Vegan Ice Cream Bars: 1 ½ cups raw cashews. 1 ½ cups water. ½ cup maple syrup. 2 TBSP. vanilla extract. Chocolate Coating: 1/3 cup raw cocoa powder. 1/3 cup melted coconut oil. 1/4 cup maple syrup. Add cashews, water, maple syrup, and vanilla to a blender. Blend until very smooth. Pour into an ice pop mold, insert popsicle sticks, and freeze overnight. Remove the mold and place on parchment paper. Mix the chocolate coating and spoon to spread a thin layer of chocolate mixture on all sides of the bars. Enjoy!
Community News
Golden Circle’s Frozen Meal Program
The Golden Circle’s Homestyle Frozen Meal program offers a wide selection of affordable, nutritious, and ready-to-eat meals made, packaged and frozen for your convenience right here in our own commercial kitchen. We also offer in-house dining: Soup and Sandwich on Mondays from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, Hot Lunch on Wednesdays from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm and Breakfast on Fridays from 8:30 am – 11:00 am. You don’t have to be a member to purchase frozen meals or to join us in person in the Dining Room, but if you are a member, you get a discounted rate on in-house dining, special event ticket prices and more!
Programs to Keep You Healthy!
Did you know that the programs and services we offer here at the Golden Circle contribute to mental wellness? You may think you’re just playing cards, or having lunch, but you are connecting with peers and combating loneliness and social isolation and in fact improving your mental health! Physical activity is not just beneficial for maintaining a healthy body, but also for improving mental health. Physical activity is an important aspect of maintaining good mental health. Regular exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, boost self-esteem, enhance cognitive function, and reduce symptoms of depression. Physical activity is a natural stress reliever because when you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals that help reduce stress and anxiety and at the Golden Circle we offer a variety of fitness programs from Yoga to Zumba, to a Stretch Flex and Strengthen class and Sit and Be Fit, and Tai Chi. We have a Bocce group, Carpet Bowling and a Hardy Walkers Club – all get together year-round! Engaging in mental activities can help improve our cognitive function such as planning skills, decision-making, and short-term memory.
We also have weekly board and card game offerings to keep your mind sharp, like Canasta, Bridge, Cribbage, Pinochle, Mahjong, Scrabble and Euchre.
Mental Health Awareness Week
Our friends at The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) have declared May 6 through 12, 2024 as Mental Health Week. Their theme is “A Call to be Kind” because compassion connects us all. We all have the capacity to be compassionate, and we know that doing so can make an enormous difference. This year’s Mental Health Week is centered on the healing power of compassion. In a world plagued by suffering, CMHA is hoping to emphasize that kindness is equally intrinsic to our humanity.
While many people in Canada struggle with their mental health, certain groups face unique challenges because of systemic racism, discrimination, socio-economic status, or social exclusion. Among these communities, seniors have experienced many challenges to their mental health.
Clean Eating Recipe
Beef Taco Bowl – 2 tsps. coconut oil. 1 onion, diced. 1lb.grass-fed ground beef. 2 tsps. ground cumin. 2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 tsp. sea salt. 3 cups cauliflower rice. Tomatoes or fermented salsa, avocado, cilantro, sour cream and raw cheese for garnish. Heat coconut oil over medium heat in a large saute pan. Add onion and saute for 5 minutes until soft and just beginning to brown. Add ground beef and spices and cook about 8-10 min. Serve meat with rice and toppings. SpiritSandsRanch.com
Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 21, 2024, community; we at the Golden Circle are so excited to announce that we are participating in The Grand Parade! This is a family-friendly fundraiser walk that helps support local charities who provide essential care and service for aging Canadians. We will be looking for volunteers, sponsors, walkers and entertainment, so keep your eyes peeled on our website, social media channels, and out in the community for more details as the planning continues. The Grand Parade is a moment to take to the streets across Canada to publicly honour aging friends and family, while fundraising for charities who serve them faithfully. Fundraisers are such an important aspect of non-profit survival and sustainability, and we think that this is a perfect event to align with our mission and vision. We hope that you’ll join us in support of the important work we do for older adults in our community!
Are You Having Fun?
As an older adult, you’re likely aware of the importance of staying active for optimal mental and physical health. However, amidst all your activities, it’s crucial to ask yourself: are you truly having FUN? Fun and joy are essential components of a fulfilling life, making us feel alive, engaged, and connected to others. When we embrace laughter and play, the world becomes more vibrant and inviting. Every senior deserves to pursue enjoyable pastimes that transport them, making them lose track of time or feel like a carefree kid once again. The good news is that many of the best activities for senior citizens are low-cost or even free. So, why not explore activities that reignite the youthful spirit within you?
#TurnMayGrey
May is Brain Tumour Awareness Month in Canada. Brain Tumour Awareness Month aims to raise awareness about brain tumours, promote research, and support those affected by the disease. It is an opportunity to unite as a collective force, raise our voices, and create positive change. This year, we highlight the need to raise awareness for brain tumour signs and symptoms to increase early detection and diagnosis and improve patients’ survival chances. Learn more about the most common signs and symptoms of a brain tumour and download the infographics at www.braintumour.ca/signs and share them on social media! Don’t forget to use the hashtag #TurnMayGrey!
Essential Tips for Disability Tax Claims
Navigating the intricacies of disability tax credits can be daunting, but understanding the process is crucial for accessing financial support. Here’s a vital tip: Keep detailed records of medical expenses and consultations related to the disability. This documentation is invaluable when applying for the credit, ensuring you receive the maximum entitled benefits. Additionally, seek assistance from a qualified specialist well-versed in disability tax credits. Their expertise can streamline the application process and help you optimize your claim. By staying organized and seeking expert guidance, you can alleviate financial burdens and focus on prioritizing your health and well-being.
Sprout into Spring
Spring is about all things green and at Mortar and Pesto we have plenty of amazing green products to help you maintain and improve your overall health and wellbeing. We carry sprouting kits that allow you to grow nutritious microgreens in your own home, perfect for adding a nutrient-dense boost to your day. We also have greens powders, sea veggies, and high-potency broccoli capsules for those who want to achieve therapeutic doses for epigenetic support. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, spring is also liver season – a great opportunity to check out the many plant-based products we have that help the gallbladder and liver!
May Events for Seniors at RDPL
Downtown Walk & Talk (every Tuesday at 12:15 p.m.)
*NEW!* 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)
Bring, Brag, Break with the Alberta Genealogical Society (second Saturday of each month)
Book Clubs (various dates/times)
Get Money Smart! 75 Ways to Save on Household Expenses (online on May 14)
Red Deer Cancer Connect (May 7 & 21)
Readers’ Theatre (May 16)
Sip n’ Stitch (May 16)
Crib, Cards, Coffee and Conversation (May 19)
Symphony at the Snell (May 25)
For full details, visit rdpl.org/events
