Newsletter Jan 2025 - Community Flower Studio

Happy New Year

Do you set New Year’s resolutions each January? For me, I embrace the challenge of learning a new skill each year. Over the years, I’ve achieved milestones like earning my Laughter Yoga Trainer Certificate in 2019, completing a 4-week ‘Stand-Up Comedy 101’ course in 2020, exploring ‘AI for Dummies – ChatGPT Basics’ in 2023, and diving into videography in 2024. For 2025, I hope to enroll in Dr. Kristin Neff’s Self-Compassion Trainer Course. This yearly tradition allows me to put Prof. Carol Dweck’s growth mindset theory into practice while boosting my mental well-being. Why not try it yourself?

Setting goals or New Year’s resolutions is the first step toward achieving meaningful change. However, it’s important to remember that transformation is a process. If you’re looking to replace unhealthy or undesirable habits (which may have taken years to develop), it’s unrealistic to expect a complete turnaround in just a few days, weeks, or even months. Practicing self-compassion is key—be kind to yourself! Understand that working toward your resolutions is a journey. Missteps are natural, but they don’t define your progress. You can always reset and continue moving toward your goals. For tips on staying committed, check out this article on “How to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions.”

On a lighter note, some may look to their horoscopes for insights into the Year of the Snake. This year, Lunar New Year falls on January 29 and is celebrated by many Asian cultures. I’m always touched by how widely it’s embraced in Australia, with even my non-Asian friends wishing me “gōng xǐ fā cái’ (恭喜發財 which means “Wishing you great fortune”). To everyone, I wish you a joyful and prosperous year ahead!

Come and celebrate the Year of the Snake with us at our inaugural Lunar New Year Family Fun Fair on Sat 1st Feb.! Check out the details in the “What’s On” section—we’d love to see you there!

WHAT’S ON in Jan – March 2025?

Youth Mentoring Program

Dr Bibiana Chan, CF, and other CFS members in various professions are available to mentor young people, share their work experiences. Topics covered: study skills, time management, goal setting, getting motivated, write a resume that stands out of the crowd, job interviewing skills and assertive communication, etc.

If would like to refer any young people (12 – 30 year) whom you recently started a ‘RUOK?’ conversation to our FREE Youth Mental Health Program, please contact Dr Bibi via email: communityflowerstudio@yahoo.com or call 0412-613-073. This program is taking a s summer break until 5th Feb 2025. Check out KYDS (Free Youth Mental Counselling) for their services.

Working Bees Preparation Day on Wed 29^th Jan

We are still looking for volunteers to take on a few lead roles, assist as co-facilitators, and help pack free show bags in January. Bibi has booked the meeting room (right next to Blend Cafe) at Chatswood’s Dougherty Community Centre on Lunar New Year Day to invite members for a group ‘New Year Greetings’ 拜年 (bài nián) and pack 100 show bags. There will be a traditional Lunar New Year Candy box 全盒 (quán hé) or “Tray of Togetherness”. If you’d like to be part of this exciting inaugural event, please get in touch with Bibi. We can’t wait to celebrate together!

Lunar New Year Family Fun Fair – Sat,1st Feb 2025 (Day 4 of the Year of the Snake) online registration is now open!

Join Team CFS for a fun-filled afternoon with multicultural performances and mini-workshops for the family. Thirty Raffle Prizes to take home! Listen to what Bibi has to say about this event (in Cantonese).

Feb Pop-up Stall on Sat 8th Feb.

CFS’ usual Pop-up Stall on the 2nd Sat of the month outside Little Giant Roaster Cafe. Come and meet our friendly volunteers and talk about the health benefits of receiving (and giving) flowers .

FAME Workshop for Seniors on Thurs 20^th March (Check out Willoughby Council website Event page for details).

Laughter Yoga Spring and Autumn Program

The first class the 2025 Laughter Yoga Spring Program is scheduled for Tues, 25th March to coincide with Harmony Month. There is a special afternoon tea to celebrate 30th anniversary of the Laughter Yoga Movement – “Laughter is the Best Medicine!” Health benefits of Laughter Yoga includes: lifting your mood, improving physical health, connecting socially & managing life challenges with laughter. Each session runs for about 45 min. of laughter, gentle exercise and dancing (suits various fitness – sitting down is OK) and 15 min. informal chat & refreshment. Click here to register. Hear from Dr Kataria, the founder of Laughter Yoga about the benefits of laughter yoga! You may join the daily International Laughter Yoga Group. Details can be found in the following YouTube clip.

Creative Workshops by Young People for Young People will return on 28^th March (online registration will be available in Feb).

Pilot workshop on making your own silicon moulds.

