The
Quality Cut OPAL
LOGAN VILLAGE
Issue Three | October 2017
Residents Rock Neil Diamond Tribute Show
Relay for Life Our Team
On the Road Rustic Wineries Live the Lifestyle you deserve!
What an exciting month it has been! The final lot of houses are now under construction. I’d like to take this moment to thank our entire team for their hard work and enthusiasm over the construction of our wonderful resort.
General Manager’s Message
Recently, we had our Relay for Life event that raised funds for the Cancer Council. It was our absolute pleasure to donate to the Opal Relay for Life team and a truly worthy cause. We have an outstanding community here at Opal, full of generous and fun people which is highlighted through these events time and time again. I’d like to draw your attention to our referral program. If you have friends or family who might be interested in the Living Gems way of life, refer them to us so that we can give them a tour.
Should they purchase a home with us, upon completion, we will offer you a cash bonus for the referral. For more information, contact our Sales Team. I do hope you enjoy this newsletter. Should you have any contributions you’d like to make for a future issue, make sure to contact the Editor at: editor@livinggems.com.au or talk to our Sales Manager, Lyn Butler. Vlad Pullich General Manager Living Gems
Sales Manager’s Message Welcome to the Opal by Living Gems’ brand-new monthly newsletter. It has been a fun season for our growing resort, headlined by two major sell-out shows at our clubhouse! It was great to see the venue be put to such good use for the first time with a superb Neil Diamond tribute concert. You can read more about the shows and see some photos in this newsletter. Here’s to many more excellent celebrations at our clubhouse. We also recently opened our new croquet court, and it is wonderful
to see it being used all the time. Lots of residents, who are new to the game, are attending free training sessions. We’ve had several new villas completed at the resort over the past few months and many new residents have made Opal by Living Gems their home. I hope all our new neighbours are settling in well. In this October issue, you can read about the travels of Bill and Gitta Malkin, who have a penchant for free camping and red wine. They’ve been all over Australia, and Bill has shared some of his favourite wineries with us, so add them to your next itinerary.
Have you seen our workshop in action? https://youtu.be/VZTIdR051wU Find us on YouTube for a sneek peek into what you can do in our workshop. 2
The Quality Cut – Opal Logan Village Issue Three – October 2017
In our new pets section, we introduce Rosie and Rocky Miller, who tell us about their lives at Opal by Living Gems. When they are not running around the house, or playing in the off-leash area, Rosie and Rocky love watching TV with mum and dad Dianne and Mike Miller. It really is a pleasure to see the resort flourishing! Remember, if you ever need anything, feel free to contact either myself or the resort managers, Kevin and Marie Chapman. Lyn Butler Sales Manager
Did you know that we have a Facebook page? Find us at www.facebook.com/ LivingGemsAus and click follow to be kept up-to-date with the latest and greatest news and fun. 42 Quinzeh Creek Road, Logan Village Qld 4207
Residents Rock out at Clubhouse It was fitting that a Neil Diamond tribute show marked the first major event at the Opal by Living Gems clubhouse. After all, the clubhouse is the jewel in the crown of each resort, and the diamond is king of the jewels! Musician Kel Harper had the guests convinced that Neil Diamond himself had descended on Opal by Living Gems, he was that good. It was truly a sparkling night. Show goers dressed in after-five attire and the tables were set with the same kind of elegance as the guests’ outfits. The show was beautiful, and the social committee is pleased to report that the bar takings were exceptional.
“That was the very first time our beautiful village has actually had a sold out show in 2017,” says Annette Reberger, who coordinated the event along with our Diamond Team on behalf of the Opal by Living Gems social committee. “Everyone had a superb time.” In late August, the clubhouse played host to its second show – a rock’n’roll gig by Jared Alexander. Carol Fitzpatrick and Denise Monk coordinated the night alongside team members Annette Reberger and Marilyn Wilmington on behalf of the social committee, which is led by Kat Lowrie. There are two more shows in the pipeline. The next will be a country show, followed by a performance of Neil Diamond’s Hot August Night.
“The rest of the year is chock a block full of activities for over 50s living,” Annette says. “We are very active. We always say we live in paradise; we are so happy to be at Opal by Living Gems.” Annette, Carol and Denise moved in to the resort in March 2017, and are enjoying their roles as event coordinators. “We are so enthusiastic to do things to help everyone enjoy themselves,” says Annette. As summer approaches, the social calendar will no doubt heat up at Opal by Living Gems, with help from a dedicated social committee and event coordinators such as the Diamond Team.
