Month: August 2006

Date: 30^th September 2006 (Saturday)

Place: Botanical Gardens

Start Time:  we start the walk at 4.30pm, takes at least 2 to 3 hours

Meeting point: at Botanical Gardens-Tanglin Gate, one of the major entrance ie., junction of Holland and Napier Road. Next to this entrance is a bus stop (behind it was where the former Taman Serasi Food centre/Gleneagles Hospital) and across the overhead bridge is a bus stop too (behind is Embassy of USA).

Getting there:

<!–[if !supportLists]–>1.      <!–[endif]–>similar buses serves both direction ie., SBS 7, 105, 123, 174 and TIBS 75, 77, 106.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>2.      <!–[endif]–>From Orchard MRT, exit to Orchard Boulevard Road bus-stop, these bus services can be found. Counting from next stop after boarding,  I think you alight at the 4^th stop.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>3.      <!–[endif]–>OR you may start the walk! from Orchard MRT exit at Orchard Road or Isetan Scotts Shopping Centre walk against traffic flow towards Tanglin/Napier Road.

<!–[if !supportEmptyParas]–>

I believe many of us have been to the Gardens, perhaps quite some time ago.  Let’s take a nostalgic walk down memory lane —  from Tanglin Gate stroll along Tanglin Gate Road towards the ever serene swans gliding in Swan Lake, you will be mesmerized by the beauty of hues in bloom along the way; up a slight gradient to Sundial Garden, Bonsai, and down to the Ginger Garden.  Let’s take a little time to enjoy the beautiful Ginger blooms. They are so beautiful! and the small waterfall, is refreshing.  Next, one gets a panoramic view as the Symphony Lake is in sight; also, some water lilies and lotus are in bloom! (I hope all the flowers stay in bloom till our we visit  ). Here we can linger longer or adjourn to the View Terrace, which is a short distance away, where there is shade and a small waterfall, as well.  As we stroll along, all of a sudden it seems you have arrived at a miniature desert, a journey through time …….  to proceed further or turn back to where there is food! Decision? … decision? Let’s take it from there.

There is a refreshment kiosk at Ginger Garden and toilet facilities.  At the end of the walk, we can have dinner at the newly opened Taman Serasi Foodcourt or the Halia Restaurant at the Ginger Garden (was told that it serves good food at a price).

The Garden closes at midnight so, relatively safe to stay (if you choose to) till the lights come on. 

Put on your walking shoes, come and enjoy the lush foliage @ the Gardens.

Please register via email : chrischan5575@yahoo.com

Dear Silverhairs Friends,
I am a poly lecturer in my 40s and a relatively new member. I am also considerating a 14D Silk Road trip departing on Sept 16. However, this trip has not be confirmed which is subjected to getting the minimum number. If you are interested, please let me know which trip would you prefer.

Hi all SHC members, I have read that in USA it is common for retirees or housewifes to form a group, so that they can get their hands into Investing in Stocks, Futures, with the experts in the club providing good and free advice resulting in good returns. As i have just starting getting into investiing in stocks , futures, CFDs ,etc, i just wonder if we can form such a group , so that those who may be Experts can share their expertise and experience  to help new comers like me.  So far , i have learned quite a lot from people like Dave and Andrew and i think they could be others out there who may have just as much as expertise or more and can help us all.  At the same time,  some who like me, who are just starting out,  will defintely benefit by learning from these people.  Of course’ everything is on a good will basis, no guarantees and everyone is responsible for their own investments, but talk is free, and knowing more is defintely better in any investments.  At the end of day, it is also a good way to get to know more SHC members and have something current and of strong interests to talk about.  Ronald , 91519301 ( SMS if possible)

Hi all SHC ,

Just wondering if there are any Robotics enthusiasts amongst us ? I know Andrew ,Ronald Lee have extensive experience in software Engineering, so looking if we can start something here .  In preparation for the Singapore Robo Grand Prix later this year, the Science Center has organised a talk and Pre-season challenged for Novice and is open to the public from the 6-8 Sept, at Temasek Poly, a 2 day event from 9am to 5pm. Contact 67805426. Also there is free Course to help those interested in developing applications for Windows Mobile 5.0 applications using Visual Studio 2005 on the 5th Sept at Nanyang Poly, 9am-5pm. A every comprehensive course inlcudes basic theory and practice and  hands-on . Both are free, really unbelieable in Singapore ? .  Contact me if anyone is interested and we can go together, enjoy this hobby for fun for a start, and see if we can start something in future . Ronald Wi – 91519301 (SMS if possible).

