90-year-olds honoured at Kawana Island
More than 100 residents and some family members attended a special Happy Hour at Living Choice Kawana Island on 30th September, to celebrate the lives of a much-loved cohort at the village – the “Over 90s”.
This wonderful event is arranged each year by resident Christina Downs.
There are 11 residents aged over 90 at Kawana Island and prior to the event, resident photographer Barry Legg photographed them in the auditorium. They are pictured (back, from left) Klaus Hempfing, Tom Palmer, Bruce Biggs, Jack Nolan, Leo Howard and Ray Trestrail; (front, from left) Val Radley, Margaret Hingston, Wiera Nolan, Vacey Hamilton and Olive Turk. Some residents have lived there since the village opened in 2003.
As a “newbie” to the 90-year-old ranks, Wiera was given the honour of saying a few words about what it is like to live at the village at age 90.
“Now in our twilight years, Jack and I live in the comfort of a well-appointed and maintained retirement village. We enjoy the freedom of not having to mow the lawn, clean the pool, weed the garden and other domestic chores.
“We have taken part in running village activities, which have tapered off as we grew older. We enjoy the company of fellow residents and staff,” she said.
Wiera emigrated to Australia as a 17-year-old refugee. “Despite the war and privations, I have had a wonderful life. I became a Registered Nurse and met and married a wonderful young man who was a seafarer. We have now been married for 68 years – now that is worth bragging about!”
In conclusion, she quoted her “favourite mantra”: “I shall pass through this world but once. Any good thing I may do, or show kindness to any human being, let me do it now for I shall not pass this way again.”
It’s a mantra that Christina Downs and all the helpers at the event no doubt embrace too. Thank you to everyone for arranging this special tribute.
