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Christadelphian Aged Care S P R I N G N E W S L E T T E R
MARANATHA Address: 1582 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503
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Phone: (07) 3482 5333
Email: admin@chomes.com.au
Managers Message
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Welcome to Maranatha The past few weeks in Brisbane have been notable for the occurrence of two events that indicate we are in the month of August as clearly as the date on the calendar. To Queenslanders, the two events are inextricably linked, appearing together like clockwork each and every mid August. Anyone who has lived for a year or more in this part of the world will know that I am referring to the Queensland Royal Show, known simply as ‘The Ekka’ and the accompanying cold, westerly winds. It seems you can’t have one without the other. Queenslanders love the Ekka and flock to it in their droves. Thousands of children, fairy floss sticking to hands and chins, tummies warmed by dagwood dogs and faces shining with the sheer excitement and spectacle of show time pour through the gates between from the 7th-16th August every year. What these kids do not yet know (but their parents are discovering) is that they are creating for themselves memories that as they grow into adulthood will become an instant and treasured source of connection with precious childhood days. I did not grow up in Brisbane, so did not experience the Ekka until as a mum of 40 I took my own children. However, I have very clear memories of the Winter Show which came each year to my own small town. I remember that it was huge, too exciting for words and filled with exotic tastes and smells. It was so crowded that as a very small child in the care of my grandmother I was delightedly waving my fairy doll (a gloriously glittery pink plastic doll which was tied to a hooked stick) when much to my grandmother’s horror I hooked an unsuspecting patron in his buttoned fly! Annoyed by the obstruction to my dolls flight, I tugged vigorously but was unable to free her. My mortified grandmother and the equally embarrassed show-goer somehow managed to liberate the fairy doll and we were able resume exploring the magic that was the Winter Show. Revisiting my home town as an adult I was amazed at how small the show grounds had become. Was it really only the size of a football field? Surely not! The world certainly shrinks as we age. Continued over page
my favourite weather is bird-chirping weather - Terri Guillemets
Manager’s Message continued At Maranatha, for those who are unable to visit the Ekka we have been able to bring a small part of the Ekka to them in the form of several small furry, feathery or woolly farm animals. It was nothing less than inspirational to see the smiles on the faces and light in the eyes of residents who are seldom able to experience and express this level of joy. While we may forget the particulars of events in our lives (was it in a paddock or at the Ekka that I first patted a lamb?) we never forget the emotions of the event. Connection with animals is a universal language that needs no words. Even if our own words have deserted us, if our minds have become unstuck in time so we bounce around in a world where yesterday is as real as today or if we have lost the ability to make new memories or access the old, contact with animals conquers those problems. Animals connect us directly and immediately with all stages of our lives and allow us to relive those precious emotions of unconditional acceptance and comfort that animals provide. Celebration and festivity is an important part of our life’s journey. We must enjoy the lives we have been given, celebrate every day, do special things with our families and loved ones, and create family rituals, whether it is going to the Ekka every year, having picnics at the beach during the long hot summers or eating fish and chips from the wrapping paper while watching a family movie every weekend. By doing this we are providing a store of memories that in years to come, when we may need it most, we can revisit these days when we feel the touch of the cool westerly wind , the sound of the sea or the unmistakably delicious smell of fish and chips. Regards, Kathy Hallmark
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
6 Ailsa Mogg
1 John Bliss
2 Teg Kalmar
11 Joan Mogg
2 Kay Power
4 Edith Watson
