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The ADC Communiqué Accuracy, Dependability & Commitment to Excellence

Volume 3, No. 7 ♦♦ December 2012

DAWN’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

Hello Everyone:

This issue of the ADC Communiqué will contain a lot of news as we will not be sending out Christmas cards this year. We thought it would be a better idea to use the Newsletter as a means to not only keep you informed of what’s happening, but also to add our own personal wishes for a very Happy Christmas and all the very best for 2013.

2013!!!! Who would have thought that we would have lived to see this? I remember going to school and looking through the calendars, and seeing 2013. I used to

wonder who will be around to see this… and yet here we are!

I hope that you enjoy this issue of the Communiqué. I’ve tried to make it as ‘Christmassy’ as possible, as well as incorporating many other items of interest. You will notice that Dawn’s Diary is missing — not because there’s nothing to put there, but because December is always so full of family, friends, and Church activities too many to mention. You can be assured, however, that it will be a very busy time for us.

So enjoy the issue and, as usual, feedback is always appreciated.

CHRISTMAS MUSINGS

A KIND, FORGIVING TIME…

I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time — a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of in the long calendar of the year when men and women seem, by one accord, to open their shut-up hearts freely and to think of other people. Therefore, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that

IN THIS ISSUE:

Dawn’s Christmas Message

Christmas Musings

Interview with Norma Nicholson

The Winter of our Lives, Part II

Feedback on November Issue

Snow Shoveling Tips

Tips for Making Your Will and Funeral Plans

Christmas News from Dawn and Hugh

Inspirational Corner

Avon News

Advertisements

EDITOR/PUBLISHER: Dawn Clarke

adcprocer@bell.net www.adcprocer.com

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it has done me good and will do me good, and I say, “God bless it!” (Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol)

THE GIFTS OF THE MAGI…

The three Wise Men were named Melchior, Caspar, and Balthasar. Melchior presented a casket of gold to the infant Christ; this symbolized the King he would become. Casper brought myrrh, a symbolic gift for a great Physician. Balthazar brought frankincense, a gift suitable for a high Priest.

Giving Away Christmas Cheer:

Increase your Christmas joy by giving it away. Invite those who will be alone for Christmas into your home for the holiday season. Or, celebrate Christmas a day early and spend Christmas Day helping out at a soup kitchen serving meals for the homeless. You can also arrange to buy gifts anonymously for someone at Church who cannot afford gifts.

Try these simple gestures and others to experience the kind of joy God had when He sent the greatest Gift of all.

A YEAR OF CHRISTMAS JOY FOR SHUT-INS…

Got someone special in a Nursing Home or Retirement Community? Buy an attractive twelve-month calendar with pockets. Fill each month with treats and include a sealed greeting card for each holiday of the year.

Suggested items are bookmarks, sealed tea bags, notepads, pens, special poems, compact disks of favourite music, photos of grandchildren or important events, a decorative handkerchief, lapel pins, very small inspirational books.

Since mail is often rare for shut-ins, why not give a subscription to an inspirational magazine, like Guideposts or Reader’s Digest, as well?

YOUR FIRST CHRISTMAS CARD!

T’was the month before Christmas…

When all through our land,

Not a Christian was praying Nor taking a stand.

Why the PC Police had taken away The reason for Christmas, no one could

say!

The children were told by their schools not to sing

About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things;

It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say,

“December 25th is just a Holiday”.

Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit,

Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!

CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-Pod…

Something was changing, something quite odd!

Retailers promoted Ramadan and

Kwanzaa In hopes to sell books by Franken &

Fonda As Targets were hanging their trees

upside down, At Lowe's the word Christmas was

nowhere to be found. At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's

and Sears You won't hear the word Christmas; it

won't touch your ears. Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-is-ty

Are words that were used to intimidate me!

(cont’d…)

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INTERVIEW WITH

PERSONALITY OF THE

MONTH…

Norma Nicholson

My personality for this issue is Norma Nicholson. Norma is a Registered Nurse, wife and mother. I hope that you will enjoy her interview as much I enjoyed doing it with her.

ADC: Hello Norma, and thank you for agreeing to be the personality for the December issue of the ADC Communiqué.

NN: I am very humbled and pleased to be your personality for December's ADC Communiqué.

