Fortnightly News 29/8/2014
This week in the Club
It has been a busy week: on Sunday I had the pleasure of accepting a grant from the Southern Cross Club which will allow us to replace our ageing table tennis tables.
The Vice President, Anne Murray and I met our new patron, Lady Cosgrove on Tuesday afternoon for tea at Government House. Lady Cosgrove is very interested in the Club and is looking forward to joining us for our Christmas luncheon party on Monday 8 December. I’m sure she will have some interesting stories to tell.
On Wednesday, the new ACT Government Minister for Ageing, Mick Gentleman MLA visited the Club. We had an opportunity to show him the diverse range of activities available in the club and bend his ear a little about how much we like it where we are.
Mahjong
Mahjong is played each Wednesday afternoon, from 1.00 pm to 3.30 pm in the Anne Murray room. Rose McNeice will provide tuition for beginning players.
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 22 September 2014 in Hall 1. A light lunch of sandwiches and tea/coffee will be provided after the meeting.
Justice of the Peace
You will find Maureen in the Anne Murray room on Tuesdays between 11.30am and 2pm for Justice of the Peace matters.
Open Day at the John Curtin School of Medical Research
The John Curtain School of Medical Research is hosting an Open Day on Saturday 30 August 2014 from 10am – 3pm. Researchers will describe and demonstrate their work in fields including cancer, diabetes, autoimmunity, obesity, high blood pressure, vision and many other areas of heath and disease. There is no charge to attend an Open Day.
ANU Research into Age Related Changes in Left and Right Brain Communication
We have received some flyers seeking participants for research into age related effects in left and right brain communication. The ethical aspects of the research has been approved by the ANU Human Research Committee, Protocol No. 2014.
The research is not harmful and comprises 2 short cognitive tests. Participants will be reimbursed for their time and go into a draw to win some prizes.
For more information pick up a flyer in the club or contact Tanu Joshi, via email to u5398401@anu.org.au or phone 0432 509 796.
Robin Williams Tribute Screening – Sunday 31 August , 6.00 pm
Dead Poets Society and Good Morning, Vietman
The ANU Film Group, Australia’s largest film society, will be celebrating the life and legacy of the late Robin Williams with a special tribute screening of two of his most beloved films – Dead Poets Society and Good Morning, Vietnam – on Sunday 31 August at 6 PM.
Many around the world and in Canberra were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Robin Williams last week. The ANU Film Group’s special one-off theatrical screenings bid farewell to a unique talent, and pay tribute to the profound impact that his work has had on the lives of so many.
In Dead Poets Society, screening at 6 PM, Williams stars as an unorthodox English teacher who encourages his students to seize the day and go against the status quo, changing their lives and his own in the process. Directed by Peter Weir, the film was nominated for 4 Academy Awards in 1989, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Robin Williams.
Then, revisit the breakthrough big-screen role that earned Williams his first Oscar nomination in 1987’s Good Morning, Vietnam, which screens at 8:15 PM. In the film, Williams plays an irreverent DJ who shakes things up when he is assigned to the US Armed Services Radio station in Vietnam.
Membership of the ANU Film Group is open to everyone, and will be available for purchase at the door from $15. The Group will also be donating $5 from all sales on the night to Lifeline Canberra in recognition and support of those dealing with depression.
For more information about the Group, or upcoming screenings, please visit their website at www.anufg.org.au.
Calligraphy – The Art of Beautiful Writing
Expressions of interest are sought for calligraphy classes to be provided by Pam Kemp. Depending on the level of interest, the classes would be offered as a regular Club activity, on a school term basis, probably commencing in the week beginning 13 October.
Calligraphy is the art of beautiful or expressive writing. Tuition will be provided for beginners to learn some basic scripts and to make a variety of small projects suitable for gifts. Non-beginners would have the opportunity to work on their own projects, refine their skills or simply enjoy the opportunity to explore and share ideas.
Members interested in a fun relaxed afternoon please contact Polly in the office for more information.
A basic writing kit comprising of black ink, a selection of nibs and suitable writing paper will be required. Tutor can provide a few basics for a “trial”.
Good handwriting is definitely not a prerequisite.
