical things, day-to-day things you go through,” she said.

Mothers are “always wondering if they are doing it right” said Davis.

Questions about teething, sleeping habits and other day-to-day questions are often discussed on the site.

“We always worry on some level if we are screwing up our kids. We are trying our best day in and day out and most of us are just trying to get through the day,” said Davis. “Having groups like this, or rather any outlet to feel like you’re not alone is good.”

Reimer said people can ask a question on the group site and within a short amount of time there could be up to 30 replies.

Reimer said the Facebook group helps mothers, who might not be as

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FAMILY MAGAZINE Spring 2016 21

Quickfacts

Having groups like this, or rather any outlet to feel like you’re not alone is good.

outgoing, to meet others in smaller groups. She said as a new mother it’s sometimes overwhelming to just drop in to classes or community groups when you don’t know anyone.

The group has allowed both women to form friendships, not only for their children through play groups, but for themselves as well.

Forming connections is a key component of the groups. u Rachel Stern is a writer with Nanaimo News Bulletin.

NANAIMO MOMS Helping Moms: www.facebook.com/groups/ nanaimomoms/.

NANAIMO MOMS Social Circle: www.facebook.com/ groups/341831345945279/.

NANAIMO MOMS 411: www.facebook.com/ groups/723288664406305/.

NANAIMO WOMEN’S and Moms’ clothing swap and shop: www.facebook.com/ groups/35187230712/.

NANAIMO MOMS Swap and Shop for older kids: www.facebook. com/groups/30079803619/.

NANAIMO MOMS toy swap and shop: www.facebook.com/ groups/36359856083/.

NANAIMO SWAp and shop: www.facebook.com/groups/ nanaimoswapandshop.

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FAMILY MAGAZINE Spring 2016

Nanaimo News Bulletin

davis Ward with his father, Jamie.

Photo contributed

heart

Home with a

By JESSica woollarD

M

oments after Davis Ward was born, he was whisked away from his parents and brought in for surgery at Victoria General Hospital. His mother wasn’t able to hold him against her, or count his fingers and toes, or kiss the top of his head.

The unusual welcome to the world was expected by Davis’s parents, but it was heartbreaking all the same.

Twenty weeks into their pregnancy, Sarah Turner, 25, and Jamie Ward, 27, of Nanaimo learned their baby would be born with gastroschisis, a birth defect that causes visceral organs to protrude outside the body through a small hole near the belly button.

Ultrasounds showed Davis had only a small portion of his bowel affected, unlike other babies

who are born with the intestines, stomach and liver exposed.

Doctors have no idea what causes gastroschisis, which, alarmingly, is becoming more common.

In surgery, doctors “pushed his bowel in and used the umbilical cord to patch it,” Sarah says.

Over the next four weeks, while Davis was recovering in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Sarah and Jamie were able to stay on the hospital grounds at Jeneece Place, the home away from home for families who must travel to Victoria for their child’s medical care.

Jeneece Place is owned by Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island and was built and is operated entirely thanks to donations from generous individuals, businesses, and organizations across the Island.

22 Seniors Resource Directory – Summer/Fall 2015

“As soon as I got to Jeneece Place, I burst into tears,” Sarah says. “We were blown away.”

The house, which was the dream of teenage philanthropist Jeneece Edroff, O.B.C., has 10 bedrooms each with its own bathroom, a huge communal kitchen, laundry facilities, movie room, play area for kids, art centre, and even a meditation space.

Since the house opened in January 2012, it has been home to more than 1,000 Island families, including 166 from Nanaimo and Oceanside, the majority of which have stayed multiple times.

At $25 a night, Jeneece Place is a convenient and affordable alternative to staying in a hotel.

Thanks to donors from the community, Children’s Health Foundation and other partners can help families in need cover the cost of staying at the house.

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Nanaimo News Bulletin

“The staff was so amazing. They asked about Davis and how he was doing,” Sarah says. “I remember I thought I’d stay in my room, but we went out to the kitchen, and we talked to families… I’m still in touch with people we met there.”

Despite the comforts of Jeneece Place, the Turner family was glad to head home once Davis was discharged.

Unfortunately, their homecoming was short-lived: Davis was hospitalized a few months later due to adhesions on his lower intestine caused by the gastroschisis.

He was transferred to VGH for surgery; his parents checked back into Jeneece Place.

“I was in such distress,” Sarah says. “The doctors did three bowel reductions, and then did an appendectomy and hernia removal. Davis stayed in (an induced) coma for three weeks.

We spent our days at the hospital

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FAMILY MAGAZINE Spring 2016 23

our goal with Jeneece Place is to help families be there fully for their child experiencing a medical concern.

and our nights at Jeneece Place.

Once again it was the most amazing place ever. It made a horrible, horrible time amazing.”

Sarah says the second hospital stay was worse than the first because they weren’t expecting it.

“Davis is a happy, active baby, he’s never upset. And then all of a sudden he wasn’t happy. His stomach ballooned out; his bowels weren’t working.”

Thankfully, Jeneece Place was a light during a very dark time.

“With Jeneece Place, Children’s Health Foundation has tried to create a comforting haven for families,” says Catherine Schissel, director of community investment at the foundation.

“We know how important it is to support a family through a child’s health issue, and our donors are committed to using their donations to help the Foundation care for Island families. Our goal with Jeneece Place is to help families be there fully for their child experiencing a medical concern.”

Today, Davis is “perfect,” Sarah says. He laughs all the time, and he loves his vegetables.

The surgeon has given Davis the “all clear,” and Sarah and Jamie hope it stays that way, particularly as their family prepares for the next milestone: Davis’s little sibling is on the way. u Jessica Woollard is the communications officer for Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island.

THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF LEARNING

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