Fortnightly News 10/4/2026

Issue 7 of 2026                           10 April 2026

DATES TO REMEMBER

Tuesday 21 April – Club Management Committee Meeting

Monday 27 April – ANZAC Day Public Holiday – Club will be closed.

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THE BOOK FAIR

The queue ….

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The books, the cds and dvds, the games and puzzles, the paintings, the café- were ready and waiting….

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THE RESULT !!!!!

In 2023, the Book Fair set a new record with takings of $33,000.  This was exceeded in 2024 when we reached $34,000.  Hard to believe that another new record was set in 2025 when $36,000 came through the door.

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And did we outdo that in 2026?  WE MOST CERTAINLY DID with an amazing result – another new record with gross takings of $39,805.00.  With a little more income and outgoings still to be accounted for, I think we can call this $40,000.  As is often remarked, think how many fetes and cake stalls we would have to run to make this much for the Club. 

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Judy Henderson, retiring Co-ordinator writes….

We held our eleventh BIG Book Fair on the weekend of 27,28 and 29 March. It was a great success which raised $39,800 for the Club. The return of the café after several years was much appreciated by customers and volunteers.

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The success of the Book Fair is the result of the talent, work and dedication of a great team of members who have helped throughout the last year. The whole Club, as a self-funded organisation, benefits from the Book Fair. Its proceeds keep the activity fee low and contribute to building maintenance.

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Special thanks go to:

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During the last year we continued to reach out to the community, resulting in many benefits for those concerned. We assisted the Toora women’s refuges with donations of activity books for children. We donated some boxes of left over children’s books to a literacy project in New Guinea, Buk Bilong Pikanini. We donated left over cook books to the Men’s Kitchen in Curtin. Leftover CDs and DVDs were donated to a business that sells them with all profits going to the RSPCA. We donated regularly to the Hughes Community Centre Book Exchange as well as street libraries.

The Book Fair Committee will be having a review meeting in the coming weeks so think about how you would like to be more involved or anything that would help to make the 2027 Book Fair even better and let us know. We are always looking for new volunteers, who can bring new ideas. After ten years as coordinator I am stepping down from the role. Thank you to all the wonderful people who have assisted and supported me over the years.

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Judy Henderson

Coordinator

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Jenny Gregory

President

Woden Seniors Inc

PO Box 345, Woden ACT 2606 Tel: (02) 6282 2573

Email: president@wodenseniors.org.au      

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I think we’ve all met some of these people…

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Nicknames for people in the workplace –

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Wicket keeper – puts on gloves and stands back

Harvey Norman – 3 years no interest

Sensor light – only works if someone walks past

Blister – appears when the hard work is done

Showbag – full of sh**t

Lantern – not very bright and has to be carried

Deck chair – folds under pressure

Perth – three hours behind everyone else

Bushranger – holds everyone up

Wheelbarrow – only works when pushed

Cordless – charges all night but only works for 2 hours

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COMMUNITY NOTICE

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The Older Persons ACT Legal Service (OPALS) is Legal Aid ACT’s specialist service assisting older people or those who are worried about an older person.  

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OPALS offers free information sessions to members of the community. Our OPALS lawyers can provide information sessions on various topics including:

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An introduction to OPALS: The Older Persons ACT Legal Service (OPALS) is a specialist service within Legal Aid ACT that provides legal assistance to older people (65+). OPALS assists with many issues, such as elder abuse, power of attorney, guardianship, financial arrangements, and more. This presentation outlines who can access OPALS, how to access OPALS and provides an in-depth overview of some legal issues that commonly affect OPALS clients.

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Abuse, Neglect, and Mistreatment of Older People: Around 15% of people 60 years and older have experienced some form of abuse, neglect, or mistreatment in community settings in the past year.  That equates to nearly 9,000 individuals in the Australian Capital Territory. However, a concerning trend emerges – most people will not seek help.  This presentation teaches older people (or those working with older people) the different types of abuse and empowers them to seek help and support.

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Planning Ahead: Wills, Power of Attorneys and Guardianship: Everyone wants to make their own decisions about things that affect their lives. By making future health, accommodation, and legal decisions now, you can plan for a safer old age and decide who you would like to make decisions for you if you can do longer do so. In this presentation, learn about the various tools available to plan ahead.

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Rights and Responsibilities of an Attorney or other substitute decision maker: It is possible for another person to make decisions on your behalf. This presentation looks at what kind of decisions can be made on your behalf, what are the rights and responsibilities of the person making those decisions, and what happens if you’re not happy with those decisions.

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Voluntary Assisted Dying: Voluntary assisted dying became legal in the Australian Capital Territory in 2025. This presentation discusses eligibility, the process involved and support available.

