SilverHairsClub

I am in Thailand this week.  Suddenly the country is very optimistic.  High pay for degree holders.  Incentives to control inflation.  More education grants.  Tax reliefs.  Gosh, enough to give the economy a good kick start. After 10 years, the rains are here.  More rains.  But, unfortunately, too much, the rivers are over-flowing too; and North Thailand has begun to flood.  Soon, Central Thailand and today even Bangkok is worried it will have floods.  Luckily I am on a high floor.  I remembered one year, I woke up only to find my place surrounded with water.  But, I do have something serious on my mind.

1.  Once in a whiile, we must reflect on why we have so many members, and yet they do not join us in its activities.  Have we missed out producing activities that do not meet their needs and interests?  Or is it because these members do not have the time and find the venues too inconvenient?  Or is it because some of our activities are expensive and not affordable?

2.  Sometimes, through the talk and chat on our forum, some members feel discouraged to participate or speak their minds because others are just too outspoken or critical, or just simply inconsiderate.  I guess we cannot control sexist talks; but let’s not belittle or downgrade other fellow members. The club was created with the objective of meeting just one main objective.  And that is to provide SilverHairs an opportunity and platform to meet new and more friends.  If you are one of those inconsiderate ones, I hope over time, you will speak with consideration for others.  Respect for other member’s views are very important as we get older.

3.  Another reason why some members do not participate is because they feel SHC is a match-making organisation.  Obviously, not and this has not been its objective.  However, it has been very successful in get members to get to know more friends.  We can tell from the little groups that have popped up here and there.  SilverHairsClub encourages couples to join in, singles, once again singles or married to join in.  We do strive on a variety of activities; and you will note from the EO activities that all events are aimed at getting SilverHairs to meet, interact and getting to know each other better.

4.  Negative thinking is a barrier to members who have good intentions.  We may be a senior SHCian; but that does not entitle us to NOT give someone else the chance.  We push and insist our way with our viewpoints.  Advise, support new members and give them a chance.  Your supportive words are seen around Singapore and the world.

5.  Sometimes, I am asked why I do not support Event Coordinators’ activities?  I definitely support all EO activities, which are strictly for SHC members.  In principle, I leave all EC events to the organisers.  This is because I am not familiar with the activity.  EC events are open to non-SHC members and at this stage, I do not have a strong opinioin on these activities.  However, if the EC organises such events for the benefit of members, and with a focus on SHC members, you can be sure I will give my suport.  If my thoughts are weird and unbalanced, please feel free to let me know.  Ideas would be great too.

6.  Some members have expressed to me that another reason for non-participation of some members is because we do not cater to the below 45, children and friends in particular.  I really do not know what to do.  I am not likely to change my mind.  But I am more than willing to hear you.  Maybe you have a point.

Is there something else that you know that we do not know, that keep members away from the Club.  Please share with us.  What have you heard?  You can bet I will consider your suggestions.

And, to those who are going to be negative, I am receptive to listen to you too.

Terence Seah

The SilverHairsClub membership application is a simple process.  And this will continue for a long time to come.  So far, we have done very little membership promotions.  Perhaps, by word of mouth, our membership has increased dramatically.

Fairy godmother has been pretty lazy, getting old.  To get her to be alert has not been easy.  For the moment, at least until the end of the year, all new memberships will now be approved during the last 3 days of each month.  If the membership form is not fully filled up, and sent to admin@SilverHairsClub.com, the application process will be delayed until the next month.

If you are intending to ask your friends to join SHC, please do so quickly.  Do note that all Event Organisers EO events, are strictly for registered SHC members only.  There will no longer be last minute membership approvals. 

Terence Seah

 

Among members, there are a few who are knowledgeable with Indonesia as a destination to spend time relaxing, mixing with the local culture, enjoying the tasty food as well as a possible place to spend valuable retirement time.  I was in Surabaya last week for about one week, and I have this to share with you.

