Around Altona 49

Letterboxed to homes in Altona and Seaholme, with new distribution points in Altona North, Altona Meadows and Williamstown

member of

Continued page 3

“The Audience Will Get Something New Every Night”

This March every member of the family can enjoy Altona City Theatre’s latest offering, The Adventures of Aladdin (the Rock Panto), set against the backdrop of Peking. “We’ve got a lot of fun in store, the panto is going to be bigger and better than ever,” said Director Scott Bradley.

“The 40th Anniversary year was always going to be special and the show is going to be exciting and a lot of fun for all.”

“Both the band and cast sound great... The songs are really catchy and fun,” Musical Director, Jaxson McLennan added.

The theatre has entertained us with productions like the Sound of Music, Rent and the award winning Avenue Q. This production is set to get children and adults alike having a good belly laugh to some great songs and jokes with special cast meet and greet opportunities after each matinee performance.

The story of Aladdin has it all – magic, suspense, a secret plan and love that can save the day.

Steph Johns, Choreographer for the show said the panto is always a great opportunity to work with a lot of interesting people from different backgrounds.

“Everyone comes together and puts on a great show,” she said.

Senior Vice-President of the theatre, Pat Ryan is a well known favourite and plays the part of Widow Twankie (pictured at a promo event at Altona Gate).

ISSUE 49

Issue 49

Welcome to Issue 49 and thank you to all those who contributed to the conversation. As this issue is distributed, we will have just enjoyed the Altona Beach Festival, so in our next issue, I expect there will be some chatter about that very special day on the Altona calendar. Easter is approaching and for me, it’s a time to be grateful for family and friends, to celebrate new life and bring old traditions to the new generation.

For us, the story of Jesus Christ has significant meaning at this time of year but I have to say the talk of rabbits is never lost on me either. My mother used to tell me about my three brothers ‘hunting’ for rabbits in a field in The Netherlands. They were preschoolers and my mother had given each of them a handful of salt, as this is of course how you catch a rabbit – all you need to do is sprinkle their tails.My brothers had a few bunnies in their

sights and were sneaking up on them as quietly as three little boys can, when brother number two spotted a great big flower.“What a fine flower!” he exclaimed in delight.My eldest brother turned around and said crossly, “You and your fine flower – now our rabbits are gone!”I was born almost two decades later so my memory of that moment is in what my mother described with such fondness. Every time I pass Jonathan Leahey’s ‘Grow’ sculpture in Altona Meadows, I smile and think of Mum’s memory of my brother saying, “Wat een shoen bloem!”Do you crack eggs at Easter? Perhaps you’ve fasted for Lent or perhaps Easter for you means some time off to have a rest. Maybe you’re working through Easter, keeping things running while others are off on their break. Whatever you are doing, we wish you a joyful season.

Until next month,Petronella Boonen

Just a few weeks ago I was very lucky indeed to be invited to visit a new ‘Cookery Group’

of ladies In Point Cook. so with Google map in hand I set off 15 minutes early to be sure not to be late.One hour later, after receiving some needed directions and having driven past my designation twice, I arrived at the door to be welcomed by our volunteer Louise, who introduced me to our host, the lovely Lesley.As I entered the home, I heard the sound of full on conversations of the members of the group whom I had come to meet and to find out about their activities.Suddenly I am surrounded by a group of lovely Asian ladies in a delightful setting for an afternoon tea party arranged by Lesley to demonstrate an ‘English’ and Australian afternoon tea to the guests, only one hour late!I was introduced to all the ladies, and with my memory being what it is, this became a little difficult, and very enjoyable. The level of conversation was full on and was keeping on as I tried to find out what the meeting was all about. A most interesting story unfolded.Our host, Lesley, from South Africa, together with her friends, had set out to form a multicultural group to meet socially and particularly to help the young Asian ladies present to learn English conversation by engaging with Australian speaking people.

What a wonderful and sensible idea which could only be encouraged – which I did.Back to the tea party – heaps of food, tiny sandwiches, lots of cakes, and, surprise, just pulled from the oven after I arrived, a huge annulus cake the ladies had made for the occasion.But that wasn’t all – during the tea party the ladies decided to be photographed with their only male guest – me! – So I was in demand and didn’t I love it.If you or your group would like to make contact with the group email me at [email protected] put tea party in the subject line, and I’ll put you in touch with Lesley. I’m confident their presence would make a really great meeting!

