St. Patrick's Day Facts and Fun

by Christina Rowsell
The Brighter Side

We are always looking for ways to brighten your day, and what a better way than with the colour green!  Happy St. Patrick's Day.

The day we celebrate is in honour of St. Patrick (click on his name for a fascinating story of his life - truly an interesting man with a very powerful story) who was a 5th-century Romano-British Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland.  And the day we celebrate with green beer and little leprechauns is actually on the day that is the anniversary of the date of St. Patrick's death.

Over his life time, he established over 300 churches and baptized over 100,000 people.

St. Patrick used the Shamrock to explain the Catholic concept of the Holy Trinity of the Father, Son and Holy ghost.  But it wasn't until 1766 when New York city had their first St. Patrick's Day parade.  It is now the biggest in the world. So where on earth did the legend of Leprechauns come in.  The story dates back to the 8th century.  A leprechaun is a fairy from Irish storytelling.  The leprechaun is a mischievous creature that cannot be caught.  The story goes, that they were shoemakers who put away their money in pots at the end of rainbows, or spread them around the forests.  So they say.

My children, two boys ages 5 and 7 have devised a plan to catch this wee elf.  They think if they catch the Leprechaun he'll show them where there gold is.  I told my boys that if they get his gold then need to donate a portion if it to charity.  They gladly agreed, as it means they get to keep most of it.

So, the question remains.  How does one catch a quick Leprechaun?  First and foremost, use your imagination.  And if you just can't think of one, ask your child, they'll have all kinds of plans for you. In our home, it's as simple as closing up a Lego house - you bribe your Leprechaun to come in with nice things - for us we're using some lucky charms - he takes the bribe, then he's trapped.  They say if you trap him and ask him where his gold is he'll tell you in exchange for letting him go!

Good luck!  Luck of the Irish!!  Happy St. Patrick's Day!

And in honour of our Irish friends. Tourism Ireland wants you to #GoGreen4PatricksDay.  With the help of Irishman Liam Neeson they've put together this beautiful video - meant to invite you to visit their spectacular home!  See the video HERE.

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by Christina Rowsell ~

© Christina Rowsell

Radio Announcer, Magazine Editor, Blogger, Photographer, Mother, Wife, Sister, Daughter and... Part Time Cook (only when she has time). Looking for The Brighter Side of life sharing Good News, Great Ideas & Amazing People.  Sitting still is something Christina knows nothing about.  If you have a story to share feel free to contact Christina.  Follow on Twitter, @BrighterSideyyc @RadioChristina and LIKE on Facebook The Brighter Side and ChristinaRowsell.com.

Remarkable Loving Touch Brings Baby Back To Life

by Christina Rowsell
The Brighter Side

This story has been making it's way around social media.  It shows you the remarkable loving touch of a mother's love.

See their story HERE.




Beautiful story.

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by Christina Rowsell ~

© Christina Rowsell

Radio Announcer, Magazine Editor, Blogger, Photographer, Mother, Wife, Sister, Daughter and... Part Time Cook (only when she has time). Looking for The Brighter Side of life sharing Good News, Great Ideas & Amazing People.  Sitting still is something Christina knows nothing about.  If you have a story to share feel free to contact Christina.  Follow on Twitter, @BrighterSideyyc @RadioChristina and LIKE on Facebook The Brighter Side and ChristinaRowsell.com.

The Doorway | 100 Women Who Care Calgary

by Christina Rowsell
The Brighter Side
via 100 Women Who Care Calgary

When a young person between the ages of 17-24 decides they want to get off the streets they can come to The Doorway.

The Doorway is a community funded business oriented space where young people choose to participate in a community run integration project.

The Doorway is a space to think, community members to learn with and tools to plan their lives with their own ideas.

Since 1988 The Doorway has been a bridge between street and mainstream cultures where participants progressively work towards sustainable economic independence (legal income and housing).

The Doorway approach is based on a step by step contracting process. Participants choose each successive step they need to take to get off the streets. Using "MYPLAN" participants write out their plan of action then discuss it with a volunteer or staff member; a key aspect of the process. This planned step becomes their contract. Participants are paid a $15 incentive for each contract they negotiate to a maximum of 8 steps per month.

Success is defined as the ability to find and sustain employment and a safe place to live as well as acquiring problem-solving skills which allow them to move forward in their lives and to feel hope in their future. Since 1988, a consistent average of 7 out of 10 participants achieve personal goals to leave the street environment.

Find out more about The Doorway HERE.

Visit The Doorway online for more information at http://thedoorway.ca.