I find the city of Surabaya rather homely.  If one can speak bahasa Indonesia, or bahasa Melayu, this will definitely help communicate with the local community.  I guess for many of us, many of us would have learnt this language in school. 

Due to my short period there, I could only see the city.  I didn’t get a chance to see the sunrise at Mount Bromo or even Mount Penanjakan.   Being a tourist, I could only see the Russian submarine monument, the Sampoerna cigarette factory, Chinatown and reluntantly Tunjungan Plaza, the largest shopping mall in Surabaya.  It is good shopping paradize.  I remembered there was a Pasar Atum, with loads of local goods.

For men or women who admire the beautiful Surabaya ladies, this is a great city to envy.  They just have great charms, smiles and looks.  The traditional costumes are very attractive.  I believe it’s the Javanese history and culture.

Part of the reason why I was there in Surabaya was to visit an Indonesia plant.  But, I also took advantage of the time to visit the city.  The mayor of Surabaya provided a fabulous dinner, coupled with live entertainment singing and dance.  I was impressed with Indonesian hospitality.

There are direct flights from Singapore to Surabaya, only less than two hours away.  I wish some of you especially those with Indonesia connections, or having lived and worked in Indonesia give us more insights into what it is like to consider one of the Indonesian cities as a place to retire or even for a short 3 – 6 months.

What is it like to retire in Surabaya or in any other city in Indonesia?

Terence Seah

Hi fellow cyclists – beginners as well as the regulars    

I went to Changi Beach Park (twice) to recce it’s suitability for a change of cycling venue and found : 

• The park serene and much less crowded than ECP.
• There is a bicycle rental kiosk next to the Bistro@Changi — $3/hr (good for those who do not wish to cycle 2 hrs)
• Parking is free after 5pm and the nearest parking is :  Carpark 1 although Carpark 2 is also very near.
• There is a clean and airy public toilet (with shower cubicles) at the same location.

Perhaps, you would like to take a look at the following links :    

• http://lifestylerecreation.com.sg/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18&Itemid=32#
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Changi_Beach_Park

Buses that go there (stop right outside the kiosk along Nicoll Drive bus stop B10) :

• # 9  –  from Bedok Interchange
• #19 –  from Tampines Interchange
• #89 –  from Hougang Central Interchange

Buses that go to Changi Village Terminal (a short walk to kiosk along waterfront) :

• # 2 – from New Bridge Road Terminal
• #29 – from Tampines Interchange
• #59 – from Bishan Interchange
• #109 – from Serangoon Interchange

This place is ideal for our Monthly Cycling cum Pot-luck Picnic.  Clean and scenic, with amenities. 

• Meet at :  the pavilion next to bicycle kiosk.
• Time :  4 – 4.30 pm
• Date :  17 Sept 2011 ( YES, THIS SATURDAY ! )

EOs – Ah Nee, Dolly, Douglas & Lily

Those interested, please sign up here and indicate what you will bring.     

1. Douglas
2. Ah Nee – Koo chye Kueh
3. Lily – Curry Chicken
4. Dolly –  whatever she can get hold of
5. Carly – Dry Mee Siam
6. Janie – Fish Ball
7. Andrew Y –  Banana?
8. John Howe – will get the maid to cook something
9. Diana Tan
10. Charles Chua – Cake
11. Tian Soo – French Bread and a bottle of Wine
12. Hou Chong – Fruits
13. Audrey Wong – Honey Glazed Chicken Wings
14. Joy Chuang – Dessert
15. Mega – bring himself
16. Lina Ng – Soon Kueh
17. Suzhang – Yam Kueh
18. Eileen Thean – whatever she can get hold of
19. Gingko – will bring food
20. Rene Leong – food with no name
21. Kum Hong – healthy fruits
22. Yatsing – 6 packs of ice cold Beer
23. Peggy Tan – Longan Almond Jelly
24. Andrew Thio – no dinner
25. Lilian Teo – "kosong" and not so sweet konnyako
26. Sockie – no need to bring
27. Richard Wong – 6 packs of beer
28. Daisy Neo – brings herself
29. Yew Kwong – will drop in
30. Ann Lim – cherry stuffed tomatoes
31. Daisy

Photos by Douglas : http://s377.photobucket.com/albums/oo215/dougchan/shc%20cycling-17Sep2011/

My wife, Margaret, and I are both retirees and look forward to getting to know the rest of SHC members.

