Soup Day on 8 Jan 2011

==>Stan and CK was doing their all time favourit songs, singing for our elderly. Our elderly was haveing their 4 O'clock dinner and opening their ears for CK and Mrs chua good singing. :)

==> Way to go CK, Stan and Mrs Chua...love to hear more our regulars come up and sing.





==> Our elderly are enjoying themselves, the food were great and soup were supperb. They must be talking among themselves saying such good food is feed for the kings and queens :>.

==>How come little lawrance only took photos of my legs...??? Was my legs slim and nice but how to see....when I it is hinding under my pant ha.ha.. .

==>Cherly have a good voice and she sung beautifully infront of our elderly and behind our back...mind you !... is because half the strenght of volunteers are in the kitchen helping with the day's dishes ^_~ .

==>Help ! Help ! Does anybody who is teaching in singing, please give me singing tuition...ha.ha.. I can't sing very well ... only can la-la-by along.

==> Mrs Chua and Hua Thang can enter into the Huang Jin Nian Hua show to compete for a King of singing hill or Queen of the singing hill. Mrs Chua can sing a high notes and Hua Thang can sing the popular oldies.

==> Mark Bro. is encouraging our elderly to come up to do a dance. But our elderly is too shine to do so. :)



==> We have mouth watering season sesame chicken wings, delicious egg tou fu with fish paste. And our star of the day...Lutus Root Soup.


==> Our chief cook of the day is our Mark Bro. and of course the rest of the volunteers. Thank you all volunteers for making this soup day a success ^O^.

==> How I wish I have tasted it but all was finish up by our elderly ha.ha.. :D



==>We do the cutting of Lutus Roots, wasging of chicken wings, smash of egg tou fu and fish paste, peering of chestnut and cooking of the soup.


==>The smell was so good that you can smell it from outside of the kitchen :)





==> We set down to have our lunch together, chit chatting among ourselves, the day's bonding session :)

==>We share the Bai ku Tay vegetarian soup, yummy :>





==> Serving of 1 dish by 1 dish of soup and ready season chicken wings and tou fu. Those who was not present on that day sure misses out on the making of this delicious dish. Want to know how it is being cook come down to silra :D. Our doors are always open to you.





==> Many hands are at works, see if you can guess who have done which food :)

==>Our dear Yi Yuan if doing a hip hop infornt of our food ha.ha..





==> More singing and we have our VIP guess for that day. Who is she ..... she is EVE our long lost silra volunteer.

==> Too much carbo....@_@;; . Not for me to eat lor... I want to be slim ! slim ! Not go side ways ha.ha.. :P


==> Our Evening walk round the IMH, that is the whether is on our side so we have a very windy and bright day to go for a stroll :)

==>Earth to Lawrance... kindly make me thine and not go side ways... :( . I can't reconige myself already he.he.. :P




==> Elderly is have a good work out at our stopping point. Ah Ba is having lots of fun too :)


==>Oh yes ! We have our pretty lady cerol, she wore a pretty dress and a high boost on that saturday. She out shine all of us :) . Jacees is the doing her Ar-go-go execrise, look at her...way to go Jacees :)

==> Humans go 2 by 2, oh look at these photo. There are 4 ballet dancing. Lets following..1...up ...2 down...3 up...4 down..

The Year of the Jumpy Rabbit

Hi All Silra Volunteers,


It is the Happy celebration of the year again. Do you know the zodiac sign of this year's animal? Yes, it is the year of Rabbit, cute and fluff. Want to know more about the story behind New Year or even the Zodiac sign help yourself to the Google search engine surely there are fantastic animations plus story line behind it.

Our elderly have grown to a ripe old age and they have experience a lot of hardship through life, although it is so but at the same time they get to know many loving and happy people who bring happiness to them. This year we are giving our elderly a special and heart warming celebration to them. I am sure every volunteers who is going to be present on that day will have lots of fun and laughter with our Ah Gone and Ah Ma. Spreading the joy of New Year in Silra Home and I hope that include people you meet out side J.



This year, we are doing something special - we are going to have homely steamboat dinner with the elderlys ....



