Kia ora and welcome to this edition of The Old Times. Wow, hasn't life changed, not only in the past seven weeks, but the last 36 hours! Being an essential worker during Level 4, I witnessed empty streets, very few cars and a minuscule amount of people in the supermarkets, and then along came Level 2. It was pandemonium around town yesterday; I think the barber shops were happy though as the queues were a mile long! To be honest, a part of me secretly relished the quieter times, however not practical I know! The wonderful Rhonda Parry from Kia Puawai held a Zoom meeting with some of the staff and volunteers of Age Concern earlier this week; she reminded us that resilience is not about mental toughness, it's about the ability to bounce back, be kind to oneself, show compassion to yourself, check in and ask yourself, 'how am I doing?', as well as focusing on opportunities to grow, learn and be brave. It was highly inspirational, motivational and a great way to begin the 'new normal'. Best wishes
Lucy Willard Membership and Events Coordinator
Buses and accessibility concessions at Level 2
Welcome to Level 2! Here’s another update from Waikato Regional Council about public transport, in particular information about Total Mobility and the accessibility concession for buses. Total Mobility Total Mobility is now available for all travel purposes – it’s no longer just for accessing essential services. We’re still asking people to practice physical distancing while travelling – sitting in the back seat, diagonally across from the driver is best. As part of the COVID-19 response Total Mobility travel continues to be free – up to the local subsidy. This free travel will continue until 30 June, 2020. On 1 July 2020, the normal 50 per cent discount up to a maximum local subsidy will restart. Buses and accessibility concession users Buses will continue to be free for all passengers, regardless of whether they have an accessibility concession card, to reduce contact between drivers and passengers. Accessibility concession holders don’t need to show the driver their ID card while the buses are free. Bus entry continues to be by the rear door where possible. At the Transport Centre, or if passengers require the ramp for boarding, the front door will be used. Read more
Kia ora!
Momentum Waikato is delighted to be a partner in The Mighty Waikato Cookbook project!
This brand new e-cookbook celebrates and promotes favourite Waikato food establishments, encourages local hospitality patronage as doors start to open again, and fundraises via contributing to our Greatest Needs Appeal to get food to the region’s most vulnerable during the recovery from COVID-19.
It is can be purchased for a donation – from $5 but the more the better - and downloaded at www.mightywaikatocookbook.co.nz. A receipt and PDF download link will be sent to you.
You can recreate some favourite tastes at home and will be prompted to head to your local eateries to experience the rest of their menus!
How about donating what you would have paid for that favourite restaurant or café meal you have been missing? Or the cost of feeding a family for one day? Read more
Volunteering Waikato is interested in hearing from people over the age of 60 years, and would love your help. They want to know your thoughts and experiences of volunteering and invite you to take part in a brief survey. To help, just click on the link below. https://volunteeringnz.typeform.com/to/u41SKt
Read the latest issues of Senior Watch for articles on topics including:
Alert Level 2 restrictions announced - Read more
New Zealand’s Dementia Community Struggling - Read more Government doubles Winter Energy Payments for low-income families, over 1m Kiwis to benefit - Read more
Contact Age Concern Hamilton
Phone: 07 838 2266
Open Mon - Fri 8:30am - 3:00pm P. 07 838 2266email: enquiries@ageconcern.gen.nz
150 Grantham StreetHamilton Central Hamilton 3204