Maranatha Winter Newsletter 2016

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Christadelphian Aged Care W I N T E R N E W S L E T T E R

MARANATHA Address: 1582 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503

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Kindness is like snow It

beautifies

everything it covers

Wash me, and I shall be

whiter than

snow - Psalm 51:7 -

Phone: (07) 3482 5333

Email: admin@chomes.com.au

Manager’s Message

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Welcome to Maranatha

At Maranatha this week we have had the privilege of celebrating the 100th birthday of one of our residents. As we marked this very significant milestone, I’m sure I was not alone in reflecting on the changes that have occurred in our world over the course of this remarkable life. The Australia and indeed the world of 1916 was very different from the world we know today.

In 1916, Australia had a population around 4.5 million - about the size of Sydney today. Brisbane was a large town with a population of 161,598 and the Gold Coast (back then it wasn’t even called the Gold Coast!) was a settlement of a few hundred persons and miles of unspoiled, idyllic beaches. The bustling city that is the Gold Coast today boasts Australia’s tallest residential tower (Q1) and, at 322m, is twenty two metres taller than the 1916 world’s tallest building, France’s Eiffel Tower Domestic life in 1916 was full of daily toil that changed only slowly over time. News was sent around the world by telegraph and letter, often taking months to reach its destination. My children are astounded that we did not have television in my 1950s childhood but in 1916 radio was still 4 years away from making its first crackly broadcast. The household appliances of that era were mops, buckets and scrubbing brushes, all applied with lashings of elbow grease. Washing machines, vacuum cleaners, fridges, toasters, electric mixers and, in most households, even electric lights were yet to be invented or common use. The lack of these items and the scarcity of automobiles must have made our 1916 world a much simpler and quieter place. Life would have been hard, but hard in a physical, visceral, organic way.

Our 21st century lives can be hard too but in 2016 many of our challenges stem from the complicated frenetic lives we live. continued over page

Manager’s Message continued We are exhausted by excess, too much change, too many choices, too much information, too much of so many things all happening too quickly that we feel that we are being swept along on some unstoppable tide.

When I think of our world in 1916, I can be seduced by the idea that it was a quiet, simple, wholesome slow paced existence but I think this would be the rose tinted view. The Great War raged on the battlefields, farmlands and in the villages of Europe. In an almost poignant reaction to the horror of this first encounter with mechanised warfare and the wholesale slaughter it enabled, the 1914-1918 war was known as the War to End All Wars. With the wisdom of hindsight, we now know this to be an optimistic notion that, by 1939, was proved completely and tragically wrong. Now in 2016, armed conflict is such a constant part of our world that only the most heinous examples of it rate a mention in the news.

There have been huge advances in medical science in the past 100 years. Until 1928, and the discovery of the infection fighting properties of penicillin, people died of what today are easily treated diseases.

Vaccination was unheard of and only those of a strong constitution survived the minefield of childhood illness to reach their adult years and even then life expectancy was only about 50 years.

As we celebrated this 100th birthday at Maranatha, I thought of how the period from 1916 to 2016 has seen an astounding amount of change, possibly more than at any previous time in history. I wonder what the life of a child born in 2016 Australia will look like in 100 years’ time. Will it be as unrecognisable to us as our lives would be to our 1916 forbears? I’m sure it will! Warm Regards, Kathy Hallmark

Birthdays & Upcoming Events UPCOMING EVENTS JUNE JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

4 John Gradwell

5 Norman Boswell

1 Maurice Bailey

5 June Venn

6 Ken Roginson

2 Nicole Seydel

8 George Donley

10 Judith Hughes

2 Teresa Witheridge

9 Pauline Dwyer

10 Sue Reddy

3 Betty Muller

12 Louise Merry

16 Betty Crombie

8 Ruth Wilmott

15 Lucille Gradwell

18 Colin Askin

8 Alwyn Neuendorf

15 Ken Weldon

20 Thelma Steele

11 Naomi Clark

15 Betty Manion

22 Margaret Hooper

11 Pauline Swinbourne

17 Joan Hassall

23 Alice Solomon

11 Leila Eden

18 Elva Smith

24 Virginia Grosskopf

14 Paul Bundesen

19 Jim Malcomson

24 Robert Caddick

16 Betty Phillips

23 Vera Hore

27 Ronald Hermann

20 Jenny Dunstan

23 Joan Craven

29 David Pogson

22 Hazel Sonter

29 Stan Collins

24 Dorothy Nester

8th - Celebration of World Ocean Day 14th - Morning Tea Party and Concert 23rd - Northpine Christian Collage Play Group 24th - June Birthday Party and Concert 28th - Market Day