Bill McPherson

Rambling with the Editor

Puddling with the Publisher

Issue 49

from page 1

As an active leader of ACTion, the youth wing of the Theatre, Pat has been entertaining both audiences and the cast and crew on and off the stage.

Jake Lucic plays Aladdin is his first theatre performance outside of school.

“Everyone at Altona has been really welcoming and I feel like I fit right in,” he said.

“The character of Aladdin is fun to play and in panto there is always a lot of room to mess around. The improvisation keeps the show fresh and it means the audience will get something new every night.”

- Petronella Boonen

Get some great entertainment, right here at our doorstep at the Altona Theatre, 115 Civic Pde, Altona (to the left of the council offices) on:Friday 9th March, 7:30pmSaturday 10th March, 2pmSunday 11th March, 2pmFriday 16th March, 7:30pmSaturday 17th March, 2pm and 7:30pmSunday 18th March, 2pmFriday 23rd March, 7:30pmSaturday 24th March, 2pm and 7:30pm

All Tickets are $7 – book online or call 0425 705 550

TO ADVERTISE IN AROUND ALTONA

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Contact

WillM: 0449 834 359

E: [email protected]

Issue 49

EastEr CElEbrationEaster represents the Christian festival commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Easter celebration marks the end of Lent, a 40-day period where Christians are devoted to fasting, prayer and penitence. Holy Week is the last week of Lent and it represents Jesus’ last moments on earth, His death on Good Friday and His resurrection on Easter Sunday. In Eastern Orthodox Christianity, members of the Orthodox Church also begin with Great Lent, the 40-day period of self-examination and fasting which starts on Clean Monday and culminates on Lazarus Saturday. Lazarus Saturday occurs eight days before Easter Sunday and marks the end of Great Lent. Many Orthodox churches observe a Paschal Vigil which ends just before midnight on Holy Saturday. Following the vigil, Easter festivities commence with Paschal Matins that consist of early-morning prayer services or prayers during an all-night prayer vigil. Paschal Hours which are brief prayer services commemorating the joy of Easter and finally with the Paschal Divine Liturgy which connects prayers with the communion of Eucharist. The celebration of Easter has changed quite significantly from the past to the celebrations that we

know and practice today. Its origin comes mainly from the German immigrants who arrived in the United States during the 18th century. Americans were introduced to the Easter Hare and the tradition of the Easter nest during this time period. Children would gather to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and play egg-hunting during the celebration process.It was not after the US Civil War when the celebration of Easter achieved mass popularity around the world and was celebrated visibly with families across the globe gathering to celebrate such an important event within the Christian Calendar. Easter used to be celebrated in the past by prayer services including a vigil service before the Eucharist. The vigil service consisted of a series of psalms, readings but it is no longer observed every Sunday. Roman Catholics started to observe it only during one day every year, on Easter. Modern celebrations of Christianity involve the belief that Christians symbolically pass through death into a new spiritual life in Jesus Christ. The celebrations are also based with prayer services and are modernly celebrated with more joyful activities such as the Easter egg-hunting, gifts to children and family gatherings.

Issue 49

CustomEr satisfaCtion survEy says WErribEE linE CustomErs arE thE lEast satisfiEd

The most recent government Customer Satisfaction Survey of public transport users, shows that for the third survey in a row Altona Loop commuters are the most dissatisfied on the whole train network.

Greens MP for Western Metropolitan Colleen Hartland has launched a postcard campaign calling on the government to fix the Altona Loop in response to the most recent customer satisfaction survey which reveals commuters are still the most dissatisfied commuters in the whole train network.

Related documents obtained by the Greens under Freedom of Information stated ‘Werribee was the worst performing train line for 2010/11 financial year. This reflects the reported dissatisfaction of Altona residents... It appears the Altona commuters were dissatisfied with the changes made to the direct city services’.

“The train service on the Altona Loop is the pits,” Colleen Hartland said.

“Peak trains run every 22 minutes, while most train lines are every 10 minutes. In off peak commuters have to take three separate trains to get to the city loop. In the first 3 months of the new timetable 169 trains were either delayed or cancelled.”

“This campaign aims to have 1000’s of signed postcards land in Mr Baillieu’s mailbox. The postcard calls on the government to fix the Altona Loop in the Budget this May.”

