ISSUE 37

July 2014

The Changing of the Guard Some of our readers may recall the poem by A. A. Milne, where Christopher Robin went down with Alice (his nanny) to watch the Changing of the Guard at London’s Buckingham Palace. Some may even have witnessed what has become a major tourist attraction. This phrase is also used in a situation in which there is a big change in which new persons replace others in positions of importance. Such is the case at Shepparton Villages. Our long serving (18 years) and greatly respected Chief Executive, Kevin Bertram retired on 17th June, 2014. Whether one was in Residential Care, Independent Living Unit Resident, a member of Staff, a Volunteer, a supplier of Goods/Services, Financial Supporter or whatever; there were several get-togethers to wish Kevin well. Very much a people person, he treated everyone the same. Kevin led this “family” from a cottage industry to become the leader of Aged Care in the Hume Region and beyond. We will miss his humour, kind heartedness, fairness and drive. We wish him good health and the pleasures of sea side living, with his family. No doubt he will find a niche where his vast knowledge of the Aged Care Industry will be snapped up by someone else. Here, the Guard has Changed - We welcome Kerri Rivett as our new Chief Executive Officer. There will be no honeymoon for Kerri. The new financial

year has brought in changes to the way new residents to residential care will be assessed financially. This has been in the pipeline for some time but the detail has been a long time coming; however the sudden and unexpected removal of the subsidy for dementia care will greatly affect our operating costs. Kerrie’s past experience and the support of the Board of Management will surely keep us on course. Farewell to Scotty Another loyal and long serving employee John Scott aka Scotty, retired on 1st July. Scotty joined the organisation in 1979 as the maintenance/gardener man. In all those years Scotty has maintained his open, happy disposition and has been a favourite of residents, and staff as well as visiting tradesmen and suppliers. Ever obliging, being it testing alarms, cleaning light fittings or air conditioning filters, cleaning garbage bins or whatever; he was always polite and caring with an endless supply of jokes to brighten the day. We will miss Scotty but wish him well. No doubt his lifelong love of horses will keep him occupied. Jennie Steps Down Volunteers are an essential part of our organisation. Jenny Brittain has been the Volunteer Coordinator for several years and has relinquished this position. Jenny is establishing a Dog Grooming business (quite a change from the horses she has always had!!!) and we wish her every success. This is not goodbye as Jenny will be doing some relieving work when Diversional Therapists are on leave. Bunty Corbet - Tarcoola Village

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ACACIA HOUSE As we all know December and January came so fast with all our activities. Our Christmas party was overwhelming for all. Our Residents made our centre pieces as well as a personal gift for their family to take home. Santa arrived and was assisted by Ella from Dookie Primary School. We also made 30 Christmas Trees for those who were Home Alone and received a Certificate of Appreciation.

Contents: Changing of the Guard 1 Acacia House

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Admissions

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Marketing Matters

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Waratah Lodge

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Barry’s Botanics

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Kialla Gardens Village 10 Santa & Ella

Volunteers Peg, Annette & Heather

We decorated Acacia for Australia Day, and cooked an Aussie Barbeque, many lined up for second serves. Valentine's Day we painted Acacia Red-Bringing out the Stars of Yesteryear-asking the Residents to match them up. This was much enjoyed as they know their favourite stars.

Susie’s Snippets

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Hakea Lodge

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Tarcoola Village

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Tarcoola Craft Group 16 Boronia House

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Rodney Park Village

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Men’s Shed

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Banksia Lodge

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Grevillea Lodge

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Easter we all made our Easter Village Support Groups 24 Bonnets and wore them with Story Time 25 pride. We were privileged to Set in Stone 26 have Her Majesty Queen Village Voice Contacts 26 Elizabeth to visit along with Master Mind Quiz 28 Prince Charles in tow. Princess Quiz Answers 30 Anne called in from her fox hunt. Her Majesty held Residents with glee. Her speech was presented with a local twist here and there. Another day we received a visit from Mabel (of radio fame) she dropped in after bowls explaining Dave had difficulty following the game so she was

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giving him a few hints. We all laughed ‘till our sides burst. It was amazing what she had in her ”kitty”. We are now holding a class called “Bold Writing and Story Telling”. Residents are writing their Memories and looking forward to it being in Book Form. This is a wee snippet: Resident 1) I remember flying a kite in our large back yard in Mentone Resident 2) We had five peppercorn trees in our yard and we would climb up to fetch the sparrow’s eggs, then blow them out then place them in a shoe box on sand to keep. To our very precious volunteers, Jacinta and Acacia House staff, Geoff from Catering and his workers - you all do a fabulous job for our special Residents at Acacia House. Thank you sincerely, Marg, Lorraine & Kellie Acacia House - Lifestyle & Leisure Therapists

