QEII Seniors Scene | May 2023

Seniors Scene

HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY LOUIS

Rain, hail or shine Louis makes his way by gopher to the Centre to play Scrabble twice a week, rarely missing a session. The master of seven letter words he enjoys an afternoon of friendly competition and socialising. Battling health issues for the past few years he proudly announced, “The doctor said I’d never make it”.

Congratulations Louis – a great role model for positive acting ageing!

If you love Scrabble or keen to learn you are welcome to join in on a Monday or Wednesday 1pm to 4pm. A great way to enhance your concentration skills, improve your vocabulary and make new friends. Cost is Free

QEII CENTRE UPDATE

Centre Survey

Thank you everyone for your valuable input and completing our Centre survey. To date 141 people have provided feedback with two most popular activities being Balance Gym and over 50’s gentle gym.

76% said they use the QEII lounge.

89% said they were very satisfied with the programming/resources the centre provides.

The most popular way of keeping up to date or access info on the centre is by far the newsletter at 89% followed by other seniors at 49%.

85% of feedback providers

are women so more men need to tell us what they think!

Couple of comments include:

• Great place for physical and mental health.

• Centre is well run and volunteers are fantastic and friendly.

If you would like to complete the complete hard copies are available at the centre office.

Stars of the month

Our Centre volunteers who do an amazing job running programs, welcoming new members, and ensuring sessions are running smoothly. Your work is invaluable and highly appreciated.

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

QEII CASUAL STAFF

Isabelle Cornish

I’m 22 Years old and in my free time I like playing games on my computer, hanging out with my friends and family, taking my dog for walks, and going on bike rides around Geraldton. I also love to travel and been all over Europe and can’t wait for my next adventure.

My role: I process QEII bookings and on Wednesday mornings located in the main office ready to help anyone with any enquiries or questions.

When I retire I will join the… Pickleball, Pilates, Table Tennis and Gentle Gym as they all look so fun.

Sharon Dair

I started travelling the world at 26 from my hometown of Brisbane and ended up in Shark Bay where I lived for over 28 years raising my boys. I have a passion for the beauty and colours of Australia, and I find singing and painting a joy. I moved to Geraldton 2 years ago to study at TAFE and currently studying a Diploma in Counselling while working as a casual at QEII.

My role: As one of three casuals my job is to welcome our members and perform administrative duties while following Rosetta and Pavlina’s example to create a safe and inviting space in which our amazing QEII community can flourish.

When I retire… I would like to give Pilates and Pickle Ball a go but eventually I will be joining thousands of grey nomads travelling and exploring our great sunburnt country.

Michaela Clarke

I was born and raised in Port Hedland until the age of 6 or 7 years old before moving to Geraldton for more family and community in school and sport. My family of 8 all love travelling, camping, fishing, BBQing, swimming and watching sports whether it’s us kids or on the tv.

My Role: My role combines Youth work, Senior Customer service and community work within the City. This includes administration work and customer service at QEII, School holiday programs, Sunday by the Sea and other City events. This job has improved my confidence, skills, knowledge, adaptability, work ethic and the thrive to still learn more.

When I retire… I will join…. Art class, Pilates, Gentle Gym, pickleball and chess.

What’s the Best Advice on Motherhood you ever Received?

Comments by Centre users: My baby is 60 this year, it was a long time ago. I never received any advice- we were brought up in a big family and just did it - Pat

Respect your partner, love and respect your family - Jean

Have dogs instead of kids -

Maureen

My mum was a great role model, and I followed her example - Mereani

“Love your children and keep them close to you” wherever I went my children came- if they couldn’t come, I wouldn’t go – Betty

Be a proper mother, care for your children, don’t be selfish, have lots of patience – Maria

Need to be a mother before being a friend when they are young as later in life you become the friend. Look for the positive in everything, always learn a lesson from anything negative – Jenny

Life it too short- the dishes and cleaning can wait. Make them your priorityanonymous

RECIPES FRM THE HEART

Mango Chutney by Bibah Chesi

2 green mangoes peeled and sliced small.

1 medium sized brown onion and 2 garlic cloves

Chilli to taste, 1 level tbsp curry powder

Ginger – optional

Tamarind or lemon juice 1 tbsp.

