Sat 10 Feb is the first day of the Year of the Dragon
Happy Lunar & Chinese New Year 恭喜發財
Gung Hei Fat Choi
WHAT’S ON in Feb & March 2024?
Youth Mentoring Program
Bibi and other CFS members in various professions are available to mentor young people, share their work experiences. Topics covered: write a resume that stands out of the crowd, job interviewing skills, goal setting and assertive communication, etc.
Sat Feb 10: Chinese New Year Pop-up stall (9 am – 1 pm) outside Little Giant Roaster Café (525 Willoughby Rd, Willoughby).
The ‘Creative Workshops by Young People for Young People’ will return on Sat 24 Feb. 2024. The first one is loved by participants of ALL ages. - ‘Floral Arrangements Made Easy’ (FAME) Workshop. Online registration is now open.
Willoughby Council commissioned CFS to host another FAME Workshop for the Seniors Week which just happened to be Thurs 21 March – Harmony Day! We will follow the orange theme! Watch out for Orange Roses and Orange Gerberas!
Tues March 19: Laugher Yoga ‘Autumn’ Class at Dougherty Community Centre - Craft Room (4 – 5 pm). Everyone is welcome to join! Online registration is now open.
Bushwalk of the Month will return on Sun 24 March 2024 when the weather is cooler exploring the Ferndale Park Track. To register online, – click here. To encourage ‘walking mindfully’, there will be a ‘Spot a Fern’ Competition to reward the top 3 walkers who can find the most varieties of ferns along the track. Every entry will receive a $5 discount coupon for CFS’ DIY Kits. In the meantime, feel free to check out the 2024 program. The scenery along the walks is great. Plan a visit with your friends and family.
Reflections on Past Events
Resin Art Pilot Workshops
In January, two pilot Resin Art workshops were conducted to test deep moulds. The results were quite impressive, featuring a glow-in-the-dark frog and a lotus flower tealight holder. The latter required two pairs of hands to insert the flower petals and leaves inside the mould. In another workshop, participants discovered the joy of letting colors follow their natural course with minimal intervention. Bibi also experimented with inserting dried flowers into the resin. The Resin Workshop scheduled for April is open to both beginners (no prior experience required) and intermediates (those who have attended previous workshops). Online registration is already available, and spaces are limited.
Australia Day Award Ceremony
“Bibi has been honored with the Willoughby Environment Citizen of the Year award. It is truly a team effort by all the CFS members and volunteers. Since November 2020, CFS has hosted five Climate Action Mixed Media Art Workshops and two information sessions, emphasizing the urgency for climate actions. The partnership with the Return & Earn scheme helps fund our Petal-it-Forward Campaign. Since November 2021, CFS has handed out over 180 Petal-it-Forward posies/vases, bringing smiles to many faces! McKay T. and Andrew G. each gave a speech on behalf of the Community Flower Studio to accept the honour. Bibi was very proud of these two young members.”
As a sustainable florist, CFS strives to achieve the following:
– Recycle all green waste and soft plastics from flower packaging;
– Prioritize purchasing from local growers, resorting to non-local sources only when flowers are out of season or home-grown stock is unavailable.
– Repurpose yogurt tubs and coffee jars as vases.
– Use paper or hessian wrappings, reserving waterproof plastic wrappings solely for pots and avoiding single-use plastics.
– Utilize biodegradable plastic zip-lock bags.
– Avoid using Oasis (green floral foam), deemed toxic to the environment.
– Offer free ‘Climate Action Art Workshops’ to scout groups, utilizing plastic waste and organic dried materials (flowers, leaves, nuts, and seed pods) to educate young people about the urgency of climate action.
– Minimize carbon footprints by limiting deliveries to within a 10 km radius of Willoughby.
– Collect plastic waste during CFS’ Bushwalk of the Month for proper disposal.
We don’t have to wait for somewhere else to take action, everyone can contribute to restoring Planet Earth to a healthier state.
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Download the Return & Earn App onto your phone and nominate ‘Petal-it-Forward’ as the charity campaign for your refund to go. An anonymous sponsor will match the amount donated, so your contribution will be doubled!
Good news!!!
As of 25th Jan 2024, we raised $274.7. A total of $275 donation was made by our anonymous sponsor to support our ‘PETAL-IT-FORWARD’ CAMPAIGN. If you have contacts with any primary or secondary schools, please contact Bibi. We would like to invite them to nominate CFS as their charity partner. It is always easier to engage with the school administration if you know somebody!
