Parkes Phoenix Editor

Maggi Barnard has been with the Forbes Phoenix since 2021 and loves writing about her community.

Be Seen

March 23, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Seen at the President’s Lunch on Saturday were (L-R) Susan Chau, Judy Cannon, Laruen McIntyre and Felicity Batkin.

Enjoying the President’s Lunch were (L-R) Mick Prior, Debbie Prior, Mark Silcock and Karen Barlow.

Forbes Public School Principal, Dafydd Thomas (left) and students were grateful to Forbes Shire Council for their new water bottles and thrilled by a visit from Mayor Graeme Miller (middle) on Wednesday. Story next week.

Author Barry Bredner introduced his latest book to Forbes residents last week. He is with News on Rankin employee Jayne Whitworth.

New Label For Winter PJs

March 23, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Pyjamas by Papinelle.

With winter almost upon us, it is time to start looking for sleepwear to keep you cosy and warm at night.

Undercover Sleepwear in Forbes has brought in a new label, Papinelle, for win- ter sleepwear.

The designer is based in Paddington, Sydney and uses beautiful cotton and delicate fabrics, including quality flannelette and twill. The label has a variety of pieces to mix and match to suit your own comfort and style. Papinelle specialices in pyjamas, nighties, robes and loungewear, and has a small range of girls and boys pyjamas from size 1 to size 7.

Owner of Undercover Sleepwear, Marg Duggan, feels this label will sit well with all other sleepwear labels in store to offer all customers a choice and option for everyone. She says sleepwear can cross over to lounge wear to relax around the home over the weekend.

Marg is also a specialised and experienced bra fitter and a qualified Amoena fitter. Check out the Facebook and Instagram page, or call 6851 4405 for enquiries.

Opening hours are Monday to Fri- day 9am to 5.30pm and Saturday 9am to 12.30pm.

A Pulled Calf Is A Muscle Tear

March 23, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The calf muscles are commonly injured in sports that involve quick acceleration, de- celeration or sudden changes in direction.

Many people describe a sudden sensation of being struck on the back of the leg. A calf muscle tear is often referred to as a strain or a pulled muscle.

The calf comprises of two large muscles, gastrocnemius and soleus. They both join to form the Achilles tendon, which inserts into the heel bone. The gastrocnemius also helps to bend the knee and together they contract to point the toes.

Tears to the calf muscle can range from a small partial tear with little pain and minimal loss of function to a complete rupture, which may require surgery. Recovery time and re- turn to sport depends upon the severity of the injury.

The immediate treatment for all calf inju- ries consists of the RICE protocol – rest, ice compression and elevation.

The No HARM protocol should also be applied – no heat, no alcohol, no running and no massage. This is aimed at reduc- ing bleeding and secondary tissue dam- age within the muscle. If you are unable to walk without a limp, the use of a heel raise or wearing shoes with a small heel will de- crease pain without further stressing the muscle. A compression bandage or wear- ing SKINS over the injured area helps limit bleeding and swelling.

As pain decreases gentle exercise and stretching can begin in addition to treatment recommended by your friendly sports phys- io. It is important not to ignore a calf strain as return to activity too soon could make the injury worse.

For the fitness of you.

Linda Reilly

Ten Tips For a Happier, Healthier Life

March 23, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

1. Eat primally: Common sense dictates that the best diet is one based on foods we’ve been eating the longest. Studies show that a diet made up of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, as well as meat, fish and eggs, is best for weight control and health.

2. Keep hydrated: Water makes up two- thirds of the body and performs a plethora of functions, including acting as a solvent, carrier of nutrients, temperature regulator and body detoxifier. Drink enough to keep your urine a pale yellow colour.

3. Eat mindfully: In our fast-paced world, we often eat while distracted and shovel in more than we need. Avoid eating when dis- tracted, eating more slowly and taking time to taste food properly. Also chewing thoroughly – not only will it help to savour food, but it also assists the digestive process.

4. Get plenty of sunlight in the summer…:Sunlight, and the vitamin D this can make in the skin, is associated with a wide spectrum of benefits. As a rule of thumb, vitamin D is made when our shadow is shorter than our body length, ie when the sun is high in the sky. While burning is to be avoided, get as much sunlight exposure as possible for op- timal health.

