Category: SHC main bulletin

From time to time, I do receive request by non-SHC individuals or external entities to link up with SilverHairsClub and its members.

Here is a good example and I like to share my response and comments with SHCians.

“Dear Mr Seah,

Foremost, I am very fortunate to have met some of the active silver collar members recently.
?
My name is Azza Dina and I am writing from NTUC Club, Membership Department (Active Ageing). My team have spoken to Mr Ronnie Lai and have met up with some of the SilverHairsClub members such as Captain Foo, recently at Orchid Country Club during their weekly bowling session. We were informed about the SilverHairsClub and we applaud your club members efforts in organising such lively events.
?
We are a brand new team who has been assigned to look after interest groups such as your SilverHairsClub members. As we do have on-going and future events catered for those who have reached 50 years and above, we are extending our invitations to all SilverHairsClub members to partake in any of our events and even to allow us to plan your activities if possible. This is to ease your member?s workload, restrictions limitations and hassle.
?
We are actually planning for a focus group in the near future to meet regularly and to brainstorm for activities for all to enjoy. Kindly allow us to assist and provide for SilverHairsClub.
?
Awaiting a favourable response from the SilverHairsClub!
?
Cheers’
?
Azza Dina (Miss)
Executive, Program & Community Development, Membership (Active Ageing)”

Terence Seah

Hi all participants on this forum,

We are planning a system upgrade on Tue 20 May from 0100 – 0600 hrs.  With the change, the PHP and Mysql software will be upgraded.  Aiyah, too complicated.   The look of the forum will change, not sure what the final look will be.  I think the banner as well as the design will change.  The new version is supposed to make the forum more efficient and less vulnerable to spams and viruses.

So, don’t get a shock then.  As with system upgrades, I always expect untested bugs in the immediate week.  Please confirm all your activities with other members if you are the EO, before 19 May 2008 for activities on 20 and 21 May 2008.

Terence Seah

Sat, 17 May 08 from 4 p.m. at East Coast Park. Meet at rear of McDonald Restaurant Marine Cove (former East Coast Recreation Park). Rented bicycles are abundantly available at reasonable rates.

Activity will not be cancelled even if it rains but will be brought indoor 2 turn into chitchat session.

We will go for dinner together after the session at the nearby hawker centre. Pls come n join us.

Rain or shine, we will definitely be there 4 U. Look forward 2 seeing u guys.

TQ, cycling gp

Who are coming –

• Sally
• Pauline
• Karen Thio
• Rena
• Ah Nee
• Lina Ng
• Lily Ho
• Dolly Lim
• Steven Chan
• Helen
• Tim Liu
• Kenneth Tan
• Helen Yeo
• Mary Chan
• Susan Chang

Hi SHCians,

I have been thinking it is rathering boring to read the monthly updates, written by Terence.  To give it some oomph, I would ask one SHC member to write the monthly update.  This should make the update more readable and enjoyable.

Generally, the monthly update should carry some information on the events in the coming month, plus some exciting reflection.  I shall then arrange to send out the monthly updates.  Should not be too long, averaging half a screen.  We shall try this for one year.  Have fun.

Terence Seah

SHC is collaborating wif YWCA 2 conduct I.T. lessons 4 their senior members at YWCA, Outram Rd campus. Proposed lessons will be conducted on Tue evenings n Sat mornings starting in mid-May 08.

The proposed lessons are –

1) Tue evenings, 7.15 pm to 9.45 pm – Computer Appreciation – familarisation on operating a PC n navigating Windows

2) Sat mornings, 10.00 am to 12.30 pm – Email n Internet – Doing emails n surfing internet

3) Future courses – MS applications like Word, Excel n PowerPoint plus others

We would like 2 invite interested members 2 join us tis Project 2 teach or assist.  Don’t worry even if u don’t know how, we will train u 2 become one.

Rain or shine, the project is on.  

