February/March 2015
Hunter Valley Care Community News is a bi-monthly newsletter published by the Hunter Valley Care Family to promote communication with our residents, their families, our staff and the wider community. For more information contact Kate Austen: kate@hvcare.com.au Claire Bradshaw: claire@hvcare.com.au PHOTOS:
Allen Wrigley from Fig Tree Point has a laugh with popular Newcastle performer, Wayne Rogers. Wayne has been entertaining audiences (dressed as both male and female) for many years. He describes his current persona as ‘a comic in a frock’!
Residents: have you seen a photo of yourself in Community News that you’d love to get your hands on? Families: would you love to have copies of all the photos of your loved one that have appeared in the magazine?
SPOTLIGHT ON ACTIVITIES
If so, please get in touch with us and we can provide you with digital copies of photos from our Community News archives! Just send an email to kate@hvcare.com.au.
FEBRUARY Waterview 17th Movie Afternoon & Popcorn 20th Tai Chi 26th Flash Card Reminiscing Amaroo 13th Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea 20th Art Therapy 23rd Fashion Show
Hunter Valley Care strives to set the future direction for life choices in the Hunter region.
Fig Tree Point 12th Cooking and Testing Cupcakes 16th Magic Show with Joel Howlett 18th Shrove Tuesday – Pancakes
We actively seek feedback from residents in our care as well as their families; this is a fundamental element that drives ongoing improvement to the quality of the services we offer.
MARCH
For feedback contact us: Head Office Street: 78 York Street, Teralba NSW 2284 Post: PO Box 3310 Glendale NSW 2285 Phone: (02) 4955 6400 Fax: (02) 4955 6411 Email: helen@elss.com.au
Waterview 9th Armchair Travel 19th Computer Thoughts 25th All Day Bus Trip Amaroo 11th Quiz Morning 16th St Pat’s Theme Day 25th Scrapbooking Fig Tree Point 9th All Day Bus Trip: Hunter Valley 16th Irish Sing-a-Long 17th Sahara Sirens 2
Editorial Hello and welcome to the February/March edition of Community News! Yes, you read right: as part of a 2015 revamp of Community News, it will now be published every two months. But never fear: the mag will be bigger and better than ever this year, packed with more of the articles you want to see and as many photos as we can fit in! As always, we’ll keep introducing you to some wonderful members of the HVC community through our staff and resident profiles. This issue, our lovely featured residents are Helen Arey (Waterview) and Muriel Carlson (Fig Tree Point). As part of our renewal, our staff profiles will now be in a slightly different format: a bit shorter, a bit easier to read – and a bit less daunting to the staff members who agree to be featured! First cabs off the rank are Activities Officer Karen Hynds (Amaroo) and AIN Michelle Gardner (Fig Tree Point). We also celebrate Valentine’s Day this edition by featuring some of the wonderful couples who reside together in our facilities, taking a brief look at how each pair first met. And there’s plenty more in store, including: • Christmas party galleries from Waterview, Amaroo and The Sanctuary; • A feature on Amaroo’s resident garden, which is absolutely flourishing; • All the news and activity recaps from throughout December and January; • Details and photos of Australia Day celebrations; • Some great general interest articles, covering everything from developments in aged care to local news and events. We hope you enjoy the new and improved Community News, and we welcome your feedback at any time! We thank all residents who have so far responded to our recent survey, and we look forward to receiving more responses over the next few weeks. We would also like to thank all family members and carers of residents who have returned the surveys sent out with your recent monthly accounts. All feedback is invaluable to us and we will be using it as part of our continuous improvement of Community News. Happy reading! P.S. Great news for the tech-savvy among our readers: all current and past issues of Community News are now available to read online. To view the digital editions, head to issuu.com/huntervalleycare, or download the Issuu app for your smartphone or tablet.
The secret to longevity revealed! At 109 years old, Ms Jessie Gallan is currently the oldest person in Scotland, and she has a very simple recipe for longevity. It starts with staying away from men – who, according to her, are ‘just more trouble than they’re worth’! Ms Gallan, who has never married,
also recommends plenty of exercise and a nice warm bowl of porridge every morning. Now, we all know the benefits of regular exercise and a hearty breakfast, but as for Ms Gallan’s first recommendation – what do we think, ladies? Are they worth the risk?! 3
Resident Profile
Fig Tree Point’s beautiful 91-year-old, Muriel Carlson, is a lady with a whole lot of stories! This issue Community News was lucky enough to have a lively and incredibly enjoyable chat with her. Muriel was born in Lithgow and attended school there. Like many girls her age at that time, she left school early as she was needed to help at home. ‘You didn’t have a choice back then and you didn’t argue with your parents,’ Muriel says. She had a younger sister with poor health whom she helped raise, and must have done a pretty good job – by the sounds of things, they are still close to this day. As she grew older, Muriel found work at the local picture theatre, in the milk bar at first and then in the theatre itself looking after the section down the front. When any kiddies played up she would bring them to
sit with her. ‘I soon caught on that the little blighters looked forward to it, as they would always get a lolly or something!’ she laughs.
dimensional Ken Duncan puzzle. When she eventually conquers it, she may be going back to the good-old two-dimensional style!
