Hey folks,
I'm not sure about you, but January felt pretty low on this end. I think the combination of darkness, the cold, and just being mentally/emotionally drained from nearly a year of the COVID-19 pandemic really hit me hard. I miss going to the library, visiting friends and family, and having a little time each week to really take care of myself. I miss having more than an hour each week to sit down with my partner. Things have felt challenging.
As a result, I've decided to make a few changes in my daily life to help combat these feelings of depression, as I look to have more gratitude and be proactive with the aspects in life I do have control over. I'm putting a pause on alcohol consumption for the foreseeable future. I'm making an effort to get outside each day and go for a walk around the block. I'm forcing myself to go to bed at a reasonable hour. I'm gonna attempt to eat more vegetable and fewer nachos (believe it or not, even vegan nachos are still pretty unhealthy). I'm going to try and commit to doing the things I know make me feel better. You're welcome to join me.
And February brings a great opportunity to focus on the positive and have gratitude: Black History Month. Please take some time this month, to celebrate all of the amazing contributions Black folx have made to our world over the years. Here are a few links to get you started:
We've also been busy at Dad Guild, with a lot of great stuff happening and more just around the corner. Check out what we've been up to and, as always, feel free to reach out with any thoughts and/or questions. Sending much love to you all!
-Keegan
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All virtual events are being hosted by Dad Guild on Zoom. Same link. Same password. Every time (with the exception of the Fletcher Free Library book groups, which you will receive a separate Zoom link for via email when you register).
Link: https://zoom.us/j/142812659?pwd=MDRwQXE2MEhiRVVjaE5hUFRYOE91Zz09
Password: 614565
Having difficulty setting up Zoom? Lacking access to reliable technology that allows you to connect with us? Reach out to us and we'll see how we can help.
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Listen to Marlon Fisher Talk About Dad Guild on VPR
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On Wednesday, February 3rd, Vermont Edition on VPR did a show on parenting during the COVID-19 pandemic...a topic I'm sure we could all write a book on by this point. Host Jane Lindholm welcomed several guests, including Dad Guild Treasurer Marlon Fisher. Click here to give the show a listen, and hear Marlon talk about Dad Guild and his experience parenting two young boys over the past year. The whole episode is pretty great, but if you're itching to hear Marlon's voice feel free to skip to 23:14.
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What to do When Your Child has a Preferred Parent
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Yeah, that's a picture of my family. The first thing I notice when I look at this photo is that Penny could likely give Sylvester Stallone a run for his money in Over the Top with those bulging biceps. The second thing I notice is that both of my children are clinging to their mother. Pretty common occurrence in this house, and it doesn't always leave me feeling super great. Do your children prefer your partner over you? Check out my latest "Pop Culture" column in this month's KidsVT Newspaper.
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$150 Raised for Mawuhi African Market
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Dad Guild recently ordered a new line of screen printed sweatshirts from Webster Ink in Shelburne (shout out to owner/local father Evan Webster!), and donated 100% of the profits to the GoFundMe campaign to help the Mawuhi African Market with their upcoming relocation. We were able to raise and donate $150 to the cause, and hope the market can find a suitable new home in the near future. What a tremendous community asset. Please feel free to read more about the campaign by clicking here and share a few dollars if you can.
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Introducing the Dad Guild Warmline
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Well we've mentioned it a few times, and now we're officially launching and marketing: The Dad Guild Warmline. This statewide service allows fathers to reach out whenever they need someone to talk to. Maybe you're stressed, want to get some recipe ideas, or just want to hear our opinion regarding the best Vin Diesel movie (The Iron Giant, save yourself a call). We're calling it a warmline because no one will answer the phone, but you'll be able to leave a message and we'll get back to you at our earliest convenience. You are also welcome to send a text message as well if you prefer. And yes, this is also our general contact phone number. We have one free Google Voice number. That's how we roll. Get in touch today at (802) 318-4231.
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Join The Brotherhood as a Mentor or Mentee, Today!
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The Janet S. Munt Family Room in Burlington's Old North End has launched a fatherhood mentoring program called "The Brotherhood". Participants in the program are local fathers who could benefit from having an additional social contact in their lives. Someone to just check in a few times a month to see how things are going, share some thoughts, and tell a few jokes. Mentors are needed! If you're interested in becoming a fatherhood mentor in the program, please reach out to Keegan today. And click here if you would like some additional information regarding The Brotherhood.
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Weekly Wednesday Check-Ins
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As always, our Dads' Night In Weekly Hump Day Check-Ins continue! Every Wednesday night from 8:45 - 10:00pm, our Zoom Meeting is open to all, and folks can jump in for 5 minutes, or stay the whole time. Conversations range from funny personal experiences, to watching Die Hard for the first time, to having a place to talk about the challenges of juggling all the things right now. It's also just a good place to go if you have questions around parenting topics such as sleep training, potty training, etc. as there's usually a handful of dads there ready to offer their perspectives. Hope to see you out there!
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Fletcher Free Library Book Group: The Cooking Gene
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Our monthly book group with the Fletcher Free Library continues. For the month of March, folks will be reading book, The Cooking Gene by Michael W. Twitty. Please visit the library's website to register, and then join us for two Thursday evenings in March as we discuss the book. This book group is open to the public, and folks do not need to be a father to join. And a friendly reminder, you do not need to live/work in Burlington to participate in this group. Hope to see you there!
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Ohavi Zedek Synagogue Event: Supporting Children Through Stressful Times
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For nearly ten years, I worked alongside Alex Shevrin Venet at The Centerpoint School, a trauma-informed alternative school that serves teenagers from all over the region. She's da bomb, and is facilitating a free workshop put on by Ohavi Zedek Synagogue. Visit their website as the date nears, and be sure to sign up. Should be a great evening. Here's a bit more about what to expect from the workshop, as described by the folks at OZ:
"Join OZ for a workshop on supporting children through stressful times, February 15 at 8:00pm. When communities are going through collective trauma, how do we buffer children from stress? In this workshop, trauma-informed education specialist Alex Shevrin Venet will address this question and more, focusing on proactive ways that parents and caregivers can reinforce a sense of safety in stressful times. Alex will focus on fostering predictability, flexibility, connection, and empowerment. A short presentation will be followed by discussion, questions, and dialogue so we can all learn from one another's successes and find solidarity in the challenges. Alex will also provide resources for further learning."
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