YK n SHC volunteer gp

Members Interested 2 Assist –

1. Lily (Tue)
2. Dolly (Tue)
3. Dan Huang (Tue)
4. Lee King Seng (Sat)
5. Alicia Soh (Tue)
6. Christina Chan (Tue)
7. Helen Wong (Tue)
8. Mollie Tan (Sat)
9. Rena (Sat)
10. Karen Thio (Sat)

Latest Updates –

Sessions are confirmed and will be held on Sat mornings only.  Scheduled dates as follows –

1) Sat 31 May 08, 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. – Computer Appreciation

2) Sat 7 Jun 08, 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. – Email n Internet

All registered member volunteers will be given the softcopy notes n ‘what to do" guide for references. Please feel free to come in on Sat, especially Tue members.  With all your support, we shall make SHC’s 1st I.T. project with external organisation a success.

Sat, 19 Apr 08 from 4 p.m. at East Coat Park. Meet at the rear of McDonald Marine Cove (former East Coast Recreational Park). Rented bicycles are abundantly available at reasonable rates.

Activity will not be cancelled even if it rains but will be brought indoor 2 turn into chitchat session.

We will go for dinner together after the session at nearby hawker centre. Pls come n join us.

Rain or shine, we will definitely be there 4 U. Look forward 2 seeing you guys.

TQ, cycling gp

Who are coming –

1. Caroline
2. Joyce Tan
3. Andrew
4. Mollie Tan

As usual, I like to share thoughts with the general membership.  Last night, some members sugested to me that comments on this forum should only be readable by members only.  I think there is a view that only POSTs should be readable by the general internet community.   As you know, websites are open to anybody in Singapore and the world.  Of course, restrictions can be made.

I am not an expert in website design.  I dont know how; but I guess changes can be made.

What is your opinion?

Terence Seah

This thread will focus on taking SHC Corporate to another level.  Participants raise and discuss the ideas and concepts here.  Please keep your comments focussed on the topic.

1. Do you see opportunities for SHC Corporate as a Social Enterprise?
2. What are your ideas and concept?
3. If you like the idea, would you initiate SHC Corporate as a SE.
4. What are your views on funding?
5. How do you see SHC Corporate starting up?
6. There could be other agenda issues, so please go ahead.

We close this discussion on 30 June 2008.

Terence Seah

SilverHairsClub and SilverHairsClub.com will continue to retain its current format and scenario.  Based on feedback over the last two years, membership to SHC shall remain unchanged.  The current rules and taboos will apply.  We will not formalise ourselves under the societies act.  We will continue to be good senior citizens, and enjoy the fun of SilverHairsClub.com.  And, all SHC activities will continue to be initiated by the individual, and participated by other SHC individuals.

The next step is to conceptualise another entity which will enable us to be recognised as an institution or corporation.  Other than a society, it is very likely we will see the initiation of a company which will support social enterprise for Seniors in Singapore.  A number of SHC members have talked about having a corporate entity; but again, we did not go too far, because in the last two years, we were focused on registering SHC as a society/club.

This Post is going to discuss ideas, business and concepts to support SE opportunities for SHC and Seniors in Singapore.  Definitely not a social thread.  If you are interested to read and participate in this thread, please use the password "corporate".  The discussion thread is just above this Post.  I shall also invite a few individuals who have strong views to participate in this discussion.

We will likely complete this discussion and make a decision by 30 June 2008 on how we will proceed from here. 

Terence Seah

If you have missed out 2008 DnD or maybe still haven’t got enough of dancing, here’s your chance to do so.

When : Thu, 17 Apr 08 (Ladies nite = free admission for the ladies)

Time : 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. 

Where : Narcissus Thai Disco (with Live Band performance) @ #04-01 Pearl Centre

Event Organiser : Terence Seah

Please be strongly advised that watchers and observers are discouraged.  Very keen to come and dance, please book yourself here :

1. Terence
2. Lina Ng
3. Dolly
4. Yew Kwong
5. Caroline
6. Steven Chan
7. Helen Tan
8. Xiang Xiang
9. Jimmy Love
10. Annie Want
11. Eileen Lee
12. Ann Lim
13. Teresa Lee
14. Bira
15. Susan Chang
16. John Howe
17. Oi Cheng
18. Lily Ho
19. Jane Wong
20. Ah Nee
21. Norlinda

Hi , all who have registered for the overnight trip to Hotboys Kelong on19/20 April 2008:

Payment for the trip is now open!

Please help us make this trip a success by making your payments early to confirm your participation.

Cost Per Person :
    
·    S$100/- for those needing land transport TO and FROM Tanjong Leman Jetty, and
·    S$75/- per person for those going to Tanjong Leman Jetty on their own.

