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

FREEmember of

Cont

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ISSUE 57, DECEMBER 2012

“The person who makes a success of living is the one who sees his goal steadily and aims for it unswervingly. That is dedication.” Cecil B. DeMille (1881-1959

There is a place that founds the spirit of humble men, with agile hands, brave hearts and the tenacity to give back to their community skills, knowledge, time and companionship. These men understand the value of community, the hardship of financial burden and the importance of a single person impacting change, one person at a time. As part of the Australian Men’s Shed Association, the Computer Recycling Project was instigated by a charming and inspirational man by the name of Carlos Correa in 2009. The aspiration of this project was “to make computers accessible for people having economic difficulties”. This non for profit organisation aims to provide computers for those facing financial hardship so that they may technologically integrate themselves and their families with current and updated computer hardware and software. This enables many people to decrease isolation and increase work and education opportunities. Carlos and his teamcomprising of coordinator Ken Daley, Vincenzo Schirripa, Barry and Denise and the founder, Bill McPherson recycle and repair donated computers, selling them at very low cost to people who really need them with all profits reinvested back into the program. For those unemployed or on a pension, they are free.In an unassuming building in Williamstown, the office space is covered with tools of the trade and stacked with computer hardware and parts; some reassembled and ready for sale and others in the process of being repaired. Flat screen monitors with recent hardware loaded, enable the well versed and the humble computer user to type documents, surf the web, play music and email friends comfortably knowing that current virus protection has been added. All computers are sold with keyboard and mouse.

Carlos is also responsible for organising and teaching computer classes to those whose speak Spanish as a primary language. On the day I visited, his class of men and women were waiting patiently for the last of four beginner classes to start as Carlos was held up selling a computer in the office. Every question was answered patiently with customers having the opportunity to try before they buy.In class on this day was Ricardo Espinoza, Vincenzo Schirripa and Mr Julio and Mrs Ruby Bustos married 53 years. This wonderful, warm and buoyant class described Carlos as ‘everything’ and explained that they were surprised with how much they had learnt and integrated their new skills into everyday life, including how to Skype with family and friends.Carlos and his teamwork hard voluntarily to ensure that no one is technologically disadvantaged. They give their time freely, some men coming in around their day employment but all men dedicated to being productive and valuable to their community, connecting to friends and maintaining an active body and mind. Their long-term vision is to move forward into new technology and increase their knowledge in repairing and upgrading PCs and laptops.Carlos dedicated thanks and gratitude to the ongoing support of Altona Mens Shed Computer Recycling project to the local and generous sponsors who without their help, the project would flounder under economical pressure. John Links, Managing Director of Links Pumps.com.au, Specialists in pump hire, new pump sales and pump repairs located at Williamstown North. IT Waste Management, Consortium

MENS SHED; COMPUTER RECYCLING

HUMAN SPIRIT IN THE TECHNOLOGICAL AGE

Issue 572

RAMBLING WITH THE EDITOR

PUDDLING WITH THE PUBLISHERChristmas is a great time in our house usually spent with most of the family.

With Freda and I fast approaching 90 and over 65 years together a degree of forgetfulness is creeping in to our lives, some of which we enjoy and laugh together about it.

A good example of this occurred just the other day. Freda asked me to get her something from the kitchen. I got as far as the kitchen door and forgot what it was so I went back and asked what it was. Freda thought for a moment and said – I forget!

Another good example was we received an invitation to a birthday party on the 26th November and I looked at our calendar and decided’ yes, this was today – so we dressed up and headed for the venue.

We asked for the party and they found no record of a booking so we thought OK, it’s a big place, maybe they didn’t need to

book so we sat in the foyer and waited for a bit more than half an hour when I went back to reception and said I’m sure the party was booked for Monday the 26th at which the gentleman in charge laughed and informed me that today was the 17th – we had come a week early! So we decided to enjoy dinner and return next week.

I’m fortunate, a good friend and well known local identity, Max Kidd, had given me a great book,’ I’m Still Here’’ that covers the subject very well and is an enjoyable read – I commend it to you and wish you a Merry Christmas – don’t forget to take advantage of our Christmas gift to you, the ‘Internet Marketing Gide’ (IMG,) inside this issue – it tells you how to benefit from using ‘social media’, simply email to img@nittygrittybusiness.com and get a pleasant surprise with our compliments.

Bill McPherson

So here we are at the last issue of Around Altona for 2012 and my last issue as Editor. The past six years have been an adventure – In the first few months I was a contributor to become sub editor in May 2007 and then editor in February 2008. I thank our publisher Bill McPherson for his faith in me to edit and in the first four years layout the publication. We now have the wonderful Branko to look after layout and graphics, Will to take care of all things advertising and marvellous contributors such as Helene Wild, John (Biggsie) Biggs, Jill Brooks, (Queen) Jill Bilston and Mya Ashley. I welcome our newest contributors Cindy Taylor, Jesse Ashley and Melissa Haber. Our local councillors and state politicians have kept us informed of issues directly affecting life in Altona.

Personally, it has been a great delight to see the publication become the community conversation of our vision half a dozen years before now.

Together we’ve witnessed community protests like the ongoing Altona Loop Group’s efforts, fashion parades, art, craft and community exhibitions, concerts, performances, festivals and the establishment of the Mens Shed Hub on Queen Street.

