Healthy Weight Week
January 23th - 30th
Kickstart 2012 — What a fantastic effort by all partcipants!
Have you noticed a buzz going around the gym? We certainly have — and that “buzz” is Healthy Weight Week. What a week it has been. Healthy Weight Week is a program devised by the Dietitians Association of Australia to encourage people to form healthier eating habits and to move more. Originally advertised in the RACQ’s motoring magazine “The Road Ahead”, it seemed right up our alley. After consulting with Victoria, a small team was formed, consisting of Libby, Cherryle, Shirley, Nessa and Janice. A few brainstorming sessions later we were ready to roll with our week long challenge. We asked for participants who would be willing to do an initial weigh-in, follow a meal plan and do 210 minutes of exercise over the week and weigh-in again. There were also two sessions of Maltron Tests during the week and all Healthy Weight Week Participants were given the opportunity to enrol in the HEAL course for half the usual cost.
Monday 23rd was our kick-off, and Alex, one of our Exercise Physiologists, talked to our 42 participants about being aware of portion sizes and how to get the most out of their week. We were also honoured to have member Larry Baker give a testimony about his journey here at the Green Apple. In seven months, Larry has quit smoking, lost 30kgs and has been given a 20 year guarantee on his heart from his doctors. Member Dale Slattery said of Larry that when she heard how well he was controlling his blood sugars now it gave her added incentive to keep her exercise going. Our finale was Monday 30th, and again to a packed room, our Dietitian Stina was our guest speaker, there to answer the questions of the group, followed again by supper by the pool. Our lucky prize winner was Maron Edwards, receiving a Green Apple
embroidered towel and water bottle and 3 sessions on the Massage Chair.
A huge thank-you and congratulations goes out to everyone who took part. We are so proud of you. Your enthusiasm and efforts are so ppreciated and made all the work behind the scenes so worth while. To the Healthy Weight Week Team—thank you, thank you, thank you for your support, enthusiasm and hard work. To the rest of the Green Apple Team—for your efforts in promoting the week, supporting our members and fellow team members as we worked to make it a success. To Victoria for supporting this and laying the foundations to what was a wonderful week!
I’d like to share a couple of the comments we received about Healthy Weight Week. These are anonymously written on feedback forms. The first is “Thank you for giving me direction and a plan for both eating and exercise. I feel very motivated and plan to continue” and “Went very well. Lost 1.5kg. Adjusted meals sizes and cut out snacks that were not healthy. Felt good that I had risen to the challenge”.
We appreciated all of the feedback we received. Just a special mention to our W.A.G.S. Group. This is a group of our participants who have decided to keep themselves accountable by continuing to have regular weigh-ins together. What a wonderful way to support each other and keep accountable. Well done.
In fact, most of our participants said they would do the program again....would you like to join in too?
Our group of forty-two lost a combined total off......... 126.2kg......in one week! What a way to kick of 2012!
Meet and Greet Night
The next Members Meet and Greet night will be held on Monday the 2nd of April at 7.30pm-9.00pm. Join Brian and Victoria and some of the Green Apple Team in a social setting, listen to a guest speaker and share some nibblies and beverages.
Steady Steps
Steady Steps is a falls prevention programme developed in conjuction with Queensland Health. Improves balance, co-ordination and strength with the emphasis on fun -- combining guest speakers with gentle exercise.
8 Week Course
When: Thursday at 1.30pm--2.30pm
Cost: $88.00
Guest Speakers
TBA
Green Apple Wellness Centre's Social Committee
Every year the Green Apple Social Committee orgainses a tour
in 2007, Vietnam from May 18 to May 30
in 2008, New Zealand for 21 days
in 2009, Darwin to Broome trip June 12 - June 26
in 2010, Cape York trip June 24 - July 7
in 2011, Western Australia Escape August 25 - September 4
in 2012, Longreach March 3 - March 9
The story of Darwin to Broome
Amazing!! That is the only word for our great adventure in the Kimberley’s. Amazing Judy; who organised our trip to perfection; who fed us wonderful food in the middle of nowhere with seeming ease. I cannot thank her enough for the best holiday ever. Amazing Rob, our driver who did all he could to make our holiday special. Who looked after his vehicle so well that we only suffered one flat tyre at the end of the trip when we were nearly into Broome. Even that was fun; we had a great time on the side of the road behaving like vagabonds.Amazing Stiena, Rob’s offsider who was just so kind and thoughtful. We were sorry to say goodbye to her at the end of the trip. She is German, travelling around Australia; we hope she will get in touch when she hits Queensland.
Darwin was our first stop; from where we travelled to Litchfield National Park and Kakadu on two day trips. What amazing places they are, how beautiful our wonderful country. My camera never stopped clicking; I ended the trip with 2400 photos on my camera and 60 on Gwen’s as my battery went flat one day. Isn’t that amazing? The highlight of these two days where the amazing jumping crocodiles. I am sure there will be photos around to see soon. Having dinner in Darwin was a real pleasure, the weather was so balmy that eating outside is just lovely, no flies or mosquitoes.
We left Darwin and headed to Pine Creek for lunch and then on to the amazing Katherine Gorge. Words just cannot describe how lovely, awesome, peaceful and majestic it was. Our next amazing adventure was at the Victoria River where Pat and I went up in a small, small helicopter; no doors and flew along the river between the high cliff walls. One side was so tropical that you could imagine a dinosaur walking out from between the tall palms and ferns.