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Scams: Not only the gullible and greedy fall victim to scams. Scammers are savvy people. If you don’t know what to look out for, anyone can fall victim to a scam.  The Australian Seniors Scam Report 2025 found over 4 in 5 people over 50 (84%) have encountered or been the victims of scams. This presentation will teach you the different types of scams and the common warning signs to look out for to protect yourself against scammers. 

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Family and Finance: As you age, living independently in your own home can become difficult.  Because of this, many older people choose to exchange their assets for care from family members. It is important not to rush or feel pressured into this decision, as it can lead to complex legal issues. This presentation will teach you how to protect your interests and what you should think about before entering into any arrangement.   

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Family Violence – What can be done: Family violence is behaviour that causes a family member to feel fearful for their safety or the safety of another family member. It can be a challenging experience to recognise and escape. If you recognise family violence, there are safe ways you can help the victim seek support. This presentation will teach you what family violence is, how to help someone experiencing family violence, and how Legal Aid ACT can assist.

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The roles and responsibilities of an Executor of a Will: When a person makes a Will, they must choose a person to look after their affairs when they die (known as an executor). Often a family member or friend is asked to become an executor. However, many people are unaware of the complexities and time involved in being an executor. This presentation will teach you what an executor does and what should be considered when choosing an executor or before agreeing to become an executor.  

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Assessing Capacity: Family members, health professionals, support workers etc may be required to carry out or seek an assessment of an adult’s capacity to make decisions If an adult has impaired capacity for making a particular decision, someone else might be needed to make the decision for them. This presentation will teach you what is capacity, how capacity can be assessed, supported decision making and substitute decision making.

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If there is any other legal topic which you think would be of interest to your organisation, please let us know and we would be happy to discuss this further. Our presentations can generally be tailored to suit different audiences with respect to the content, complexity, mode, and length of the sessions.

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Our team also works to develop resources, so if you have ideas for what could be useful please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can access our current resources on:  Legal help for older people | Legal Aid ACT

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Availability

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If you would like to schedule a free information session from OPALS, we ask that you let us know your preferred topic and availability via return email. At present, we are scheduling presentations for May 2026 onwards.

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If you have any questions or wish to discuss, please do not hesitate to contact us on this email or by contacting us on 02 6243 3411.

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Kind regards

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Patrick Mendoza Legal Support Officer Civil Justice Practice 2 Allsop Street Canberra 2601 Phone: 02 6243 3411 Fax: 02 6243 3423 patrick.mendoza@legalaidact.org.au www.legalaidact.org.au

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Fortnightly News 27/3/2026

Issue 6 of 2026           27 March 2026

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DATES TO REMEMBER

Fri-Sun 27-29 March 2026 – The Big Book Fair

Friday 3 April – Good Friday public holiday – Club will be closed

Sunday 5 April – Daylight Saving Time ends – HOORAY!!!

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Monday 6 April – Easter Monday public holiday, Club will be closed.

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THE BOOK FAIR IS NOW!

As this edition of the Fortnightly News goes to press, the 2026 Book Fair is under way.

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The past couple of weeks have seen an increase in the pace of preparations and on Thursday the Club was transformed into a giant bookshop.  So it was out with the usual state of things, and thanks to all the movers and shifters the halls, the foyer, the sitting room, the meeting room and the back verandah are full of books, paintings, hand-made cards DVDs and CDs.  There is an enormous range of fiction and non-fiction books, books for children and for young adults…. and this year, a café with tea, coffee and an amazing range of yummy food for our customers and for our volunteers to enjoy.

Don’t miss the chance to stock up on reading and watching matter – and as if $3.00 is not cheap enough for an as-new book, Sunday’s 2-4pm Happy Hour offers even better value!

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TREE WORKS….

        

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Just as an aside to the Book Fair, this week the dead tree beside our entry carpark was removed, as was an overhanging branch on another tree.  A safer space now.  Thanks for the photos Ron.

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Jenny Gregory

President

Woden Seniors Inc

PO Box 345, Woden ACT 2606 Tel: (02) 6282 2573

Email: president@wodenseniors.org.au        

www.wodenseniors.org.au 

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Some helpful sayings to keep you feeling young….

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There are three signs of old age –

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At my age I don’t mind if my mind starts to wander, just as long as it comes back again.

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If you’re old enough to know better, you’re too old to do it.

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..and..

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All the things I really like to do are either immoral, illegal or fattening.

Fortnightly News 13/3/2026

Issue 5 of 2026           13 March 2026

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DATES TO REMEMBER

Tuesday 17 March – Club Management Committee meeting

Monday 23 and Wednesday 25 March – Club Open days- see below

Fri-Sun 27-29 March 2026 – The Big Book Fair

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BOOK FAIR

Can you help?