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by Christina Rowsell ~

© Christina Rowsell

Radio Announcer, Magazine Editor, Blogger, Photographer, Mother, Wife, Sister, Daughter and... Part Time Cook (only when she has time). Looking for The Brighter Side of life sharing Good News, Great Ideas & Amazing People.  Sitting still is something Christina knows nothing about.  If you have a story to share feel free to contact Christina.  Follow on Twitter, @BrighterSideyyc @RadioChristina and LIKE on Facebook The Brighter Side and ChristinaRowsell.com.

Junior Achievement 100 Women Who Care Calgary

by Christina Rowsell
The Brighter Side
via 100 Women Who Care Calgary

Junior Achievement started with a vision to help teach young people about business and free enterprise. That was back in 1919, before JA became a global leader in educating youth about financial literary, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Now in over 121 countries, JA brings volunteers together with over 10.2 million of our future leaders. We believe in the boundless potential of young people and share their passion for excellence, respect their talents and creativity, celebrate their honesty and integrity, and create opportunities for hands-on learning.

Imagine what we’ll be able to accomplish with your experience and support. Junior Achievement is the link between education and the business world, giving youth the confidence and knowledge they need to define personal success, enhance their workforce readiness and pursue their dreams.

http://southern-alberta.jacan.org

Students who participate in Junior Achievement programs gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed in life. Our programs prepare them to innovate, take on leadership roles and go after their dreams. We accomplish this by partnering with teachers and dedicated volunteers who bring the “real world” into the classroom. Our programs are based on three pillars: financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness.

Imagine the potential each of us has when someone 
takes the time to invest in our future

Volunteer for JA with your friend, as part of a
corporate team building activity, or solo. You choose!

Details CLICK HERE.

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by Christina Rowsell ~

© Christina Rowsell

Radio Announcer, Magazine Editor, Blogger, Photographer, Mother, Wife, Sister, Daughter and... Part Time Cook (only when she has time). Looking for The Brighter Side of life sharing Good News, Great Ideas & Amazing People.  Sitting still is something Christina knows nothing about.  If you have a story to share feel free to contact Christina.  Follow on Twitter, @BrighterSideyyc @RadioChristina and LIKE on Facebook The Brighter Side and ChristinaRowsell.com.

Distress Centre Calgary 100 Women Who Care

by Christina Rowsell
The Brighter Side 
via 100 Women Who Care Calgary 

Distress Centre Calgary (DCC) ensures everyone has a place to turn to in a time of crisis by providing 24 hour crisis support, professional counselling and 211 referrals - all at no cost.

It's not up to us to define what the crisis is -- it's different for everyone. They don't judge. They're here to listen and connect you with the help you need. 

Mission: Provide compassionate, accessible crisis support that enhances the health, well-being and resiliency of individuals in distress. 

Vision: Everyone is heard.

Values: Accessibility, collaboration, compassion, excellence, inclusively, innovation, leadership, partnerships, respect, and volunteerism.  

Need Help?

"We don’t judge. We listen."

Calls to Distress Centre Calgary's crisis line, 403.266.HELP (4357), are confidential and non-judgemental. They offer free 24-hour crisis intervention, professional counselling and referral services to help you overcome crisis.

Everyone has a different definition of crisis. But, no matter who you are or what you’re facing, they can help. Whether it’s the stress of a new job, struggling with drugs, getting over a recent break-up, or thoughts of suicide, their volunteers and professional staff are always there when you need someone to talk to.

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by Christina Rowsell ~

© Christina Rowsell

Radio Announcer, Magazine Editor, Blogger, Photographer, Mother, Wife, Sister, Daughter and... Part Time Cook (only when she has time). Looking for The Brighter Side of life sharing Good News, Great Ideas & Amazing People.  Sitting still is something Christina knows nothing about.  If you have a story to share feel free to contact Christina.  Follow on Twitter, @BrighterSideyyc @RadioChristina and LIKE on Facebook The Brighter Side and ChristinaRowsell.com.

Cystic Fibrosis 100 Women Who Care Calgary

by Christina Rowsell
The Brighter Side
via 100 Women Who Care Calgary

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. There is no cure.

Cystic fibrosis causes various effects on the body, but mainly affects the digestive system and lungs. The degree of cystic fibrosis involvement differs from person to person. However, the persistence and ongoing infection in the lungs, with destruction of lungs and loss of lung function, eventually causes death in the majority of people who have cystic fibrosis.

It is estimated that one in every 3,600 children born in Canada has cystic fibrosis. Almost 4,000 Canadian children, adolescents, and adults with cystic fibrosis attend specialized CF clinics.

Cystic Fibrosis Canada depends on volunteers to help raise awareness and funds in support of cystic fibrosis research, advocacy and clinical care. It is because of people like you that Canadians living with cystic fibrosis know they are not alone in the fight against this fatal, genetic disease.

Through the generosity of their many donors and corporate partners, they are improving the lives of people with cystic fibrosis (CF). 