JULY 8th - Portofino Fashion Show and Shop 28th - Northpine Christian Collage Play Group 29th - July Birthday Party and Concert

AUGUST 12th - Sing-a-long with Dawn and Friends 21st - Commencement of the Olympic Games 26th - August Birthday Party and Concert / Daffodil Day

24 Daphne Schiewe 27 Ailsa Pittaway 28 Victor Venn 30 Phyllis Dalzell

Don’t forget the Spring Ball will be held God willing in September as will Maranatha’s Annual Fair

Activity Reviews MOTHER’S DAY May brought with it cooler weather (well a little cooler, anyway) and, as it does every year, one of the most important celebrations of the year - Mother’s Day. So out came the china tea cup, vanilla slices, cakes and pies all designed by the wonderful kitchen staff as a tribute to all the wonderful woman, mothers and daughters that reside in Maranatha.

WELCOME SHIRLEY WINCH Recently Maranatha has been blessed by the arrival of a new resident - Shirley Winch.

Shirley was previously an Independent Unit resident who, for many years (even prior to living in the ILUs), aided Maranatha with her presence and time as a volunteer (together with her husband Wally).

Not only has her recent move given us opportunity to see more of her, she has kindly donated her beautiful collection of china cups - so that both she and the other residents can enjoy these beautiful works of art on special occasions - Mother’s Day, the Queen’s birthday and most recently, Annie’s 100th birthday.

Her collection began early in the 1980s when Shirley and Wally where on holiday. People soon became aware of Shirley’s love of china mugs/teacups, combined with her love of beautiful things (especially flowers) and her collection grew even more, with the addition of their gifts.

By her kind donation everyone is now able to enjoy the beauty of her collection and share with her the love of kindness over a beautiful cup of tea (or in some cases coffee).

Resident Story - Annie Reiss

Annie was born on the 14th May 1916, the 2nd child born to Andrew Peter Reiss and Annie Mary (Kalinowski). Annie was to become one of 8 children - 5 sisters and 2 brothers. She was born in Goombungee, just outside of Toowoomba.

Times were difficult, as they were for everyone during the war; shoes were bought in group lots and handed down to each child in their turn.

Her father bought houses, refurbished them and then sold them. This meant that Annie attended a total of 13 schools before leaving to help in his other endeavours, small stores. It was while she was working in one of these shops that she was to meet her future husband Harold.

They were to later marry and had 2 children of their own - Allan and Noela. Sadly, Harold passed away in 1985 to be followed shortly after by his daughter Noela, in 1988.

Annie enjoys nothing more than play cards with her peers and the volunteers that support the residents of Maranatha. Her enthusiasm for the game is only out rivalled by her winning ability. When she is not playing cards, either in small group gatherings or patience on the computer/iPad, she can quite often been found in her friends rooms, encouraging them in times of loss and ill health. She is truly a remarkable woman one whose very presence enhances the lives of those that live and work with her.

We recently celebrated her 100th birthday.

Happy 100th Birthday Annie

Staff Profile - Bridget Foulds Bridget is an integral part of Maranatha and her love of the residents, her professional knowledge as a registered nurse and her love of life, shines though in everything she does.

The short paragraph below which she prepared so we can get to know her a little better only gives us a glimpse of her experience and care…

Thank you Bridget for all that you bring to Maranatha.

‘Hello to everyone in the Christadelphian community, my name is Bridget Foulds. I have been employed at Maranatha Aged Care for the last 8 years working as a PC, EN and a RN - currently I work in the Care and Compliance role. I have been working in aged care since the age of 15, even getting married at the nursing home I was working in at the time so many of the residents could watch the ceremony. I feel blessed that I have a career that is a true calling. My personal story is that I have lived in Queensland all my life and currently live in Redcliffe. I have a love of animals, owning 2 cats and 2 dogs all of whom have special needs or were stray. My other passion is ruby league (GO QUEENSLAND!) I have been married for the last 25 years to my husband Ray and together we have 3 wonderful children, who I feel are my biggest achievement - 2 boys and 1 girl.

I am looking forward to the next chapter at Maranatha and I wish to personally thank all of the staff that make Maranatha such a wonderful place to work in - and a home for our residents.’

