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EDITORIAL by Jim Devine If you are like me, you are wondering how we got in such a mess in such a relatively short time. It seems not so long ago Covid-19 could have been the name of a space station instead of now, the sinister code for a pandemic killer. The same for Coronavirus; which could have been a new age term for a hangover after a Mexican meal washed down with copious cervezas (beers) with the lime protruding from the bottle mouth. Suddenly, in this hi-tech, modern and sophisticated world, we are stockpiling groceries, giving value to toilet rolls usually reserved for gold ingots and being quarantined in our homes, wondering what’s next? The army in our streets, with a shoot on sight order if you dare venture beyond your front fence? Surely not? I, like most people have no idea where this is headed. But we have placed trust in our political leaders and in the main, they are doing a job we wouldn’t want to do, under great stress, with resolve and good intent. So, “what can we do?”, I hear you say. Answer; What most of us were told when we were kids. DO AS YOU’RE TOLD. • Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly • Cover your sneezes • Self-isolation • Social distancing • If you have the symptoms, get tested I think we’re in for a rough ride, and when the health crisis passes or is under some sort of control, we will face the economic turmoil, which could be far worse than the pandemic. I’m still trying to remain positive in these trying times, but I often question my decision to give up alcohol some years back! To all my Lions Members and Friends, our Sponsors, Supporters and readers of the Newsletter, please keep your chin up, remain calm and stay healthy. Jim Devine
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THE PRIDE OF EMU PLAINS *AWARD WINNING * Newsletter of the Lions Club of Emu Plains
APRIL 2020 This newsletter is produced by Publicity Officer, Jim Devine. Thanks to all those who have submitted ideas, material and random thoughts. Acknowledgement to country. I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which this newsletter is being produced; Emu Plains, which is the traditional land of the Darug people. I pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging and I recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community.
COMING EVENTS 2020 (also please double-check Facebook and the website for late changes/updates) APRIL ALL BUSINESS, MEETINGS and ACTIVITIES for the Lions Club of Emu Plains are SUSPENDED until further notice. For emergencies please contact; Alan Cooper, President Sue Hunt, Secretary
Email alan17val5@gmail.com Email jacknsue@bigpond.com
Mob 0414 155 917 Mob 0409 393 711
Supplier of Lions Club mobile signage and specialty printing needs. 3
MOUNTAIN BLUE
Some lucky winners of our raffles last year, Youth of the Year contestants and judges and many other lucky supporters have been treated to vouchers to Mountain Blue Café, Glenbrook. It’s just a short drive up the Motorway, where you’ll enjoy a diverse menu, especially enjoyable for ‘all day’ breakfast or a lunch, and why not follow it up with a browse through the gift shop and a look at the panorama painting. A very pleasant experience!
Major Sponsor
[Sponsor of Membership brochure]
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[Sponsor of ‘Ode to a Lion’ brochure]
BISTRO MEETINGS – GUEST SPEAKERS
All Bistro meetings are on hold until further notice.