Feathering One's Nest Recently I moved offices within Administration building, now I have the opportunity on this cold, grey winter Friday afternoon to gaze out the window. Yes the clouds are grey and heavy; people are walking quickly by rugged up in many layers, and speaking to them when they come inside how cold and miserable it is outside. In my seat not two metres from my window are some beautiful Grevilleas in flower. Their colours range from deep red through to pale orange and in amongst them a little bird with yellow markings busily darts in and out of each flower enjoying the nectar. The scene is a bit like the villages at first look, units built in groups, similar colours and styles; but if you look harder each unit has been

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made into a home, an individual touch in the garden here, a lace curtain there and a beloved car in the driveway. The Villages are homes to a range of residents some like the flowers a bit colourful, others like the little bird darting here and there on a mission or two! But without each other a bit lost! It is lovely to have the Village Voice back and look forward to providing a comment or two in future editions. Helen & Luisa – Admissions

Marketing Matters Due to popular demand the Village Voice is going back into production with a new LOOK and slightly new format. We are also looking at putting the Village Voice onto the our website www.sheppvillages.com.au Once again a message from each of our three villages and six facilities will be included along with a few favourites from our Little Snippet, Sue Harper, Barry's Botanics, Gardening tips from Barry Curtis and Joy Stone will entertain us with her poems just mention a few. If you have any stories you would like to share you can drop into Marketing behind the Administration building at Tarcoola Village or telephone 5832 0855. Articles, stories and photos from each village and facility will be handed into their respective receptions - Jenny Tobin at Rodney Park Village and Maria Wiedemann from Kialla Gardens Village who will forward everything across to the Marketing office at Tarcoola Village. Bunty Corbet has kindly offered to collect the Tarcoola Village material or alternatively it can be dropped directly into the Marketing office. We would like to thank the following people for their assistance in the recommencement of the Village Voice; Bunty Corbet, Jim Woods, Betty Russell, Geoff Freer, Ian Russell, Joy Stone, Peg Newman, Sue Harper, Barry Curtis, Kevin Grover, Muna Riches, Gail O'Keeffe, Anne McCarthy, Gwenda Will, Donna McLean, Margaret Tenace, Chris Crawford & Mel Mann. Please let us know if we are missing anything you would like to have in the Village Voice. We would appreciate your feedback for example: What do you think of the wording size, is it easier to read? Would you like more pictures? Less articles? What would you like to read more about? Do you want more quizzes? Until next time Vicki – Marketing Manager

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Waratah Lodge Well here we are again!!! Surprise! Surprise! This year has been a busy one so far which included many bus trips such as: Big W each month, The Rockery at Longwood, Uniting Church afternoon tea at the Hub, fish'n'chips at Echuca, Kyabram Club for lunch, Cobram Harness Racing, morning tea at Seven Creeks Bakery and the RSL Senior Melodies and lunch with entertainment each month. Easter Bunny came with a special new coat/outfit and gave lots of cuddly cuddles as well as Easter eggs. For Mother’s day a special treat for our ladies was being picked up Sunday morning by Kiwanis' Mooroopna and taken to Hurlstone Homestead for morning tea and taken home again in time to go out to families for lunch or enjoy Sunday lunch at home in Waratah. For Anzac Day, our craft ladies made lovely floral wreaths with flowers and greenery picked from our gardens and then they walked to our Lone Pine Tree and laid them

on the memorial stone. A very solemn moment. Music with several entertainers is always a treat with Sam and Frank, Janis, Grace and Carol on her spoons and James with his country style. A wonderful collection of Scottish music played by the GV Pipes and Drums was a real treat as well.

GV Pipes & Drums

Plus visits from several schools coming to sing, like Mooroopna Park and St Mary’s Primary School Choir. We also savour the times when Beata from Melbourne makes a trip back to Mooroopna and plays piano once again for the St Mary’s Choir as they sing those songs they have sung to us for so many years. We are having our first visit from Mooroopna Primary next week. Even my ukulele group pops in now and again for a little show.

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Painting classes have been made much easier with the easel made by the Men's Shed, so thanks guys!

Judy & Aileen with St Mary’s Primary school Kids

This week we have three students from Shepparton High School giving us a small taste of their school production of Midsummer Nights Dream by William Shakespeare. That will be interesting! Our pet therapy comes in the form of a black/white border collie called Abby and her owner Diana who called in on some Sunday’s for a pat-n-chat. Cooked Brekkie with Geoff the Chef is always a treat with bacon and eggs wafting through the lodge and beyond. Our men have a special morning tea each month of freshly made pancakes on the grill and a good opportunity for the blokes to chew the fat/pikelets over a good strong cuppa.