Salt and sugar to taste

Method

Blend onion, garlic, chilli and ginger or optionally cut them very finely. Sauté in hot oil and add sliced mango. Stir well to break up the mango as much as possible. Add in the juice, salt and sugar. Leave to cook on a low heat for 5 to 10 minutes. When cooled bottle and refrigerate.

Sweet Ricotta Balls by Rosetta

1 cup ricotta

2 large eggs

¾ cup flour

2ts baking powder

3tbs sugar

½ ts salt

1tsp vanilla extra

Canola for frying, Sugar for dusting

Combine sugar, flour, baking powder, salt in one bowl

Mix ricotta, vanilla, eggs in another bowl until all mixed together well

Fold the dry ingredients with the ricotta mixture until combined but don’t over work it

Fill saucepan with oil to at least 5cm and heat to175°. Using an ice cream scooper (either fill the scooper for large balls or half the scooper for smaller bite size balls) drop the dough into the heated oil and fry until golden brown, turning over to make sure they are golden on both sides.

Cook the balls in small batches. Using a slotted spoon drain them on paper towels. Once drained of excess oil, dust them with the sugar and serve them warm. Makes 16 to 20 balls

WA Seniors Card Information Sessions

On the 27 April the WA Seniors Card Team came to the centre and presented two information sessions. Seniors were given the opportunity to replace old/ torn cards and learn of the many discounts and benefits of having the WA Seniors Card. From the 1st of July the

eligibility age will be 65 years of age and you must not be working more than 25 hours per week.

Approximately 80 seniors attended the sessions and we extend a thank you to all those who came to make the event a success.

MyGov FREE INFORMATION SESSION

Would you like to know how “myGov” can assist you with Medicare, Centrelink, ATO and other services more efficiently saving you time.

You are welcome to join in this session being held at the QEII Seniors & Community Centre on Thursday the 18th May 2023 commencing at 9:30 am

Guest speaker Carissa Capewell from Centrelink will be presenting the topic “myGov”

This session has been organised by Switched on Seniors Geraldton

QEII Knitters & Crochet Group

April 2023 Donations:

Geraldton Regional Hospital – 8 baby blankets, 3 trauma teddies, 5 octopus toys

Wheelchair for Kids, Perth – 32 crocket blankets

Streeties – 5 crochet rugs, 1 baby rug. 20 scarves, 20 adult beanies, 10 pr banana socks, 3 pr child slippers, 8 pr mittens, 3 child jumpers, 1 child cardigan, 5 African tee’s, 18 recycled toys

Women’s Refuge – 22 recycled toys

St John Ambulance, Geraldton – 40 trauma teddies

Geraldton Police – 40 trauma teddies

9 local schools – 1 crocket blanket, 8 assorted toys, art scraps, raffle rugs

Centacare – 5 baby blankets, 8 baby cardigans, 13 baby beanies, 10 pr booties

Mission Australia – 5 blankets, 15 beanies

Hi to you all.

In the month of April The topics “What is the Internet” and “using the Internet” were explored to our beginners class, also covered were the topics “Using Browsers and search engines, this gave students a good understanding on the use of these features available to them on their smart devices.

A morning tea get together with presentation of Certificates was held in April. Congratulations to our students for their dedication and hard work as SOSG presented the most Certificates since we first began. We’ll done everyone, keep up the good work!

For May the beginner’s class will be continuing with the ongoing topic of internet safety and passwords together with downloading and saving documents in readiness for the presentation to be given by Centrelink on

Switched On Seniors Geraldton

MyGov on the 18th May 2023.

It is with regret that we farewell one of our longstanding students who passed away recently. Au Revoir Benny, may you rest in peace.

Heath and wellbeing was the topic presented to our continuous class in April, All our students familiarised themselves with the health apps that are available to them on their smart devices.

I am pleased to inform you all that a presentation on the topic “My Gov” will be delivered on Thursday the 18th May in the hall. SOSG have been fortunate to have a guest speaker from Centrelink attending to delver the topic and answer any questions that may arise from the presentation.

This topic will be presented to our continuous class in May as an introductory lesson prior to the 18th May. Our one-onone sessions are still attracting

many students who have their specific issues to resolve on their devices

We provide this service mainly for people who know how to use their devices but just need specific help.

