Jan 20 - Local News & Events This Week
Plus: Healthy local alternatives to doom-scrolling the world news
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A little something happening south of the border today is sure to dominate news cycles and social media. If that has you feeling a certain kind of way, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to stew in it.
Now, I’m not talking about sticking your head in the sand. At the same time, self-preservation is a very good thing, and nothing will change in the next 12 hours through Canadians’ collective fretting over multi-channel play-by-plays.
When things feel overwhelming, sometimes the best thing we can do is zoom in. It’s not always possible to make sense of the big picture, so focus on the small, manageable details in front of you. Narrowing your focus can help bring clarity and calm, and we need that now more than ever.
Here are a few other things you may want to focus on today. Some are serotonin-inducing; others may have tangible positive effects for yourself and others. All are guaranteed to be healthier and more rewarding than doom-scrolling:
Get some fresh air. I’m not going to tell you to go out in it right now if that’s not available to you. But you could sit by a window and watch the world go by. Even just being near sunlight and feeling a fresh breeze can help lift your spirits.
Check on a friend. Call or message someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. They might appreciate the connection as much as you do.
Explore hands-on hobbies and maker spaces. See what classes and workshops are coming up at Intersections Wood Collaborative, Georgian Bay School of the Arts, Upwards Studio, and Grey Bruce Makers at the Sydenham Campus.
Watch a nature documentary. Streaming can transport you to stunning landscapes and remind you of the world’s inherent beauty, no matter the weather.
Reevaluate your capacity for volunteering. Take a moment to think about how you can give back to the community. Whether it’s OSHaRE, the hospital, the library, or a local animal shelter, organizations in Owen Sound are always looking for extra hands.
Support local artists. Visit the Tom Thomson Art Gallery, Artists’ Co-op, Grey Gallery, Upwards Studio, or another local gallery or studio.
Have a cell phone-free lunch and/or dinner. Do it at a locally owned and independent restaurant, no political chatter allowed.
Plan a local day trip. Even if you can’t go now, start planning a visit to Inglis Falls, Harrison Park, or Grey Roots Museum & Archives when the weather allows. Who will you bring? What will you do? How will you get there? What can you change up to make it new and interesting?
Learn something new. See what’s happening with the Bluewater Association for Lifelong Learning, The Sustainability Project (formerly known as Grey Bruce Sustainability Network), Grey Bruce Climate Action Network, or another grassroots group or initiative.
Leave a surprise for someone: Drop off a coffee, baked treat, or small care package for a friend, coworker, or neighbour—just a little something to brighten their day.
Next up, Grey Bruce made national news last week for all the wrong reasons. Reader Joan Beecroft poses a relevant question in this new letter to the editor:
Public Notices
Public Notice of Special Committee of Adjustment Meeting & Rescheduling of January Strategic Planning Ad Hoc Committee Meeting - announced January 13
The Operations Committee Meeting scheduled for Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. has been cancelled.
Registration for the 2025 Owen Sound Minor Baseball season is now open. Early bird registrants have a chance to win their fees back until February 1. Registration is open January 15 until March 15.
Local News
Keep reading for local events and our original reporting + curated local news updates.
Today, you’ll find a sneak peek at an upcoming OSLT production, CTV News video featuring our local marine studies program, an update on the local provincial PC nomination,* and more.
~ Miranda Miller, Editor
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*We’d really love to hear from the other local parties, too. We’ve reached out to those listed on party websites and aren’t hearing back. Please get in touch with owensoundcurrenteditor@gmail.com if that’s you.
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