Fortnightly News 16/10/2015

Melbourne Cup

It’s that time of year!

Our Melbourne Cup Party will be held as usual on Tuesday 3 November commencing at 1.00 pm.

We will provide some drinks, you may like to bring some food to share. We will have a sweep or two of course.

Table Tennis

The Club has two Table Tennis sessions each week on Wednesday and Friday mornings. The group welcomes new players of all levels.

Calligraphy Exhibition

The Canberra Calligraphy Society has an exhibition at the Hellenic Club. The exhibition includes works inspired by the ‘International year of the Light’. Many works will be for sale.

When: 6 -10pm, from 20 October to 14 November

Where: The Hellenic Club, 1 Matilda St, Woden ACT

Official Opening on Friday 23 October at 6.30 pm by Gemma Clark.

ACT Public Trustee

The Public Trustee for the ACT is presenting two free seminars on Wills, Power of Attorney and Philanthropy during Will Week.

Tuesday Thursday

20 October 2015 22 October 2015

Canberra Southern Cross Club Canberra Southern Cross Club

Jamison Woden

Cnr Catchpole & Bowman Street. 92 Corinna Street

Time: 6:00 – 9:00 pm Time: 09:30 – 12:00 noon

Places Limited, Bookings essential call 6207 9800

Weston Creek Rotary Society Afternoon of Craft and Conversation on 29 October 2015

The Weston Creek Rotary Society is running an afternoon of craft and conversation on the afternoon of 29 October. There will be a team of

26 people presenting 12 different workshops on various crafts. Please see the Club notice board for more information on the crafts being offered.

When: Thursday 29 October from 1.00pm till 4.00pm

Where: Weston Creek Uniting Church, 16 Parkinson Street Weston (near the Irish Club, and Weston Creek Childcare Centre)

Cost: Donation of $15 includes afternoon tea. This money will go towards the Rotary International fight for Global Polio Eradication.

All people involved in running the event, including the workshops, are freely giving their time and expertise. While most materials are being donated, there will be a small cost to cover other necessary materials in some workshops.

REGISTRATION Please register by Monday 25 October.

Ring or text Marg on 0429 980 327 with:

1.Your name,

2.The workshop or group you would like to be part of and

3.Contact details in case the workshop is full or we need to send you more details.

(Maximum number is 10 in all groups)

Spiral Program

Spiral meet at 10am to mid day each Thursday morning for a cuppa and a talk at St James Uniting Church, Curtin.

Upcoming speakers are:

22 October Malcolm Allbrook

Malcolm is the Managing Editor, Australian Dictionary of Biography.

5 November Ian Mackay

Ian is the CEO of the Canberra Southern Cross Club

19 November Jono Lineen

Jono is an author and a curator at the National Museum of Australia.

3 December Latham Primary School

The return of the wonderful choir.

For more information, please contact Gwenyth George on 6286 5004, Sue Murray on 6281 6974 or Brett Yeats on 6281 7684 or at yeatsb.

Construction Work in the Furzer Street Precinct

I recently raised member concerns about the noise, vibration and percussion impact coming from the Furzer Street Precinct construction work with the Community Engagement Officer, Economic Development and Land Development Agency. I received the following advice:

‘Canberra Contractors, who are an environmentally certified company operating under the Environmental License issued by the Environmental Planning Authority, have been engaged to undertake the project. This work is essential to complete road works etc. related to the revitalisation of the area and therefore cannot be avoided. Canberra Contractors are undertaking the works in accordance with their accredited and certified Management System that includes Quality, Environment and Safety.

As an additional measure Canberra Contractors are using equipment, particularly the roller compacting road bases, on their lowest settings. In this regard we are confident that work is operating within the EPA standards. Work requiring the roller to be used again will occur over the next 4-6 weeks and will be managed intermittently (one day here, two days there etc.) to help minimise and relieve any impacts as much as possible.

The Land Development Agency and Canberra Contractors will continue to minimise the impact of the work as much as possible and complete works in the shortest possible timeframe.’

Justice of the Peace

You will find Maureen in the Anne Murray room on Tuesdays between 10.30am and 2pm for Justice of the Peace matters.

Fortnightly News 2/10/2015

Annual General Meeting

A well-attended Annual General Meeting was held on Monday 21 September. The following members were elected to the Management Committee.

VACANCY – COMPUTING FOR BEGINNERS

There is a vacancy in a computer course for beginners starting on Thursday 15 October from 10 am to 12 noon.

The dates for the course are 15, 22 and 29 October and 5, 12 and 19 November.

This will be the last computer course for beginners this year.

Please phone Judy on 6286 8693 (between 5 pm and 6 pm) if you are interested.

