January E-Newsletter
Kia Ora Koutou
And a very happy new year to all our readers! We hope you had a restful and enjoyable break over the festive season. Our staff here all did, enjoying spending time with whanau and friends.
2022 is lining up to be yet another great year for us.....so please read on to see what we've got coming up in the short and long term.
Nga mihi
Caroline Budge, Manager
What's Happening at Age Concern in the coming weeks
Age Concern Nelson Tasman now requires people to show their Covid-19 Vaccine pass for entry to our offices and hall. This requirement is for entry to our building only; it does not apply to delivery of our services. If people do not have a pass we ask they wait outside and we will attend to you.
We have made this decision in the interests of keeping everyone as safe as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Summer Activities Series
We are looking forward to our Summer Activity Series. This starts on 14 February and over the course of the following six weeks there is a range of activities in a number of locations across the region, including Nelson, Stoke, Richmond, Motueka and Golden Bay. We have introduced Pickleball and croquet as well as the usual favourites of Tai Chi, SpinPoi, Sing-a-long, Sit and Be Fit and various walks. Bookings are not required, simply turn up and enjoy.
For more information or cancellations check out our facebook page or website or phone Marnie on 5447624 ext 5 or email ageconnect@ageconcernnt.org.nz.
A full timetable of events is listed below.
Calendars still available!
We still a few of our amazing Beyond the Face calendars left. The calendars are a very reasonable $20 each. If you'd like to buy them, please pop into our office in Richmond, or contact Miriam on support@ageconcernnt.org.nz
or phone 544 7624 ext 6.
Amazing Race for Older Adults
Join a team to follow a map which explores some of the hidden gems around the city and have fun solving clues along the way. Complete as much of the map as you wish before heading to the end destination for fun prizes, finger food and a cuppa to celebrate.
This is a fun way to meet other older adults, discover the city and share your own stories about Nelson.
Registrations are open to teams of 4-6 or individuals who want to join others on the day.
For bookings are more information please contact Marnie on ageconnect@ageconcernnt.org.nz or phone 5447624 ext 5.
Carer Relief Volunteers Needed
Do you enjoy spending time with older people and have some spare time to give? We need volunteers to help deliver our Carer Relief Service, as demand for this service has grown rapidly in the past years. We're looking for people in the Motueka, Nelson and Richmond areas to help provide company for older people while their primary carer gets some well-deserved respite.
Susan Arrowsmith, Carer Relief Coordinator, says the service is a very important one that helps carers get some time out. “It makes an enormous difference to the lives of both the carer and the client, and can provide the volunteer with a real sense of satisfaction and achievement knowing they are making a difference.”
What is Carer Relief?
This service provides informal at-home respite care to eligible clients with a chronic health condition. It allows the primary carer some time out to participate in activities they enjoy without the worry of who’s taking care of their loved one. During respite, the client remains in their home while their primary carer takes a break. The volunteer does not provide any personal care; they simply spend time with them ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
Age Concern provides all the necessary training, supervision and support for interested volunteers. They also make sure to carefully match the volunteer to the client to ensure compatibility and facilitate the introduction process.
If you would like to know more about this please contact Susan Arrowsmith on (03) 5447624 ext 3 or email coordinator@ageconcernnt.org.nz
Upcoming Driving Courses
Staying Safe Driving Course
This course is very helpful for older drivers, giving them a round-up of the road rules. The next one is:
Thursday 20 January 9.30am-12.30pm, Olive Estate Lifestyle Village, Richmond.
Life Without a Car
Learn what’s next when you are unable to drive. Not driving doesn’t mean limiting our activities or prevent us from enjoying life. Adjusting to life without a car doesn’t mean losing independence and freedom.
Life Without a Car information session includes:
highlights a range of possibilities to remain mobile
offers alternative ways of getting about in the community
suggests many options to keep involved and enjoying activities
gives valuable insights into adapting our lifestyle
encourages living positively and staying connected
Our next course is coming up on
Monday 21 February 10-11.30am, Oakwoods Retirement Village, 357 Lower Queen Street, Richmond. Free transport to the workshop is available.
If you would like to attend any of these workshops please register with us by contacting Jackie on (03) 5447624 ext 4 or emailing community@ageconcernnt.org.nz.
New office in Nelson
We're really excited to be opening an office in central Nelson, on a trial basis to see what the need/response is. The office is located at 18 Bridge Street, opposite the bus station and will be open from 8 February. It will be open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 9am and 2pm.
Regular Visits to Motueka and Golden Bay
As part of our initiative to have a greater physical presence across the region, an Age Concern staff member will be present fortnightly at the Grey Power offices in Community House in Motueka on the first and third Tuesdays between 9am and 1pm. We also go to Golden Bay every six weeks.
If you would like to make an appointment, please contact Mal on 5447624 ext 2 or advisor@ageconcernnt.org.nz
Talking Cafes
Wellby Talking Cafés welcome everyone for a relaxed cuppa and can start your journey to connect with others who enjoy the same things. You can pop in for a quick chat or stay for a longer conversation with friendly people. There is no need to register, just turn up on the day.
Click here to find out dates and locations of upcoming Talking Cafes.
Monthly Inspiration
In February 1949 'Blue smoke’, written by Ruru Karaitiana and sung by Pixie Williams, became the first record wholly produced in New Zealand from composition to pressing.
Karaitiana wrote 'Blue smoke' on the troop ship Aquitania, in 1940 off the coast of Africa, when a friend drew his attention to some passing smoke. During the war he served in the Middle East with the 28th New Zealand (Maori) Battalion. Back in New Zealand, he assembled a quintet in 1947. In October 1948, in Wellington, the quintet recorded a version of ‘Blue smoke’ with singer Pixie Williams. Although Karaitiana considered it ‘a poor first effort’, the song topped New Zealand radio hit parades for six weeks, and it sold more than 20,000 copies within a year.
The song attracted strong overseas interest. English duo Anne Ziegler and Webster Booth met Karaitiana and recorded a version. In the United States covers were released by Dean Martin, Al Morgan, Teddy Phillips and Leslie Howard. In 1951 New York music trade magazines described ‘Blue smoke’ as one of the major hits of the year – a ‘musical jackpot’ with both jukebox and radio listeners. Dean Martin even phoned Karaitiana from the United States seeking more songs.
Click here to listen to the original song by Pixie Williams.
We are very grateful to all our funders and sponsors