Opal’s Relay for Life Team Opal Living Gems residents have been busy raising funds for the upcoming Relay for Life event. Volunteers were treated to a delicious morning tea today while General Manager Adrian Puljich dropped by to present the Cancer Council with a cheque for $1,000 to contribute to the Relay for Life Team that went on to raise more money with a total of over www.livinggems.com.au | 07 5547 2333
$7,000. Pictured are Jane Haylock, Ada Banks & Di Dixon accepting the donation on behalf of the Jimboomba Relay for Life Team. So far, Opal are the second highest fundraisers for this cause in the Jimboomba region. Fantastic work to all involved! To find out more about the event, visit: https://www.relayforlife.org.au The Quality Cut – Opal Logan Village Issue Three – October 2017
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In the Spotlight
On the Road for Rustic Wineries Bill and Gitta Malkin have travelled extensively through Australia in their motor home, free camping where they can, seeing the diverse sights of the nation, and also visiting its finest wineries.
“Without doubt, Living Gems gives us peace of mind when we go away.” The couple recently returned to Opal by Living Gems after a three-month, family-focused trip to Adelaide. Bill and Gitta’s daughter-in-law was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and the family converged on the city in support. It provided one of those rare opportunities to see their three children and six of 16 grandchildren in the one place.
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The Quality Cut – Opal Logan Village Issue Three – October 2017
“We took the opportunity while we were there to see a few different vineyards at the Barossa Valley, Clare, McLaren Vale, the Adelaide Hills and also at Hahndorf,” says Bill. “It was nice to get out and see some things together as a family.”
Gitta will always peruse the ‘camping bible’ Camps 9, and the Wikicamps application to find the best spot to stay, whether it is in a national park, or on a farm.
The trip to Adelaide followed a sixmonth adventure in Western Australia, where they saw landmarks such as Wave Rock and, of course, visited several of that state’s fine wineries.
While at home, the Malkin’s can leave their motor home stored at Opal by Living Gems’ dedicated storage area. “In fact, that was one of the reasons that we decided upon Opal by Living
It is a passion for Bill, who has 180 bottles of red wine at his home at Opal by Living Gems, and he has an extensive knowledge of Australia’s best wineries.
Gems,” says Bill. “It was actually a deciding factor, because we needed storage for our motor home.”
“We are so lucky in Australia, we have so many high-quality growing areas such as Margaret River, Swan Valley, Hunter Valley and the Barossa Valley,” he says. Bill prefers the personal touch of an independent estate and he and Gitta always visit local visitor information centres to ask which wineries and sights provide the best experience.
They also prefer free camping and
Opal by Living Gems has 27 allocated spaces in a fenced area that is well watched by management and fellow residents. If you would like to contribute to our Resident’s Spotlight section in a future newsletter, contact the Editor at: editor@livinggems.com.au.
42 Quinzeh Creek Road, Logan Village Qld 4207
Here are a handful of Bill’s most memorable wineries Langmeil Winery, Tanunda “They make some beautiful reds,” says Bill of Langmeil Winery set in the town of Tanunda in the Barossa Valley. The family-owned winery lays claim to being the oldest surviving Shiraz vineyard in the world, planted in 1843, and Shiraz just happens to be Bill’s preferred grape. The historic winery is housed in original buildings built by some of the first European settlers to the region.
Sieber Road Vineyard, Seppeltsfield Although this Barossa Valley winery recently received a double gold award at the Melbourne International Wine Competition with its 2015 Shiraz/ Grenache, it was more than the wine that stood out for Bill at the Sieber Road Vineyard – it was the lovely people who run the winery. “It was one of the nicest personal experiences I have had at a winery. The lady behind the counter, Val, is a lovely person. We went back four times, it felt like coming home.”
Windy Creek Estate, Swan Valley Another independent winery in Western Australia where Bill was highly impressed by the experience provided for visitors. The familyrun estate is not just a business but the family home and it is treated as such. “A great experience with great people,” says Bill.
Vasse Felix, Margaret River Founded in 1967 by Dr Tom Cullity, Vasse Felix was the first winery to be established in what is now one of Australia’s most renowned winegrowing regions. Bill says it is a “little bit more upmarket” than several of the other family-owned wineries in this list, and worth it for the sense of history and views.