Profile – Pam Kemp
Pam became hooked on calligraphy back in the 90’s, joined the Canberra Calligraphy Society and since then has attended many workshops with local, interstate and overseas tutors and studied under the guidance of Canberra’s Gemma Black for many years. Pam has a Diploma in Western calligraphy from the United Kingdom, is a VETAB accredited teacher and has taught for many years in the ACT and Queanbeyan.
Invitation – A Forest Dedication to Seniors
A Quiet Place to “Reflect”
Help us to begin the journey at the National Arboretum Canberra (Forest Drive, Canberra ACT)
Opening by the Minister for Territory and Municipal Services Shane Rattenbury MLA at Forest 40 followed by a celebration in the Margaret Whitlam Pavilion.
Date: Tuesday 30 September 2014
Time: 1.00 – 3.30 pm
Hurry as places are strictly limited. RSVP to COTA on 6282 3777 (By Monday 8 September).
Exchange Language Learning via Skype (Japanese/English)
We have received the following invitation through our website:
‘Hello, I’m an English teacher in Nagoya, Japan.
I look for senior citizens who are native speakers of English and Japanese language learners as well. Those people or group of people should be able to access the Internet and Skype. The main idea is to put the people in Australia and the ones in Japan into reciprocal situation, which means to learn their target languages through Skype.
My wife, Marjorie and I teach some local senior citizens English. They are at the age of more than fifties. Many of them have grandchildren and send their relaxed lives, and no hustle and bustle. However, many of them, especially women seek for something they have missed when they were young such as learning a foreign language like English, and travel to the countries where they can use the language they learned.
Although Marjorie and I do teach English so hard and the students do likewise to make their dream come true, learning language without actually using it makes the whole learning process non-effective. I therefore look for a group of people or even a person who are in a similar situation but the language is reciprocal condition, mother tongue is English and learning Japanese. If they were, I propose you and your senior citizens would do Skype chat or e-mail exchange with our senior citizens to enhance the speed of their language learning. What do you think of this idea? I have been a coordinator of Skype chat between the students of 9 – 12 grade Australian and Japanese. It works very well and increased their motivation to learn their target languages. If it works for young people, why not for the senior, who usually have higher motivation?
I thank you for your time and hope to arrange the exchange between your people and my students. If you have no time for this matter, would you mind giving me the clue to get some information which might lead me to find relevant person.
Looking forward to your reply.
A language teacher who seeks for your help in Japan.
Sincerely yours,
Katsumi ITO
MSc in TESP (Teaching English for Specific Purposes) ASTON University, Birmingham, UK
You can contact Katsumi ITO via email: astonkatsumi@gmail.com
Goodwin Aged Care Services
Goodwin has Home and Community Care hours for domestic assistance, personal care, social and transport. Contact Michelle Preston on 6178 7272 or email mpreston@goodwin.org.au if you require assistance.
The Lu Rees Archives of Australian Children’s Literature invites you to ‘Meet’ Pixie O’Harris through
A Celebration of her Art and Legacy
Pixie O’Harris (1903-1991) was one of the most loved authors and illustrators of fantasy in Australia in the early part of the twentieth century. She illustrated more than 40 fairy books, which sold hundreds of thousands of copies. Her woodland and sea creatures and her fairies captivated and stirred the imaginations of generations of children. Especially enjoyed were those she created as murals on the walls of children’s hospitals.
Every year she is remembered through the Pixie O’Harris Award given by the Australian Publishers Association in recognition of her distinguished and dedicated service to the development and reputation of children’s books.
This celebration will feature a selection of her books and illustrations from The Wind in the Willows as well as paintings in private hands. It will also include talks about her artwork, its preservation and the recollections of someone to whom, as a child, she was a loved Auntie Pix.
Date: Wednesday 17th September 5.00 pm – 6.30 pm
Where: ALIA House, 9-11 Napier Close Deakin 2600. Free off-street parking is available to the rear of ALIA House, accessed via the driveway to the left of the building.
Cost: $20 – includes refreshments – payment at the door
RSVP: By Monday 15th September 2014 to trishmilne@gmail.com