Community News
Book of the Month:

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin. Seventeen-year-old Lenni lives on the Terminal Ward at the Glasgow Princess Royal Hospital. Though the teenager has been told she’s dying, she still has plenty of living to do. Joining the hospital’s arts and crafts class, she meets the magnificent Margot, an 83-year-old, purple-pajama-wearing rebel, who transforms Lenni in ways she never imagined. As their friendship blooms, a world of stories opens for these unlikely companions who, between them, have been alive for one hundred years.
Available to borrow from Red Deer Public Library at rdpl.org

5 Ingredient Date Snickers

Ingredients: Organic pitted dates; Nut Butter of choice; Organic Raw Peanuts; Dark Chocolate (melted). Directions: Slice dates halfway down the middle. Open each date slightly to form a pocket, and space them evenly on parchment paper. Add enough nut butter to fill each date, top with a few nuts, then pinch closed. Place in the freezer for 15-20 mins. Dip each one in the melted chocolate until completely coated. Freeze for 30 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container.

Frozen Meals Available

Nutritious frozen meals are available to order online or by calling 403-343-6074. Orders must be placed at least two business days in advance. Delivery is available within Red Deer for a $5.00 fee, or meals may be picked up at the centre.
In addition to our in-house programs, The Golden Circle provides outreach services delivered in your home, helping seniors remain safe and independent. We also offer a Brokered Worker Program for housekeeping and light maintenance services. An in-house intake appointment is required to access outreach and brokered services.
We also provide transportation to medical appointments, supporting seniors’ access to essential care.
If you are interested in volunteering or becoming a brokered worker, please visit www.goldencircle.ca or call 403-343-6074 for more information.

Light Therapy for Seasonal Depression

Light therapy can be an effective way to manage Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in seniors, especially during darker winter months. SAD can cause low mood, fatigue, sleep changes, and loss of interest in daily activities. Light therapy involves sitting near a specially designed light box that mimics natural sunlight, usually for 20 to 30 minutes each morning. This exposure can help regulate sleep cycles and boost mood by supporting healthy circadian rhythms. For seniors, light therapy is noninvasive and easy to use. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before starting to ensure safe and proper use.

Coldest Night of the Year Fundraising Event

The Coldest Night of the Year takes place on February 28, 2026! CNOY is a winterrific family-friendly fundraising walk in support of local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. All across Canada, over 200 communities are coming together for good this winter to provide hope and help for those who need it most. Your small steps can make a big difference! Register today, start a team, walk, and fundraise:

February Events for Seniors at RDPL

Red Deer Cancer Connect (Feb. 3 & 17)
Travel Memories: Haida Gwaii (Feb. 4)
First Thursday Concert Series (Feb. 5)
Red Deer Reads Author Event with Conor Kerr (Feb. 7)
Readers’ Theatre (Feb. 19)
Sip n’ Stitch (Feb. 19)
Затишні Вечори: Cozy Evenings for Ukrainian Seniors (Feb. 19)
Meet Someone Making it in Music (Feb. 20)
Digital Skills Class (begins Feb. 23)
Roots and Branches: Genealogy at the Library (Feb. 28)
Book Clubs (various dates/times)
For full details, visit rdpl.org/events

Heart Health, Naturally Refreshed

Heart health begins with simple daily habits, and staying well hydrated is one of the most important. VitaJuwel’s GemWater Crystal Bottles transform ordinary water into a mindful wellness ritual, blending hydration with the subtle energetic influence of hand selected gemstones such as rose quartz, garnet, and amethyst. Traditionally associated with love, balance, and vitality, these crystals are thoughtfully arranged in a sealed glass vial, ensuring water remains pure while gently infused. Drinking enough water supports healthy circulation, blood pressure regulation, and overall cardiovascular function. With VitaJuwel GemWater, nourishing your heart becomes both intentional and beautifully inspiring.

Controlling Your High Blood Pressure

Whether you or your loved one has been newly diagnosed, or have had hypertension for years, consider your Central Alberta Co-op Pharmacist a helpful resource. High blood pressure can be problematic, but it can be kept under control with lifestyle changes and proper treatment. Losing weight, eating a healthy high-fibre, low-sodium diet, exercising, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can be effective measures. Ask your pharmacist to develop a blood pressure plan specific to your lifestyle and needs. They can educate you about blood pressure medication and discuss interactions with other medications you may take.

Heart Health, Hearing Health

Healthy aging starts with caring for both your heart and your hearing. Research shows a strong connection between cardiovascular health and hearing health. The inner ear relies on steady blood flow to deliver oxygen and nutrients, and reduced circulation can damage delicate hair cells, leading to hearing loss. Supporting heart health through regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, stress management and quitting smoking can also help protect hearing. Conditions such as high blood pressure can affect blood flow to the ears, making regular checkups essential. At Beltone, we support healthy aging with free hearing assessments and innovative hearing solutions to help you hear your best at every stage of life.