Construction Work in the Furzer Street Precinct

I recently raised member concerns about the noise, vibration and percussion impact coming from the Furzer Street Precinct construction work with the Community Engagement Officer, Economic Development and Land Development Agency. I received the following advice:

‘Canberra Contractors, who are an environmentally certified company operating under the Environmental License issued by the Environmental Planning Authority, have been engaged to undertake the project. This work is essential to complete road works etc. related to the revitalisation of the area and therefore cannot be avoided. Canberra Contractors are undertaking the works in accordance with their accredited and certified Management System that includes Quality, Environment and Safety.

As an additional measure Canberra Contractors are using equipment, particularly the roller compacting road bases, on their lowest settings. In this regard we are confident that work is operating within the EPA standards. Work requiring the roller to be used again will occur over the next 4-6 weeks and will be managed intermittently (one day here, two days there etc.) to help minimise and relieve any impacts as much as possible.

The Land Development Agency and Canberra Contractors will continue to minimise the impact of the work as much as possible and complete works in the shortest possible timeframe.’

COTA FORUM – What’s the Future for Canberra’s Older Non-Drivers

Come to COTA’s free forum and hear how Uber, NICTA (taxi-buses), Capital Metro, the Flexible Bus Service and Community Services plan to help meet your future transport needs.

Time: 11am to 1pm

Date: Wednesday 7 October

Where: Hughes Community Hall

Light lunch provided, RSVP to COTA: 6282 3777

ACT Public Trustee

The Public Trustee for the ACT is presenting two free seminars on Wills, Power of Attorney and Philanthropy during Will Week.

Tuesday Thursday

20 October 2015 22 October 2015

Canberra Southern Cross Club Canberra Southern Cross Club

Jamison Woden

Cnr Catchpole & Bowman Street. 92 Corinna Street

Time: 6:00 – 9:00 pm Time: 09:30 – 12:00 noon

Places Limited, Bookings essential call 6207 8900

Canberra Calligraphy Society Exhibition – Hellenic Club, 6pm 20 October – 10pm 14 November 2015

If you want to see what all the fuss is about go along to the Canberra Calligraphy Society’ exhibition in the Hellenic Club, official opening by Gemma Black at 6.30pm Friday 23 October 2015. The exhibition includes works inspired by the ‘International year of the Light’. Many works will be for sale. The exhibition runs from 20 October to 14 November 2015.

Spiral Program

Spiral meet at 10am to mid day each Thursday morning for a cuppa and a talk at St James Uniting Church, Curtin.

Upcoming speakers are:

22 October Malcolm Allbrook

Malcolm is the Managing Editor, Australian Dictionary of Biography.

5 November Ian Mackay

Ian is the CEO of the Canberra Southern Cross Club

19 November Jono Lineen

Jono is an author and a curator at the National Museum of Australia.

3 December Latham Primary School

The return of the wonderful choir.

For more information, please contact Gwenyth George on 6286 5004, Sue Murray on 6281 6974 or Brett Yeats on 6281 7684 or at yeatsb.

Justice of the Peace

You will find Maureen in the Anne Murray room on Tuesdays between 10.30am and 2pm for Justice of the Peace matters.

Fortnightly News 18/9/2015

Annual General Meeting

It is that time of the year again, the Club’s Annual General Meeting will be held at 12 noon on Monday 21 September 2015 in Hall 1. A light lunch of sandwiches, cakes and tea/coffee will be provided after the meeting. Please consider coming along to the meeting.

Vale – Richard Hickman

Richard Hickman passed away on 7 September after a long illness. Richard was an active member of the Club and a thoughtful member of the Management Committee. Richard crafted the recent changes to the Club’s constitution. We will miss his friendship and wise counsel.

2015-16 Participation (Seniors) Grants Program

The ACT Government, through this grant program provides non-recurrent project funding for activities and events that promote positive ageing in the ACT. The aim is to support older Canberrans to maintain their well being and to remain active in their community.

The Club has been successful in obtaining funding in previous years and is seeking advice from members on possible projects to pursue in this round. Maximum funding per applicant is $10,000 although $3-4,000 is a more realistic sum. Applications close on 5 October 2015.

The priority area most relevant to the Club is ‘3.1 Social Inclusion of Seniors’. That is, projects that assist Canberra’s Seniors to participate in the broader community including projects that enhance community relations in the Seniors arena that encourage whole of community engagement with Seniors.

The category most relevant to the Club is ‘4.3 Respect and Social Inclusion’. Projects that support Seniors to feel respected and valued and experience the ACT as a safe place to live and visit.

Projects that will be considered under this category for funding will support:

1. Initiatives that bring the generations together to reinforce respect for seniors and reduce social isolation;

2. Connect Seniors with expert advice surrounding health and well being to assist physical, recreational and nutritional needs;

3. Initiatives that encourage identification of and responses to elder abuse;

4. Develop and promote activities that assist isolated Seniors to connect with support networks and activities and encourage participation.

