February 2010 Update

Hi everyone,

Some summer weather has come at last and community outings have included several trips to the Esplanade and a bbq at the Ashhurst Domain.

Twenty one of us recently had a fantastic day away in Wellington to view the spotty canvases and reflective rooms at Yayoi Kusama’s “Mirrored Years” exhibition.  The surreal sense of infinity that some of her work provides was quite an experience.   Meeting Shona Moller at her Paraparaumu Gallery and studio was also a highlight for many who completed the painting course, as they could see the development of her conceptual and realistic paintings in her great visual diaries.

Congratulations to Ian Johnson for being selected for the Special Olympics ten-pin  bowling at the end of last year and winning several medals which is an awesome achievement.  Read about his account of the competition along with Jonathan’s preparations to go to Outward Bound and articles on outings in the community

Club Med is proving to be such a valuable asset with the space being used for fitness                circuits, cycling, pool, and Boccia under the guidance of Mike, Jonathan and Alvin.  Thanks to our volunteer, Dennis, the indoor bowls has grown from strength to strength and the team had their first competition at Summerset village recently.  Terry our Tai Chi master continues to help calm us and strengthen our muscles while Claire motivates clients with musical instruments and singing in Club Med also.

Liz is further developing planning, drawing and painting skills with the art group and while Bruce is teaching pokerwork skills, clients are also increasing their concentration and improving their hand/eye coordination and fine motor skills.  Claire, Richard and Mike ensure that clients can participate in the weekly Boccia with the Stroke Foundation at the RSA and sports such as indoor basketball and cricket.

The courtyard and sensory gardens are providing a calm, beautiful environment to sit out in and it is great to be surrounded by clients’ art work, sculptures, decorated pots, mosaic stones and flowering plants. Thanks to clients and staff the vege garden is producing well with zucchini, lettuce, beans, radishes, delicious strawberries and rhubarb. Like many home gardeners this year our tomatoes are not the best!

Some clients are enjoying being back in the kitchen, baking, planning and cooking meals under the guidance of Katie, our OT while Terry and Richard support people in the computer suite to further their UCOL studies, keep in touch with family and friends by email or research on the Web. It’s certainly all go here!

Happy New Year for the Chinese Year of the Tiger

 Janet