LIONS NIGHT OUT – WE WILL ROCK YOU
Postponed until October 2020
LENNOX NEWSAGENCY
Ash Botrous Owner/Manager of Lennox Newsagency at Emu Plains has agreed to supply magazines on a monthly basis to patients at Nepean Hospital’s Cancer Care Centre. The idea came from new Emu Plains Lions member, Steven Wallace, who himself was a patient and experienced the ‘drought’ of reading material whilst he underwent chemo and radiation treatment and recovery. 5
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HANDY HINT FROM ACTION ORGANISING
This is one of my favourite quotes when it comes to organising. One of the main benefits of being organised is that you always know where to find things. This means no more wasted time rummaging through cupboards and boxes trying to find that 'thingamajig' that you know is there somewhere! If your 'thingamajig' has a home you know exactly where to go to look for it - thus saving you time. Do you need help getting organised, please contact me for a free 20 minute phone consultation. Kathryn 0402 219 272
actionorganising@iinet.net.au
OFFICE BEARERS The Lions Club of Emu Plains Inc held its’ elections at the Business meeting on 4 March. The Executive were re-elected unopposed and unanimously. President: Alan Cooper Secretary: Sue Hunt Treasurer:
Cheryl Devine
Memberships Manager:
John Choma
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SISTERS OF CHARITY
After Sister Anne Mayberry’s visit to the Club for February’s Bistro meeting where she amazed us with her work in the country areas, Cheryl Devine was approached by Carollyn West with a great idea. Sister Anne relies on donations to be able to carry out her visits to support country people who are struggling. Therefore Cheryl and Carollyn would like to make up a box to give to Sister Anne to help her along; items such as gifts you may have received that you will probably not use - books, puzzles, craft items, ladies hand creams, soaps, etc. NO clothes. These items need to be new or in excellent condition. Collections were made at the Business meeting on Wednesday 4th March and subsequently. Thanks to Sue Hunt, Sherryl Andrikis ,Wendy Choma, Amcal Max Emu Plains, Carollyn and Cheryl. The Sisters of Charity Foundation Limited is a public not for profit organisation with the purpose of supporting initiatives of benefit to the community.
Amcal Max Emu Plains, Lennox Village, Shop 15, Water Street, Emu Plains, NSW 2750 PH: 02 4735 1303 FAX: 02 4735 6096 Ask for Peter.
WINNER WINNER MACCA’S DINNER
Angus Crozier from Penrith Anglican College collects his scholarship certificate, from Domenic Meduri of McDonalds North St Marys. Angus won both the Public Speaking and Overall sections of the Youth of the Year Regional E Final but unfortunately progresses no further as the District Final and the YOTY Program have been cancelled for 2020 due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
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AN EMAIL FROM A MUM As reported last month a Lapstone Mum sent me an email about her son, William and his footy team. William’s AWD (Athletes With Disabilities) inclusive Football team is paving the way for athletes with disabilities in 2020. From 2nd to 14th April 2020 the team will travel to Portugal to participate in the Algarve Cup as the first ever AWD team!But young William needs a hand in regard to finances. His Mum, Vicki is a single parent and young William is 19 years old and has an intellectual disability as well as mild cerebral palsy and dyspraxia. Please contact me if you’d like to help out. The trivia night raised$2,000 and the fundraising has reached $2,000 also. We donated a cricket bag, cricket pads and gloves to the trivia night, courtesy of Sommers Sports, the winner (left) looks pleased. GROUND FLOOR, EMU SPORTS CLUB LEONAY PARADE, LEONAY nathan@sommers.com.au Phone 4735 1527 ; Mobile 0437 613 263
HAIR DEPOT HELPS CANCER CARE CENTRE
The Hair Depot new owners Tanya and Josephine are donating vouchers to the Cancer Care Centre at Nepean Hospital through Emu Plains Lions Club. Tanya and Josephine have expressed how much it means to them to be able to donate the vouchers each month, which will be handed directly to patients who need them most. Lion Steven Wallace, said, “When I started losing my hair after my chemotherapy the lovely ladies of The Hair Depot really looked after me as they do with all their clients. The staff are very professional and discreet which makes these tough times just a little bit more bearable.” The Staff include... Nicole, Barbara, Angie, Alana, Arrianne, Hayley and Rose.