Old Age is Golden

Old age is golden so I’ve heard said, But sometimes I wonder as I crawl into my bed, With my ears in a drawer, my teeth in a cup My eyes on the table until I wake up.

As sleep dims my vision, I say to myself: Is there anything else I should lay on the shelf?

How do I know my youth is all spent?

My get up and go has got up and went But in spite of it all I’m able to grin And think of the places my get up has been.

Resident Poetry Works Memories and Hope

As once again I wait for dawn to break, The stars and planets twinkle in the sky, I think of you, dear Murv, with fondest love, Of life we shared, with our God ever nigh.

Its fifty-seven years since first we met And I knew at once our love would always last, Our constant joy was then to learn of God, Our faith in Him together bound us fast.

The daylight comes, soon followed by the sun, The glow and warmth will then spread everywhere, I turn to God and say a feeble prayer, I need to feel His comfort and His care.

The talents of the residents that reside at Maranatha never ceases to astound us - from painters to knitters, crafters and dancers. The skills and talents their works display bring not only joy to the creators but also to those that get to observe.

March 21st marked World Poetry Day and to celebrate, Colleen read some of the great works that have been written though out time. Included in this reading session were some of the works written by our own residents and, with their permission, we have reproduced them for your reading pleasure.

Australia Song Day

The chirping birds commence their cheerful song, But you lie still as if in peaceful sleep, In faith, we must accept that God knows best, And loves all those who His commandments keep.

You did not hear my tender farewell, Nor yet respond or feel my loving kiss, You were respected, loved by everyone, Your constant thoughtfulness we all will miss.

God’s Holy Word had been your lifetime guide, It was your joy, the Lord to always praise, With thankful heart you willingly did serve, And sought the Lord with seal through all your days.

Your trusting faith still showed in word and deed, Although of late a little slow and tired, To hear God’s Word, well-spoken, sung or read, This was your joy and all that you desired.

Asleep in Christ you now await His call, You are at rest, the rush of life now past, You are most blessed, our Lord has given hope Of endless life, when Christ returns at last.

Ours then will be an everlasting joy, When we shall see our Saviour’s glorious face, Together then, I pray that we may be Among the faithful blessed – all saved by grace.

Written with fondest love by Betty Phillips, ——> a few days after her husband Murv, suddenly fell asleep in Jesus on 20th July, 1977 – aged 77

by Wally Winch - 6th April 2016 The songs they came from Australia, The singers mostly too, And their voices blended in harmony, As they strive in life to do.

For we come from different places, From Lands far and wide.

To build our life together, And in Australia to abide.

Wally

To adapt to different seasons, In a different style to live But oh! What a wonderful feeling, And a love in our hearts to give.

So we join with happy voices, As with our songs we roam, O’er this land that’s named Australia, The land we call our home.

Our own Wally Winch is also a keen orator and loves nothing more that singing or reciting songs and poems that either others have written or that he himself has penned.

love

1 John 3:18

Pastoral Care

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

ONE DAY AT A TIME

A frail, elderly woman fell and broke her hip. The doctor set the bones as best he could, but he knew that she would have a long and uncomfortable recovery. The next day when he visited her in the hospital, he found her in great anxiety. “Oh, Doctor,” she asked, “how long am I going to have to stay in bed?” He thought about her question and then with great wisdom and kindness said “Only one day – one day at a time”.

And that was a good piece of advice, something we need to think about. Very often we worry about life and feel we can’t cope with too much. Not like the committed Christian lady who had learned a lot about life. She said “I’ve had a lot of trouble in my life - and most of it never happened!” It was imaginary, like so many of our worries.

You may know the story about Sir William Osler, the great doctor and teacher at John Hopkins University. His medical students were getting tired and stressed out, and he said, “Learn to live in day-tight compartments.”

What is a day-tight compartment? You know what a water-tight compartment is. You put some water in a jar, screw on the lid, and when you tip it over the water doesn’t leak out. Osler instructed his students to circle each twenty-four-hour period and live within that period, with their full focus and energy. If a day seemed too overwhelming, he suggested circling an hour and coping with that hour.

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said “Don’t be anxious about tomorrow; God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time” (Living Bible). It seems to me that Jesus is saying to us this is the way we should live – live in bite sized pieces in 24 hours segments.

We each have got the present time. That’s all I have. That’s all I have to give to this world. Not next hour or next month but right now. That’s the gift that God has given to me so I ought to use it. Just because the future is uncertain and unsure and brief, doesn’t mean you get all uptight and get paralysed with panic and worry. It’s the motivation to trust God more.

