Assisi Aged Care

Assisi’s Resident Choir

Every Tuesday afternoon, the Assisi Resident Choir transforms the Auditorium into a hub of song and connection. Under the guidance of dedicated volunteers Ms. Lilian Antonelli and Mr. Renato Vecchies, residents come together to share their passion for music. The Choir’s melodies fill the halls, creating an atmosphere of warmth and unity. Residents and their families of all singing abilities are welcome to join, making each gathering a celebration of shared harmony and connection.

Tressette: Italian Tradition Lives On

In Italy, playing cards is a popular pastime in small towns, often taking place in the local bar, which is similar to a coffee shop here. These gatherings usually bring people, often friends, together. In Assisi, many residents—mostly men, though a few women join in—enjoy a game of Tressette, a 40-card trick-taking card game. It’s one of Italy's major national card games, alongside Scopa and Briscola. When playing in teams, verbal communication between partners is considered cheating, unlike in Briscola. As a local saying goes, “Tressette was invented by four mutes, Briscola by four liars.” For the residents, playing cards is something they fondly remember. Playing cards for the most parts help residents stay socially connected, mentally active, and engaged, evoking fond memories.

Assisi’s Art Project Adventures

Assisi has begun acquiring art to lift the attractiveness of Assisi’s shared spaces, and no doubt you have noticed some of these new paintings near the auditorium. This will be an ongoing project, with a focus on creating meaningful and engaging destinations for residents throughout the five units. As such, not just any painting will do! And Facebook Marketplace has been a rich source of low-cost treasure. An art trail is envisioned, applying the research of international dementia expert and sociologist Professor John Zeisel. This will involve label cards beside chosen displays that invite questions and conversation. “Alzheimer’s doesn’t take away memory; your memories are all in there. The part of the brain that’s damaged is the part that gives you access to memory. It’s as if you put the memories in the glove compartment and you lost the key – and art unlocked it.” – Dr. John Zeisel.
Your feedback is welcome, and more updates will be provided as the project progresses. Let’s take into consideration, we all interpret what we see a little differently!

In early October 2024, the Sardinian Cultural Association (SCA) brought a special live performance of Sardinian folk music to town as part of the Italian Festa program in the Exhibition Building. Dedicated to preserving Sardinia's rich cultural heritage, the SCA aims to connect people to the island’s unique traditions often through music, dance, and art. On Friday, 4th October, Assisi was honoured to host the Sardinian Folk Group's live performance in the Assisi Chapel, where residents and a select group of invited guests gathered to experience Sardinian folk music. The intimate setting of the chapel allowed the audience to greatly appreciate the captivating performance, fostering a sense of connection to Sardinia’s vibrant musical legacy.

Assisi Expands IL GLOBO TV

We’re excited to announce the arrival of IL Globo TV across Assisi! In addition to the Auditorium, IL Globo will be soon installed in the communal lounges of St. Anthony, St. Catherine, Padre Pio, St. Claire, and St. Francis, offering 26 channels of Italian entertainment. Residents can enjoy classics like Rai Italia, Rai News 24, Mediaset Italia, and on-demand movies, documentaries and a lot more.

This wonderful addition was made possible thanks to Toscana Social Club, who organized the Annual Harry Belli Film Event on 25th August, and a special thanks to Assisi Volunteer Lilian Antonelli for her ongoing dedication. We can’t wait for our residents to enjoy the joy and entertainment IL Globo will bring!

We are happy to announce the return of Dog Therapy to Assisi this Spring time. Chester, a new therapy dog from Delta Therapy Dogs, is replacing Tarni, the former Delta dog, and visiting Assisi every second Thursday. We are excited for the joy and companionship Chester will offer to our residents. Let’s have our biggest welcoming to Adraian Clark (the owner & volunteer) and Chester.

