WHAREKAKA NEWS

Spring is certainly in the air with our beautiful oak trees busting into life after the long and dormant winter. With the warmer weather upon us our residents are enjoying more time outside.  We have enjoyed morning tea and exercises in the gardens.

Wharekaka residents enjoyed an intergenerational morning with young parents and their children.  We will be holding this gathering monthly.  Thanks to Lucy for organizing this.

We recently farewelled Joyce.  She is missed by the Wharekaka family.  We offer our sincere sympathy to her family and friends.

A warm welcome is extended to Trish who moved in recently. 

We continue to enjoy our Friday mornings with Martinborough school new entrants’ class.  Our residents enjoy the interaction between the generations. We look forward to visiting the school to watch their school production.  Last week saw us tie in the bowls competition, it was lovely to be outside again.

Martinborough string Quartet will perform this Saturday in the lounge.  Thank you very much to the entertainers who have been coming into the home during the weekends and providing music and fun for our residents.

Last week we visited the Carterton Events Centre to view all the quilts on display.  What a fantastic sight – we found it hard to pick a favourite! Residents have also enjoyed music by Paul Mason and Jinx Band. Thank you also to the Auxiliary with Carolyn on the piano and a sing along. 

We look forward to an active spring which will see us out and about.   

Thank you for the continual community support received from Kitcheners, NeighbourHood Café, The Mens’ Shed and Pain and Kershaw and the many community folk who assist with the Activities Programme, are Volunteer Drivers for the Meals on Wheels service, or donate goods to the kitchen.

KITCHEN SPATULAS AND SCRAPERS:

The Martinborough Men’s Shed is kindly making beautiful wooden spatulas and scrapers which are being sold at Wharekaka and Mint in Martinborough as a fundraising initiative for Wharekaka.   The spatulas, in two sizes, are beautifully shaped and made from re-cycled Jarrah.  There is also a Wok version made from Matai.  All three items are waxed with food safe wax, washable, and will last for years.   Please support this great community initiative by the Mens’ Shed on behalf of Wharekaka.  These items will become treasured utensils for your own kitchen and would also make ideal Christmas gifts (easy to post).   

WHAREKAKA AUXILIARY NEWS:

Recently the Wharekaka Auxiliary held a wonderfully successful Fundraising event where 100 Bridge and Mahjong players gathered for a day of fun and Martinborough Hospitality. Thanks to the attendees a profit of $3680 was achieved which will be used to enhance facilities at Wharekaka.  The support by locals and the wider Wellington/Wairarapa community is most appreciated.

Recently we have purchased a Fridge for Residents and together with assistance from Martinborough Branch of Rural Women purchased an All-Terrain Wheelchair which with attachments will double as an extra indoor wheelchair and an I-Pad for Photos and to enable residents to Skype their families. As well as providing access to relatives access to an i-pad is encouraging residents to become more familiar with the Internet. 

REGISTERED NURSE AND CAREGIVER CASUAL POOL – CAN YOU HELP?

Wharekaka is looking to create a pool of additional Registered Nursing and caregiving staff who are prepared to work part-time, occasionally, or when required, to cover annual and sick leave.

Our intention is to develop a pool of staff to cover unexpected gaps in rosters and have additional part time employees.  If you think this may be of interest to you please contact Corlette Doherty General manager on 

06 306 9781, 027 4343344 or email manager@wharekaka.org for further information.

 
Photo caption: Lionel and Anne Parkinson reaching out to a cuddle one of the little ones from the intergenerational play group which are now meeting at Wharekaka the first Wednesday of the month. All welcome to come along.