ADC: I know that we’ve known each other for a while, but can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

NN: I am a Christian, mother, grandmother, wife, aunt, and a registered nurse for 40 years.

My passion and love for mentoring and coaching others is demonstrated in the life I live daily. I give freely to others whether it is the use of my time or if I am able to make a donation to worthy causes or just lend a listening ear. I have been so blessed in that I have been recognized by many organizations for the volunteer work I do. I am the past president of the board of the Alzheimer Society of Peel Region; past president of my nursing association — the Registered Nurses Association of Peel, and I am presently a member of the board of the RNAO for four regions in the Province of Ontario. I have been nominated every year for the past six years as one of the Toronto Star’s Nightingale Nurses; i.e., one who honours and serves others diligently in the health care system in Ontario. I love to assist others. I am at the Salvation Army shelter some Saturday mornings teaching new parents and assisting them with their breakfasts. I then clean the pots and pans and return home to my week end routines.

As a Registered Nurse, I have provided health care and mentored nurses in health care facilities where care is delivered from the cradle to the grave. I have worked with infants at the Hospital for Sick Children, delivered newborns at the Queensway General Hospital. and managed health care for the very young and the very old in a variety of other health care facilities,

Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen;

On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!

At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter

To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.

And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith.

Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace,

The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded,

The reason for the season, stopped before it started.

So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under

your 'Dream Tree' Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me:

Choose your words carefully, choose what you say,

Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday!

Please, all Christians join together and wish everyone you meet

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Christ is the reason for the Christ-mas Season!

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such as rehab and long term care. I had planned to retire when I saw an advertisement a few years ago, for a nurse to develop health care for children and youth that are incarcerated in the Ontario Justice System. I have been very humbled by that experience, and learn so much that I share this knowledge daily with families and friends on how they can be engaged in the lives of their children to keep them out of such a facility.

I have now handed over that role to a very knowledgeable nurse, and am presently working with a new team of mental health nurses to provide mental health and addictions support to the Toronto District School Board, the Catholic School Board and the French School Boards in Southern Ontario. Nursing is a career that enhances my life and the lives of others that I have been so blessed to serve.

ADC: You came here from Jamaica. What

made you decide to migrate to Canada,

and what was your transition like?

NN: I came to Canada from Jamaica in 1969 as a nanny to a wonderful family who had six children. At first it was quite lonely because I had no friends and was not even sure where I would attend church. In the early 1960s, it was very difficult to obtain work after graduating from high school in Jamaica and I heard about the program where one could apply to be a nanny to a family. I worked with that family for several years, was encouraged to attend night classes and had the opportunity to increase my education to be able to attend George Brown College as a nursing student. My zest for learning was created in that family's home and that enabled me to attain not only an RN designation, but also a BA in Psychology and an MA (Ed) in adult education from the University of Toronto. On reflection, I truly thank that family for the support that they

provided and, at times when I think of them, it encourages me to continue to help others become the best that they can be.

Other than cold winters, I integrated easily into Canadian society I think because I had a goal of obtaining more education to help others.

ADC: Work-wise, I know that you are a very busy person, but do you have time for any hobbies? How do you handle juggling work, home and Church activities?

NN: What are hobbies? Serving others is so much fun, it is surely like having a hobby! I love to read — am just completing a book by Danielle Steele, and I love gardening with my hubby. When you are able to go to your small back yard and reap vegetables, what better taste can you enjoy in the summer? It is so much better than going to the supermarket. I am so blessed in many ways in that my husband, who is also from Jamaica, loves to cook and take care of our home. He is retired and always ensures that I have rest time and nap time each day.

In my church, which is the Long Branch Baptist Church, not only do I enjoy serving the Lord with others but I help our congregation in ways such as assisting to prepare and serve our monthly Fellowship Lunch, greet members and visitors at the door each Sunday, and ensure that our offerings are counted correctly and deposited in the bank. I am a part of the team that takes turns doing these duties and I enjoy doing them. I do take quiet time for myself and also call some of our elderly church members that are unable to come out regularly to our worship.

I have no children at home; they are all adults and I love to have my grand children visit on the weekends. They teach me to be thankful for everyday that the Lord gives us.

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ADC: Thank you Norma for agreeing to do this

interview with us, and we would like to wish

you and your family a very Happy and

Peaceful Christmas.