Assisi Castagne Festival

Traditions are the essence of culture and identity, and for Assisi, fostering these traditions is paramount. Following the success of last year’s Castagne Festival, Assisi held the event once again on 2 August.
With 10kgs of chestnuts in hand, the lifestyle team rallied the residents for the all-important scoring – a little cut to keep those chestnuts from popping when cooking. Afterwards, a separate team of Assisi residents crafted paper cones for serving the chestnuts. Chef Manager Robert Molino and his culinary crew then roasted and boiled the chestnuts to perfection.
Next up: the peeling party! Residents happily teamed up to free the delicious bites from their shells. The grand finale was Friday Happy Hour, where the residents celebrated with chestnut treats, laughter, and a promise to make this festive tradition an annual highlight.
The success of the event was truly a collaborative effort of all residents, staff members, volunteers and visitors. We would like to express our greatest gratitude to all.

OZ Ten-pin Bowling

Something a little different for the residents, as they ventured out to the Greensborough Lanes for a Ten-Pin bowling session.

For a while there, residents appeared to shed years as they immersed themselves in the spirit of the game.
I can imagine that some of them would never have ever seen a bowling alley, let alone participated. They cheered each other’s successes, laughed off the occasional gutter ball, and celebrated every small victory.

By the end of the outing, the scoreboard was forgotten.
What remained were the memories of a day spent in the company of friends, defying the notion that age could limit their enjoyment of life, as they returned to Assisi, tired but happy.

Annual Knights of Malta Lourdes Mass

The annual Lourdes mass was held last Wednesday in the auditorium.
The mass was officiated by Fr Max Vodola, assisted by Dr Margaret O’Donnell OAM, Gerard
O’Donnell, Michael King, Lilian Antonelli OAM and Cav. Uff. Sauro Antonelli AM.
This mass has been celebrated at Assisi for many years and was attended by residents and staff.
Attendees were gifted a bottle of blessed Lourdes water, rosary beads and booklet about
Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Bernadette.

A trip to see the Fox Classic Car Collection

Male residents were treated to a visit to the Lindsay Fox, Classic Car museum, in operation since 1997.

While the female residents may or may not have enjoyed the experience, it’s great to see the revival of the men’s club.

Sometimes you just need to hang with your mates.

Although, Francesca, the volunteer who assisted on the excursion, reported back that she thoroughly enjoyed the exhibition.

Perhaps a quick survey of the ladies might reveal a keen interest amongst them and another visit could be in order.

If you want to know more about the exhibition, click on the link below:

https://www.foxcollection.org.au/fox-car-collection-history

Mother's Day Celebration

There was a sea of happy faces, as Mother’s Day was celebrated with extreme fervour last Friday.
As this was a celebration of mothers, the men were relegated to the back stalls, while the ladies received an abundance of pampering.
They were served delicious homemade grispelle and crocchette di riso (the men didn’t miss out!), prepared by Tina and Elizabeth (Volunteer) whilst Robert and his team organised mother day cupcakes, profiteroles and other delicacies, for the residents to enjoy.
Tina handpicked gifts for each of the female residents to mark the occasion.
The auditorium was converted into a stunning space, created by the Lifestyle team.
Add to this, splendid entertainment, provided by Veneto Club Choir. It was such a lovely celebration and well deserved.
Thank you to all who contributed and judging by the smiles on the day, much appreciated!
A thankyou to White Lady Funerals, who contributed to the Mother’s Day gift by supplying little individually boxed chocolates.

Grispelle Calabresi

Look at that huge smile!!!
Giuseppina Gigliotti was in her happy place as she divulged her secret ‘Grispelle’ recipe to Tina.
They started the process in the morning, allowing the dough to rise, ahead of the cooking adventure that afternoon.
With Giuseppina’s expert guidance and her trusty sidekick at the ready to accept instructions, the cooking unfolded in the Music room, allowing residents to watch on in awe and anticipation.

The ‘Grispelle’ were devoured almost the instant they were ready, by residents and staff.

There will certainly be a repeat performance.

Thank you, Giuseppina and Tina