I like to listen to the radio, read the daily news, keep abreast on current/political affairs, play badminton, cycling and swimming.  My other pastime is listening to songs especially the oldies.

Margaret enjoys her weekly morning walk and once in a while I would join her.  Her favourite trail starts from our abode, St George’s Estate, the riverside along St Andrew’s School, Potong Pasir and Bishan Park.  Her final destination is Ang Mo Kio Hub where she can relax, have a cup of tea and do some shopping if need be. 

Our other interests include travelling and going places especially Malaysia (an escapade from the hustle and bustle of city life).

Cheers!

Eddy Lee & Margaret

 

 

    

Posted on behalf of EO Audrey Wong.

For this month, there is
no particular agenda other than a pow wow amongst SHCians in business.
Those aspiring to be in business are welcomed to join in too.

Date : Friday, 30th September 2011

Time : 7.00 pm

Venue : Lao Beijing Restaurant

Velocity@Novena Square
#02-11/12
238 Thomson Road

Attendees :

1. Audrey Wong
2. Jeffrey Lim
3. Sue Chan
4. James Tan
5. Frank Kaw
6. Andrew Koh
7. Primrose Kok

Dear friends………..

I would like to invite all of you to join me at the Paya Lebar Kovan CC for a night of FUN dancing, waltzing and twisting if you want to.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, 24 Sep 2011

Time: 7.00 pm to 10.30 pm

Fee: $3.00 (with "moon cake" & a bottle of mineral water)

Venue: Paya Lebar Kovan CC Air Cond Hall

Tickets are available at the event venue on that day.

Ah Nee 

Coming to the party are:

Ah Nee

Daniel Ong

Rene Leong

Lilly Ho

Dolly Lim

Janie leong

Carly Gee

Yat Sing

Gabriella Chua

John Howe

Thomas Loh

Sam Huat

Bobby Bok

Richard Wong

Agnes Low

Lydia Chin

Gabriella Chua

The online fleamart for September is now open for advertisements. Besides ‘for sale’ advertisements, you may also post ‘looking for’ advertisements. Advertisers, please familiarize yourselves with the rules governing the online fleamart, especially the rule that says an advertisement must not exceed five lines. For the rules and regulations, please refer to the online fleamart posts for August or July.

As you know, I have plans to relinquish ownership of SilverHairsClub this year.  The objectives are to ensure continuity and give it more vibrance.

Unfortunately, no member or groups have expressed interest to take over, and I have decided to drop looking at within the club.  My intended plans for 2012 would not make it possible for me to continue in the present capacity.

I thought over this, and despite the cons posed to me, I have decided to put SilverHairsClub and SilverHairsClub.com under a corporate entity.  Within the next few months, SilverHairs Enterprise Pte Ltd will be created.  It will be a social enterprise, and will run as a business enterprise too.  I shall have discussions wsith those who have posted suggestions on this club in the coming months.

SilverHairsClub and SilverHairsClub.com will continue to run as it is now.  This has been the way it has been operating since Oct 2005.  However, SHC will have additional features; and one of them includes corporate membership.  SilverHairs Enterprise will extend its reach to the wider group of SilverHairs in Singapore.   And, of course, the ownership of SHC will be moved from an individual, myself to an enterprise.

I hope to spend more time outside Singapore, immediately and effective early 2012.

Feel free to share your thoughts.

Terence Seah

Dear friends,

Alex and I joined SilverHairsClub in May 09. I stumbled upon this blog a few occasions but decided to join this Club in order to join the cycling trip to Pengerang on 16 May 2009.  We enjoyed that trip very much as it was fun and hilarious at times.  That was the first cycling trip for Alex to Pengerang and the second time for me.

