Coming Events fromthe Community Center in Cathlamet

It is officially the day after The Holiday, you made it. Did you handle it like a North Pole Elf-Boss? Did you receive a miracle? Were you surprised by a kindness that was unexpected? Did you connect with people you love? Are you exhausted, broke and traveling home in a crowded airplane? Take a deep breath, close your eyes and become mindful of your surroundings. This season of unity and connection lays the ground for interaction and gives us an opportunity to put mindfulness in motion. Simple and repeated practice of awareness can give presence to everything the season brings - from warmth and joy, to difficulty and tension - without needing to change or fix anything. We may find that being better connected to the moment in this way, a better connection to our self, to our family and friends begins to take hold.

Since last week’s article about quitting smoking, I’ve had two people share with me that they are quitting. I want to take a second to celebrate these folks’ decision and I’d like to welcome back their cilia! Did you know that cilia are the first ‘things’ in your body to heal, regrow and regain normal function very quickly after you quit smoking? If you notice you’re coughing more than usual when you first quit, this is a sign that the cilia are coming back to life.

Did Christmas leave you a little light in the wallet? Good news- The Census Team is taking applications now. Paid training, paid travel and weekly paychecks- if you are looking to make $16 - $17.50 you need to mark your calendar for Tue. Jan. 14, 10-1 p.m. I will be at the CC hosting an informational booth to answer all your questions and fill out the online applications.

Please take note that next Wednesday our local HCA representative will not be at the CC, she will return the following month on Feb 5, 10-12 p.m.

The Book club has a new read, A Life for a Life by Lynda McDaniel. If you haven’t been to a book club gathering yet, I recommend grabbing yourself a copy. They will meet January 10, 11 a.m., at the CC.

Washingtonians can get free help to quit smoking or vaping by contacting the Washington State Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or by downloading a quit app at http://www.doh.wa.gov/quit.

Be well, Wahkiakum. “The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence.”

-- Thich Nhat Hanh