Muriel also worked in the theatre’s sound room, and even though it was pitch black in there, she would knit to pass the time. She must have been quite accomplished to do this, but it didn’t always work out! Muriel recalls one instance where she was knitting herself a very fancy jumper and felt she had dropped a stitch. She took the jumper out into the light and looked carefully, but couldn’t find anything. But of course the first time she wore it, that dropped stitch was pointed out to her immediately!
Muriel has the most lovely, positive attitude. She has been at Fig Tree Point for almost two years, and believes she is spoilt. ‘I have the best view in the place: water out one side, trees and garden out the other.’
Muriel enjoyed working at the theatre, and although the pay wasn’t great, the bonus of being able to earn extra money sewing throughout the day meant everything worked out all right. Sewing is something Muriel has continued her whole life. She also enjoys playing patience and doing jigsaw puzzles. In fact, there is currently a beautiful, halffinished puzzle on her table at Fig Tree Point. Muriel says this one’s given her a bit of trouble – it is a particularly difficult three4
She also feels lucky to have seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, most of whom live close by. She also has a very lovely niece who looks after her: ‘She visits often, does my shopping, and takes me over to visit my sister who is at Carey Bay. I am so spoilt!’ As it turns out, a good summary – or prediction – of Muriel’s life was given many years ago. ‘I once went to a fortune-teller with my mother, and she told me, “You will shed many tears, but you will be happy as few people are happy”. And that’s what I am here.’ You certainly don’t need to be a fortune-teller to spot Muriel’s irrepressible positivity and good nature – she is a lady who always makes the best of every situation. It’s these lovely qualities that make us feel lucky she calls Fig Tree Point home.
Five Minutes with a Staff Member
Karen Hynds is a well-loved Activities Officer at Charlestown’s Amaroo. She has been with Hunter Valley Care for close to five years, so we thought it was high time we knew a little bit more about her! Tell us a bit about yourself. I was born in New Zealand, and went to Palmerston North Girls’ High School. My husband (an Aussie) came to NZ on a teacher’s exchange. The town he came to was called Masterton – the same town where I was working as a teacher. We met and eventually moved back to Australia, where we got married in 1986. We have two children: Adam, 27, and Rachel, 25. Rachel has a four-year-old daughter, Taylor, and we are currently waiting for our second grandchild to be born – it will be any day now! What does your job involve? Anything and everything! I help out with all of the activities, whatever is happening on the day: housie, craft, bus trips, theme days, etc. We also have a gardening group that I run (see page 18). When it first started it was mainly just flowers and herbs, but now there are a couple of European gentlemen who want to grow vegetables, so they each have their own little plot. What do you enjoy about your job? The residents and staff – you have to love this job to do it. And the variety – every day is different. And it doesn’t hurt that it’s nice and close to my home, which is only five minutes down the road! What do you like to do outside of work? I like going to Merewether Beach, and going for coffee at different cafés. On bus outings I’m always pointing out the good coffee shops to the residents. They must think it is all I do! And shopping – I love going out to “Garden City”! We also like to travel. We went to Samoa last year, which was amazing. And I have been to France – and of course I go back to New Zealand every six months.
Upcoming Accreditation The Australian Aged Care Quality Agency ensures that aged care facilities countrywide are meeting industry standards and providing quality care. Homes are accredited for a period of three years before being reviewed again. Three of our facilities are up for their threeyearly accreditation this year: Amaroo and Fig Tree Point on 12th–14th May and 19th–21st May respectively, with Waterview to follow on 23rd–25th June. Assessors
will use the three-day period at each facility to measure its performance against key industry standards. Please feel free to be involved in the process – see your facility’s ECM for more information. 5
Resident Profile
Some people you meet seem to radiate warmth in everything they say and do. Helen Arey, resident of Waterview, is one such person – everything about her is warm and wonderful, from her handmade patchwork quilts and penguin jumpers to her kind smile and willingness to share a story! Helen was born in Sydney and lived there until the early 1970s. Her husband, Tom, decided one day that he was ready to retire and that he wanted to do so in Newcastle. Helen, not knowing anything about Newcastle and being very happy where she was, responded at first with a resounding ‘No way!’ However, she eventually agreed to the move, on the condition that they remain in Newcastle for 10 years and then return to Sydney. This all changed after a few months of living in Newcastle.