Reflections on Past Events

End of Year Celebration at Kyiv Social on Sat 21st Dec

Reflections on CFS’ End-of-Year Lunch by Bibi

To express our gratitude to the young members who completed their Duke of Edinburgh Awards or equivalent achievements, CFS was fortunate to receive a generous donation that allowed us to treat these dedicated volunteers to an End-of-Year Lunch. I chose the venue, Kyiv Social—one of the three Plate-it-Forward restaurants founded by Shaun Christie-David, a banker turned social entrepreneur. Inspired by Shaun’s transformation, as featured on ABC’s Australian Story, I was drawn to their impactful initiative: “We feed you, and you feed two.” With every order from their set menu, one person in Sydney and one in Ukraine receive a free meal.

This concept strongly resonates with CFS’s Petal-it-Forward campaign. At its core, both initiatives champion the importance of spreading kindness through tangible, everyday actions rather than mere lip service. At Kyiv Social, the staff—from the manager to the wait staff and chefs—are refugees from Ukraine. Their work goes beyond simply providing meals; it helps new arrivals build meaningful lives in their adopted homeland, fostering hope and resilience.

During the lunch, I was deeply moved to see our young members willingly set aside their smart devices to engage in face-to-face conversations with their peers and other CFS members. The intergenerational exchanges were heartwarming and aligned perfectly with our vision of fostering human connections to build a supportive community and safe spaces for personal growth.

The friendly service and unique Ukrainian dishes left a lasting impression. I hope our young members truly appreciated this gesture of thanks and left with a deeper understanding of social entrepreneurship as a powerful and sustainable way to empower vulnerable communities. I trust that this experience will inspire them to continue advocating for kindness and meaningful action in their own lives.

Watch this space for CFS’s Event of the Month!

At the 2024 AGM, members discussed ways to foster deeper connections within the CFS community. In March 2023, CFS introduced the Bushwalk of the Month, combining physical and mental well-being through scenic bushwalks paired with social picnic lunches or morning tea. Recognizing that members may have diverse interests, a new initiative was proposed: the Event of the Month. This could include activities such as picnics, musicals, silent discos, book clubs, and more, aimed at connecting members.

We are currently seeking an Event Organiser to coordinate these monthly events, each hosted by a different member with prior experience in organizing similar activities. Bibi will soon circulate a Google Doc to create a roster for 2025. We warmly welcome your ideas and suggestions—feel free to email them to Bibi!

If you feel like supporting youth mental health, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to CFS. Your support will help young people learn life skills and find meaningful employment.

Michelle Benson published in LinkedIn an article entitled “𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿? “She is referring to the term “non-profit” which is a tax reference, that unfortunately grew legs and became a label.

Bibiana Chan responded, “Absolutely. Perhaps a better terminology is ‘For-Purpose’. The Community Flower Studio is a youth-focused charity with a mission to help youth learn life skills and find meaningful employment. Your generous donations are tax-deductible.”

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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 3rd Dec 2024, we raised $511.8 A total of $511.8 donation was made by our anonymous sponsor to support our ‘PETAL-IT-FORWARD’ CAMPAIGN.

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

Verticordia Nitens

By Bibi

Verticordia nitens, commonly known as Christmas Morrison or Glistening Featherflower, is a small evergreen shrub native to Western Australia. It typically grows up to 1 meter in height and is renowned for its vibrant orange to yellow feathery flowers that bloom from December to February, coinciding with the Australian summer and festive season.

Care Instructions:

Climate and Soil: This species thrives in well-drained sandy soils and prefers an open, sunny position. It is adaptable to various rainfall zones ranging from 350 to 850 mm and can tolerate average temperature ranges between 9°C to 25°C.
Watering: During establishment, keep the soil moist by using drippers, especially in sandy soils. Once established, Verticordia nitens is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods.
Pruning: To maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth, prune the plant lightly after the flowering season. Avoid cutting into old wood, as this may hinder new growth.
Pest and Disease Management: Verticordia nitens is susceptible to foliar fungal attacks. Ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering to minimize fungal issues.

Fun Facts:

Cultural Significance: The Noongar people, Indigenous to southwestern Australia, refer to this plant as “Kotyeningara.”
Pollination: Unlike many flowers, Verticordia nitens is pollinated by a specific species of solitary bee, Euhesma morrisonii, highlighting a unique plant-pollinator relationship.
Horticultural Use: The vibrant flowers of Verticordia nitens are popular in floral arrangements and are often used as Western Australian Christmas decorations. The flowers retain their colour and perfume for up to 12 months when dried properly, making them ideal for crafts and long-lasting displays.