We have a wonderful lady who does shopping for the residents each Tuesday morning…so thanks Pauline…. you rock!!! We miss our mending lady Anne who is taking time out now to look after her hubby John. So Anne thinking of you both and miss your happy smile. Gwen is doing a great job doing our mending and helping out with craft and shuffleboard all on that day so Thanks Gwen from us all. Our usual activities are going well and Footy Tipping has some strong competition once again. Exercises have taken on a new flavour with beautiful soft flowing scarves for each resident who wants to use them. Bobs, shuffleboard, craft, walkers group, happy hour, baking days and special morning teas are all going well and keeping us busy. Thanks to all our volunteers who help so much. We had a special Supper in Pajamas last month to thank and celebrate our volunteers and how

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lucky we are and how much we appreciate all of their contributions to all our activities.

Volunteers Katie, Rachel, Muna, Marion & Gordon

Joyce Russell

Our Legacy ladies enjoy their monthly luncheon in the Rodney Park Village Activity Centre with the Mooroopna Legacy Club.

on the wall in our big lounge so everyone can see it from all angles. We are very blessed at Waratah Lodge for the generosity of both these families. Lastly, it was a sad day when Jennie Brittain resigned her Monday’s at Waratah as Diversional Therapist and as our Volunteer Co-ordinator at Shepparton Villages. But lucky for us Jennie will still be around on a casual capacity so all is not lost!!!

Our kiosk is still running thanks to the great commitment of the Independent Living Unit Residents. Thanks all! We have had some wonderful donations that need to be mentioned. The beautiful Service Trolley (auto tray) we use for special morning/afternoon teas was donated by the Marg Gladman family and holds pride of place in our small lounge which was a favourite room to Marg.

Dot, Helen, Jennie & Joyce

Well enough's enough and Cheers from us all at Waratah! Muna Riches Waratah Lodge Lifestyle & Leisure Therapist

We have the Cath McLennan family to thank for the new large screen television that has been mounted

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Barry's Botanics

Well as the warmer months approach there is still time to put in winter plants, most common will be Roses, Hydrangeas, Tree Peonies, Canna Lilies and a few others. Most of these will be bare rooted and dormant, you should have also nearly completed your winter pruning with such things as Roses, Hydrangeas, Crepe Myrtles etc. With the roses there are a few good varieties these include Mr Lincoln, Gold Bunny, Hot Chocolate, Black Velvet and many others. There are a number of mini fruit trees around that are suitable for pots which are available now. As we get into the warmer months the garden will come alive again and this is also a good time to do some dividing and re-potting of your house plants, when doing this make sure you have good drainage for your plants and a very good potting mix. I like to also use osmocote fertiliser or something similar for my pot plants. One of the biggest killers of plants kept inside is over watering in the winter, once a week is more than enough and in the summer two or three times a week is good. Well I'm sure we will be kept busy until the next time when we will talk a little about fertilisers for the garden, until then Happy Gardening. Barry Curtis – Gardener

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Kialla Gardens Village Hi everyone! - This is my first attempt at providing you with news of Kialla Gardens Village. Please forgive me if I get things wrong or bore you to tears. I can only do my best. Firstly, may I offer the thanks of the residents to Joan Wilson for doing the job so well for so long. Husband Stuart is not all that well now and Joan is spending more time with him. To start on a sad note; we have lost two lovely ladies this year in Margaret Quirk and Lyn Rowan and we offer our warmest sympathy to Ray and Roy and their families in their loss. We said farewell to Kevin Bertram in June and Edna Harling expressed our thanks and best wishes to him beautifully (not bad for a 99 year old). We are looking forward to having Kerri Rivett at a social night very soon.

We have some special birthday's to acknowledge:- Hilda Howard turned 80 and Jack Buchanan and Anne Rendell have reached the 90 mark. Best wishes to all and any others with special birthdays; we hope you had a happy time celebrating. Heather Dempsey now at Acacia House has just celebrated her 90th birthday with a special request for her niece Wendy (who also happens to be our daughter-in-law) to sing for her. Our best wishes to you Heather. Other moves have been Bill Burgess to Boronia House at Rodney Park Village and Ella Close into Banksia Lodge.

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Some unusual happenings recently, of which you may not be aware:One day a kangaroo was spotted, hopping down our little road past our house and a few weeks later my husband Stewart, saw a fox dashing past our door. It headed for the back gate and then came flying back and around past the Wilson's looking for a way out. I hope the next visitor is not a tiger; however my Stewart and Keith Opie would be happy as long as it was wearing football gear. Isabel Fairmaid had left her door ajar recently, when three pigeons walked in for a visit.

Joan Hanna had a plover lay its eggs on a mound near her unit, checking on it one evening only to find in the morning all the eggs gone. Joan was very sad.