Helen recalls people she ‘didn’t know from Adam’ passing her on the street with a smile and a friendly greeting. The kindness of the Newcastle community had Helen declaring herself a Novocastrian almost immediately, and never looking back! Helen has a very loving family who also moved to the Rathmines area shortly after her relocation, another factor that made the move easier. Helen and her husband had one son, and he as well as his own children are regular visitors to Waterview. Speaking of family, it’s clear to see that Helen’s father holds a special place in her heart, even though he sadly passed away while Helen was still very young. She has collected various records of her father’s time in World War I as part of the first Australian Imperial Force, including his discharge papers and a special document detailing what it was like to be in Paris the day the Armistice was signed. (Helen has kindly allowed us to reproduce a short excerpt from the interesting paper – see ‘Remember When’ on page 13.) Helen has lived at Waterview for five and a half years now, and her room bears all the evidence of a creative pastime she took up 25 years 6
ago: patchwork. Beginning the craft after a friend of hers started a quilting group, Helen has completed many wonderful projects, including a Millennium celebration quilt made of 2000 individual patches, as well as the quilt that’s currently on her bed! She also keeps an album full of photographs of the things she has made and enjoys flicking through it and reminiscing about the joy her craft has brought her. Finding it a bit too difficult to set up her sewing machine with all its bits and pieces when she moved into Waterview, Helen opted for knitting as a hobby instead. This has resulted in all sorts of lovely projects as well, including some tiny jumpers to benefit penguins suffering from oil spills on Phillip Island! When the Phillip Island project announced that they had a surplus, however, Helen’s remaining jumpers were donated to a local vet for use on its little animal patients. ‘There’s always a need somewhere, and if you can do something about it, that’s a good thing,’ says Helen. What a wonderful attitude to have – and what a lovely lady to have in our community. We are certainly glad Helen decided to go along with the move to Newcastle all those years ago!
Five Minutes with a Staff Member
Michelle Gardner is one of Hunter Valley Care’s most beloved AINs. She has been at Fig Tree Point for just over 10 years. Tell us a bit about yourself. I was born 61 years ago in the Western Suburbs Hospital, Waratah, three months premature. Back in that time, they didn’t think I would survive – they just hoped for the best, and I was lucky. I grew up around Beresfield, Newcastle, and went to school at Hamilton Girls’ High. What does your job involve? I am an AIN and medications nurse. I also do wound dressing and all the daily care starting from 6am: helping residents get up, wash, dress, do their hair, put on their make-up – make them look beautiful for the day! What do you enjoy about your job? I love this place. I love the residents, and I love the staff and management. In the tough times they have been very supportive. Actually, the last 10 years have been rough (due to the loss of a family member) and without the support of the staff and management I’m not sure where I would be. This place is really like my home away from home. I don’t ever want to retire! There are two or three residents who have been here since I started – that’s a long time! Some of them remind me of my own grandparents. What do you like to do outside of work? I spend time with my grandchildren. There are three girls and two boys. They love coming in to visit me at work, and the residents love to see them. When I’m not with the grandkids, I love relaxing at the beach. I don’t mind which beach, as long as there is surf and sand!
Functional fashion: RMIT’s medical jewellery projects A team from Melbourne’s RMIT University has created a necklace that is able to collect, store and remotely transmit cardiac data. As well as these functions, the ‘Smart Heart’ necklace will also be able to store its wearer’s emergency contact information and medical history. While still in its development and testing stages, the necklace is designed to be more appealing and comfortable to wear than traditional heart-monitoring devices. The ‘Smart Heart’ project will run throughout 2015, with prototypes to be tested on patients experiencing heart arrhythmias.
Previously, the same RMIT team has also developed a range of SOS Jewellery, which identifies the wearer’s allergies and identity in an emergency, as well as Diabetes Jewellery pieces, which can administer nano-engineered insulin through the wearer’s skin. 7
Bowling greens and Aussie themes: Amaroo news After welcoming the New Year in style with cheese platters, beer, wine and punch, residents at Amaroo cruised through January at a much more relaxed pace! But that’s not to say nothing was happening: residents enjoyed a range of activities, from leisurely art classes with volunteer Helen to more energetic pursuits like carpet bowls. There were also plenty of small outings throughout the quiet period, including a men’s trip to Charlestown Bowling Club, where residents Mario, Bill, John and Fred enjoyed a rollup and some lunch – see photos below. Amaroo’s gardening group has also been very popular,
with residents enjoying the outdoor activity – see page 18 for more details! Australia Day celebrations were a hit as well, with an all-Aussie line-up of activities including thong One of Bella’s adorable costumes throwing, cricket, and from the holiday season. a delicious afternoon tea with damper and from the active to the less dip. Of course Bella mobile. She has even been got into the spirit as well – look for her cute costume, as a source of comfort to residents in palliative care, well as some other photos demonstrating a natural from the day, on pages 14 sensitivity and knowledge and 15! of when to remain calm and Speaking of Bella: Amaroo’s quiet. Every day, Bella is therapy pup continues to living proof of the remarkable amaze us with her ability to benefits of pet therapy for interact with all residents, residents.