The roles and responsibilities are as follows:



Mkting Gp : Sock Hwee, Yue Ping , Liyu plus a "guy"

- buy all the steam boat food.

- buy steam boat Gas



Chef gp : Yue Ping

Ø will make the Soup Base and side Dish.

Ø is also doing Long Gan and Sea Coconut.



Yusheng preparation gp : Bee Kim

- Any volunteers who come to silra home will help out in the yu shan making. Kindly remember to bring your peelers.



Logistic Gp :

- Stan will pick the side dish, the duck, from the stall.

- Stan/Jack will operate sound system.

- Stan handle Logistics , table arrangements (with help from Jack & others)

- CK, Ruifeng and small Lawrence handle Backdrop



Jacee

Ø purchase the Beer, fruit punch and Tea.

Ø Utensils.



· All volunteers please bring soup Ladle & Net Ladle as well as peelers.



· CK will handle Fun and Games.

· God of Fortune will be act by NUS student.

· De Long / Jason will be photographers ( remember not to take volunteers and elderly who do not want to be taken)

· Lynette and NUS students will be MC for the day



· Sophia & Jacee need to distribute work for table volunteers and helpers a kitchen and Run around.

Ø will check if there is 8 steam boats



Lots of help are required in the preparation works & serving the elderlys....Please come back "Home" to re-union with the Silra folks if you have the time !



Meeting time : 11am



Ending time : around 7pm followed by Reunion Dinner by Joy Gathering at a "restaurant" to be determined by CK.



For more informations, kindly see attachments.

Lets do our best, on 22 Jan 2011 and enjoy as we volunteer. See all of you on that day, cheers.



Regards
Sophia & Jacee
On behalf of Joy Gathering Volunteer Group

Annual Dong Zhi (winter solstice) festival at Silra

This blog will slowly come alive again ^.^.

Here is a message from us, kindly read the following ->


Hi everyone,

This Saturday (Dec 18) will be the annual Dong Zhi (winter solstice) festival at Silra.

And yes, we need extra hands (and mouths) from volunteers like you. Your small contributions can make a big impact to the lives of the old folks
there.

So come this Saturday at 1230pm to churn out the many QQ dumplings!

Cheers!


Regards
Joy Gathering Volunteer Group

Temporary Service Break

Hi all,

As of 30 April 09, there are no human cases of Mexican swine flu in Singapore. There have been 22 cases in total referred for further medical assessment. Of the 22 cases, 19 cases have been tested negative for Influenza A. 2 tested positive for usual circulating seasonal strains of Influenza A and 1 is pending laboratory investigations. (Reference: Ministry of Health)

In addition, we have received advise from Management as part of precautionary measurement , there will be no visitations and/or external visits till further notice as part of precautionary measurement.

We will provide updates via email. We seek to have your understanding and co-operation.

Please contact Rimei for further information.

In the meantime, while we are at Home during the service break, we can brainstorm on issues and/or ideas as to how to re-connect with SILRA residents once we resumed our services. In addition, you may wish to keep your blog entries coming in for publication. Keep the ideas flowing.

Regards
Joy Gathering Volunteer Group

Responsible, Vigilant and Prepared

Hi all,

Please be informed that as of 30th April 09, there are no human cases of swine flu in Singapore. (Reference: Ministry of Health).

However, it will be good for us as volunteers to be responsible, vigilant and prepared in the current situation. As of now, we have yet to receive management information on the cessation of volunteer and/or visitation status. Once we received any information, we will keep you all updated on visitation status via email.

Please advise to us whether you will be visiting SILRA this coming Saturday, 2nd May. This will facilitate us to contact you should there be any cessation of volunteer service in abruptness.

Alternatively, please kindly contact Rimei for latest updates prior to your visitation to SILRA.


