Address: 1582 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503 Phone: (07) 3482 5333 Email: admin@chomes.com.au

The Queensland summer is almost here and incongruously the shopping centers will soon be filled scenes of snow laden landscapes and cosy log fires as the countdown to Christmas begins. It seems that we have momentarily lost focus on the passage of time and now glance back at the calendar to find 2019 has flashed past in the blink of an eye. I wonder if you share this experience with me, I have hardly become used to writing the date as 2019 and suddenly the year is almost over! Has it really been almost a year since 2018? Somehow I can’t believe it has. The time bandits have been at it again! As we hurtle along life’s freeway it does us good every now and then to pull into a layby for a few moments to review our journey, renew and refresh our perspective and re focus our attention. When I take a break from the journey and look back over the year I can see that at Maranatha we have been greatly blessed. During 2019 we have had 2 visits from our “friends “at the Accreditation Agency. The first was a full 3 day audit in February then another in August. On both occasions the auditors were impressed with the services and care they witnessed and we received very positive feedback, something that is not easy to come by in the current aged care environment.

Our managers in Sydney have been responsive to our requests and over the year we have seen various improvements in the home; small architectural changes to provide better access for residents and staff, new equipment purchased, new IT systems implemented and additional skilled nursing hours added to the roster.

MARANATHA

Manager’s Message

For unto you is born this day

in the city of David a

which is the Lord

LUKE 2 : 1 1

SaviourChrist

Christadelphian Aged Care

2 0 1 9 / 2 0 S U M M E R N E W S L E T T E R

continued

Manager’s Message cont

As you will realise although these factors assist us to provide a comfortable environment and good quality service it would mean nothing if the people at Maranatha did not genuinely care for each other. This is what transforms the facility into a home. It is the human connections in our lives that determine the quality of our experience. We are nothing if we are not able to give and receive love and care for each other.

The emotional investment at Maranatha is not just from staff to the residents, it is much more complex than that. There is not one group of givers or one group of receivers. As a community we all contribute in some way and the connections are as complicated as they are numerous.

The real blessing we have at Maranatha is not the building, the computer systems, the positive feedback from the federal agencies or the skilled nurses, it is the people who give and receive love and care for each other. Residents, staff, volunteers, visitors and others, all contribute in some way.

As the year draws to a close I would like to sincerely thank you all your wonderful support and gifts of kindness which combine and make Maranatha the happy and caring home that it is.

I hope you all have a happy and blessed Christmas and that 2020 is a year that beings you joy and peace.

Kind Regards, Kathy Hallmark - Director of Consumer Care & Services

Christmas & New Years Funnies

Retirement Village MessageDell’s Café has 2 new Christadelphian Aged Care staff members. Please welcome Marianne and Anna to the Maranatha family. The girls are excited with their new role and have some treats to entice you to sit and enjoy the atmosphere a little longer than you thought you might. Marguerite is now preparing frozen meals for your convenience. These meals can be purchased from the Café during normal working hours for $5.00 each. I hear they are being snapped up as soon as they are placed in the freezer, so be quick to purchase yours.

Pathways around the Lake have been constructed with strategically placed viewing pads and seats. A gazebo is to be erected over one of the viewing pads so you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings out of the sun. A new BBQ and outdoor furniture will be purchased for outside the Village Recreation room and another gazebo will be erected here providing you with shelter.

An enjoyable morning was had by all who attended the Fire Awareness and Evacuation sessions last week. Brett (Adairs) led us through an interesting and interactive presentation.

We will be holding a second session on 12th December at 10am for those who were unable to attend the previous session. Kerry will send you an invitation shortly.

Take home points:

You are the most important person

Remove – occupants from immediate danger

Alert - Press INS button or ring 000 and tell of emergency

Contain – take your keys and shut the door

Evacuate – knock on neighbour’s doors alerting them as you head towards your nearest Assembly area

Trevor – INS – dropped by to remind us of the use of the HELP system. Some of you have had reason to use the HELP system successfully. Please remember to test the button each month, talking to the staff. This way you know what to expect if you require their assistance. Did you know you can contact INS staff this way to update your medication information? Give it a go and let Kerry know of your experience.

A very warm welcome is extended to all new residents. You are invited to attend the monthly Resident Activity Meetings and all the social events which are provided for your enjoyment. We know you will enjoy being part of the Maranatha family.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all residents, staff and volunteers a peaceful Christmas and a safe and healthy 2020. The many different groups - the Admin team, the Resident Activity Committee, the Men’s Shed group, the kiosk team, the gardeners, the maintenance team, the cleaners, the Fund Raising Committee, to name just a few – through their tireless efforts, make Maranatha such a wonderful place to live. Thank you to them and God bless you all.