Creative Concreting made a very good job of the path to the back gate from our house and that section is now open. They will progress along the East fence as soon as there is a favourable forecast. They will do all the smaller paths as time permits. The people with walkers will then be able to traverse them without their wheels falling off. Thank you to the Village Management for responding to residents' request regarding the paths. To all my Kialla Gardens' neighbours - Please keep the info coming to me for the October edition of the Village Voice - until next time. Betty Russell - Kialla Gardens Village.

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Susanne's Hair Care in - “LITTLE SNIPPETS”

The best read magazine in the Salon would be “The Village Voice” so it is just great that it is up and running again. Lots have happened in the past six months. We have two more grandsons, Benjamin and Ethan, such a shame that they all live in Queensland. I am so lucky to have Debbie, Maureen and Jenny to “hold the fort” so to speak. Thanks girls you do a great job. Our residents at Acacia House can again have the friendship and care from Lorraine and Val with hand massage and nail care. Good on you girls, the residents love your company. We have now introduced a new colour range into the salons called OM (Original Mineral) ammonia free. This leaves the hair very healthy and soft with very little chemical overload. It is a “demi colour” which means the regrowth blends (not leaving the tram line look) and also gives the ends of the hair highlights. I have a full colour chart if you are interested to look and have a chat about it. To Kevin Bertram our retiring Chief Executive - all the best Kevin with lots of Kevin - time to enjoy some fun times with your family and smell the sea air. To Kerri Rivett a big welcome as our new Chief Executive Officer. Well folks, it is great to be back to pen our news. Take care, Love, Suzie Sue Harper – Hairdresser

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HAKEA LODGE We would like to welcome all of our new residents to Hakea Lodge and also wish any residents that have celebrated a birthday recently a ‘very happy birthday’. Footy tipping is still hotly contested with residents eager for their weekly results.

The cold weather has certainly arrived, but not before we had a lovely trip to Echuca for fish & chips on the river. We spent a lovely afternoon enjoying an abundance of beautifully cooked fish & chips, watching the paddle steamers passing by and also feeding the birds. On the way home we stopped at McDonalds for ice cream. A great day was had by all.

We have been very fortunate to have three placement girls with us, they have been a great help and we wish them well for their future studies. Money was raised at the ‘Special Morning Tea’ to help support Cancer Research, with both residents and staff showing their generosity. Our bacon and egg breakfasts are continuing to be very popular with the residents, and thanks must go to Geoff and his staff for organising these. There have been some staff changes at Hakea Lodge with Kevin now taking care of the Men's Shed and Volunteers. Donna has replaced Kevin on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Hakea Lodge residents also enjoyed a trip to Tatura Art Exhibition. This is always a great day out, with volunteers looking after us as soon as we arrive. We had a lovely lunch of homemade soup and sandwiches, followed by a guided tour of the wonderful art exhibition, then yummy cakes and slices for afternoon tea before heading back home. Hakea Lodge has been fortunate enough to receive new outdoor

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tables and chairs that look lovely and are very comfortable. The Hakea Lodge ‘Rainbow Ball’, was extremely successful. Six ladies were presented as Debutants to Sue Henderson upon which they received a 'Certificate of Participation'. Due to war and financial stress of the depression these ladies were unable to do their deb in their younger years and were happy to participate in our ‘Rainbow Ball’ as debs. The afternoon was enjoyed by all residents, families and staff, with people wearing their ‘Sunday Best’. We all enjoyed yummy treats from the main kitchen and great music from Sam Commisso with residents and staff dancing along to such favourites as the Hokey Pokey. The lounge was transformed into a colourful wonderland of balloons, streamers and garlands.

Doing the Hokey Pokey

We would like to congratulate Irene & Cecil on their 60th Wedding Anniversary earlier this year. They received many letters of congratulations including from the Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Governor of Victoria, Premier of Victoria and Federal Member for Murray Hon Dr Sharman Stone.

Irene & Cecil Musgrove

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful Volunteers for the time that they so generously give.

Shirley & Frank sharing a dance

Cheers from Kevin, Gwenda and Donna - Hakea Lodge - Lifestyle & Leisure Therapists

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Tarcoola Village Hi folks, once again I take up the pen for the Village Voice after a layoff of several months after Bill and Lynne had to cease editing the paper for health reasons, so here goes. Takes a while to get back into the swing of things, the old brain is a bit rusty. I suppose everyone is well aware our very popular Chief Executive, Kevin Bertram is retiring possibly by the time you read this article. He will be really missed by a lot of people as he was a great man, very approachable which is very helpful when members of support group’s have required advice or leadership.