12 Gladys Burke
3 Norma Barnett
5 Bethel Allen
UPCOMING EVENTS MONTHLY
17 Marjorie Booth 3 Teresita McKinlay 7 Joan Tribe 18 Leonerd Mogg
7 Mavis Rasmussen 9 Fay Neuendorf
18 Jeanette Mogg
9 Rosemary Wright 11 Wally Winch
19 Donald Crombie 10 Phyllis Crew 24 John Laidler
14 Shirley Winch
12 Denise Milvain 15 Carmel Worsnop 14 Mavis Ryan
17 Merle Foster
15 Lyn Hermann
18 Lois Lewis
19 Iris Mackinnon 20 Helen Bliss 20 Alex Eden
22 Dorothy Porter
23 Joyce Burrows
22 Dorothy Holland
26 Phyllis Caddick 24 Diana Priestly 29 Olwynne Dawson 30 Jean Warner 31 Brent Otto 31 Carol Spall
1st Monday - Garden Club 2nd Thursday - Play Group 2nd Saturday - Family Carers Group (except Sept due to Fair) WEEKLY - Thursday Choir
SEPTEMBER 3rd - Fathers Day 4th - Birthday Party & Concert 12th - Maranatha Fair 18th - Spring Ball 24th - Market Day
OCTOBER 2nd - Birthday Party & Concert 9th - Sing-a-Long with Dawn and Audrey 16th - Concert ‘Rob and Rhonda’ 19th - Michelle K Fashion 23rd - Inspirations by John Gradwell
NOVEMBER 3rd - Melbourne Cup day 6th - Birthday Party & Concert 13th - Portafino Fashion
Activity Reviews HERE COMES THE BRIDE June 18th saw the residents of Maranatha celebrate the joy of love and blessings of lifelong companions. The day commenced w i t h a Po w e r Po i n t presentation, displaying many of the residents on their wedding day. Their dresses not only added to their physical beauty but also told stories of the era – with many of the ladies borrowing dresses, lending their dresses to others, using Phyllis Crew Marjorie Booth Shirley Lee food stamps, hand sewing and finally using their dresses in future projects – dresses for daughters, coat hanger covers, backings for blankets or cutting them down for choir and dance dresses. This was followed by a beautiful morning tea and stalls from the fundraising committee. In the afternoon several young people came in for the bridal parade - wearing some of the surviving dresses – the eldest being made in 1942 and finally 2 of our favourite ILU’s Sue and Bob Collins remembered their wedding day by walking down the aisle and cutting the cake.
Sara with the original bride Jenny Prue (& Adam) wearing Edith Watson’s dress Anya & Daniel. Anya is wearing Elva Stacey’s dress Anya (with James) wearing a dress made by Heather for her daughter
Prue & Daniel stand with Thelma – wearing the dress Thelma made for her granddaughter.
Bob & Sue Collins
Sophie wearing Phyllis Dalzell's dress and original head piece.
Jacquie wearing Norma’s dress (left) which was made by her mother Betty (right)
Activity Reviews ILU RESIDENTS’ OUTING TO PARROTS IN PARADISE After a refreshing morning tea stop at a park in the shadow of Mount Tibrogargan, our two minibuses arrived at “Parrots in Paradise” near the village of Glasshouse Mountain. Rescued and surrendered birds, as well as those bred here, are cared for and trained to perform for visitors as a way of raising funds to fulfil their aims of Conservation, Preservation and Education. As we took our seats in the small amphitheatre we were struck by the volume of raucous sounds emanating from the unrestrained birds waiting (not so patiently) on their perches behind the performing area. The main culprit was Whoppa, an eclectus parrot, which is as intelligent as a five- year-old child! Our hostess and mistress of ceremonies was the proprietress Dail, appropriately wearing a dress covered in parrot pictures. Firstly she brought out a specimen of each of the species of parrots housed there, displaying their different characteristics and beautiful variety of colours and markings. Then came the performance – short routines involving climbing, swinging, twirling, dancing, waving, lying down – all on command. The birds are trained by reward and praise, obviously enjoying their turn in the spotlight and relishing the applause. It was impressive to see Dail able to pick out the particular bird she wanted from the flock of Alexandrines on the perch. One clever parrot was able to pick up coins from our hands and place them in his moneybox, carefully rejecting any foreign money! After the show it was lunchtime and many remarked on the meal - the fresh sandwiches, the juicy fruit, friendly and helpful service with the tea and coffee, the reasonable price - and all enjoyed in a comfortable outdoor setting. Thanks to Dail and her enthusiastic team of helpers for being informative, interesting and entertaining, a great day out.
