Courtlands Village Summer Newsletter 2016

Christadelphian Aged Care 2 0 1 6 / 1 7 S U M M E R N E W S L E T T E R

COURTLANDS

Address: 15 Gloucester Ave, North Parramatta Phone: (02) 9683 8000

Email: admin@chomes.com.au

Facility Manager’s Message Welcome to Courtlands Hello! As promised in our Spring newsletter, here is an update on what has been happening here at Courtlands and Northcourt.

Refurbishment of Northcourt has commenced and is travelling along well with stage one already complete.

There have been some system changes to bring us in line with the rest of our Homes. The ‘Best-Med’ system has been introduced, ensuring a better medication system for our residents and ‘iCare’ is now our new care documentation system. We have also had some changes to staff and roles, in order to make improvements, which will enhance the quality of life for our residents.

As you know, Courtlands and Northcourt are still in a period of transition, and I have to say I’ve found it very pleasing to see how resilient and adaptable we all are! I would like to thank all the residents, relatives and staff for their ongoing support and feedback.

I’m sure you all join me in anticipation, as we look forward to our upcoming Christmas parties and enjoy the wonderful Christmas decorations throughout the Village, both inside and out!

As the end of the year is nearing, I wanted to dedicate part of this space for a message of a more personal nature. I recently had a visit from one of the residents, and we chatted about our experiences of immigration and her moving into care.

She shared with me what it is like to move somewhere unwillingly, with no prospect of returning home; and how you have to completely reassemble your life, only with so much more help needed this time than when she moved before. Listening to her experience and hearing her wisdom reminded me of why I like my job so much. continued over page

Facility Manager’s Message continued Then, I thought of my colleagues, all of the Facility Managers at Christadelphian Aged Care, and how challenging our role can be. We could be consumed with numbers, science, visibility, systems and processes, and we could easily forget why we love what we do. So, I wish that the New Year will bring them courage, strength, passion, creativity and tenacity to continue this challenging work.

We are also eternally grateful to our residents and their families for choosing to be with us.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Warm Wishes, Wannapa Foytong - Facility Manager Courtlands and Northcourt Aged Care

Senior Village Manager’s Message The Christmas tree lights are twinkling, and red and gold baubles and greenery in the Village Centre are telling us Christmas is on its way. Special gifts are being bought and family members are deciding where to celebrate Christmas together this year. Our thoughts turn to those no longer with us and we smile at our memories and ponder for a moment.

Acquaintances and neighbours should be thought about with a friendly wave and a “g’day, all the best for the Season” as Christmas can be a lonely time for some. I would like to thank the Social Committee and Christadelphian Homes for donations towards Christmas lights which will be placed around the Village trees for all to enjoy.

Rashi, who was working at the reception desk, had her little girl on November 22. Mum and baby are doing well and Rashi has promised to bring her precious new daughter to Courtlands for a visit when they get more settled.

Peter Cross from Adairs Fire Evacuation Consultants spent an hour with us going over what to do in the event of a fire. He referred to the Resident Handbook, in particular Pages 7 and 8, Emergency Call System and Emergency Assembly Points. Fire Awareness education will take place annually. Peter enjoyed his visit to Courtlands and looks forward to conducting a similar session with residents at Westcourt.

I would like to wish all residents, families, staff and volunteers a safe and blessed Christmas. May God bless each of you every day.

Kind Regards, Jane Burns - Senior Manager, Retirement Villages

UPCOMING EVENTS Over the next quarter, we have the pleasure of some Activity Assistants who are here to ensure a full and happy festive season for all our residents!

I hope you all enjoy the company of Anna, Ben, Emilee and Zoe.

Terrace Highlights Christmas Party New Year’s Resolutions and Drinks Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea Vista Highlights Christmas Party Australia Day Celebrations Chinese New Year Valentine’s Day High Tea Grange Highlights Christmas Party Australia Day Celebrations Valentine’s Day High Tea Grove Highlights Christmas Party Henny Penny Northcourt Highlights Christmas Party Australia Day Celebrations

Happy Birthday!

