What Matters to Hatters: Creating Belonging in Medicine Hat

Veiner Centre's Community Impact

During the first full week of June, Albertans can show appreciation for Alberta’s seniors and all that they contribute to Alberta. Today on Bring Back The Porch Brian explores the vital services provided by the Veiner Centre.The centre has many ways to help seniors in our community including Meals on Wheels, social programs, and volunteer opportunities. Discover how these initiatives support aging populations through community engagement, health, and social services. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:10 History and Background of the Veiner Centre 02:44 Services and Activities at the Veiner Centre 04:04 Retirement Planning and Educational Resources 05:15 The Veiner Viper and Community Engagement 06:27 Vintage Transportation and Drive Happiness Program 07:20 Challenges Facing Meals on Wheels Program 08:30 The Social and Social Support Role of Meals on Wheels 09:08 Partnerships with Strathcona Centre and Programs Offered 10:27 Social Prescribing and Community Support Services 11:00 Downsizing Support and Resources 11:46 Elder Abuse Prevention and Outreach 12:50 Scam Awareness and Community Education 13:29 Serving Rural Communities and Membership Details 14:07 Membership and Donation Options 15:04 Volunteer Opportunities and Community Involvement 15:39 The Veiner Centre Bistro and Community Events 16:23 Closing Remarks and Community Appreciation As our population ages, the need for comprehensive support systems for seniors has never been more crucial. Many older adults face challenges that can lead to isolation and difficulty accessing essential services. Brian and his guest Larry Mathieson, delve into five key programs designed to uplift and assist seniors, ensuring they can enjoy their golden years with dignity and care. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, donate, or simply learn how these programs function, this guide will provide you with the essential insights. About Unison and the Veiner Centre Unison is a community organization focusing on enhancing the quality of life for older adults. The Veiner Centre, part of Unison, serves as a hub for various activities and services tailored to individuals aged 50 and above. From recreational activities to educational workshops, the Veiner Centre is committed to promoting engagement among seniors while addressing their specific needs. Discover 5 impactful programs that support seniors in your community. Learn how initiatives like Meals on Wheels and social prescribing can make a difference. 1. Meals on Wheels: Nourishing Body and Soul Meals on Wheels is more than just a food delivery service; it serves as a vital lifeline for many seniors. Volunteers deliver nutritious meals directly to those who may struggle to prepare food for themselves. This program not only ensures that seniors receive essential nutrition but also fosters social connections, as volunteers often become familiar faces and companions to their clients. 2. Social Prescribing: A Holistic Approach to Health Unison’s social prescribing initiative connects seniors with various community resources that promote well-being beyond traditional medical care. This program encourages older adults to engage in activities and services that can enhance their quality of life, such as counselling, fitness classes, and community events. 3. Veiner Vintage Transport: Bridging Transportation Gaps The Veiner Vintage program is an adaptation of the Drive Happiness initiative, aimed at providing transportation for seniors who may have difficulty getting to essential appointments. This volunteer-driven service ensures that older adults can attend medical appointments and social gatherings, reducing isolation and promoting independence. 4. Educational Workshops: Empowering Through Knowledge Unison offers a variety of educational workshops focused on topics like estate planning, financial literacy, and health management. These workshops aim to equip seniors with the knowledge they need to navigate their lives more effectively.  5. Community Engagement: Building Connections Programs like the Veiner Centre encourage community engagement through clubs, social events, and recreational activities. From quilting to bridge clubs, these activities help seniors forge connections, combat loneliness, and maintain their mental and emotional health. Conclusion Supporting seniors in our communities is more important than ever. Programs like Meals on Wheels, social prescribing, and educational workshops provide vital services that enrich the lives of older adults. Resources Unison Website - https://unison.com Veiner Centre Website - https://veinercentre.wildapricot.org/ Meals on Wheels - -https://unisonalberta.com/services/medicine-hat/meals-on-wheels/ Elder Abuse Information - https://www.albertaelderabuse.ca/ Scam Awareness Resources - https://mhps.ca/posts/post/1812 Guest links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-mathieson-29b55024/ Website - https://unison.com Hey we need your support. Like and subscribe to Bring Back The Porch Podcast Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1831615/support]