The Book Fair is only two weeks away. We are calling for volunteers to help set up and pack up. We do not need any more people during the Book Fair – volunteers have already been allocated for this time from the teams who have worked during the year on the organisation and preparation.

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Setting up

Setting up will be on Thursday 26 March. It will commence at 10.00 am in both Hall 1 and Hall 2 and 11.30 am in the Anne Murray Room.

If you are available to help set up, even for a short time, please put your name down on the sheet at the office.

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Trollies

We always need plenty of trollies for setting up. If you can lend one, please bring it along. Make sure you have your name on it.

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Packing up

Packing up will be from 4 pm on Sunday 29 March. Those involved over the three days of the Book Fair are always exhausted by this time, so some fresh helpers are really needed. Hopefully with many hands it will only take about an hour and a half.

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Parking for volunteers

Special areas in the car park will be set aside for volunteers. On arrival, please show your volunteer badge or tell the parking attendant that you are a volunteer and whether you are staying for the whole day or part day. You will then be assigned to the relevant area.

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Spread the word

Have you taken posters and bookmarks to hand out? There are still plenty available so please do your bit.

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WATERCOLOUR PAINTING ON WEDNESDAY GROUP

Members of the Club and visitors are invited to view the talented watercolour group’s latest exhibition now on display in the Club foyer and the sitting room in preparation for the Book Fair.  A range of topics are covered from wildlife and seascapes to some landscapes featuring Autumn colours. The paintings make a lovely visual addition to any room.

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During the Book Fair a selection of unframed works will be for sale as well as handpainted bookmarks and beautiful cards that make any occasion extra special.

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BOOK FAIR CAFE

A reminder that we would welcome donations of cakes and slices to sell at the cafe.  If these were already cut up ready to serve this will make it much easier for the workers in our very small kitchen space. No cream please, and some gluten-free offerings would be much appreciated too.  The Club will open for Book Fair customers at 10 each morning, so if your donations could be delivered before then on either Friday, Saturday or Sunday that would be great.

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…AND GOING FORWARD…

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After ten years of leading the Book Fair Sub-Committee Judy Henderson will retire after this year’s Fair.  In those ten years Judy has moved the Woden Seniors Book Fair from it’s small beginnings to what is now the Club’s very successful and very profitable annual Big Book Fair.  During that time she has set up an organisation which has fully documented procedures and timelines and gathered a group of enthusiastic, talented, and knowledgeable group leaders and workers.  In addition to being the Club’s major fund-raising activity, the Book Fair is a marvellous community service providing access to top quality books at an extremely affordable price to families and individuals in the Canberra area.

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As a start to our search for the next Judy, this Judy has put together the following ‘job description’ and we are hoping that there may be one or more members who might be looking for an interesting, rewarding, and highly valued role.

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Book Fair coordinator role

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We’d love to hear from you – Judy and I would be delighted to talk to you about what is involved.

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OPEN DAYS

As mentioned earlier this year, we will be holding two Club “Open Days” during the period of COTA’s “Upstageing” Festival (last week in March) during which we can  have members of the public see how talented, active and in fact fabulous our members are.   COTA are publicising the events including ours which are being held across Canberra as part of the Festival.  So, on Monday 23rd and Wednesday 25^th March, members of the public are invited to come along to the Club and see what we are all about.  Naturally we will want people to see us in action, and you may well notice the odd visitor watching on while you are singing, dancing, doing some tai chi, playing table tennis, playing recorder, playing games or painting.  A great opportunity  to showcase our Club to a wider than usual audience and to confirm that indeed SENIORS ROCK!

… and serendipitously, for any visitors to hear about our Big Book Fair on 27-29 March…

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Jenny Gregory

President

Woden Seniors Inc

PO Box 345, Woden ACT 2606 Tel: (02) 6282 2573

Email: president@wodenseniors.org.au        

www.wodenseniors.org.au 

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PS:

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Fortnightly News 27/2/2026

Issue 4 of 2026      27 February 2026

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DATES TO REMEMBER

Monday 9 March – Canberra Day Public Holiday.  Club will be closed.

Fri-Sun 27-29 March 2026 – our next Big Book Fair

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BOOK FAIR

The Book Fair is just four weeks away!

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We will close off receiving donations for this year’s Book Fair on Friday 13 March.   So, hurry up if you have books etc. to donate.

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We will need lots of helpers to set up on Thursday 26 March  and to pack up on Sunday 29 March . Please think about this and watch out for more details of times and how to sign up in the next Fortnightly News.

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In the meantime, take some posters and/or bookmarks to distribute. There is a good supply of these at Polly’s counter. Posters can be put up on poster silos in shopping centres, on supermarket notice boards e.g. many IGAs have noticeboards and are happy to oblige, on church noticeboards and other community noticeboards, in libraries (just ask) and so on.