Your generous donations are much appreciated. The Community Flower Studio is a charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC). Donations of over $2 will receive tax deductions. Please kindly make a donation to the Community Flower Studio (CFS) by direct debit. Our NAB account details are as follows: BSB No.: 082-212, Acc No.: 729-933-729
There are many ways to support CFS: become a member or contribute to the columns here. I’m always looking for a great recipe passed down from generation to generation. If you have a story to share, either write a short piece around 250 words or shoot us some photos. If there is a book or a movie you want to write a review, the CFS e-Newsletter will be happy to share with our e-Newsletter subscribers. Contact Bibi on communityflowerstudio@yahoo.com
If you would like to purchase a DIY Succulent Terrarium Kit for a loved one or a friend as a present, order online here ! This is also a ‘Succulents in Colour-Sand Glass’ DIY Kit which comes with a youth-approved instruction sheet and a QR code to the YouTube clip of previous workshops. Available here. You can also purchase a DIY Flower Kit from our online shop, click Flower Crown
Flower of the Month
Tiger Lilies
by Dr Bibiana Chan
Tiger Lilies, Lilium Tiger, with their striking appearance, are a captivating addition to any garden. These perennial flowers are renowned for their vibrant orange color adorned with dark spots, resembling the patterns on a tiger’s fur. Here’s a brief overview and some care tips:
Tiger Lilies are native to Asia and have been cultivated for centuries. They belong to the lily family (Liliaceae) and are admired for their unique appearance and symbolic significance.
Fun Fact 1: Tiger Lilies are often associated with wealth and prosperity in traditional Chinese culture, symbolizing good fortune and positive energy.
Fun Fact 2: While the most common variety is orange with dark spots, there are also cultivars with different color variations, including yellow and red, adding a diverse and vibrant touch to gardens.
Care Instructions:
- Planting: Choose a well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Plant bulbs in the fall, ensuring they are covered with 4-6 inches of soil.
- Sunlight: Tiger Lilies thrive in full sun to partial shade. Provide them with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply, especially during dry spells.
- Fertilization: Fertilize in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it may encourage more foliage than flowers.
- Support: As Tiger Lilies grow tall, use stakes or rings to support the stems and prevent bending.
- Dividing: Divide the bulbs every 2-3 years to prevent overcrowding and promote healthier growth.
By following these care tips, you can ensure your Tiger Lilies flourish, gracing your garden with their captivating beauty year after year.
Check out this YouTube clip on ‘How to propagate lily at home?’
If you are curious to learn how Lilies are commercially grown in greenhouse in Holland and then packed to be sent around Europe and around the World, this YouTube is for you.
Plant of the Month
Jungle Brake Fern
by Bibi
Pteris umbrosa, commonly known as the “Jungle Brake Fern,” is a fascinating fern with unique characteristics that make it a delightful addition to any plant collection. When it comes to care, providing the right environment is key.
Firstly, ensure your Pteris umbrosa is placed in a spot with indirect light. These ferns thrive in bright, filtered light but should be shielded from direct sunlight, which can scorch their delicate fronds. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, allowing the top inch to dry out between waterings. Using a well-draining potting mix is essential to prevent root rot.
Maintaining high humidity is crucial for the Jungle Brake Fern. You can achieve this by misting the plant regularly or placing a tray filled with water and pebbles near the fern. Additionally, ensure proper ventilation to prevent stagnant air around the plant. Fertilize the fern every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. In winter, reduce fertilization as the plant’s growth slows down.
Now, let’s dive into some fun facts about Pteris umbrosa! This fern is native to Southeast Asia and is known for its finely textured, lacy fronds that create an elegant appearance. One intriguing feature of this fern is its ability to adapt to a variety of environments, making it a versatile choice for both indoor and outdoor settings. Its feathery foliage adds a touch of grace to any space, making it a favourite among fern enthusiasts.
So, with the right care and a bit of attention to its unique needs, your Pteris umbrosa can thrive and become a stunning focal point in your plant collection!
This YouTube Clip Fern Care 101 is very comprehensive. Check out all the tips in this video and you will sure enjoy a beautiful pot of fern a home! Email me if you would like to discuss fern care further with me. Happy gardening!
The above care tips can be applied to most ferns. However, if you are not sure which fern you would like to plant first, Costa, the host of ABC Gardening, will take you to Sydney’s Botanical Garden and walk you through the different species. I’m sure there is one that appeals to you!
Recipe of the Month
‘Pandan Chiffon Cake -recommended by
Therese L.
Recipe borrowed from Nyonya Cooking
Have you ever eaten a green cake? The famous Dr Seuss’ Book Green Egg and Ham ‘teaching us all that we cannot know what we like until we have tried it!’ According to CNN Indonesia, this cake originated from Indonesia, which can be traced to the cake-making techniques of Dutch colonists in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia). The Pandan colour and favour may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is worth a try.