Hugh Hamilton Wines, McLarenvale Bill describes the wine-tasting experience at Hugh Hamilton Wines as the best he has experienced. The dirt from the vineyards is brought out for the tasters, so they gain a deeper understanding of the flavours of the grapes. “It was a great way to gain a good nose for a red.” www.livinggems.com.au | 07 5547 2333
Get stuffed with Living Gems Blackberry and Apple Pie
Pie oh pie! Our Editor tells us that this recipe was handed down to her by her mother and originally included homegrown apples from their orchard with blackberries that grew wild around her countryside property back in the UK. Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 45 minutes Equipment: 23cm pie dish Serves: 4
Ingredients:
• 1 lemon, zested
• 300g apples, tart in flavour, peeled, cored and sliced
• Caster sugar, to taste
• 225g fresh blackberries. If not fresh, use frozen
• Ready to roll puff pastry sheets (available frozen at Coles) • 1 egg, beaten.
Method
Chef’s top tips:
• Defrost puff pastry sheets.
• If you prefer shortcrust pastry, go ahead! Pastry can be difficult to make in Queensland’s humid climate, so cheat and use frozen ready to roll pastry sheets.
• Preheat oven to 180°C. • Spoon the apples and blackberries into a pie dish then sprinkle over caster sugar and lemon zest to taste. • Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface, large enough to cover the pie, leaving approx. 4cm to spare. • Place pastry over the dish, seal edges. • Glaze the top of the pie with the beaten egg. • Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
• If you’re less inclined to make one big pie, you can use small ovenproof bowls instead. Just roll out the pastry to the desired dish size and voila! This pie mixture can be easily frozen for another time. • To top off this delicious pie, use some luxury vanilla bean custard – hot or cold! If you have a recipe that you’d love to share with us – send it through to the Editor at editor@livinggems.com.au The Quality Cut – Opal Logan Village Issue Three – October 2017
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Talking Pets
Names
Age
Rosie & Rocky
5&7 Mike & Female years Dianne Miller & Male
Parents
Sex
Gem of a Home:
$360,000
Keeping up-to-date with our residents is very important here at Opal by Living Gems. As a pet friendly resort, we see our animals as part of the family – so in this section of our newsletter, we catch up with our more hairy residents. What types of dog are you? Rosie: I am a toy poodle, while Rocky is a Chihuahua. What is your favourite toy? Rocky: We have a few different toys. The ones we like the best have a small, soft ball connected to a rope. It’s fun to chase them, and they’re easy to carry and play tug of war with them. What is your favourite part of the Opal by Living Gems resort? Rosie: We love walking around the resort, especially down the back at the dog run – there are often other dogs there and we can say hello and have a bit of a sniff. Rocky: I can’t wait until Kev finishes the path around the back of the resort so that we can go on longer walks. Woof! Your most annoying habit? Rosie: When people walk in front of the house and I can see them through the screen doors, I can’t help myself, and I yell out to them. Woof, woof!
Rocky: We are just trying to be friendly! What’s your best or funniest moment? Rocky: Sometimes we get a bit worked up and start chasing each other around the house. It’s such good fun to chase each other around. Rosie: We go around and around the lounge, and up and down the hallway. It always makes mum laugh. Who treats you best, mum or dad? Rocky: They’re both amazing people and treat us really well. Each night though, while we’re watching TV, I’ll snuggle up with Mike, and Rosie will hop up with mum. Opal by Living Gems is a pet friendly resort that promotes active lifestyles and welcoming communities. If you are interested in Opal by Living Gems and would like some more information, contact Lyn on 07 5547 2333 or email at: opalsales@livinggems.com.au.
The Sandpiper design is a stylish two-bedroom home with stunning open plan living and dining. It boasts a designer kitchen with top quality appliances and a walk-in pantry, and a lovely alfresco area with private garden. • 2 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • Walk in wardrobe • Remote control 1.5 car garage • Air conditioning Call 07 5547 2333 or email: opalsales@livinggems.com.au for more information or to view our stunning range of homes.
DID YOU KNOW? Have you heard about the Living Gems referral program? Refer a friend or family to Living Gems, and upon purchase and completion of their home with us, we will give you a cash bonus! For more information, contact our Sales Team.
Albatross This beauty of a floorplan is as large as its namesake with outstanding features that would keep any occupant happy as Larry. Offering two bedrooms and two bathrooms, this home gives you plenty of bang for your buck, the open-plan kitchen and dining area blends seamlessly. A large 1.5 garage ensures that you have plenty of space to store any excess furniture after downsizing – it really does tick all the boxes. If you’d like to learn more about this outstanding floorplan, please contact us on: 07 5547 2333 or email at: opalsales@livinggems.com.au.
