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Christadelphian Aged Care A U T U M N N E W S L E T T E R

CHAMBERLAIN GARDENS

Address: 53-67 Chamberlain Rd, Wyoming NSW 2250 Phone: (02) 4329 8000 Email: admin@chomes.com.au

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Managers Message

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Welcome to Chamberlain Gardens

Look long and hard at people who live lovingly.

Notice how beautifully they age.

Notice how relevant their wealth or status is.

Notice how much other people want to be in their presence.

Notice how they smile. nnn

“When I smiled at them, they scarcely believed it; the light of my face was precious to them.

Job 29:24

Hi Everyone, It’s hard to believe that as I write my message, we are at the end of February and autumn is around the corner! We look back to the wonderful evening that was our 2013 Pre-Christmas Nibbles night. For the first time we held the evening in the Garden lounge and courtyard, where our residents and their families were able to sit around tables, chat, and enjoy the food and entertainment. All who attended enjoyed the atmosphere and I’m sure we will be using this venue for future nibbles nights.

Plans are in place for this year’s Pre-Easter Nibbles Night, which will be combined with an art show. This will be held on Wednesday 2 April in the new Horizon lounge and funds raised through the gold coin entry and purchase of raffle tickets will support a local charity, Camp Breakaway. This is the 2nd year we are supporting this wonderful charity that offers respite to families of children with disabilities. I am very pleased that through staff fundraisers and raffles, we were able to donate sufficient funds to sponsor 6 children last year.

Over the summer we have organised out-of-doors activities for residents so we can take advantage of the warm sunny weather. The ‘Fish n Chips’ buses are very popular, as are the men’s barbeques – in fact these are enjoyed so much, we are thinking about holding barbeques in the Garden courtyard for all our residents. Having extra activities assistants over the summer has also made it possible for them to take residents who need assistance, outside to walk, or just sit and enjoy the fresh air.

We are blessed by the wonderful group of volunteers we have at Chamberlain Gardens who gladly give their time to assist in a variety of roles from administration to assisting with resident care to improve the quality of care we offer.

If you have any questions, suggestions or concerns, or you just want to touch base, I am always available to meet with you or to take a phone call.

Regards, Leonie Talsi

“Reach out. Share. Smile. Hug. Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself” - Og Mandino

Message from our Senior Manager I’m very happy and excited to be part of Christadelphian Aged Care. I have a passion for aged care having come from a quality improvement background. I have worked as an aged care quality assessor with the Agency, a facility manager and as a registered nurse in cardiac, triage and aged care. I’m keen to share my industry knowledge and experience gained in having assessed a variety of systems and processes across a number of aged care facilities throughout NSW, ACT and Victoria. My main responsibility is for clinical governance across the homes under Christadelphian Aged Care. Fundamentally, this means achieving the best possible care for residents using a defined approach. This is done by focusing on what’s best for the resident and then building the service or environment around those needs. This will better enable us to approach challenges and continuous improvement activities proactively and confidently.

My wife Maria and I have three daughters, all of who play for the State League competition with Netball NSW. Two are currently at university studying physiotherapy and business respectively and the third currently undertaking her HSC exams this year. I coach representative netball for the Under 12s age group for the Hills District Netball Association NSW and I enjoy travel and culture, although I haven’t had much of an opportunity to do so in recent times. I have however travelled extensively throughout the USA with the highlight being at Elvis’ Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. I’m friendly, approachable and I very much look forward to learning more about each home and meeting members of the Christadelphian care team.

- Jose Rigor Senior Manager, Operations

MARCH

UPCOMING EVENTS MARCH 10th - Jerry Wall Concert 20th - The World’s Greatest Shave

APRIL

2nd - Art Show & Cocktail Evening 12th - Feet Fitters are returning with their winter shoe range

MAY

14th - Joel Howlett Magic Show

Horizon 1 Dick S 1 John A 14 Marcia G 16 Meryl A 17 Val W 19 Rita L 26 Norma T Garden 2 Agnes D 3 Connie B 7 Mary B 9 Cyril P 15 Cedric S 22 Doris S Coastal 20 Joe H

APRIL

MAY

Horizon 11 Beryl K Garden 5 Val G 13 Lynette M 17 Paul J 26 Hunter W Coastal 17 Marjorie C 24 Shirley A 25 Ann C 27 Stella A

Horizon 5 Wilma B 10 Raymond H 13 Robyn B 14 May L 24 Pat P Garden 3 Joan L 4 Val F 24 Mervyn E 28 Frances S 29 Pat C Coastal 8 Dorothy R 14 Betty D

Activity Reviews DECEMBER December has a hectic month for all. Monday 2nd December the activity girls and some of the volunteers decorated the facility, which is a hot and dusty job, but well worth the good comments from residents and visitors.