DECEMBER

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

DECEMBER

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

Self Care

Self Care

Self Care

Grange

Grange

Grange

11 Dennis Smith

1 Rita Corrie

13 Judith Mulvena

8 Bernard Smith

13 Peggy Smith

2 Pat Sanders

18 Fran Lewis

11 Hilda Nash

15 Magda Mittag 4 Jan Stoker

19 Andrew Kerr

20 Denise Moran 5 Joy Boehm

21 James Gibbings

20 Dave McConnell

22 Essie Denley

5 Joe Lewis

Vista 11 Jill Harris

Grove

Vista 1 Mariam Tawil

Grove

11 Anthony Williams

Vista 6 Maxine Mcilwain

Grove

22 Esma Winkley 5 Eileen Kemp

23 Margaret Lake 13 Jane Graham 20 Lillian O’Neil

3 Winsome Bradshaw

23 Noel Dunn

26 Bruce Sinclair

10 Eugenia Bekiaris

6 Terry O’Brien

7 Dorothy Green 26 Basil Searle

21 David Baker

9 Lynn

McLauchlan

21 May Ward

27 Susan Van Beurden

11 Boris Shuchman 12 Fay Salmon

24 Monika Bhatia

Westcourt

Westcourt

Thelma Sandanam

13 Daphne Chappell 15 Margaret Baker

Westcourt

Northcourt

19 John Green

23 Maria Casella

22 Faye Dunn

Terrace

Northcourt

Northcourt 21 Victoria Christen

Terrace

26 Richard Fox

23 Dorothy Innes 5 Lindsay White

27 Val Slarke

30 Lillian Reed

11 Pat Carden

28 Paul Crossley

12 Maureen Wishart

31 Marie Larkin

18 Yvonne O’Donoghue 20 Norma Fenwick 26 Marie Kenneally

Terrace

Activity Reviews TERRACE The Footy session is all over and it was a close competition among our residents and staff.

Congratulations to the winners! Looking forward to next season.

The Terrace had a lovely morning at Silverwater Park by the water. The sun was out (most of the time). We enjoyed a cuppa and donut by the water. The three wise men enjoyed a man talk on the park bench.

Terrace enjoyed a concert on Halloween with a crazy witch with an amazing voice.

VISTA AND GROVE We have started our bus trips up again. Vista and Grove residents have been enjoying afternoon scenic drives around the local area with an ice cream treat.

Self-care Melbourne cup saw a few winners with our Melbourne Cup Luncheon.

Activity Reviews VISTA AND GROVE Self-care The weather is warming up, so what better time for a Spring barbecue! Our selfcare residents enjoyed some sausages and steaks on the Village Green, before minds were put to the test in a round of trivia.

Activity Reviews GRANGE Oktoberfest was celebrated by the Grange residents, staff and families, who indulged in all things German.

NORTHCOURT Staff, family and friends celebrated 99 years of life with our beloved resident Jim for his birthday!

Northcourt’s renovations are still in progressing with one wing complete and more on the way.

Residents across all our areas had fun dressing up for photo shoots for a very special project, including Winnie from the Grove

Resident Story - Archie Tyrrell Archie has lived on the site of Courtlands Village in North Parramatta for many years, and claims to be the first person to move here as a retiree. Courtlands Village was previously owned by Manchester Unity, before being purchased by Christadelphian Aged Care in May this year.

Archie has been a member of the local Oddfellows Lodge since 1943, which was attached to Manchester Unity, so says he had a good claim on receiving assistance. Manchester Unity originated in England, and the lodge was formed in 1840 in Australia and has 176 years of involvement in its work in the community.

Archie was born in Hurstville on July 5, 1920, and was one of a twin, but sadly his twin died at birth.

Archie was involved with the militia for four years as a volunteer and national military service for one year during World War II, but was not sent overseas.

He married his bride, Norah Salina on March 4, 1950 and the couple had four girls.

Archie started work in 1935 with Bennett and Wood, but moved on after scratching the owner’s car. He worked selling clothes at Goldman and Company until his father insisted the family went on Christmas holidays together, which meant Archie was sacked on his return to work. He then spent 12 years working for Dri-Glow Towels from 1938, spinning the yard for the manufacture of the products. He moved to the Cessnock factory where he was made redundant, and so found work in the local coal mines.

