Seniors Scene Newsletter June 2024

Seniors Scene

JUNE 2024

It’s a family balancing act!

The Balance Gym Class just hit another milestone. David and Mary Muir have been attending the sessions for a few months and recently it became a family affair with three of their daughters Michelle, Jackie and Karen also joining the class. What a great way to meet your fitness goals without cutting down on family time! By the way they did mention after class they were going for coffee and cake.

QEII CENTRE UPDATE

New signage

Condition of Entry signs have been placed at both entrances. The City of Greater Geraldton is committed to providing a safe, respectful and enjoyable environment for all community centre users and staff and we encourage everyone to accept responsibility for the appropriate care of the facilities, services and resources.

Additional Office signage in the main foyer also makes it easier for new users to see the service counter.

Coming Up:

Thursday 20 June - An Online Safety & Personal Well Being Workshop is being held at the centre. Book in and empower yourself with tips on how to avoid being scammed and ripped off. More information is on page 4 of the newsletter.

Tuesday 23 July – Clothes Swap Day. Recycle, Reuse and Regift. Start sorting out your wardrobe it’s going to be a fun event.

The QEII Seniors & Community Centre is provided by the City of Greater Geraldton and funded by the State Government through the Department of Communities

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

Substances

Courtesy and respect is expected.

Respect Behaviour

No running, swearing or disruptive behaviour.

Membership

QEII Centre access for registered members only.

Attire

Shoes and shirts required.

Smoking

No smoking within 10 metres of entrances.

Supervision

Children under 15 must be supervised at all times.

No alcohol, illegal drugs or intoxicants.

Belongings

Look after your personal belongings.

Resources

Available for QEII program participants only.

Cleanliness

Keep our Centre clean. Tidy up after yourself.

Privacy

Respect others’ privacy and personal space

Vehicles

No scooters, bikes or similar items inside, except when used for mobility e.g. gophers.

RECIPES FRM THE HEART

Marry Me Chicken

This recipe has been going viral but we want to know what happens after you serve it – does it live up to its name? Do we hear wedding bells?

INGREDIENTS

4 chicken breasts (skinless and boneless)

50g plain flour

1 tbsp oilive oil

3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed

150g sund dried tomatoes, drained

1 tsp dried oregano

2 tsp paprika

150ml thickened cream

200ml chicken stock

50g Parmesan cheese, grated

15g fresh basil leaves

½ lemon, just juice, Sea salt & freshly ground pepper

METHOD

1. Coat chicken breasts in flour and heat olive oil in deep frying pan. When hot add chicken. Cook for 5 minutes, flip and cook further 5 minutes.

2. Remove chicken, turn heat under pan to low and add garlic, sundried tomatoes, oreganos and paprika. Stir for 3- 5 minutes until the garlic is softened. Add cream, stock, parmesan, salt & pepper and stir well.

3. Return chicken to pan, cover with lid and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat when cooked, sprinkle over basil leaves and the juice of half a lemon.

4. Cooking time is 25 minutes. Serves 4

Have a Go eBike

On the 21 May we held a Have a Go E-Bike session at the Centre. Special thanks to Fred Block, City of Greater Geraldton’s Active Travel Officer for organising the event and Paul Baldock, the owner of Revolutions Geraldton for use of the bikes.

SNIPPETS OF MY LIFE

with Dennis Blackwell

Think your too old to start working out? Think again. Dennis turned 98 years young on the 12 May and attends the Balance Gym Class Centre twice a week and Friday cards class. Keeping active has always been a priority for Dennis and he revealed he used to tap dance, jive and ice skate among other things.

Dennis and his wife Joan moved from Grimsby, England and arrived in Geraldton in June 1991 to join their family here. Dennis was 65 years old and retired and eventually settled here and brought a house and being a handyman, he did a lot of work on the house.

Dennis and Joan started coming to the QEII Centre 22 years ago and joined the Piccadilly Dance Club and through that the Debonair Square Dance Club and Dennis was a square dance caller for 8 years.

They both played outdoor bowls but eventually Joan couldn’t play because the bowls were too heavy and so they took up indoor bowls with the Seniors Action Group and Dennis helped as one of the organisers. Joan

passed away five years ago and Dennis kept coming to the centre because of the friendships he’d formed.

Dennis secret to long life … is “keep breathing, I have good genes and also worked hard when I was a youngster which probably helped”.

Switched On Seniors Geraldton

The month of May reminded many of us that we are now in need of a few spare parts (we wish) and this culminated in a few appointments following ailments. However, as resilient as we are we soon recovered and returned ‘fighting fit’ (well nearly) A big thank you to Roger for taking both classes in my absence and of course, our volunteers.

