What’s in this issue:

• July’s Pipers Glen Gathering recap - Petunia & the Vipers

• August Peer Support night

• Office updates & news

  • New parking spots for VFH clients

  • VFH merch (hats & hoodies)

  • New drink fridge (and magnets!)

• Did you know? You may qualify for a medical cannabis vaporizer

• Alchemist Laboratory’s exclusive VFH products

• Help us plan our fall events and activities

• Andrea’s Kitchen Corner

Petunia & The Vipers bring the good vibes to Pipers Glen

We welcomed Petunia & the Vipers to Pipers Glen on July 26! The turn out was awesome and the vibes were even better.

Thank you to all who came out for some a toe-tapping good time! Stay tuned for our next Pipers Glen Gathering.

Check out some photos below:

Join us for our next Peer Support Night!

Come on out to our August Peer Support night on the Mira next week!

Our first Peer Support night in Mira was a hit a few weeks ago, so we are looking forward to welcoming you all back for a night of chats, laughs, good food, and some friendly competition (thanks to our fun games room!).

If you are in need of directions to our Mira location, let us know next time you're in the office or give us a call at 902-564-0529.

Whether it’s your first time or you’ve joined us before, all veterans are welcome!

New parking spaces for VFH clients

We are thrilled to share that we have additional parking spaces for VFH clients, right around the corner of the office!

Staff will be parking further up, so these spots (shown below) are now available for clients!

New month, new merch!

Stop on by the office to check out some of our new merch!

We have four new styles of hats available:

We have pullover and zip up hoodies available in a variety of colours for those chilly summer nights:

Have an idea for merch? Let us know next time you are in the office or send us a message!

A little refreshment awaits you!

We’ve added something new to the waiting area at the office! Our new fridge is stocked with drinks for patients to enjoy, whether you need a little refreshment before your appointment or something to grab on your way out.

And while you’re there, don’t forget to grab a magnet off the fridge! Consider it a little Veterans For Healing keepsake to take home with you.

Next time you’re in, have a look, grab a drink, and take a magnet with you!

Did you know?: Medical cannabis vaporizers

Eligible cannabis patients can receive up to $400 + tax from Medavie Blue Cross for a medical cannabis vaporizer.

If you are interested or would like to learn more, connect with Patrick next time you are in the office or send him an e-mail at [email protected].

Alchemist Laboratory’s VFH exclusive products

Managing pain just got easier!

With a prescription through Veterans for Healing, qualified patients can now access our exclusive topical pain creams designed to help support relief for:

• Muscle Pain

• Joint Pain & Inflammation

• Neuropathic Pain

These prescription-strength creams are delivered directly to your doorstep at no cost for qualified patients, making treatment simple, convenient, and accessible from home.

To learn more or see if you qualify, contact us today by giving us a call at 902-564-0529 or e-mail Juliane at [email protected].

Help us plan our fall events and activities!

As we look ahead to the fall, we’d love to hear from you! We’re planning some group activities and events for Veterans For Healing clients and want to make sure we’re offering things that you may want to take part in.

Would you enjoy getting together for outdoor activities, board games, workshops on specific topics, movie nights, or something completely different? Send us your ideas!

Whether it’s something you’ve enjoyed in the past or something you’ve always wanted to try, we want to hear it.

Your ideas can help us create opportunities to connect, have some fun, learn something new, and spend time together this fall.

Sweet & Sour Meatballs

Meatball mixture:

• 1 lb ground beef (or preferred ground meat)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 large egg

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Sweet and sour sauce:

• ½ cup ketchup

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• ½ tsp ground ginger

• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)

Optional garnishes:

• Chopped green onions

• Sesame seeds

Step 1: Prepare the meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix everything thoroughly using your hands or a spoon, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the meat.

Step 2: Shape the meatballs

Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.

Step 3: Cook the meatballs

Bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 375°F for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. Alternatively, you can pan-fry them in a skillet on medium heat, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly.

Step 4: Make the sweet and sour sauce

While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the sauce by combining ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and ground ginger in a large saucepan (we’re adding the meatballs to this pan later). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook for another few minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.

Step 5: Combine and simmer

Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the saucepan with the sauce. Stir gently to coat each meatball evenly. Let them simmer together for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Sprinkle with optional chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving if desired. These sweet and sour meatballs can be enjoyed warm alone or paired with steamed rice for a more substantial dish.

Enjoy!