We crossed the border into WA heading for Kununurra via Lake Argyle. It is huge; we flew over it the next day and got a real idea how big it was. We also saw the Ord River, the Bungle Bungles; now they are amazing. In the afternoon we went to Wyndham to see the amazing Cambridge Gulf where five great rivers meet the sea; the King, Pentecost, Ord, Durack and the Forest. From the lookout you could see them all spread before us.
Thursday the 18th was the day of days; we hit the Gibb River Road. For the next 6 days we had ‘Power Plate’ at no extra charge. What an amazing road; corrugations as good as any tin roof. But we all laughed and made fun of it. And it was bearable because it led us to a wonderland of waterfalls, amazing gorges, majestic mountain ranges, lovely old world cattle stations to rest at night and sit around a campfire and listen to Rob play the didgeridoo. Wonderful sunset at Mt Hart were Rob played the sun down. We travelled along the King Leopold Ranges to Windjana Gorge were we walked along the sand with the freshwater crocodiles sunning themselves; amazing. Then on to Tunnel Creek were we scrambled over boulders to get into the tunnel (very dark for me as I forgot to take of my sunglasses) going on till we came to the place where the roof had fallen in, the light there was beautiful. The amazing Dawn made this walk with us, what a wonder woman.
Then we got to Derby, civilisation, sort of. We had a fun night out for dinner at the local pub the ‘Spinny’ I think! We had a Frenchman take our orders, his first day, and we confused him no end. Then a little Japanese or Korean girl who could speak little English tried to help, what a laugh. Ordering drinks was just as funny. It was a lovely meal though and a fun night. Back to our lodge for ‘drinks on the terrace’ inviting the next door neighbours to join us so we would not disturb them. Nice Italian couple who got on famously with Cora at breakfast. Judy was in seventh heaven because she had a huge kitchen to organise the food in.
Then it was on to Broome. The place of Pearls and amazingly the airport in the middle of town. The first night Linda, Jenny and I walked into town and could not believe it when a Qantas jet flew by. Try as I might I could not get a photo of a plane landing; there were plenty, but I missed every time, it was Linda’s fault, she never gave me enough warning. What fun we had with those planes, can anyone spot the tourists?
We had a day trip to Cape Leveque, amazing wild place. We stopped at this lovely white church at Beagle Bay, an Aboriginal settlement, they look after it so well. It was so peaceful inside and so refreshing to have a moment to kneel and pray and give thanks for our safe journey. Back to Broome to see the sun set on Cable Beach with nibbles and wine; thanks to the amazing Judy. Broome has a character all of its own, different to anything I have ever seen in Australia.
Last stop Perth, what a lovely city, pity about the weather. Linda and I had a great afternoon in Fremantle while the others caught up with friends and family. We had a day trip to Margaret River, wine tasting, cheese tasting and chocolate tasting along the way.
In amongst the travel and site seeing we had an amazing time of friendship and laughter. To all my fellow travellers I say thank you for memories that will always be with me. (Plus 2400 photos)
I have heard that Judy Watters is organising another trip just like this one for August. So if you can get away I would recommend it. All Australians should see the Kimberley’s; it is God’s creation at its most beautiful and pristine and seeing it gives you a better understanding as to why the Aboriginals feel so spiritual about it. Thank you Judy for opening up my horizons.
Joan Gregory
TBA
Every year the Green Apple Social Committee in conjunction with the Green Apple Wellness Centre orgainse a fantastic Christmas party. This year the Christmas party will be a spectacular hit.
Stories of previous years Christmas Parties!
2008 Green Apple Christmas Party
By Shirley Buckley
To Brian, Victoria, Staff and all Members,
Well, the Christmas Party is over for another year. My sister and I had a ball again, it just keeps getting better! Must be the company of the people!
These ladies on the Social Club are real angels the way they organise everything. They deserve a lot more credit! My sister has remarked how friendly everyone is but that’s what the Green Apple is all about isn’t it. It is Like one big family!
Even though my sister is not a member they make her feel very comfortable. The feeling at the gym is full credit to Brian, Victoria, and all the Staff for making this feeling possible. Not one thing is too much trouble for them which you would rarely get somewhere else.
My sister and I can not do the “Nutbush”, we would love to learn though. And my sister was amazed that so many of the senior people were up doing the “Nutbush”, where I said the proof is in the pudding. Without the Green Apple, would they all be able to do that? All of this is a reflection on the Green Apple.
GO GREEN APPLE!!
And while I have the chance I would love to wish you all a very merry Christmas and the best of health and happiness for 2009.
Love and Best Wishes
Shirley Buckley
2009 Howdy y’all!!
By Narelle Wills
(Sharing a member’s view of the Green Apple Social Committee’s Party Nov. 25)
Last Saturday night saw a herd from the GAG stampede to the Pine Rivers Bowls Club for the annual Christmas Party. A finer mob there was never to be seen – sleek and fat (oops! I mean fit) and looking even sleeker after their visit to the feed lot!! I don’t know how they came to be there – rumour has it that the Social Committee didn’t latch the gate after mustering them all, some frisky young filly called Victoria led the way out, and the rest followed like sheep!
After burying their noses in the trough (and my, what a mighty feed it was too!!) they kicked up their heels in the exercise yard. All the young fillies let off plenty of steam and even the old grey mares and stallions couldn’t resist joining in for a gallop around the paddock.
I don’t know if they’ve all returned to the GAG yet (probably either still having too much fun or maybe they’ve got a belly full of colic from that big feed!) Ah well, they’ll all come back in their own good time. Come to think of it, I don’t remember seeing some of the young stallions there that night – mmmmmmmm!!!
Anyway, all I can say is…. A mighty big THANKS to whoever left that gate open!!…. Yee-ha!!!!!!
Keep watching, more to come!
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