World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) takes place every year on September 10th, which is a date recognized internationally as a day to bring awareness to suicide prevention and postvention, and to also recognize those lost to suicide and those left behind. The North East Suicide Prevention Network’s 4th Annual WSPD event will take place again this year at the Elizabeth Gazebo, Bell Park (off Elizabeth St), on Sunday, September 10th, starting at 4:30 p.m. This year's event is being held in partnership with the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra and the N’Swakamok Kweok Hand Drummers. Our 1 hour concert will be part of the "Mysterious Barricades" coast to coast concert series, raising awareness about mental health and suicide. This free, live streamed via the internet concert will be 21 hours long, featuring 15 Canadian cities/locations, beginning at sunrise in Newfoundland, and ending with sunset on the British Columbia coast. More information about the Mysterious Barricades concert can be found at http://www.mysteriousbarricades.org/, including a short video of last year's concert. As we have done every year, we will also have our free BBQ, and our butterfly release....butterflies to be sold for $10 each on site, on in advance at the Canadian Mental Health Association office on Elm St in Sudbury. The release of butterflies is a beautiful way to remember and honour the lives of those we have lost. We hope you can join us!

As a parent, I've learned (the hard way sometimes) that being prepared is half the battle. I know that many of you would be very interested in making healthier, more natural choices if only it was quick, easy and affordable. I have always loved natural options, essential oils, saving money and diy projects. Now I'd like to share some of what I've learned, and some new things, with you. So, what are our options as parents to support healthy immune systems, focus and concentration, positive moods and good sleep patterns? For my family, we turn to essential oils as our first and primary option. My kids have learned to ask "mom, is there an oil I can use for ...?". Now that they're a bit older, they'll even text me when I'm out so I can check my app and report back. They know where the oil kit is and how to use them. They even take oils to camp, sleepovers and to school when they need them. Once you know some basics that are safe for kids, you can equip them to take a more active role in their own wellbeing too. If you would like to learn more about how to keep your family clean and healthy while reducing harmful chemicals in your home and environment, please join me for this FREE class. Please bring a friend. If you or your friends aren't available on these dates, why not host a class? It's fun, informative and a great way to learn, grow and support one another.