Te Hapori Awhina Tangata The ConneCTor

The ConneCTor!Volume 49 ~ Winter 2021

CommunityConnections

Te Hapori Awhina Tangata

In this issue: Guess who went gliding! See Wayde’s story on pages 4 & 5

Community ConnectionsMain office: 5 Sheffield Street, PARAPARAUMU 5032

Phone 04 298 7703, www.ccslt.org.nz

The deadline for the next issue: Friday 27 August 2021Please send stories and pictures to Sara, [email protected]

Contents Page

My stay in hospital By Derek Kubatzki ......................................... 3

Gliding! By Wayde Gardner ......................................................... 4

Shopping for shoes By Nikolas Androutsos ................................... 6

Our day out By Donna Wotton ...................................................... 7

Muffins for my breakfast By Jeremy Oliver .................................. 8

My recipes By Jordan Wilson ....................................................... 9

Living my life my way By Colyn Cowling .................................... 10

My awesome year By Deena Rigby........................................... 12

Scott’s birthday adventure By Scott Wilson ................................... 13

Kapiti Kiwis go out and about ............................................... 14

Quentin catches up with his family By Pearl Faraimo ................ 15

My holiday in Napier By Nicholas Kananghinis ............................ 16

mailto:[email protected]

Community Connections ~ 3

My stay in hospitalBy Derek Kubatzki

I have recently been in the Hutt Hospital, I was in there for over a month and the food was good.

In the picture is my favourite pillow and a picture I drew whilst in hospital.

Derek with his drawing and favourite hospital pillow

4 ~ Community Connections

Gliding!By Wayde Gardner

One Sunday morning my younger brother, Mum and I met my support worker at the Bridge Pa Aerodrome here in Hawkes Bay. We were there to check out gliders.

Grant, the pilot and instructor took us across the paddock to the hangar to check out a glider on the ground. As I’m visually limited, I had the opportunity to explore the glider using my hands to help me see. From the wingspan to roof and from sitting in the cockpit.

The passenger sits in the front with the gliding instructor sitting in a separate cockpit behind you. It was dual operated which means while the passenger can fly the glider, the instructor can override, much like a driving lesson.

I had a chance to feel everything and ask questions. When Grant said he could take me up that day, I was excited but nervous at the same time.

Wayde exploring the glider

Grant, left, and Wayde


A tow rope was attached to the front of the glider by a tow plane in front of us. Next thing we were off, shaking and rattling down the runway, gaining speed and climbing into the sky.

Freedom! Once we were up high enough the tow rope was detached and we were gliding.

After about ten minutes, Grant told me to take the reins – it was my turn to fly. I took the joystick. My movement was a bit fast and we nosedived. Following Grant’s instructions, I gently pulled back and we evened out. Grant took over again later.

What a rush! I can’t wait to go again.

Wayde sitting in the cockpit

Airborne! Wayde’s glider in the sky


Nik trying on his new shoes and then wearing them

Shopping for shoesBy Nikolas Androutsos

I don’t often wear trainers – I usually prefer to rock the crocs! But as winter is fast approaching, I needed to get some new trainers.

I went out to the Hutt and did some shoe shopping in Queensgate. I took my time in the store, but eventually sat down and tried them on. Once I had them on, I didn’t want to take them off!

I paid for them myself and signed thank you to the girl who helped me. It was a very successful shopping trip!


Our day outBy Donna Wotton

I enjoyed a day out in Upper Hutt with my boyfriend Vernon and support worker Pippa.

We went to a room full of flashing flowers which changed colour to the music and we went to look at pictures of Maori people with face tattoos (tā moko). It was very good. After that we had a coffee and some lunch.

My next goal is to save to get my nails done and go for a trip to Ōtaki.

Donna (left) and with Vernon (below)


Muffins for my breakfastBy Jeremy Oliver

Blueberry muffins are my mum’s favourite, so I made some in memory of my mum. I have muffins for my breakfast every morning and I enjoy baking a fresh batch.

My recipe

• 50g butter• ½ cup brown sugar• 1 egg• ¾ cup wholemeal flour• ¾ cup plain flour• 1 tsp baking powder• 1 tsp baking soda• pinch of salt• ¾ cup milkThen add your own flavouring. I added a cup of berries and half a cup of white chocolate chips today.

Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl. Beat in the egg. Add the flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt and milk, then whisk. Stir in your berries or other flavourings. Spoon into muffin cases and bake at 200°C for 12 to15 minutes.


My recipesBy Jordan Wilson

My Dad wanted me to broaden my knowledge of cooking, by doing other recipes than just 3 vegetables and meat. My support staff and I came up with 11 recipes and they were done on the computer.

I have a little trouble understanding what to buy for these recipes. My staff member put pictures along the bottom of each recipe of every item that I need to buy and the cheaper option. These got printed and laminated with one on the front and on the back. I can take this in my little trolley bag to the supermarket and look at this to check I have the correct items.

My first recipe I did was pizza, I am excited I get to use the same ingredients again for pizza on Friday, when I come home late from swimming.

I look forward to trying all these recipes. All of them are for making extras to put in my freezer.

If anybody is interested in these recipes for anybody else in Community Connections please email Fiona at [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


Living my life my wayBy Colyn Cowling

I recently turned 61. I have been supported by Community Connections since December last year. Before that I lived in a Bupa residential home. It had been my goal to have my own place and that has become a reality with support from Community Connections and Health Care New Zealand. I am incredibly lucky to have a brand new Kainga Ora home which has been purpose built for me.