Activity Reviews KNITTING FOR CHANGE Each fortnight, the ladies of the “Knit and Natter” group gather in Sunnyside, together with volunteer Lexie for an hour of knitting, laughing, chatting and afternoon tea. Over the past year, they have been busy knitting squares that were made into rugs by another of our lovely volunteers Janet K - these rugs were then donated to the N e i g h b o u r h o o d c e n t re fo r t h e h o m e l e s s. T h e Neighbourhood Centre was so impressed with the rugs and the knitting that they have asked the ladies to knit additional squares for 2 trees that are out the front of the Redcliffe centre, to be living monuments for their new ‘Knit for Change’ program – taking a softer approach, to create a safer community in regards to domestic and family violence. The centre will be having a grand reopening (which the ladies have been invited to) in November at which time the trees will be unveiled. We would like to acknowledge the skills and kindness of the ‘Knit and Natter’ group for showing us that you are never to old to enrich the life of others through compassion.
EKKA It’s that time of year again; windy weather, fairy floss, show bags, live stock and rides. For those at Maranatha unable to visit the Ekka, we brought a small part of the event to them in the form of several small furry, feathery or woolly farm animals. The smiles on the faces of both residents and staff alike – the power of joy that small animals bring with their very presence is wonderful to see.
Resident Story - (Mildred) Irene Heath Following the death of her beloved husband Maurice in July last year, Irene has recently moved to Maranatha. Irene was born in Derbyshire and as her father was a policeman, the family moved with him from village to village. She then moved to Nottingham where she began her training as a nurse, later marrying the son of one of her patients! Irene and her son and daughter have just celebrated the 50th anniversary of their arrival in Australia. Amongst Irene’s hobbies are reading, crossword puzzles, playing Scrabble and using her laptop computer. There are many things that she enjoys here at Maranatha – the lovely meals, the activities, the company of her new friends, and living close to her daughter Susan.
In Loving Memory Our memories build a special bridge when loves have to part - to help us feel we’re with them still and soothe a grieving heart. Our memories span the years we have shared, preserving ties that bind. They build a special bridge of love and bring us peace of mind.
Stephen Reddy
27/10/1927 – 01/05/2015
Madge Coleman 1/3/1930 – 21/5/2015
Agnes Chambers 18/4/1922 – 23/7/2015
Ronald Goodwin 26/4/1933 – 13/6/2015
Vera Booth
20/2/1923 – 18/7/2015
Myrie Walters 31/5/1919 – 26/7/2015
Staff Profile - Robyn Clark Thursday 13th August at Maranatha closed a chapter of our history that had opened 19 years earlier on 26th March 1996. The time period between these two dates signifies the employment at Maranatha of our much loved friend and colleague, Robyn Clark. Robyn came to Maranatha as a young mother of 3 beautiful daughters. As a Christadelphian, Robyn knew many of the residents and staff who were here back in 1996 so she quickly settled into her role as a cleaner and domestic help (the position in which she was originally employed.) It was soon apparent that Robyn had a talent in caring for others and she converted to the role of personal carer, completing her Certificate 3 in Aged Care in 2000. During her years at Maranatha, Robyn has always been a ready helper, whether as part of her working role or in giving up her own time to help with the fair, take residents to appointments or run countless errands for others. Robyn has also been an enthusiastic participant in activities at Maranatha, willing to join in with concerts and other events that have bought smiles to many faces. Over the years, the 3 little girls who are Robyn’s daughters (Nikki, Amanda and Alecia) have grown into wives and mothers themselves. We have shared the ups and downs of their lives with Robyn too – the anxious preparations for their marriages and deliveries of babies (even twins!), the joy of new grandchildren and the milestones of those children, starting to walk, starting to talk and starting school then most recently the blessing of Robyn’s eldest grandchild, Chelsea, being baptised. It is often said that you can tell a lot about a person by the way they care for animals and plants. While I don’t know about Robyn’s gardening abilities, I do know about how well she cares for animals. Robyn has provided housesitting and animal minding services for many of her colleagues while they have been away on holidays. She has fussed over dogs and cats, birds and even llamas to ensure they have remained safe and well loved while their owners have been absent. Robyn’s loving and caring relationship with domestic animals has translated into her relationships with those much more complicated animals – human beings. Kindness has been the hallmark of Robyn’s interactions with those she has cared for. She has done this in a quiet, unassuming and humble manner, whistling and smiling while she worked, showing a generosity of spirit and giving nature that we will all miss. Over the past 19 years Robyn has spent about 30,600 hours of her time at Maranatha. We think of all that represents in acts of love and kindness shown to others, comfort and support given to residents and staff alike, countless deeds of compassion and warm hearted care and we realise how much we have to thank Robyn for and how much we will miss her. We wish you the very best in your retirement, Rob – come back and visit us often! God Bless.