Ingredients:
coconut milk 100 ml
water 2 tbsp
pandan leaves 15
egg yolks 5
sugar 80 g
coconut oil 70 ml
baking powder 1 tsp
cake flour 100 g
egg white 5
white vinegar 1⁄2 tsp
salt 1⁄2 tsp
INSTRUCTIONS
Blend the pandan leaves with 2 tablespoons of water and 2 tablespoons of coconut milk. Sieve the blended pandan leaves to obtain the extract. Set aside.
Beat egg yolks until the colour lightens. Add sugar. Continue beating until mixture is even and creamy.
Add oil, the rest of the coconut milk and pandan leaves extract. Mix well. Add sifted baking powder and cake flour into the mixture.
To prepare meringue, add sugar to egg whites a little at a time. Beat at high speed until it is foamy. Once it begins to foam, add vinegar.
Continue beating the egg whites at medium speed. Add salt too. Beat the egg white mixture until stiff. Do not overbeat.
Add the meringue into the batter in batches. Fold in till batter and meringue are mixed thoroughly.
Slowly pour the batter into a mould (ca. 18-22cm) while tilting the mixing bowl to get rid of air bubbles. Use a rubber spatula or chopstick to quickly run through the batter to pop air bubbles.
Bake at 150 degrees Celsius for about 1 hour or until golden brown. Once brought out of the oven, place it upside down until it cools to room temperature.
Note: Pandan powder can be purchased from Chinese grocery shops to replace extract made from fresh Pandan leaves.
Book Review
By Kim Wilkins
WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IS IN THE LIBRARY”- BY MICHIKO AOYAMA
This delightful Japanese novel centres around a librarian, Sayuri Komachi, who senses what people need in their lives and suggests an extra book in addition to what they are after. The book changes their lives for the better.
The novel was a best seller in Japan and has been translated into more than 20 languages. It is an easy read. It was originally published in Japan in 2020, with the English translation published in 2023. The author was a Japanese journalist for a newspaper, who for a while was based in Sydney, then a magazine editor before becoming a novelist. She was born, raised and continues to live in urban Japan.
The book is really five short stories about everyday people with typical problems. One is about a woman returning from maternity leave being transferred to a “dead end” job which she hates. Another centres on what a 60 something male can do on retirement. The stories are inspirational and uplifting.
You will never view your local library in the same way. It is a great advertisement for the power of books, libraries and community centres.
It will also delight those, including myself, who are fascinated with Japanese culture. We learn about the game of Go, about manga
and cooking castella, a type of sponge cake.
However, the main themes are universal. It is one of the best “feel good” books I have read in a long time and, no doubt, available at your local library.
From the Desk of Bibi
Navigating the AI Landscape: A Comprehensive Overview
by Dr Bibiana Chan
My AI Encounter: in the realm of social entrepreneurship, my journey with artificial intelligence (AI) began during a webinar organized by SECNA. This exploration led me to embrace Chat-GPT as a tool for various writing and editing tasks, including articles like ‘The Voice’ and ‘Flower of the Month and Plant of the Month.’ This AI platform proved to be a valuable resource, enabling me to streamline content creation and enhance the quality of my work. As I delved deeper, I even entrusted Chat-GPT with summarizing a President’s Annual Report for the members of CFS, underlining the expanding role of AI in everyday tasks.
Father of AI Warned the Scientific Committee: the emergence of AI has not been without its warnings. Geoffrey Hinton, widely regarded as the godfather of AI, resigned from Google and voiced concerns over the potential dangers of machine learning. Hinton’s cautionary stance brings attention to the need for responsible development and usage of AI technologies. The lack of transparency in AI chatbots and the distinct differences in intelligence between AI and humans are challenges that must be addressed to ensure ethical and safe implementation.
The Rise of Chat-GPT and Global Awareness: the introduction of Chat-GPT in 2023 marked a turning point, providing free and widespread access to AI capabilities. This democratization of AI raised global awareness about its potential applications and the imperative need for comprehensive regulations. Governments worldwide initiated discussions on the security, legal implications, and governance of AI use. Notably, Australia formed a committee to explore new legislative requirements, reflecting the urgency to establish a regulatory framework for the responsible deployment of AI technologies.
