Maranatha Spring Newsletter 2016

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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

For as the earth brings forth its

sprouts

and as

a garden causes

what is sown in it to

sprout up,

so the Lord God will cause

righteousness and

praise

to sprout up before all the nations.

Isaiah 61:11

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Phone: (07) 3482 5333

Email: admin@chomes.com.au

Manager’s Message

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Welcome to Maranatha

Over the past few months, to say that Maranatha has been a hive of activity, is something of an understatement! We have had builders, painters, plumbers, electricians, decorators, landscapers, IT technicians and their minions all working together to complete the new 33 bed wing that we proudly opened for occupancy on August 9.

The new building is spectacular; from its soothing colours, to its elegant lighting and airy aspects, it is a credit to all involved in its construction. Since opening for occupancy, we have welcomed 10 new members to our Maranatha family. When fully occupied, we will have a total of 128 individuals who call Maranatha home.

With these new additions, I have been asking myself, “What are the things that really matter to the people who are moving in to this new home? What makes the home inviting and gives the sense of belonging that we all need?”.

Well, we all instinctively know the answer to those questions, don’t we? What really matters is the human touch, the warmth and kindness we experience. While we may initially be engaged by the overall attractiveness of the surroundings, what matters in the long run are the unseen, less tangible aspects of the environment. It is the compassion and thoughtfulness of others that really determines the lasting success or failure of any home. continued over page

Manager’s Message continued There are subtle differences in the way we use the language of human habitation. When we speak of ‘houses’ we often use unemotional, neutral words which describe the physical structure of bricks and mortar, wood and nails that provides shelter and meets our physical needs. Houses have physical addresses which can be located on a map. When we speak of our “homes” our voices soften and we use emotionally charged vocabulary to describe something far greater than a building. Home is really where the heart is. It may not have a location outside of our mind’s eye, it may not exist in the present or, if we are fortunate, it will be the place where we currently live.

Where ever it is in time and space, a home is always associated with warmth and love, belonging and acceptance. It is a place whose address is not necessarily located by map coordinates but its location is known and understood by our hearts.

At Maranatha, we have recently welcomed new members to our household. The challenge for us all now is to make those individuals feel a part of our home. In my experience, the sense of belonging and contentment is closely tied to the small, less tangible things in life. If I cast my thoughts back to my childhood home, it’s the warm smell of baking when I came up the path home from school, the squeaky sound of the back door opening to announce Dad’s return from work, the feel of the soft summer grass underfoot rather than the layout of the house, the colour of the walls or the type of furniture that comes to mind. It’s the things that cost nothing but are priceless: a cheerful word, a warm smile, a friend to laugh and cry with, being treated with respect and, most of all, being treated with love are the things that make a house a home.

We all have a part to play in turning the new part of our Maranatha house into a home. We don’t need extensive training or qualifications, all we need is to remember and act on this most simple but profound advice: we must treat others as we would wish to be treated ourselves.

We welcome the new members of our Maranatha community and hope that they will find this to be a place of love and belonging, a home in every sense of the word.

Warm Regards, Kathy Hallmark

“A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow” - Unknown

Birthdays & Upcoming Events UPCOMING EVENTS SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

1 Margaret Hansford 1 John Bliss

2 Teg Kalmar

6 Ailsa Mogg

2 Kay Power

4 Edith Watson

7 Lesley Pyott

3 Teresita McKinlay 5 Bethel Allen

12 Glady Burke

7 Mavis Rasmussen 7 Joan Tribe

17 Marjorie Booth 9 Rosemary Wright 9 18 Leonerd Mogg

10 Phyllis Crew

19 Donald Crombie 13 Aileen Law 24 John Laidler

Fay Neuendorf

11 Wally Winch 14 Shirley Winch

13 Shirley Fitzgerald 15 Carmel Worsnop 14 Mavis Ryan

17 Merle Forster

15 Lyn Hermann

18 Lois Lewis

19 Iris Mackinnon 20 Helen Bliss 20 Alec Eden

22 Dorothy Porter

23 Joyce Burrows

22 Dorothy Holland

26 Phyllis Caddick 24 Diana Priestley 29 Olwynne Dawson 30 Ian Law

31 Brent Otto

30 Jean Warner

31 Carol Spall Don’t forget our Weekly Rostered Activities - Choir, Numbers Only, Exercise and Fitness, iPad Games, Knitting, Nattering and Painting, Mindful Colouring and much, much more!