You put your trust in God. That’s how you face the future. “I don’t know what the future holds, but I know Who holds the future.” That’s what counts. David said in Psalm 35:15 “Lord, my days are in your hands.” In Psalm 37:5 we read “Let the Lord lead you and trust Him to help” Writing to the Christians of Ephesus nineteen centuries ago Paul says, “Make the best use of your time.”

Ephesians 5:16 There are two reasons why we should do that: 1. It is God’s time each day that we are using and enjoying, or wasting and letting slip by. “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 (NIV) 2. Kipling had the idea in his famous poem “If ”. “If you can fill each unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run…” There is so much we can do for God, and so much God has given us to enjoy, that to waste time is like throwing a precious gift out the window.

3. But there is a more sombre thought: Today could be your last day in this earthly life. That is a possibility no-one wants to think about, but which nobody can deny. That very practical Christian, James, wrote: “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.” James 4: 13-14 (NIV) If this were your last day on earth, how would you use it?

There was a commercial years ago on TV that said “It doesn’t matter how long you live if you’re not doing anything with your life.” We worry about the duration. How long are we going to live. God worries about the donation. What are you doing with it. Am I making my life count or frittering it away on non-essentials, things that aren’t going to count? God says, Make your life count - do it now! - By Chris Witts

Bereavements

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

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Volunteer Corner May 19th saw the annual Volunteer appreciation luncheon. This year, the event was held at Pilpel By The Sea. Here, we were joined by the CAC managers and Stuart Muir, the Volunteer and Pastoral Care Co-ordinator, to enjoy a beautiful Jewish Buffet luncheon.

After the RAO’s sang a song of thanks, baklava and Turkish delight followed. It was truly a wonderful day filled with laughter and thanks for all that we are blessed to have and to be able to give.

Volunteer Corner TIME IS A MOST PRECIOUS CONTRIBUTION A personal thank you from RAO Joan Porter Our Volunteers are an essential and precious part of everything we do. We know that every hour they spend with us is precious, that’s why we appreciate every hour they spend with us is precious. That’s why we appreciate every minute they give up of their time to help us and our residents. We could not achieve the level of care we do without their help. Volunteers are one of the community’s most previous natural resources. As volunteers, you learn to cherish each day, listen deeply and value life as a precious gift, you give up time with your families etc. to further our cause and held residents in your own personal way with everyday problems.

There is nothing more precious than you time and energy when you volunteer whether it’s for an hour, a day, a week, once a month - you can create a tremendous impact on another person’s life. Volunteering will change you own life as well and I am sure you know what I mean. You sprinkle a little magic every time you enter Maranatha’s door. In our busy days as staff, we may not get the time to sit, chat and spend the length of time with the residents that we would like to, but as volunteers you give them that precious part of your life - your time, to listen, chat encourage, enriching their lives where we cannot. As volunteers, you are critical to our operations you are our “treasures” whether it be Assisting with resident care and comfort Companionship Spiritual support Support to family and friends Bereavement follow up Shopping (with them or for them) Gardening and yard care Special needs and events Assisting activities And so much, much more There are not enough words to say or time to say how much we appreciate your previous moments that you spend with us and the residents of Maranatha.

Love you all! Keep up the good work and Thank You - by Joan Porter “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!

Creamy Corn & Bacon Soup • 20g butter

• 1 leek, pale section only, coarsely chopped • 2 bacon rashers, finely chopped • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 4 corn cobs, husks and silks removed • 1 brushed potato, peeled, coarsely chopped

1. Heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook the leek and bacon, stirring, for 5 mins or until leek softens. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 min or until fragrant.

2. Use a large sharp knife to cut down the length of each corn cob to remove kernels.

Add corn kernels, potato and stock to the leek mixture. Bring to the boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 mins or until potato is tender.

• 4 cups (1L) chicken stock or vegetable stock

3. Carefully use a stick blender to blend until smooth. Stir in cream. Season.

• 1/2 cup (125ml) thickened cream

4. Ladle soup among serving bowls. Top with chilli and thyme.

• Finely chopped red chilli, to serve

Chilli popcorn: Toss 3 cups freshly popped popcorn with a mixture of 2 teaspoons icing sugar, 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried chilli flakes and a pinch of sea salt flakes, then process in a food processor until chopped.

• Thyme sprigs, to serve • Chilli popcorn, to serve (see ->) Serves 4

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