Ruth Jones showing us all how it’s done during carpet bowls.
Joan Dunn welcoming new Amaroo resident Mabel Ferris.
During art classes Joan Dunn paints up a storm.
John Keyes on a men’s trip to Charlestown Bowling Club.
Mario Santarelli (front) and Bill Wade.
The boys tucking into some lunch at the Bowling Club.
8
Concerts, craft and cute new pets: Waterview news After the festive whirlwind that was December, January at Waterview was a much calmer month! Residents enjoyed taking part in some quiet activities such as craft, knitting and gardening – see below for some residents working on crafty creations. Australia Day celebrations were a great success as always, with residents getting into the spirit by nibbling on koala cupcakes and enjoying a concert – see pages 14 and 15 for some great snaps of the day.
in loving memory of resident June Parkes by her family. The birds are actually three paired couples – how fitting for our Valentine’s issue! We’d like to thank June’s family for the donation – we’re sure residents will get plenty of enjoyment from these very cute new additions.
The start of February also saw a return visit from one of our new favourite performers… the amazing Wayne Rogers! Needless to say, Waterview’s residents (and staff) were very excited to have him back. Stay tuned next issue for more photos of the wonderful Wayne entertaining residents – it appears he’s becoming a regular star of Community News! In other news, residents have recently welcomed some new friends to their facility… friends of the feathered variety, that is! Six budgies in a large cage have been donated
Mary Rutherford and Ella Campbell.
Judy Wright having fun with kinetic sand.
Jessie Brown making sand sculptures. 9
Fig Tree Point residents and friends spent a lovely outing in January at the Charlestown Bowling Club.
Floor hockey and fabulous feathered friends: Fig Tree Point news Staff and residents at Fig Tree Point had a great start to 2015 with some enjoyable bus trips, exciting concerts, and a few new games to try! While most of us spent January recovering from Christmas, Fig Tree residents enjoyed outings to Charlestown Bowling Club (pictured above), Heatherbrae, Rathmines, Newcastle Harbour and Wangi Wangi, among others. Back at home, the Elephant Peanuts Game was trialled, proving good for a few laughs and some limber necks. However, the real talk around town has been a game called Floor Hockey! This new competitive sport is a great source of upper-body exercise, and lots of people can play at once. It’s also great for spectators (and we hear the lungs get a pretty good workout as well)! We’re expecting that Floor Hockey fever will soon sweep the
nation. See photos over page for some of the fun. For something a little different in January, Nursing Home residents joined the crew in Extra Services for a special concert by popular entertainer, Wayne Rogers. (You may recognise Wayne from the January edition of Community News, where he appeared in pictures from a Waterview
concert.) A seasoned and very talented performer, Wayne’s shows are always interactive and involve a lot of audience participation. Residents were delighted with his peppy tunes, 10
fabulous costume changes and witty repartee. (See over for pictures.) In fact, the response was so positive that he has been rebooked for September, so if you didn’t manage to catch Wayne this time, put it in your planner! There are also a few great concerts to watch for in the coming two months – magician Joel Howlett returns, as well as popular performers Adam Price, Norma and Norm Fox, Gerry Wall, Arthur Cromer, Shekinah and the Sahara Sirens. Some great bus trips are also planned, including an Extra Services trip to Fighter World in Williamtown for lunch and a museum tour. Valentine’s Day, Chinese New Year and St. Patrick’s Day are all on the horizon, so see the calendars at the end of the newsletter for details. It’s shaping up to be a busy year!
Kit McMullen dons some unusual headgear in preparation for...
...the Elephant Peanuts Game! The trunks of Margaret, Greg and Kit battle it out.
Introducing floor hockey.
Thank goodness there’s an impartial scorekeeper Joe!
Muriel and Kit have a laugh after a particularly bloodthirsty battle!
Win Scoles gets competetive!
Audrey gets acquainted with the delightful Izzy the duckling.
Izzy meeting the lovely Margaret. 11
Fig Tree Point news cont.
A consummate performer, Wayne really knows how to captivate an audience.
How can any female compete with those eyelashes? Millie Moulton and Wayne.
Joan Webb and Wayne. Just us girls, having a giggle!
The boys having a laugh! Allen Wrigley, Wayne Rogers and Brian Druce.
Wayne singing alongside Jean Sunol. 12
Allen and Wayne - a cheeky pair!
There is no easy way around grief... it is the natural response to the loss of someone special. Likewise, major life events such as change of circumstance or illness can leave you distressed. Hunter Valley Care has Chaplains available for the support of residents and their families. Should you feel you need some help in these times, do not hesitate to contact a Chaplain.