Coastal & Garden Resident’s Christmas Parties

Wednesday 4th Dec we held Coastal and Garden residents’ Christmas parties, with a visit from a very tall Santa!! The residents enjoy this day, as staff sit with the residents and enjoy a meal with them, the tables and venue are decorated by activity staff and volunteers with helium balloon, bon bon’s, matching serviettes and table cloths. The residents were entertained by Even Haswell after the lunch, so was a big day for all.

Girl Guides Monday 9th Dec we were visited by the Girl Guides who

come every year in the evening to sing Christmas Carols to the residents, walking from room to room.

Horizon Christmas Party

Wednesday 11th Dec Horizon had their residents Christmas party, and were entertained by one of our favorite entertainers Jerry Wall.

Resident’s & Families Christmas Drinks & Nibbles

Thursday 12th Dec we had our Christmas Resident and Families Drinks and Nibbles night. This was held in the courtyard of Garden. I think most people will agree this was a great venue; it was a beautiful warm evening, so the bar was busy!! The Australia Choir entertained everyone with their booming voices, singing a combination of Christmas carols and popular songs. Zac (Sarah RAO’s husband) and Martin (Volunteer) manned the bar for us, a hectic job, the activity girls and their assistants decorated the area, the kitchen supplied the delicious finger food, and staff helped serve, so was a group effort by all. This year there were over 160 people attend the night, this is a great achievement, and a good way for staff, families, and residents to socialize. Our Christmas raffle was won by Carol Twible whose mother is in Coastal and second prize went to staff member Lisa Peterson. All monies raised went to Camp Breakaway.

Christmas Carols

Wednesday 18th Dec Liz our volunteer coordinator, staff and volunteers entertained the residents by singing Christmas carols.

This was a fun morning, the residents taking delight in seeing staff in a different light.

Activity Reviews contd DECEMBER On Christmas Day, the residents all received a boxed gift of decorated gingerbread biscuits from the management and staff of the facility. These were made by a local woman from Umina, and looked and tasted amazing. Many residents went out for lunch with their families, but for some this is a lonely time of the year, so we were lucky to have volunteers Brenda and Val come and visit many of the residents.

We are very lucky here at Chamberlain Gardens to have such a willing bunch of volunteers who give up their time to come and spend time with our residents, whether it be spending 1:1 with a resident, helping with activities, running the kiosk, gardening, helping with admin, attending bus outings, sewing for our residents, singing, helping with our church services, pet therapy, and a number of volunteers have been accessed and are able to help staff with feeds. We the activity staff are extremely grateful to our volunteers, as it has improved our resident’s lives’ immensely.

JANUARY With the silly season out of the way, January was a lot quieter month and kicked off with Evan Haswell coming to entertain residents in Garden on Thursday 9th Jan.

Combined Men’s BBQ was held on Wednesday 30th, and we had to hold this in the

garden activity room, as was raining and we could not all fit under the pergola, of course once we moved everyone inside, the sun appeared!!!

Resident’s Meeting

Wednesday 22nd Jan was our first Resident’s meeting. These meetings are held every second month, and are a way for residents to verbalise any concerns or compliments. Daryl Smith the chairperson has resigned due to his moving, so we are currently looking for a resident to take over the position. The position entails being available to residents, and being their spokes person. The next meeting is on March 12th at 9.30 am, so anyone interested should attend this meeting. The meetings are also open to family members.

Australia Day

Friday 24th Jan we celebrated Australia Day here with drinks and finger food in the afternoon, followed by Australian themed Quiz, poetry and sing a long. Was a fun afternoon, but I would be amiss if I didn’t thank the kitchen staff for the amazing finger food, which was enjoyed by residents and staff.