Here goes our intro – Alex and I are in our early 50s.  He is working full-time in MNC whilst I am working in the ‘Ministry of Home Affairs’ with "no salary"…..Well, I meant I am a ??? ,ha ha ha.

We are introverts and enjoy dancing, swimming, cycling, exercising (not too often, hehehe) and traveling (if budget permits).  We really wanted to join many of the interesting organized activities but have to give it a miss as it crashes with our other commitments.

We look forward to joining the future activities and get to know more friends.

Regards

Catherine and Alex Chan

BTW here’s a little introduction about myself –

I was introduced to your site by a church
friend.  I am a 56 years old and am single.  I am now freelancing
a little – tuitioning and contract with an educational vendor as and when job
is available.  May take a part-time job in the areas that I
am trained – kindergarten and/or speech and hearing.  I
love handicrafting (making things that are useful), reading (my areas of
interest but not novels) and briskwalking.  I hope I will meet you all one
day.  So sori, tho’ I have registered with your club for about a year (?)
I have not turned up for any of your activites yet.  I will
try.  Thank you. – jk  

Here’s my introduction:

My name is Grace Oh. I’m married with 4 wonderful children; 2 older ones
are working and 2 younger ones are in school. I gain a son-in-law last
year. 

I’m currently still working. I like to keep myself active and healthy by
going to the gym and playing tennis with my colleagues during the
weekdays.  Weekends are spent almost on household chores and cooking for
the family – bonding over dinner.  

When I retire, I look forward to  participating  in the many
interesting activities organized by SilverHairs Club and getting to know the
members. J  

Cheers,

Grace

Date: 10 September 2011 (Saturday)

Meeting Place: Queeenstown MRT Station, nearby control station by 4.30pm.

Duration:  around 2 hours

EOs for this walk:  Veronica Wong and Mary Tan

Starting from Queenstown MRT Station, we will walk towards Alexandra Canal Linear Park (1.4km), easy walk passing by Strathmore Estate, Dawson Estate all the way towards Tanglin Road.   As we walk along the park, do stop by the story boards which give visitors the history of these estates.    Trees, flowering plants and scrubs have been planted to create a garden-like atmosphere.  Bring along your camera to take pictures along the way  of the pretty colourful flowers .   Look out for the Rukam Tree planted by Mr Lee Kuan Yew, then Minister Mentor, during the official launch of Alexandra Canal Linear Park on 1 November 2007.   The Rukam fruits can be eaten raw or sweetened with sugar to make jam.   New high-rise flats under the HDB SERS Scheme (Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme) to resettle particularly the residents who lived there before their old flats were demolished to make way for the SERS flats are now in place at Strathmore Avenue.  Dotted along the park are playgrounds, mini -skate parks, fitness areas and multi-purpose courts , catering to all ages and are located near the housing estates and schools.       

From across the junction of Margaret Drive and Tanglin Rd where Masjid Jamek Queenstown mosque stands, we will arrive at Alexandra Park Connector (1.7km).  This is where we find the floating wetland, one of the many Active, Beautiful and Clean (ABC) Waters projects that PUB has implemented as part of its island-wide makeover of our reservoirs and waterways.   New facilities like parks, ponds and pavilions have been constructed alongside the huge Alexandra Canal.    Viewing galleries have been included on one side of the canal .  We continue walking this urban Park Connector at the beginning and towards the end, passing by on both sides of the canal scenery of high-rise buildings of various private condos with fantastic architectural details.  Shelters are found along the park connector for visitors to rest their tired feet or take a short break to enjoy the view.   Towards the end of the Park Connector is Zion Riverside Food Centre where we end the walk.  For those who wish to have dinner, there are the popular the No 18 char kway teow,  Lau Goh Teochew Chye Thow Kway, sweet Asian dessert at Mohammed Sultan Road Cheng Tng at stall 32 and many more.   Those who wish to shop, across the road there’s the Great World Shopping Centre and also the Kim Seng Promenade.

