The Branch Committee
If you missed our June meeting you missed an interesting session with Brad & Tania from Niagara. They reminded us of the importance of effective blood and lymph system functioning to our general state of health. Their special message was the effectiveness of their massage tools to improve our body functioning. A point they made was that they only used references from medically qualified practitioners who have patients who have really benefited from the regular use.
Our July meeting features Mirko Oblodzija from Centrelink who will bring us up to date on what Seniors can expect in the way of services from that organisation. Come and bring your questions.
Also at the July meeting we will be seeking input on what extra activities you believe would benefit the membership and how we might distribute any excess funds we accumulate through the year.
Finally a word to the "canny". There is an incentive to renew our membership sooner rather than leave it to the last minute. This is especially so for those who take advantage of the 3 years for 2 x $29 discount arrangement. The word is that the subscriptions will increase from about September 2010 and this particular discount will no longer be on offer.
Our speaker this month is Margaret Staff O.A. telling of the International Red Cross activities in conflict zones. She has served the Red Cross and will tell us of its activities in crisis areas around the world. Margaret is a Member of the Order of Australia and is described by the Australian Red Cross secretary-general as one of the most outstanding nurses the Red Cross has sent overseas. She has also been the recipient of a medal for meritorious service to the Red Cross. Describing her experience in Afghanistan she said “Kabul is such a hostile place you need to be committed, or mad, to do the work”.
Life Activities Clubs Victoria and National Seniors Australia are jointly staging a Grand Variety Concert for seniors at the Melbourne Town Hall on Tuesday, 4 May this year. Supported by the State Trustees with assistance from the City of Melbourne, the event is scheduled for the ‘cocktail hour’ and professional entertainers will excite you with music and magicians, comedy and circus, song and dance – and dancing. Light refreshments will be available throughout the evening and everyone is invited to kick up their heels to a great dance band after the intermission. Only $20 a head (no concessions) with any profits going to Alzheimers Australia. More information is available at www.life.org.au and tickets are available on 03-9650 6144
At our February meeting we were treated to a great talk by Cyndi from the Transport Ticketing Authority. She was able to reassure us about the operation of the system as far as giving the best cost deal for Seniors. However she said if you travel mostly by tram it is not going to be available for some little time. Everyone was most appreciative of her presentation and her answering of the questions.
17th February saw the release of Angels in New York, a fantastic documentary series on DVD (also screening on SBS):
Set in New York, New Orleans, LA and Sydney this observational documentary follows the journey of two rookie writer/producers trying to launch an epic Broadway musical to rival Andrew Lloyd Webber and Co. The story follows the struggle, determination, magic and talent of the team and their larrikin director as they navigate the Broadway machine which is fast, uncertain, and unpredictable. From casting, to designing sets, marketing and rehearsals, to opening night, these lads soon find themselves caught up in the ride of a lifetime to tell an epic story about 'the ancient war between the Angels and Lucifer's fallen minions'. Can they achieve what no other Aussies have ever done?
Liz, from Madman Entertainment, has contacted me to say we can have 1 (or more) of these to use as a door prize. Come along to our meeting on 18th March. The DVD retails at $24.95.
We hope to be able to arrange a few pick-ups (as an alternative to the Library) if you are on the route to Gippsland.
