Ron Smith Care Centre newsletter: October 2023

 Read all of Ron Smith Care Centre's latest news! Click here.

From the invention of penicillin to ChatGPT, Irene has seen it all in her 102 years

 

Not many people have witnessed the transformations that Irene Watson has – after all, she was born just after the end of World War I.

That was before penicillin, bubble gum, nylon, and aerosol cans were invented. When she turned 102 on September 8, the resident of Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre in Edenvale could say she had just lived through the mass introduction of artificial intelligence applications, like ChatGPT.

Despite the many technological breakthroughs unfolding around her, Irene enjoyed an old-fashioned celebration – a birthday cake and tea enjoyed in the company of loved ones, fellow residents and staff.

Irene was born in Darlington, England, in 1921. On completing her education at the Catholic Immaculate Conception School, she started work at Binns Departmental Store in the accounts department.

She married Reg Watson in 1944 and had two children, Trevor and Fiona. In 1957,  the family emigrated to Southern Rhodesia and settled in Bulawayo.

“These were the best days of their life,” says Irene’s daughter, Fiona Martin.

Fiona says after much consideration, her parents decided to emigrate to South Africa in 1982 to be nearer their children. They initially lived in Kempton Park, then moved to Port Elizabeth, before moving into Tarantaal Retirement Village, where they were among the first village residents.

“My mom was an avid reader, loved doing crossword puzzles and joined the Toast Mistress’s Club in Kempton Park.”

Sadly, Reg passed away in 2001 and son Trevor in 2016.

Irene continued to live independently in her Tarantaal home until 2016, when she moved to Ron Smith Care Centre.

“She is given the best care and attention,” says Fiona.

Irene’s daughter-in-law Kate and granddaughter Sarah both live in America, but Fiona lives close by, in Benoni, and visits Irene regularly.

Irene Watson (102) with Ron Smith Care Centre employees Bianca Dlomo and Lindiwe Hhlope.

 

 

RSCC Newsletter: September 2023

 Read all of Ron Smith Care Centre's latest news. Click here.

Thabisile and Lebo: The best RSCC housekeepers for July

 

Congratulations to Thabisile Ndlovu and Lebo Matloga from Ron Smith Care Centre’s Cedar Park wing who won the Best Housekeeping Award for July.

Both Thabisile and Lebo are hard workers who are willing to learn and always improve their skills.

“This positive attitude and willingness to learn has resulted in a very clean and much improved Cedar Park wing and is appreciated by all,” says their supervisor, Portia Ngobeni.

Thabisile Ndlovu, Sister Leanie Bessinger and Lebo Matloga.

Read all of Ron Smith Care Centre's latest news

 

Read all of Ron Smith Care Centre's latest news. Click here.

RSCC’s second Golden Games Special Olympics a hit

Ron Smith Care Centre’s second annual Golden Games Special Olympics saw residents and staff enjoy a spectacular week of fun, with each of the care centre’s six residential wings dressing up in their team colour to compete for top honours. 

The teams competed in four events, from 10 to 14 July, namely Noodle Wars, Fingerboard, Beanbag Knockdown and the Skyscraper Building Challenge. 

Debbie Christen, Rand Aid’s manager of recreational programmes, said preparation for this year’s games started in mid-June when RSCC’s employees kicked off the team-building process by participating in fun dance practices to build up unity and team spirit. 

 “Staff attended practice sessions to learn a cheer dance to Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off. Twelve dance groups, representing all of the wings, then performed the dance at the games, where they were judged and awarded points for their performance. Lakeside residential wing’s A Group won the 2023 Dance Champions title,” says Debbie. 

The four-day Golden Games culminated in a glorious awards ceremony, where the winning team, Cedar Park, was congratulated, and individual members were crowned and presented with medals.

Other special awards were presented to residents for being the Champion Golden Gamer, Best Over 90 Competitor, Champion Skyscraper Builder, Best Sportsman, Most Spirited and Best Effort Made. Awards presented to staff were Best Team Leader, Best Encourager, Most Supportive of Residents, Most Improved Dancer and Best Male Cheer Dancer.

“The team spirit, excitement, singing, dancing, cheering, clapping, determination and friendly competitiveness throughout the event was thrilling to experience. It was particularly heartwarming to see the absolute fun and joy that the events brought, and the wonderful spirit and positive energy that came from supporting, encouraging and applauding others – whether they were on the same team or not,” says Debbie. 

“Most of the residents enjoyed themselves and some, who don’t normally participate in recreational activities, really came alive during the competitions. Others, who thought they wouldn’t be able to manage some of the events, were encouraged to give it a try and were amazed and delighted at the results of their efforts,” she adds. 

Employees also enjoyed the event, saying that it lifted their spirits; while a family member sent a WhatsApp to RSCC that read: “I was fortunate enough to arrive today while everyone was getting ready. The positive energy, enthusiasm and team spirit were great to see. Well done all! I am sure this event will go a long way to brighten up the days for all that stay there.” The games were about much more than winning and losing, says Debbie. 

“The event is about having a positive attitude, trying your best, having fun, making an effort, encouraging your teammates and appreciating other people’s achievements, regardless of which team they are on. In upholding these values, residents and staff honoured the true spirit of the games. It was an exceptional event that brought joy to the entire care centre community.”

RSCC staff doing cheer dance at the Golden Games Awards Ceremony.

AND THE WINNERS ARE:

The dance champions! Lakeside Group A.

Golden Games Grand Championship Award: Cedar Park.

Golden Games Grand Championship Award: Cedar Park.

Champion Skyscraper Builders: Carol Murphy and Clem Lilley from Cedar Park.

Dance Champions 2023: Lakeside A Group.

Golden Gamer: Drienie Horlacher, Lakeside. 

Best Team Leader: Esmeralda Rusike, River Lodge 3.

Most Improved Dancer: Germinah Baloyi, River Lodge 1 (second from the left).

Best Effort Made: Irvine Sinnett, Woodlands.

Best Over 90 competitor: Marie Roberts (left) from River Lodge 1.
  

Most Spirited: Maureen Wollenschlaeger, River Lodge 2.
 

Tshepo Malatjie: Best Encourager with Neville Branthwaite: Best Sportsman.

Most Supportive of Residents: Prudence Mokoena (right), River Lodge 3. She is pictured with Mary Johnstone.

Best Male Cheer Dancer: Mzwakhe Mokubung, a student on River Lodge 3.