What’s coming up at the Civic Theatre? The Four Seasons Richard Tognetti returns to the Civic Theatre this February with the Australian Chamber Orchestra to explore musical connections between east and west, pairing Vivaldi’s Baroque masterpiece, The Four Seasons, with original compositions by Aria award-winning Joseph Tawadros. Thursday, 19th February from 7.30pm. EVENT COST: VARIOUS CONCESSIONS Sleeping Beauty On the 23rd of April, The Moscow Ballet will be performing the classic Sleeping Beauty – an enduring show that will enrapture all age groups, from the elderly to the very young! EVENT COST: VARIOUS CONCESSIONS Roy Orbison and the Everly Brothers Never got the chance to catch the Big ‘O’ in concert? Or the Everly Brothers? Well, now you can see them both on the same stage! On the 6th of June, Roy Orbison & the Everly Brothers will at the Civic Theatre – in concert together for the first time in Australia. EVENT COST: VARIOUS CONCESSIONS
...you were taught about the Armistice of the Great War? The end of World War I was heralded on November 11, 1918, by the signing of the Armistice of Compiègne, which marked victory for the Allies and defeat for Germany. Below is an excerpt from a paper written by resident Helen Arey’s father, who happened to be on leave in Paris when the Armistice was signed:
“The signing of the Armistice was announced to Paris soon after 11 o’clock in the morning by a salvo of five guns from the forts, and in the twinkling of an eye the entire aspect of the city changed. The incubus of four years of war fell from the shoulders of the capital like a discarded cloak. Flags appeared from everywhere and the roadway was taken possession of by a triumphant procession of men, women and children carrying the banners of all the Allies and singing ‘The Marseillaise’, ‘God Save the King’ and ‘The Barbanconne’.”
For more information call the Civic Theatre: 02 4929 1977. 13
Waterview’s Joan Meldrum sports the Aussie flag.
Waterview’s Marie McKendry waves the flag.
Waterview mates: Mary Rutherford and Ella Campbell.
Waterview’s Sheila Tranter showing Aussie pride.
The beautiful Melva Hannerstan from Waterview.
Waterview’s Daphne Nicolson getting into the spirit.
Waterview’s Barbara Greentree posing for a snap.
The delightful Nola Toms from Amaroo on Australia day.
Amaroo’s Bella in her Australia Day ensemble.
14
Everyone at Amaroo loves a good concert!
A performance from Suzy J is always great fun - Amaroo.
Koala cupcakes, of course! Waterview residents enjoyed some cute Australia Day treats.
Amaroo’s Francis Bush looking lovely on Australia Day.
Waterview’s Barbara Greentree with staff member, Chantelle.
Peter Peterson competing in the thong toss competition at Amaroo. Thanks to Bella, there seemed to be just as much ‘chewing’ as ‘throwing’ going on! 15
Update: Fig Tree Fitness Finders Tuesday the 13th of January was the first support group meeting for the Fig Tree Fitness Finders. Not all attendees were staff members – our group is open to anyone with a connection to Fig Tree Point. In the first half of the meeting we weighed in, stated goals and had a general discussion on how, as individuals and as a group, we might go about meeting those stated aims. It is my hope that we might be able to encourage each other by discussing new ideas and new ways of looking at old problems, and exploring innovative ways of tackling health and fitness issues that may have plagued us for a long time.
to us about the importance of movement and some general principles in regards to healthy portion sizing at meal times. Our heartfelt thanks to Janean for being our first support group speaker; I believe she was a fitting and well-received speaker and one of many more great speakers to come. Well, here’s to 2015 guys! Let’s make it our year to be in the best possible shape we can be! See more (and less) of you next time. Cheers, Janette Lloyd Fig Tree Point RN Ph: 0417 210 609
This will partly be achieved by the utilisation of a speaker in the second half of the allotted hour, and very fortunately last month, we were blessed to have Janean Cole speak
PS: To try to cater for everyone, Jan is now running meetings on Tuesday one week then Friday the next. Meeting times are from 2–3pm.
NSW Seniors Week 2015
Wrap with Love: a knitting project that makes a difference
It’s that time of the year again: NSW Seniors Week is just around the corner! From 14th–22nd March, special events will be held all across the state to celebrate our wonderful community of seniors. The theme for Seniors Week this year is ‘Be inspired’. From the official website: ‘The theme is about encouraging greater effort, enthusiasm, or creativity with focus on creative activities that celebrate selfexpression’. We’re great advocates of the benefits of creativity. Some of our most popular activities are those that encourage creative expression – including art therapy, knitting, sewing, craft, scrapbooking, cooking…the list goes on! As well as hosting these great activities, HVC will be taking part in Seniors Week with a stall at the Toronto Workers Club Seniors Information Expo. Feel free to come along on Friday, 20th March and say hi to the ladies manning our stall – they may even have a HVC goodie bag for you!