It would be very remiss of me if I neglected to welcome Kerri Rivett to Shepparton Villages as our new Chief Executive Officer. Welcome Kerri, may your stay be a long and happy one. The bowling green has not seen much action since the tri-village tournament played last April, which was won by Rodney Park Village for the second year running, congratulations Rodney Park, the competition this year wasn’t the same as last year, as Kialla Gardens could not field the teams necessary for the tournament to proceed in the normal way which was a pity really. So Rodney Park and Tarcoola fielded three teams of three's and

We wish Kevin all the best in retirement may it be long and happy, good fishing Kevin.

so the game went on as triple’s with Rodney Park winning the first day’s play and Tarcoola winning the second day’s play. However Rodney Park were overall winners once again, two years in a row now. We will have to do something about that next time, so look out Rodney Park!!

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This winter weather makes one think of Queensland and friends holidaying in northern sunshine states some in the Northern Territory some in Queensland also far North Western Australia, anywhere the sun shines.

Wishful thinking for folks like me, getting too old to travel long distances these days. Anyway time to wind things up, wishing you all good health and happiness. Jim Woods – Tarcoola Village

We love to sew, knit, chat and laugh - Come and join us Walk into the Tarcoola Activity centre on a Tuesday between about 10.00am and 3.00pm and you can hear the chatter and laughter coming from the back room overlooking the bowling green. Come and join us for a chat, cup of tea and homemade goodies. You can just chat, bring your knitting or something you are working on. If you would like to knit bootees, caps or whatever, we have wool we can give you. Contact: Diane 5821 1794 or Barbara 5821 4374 or Helen 5822 0226 The core of this group have been friends or neighbours for many years. They assisted the local Pregnancy Support Group. Ysolinde (Aussie), Helen & Barbara

They attended garage sales handing out cards promoting the work of the group and seeking donations. It advanced to fire and flood victims – making up essential packs and other goods. We heard about a lady in Shepparton who was a member of ‘Foundations World Wide’ who was collecting all sorts of goods for Orphanages and Old Peoples’ Homes in Romania.

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As we love to knit and sew, we came up with the idea to make ‘Baby Bundles’ to give to new mothers in the hospitals who have nothing for their babies. A Sample of the Baby Bundle: 1 wrap, 1 quilt, 2 singlet’s, 2pr Bootees/socks, 2 hand knitted jumper/cardigan, 2 hats, 2 jumpsuits, 2 bibs, face washer, towel, soap, powder, toy. Assortment of other baby clothes plus bottles, teats and dummies all in a carry bag.

We also buy and supply disposable nappies for the children’s home. The families in Romania are large and very poor. Many do not have basic essentials and live in impoverished conditions. We now help 70 children’s orphanages and several old peoples’ homes and several other places. Tuberculosis is rife from babies through to the elderly. A Sample of the Toilet Bag: Face washer, soap, razor, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb/brush, shampoo, deodorant. This Organisation is Not for Profit, we fund ourselves, goods are packed into a shipping container (cost $6,000 donated by Australian Companies) which are left in Romania and turned into housing. A volunteer from the Foundation travels with the goods (at their own expense) and oversees the distribution. We collect, sew, knit and buy all goods. We now have many helpers (some we do not know) that donate to the cause by knitting, sewing, crochet, donate wool, fabric, baby products, aged care products such as walkers, toilet chairs, hygiene products, sewing machines, wheelchairs etc. Foundation World Wide keeps us updated and we receive photos of the people receiving goods. Bunty Corbet - Tarcoola Village

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Boronia House Hello everyone Here we are half way through 2014 and isn't it cold. We have been very busy at Boronia and have had a lovely year so far. We started the year off having a Barbeque for Australia Day. Sam Commisso entertained us and we enjoyed our sausages sizzle and chocolate coated icecreams. It was a lovely day that we shared with Grevillea Lodge. Glenda Kriesfeld made our Valentine's Day special with her beautiful old time love songs. We always love when we see Glenda. St. Patrick's Day was fun with Bill singing lovely Irish music and we shared green slice and green cordial. Steve Lawrence started our Easter celebrations with Gospel music which was well appreciated. Our Easter party was terrific with Janis Dainton entertaining, we had party food and a visit from Easter Bunny Everyone enjoyed their Easter Eggs. Betty with Easter Bunny Janis & Easter Bunny