Kind Regards, Jane Burns - Senior Manager, Retirement Villages

UPCOMING EVENTS

DECEMBER 2nd - Residents & Relatives

Meeting 5th - Pastor Pete: Praise &

Devotion followed by Kids Connect

6th - Dakabin Choir 18th - Dawn’s Christmas

Carols @ 10:30am 19th - Market Day

27th - December Birthday Party

JANUARY 6th - Residents & Relatives

Meeting 9th - Pastor Pete: Praise &

Devotion followed by Kids Connect

10th - Dawn’s Sing a Long 14th - First Singing Group

31st - January Birthday Party

FEBRUARY 3rd - Uniting Church

Christian Worship with Pastor Wendy (morning)

3rd - Residents & Relative Meeting

6th - Pastor Pete: Praise & Devotion followed by

Kids Connect 14th - Dawn’s Sing a Long 28th - February Birthday

Party

News & Upcoming Events

DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY

Paul B Margaret B Brian B

Roy B Beryl B Eileen D

Bob G Des D Max E

Kathryn H Pat G Alida F

Anna K Aileen G Nancy H

Isabel K Annie S Joan H

Helen L J Irene H Leila V

Wilma M Oriel J

Marion O Dulcie L

Carol T Leslie M

ILU ILU ILU

Ann S Jeff H Gayna G

Richard D Audrey W

Clive H Florence A

Bob C Isabelle B

Sandra C Beris B

Betty S

Susan C

Len H

facebook.com/christadelphianagedcare

Keepupdatedwithallthelatestnewsandphotosby“liking”usonFacebook!

SEPTEMBER

In September, we celebrated Father’s Day with a visit from Brisbane Vintage Auto Club and RAO staff Tammy’s husband

Clint and also Stuart To p p f r o m To p p Adventures with his p r ide and joy an Indian Chief Vintage motorcycle fitted w i t h a D M C T o m a h a w k S E Sidecar. Beautiful c a r s , b i k e a n d perfect weather.

Wow! what a show they put on, our Fathers here at Maranatha, both residents and Independent Living Residents, thoroughly enjoyed viewing the cars and hearing the V8 rumble as they left. On the front verandah, the Men’s Group enjoyed a BBQ and a chat with the car club members. Big thank you to the Car Club and Stuart Topp.

Once a month, residents enjoy a sing-a-long with Dawn with John Bliss helping out. Residents love Dawn’s sing-a-long as it creates an opportunity to reminisce on the good old days.

Maranatha Fair was held 14th September and residents enjoyed interacting with stall holders and friends and family. A large variety of stalls were available for all to enjoy. Thank you to the Fundraising Committee for yet another successful Fair Day here at Maranatha.

Dell’s Café has now returned to Maranatha management, a warm welcome to our new Café Supervisor Mez. We have a new menu and Mez makes an amazing coffee. Come and say hi.

In September, we said goodbye to Keren Nutter wishing her God’s speed on her adventures doing Mission Work in Cambodia and we welcomed Kris Muscat to the RAO team here at Maranatha.

- Kerralye Wright, Maranatha Leisure and Lifestyle Team Leader

Activity Reviews

See photo pages for more of the Fair

OCTOBER

Bromeliad Society Queensland came to visit and put on a beautiful display for residents. Our resident Phyllis James has been a long standing member of the Bromeliad Society Queensland and was thrilled with the visit reminiscing the days when she grew Broms on her 40 acres. Thank you to Rob and Barbara Murray for visiting us and for the Brom pups given out to Residents and staff.

Staff dressed up in a colourful array of outfits to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.

Residents also enjoyed the sunshine with lawn games such as Tunnel Ball.

Activity Reviews

Centenarian Portrait Project by Teenagers

Above: Alfred Organ with artist Cynthia Far left: Dulcie Brandon

Activity Photos - Maranatha Fair

Activity Photos - Maranatha Fair

Birthday Party - Photos

September Birthdays

George&Leila70th Wedding Anniversary

October Birthdays

- Mad Hatter theme -

Maranatha Aged Care Frangipani Residents, Bruce and Wilma Mendham were both born in 1935 in the Blayney District in New South Wales. Bruce has three brothers and three sisters and Wilma has one sister.