I’ll treasure the friendships that were born here, the people who

have blown me away with their talent, their wisdom or their passionate community spirit. I’m looking forward to getting involved in some of the projects I’ve written about in the past.

Thank you to all our readers and contributors, our fellow volunteers – without you this paper wouldn’t be possible. Our advertisers have been a fantastic support.

I must also thank my wonderful partner Dan (who I met through the paper as well), my children and grandchild and friends who have patiently supported me by sacrificing their time as most volunteers will know – your time comes from somewhere.

Last month I wrote an article about the film ‘Time Travellers’ and failed to mention it was U3A’s application to council that resulted in a grant enabling the project to happen. Thanks so much, Kerin for bringing that to my attention.

On behalf of the Around Altona Team, I wish you a peaceful, healthy and safe festive season. Thank you so much for being part of the community conversation.

Enjoy issue 57.

Petronella Boonen

Issue 57 3

from page 1

TO ADVERTISE IN AROUND ALTONA

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Contact

WillM: 0449 834 359

E: will@aroundaltona.com.au

Group; and Hi-mark Press. He also expressed thanks to the many people who donate computers including the Footscray library, local businesses and individuals. The Altona Mens Shed Computer Recycling project aims to increase computer sales to increase the availability of funds to purchase parts to repair and upgrade more computers. It hopes to grow and decrease technological disadvantage to maintain and improve community inclusion for all.Carlos sends a warm welcome to students who speak Spanish as a first language who would like to learn computers skills in 2013. Please contact the centre for further information and bookings.Help the community and help this incredible project to continue this work by donating your old computer and LC screens. Encourage your family and friends to purchase their computers from this project. This is an affordable, environmental and ethical program that joins the human spirit with the technological age.

Mya Ashley

Altona Mens Shed, Computer RecyclingOpen Tuesday & Saturday11.00am -3.00pmUnit 3/11 Techno Park DriveWilliamstown 30160448 240 597http://www.altonamensshedinc.com

*Links Pumps03 939 1 96004 Ponting Street, Williamstown North, 3016http://www.linkpumps.com.au/images/Emailgeneral.gif

*Hi-mark press03 9397 14442/45 Chelmsford St; Williamstown.hmpress@bigpond.com.au

*Consortium Groupwww.consortium.com.au

A bit about the Men’s Shed.The Australian Men’s Shed Association has over 650 sheds representing an estimated 125,000 individuals and employs 7 full time employees. The Men’s Shed concept is an Australian initiative spread internationally with a number of sheds being operated in Ireland, England, and New Zealand and with other interested groups in North American and Japan. Becoming a member of Men’s Shed gives a man a safe and busy environment where he can find an atmosphere of old-fashioned mateship with no pressure; a place to have a yarn and a cuppa. Altona Mens Shed is located at 280 Queen Street, Altona VIC 3018 Phone: (03) 9398 2383

Issue 574

An incredible and successful fundraiser was instigated by the wonderful dedicated and inspirational women of the Bwindi Sewing Group at the Louise Joel Centre in their continuing support for a project and a community close to their hearts; Bwindi. Bwindi is a bustling community located in South Western Uganda, East Africa, where the Western tourist traveller is frequent, yet the financial payoff is siphoned off by privatisation and modern day capitalism.

An enthusiastic and motivated community strives toward creating and sustaining economical independence through skill training, project development and global support so that the resources of the area are integrated back into the community and its people. Tricia Salau, Kim Reilly and Jill Bilston developed the Ugandan Sewing Project created to teach sewing skills to the women of the local community. First there was a need for materials and hardware, then a place to set up teaching facilities, followed by sourcing, supplying and sustaining an economical and profitable production of beautiful handcrafted and exportable goods.

So, the Uganda Experience was an opportunity to share an evening of adventure and success with the Community of Altona outlining the project thus far and boosting finances so the sustainability of this project continues. The Louise Joel Centre became a display case for the beautiful and vibrant Bwindi crafts and jewellery, photos depicting smiling people proud of their achievements and a showcase of passion and connectedness between two very different villages.

Donations came from local business and Community groups in Hobson’s Bay. Raffle tickets, were sold as well as homemade jams and conserves. The Louise Joel Op Shop has a great turnover from the locals and added to the successful raising of $4,500.

On the last visit to Bwindi, Jill, Kim and Tricia

KUNA KARAMU; “LET’S CELEBRATE!”

THE UGANDA EXPERIENCE

Issue 57 5

left Australia with money to purchase the sewing machines, needles and all the other bits and pieces required to start and house this project. Also in their bags were supplies for the local hospital and 9.5kgs of coloured pencils for the local orphanage. Tricia said, “Africa can be challenging – it’s different and the poverty is confronting. There was no rubbish on the streets. Then again, you don’t get plastic bags there. My greatest fear was what if the project failed.”

Asked about how the men in the village felt about the work that was essentially empowering women; Tricia replied; “We worked with about five men who helped us unpack but mostly the women do the work in the community.” Kim said that they stayed in the only house that had a flushing toilet and that the community looked after them with the highest regard for their wellbeing and safety. Shopping in Kampala was difficult and time consuming as negotiation is the way of trade in this area and could take hours to settle on a mutually agreeable price.