5… and in the winter: Low levels of sunlight in the winter can cause dark moods. It pays to get some external light exposure in the winter, say during lunchtime.

6. Get enough sleep: Sleep has the abil- ity to optimise mental and physical energy. About eight hours a night are linked with reduced risk of chronic disease and improved longevity. Shutting down the computer or turning off the TV early in the evening is often all it takes to get to bed earlier.

7. Walk regularly: Aerobic exercise, including walking, is associated with a vari- ety of benefits for the body and the brain. Aim for a total 30 minutes of brisk walking every day.

8. Engage in some resistance exercise: Resistance exercise helps to maintain muscle mass and strengthens the body. Do exercises at home, such as press-ups, sit-ups and squats.

9. Practise random acts of kindness: It is good for givers and receivers alike. It could be a quick call or text to someone, showing a fellow motorist some consideration, buy- ing someone lunch or giving a spontaneous bunch of flowers.

10. Practise the art of appreciation: It is easy to fall in the modern-day living trap of acquiring material. Spend more time focusing not on what we don’t have, but on what we do, and give thanks for anything from our friends and family to a beautiful land- scape or sunset.

(Source: Psychologies website)

Mayoral Notes

March 23, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

From all reports the President’s ‪Lunch on Saturday was an outstanding success. The guest speaker Vince Sorrenti had everyone in stitches with laughter and had a very captive audience. The rodeo was also a great success and I congratulate the organisers for putting on such a well-run event.

The Best of Regional Art exhibition opening was held ‪on Friday night. It is an excellent exhibition featuring artists from throughout the Central West. Cr Susan Chau did a wonderful job opening the exhibition. If you haven’t had the chance to see it yet, make sure you visit the Town Hall today or ‪tomorrow between 10am and 4pm.

At last week’s Council meeting we endorsed the draft community strategic plan for exhibition. The exhibition period started today and will ‪finish on 20th April. There will be public information sessions ‪on 12th April so please make sure you come along and have your say. Council staff will also be attending a number of events and community group meetings to discuss the plan and gain feedback. This is your opportunity to have your say on the strategic direction of the Forbes Shire for the next 10 years.

The Armstrong Siddeley Car Club of Australia is hosting a rally next weekend in Forbes and there will be a display out the front of the Town Hall ‪from 9am to 12pm next Saturday.

Mayor Graeme Miller

Thumbs Up Thumbs Down

March 23, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

THUMBS UP To the management and staff of Betland’s Orchard Forbes for another great season of beautiful produce and excellent customer service. Well done!

THUMBS UP To Council, all the participants and publicity officer for organising the great concert for our senior community at the Town Hall recently.

THUMBS DOWN To people leaving bags and boxes overnight and on weekends outside the Sunshine Op Shop. Other people rummage through the stuff and leave a big mess. Only drop off donations during opening hours.

Avoid The Flu This Winter!

March 23, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads easily from person to person through coughing, sneezing and close contact.

Unlike a cold, symptoms such as fever, sore throat and muscle aches develop sud- denly and last about a week. In some cases, severe illness and complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis can develop, which can result in hospitalisation and even death. The flu can also make some existing medical conditions worse.

Annual vaccination is the best way of preventing the flu and any associated illness.

You should get the flu shot every year because the flu virus is constantly changing. Every year, the flu vaccine changes too, so it protects against the flu strains which are most likely to be around during that winter.

Flannery’s Pharmacy is providing flu immunisation for adults over 18 years of age and vaccinations are available now. Flannery’s will be hosting immunisation clinics on Monday, 27th March and Thursday, 30th March. You can make an appointment instore or by calling the pharmacy on 6852 1111. Although an appointment is advisable, our accredited pharmacist may be available to administer the vaccine at other times so feel free to ask next time you are instore.

The flu virus can be especially dangerous for elderly people, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and very young children, as well as for peo- ple with underlying medical conditions. For people who are in these at risk categories, you may be able to access free immunisa- tion from your GP.

For more information ask instore or call Flannery’s Pharmacy on 6852 1111.