IMPORTANT NOTE:

1. Prior to Service:

ALL VOLUNTEERS are to report to 5th Level Volunteer Room

To record name, NRIC No., contact details, temperature readings and time in on the contact tracing form

Weekly IC will be in charge of the completion of contact tracing form

This will be given to SILRA Management for record purpose

Clearance for conducting service: Temperature readings is less than 38°C

2. During Service:
ALL VOLUNTEERS are to take note with which resident you are interacting with and location (Information required in form)

3. After Service:

ALL VOLUNTEERS are to report to 5th Level Volunteer Room

To record which resident interacted with, location and time out on the contact tracing form

Weekly IC - kindly ensure form is duly completed and forward the copy to Liyu.

We would strongly advise you not to visit and come into contact with any of SILRA's residents if your answers to the following questions were “Yes”.

1. Do you have high fever (>38°C) or other symptoms such as cough,sore throat or runny nose within the last 21 days?
2. Have you travelled to swine influenza affected areas within the last 7 days?
3. Have you travelled to swine influenza affected areas within the last 14 days?

In the meantime, we recommend that ALL VOLUNTEERS to:-
* consume your Vitamin C regularly;
* Drink more water;
* observe higher level personal hygiene;
* in event that you develop symptoms, please wear surgical mask and seek medical consultation.
* FYI: Cases will be referred to the CDC for a thorough assessment. A dedicated ambulance service (tel 993) has been activated to convey such patients to CDC.

Let us continue to be responsible, vigilant and prepared.

Kaya Roti Toast

Hi folks,

Last week, many thanks to Karen & Alison for making the refreshing dessert for our residents. Yummy yummy... Let's welcome Alison to our BIG Family!! (clap clap)

Also, thankfully as the weather was good we managed to wheel some of our residents around the neighbourhood.

Watch out for this coming Saturday, 4 April 09, our famous and highly demand Kaya Roti Toast is back @ SILRA.

Let's meet at 1.30pm to gear up ourself. (keke..QC QC: Quality Control - the part that most volunteers like most...)

Nice Weather ~ crossing fingers *wink*

Hi folks,

missing our blog posts?? Bet that you are happy and saying that "wow, finally got posts liao"...

These few weeks, SILRA got new things happening, in case you are still clueless..read on to let me update you.

• We started with Weekly In Charge (IC) - seems familiar rite..yes this is a comeback kid. So everyone you will get your chance to be the IC. No "Siaming" one, sure kanna one. Time will tell...
• We got new volunteers who have joined us for our sessions. Let's put our hands together to welcome them. WELCOME =)
• Everyone is still contributing their ideas and efforts to make a difference in the lives of our residents. JIA YOU(x2)!!
• Our Audio system is getting simpler and simpler to set up, speakers are already wired to the system. It's just connecting to the main power, switch on the TV, Amplifier and VCD player. of course, loading the disc lah. this one still need to teach meh =P
• Its nice to know that our volunteers are getting more and more vocal to sing for our residents. Let's have a telematch among us and ask residents to vote for us. LOL.
• 2 of our volunteers exchange their vows and they came by to share their happiness with our residents in month of Feb. They are still honeymooning.
• Chef is back @ SILRA!! Residents and us (keke) are in for a treat. Everybody, let's thank him and give him a massage whenever possible.
• There is Yoga exercises and laughter therapy going on @ SILRA very Saturday, 3pm. Let's haha all the way with our residents.
• Weather havn't been kind to us, everytime scheduled to rain at 4 - 6 pm. Thus, we havnt been able to bring our residents out. The new covered walkways, new plants etc...we have yet to got the chance to view them yet. Come on, let's pray for a bright and shinning day today!!!

Time really files and we are already passing the 1st quarter of the year already. The upcoming months will be full of events, so everybody hope these few months you've recharged yourselves and is ready to CHARGED all the way liao..

Highlight of Upcoming events:

4th apr: our famous Kaya Roti Toast (come & learn the ropes to be Kopi-di or Kopi-sor) remember to bring waist pouch...

23rd may: Rice dumpling festival (get ur family and friends down to help us wrap or conduct QC.

CNY Gathering

Hi folks,


hope this post finds you & your family well. Yes, Brother Ox has arrived with a blast!!! As usual, our Joy Gathering Tradition carries on till now. To pay visit to "certain" volunteer's family on 初二。


We started with lunch at Shao Rong's place from 12 noon onwards and we laze there till evening as we head now to Teck Ee's place. We would like to give credit to both families for being such nice host to us.


