Alameda mayor: Observe gratitude regardless of world’s present heartaches

The seemingly countless stream of devastating information — home and worldwide — can result in a downward spiral of detrimental feelings. The midst of fall harvest and Thanksgiving season, although, is the proper time to search out methods to make a distinction near residence or the world over as you follow gratitude.

Scientific research have discovered that gratitude, i.e., the act of being grateful, can contribute to a person’s bodily and psychological well-being (“35 Scientific Advantages of Gratitude: Psychological Well being Analysis Findings,” July 27, 2023, analysis.com).

Bodily well being advantages of gratitude had been discovered to incorporate decreasing hypertension, bettering sleep, strengthening the immune system and increasing lifespan. Psychological well being advantages embrace boosting self-confidence, bettering persistence, and contributing to happiness.

One option to categorical gratitude for all that we’ve — a roof over our heads, meals on the desk, household and buddies — is to assist others. You may contribute to organizations that help lifesaving work world wide, comparable to Medical doctors With out Borders and the United Nations Worldwide Kids’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

Regionally, Alameda Meals Financial institution Government Director Teale Harden says that as we strategy Thanksgiving, the meals financial institution can use frozen turkeys and unexpired nonperishable meals gadgets. Donations may be dropped off on the Alameda Meals Financial institution’s warehouse on Alameda Level at 650 W. Ranger Ave. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays apart from Thursday. Meals financial institution workers request that no glass containers and solely meals gadgets in good, edible situation be donated.

Financial donations are additionally all the time welcome as a result of for each greenback donated the meals financial institution should purchase $7 value of meals: You may make a monetary donation on-line at alamedafoodbank.org/ways-to-donate.

Lastly, Alameda Scouts will quickly place “Scouting for Meals” door hangers in neighborhoods after which return on Nov. 11 to choose up donations of canned items, pasta, cereal, and different unexpired nonperishable meals. These donations help the Scouts’ annual drive to assist the meals financial institution. In the event you don’t obtain a door hanger, please observe the data above to donate to the meals financial institution.

An excellent STEP: Touring abroad? Don’t go away residence with out STEP. Nobody planning an abroad trip expects to come across hurricanes, floods, earthquakes or tsunamis, not to mention civil unrest or warfare, however typically the sudden occurs.

Defend your self and your loved ones or journey companions by enrolling within the U.S. State Division’s “Sensible Traveler Enrollment Program” (STEP). It is a free service for U.S. residents and nationals touring or dwelling overseas.

You present details about your journey overseas so the closest embassy or consulate can help you in an emergency. For extra data and to register go to step.state.gov on-line.

Planning Board: The town of Alameda’s Planning Board has two vacancies for partial phrases. The phrases finish June 30, 2024, and June 30, 2025, however are eligible for reappointment for a four-year time period. Alameda residents — particularly these with skilled expertise in city design, constructing development, structure or coverage work in housing, local weather change or transportation planning — are inspired to use.