Growing up, Bruce and Wilma lived on local farms and played tennis in the area. Wilma became an accomplished seamstress, making her own wedding dress and teaching Dressmaking at Tech and Bruce won many Local and National awards for Polocrosse and Horsemanship including Australian and NSW Championships with his horse Sheasta. Bruce and Wilma were married on the 20 August 1960 and

lived on their farm at Pennsylvania and then Carcoar near Blayney NSW. It was in the late 60’s that the family of Bruce, Wilma and their three boys - David, Ian (dec) and Warwick were resumed from their property by the then Government to make way for the Carcoar Dam.

With little money and a delayed payment from the resumption, the family made the move into hospitality and relocated to Tenterfield in Northern NSW, where they were financed in to the Tenterfield Motor Inn which incorporated the historical house of Stannum. After renovating and building a successful business, the family sold in the mid 1970’s and purchased a larger Motel called The Blue Lagoon in Dubbo. They again built a successful business over the next 10 years and became heavily involved in motorsports including motorbikes, car racing and off-road buggies. Wilma manned the local Motorbike Club Canteen of which Bruce was President. Bruce, David, Ian and Warwick all raced in off-road cars including National and State Championships as well as the Wynns Safari (Australian Safari). All with great success both personally and as a family.

Since then Bruce, Wilma and Warwick moved to Queensland in 1988 where they owned a Caravan Park and then an Auto Electrical Wholesale/Import business with Ian joining the

family business in 1999 until he passed away suddenly in 2007. Bruce and Wilma worked until 2016 when the business was sold.

Due to medical issues arising, they were relocated to Maranatha Aged Care where they are cared for and enjoy a far less hectic life style. Warwick and his wife Tricia live on the northside of Brisbane and David and his wife Sue live in Dubbo. They both run their respective businesses.  Bruce and Wilma are visited frequently by their grandchildren and pet dog, Xena.

Resident Story - Bruce & Wilma

LEISURE AND LIFESTYLE, BUS DRIVER AND PHYSIO AID I was born in Adelaide and moved to Brisbane when I was 3 years old after my little brother was born. I have 2 older sisters and 1 younger brother. My parents managed an orchid farm my grandparents had bought on 10 acres at Beachmere. I have fond memories of playing with our Boer goats, riding my black and blue Mongoose bike, exploring the property, having massive bonfires and playing with my brothers and sisters. Later we sold the property and moved to the suburb of Burpengary, where I attended Narangba State School and Northpine Christian College High School. I was baptised into the Christadelphian faith and I am an active

church member. I enjoyed travelling to Vanuatu and Thailand for preaching and mission work. I love adventure especially camping, surfing, hiking, active and adrenaline sports (including jumping out of a plane) and mountain climbs. Recently, I asked my girlfriend Belinda to marry me and she said ‘Yes’!! We are getting married, God Willing, on the 9th November 2019.

Staff Profile - Michael Wigzell

Happiness can be elusive in this life.

Because it is an emotion, like sadness and anger, it comes & goes with the circumstances.

Joy is different. It’s the permanent condition of the heart that is right with God.

It isn’t based on circumstances, but rather the known outcome - ETERNITY with God.

Forget about the pursuit of happiness & embrace joy.

It will not fail you even in your darkest days & most trying hours. Rejoice!

Let us not lovewith word or speech but with actions and in truth

1 Joh

n 3:18Spiritual Words of Wisdom

“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit” - Proverbs 15:13

Pastoral Care Let us not lovewith word or speech but with actions and in truth

1 Joh

n 3:18

LOVE Unconditional Love

“Above all, love each other deeply…" - 1 Peter 4:8

Unconditional love is known as affection without any limitations, or love without conditions. True, unconditional love doesn't run away when things get tough. Someone who loves unconditionally not only loves the other person despite their flaws, but, they also love them because of them!

The easiest example is our love of our family with our children being the prime example.

Unconditional Love Is Powerful

When we love unconditionally, and when we receive unconditional love, we find that there is power in those feelings and actions. We find hope.  We find courage.  Things we never knew to expect, come from giving to one another without any expectations.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 says: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.”

Sometimes Unconditional Love Is Hard

When we love unconditionally, it means that we even have to love people in tough times. This means loving someone when they’re being rude or inconsiderate.  It also means loving our enemies. Unconditional love takes work.

Matthew 5:43-48 says: “You have heard people say, ‘Love your neighbours and hate your enemies.’ But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you. Then you will be acting like your Father in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both good and bad people. And he sends rain for the ones who do right and for the ones who do wrong. If you love only those people who love you, will God reward you for that? Even tax collectors love their friends. If you greet only your friends, what’s so great about that?”