Mode of Payment:

·    By ATM or IBanking to the following account: "DBS Saving Plus 023-2-036-239"

Closing Date :  31st March 2008

Please note the following:

Due to conditions stipulated by Hotboys Kelong, all payments once made cannot be refunded;

We will depart Singapore from a location (most probably at an MRT station in a central location) to be decided at 6.30am sharp. (We need to arrive at Tg Leman by 10.00am)

Those who have not yet registered for the trip will be considered subject to availability vacancies.

All future comments relating to advice of payments and the kelong trip in general should be made on this thread. The other threads will no longer be available for posting of comments.

Thank you, and have a nice day.

Ron Koh

Participants Who Have Paid Up/Confirmed Going (as at 1 April 2008):

01. Tim Liu
02. Lily Ho Willocq
03. Charles Wee
04. S.B. Khoo
05. Gingko
06. Janet Chan
07. Grace Kok
08. Douglas Chan
09. Boon Liang
10. Veronique Lee
11. Ron Lai
12. Alice Lai
13. S.K. Chua
14. Andrew Koh
15. Terence Seah
16. Alice Seah
17. Fong Cheong Kong
18. Gwenyth Lee
19. Eliza Chua
20. Catherine Yeo
21. Veron Wong
22. Pearlyyn Tan
23. Wana Tay
24. Catherine Chan
25. Jennifer Ong
26. Ron Koh
27. Dennis Wee
28. Dan Huang
29. Chian Wah

Participants Who Paid & Wil be Using Personal Transport:

01. Lina Ng
02. Suzhang
03. Molly
04. Lee Ah Nee

No Response to Date and Assumed Not Going:
 
01. Jimmy Chew
02. Sally Chew
03. Margie Koh  

You can now receive brief monthly SHC updates via SMS (in English).  Next year, the updates will be available in Chinese.

To receive this service, please SMS to 9178-7097 in this format.  <SHC DB fullname emailaddrdress>.

Terence Seah

Sat, 15 Mar 08 from 4 p.m. at East Coat Park. Meet at the rear of McDonald Marine Cove (former East Coast Recreational Park). Rented bicycles are abundantly available at reasonable rates.

Activity will not be cancelled even if it rains but will be brought indoor 2 turn into chitchat session.

We will go for dinner together after the session at Bali Lane. Pls come n join us.

Rain or shine, we will definitely be there 4 U. Look forward 2 seeing you guys.

Ah Nee, Jade Phua, Lily Ho n Yew Kwong

Please register here. Who are coming –

Group 1 (start @ 2 pm) –

1. Ah Nee
2. Susan Chang
3. Lina Ng

Group 2 (start @ 4 pm) –

1. Paul Leong
2. Jenny Leong
3. Ann To
4. Dennis Wee
5. Wendy Wee
6. Mollie Chua
7. Boon Liang
8. John Howe
9. Joyce Tan 

Thank you.

A new category "Lost & Found/Missing" has just been created.   I hope you can use this category to find your old old primary school mates, lost foreign friend or a lost SHCian.  You can start a new Post for each missing person.

Have fun.

Terence Seah 

Some of you may be wondering how to initiate a new Post or a new thread?  As a SHC member, you can easily write a Post.  Can be almost any topic, club taboos should be noted.  If you have a thought and just like to share with other members, use the category "Reflections".  Do not repeat a Post.

Post should be categorised, or the Post may not be published.

When a member responds to your Post, you will get an email alert.  Please reply to that member on this forum.  Members who start a Post, and fail to reply those who respond to their Post within 30 days, would be deleted from the club membership.  This ensures the database is kept updated.

Have fun.

Terence Seah 

Understand that some members here are interested 2 learn the followings –

1. How 2 convert normal songs into mp3 format.
2. How 2 record songs onto blank CD.
3. How 2 make copies (aka backup) of DVD of size below 4.7gb.
4. How 2 make copies (aka backup) of DVD of size exceeding 4.7gb (aka Dual Layer)
5. How 2 download songs from YouTube’s website 2 your PC.