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Our Book Fair is the Club’s big fund-raising effort for the year. 

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                    Let’s get the news out as widely as possible.

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BOOK FAIR CAFE

This year, for the first time in a while, the Book Fair will feature a cafe for the public and of course for our volunteers.  Thanks to Kari who is the organising and catering genius behind this welcome addition to the Fair, and to her band of helpers.

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We would welcome donations of cakes and slices to sell at the cafe.  It would be really appreciated if these were already cut up ready to serve as this will make it much easier for the workers in our very small kitchen space.  Please, no cream, and if there were to be some gluten-free offerings too that would be much appreciated.  The Club will open for Book Fair customers at 10 each morning, so if your donations could be delivered before then on either Friday, Saturday or Sunday that would be great.

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Do you have an hour or two, a half day, a full day or more? available to help with one very specific task at the cafe?.  We are planning to put the urn and tea/coffee makings at a table away from the food serving area and we are seeking helpers (one at a time would be plenty) to ‘mind’ the area.  The job will mainly involve keeping an eye on the comings and goings around the urn – and you will have your own chair!!

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We are also keen to have some help on the days of the Fair by way of handing out bookmarks/fliers to people coming in and out of the Chemist Warehouse and the Corinna Street exit from Westfield to let them know of the fabulous bargains to be had at the Book Fair just along the street.  This is not time or day specific – if you have a half hour or so to spare on any of the days of the Fair and are going to be in the area, what about taking a good handful of bookmarks to hand out? 

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AND YES – SENIORS ROCK !!!

If you are thinking that you have seen this before…. you are not wrong!!

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Of course it’s not too late to start writing your paragraph, half-page, or short story length contribution to our forthcoming publication – “SENIORS ROCK”.  We are looking for anything from a paragraph, a photo, a half-page, a poem, up to a full-blown short story which celebrates our talents, experiences, memories…..anything which can be put on a page.    Please get in touch – to president@wodenseniors.org.au or just let Polly know if you would like to be a part of this and we will get in touch.  If you have something to say, but not the time or skill to type it up yourself, we can make a voice recording, type it up and give it to you for editing.  Handwritten contributions also welcome of course.   We will be happy to make times available to talk with anyone who is interested.

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Don’t miss this chance to be famous!   

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Jenny Gregory

President

Woden Seniors Inc

PO Box 345, Woden ACT 2606 Tel: (02) 6282 2573

Email: president@wodenseniors.org.au        

www.wodenseniors.org.au 

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Remember these?

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Consciousness – that annoying time between naps

Change is inevitable – except from a vending machine

Out of my mind.  Back in 5 minutes.

It IS as bad as it seems, and they ARE out to get you.

I took an IQ test and the results came back negative.

The gene pool could use a little chlorine.

Remember you’re unique – just like everyone else.

Ever stop to think, and forget to start again?

I used to have a handle on life, but it broke.

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COMMUNITY NOTICES

The Health Care Consumers’ Association in association with Palliative Care ACT and Canberra Health Services are having an Advance Care Planning Week Afternoon Tea. Advance Care Planning Week provides you with the opportunity to understand and document your choices for health care and end-of-life care if there comes a time when you can’t make your own decisions. *Bookings Essential* Thursday 19 March 2026 at 1:30-3:30, at the Canberra Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong

More information:

Health Care Consumers Organisation: https://www.hcca.org.au/ 

Palliative Care ACT: https://www.pallcareact.org.au/ 

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Canberra Health Services: https://www.canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au/ 

Fortnightly News 13/2/2026

Issue 3 of 2026      13 February 2026

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DATES TO REMEMBER

Tuesday 17 February – Management Committee Meeting

Monday 9 March – Canberra Day Public Holiday.  Club will be closed.

Fri-Sun 27-29 March 2026 – our next Big Book Fair

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BOOK FAIR – TIME TO SPREAD THE WORD

There are many ways members can help spread the word about the Book Fair. Here are a few.

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Newsletters

Many community groups such as sporting groups, churches, card groups etc. have regular newsletters. They are usually pleased to receive items.  Ask the editor to include information about the Book Fair. Give them a bookmark to provide the details.

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Bookmarks

We always have a supply of Book Fair bookmarks at the counter. Pick some up next time you pass by. Give them to your friends, group members, and neighbours and even ask shop keepers if you can leave a few for their customers.

                    

Social media

Many of our generation are unsure about using social media. However, the younger generations use it all the time. If we want to reach the broader community, we need to think about tapping into social media through the younger generations. Social media platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, X,  and Facebook allow events to reach thousands of people instantly, far beyond traditional flyers or word-of-mouth.