Excitement about the arrival of the sewing machines soon turned to disappointment when after they were unpacked, many were broken and had parts missing. This delay meant a change of plans and an extra three days to setup the machines. This time wasn`t wasted with the innovating threesome deciding to teach appliqué, ribbon roses and fabric flowers. Solar powered irons were taken to Bwindi, however without an inverter they couldn`t be used, so coal irons saved the day! Buttons were in short supply so a local carpenter handcrafted them and when an easel was needed, the local men went out, gathered some sticks and built one. It was like going back to the old days when if you needed something,

you just made it.

Internet was available only at the hospital and was set up in a tent inside a thatched building. Church is very important within this community as it unites and allows the sharing of prayer, laughter and dancing. On the last day of the journey a Graduation Ceremony was held and each student received a certificate. Local resort managers were invited to share the event and were shown the amazing products created with skill and aptitude by the women of the village in the hope to promote inclusion and create a potential market.

The Uganda Experience was a successful evening that connected two very different world villages and shared the experiences and lifestyles lived simultaneously in the modern world. Well done to the Bwindi sewing group for their inspirational contribution to uniting opportunity with development and sharing their journey of global unity.

Mya Ashley

Issue 576

You were born with potential.

You were born with goodness and trust.

You were born with ideals and dreams.

You were born with greatness.

You were born with wings.

You were not meant for crawling, so don`t.

You have wings.

Learn to use them and fly.

RUMI

I am often asked if I am proud of my son for his achievements. I will exhale a long breath as I ponder my answer. I am asked this question as my son’s teenage years were turbulent, full of anger

and confusion; seeking independence and freedom. Seeking what he already had but believing they were only achievable if he were physically alone, away from school, people, life and me.

So my answer is - I am proud of whom he has become, that he shines with inner strength, and masculine power, that he is kind to the vulnerable and protective of the weak. That he walks forward in his life despite uncertainty. That when he says he will achieve something, he does. I am proud that he talks with me and sometimes shares his day. I am proud that he feels ready to live his life on his terms with confidence despite his uncertainties. I am proud that he can be gentle and supportive to others and that he is not always in a hurry to be somewhere else. I am proud that he is my son, all 6ft 3 of him. But most of all I am proud that I know he is capable of love and that his quiet inner being will guide him to choose his battles on the side of what is right.

AN OPEN LETTERTO MY SON…

Black & White

Issue 57 7

On the journey of raising my son alone, I have seen and learnt new possibilities. That I am only there as a backstop, as a potential role model, sometimes mentor, as a carer and a guide that sometimes doesn’t see the way as clearly as I might have thought. I was once the centre of my son’s world, the one his missed when I was at work, played games with and who let me wipe away his tears. The white haired toddler with the cheeky smile and chubby pumping legs is now tall - very tall, with dark hair and intense eyes and dialogue with big words about technology and life that I have not visited before. My son is now a man and time is closing in when the merged pathway splits and his road becomes his own and my view becomes more distant. When he will leave the nest and step forward and by instinct, fly.

So I am proud of who he has become and I am satisfied that he has achieved the goals he has set for himself thus far. As he finishes his last VCE exam and awaits University. He has succeeded in securing a job in a field he enjoys. So I know he will test new boundaries, learn the stretch of his patience with strangers, live within life’s timeframes and press forward to scope his dreams. I hope that he

knows that freedom is in moments and not in some distant land, that you can only lose yourself if you allow it, that learning about yourself and life began the moment you were born and cannot always be learnt from a book or a computer. I hope that his quiet inner being, the soul place of his heart, is lived fully in the divines of his higher self and that he sustains the integrity of his goals and ambitions despite the many who will pull and tug at its edges.

So I write this letter in celebration of living life well, of experiences that will take his breath away, of love that will explode current possibilities, of fear that challenges his physical and emotional strength, and courage that will spurn him on regardless. I write this letter in celebration of you because Life with you in it is so much better son. xo.

Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

Ralph Waldo Emerson.

By Mya Ashley

Issue 578

AURA MAREÈWelcome to the warm and peaceful ambience of Altona`s first and only Wellbeing Centre; Aura Maree. Aura Maree`s aim is to work with you in providing the quality of life you deserve by offering a diverse array of alternative wellbeing Services.

Well-being is most commonly used to describe what is non-instrumentally or ultimately good for a person, thus Aura Maree offers a broad and various range of Therapies and Services to benefit the individual, families and the community. Provided is a comprehensive and customized service incorporating your life goals and requirements to achieve and maintain harmony and balance in both psychical and psychological health. A comprehensive assessment service provides a 30-minute one on one consultation to ascertain your current condition and any concerns you may have to provide a Customized Program just for you.

A warm welcome awaits you as you enter the Centre and your senses are bathed in subtle aromas and soothed with relaxing music. Herbal tea begins to work its magic from the inside out and you begin to feel your body and mind relax as you await your practitioner.