He worked about 1300 feet - or 450m - underground at the Aberdare Central mine and spent five years there mining with manpower and pit ponies. Archie recalls the term “pony” was not very indicative of the size and strength of the horses. It seems that each team of horses spent one week underground and then were exchanged for another team. There were records showing there were 91 ponies in the mine at one time, he says. Archie can still recall the pay rate was eight pounds a week, but with penalty rates and a bit of overtime he could bring home 22 pounds a fortnight.

Archie then had the experience of working at the pithead (above ground), at Calingo. Here the coal was brought by horse-drawn trucks to be stored for transfer by steam train to the steel works and power generation plants. Any horses that were grazing nearby would alert the waiting workmen that a truck was about three kilometres away because they were inquisitive to see which of the herd was drawing the truck.

He also spent time working at BHP in the sulphide works.

After a short period of selling at Coles, he was replaced (at 45 years old) by the 18 year olds who all looked the part and “suited” the image of the company, Archie says.

Archie then moved to Annandale and spent 22 years as a bus conductor on those iconic green double decker buses with the yellow and black stripe. He was stationed at the Leichhardt bus depot, and became the safely officer for the depot.

Archie remembers a story about his friend, Freddie, would not let a female passenger take her pram further than the back platform of the bus, but stored it under the stairs.

When, in due course, a lady appeared carrying her baby, and was ready to get off, he assisted her with the stroller in a gentlemanly fashion. However, a couple of stops later, the owner of the pram appeared with her baby ready to alight, but alas, there was no stroller. It appears no one lost their job, but there was much discussion in the terminus for a while.

Archie retired in 1985 and still is reminded of the time by the Seiko clock he was given as a retirement present from the Government.

He was a piano player and tennis player until he gave it up to be married, after which he took up bowls from 1978 for 36 years in a variety of clubs.

So Archie has been around for about 30 years and seen the growth of the Village here at Courtlands. He moved into the Terrace when it opened in 1994.

His wife Norah died in 2006 at 78 years with complications from her battle with diabetes. She was eight years younger than Archie and he says he has felt lonely without her.

One highlight of recent years has been a trip to New Caledonia around his ninetieth birthday on the P&O boat, Pacific Dawn.

He has failing eyesight caused by a fall on the bowling green and trouble walking, but his memory is sharp and he still attends all the lodge meetings he can as a warden.

Staff Profile - Kristen Zammit RECEPTIONIST As I am recently new to Courtlands Village, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Kristen Zammit and I’m 23 years old. I have a small immediate family which includes my Dad, Mum and younger sister.

As I was going through high school and watched the latest trends emerge, I grew an eye for hair. Although I always aspired to be a paramedic, because I think that having the power to save someone’s life would be very humbling. My grandfather and mother had great work ethic and, after thinking long and hard about the decision, I decided I wanted to work as a hairdresser as soon as I could. I found a junior position at a hairdressing salon, where I worked afternoons and weekends, while I was also completing my High School Certificate.

After finishing high school, I got an apprenticeship and that is when all the hard work started. I studied for four years and completed my Certificate lll and IV in Hairdressing, Certificate lll in Beauty and continued to study short term courses to gain more experience and knowledge, but I always wanted to do more. I joined the NSW Rural Fire Brigade in Berkshire Park along with my sister, who has been active for nearly two years, and a lot of close friends became my role models. After managing the salon for seven years, I knew the trade inside and out and I was ready for change and a new challenge. I decided to leave hairdressing, even though it was a very big decision to make, but it was nonetheless the best decision I’ve made.

When I heard about the position here at Courtlands for a receptionist, I jumped at the chance. I knew it would be the right path for me in starting this new chapter, as I still get to interact and try my best to help and solve problems, which I love to do. I was very nervous coming for my interview, but everyone was so welcoming. The weekend after my interview, I passed my basic Firefighting Course and the Monday after, I received the call that I was successful and was to start at Courtlands the next day! I was so excited and overwhelmed with what I thought I would never be able to achieve has indeed come true.

I am thankful and blessed that I have been so welcomed into this new role by all the staff and residents here at Courtlands, and am eager to learn and grow as a person in the process.

Christadelphian Aged Care

2017 Resident Movie Calendar Residents at all our Homes and Villages recreated a favourite movie for photos that have been printed as a wall calendar.

All residents will receive a copy for Christmas.

If family or friends would like a copy, please see Reception.

Landscape Excellence Awards Congratulations to Clarissa from our Courtlands Village landscaping team who has won Gold in the 2016 Landscape Excellence Awards!

