Hello, November!
- Angela Garrison
- Nov 9, 2023
- 4 min read
This month, we focus on service and center around gratitude. The holiday season is here and Fall and Winter are upon us; great reminders for us to slow down and reset. Be sure to update your calendars with important dates and participate in our contest on Team GSF Connect. Let's unwind from 2023 and prepare for 2024.
November is a busy month so we are hosting just one company contest this month. Head on over to the Team Fun group on Team GSF Connect today for your chance to win. We are giving away 10 turkeys and hams. 20 Winners will be drawn on Friday, November 17th.
A word about November. Did you know that November got its name from the Latin novem meaning "nine"? November used to be the 9th month in the year, when the calendar began with March. November is now the 11th month of the year and that happened when January and February were added to the Roman calendar. November is a month of late spring in the Southern Hemisphere and late autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. Therefore, November in the Southern Hemisphere is the seasonal equivalent of May in the Northern Hemisphere and vice versa.
November's birthstone is the topaz (particularly, yellow) which symbolizes friendship and the citrine. Its birth flower is the chrysanthemum.
The Western zodiac signs for November are Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) and Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21). Visit Wikipedia to learn more about the month of November. Happy Birthday to all the Scorpios and Sagittarius' out there.
November Dates:
11/1: Day of the Dead
11/5: National Donut Day & Daylight Savings Time Ends- Fall Back
11/6: Time cards are due!
11/10: It's Pay Day!
11/11: Veterans Day: Click here for 11 Ways to Celebrate Veteran's Day. From sending a care package to wearing a red poppy at work, there are many ways to honor our Veterans.
11/12: World Kindness Day: This year's theme for World Kindness Day is 'The Importance of Kindness in Child Development.' Here are some ways you can make the most of this day:
Take some time today to plan an event for the end of the year or beginning of 2024 that focuses on the children at your property. Things like a backpack/school supply refresh or Coats for Kids, do something for the kids. Don't forget to share your event on Team GSF Connect. Your share inspires others and reminds us all of the good that can be done in this industry.
Schedule time to volunteer at your child or grandchild's school.
Learn more about Save the Children by clicking here.
11/15: America Recycles Day: Keep America Beautiful shares some great information and resources on their website. Visit their site to learn more about volunteer opportunities and to test your knowledge about recycling.
**VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY** Some of our team members are volunteering at Poverello House in Fresno between 9:30 am - 1 pm today. Want to see if there are any spaces left to volunteer? Head on over to the Community Services Group on Team GSF Connect. Can't make this volunteer date but want to work with Poverello House in the future? Click here to connect with their volunteer opportunities.
11/18: **VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY** Breaking the Chains has a Volunteer Opportunity for you! Located in Fresno, this group works to prevent and aid those who have been impacted by Human Trafficking. Between 1-4 pm on the 18th, you can help them organize their 'Survivor Closet.' Go over to the Community Services Group on Team GSF Connect to register. Can't make today's volunteer opportunity but want to get involved? Visit Breaking the Chains online to learn more about how you can help.
11/21: Time cards are due!
11/23: Offices Closed || Thanksgiving || Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? Here are some resources to make this holiday even better.
Hilarious Thanksgiving Games Everyone Will Love. Sure football and food rule this holiday but why not level-up this year and include some fun games for the whole fam?
I am hosting 22 people this year. Some are vegetarian so I am including a vegetarian menu. Food, wine, tablescape, entertainment, it's a lot of pressure for a host. Why not make it a little easier on yourself by making dishes ahead of time, whenever possible? Here is a link to the 40 Best Make Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes by Delish.
11/24: Offices Closed || National Native American Heritage Day. Day after Thanksgiving. In 2009, Congress passed House Joint Resolution 40 (Pub. L. 111-33), the “Native American Heritage Day Act of 2009”, which designates the Friday immediately following Thanksgiving Day of each year as “Native American Heritage Day.” However, the month of November is designated as National Native American Heritage Month. The theme changes annually, and this year the theme is 'Celebrating Tribal Sovereignty and Identity. These websites contain more information:
11/27: Cyber Monday & Pay Day! What? Could this have been planned any better? Christmas is only 28 days away!
Our Community Service Coordinator, Julie McClure, is working with team members in each district to provide volunteer opportunities close to home. Beginning November 20th, each district will have a drop off location for a company-wide Toys for Tots campaign. Posters will be provided to each property.
Here are some recommended activities for our offices and communities this month:
Gratitude Jar: Provide a jar or box and strips of paper. Encourage staff and residents to fill out the slips of paper with things they are grateful for. It can be as simple as a beautiful sunrise or thanking a team mate who has been helpful. A the end of the month, these slips can be turned into a beautiful display. As we enter the month of December, these gratitude slips help us stay focused on what is truly important and meaningful..
Another way to remain focused on gratitude at work or at home this month is by creating a Tree of Thanks. This activity is great for adults and children alike.
Gratitude Schmatitude. Did you know that gratitude is identified as an important skill for success? Click here to learn more about the Power of Gratitude & why you should work to cultivate this skill.
Here is a little gift for those of you that want to cultivate Gratitude in your own life. This workbook walks you through creating Savoring Rituals, Experiencing Awe, and Fostering Admiration in Couples.
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