So look at your monthly programs

SEPTEMBER 2nd - Sing-a-Long with Dawn and Friends 2nd - Special Morning Tea to welcome the new Volunteer/Pastoral Care Co-ordinator 5th - Father’s Day Special 6th - Brass Band 9th - Family Carer’s Group 10th - Maranatha Annual Fair 19th - Market Day 29th - Northpine Play Group 30th - September Birthday Party and Concert

OCTOBER 7th - Annual Flower Show (Bus Trip) 13th - Northpine JNR Board Games 14th - Sing-a-Long with Dawn and Friends 21st - Oktoberfest Celebrations and Games 28th - October Birthday Party and Concert

NOVEMBER 6th - Christadelphian Choir 11th - Remembrance Day 18th - Sing-a-long with Dawn and Friends 25th - November Birthday Party and Concert

Activity Reviews A

NEW BEGINNING

Tuesday, August 9 saw the opening of the new wings of Maranatha: Magnolia and Lillypilly.

Naturally, this extension offers us all an opportunity to enlarge our circle of friends to encompass not only the new residents as they arrive, but also the additional staff that have been engaged to facilitate the added care needs.

We find that naturally our minds turn to the past whenever there are changes in our present and so on the August 5, we took the opportunity to take a picturesque look at Maranatha from inception to now and to enjoy a barbecue meal with all the residents for one last hurrah, while we still were able to fit in the one area.

LOOKING BACK‌ When we see Maranatha as it stands today, it is hard to imagine it not being here. However, not that many years ago, it was only a vision in the minds of a handful of Christadelphian members and it is through their vision and dedication, combined with those that followed with similar characteristics, that we stand here today.

The idea was first considered in 1963, with a small committee investigating the possibility of a piece of land in Victoria Ave, Redcliffe - however, for various reasons, they did not proceed.

This was followed during the period from 1970-71, with another small committee beginning enquires regarding government funding for a home, again for many reasons this was unsuccessful.

So, perhaps the real beginning for Maranatha came in April 1972, with the formation of a new and somewhat larger committee. With a great deal of intent, they began their work toward the provision of this necessary home, the result of which was to be realised some 10 years later.

Once all the legal requirements were completed, QCRVC (Queensland Christadelphian Retirement Village Corporation) was ready for action. Support began to flow, architects were engaged to assist with the choice of suitable land and also to prepare drawings and suggestions for the layout of the buildings. In the next 12 months or so, 33 blocks of land were inspected before the purchasing of Anzac Ave. Once a small portion of land was relinquished back to the local council the remaining size was approximately 12.5 acres.

Activity Reviews LOOKING BACK… continued As soon as possible, working bees commenced to clean up the land and for the planting of native trees. The soil was good as the property was once a market garden. The intervening years between the purchase of the land and the commencement of the building were not without frustrations.

During the years of wait, the previous owner (who still lived on an adjoining property) graciously became a volunteer caretaker, watching over the land and even mowing the grass with his ride on.

It 1979, it was decided to hold a fair on the grounds, even though at the time they had no water, power or facilities. It was held on a hot November day, but due to the amazing work of all involved, a great day was still had. And so, the annual Maranatha Fair began - now being held on the second Saturday of September to celebrate the date on which Maranatha first opened its doors.

The first stage of the building provided a 39 bed hostel (and shortly after four self-contained units). On September 11, 1982, the first hostel residents (numbering 12) moved into their new homes. Many changes have occurred throughout the years with additional rooms, dining areas and independent units being built.

Now we stand ready for the next stage of Maranatha’s growth, ready to welcome in the ensuing “first residents” into their new homes.

A Fond Farewell Margaret Laffan On August 24, the residents of Maranatha, together with the staff, wished Margaret Laffan a heartfelt farewell, having worked at Maranatha for almost 8 years.

She will be in our thoughts and prayers and we wish her well in her health and new endeavours.

