Health Networking
Meeting via Zoom
The Sitka Health Summit Coalition’s monthly Wooch.een (‘‘together’’ in Tlingit) health networking and learning meeting will be noon-1:30 p.m. Friday, May 8, by way of Zoom.
The purpose is to spark partnerships and to promote cross sector collaboration, learning and networking to improve well-being in Sitka. For more information go to sitkahealthsummit.org. Those wanting to join the meeting, contact Amanda Roberts at amandar@searhc.org for the Zoom meeting connect information.
Girls on the Run Updates
By Sitkans Against Family Violence
Girls on the Run is a national empowerment-based program for girls in third through fifth grades. Sitka’s 12th season of the program began in early March! While practices have been suspended due to COVID-19, participants have the opportunity to continue receiving the program messages by completing fun GOTR at home activities weekly and keeping in contact with their coaches.
This week, GOTR at home activities help girls celebrate mistakes and stick with challenges to develop a growth mindset. When we look at things with a growth mindset, we’re more likely to see challenges as opportunities to grow and keep going when things get hard. The only way to learn and grow is to fail, get back up, and keep going!
Girls also practice strategies to find calm and be present; practicing mindfulness daily can improve overall health and helps reduce stress and anxiety. Next time life throws you off balance, try recentering yourself by practicing balloon breathing. Breathe in for four seconds, pretending you’re blowing up a balloon inside your belly. Pause for two seconds before exhaling for four seconds, deflating the imaginary balloon. Pause for two seconds and repeat.
GOTR will continue to provide the Sitka community with updates from the program. We also aim to give mentors, parents and guardians opportunities to pass on skills from Girls on the Run to the children in their lives. Here are some conversation starters for talking with kids about growth mindset and mindfulness:
What’s one positive thing you can say to yourself next time you experience a challenge? How might that help you grow?
Can you think of a way you could re-center when life throws you off balance, such as balloon breathing? When might you use this strategy?
Girls on the Run is sponsored by Sitkans Against Family Violence. Email gotr@safv.org for more information.
Earth Day Cleanup
Challenge on Tap
The Sitka Sound Science Center invites the public to participate in a socially-distant but working-together Earth Day cleanup challenge.
Starting today, Earth Day, through Sunday, April 26, the science center is encouraging people to get out for a mini-Earth Day cleanup while continuing to follow local COVID-19 guidelines and CDC recommendations.
Individuals can post a photo on Facebook or Instagram tagging the science center (@SitkaScience) and using the hashtag #SSSCcleanupchallenge2020 for a chance to win an eco-alternative gift pack from the center’s gift shop. The winner will be randomly selected on Monday, April 27.
Library to Offer
Technical Help
Sitka Public Library is offering distance tech help sessions over the phone to those who are having technical difficulties.
To request an appointment, email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org or call 747-4020 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