Incorporating Verticordia nitens into your garden adds a splash of colour during the festive season and supports native pollinators, contributing to local biodiversity. I found this YouTube clip from 1:50 min. on showing all the cultivars of Verticordia! It is pretty amazing!

For a limited time only, ‘Pregnant Onion’ is available for sale at the CFS Flower Shop.

Mother & Child Mini-Pot

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Plant of the Month

Cyclamen

by Bibi

Cyclamen is a genus of 23 species of perennial flowering plants native to the Mediterranean region. Cyclamen Persicum, commonly known as the Florist’s Cyclamen and available at nurseries, has a name that traces back to the historical region of Persia, which is modern-day Iran. This region, once a flourishing hub of culture and biodiversity, is also home to people of Persian heritage spread across nations such as Iran, Iraq, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Persian Gulf states like Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, and Palestine. These shared ties to the land remind us of humanity’s interconnectedness.

Amidst ongoing global challenges, the Cyclamen serves as a poignant reminder to pause and admire the beauty that transcends human conflicts. Its delicate blooms, which once adorned the landscapes of Persia, inspire a sense of peace and unity. By appreciating Cyclamen Persicum, we connect not only with nature but also with the rich histories and cultures of the regions it represents.

These plants are cherished for their attractive, upswept flowers and heart-shaped leaves with intricate patterns. The blooms, appearing in shades of pink, red, white, and purple, rise elegantly above the foliage on slender stems.

In China, cyclamen is affectionately nicknamed the “Bunny Flower” (兔子花) due to the resemblance of its petals to a rabbit’s ears. This charming appearance has made it a popular ornamental plant in Mandarin-speaking regions.

Cyclamen Persicum is widely cultivated as a houseplant. It thrives in cool, bright environments with indirect light, making it suitable for indoor settings. During its active growth period, typically from fall to spring, it requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering or allowing water to sit on the tuber can lead to rot. As a tuberous perennial, cyclamen enters a dormant phase during the summer months, during which watering should be reduced. Once new growth appears in the fall, regular watering can resume.

Cyclamen is not only valued for its aesthetic appeal but also for its ability to bloom during the winter months, providing vibrant colour when many other plants are dormant. Its prolonged flowering period and ease of care make it a favoured choice for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.

For care instructions for cyclamen care, you might find the following YouTube video helpful: Cyclamen Persicum: Tips for Caring for Your Plants

If you’re like me, you might wonder what to do once your Cyclamen’s blooms faded. The secret is to replicate its natural habitat to help it feel at home. For practical advice, check out this YouTube video by an expert.

With a little patience, your Cyclamen will reward you with its stunning flowers again, proving the effort is always worthwhile.

Recipe of the Month

Borscht – Beetroot Soup

by Harriet A.

I’m very food motivated. If I was an animal other than human, I’d be a very easy to train and people would say how clever. I’m just a sinning human with arthritic thumbs, pantry and fridge. I can’t catch a ball on my nose, but sometimes make really yummy things. I’m going to flaunt them here when I remember or if I’m not too shy.

Today I made the tastiest borscht, perfect for the weather, refreshing and cool. I boiled the buggery out of a big beet, peeled it and bunged it in a food processor. Added some oil preserved garlic cloves, a cup of cool water, yeast flakes, a massive spoon of sour cream and teaspoon of stock. I blitzed it and put it in the fridge to cool.
I shredded fresh radish with a mandolin and drizzled apple cider vinegar on them, did the same to some pickled gherkins with a drizzle of pickling brine and whacked some pickled red onion to this assortment of crunchy sour goodness.
I finely cut fresh dill and chives to strew over the soup following another dollop of sour cream. This flaunting is in the spirit of sharing. I’m scared of hubris and am no Nigella.

Here is a Ukrainian Vegetarian Borscht Recipe By Olena Osipov

Note: The iconic beet soup is made with beef, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, garlic and dill. Then served with a dollop of sour cream and rye bread.

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Book Review

By Kim Wilkins.

KLARA AND THE SUN – JAZUO ISHIGURO

The author has an amazing pedigree. Born in Japan and settled in Britain at an early age, he has won the Nobel prize for literature, the Booker Prize and has ben knighted for his literary works.

This inspiring novel is one of his more recent works published in 2021. Klara is a robot. She lives in a society much like ours but where robots, called AFs or artificial friends are sold particularly to lonely teenagers. Klara is sold to be a friend to a sick teenager, Josie. Klara has exceptional powers of observation and understanding of people and personalities and changes the lives of the people she meets.

The story requires a little suspension of belief in some areas despite all her intelligence Klara regards the sun as having a personality and worships it. However, the author throughout the book has a number of messages- is there a human soul that distinguishes us from artificial intelligence, the power of hope and love, the importance of family and the loneliness of people in the modern world, to name just some. He is a wonderful story teller where the characters drag you in to believe that they are real, in a concise 340 pages. Unlike many modern novels (and films) it is not unusually long.