“Immediate action can be taken to fix the train timetable and ‘signal faults’ allowing for reliable trains direct to the City Loop. Then the next step is to duplicate the Altona Loop single track allowing for a train every 10 minutes.”

Altona Loop postcards can be obtained by [email protected] or phone 9689 6373.

Some of your comments on the Altona Loop Facebook site…

Rory: Waiting at Southern Cross for Laverton for 15 mins - disappeared off screen so assume cancelled. No announcement and Metro web site says all fine...100s on platform... once again Altona loses out.

Connie: Yay, I’m finally home bound after waiting for the cancelled train at Flinders St. All up had to wait 58min for a Laverton train. Thanks Metro. Have a great weekend people.Rory: S.C. to Westona 62 mins

Diana: A six carriage train, spot on time through Westona, Seaholme and Altona every 15 minutes, NO CHANGING AT NEWPORT, into the city loop, less than half and hour to the city.... it’s a fullish moon, but if you see any stars up there......

Issue 49

Care of our Wild SideIn an area like Altona, we’re fortunate to have one third of our land is devoted to parkland. With parkland comes the wonder of sharing space with wildlife so it’s our responsibility to ensure our birds and animals have a safe environment to live in.

Thankfully, people like Amanda, the operator of Blue Sky Wildlife Shelter in Altona can help in our wild neighbours’ time of need. Amanda provides care and shelter for 12 urban and semi-rural Brush Tail and Ring Tail possums - a number, which can grow to twenty or thirty during times of crisis such as fire, flood or heatwave.

Amanda is an active member of Wildlife Victoria and encourages us all to keep the numbers for BADGAR – 1300 badgar (1300 223 427) and Wildlife Victoria – 13000 Wildlife (1300 94535) on hand and in the car to report injured wildlife.

Want to know more? Perhaps you can help support Blue Sky. Check out their website.

Here is a note on donating:http://blueskylady.yolasite.com/operation-christmas-2011.php

Here is a link to our webpage:http://blueskylady.yolasite.com/

Contact number:0449 752 325

There is also a facebook page:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blue-Sky-Wildlife-Shelter-Altona/170957769653251

Issue 49

Shed TalkThis month we are pleased to feature the cycling group, the Hobsons Bay ‘Pelican Peddlers’ who recently took a tour of Southbank and as you can see from the smiling faces, had a good time.

The group arranges regular tours to places of interest, stopping for any reasonable reason such as a look at something of interest, often travelling by train at off peak times to cover a reasonable distance.

If you like cycling with a group email Graeme (Graeme Borlase [email protected]) and chat with him – you will be most welcome.

Our Annual classic car show was again held at Apex Park on Saturday March 10 from 10am to 3pm, right next to the Circus on Queen Street as part of the Altona Beach Festival.

Membership at the Shed (280 Queen Street, Altona) grows almost daily – the best day to visit is Friday – we have a BBQ lunch around 12, tours of the building and projects are welcomed – call in and see if it is of interest – visitors are welcome – ask for the Duty Officer and he will show you around.

The ‘Raised Garden Beds’ project, now being developed for Council is proceeding using recycled components. The pilot should soon be available for inspection. You would be welcome to join this group – ask for David.

Issue 49

Is Estate Planning Just for the Elderly?This is a very easy question to answer – NO, Estate Planning is for everyone! A good Estate Plan requires the involvement of skilled legal, accounting and financial specialists, to ensure that the right assets end up in the right hands at the right time.

Estate Planning does not just mean you have to have a valid Will, although that is a very important aspect. Estate Planning covers all of the following areas:• Wills and Powers of Attorney• Superannuation and Life Insurance Beneficiary Nominations and Types• Ownership structure of Assets• Taxation Planning • Consideration of Trusts including Testamentary Trusts• Life Insurance

Did you know?• That assets held in joint names automatically pass to the other owner upon death without passing through the Estate? E.g. your house and joint bank accounts.• That superannuation benefits with valid binding nominations to a dependent can bypass the Estate and not be covered by your Will? • That a non-binding superannuation nomination may be able to be challenged by people who think that they are entitled to your super benefits after you are gone and not able to give the real story?• That Life Insurance proceeds in Superannuation can have tax payable of up to 31.5% if received by a non-dependent beneficiary (such as an adult child), but are paid tax free to dependents?• That a Testamentary Trust can assist in preventing assets from going to that son or daughter-in-law that you don’t like?• That leaving two properties worth the same amount to two different children can have vastly different values when sold once Capital Gains Tax is applied? • That if you do not have a Will your Estate is much harder to manage by your loved ones you have left behind, particularly whilst they are grieving?• That if you are disabled and do not have a Power of Attorney the Courts may decide who is in charge of you and your Assets?• That many people do not have enough Life Insurance to support their families in the event of their premature death?