Mother's Day is a very special time for us and we celebrated with Bill. We had a beautiful Mother's Day cake and all the ladies received a special gift. Frank came in to sing and play the keyboard for us. Everyone sang and tapped along to the music. Janis Dainton also came in again and we enjoyed listening to the old songs. The cooked breakfast has been an exciting activity this year. Geoff has come over numerous times and cooked a wonderful breakfast of bacon, eggs and tomatoes for very appreciated residents. Bus trips have been fun this year. We have been to the RSL for lunch quite a few times. At the RSL they have Senior Melodies Show with entertainers such as Anthony Tenace and Tom Routledge. Lunch is always delicious. We attended a Doris Day Tribute and a Gilbert and Sullivan show at Eastbank. Afternoon tea at Emerald Bank is always great day out too. Goodbye for now, keep warm Anne McCarthy - Boronia House Lifestyle & Leisure Therapist

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Rodney Park Village Thank you to Staff and residents of Shepparton Villages for having our Village Voice recommenced as it is well known that residents always looked forward to the next publication. If you have any items of interest please pass it on to Geoff Freer or Joy Stone so we can be included in the October edition. We must express sincere thanks to Bill and Lynne Lumley for the excellent work they carried out to produce our Village Voice for such a long time, it was a pleasure to receive the newsletter. Since our last edition we at Rodney Park have experienced many residents travelling overseas and interstate on holidays. Pat & Kath Treacy and Phil & Marilyn Banfield had a recent sojourn to the Northern Climates taking in Darwin, Brisbane and surrounds. Phil & Marilyn also paid a visit to an exresident Peg Greenham which in turn sent her best wishes back to all Rodney Park residents. Obviously there will be many more people making their way North for the warmer winter climate over the next few weeks and we wish them safe travelling and happy holidaying.

Our dear friend Peg

A new combined croquet/golf putting/bowls green is nearly completed at Rodney Park, with an Official Opening to be advised when completed. The annual Inter-Village Lawn Bowls match was once again won by the bowlers from Rodney Park for the second consecutive year. Once again our residents were invited to attend a musical morning at Mooroopna secondary College which was presented by the College Band. This was greatly enjoyed by all as well as delicious morning tea served by the College students. Our monthly resident meals continue to be well patronised and enjoyed. Many thanks to our willing band of volunteers who prepare the many and

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various menus also many thanks to the men who set the tables for each meal and to the gardening staff who set up the room each time. All residents were sorry to farewell our Chief Executive, Kevin Bertram who after nearly 18 years in the position decided it was time to retire. Approximately 70 residents attended the Rodney Park Activity Centre to give Kevin a very fitting farewell. Geoff Freer spoke of the commitment and dedication in Kevin's term of office, who was then presented with a folding chair on behalf of the residents. Kevin responded by thanking everyone and promising to make good use of the chair.

Pat, Kevin & Ron

Rodney Park Residents farewell Kevin

A small Ukulele group made up of Rodney Park residents under the guidance of Muna Riches (from Waratah) entertained us all and sang a farewell song especially composed for Kevin which he greatly appreciated. More volunteers are being sought to help to man the Kiosk at Waratah/Boronia facilities, if you think you can spare an hour every now and then please contact Ian Russell, Unit 74 Rodney Park or Telephone 58252675. Kiosk hours are from 1.00-2.00pm each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Welcomed to Rodney Park our new residents and to all who are not so well, please get better soon - our thoughts are with you. Until next time Ian Russell and Geoff Freer - Rodney Park Village 20

Men’s Shed In April we had a send off for Geoff Baker, who resigned after 6 years as the Men’s Shed Coordinator. We also said a fond farewell to Jennie Brittain, who will be greatly missed at the Men’s Shed. Jennie was the Lifestyle & Leisure Coordinator as well as the Volunteers Coordinator. Jennie can still be seen around the Villages on a casual basis. I introduce myself as the new Coordinator of the Men’s Shed and will be multitasking Lifestyle & Leisure at Hakea Lodge as well as the new Volunteers Coordinator. Our bus trip for April was to Mulwala. We had lunch on the foreshore of Lake Mulwala. On our way back home we had an unplanned scenic tour (we were not lost as some may have thought we were). We had a stop at Cobram's Thompson’s Beach (aka Big Thom’s). An enjoyable day had by all (even though the weather wasn’t that great).

We kept our next bus trip locally to the Peppermill Inn for lunch, where it was enjoyed by all. In July we are keeping it locally again, because of the weather being bitterly cold (when the weather warms up we will be heading further afield again), heading to the G.V. Hotel for lunch. At the Men’s Shed we have a small garden of fruit & veggies growing strawberries, onions, garlic, broad beans and peas. The peas don’t want to cooperate for some reason. If anyone knows anyone with gardening experience, who would wish to volunteer their time at the Men’s Shed, please call me on 0428 320 835. Any help would be very much appreciated.