Entertainment

Friday 31st Jan the residents in Horizon were entertained by Mark Wheats. Mark sings bush ballards and is always popular with the residents.

Photos from Activities

Activity Reviews contd FEBRUARY

Entertainment - Monday 10th February pianist Jan Hillier entertained the residents in the new

lounge area in Garden. We are still waiting for the arrival of furniture, but have moved a piano into the room for the residents use and for RAO Sarah to play.

Thursday 20th Feb we had a group called “Loss Bonkers” come and play here at the facility. This is a group of middle aged men who have got together to form a band and sing and play for residents in facilities. Our residents really enjoyed the entertainment and we will be definitely being having them back in the future.

Art Show

This year we are having an art show, being held on Wednesday 2nd April starting at 5.30. There will be a number of mediums on display and some items will be for sale. We are asking for a gold coin entry donation, proceeds going to our charity of choice Camp Breakaway.

If there are any budding artist’s out there and you would like to lend us your paintings, pottery, china painting etc. we would love to display it on the night.

Activity Assistant Program I have enjoyed my time at Chamberlain Gardens Aged Care so much and will be sad to leave. The highlight of my time spent here would have to be seeing the residents happy.

Not only that, my time with them taught me how to dance old time and sing. They also taught me so many things about life which has given me skills that will stay with me forever. It has dawned on me in my time here to make the most of my life with laughter and happiness and it also encouraged me to love and give to others.

Thank you to all the staff and residents who have made my time here so life changing.

- Annie Madden

Chamberlain Gardens was a fantastic place to work this summer. I was lucky enough to go bowling with the residents and go on scenic bus trips, play shuffleboard and call bingo. I was also able to develop some great friendships with the residents, staff and volunteers. The residents have taught me a lot, from how to knit to how to live my life. The wealth of experience and knowledge they are able to share is encouraging and humbling. I’ve learnt a lot and feel blessed to have had the opportunity.

- Elise Mogg

I’ve loved working at Chamberlain Gardens Aged Care Home!

It’s given me an incredible experience and I’ll never forget my time working there. I’ve enjoyed being able to get to know all the residents and learning about their life. So much so, it makes me want to get out and enjoy my life and make the most of it!

It’s the best when you are talking to someone and they light up with a big smile. It’s such a worthwhile experience and I’d recommend this job to anyone!

- Johanna Dangerfield

L-R: Elise, Johanna & Annie

Resident Story - Gwen A

Gwen was born in Marrickville Hospital on the 21st February, 1915, and is the eldest of four children. As a young child Gwen’s family moved to Davistown here on the Central Coast. Gwen and her siblings attended Empire Bay primary school; they would have to row a dingy across the Brisbane Waters to get to and from school each day. Gwen attended Gosford High in her senior years.

After leaving school, Gwen joined the rag trade as an apprentice dress maker. In those days they had to learn everything from embroidery, smocking etc., but after seven years working in the trade the Second World War started so Gwen joined the Army working as a wireless operator in QLD (Fortress Signals) then was commissioned and worked in Call of Signals based in Vic (LHQ).

Upon leaving the Army Gwen decided to study Interior Decorating, and worked in the industry until the business closed down, so went and joined the Navy at the age of 35, and stayed for 25 years until Gwen retired. Gwen was based at Garden Island in Sydney and worked for the Supply Section, clerical duties.

Gwen lived around the Kings Cross area’s, Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay, as it was a short walk to the base.

Retirement drew Gwen back to the coast in 1980 where Gwen lived at East Gosford, Terrigal and then Wyoming for 20years before moving to Chamberlain Gardens.

Travel was Gwen’s hobby; she has been to Europe and Russia a number of times, travelled extensively through England. Gwen has never been to Asia or America as said it has never appealed to her.

Another of Gwen’s passions is opera and ballet. Gwen attended both on a regular basis, she saw Carmen 5 times!! Dancing was another passion, Gwen said she went to dances most nights, one of her favorite venues was “Trocadero” in Sydney, and she said they never got drunk either!!. Gwen saw many a celebrity over the years, Frank Sinatra at White City (Rushcutters Bay), and Nat King Cole three times in one week.

In Gwen’s words “I was going through a Nat King Cole faze”.