It’s not hard to do Estate Planning A solicitor can assist you to set up Wills (with the capacity for a Testamentary Trust if required) and Powers of Attorney as well as general Estate Planning advice. An Accountant can assist you with tax planning, trusts and asset ownership to ensure your beneficiaries maximise any benefits they are entitled to. A Financial Adviser can assist you to ensure your Superannuation, Beneficiary Nominations, Life Insurance and Ownership structures are appropriate. We can assist you to set your finances up correctly, and ensure that everything is structured in accordance with your Will. We can also work with your Accountant and Solicitor to assist you to get it right and to make changes if your circumstances change in the future.

Frequent Objections to undertaking Estate Planning

It won’t happen to me!Maybe not, but is maybe good enough for your spouse and children?My wife/husband will get everything anyway.Probably. But it might take longer to sort out, and is probably good enough?If I make a Will I will die.Definitely at some stage, but no sooner than without a Will. If you don’t make a Will you will still die sometime, and your family will have to sort out your Estate without the benefit of your forward planning.

I don’t want to think about it.Of course you don’t, but neither does your family when you are not around, and they will have to think much harder and longer about it if you don’t have a valid Will. I can’t afford it.You can’t afford not to. And it probably doesn’t cost as much as you think. It may cost much more to manage your Estate without Estate Planning, and proper planning can save tax and legal fees.I made a Will 20 years ago.Did you? Well done! Time to check with your Solicitor that it is still valid, current and that you don’t need to change anything. Did you establish Powers of Attorney, beneficiary nominations, and do tax planning then as well?

Issue 49

I have seen many examples of Estate Planning strategies where people think they have it right, however without advice ensuring it is correct, their wishes may not actually be met. Once you are gone, it is too late to change it. Check your overall position now.

Please contact Melinda Houghton at the office of Houghton Strategic Solutions in Point Cook on 9394 6344 to check your plans to protect your family. With constant changes to legislation, financial markets, world events, and your own personal situation it is essential to refer to a financial specialist who is experienced and up-to-date.

Melinda Houghton Authorised Representative of Aon Hewitt Financial Advice LimitedAuthorised Representative No. 290343

Aon Hewitt Financial Advice Limited ABN 13 091 225 642 AFSL No. 239183

This information may be regarded as general advice. That is, your personal objectives, needs or financial situations were not taken into account when preparing this information. Accordingly, you should consider the appropriateness of any general advice we have given you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs before acting on it. Where the information relates to a particular financial product, you should obtain and consider the relevant product disclosure statement before making any decision to purchase that financial product.

Issue 49

YEARS poem by Jack NystromThe Earth’s journey around the SunIs what we call a “solar year”:The time it takes to complete this run,Is about fifty-two weeks or nearThe making of this calculationHas almost from the dawn of Man,Been a mark of civilization,From Rome to Cuzco, Ur to Japan.The ancients studied things cosmic,Carefully noting every star;Of reckoning time, they knew the trick;The Mayans made a stone calendar.One’s years reflect experience;That is to say, seniority;A man is thought to have good senseOn attaining his majority.The calendar is the daily logOf the Earth’s solar revolution:Milestones of our diurnal slogFrom the year’s start to its conclusion.The year has various divisionsTo help us manage our time;We must make lots of decisions,As the year’s long ladder we climb.The seasons are most important;They are Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring:These tell us what and when to plant,And what sporting gear to be wearing.There are twelve months calendrical,But thirteen months that are lunar:The twelve by decree pontifical;The lunar cycle is regular.There’s the weeks, of which there’s fifty-two;Each one consists of seven days:The working week five, the rest days two;Forty-eight weeks toil, then holidays.Of days, the year has three sixty-five;That is to say, a year that’s “common”;Quadrennially leap years arrive;So is three sixty-six “uncommon”?New Year’s Eve’s a gay celebration;In Scotland, it’s called “Hogmanay”;There are parties right round the nation;Cheers and fireworks greet New Year’s Day.Apart from the year called “solar”,There is other nomenclature:“Light years” for distance to a star:Trillions of them, that is for sure.The church year’s “eccleciastical”;“Leap year” is a quadrennial event;Dons will take a “sabbatical”To augment their cerebral content.Years called “financial”, “fiscal” or “tax”Start April, July or January;In commerce, not much time to relax:Year in year out, one must be wary.Let’s not forget the shortest one,The year known as “academic”:For some of us, school days were fun;For others, alas, no picnic.Most organisations keep records,Publishing highlights in a “year book”,With not only data and words,But photos at which we will look.Man’s pondered this stuff since “year dot”:How to measure and manage time;There’s no doubt that we’ve learned a lot;Time wasting’s a sin, if not a crime.

