Do you have your own vehicle, a clean driving record, a clear vulnerable sector criminal record check, and a flexible schedule? Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity that gives you the chance to spend time with older adults while supporting their health and well being?

The Golden Circle recognizes the need to provide transportation to older adults aged fifty and up (50+) in Red Deer, Red Deer County and surrounding rural communities who do not have other means of transportation. This service is provided by volunteer drivers using their own vehicles and is available to clients for Medical appointments, for Escorted Grocery Shopping and to attend programs at the Golden Circle to address social isolation. Supportive transportation is available Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm. In order to be registered for the supportive transportation program, individuals must first be assessed by an Outreach Coordinator.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer driver, please contact Megan Schapansky; Program and Volunteer Coordinator for more information at 403-343-6074 Email: mschapansky@goldencircle.ca

We have been fortunate to receive grant funding to expand our Outreach Programming beyond Red Deer and into Red Deer County and surrounding rural communities and are looking for Brokered Workers in these communities to help support older adults to age in their homes.

The Golden Circle’s Brokered Worker program is administered through the Outreach Department and involves housekeeping, home maintenance, and yard care services. Some of the services provided are:
• Light housekeeping
• Lawn and garden work
• Minor handyman repairs
• Snow shovelling
• Painting
• One time cleaning

The Golden Circle screens and interviews the Brokered Worked, then matches them with clients. Reimbursement is $20.00/hr with a two (2) hour minimum charge for housekeeping, with a one hour minimum for snow shoveling and clients pay the Brokered Worker directly.

Are you interested in becoming a Brokered Worker through the Golden Circle? Connect with Kelly Thompson to answer any questions you may have. Phone: 403-343-6074 or Email: kthompson@goldencircle.ca

October is National Protect Your Hearing Month, a perfect time to recognize signs of hearing loss. Keep an eye out for these warning signs: frequently asking others to repeat themselves, needing to turn up the TV or radio volume, or experiencing persistent ringing in your ears. Difficulty understanding conversations in noisy environments, missing everyday sounds, or having trouble hearing when your back is turned to someone are also key indicators. Speaking too loudly or finding phone conversations challenging may also signal hearing issues. Early detection is crucial for better outcomes, so prioritize your hearing health this month and schedule a free assessment with your local Beltone clinic.

Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign: Commemorative Quilt Reception (October 5) Money Matters: Christmas without Credit (October 8)
Red Deer Cancer Connect (October 1 and 15) Bring, Brag, Break with the Alberta Genealogical Society (October 12) Readers’ Theatre (October 17) Sip n’ Stitch (October 17) Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale (October 23-27) Downtown Walk & Talk (every Tuesday at 12:15 p.m.)
Collicutt Walk & Talk (every Thursday at 11:30 a.m.)
Travel Memories (first Wednesday of each month). First Thursday Concert Series (first Thursday of each month) Book Clubs (various dates/times)
For full details, visit rdpl.org/events

Boost your bone health with Ortho Molecular’s Vitamin D3 with K2 Liquid. Each serving delivers 10 mcg of vitamin K2 (MK-7) and 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 in an easily absorbed MCT base. Vitamin K2 works with vitamin D3 to help bind calcium to your bones and prevent its buildup in organs and arteries. Unlike vitamin K1, K2 supports stronger bones and better overall calcium use. New research highlights the benefits of this combination for bone strength and immune health. Make Ortho Molecular’s Vitamin D3 with K2 part of your daily routine for optimal wellness.

As October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month unfolds, many of us reflect on our blessings, including the comfort and confidence that wigs provide. For those undergoing treatment, wigs can be a vital source of support, allowing individuals to embrace the holiday season with renewed self-esteem. Downtown Wigs offers a wide range of high-quality options, helping clients feel their best. This Thanksgiving let’s express our gratitude for the small but significant ways we can enhance our celebrations and support those in need. A wig can be more than a cosmetic accessory; it’s a symbol of resilience and hope.

NEW! 55+ Social Club (Sept. 30)
Downtown Walk & Talk (every Tuesday at 12:15 p.m.)
Collicutt Walk & Talk (every Thursday at 11:30 a.m.)
First Thursday Concert Series (first Thursday of each month)
Travel Memories (first Wednesday of each month)
Red Deer Cancer Connect (Sept. 3 & 17)
Money Matters: Food & Finance (online event, Sept. 10)
Bring, Brag, Break with the Alberta Genealogical Society (Sept. 14)
Sip n’ Stitch (Sept. 19)
Readers’ Theatre (Sept. 19)
Lindy Hop Story Dance Workshop (Sept. 21)
Local Author Fair (Sept. 22)
Books Clubs (various dates & times, see rdpl.org/bookclubs)
Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign: Commemorative Quilt Reception (Oct. 5)

Will you walk with us on September 21st? You may recall reading about it in the August edition of the Wellness News, so you already know that we are participating in The Grand Parade (TGP) this year. For those of you who don’t know what TGP is, it is a family-friendly fundraising walk for local charities who support seniors and their families. It’s the only walk that’s uphill, both ways! Plus – once the walk is done, fundraising event that ends in a walk, a lunch and some musical entertainment! If you participated in our walk in 2022, you’ll know that TGP is so much fun – truly a celebration of seniors with every single step. You can find our event page online at https://thegrandparade.org/location/reddeerdowntown (If you Google “The Grand Parade + Red Deer Downtown” that’ll get you there, also!) I know that the thought of a walk can be intimidating, given that some of us are less mobile than others, but the good news is, TGP is a very inclusive event! You can walk, wheel, roll, or sit and cheer! The walk isn’t even the important part, though, it’s the fundraising because all of the funds raised will go towards supporting the important work the Golden Circle does!

TGP will not be a success without your support, community! We need walkers, donors, and volunteers too. As a peer-to-peer fundraiser, the way it works is that Team Captains recruit walkers to their teams then solicit donations and we are hoping that there are some of you out there who will join our efforts and be Team Captains!

The Grand Parade makes participation easy. You register online, invite others to join in through the website and begin raising money together for this important cause. On September 21, Captains make sure their teammates check-in, stick together, and of course, have tons of fun.
For over 45 years, the Golden Circle has been redefining what it means to embrace the golden years with joy, purpose, and a whole lot of heart and we would love to have you join us in supporting our efforts.
Will you join us? You can register at https://thegrandparade.org/register
We hope to see you online and here at the Golden Circle on Saturday, September 21!