Hair Depot Shop 4, Centro Lennox Shopping Centre,
Emu Plains, NSW 4735 6225
FACEBOOK Like and Follow us at Lions Club of Emu Plains Inc. If you have a good story to tell, there’s an audience out there! And don’t forget our Website; http://emuplains.nsw.lions.org.au/
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PARKINSON’S DISEASE
On Friday, 13 March Parkinson’s NSW sent an advisory email to all Support Group Leaders about the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak in Australia. We are still receiving enquiries from Support Group participants. To ensure that we reach as many people as possible we are updating and republishing the advice here. Now that all public gathering places in NSW have been shut down as a health precaution, we will be unable to hold face-to-face meetings. However, there are other options for maintaining contact and peer support. Arrange telephone meetings or videoconferencing instead. The Parkinson’s NSW Marketing team can provide you with advice on how to do this if required. Advice from the Australian Government Department of Health includes;Surgical masks in the community are only helpful in preventing people who have coronavirus disease from spreading it to others. If you are well, you do not need to wear a surgical mask as there is little evidence supporting the widespread use of surgical masks in healthy people to prevent transmission in public. Everyone should practice good hygiene to protect against infections. This includes: Washing your hands often with soap and water. Using a tissue and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Avoiding close contact with others, such as touching If you exhibit flu-like symptoms (elevated temperature, coughing, runny nose, fatigue, shortness of breath etc.) then self-isolate and consult your doctor or Emergency Department. However, please call ahead before attending. Alternatively, you can call Healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222 for 24-hour health advice, or see their website at: https://www.healthdirect.gov. au/. Plain language information about Coronavirus is also available in this video. Click on the link to view: https://youtu.be/drMw2evwMFA If you have any Parkinson’s questions or concerns, call the Parkinson’s NSW InfoLine: 1800 644 189 or go to our website via this link for more regular updates on what’s happening: https://www.parkinsonsnsw.org.au/coronavirusand-parkinsons Freecall 1800 644 189 E pnsw@parkinsonsnsw.org.au W www.parkinsonsnsw.org.au Support for people living with Parkinson’s and their carers see Nepean and Blue Mountains Parkinson’s Support Group (www.bmpsg.org) which meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at Penrith RSL. Contact the Coordinator, Vivienne Ross; on 47379141 or 0404836921 or barravivz@iinet.net.au
PEACE OF MIND DURING A TIME OF TRIAL BY LION BILL MOORE I hope you do not mind my presumption but as a spiritual guide I would like to offer you this prayer for the times in which we live. It is Christian based but can be adapted for use according to your personal beliefs.
Heavenly Father, bring peace to my mind and my heart as our world struggles through a difficult time. Help me to count my blessings and find contentment in that you see the big picture that through this time of trial we will learn to be more compassionate to one another and see the importance of caring more for our world. Be with those who are suffering at this time. Give my loved ones and myself the strength we need to look after each other. I offer this prayer in the name of your son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 9
R U OK?
As a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic, we have curtailed our activitiies and our meetings. It is therefore incumbent for us to check with each other firstly ... R U OK? Secondly, those who we would normally personally call on, let's phone and check ... R U OK? Let's not forget ourselves by staying healthy and following doctor’s and Government’s advice, wash our hands, etc. After all this 'mess' there's going to be a community that needs OUR HELP!
FLOWERS BY JAROON Emu Plains Florist Lennox. To order by phone, please call (02) 4735-1106 ask for Craig or Jaroon.• Providing a full range of custom floral designs with a focus on your special requirements. Flowers provided for the YOUTH OF THE YEAR CLUB and REGIONAL FINAL AWARDS DINNE RS
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YOUTH OF THE YEAR REGIONAL ‘E’ FINAL
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By Sheldon Ross CEO St.Dalfour (Australia) email: sheldonr@stdalfour.com.au info: 800 777 742
I’m Inspired Rediscovering the wonder and value of the written word.
Last month my message was re: The Ides of March whether or not appropriate, the ides or winds of change have certainly stirred an outcome of much angst and confusion. Considering these times, I was asked by Jim Devine to come up with something more uplifting and hopeful in content. Therefore, my column this month is motivated by the synonym for optimism, HOPE. Hope for a future beyond these troubled waters. Hope for freedom and safe passage no longer denied. Hope for the re-emergence of humanity in all its purpose and splendour. Hope for our understanding this chapter is a part of a much greater story. Surely man has been blessed with an awesome ability to weather the storm. To look above and beyond the apparent norm. To once again come to appreciate a world, created so perfectly for us to live, value and treat with respect. As I recall the Old Testament story of a young shepherd boy whose name was David. The youngest of all his brothers. Out of all probability he was chosen to destroy a mighty enemy. He came fearlessly forward armed with nothing more than a sling shot and 5 pebbles. While nation held its breath and hoped for a miracle. But how could a young shepherds boy defeat the power of an outnumbered enemy? and it will be a brighter day for all who believe it will be so. I truly hope so.