We have set up an Instagram account and are using it to call for donations as well as provide information on the wonderful books we have ready so far for the 2026 Book Fair.

Many people belong to WhatsApp groups e.g. relating to school communities, sporting groups etc. These groups are often private and an excellent way to get information out about events.

Why not check with family and friends to see if they can use their social media platforms to help promote our Book Fair. If they are interested in doing this all you need to do is give them a bookmark that includes the details.

In relation to Instagram, the address is instagram@bookfair2026. Get them to have a look.

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Posters

Posters will be available from Polly to distribute next week. There are three sizes A3 (big), A4 (letter size) and A6 small. Have a look around to see where you could put one. Lots of places e.g. gyms , churches, clubs have noticeboards. Most shopping areas in Canberra have a poster silo, the tall concrete structure, where you can put posters.

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Let’s get the news out as widely as possible.

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AND YES – SENIORS ROCK !!!

Of course it’s not too late to start writing your paragraph, half-page, or short story length contribution to our forthcoming publication – “SENIORS ROCK”.  We are looking for anything from a paragraph, a photo, a half-page, a poem, up to a full-blown short story which celebrates our talents, experiences, memories…..anything which can be put on a page.    Please get in touch – to president@wodenseniors.org.au or just let Polly know if you would like to be a part of this and we will get in touch.  If you have something to say, but not the time or skill to type it up yourself, we can make a voice recording, type it up and give it to you for editing.  Handwritten contributions also welcome of course.   We will be happy to make times available to talk with anyone who is interested.

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Don’t miss this chance to be famous!   

A vertically challenged (bit like me) club member specially requested this addition to today’s news.

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“People only continue to grow until they reach perfection.  Some of us reach this point much sooner than others.”                                                       

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Jenny Gregory

President

Woden Seniors Inc

PO Box 345, Woden ACT 2606 Tel: (02) 6282 2573

Email: president@wodenseniors.org.au        

www.wodenseniors.org.au 

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The Washington Post is always good for a laugh!

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Once again they have asked for submissions for the neologism contest – alternate meanings for common words.

These were the winners:

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Coffee – the person upon whom one coughs

Flabbergasted – appalled over how much weight you have gained

Abdicate – to give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach

Esplanade – to attempt an explanation while drunk

Negligent – describes a condition in which you absent-mindedly answer the door in your nightgown

Lymph – to walk with a lisp

Gargoyle – vile olive-flavoured mouthwash

Flatulance – the vehicle which picks  you up after your have been run over by a steamroller

Balderdash – a rapidly receding hairline.

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COMMUNITY NOTICES

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On 30 January 2026 Minister Suzanne Orr MLA  launched the 2026-2027 ACT Seniors Card Discount Directory.  The Directory catalogues over 450 businesses who kindly offer an ACT Seniors Card holder a discount on a range of products and services.  We thank the generosity of the businesses who participate in the ACT Seniors Card program. The new Directory is stocked at all ACT Public Libraries and the COTA ACT office in Hughes.  A digital copy of the Directory sits on the ACT Seniors Card website and is updated regularly with new businesses.  

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The Canberra Retirement Village & Resort Expo

With Australia’s ageing population, more emphasis is being placed on home care and the amenity of residential homes being developed. Canberra and surrounds are seeing various developments across independent and assisted living. If you, your family or friends are interested in retirement village or over 55 living, the Canberra Retirement Village & Resort Expo may be informative. It will be at the Canberra Southern Cross Club (Woden), on Sunday and Monday 15-16 February 2026 from 10am to 3pm both days. More information: https://retirementexpo.com.au/canberra-retirement-village-expo.html

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Fortnightly News 30/1/2026

Issue 2 of 2026      30 January 2026

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DATES TO REMEMBER

17 February – Management Committee Meeting

27-29 March 2026 – our next Big Book Fair

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VIOLA KALOKERINOS OAM !!

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Congratulations to Club member Viola Kalokerinos, who was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in this year’s Australia Day awards.  Viola is a well-known member of the Curtin community, having worked alongside her late husband Vince in their milk bar and pizza business for many many years.

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The Greek Herald published an article about Viola’s award, and I quote from that here.

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Viola has supported local schools, the Greek Orthodox Church and a wide range of community organisations (including Woden Seniors) and played a key role in establishing a Bendigo Community Bank branch in Curtin after all the local banks closed their branches.

In 2013 Viola was recognised by UN Women Canberra as one of 100 women honoured for their contribution to the wider community.

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I’m sure I speak for all of us in saying how proud we are to know Viola and to have her as a member of Woden Seniors.

SENIORS ROCK!!

There has been a pleasing response already to our request for contributions to our “Seniors Rock” publication.