Aura Maree`s wellbeing services include; Stress Reduction, Remedial, Sports, Lymph Drainage– Detoxification and Relaxation Massage, Counselling, Reiki, Life Coaching, Psychic/Medium Readings, Beauty Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy, Hopi Ear Candling, Nutrition/ Dietician, EFT Technique, Infrared Detox Sessions, Psychology and Naturopathy. Mindful Meditation classes are running every Wednesday evening starting at 7.00pm with Weight Management Meditation beginning in 2013; assisting in the easing and understanding of self sabotage behaviours. If there is a service not already available, Aura Mare would be happy to hear from you. Yoga and Yogalates classes are also available and are currently being held at the local Community Centre “Louis Joel” located 5 Sargood Street Altona.

Aura Maree, its practitioners and its founder, Loretta Azzopardi, who established this beautiful and ambient centre in 1995, welcome you to its family. We welcome you to enjoy and grow with health and vitality, knowledge and strength and support and courage to be the best you can be.

A dedicated and devoted team of Fully Qualified, Experienced Professionals working together to provide and support “You” in obtaining Total Health and Wellbeing. The results you seek may only be a phone call away. Please contact the centre for bookings and information.

Mya Ashley

Aura Maree is located at:1A Millers RoadAltona, Vic, 3018

And can be contacted on:T: 03 9315 0511

E: enquiries@auramaree.com.au Web page:

http://auramaree.com.au/

Issue 57 9

DAWAT `A` TREAT Indian Restaurant

Step into the splendour of this beautiful and elegant restaurant located in Pier Street, Altona.

The Dawat `A` Indian restaurant offers the diner indulgent and aristocratic flavours. Wholesome contemporary and nutritious Indian cuisine assaults the tongue as you enjoy traditionally based curry and tandoori dishes, vegetarian, vegan, meat and seafood dishes. A large variety of rice and side dishes, raita and salads are available as well as the all time favourites of naan and pappadams. All curries served are gluten free and all dietary and or allergy requirements essential to your health and wellbeing can be catered for. There is also children’s menu available

Lunch time specials can see you eating a choice of three mains, salad, raita, rice, a pappadom, naan, a piece of gullajamin and a can of soft drink for only $15.90. Wow, no hunger after this meal. Sam the proprietor has been in the restaurant business for many years and his restaurant in Altona follows the successful establishment of his Werribee and soon to open, Hoppers Crossing restaurants. The Dawat ̀ A` chef is highly experienced with his recent completion of working within a 5 star restaurant in India ensuring that the quality, flavour and experience of eating in this restaurant is guaranteed.

Be part of the fun as a graceful belly dancer flows and glides around the room every Friday and Saturday night; join in or watch from your comfortable dinning chair. A bar is in current renovation and will be open early 2013.

This charming, colourful, yet strangely peaceful restaurant offers a complete culinary and personal experience away from the norm and is definitely on its way to being a local favourite. Dawat `A` Treat

Indian restaurant offers excellent food in authentic surroundings and is open 7 days per week with Dinner only on Sundays.

Dwat ̀ A` Treat Indian Restaurant is located at:Shop 75Pier Street, AltonaMel ref: 54 H11Ph: 9398 8159

Monday – Thursday 12.00pm-10.00pm

Friday – Saturday 12.00pm-Midnight

Sunday Dinner Only

Take away available.

Issue 5710

The real danger to online banking is not what you think. During the past few years, we have taken a massive transition from the old method of running to an ATM, standing in line and covering your PIN, hoping the weird looking guy behind you doesn’t see it. To an instantaneous;whip out your phone. tap, tap, done method.

But have you ever wondered the dangers of doing so? Of course you have! Even if you don’t bank online, you’re still skeptical of those hackers in their computer labs trying to break into your computer. Fortunately or unfortunately, hackers don’t work like that. And it’s a paradigm that needs to be shifted; but that’s for another time. Right now I am going to tell you the top 5 ways to keep your information safe online. Either by Computer or Mobile

1. Never Bank on Public networks

This is probably the most important. Have you ever been gimmicked into a café or restaurant because they offer “FREE WIFI”. Places like this are a haven for hackers because stores will not

HACKERS AND BANKERS

Issue 57 11

initiate virus protection on an “open Network” because of the countless connection problems people will have.In housing areas. Some people even drive through suburbs with laptops, looking for unsecured wireless networks to tap into and record traffic. This is called “Geo-tagging”

2. Never Bank on a Public/Store Computers

5$ bucks for 30 minutes? Bargain! These types of terminals hold a much greater threat for recording absolutely everything you do; even to the owner’s extent. Public computers are vulnerable to programs being installed or worse, Key loggers. Chances are you’d never check the back of a public computer, why would you. But in some cases a program called a ‘key logger’ can be stored on a USB and shoved into a slot in the back of a computer, out of sight. This program records every keystroke you enter and is activated automatically; this is epically bad because the computer doesn’t see this as a virus.

3. Never bank on a Computer or phone that doesn’t have Virus protection

Aside from the obvious, as much as it is a hassle to deal with virus

programs, you must have virus protection. It`s that simple! But don’t fret .There are Anti-virus programs for all formats; Phones, Touch-Pads, Computers, Laptops, etc. Not to mention, most of the best ones are completely free!

4. Check the integrity of the Website you’re on

There are a lot of websites that copy the same format as the original, in fact they makes them exact duplicates. Chances are you’re ainti-virus will tell you it’s a fake (Supposing you have one) and you’ll be given a “Get me out of here” button. But on the basis you don’t. There are a few signs. A true and secure website will have a symbol of a lock near the URL (Address Bar/Website address) on the top of the screen or a picture of an Eye with a Line through it at the bottom.