‘Phone buddies’ were the order of the day in May as the beginner’s class practiced sending messages and emails together with photograph attachments. We also learned how to tidy our ‘In Boxes’ by making folders for the emails we need to keep and deleting to remainder.

Throughout June we shall be taking this a step further by looking at the photos, documents, diary dates that we may have received by message or email, and we’ll see what happens to them when we download them and keep them tidy in folders.

Coupled with this in the latter part of the month, we shall be learning about how our calendars can help us in our day to day lives with appointments and special dates and remind us.

The continuing class covered the topic ‘What is data?’ in May together with all important ‘MyGov’ These topics shall be revisited throughout the course as they are ever evolving.

During the month of June, the continuing class will be concentrating on ‘Safety’ topics such as: “Avoiding common scams”, “internet safety”, “Remote access scams”,” using antivirus software” to name a few.

During our learning experience, we also need to address

these very important topics as we want all our students to be safe online and be aware of how to recognise when it is not safe.

PRESENTATION:

On 20th June 2024 at 9.30am at QE11 Senior Centre, Centacare Family Services will be giving a presentation on ‘Online Safety’ and we would urge all Seniors who use a device to try to attend. The presentation is FREE, and you don’t have to be attending a class to come. Bring your friends too. There is always something to learn and I’m sure it will be very informative.

Our appointment system for Tuesdays is changing slightly from the beginning of June. An appointment time will still be allocated but you will see the next available Volunteer.

Beginner’s classes are every Thursday 9.00am until 10.00am except for School Holidays and our Continuing classes are also on Thursdays, beginning at 10.15am until 11.15am. We have places available in both classes.

PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER 0474 639 961 FOR SWITCHED ON SENIORS GERALDTON for all enquiries.

Bernie, Anne and Roger

Pensioners Social Club

A beautiful table with wrapped presents greeted us as we entered the hall for our Mother’s Day Luncheon. “Surprise, Surprise” who had organised all of this?

At 10:30am Lyn opened the meeting and we were all happy to see Pat Parker back to read the minutes of the last meeting,

Lyn went through the Business and Treasury report and encouraged more people to sign up for the August trip to Mingenew or it might have to get cancelled altogether.

She also encouraged people to be aware of the upcoming election for the committee in July.

Soon our entertainers for the special lunch arrived setting up their equipment. No guest speaker this time. A happy couple called” Koffee and Cream” brightened up our lives with beautiful singing and music we all knew from the 50, 60 and 70 era’s.

Soon our hands were clapping and swaying, and we all remembered happy times when we were much younger and sang along.

We then ate a beautiful lunch truly worthy to be called a Mother’s Day lunch.

Before the sweets were served the wrapped presents were raffled and how lucky can one be? I went home with two of them.

This is the 3rd time that I am announcing Rosetta Finlay as next guest speaker for June, She went home to Italy in the Christmas holidays and we would all like to share in her happy experiences. Welcome Rosetta to our next meeting.

Pensioners Social Club membership is $15.00 annually.

The monthly meeting covers club happenings, finances and organising future activities e.g. Mingenew Expo plus a guest speaker.

A $15.00 catered meal is served after the monthly meeting. There’s also raffles and a trading table with

cheap items. (Donations welcome)

The club runs Bingo the second Thursday of the month and it’s like a friendly get together and if you are lucky, you might win a little bit of money.

The club is always looking for new members especially those willing to give a hand.

Mingenew Midwest Expo

Thursday 8th & Friday 9th August 2024

The Pensioners Social Club will be travelling by bus to the expo on Friday 9 August. Leaving the QEII Seniors & Community Centre at 8:30am and returning approximately 4:00pm.

$50 per person includes travel and entry fee

Please register your interest with Lyn on 0439 907 455

Leearn to cook healthy meals on a budget

Learn how to plan and cook healthy meals on a budget with our easy, tasty and healthy recipes.

Our interactive sessions give the knowledge and skills to make healthy choices before cooking some of our delicious recipes. The best part is sitting down together to enjoy your freshly cooked meal.

This program is great for all levels of cooking experience – even if you don’t know how to boil an egg.

Why nom!

» Learn about the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating

» Get meal prep ideas

» Take home a free recipe book

» Free resources for meal planning

» Increase your confidence to cook healthy meals

When Friday 14 June 2024 10 - 12.20pm

Where

Foodbank WA Geraldton Branch. 31 Webberton Road, Geraldton WA

Register

Call Rosetta on 9956 6636 or Cath on 0422 727 754

Cost

FREE, Generously Funded by The City of Greater Geraldton & Iluka.