Scarlett Lets Her Hair Down For Ava

March 16, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Two days before her 14th birthday Scarlett Garland divided her thick long blonde hair into four ponytails so each of her sisters could cut one off. Trish Craft of Hair with Style finished the job giving Scarlett a number 3 haircut. “I’m proud to have raised more than $10,600 to fund research and support other families just like us,” said Scarlett. “Imagine if this money was enough to help them find a cure and end people being diagnosed with leukaemia forever. That would be amazing!”

Scarlett is the eldest daughter of Andrew and Kathy Garland of Wirrinya’s five daughters. Second oldest is Olivia (11), Polly (9), Willa (7) and Ava (3). Ava was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in June last year. “She was diagnosed within 12 hours of seeing a doctor in Forbes,” said Kathy and “commenced treatment within 36 hours.”

During Ava’s intense treatment, Scarlett boarded at Red Bend and Olivia, Polly and Willa lived with their aunt in Orange. Ava is now home whilst undergoing oral chemotherapy. “Things that may have annoyed me nine months ago, don’t even phase me anymore, it is just so nice to have the gang back together,” said Kathy. Scarlett made the decision to participate in the Leukaemia Foundation’s 2017 World’s Greatest Shave for a Cure to support her younger sister through two years of treatment.

“It was a long way out when Scarlett made her decision to shave her hair off, but she never changed her mind. She wasn’t even nervous on the day,” said Kathy. “It will be fun to grow my hair back at the same time as Ava does,” said Scarlett. “Thank you so much to everyone that
has left nice messages and donations, you have all helped me become the 14th highest fundraiser in Australia,” said Scarlett.

Tom Maslin, school captain at St Lawrence’s also participated in the World’s Greatest Shave as did Graeme (Dorsey) Uphill their bus driver. He had his eyebrows and moustache shaved off. In all, a total of nearly $13,000 has been raised. “We are truly overwhelmed by the support
the community of Forbes has shown us. Some parents at the Oncology Department at Westmead Hospital in Sydney do not even know their neighbours. I just don’t know how they would get through something like this without support,” said Kathy.

Having A Laugh With Vince For A Good Cause

March 16, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Stand-up comedian Vince Sorrenti will be entertaining more than 800 guests at the sell out Forbes Rugby Union Club President’s Lunch tomorrow. In its sixth year, the lunch has become a social tradition to not only raise funds for the club but also for local charities and organisations. “We also love to get people together to celebrate our club’s achievements, especially this year as we go into our 50th season,” said Tracey Prior, Club President.

The unique purpose and simple concept of the lunch has proved to be hugely successful with long waiting lists every year of people wanting to attend. “It has just grown so much with 820 people attending this year,” said Chris Sweeney, chairman of the President’s Lunch. The proceeds of this year’s lunch will go to the Forbes Badminton Club, Forbes Toy Library, Forbes Running and Triathlon Club and Ava Garland & Family.

Additional funds will be raised with the gourmet dinner auction courtesy of Eat Your Greens (for ten people plus a champagne, wine and beer hamper) and in support of Batyr. It is a purposeful organisation that aims to engage, educate and empower young people to have positive conversations about mental health. Chris said by supporting Batyr, the club would like to bring the organisation to Forbes to run its programs for young people in the town. There will also be $1,000 prize money for a winning table in the Platypus charity draw. The tables are run by a table captain who sells nine tickets to friends. “This concept is very simple and easy to run, and it also makes the event very social and community orientated,” said Chris. “That is what rugby is all about: community, friendship and mateship.”

If you would like to be a captain at next year’s lunch, contact the committee on rugbylunchforbes@gmail.com.

Question of the Week?

March 16, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

What do you like about House of Tribes the most?

Abi Pycroft: I could be seen to be biased as Jake is my boyfriend! That said I just love the music. I especially love their new album as it has an electric funk vibe.

Shemali Rimene: We are visiting from Cowra. I really love the energy that the House of Tribes create as it is fun, positive, and happy.

Sisters – Ashley and Tammi Hall: We both love Sing. It is our favorite House of Tribes song. We both love dancing as the music they play has great rhythm. “It makes me happy,” said Tammi.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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