Commencing March, Switched on Seniors Geraldton will be asking for donations for these appointments in order to help us with supplies etc., for which, a receipt will be issued

accordingly Thank you for your understanding.

Our Beginner’s Class is held on Thursday morning 9.00am to 10.00am and the Continuation Class 10:15 until 11:15.

Our One to one appointments for a particular issue are on Tuesdays between 9.00am and 1.00pm (contact office for appointment).

Marching Group

Marching is a great form of exercise and develops balance, coordination and muscle strength.

Lynnette, an ex-Marching instructor, Western Australian and Australian state champion and a judge will be leading the group.

Every Wednesday 1pm to 1:45pm. Commencing 7 June 2023

So, March your way to better health, improve your mental and physical wellbeing and make some new friends

Please register your interest at the QEII office on 9956 6636

Seniors Action Group News

A Quiz Afternoon organised by the Seniors Action Group was held at the Centre with 15 tables of 6 people participating. Quizmaster, Councillor Bob Hall did a sterling job. Thank you to those who set up/packed up on the day. Other helpers provided a delicious afternoon tea, kept scores up to date and generally made sure everyone had a great time.

The winners were on Table 15: Laureen Lutz, Kay Garrett, Wendy McDonald, Jeanette Featherby, Wilma Bunter, Diana Brose. Table 14 placed second and Table 8 third. Everyone agreed it was a fabulous afternoon.

Monthly Meeting: Thirtyfive members attended the meeting and lunch on the 11th April. The meeting was opened by President Lina Mittoni. Card raffles winners were Gary Sutherland, and Jean Jones.

13 apologies were given. It was announced no activities would be held on Monday 5th June and 25th September due to public holidays. Lina asked for donations of items for a Mothers’ Day Raffle. There

is a list on notice board for Expressions of Interest and ideas for a 4-day bus trip later in 2023. There was a suggestion for a Have-a-go Monday morning for all our bowls, table tennis and darts groups and invite the public.

There was no guest speaker for the day but the President had attended the QE2 Seniors Advisory quarterly Committee Meeting and updated members with matters being discussed at this group e.g. Fire Wardens are needed for each group using the facility. Lunch of quiche, chips and salad followed by trifle, ice-cream and fruit was enjoyed by all.

Dates for your Diary:

Monday 1st May and 29th May at 10.30am –Committee Meetings

Tuesday 9th May – Morning Tea at 10am, Meeting and Lunch. Cost $10.

Mondays for 5 weeks in April/May -Bowls Pairs Competition in progress.

Seniors Action group Quiz Winners

Pensioners Social Club

April 6th 2023 saw the monthly meeting of a “smallish” 28 members and a few no-shows who’d paid for meals so one can only hope there aren’t many ailing members but just those who forgot the date perhaps.

The months are flying past.. what is happening? Is the world speeding up? Maybe we can blame it on the Eclipse. Speaking of which, I’ve now lost all credibility with one of my cats because of that phenomenon. I was thinking that 90% of totality would give us quite a shot of near darkness so I took up a position on a garden chair in the back yard and waited with great expectation. Along came Minnie who hopped up beside me, so I carefully explained what was about to happen (I thought). The birds would be all a ‘twitter and start heading to their sleeping spots in the trees as the sky grew darker and she herself, would be thinking maybe she should be heading off to her bed in the garage. She looked very understanding of all this information and I kept reassuring her of its truth, but as time passed with little result she gave me a look of disdain, flicked her tail and left, vowing silently to never believe a word that Mum says

ever again!

Anyhoo –back to the meeting - Usual raffles and birthday greetings were dispensed and then came a special Easter Bunny raffle for which lucky winners were rewarded with a Chocolate Bunny. Funny how they all said” Oh it’s for the kids”. Yeah, yeah, sure thing. I cursed the Easter bunny for 2 days after he left me with a 2 day headache. Self -control, I hear you say? Well maybe next year.

Guest speaker, Fred Block spoke about his new position with council in waste management at Landfill Road, Meru. Actually, he just spoke a lot of rubbish really. I jest not, as it was Geraldton’s rubbish to which he was referring with lots of technical info around developing a $5 million hole and Council effort to keep abreast of latest developments with many different types of waste disposal. The Bower Bird shop (previously known as the tip shop- but that title never to be uttered again) has been a success. Since being rebirthed it’s contributed to amazingly 83,181 items being diverted from landfill because of the 30,000 customers who have purchased those items that were some-one’s trash

but turned into treasure for others. There are now 4 employees at the Bowerbird.