The Power of Doing Less

Today on Bring Back the Porch you can discover how slowing down can enhance your life. Brian speaks with Carl Honoré, the advocate of the slow movement, and why it matters in today's fast-paced world. Time seems to be accelerating with every tick of the clock, many people are beginning to question the frantic pace of modern life. Why are we in such a rush? From the impact of technology to personal anecdotes, learn why embracing slowness can lead to a more fulfilling existence. Discover how slowing down can enhance well-being, creativity, and family bonds. Chapters 00:00 The Rise of the Slow Movement 03:12 Personal Journey to Slowness 08:34 The Impact of Technology on Attention 14:26 Frantic Family Rescue: A Case Study 19:07 The Importance of Family Dinners 23:06 Reimagining Aging: The Boulder Philosophy 25:10 Cultural Perspectives on Slowness 27:52 Resources for Embracing Slowness The slow movement, which began gaining traction in the early 2000s, advocates for a more mindful approach to life. It encourages individuals to take a step back and reconsider how they engage with their time and activities. As Honoré points out, the world is moving faster than ever, leading to a collective burnout. The slow movement counters this by promoting the idea that doing things well is more important than doing them quickly. Honoré first introduced the concept in his book published in 2004, where he examined how society's obsession with speed affects our well-being. He argues that as life accelerates, we begin to lose sight of what truly matters: spending quality time with loved ones, engaging meaningfully in our work, and enjoying the little moments in life. His insights have inspired a global movement toward embracing a slower pace. As technology continues to evolve, so does the pace at which we live. Honoré discusses the potential of AI and other advancements, which can either free us from mundane tasks or contribute to an overwhelming sense of urgency.  With the rise of smartphones and constant connectivity, many find themselves overwhelmed by information. Honoré refers to cell phones as "weapons of mass distraction," which not only fragment our attention but also disconnect us from the world around us. Honoré shares a poignant personal story that led to his advocacy for the slow movement. He recalls a moment when he realized he was rushing through life, even in the simplest of tasks, like reading a bedtime story to his son. This revelation served as a wake-up call, prompting him to reconnect with the importance of slowing down and savouring life's moments. Despite the benefits of slowing down, many individuals face societal pressure to keep up with a fast-paced lifestyle. Honoré highlights the stigma surrounding slowness, where taking time for oneself is often viewed as laziness or lack of ambition. This cultural bias can prevent people from embracing the slow movement, even when they recognize its benefits. Fortunately, there is a growing awareness of the need for balance. Many companies, even in fast-paced industries like tech and finance, are beginning to recognize the importance of employee well-being and are encouraging practices that promote slowness. Honoré notes that organizations are increasingly exploring ways to help their staff disconnect from the hustle and bustle of work to recharge and improve productivity. Honoré expresses hope for the future as younger generations are at the forefront of the slow movement. Initiatives like "stacking" where friends place their phones in the centre of the table during meals, demonstrate a collective desire to cherish real-life connections over virtual distractions. This shift indicates a cultural change towards valuing presence over productivity. The slow movement is not just about taking a break; it's about rethinking our relationship with time and prioritizing what truly matters. By embracing slowness, we can improve our lives, reduce stress, and cultivate deeper connections with ourselves and others. As Carl Honoré illustrates, slowing down can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life. Resources Carl Honoré's Website - https://carlhonore.info 30 Days to Slow Book - https://www.amazon.com/Praise-Slowness-Challenging-Cult-Speed/dp/0060750510/ Ted Talk: How to Slow Down - https://www.ted.com/talks/carl_honore_in_praise_of_slowness Ted Talk: Why We should Embrace Aging- https://www.ted.com/talks/carl_honore_why_we_should_embrace_aging_as_an_adventure Guest links Twitter: @carlhonore Threads: @carlhonore Bluesky: @carlhonore Instagram: @carlhonore Facebook: @carlhonorepage and @carlhonore Pinterest:@carlhonore Linkedin: @carlhonore TikTok: @carlhonoreofficial Thank you for listening and sharing you are one in a million! We are excited to announce our community is growing and we couldn't do it with out you!  Hey we need your support. Like and subscribe to Bring Back The Porch Podcast Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1831615/support]