Issue 49

A Scooter? Why me?First, I must tell you that I own the Company that sells them, but that really is NOT the reason that you should buy one!You must have a genuine need for a Scooter and also the right attitude to owning and getting the very best from one of these great machines.Consider your position today compared to a few years ago. Then you could possibly walk 10 kilometres or more. Now you are in pain after just 100 metres. Perhaps walking has always been a problem? It may be for reasons other than walking that a Scooter would be of great benefit to you.But I always think that the walking is NOT always the major problem. It is the loss of a social life and the endless days at home sitting in front of the TV or looking at the world through the window. This is the real cause of unhappiness, isolation and depression.Many people shy away from bothering a friend or relative into helping with transport, so many great events and days out are missed. Important Doctors and Hospital visits are not attended…

Lifestyle and Retirement should be very social, full of fun and activity and a Scooter can bring back many of those missing or lost parts of your life.From a painful 100 metre walk to an easy 15 to 25 kilometre ride a Scooter can open up a whole new world that had quietly slipped away.Take it on the bus/tram/train. Visit all your lost friends. Get yourself to the Club everyday. Do the shopping.Become independent again! Get out of the house!An ultra reliable Shoprider Scooter can be the best item that you have decided to ad to your life-style changing transport in years.See Scooter videos on our website mobilityonline.com.au or give me a call for more information and friendly advice.

- Margaret BatemanMobility Online Ph: 9742 6254

Issue 49

Squiggle

Kids jokesWhat are prehistoric monsters called when they sleep?- A dinosnore!

What is the fruitiest lesson?- History, because it’s full of dates!

What language do they speak in Cuba?- Cubic!

What is heavier, a full moon or a half moon?- The full moon because it’s lighter!

What happens when you throw a green stone in the red sea?- It gets wet!

Why do birds fly south in the winter?- Because it’s too far to walk!

What followed the dinosaur?- Its tail!

What runs but never walks?- Water!

What kind of car does Mickey Mouse’s wife drive?- A minnie van!

What is the best hand to write with?- Neither - it’s best to write with a pen!

I’d tell you another joke about a pencil.- But it doesn’t have any point!

Issue 49

Technology

Computer

Smart Phone

Laptop

Digital

Nanotechnology

Megabyte

terabyte

ram

applications

software

hard drive

memory

external drive

communication

VOIP

language

program

WWW

Cloud

Email

text

multimedia

Connected

Issue 49

MPs TEAL UP FOR OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS

Western suburbs State MPs Jill Hennessy, Tim Pallas and Wade Noonan today held a “Morning Teal” event at Point Cook Community Centre, to lend their support to Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

The campaign to convert February into a teal-coloured awareness drive is led by Ovarian Cancer Australia, an organisation which provides support, education, advocacy and research funding to ensure that every Australian woman knows the symptoms of ovarian cancer and everyone affected by ovarian cancer feels personally supported and has access to and information about the best treatment and research.

“Events like this are vital to raise awareness of how important it is that women take time out to pay attention to their own health,” Teal host, Ms Hennessy said.

“One of the most difficult things with this type of cancer is that it is difficult to detect in its early stages, so we need to raise awareness about the symptoms and the need to see a doctor if ever you experience any changes that worry you.”

“Our region is over-represented for cancer sufferers, and we have a high incidence of ovarian cancer as well,” Ms Hennessy said.

“Attendees were fortunate to be able to hear the story of one family affected by ovarian cancer, with Point Cook local John Robertson telling the story of his wife Deborah’s diagnosis and treatment,” Ms Hennessy said.

“Mr Robertson spoke about how his family had coped with the experience, and also emphasised

Teal Host Hennessy joins Wade Noonan, John Robertson and Tim Pallas to support awareness.