Bring drinking water, an umbrella (for rain or sun), mosquito repellent, camera, cap and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Other Walk Team members:  ChristinaCL Chan, Charles Wee, Jeffrey Lim, Joyce Tan, Serene Low, Conrad Tang and Andrew Thio.

Those coming for this walk :

1. Danny Lye
2. June
3. Jimmy Tsin
4. Jama Hameed
5. Daniel Ong
6. Susan CH Tan
7. Terry Tang
8. Winnie K Tan
9. Goh Ah Lam
10. Charles Wee
11. Alice Seah
12. Lydia Soh
13. Evelyn
14. Malcolm Chen
15. Jane Chua
16. Peng Peng
17. Angie Ng
18. John Howe
19. Catherine Chong
20. Joyce Tan
21. Maureen Lee
22. Hew Lee
23. Seok Cheng
24. Juliana Kok
25. Stephen Low
26. Serene Leow
27. Robert Tan
28. Winnie Lim
29. Eddy Lee
30. Margaret
31. Andrew Yeung

Photos by Charles Wee, Andrew Koh & Danny Lye

Hi all

I am doing a strictly line dance jam at Paya Lebar Kovan CC for  my student groups and the public and would like to extend my invitation to all the line dance enthusiasts in SHC to come join us for 4 hours of non-stop dancing. For those who do not dance, you may want to bring your wine/beer/makanan then sit back relax and listen to the songs (about 60 to 70 songs) and watch people dance.

Date & Time : 2nd October, Sunday from 3 to 7pm (Walk through of some dances from 2.30pm)

 Place : Paya Lebar Kovan CC multi-purpose hall (Air conditioned)

Cost : S$3 per pax (with a botlle of mineral water)

Dance list :

1	Out & Jump
2	Radio Dancing
3	Lady Cha/Sex Bomb
4	Dancing Party
5	Kiss On My List
6	Electric Slide/Tush Push
7	LDC Express/Take The First Step
8	Martini Moments
9	Doing Alright
10	Bootscootin’ Boggie
11	Honey Honey
12	Pepito Del Bo
13	Dreamer Weaver
14	Rhumba & Roses
15	Vertical Expression
16	No Scandal
17	Red Hot Salsa
18	Little Rhumba/New Romance
19	Alabama Slammin’
20	Who Did You Call Darling
21	JB Waltz
22	Waltz of the Wind/Waltz Across Texas
23	Catch This Moment
24	My Little Runaway
25	Ghost Train
26	Getcha Good
27	Cowgirls’ Twist
28	Breakaway
29	Whenever You Come Back to Me
30	Lamtarra Rhumba
31	Back in My Arms
32	La Luna
33	Cowboy Cha Cha
34	Island in the Stream
35	Sway Me Now
36	Bossa Nova
37	Sweet Sweet Smile
38	Chilli Cha Cha/Magic Cha Cha
39	Silver Threads
40	Wild Wild West
41	Quanto Amore
42	Rock The House
43	Simply Mine
44	Step Back/Walk Right Back
45	Chill Factor
46	Repose Waltz
47	One Step Forward
48	Stroll Along Cha Cha
49	What You Mean to Me
50	Romantasy
51	Country Walking
52	Body In Motion
53	Honky Tonk Stomp
54	Kiss Me Quick
55	Cowboy Charleston
56	Dancing In Line
57	Country Girl
58	Back In My Word
59	Come Dance with Me
60	Sweet Joanna
61	Love Me A Little Bit Longer
62	Wherever You May Wander
63	Kiss In The Dark
64	Holding On to Yesterday
65	Burlesque

How to pay – you confirm your attendance, I keep the ticket, you show up and pay at the door (Note : All proceeds will be paid over to the CC)

Event Co-ordinator & MC – Sockie

Members coming to the jamboree

1) Lai Fong- I believe you can do more than slide and drink kopi-c

2) Tian Soo – offering his bare hands to help hold/support anything that is falling/drooping