What U must 1st have –

1. A PC or lappy (aka notebook)
2. A DVD writer
3. Blank DVDr n CDr
4. Nero Burning software (bundles with your DVD writer)
5. Cyberlink DVD player software (bundles with your DVD writer)
6. DVD Decrypter software (downloadable free)
7. DVD Shrink software (downloadable free)
8. Windows Media Player 10 or 11 (downloadable from Microsoft’s website)
9. Zamzar file conversion

One simple and convenient method is 2 search "how 2" on the Internet, a place with lots of guides. Otherwise, lets have your responses n see if we can find a way 2 cater to your needs.

Interested members –

1. Dan Huang (Queenstown/Redhill)
2. John Howe (Queenstown/Redhill)
3. Boon Liang (Tlk Blangah)
4. Catherine Chong
5. Ah Nee (Hougang)
6. Peng Peng
7. Eileen Lee
8. Lina Ng (Bishan)
9. Wee Chin
10. Gingko Tay (Pasir Ris)
11. Agnes Tan
12. Jie
13. Jonathan Ong
14. Alicia Soh
15. Ann To (Jurong)
16. Dennis Wee (Pasir Ris)
17. Rene Leong (Siglap)
18. Roland Tong (Tanah Merah)
19. Andrew Kuan (Tanah Merah)
20. Veronique Lee (Bt Batok)
21. Linda Chang
22. Norlinda (Siglap)
23. Marg Koh
24. Grace Kok (Bishan)
25. Elaine K
26. Annie Loh (Bedok)
27. Margaret Chan
28. Karen Thio
29. YH
30. Ann Lim

FAQ –

1. Venue – not fixed yet. Maybe Paya Lebar CC, Henderson CC, at your home if it can take in a group of 4 with broadband access n at least 1 PC or at McDonald if U can bring along a lappy.
2. Time Slot – likely on a Sat afternoon unless aft mid-Apr 08.

Just need your (only those who have indiciated their interest) opinion n comment –

If we hold I.T. workshops at ScoreBot, would U prefer to use PCs/Laptops provided or bring your own assuming that chargeable fees are the same?

Hi everybody,  we shall try to give 2GreenDots.com another go.  It has not been successful, since it was first launched.  I guess there are a few reasons why ta boleh jalan.  Suggestions for improvements welcome.

If you have a business, and have a special offer or % discount to SHC members, please do let us know.   An apartment for rent, a car for sale, a seminiar or talk, rose for sale, special spa offer, books, tuition, looking for teachers, kueh kuehs for sale, delivery services, etc.

Please note advertising on the SilverHairsClub forum is not permitted.

Terence Seah

4.00 p.m. – Assemble outstide BHG (formerly known as Seiyu Dept Store) above Bugis mrt station, Bugis Junction, besides entrance facing direction of Victoria Street / Bugis Square.

4.10 p.m. – Walk over to coffee shop at Kelantan Lane for yummy original Sg Rd Laksa. (And famous Chendol mentioned by Terence – anyone knows where is this stall located?).

I will share with you tips on buying music CDs, VCDs & DVDs. How U can do quick browsing, check if they are originals, check conditions, how much U should pay n bargain, how 2 avoid nasty vendors, mind your manners, etc.

4.45 – 5.00 p.m. – Tour begins.

6.30 p.m. or later. Have dinner at Jalan Bersih hawker centre (remember the delicious turtle soup) or cross over to Little India (to have Indian food).

What U should bring – hat or shade (if U are afraid of the sun), poncho (in event it rains), camera (if U like 2 snap photos), pen n paper (if U want 2 take own notes), small changes like $1 coins, $2 n $10 notes.

What U shouldnt bring – umbrella and big handbags (may get into your way).

We hope this tour will get U familarise with what flea market is all about, what are the stuff U can sell, how U can organise your stall better, etc.

Who are coming –

1. Yew Kwong
2. Terence
3. Jie
4. Mary Chan
5. Catherine Chong
6. Ann To
7. Andrew Kuan
8. Ann Lim
9. Rosna Rauaee
10. Lily Ho
11. June Chin
12. Caroline Gee
13. SK Chua
14. Margaret Tian
15. Philip Wee
16. Priscilla Wee
17. Eleanor Chan
18. Oi Cheng
19. CJ
20. Ron Koh (hope 2 make it)
21. KT (hope 2 make it 2)

We had successfully completed 4 workshops at Henderson CC in Jan 08. A big thank you to all those who had attended. Although there were some hitches, nevertheless the workshops were great opportunities for members to get together to refresh their IT skills n to those who were new pick up new IT skills.