Issue 49

the need to get any unusual changes that last too long checked by a doctor,” Ms Hennessy said.

“Any niggle that seems to be lasting too long, get it checked – it doesn’t make you a sook. Deborah was lucky because she went to the doctor, and has now been clear for two years,” Mr Robertson said.

Deborah will be shaving her head to promote ovarian cancer awareness on 29 February.

The event was well attended raising over $350 for ovarian cancer research.

“I am very proud to be able to lend my support to such an important issue which affects so many families in our community,” said Tarneit MP Tim Pallas.

“I am pleased that so many people are here to help raise awareness about ovarian cancer,” said Williamstown MP, Wade Noonan. “Having lost one of my neighbours to ovarian cancer late last year, I think any activity to help raise awareness is worth supporting.”

Further information on ovarian cancer,

its symptoms and treatment, can be found

on the Ovarian Cancer Australia website at

www.ovariancancer.net.au,

or by calling 1300 660 334.

Issue 49

altona ovErrun by rabbits? Well of course it is - at this time of year, they’re all hard at work taking care of Easter business. Maria and Enzo, Altona’s own SHOTEBH (that’s Special Helpers of the Easter Bunny Himself) have been arranging accommodation for our furry funsters.

Check out these amazing gingerbread bunny cottages and chocolate Easter houses - a great Easter centerpiece or the ideal gift for those who love to embrace the moment in the sweetest of ways. Visit Maria and Enzo at Just Sweets on Upton Street and don’t be surprised if some of the magic comes home with you...

Issue 49

HO

W YO

U CA

N H

ELP U

S KEE

P UP T

HE G

OO

D W

ORK

!

By supporting our advertisers

How this will help you, our readers?

If our advertisers get some business from advertising in Around Altona, they will continue to support the paper and you can continue to receive the Around Altona free.

Simply mention you saw their ad in the Around Altona!

What else can you do?

Send us your email address and on the first of each month, we’ll automatically email a copy of the paper before it hits the streets.

Free of price and paper free as well!

More Reasons to Get Out and Around...

Altona North Community Library’s UCAN Cafe has won the LGPro Award for Excellence – Service Delivery. Mayor of Hobsons Bay Councillor Tony Briffa said that, while thrilled by the award, he was also delighted that the Council had been able to partner with the UCAN Cafe Steering Committee and Yooralla to deliver the UCAN Cafe to the local community.

“Anyone who has visited the UCAN Cafe would be aware of the wonderful employment and training opportunity the cafe gives people with a disability,” said Cr Briffa.

“It is such a heart-warming experience to visit the cafe for their friendly service and beautiful food; I am so excited that their work has been recognised with such a prestigious award.

“UCAN Cafe has been an exciting initiative and I know the success of such a venture will inspire other councils to look at ways they too can provide opportunities for every member of their community to feel valued and included.”

FGS BUDDHIST TEMPLEFGS Buddhist temple has one day meditation retreat on March 24 Sat. 9.30am to 4pm. Cost $10 and include vegeterian lunch. In this retreat you will practice how to use different technique to meditate and play ten form of simple and effective Tai Chi exercise. Everyone welcome.

Enquiries: Ven. Yao 93145147. Address: 89 Somerville Road, Yarraville Vic 3013. www.ibcv.org.au

LIONS WETLANDS

WALK – DATE HAS

CHANGED!

Couldn’t make it for

April 1st?

You’re in luck the date has changed

to Sunday 6th May.

For more details our web page.

Registration forms can be

downloaded at

www.aroundaltona.com.au

Term 2 Anger ManagementThe Laverton Community Centre & Neighbourhood house

Is running a 7 week Anger Management for

young men aged 16- 25 years between 6.30

– 8.30pm starting Thursday 17 MayCost $20. When is anger a problem? Ways

to manage your anger and how to practice

your anger management skills.Other courses include Quit smoking

(short course) and Moneyminded Financial Education Program.Inquiries: 9369 4866

Congratulations UCAN cafe

Issue 49

West Side Quotes

What’s Etiquette for mobile phone use???