5. Always Log out

If you’re truly dedicated to protecting your Personal Details. Always log out after every use.

If you have any Computer Related Question, feel free to Email me at:

Plawin121@hotmail.com

By Jesse Ashley

Issue 5712

Sunday 20th January 2013 commencing at 2pm in Logan

Reserve Featuring - Mark Seymour

[Hunters & Collectors]; opening act Laura Lethlean

SUMMER SOUNDS

26th Saturday January 2013 10am to 5pm

Free event for the whole family

AUSTRALIA DAY IN ALTONA 2013

Saturday 23 March 2012 10am to 9pm

ALTONA BEACH FESTIVAL 20135th April 2013 to 5th May 2013

ART IN PUBLIC PLACES 2013

Notices

18 December 2012, 10:30am – 12:00pm

Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre

Join us for morning tea and a sing-a-long with Alex Hearst, a leading Australian entertainer. We will be

singing some of your favourite carols. The event is free but bookings are essential. Contact the library on

9932 3020.

LIBRARIES FOR ALL CHRISTMAS SING-A-LONG

· Friday 4th January 2013 - Madagascar 3

· Friday 11th January 2013 – Ice Age 4

· Friday 25th January 2013 – The Sapphires [Australia day eve]

MOVIES BY THE BAY [OPEN AIR MOVIES IN

LOGAN RESERVE]

ALTONA – LAVER-TON COUNCIL OF

CHURCHESCAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT 2012

ALTONA FRUIT AND VEGIE SWAP

ALTONA U3A

Sunday December 16th at Logan Reserve near the Pier at 8.00 pm.

Bring your own rugs and refreshments.

The program will include music by the Westgate Concert Band with soloists Laura Zammit & John Connors, the

Maori Music Group, Victor Gago, The Altona Community Choir, The

Songbirds and Asami Weaver.A Nativity play will be presented by

children from St Mary’s Catholic Church. The Glen Rowan Bush

Band will be performing. Safe Flame Candles will be on sale together with a program. There will be a collection in aid of the Christmas Bowl Appeal and local charities. Gifts of non-perishable food items for emergency relief would

be appreciated.For more information ring Mrs Margaret Rice on 9398 2549.

The Altona Fruit and Vegie Swap takes place on the second Saturday of every month from

10:30am to 11:30am at the Rotunda in Logan Reserve

Pier Street, Altona. Find it on Facebook.

We area located at the Senior Citizens Centre in Sargood

Street, Altona

We would be very happy to welcome you as a new member.

U3A means a Community of people sharing knowledge in the

3rd part of their lives. It is for all active, retired people.

Our activities are varied and new ideas are welcome – perhaps you have a skill

to share with? We also have social outings and are a happy,

supportive group.

All for a low cost.

The office is open Mon-Fri 10am - 12.30pm.

Ph: 9398 1346 or email altonau3a@yahoo.com.au.

Issue 57 13

Altona Kids

Issue 5714

Altona Gardens

Let me tell you the story of Diuris fragrantissima, one of Victoria’s most endangered orchids.You have probably read, in the newspapers, that only 1% remains of the native grasslands to the west of Melbourne. This is because early settlers considered the plains to be excellent grazing country.

Another reason is because people have looked on the grassland flora as being “just grass” and, therefore, of little floral value. At the time of white settlement, one of the most abundant plant species of the western plains was Diuris fragrantissima. When it flowered during October and November, the locals called it “Snow In Summer” because its pale flowers covered the landscape as far as the eye could see. At one stage, this once abundant species was thought

to have become extinct in our region, primarily due to grazing, land degradation, and land clearance for houses, factories and roads, etc. Then a few plants were discovered alongside a railway track in Sunshine – hence its current common name of Sunshine Diuris. For a while, a botanist from LaTrobe University monitored the site and attempted to grow a few plants.The saga continued when the botanist from LaTrobe Uni left to take up a position elsewhere. He handed his pots of Diuris fragrantissima to a horticultural staff friend at Melbourne Zoo. A few years later, realising the orchid plants were in desperate need of repotting, but not knowing what to do, the Zoo contacted the Australasian Native Orchid Society (Victorian Group) and requested assistance from experienced native terrestrial orchid growers. It is never good policy to have all one’s eggs (or in this case, all one’s orchids) in one basket. What would happen if the orchids at Melbourne Zoo experienced some sort of disaster? So ANOS Vic members helped repot the orchids, the Zoo kept some pots, and other pots were distributed amongst those orchid club members who had the best chance of maintaining them in cultivation.Gradually, over quite a few years, numbers increased – both at the Zoo and in ANOS Vic members’ private collections. The results were encouraging, and these

DIURIS FRAGRANTISSIMA (Sunshine Diuris)Helene Wild

Issue 57 15

people started talking about the possibility of returning some plants to the wild. You may think that would be easy peasy – just pick a site and plonk them in the ground. But it is not so. Most of our native terrestrial orchids have a one to one relationship with a pollinator; and they also rely on a “special” mycorrhizal fungi naturally present in the soil. If the fungus and/or the pollinator are not present at the site, plants will have a limited future.A protected grasslands site was chosen (please understand that, for conservation reasons, I cannot disclose its exact location) and plants have been re-introduced into the wild. It’s early days yet but, over the past few years, some of those plants have flowered and plant numbers are slowly increasing. At Werribee Open Range Zoo, Diuris fragrantissima is one of the species being featured in a new native grassland “garden”. While the Sunshine Diuris is still considered to be endangered in the wild, there are people out there fighting for its ultimate survival.Note that flowers can be almost pure white, others have faint mauve markings, and there are some flowers, like the ones in my watercolour that are strongly marked with mauve.

