MSC Magazine | Issue 4 | Summer 2020

Page 24| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart installed replacing old power-hungry heat- ers that also risked fire and accidental trip- ping. This would mean major savings in win- ter costs and great afternoon summer com- fort. A new hot water system was installed for the West Wing. A few rooms were upgraded with laminated wood flooring. One-off complications: Introduction of Medirest Catering and St Vin- cent’s Health Care: The Provincial Chapter insisted on this change. In several community meetings, this was a topic that was hotly disputed by some, especially because of the cost of up- grading the kitchen if the dining room was open to commercial use. Such use ended, and the refurbishments went ahead at an affordable cost. There were on-going complications and af- ter extensive reviews, the catering contract was given to another operator. All of this meant a lot of work and stress. Covid-19 Pandemic : With growing awareness of the deadly na- ture of this virus especially for elderly, proto- cols needed to be established to ensure the safety of the community, especially in total lockdown. Social distancing was well ob- served in chapel and dining room – not quite in pre-luncheon drinks on Sundays. Cleaning of tables became a regular chore mostly observed after meals. Dispensers were installed in commonly used places. As with the outside world, certain stresses no doubt occurred. 7.00 am Mass in the chapel excluded the many locals who became part of the broader Kenso family. This loss was felt by many. Unusual Growth in Community : While positive and most welcomed, it meant a period of adjustment for all the community. A number moved to care at St Joseph’s adding to the need to visit and support reg- ularly. IN APPRECIATION of John Kelliher by John O’Connor msc J ohn moved to Sydney to be close to his aged mother, Francie living with dementia in a nurs- ing home. He was most devoted to her care and visited reg- ularly until her pass- ing. He did not seem to take any leave from his duties to grieve; but, just kept going. He exercised his pastoral skills dur- ing Saturday morning visits of my sister in law Kath who clearly responded well – to the delight and gratitude of Pat my brother who thanked John yesterday. John’s initial concern was effective communica- tion in the community : So, he tried with mixed success: The great beautiful big white board A monthly one-hour community meeting/ conversation Sunday drinks announcements Dining room announcements with PA. John was concerned about deafness isolating some men. Publishing plans for kitchen alterations for com- ment and arranging meetings with the architect Publishing the four-week menu for comment A dining room committee to monitor opinions regarding the food. Another concern was de-cluttering : There arrived a great beautiful big skip into which accumulated junk and damaged furni- ture was dumped. By decluttering one’s bed- room, clean up would be simplified after one’s final demise. Members could locate their books in a section of the archives assured of easy access in future. Maintenance, safety and improvements of living conditions: All electrical cords and devices were inspected by electricians; unsafe ones were removed. Electrically adjustable beds from St Joseph’s were installed for anyone who wished to have one. All West Wing bedrooms had air conditioners