Guys being guys like to play strategy, we played Citadels on TE's place. Before we can built our 8th district, we had to call it a day as its getting late where everyone need to work the next day.


Lastly, we got photos for u to see who's there on that day. (PS: try your luck). We do hope you can join us in Tigger Year.

Usher into Year of Ox

Dear Friends,

missing our Blog?? Yah, totally agree that we have been slience since Sept 08...well we will try our best to keep u informed on the latest happenings as we usher into Year of Ox....

Another year is trying to slip past us again. As we usher into the Year of Ox, let's us reflect on the time we spent at SILRA together. The fun and hair grabbing moments while planning, organising and implementing activites for our elderly. Time spent with elderly on Saturday afternoon always pass by quickly without knowing and its time to say goodbye before we are even "warmed up".

Moments like these for the past 14 years from our Pioneers to the current batch of volunteers we have who still have the same characteristics: young, vibrant and talented with nice voice, with groove and handyman still remains. Nothing have changed except change.

Lastly, on behalf of the Group, here's wishing you and your family: A good health which will brings you wealth. For wealth at heart will brings you happiness to spread love. For love brings a smile on our faces. For a smile that is small but brings joy and light to all. Happy Lunar New Year!

PS: Let us continue to serve our elderly with care, joy and laughter as we are a part of Joy Gathering, a part of SILRA Home. To do something good, we must feel good in doing it good.

Note: Service will resume on 31 Jan 09. Please note that we are celebrating 人日 on that day. Please be at SILRA by 2.15pm, your punctuality is much appreciated.

ESN Carnival 2008 ~ Love, Care and Hope

Hi all,

Remember last December 07, we hav a fun-time together at Yishun Junior College for our first and ever ESN Carnival? Well, gald that you remember! Guess what, they are back this year with more games stalls and participating agencies from elderly sector as well. This year, the carnival theme is "Love, Care and Hope"

The main objective of the carnival is to infuse a sense of togetherness as a community of volunteers serving the elderly sector, to promote sharing, interactions and learning among volunteers and beneficiaries alike, and to provide an afternoon of beyond volunteering experience of fun, cheer and company to the elderly by the combined efforts of volunteers. It is going to be a fun and interactive event comprising of carnival stalls (food, craft, games and bazaar), activities such as photo-taking with mascot and handicraft demonstrations, a mini-concert, and last but not least, lucky draw where the beneficiaries get to walk away with goodies such as grocery items and other basic necessities.

Thou, these 4-lettered, "Love, Care and Hope" seems easy to spell however it takes quite a bit of effort to show to our family, friends, elderly or even neighbors. Well of course we are not into what these words means as i bet that you guys know it better than I can describe.

In any case, today we are sharing on how you can help us in the upcoming carnival...

Date: 27 Sept 08 (Saturday)

Time: 1.30 - 4.30 pm

Venue: Yishun Junior College

How is SILRA involved??
- We will be manning a handicraft booth showcasing, Salt bottles made by Uncles & Aunties, Ah Kow’s rattan handicraft and tissue paper carrier sow by Aunties.
- We will also be having a game stall:

How we would like you to be involved?? (please revert okie..)

Before Carnival:

1. Handicrafts preparations do join us for our upcoming Saturdays to engage the residents to continue our Salt Bottle.
2. Banner Design (to provide assistance in piecing up our Creative Director idea on banner etc)

Actual Day of Carnival:

1. Bringing our residents out to/fro YJC; (27 Sept-> Time: 12.45 pm - 5.00pm)
2. Helping to man our Game and Handicraft stall (27 Sept-> Time: 8 pm - 4.30pm)
   

Other information that you should be aware of??

This is not a fund raising event, non-profitable, but the coupon sales earned from handicraft booths will be returned to the respective agencies.

Lastly, we are also in the midst of sourcing for sponsors to cover the costs involved.

Alternatively, if you have a great idea and its bursting or burning to share, do drop us a few liners. We look forward to hear from you soon!