AI Governance Challenge and Regulatory Responses: Bruno Bastit, the Director of Sustainability Research at S&P Global Ratings, highlighted the risks associated with the rapid adoption of AI and stressed the necessity for robust governance frameworks. The article emphasizes the evolving landscape of AI regulations and the challenges of keeping pace with technological advancements. With lightly regulated technology, there is a global effort to negotiate rules and norms for harnessing AI’s benefits while mitigating potential negative consequences. Organizations such as UNESCO, the European Union, and the G7 have taken steps to address ethical concerns and establish comprehensive AI legislation.
Pros and Cons of AI Usage: the benefits of AI, as outlined by Ethan Mollick, include its ability to quickly and accurately generate written content, saving time and resources. Industries like marketing, advertising, consulting, and finance stand to gain significantly from AI’s contribution to high-quality written materials. However, as highlighted by Geoffrey Hinton and others, the risks include lack of transparency, potential harm, and the fundamental differences between AI and human intelligence. Striking a balance between harnessing the advantages and mitigating the risks is crucial for the responsible integration of AI into various sectors.
Mandatory Safeguards: governments are actively responding to the challenges posed by AI. Australia’s Industry Minister, Ed Husic, outlined a “risk-based” approach to address the rapid rise of AI technologies. This approach proposes mandatory safeguards for high-risk AI applications, such as self-driving vehicle software, predictive tools, and medical diagnosis. The proposal includes independent testing, ongoing audits, and mandatory labelling to ensure accountability and safety.
Conclusion: the integration of AI into various aspects of our lives presents both opportunities and challenges. On the positive side, AI enhances efficiency, saves time, and contributes significantly to content creation in diverse industries. However, concerns about transparency, potential harm, and ethical considerations underline the need for robust governance frameworks. Striking the right balance requires ongoing efforts to improve AI regulations, address ethical concerns, and ensure that the benefits of AI are maximized while mitigating potential risks. As we navigate the AI landscape, a thoughtful and responsible approach is essential to harness its potential for the greater good.
For those who are interested to learn more about how AI ‘predicts and generates’ responses to a human command line in a ‘chatbot’, check out this video.
Listen to the expert on the topic of Ethical Use of AI. Some deeper thoughts into how to ‘rein’ AI before it is too late!
If you are interested to join Bibi for a Zoom meeting to share some tips on ‘how to use Chat-GPT?’, please send Bibi an email via communityflowerstudio@yahoo.com
Subscriber’s Corner
A Family Affair
by Sarah L.
I was generously invited to the pilot resin art workshop, along with my mum and sister. The workshop was in a cozy space, which included one eggshell(ish) chair and various pot plants. It was fun to see some new faces, with ample opportunity to either quietly focus on the resin or chat while crafting.
The instructions were easy to follow, and we could choose between a variety of molds – I went with the coaster mold. I figured a fun handmade coaster would be perfect for a (hot) coffee aficionado like me! We were presented with a wide selection of flowers and leaves to decorate our resin piece(s). I chose daisies, a gold leaf, small orange flowers and an assortment of leaves, while my sister went with a more Australian bush aesthetic using wattle and various branches and leaves, and my mum enjoyed her selection of flowers with pink and purple tones.
We all even had leftover resin mixture, so we each made various other resin objects using the molds! Overall, it was a very relaxing and fun experience that calmed the mind; both my sister and I agreed it was a very cathartic process! Would recommend!
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Product Review by Lay P.
Affirmation Cards – Nuggets of Wisdom
The cards employ effective grounding techniques and are a helpful resource during anxious bouts of overthinking. The cards are decorated with an array of artwork that facilitate the meditative process- encouraging users to focus on the various textures, colours, and tones while contemplating the main message written on each card.
The cards are small and compact, making them portable and convenient, but may not be entirely suitable for usage on-the-go. A digital version in the form of the app may be a more attractive for younger demographics, but the physical cards allow you to step away from the often overwhelming and intrusive notifications that may pop up while using a phone.
Overall, a lovely tool for mediating anxiety.”
Check out this Instagram reel for more information.
COMMUNITY FLOWER STUDIO LOGO EXPLAINED
Community: CFS is a community to support young people facing mental health challenges.
Creative: CFS hosts events to unleash young people s creative talents.
Resource: CFS provides members with resources to enhance their wellbeing.
Support: CFS offers support to members to develop their potential.
Growth: CFS fosters a growth mindset which is helpful in dealing with challenges.
Recovery: CFS sees recovery as achievable and a journey to cherish.
CONTACT US
Email: Communityflowerstudio@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.communityflowerstudio.org Mobile: 0412 613 073
Like us on Facebook:Community Flower Studio Inc. Instagram: communityflowerstudio
Address: 10-12 Clanwilliam St., Willoughby, 2068, NSW, Australia.