For this newsletter I've been asked to shine the spotlight on myself in order to highlight a recent personal achievement within my career and shed some light on who I am as a person and my working background.

To start with, I recently attended the horticultural and landscaping industry's night of nights – a black tie gala event at the Landscape Master Excellence awards. I can proudly announce that after eight years of hard work, I walked away with GOLD, first place ‘Women's in Landscaping’ award for 2016.

I'm just a simple girl, born and bred in the country. I was raised to show that my hand shake is worth more than any contract – something that I believe shines through in my daily work. In my family, you either join the armed forces or worked the land, but, I chose to take a machete to the future that had already been decided for me and cut myself a new path. Eight years of turmoil and hard work, I finally received the validation that I made the right choice to go my own way.

I completed my apprenticeship at a wholesale production nursery in the picturesque Canoelands (near Wisemans Ferry). I very quickly made my way up through the ranks – by my second year I was a field manager, and third year I was quarantine manager. I received my qualification at a credit level and also was named best horticulture student out of my graduating year. I went on and studied production management. During the course of my apprenticeship, I was also pulling beers at the local resort to help cover the rent of the cabin I was living in situated on the beautiful banks of the Hawkesbury River at Wisemans Ferry.

At the completion of my apprenticeship, I was brought on to be the head landscaper of a 4 star resort.

Since leaving the resort, I have gained experience within many facets of the horticulture and landscaping industries. The bank stabilisation project at Nepean Rowing Club was managed by me as the head horticulturist. The project was overseen by Penrith Council which added to the complexities of stabilisation and plant suitability. I had my hand in open space management for Blacktown City Council and completed residential maintenance on multimillion dollar properties from Manly all the way through to Bondi.

It has been a very exciting 18 months watching the awards and recognition roll in for my team, the Village and now for myself at an individual level. We look forward to all the new challenges we will face over the coming year.

Have a safe and merry Christmas, Clarissa White | Team Leader Landscape Solutions Australia Pty Ltd

love

1 John 3:18

Pastoral Care

Let us not with word or speech but with actions and in truth

GRIEF: COPING WITH SPECIAL OCCASIONS Birthdays, Religious Celebrations, Anniversaries, Holidays You may experience an unexpected increase in your feelings of grief on special days that are important and meaningful to you and your family. For example - birthdays, anniversaries (especially the anniversary of the death), Christmas or Easter, or any other special family traditions. These feelings can also be triggered by other occasions such as hearing a meaningful song, smelling a particular perfume, or visiting places that bring back memories. It is normal to feel this heightened sense of loss with this type of reminder. It is common to wonder why you are experiencing increased feelings of loss and not understand the cause, only to realise that a significant date is approaching or has passed.

It can be useful to plan ahead for these days, realising they may be difficult.

Depending on the individual, you may like to spend the day alone or with friends and family, or keep yourself occupied in some other way. You cannot change the circumstances but you can change the way you approach these occasions.

Religious celebrations are supposed to be a joyous time and most people spend them with family. Again it will be normal to experience increased anxiety and heightened grief when anticipating the first occasion without your loved one. Be prepared for this to be a time of intense grief and sorrow, as family traditions at these times can bring painful reminders of your loss and loneliness. It is difficult to smile and pretend everything is okay when inside your heart is breaking.

It is your choice whether you wish to continue with your family traditions as they were or change things – for example: go somewhere different for your family holiday, or change the seating at the Christmas table, or open gifts at a different time. Perhaps you could start new traditions in memory of your loved one like sharing fond memories or donating to a special charity.

Difficult feelings may come and go or be mixed with happy feelings and memories too. Don’t feel you’re not coping as well as you should. It is very important to realise that you are unique and you will grieve in your own way and in your own time. There is no right or wrong way. The grief doesn’t end, but it does change and will become less intense as you adjust to a new world without your loved one.

You could: Plan what you want to do or do not want to do during the special occasion Accept that your distress is normal Do something to honour your loved one – plant a favourite tree, hang a special ornament on the Christmas tree…

Recognise that the absence of your loved one will cause pain no matter what you do. It is often a time of bittersweet memories. Sharing these reminiscences with friends and family can be helpful.

Give yourself permission to have fun and be happy in the same way as you allow yourself to mourn. Feeling happy is not a betrayal, and neither does it mean you have forgotten your loved one.