Pastoral Care TESTING TIMES Have you ever felt like giving up? I think many of us have ( I know I have). Certain events come in life that throw us off guard and we say “is it time to give up?”. Some of the worst tragedies that happen come when people give up. We sometimes also think that all the successful people in life have been strong individuals who had their lives altogether; not true. Let’s take a minute to talk about that. We might think of scientists, for example, like Louis Pasteur who made some amazing discoveries in the field of chemistry. He is written up in all the history books. But this incredible man suffered from a paralytic stroke at age 46 which actually made him handicapped for the rest of his life. And what about the great musicians and poets with time to entertain people with their incredible gifts? Beethoven struggled to write his music because of his deafness. The English poet John Milton wrote some of his poetry after he became blind. So it’s amazing to see that people often discover that despite their handicaps, great work can to be accomplished. Here’s someone else; James Watt, the Scottish inventor famous for the steam engine, was a very sick man and didn’t have much money. The thing that made all these people famous and unique was not their psychical strength, emotional stability or large amounts of money – it was a sense of purpose, and a total commitment to that purpose. I sense in meeting some people that that purpose is missing because of the difficulties of life. They give up because it’s too hard or they don’t feel they have a purpose. Some of our problems are short-term, like a bout of flu or a falling out with someone at work. Others may last much longer: a chronic illness, a disability or an addiction, the loss of someone close to us, or an ongoing battle to overcome a personal weakness such as anger or moodiness. You may have to struggle with such difficulties for weeks, months, or even years. And sometimes problems persist even when you feel you’ve already done all you could: You’ve been praying, reading and following the Bible, claiming His promises and trying to trust God. Still you see no answer, which can be discouraging. When you think you’ve reached the end of your rope, just hold on a little longer. Patience is often the key that opens the door to God’s blessings and sometimes we must be content to wait for His answer. While we may expect God to put an end to our problems right now, He may know that later is a better time. God’s timing is impeccable. “He has done all things well.” (Mark 7:37.) Trust Him! Faith is believing. Faith is trusting. Faith doesn’t quit. Faith refuses to call anything impossible. Faith refuses to be robbed of its joy and peace by circumstances or battles. Once, a little boy was trying very hard to lift a heavy piece of furniture. His father came into the room and, noting his son’s struggle, asked him “Are you using all your strength?”” Yes, of Our deepest sympathies have course I am!” the boy impatiently shouted. “Oh no, you’re not,” the gone out to the families who father answered. “You haven’t asked me to help you!” That’s the have lost their loved ones over problem with our faith and trust in God. We fail to ask for His help. the Winter period. In cases like that, God may be testing you to see whether you will continue to trust and believe and thank Him for all the good He sends your way, even when it seems He is not answering your prayers. “We walk by faith, not by sight. Blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed.” (2 Cor 5:7; John 20:29) God loves to see His children’s faith manifested, and He promises to greatly reward those who bravely endure the trying of their faith. If God is working in your life to bring out a special quality, the nnn process may take some time. Lumps of coal aren’t turned to diamonds overnight; so it is with our lives. - By Chris Witts
Bereavements
Volunteer Corner Every now and then in life we are blessed by being acquainted with people who stand apart from others. At Maranatha, we are constantly blessed by the volunteers who embody the spirit of greatness, with their extraordinary hearts, their gifts of time and seeds of love - their listening, hugs and the smiles that they bring. On July 1st, we gathered together with mixed emotions, to say ‘thank you’ to 3 very special volunteers – Wally, Carmel and Judith. Together they represent more than 25 years of service, as they (due to health of self, loved ones and other commitments) retired from volunteering. Words can not express in full the great fullness we feel for the countless hours they have given – their songs, laughter, coffee making, massage giving time, but we thank you non the less and pray that you are blessed in your future endeavours.