Hi Guys

Some of us in the cycling group have discussed about making a trip to this wonderful place from Fri, 20 Oct to Sun, Oct 06. Those travelling may have to apply for official leave from their office if it falls on a working day. Please do not bring children.

We wish to cater just one busload of about 40-44 paxs. The fares and other details will be updated in a few days’ time.

In the meantime, you can view details about this place here –

http://www.holidaycity.com/colmar%2Dtropicale%2Dpahang/

The SilverHairsClub is a place for you to meet more friends.  Come join the group.

• For today’s gathering 25 Aug 2006, here are the photos.
• For cycling activity held on 19 Aug 2006, photos.  Yew Kwong.
• For walking activity held on 19 Aug 2006, photos.  Charles Wee.

Dear Terence

As you know a few of us has been keen on the cybercafe project initiated by Ronald. I spoke several times with Ronald on the subject; and also with the other members who have posted on his thread. Although we have gone down individually to the location suggested by Ronald, some of us have yet to meet one another. We intend to take this opportunity to meet at tonight’s Silverhairs meeting.

To the best of my knowledge, this project is purely a Silverhairs members voluntary initiative and cooperative effort. There are no corporate sponsors at this stage. No one is trying to sell anything to anyone. This is a good thing. 
 
It may also be a good opportunity for us to present and share some of the findings and ideas to interested members. Many members  may be interested in the business plan but have yet to come forward. Perphaps we can do it towards the end of the meeting when all other scheduled matters have been dispensed with. All those interested can stay back if they want to. Will this be OK?

It seems that Silverhairs lack a convenient and central location for their gatherings and activities. Getting the logistics together for a meeting eg the ecommerce training is a case-in-point. So a member’s initiative for a cybercafe (or to use its updated 3rd generation concept of a chill café) may be just the de-facto clubhouse that is required for Silverhairs to grow to the next stage.

You can email iwiz@cyberway.com.sg or call me at 62727046 or 91721567.

This repeats a Post by Terence on 3 Aug 06. It says "We have a few volunteers to teach and coach this topic.  There might be some of you who would like to offer the same service.   if you are experienced in selling on ebay, Yahoo or other auction sites, and willing to spend some time with other SilverHairs who may be interested, please raise your hands here.  Those with online payment experience also appreciated.
The small group would form among themselves in max 6 people.  The location will be their apartment/house, and they would have their own PC, broadband and digital camera.  Session 2 hours. 
So, if you would like to volunteer, raise your hands here.  Hopefully, you will get to meet new friends too with common interests."

So far, 5 members had responded to do or assist in the teaching  with only 11 responded to learn. To all other members who wish to learn, dont feel shy to come forward and put your names here. We dont want you to be left behind in the digital divide. 

updated on 27 Aug 06

Some of us have retired, others have not lost a job for whatever the reason.  There are still many among us who want to have a job, make use of our knowledge, experience and studies, and who want to do something meaningful during our SilverHairs years.  Some SilverHairs are lucky, and do not need a job.  Some of us see retirement as a time to rest, after all the years of work.

I am looking at launching "Blue Helmet".  What is Blue Helmet?  This will be a continuous project to look at new job opportunities for SilverHairs.  I am not talking about direct selling or MLM.  There are ample such opportunities in today’s market.  The basic idea behind Blue Helmet is not about finding huge salaries, but finding viable work opportunities so that we can continue to enjoy meaningful SilverHairs years.

Blue Helmet is not a jobs market.  At the same time, I have yet to lay down the full structure of Blue Helmet. I see the key is how to create work opportunities, while taking advantage of our experiences and knowledge.  Blue Helmet may be a wild dream.  But, I guess this is a case of true necessity, in today’s real world.

At the first stage, I am looking to find other SilverHairs within the club, who have an interest to dwell on this topic.  Those who have an interest and the challenge to help bring many SilverHairs out of the dilemma of a changing world.  If you are a believer that SilverHairs can still be useful in today’s world, and that retirees can still work and be active, then join Blue Helmet.  This will be a working group to look at how to take Blue Helmet to the next stage, not just within Singapore,  but within the Asian region.  Blue Helmet would look at overcoming the negatives, and work more towards the postives and the opportunities.

