November 2025
In this Issue
Article of the Month
The Heart of Wellness
Veteran’s Day
Gifts from the heart
Dorothy’s Gift
Team In Action
Veteran’s Day November
10 percent of living Veterans are women
5.9 million served in Vietnam
7.8 million served in the Gulf War
4.2 million serve(d) in the Global War on Terrorism
933,000 served in the Korean War
16 million served during WWII
As of 2023, the top three states with the highest percentage of veterans are Alaska, Virginia, and Wyoming
Veteran’s Day honors the patriotism, courage and willingness of all veter-ans who served and sacrificed for the common good.
Originally Armistice Day, it was to commemorate the end of the First World War : “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the 11th month.”
The first observance was November 11, 1919 , proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson.
It became a legal holiday in 1938.
Armistice Day was changed to Veteran’s Day in 1954 to honor all veterans, after veterans’ service organizations pushed to celebrate all who served in the military.
In 2022 one-fifth (21 percent) of the candidates for US Senate, House of Representatives or Governor claimed military experience.
Notable celebrity veterans include Chuck Norris, Alan Alda, Montel Wil-liams, Drew Carey, Tom Selleck, Bea Arthur, Morgan Freeman, and Hugh Heffner.
Harriet Tubman set up a vast espionage ring for the Union during the Civil War. She served as a cook, a nurse and even a spy! She was the first wom-an in history to lead a military operation. Her group freed about 750 slaves and no soldiers in her command were lost in the attack.
If you have the opportunity, Please Thank a Veteran for their service!
“DOROTHY’S GIFT “ANNUAL APPEAL
“Dorothy’s Gift” was inspired by Dorothy Nedeau and for over 21 years “Dorothy’s Gift” has helped provide home care services for thousands of people. Our annual appeal begins in December.
Article of the Month
The Heart of Wellness: Nourishing Mental Health Through Connection and Creativity
Continued series from Christine Lamirande, LCMHC ,Clinical Director NHS and member in AV Community Partners
Movement and the Mind-Body Connection
You don’t need to run marathons to benefit from movement. Gentle walking, stretching or water aerobics can greatly improve mood by releasing endorphins—those natural “feel-good” chemicals in the brain. Physical activity also helps regulate sleep, reduce tension and enhance focus.
For those with mobility concerns, seated exercises, Tai Chi and breathing-focused practices like meditation can offer similar bene-fits. Mindful movement not only strengthens the body, but grounds the mind.
Knowing What’s Available
Mental Health isn’t just an individual responsibility—it’s a community opportunity. Many people don’t realize the range of re-sources and programs available locally, often at little or no cost. Whether it’s a group support, creative workshops wellness walks or mental health services, reaching out can be the fist step toward a more fulfilling life.
If you’re not sure where to start contact your local community center, public library or senior center. They can often connect you with groups or events tailored to your interests and needs.
The Takeaway:
Mental wellness isn’t about achieving constant happiness— it’s about building a life that feels meaningful and manageable, espe-cially during difficult times. Through companionship, creative expression, movement and community connection, we can all take simple but powerful steps toward a more balanced and vibrant life.
Let’s keep the conversation going, and continue to nurture a community where well-being is accessible, supported and celebrat-ed—at every age and stage of life!
Staff Satisfaction
I feel rewarded every time I make clients happy.
I like that my job is to help people who really need it.
Our clients need us and we have the opportunity to make a difference every day.