Manual Not Included: Small Victories, Big Feelings

From awkward T-ball moments to terrifying parenting scares, Lynnette shares the emotional journey of raising a child with ADHD. This episode dives into childhood challenges, water fears, social struggles, and the life-changing moment of finally getting answers. Honest, funny, and deeply relatable—this is a story about parenting, perseverance, and celebrating the small victories.  Key Topics -Childhood development and early signs of neurodiversity -Parenting challenges and small victories -The journey to ADHD diagnosis and understanding symptoms -Overcoming water fears and social challenges in children -The importance of support and inclusion in education Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Plea for Support 01:25 A Humorous Encounter with a Worry Worm 03:21 Imagining Cursed Objects and Horror Movie Scenarios 04:13 Early Childhood Sports Experiences and Challenges 07:23 Water Fears and Progress in Swimming 11:23 Starting Kindergarten During a Pandemic 13:41 Speech Development and Early Signs of ADHD 16:24 ADHD Diagnosis and Myths About Medication 17:48 A Terrifying Moment and the Next Episode Teaser Hey we need your support. Like and subscribe to Bring Back The Porch Podcast Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1831615/support]

Big Brothers and Sisters: Mentoring Youth

🎙️ What does it really take to change a child’s life? In this episode, Ashley Turner from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Medicine Hat shares how mentorship goes far beyond just “hanging out.” From breaking stereotypes to building lifelong relationships, we explore the real impact mentors have on youth in our communities. 💬 “Kids just want someone to show up.” Listen now to discover:  ✅ How mentoring changes lives  ✅ The surprising truth about youth in these programs  ✅ Why just ONE hour a week can make a huge difference Key Topics -Mentoring program structure and eligibility -Community and group programs for youth -Success stories and long-term impacts of mentoring Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:05 The Need for Mentors and Volunteer Roles 02:06 Eligibility and Navigating Barriers 03:01 Transitioning Youth at 16 and Teen Mentors 04:19 Common Misconceptions About Families in the Program 05:08 The Volunteer Application and Matching Process 06:03 Understanding the Little's Preferences and Interests 07:12 Time Commitment and the Importance of Showing Up 08:28 Success Stories and Community Impact 10:02 Expanding Programs in Schools and Skills Development 11:22 Breaking Stereotypes: Police and Youth Engagement 12:48 Micro Mentoring and Fun Engagement Activities 13:45 Additional Volunteer Opportunities and Group Programs 15:40 Partnerships with Local Businesses and Skill Building 16:29 Beyond Traditional Mentoring: The Organization's Full Scope 22:23 Memorable Success Moments and Youth Achievements 23:15 How to Get Involved and Contact Information Thank you for listening and sharing you are one in a million! We are excited to announce our community is growing and we couldn't do it with out you!  Hey we need your support. Like and subscribe to Bring Back The Porch Podcast Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1831615/support]

Inside Local Politics: A Conversation with Kirby Schafer

In this eye-opening interview, council candidate Kirby Schafer pulls back the curtain on city council dynamics, budget concerns, infrastructure delays, and the growing demand for transparency in local government. 💬 “Trust is a hard thing to regain.”  💬 “We’re spending money on wants, not needs.” From traffic concerns to whistleblower policies and community engagement, this conversation dives into the issues residents are actually talking about. Key Topics -City council collaboration and surprises -Budget management and operational efficiencies -Infrastructure projects and funding delays -Community engagement and transparency Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Conversation 01:00 Observations on City Council Performance 07:15 Budget Challenges and Management Insights 14:20 Transparency and Public Engagement 19:01 Community Concerns and Traffic Management 23:10 Urban Hen Bylaw and Liquor in Parks Discussion 25:55 Whistleblower Policy and Accountability 27:57 Future Outlook for City Council Thank you for listening and sharing you are one in a million! We are excited to announce our community is growing and we couldn't do it with out you!  Hey we need your support. Like and subscribe to Bring Back The Porch Podcast Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1831615/support]