So, if you see SilverHairs as a positive group, have ideas, willing to not complain about negative policies and regulations, and willing to develop Blue Helmet as part of the SilverHairsClub, please let me know.

I am a firm believer that SilverHairs should keep working actively, way into their retirement years.  In this way, the brain stays active, the body parts continue to lubricate at the joints, and we can still enjoy the blue skies and the fresh air.  Wild dreams again, I dont think so.  And you are welcome to write and talk about this topic.  So, share your thoughts.

PLANNING FOR YOUR HEALTH CARE NEEDS  29/8   7-9 PM   TEL  687773366

ACTIVE RETIREMENT TALK 5/9   7-9 PM   TEL  687773366–  INTERESTING

DIALOGUE ON DPS  21/9  7-9 PM 68773366

hi all, i have been informed that the available jobs posted here on 31 Jul / 8 Aug 06 are now closed as they have shortlisted the potential candidates. thanks to all those who have responded. See U all on 25 Aug.

Hi All SHC business minded persons,

There is an internet cafe ,at a good location in Holland Village on offer at $45k negotiable, complete with all current operating internet cafe stuff.etc, 20 computers.  The current rent is $4k, which is good.  Just wondering what to make of this ? Any feedback , insight , or ideas welcome for consideration or just good discussion.  If anyone is considering to find partners to run at as a small cafe, as well as an internet, & games cafe, etc. all suggestions and willing partners welcome.  Maybe a special Beer Brewing corner may be workable too. ? or turn it into a small pub , size is about 1200 sg ft.   However the current lease is for 14 months at this price , good or bad, depends on what you want or can make it with it.

Cheers, Ronald Wi

HP 91519301, bswi@yahoo.com

The planned SHC Games Day is ON ie Sun, Sept 17 0830 to 1300 hrs. For all SilverHairs, whether participating or not participating in the games.  Please register by putting in a comment here.

This gathering is not intended to be competitive sports.  It aims to provide a channel for SilverHairsClub members to get to know one another better in a relaxed environment, away from the city.

We estimate a crowd of 50 participants, and if it turns out to be a 100, so much the better.  Strictly for SHC members only, no kids.  For registered SHC members, there is no entrance fee charges and and the use of the swimming pool.  So, everybody is encouraged to bring his trunks or her swimming costumes.  We would encourage casual swimming in the Olympics size pool.

The surroundings of the Changi Beach Club is suitable for walking and cycling.  But, this is left to you.

Tentative schedule:
*  0800 – 0830 hrs – registration.
*  0830 – 0930 hrs – free and easy, getting to know each another.
*  0930 – 1000 hrs – Preparation for the Games.
*  1000 – 1100 hrs – Games in session
*  1100 – 1130 hrs – Games wind down and results, and gathering at the beach front open-air cafe.
*  1130 – 1300 hrs – Games awards, lunch, knowing one another.  Prizes will be organised by Terence.

Simultaneous on-going:
0930 – 1100 hrs – Olympic size swimming pool, free and easy, and getting to know one another.

Fees:
* No charge to registered SHC members.  Attendance before 0900 hrs.
* Club entrance fee will be charged for non SHC members and late comers.
* Small club fees for bowling, mahjong.

F&B:
* Small breakfast available at beach front cafe
* Simple Buffet lunch available.
* No external food.

CarPark:
* Outside the club, along the road.
* At 1315 hrs: Walk to Changi village for those without own transport.

Organiser:
Event organiser (main) – Patrick Yeo

And, if you like to assist in member registration, event organiser (Games) and match-makers (getting others to know others), please drop a comment here too.

Terence Seah  9489-4360

 KL RATED ONE OF THE CHEAPEST CITIES IN THE WORLD- TODAY PAPER PAGE 19

ANOTHER PLACE TO STRETCH YOUR DOLLARS.- AFEW MONTHS IN THAILAND, MALAYSIA,PHILLINES – NO NEED TO WORK TILL DROP DEAD. THINK ABOUT IT. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. DO NOT WORK AND JUST BUILT YOUR RESERVE  . TOWARDS THE END YOU HAVE TO PAY  MANY  MANY FEES.. YOU GOT OPTIONS  NUMEROUS OPTIONS. EXERCISE IT .LIVE WHEN YOUR LEGS ARE STRONG AND HEALTHY. AFTER THAT NOTHING MATTERS.