16
In Australia, most of us don’t know what it’s like to be truly cold. But there are millions of people around the world who suffer debilitating cold – and its accompanying health threats – every day. Wrap with Love, a project supported by the NSW Society of Arts and Crafts, involves everyday knitters, crocheters and sewers doing their part to help out with this problem and bring some extra warmth to the world. Established in 1992, the Wrap with Love project relies on volunteers to knit squares for wraps/shawls/blankets. (Some volunteers also choose to complete entire wraps.) These warmth-giving items are then sent to a warehouse in Sydney and distributed by aid agencies to those in great need. This can be anywhere from a third-world country to somewhere in Australia. What a heart-warming project – literally! Full details and knitting patterns can be found at www.artsandcraftsnsw.com.au/wrap.htm. Those interested can also call 02 8399 3000 for more information.
What’s on at the Movies: February/March For movie buffs who enjoy an outing to the cinema every now and then – or just like keeping an eye on what’s showing lately – we’ll be taking a look at some new releases every issue! Selma ‘Selma is the story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic struggle to secure voting rights for African-Americans – a dangerous and terrifying campaign that galvanised American public opinion and persuaded President Johnson to introduce the Voting Rights Act in 1965.’ David Oyelowo, Oprah Winfrey, Tim Roth. 12th February What We Did On Our Holiday ‘Doug, Abi and their three children travel to the Scottish Highlands for Doug’s father Gordie’s birthday party. It’s soon clear that when it comes to keeping a secret under wraps from the rest of the family, their children are their biggest liability.’ Billy Connolly, David Tennant, Rosamund Pike. 12th February The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel ‘Reuniting the all-star cast from the first film, this sequel follows the developments of the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel for the Elderly and Beautiful, its guests, and its proprietor, who seeks to expand and open a second hotel.’ Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Bill Nighy. 26th February Big Eyes ‘A drama about the awakening of the painter Margaret Keane, her phenomenal success in the 1950s, and the subsequent legal difficulties she had with her husband, who claimed credit for her works in the 1960s.’ Amy Adams, Christoph Waltz, Terence Stamp. 19th March Cinderella ‘A live-action feature inspired by the classic fairy tale, Cinderella brings to life the timeless images from Disney’s 1950 animated masterpiece as fully realised characters in a visually dazzling spectacle for a whole new generation.’ Cate Blanchett, Helena Bonham-Carter, Lily James. 26th March Hunter Nature
• There are three ‘species’ of wombat. Common wombats are the only ones that have a hairless nose! • Adult common wombats are about one metre long and can weigh up to 40 kilograms. • Wombats are great diggers and live in burrows that can be up to 30 metres long. • Wombats have backward-facing pouches so they don’t fill up with dirt while the mother digs. • Wombats breed every two years, producing only one baby at a time. • Common wombats are found in a variety of habitats. They are solitary and territorial. • Wombats eat grasses and other plant materials. They usually eat in the night or at twilight. • When the first specimen of a wombat was sent back to England by Captain John Hunter (Governor of NSW) in 1978, it was believed the creature sat up on its two hind legs – something wombats never do! 17
Amaroo’s Gardening Group
Fred Rendina takes a break from toiling in the garden.
The trowels are out, the gloves are on, and Amaroo is a sea of green! Over the last 18 months, our resident gardeners have been working their magic in the back garden with the assistance of AO Karen Hynds. With plants donated by families and staff or purchased by AOs and residents, the area is flourishing with everything from tomatoes and herbs to impatiens and petunias.
Some of Fred’s tomatoes ready to ripen.
The majority of the garden’s plants are primarily in pots rather than beds. This means they Amaroo amateur horticulturalists! Cveta Lampl, can be moved Mario Santarelli, Fred Rendina and Betty Weston. around as needed or utilised for inside decoration on special occasions. Karen has even been known to pop some colourful flowers on a trolley and take them around on room visits to brighten residents’ days! Most importantly, though, the use of pots means that chair-bound residents can easily tend to the plants, which are placed on tables at just the right height. While there are quite a few residents who enjoy pottering around every now and then, the photos here show some of our most enthusiastic green-thumbs. (Nancy Vita is another avid gardener, but unfortunately was feeling unwell on the day these pictures were taken.) Betty Weston can be credited with the beautiful pops of colour amongst the hedges, while Fred Randina and Mario Santarelli enjoy getting their gloved hands dirty tending to their tomatoes!
Betty Weston tending to some of her colourful blooms.
The garden is also a popular spot for residents to simply sit and get some fresh air, or to spend time with visiting family members. Afternoon tea is often conducted outside, and residents are sometimes happy to simply sit back with a cuppa and watch Karen do all the gardening! With all the different ways it’s utilised, we think this little garden is one of Amaroo’s best assets.