Gwen is an avid reader, she gets a supply of books to last her the fortnight from the mobile library on its fortnightly visits, here at Chamberlain Gardens. Crosswords are another passion, especially the Woman’s Day puzzle.

I asked Gwen what did she think had kept her so fit and healthy over the years. Gwen said her mother was a good cook, and was big on keeping the family fit. Gwen loved nothing better than to swim, she said she was a beach bunny, Terrigal Beach being one of her favorite beaches.

Gwen recently celebrated her 99th Birthday, and we wish her nothing but good health and happiness.

Staff Profile - Michael Travers

Michael was born in 1953, Seymour Victoria, he was one of 2 children. Michael attended primary school at Port Seymour, and then moved to New Guinea when his father took a position with the forestry. Michael would fly to Vic to attend school and High School, and fly back to New Guniea for holidays. He did this for eight years.

Upon leaving school, Michael joined the Army where he trained to be a Topographic (Map Making) Draftsman. Michael decided to leave the army and was a truck driver for an electrical firm, working in Nth Qld. Michael moved to Sydney eventually and took up cooking starting his apprenticeship at the Sydney Police College in Manly at Nth Head with amazing views out to sea. From there Michael worked in various family restaurants around Sydney,

moving to the coast around 1990. Michael worked at a restaurant at Erina, which is no longer there, then started work at the Central Coast Leagues Club, where he worked for 18 years. When the leagues club leased out their restaurants Michael came to work here at Chamberlain Gardens. He has been here for four years and said he enjoys working with his staff and interacting with the residents.

Michael is a keen photographer, something he has always enjoyed doing, but has become more serious the last couple of years, having completed a couple of courses in Photography. We are lucky to have Michael lend us some of his photo’s to display at our art show in April.

Michael has travelled around much of Australia, and has also been to New Zealand.

Staff News - Sarah Wigzell gets Married

On a Saturday morning in November; Sarah Wigzell (a Recreational Activities Officer at Chamberlain Gardens) and her fiancé Zac Carroll said “I do”. The wedding was held in a garden in the sunny state of Queensland, and sunny it certainly was with temperatures reaching much above 30 degrees! 180 of Zac and Sarah’s family & friends were present to witness the very special day, despite the heat!

The bridal party consisted of 6 bridesmaids, 5 groomsmen and a gorgeous little flower girl (the bridesmaids looked stunning in their floral blue dresses!). The exchange of vows between Zac & Sarah was both beautiful and emotional with tears from both the couple and guests and smiles from everyone throughout the day!

Sarah and Zac celebrated with their guests at the reception venue after having photographs taken at an old railway track.

Despite the minor hiccups of Sarah losing her voice and the electricity cutting out for half an hour, the wedding was beautiful, happy and full of love between Zac & Sarah.

The newlyweds travelled over to Thailand for their honeymoon. They are now back at work but had a wonderful time overseas.

We congratulate Zac & Sarah on their marriage and wish God’s blessing on them as they continue their new lives.

It’s What You Do...

I used to live in a small Idaho community. One day I was at the corner grocery store buying some early potatoes. I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily looking at a basket of freshly picked green peas. I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes. Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between the store owner, Mr Miller and the ragged boy next to me. 'Hello Barry, how are you today?' 'Hello, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank you – just admiring the peas, they sure look good'.

'They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?' 'Fine - getting stronger all the time.' 'Good. Anything I can help you with?' 'No, Sir, just admiring those peas.' 'Would you like to take some home?' Mr Miller asked.

'No, Sir I don’t have anything to pay for them with.'

'Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?' 'All I’ve got is my prize marble here.' 'Is that right?” Mr Miller said, ‘Let me see it'.

'Here it is – she's a dandy.' 'I can see that. Hmm mmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?' the store owner asked. 'Not exactly but almost.'

Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble'. Mr Miller told the boy. 'Sure will. Thanks Mr Miller.'

Mrs Miller, who was standing nearby, came over to help me. With a smile she said, 'There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever.

When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, when they come on their next trip to the store.' I left the store, smiling to myself, impressed with this man.