I am trying to organise a get together with SCOT.  There is one coming up on 14-15 Oct.  Keep in touch on this post.  Interested?, please put your name here.  The club meets gathering, but this is a good event to know Singaporeans living in Thailand.

From Singapore Club of Thailand:
The Oct event will be announced soon and I will make sure that you are in the mailing list. Tentatively, it will be an overnight stay in a mountain resort in the East of Bangkok on the 14-15 Oct.

As our group is large, we will be staying in tents of 2pp. Tents, mattress, blankets will be provided by the resort and there are hot water facilities too. It is a luxury camping experience. With the package, we get to play team games in water challenge, flying fox and rock climbing. Of course if someone in the group doesn’t want to join, they could pass their tickets to someone else. The games, I’m told can be played by both young and old :)

All meals will be covered by the resort.

Each person cost Bht1,500 excluding transport (as this is a self-drive holiday). I could arrange van transport for your group and it would probably cost no more than an extra Bht1000 per person for a 2-way trip.

Lastly, during the night, we will play some activities such as Bingo to raise some funds for our charity projects in Chiang Rai.  Hope that this sounds interesting.

Hi SHC,

Owning a car is expensive and also especially if it is not used much. As i am retired and am not in need of the car most of the time.  I am offering my car for rent to SHC members and also the service of easy pickup and return around Central MRTs. 

I also found out that it is perfectly legal to do, as LTA encourages such a private ownership scheme to rent out their vehicle during weekends.

If anyone has such a need call me or SMS me, and we can discuss the arrangements.

By the way , my car is a Sunny Auto 1.5, Year 1998, so it is about 7.5 years old and is running great.

Cheers, Ronald Wi

HP 91519301

immediate part time admin work available for 6 months or longer at changi south 830am-130pm.  min o/a levels/diploma. please contact esther goh 68837624 or email esthergoh@ups.com

thanks

Did anybody get to see this 4 part serial on retirement.  The last episode was aired last the Sunday before last on Channel 5 according to Mediacorp. If so, can you give us a summary of the lessons learned. I am dying to know what  privileged life means in Singapore.

Thanks.

Over the weekend, I had Luo-bo-gao (carrot cake) and   Hao-jian (oyster omellete) at a famous hawker center rebooted (Tiong Bahru). It was good enough to die for.  If I have to go just then I can’t find a better time to do so.

My left brain tells me to go abroad for a leisurely RV resort lifestyle. The flashes of hao-jian stops my right brain. Lucky my stomach has non-voting rights.

So I still game to go. Provided the two is on the menu.

Disclaimer: I don’t sell  Luo-bo-gao or  Hao-jian.

The numbers are chilling. 22,000 seniors in single households is a rise of 47% in 5 years (see Straits Times Mon 7 Aug 2006, Review Section, Page 21. If you take away 4,000 singles you potentially have at least 18,000 couples assuming both are seniors.

How many senior studios are on plan? 200, 300 or 1,000 tops for the NEXT 5 years?! The global aging is onto us. Not in drips but like the smashing of a meteorite to ground. Just look at a "modern" city like Sydney.

There are 700 retirement villages in NSW alone supporting supporting 35,000 residents of age range 70 to 75. The residents break up into 50% female and 10% couples. If Singapore is to come to par with Aussie retirement lifestyle, then we need to project RVs for a 180,000 senior residents. 

The maths shouldn’t surprise anyone. Everybody knows that there are more kangaroos then people down under. We may be small in size but we have 4 million smiles. The news is shocking made all the worse by the fact that we consider senior at ages above  55 or 62 depending on what you are looking for.

Look at the bright side. Silverhairs should have no problem finding recruits.  Also better step on the accelerator on finding the ideal RV. Long quesues expected anytime soon.

Like to share some thoughts on improving this forum site?

This forum tend to be very blog-like. It has large first postings and  typically short threads ie smaller number of short comments. I wonder if this is intentional.

One suggestion is to post a summary of the topic posting (say first 10 lines max) and the last 24 hours thread submissions (also in summary format). The bulletin should contain only current postings, say,  topics submitted last 72 hours or with freash submissions less than 24 hours. The rest is archived. This encourages depth in the thread. Typically then you will find many more comments of a meatier nature.