Mario Santarelli relaxing amongst the greenery. 18
Love is all around in February as our facilities celebrate Valentine’s Day! We thought we’d mark the occasion by shining the spotlight on some of the lovely couples in our facilities.
Jack and Jess Sobb, Waterview
Mary and Ken Perry, Fig Tree Point
Married: 73 years How they met: Jess visited Jack’s furniture shop looking for a lounge suite…and left with a suitor whom she would eventually marry!
Bob and Doreen Hill, Waterview Married: 22 years How they met: At their workplace in Mayfield, where they both worked with handicapped clients.
Married: 68 years How they met: While both serving in the Air Force, Mary and Ken were lucky enough to stumble upon each other.
Bob and June Tayler, Fig Tree Point Married: 67 years How they met: Living near each other in Mayfield in their youth, June used to walk past Bob’s house on the way to school. They didn’t officially meet until a mate at Bob’s work began boarding with June’s family – and the rest is history!
Don and Yvonne Thompson, Waterview
Kierra Allen (AIN/med nurse) and Miles Ryan (AIN), Amaroo
Married: 64 years How they met: At YMCA Camp. Held on Tuesday nights, YMCA club involved dances, day trips and camping – and was a great place to meet new people!
How they met: At work, when they got to chatting during morning tea one day!
19
Despite it being a few months since the festive season, our facilities’ Christmas parties are still the talk of the town! We thought we’d flash back to some of the gorgeous photos that were taken throughout December at The Sanctuary, Waterview and Amaroo. (See January’s issue for pictures from Fig Tree Point!)
The Sanctuary’s Flo
Dorrington.
The Sanctuary’s Suzann Rosevear (right) and visitor
Waterview staff showing their true Christmas colours!
.
Family and friends enjoyed an intimate Christmas party.
The Sanctuary’s Jan Massie.
Blanche Forbes from the Sanctuary.
The Sanctuary’s Enid Woolley.
Waterview’s Maisie Bowie and Dorothy Condon with Santa.
Waterview’s Fran Pointon and Trish Withers enjoying a cuppa.
20
Waterview residents enjoying a Christmas lights bus trip.
Waterview staff member Di brought in her beautiful dogs!
Waterview’s Ruth Verofkins and staff member Paul Jurrissen.
Joan McMahon had a visit from the man himself at Waterview!
Waterview’s John McKeown celebrating with family.
Waterview’s Ruth Lumby greets an old friend!
Waterview’s Nona Kesby and her beautiful family!
Waterview’s Melva Hannerstan and family enjoying the day.
Lovely Waterview ladies: Dorothy Cohen and AO Tracey.
A creative seafood Santa and his ‘prawn-deer’ at Waterview!
Waterview AO Tracey was overcome with Christmas spirit!
Heather Govers and staff of Waterview.
21
Shirley Johnson of Wa terview and family.
d her
lore an Waterview’s Jean De family.
Waterview’s Mary Pereira with Santa and his helper.
Waterview’s June Purvis and Jim Grant talk presents with Santa!
Waterview’s Geraldine Moore with family.
Waterview’s Mavis McCauley and family getting into party mode.
Waterview’s Dorothy Barton chats with Santa over lunch.
Waterview’s Joan Lennox and Jessie Brown.
nnett and family. Waterview’s Jean Be
Waterview’s Norma Player and her nieces. 22
Waterview’s Judith Wr ight (L) and Sheila Tranter enjoy lunch with Sheila’s family.
Amaroo’s Ruth Jones and granddaughters.
Amaroo’s Barry McDonald dancing with his partner.
Amaroo’s Ray Taylor and wife.
Amaroo’s Thelma Leggo and daughter.
Amaroo’s Myra Gridland and daughter.
Amaroo’s Clair Wiggins and daughter.
Amaroo’s Beryl Gleeson with her daughter and great-granddaughters.
Amaroo’s Simka Stamenkovski and husband.
Amaroo’s Mario Santarelli and son.
Amaroo’s Yvonne Younger and daughter.
Amaroo’s Joan Dunn and daughter.
Amaroo’s Kath Dodd nieces.
and
23
Amaroo’s Molly Clewitt posing with Santa!
Amaroo’s Edna Turton and daughter.
Amaroo’s Mario Ermer has a boogie with Teearni!
Amaroo’s beautiful Kath Blackmore.
Amaroo’s lovely Melva Shaw.
Amaroo’s Henry Ribbins with Teearni.
Amaroo’s Neva Wilson and daughter.
Amaroo’s Ellen Mcabe and daughter.
Amaroo’s Helen Whiteman and daughter.
Amaroo’s Bobby Botham and Kat.