Tell people what you might find helpful. Sometimes others are unsure of how to help.

Take it slow and easy. Rest if you feel tired and don’t over commit yourself for that occasion.

By Cathy Strachan, Pastoral Care Coordinator, Casa Mia

Bereavements Our deepest sympathies have gone out to the families who have lost their loved ones over the Spring period.

Volunteer Corner Great-Grandchild Day at Courtlands Village was a highlight for our volunteer program! Goats, chickens, ducks, guinea pigs, sheep, a calf and lots of kids made their home on the village green for Great-Grandchild Day! Our volunteers helped bring our residents from all areas to this community event.

Anthia Shaw volunteered to do the face painting and was kept busy all day creating amazing art on lots of faces both young and old. We had Tara and Stuart from head office help out by cooking a lovely BBQ. It was a very enjoyable day for residents, families, staff, volunteers and I think the animals mostly enjoyed it too!!

We have lots of new and exciting plans for Sherene Noble on 0433 622 573 our growing volunteer programs here at or snoble@chomes.com.au Courtlands, so if you’re interested in being involved please contact me!

Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator

SPOTLIGHT ON A VOLUNTEER - Gwen Spencer GWEN’S MISSION TO WELCOME ALL When Gwen Spencer first moved into Courtlands Village with her husband 20 years ago, she felt slightly lost. She soon found her feet and was instrumental in creaAng the strong sense of community residents experience in the Village today.

Gwen was determined that everyone who arrived at Courtlands feel welcomed, so she created a club that meets every week to create cards for new residents, along with birthday and get-well cards.

"I'm known as the card lady here. We make cards for the whole village. There's quite a few people who haven't got family, and they like to have a card in the le?erbox”, she said.

She has volunteered in many aspects of the Village for two decades, including as president of the Social Club for 13 years.

Gwen and her husband Neville were also part of the Merrymakers Harmonica Band, which performed more than 500 shows at reArement villages and nursing homes over eight years.

Her commitment to the community was recognised this year when she was named Senior CiAzen of the Year by ParramaOa Council.

"I got a le?er from the Lord Mayor asking me to come down and I nearly died”, Gwen said.

She conAnues to play an acAve part of Village life, along with so many others that make up the Courtlands community.

"I know a lot people here now, and we all try and be friendly. We're not in each other’s pockets, we have our privacy, but if anyone needs you you're there to go and see them," Gwen said.

"There's a lot of good people here."

Great-Grandchild Day - Photos

Great-Grandchild Day - Photos

Read, Rest & Relax!

CHRISTMAS POEM Take a heap of child-like wonder That opens up our eyes To the unexpected gifts in life Each day a sweet surprise Mix in fond appreciation For the people whom we know; Like festive Christmas candles, Each one has a special glow.

Add some giggles and some laughter, A dash of Christmas food, (Amazing how a piece of pie Improves our attitude!)

Stir it all with human kindness; Wrap it up in love and peace, Decorate with optimism, and Our joy will never cease.

If we use this healthy recipe, We know we will remember To be in the Christmas spirit Even when it’s not December.

Written by Joanna Fuch

Chocolate Snowballs • 200g dark chocolate, chopped • 100g unsalted butter, chopped • 3/4 cup (165g) caster sugar • 3 eggs, lightly beaten • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 1/2 cups (225g) plain flour • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder • 1 cup (150g) icing sugar 1. Preheat the oven to 175°C. Line two baking trays with baking paper.

2. Place the dark chocolate and chopped butter in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water over low heat (make sure the bowl doesn't touch the water).

Stir mixture until melted and smooth, then remove the bowl from the heat and stand for five minutes to cool.

3. Using a wooden spoon, stir caster sugar into chocolate until dissolved. Gradually add eggs, stirring until well combined. Add vanilla, flour, cocoa and baking powder and mix until a smooth dough. Cover and chill for no more than 30 minutes to firm.

4. Use hands to roll two level tablespoons of the dough into a ball. Repeat until you have 14 balls. Sift the icing sugar into a dish, then dip each ball into the dish and dust heavily in icing sugar and place on the prepared trays about 2cm apart. Bake the snowballs for 10-12 mins until firm to the touch. Cool on the trays.

Makes 14

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