Thank you Dreamers!

Dear Ukulele Dreamers,

I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible performance you delivered at our Age Care Facility. The talent and passion displayed by each member of your team were truly remarkable. The melodies and harmonies created by the Ukuleles resonated throughout our facility, filling the hearts of our residents with warmth and delight. The energy and enthusiasm you brought to the stage was infectious.

The concert was not only a musical treat but a therapeutic experience to our residents. Music has a unique ability to uplift spirits, evoke cherished memories, and create a sense of connection. Your performance provided a much-needed escape from the daily routine and allowed our residents to reminisce, sing along, and tap their feet to the rhythm of the ukulele.

I cannot emphasize enough the positive impact your concert had on our residents’ well-being. The smiles on their faces, the laughter in the air and sense of camaraderie that filled the room were priceless. Your dedication to bringing joy to the lives of our elderly residents is truly commendable, and we are incredibly grateful for your generosity and kindness.

On behalf of our entire Nazareth Care Team I would like to extend thanks to each member of your Ukulele Dreamers Team. Your talent, compassion and commitment to spreading happiness have left an indelible mark on our residents’ hearts. We sincerely appreciate the time and effort you invested in preparing for the concert and for sharing your musical talents with us.

Once again, Thank You for making our residents’ day brighter and more memorable. Your concert will be cherished in their hearts for years to come. We look forward to the possibility of hosting you again in the future and creating more beautiful memories together.

Kind Regards,

Sri Ranjani Kavi(SRI), Wellbeing & Lifestyle Manager

Seniors Action Group

The monthly lunch Meeting was held Tuesday 14th May with 38 members and 2 visitors and commenced with morning tea at 10am followed by the meeting opened by President Trevor Hansen. Card winners were Trevor Hansen and Pauline Brockman.

Birthdays were announced, four new members were approved, and previous minutes, reports and financial statements presented. A new PA system has been purchased and now in use. The annual Celebration Lunch will be held on Saturday 20th July and members were requested to donate items for a Raffle.

Guest speaker – The delightful Alyce Sherman from International School of Music. Music has been important her

You can now keep up to date with what’s going on by visiting our new facebook page Geraldton Seniors Action Group

entire life and she highlighted different aspects in a powerpoint presentation. She plays several instruments and her main object is not only to teach music but provide formal musical concepts in a fun way. Alyce offers specialised group programs designed to begin children on their music journey from two years and up. There are many options such as 30 minute group classes for 2 year olds, 45 minute classes for 3 year olds, group piano lessons for 4+ years, a youth choir and adult workshops among other options. Alyce has a studio at 160 Marine Terrace, Geraldton and there is more information on Www. ismgeraldton.com.au and Facebook -- ismgeraldton.

A delicious lunch was served

of Quiche, Chips and Salad with Apple Strudel/Ice-cream for sweets.

As usual our caterers excelled themselves.

The Sandra Carr Pairs Tournament commenced Monday 13th May. First round winners were Tina and Rob Lucas and second place went to Rhonda Reynolds and Peter Clift. The Second round was held on the 20th May and first place went to Gloria Burnett and Elaine Reid with 2nd place to Doreen Major and Judy Kendrick/ Currell. Third round will be on 27th May. First and Second winners of

each group will play off in the Grand Final to be held on Monday 10th June. Prize money will be awarded after the Grand Final and winners’ names placed on the Pairs Trophy Board.

DATES for your DIARY:

10th June: Bowls Pairs Grand Final.

11th June: Lunch Meeting at 10.30am. $15.

1st July: Committee Meeting

20th July: 41st Annual Celebration Lunch.

Guest speaker Alyce Sherman with members

Gardening with Rosetta

Plant a tree

I have a huge gumtree in my backyard and by huge I’m not exaggerating. It provides a haven for birds heralding the beginning of a new day, cooling relief and shade to my patio and the not so gentle rustling of leaves on extremely windy days. Of course, one downside is the never-ending basket loads of fallen leaves all over the yard but on the upside, it provides a good dose of exercise, raking and bending. The continuous clearing of the gutters while hanging precariously off the patio railing is a must do job and many times while perched up there, I’m contemplating how long it will take someone to find me if I fell.

