Dear Rotarians and friends,

While we navigate our way through this strange time together it is always important to check in on one another and to find new ways to stay connected.

It seems our ideas to do that are popular! The Club Coffees scheduled for April are getting great response: 23 people are set to participate in our first session with Dr. Tyrell on April 2nd, and 10 people registered for our session with Renee. This is wonderful.

Some things to know for the sessions coming up:

• Simply log on that morning by clicking the link in the registration confirmation email you received. 
• Sign in a few minutes early to be sure you are set up to start at 8am. You may need to download the Zoom app to your device or computer if you haven't used it before.
• We will have a short review of Zoom functions before we begin the official meeting. The moderator will be online at 750am for those that want to join early to take part in that short tutorial. 
• During the Zoom meeting, all participant microphones will be muted and we will be using the Chat function to help manage questions during the presentation from Dr. Tyrell and during the session. 
• For those only able to join by phone rather than by computer, we will proactively prompt questions from callers so don't worry that we will miss you.

If you have any questions at all about using Zoom before Thursday's meeting, feel free to email glenorarotary@gmail.com and we will connect. You can also watch this video for tips as well...https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-Joining-a-Meeting

SEE YOU ON THURSDAY!

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First, our Club meetings at the Telus World of Science are cancelled at this time. HOWEVER, we are going to be hosting virtual "CLUB COFFEE" so we can connect and check in with one another. So, mark these dates down and bring your hot cup of java to your computer! 

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On April 2nd, from 8am to 830am, we will be hosting a CLUB COFFEE Zoom video and teleconference session for our members to hear from our very own Dr. Lorne Tyrell about his team's work at the UofA's Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology. Dr. Tyrell will spend about 15mins sharing with us and we hope you will be able to join us.

To register for the April 2nd session, please click on this link to enter your information. This pre-registration helps us manage the meeting better for you. Registration is a breeze! 

Also, off note, Dr. Tyrell was featured in the Folio this week as well. You can read that story here. 

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On April 16th, from 8am to 830am, we will host our second COFFEE CLUB meeting with our very own Renee Elio sharing her Seven Women experience from earlier this year. It is sure to be engaging, informative and inspiring. Thank you, Renee, for sharing your experience with us all!

To register for the April 16th session, please click on this link to enter your information. 

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THE NEW NORMAL: COPING

For many of us, working from home alongside children and spouses, or being self-isolate all on our own, can be a major transition and can cause new stresses. If you are working from home and trying balance home responsibilities and managing staff needs and/or client needs, this can also add new layers of stress too. What resources and information is out there to help? 

In the interest of providing useful information to you at this time, here are a few resources that may help:

 

DISTRESS SUPPORT

https://edmonton.cmha.ca/programs-services/distress-line/

780-482-4357 (HELP)

The 24-hours Distress Line is available 7 days a week

The Distress Line provides confidential, non-judgmental and short-term crisis intervention, emotional support and resources to people in crisis or distress. They also support family, friends and caregivers of people in crisis.

The Distress Line Service provides:

• Crisis Intervention
• Suicide Prevention
• Family Violence Prevention
• Emergency Intervention and Response
• Emotional Support
• Community Resource Referral

When you reach out we will:

• Listen to your situation
• Provide emotional support
• Explore options with you
• Connect you with local resources and referrals

During times of high demand, it may take a while to connect to a listener. Please stay on the line or try again later.

If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call 911. 

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EVENTS POSTPONED OR CANCELLED

Additionally, with the current situation in our community several of our events are either postponed or cancelled. 

Nosh n Serve: March 26th - postponed to a future date. The Community Service committee will be searching out new opportunities for us to participate in the work of Edmonton Food Bank once things are more settled in the future. For now, we are unable to serve our community that evening. 

Suit Yourself: April 30th - Suit Yourself has closed down their location during this time. Once things turn a corner a future date for a Nosh n Serve with them will be discussed. 

DIVERSITY: May 7th - postponed. At this time, Shadow Theatre has had to cancel its season and the production of "The Wrong People Have Money". This evening we had planned to celebrate together will, hopefully, be rescheduled when Shadow mounts the production in the new season. However, the fundraising committee is looking at alternatives for an event and more information will follow as we learn more. As always, donations to the Club, of any amount, are welcome and will help us fund NEXT YEAR'S important work once we are back at it. If you have already bought your ticket to the production through ClubRunner, we will be in touch to explore options. 

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COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITY 

Many of us are all cooped up but we are still Rotarians at heart with a deep desire to live our "Service Above Self" motto. With that in mind, we have a virtual community service opportunity for you!

Patients at the Cross Cancer Institute and other locations are also cooped up without the ability to see family or friends in person while undergoing treatment. We have an opportunity to participate in a support letter writing campaign!

How can you help? Well...

1. Write a hand written note of support to someone in care - as if they were a friend needing a perk up during this challenging time.

2. Take a photo or scan it.

3. Send it to glenorarotary@gmail.com

What will happen next? These will all be compiled and provided to our contacts at the Cross Cancer Institute and they will be printed and distributed to patients. 

DEADLINE: We would love to get 50 letters from Club members between now and Thursday April 2  so that going into the first weekend of April, and before the Easter holiday, we are able to spread a little extra joy.

What are your thoughts? Any suggestions for an April virtual Club Service activity? Please email us your ideas at glenorarotary@gmail.com

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ROTARY CONNECTS THE WORLD...

AND THIS UPLIFTING CHOIR VIDEO IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF HOW PEOPLE ARE CONNECTING AND SPREADING GOOD DURING SOCIAL ISOLATION.

Chino Valley High School Students didn't let COVID-19 stop them from performing when their concert was cancelled! 

ENJOY!

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NEXT WEEK'S GLENORIAN:

- Family Activities: Ideas for indoors and outdoors

- Free Online Courses: What's Out There?