603 Toorak Road, Toorak, Victoria, 3142.Telephone: (03) 9829 0320 Fax (03) 9826 5747

Email: johnmacrae@bigpond.com web site: www.toorak.unitingchurch.org.au/jmc.htm

Our centre is supported by funding from the Department of Health under the Home and Comminute Care programs.

December 2014 Issue No.32Copies are available for downloading from ourwebsite

NOTE FROM THE PROGRAM DIRECTORWelcome to our Summer Edition.

It is hard to believe that it is summer andthree months since my European holiday,time really flies!Speaking of flies , last month we had lunchoutside in the back courtyard and one of themembers noticed that there were no flies, infact last time we tried to eat outside wecouldn’t because of other flying insects- thewasps. We all really enjoyed eating outsidein the fresh air, we saw butterflies and birdsand the smells from the flowers were alsoappreciated. The neighbours were quiet for achange, no mowers or blowers, and norenovating or building noises either, mostpleasant. (too bad it didn’t last long!)Another pleasant memory is the SpringDance which was held in September. Asexpected it was a great success, everyonethoroughly enjoyed themselves. Lyn, thedaughter of one of our members, presentedus with the photos on a CD and then showedit to all our groups. Everyone who was theresaid a few words and those who didn’t attendsaid they would come next year. So now theplanning begins for next year’s dance, I havealready booked the hall. One job done, 99 togo!I have some good news for the Thursdayprogram members, starting in January thehours will be extended by half an hour to3pm, so we will have 4 hours of fun.

Soon after I returned from my holiday andone month after the dance we held anAborigianl week followed by Hungarianweek. During this time Bill made what hebelieved to be Hungarian food, but I did nothave the heart to tell him that presenting food

in the red white and green stripes does notmake it Hungarian! However the meals didlook nice. We had lots of interesting things tolook at, from souvenirs to maps and folkcrafts; we also tasted Hungarian ginger breadand champagne. I then presented an armchair travel talk on my visit to Serbia,Hungary and Romania. It was a good way forme to reminisce and relive my trip so I reallyappreciated it. However, after the 5th

presentation I started getting a bit bored but Ihad to press on as my audience had not seenor heard it yet. Thanks everyone for yourpositive feedback. We now eagerly awaitBronwen’s talk on her 2 months holiday inEurope.

The spring months were full of fun themesand activities, well, that is what I have beentold. I have not had any complaints so Ibelieve the staff kept everyone well fed,entertained, and exercised while I was away.Carer’s week was celebrated in October.We celebrated a 101st birthday as well asmany others but it was lovely to be able toshare such a milestone.

Next we have the lead up to Christmasactivities and preparations that finish with aweek of parties. Bill has already set the menuwhich promises to be traditional anddelicious.On behalf of the staff of the John MacraeCentre I would like to wish all our readers,volunteers, supporters and their families asafe and happy Christmas. May 2015 be ayear of happy memories for us all.

Katrina Szabo

Update from the Board ofGovernance.Staff, supporters, and board membersattended the Annual General Meeting heldon the 16th of October. Our guest speakerwas Dr Justin Boddy from the Walter andEliza Hall Institute of Medical Researchwho is a researcher in the field of malarialinfection. His talk “Malaria: modern tacticsto combat an ancient disease” was mostinteresting and enhanced by somewonderful audio visuals of the diseaseprocess.

*International Volunteers day iscelebrated on the 5th December and on thisday the JMC board and staff are hosting anafternoon tea as our way of thanking allthose who have donated to our centre,either by the giving of your time orfinancial support.

The Treasurer, Secretary, Centre Managerand myself have attended meetings heldby Synod, addressing a CollaborativeStrategy Project-Agency Life of the Church.On behalf of the board I attended theNovember Carers meeting and, as always,there is nothing but praise for the staff andthe programme. So well done staff.Katrina I know will be reporting on theSpring Dance, from a board point of view itwas a grand affair, hall wonderfullydecorated in black and white, and all inattendance having a happy and enjoyableafternoon. WELL DONE STAFF.The Board of Governance wish all ourreadersA MERRY CHRISTMAS AND AHAPPY, HEALTHY ANDPROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.Netta

*Due to unforeseen circumstances this has

been postponed to February 2015.