Life is now great; I no longer live to a schedule that fits around staff in a home. My staff are great and work around me. They have encouraged me to do things I have not had the opportunity to do for many years.

Colyn, with Con driving

Colyn with friends and the supertrike


I used to love to tinker with muscle cars and motorbikes before my stroke. This year my key support worker, Maggie, sat down with me and we set some goals. For my birthday, the plan was to go on a Supertrike ride. Also, part of this goal was to enjoy it with my son Zac. This happened, I now have more contact with Zac with support from staff.

Then we discussed how we could get a ride in a muscle car. Maggie contacted a relation who has an interest in such things. Next thing I am getting a visit from Maggie’s relation and his friend Con and I am getting a ride in a drag car. And Con, the chap who took me for a ride, has another car. It is a Valiant he is doing up and he has said he will come and pick me up once it is on the road. Rod talked to me about different events, and I know these are going to be happening events.

Colyn and friends with the car and the supertrike


My awesome yearBy Deena Rigby

I wanted to share with you some highlights of what I’ve been up to since we came out of lockdown. I started off by training hard as I only had three months until November when we had our first Special Olympics swimming competition. I walked away feeling great as I had won 3 medals: 2 silver and 1 bronze medal! I also won a ribbon for 4th place in the 100 metres.

I enjoyed all my Christmas party functions, attending my Special Olympics swimming end of year party and our Turning Point party. For the first time in a few years I went to the Community Connections Christmas lunch at the Taradale RSA. I had a fun time catching up with people I hadn’t seen in a while and loved the smorgasbord.

Over the Christmas break, a big highlight for me was that Mum, Dad and I went to Wellington. We spent Christmas with my sister, brother-in-law and my two cool nephews. I enjoyed everything, being with my family, opening presents with my nephews, the Christmas food and all the laughter and good times. This included me singing with my brother-in-law’s band and having fun hanging out with my sister. I was so happy! I also went and played mini golf with my eldest nephew and Mum and Dad. Over summer I went for lots of walks and also went for bike rides with my Mum.

Now it’s 2021 and I do my swimming training with Special Olympics and I swim twice a week. With Turning Point started back I’m

Deena with her medal


enjoying being back at ten pin, and spending time with my friends. I am having fun going to ukulele class, and have started back at Creative Speaking with Turning Point.

I look forward to this year and intend having an AWESOME year and keep on enjoying my life!

Scott’s birthday adventureBy Scott Wilson

On 3 March 2021, I turned 50. I flew from my home in Hawke’s Bay to Auckland with my mum. We had to wear masks on the plane.

We stayed with my sister, Kyla, and her family – and got stuck in Auckland for seven days during another lockdown! It wasn’t funny. We had to stay inside all day. We had a good time but I was also happy to come home.

On my birthday, my sister hung up a huge Happy Birthday banner on the wall for me. My niece, Eva, baked me a big chocolate cake with heaps of candles on it.

Eva, Wade, Scott, Cole and Scott’s mum Yvonne. His cake is on top of the puzzle they worked on during the lockdown. Scott’s sister, Kyla, took the photograph.


Kapiti Kiwis go out and about

The Kapiti Kiwi Network drove to see their old friends from the Our Voices Network in Palmerston North. We had such a lot of fun trying to find the right movie theatre. Who knew there were two theatres? But eventually we met up with Craig and Jordan and later on found Vinnie too. The promise is that next time we will stay the night and enjoy it even more.

Above: Left to right: Donald, Rachel, Brian, Helen, Paul, Trish (behind), Susan, Gabrielle, and Jordan with Craig in front. Left oval Craig, Helen, Donald and Rachel. Right oval Brian, Helen and Paul. Below Jordan and Gabrielle


Quentin catches up with his familyBy Pearl Faraimo, support worker

Day 1: At Easter, Quentin Allen caught his very first flight to Auckland to meet his daughters, Sangeta and Crystal, and grandson Leki (short for Alexesio). His two support workers Max and Pearl went too. Sangeta picked us up and we went to have dinner at her place. Then we went to meet Crystal. A very special day it was for all of them. We ended off our evening having ice cream in Mission Bay.

Day 2: Quentin’s grandson Leki turned one on Saturday. They had a big celebration and Quentin was honoured to blow out the candle while holding him. Quentin enjoyed the dancing, music, food, and the vibe. Quentin also got to take some cake home.

Day 3: We picked up Crystal from her nan’s place, then we all spent the day together at church. After the service we made our way to the airport. It was very sad to see Quentin and his kids farewell each other. But we all made the trip happen and are already talking about the next visit!

Quentin and his grandson Alexesio

Max, Pearl, Sangeta, Leki (holding baby Leki), Quentin

Leki’s aunty, Sangeta, Quentin (holding baby Leki), Crystal, Leki (Leki’s dad)


My holiday in NapierBy Nicholas Kananghinis

I recently went on holiday to Napier and had a great time! I did lots of cool activities while I was there.

I went to the aquarium, the botanical gardens, visited the war memorial, and went wine tasting! My favourite part was eating food at restaurants, drinking coffee and eating ice cream.

I think Napier is really quite good, and would like to go back another day!

Nicholas enjoying a meal on the beach

At the Aquarium

At the War Memorial

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