More information about the Grant process is available here: http://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/wac/ageing/seniors_grants

Please provide your suggestions for funding to Polly by Wednesday 23 September 2015.

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Fortnightly News 4/9/2015

Annual General Meeting

It is that time of the year again, the Club’s Annual General Meeting will be held at 12 noon on Monday 21 September 2015 in Hall 1. A light lunch of sandwiches, cakes and tea/coffee will be provided after the meeting. Please consider coming along to the meeting.

Calligraphy Classes are up and running again

Pam is back from her winter travels to far north Queensland and is running her calligraphy classes on Tuesdays from 1.30pm in Hall 2. Newcomers are welcome.

Social Ballroom Dance Classes

Make the most of Karen Rutherford’s (K’Motion Studios) expertise while she is with us. Social Ballroom Dance sessions: Mondays 1pm to 3pm and Fridays 2pm to 4pm. Newcomers welcome, especially on Monday.

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Fortnightly News 21/8/2015

2nd BIG BOOK FAIR

The Second BIG Book Fair was a huge success, raising over $16,000. In addition to raising funds, the Fair provided a point of social cohesion within the Club where members gave generously of their time and energy.

A huge thank you to Margaret Bourke, the driving force behind the Book Fair who would like to thank the following people:

Paul McGlew for his considerable support throughout the year, not to mention the heavy lifting!

Judy Henderson for an amazing effort with the publicity;

Chris Sheen and all the volunteers who worked so hard for 10 months to clean, sort and price the books;

Anne Murray for organising the weekend helpers;

Jennifer Pratten and the craft group for making and organising the jewelry display and raffle;

Lutana McLeod for organising the cake stall and her daughter Alex for the poster design;

Mollie B for story telling on Saturday;

Polly for her ever-cheerful help;

My family, Sarah, Rohan, Pat, Richard Cumpston and Tim B;

Luton and Ray White real estate for supplying posters and road signs;

Rotary, Canberra Seniors and Canberra Bridge Club for lending tables;

All the weekend helpers and that includes setting up and dismantling too;

Not to mention all those generous people who donated books and the customers who came and bought them.

Read More

Fortnightly News 7/8/2015

2nd BIG BOOK FAIR

The Second BIG Book Fair is here and it is running all weekend. In addition to books there is a cake stall tomorrow, Saturday morning and some very beautiful pieces made by the Beading Group for sale.

As a member of Woden Seniors you can help to get the message out by:

· Inviting your friends and family to come to the Fair;

· Posting the dates and times of the Second BIG Book Fair on your Facebook page. You can post it as a public event.

The Magic Tin Party

You are invited to celebrate and thank Elizabeth Halfnights for her many years of teaching Tai Chi in the Club and to wish her well in retirement.

When: 1pm to 4pm, Thursday 27 August 2015

Where: Woden Seniors Club

What: An opportunity to share memories, spend time with Elizabeth, enjoy a (short) Tai Chi session, and to eat, drink and be merry.

It’s the Magic Tin Party because it is the final opportunity to make a contribution to the Magic Tin, an Elizabeth initiative which has been dear to her heart for many years and which has provided some much needed financial support to a range of charitable organisations and projects.

Elizabeth is of course adamant that she doesn’t want a gift, so we ask that those attending bring a donation to give the Magic Tin a mighty send off.

Please RSVP to Sue 0412 044 449 or Jenny 0419 497 218

Read More

Fortnightly News 24/7/2015

2nd BIG BOOK FAIR – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

The Second BIG Book Fair will be held on Friday 7 August from 11 am to 6 pm, Saturday 8 August from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday 9 August from 10 am to 4 pm.

With just 2 weeks to go, we are drawing up a roster of helpers for a variety of tasks before and during the big event. Please let Polly know if you can help.

We plan to work on 3 shifts per day … morning, noon and afternoon … shifts of about 2-3 hours each. Tasks include: front desk
- sales desk
- patrolling and restocking tables
- and most importantly, the tea/coffee stall. We are also having a cake stall so all your baking contributions will be much appreciated.

We want to encourage as many people as possible to come to the Book Fair and we have already started to publicise it through major media outlets and on Woden Seniors website www.wodenseniors.org.au. In the next few weeks we will be making a concerted effort to get the message out to a wide range of media outlets.

As a member of Woden Seniors you can help to get the message out at a more local level by:

· Asking your friends and family to put the dates of the Second BIG Book Fair in their calendars

· Posting the dates and times of the Second BIG Book Fair on your Facebook page. You can post it as a public event.

· Asking local organisations in which you are involved e.g. Church, schools, Bowling Club, Golf Club etc. to put the details of the Second BIG Book Fair in their newsletters.