Activity Reviews THE MARANATHA 2016 SENIORS ALL INCLUSIVE OLYMPICS Most of the world was aware that The 2016 Summer Olympics (Portuguese: Jogos Olímpicos de Verão de 2016), officially known as the Games of the XXXI Olympiad and commonly known as Rio 2016, was a major international multi-sport event held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 5 August to 21 August 2016.

However, a much larger event (not so well publicised) - officially known as the “The Maranatha 2016 Seniors All Inclusive Olympics” was also taking place.

The event was enjoyed by all that attended: from the opening ceremony on August 9, with major countries being represented - Scotland, Australia, England, India, Ireland, Fiji, America and Rio, to the closing ceremony on August 19.

The kitchen, as always, went to great lengths to follow the theme.

Between the opening and closing ceremonies, the true games began with Australia and England vying for the gold. Soccer, Lawn Bowls, Marathons, Mental steeple chases, Find a Word Frenzies, not to mention the mini games with Hoop Tossing and Straw Pole Vaults.

As with all events, there can only be one winner… Australia! Our outstanding resident athletes trophies this year going to Joy - winning our marathon, and Ruby - winning gold in the mental steeple chase.

Photos of Previous Events

ILU Outing

Resident Story - Betty Collins

I was born in Sydney in 1927, and grew up there during the Great Depression. I was the youngest of five children with two brothers and two sisters above me. We lived in Kingsford (which was then called South Kensington) and my father was a baker, but as it was the time of the Great Depression, his employment (like everybody else’s) was not secure.

Our home was near the airport (about four miles away) but we still had to go into the city to catch the train to get there, as there was no direct way from our home.

I went to the Daisyville State School for my primary years and then won a place at Sydney Girls High School, which was a great privilege for me.

I was a very good scholar and my family encouraged and supported me in pursuing my studies and I was able to become a pharmacist, which was my choice because I had loved the smell of the chemist shop (all those fresh smells!) when I was a child. My apprenticeship as a pharmacist was served with a female pharmacist (very unusual at the time!) in Double Bay - her name was Miss Brown. My beginning salary of one pound. only covered my fare to travel to work and no more. My studies were undertaken while doing my apprenticeship over three years and I had to sit the final Pharmacy Board exam in order to pass, having done my studies at the Sydney University.

I met my one and only boyfriend, Stan, at my dear friend Neta Dobell’s wedding and we travelled by plane to visit each other between Brisbane and Sydney before marrying when I moved to Sydney. We have two beautiful daughters, Norma and Elaine, who are our pride and joy.

Resident Story - Stan Collins

I was born in Ashgrove, Queensland in 1923. I was privileged to have two of the most wonderful parents who guided me and gave me the appreciation of life, which I value today and which I have attempted to instil in my children and grandchildren. I grew up in the Great Depression in Brisbane, where those with degrees were not able to obtain work using their degrees, as they had to be thankful for whatever job they were able to get. I got a scholarship for higher education, so was able to complete my education.

One of my earliest memories was of my mother taking me into town to see Bert Hinkler with his plane parading through the city and that ignited my fascination with aviation, which I was only able to fulfil in my retirement years when I got my pilot licence. We flew to visit my daughter in her outback home, at the time.

I was fortunate to obtain a position in a company, managed by my uncle, which specialised in office equipment, and gave me opportunities unforeseen. My apprenticeship was as a electro-mechanical, accounting and calculating engineer; these machines were the forerunners to modern day computers.

My position was that of service manager and during the war, while I was a conscientious objector, I was in a reserved occupation as my skills were considered necessary for the continuation of work during the war. This led to my doing a lot of maintenance and repair work for the US Army, Air Force and Navy during the war, which gave me many interesting experiences, some of which I understood more after the war.

One of my greatest achievements, and most precious memories, is of building a beautiful coteswood decking boat with my Dad, who was my greatest friend. I have many happy memories of trips with the whole family (my parents and children) to Hervey Bay, two to three times a year, where my girls always had a fishing line in hand.

Staff Profile - Marguerite Butera Chef Hello, my name is Marguerite Butera. I am the chef at Maranatha and have been in this role for the past two years. It has been a challenging and rewarding opportunity and I would like to thank all the residents and staff for their support and warm welcome.