3) Geraldine – may fly in from Hong Kong to offer her bare hands to hold…. different things from TS

4) Karen Thio – wanna slide with Lai Fong – mai lai liao, unless Ah Kou can kncok her with the racket and drag her here

5) Gingko – another slider

6) Andrew Yeung – offer to buy kopi-c but not for me ……… PAID

7) Elieen Thean – Wild Wild West is her cup of tea

8) Cat Ho – my beloved ‘Ah Ko’ skipping her bed(minton) to come support me

9) Ann Giri – one more slider coming to the party

10) Susan Tan – already marked her calender liao

11) Caroline – coming to listen to music and watch us gelek PAID

12) Lina Ng – so excited over La Luna and Back in My World…forgot to po mia…kenna humtum 

13) Lily Ho – bring jacket hor, cuz I am giving you the Chill FactorPAID

14) Dolly Lim – Give some Magic and you will cha cha cha like there is no tomorrowPAID

15) Janie Leong – Bringing her keropok PAID

16) Audrey Wong – The elusive one…you know what I mean ya  PAID

17) Hou Chong – coming with a bottle in 1 hand and the other (bare hand) to hold the nuts

18) Laura Wee – Welcome, welcome

19) Susan Chang –  This Golden Girl will add some sparkle to the jamboree…no need gold bar but gold dust will do 

20) Agnes Seow – Your Vertical Expression just made it to the list

21) Roland Lam – One more guy to ‘balance’ the yin

22) Marg Tian – Long Time so see, glad you could come

23) Lina Tan – Ditto

24) Eliza Chua – Double ditto

25) Judy Lim – You ‘ponteng’ work to come dancing ?

26) Lilian Teo – From Full-moon party in Thailand to Line Dance Party in KovanPAID

27) Anne Lim – Was wondering where you’ve been, welcome, welcome

28) Jacqueline Han – No worry I will slide next to you

29) Bobby Bok – Glad you can come join us

30) Yatsing – Not only you can slide, nor you can also do the Charleston liao neh

31) Boon Liang – Am sure our John Terbotak can groove to the music lah…but where is Sandy huh?

32) Janet Chan – Still over the moon after ‘One Night in Chinatown" ……now you can relax liao no more rehersal

33) Thomas Loh – Make sure you cancel all your other appointment on that day hor

34) Cat Yeo – Can help jaga Thomas and make sure he does not do his ‘ disappearing’ act hahahaha

35) Eyvonne Chew – You did say yes tiok bo huh

36) Judy Tay – still in tme to slide in

 

Anymore ‘sliders’ coming….and  of course ‘non-sliders’ (with bare hands) are welcome too :0)

 

BTW I will be teaching and revising some of the dances during my various classes from now till the event, so for those who need to refresh your memories or learn a few more dances, do feel free to drop by when you are free.  If you need info on my class schedule, do drop me a line

Helo everybody,apa kabar? :)

I have not been in the forum for quite a while now..hhmmm..but now I squeeze sometime to cakap2..hehe

I would like to wish all Muslim members and friends "Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri".
Im sure the ladies must be really busy-dizzy..like me la..now still sewing my curtains!..kekeke..the guys buat apa?

For my non-Muslim kawan2,you might wonder why we fast during ‘Ramadhan’..one month before the big day.You know…tak boleh makan & minum (cant eat & drink) from dawn to dusk!
It is to practice self-restraint and discipline.While fasting,we must also abstain from vain talk,using foul language etc..
Last but not least,fasting month is also about self reflection, spirit of giving and helping the less fortunate.

Ok la, that is all for now..i have to continue with my poor curtains :)

Hi I am Jasmine,

I wish to go cycling with people around my age as I have
not been cycling for many years. I wish to make new friends and widen my
horizon..
Scrapbooking is my hobby during leisure and sometime I teach
(freelance) arts & crafts in school during school holidays.

I am
still working and I hope to retire before age 55.

Hope to meet up with
people here, so please keep me in the loop if you have interesting outing.

Cheers