Blog

July community updates, summer outings, cooking classes, guest speakers, shopping events, and Alzheimer's fundraising at Golden Pond.

A printable Golden Pond planning guide for families comparing senior living options, tour questions, and next steps.

June community updates, celebrations, activities, and resident highlights at Golden Pond.

August is bursting with activity, connection, and care at Golden Pond Retirement Community in Golden, CO. From invigorating wellness programs to heartfelt celebrations and unforgettable guest appearances, we’re keeping the summer spirit alive for residents, families, and staff alike. 💪 Wellness That Keeps You Moving Every morning (except Sundays), our Sit & Be Fit sessions offer a gentle way to wake up the body in the Cody Room. On Mondays and Thursdays, Better Balance Classes help residents improve strength and stability—one of our favorite ways to stay active and safe. Don’t forget our monthly Podiatry Clinic on Tuesday, August 5th (9–11 AM) and the Free Blood Pressure Clinic by Bloom on Tuesday, August 19th at 10:30 AM. 🧠 Stay Informed: Fraud Prevention & Global Perspectives On August 6th at 1:00 PM, join us in the Cody Room for a Fraud Prevention Workshop , where we’ll explore real-life examples and smart safety tips. Later in the month, on August 21st at 2:00 PM, Active Minds presents a deep dive into the complex history and current events surrounding Iran in the Table Mountain Room. 🍴 Dining Out with Friends Our Monday lunch outings are a hit every week: August 4 – Olive Garden August 11 – Genesee Pub & BBQ August 18 – Angie’s Restaurant August 25 – Rib City Sign up early at the front desk—these spots fill up fast! 🎨 Special Events to Remember Tie-Dye for a Cause – On August 20th at 2:00 PM, join us on the back patio to create vibrant t-shirts for Alzheimer’s awareness. $25 includes supplies, with all proceeds supporting the Alzheimer’s Association. Kangaroo Visit Returns! – Back by popular demand, our furry friends will visit on August 26th from 1–3 PM. Sign up at the front desk to reserve your spot. Luau Happy Hour – Let’s send summer out in style! On Friday, August 29th at 3:00 PM, enjoy tropical refreshments, live hula dancing, and a concert by Prestige at 4:00 PM. Don your island best! 🎂 Celebrating Life Together Join us for our August Birthday Party on August 13th at 3:00 PM in the main lobby. We’ll celebrate residents and staff with music, refreshments, and cake! 🌟 Spotlight on Our Team This month, we proudly recognize Julie Leadbetter as our Employee of the Month. Julie leads with compassion, accountability, and a genuine heart for care—her dedication makes Golden Pond a better place every day. ‍

