Winter can be chilly and uninviting. As the days grow short and cold, excursions become tricky in the ice and cold. If there is nothing to do, evenings become long. Take this time to explore new things; read a new author; and stretch your mind with a brain game; perhaps you prefer a puzzle; or you can learn an instrument! A home-care service can facilitate you or your loved one staying at home safely. They will get you to errands, help cook a lovely meal or just engage in some good old conversation; whatever is needed. We are happy to help.
Community News
Community Fundraising Walk
Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) is an annual event that supports people in our communities who have experienced homelessness. This fundraiser helps ICCS run programs that provide shelter, care and holistic support to help them step forward to independence and hope. CNOY 2026 takes place on February 28th, 2026, drawing individuals together to support the cause through raising money as well as taking part in a 2 km or 5 km walk. Across Canada, over 200 communities are involved with CNOY, supported by people who care about their communities and the most vulnerable people who live in them
Start the Year Strong with Pilates
A new year brings new energy—and the perfect time to recommit to yourself. Pilates builds more than strength; it enhances posture, balance, and mindful movement, helping you move through life with confidence and ease. Whether your goal is to reduce pain, improve performance, or simply feel better in your body, adding Pilates to your self-care routine is a powerful way to begin. At Return to Form, our expert instructors guide you through safe, effective sessions designed for every body. Start strong, stay consistent, and feel your best all year long. Visit our website to book your first class.
Meet the Practitioner: Stephanie Brossard
Stephanie is a Certified Advanced Rolfer™. She graduated from the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute in 2015 and completed her advanced training in Germany in 2023. Stephanie is also a certified yoga instructor, which is a great combination for understanding how bodies move and function. Stephanie found Rolfing when she was searching for a solution to the issues she was having after a bunion surgery. She had tried everything she could think of, but nothing seemed to help. Three sessions of Rolfing fixed the problem for good and changed her life forever, as she decided that she wanted to be a Rolfer and help people too.
Awaken to a Deeper Understanding of Life
As a new year begins, many people focus on improving their physical health, yet true wellness also includes nourishing the mind and spirit. The Grail Message offers timeless guidance for those seeking clarity, purpose, and inner balance. Its teachings illuminate the natural, spiritual laws that shape our lives and encourage personal responsibility, conscious decision-making, and deeper self-awareness. By exploring these insights, readers gain a clearer understanding of the forces at work in everyday experiences and discover a path toward lasting peace and fulfillment. Start the year with inspiration – open your mind to a teaching that offers an inexhaustible well of knowledge and invaluable aids for understanding life.
Downsize During the Winter Months
The long, dark days of winter are a good time to think about downsizing. Sorting through your possessions is a great indoor activity. Are there Christmas decorations that were not used last month or even in 2024? It might be time for them to find another home. Are your cupboards overstuffed with items that you don’t use anymore? If the thought of downsizing is overwhelming, go to our website and download a free e-book that offers you five practical tips for downsizing. If you are a child helping your parents downsize, we have an e-book for you as well.
Help Meet Basic Needs this Winter
With holidays behind us, many residents find this to be the most challenging time of the year. The nights are cold, and housing and grocery prices are high. When finding it difficult to make ends meet, hope cannot wait. That’s why SOS’s Winter Emergency Fund is an essential resource, providing help with groceries, medicine, propane, and other vital items to support those experiencing hardship. To make a difference this winter, donate at www.sosd69.com, call 250-248-2093, or visit the SOS Community Services Centre in Parksville. Thank you for your support.
Setting New Year’s Goals.
Feeling excited about a new beginning? Before rushing into big plans, take a moment to reflect on what got in the way last time you set similar goals—losing weight, improving relationships, or finding a new job. Instead of judging yourself as lazy or unmotivated, acknowledge: “Something in me is holding back, and I want to understand why.” Then, with curiosity, ask that part: What feels misaligned? What makes this goal uncomfortable? What do you need to feel ready? Listening without judgment helps you create goals that truly align with your whole self, making success more natural and sustainable.
It’s a New Year! Create a New You!
It is time to remove any negative thoughts that have accumulated during the past year. Let me help you create a successful and fulfilling 2025. Negative attitudes and thoughts can be harmful to your health and well-being. They can create chronic stress, which may damage your immune system, upset your hormone balance, and cause other health issues. Call today for a complimentary information session and discover how to release those negative patterns and trapped emotions that no longer serve you.
Improved Balance in Winter Conditions
Orthotics improve balance in winter conditions by providing enhanced foot and ankle stability, which helps prevent slips and falls on icy or uneven surfaces. They also help manage pain and fatigue exacerbated by cold weather and winter footwear by distributing weight evenly, improving alignment, and absorbing shock. Other benefits include *Biomechanical Correction: Orthotics can address issues like flat feet, high arches, and other biomechanical problems that affect how the foot functions. *Injury Prevention: Orthotics can help prevent overuse injuries like shin splints and tendonitis. Could you benefit from orthotics this winter? Book an assessment today!
Business Profile: Earth’s Option
Earth’s Option is a family-owned mobile funeral business. The mobile nature of their business allows them to present options to you in the comfort of your own home. They supply all the same services as traditional funeral homes so you and your family can make decisions that are right for you. Green burials, their specialty, are available without the expense or the environmental impact associated with traditional burial or embalming. In their effort to promote the use of ecologically friendly products, they offer a complete range of green caskets, shrouds, and biodegradable urns in addition to all traditional products.