Of course, it’s all perspective, isn’t it? – you must take the good with the bad. We can’t enjoy the good without some hard work and pain. I call it my own Tane Mahuta and if you’ve never heard of this Karri tree, its stands majestically in the North Island of New Zealand - 50 metres tall with a trunk circumference of 13 metres and estimated to be over 1000 years old.

The real delight is the Poinciana in my backyard

and the seasonal change it brings, I don’t mind raking up thousands of twigs which fall annually. In fact, they are great fire starters when dried for my wood fired pizza oven as are the pruned branches which keep the fire stoked. What a pleasure that over the years I’m reaping the fruits of someone else’s thoughtfulness and labour. Happy Gardening.

“He that plants trees, loves others besides himself.”

- Thomas Fuller

Foodbank Information Session

Thank you to Geraldton Foodbank for the free session at the Centre on the 6 May on cooking healthy meals on a budget. Shontae Smith from Midwest Nutrition and diabetes education facilitated the program on the day.

Those who attended thoroughly enjoyed the hints & tips and experience of cooking recipes together in the kitchen. Of course, the best part was sitting down to critique and share the meal. The verdict? – quick, delicious and easy recipes anyone can prepare.

Timetable

*Seniors Action Group

Start Finish Class Cost Notes

8.30 4.00 Indoor Bowls $5.00 *SAG 9.00 11.00 Darts $5.00 *SAG

9.15 10.00 Balance Gym Free

10.30 11.15 Balance Gym Free 11.30 12.30 Parkinson Support Group Free 1.00 3.00 Table Tennis $5.00 *SAG 1.00 4.00 Scrabble Free 1.00 4.00 Canasta Free

7.00 8.00 Walk Group Free Meet at Two Foreshore 9.00 4.30 11.00 6.00 Pickle Ball Pickle Ball $5.00 $5.00 9.00 1.00 Understanding your hand held device $5.00 Appt only.

10.00 1.00 SAG Meeting 10.00 11.30 Visibility Group Free 12.30 2.30 Line Dancing Free 12.00 12.45 Pilates $5.00 1.00 3.00 Mahjong Free 1.00 4.00 Ukulele Dreamers $3.00 12.15 - 12.45 Beginners Class 4.00 6.00 Pickleball $5.00 1.15 2.15 Rehabilitation Gym Free Referral required 7.00 9.00 African Drumming $7.00 $10.00 Waged

WEDNESDAY

MONDAY TUESDAY 8.30 9.30 Pole Walking Free 9.00 10.30 10.00 11.30 Over 50’s Gentle Gym Free 9.00 Noon Laughs & Crafts Free

WEDNESDAY (CONT)

Start Finish Class Cost Notes

9.15 10.00 Balance Gym Free 10.30 11.15 Balance Gym Free 9.30 10.30 Parkinson Support Group Free 1.00 4.00 Canasta Free 1.00 4.00 Scrabble Free 1.00 3.00 Pickle Ball $5.00 2.00 3.00 Bereavement Support Free 3rd Wed Monthly

FRIDAY *Seniors Action Group *Pensioners Social Club

9.00 11.00 Mahjong Free 8.30 Noon Chat N Do Craft Group $2.00 Not on 1st Thurs of the Month

THURSDAY 9.00 Noon Knitters & Crochet Group $0.50 9.00 10.00 Over 50’s Gentle Gym Free 9.00 Noon Art Class $5.00 10.00 Noon Chess Free 10.15 11.15 Rehabilitation Gym Free Referral required 1.00 3.00 English as a Second Language Free 1.00 4.00 Euchre & Frustration $5.00 *SAG

9.00 10.15 10.00 11.15 Switched on Seniors / Beginners Class Continuation Class Free Free Bring own device

10.00 12.30 *PSC Meeting 1st Thurs Monthly

11.00 12.00 African Drumming $7.00 1.00 4.00 500 Card Game Free 1.00 4.00 Bingo Books *PSC Bingo 2nd Thursday of Month