Welcome to the most wonderful month of the year! December brings sparkling lights, cherished traditions, delicious outings, and heartwarming events designed to bring our community together. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah , Christmas , or simply enjoy the magic of the season, we have something special planned for everyone. 📅 December Highlights & Celebrations Bingo Month Spiritual Literacy Month Safe Toys & Gifts Month Antarctica Day – December 1 Mutt Day – December 2 Lost & Found Day – December 12 Hanukkah – December 14–22 IFCM World Choral Day – December 14 Christmas Day – December 25 Boxing Day – December 26 Kwanzaa – December 26–January 1 New Year’s Eve – December 31 🎶 Special Events & Entertainment St. Joseph’s Youth Choir 📅 December 10 | ⏰ 6:00 PM | 📍 Main Lobby Enjoy an evening of beautiful music as this talented youth choir fills our lobby with holiday cheer. Symphony at the Mines – Outing 📅 December 14 | ⏰ Depart at 2:15 PM Experience a magical afternoon of symphony music. Seats are limited—please sign up early! Holiday Gift Wrapping Station 📅 December 16 | ⏰ 10:00 AM–12:00 PM | 📍 Front Lobby Drop off your gifts and let our helpers wrap them for you—festive paper and ribbon included! Sing Me a Story 📅 December 19 | ⏰ 1:00 PM | 📍 Cody Room A fun and interactive storytelling program filled with music and laughter. Christmas Carol Sing-Along 📅 December 23 | ⏰ 6:00 PM | 📍 Main Lobby Warm cocoa, twinkling lights, and joyful voices—come sing your favorite carols with us! Ringing Out 2025 with Larry O’Connor 📅 December 31 | ⏰ 4:00–5:00 PM | 📍 Main Lobby We close the year with live music, great company, and festive cheer. 🍽️ Monday Lunch Outings (Depart 11:00 AM) Dec 1: Olive Garden Dec 8: Los 2 Potrillos Mexican Restaurant Dec 15: Saigon Landing (Evergreen) Dec 22: Outback Steakhouse Dec 29: Rib City 📌 Please sign up at the front desk. 🛍️ Wednesday Outings (Depart 10:00 AM unless noted) Dec 3: Hobby Lobby Dec 10: Dollar Tree Dec 17: Season’s Buffet & Lodge Casino (Depart 10:30 AM) Dec 24: Denver West Dec 31: Wal-Mart 📌 Sign up at the front desk to reserve your spot. ✨ Holiday Lights Scenic Drives Downtown Denver: December 13 at 4:45 PM Downtown Golden & Surrounding Areas: December 22 at 4:45 PM Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of the season. 🌟 Employee of the Month Cheryl Brisco-Jones We are proud to recognize Cheryl Brisco-Jones as our December Employee of the Month . Cheryl’s dedication, compassion, and teamwork make her an invaluable part of our Golden Pond family. She consistently goes above and beyond to support residents and coworkers alike. Thank you, Cheryl, for all that you do—we truly appreciate you! 🎂 December Birthdays Residents Carol Reed – 12/09 Judy Shriner – 12/09 Libby Gregor – 12/12 Thelma Brock – 12/16 Louise Hirsch – 12/24 Margaret Way – 12/29 Staff Chaz Osen – 12/01 Mikaela Dodson – 12/01 Julie Leadbetter – 12/04 Ashly Gutierrez – 12/10 Trevor Harwood – 12/12 Randi Davis – 12/15 Gloria Hall – 12/27 ☎️ Dial-A-Smile December 12 is Ding-a-Ling Day , inspired by a 1971 movement encouraging people to reconnect. Pick up the phone and call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while—it’s a simple way to spread joy. ‍

Special Events Meet & Greet Baby Kangaroos Date: Friday, February 7th, 2025 Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Location: Cody Room Description: Hop on over for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet baby kangaroos! A perfect way to bring a little wildlife wonder into your day. Girl Scout Cookies Day Date: Sunday, February 9th, 2025 Time: 1:00 PM Location: Lobby Description: Stock up on your favorite Girl Scout cookies and support the scouts. Super Bowl 59 Tailgate Party Date: Sunday, February 9th, 2025 Time: 2:30 PM Location: Cody Room Description: Football fans, join us in the Cody Room for a tailgate party to celebrate the big game! Enjoy delicious snacks, camaraderie, and the excitement of Super Bowl 59. Men's Luncheon Date: Thursday, February 13th, 2025 Time: 11:00 AM Location: Table Mountain Room Description: Gentlemen, join us for a special luncheon filled with good food and great company. Valentine's Day Happy Hour Date: Friday, February 14th, 2025 Time: 4:00 PM Description: Celebrate love and friendship with a festive Valentine's Day happy hour. Enjoy specialty drinks and treats with your Golden Pond family. New Weekly Classes Yoga & Functional Fitness Day: Fridays Time: 2:30 PM Description: Focus on improving strength, flexibility, and balance with this dynamic class designed for all skill levels. Tai Chi & Sound Therapy Day: Fridays Time: 2:30 PM Description: Experience the calming benefits of Tai Chi combined with the soothing effects of sound therapy. A great way to relax your body and mind. Ongoing Activities Bingo at 2:45pm everyday except Sundays Drumming Exercise at 1:00pm every Tuesday Tech Time at 1:00pm every Saturday in the Cody Room Active Minds at 2:00pm the second Thursday of every month Important Reminders Transportation Services : Need a ride to appointments or errands? Check the weekly schedule at the front desk. Dining Reservations : For special dietary requests or reservations, contact the dining staff by noon the day prior. ‍