A child diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in the 1960s was not expected to live long enough to attend kindergarten. 

Today, the median age of survival of Canadians with cystic fibrosis is among the highest in the world, at 50.9 years of age in 2013.

Because of their donors, they continue to advance the battle against this devastating disease by investing in innovative research in the pursuit of the next medical breakthrough and the highest standard of CF care, as well as supporting advocacy initiatives for universal CF newborn screening and access to life-changing medication. They are also carving new paths from research lab discoveries to the development of new treatments, and investing in a national quality improvement initiative for CF care.

For more information visit http://www.cfchapters.ca/calgary-southern-alberta/

CYSTIC FIBROSIS CANADA - CALGARY & SOUTHERN ALBERTA CHAPTER
1130F 44 Ave SE,
Calgary, AB T2G 4W6

Phone:  (403) 266-5295
Fax:  (403) 262-7556
Email:  abinfo@cysticfibrosis.ca 

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by Christina Rowsell ~

© Christina Rowsell

Radio Announcer, Magazine Editor, Blogger, Photographer, Mother, Wife, Sister, Daughter and... Part Time Cook (only when she has time). Looking for The Brighter Side of life sharing Good News, Great Ideas & Amazing People.  Sitting still is something Christina knows nothing about.  If you have a story to share feel free to contact Christina.  Follow on Twitter, @BrighterSideyyc @RadioChristina and LIKE on Facebook The Brighter Side and ChristinaRowsell.com.

Society for Treatment of Autism 100 Women Who Care Calgary

by Christina Rowsell
The Brighter Side
via 100 Women Who Care Calgary

Society for Treatment of Autism (STA) is an Alberta-based registered charitable organization providing individualized treatment that is both developmentally appropriate and empirically based.  

Service are specialized to meet the needs of person with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families.  Programming is designed, implement and supported by a multidisciplinary team.  

They offer a diverse range of treatment programs across a variety of environments that are designed to enhance participation in all aspects of life.  Their gal is to support hose who they serve to achieve their maximum potential.  

But you may be asking yourself, "What is autism?"

What is Autism?

Autism is a life-long disability that typically appears within the first three years of life. It is best described as a neurological dysfunction.

Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder that impacts the developing child’s communication
skills, behavior and social interaction skills. 

Although autism was once considered a relatively rare disorder, it has become a pressing health care issue. Recent statistics suggest that approximately 1 in 165 children are afflicted with an autism spectrum disorder. 

Common Misconceptions

Image www.123rf.com

Misconception

All autistic individuals possess special skills and genius abilities (e.g., able to memorize license plates, complete complicated mental math, exceptional musical / art skills)

Truth

Although the autistic individual depicted in the movie "Rainman" possessed special abilities, the vast majority of autistic people do not. Autistic individuals who possess "genius" abilities are often called "savants" or "autistic savants". Approximately 50 percent of all savants have autism, while only about five-to-ten percent of autistic individuals possess extraordinary savant skills. However, most autistic individuals display uneven or scattered skill development (e.g., do better on nonverbal tasks, motor tasks and concrete tasks). Additionally, most autistic individuals display significant cognitive / intellectual impairments. 

Misconception

All autistic individuals are withdrawn, avoid eye contact, engage in self injurious behaviour, rock, spin objects and avoid affection.

Truth

Individuals with autism tend to be diverse. Therefore, it is difficult to use words such as "all" or "none" when describing this group. Some autistic individuals engage in eye contact while others enjoy tickles and hugs. However, not all engage in rocking, spinning or self abusive behaviour. 

Individuals with autism share common behavioural characteristics, and it is on this basis that a diagnosis is made.

Support

Donating is an excellent way to support us and the services we offer for individuals and families living with autism.

Your support means we can:

• Develop new treatment programs.
• Expand our services to accommodate more individuals.
• Conduct research into treatment methods.
• Provide information to help families and communities cope with the effects of autism.
• Fund equipment to provide therapy.
• Donations are critical to maintaining the high quality of services we offer to children and families.

If you would like to assist, please make your contribution payable to:

Society for Treatment of Autism
404 - 94th Avenue SE
Calgary, AB
T2J 0E8

Visit http://www.autism.ca/ for more information.

Plus visit www.100WomenCalgary.com.

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by Christina Rowsell ~

© Christina Rowsell

Radio Announcer, Magazine Editor, Blogger, Photographer, Mother, Wife, Sister, Daughter and... Part Time Cook (only when she has time). Looking for The Brighter Side of life sharing Good News, Great Ideas & Amazing People.  Sitting still is something Christina knows nothing about.  If you have a story to share feel free to contact Christina.  Follow on Twitter, @BrighterSideyyc @RadioChristina and LIKE on Facebook The Brighter Side and ChristinaRowsell.com.