LOVE today

How does Love from others make you feel? Love can be expressed in so many ways. A hug, a kiss, a “well done!” or an “I love you” are immediately recognised as expressions of love. Other expressions may be more subtle. Showing interest in others lives, showing kindness and patience, going out of our way to make someone feel special - these, too, communicate love.

Fortunately, great amounts of time are not required for us to begin expressing more love. Seconds and minutes are sufficient to lay a gentle hand on a shoulder, to sit together, share a gentle smile or the holding of a hand.

So as we feel the warmth of summer, let’s consider the importance of love. Let’s give  more of ourselves & show more love in the things we do & the words we say to those around us.

By Carmel Hayden - Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator, Maranatha QLD

Bereavements Our deepest sympathies have gone out to the families who

have lost their loved ones over the Spring period.

UPCOMING RELIGIOUS SERVICES: Please let staff know should you require assistance in getting to any of these services. (please check your programs for any changes to times/dates)

Let us not lovewith word or speech but with actions and in truth

1 Joh

n 3:18Pastoral Care Program

‘Supporting Maranatha resident’s emotional & spiritual wellbeing’ Maranatha offers regular Pastoral Care visits to all residents

Please do not hesitate to contact our Pastoral Care Coordinator at her desk in Sunnyside Room or:

Carmel Hayden on (07) 3482 5333 or chayden@chomes.com.au

UNITING CHURCH CHRISTIAN WORSHIP

When: 4th Tuesday each month at 1.30pm

Where: Activity Hall (or via CCTV channel 4)

Who: Pastor Wendy Keeble Pine Rivers Uniting Church

- ALL WELCOME -

CHRISTADELPHIAN MEMORIAL MEETING

When: Sundays at 10.30am

Where: Activity Hall (or via CCTV channel 4)

Who: various Speakers

See staff should you wish to attend

- ALL WELCOME-

INTERFAITH RELIGIOUS SERVICE

Who: Minister Alwyn Neuendorf

When: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays monthly from 9.00am

Where: Activity Hall (or via CCTV channel 4)

- ALL -

WELCOME

DEVOTION SESSIONS including Christian songs of praise & worship

When: 1st Thursday monthly at 1.30pm-2pm

Where: Activity Hall (or via CCTV channel 4)

Who: Pastor Peter, Potters House Church

- ALL WELCOME-

BIBLE READING GROUP

When: Monday to Saturday at 9am-10am

Where: Sunnyside Room

What: Bible readings, hymns & prayer

- ALL WELCOME -

PLEASE NOTE: In 2020 this will change to 1st Monday of each month - 10.30am in the Hall

Starting Thursday 7th November follows this praise session

CATHOLIC MASS

When: Tuesdays 26th November & February 2020 at 9.00am

Where: Activity Hall (or via CCTV channel 4)

Who: Priest from Pine Rivers Parish

- ALL WELCOME-

Feb date to be advised- please refer program

VOLUNTEERS OPPORTUNITIES

• Cafe Assistant: Weekly, Monday-Saturday, 9.30am-2.30pm We are in need of volunteers to assist in ‘Dels Cafe’. This is a vibrant social hub for our residents, their families, our volunteers, staff and visitors and is a service which we are proud of. No experience necessary - Just a happy disposition.

• Book Club Host: Monthly Would you like to engage with a small group of residents each month by reading to them & discussing the reading? Must have a good strong voice & good people skills.

• Hand Massage: Weekly Provide hand massages to residents one or more mornings weekly. Training provided.

• Maintenance Assistant: 4hrs a week/fortnight Joe, our Maintenance Manager, requires assistance with ongoing chores. If you have 4 or so hours a week or fortnight to spare we would greatly appreciate your help.

• Birthday Party: Friday morning, once a month We are in need of as many volunteers as possible to help with the birthday party on a Friday morning, once a month.

• Walking group for residents: Monday-Friday, 9am-9.45am The activities team would love more volunteers to assist our wheelchair residents on their daily morning walk, by collecting them from their room & pushing them on the outdoor walks from 9-9.45am Monday through Friday.

• Gardening: We are looking for help in the gardens with weeding, watering, pruning and general cleaning up.

