For more than three decades, the Victoria Film Festival has become a go-to event for film lovers every February. The 32nd edition runs Feb. 6–15 at venues across Greater Victoria, including The Vic Theatre. Tickets for more than 100 films—ranging from those with Hollywood stars to international cinema and hidden gems from local filmmakers—go on sale January 9th. More than 350 volunteers help make the Victoria Film Festival happen. For tickets and information on volunteering, please visit VictoriaFilmFestival.com.
Community News
Understanding Reverse Mortgages
Reverse mortgages, often misunderstood, can be a helpful option for homeowners 55 and older. They allow you to access up to 55% of the equity in your home, based on your age, home type, and its appraised value. One common myth is that the bank takes ownership, which is not true. You always retain the title and ownership of your home. Another concern is owing more than the home is worth. Thankfully, lenders guarantee that, as long as obligations are met, you’ll never owe more than the fair market value at the time of repayment. Contact me to find out more.
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]
Regular Eye Exams Matter
When was the last time you had your eyes checked? Regular eye exams are about much more than just getting a new glasses prescription—they’re a vital part of your overall health routine. Whether you’ve had perfect eyesight your whole life or you already wear corrective lenses, consistent eye care can protect your vision and catch early signs of issues you might not even notice yet. Reasons to schedule an eye exam include: *Early detection of eye diseases is critical, *Your vision needs change with age, and *Gives a clearer look at your overall health. Book your eye exam appointment today.
Victoria Film Festival Returns to Sidney
Heading into its 32nd edition, the Victoria Film Festival continues to bring riveting dramas, meaningful documentaries, and quirky flicks to Greater Victoria each February. For the second straight year, Festival films will be screened at Sidney’s Star Cinema. Tickets for that venue—and more than 100 other films ranging from those with Hollywood stars to international cinema and hidden gems from local filmmakers go on sale January 9th. The Festival runs from February 6th to 15th. More than 350 volunteers help make the Victoria Film Festival happen. For tickets and information on volunteering, visit VictoriaFilmFestival.com.
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]
Your Voice, Your Stories
Join the Legacy Stories – Pass It Forward project and share a story from your life. Created by Luther Court Society and funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, this meaningful initiative offers a chance to connect with a friend or volunteer and record your memories and life experiences. Through the power of video storytelling, you can capture key moments, favourite memories, and lessons learned to inspire your loved ones, peers, and future generations. Join us in celebrating the power of stories and strengthening community connections. To participate as a storyteller or volunteer, please contact Mia at [email protected].
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that destroys brain cells, causing thinking ability and memory to deteriorate over time. Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging and is irreversible. While it’s difficult to predict symptoms, the order in which they will appear or the speed of their progression, there are some warning signs you can look out for. Sudden changes to your loved one’s personality are often another sign that something is not right. These changes can include anxiety, paranoia, depression, and socially inappropriate behaviors, as well as sudden mood swings and physical aggression.
Clean Eating Recipe
Protein Oatmeal Cookies: 2 c oats; 1 c vanilla protein powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup stevia; 1/2 c + 2 tbsp melted butter; 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups oats, 1 cup protein powder, 1 tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ cup stevia. Mix well. Next, add in ½ cup + 2 tbsp of melted butter, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla. Roll into 12 equal-sized balls and press flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Enjoy!
Book of the Month:
Move for Life: a Practical Guide to Building Everyday Strength, Balance, and Confidence for Thriving After 65 by Damien Joyner. Certified personal trainer Damien Joyner not only explodes the myth that growing older means growing weaker, he offers expert guidance and safe, simple, effective exercises to empower you to regain and maintain your strength and autonomy. Available to borrow from Red Deer Public Library at rdpl.org
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
From our friends at the Alzheimer’s Society: did you know that Almost 40% of people over the age of 65 experience some form of memory loss? When there is no underlying medical condition causing this memory loss, it is known as age-associated memory impairment.
Age-associated memory impairment is part of the natural process of aging. For most people, memory generally remains strong as they get older, and doesn’t decline rapidly or substantively. However, brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are different.
The idea that dementia is an “old person’s disease” is not just stigmatizing, it’s also a myth. While most people living with dementia are over the age of 65, a small number of people in their 40’s and 50’s can and do develop dementia. This is known as young onset dementia.
With more than half a million Canadians living with dementia today, a number expected to reach almost one million in 10 years, we are grateful for the Alzheimer’s Society’s commitment to enhancing its support amongst people living with dementia to meet their needs early in, and throughout, their journey.
Because of the effects of dementia, a person’s ability to communicate may become impaired, making it difficult to talk with them, but this doesn’t mean they should be ignored. All persons with dementia have the right to be treated with respect. If you are looking for more information on Dementia or Alzheimer Disease, please reach out to the Alzheimer Society 1-866-950-5465 or [email protected]