1.00 4.00 Rummikub Free 2.00 2.45 Zumba $5.00

CLASS DETAILS

500 Card Game

Free

Thursday 1.00pm – 4.00pm

Contact Paula 0408 215 503

African Drumming

Thursday 11.00am – 12noon

$7.00

Tuesday 7.00pm - 9.00pm

$7 concession $10 waged

Art Class

$5.00 Friday 9.00am – 12noon

Balance Gym

Free

Mondays & Wednesdays

9.15am – 10.00am & 10.30am – 11.15am

Bingo

Cost of Books

1.00pm – 4.00pm

Proudly run by: Pensioners

Social Club

President 0439 907 455

Canasta

Free Monday 1.00pm4.00pm Wednesday 1.00pm4.00pm

Caring Cuppa –Bereavement Support Group

Free3rd Wednesday of each Month 2.00pm – 3.00pm

Hosted by Midwest & SJOG

Palliative Care Services

9956 2497 or 9965 8888

Chat N Do Craft Group

$2.00 Thursday 8.30am – 12noon

Not on First Thursday of the Month

Contact Gloria 0427 170 548 or Tina 0422 397 997

Chess

Free Friday 10.00am - 12noon

Contact Shirley 9964 9584

Darts

$5.00 Monday 9.00am - 11.00am

Proudly run by: Seniors

Action Group

President 0498 999 406

English as a Second Language

Free

Friday 1.00pm – 3.00pm

– Provided by Midwest

Multicultural Association

Marnie Ryan 0423 234 475

Euchre & Frustration

$5.00

Friday 1.00pm – 4.00pm

Proudly run by: Seniors Action Group

Contact President 0498 999 406

Indoor Bowls

Cost $5.00

Monday 8.00am – 4.00pm

Proudly run by: Seniors Action Group

Contact President 0498 999 406

Justice of the Peace

Free

Contact Peggy Hodgson 0427 290 136

Knitters & Crochet Group

$0.50

Friday 9.00am – 12noon

Contact Jean Steer 0499 251 242

Laughs & Crafts

Wednesday 9.00am –12noon

Join us for exciting crafts each month

Line Dancing Free

Tuesday 12.30pm -1.00pm New Learners 1.00pm – 2.30pm Beginners & Intermediate

Start time is 1.00pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month

Mahjong Free

Tuesday 1.00pm - 3.00pm Thursday 9.00am – 11.00am

Over 50’s Gentle Gym Free

Wednesday 9.00am –10.00am, & 10.30am –11.30am Friday 9.00am – 10.00am

Wear enclosed gym shoes and bring a water bottle

Parkinsons Boxing/Support Group FREE Mondays 11.30am to 12.30pm

Wednesday 9.30am to 10.30am

CLASS DETAILS

Pensioners Social Club Inc

Meeting

1st Thursday of each Month

10.00am – 12.30pm

Proudly run by: Pensioners Social Club

Contact President 0439 907 455

Pilates

Tuesdays

12.00pm - 12.45pm

Pickle Ball

$5.00

Tuesdays 9.00am - 11.00am

Tuesdays 4.00pm - 6.00pm

Wednesday 1.00pm - 3.00pm

Pole Walking Free

Wednesday 8.30am –9.30am

Provided by Seniors

Recreation Council of WA

Inc Greater Geraldton Branch

QEII Lounge & Library

Free

Everyday 8.15am – 3.45pm

Rehabilitation Gym Free Tuesdays 1.15pm - 2.15pm Fridays 10.15am - 11.15am

Contact Geraldton Regional Hospital Physiotherapy Dept. on 9956 2204.

Rummikub Free

Thursday 1.00 – 4.00pm

Contact Bibah & Milan Chesi 0417 944 959

Scrabble Free

Monday & Wednesday 1.00pm – 3.00pm

Seniors Action Group Meeting

2nd Tuesday of each Month

10.00am – 1.00pm

Proudly run by: Seniors Action Group Contact 0498 999 406

Switched on Seniors Geraldton/ Be Connected

Free

Beginners Class

Thursday 9.00am – 10.00am

Continuation Class

Thursday 10.15am - 11.00am

Bring your device

Contact 0474 639 961

Seniors Recreation Council

WA Geraldton Branch

2nd Wednesday tri-monthly

9.30am – 10.30am

Val Brown 0447 372 120

Table Tennis

$5.00

Monday 1.00pm – 3.00pm

Proudly run by: Seniors

Action Group

Contact 0498 999 406

Ukulele Dreamers

$3.00

Tuesday 12.15pm - 12.45pm Beginners.

Tuesday 1.00pm – 4.00pm

Membership $20.00

Contact Di Trotter 0407 217 312

Understanding your hand held device

Free - Donations Accepted Tuesday 9.00am – 12noon Appointment only - $5 donation

Contact QEII 9956 6636

Proudly run by: Switched on Seniors Geraldton / Be Connected

Visibility Group

Free

4th Tuesday of each Month 10.00am Contact 1800 847 466

Walk Group Free

Tuesday 7.30am

Meet at Two Foreshore prior to department time

Contact Lina Mittoni 0427 869 786

Zumba

$5.00 Thursday 2.00pm – 2.45pm