Helene WildResident Artist Habitat Trust

and Editor of the Australasian Native Orchid Society (Vic Group) monthly Bulletin.helene.wild@optusnet.com.au

Jace’s CaféHunger is not an option once you leave Jace`s Café. Located in the corner of Harrington Square, Westona, Jace`s Café is a warm and welcoming place to eat, chat and relax. Jace`s is a family affair with the business name reflecting the first letter of each family member involved in the ownership and running of this local eating place.Locals are already becoming regulars with greetings given by name and the local High Schools create a strong and ongoing path to the door.If you are after a sizeable, home cooked and delicious meal, than this is the local place to go. Generous old fashioned hamburgers and crispy chips on the side, vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as seafood and bowls of crispy fat chips and wedges to share, accompany strong and fragrant coffee, milkshakes, juices and a large array of cold drinks.A wonderful and peaceful courtyard is located out the back, where you can sit in the shade surrounded by palm trees, listening to the resident canary singing, knowing your children have a safe place to play. During the summer months the courtyard will be open for dinner. Comfortable couches and a place to watch the season’s cricket on TV is available inside with free Wi-Fi and the daily papers to peruse. Catering and function orders available.

Mya Ashley

Jace`s Café is open 6am to 3.30pm03 9398 8488Shop 16, Harrington Square, Altona.

Issue 5716

Palace of Saint Nicholas in the Moon

Christmas Morning

My Dear Susy Clemens,

I have received and read all the letters which you and your little sister have written me . . . . I can read your and your baby sister’s jagged and fantastic marks without any trouble at all. But I had trouble with those letters which you dictated through your mother and the nurses, for I am a foreigner and cannot read English writing well. You will find that I made no mistakes about the things which you and the baby ordered in your own letters--I went down your chimney at midnight when you were asleep and delivered them all myself--and kissed both of you, too . . . . But . . . there were . . . one or two small orders which I could not fill because we ran out of stock . . . .

There was a word or two in your mama’s letter which . . . I took to be “a trunk full of doll’s clothes.” Is that it? I will call at your kitchen door about nine o’clock this morning to inquire. But I must not see anybody and I must not speak to anybody but you. When the kitchen doorbell rings, George must be blindfolded and sent to the door. You must tell George he must walk on tiptoe and not speak-- otherwise he will die someday. Then you must go up to the nursery and stand on a chair or the nurse’s bed and put your ear to the speaking tube that leads down to the kitchen and when I whistle through it you must speak in the tube and say, “Welcome, Santa Claus!” Then I will ask whether it was a trunk you ordered or not. If you say it was, I shall ask you what color you want the trunk to be . . . and then you must tell me every single thing in detail which you want the trunk to contain. Then when I say “Good-by and a merry Christmas to my little Susy Clemens,” you must say “Good-by, good old Santa Claus, I thank you very much.” Then you must go down into the library and make George close all the doors that open nto

the main hall, and everybody must keep still for a little while. I will go to the moon and get those things and in a few minutes I will come down the chimney that belongs to the fireplace that is in the hall--if it is a trunk you want--because I couldn’t get such a thing as a trunk down the nursery chimney, you know . . . .If I should leave any snow in the hall, you must tell George to sweep it into the fireplace, for I haven’t time to do such things. George must not use a broom, but a rag--else he will die someday . . . . If my boot should leave a stain on the

marble, George must not holystone it away. Leave it there always in memory of my visit; and whenever you look at it or show it to anybody you must let it remind you to be a good little girl. Whenever you are naughty and someone points to that mark which your good old Santa Claus’s boot made on the marble, what will you say, little sweetheart?

Good-by for a few minutes, till I come down to the world and ring the kitchen doorbell.

Your loving Santa Claus

Whom people sometimes call

“The Man in the Moon”

Altona Fiction A LETTER FROM SANTA CLAUS

BY MARK TWAIN

Issue 57 17

DECEMBER READINGHi there My name is Jacoba and I would like to have a reading.My 2 questions are: When will we ever get a car? When will I get a job?

Hello Jacoba

I feel that you have a gentle exterior that hides a lion! What I mean by this is that you have a strong and determined inner being that will fight for justice wether for a cause or person if needed. So the quiet and refined exterior hides a formidable strength. I feel that you have had a loss of some kind lately and you are still grieving for this. This loss could be a job, a friendship and or a feeling that you have lost a bit of yourself that you didn`t really want to give away.

You are generous to a fault and you may like to take more time in deciding to whom and where you give yourself and your services. Your mother is with me saying how much she loves you and that she worries about you a lot. She feels that you take on too much too!! So you have been told! She wishes for you love and a family, success with your career and security within marriage. She says you have been hurt badly by a past relationship and that you have still not fully recovered. She says you won`t let her help you and as much as she admires your strength, she says you can lean on her more if you want.