Most popular are CDs and DVDs and ironing boards (anglers using them for scaling fish) Many household items, golf clubs, craft items, chairs, crutches, paddle boards and even a piano accordion. Quite a few exercise equipment items as advertised on TV- You know the ones that have you thinking—YES, that’s for me— Wonder body, here I come! Alas and alack, one finds shortly after purchasing and having a few sessions with it a vital ingredient is missing--ENTHUSIASM. One has found

this is usually short-lived and needs renewing along with some DETERMINATION lest the new wonder body device ends up in a cupboard or under a bed gathering dust.

The shop is open six days a week and closed on Tuesdays. Unfortunately, they are unable to pick-up donations.

Our next meeting is on 4th May. Do come along- lunch is a tantalising- taste- bud -tickler of Roast Beef and vegies with Sticky Date pud to follow. There will be extra raffles because of MOTHER’S DAY and also some entertainment. See you there!

Word search book winners

Please collect your prizes donated by Carers WA at the office

Pauline Stacey

Roslyn Nagel

Olga Miragliotta

Iris Bolton

Jim Evans

Lee Hoddy

Rolf Nagel

Jean Steer

Shirley Glover

Pat Gaze

Pauline Brennan

Sandy Chapman

Sue Fawcett

Terry Brennan

Paula Warren

Margaret Monteria

The Ukulele Dreamers

The Ukulele Dreamers have a long-established practice of entertaining in Aged Care facilities and visit these places fortnightly with the idea of bringing music to people who are unable to attend entertainment at outside venues. Recently we spent a morning with the wonderful people at Northampton Day Care Centre who provided morning tea and the opportunity to sit and chat. The music we played finished off an enjoyable morning for all.

Previously we have visited Geraldton North Shore (Opal), Juniper Hillcrest and Nazareth House (where the nurses danced the morning away!!). Our group get a lot of pleasure out of these visits and judging by the odd foot tapping under a blanket, so do our hosts. The magic of music for those with dementia and other disabilities is quite remarkable!

Now that Covid is somewhat contained, we will endeavour to bring our music to various audiences.

Have a Go at Pole Walking

(Seniors Recreation Council of WA Inc Geraldton Branch

The Pole Walking Group meet weekly on Wednesday at the Centre however on Saturday 27 May you’re invited to “Have A Go” at this great exercise.

Meet at the northern end of Forest Street at 8:30am near the Jaffle Shack. After the walk you’re most welcome to stay for coffee. Spare poles are available to use on the day for Free

(you will need to buy your own refreshments)

Gardening Memories

with Rosetta

Being brought up in an Italian household with a backyard full of vegetables on hand - lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes, broad beans, spinach, garlic, onions etc. I have many wonderful memories of sitting with my nonna shelling peas and my mother cooking up lovely dishes of fresh organic vegetables straight from the garden.

I’m still to master the art of growing vegetables and only wish I had watched my father more closely and gleaned all the information I could.

A couple of years ago while fossicking through his garage I found onion seeds he had stored in a little vegemite jar and decided to give them a go.

Under the watchful eye of my mother I was ever hopeful and scattered them about and never anticipating they would sprout as they must have been about five years old. But sprout they did and when they began to grow I planted them in rows and my granddaughters and I harvested the most delicious and yummy onions.

In keeping with tradition, I plaited them and hang them in the olive tree in the back yard where they kept for many months.

Each time I ate an onion I marvelled how something that had been kept in the dark for many years could bring such delight.

Just like life – sometimes you can find yourself in a dark place for so long but with the right conditions you can finally sprout and break into new life.

Plus it was great giving onions away– telling people these were from my father’s onion seeds (who had passed away)

What wonderful memories and by the way I’ve never been able to get another onion crop again. I think it was just for that season….

State Seniors Strategy

An Age-friendly WA: State Seniors Strategy 2023-2033, Western Australia’s first Seniors Strategy, has been launched with $2 million to be included in the 2023-24 State Budget to support the plan.