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Katherine McCarthy and I would love to meet with anyone who would be interested in contributing anything from a paragraph, a photo, a half-page, a poem, up to a full-blown short story to our publication.  Please get in touch – to president@wodenseniors.org.au or just let Polly know if you would like to be a part of this and we will get in touch.  If you have something to say, but not the time or skill to type it up yourself, we can make a voice recording, type it up and give it to you for editing.  Handwritten contributions also welcome of course.   We will be happy to make more times available to suit anyone who is interested.

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Don’t miss this chance to be famous!

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CATHY MAUK MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION GROUP

There is still room for more participants in Cathy’s sessions which will begin on Tuesday 10 February, 11.00am in the Anne Murray room.  Cathy is a very talented practitioner and leader but also very down-to-earth and makes sure that everyone from raw beginners to experienced meditators are engaged and catered for.  Just come along on Tuesday 10^th if you would like to take part.

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FREE TO GOOD HOME

                        

One of our members has two couches in good condition which are in need of a new home.  If you are interested, please contact Polly at the Club and she will put you in touch with the donor.

                

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Jenny Gregory

President

Woden Seniors Inc

PO Box 345, Woden ACT 2606 Tel: (02) 6282 2573

Email: president@wodenseniors.org.au        

www.wodenseniors.org.au 

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A VERY oldie – but still  a goodie

…ISMS

Socialism –  You have two cows.  You give one to a neighbour.

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Communism – You have two cows.  Give both cows to the government, and they may give you some milk.     

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Fascism –   You give all the milk to the government,  and the government sells it.

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Nazism – You have two cows.  The government shoots you and takes both cows.

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Anarchism –   You have two cows.  Keep both cows, shoot the government agent and steal another cow.

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Capitalism – You have two cows.  Sell one and buy a bull

Fortnightly News 16/1/2026

Issue 1 of 2026      16 January 2026

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DATES TO REMEMBER

From 12 January – Club has reopened for 2026

Monday 26 January – Australia Day Public Holiday, Club will be closed

27-29 March 2026 – our next Big Book Fair

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      Wishing all our Club members, their families, friends, and loved ones good health and prosperity in 2026.

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WELCOME BACK!

Off we go again – another year of enjoyable social interaction and activity at Woden Seniors.   Maybe this is the year for you to look at another activity to try;  meet some new people? learn a new skill or practice an old one?  Or offer to lead a new activity to interest and engage other members?  Have a look at the Club activity list which is on our website (www.wodenseniors.org.au) or available in paper form at the front office, to see if there is something you might like to try.

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During the break the carpets have been cleaned, the new kitchen flooring has been sealed and the extensive roof guttering and downpipes cleared of leaves.  And thanks to a group of volunteers, the garden areas and vege pod have been well cared for and there will be tomatoes to be had before too long.

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RUMOURS (a level even lower than lies, dammned lies and statistics)

It has been reported that people have been told recently that the Club has been sold!! 

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      I can absolutely assure you that this is not the case.

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To begin with, all the financial members at any given point in time are the owners of the Club premises and contents which cannot be sold or otherwise wound up without the knowledge and agreement of said owners.  So not the Committee, not any individual or group of individuals,  and not the ACT Government would be able to act without that agreement!  In addition, in 2009 the Club was awarded a new 99-year lease of our land – ie until 2108.  So please, be assured that the Club has not been sold.

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BOOK FAIR DONATIONS

Donations are now being welcomed for our 2026 Big Book Fair.    The Fair is our big fund-raiser for the year and wouldn’t it be fantastic to set another new record in takings!!  A reminder that we are delighted to accept clean, resaleable books, comics, CDs, DVDs, audio books, jigsaws, and games. We cannot accept encyclopedias, Readers Digest condensed books, magazines, First Aid manuals, cassette tapes, video tapes, vinyl records, computer software and computer games and dirty, tatty, incomplete books. Donations can be left at the Club between 9.30 am and 3.30 pm Monday to Friday.

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And don’t forget to encourage your young friends and rellies to invite their friends to check out instagram@bookfair2026.

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SENIORS ROCK!!

The Club has received a grant from COTA ACT to assist with the printing of a book which is being prepared under the working title “Seniors Rock!”.  This is in conjunction with COTA’s UPSTAGEING Festival which is aimed at showcasing the talents and activities of our demographic.  We will be holding two Club “Open Days” during the period of the festival (last week in March) at which we can  have members of the public see how talented, active and in fact fabulous our members are…  and serendipitously, hear about our Big Book Fair on 27-29 March.  COTA are publicising the events including ours which are being held across Canberra as part of the Festival.  A great opportunity  to showcase our Club to a wider than usual audience.

