The holiday season is a time for warmth, gatherings, and good cheer – it can also bring extra bustle! Before guests arrive, a little pre-holiday spruce-up can make your home sparkle. Focus on high-traffic areas like kitchens and entryways, polish those windows to let in the winter light, and don’t forget guest rooms for overnight visitors. Whether it’s a quick refresh or a full deep clean, a tidy home helps you relax and enjoy the season. TCB Cleaning Services can take care of the details so you can spend more time celebrating with the people you love.
Brokered Workers Needed
Do you know anyone looking to make some extra cash?
The Golden Circle’s Brokered Worker Program, administered through our Outreach Department, provides valuable help to community members with services such as:
• Light housekeeping
• Lawn and garden work
• Minor handyman repairs
• Snow shovelling
• Painting
• One-time cleaning
The Golden Circle screens and interviews all Brokered Workers and matches them with clients. Reimbursement is $20/hour, with a two-hour minimum for housekeeping and other in-home work, and a one-hour minimum for snow shovelling or yard work. Clients pay the Brokered Worker directly.
Interested in becoming a Brokered Worker? Connect with Megan for more information. 403-343-6074 – [email protected]
Volunteer Drivers Needed
Do you have your own vehicle, a clean driving record, a clear vulnerable sector check, and a flexible schedule? Are you looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity that allows you to spend time with older adults while supporting their health and well-being?
The Golden Circle provides supportive transportation to adults aged 50+ in Red Deer, Red Deer County, and surrounding rural areas who have no other means of transportation. Volunteer drivers use their own vehicles to assist clients with medical appointments, escorted grocery shopping, and attendance at Golden Circle programs to help reduce social isolation.
Supportive transportation is available Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To register, individuals must first be assessed by an Outreach Coordinator.
If you’re interested in becoming a Volunteer Driver, please contact Sandy for more information.
403-343-6074- [email protected]
Cranberry-Cashew Energy Cups
1⅔ c rolled oats; ¾ c unsalted cashew butter; ½ c unsweetened almond milk; ½ c 50% dried cranberries, chopped. 2 tbsp chia seeds; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ tsp salt; ½ c dark chocolate chips; 1 tbsp coconut oil. Combine ingredients (leave chocolate & coconut oil aside). Divide mixture among prepared muffin cups (about 1½ tablespoons each); firmly press the mixture into the cup bottoms. Melt chocolate & coconut oil together until smooth and spoon mixture over the oat mixture in each cup. Refrigerate, uncovered, until chilled.
Count Your Blessings
December is a perfect time to give thanks for our many blessings. We are passionate about sharing health and wellness information. We continue to publish our Choices for Healthy Living ® newsletters, including two SeniorsNews editions in Victoria and three WellnessNews editions on the central island. In addition to local newsletters, we offer the Wellness.News, our online resource, Wellness Expos and more. We thank our advertisers, readers, subscribers, distributors and community partners for helping us to spread the wellness message. We wish everyone Peace, Happiness and Good Health this Holiday Season.
Experiencing Grief or Loss?
Join our monthly Grief and Loss Group, led by a trained facilitator, held once a month on the third Thursday from 1:00–3:00 pm. Everyone’s journey is unique, and you’re welcome to join us no matter where you are personally in dealing with grief and loss. For more information and to view session dates please visit ssnvi.ca/events/. Pre-registration is required, please contact us at [email protected] or call 250-871-5940.
Enjoying the Holidays with Hearing Loss
If you have a hearing loss, attending family gatherings with many people can be stressful. Here are three tips to ensure a sound-filled holiday season. 1. Spend time with family members one-on-one. 2. Try to sit next to someone who will be willing to keep you in on the conversation if you miss anything that has been said. 3. Book a check of your hearing aids before the holiday season starts to ensure they are working their best. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the laughter of your kids, grandkids, or family members as they open presents or sit around the table. Happy Holidays!
Book of the Month:
100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life by Dick Van Dyke. On the eve of his 100th birthday, national treasure Dick Van Dyke brings us this autobiographical collection of life advice, stories, and reflections on how he’s maintained good health and a zest for life as he enters his 10th decade. Available to borrow from Red Deer Public Library at rdpl.org
Holiday Reflections from The Golden Circle
As the holiday season approaches, we are reminded that this time of year means something different to everyone. For many, it’s a season filled with laughter, family gatherings, and cherished traditions. For others, it can be a time of quiet reflection, loneliness, or grief for those no longer with us.
At The Golden Circle, we understand that the holidays can bring both joy and heartache. We want to take this moment to remind everyone that you are not alone. Our community is here to support one another, to share kindness, offer a listening ear, and create a sense of belonging for all.
Whether you are celebrating with family and friends or finding peace in a simpler season, may you feel warmth, comfort, and connection in the days ahead.
Let’s remember to reach out to those who might need an extra bit of care this year, a phone call, a visit, or even a smile can make a difference.
From all of us at The Golden Circle, we wish you peace, love, and compassion this holiday season and throughout the coming year.
Together, we make this season brighter.
Who doesn’t love a little extra cash at Christmas? Don’t forget to get your Christmas Cash Raffle Ticket by calling 403-343-6074 or stopping by 4620 47A Avenue.
Light Therapy for SAD
Light therapy is a common treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that typically occurs during the darker months. It involves sitting near a specialized light box that mimics natural sunlight, usually in the morning for about 20-30 minutes daily. The bright light helps regulate melatonin and serotonin levels, which influence sleep and mood. This treatment can reduce symptoms like fatigue, sadness, and lethargy by resetting the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm. Consistency is key for effectiveness, and many find it boosts their mood, energy, and focus. Light therapy is a convenient, non-invasive option for SAD relief.
Gentle Arthritis Relief
As the weather gets colder, many people with arthritis experience increased stiffness and discomfort in their joints. Safe, gentle, and effective soft tissue therapy can provide meaningful relief. Techniques such as light massage, myofascial release, and gentle joint mobilizations help ease tension, improve circulation, and reduce painful tightness. Chiropractic adjustments further support joint alignment and mobility, enhancing flexibility and range of motion. Regular care before seasonal shifts can help individuals with arthritis better manage symptoms, maintain comfort, and continue daily activities with greater ease and confidence. This proactive approach supports long-term joint health and well-being.