Hi SHC members,

I am planning to make trip to UK, Europe not only to sight see , but also on a Eco-village discovery tour. Such Eco-villages are under  GEN ( Global EcoVillage Network) and are endorsed by United Nations. They have all- year volunteer programmes and also conduct courses on various topics on Eco-village Matters  that are also endorsed by UN. Overall, i would say, the intention is to travel not to just the towns but also the countryside, and  learn from people of different cultures, on the Main issue of living and doing something to care for the environment that is around us. Singapore, in many ways is quite pro-active in being ECO- friendly , from the ways we recycle water,  to be self sufficient and the concept of making a greener Singapore with rooftop gardens, etc.  A very few like Ivy Singh-Lim has even started Singapore’s most well-known back-to-nature countryside living and have expanded into the farming business “Bolloywood veggies”.

Right now, for me it is just to travel and visit  other countries that i have not been to, while i am still strong and healthy. There are many such Eco-villages all round Europe, England, Italy, Spain ,  that have all-year round volunteer programmes,, that you will probably take a life time to visit. Right now,i t is almost the end of summer so it is the right time to visit Europe and then maybe Australia and New Zealand after Dec.   Estimated cost, will be the air tickets, train tickets, and basic meals cost, and hoping to save as much on hotesl by getting free lodging volunteering in the Eco-villages.  I think it is better than staying at some expensive hotel for a night, this way you can meet friends and  stay longer with them.  You get to see and experienced a lot more and you can learn a lot more, of the food, culture , ideas  and at the same time  leaving a healthy life in the countryside.   I believe the Eco-village concept should start with our own body first.  The first village is our body ( it holds our mind and soul )  that we have to keep healthy to serve us for the many years down the road.  So if anyone of you, is free, after retiring and feel you are healthy and strong enough to take on such travel, do consider, to join me.  You are invited to join me at any stage and at any place while i am on the move in Europe,as i may be there for 3 months or more.

Cheers, maybe i will learn how to make heathlier Sheppard’s Bread by then.

Malacca Resort/Eco Village Tour 10/8 – 12/8 (optional day 13/8) Day 1 – Eco Village ( near Palm Resort Golf Course, 2nd Link), Malacca Ayer Keroh Resort, stay at Hotel Puri (original Nyonya House converted into a 4 star Heritage Hotel ) Night eating in Malacca Town Hawker Centre ( Malacca Newton Centre).

Day 2 – Coasting along Tanjong Kling, Tanjong Bidara and arriving in Port Dickson, staying at the “out in the Beach Hotel” with glass bottoms.  Night enjoy local food along the Beach and Quiet evening.

Day 3 – Visit Port Klang and (Malaysia version of Sentosa Cove and Beach Homes ) Phase 1 completed and PHase 2 for booking.  Expressway back to Spore and stopover at A Formosa Resort for Lunch and evening stop over at JB for cheap bargains and dinner.

Welcome to all SHC members to join in, or form their own Car pool groups to join in. Right now i am driving with Dave and Andrew joining me.  Call me or sms me for more info or details 91519301.

We have a few volunteers to teach and coach this topic.  There might be some of you who would like to offer the same service.   if you are experienced in selling on ebay, Yahoo or other auction sites, and willing to spend some time with other SilverHairs who may be interested, please raise your hands here.  Those with online payment experience also appreciated.

The small group would form among themselves in max 6 people.  The location will be their apartment/house, and they would have their own PC, broadband and digital camera.  Session 2 hours. 

So, if you would like to volunteer, raise your hands here.  Hopefully, you will get to meet new friends too with common interests.

Hi SilverHairs,

Following different requests to conduct training sessions on :Selling/auctions on the web", we look at a few places to conduct these sessions.  There are a few volunteers, but we have not been able to find proper computer rooms.  At the same time, there was a feeling that large groups may not offer the degree of attention as small groups.  With these points in mind, we would go for small groups.

Please be organised in small groups of max 6 people, bearing in mind where you stay.  If someone forms a group of max 6 people, the volunteer trainer will go to your place, preferably your house.  You should have your own computer, a digital camera.  Please indicate the date/time, so that the volunteer can see if he/she is available.  Session 2 hours.  Strictly for SilverhairsClub members.  Must have some experience with internet surfing and emails.

This course is only for those SilverHairs who wants to learn selling/auction on the web, do not know how and want to learn from the experience of others.  No charge, just your time and interest.