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And so to the book. During 2025 we had a group writing their personal memoirs and as time went along, we realised that our Club is probably full of people who in their lifetimes have seen and done amazing, interesting, funny, brave, clever or unusual things which deserve to be in a book!!  Next week, Katherine McCarthy and I will be at the Club on Monday 19, Wednesday 21 and Friday 23 between 12 noon and 2.30pm and would love to meet with anyone who would be interested in contributing anything from a paragraph, a photo, a half-page, a poem, up to a full-blown short story to our publication.  We will have our phones with us and if you have something to contribute but not the time or skill to type it up yourself, we can make a voice recording, type it up and give it to you for editing.  Handwritten contributions also welcome of course.   We will be happy to make more times available to suit anyone who is interested.

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Given the timeframe – a short two months – we may not have a book ready for publication by the time the UPSTAGEING Festival comes around.  However we can certainly have some items to show which will become part of the whole in due course.

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Don’t miss this chance to be famous – even if it’s just in our own back yard.

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Jenny Gregory

President

Woden Seniors Inc

PO Box 345, Woden ACT 2606 Tel: (02) 6282 2573

Email: president@wodenseniors.org.au        

www.wodenseniors.org.au 

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And to close the news….

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COMMUNITY NOTICE

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Fortnightly News 19/12/2025

Issue 25 of 2025      19 December 2025

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DATES TO REMEMBER

 Friday 19 December – last day of the 2025 Club year. 

Monday 12 January – Club re-opens for 2026.

….and not to forget –

27-29 March 2026 – our next Big Book Fair

  

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THE CHRISTMAS LUNCH !!  

What a finale for the year’s activities!  This year’s Christmas lunch was such an enjoyable occasion, and thanks to the efforts of so many, I will claim it as the best yet.

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As in the past couple of years, the funds raised by the winter soup days were applied to the lunch.  Sue, Kari (and I), along with a number of other willing volunteers, made and served very welcome hot lunches in the cold months.  Thanks to all involved with this part of the story.  So then we come to the 8^th of December, 2025.

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Thanks to Kari, Mariann, Pauline, Cecilie, Ann-Marie, Chris, Sue, Julia, Karen, Jill, and Helen who sewed new tablecloths, made the fabulous table decorations, made the wonderful dessert offerings, served the food and cleaned up afterwards.  You all deserve a medal!  The choir’s contribution to the Christmas spirit was, as always, a highlight.  Then there were the teams of willing workers who set up the tables and chairs (and put them away again) and the generous donors who provided the contents of the hampers.  Together we saw out the Club year in style.

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I would like to wish all members, their families and loved ones, a safe and peaceful Christmas and good health and prosperity in 2026.

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Words and actions based on race, ethnicity or faith

 Sadly, at a local, national and international level this topic is at the forefront of our minds just now.

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Woden Seniors Club welcomes members of all ethnicities. It respects Australian legislation that makes it unlawful to make comments that are reasonably likely to offend, insult or humiliate someone because of their race, ethnicity or faith.  As a multicultural organisation, we value members from all ethnic backgrounds and the wealth of culture they might bring to us. In your conversations and dealings on club premises, be kind – and please be mindful of not harming someone else.

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Jenny Gregory

President

Woden Seniors Inc

PO Box 345, Woden ACT 2606 Tel: (02) 6282 2573

Email: president@wodenseniors.org.au                           

www.wodenseniors.org.au 

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Thanks Margaret for this one!  Too true.

 

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Fortnightly News 5/12/2025

Issue 24 of 2025        5 December 2025
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 DATES TO REMEMBER

 Monday 8 December – Club Christmas Party

Tuesday 16 December – Club Management Committee meeting

Friday 19 December – last day of the 2025 Club year.

Monday 12 January – Club re-opens for 2026.

27-29 March 2026 – our next Big Book Fair

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YES – CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!

 In case you missed the news – yes, Christmas is coming.  Thanks to the elves for a delightful display in the foyer.

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CHRISTMAS CARDS

 In need of a special Christmas card or two?  Check out the beautiful hand made range which are on display in the foyer and made by the card making group.  These are such a bargain at $3.00 each.

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CHRISTMAS LUNCH

 All is in readiness for our 2025 Christmas lunch, and the 125 members who have booked in will, I’m sure, have a very enjoyable day.  Yummy food and, thanks to the many donors, we have lots of goodies to be won in the form of hampers and Christmas bags to add to the Christmas spirit.  Start time 12 Noon.

 

WATERING

 Do you have an hour or two to spare this summer?  Our blooming flower and vege pod outside the sitting room is in need of a weekly watering.  If you are available and willing to take a spot on a roster, please give your name and contact details to Polly and our friendly maintenance team (Sue Allen!) will be in touch to fill you in on what is needed.