• One on One chats with residents: Volunteers needed to simply come & chat to our residents & provide them some company

Volunteer Corner

If you are interested in joining the Volunteer program, please do not hesitate to contact me:

Carmel Hayden on (07) 3482 5316 or chayden@chomes.com.au

Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator

If you are interested in joining the Volunteer program, please do not hesitate to contact me:

Carmel Hayden on (07) 3482 5316 or chayden@chomes.com.au

Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator

Volunteer Corner

Dawn has volunteered with us at Maranatha for 37 years & is still running the Maranatha Fundraising Committee. Dawn became involved with fundraising for Maranatha when the land was first purchased and she was also on the Board of Directors at Maranatha for 6 years. Before retirement, Dawn lived in Duffield Road, Kallangur - just a stone’s throw/walking distance from

Maranatha. Dawn was born and raised in Brisbane. She had a wonderful

childhood with loving parents & 2 brothers & a sister, all brought up in the Christadelphian faith. Dawn recalls how on Sundays they would always go off to church together and when Dawn was old enough, attend Sunday School and then CYC (Youth Circle). Dawn was baptised on the night before her 17th birthday and went on to follow in her faith all her life. Dawn worked as a cashier and shop assistant, became a qualified masseuse and zone therapist. She met the love of her life (Russ) & they were married on 16th September 1978. Dawn & Russ have 2 sons, 5 grandchildren, 2 step grandsons and 2 lovely daughter in laws.  Dawn loves doing craft and has won prizes for her pyrography (pokerwork) & cooking at the Maleny Show, where they now live. Dawn & Russ also volunteer at the Maleny Show. They have enjoyed travelling throughout the years - New Zealand, UK, Ireland, Italy & France. Dawn loves singing and has her own sing-along session each month with the residents at Maranatha. Dawn: “Volunteering is a way of life for me. I love organising the Maranatha Fair, outings for the I.L.U. residents, I.L.U. luncheons and the end of year get together where we have Carol singing, Christmas Afternoon Tea Party and each resident receives a little gift. Being a volunteer is a blessing I have lots of wonderful memories of all the beautiful people I have known at Maranatha.”

The staff & residents at Maranatha greatly appreciate Dawns long & ongoing efforts. Thank you Dawn!

SPOTLIGHT ON A VOLUNTEER

Dawn Middlecoat

Read, Rest & Relax!

• 4 egg whites • pinch of salt • 115g caster sugar • 2 teaspoons cornflour • 1 teaspoon vanilla essence • 1 teaspoon malt vinegar • 300ml cream • 500g fresh berries and cherries

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C. 2. Cut a length of baking paper about 90xm x 10cm

wide. Make into a circle standing on its edge and secure with paper clips. The circle needs to be 25cm diameter. Cut another length of paper to form a smaller circle of 8cm diameter. Line a baking tray with baking paper and place the large circle.

3. Beat the egg whites and salt until peaks form. Add the sugar a little at a time while beating until very thick and glossy. Sieve in the cornflour and gently fold in along with the vanilla and vinegar.

4. Spoon the mixture around the inside of the large paper ring to form a ring shape. At this point nestle the smaller rink in the centre to help get an even ring.

5. Place in the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 120°C. Bake for 2 hours. Remove from the oven and cool.

6. Very carefully remove the baking paper from the pavlova and place the pav on a plate. Whip the cream to soft peaks and spoon over the pavlova then arrange the berries and cherries on top.

Christmas Pavlova Wreath

SUMMER OUTINGS/IDEAS It's that time of year when the outdoors call! Spending time outdoors is good for all ages, but especially beneficial if you are "getting up there" in years. It increases our vitamin D levels, which helps fight certain conditions such as osteoporosis, cancer, heart attacks and depression.

• Picnic at a local park/playground - bring the kids too during school holidays for more fun! • Fishing Excursion - You can cast a rod for fun from a fishing pier or along a riverbank • Reinvent your Green Thumb - did you/your loved one always enjoy gardening? Plant your

vegetables or flowers in raised flowerbeds or pots to help with reduce bending over. • Attend a Coffee Group - or start one with your friends and neighbours. Members can take

turns hosting in their homes or in a local cafe. Meet once a week or monthly.

• Go to the beach - whether its for a stroll or a dip, the beach is always invigorating.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

• Attend Museum Activities - many museums/societies offer summer activities for free. • Catch a Sporting Event - enjoy a local team, your grandchild’s team, or even a

professional event. Many stadiums offer discounts for senior citizens. • Walk Around the Flea Markets, Farmers Markets or Craft Shows

– check the community events section in your local newspaper or search the internet for your local area events.

• Catch a Movie - many communities offer outdoor movie nights/events during the summer months. If it is an especially hot afternoon, check for your local cinema for senior discounts/day.

Disclaimer: All photos and stories have been published with consent of relatives and residents involved. Thank you for your submissions.

Christmas Carol Picture PuzzleEach numbered box contains pictures that are clues to its title. Write the number next to the carol it matches.