NN: My great appreciation for this opportunity to share a bit about me, and to remind all that: “What we are is God's gift to us. What we become is our gift to God"

THE WINTER OF OUR LIVES, Part II “Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day!

And taking a nap is not a treat anymore …. It’s mandatory! ’Cause if I don’t of my own free will – I just fall asleep where I sit! And so…

Now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done, but never did!

But, at least I know that though the winter has come, and I’m not sure how long it will last … this I know, that when it’s over … its over…

Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn’t done … things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things that I’m happy to have done. It’s all in a lifetime …

So, if you’re not in your winter yet …. Let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life, please do it quickly! Don’t put things off too long!!! Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not!

You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life …. So, live for today

and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember …. And hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!!!

“Life is a gift to you – the way you live your life is your gift to those who come after – make it a fantastic one.”

LIVE IT WELL, ENJOY TODAY! DO SOMETHING FUN! BE HAPPY! BE THANKFUL!

FEEDBACK ON THE NOVEMBER ISSUE

Good as usual – missed the interview – but maybe in December [?]. Elsa LR, Jamaica

Thanks Dawn. I identify with the fact that “time has a way of creeping upon us” and that we cannot understand how the winter of our lives has gotten here so fast. Erma C., Toronto

Hi Dawn! I’ve just finished reading your very inspiring and informative Newsletter. Congrats on the work you have put in. The layout is beautiful. Keep up the good work. Joyce F., Jamaica

The last Newsletter was brief but interesting. Owen M., Toronto

SNOW SHOVELING TIPS Yes, for those of us who live in North America, its that time of the year again. So, for those who live in houses, here are a few tips for you:

Warm Up: Before beginning any type of snow removal, warm-up for 5-10 minutes to get the joints moving and increase blood circulation. To do this,

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you can either march on the spot, or go for a quick walk around the block.

Don’t let the snow pile up: Removing small amounts at a time on a frequent basis is less strenuous in the long run.

Pick the right shovel: Use a lightweight, non-stick, push-style shovel. Or better yet, invest in a snow blower.

Push, don’t throw: Push the snow to one side and avoid throwing. If you must throw, avoid twisting and turning

Bend your knees: Use your knees, leg and arm muscles to do the pushing and lifting while keeping your back straight.

Watch for ice: Coarse sand, ice salt, ice-melter, or even kitty litter can help to provide more traction, reducing the chance of a slip or fall.

Wear proper footwear: Shoes and boots with solid trends on the soles can help to minimize the risk of slips and falls

Take a break: If you feel tired or short of breath, stop and take a rest. Make it a habit to rest for a moment for every 10 to 15 minutes. This is especially important if the snow is wet and heavy. Stop shoveling immediately if you feel chest or back pain.

If you go away in the winter, try to get someone to clear your driveway for you, so that it doesn’t pile up until you return. If you don’t, it’s will be a clear giveaway to thieves that you’re not at home!

Taken from the November issue of Hi Rise, a newspaper delivered monthly to condo buildings.

TIPS ON MAKING YOUR WILL & FUNERAL PLANS

A few issues ago I did an article on making Wills and Funeral Plans, and the feedback was so good that I thought that I would do it again just as a gentle reminder on how important this information can be to ALL:

1. It pays to get professional advice when preparing legal documents such as a Will.

2. Make sure your family knows where to find your Will and other legal documents, and can access them. A family member might not be allowed access to your personal safety deposit box.

3. Review your Will every five years or more frequently if there has been a change in your family, to make sure it continues to reflect your wishes

4. If you marry, you will need to make a new Will as your old one will not be valid

5. Talk to your family – the sooner the better – about your funeral wishes or plans, or tell them where you have them written down. You can’t be sure they will find your written instructions in time, if they don’t know where to look.

6. Don’t pre-pay for a funeral unless you know you can get your money back if you move or change your mind — or if the Funeral Home goes out of business.

For more information you can contact Dahlia Burnett at 905-427-1147 or 416-276-5608 or Dawn Clarke. Both of us will be happy to be of assistance to you.

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CHRISTMAS NEWS FROM DAWN & HUGH

Last year, we sent out a special Christmas Newsletter and the response was so favourable that we thought we would do it again this year, but incorporate it with the regular ADC Newsletter. We had so many memorable experiences that we would like to share some of them with you.

