A snapshot of what's happening in support groups around NSW!
On The Groupvine, Winter 2010 - by Trish Morgan
Fun and Fundraising in April to celebrate World Parkinson's Day!
Yamba
Movie premiere was held in Yamba on Thursday 8th April.
Heather Wilson thanked the supporters the next day by saying "Last night there were 109 friends at our Movie Premiere of 'Crazy Heart'. All who attended and contributed helped to make our fundraiser a huge success for PNSW - Research into a cure for Parkinson's. I don't as yet have the final figure - however, the funds raised are in excess of $1,501.75. A little old lady gave me a handful of coins!!"
The final figure was $1,636.75. This function was organised by Yamba support group
in six weeks. What a fantastic effort!
Central Coast
Trivia Quiz and Luncheon organised by the Central Coast support group on Tuesday 13 April. Jenny Rybolowik-Poole and her husband Allan, PNSW council member, reported: "At 11am Bob Smith, Radio Five-O-Plus personality, started the Trivia with a lucky door prize, followed by two rounds of Q & A, a raffle, two more rounds of a heads and tails game (which was a lot of fun) and lastly an auction. In between we had a delicious lunch with cake donated by Bakers Delight and bottomless tea and coffee. By 3.00pm our
Trivia friends were no doubt getting weary ... time to go home! Our Trivia day was a huge success and we had a full compliment of 100 people in attendance with $3,000 raised (including some gift certificates that came in late, valued at $110)." I'd like to extend a big thank you to Jenny and Allan, who gathered huge support from the community to make this event such a success.
Southern Highlands
Southern Highlands support group decided to hold a Trivia Afternoon at The Scottish Arms at East Bowral on Saturday 24 April. Rob Shearman, retired school principal, compared the quiz with skill and another school teacher tallied the results. Gemma Bernasconi, a 16 year old music student, entertained those present playing guitar and singing her own compositions. There was a guessing competition of How many lollies in a jar? Over 50 people attended and more than $600 was raised.
Quiz Kids
Support groups having a Trivia Quiz experience at their usual meetings were Armidale, Ballina, Bathurst, Newcastle and Pittwater/Warringah. The quiz at Newcastle was won by new members and Ken Begley. They were presented with Trivia Champion certificates at the May meeting.
Cooma
Cooma has a new support group, Snowy/Monaro, following a public meeting on 16 April. Roger Norton, President of Parkinson's ACT chaired the meeting and the CWA ladies gave practical support and served afternoon tea. 68 people were there, which is a great response from the community. Regular meetings will be held on the second Wednesday of the month at 2pm.
Albury/ Wodonga
Albury/ Wodonga support group (pictured) was featured in the Midweek Express with an interview with Valerie Leyden - seated right front. The article mentioned World Parkinson's Day 11th April commemorating James Parkinson's birthday.
(Photo: Midweek Express, Albury Wodonga)
<< Click photo to enlarge
Special celebrations
Jean Whillock, member of Illawarra North SG since its inception 23 years ago, turned 90 in December. Jean remains an active member of the group, sharing her experience as a carer and assisting with administration. Bette and Frank Young from Bankstown SG celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary recently. Their photo appeared in the Daily Telegraph and their family treated them to a special dinner at Carnarvon Golf Club. They treasure cards received from the Queen and the Governor General.
Congratulations Jean, Bette and Frank!!