I keep seeing Bondi Beach! Does this have a message in it for you? You have ambitions to have much money in the bank and you dream of being wealthy. You see yourself with two children, living within a new and large house on about an acre or more of land. You are showing me large family Christmases and room for all your family and friends to visit and relax. I am seeing what you will have, so do not think that your dreams or visions if you like, are not true. They are pictures of what is to come. Love is on the horizon but you feel saddened that it is not here now. Well it is, you just don`t believe it to be true so it stays in the future on the “tomorrow”.

Your Grandfather says that you are very smart and that you just need to believe in yourself. You are very good with saving money and that if this is difficult for you now; it is because you are trying to prove to yourself, failure. But why? I feel a great vulnerability around you and you say; I don`t understand why people don`t treat me better, why life is so hard”

You may have lost faith in your essence, your strength and your capabilities. This is just doubt and if you choose to slowly believe in all the great and wonderful moments that you have felt and that life achievement includes

generosity of love and spirit, you will see that you are one of the wealthiest people in the world! You have abundance of love, abundance of sincerity, generosity, spirit and life. These amazing qualities may just need redirection.

There is a short course coming for you that you will enjoy immensely and I feel it will give you new possibilities in regards to work. It may be in the beauty and or technology field. Either of these areas would be wonderful for you as you have a gentle and beautiful way of talking with people. There are many old spirits around you, so I feel that you lived a very long life in the most recent of your past lives. They are saying how much fun you were to be around, how wonderful the conversations were and that age is not a barrier to personal and life enjoyment. I say this as I feel you are worried about your age and how you thought that by now you would have accomplished much more!!

Your job prospects are hindered by your insecurity in yourself and with choosing which area to work in. So take a breath and choose and march forward confidently. You can`t make a mistake and if you feel you have just make another decision. You come across a shy initially, but once employers see how you work, they will never want to lose you. Working in the Community Education and or Community learning environment, Community Health or within the Medical sector would be wonderful for you. Anywhere that you have interaction with people and where you have the time to spend with the individual. You basically can`t choose where and what to do!

A car is coming about the end of March to early April 2013, but you will be taking out a car loan. I feel that there will be a short trip up north before then which will really help settle the internal turmoil. I hope that one day you explore the natural therapy fields as this would be a wonderful sector for you to establish yourself as an independent worker. Working for yourself would allow you to work around family commitments.

This year and early next year is about reconnecting with yourself and celebrating the wonderful components of you that make you unique. So undertake some training between now and early next year and after March 2013, you will never be without work again. This is a rest and re-coup period and a celebration of yourself and all you hold dear in the world.

By end 2013 to early 2014, your future partner is coming in to your life. This wonderful strong but gentle man is the answer to your prayers! What a team. This is the man you marry and build your dream home with. A kind, hard working man with a wicked sense of humour. Your wedding is beautiful and white with the accent of gentle pinks. Jacoba, enjoy what you have now. You are just revving up for great change in 2013.

Continued Page 26

Issue 5718

Monika of Bohemia Blend

Jacoba, this is the spread for you. Past. This shows you as an attractive, warm and outgoing person, who tackles a task with total dedication and commitment. You have a generous nature and will offer support to anyone who asks, sometimes to the detriment of yourself. You have a warm and sunny disposition and a quiet self-confidence. These qualities are showing here, as they are already established and you may have lost touch with the importance of them within you. Know that once established they are never lost.

Present. You have a strong intellect and a creative spirit that grasps information quickly. You have a high level of verbal skills and can cut through confusion and apply reason and logic easily. You are articulate, honest, insightful and honour truth. You live by a high level of morals and ethics. Please do not doubt your ability to learn and apply new skills. With the amazing combination of what you already possess, you will be an employer’s blessing. Trust in your capabilities.

Future. It is time to seek the depth of your emotional force and make time to reconnect with yourself. It is wonderful that you have great compassion for others but it may also be applied to yourself. Trust your inner voice and experience direct knowing. Open love to yourself and others will follow. Move on from the self doubt; forgive and forget.

Blessings

Mya Ashley

Issue 57 19

RETIREMENT INCOMEImagine you are retiring next week…..

The first thing that comes to mind might be the big smile on your face, a vision of a hammock, or waving from a cruise ship as it leaves the dock. You may also have feelings of joy that you can sleep in after so many years of getting up for work, that you never need to see that work colleague you hate ever again, or that boss that doesn’t have a clue that you are so much smarter than him.

Some people also experience a sense of foreboding. What will I do? Will I get bored? Should I get air-conditioning installed in the shed/sewing room?

Then comes the concern. Will I have enough money to live on? How much Age Pension will I be entitled to? How do I organise my Superannuation to start paying me? What happens if I run out of money?

Retirement should be the best time of your life. You have done the hard work, saved your money, paid off your house; your children have grown up. It’s time to reap the rewards. However so many people let their concerns overwhelm their sense of relief and entitlement.

Now Imagine you are retiring next week and you have had quality strategic financial advice prepared for you….

You know where your income is coming from and how it will get to your bank account. You know how much you can afford to live on and how long your funds are likely to last. You know how much Age Pension you will receive and how to go through the process of applying for it. You know that if anything changes you can contact someone to assist you to make the financial adjustments.