Did you know that it’s “Downwardly Mobile” to:- Have silly voicemail messages on your phone

- Use your mobile to make an internal office call

- Ignore announcements and signage to switch off all mobile phones

- Answer your mobile while exposing yourself at the urinal

- Use your mobile on a ski lift, motor scooter, tennis court, at the theatre, the opera or the movies

- Answer your mobile phone and announce to the caller, ‘I can’t talk, I’m in a meeting’

- See a stranded driver and not offer to call for assistance

- Use hideous and intrusive ring tones

Mobile Madness – A guide to Mobile Phone Etiquette.

By Latife Hayson, Lisa Tiver & Mark Lynch

What’s Etiquette for mobile phone use???

Issue 49

Issue 49

Altona Gardens

CORYMBIA CALOPHYLLA & CORYMBIA FICIFOLIA(MARRI / PORT GREGORY GUM & RED FLOWERING GUM)

Have you noticed a few of the heavier-looking gum trees alongside the Altona line railway tracks? Or the gums employed as naturestrip plantings down the full length of Queen Street? You could also have admired the same type of gum bordering the playing fields to the west of the Council offices in Civic Parade. Those plantings include Corymbia calophylla and Corymbia ficifolia (formerly Eucalyptus calophylla and Eucalyptus ficifolia), two closely related species that look very much alike. Both these gums occur naturally in the south west corner of Western Australia and, to further confuse the issue, hybrids between the two are common.

Unless they know what identifying features to look for, most lay people find it difficult to tell them apart ... so how can you tell which gum is which? On maturity, C. calophylla is normally the larger tree but, if you can’t find two fully grown specimens side-by-side for a quick comparison, you can be forgiven for not being able to tell which species you are observing. I am sorry to say the average home gardener (me included) won’t be able to differentiate the two species at first glance. Both trees produce their fluffy, filamentous flowers in corymbs (hence the genus name) although those of C. calophylla, so botanists tell me, are larger and will be either white or cream or pale pink. The slightly smaller flowers of C. ficifolia are also variable and can also be white, cream or pale pink, but some of these trees are prized for their brilliantly coloured flowers that can be deep pink, magenta, red or orange. In my opinion, the very best place to see some of the glorious flower colours produced by these two species is along Queen Street during the earliest months of the year – but be aware that some of these trees do produce a flush of flowers at other times.

I have found the easiest and quickest way to tell these two gums apart is by studying their gumnuts. C. ficifolia has urn-shaped nuts while those of C. calophylla are distinctly waisted. So,

next time you stroll past one of these regal trees, pause for a few minutes to look at the old gumnuts (they hang on the tree for a few years) and you should be able to tell which tree is which ... unless the one you are looking at is a hybrid, in which case it will most likely carry fewer flowers and its gumnuts will be displaying characteristics mid-way between the two parents.

Helene Wild

Resident Artist Habitat Trust

[email protected]

Issue 49

AROUND ALTONA ONLINE

www.arou

ndalt

ona.c

om.au

Tides

Issue 49

Favourite QuotesThe present is the living sum-total of the past.

Thomas Carlyle (1795 – 1881) English essayist ands historian, “Characteristics”

The enemies we cannot kill we must caress.Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527)

Italian diplomat and writer.

Deception is the art of war. Sun Tzu (4th Century BC) Chinese warrior

philosopher, “The Art of War”

Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.

Mark Twain

Issue 47

altona west engineering

CNC Milling, Precision Turning,Custom Designed & Machined

Components,General Engineering

17C Slough Road AltonaPh: Gary Humphrey 0413587318

XanGo DistributorMangosteen Juice

Annie JesaulenkoTel: (03) 9315 9118

or Mobile: 0418 142 116

ALTONA BEACH PHOTOGRAPHY

Mobile Xpress Mechanics• On site vehicle maintenance• Free quotesAll makes and modelsCall George on 0434 000 313

Social Media Monster

For all your SME Social Media Management needs, contact:

[email protected] www.socialmediamonster.com.au or

give her a call on 0402 738 328

Volunteer walkers needed - can you cover a street or two? Contact us at [email protected]

Services at Your Doorstep

Stressed about your health?NATurOPATHy & HOMEOPATHyCall Mark on 0409 350 289

Monday - Thursdays at AltonaFridays at Port Melbourne

your stories and photos are what

keep the Around Altona conversation

going. Local club news is also welcome.

Send your stories, articles and let-

ters to [email protected]

or drop them off at West Side Books

at Harrington Square or the Louis

Joel Arts and Community Centre in

Sargood Street.

Issue 47

Around Altona 49

Documents

Transcript of Around Altona 49