I hope the experiences picked up from these workshops will harness your IT skills. If they are insufficient, pls do come back for more. On the choice of centre n location selection, we are in negotiation with an external organisation in a central location fully equipped with equipment n w/o restriction in loading software that we need to use on the PCs. We await to hear the good news.

What we had done –

1) Buying n selling stuff online, 2) Internet banking, 3) Online chat & 4) Emailing Enhanced

Out of the 4 workshops, #2 was the most successful with 95% out of 100% attempted and subscribed to Internet Banking. They were also 1st timers.

I also wish to extend my thanks to members who had volunteered their time to assist at the workshops. They were Chan Kwong Wah, Ronald Lee, Edward Lim, Christina Chan CL & Jade Phua.

We may re-run the 4 workshops n some others at later dates. Other workshops like photo editing, downloading images n videos, selling on Ebay, uploading photos to n managing online photo albums, burning images n videos onto media, creating your own webpage n latest craze, blogging.

We welcome all suggestions. In the event we do take time to run those courses it’s likely that we cant find volunteer trainers. Pls excuse us. If you are able n available to run any course pls come n join us.

Until you hear from us again, a big thank you to all you once again.

There has been frequent requests to have more discussions on business and investment on this forum.  However, many members feel that since the club’s  objective is to provide a platform to meet new friends, and that too much of business and investments issues on this forum tend to clog up this website, especially for those with no interests in business or investments.

I guess many members are still working, and many are comfortable with their retirement plans.  Some have reacted strongly and negatively to pure business and investment discussions.  A good number sees such discussions as advertising.  Advertising is not allowed on this website.  However, I am equally aware that there is also a strong desire by some members to develop business ideas and investment.

This website isn’t ideal to meet different group’s needs.

However, we can easily allow those who are interested in business or investment discussions, to view the thread, while those who are not interested, will not see the thread.  The forum wont be cluttered.

I am not so sure how to do it yet; but for a start if you wish to lead a discussion on business or investments, please write directly to me.  Leaders of such groups must be active, and keep the discussions or projects going.  Examples:  "An adverture club", "setting up shop", "investment seminars", etc. In principle, if a member has an interest to do something worthwhile to the SHC community, we will support the idea.

Terence Seah

I read the Straits Times today.  The heading "Retirement means death" and the sub-heading "Urging seniors to stay active" and that "those who lead sedentary lives after retirement die quickly".  Pretty gloomy; but the message was strong.  Don’t retire, work.  People must remain active.  Use all your faculties.  Use them or lose. When a person retires, he must have a second career. 

For many of us, at our age, we do have strong views on retirement.  We have experience 45 years living on this earth.

Do you agree?  What do you think?  We can shout and we can complain.  Many of us have a good feel of the situation each of us are in today, and maybe tomorrow.  What can we do?  What should we do?  And, maybe as a club, what can we do?

Terence Seah 

Sat, 19 Jan 08 from 4 p.m. at East Coat Park Meet at the rear of McDonald Marine Cove (former East Coast Recreational Park). Rented bicycles are abundantly available at reasonable rates.

Activity will not be cancelled even if it rains but will be brought indoor to turn into chitchat session.

We will go for a dinner together after the session. Please come and join us.

Rain or shine, we will definitely be there 4 U. Look forward to seeing you guys.

Ah Nee, Jade Phua, Lily Ho n Yew Kwong

Who Are Coming – Ah Nee, Yew Kwong, Caroline, Andrew, Norlinda, Douglas Chan, Dan, Lina Ng, Anne To, Gingko, Veronique, Daisy Phua, Eileen Lee, Lisa Ong, Grace Kok, Mollie Tan, John Howe, Jimmy Chew & Sally & …

For guys n gals who cant make it tis time, no wori n we shall c u on 16 Feb 08.

This question has been posed to me a number of times, ever since SilverHairsClub got started.  However, I must admit we have not got anywhere.  One member refers to SHC as a portal, others call it a website or a forum.  We do have sensible rules; and our  objective is well known.  SHC caters to the over 45s, and its needs to meet new friends.  So far, I think we have stayed well within the laws of Singapore.