You know whether you can afford the new car, how often you can go on holiday and how much you can spend, and you know whether you can afford all the hobbies you hoped you would have in retirement.

Financial advice can assist you to live within your means with comfort. We can help you make the most of the funds you have by using appropriate structures and strategies to minimise tax and maximise Age Pension benefits. We can analyse the level of risk you are comfortable with, either high, medium, low or none; and how that may affect your retirement savings. And importantly if you are going to be struggling to afford the retirement you want, you will have that knowledge and be able to adjust your expectations accordingly.

It is never too early or too late to start planning for retirement. Some of our clients have commenced savings plans in their 30’s to fund their early retirement in their 50’s. Others come to see us just weeks before they are due to leave work. There are usually opportunities to make the most of your strategies and timeframes no matter where you are.

We encourage you to have financial advice prepared now, whatever your stage of life. Minimising financial risks and maximising financial opportunities is not age specific.

Please contact Melinda Houghton at the office of Houghton Strategic Solutions on 9394 6344 if you would like to receive further information on personal advice strategies that may assist you to make the most of your Retirement savings strategies whilst maximising your overall financial position.

Melinda Houghton Authorised Representative (No. 290343) of Aon Hewitt Financial Advice Limited

Aon Hewitt Financial Advice Limited | ABN 13 091 225 642 AFSL No 239183This 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 5720

Westside Quotes

A big Christmas thank you to Ashlea Williams, Settlement Manager at Mortgage Choice who has

volunteered to stand in for Jill at West Side Stories and provide us these wonderful yule time quotes.

When you’re at Harrington Square, say hello to Ashlea at Mortgage Choice- Make the right move.

13 Harrington Square, ALTONA VIC 3018

Ph: (03) 9398 1390 Fax: (03) 9398 1672

1. “Christmas is a race to see which gives out first - your money or your feet.”

2. “I once bought my kids a set of batteries for Christmas with a note on it

saying, toys not included.”

3.“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is

softer and more beautiful. ”

4. “One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living

room on Christmas day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.”

5. “The way you spend Christmas is far more important than how much.”

Answers to West Side Quotes on page 22

Issue 57 21

TIDESDECEMBERDecember is a most exciting timeOf the Gregorian calendar,Especially in the southern clime,This wide brown land of Australia.It’s Summer here, the cricket season;Footy and Rugby are but a memory;School is out: the youth of the nationAre enjoying outdoor activity.Those who’ve completed their final yearAwait exam scores with trepidation:Some with confidence, others with fear,‘Cause this will decide their vocation.The silly season is in full swing;There will be parties everywhere;Decorations and carol singing;Joyous expectation fills the air.There’s an abundance of love and good will,As it’s a time for celebration;In shops money flows into each till:Good for the economy of the nation.There are mad days of frantic shopping,Gifts that must be carefully chosen;Each day one hits the ground arunning,Taking care that no one’s forgotten.There are greeting cards that must be sent,Some to dear friends who live overseas;One starts to wonder where the year went:So much to do, so many to please.There’s a tree to be put up and dressed,Tinsel and baubles to be hung all about,So friends and family will be impressed:Christmas is here; there is no doubt.There’s the special feast we must prepareIn accordance with our tradition:This will be done with the greatest care,Catering for each generation.Finally that special day dawns,One of the high points of the year:One rises early, stretches and yawns;Lots more to do before friends get here.Keeping in mind what this day is about,There’s services at the local churchFor those among us who remain devout,And don’t want to leave the Lord in the lurch.Then at home, where we are all gatheredAround that beautiful Christmas tree,The presents are given and openedMidst cries of joy, laughter and gaiety.Then there’s the feasting and wassailing,Followed by a game of backyard cricket;There’ll be much mirth and story telling:A good time that we’ll not soon forget.Next there’s the Boxing Day cricket test:Let’s hope the day is bright and sunny,And that the Aussie lads give of their best,Facing up to a worthy “enemy”.Then perhaps a sea or timber changeTo round off the last days of the year:Warm golden beach or cool mountain range,Anywhere you can get a cold beer.Finally dawns the last happy day,When we gather and sing “Auld Lang Syne”,The eve the Scots call Hogmanay:Then another year of work, play and wine.

Jack Nystrom, Tuesday, 6 December, 2011.

Issue 5722

Altona Jokes

Mum, Can I have a dog for Christmas?- No you can have turkey like everyone else!

* * *Who is never hungry at Christmas?- The turkey - he's always stuffed!

* * *

What bird has wings, but cannot fly?- Roast turkey !

* * *

A man went to a butcher's and saw that the turkeys were 90p a pound. He said to the butcher, 'Do you

raise them yourself?'- Of course I do - the butcher replied.

- They were only 50p a pound this morning!

Answers to West Side Quotes from page 20:1. Anonymous

2. Bernard Manning3. Norman Vincent Peale

4. Andy Rooney5. Henry David Thoreau

Issue 57 23

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or Mobile: 0418 142 116

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Your stories and photos are what

keep the Around Altona conversation

going. Local club news is also

welcome.

Send your stories, articles and

letters to editor@aroundaltona.

com.au or drop them off at

the Louis Joel Arts and Community

Centre in Sargood Street.

Issue 5724