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Jenny Gregory

President

Woden Seniors Inc

PO Box 345, Woden ACT 2606 Tel: (02) 6282 2573

Email: president@wodenseniors.org.au        

www.wodenseniors.org.au 

 

Top Ten advantages to getting older…

10. Your clothes have come back in style – twice!

9.  You can no longer be cut down in your prime

8.  There is nothing left to learn the hard way

7.  Plenty of time to catch up on reading -in the bathroom

6.  In any hostage situation, you’ll probably be released first

5.  You’re allowed to take a nap to get ready for bed

4.  You repeat yourself without knowing it

3.  You’ve made a lot of good memories – even if you can’t remember them

2.   You repeat yourself without knowing it

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And the number one advantage to getting older – it beats the only alternative!

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Fortnightly News 21/11/2025

Issue 23 of 2025        21 November 2025

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DATES TO REMEMBER

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Monday 8 December – Club Christmas Party

Friday 19 December – last day of the 2025 Club year.

Monday 12 January – Club re-opens for 2026.

27-29 March 2026 – our next Big Book Fair

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Tapping into the younger generation to help advertise the Book Fair through social media

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Many of our generation are unsure about using social media. However, the younger generations use it all the time. If we want to reach the broader community, we need to think about tapping into social media through the younger generations. Social media platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, X,  and Facebook allow events to reach thousands of people instantly, far beyond traditional flyers or word-of-mouth.

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We have set up an Instagram account and are using it to call for donations as well as provide information on the wonderful books we have ready so far for the 2026 Book Fair.

Many people belong to WhatsApp groups e.g. relating to school communities, sporting groups etc. These groups are often private and an excellent way to get information out about events.

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Why not check with family and friends to see if they can use their social media platforms to help promote our Book Fair. If they are interested in doing this all you need to do is give them a bookmark that includes the details. At the moment, we are calling for donations, and the bookmarks include details of the items we want.

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In relation to Instagram the address is instagram@bookfair2026. Get them to have a look.

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MAJOR UPGRADE IN HALL 2 !!

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Thanks again to our generous donor – the new boiling water tap is now in place in Hall 2. 

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CHRISTMAS LUNCH

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Bookings are rolling in for our Christmas lunch, to be held on Monday 8 December. 

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We will be setting up tables in both Halls, and everyone will have an allocated place.  Remember, if your group (two or more people are a group!) wish to be seated together, please let Polly know so that we can organise your placement.

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Cost is a Club voucher or equivalent $7.00 in cash and those attending will be treated to a delicious lunch and be in the running for the hamper prizes.  Tea, coffee, water and juices will be part of the offering and members who wish to do so are welcome to bring their own alcohol

Hampers, hampers, hampers…. Yes we are planning a lucky draw for Christmas hampers again.  To make this happen we are seeking donations of Christmassy items to fill small Christmas-themed bags as we have done previously.  Non-perishable items such as chocolate, sparkly Christmassy items, chocolate, wine, sparkly bits and pieces, chocolate and wine are most welcome. The management at Bellerive have again provided us with a large hamper to add to the prizes – a much appreciated gesture.  Each person attending will receive a numbered ticket on entry and has an opportunity to win!

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COMING SOON… MORE MEDITATION AND MINDFULNESS SESSIONS

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Cathy Mauk has offered to provide another series of meditation and mindfulness sessions.  Those who have attended these in the past will know that Cathy is a wonderful leader in this space and that her lessons are well designed and very enjoyable. 

The sessions will begin in January, and we have room availability on Thursday afternoons or Friday mornings or Friday afternoons.  If you would like to take part, please contact me and we can decide which starting date and day would suit.

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Jenny Gregory

President

Woden Seniors Inc

PO Box 345, Woden ACT 2606 Tel: (02) 6282 2573

Email: president@wodenseniors.org.au        

www.wodenseniors.org.au 

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Thanks Maureen for these!!

Wonderful English from Around the World

Cocktail lounge, Norway:
LADIES ARE REQUESTED NOT TO HAVE CHILDREN IN THE BAR
Doctor’s office, Rome:
SPECIALIST IN WOMEN AND OTHER DISEASES.
In a Nairobi restaurant:
CUSTOMERS WHO FIND OUR WAITRESSES RUDE, OUGHT TO SEE THE MANAGER.
On the main road to Mombasa
TAKE NOTICE:  WHEN THIS SIGN IS UNDER WATER, THIS ROAD IS IMPASSABLE.
On a poster at Kencom:
ARE YOU AN ADULT WHO CANNOT READ?  IF SO WE CAN HELP.
On the menu of a Swiss Restaurant:
OUR WINES LEAVE YOU NOTHING TO HOPE FOR

Airline ticket office, Copenhagen:
WE TAKE YOUR BAGS AND SEND THEM IN ALL DIRECTIONS. 

COMMUNITY NOTICE

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