The 10-year strategy to support older Western Australians will guide community actions that are responsive to older people’s wants, needs and aspirations to make WA a place where seniors can live their best lives.

The strategy identifies four key pillars of change: thriving physically, mentally, and spiritually; safe and friendly communities; staying connected and engaged; and having views that are heard.

Accompanied by a five-year Action Plan, the strategy sets out a range of actions including a comprehensive campaign to tackle ageism in WA.

Extensive consultations were undertaken in developing the strategy, with more than 2,600 older people aged from pre-seniors through to people in their 90s providing feedback.

State-wide consultation took

place via face to face and online sessions, hardcopy feedback, online surveys and phone discussions, with particular effort to ensure First Nations seniors were able to provide feedback in a culturally appropriate way. The strategy was developed in partnership with 17 State Government agencies, and the 5-year Action Plan will involve ongoing collaboration across the WA Government.

Community services providers, peak bodies, local government agencies and other key stakeholders also provided feedback into the strategy.

Seniors are one of the fastest growing demographic groups representing 16 per cent of the current population and expected to grow to nearly one-fifth of the population by 2033.

To read the State Seniors Strategy and for more information, please visit: https://www.wa.gov.au/ organisation/departmentof-communities/wa-seniorsstrategy

Please note: Two copies are available to read in the QEII lounge.

Timetable

*Seniors Action Group

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

2nd Thursday of each month

1.00pm – 4.00pm

Proudly run by: Pensioners

Social Club

Contact President 0439 907 455

Canasta

Free Monday 1.00pm - 4.00pm

Wednesday 1.00pm-4.00pm

Caring Cuppa –Bereavement Support Group

Free

3rd 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 9.30am – 12noon

Not on First Thursday of the Month

Contact Pat 0409 688 882 or Heather 0428 592 004

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 0427 869 786

English as a Second Language

Free

Friday 1.00pm – 3.00pm

– Provided by Midwest Multicultural Association

Wendy Morrell 9964 4154

Euchre & Frustration

$5.00

Friday 1.00pm – 4.00pm

Proudly run by: Seniors

Action Group

Contact President 0427 869 786

Indoor Bowls

Cost $5.00

Monday 8.00am – 4.00pm

Proudly run by: Seniors

Action Group

Contact President 0427 869 786

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

FREE for the following sessions: 23 & 30 May and 6 & 13 June

$5.00

Tuesdays 12.00pm - 12.45pm

Pickle Ball

$5.00

Tuesdays 9.00am - 11.00am

Tuesdays 4.30pm - 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 from 8.15am –4.15pm

Rehabilitation Gym

Free

Tuesdays 1.15pm - 2.15pm

Fridays

10.15am - 11.15am

If you would like to join this class please contact the Geraldton Regional Hospital Physiotherapy Department 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 0427 869 786

Switched on Seniors

Geraldton/ Be Connected

Free

Beginners Class

Thursday 9.00am – 10.00am

Continuation Class

Thursday 10.15am - 11.00am

Bring your device

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 0427 869 786

Ukulele Dreamers

$3.00

Tuesday 1.00pm – 4.00pm

Membership $20.00

Contact Merry Hide

0447 783 876

Understanding your hand held device

Free - Donations Accepted

Tuesday 9.00am – 2.00pm

Appointment only

Contact QEII 9956 6636

Proudly run by: Switched on Seniors Geraldton / Be Connected

Visibility Group

Free

4th Tuesday of each Month 10.00am

No meeting in April

Contact 1800 847 466

Walk Group

Free

Tuesday 7.30am

To avoid being left behind, be at Two Foreshore prior to department time

Contact Lina Mittoni 0427 869 786

Walking Football (Soccer)

$5.00

Contact QEII Centre 9956 6636

Zumba

$5.00

Thursday 2.00pm – 2.45pm

THE MUSIC OF

FRANK SINATRA

Featuring

ADAM HALL & THE VELVET PLAYBOYS

Tickets $30

Concessions: $20

FEB 11-13

Saturday 13 May 2023

LIVE IN THE GOVERNMENT HOUSE BALLROOM

TICKETS: EVENTBRITE.COM.AU

Queens Park Theatre at 7.30pm

Tickets available from Civic Centre or Geraldton Regional Library or online at www.queensparktheatre.com.au or Ph: 9956 6662