Farewell until next season - let’s hope it warms a little. Kevin Grover Men’s Shed Coordinator

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Banksia Lodge Winter is upon us though we are still enjoying some beautiful sunny days. Banksia held a morning tea for the Biggest Morning tea raising $324.45. Thank you to Astrid Gough for entertaining us all and all the other volunteers who came and helped and supported the event. The cup of tea was beautiful in our nice fine china.

residents having a punt with some wins. A front row seat was in order to catch all the action. Great afternoon tea was served with cappuccino's. We were well looked after and a big thank you to Colleen for such a wonderful afternoon. Also thanks to Graeme for his company.

We continue our bus outings to BigW and Riverside Plaza. We enjoyed the new Seven’s Creek Bakery at Emerald Bank. The Op Shop tour was a hit with the residents finding a bargain or two. Vision Australia hosted an Open Day, residents enjoyed being able to view products and advise. Tatura Art Exhibition was magnificent. This was a very successful day with residents enjoying a wide variety of art on show. The morning tea and lunch was scrumptious with us being waited on by wonderful volunteers from the Tatura Rotary Club. We look forward to attending this event next year. Shepparton Harness Racing was an enjoyable afternoon with many

Bill enjoying the races

Kath & Graeme

Christine Crawford, Melinda Mann - Banksia Lodge Lifestyle & Leisure Therapists

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Grevillea Lodge Welcome, lovely to have the Village Voice back in circulation. Everyone at Grevillea has been busy since the start of the year. Grevillea combined with Boronia House to celebrate Australia Day with a Barbeque in our garden area while being entertained by Sam on his keyboard. Our bus outings have been a hit with trips to Rushworth, Kyabram, Nagambie and Nathalia.

Lorna & Elvie

Joy & Easter Bunny

We have had many and varied entertainers helping us to celebrate our special days, Bill came in on St Patrick's Day, Steve Lawrence Gospel singing, Sam for Easter with that rascal Bunny, Dennis for Mother's Day, Marie with her doll therapy and an afternoon tea party for the Queen's Birthday with Janis. We are blessed to have such wonderful volunteers who give up their time to bring joy to our residents. Every six weeks Geoff from the main kitchen has been cooking our residents a breakfast of scrambled, poached or fried eggs, bacon, tomatoes on toast and enjoyed by all who participate. We are all waiting for the nice weather so our garden can be enjoyed again. Until next time, bye for now Gail & Jackie - Grevillea Lodge Diversional Therapists

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Village Support Groups/Activities Committees The three Village Support Groups have all had their annual general meetings and committees from each Village consist of. Rodney Park Village Office Bearers – Harold Dixon (Pres), Barry Laws (Vice Pres), Isobel Fairmaid (Sec), Barbara Woodman (Treas). Committee Members – Alby Rodda, Don & Jean Horsey, Jean Sanders & Marie Kleinitz.

Tarcoola Village Office Bearers - Jim Woods (Pres), Betty Bryant (Vice Pres) & Edie Poliness (Sec/Treas). Committee Members – Dorothy Altadonna, Gwen Wallace, Joan Shipston, Helga Behrends, Peter Beyer & Geoff Pinkerton.

Kialla Gardens Village Office Bearers - Pat Treacy (Pres), Phil Banfield (Vice Pres), Ian Russell (Sec), & Pat Giovannini (Treas). Committee Members – Joyce Russell, Kath Treacy, Wynn Eliason, Joe Clarke, Ron Hawking, Norm Hogan, Jim McLeod, Lyn Duncan & Geoffrey Hill.

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Story Time SURVIVAL LESSON It was the coldest British winter ever. Many animals died because of the cold. The hedgehog realising the situation, decided to group together to keep warm. This way, they covered and protected themselves, BUT the quills of each one wounded their closest companions. After a while, they decided to distance themselves from each other. They began to die alone, frozen. SO They had to make a choice Either accept the quills of their companions OR disappear from the earth. WISELY, They decided to go back to being together. They learned to live with the little wounds caused by the close relationship with their companions in order to receive the heat that came from the others. This way they were able to survive. The best relationship is not the one that brings together perfect people. It is when each individual learns to live with the imperfections of others and can admire the other person’s good qualities. The Moral of the Story is!! 'Just learn to live with the pricks in your life'

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Set in Stone Aspect of Winter Winter has so many faces Different from day to day But there's always beauty If we view it that way Waking to a frosty morning Birds chattering in the mornings hush The dew sparkling like diamonds The last rose clinging to the bush The trees standing stark and bone Silhouettes against the sky But see the buds are forming To bring forth leaves by and by The winter sports that so delight When snow covers the hills A season of fun and special days With no thought of winter ills How beautiful is a frosty sunset Just before the sun sinks low Splashed crimson across the sky Giving the earth a fiery glow Winter days can be cold and dreary

VILLAGE VOICE CONTACTS Editors Marketing Department Vicki Glazner – 5832 0855 [email protected]