Social Ball Room Dancing

We had the first session of the Social Ballroom Dancing group at 1pm last Monday afternoon with 12 people participating. We had a lot of fun. Karen, the instructor is away today and Monday (27 July) so the next instructional session is on Friday 31 July from 2pm to 4pm, and then the following Monday (3 August) from 1pm to 3pm and each Monday thereafter. Newcomers are welcome, it is easy to join at this stage.

The Club has received an ACT Government grant to help develop a cohort of people that are interested in learning to dance and/or teach and participate in a regular social dance activity within the Club. The grant will be used to fund the services of a professional dance instructor to both teach specific dances and to train people within the cohort how to teach those basic dance steps. The dances may comprise Slow Movement, Rhumba, Cha Cha, rock and roll or Jive and Waltz. It is envisaged that this instructional activity will run from mid-July through to November 2015. It would then be up to the group to take the activity forward.

We are particularly looking for couples that have some dance experience to help lead this group. If you are interested in participating please let Polly know.

A WOW Exhibition

The “Watercolour on Wednesday” Art Group (W O W) that meets at Woden Seniors every Wednesday morning, will hold an exhibition of work in the Gallery at the Hellenic Club, Woden from 28 June until 31 July. All paintings will be for sale and 10% commission on sales will be donated to a local charity.

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Fortnightly News 10/7/2015

Some Facts About Woden Seniors In 2015

• Membership of the Club at 30 June 2015 was 645. This was the highest figure for the past 5 years but well below the peak years of 2007 to 2010.
• The median age of members is 73 years and one quarter are 80 years or older.
• Almost three quarters of the membership is female.
• As expected, given the location of the Club, most members (85%) live in south Canberra suburbs.
• 70% of the membership now chooses to receive communications from the Club via email (e.g. the Fortnightly News Update, membership renewal notices). The proportion is increasing each year.
• There are now 576 vehicles covered by parking permits, so please don’t all visit the Club at the same time!
• Usage of the Club’s website (www.wodenseniors.org.au) continues to increase as it becomes more widely known. In the past 12 months there have been 7,400 separate visits to the website involving 20,000 page views. 70% of visits were from people in Australia (55% from Canberra) and 30% from overseas. About 40% went direct to the website, 40% found it via a search engine such as Google, and 20% were referred to the site by other sources/links. 20% of all visits were made using mobile phones or tablets.

Need A Doctor That Comes To You At Night Or On Weekends?

The NATIONAL HOME DOCTOR SERVICE is a network of qualified doctors that provides bulk-billed after hours medical care to patients in their homes and in aged care facilities. Australia’s largest network of home visiting doctors. From 4pm weekdays, 10am Saturdays, all day Sunday and public holidays. Call 137425.

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Fortnightly News 26/6/2015

Social Ball Room Dancing

The Club has received an ACT Government grant to help develop a cohort of people that are interested in learning to dance and/or teach and participate in a regular social dance activity within the Club. The grant will be used to fund the services of a professional dance instructor to both teach specific dances and to train people within the cohort how to teach those basic dance steps. The dances may comprise Slow Movement, Rhumba, Cha Cha, rock and roll or Jive and Waltz. It is envisaged that this instructional activity will run on Monday afternoons from 2pm – 4pm beginning in mid-July through to November 2015. It would then be up to the group to take the activity forward.

We are particularly looking for couples that have some dance experience to help lead this group. If you are interested in participating please let Polly know.

A WOW Exhibition

The “Watercolour on Wednesday” Art Group (W O W) that meets at Woden Seniors every Wednesday morning, will hold an exhibition of work in the Gallery at the Hellenic Club, Woden from 28 June until 31 July. All paintings will be for sale and 10% commission on sales will be donated to a local charity.

Read More

Fortnightly News 12/6/2015

A WOW Exhibition

The “Watercolour on Wednesday” Art Group (W O W) that meets at Woden Seniors every Wednesday morning, will hold an exhibition of work in the Gallery at the Hellenic Club, Woden from 28 June until 31 July. All paintings will be for sale and 10% commission on sales will be donated to a local charity.

2nd BIG BOOK FAIR

The Second BIG Book Fair will be held on Friday 7 August from 11 am to 6 pm, Saturday 8 August from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday 9 August from 10 am to 4 pm.

We want to encourage as many people as possible to come to the Book Fair and we have already started to publicise it through major media outlets and on Woden Seniors website www.wodenseniors.org.au. In the next few weeks we will be making a concerted effort to get the message out to a wide range of media outlets.

As a member of Woden Seniors you can help to get the message out at a more local level by:

· Asking your friends and family to put the dates of the Second BIG Book Fair on their calendars

· Posting the dates and times of the Second BIG Book Fair on your Facebook page. You can post it as a public event.

· Asking local organisations in which you are involved e.g. Church, schools, Bowling Club, Golf Club etc. to put the details of the Second BIG Book Fair in their newsletters.

Read More