Travel:

This year started out with us spending some of January and February in Jamaica visiting family and friends, and also to get a breather out of the cold. This was Hugh’s first visit to Jamaica in nineteen (19) years, and talking about culture shock! He definitely had it. He was definitely in shock at the improvements and all he saw, from the new Airport to all the developments that have taken place in the countryside.

The summer was a very busy one. We took a day trip to Niagara Falls and we had a wonderful time. It was an extremely hot day, but an enjoyable one.

Work:

We thank God that Hugh is still gainfully employed on a part-time basis at Home Depot where he has been for the past 12½ years. He goes two (2) mornings per week, sometimes three (3), and the days vary.

I still work from home building up my Avon business. which has increased phenomenally over the past year. I give God all the thanks and praise for the clients that I’ve received.

Church Activities:

It has been a very busy year for us. We continue to minister twice per month at LeisureWorld Long Term Care Facility. We also share the joy of special occasions, like Easter and Christmas, with them and it

brings us such satisfaction to see the smiles on their faces when we go. We have lost a few of the residents during the year, and feel very sad at each passing.

Hugh was appointed a Deacon in charge of the Prayer Ministry Team, and I’m his assistant. I’ve also been involved in quite a few Ministries and have had a few preaching engagements. I was also asked to speak at a Ladies Conference in November of this year at Lighthouse Fellowship Assembly.

Other:

I’ve chaired/emceed a few functions throughout the year and feedback has been very encouraging

We both continue to participate in the activities of the Caribbean Seniors Social Club of Toronto. I’m the Vice President of that Club, and in that capacity have chaired quite a few of the meetings for the year in the absence of the President.

During the year we again lost a phenomenal amount of friends both here and in Jamaica, who have gone home to be with their Lord. We still have a lot of names on our Prayer Lists of persons who are suffering from one illness or the other. The most prevalent these days is either cancer or Alzheimer’s.

Thank God I was able to publish the Newsletter once every two (2) months to keep our friends and relatives up to date on our activities, and also to let them know that we’re still ‘above ground.’

We give God thanks for being with us throughout 2012 – for guiding and keeping us.

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What does 2013 hold for us??? Who knows? We do remember that tomorrow is not promised to us – only today, and we try to make the most of it.

We would like, at this wonderful time of year, to wish you all a very Happy Christmas, and a New Year filled with lots of LOVE, JOY, GOOD HEALTH, PEACE AND HOPE.

Dawn and Hugh

THAT HOLY THING

THEY all were looking for a king

To slay their foes and lift them high:

Thou cam'st, a little baby thing

That made a woman cry…

– George MacDonald

“The angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” – Luke 2:10

Avon News!

From Campaigns 23 – 26, I ran an incentive offer. If my customers placed an order of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) or more, their names were placed in a box and winners drawn. Now that Campaign #26 is over, I am pleased to announce the following winners:

FIRST PRIZE: Mrs. Sadie Doran, Kipling Avenue Baptist Church

SECOND PRIZE: Ms. Angela Wallace, Private Client

THIRD PRIZE: Ms. Vida Taffe, Kipling Avenue Baptist Church

CONSOLATION PRIZES: Ms Arlene Wilson, Rexall Pharmacies Mrs Dixie Francis, Private Client Mrs Gloria Campbell, Caribbean Seniors Social Club of Toronto Ms Linda Parker, Kipling Avenue Baptist Church Mrs Lowrin Morris, Kipling Avenue Baptist Church Ms Veronica Keen, Caribbean Seniors Social Club of Toronto

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU, and I look forward to being of service to you during 2013.

INSPIRATIONAL

CORNER

Need your Income Tax Returns

done but can’t find a reliable

person to do them?

You can count on

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YOU CAN CONTACT SANDRA BY PHONE AT:

905-790-9456 OR BY E-MAIL:

my_three_boys @live.com

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May Peace be your gift at Christmas and

your Blessing all the New Year through!

Are you ready to

have your house,

apartment or condo

painted?

We at ADC can highly recommend:

Vinton Clarke

(905) 331-8646

He’s reliable, efficient

and dependable!

For a reference, call us

at ADC:

(416) 745-0993