Earlier discussion? Click here.

Of course, there are occasions some of us like to stray outside club rules; but whether we are a registered club or not, the laws of the country still apply.

Like many of us, and I know this very well from discussions, the majority prefers keeping our entity simple, flexibile and no-nonsense.  I too prefer the existing style and mode of operation.

Now, 2008 is here, and I like to highlight some points, hiccups and complications which were raised last year.  For everybody’s benefit, I point them below:

1. Project leaders had encountered difficulties with external projects eg govt bodies and corporations because we are not a recognised entity.
2. We do not enjoy the benefits and advantages of other similar social organisations.  Not possible to seek assistance from companies.

Interesting, SilverHairsClub does not have a management or committee structure.  We have no venue, and we do not collect funds.  We have no constitution, just one objective and a set of taboos.  No AGMs, etc.

But, we do have dedicated Event Organisers, and an active community of SilverHairs.

I like to take the next few months (until 31 March 2008) to hear from you.  And, would continue to maintain the following position.

1. Club objective will remain; and club taboos will stay.  No discussions on politics, sex, religion, race, direct selling and MLM.
2. Membership must remain free.  And strictly for the over 45s.
3. Members are free to organise their own activities; and other members are free to join one another.
4. Healthy activities are encouraged.  Continued jobs and entrepreneurship will be the drive for SilverHairs.

The founders have never envisaged SilverHairsClub to this size and activeness.  But, fact is we have grown, and we have to review how to manage this.  I will not call an open meeting to discuss this issue; but let’s use this forum to discuss and offer feedback.  Can we or do we need to formalise SHC as a society or a company?  You may have ideas, let’s hear them.

Terence Seah

All Members,

Every  First and Third  Friday of the Month, SHC Investment Club is holding its Meeting at Scorebot Pte Ltd. 

Time: 7.00pm to 8.30pm

Cost: Purchase of F&B

Agenda: Open to members suggestion prior to meeting by posting on SHC website.

In order to better co-ordinate and subsequent follow up on the meeting. 

I had created this thread. Please use it solely for discussing matters related to meeting.

Our first meeting in 2008 was 4th January 2008.

Future meeting will have their respective comments added.

Members present:

1. Terence Seah
2. KT Wong
3. Dennis Har
4. Ronald Lee
5. Ronald Wie
6. Roland Tong
7. Eleanor Chan

Please add your comments

It is oft said that forgetfulness is the first sign of ageing. We cannot stop the process but, perhaps, we can try to slow it. So, after much egging here is a thread to test our mamm – oops, not again (another sign of ageing) – test out memories or otherwise gain that knowledge our parents and teachers told us were unimportant and wouldn’t get us anywhere. Now is a time to find out how sweet that forbidden fruit is and have a good giggle at how little we know because we had allowed the good life to pass us by.

So move that cursor over your hippocampus (the hard disk in your brain, for the technology savvy), click out those trivia questions and put out the challenge: “So, you didn’t know this did you … smart-a***?”

Okay, so you take pride in not wasting your youth with trivia. Well, show us that you are indeed a real smart-a*** and answer the questions posed here!

Please also  participate even if you are genuinely seeking answers.  Example, a tune keeps going through your head and you are dying to know the title of the song. You may want to ask the title for the song with the lyrics:

    "Stepped into a church I passed along the way/I get down on my knees and I pretend to pray"

Also, you may not want to ask the question, but just want to share some trivia information like:

    Cat Stevens, who had a big hit with "Morning Has Broken", has embraced Islam and now goes by the name Yusuf Islam.

But do keep questions as trivial as possible – we’ve all got this far in life because we’ve passed the “other” intelligence tests already. And for starters, we’ll stick with trivia pertaining to music and films.

So, ready … set … let the fun begin!

Here are some reasons on why your Posts and Comments are NOT approved.

1. Anything that falls within the club taboos – politics, religion, race, sex, direct selling and MLM.
2. If there is an URL link inside the Post or Comment.  Your post or comment may be delayed.
3. Any event where the member is not personally attending.  In other words, no advertisement.
4. Any Post or comment by a member, who has not given us the full name, will be removed from the forum.

If you have any doubt, please clarify with admin@SilverHairsClub.com.

Terence Seah