Community News
Benefits of Playing an Instrument

Music education offers seniors substantial cognitive, physical, and emotional benefits. Benefits include *improved memory and focus, *enhanced motor skills and coordination, *reduced stress and depression, and a *powerful means for social connection and lifelong learning. In our music lessons, we work with each individual to adapt to their interests and needs, with special emphasis on addressing physical barriers for our senior learners. We aim to enhance our learners’ quality of life by engaging in a fun, enjoyable activity. Book your no-commitment trial lesson now by calling or visiting our website.

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].

Celebrate the Life of a Loved One

Celebrating a life is about saying goodbye and thank you for the time shared and the remaining love. We celebrate a life to honour the moments, memories, and impact someone leaves behind. It’s a time to reflect on joy, love, and the legacy that lives on and inspires others. Join others celebrating the lives of loved ones at Victoria Hospice’s Celebrate a Life event, Sunday, December 7th, at UVic Interfaith Chapel. There will be music, light refreshments, and time for reflection. For more information, visit our website or call 250-519-1744.

November Book Club

Modern Masculinity: A Compassionate Guidebook to Men’s Mental Health
A looming health crisis faces men who find themselves stuck in today’s changing world. Slowly, more men are talking openly about their struggles with mental and physical health. In this incisive and insightful guide to male mental health, popular clinical psychologist Stephan B. Poulter, Ph.D., unpacks the various issues that stem from male shame, including those surrounding anger, sexual orientation, wealth, physical performance, relationships, and more.

Clean Eating Recipe

Pumpkin Bites. 1 cup Almond Flour. 3 TBSP Pumpkin Puree. 3 TBSP Maple Syrup. 1 tsp. Pumpkin Spice. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (180 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Stir almond flour, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice. Stir until it forms a sticky, firm dough. Roll it into small balls. Bake for 12-14 minutes at 350 °F. Enjoy!

Words to Live By

“Avoid watching the news today, as it is a major contributor to fear and tragedy on our planet. Stay in the higher energies of love and inner peace” – Keith Macpherson

Clean Eating Recipe

Curried Pumpkin Butternut Soup. Ingredients: Olive oil, 1 lb each pumpkin and butternut squash (peeled, diced), 2 shallots (diced), 2–3 tbsp Thai red curry paste, 2 tbsp grated turmeric or 2 tsp powder, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 can unsweetened coconut milk, salt, pepper. Directions: Roast pumpkin and squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper at 400°F for 10–15 min until tender. In a large pot, sauté shallots, curry paste, and turmeric in olive oil 8–10 min. Add broth and roasted vegetables; simmer 20 min. Adjust seasoning, add coconut milk, simmer briefly, then blend until smooth.

Supporting Digestive Balance

Did you know that Reiki can support your digestive system health? It does this by gently releasing tension from the gut by inviting deep relaxation and then shifts the nervous system out of a fight-or-flight mode into rest-and-digest one. As stagnant energies dissolve, healing starts in the areas of the body, including the digestive system, that have been holding onto stress and discomfort. Integrating regular Reiki treatments into your self-care routine provides an empowering tool for reclaiming digestive balance and nurturing health from the inside out. Additionally, Reiki also supports natural detoxification so drinking plenty of water after each session is always recommended.

Recognize Hearing Loss Signs

October is National Protect Your Hearing Month and Thanksgiving, 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.