But what would we do without the rain Keeping nature well and healthy To welcome us to spring again

Village articles collected by: Kialla Gardens- Betty Russell

By Joy Stone

Tarcoola Village – Bunty Corbet Rodney Park Village – Geoff Freer

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THE LONG ARM OF COINCIDENCE Both Presidents Kennedy and Lincoln were concerned with Civil Rights. Lincoln was elected in 1860. Kennedy was elected in 1960. Both wives lost a baby at the time of living in the White House. Both were killed on a Friday in the presence of their wives. Both their successors were named Johnson. Lyndon Johnson was born in 1908. Andrew Johnson was born in 1808. Both Lincoln and Kennedy were seven lettered names. Their assassins, John Wilkes Booth and Lee Harvey Oswald had fifteen letters in their names. John Wilkes Booth was born 1839. Lee Harvey Oswald was born 1939. Both supported unpopular ideas. Both were Southerners. Both were assassinated before their trials. Lincoln’s secretary’s name was Kennedy and warned him not to go to the theatre. Kennedy’s secretary’s name was Lincoln and warned him not to go to Dallas. John Wilkes Booth shot Lincoln from a Theatre and ran to a warehouse. Lee Harvey Oswald shot Kennedy from a warehouse and ran to a theatre.

Author – Unknown (article from an old Omnibus Newsletter) Contributed by Pat Edwards – Tarcoola Village

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Master Mind Quiz General Knowledge 1. What word describes an eye condition and a rushing waterfall? 2. What is a familiar Australian human call which contains four consecutive vowels? 3. Who were the male and females stars in The Sound of Music? 4. There are several different sorts of pastry – for example ruff-puff pastry. What sort of pastry is used to make profiteroles? 5. True or False. Lyrebirds are so called because of their ability to mimic other birds. 6. What is meant by the expression ‘To tickle the ivories.’? 7. Who sent male hearts a-flutter when this movie star stepped on a hotair grating wearing a white pleated skirt? 8. If forced to admit being at fault when proven wrong, what is it said you are made to eat? 9. In the old measurements how many pounds are there in a stone? 10 Which famous book ends with the words, ‘Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn!’ Proverb meanings. What is the whole proverb? 1. Hay is best made in sunny weather. 2. If you want work to seem easy get lots of help. 3. You may think you’ll leave it to tomorrow, but its best to do it today. 4. If you can’t make it better its best to put up with it. 5. If you need to know something is done right don’t rely on others. 6. Not a good idea to have what you hold dear in just one place.

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7. Make enough noise about something and you will get most attention. 8. You might be able to do a lot of things but not be particularly good at any one of them. 9. Its no good taking precautions after the event when it’s too late. 10 You can’t do this without some breakages. Newspaper Headlines

The answers to these ‘headlines’ are a children’s story or rhyme. 1. Girl’s picnic ends abruptly with terrifying insect arrival. 2. Everyday chore ends in disaster for brother and sister. 3. Young girl on mercy mission to grandmother encounters fierce wolf. 4. Youth questioned about nocturnal rampage through town knocking on doors and shouting through locks. 5. Cuisine reaches new heights with presentation of a pie with musical twist. 6. Disastrous fall defeats military medical team. 7. Youth sold mother’s property for five beans with amazing results. 8. Over tired mother resorts to drastic measures. ‘I didn’t know what to do’, she says. 9. Educationally challenged youth confronts fast food seller. ‘I have no money.’ he said. 10. Rags to riches. Prince falls for commoner after magical makeover.

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Master Mind Quiz – Answers General knowledge 1. Cataract. 2. Cooee. 3. Christopher Plummer and Julie Andrews. 4. Choux pastry. 5. False – named for lyreshaped tail.

7. The squeaky wheel gets most oil. 8. Jack of all trades but master on none. 9. Its no use locking the stable door when the horse has bolted. 10 You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs.

6. To play piano. 7. Marilyn Munroe.

Newspaper Headlines.

8. Eat humble pie.

The answers to these headlines are

9. 14

a children’s story or rhyme.

10 Gone with the Wind.

1. Little Miss Muffitt. 2. Jack and Jill went up the hill.

Proverb meanings – What is the

3. Little Red Riding Hood.

whole proverb?

4. Wee Willee Winkee runs

1. Make hay while the sun shines. 2. Many hands make light work. 3. Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today. 4. What can’t be cured must be endured. 5. If you want it done right do it yourself. 6. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

through the town. 5. Sing a song of sixpence. 6. Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall. 7. Jack and the Bean Stalk. 8. There was an old woman who lived in a shoe. 9. Simple Simon met a pie-man going to the fair. 10 Cinderella. Quizzes compiled by Peg Newman

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