As he proceeded, he hoped one pebble would be enough, but he also knew Goliath had 4 brothers. He hoped his first shot would take Goliath down, and as history recalls so he did. He never had to use the other 4 pebbles because the enemy had been so shocked, they all ran away. It is said words to can be an awesome weapon if one so chooses to use them in that way. But I say words written in hope, faith and love have the power to lift us up from many a troubled situation. Words motivate us by creating a vision of those better times to come and values to live by. So, let us continue and consider putting others before ourselves. Let our good deeds aid to lighten a friend or neighbours heavy load. We are all seeking to be loved, but how much more when we tell someone how special and much loved they are. Life is too short in the scheme of worldly things. Let’s us ponder and reflect on all that is very good. It seems many of us have just fallen asleep, forgetting why we are here in the first place. The responsibility we have in helping a brother or sister. I kind of liken this to the sleeping beauty story, a princess who waits many a year, until that one day her prince comes, and she is awakened by a princely kiss. And while a kiss can certainly do wonders for the heart, let us not loose site of whose we really are. We have been given a great gift and the promise of a destiny to go further than we could ever imagine. So now let us prepare to close this chapter on these oh, so uncertain times. Instead let’s prepare for our wondrous comeback and the purpose we so easily chose to abandon. No virus is greater than man’s determination to defeat it. Tomorrow the sun will rise in the morning I close with a poem I wrote today; I hope it more fittingly endorses the words preceding. 12
Hope is a very short, yet expressive word As it has been said good things come in small boxes A mustard seed doesn’t know the rain will come Yet this lifeless creation will rise at the very first drop Like a mustard seed we to don’t know what’s to come As we hope and pray for those better times ahead We’ve seen the very best and worst in our lifetime Though it seems there is little we can do to change it. My hope for these times is for us to learn how to live In a harmonious existence with our fellow beings We’ve come so far but, too quickly for our own good Let this time serve to remind us, to step more gently For each step we take with humility and calmness So our destination will shine as a reflection for good Lest we hang on other’s misfortunes to slow our walk We should be a light whom others desire to embrace. And so, my friends I pray for us all that we may come through this inconvenient chapter intact and renewed Knowing this event comes serve as a serious reminder Of what happens when we look another way. All the very best for us all Sheldon Ross April 1st, 2020
There is always a time for St.Dalfour In Australia Since 1989
MARK’S CONNECTION COLUMN
Hello Fellow Loins In recent days and weeks due to Coronavirus, it has been easy to panic, to stress and, panic buy. I think we all need reassurance that we will all be okay. It is easy to lose focus due to media coverage and the extent of the pandemic which is something none of us has experienced before. It is important that we stay positive in this and work together. We are all together in this and recent news about panic buying and people attacking each other over groceries is not only selfish but un-Australian. It is true that we must be wary about this virus, but the best way to prevent it in our community is isolation, social distancing and washing your hands, that is an important rule. I recently read about a positive story that happened in New York. A man went around to the houses on his street and delivered food, toilet paper and other essential needs to help the neighbours. We should be inspired to do the same and to help each other out. Let’s work together as Australians. Wishing you all an excellent month. Take care everyone. Mark Nielsen, Year 11 Student at Penrith Anglican College and Friend of Emu Plains Lions
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Tantalise your tastebuds on some delicious sushi from Deli Sushi. All products are made on the premises, locked in for freshness.