A short time later I moved to Colorado but never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and their bartering for marbles. Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. But recently I was visiting some old friends in that Idaho community and while there I learned that Mr Miller had passed away. It was the evening of his visitation at the funeral home and I agreed to accompany my friends. We joined the line to offer words of comfort to the family.

I noticed 3 young men ahead of us in line. One was in army uniform and the other two looked very professional in dark suits and white shirts. They approached Mrs Miller at her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one; each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes.

Our turn came. I told her who I was and reminded her of the story she shared with me many years ago about her husband bartering for marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket. 'Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about.

They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim 'traded' them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about marble colour or size, they came to pay their debt.'

'We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho.'

With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined, red marbles.

The moral of this story is that we will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds.

Life is not measured by the breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath.

- Edited from a story sent via email

Pastoral Care CAN GOD HEAL A BROKEN HEART? It was a comedian who said, "If broken hearts were commercials, we'd all be on TV." In some strange way he was saying we each have a broken heart, not physically I hope, but inside, where no-one else can see. One of the most popular groups of the 1970s was the Bee Gees. They sang a song that asked five questions and added one plea: "How can you mend a broken heart? How can you stop the rain from falling down? How can you stop the sun from shining? What makes the world go round? How can you mend this broken man? How can a loser ever win?

Please help me mend my broken heart and let me live again." You might recall the song. The Bee Gees never answered that question. But we know many people have broken hearts because of all sorts of reasons, death of a loved one, divorce, loss of a job, loss of status, loss of health, betrayal by a friend, loss of a child and, yes, loss of your childhood. All of these reasons can leave you a broken man or woman. What is a wound? If you have ever had an injury or a deep cut, you know how painful it is and how it hurts to be touched. Often, sorrow and loss are like deep wounds. They can be so painful that it seems no one or nothing can make the pain go away. Sometimes our heart is so broken that we can't even express the words and nothing seems to take the pain away. Is there hope for healing a broken heart? Something or someone has just broken your heart. You were caught off-guard by a betrayal, a shocking behaviour, or loss of a loved one. Suddenly you are feeling like you've lost all hope. You can feel a physical aching in your chest that leaves you wounded and scarred. How can you ever hope to recover or discover what steps will end this suffering?

We know that emotions are a vital part of the way we are made. Yet we can't understand why it takes so long to heal from emotional injuries and others try to help. Many times, our wounded heart is the result of someone else's actions toward us, and other times it's because of actions we took. Sometimes too, it's a combination of both.

But in trying to encourage us, they can't seem to say the right thing. Like a deep wound, a broken heart will not heal overnight. Like some medicines that burn when you apply them to a skin wound, so can a well-meaning friend who says the wrong thing at the wrong time. Who wants to pour rubbing alcohol on an open wound? We search the stores to find an ointment that we can apply to our skin wound that will not burn and then cover it gently with a Band-Aid. It's the same way with our broken heart. We need the right ointment to bring about healing. They say time heals all wounds. But what about the wounds that people can't see? We can't go to the doctors and say "I have a broken heart, can you fix it!" So who can we go to when we have a broken heart, is there anyone who cares? Who are those with the broken heart? They say time heals all wounds. But what about the wounds that people can't see? The pain of past hurts rules many lives. It simmers, it stifles, and sometimes it shuts a person completely down. However, God heals hurts. He is waiting and ready to touch our deepest pain if we will let Him. In a sense, His healing is another divine exchange, in which we offer to Him our hurt and He offers to us His healing. Psalm 147:3 states, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (or sorrows)" "Brokenhearted" refers to the wounds in the innermost portion of ourselves. Most of us do not know how to go about receiving Our deepest sympathies have this wonderful healing gift of God. Some of us have not been aware gone out to the families who that this level of deep healing was available. I like what Max Lucardo have lost their loved ones over says in his marvellous book "He still moves Stones". Why did God leave the Autmun period. us one tale after another of wounded lives being restored? So we could be grateful for the past? So we could look back with amazement at what Jesus did? No. The purpose of these stories is not to tell us what Jesus did. Their purpose is to tell us what Jesus does. 'Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us.' Paul penned. 'The Scriptures give us patience and encouragement so that we can have hope.' (Romans 15:4) These are not just Sunday school stories. Not romantic fables. Not somewhere-over-the-rainbow illusions. They are historic moments in which a real God met real pain so we could answer nnn the question, 'Where is God when I hurt?' He's not just doing it just for them. He is doing it for me. He's doing it for you." - By Chris Witts

Bereavements

Alzheimer’s Disesase Outside of a cure, the most vital need of people with Alzheimer’s disease and their loved ones is real emotional connection. How do we continue to communicate with someone with AD who doesn’t talk or remember me? How can we be with people with AD so they are not left feeling the pain of isolation, abandonment, and loneliness? How do we overcome our own feelings of selfconsciousness, awkwardness, and fear of AD to be fully present with someone with dementia?