Wally
Carmel
Judith
“What you do makes a difference. You have to decide what difference you want to make.” If you are interested in joining the Volunteer program, please do not hesitate to contact us.
No ma&er your age or background, singing offers an opportunity to learn, grow and self expression.
Did you know Maranatha together with the other CAC facilities is on Facebook? Feel free to have a look and see some of the exciting things that are happening.
Led by a professional singing mistress the Maranatha Choir meets weekly – with opportuni:es to perform professionally throughout the year. No singing experience necessary, simply come and enjoy. Every Thursday 2:00pm Open to all ‐ residents, those living in the independent units, volunteers, family and friends
https://www.facebook.com/ christadelphianagedcare
Play Group Second Thursday of each month
Family Crrs Supprt Grup 2nd Saturday each month the family carers support group meet in “Sunnyside room” 10am – 12pm (morning tea included) To give recognition to the devotion, courage, compassion and stresses that family carers experience – and to offer education and support to better equip them to continue their role, so that together with the professional carers, they can continue to support the residents in care.
If you are interested in joining us, additional details can be obtained from Anne the Pastoral Care Co-ordinator or Cindy the RAO
Read, Rest & Relax! SPRING CLEANING TIPS Finally, springtime is knocking at our door! After winter, we’re ready to swing open the windows and let the fresh air flow in. Spring is a season of renewal. Symbolically, it’s when nature comes alive again: blooming flowers, baby animals and cleansing rain showers! Many people grew up with a seasonal tradition: the spring-cleaning. It’s an annual reminder its time to clean house and de-clutter. For seniors, it’s a great way to shake the winter blues and reminisce. Many older adults are rejuvenated by the warming weather and sunshine. A cleanup confers health benefits as well: reducing symptoms of respiratory illness and risk for falling. A good cleaning is beneficial both physically and emotionally!
Spring Cleaning To-Do List: Discard old medications Clean out bedside drawers and sort books/magazines De-clutter; remove objects that obstruct the flow of movement through the room such as unnecessary furniture Bust dust - don't forget photographs and art on walls, blinds, vents & light bulbs Open windows to circulate fresh air
Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate Cookies • 100g unsalted butter, chopped • 200g dark chocolate, chopped • 1/3 cup (100g) crunchy peanut butter • 2/3 cup (150g) caster sugar • 1 egg, lightly beaten • 1 1/4 cups (185g) plain flour • 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder • 2 tablespoons roasted unsalted peanuts, chopped Makes 24
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease and line two baking trays with baking paper.
2. Place the butter and half the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of gently simmering water (don't let bowl touch the water) and stir until melted. Remove from heat.
3. Stir in peanut butter, followed by sugar and egg. Sift over flour, bicarbonate of soda and cocoa, then stir to combine. Fold in half of the remaining chocolate.
4. In a separate bowl, combine nuts and remaining chocolate.
5. Roll 2 teaspoons dough into a ball and place, 3cm apart, on trays. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon and press nut mixture gently into dough. Bake for 12-15 minutes until cooked but still soft in the centre. Cool on trays for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Insect Word Scramble All of the scrambled words below are names of insects you have probably heard about. Can you put the letters in the right order to spell 19 different insect names correctly?
Disclaimer: All photos and stories have been published with consent of relatives and residents involved. Thank you for your submissions.