AUSTRALIA’S LEADING MEAT WHOLESALER LENNOX VILLAGE EMU PLAINS PH 4735 5817
WATER TANK
You may remember last month the Club was buying a water tank in conjunction with Lions Clubs International Foundation’s grant for $150,000 buying 50 tanks. Well, we bought the tank and are awaiting advice of the delivery location, but we were pleasantly surprised when, in addition to the proceeds of the Bunnings BBQ and donations at Bunnings we received two $100 donations from Lion Andy and Peggy Heaton and a lady who wished to remain anonymous. The latter donor saw the article in the Emu+Leonay Gazette.
Lions Clubs and the Lions Clubs International Foundation are still hard at work, rolling out the barrel for bushfire recovery. This one at right was for the Taree LIONS Club, Well done. 14
LIONS ON THE MOVE
Ross and Lorna Cameron from Sun Valley, the charter members of the Australian Motorhoming Lions Club (AMLC). Lions Lorna and Ross. Further Information: Contact Len Waddington on 0418902-004. Email amlc201Q4@gmail.com
THE ROYCE A lucky group of Emu Plains Lions had an inspection tour of the Royce Aged Living Apartments in the Panthers ‘precincts’ and a delightful morning tea on Mar 12. Maria Carew, the Sales Manager of the Royce, was our charming host and namesake; Royce Simmons gave his perspective of living in the complex. The Royce boasts 136 premium apartment and 128 aged care beds. Stage 1 is open and Stage 2 is selling. There is a hotel-like foyer with a 24/7 concierge service. Contact Maria on 02 4720 5633 or Maria@theroyce.com.au for an inspection or further details.
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LIAM’S WORLD (brought to you by)
The latest DFAT Coronavirus advice is available at www.smartraveller.gov.au and from CLIA at www.cruising.org.au
Liam’s Lexophillia ▪ A will is a dead giveaway ▪ A thief who stole a calendar got 12 months ▪ England has no kidney bank but it does have a Liverpool ▪ Haunted French pancakes give me the crepes ▪ I’ve got some batteries that were given out free of charge ▪ A dentist and a manicurist married. They fought tooth and nail. ▪ Police were summoned to a day-care centre, where a 3 year-old was resisting a rest ▪ A fellow had his whole left side cut off. He’s all right now ▪ A fellow fell in to a upholstery machine last week. He’s now fully recovered ▪ He had a photographic memory. But it was never fully developed ▪ When she saw the first strands of grey hair, she thought she’d dye ▪ I didn’t like my beard at first, then it grew on me
Liam’s favourite famous quotes; “I don’t trust anybody who’s nice to me but rude to the waiter. Because they would treat me the same way if I was in that position” MUHAMMED ALI Liam’s observations People are excited about the new Iphone and all the associated technology but they fail to catch up with the ‘awesomeness’ of using a blinker when overtaking or turning a corner! Marriage is like a deck of cards. In the beginning all you need is two hearts and a diamond. By the end, you wish you had a club and a spade! 16
TAG PROACTIVE MARKETING – HELPING YOU TO BE SEEN
ONE SOURCE – SO MANY SOLUTIONS Proud Local Supplier of Uniforms, Sportswear and Promotional Items. Polos, T-shirts, caps, jackets, sports bags, stubby holders, pens, lanyards, umbrellas and much more. Whether it’s embroidered, sublimated, printed or engraved, we can put a label on it. Contact Bernadette PHONE 1800 000 343 (Freecall) PHONE 0296231210 Email sales@tagpm.com.au Website www.tagpm.com.au and Promotional Items. Polos, T-shirts, caps, jackets, sports bags, stubby holders, pens, lanyards, umbrellas and much more. Whether it’s embroidered, sublimated, printed or engraved, we can put a label on it. Contact Bernadette PHONE 1800 000 343 (Freecall) PHONE 0296231210 Email sales@tagpm.com.au Website www.tagpm.com.au
The Only Behavioural Optometry Service in Penrith & The Blue Mountains Emerald St, Emu Plains NSW 2750 Ph 4735 42
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