Some pointers: try to remember how it is to feel safe while vulnerable, how to let go of judgment, to offer empathy, to see the humanity and vulnerability in every person, to remember that everyone matters, how to communicate joy, understanding, and love without words or memories - through body language, emotional connection, and the willingness to be fully present in front of another human being.

Poem

TWO MOTHER’S REMEMBERED I had two mothers – two mothers I claim Two different people, yet with the same name.

Two separate women, diverse by design, But you loved them both because they were mine.

The first was the mother who carried me here, Gave birth and nurtured and launched my career.

She was the one whose features I bear, Complete with the facial expressions I wear.

She gave her love, which follows me yet, Along with the examples in life she set.

As I got older, she somehow younger grew, And we’d laugh as just mothers and daughters do.

But then came the time that her mind clouded so, And I sensed that the mother I knew would soon go.

So quickly she changed and turned into the other, A stranger who dressed in the clothes of my mother.

Oh, she looked the same, at least at arm’s length, But now she was the child and I was her strength.

We’d come full circle, we women three, My mother the first, the second and me.

And if my own children should come to a day, youcomes smile at someone, is anaway, action of When“Every a new time mother and the olditgoes love, gift tonothing that person, beautiful I’d ask of athem that Iadidn’t do -thing” Love both of your mothers both loved you.

- MotherasTeresa - Anonymous

SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE •

Difficulty remembering recent events

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Poor judgement and decision making

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Inability to manage a budget

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Losing track of the date or the season

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Difficulty having a conversation.

Repeating the same stories over and over again.

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Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them

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Changes in mood and personality, inappropriate social behaviour

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Withdrawal from work or social activities

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New problems with spoken and written words

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Trouble understanding visual images

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Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure

Physio Corner SHARING WITH OTHERS We are regularly reminded of the benefits from exercise and activity to improve our daily life especially as we age; it therefore becomes increasingly more important for us to keep our bodies moving. Our mobility levels may change suddenly, we may have feelings of uncertainty, or our desire to remain socially interactive may decrease. These changes are common to many people and finding the courage to overcome this may seem impossible at times.

Participating in a regular exercise group or activity enables us to adjust to changes of ourselves and others whilst receiving the rich rewards physically, socially and emotionally.

Tai Chi brings residents together and creates feelings of wellbeing, involvement, participation, acceptance and a sense of belonging to all those who attend. Tai Chi is an “all inclusive” seated program, where residents are positioned together in a circle joining all equally as one group. Each resident brings something unique to the group “themselves”. Judith Forst, a regular attendee from one of our facilities said she remembered her first time coming along to Tai Chi. She said, “I felt safe, warm and comfortable to be with a group of caring people who accepted each other and shared each others company, and the interaction between the group was so special”.

There are many physical benefits with Tai Chi, but the emotional and social acceptance builds you with strength. Other residents report to our Physio team daily of their own personal rewards by attending Tai Chi. There are many social and active groups available to all our residents and families looking for new friends. So come along and try Tai Chi if it is available at your facility and experience the wonderful enjoyment of sharing with others.

- Megan Higgins, Physio Assistant

Volunteer Corner

We had a lovely volunteer BBQ Christmas Lunch in December in the new Horizon Lounge. It was a great turn out and the food and conversation flowed freely. It was also a time to farewell a few of our volunteers and to welcome and meet some of our new recruits.

This year we have been blessed to receive a number of new volunteers who are helping in a variety of areas. Lena is helping in the Library and with special interest stories and activities.

We also have a new gardener, Brian, who is working his way around the facility. We joke that it will be a bit like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, he will just get to the end and he will have to start again!