Reading it is a wonderful experience by one of the English languages leading contemporary authors. It will leave you inspired.

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From the Desk of Bibi

AI-assisted Therapy

by Dr Bibiana Chan

AI-assisted therapy, also known as AI therapy, utilizes artificial intelligence to provide mental health support. It can assist with mental health concerns through automated conversations, therapeutic exercises, diagnosis, consultations, and treatment options. AI therapy offers benefits like increased accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and availability 24/7, particularly in remote or underserved areas. It can also assist with early mental health screenings and approximate diagnoses for conditions such as depression and anxiety based on data streams from voice, mobile phone activity, or interactions with games.

AI therapy uses machine learning and advanced algorithms to offer personalized support, but it is not intended to replace human therapists. AI lacks the emotional intelligence and nuanced understanding that trained mental health professionals bring to therapy. Some popular AI therapy chatbots include Woebot, Youper, Tess, and Wysa.

While AI therapy offers benefits, concerns remain about its effectiveness and ethics. Critics argue that AI therapists can’t provide the essential human connection that traditional therapy offers. Continue reading here.

A New Year Image Maria C. created this image to wish everyone a Happy New Year.

Chat-GPT created this amazing poem to complement the above image.

The clock strikes twelve, a chapter ends,

The weary year makes amends.

A crisp new page, a canvas clear,

Welcomes the dawn of a hopeful year.

The skies alight with vibrant hue,

Each spark a promise, bold and true.

The winds of change begin to sing,

Whispers of hope on gentle wings.

Let go the weight of yesteryear,

Release the doubt, the hidden fear.

In every loss, a lesson gleams,

In every tear, the seed of dreams.

The path ahead, though still unknown,

Is fertile soil where hope is sown.

With courage strong and hearts aglow,

We plant the seeds; we watch them grow.

Embrace the new, the yet-to-be,

For life’s a vast, uncharted sea.

Each wave, a chance to rise and soar,

Each dawn, a key to unlock more.

So lift your eyes, the future’s near,

Step boldly into this bright new year.

With faith in heart, let dreams take flight,

And build a world of love and light.

Subscriber’s Corner

CFS’ 2024 Enc of Year Lunch

by Andrew G.

At about 12:20pm, I arrived at Kyiv Social, one of the 3 Plate-it-Restaurants, and saw another youth member of CFS, Ethan, waiting outside. We both exchanged greetings and entered the establishment to find Dr Bibi in the midst of greeting the other members of CFS. Ethan and I took our seats and enjoyed the celebrations along with Christmas crackers until the entrees arrived.

The entree consisted of Borscht, a traditional beetroot soup with braised pork as well as potato dumplings on the side. The main course was non-traditional Chicken Kyiv, topped with a mix of shredded carrots and radish and garlic butter, with a dish of “Babusya’s Salad” and a garlic butter potato mash on the side. After a short waiting period where I played cards with Korak and Kim, we were served a honey cake dessert with greek yoghurt and a pitted cherry. To end the meal we all played a game called “Dirty Santa” where you could steal a person’s gift after they opened it or choose to open your own gift of choice. Fortunately, there was only one instance of stealing over the course of the game. Photographs were taken and everybody eventually said their farewells.

午餐後感想 ( Reflection After Lunch)

By Connie M.

從歲首到年終又回顧一年CFS工作和感受, Kyiv Social End of Year Lunch 帶給我好多歡楽, 真正感受 one nation, multi-cultural, 不同種族年岭年青人和成人分享個中參與CFS的得着和付出中學習, 也成為生命中最寶貴一課!

Looking back over the year from its start to its end, I reflect on another year of work and experiences with CFS. The Kyiv Social End of Year Lunch brought me so much joy and allowed me to truly experience the spirit of “one nation, multicultural.” People of different ethnicities, ages—both young and old—came together, sharing their involvement with CFS. Through their contributions and efforts, we all learned valuable lessons, which have become some of the most precious in life (Translations by Chat-GPT).

A link to Caroline T’s photos shared on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DEQismbzp2-OCfjMdXhNja0VrtSe4478zxfXUc0/hNja0VrtSe4478zxfXUc0

Images from a trip to the West – Katoomba and Blackeath

By Geoff T.

Note: Check out the breathtaking view along the Grand Cliff Top Walk (Level 3) in Blue Mountains National Park. It is 19 km in total with Scenic World and Wilson Park as the two end points. The track along the Three Sisters (Echo Point’ is quite flat and wide, suitable for all ages and fitness. Check out this link for more information.