I am originally from New Zealand and my first job was as an apprentice baker in a small town south of Christchurch. From there, I transferred to Queenstown and I worked as Breakfast Cook/Baker in a hotel. Later, I was offered a position at the New Zealand Parliament House and started my training as a chef in Wellington. To further my career, I studied Professional Chef Cookery and Pastry Cookery. I then decided to move overseas to London, where I spent many years working in trendy restaurants to high end catering and travelled around Europe and the Middle East.

I met my Sicilian husband while working in a kitchen in Chelsea. My oldest son Lewis, who is now 13, was born in London. We then moved to Palermo in Sicily, where I spent many hours cooking with my motherin law for ‘la famiglia’ in her kitchen. My favourite dish would be her melanzane involtini (stuffed eggplant). Dylan, my second son, was born in Sicily before we decided to experience New Zealand. There, my career changed into healthcare and my mother (who is also a cook) recommended me for a position of Head Chef in a nursing home in Christchurch. After the disastrous earthquake in 2011, we took work opportunities in Townsville. We spent three years there and had another child, Antea Maria, who is now four years old.

The kitchen at Maranatha is always a busy place and soon to get busier with the brand new wing opening soon!!

We are lucky here in Queensland to have such excellent quality produce available and Maranatha have sourced the best locally owned and family operated suppliers for our fresh produce.

Our freshly cut meats are from Willows Meat Market at the newly opened fresh market at North Lakes. They have been supplying Maranatha top quality produce for many years. Our bananas (as well as pineapples and tomatoes when in season) are locally farmed in Wamuran. JPD Fruit and Vegetables wholesaler have been in the business for over 30 years and is a family operated business.

I hope everyone continues to enjoy their meals!

Some wonderful Croque en Bouche and Profiteroles made for the residents’ recent Bastille celebrations

Volunteer Corner Introducing Jane Hughes Pastoral Care and Volunteer Coordinator For those who do not yet know me, my name is Jane Hughes, wife of Stephen, mother of Daniel, James, Emma & Laura many of whom you would also know as they have worked, volunteered etc. at Maranatha on various occasions, along with myself.

I love people and find them very fascinating creatures and obviously, God’s greatest creation, in whom He delights and sorrows as He watches their antics in this wonderful world which He has created.

My life is busy and filled with the care of my children and the support of my ecclesia, most importantly the young people who are the most interesting and vulnerable group in ecclesial life. Not to mention trying to keep up with my husband and his mind, which is often dwelling in the heavens above and my constant efforts to bring him down to earth are to naught effect.

I have, in recent years, applied myself to study in the area of social science, as it is my desire to work with people and help them be the best selves they can be, particularly when they take God into account in their lives. I have spent many years supporting my children through their school lives, volunteering in various aspects of school life - tuckshop, reading and career development. Now, I only have 1 child attending school and the others are all studying by distance education at various levels of secondary and tertiary study and I need to get out of the house to have my own space!

I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to work in the environment which is Maranatha and with all the beautiful people who volunteer in the care of others and I am looking forward to getting to know you all.

May God continue to bless His work as it takes place at Maranatha as we await His son’s return.

“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.

Read, Rest & Relax!

MEANING OF THE OLYMPIC FLAG The five Olympic rings represent the five major regions of the world - Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania.

Every national flag in the world includes one of the five colours, which are blue, yellow, black, green, and red.

Apricot Tarts with Honey Cream

• 1 1/2 x 200g packets shortbread biscuits • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 100g butter, melted • 1 1/2 cups thickened cream • 2 tablespoons honey • 4 large (400g) fresh apricots, each cut into 6 wedges • Icing sugar mixture, to dust

1. Grease eight 2cm-deep, 10cm (base) round loose-based fluted flan tins. Process biscuits and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add butter. Process to combine. Divide mixture evenly between prepared tins. Using the back of a spoon, press mixture over base and sides of tins. Cover with plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm.

2. Using an electric mixer, beat cream, honey and remaining cinnamon until soft peaks form.

3. Carefully remove biscuit cases from tins.

Divide cream mixture between cases. Top with apricot wedges. Dust with icing sugar.

Serve.

Makes 8 tarts

Olympic Alphabet Challenge

Can you come up with an Olympic themed word for each le5er of the alphabet?

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