Dates for your diary

The centre will be closedFrom 4pm 19th Dec and will re-openon 5th Jan 2015 for the Christmas/New Year holidays and also onMonday 26th January for AustraliaDay.

CARERS MEETING –On October 15th for Carer’s week we helda Lunch for 8 carers. It was funded byCarers Victoria. The delicious lunch wasprepared by Bill our chef, and served byMarguerite our volunteer and was held atthe John Macrae Centre. It was a lovelyrelaxed gathering, with lots of sharing.The carers enjoyed spending time togetherwhile the members enjoyed a concert inthe main activity room.NovemberCaulfield ACAT staff member, JeanetteWalker facilitated the meeting and thediscussion around types of Assessment andrespite .The carers shared some of theirexperiences and concerns. She discussedConsumer Directed Care (CDC) andaccessing My Aged Care for information.Netta, the Chair of the JMC board, wasavailable for carers to share any of theirconcerns or provide feedback about theirexperience at JMC .

The carers found the session veryinformative and a great opportunity to meetother carers. I would like to encourage youto come along to the next meeting as they areusually well worth the effort and time, thecompany and afternoon tea are enjoyable aswell.The next Carer’s meetingWednesday 18th Feb 2015 Details to follow

Introducing one of our members-John Sulley

My earliest memory is: Of Woodville inSouth Australia where I was born.My favourite place in Melbourne: TheAvenue where I live.I wish I hadn’t: Married twice.I am very passionate about: Playing drums.Friends say I am: A happy person.If I were a motor car I would be: A Holden.What I find amusing is: Funny shows.The hardest thing I have had to do: Wasleaving the Marines.At school: I liked the teachers but not thelearning.I don’t like: Lemons.I wish I had: More money.If only I could: Dance.If I wasn’t me I’d like to be: A lawyer.

Having a good time at the Spring Dance

Having fun during the Spring Dance

Program Themes

DECEMBERChristmas

JANUARYNew Year

Australia Day

FEBRUARYValentine’s Day

Volunteers WantedIf you are looking for volunteer work pleasegive us a call as we could do with some help.

Please call 98290320

101st BirthdayCongratulations toAnne Stock.We had a partywith her favouritefood an amazingbirthday cake andlive music.In May Next yearwe will haveanother

centenarian joining Anne.We are looking forward to another big party.

During Aboriginal Week trying dot painting

We value your feedback!Suggestions and comment forms areavailable at the centre located on top ofthe piano. Or you can send a letter to us orour Chairperson .You can also call theDepartment of Health for furtherassistance

Enjoying lunch outside in the courtyard

On behalf of all the staff and members of theJohn Macrae Centre “Thank You” to all ofyou who have responded to our Chistmascard donation request. The funds will gotoward the Art and Craft garage renovation.

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up.The most certain way to suceed is always totry just one more time.” Thomas Edison

Donations can now be made by credit cardDonations to the John Macrae Centre cannow be made through Share CommunityAppeal by completing and sending thefollowing:-Please accept my gift of $________

Please find enclosed my cheque/ moneyorder made payable to SHARE,

Please debit my credit card:MasterCard Visa Amex

Expiry date:___/___Care holder’sname_________________________Card holder’s signature________________Please send my tax-deductable receipt tothe following address:Name____________________________Street____________ __________________Suburb__________State____Post Code____My gift is earmarked to:

John Macrae CentrePost your donation to:Share Community AppealPO Box 24154Melbourne Vic 3001or you can donate on linehttps://secure.donman.net.au/client/shareappeal/Donate.aspx?InitialArea=2&InitialCampaign=JMCC

OR Cut here ----------------------------------I would like to support John MacraeCentre by donating $..............

Name:..…………………………….………Address:……………………………………………………………………………………Post to: John Macrae Centre,603 Toorak Road, Toorak Vic 3142, or youcould Direct Debit to:Bendigo Bank AccountBSB-633000 Account 147521801If you EFT -Please email us with yourdonation details including you address so thatwe can send you a receipt.All donations over $2 are tax deductable