We have two Pet Therapy volunteers, Adam and Kerry doing amazing visits with their dogs. We are interested in having a cat visit as we have some cat lovers, so if anyone knows of someone with a special cat that likes to travel, please let us know.

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We have lots of options and ways in which you can get involved. If you would like to volunteer or become a Pastoral Carer or learn more about either of these opportunities, please contact: Liz McKay on 4329 8000 or 0435 785 244 Volunteer/Pastoral Care Coordinator

Read, Rest & Relax!

WHAT’S YOUR NAME AGAIN?

Two elderly ladies had been friends for many decades. Over the years they had shared all kinds of activities and adventures. Lately, their activities had been limited to playing cards a few times a week.

One day when playing cards, one looked at the other and said, "Now don't get mad at me. I know we've been friends a long time, but I just can't think of your name. I've thought and thought, but I can't remember it. Please tell me what your name is."

Her friend glared at her. For at least three minutes she just stared and glared. Finally she said, "How soon do you need to know?

QUIZ: HOW OLD ARE YOU REALLY? From the following list of 25 items, count all the ones that you remember -- not the ones you were told about! How to score yourself is at the end.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Blackjack chewing gum Wax Coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar-water Candy cigarettes Soda-pop machines that dispensed bottles Coffee shops with tableside jukeboxes Home milk delivery in glass bottles with cardboard stoppers 7. Party lines 8. Newsreels before the movie 9. P. F. Flyers 10. Butch wax 11. Telephone numbers with a word prefix

Super-simple Peach & Raspberry Tart

• 1/2 cup almond meal (ground almonds) • 1 tablespoon caster sugar

• 1 egg separated

• 2sheets frozen butter puff pas try, partially thawed • 2 medium peaches, halved, stones removed, cut into thick wedges • 1/4 cup frozen raspberries

• 1 tablespoon apricot jam, warmed, strained

• Vanilla ice-cream, to serve Serves 4

(e.g., Olive - 6933) 12. Peashooters 13. Howdy Doody 14. 45-RPM records ... and 78-RPM records 15. S&H Green Stamps 16. Hi-fi systems 17. Metal ice trays with lever 18. Mimeograph paper 19. Blue flashbulb If you remembered: 20. Packards 21. Rollerskate keys 0-5 = You're still young 6-10 = You are getting older 22. Cork popguns 23. Drive-in theaters 11-15 = Don't tell your age 24. Studebakers 16-25 = You're older than 25. Washtub wringers you think!

1. Preheat oven to 220°C/ 200°C fan-forced. Grease a large baking tray. Line with baking paper.

2. Combine almond meal, sugar and egg white.

3. Place pastry sheets on top of each other.

Gently press to secure. Cut a 22c m round from pastry. Place round on prepared baking tray.

Score a 19cm round in centre of larger round.

Prick 19cm round all over with a fork.

4. Spread almond meal mixture over 19cm round.

Top with peaches and raspberries . Brush pastry border with egg yolk. Bak e for 20 to 25 minutes or until pastry is golden and puffed and peaches are tender. Brush pea ches and raspberries with jam. Serve with ice-cream.

Word Search Find and circle all of the old TV shows that are hidden in the grid.

The remaining letters spell the name of an additional old TV show.

ALICE BEN CASEY BEVERLY HILLBILLIES CHIPS CANNON CAPTAIN KANGAROO DOBIE GILLIS DONNA REED DR. KILDARE EMERGENCY FLIPPER

FLYING NUN FUGITIVE GOMER PYLE GOOD TIMES GREEN ACRES GREEN HORNET HOWDY DOODY I SPY IRONSIDE JETSONS KOJAK

L.A. LAW LASSIE LOVE BOAT MAD ABOUT YOU MAUDE MEDICAL CENTER MIAMI VICE MOD SQUAD MOONLIGHTING MURPHY BROWN

ODD COUPLE PEYTON PLACE RAWHIDE RIFLEMAN RIN TIN TIN SOAP ST. ELSEWHERE TAXI THREE'S COMPANY WALTONS

Summer Newsletter Puzzle Answer Scrambled Christmas Carol: Merry Christmas

Disclaimer: All photos and stories have been published with consent of relatives and residents involved. Thank you for your submissions.