Amaroo’s Ivy Janssen and Kierra.
kin and Amaroo’s Fr Ron Pic nta! Sa et me brother-in-law
24
What’s Happening Around Newcastle/Lake Macquarie Are you struggling with technology? Have you been given an iPad or tablet and are not quite sure how to drive it? On Friday the 20th of February from 10am–2pm, Cardiff Library is holding an introduction to tablets/iPads. The four-hour course will cover the basic functions and settings of your tablet, as well as how to navigate the internet, communicate, download apps, and much more. The lesson is free for people 55 years and over. Bookings are essential, so call 4954 8575 to reserve your place! COST: FREE Nikon Walkley: Photography Exhibition Running until the 7th of March, the Nikon Walkley Press Photography Exhibition presents a glimpse of the biggest stories of the past year, as seen through the lenses of Australia’s best press photographers. Heartbreak and triumph, jubilation and devastation: it’s all on show. The exhibition is being held at Lovett Gallery, Newcastle Region Library, Monday to Saturday. COST: GOLD COIN DONATION The Hunter Wetlands Centre is for the whole family. Whether you’re looking for an outing with the grandkids, a nice quiet place to have lunch, or somewhere to do a bit of exploring in nature, the Hunter Wetlands Centre has got you covered, and can offer much more besides. The internationally recognised Shortland wetlands is a vibrant ecosystem bursting with life, right on the doorstep of our beautiful city. There are 45 hectares of walking trails, which you can explore by foot, canoe, bike or segway (all available for hire). For the less energetic, there are discovery playgrounds and kids’ activities, BBQ and picnic areas, live reptile displays, talks, and natural history tours. There is also an interesting and dynamic discovery centre, a lovely cafe overlooking the picturesque wetlands, and many beautiful places to sit and watch the prolific birdlife. For more information, call 02 4951 6466 or visit 1 Wetlands Place, Shortland. COST: $5 or VARIOUS CONCESSIONS
Interested in researching your family history? Speers Point Library holds a family history research group every Friday from 10am until 1pm. Any documents you can bring, such as birth certificates, military service records, old school certificates, passports, legal and personal letters, can all come in handy with your research! COST: FREE Warners Bay to Host International Ice Hockey Tournament Yes – they play icehockey in Newcastle, and on the 21st of March, teams from USA, Canada, Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand will arrive in Warners Bay for the Bi-annual Friendship Games! NSW has never hosted this tournament before, so if you ever wanted to see a real ice-hockey game, don’t miss your chance. For more information visit: www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au. COST: FREE A cruise down memory lane... Would you like to experience Newcastle and the Hunter River from the water? With Nova Cruises you can explore the mighty Hunter River on a return journey from Newcastle to Raymond Terrace, taking in the sights of Newcastle’s foreshore through to the serenity of the Kooragang Wetlands and the opening of the historic Hexham Bridge. Lunch and a Devonshire tea are included, and an experienced crew provide informative commentary. Or perhaps you’d prefer a cruise to Morpeth, once the gateway to inland Australia and one of the busiest trade ports in NSW. The eight-hour tour includes some informative commentary from the captain, a Devonshire tea on-route, plus local produce tasting served on-board (Morpeth wines, fudge & sourdough). A 1.5 hour stopover in Morpeth will give you time to explore, shop and dine at your leisure. For more information, contact Nova Cruises on 0400 381 787, or by email: info@novacruises.com.au. COST: VARIOUS CONCESSIONS 25
(Extra Services)
(Extra Services)
34
35
Amaroo Aged Care Facility
The Sanctuary – Independence with Care
Fig Tree Point Aged Care Facility
Waterview Aged Care Facility
Street: 66 Dudley Road, Charlestown NSW 2290 Post: PO Box 3310 Glendale NSW 2285 Phone: (02) 4943 3675 Fax: (02) 4942 3075 Email: reception@amarooagedcare.com.au Street: 7 Harris Street, Toronto NSW 2283 Post: PO Box 3310 Glendale NSW 2285 Phone: (02) 4950 4133 Fax: (02) 4950 5078 Email: reception@figtreepoint.com.au
Floor hockey: the new craze has won the hearts of Fig Tree Point residents.
Street: 31 Tinglewood Close, Tingira Heights NSW 2290 Post: PO Box 3310 Glendale NSW 2285 Phone: (02) 4947 1010 Fax: (02) 4914 8704 Email: thesanctuary@huntervalleycare.com.au Street: 16 Cumberland Street, Teralba NSW 2284 Post: PO Box 3310 Glendale NSW 2285 Phone: (02) 4941 7000 Fax: (02) 4958 5276 Email: reception@waterviewagedcare.com.au
Doreen Feighan looking wonde rful at Amaroo’s Christmas party.
A gorgeous pair: June Purvis and Maisie Bowie of Waterview.
Winifred Scoles from Fig Tree Point with a couple of cheeky, fluffy friends!