IN THIS ISSUE

Community is usually what binds us together. The relationships we have with others, created by shared opinions, locations, interests or lifestyles enrich our lives and keep us connected. As John Donne put it: "No man is an island unto himself. Every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main." This issue explores the some of the myriad forms of community and hopes to shed light on how important belonging is to us all. One of the great barriers to positive mental health is isolation and if we all made an effort to reach out to those who are alone we could change the world for some. A simple gesture of kindness or acknowledgement can make an immense difference to someone's quality of life. Just smiling at someone or saying "hello" says you believe that person is worth the effort of acknowledgement. It costs us nothing, but for someone feeling alone and cut off it could be a spark that encourages self esteem. So in this issue you can read how some are making giant strides in connection and assistance to others, how to organise and cater for a street party to connect with your neighbours, how to start a community garden, how to organise a community art project and suggestions on how to get involved with volunteering in your community.

The Benefits of Community

​Amid the hustle and pressure of current daily life our connection to community is being diminished. Yet being part of a community can have a positive effect on mental health and emotional wellbeing. Read how important Community is HERE.

Volunteering.

Follow our tips to finding the perfect fit and you’ll be rewarded with making friends, learning new skills, feeling happier and healthier and of course helping people and communities in need. HERE.

What's the greatest societal influence known to man?

Irene Frances Olsen thinks it's grandparenting. Read her very valid reasons why they make such a valued contribution to family and community HERE.

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Easter Craft.​ 

Charming chickadees, popstick puppets, bunny goodie bags and more. Eggselent ideas to make with or for your grandkids HERE.

Get the party started...in the street.

Street parties are a wonderful way to get to know your community - to connect with neighbours who you might see regularly, but don’t know well. Street parties, also called Community or Block parties depending on which continent you reside, also provide the chance to socialise and share ideas, contribute to a greater sense of trust and safety, improve health and well-being and may assist your community in being better prepared in the case of an emergency. You'll find a comprehensive guide to organising one HERE.

Community Art.

"Community art projects are not simply a luxury; they play a fundamental role in reviving the fortunes and boosting the prospects of poor, minority and other disadvantaged communities."
​Tom Borrup makes a compelling case HERE.

The Get Home Safe Foundation.

Road safety starts with each one of us because we're an important point of learning for our grandchildren. Each time we flout the rules while they are in the car is a suggestion that road rules don't really matter, Rosie Aust reveals HERE.

Community Gardens. 
​Set one up and enjoy their amazing benefits.

Community gardens have burgeoned over the last decade all around the world due perhaps to smaller building blocks or increased apartment living, a need to know where our food comes from and even a need to stretch the budget in times of rising cost of living.  Whatever the reasons, people are finding that the joy of being involved in a community garden outweighs the physical benefits they provide. Read why HERE.

The
​Durham Pointers.

Read how a community stepped into the breach when they lost a vital tourism facility in 2009 HERE.

A revolutionary veterinarian field hospital is now operational.

Read about this game-changing inflatable facility and how it is savings the lives of native and farm animals in South Australia. HERE

STREET EATS!

FoodFoodFood features a range of recipes you might like to try if you're having a street party. Get the neighbours together and celebrate community with these winning recipes. You'll find them HERE

www.facebook.com/grandparentsdaymagazine/Don't forget our Forum and Facebook pages too.
Become a Friend on FACEBOOK and you'll always be up-to-date with what's going on with Grandparent's Day Magazine.  You'll find us HERE.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Our magazine has grown a lot since we started it 12 years ago. Now it's almost too big for us to manage. So we'd like to find out what you want us to keep and what we might think about removing or perhaps rethinking.  All we need is 10 minutes of your time to take a short survey.  Please do us an immense favour and click HERE.

Give your grandkids a world experience. Volunteer overseas.

One way of bridging the generation gap is through travel and more specifically through volunteer travel. In recent years, volunteering abroad has become a way to explore and learn about other cultures. This isn’t the Peace Corps volunteering of yesteryear. It's an opportunity for multi-generational families to travel abroad, explore, learn and work together. Read the best way to organise it HERE.

Plus... In Your Corner, 4 Ways to Yummy, Something to Cook About, Wine Matters, and more

There are new reader contributions, new book reviews, and garden diaries for March and April.   You can read the next instalment of "In Your Corner", be stimulated by "4 Ways to Yummy", continue exploring Donbridge in "Something to Cook About" and catch up on  Wine Matters.  ​There's so much to enjoy! Thank you to all our Regular Contributors and to everyone who continues to send us content.  We greatly appreciate your support.

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Thanks to all our readers.  We keep getting so many messages of support we're very grateful. Please continue to spread the word by promoting the magazine to friends and family and, if you haven't done so lately, please like us on Facebook. 

​​Marsha and Mary