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The Quality Cut – Opal Logan Village Issue Three – October 2017
42 Quinzeh Creek Road, Logan Village Qld 4207
How to Make your Own Pallet Herb Garden Cooking with fresh herbs is a must if you enjoy delicious food and wowing your dinner guests. Many Living Gems residents have chosen to downsize from large housing blocks with gardens because the work has just become too much. The greenthumbed amongst us often miss the pleasures of having fresh vegetables and herbs at one’s disposal – so here’s the best of both worlds in one lowmaintenance project.
YOU WILL NEED: • A pallet • Two large bags of high quality potting mix • Seasonal plants (16 seedlings will generally fit nicely, depending on size) • Small roll of weed cloth or landscape fabric • A staple gun and staples • Sandpaper • 4 mounting brackets, one for each corner of the pallet (optional as can be simply leant against a wall)
METHOD: 1. Acquire a pallet • These can be found around the back of stores who receive or deliver large goods. If not, try looking on Gumtree as they are nearly all being given away for free somewhere. 2. Prep your pallet • Wearing protective gloves, sand back any chipped wood and inspect for any stray nails.
www.livinggems.com.au | 07 5547 2333
• The back of the pallet, the side with the largest openings, will be the side placed against the wall, so when prepping lay the pallet with this side facing up. • The landscape fabric will need to cover the back and sides. Pull the fabric tightly and ensure it efficiently covers the bottom rung of each level of the pallet. Staple in place. Then use the fabric to cover the entire side that is currently facing up – which will be the back. Make sure it’s tight to cover any soil that may fall out. • Staple some more, just to be sure. The more the staples, the better in this project. 3. Fill your garden • Put the pallet in the position it will be staying (this is where you would mount the pallet, if you’ve chosen to do so). We recommend either your courtyard or alfresco if you have one – take into consideration how much sun this area will get – the more the better. • Fill the pallet with light, good quality potting mix. • Transplant your starter plants, water liberally. Many people believe winter plants need less water than summer plants, this is not strictly true. Winter plants can be very thirsty! Opal by Living Gems resort, promotes active and healthy lifestyle living where you can meet like-minded others. For more information, call: 07 5547 2333 or email: opalsales@livinggems.com.au.
The Quality Cut – Opal Logan Village Issue Three – October 2017
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What’s on
October Community Fresh Produce Market Sunday 22 October – Jimboomba Community Garden, 101 Johanna St
FREE
IN YOUR RESORT Oktoberfest Saturday 21 October, 5:30pm Clubhouse Calling all Bavarian Beer drinkers!
FREE
A large variety of plants, fresh fruit and vegetables, crafts and bric-a-brac! Get your country fix at this exceptionally laid back market.
Beenleigh Pen Meet-Up Wednesday 11 October 12:45–2:45pm The Beenleigh Library
FREE
Do you have a passion for pens? This workshop will help you broaden your knowledge of vintage and modern and pens. If you’re interested in pens, inks, paper, notepads, writing, or calligraphy, this session is right up your alley.
Eats & Beats Friday 27 October 5–9pm Beenleigh Town Square
Breakfast With The Birds Saturday 28 October, 7–9:30am – Jimboomba The early bird catches the worm! Celebrate National Bird Week and experience the magic of a dawn chorus during a leisurely bird walk. Includes a free barbecue breakfast at the conclusion of the walk.
FREE
Eats & Beats is a must-do event for families and food aficionados, delivering mouth-watering meals and live music acts, performing throughout the evening.
FREE Go Your Own Way: The Story of Christine McVie Saturday 14 October 1–4pm Logan Entertainment Centre
$35
“The other woman in Fleetwood Mac”. On the eve of a comeback tour for one of the most famous bands in rock ‘n’ roll history, Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac decided not to reunite with the band, instead tweeting: “Sorry folks. No tour.” This is an intriguing tale of international fame, song writing, privacy and the decision to Go Your Own Way.
Tech Savvy Seniors Thursday 12 October, 10:30am–12pm Helensvale Branch Library
FREE
The Tech Savvy Seniors program provides fun, small group, technology training just for seniors. Whether you want to learn how to get online, use a tablet or send an email, our Tech Savvy Seniors courses can help you or a senior you know get started.
Children’s Festival 2017 Saturday 14 October, 3–8pm Robelle Domain Parkland To celebrate Children’s Week, also to remind us to consider those conditions in society which affect the lives and future of our own children and grandchildren, to improve their welfare, well-being and sustainable development. It is also an occasion to promote intercultural understanding and enhance solidarity across diverse communities.