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Issue 37 March 2016

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Please redistribute rather than discard this paper - give it to your friends, family or neighbours!

8 12 20 page 7 WAYS TO BOOST

YOUR ENERGY LEVELS

page pageSHARE THE JOY

FLICK CHIC REVIEWS

Once again Wyndham is putting its best foot forward, showing exactly why it really is the place to be this March for top-notch entertainment.

It all kicks off at Werribee Park on Sunday 6th of March, with Melbourne’s premiere cheese and cider festival, Fromage a Trois. I was lucky enough to attend last year’s event and it is absolutely worth putting into your calendar. Running from 10:30 am until 6:30 pm, with over 60 exhibitors, showing off all things cheese and cider related, it is the perfect opportunity to grab your mates, your picnic rug and embrace the chilled vibe of the event.

If kicking back is not your thing, then perhaps you prefer a bit of sporting action…

On Saturday 12th of March, Cultural Diversity Week will begin with the Wyndham Cultural Diversity Cup, down at Galvin Park. Running from 8am until 4pm, all are welcome to watch a friendly soccer tournament,

whilst also enjoying plenty of free entertainment. The day is sponsored by Victoria Police, SBS, Channel 31 and the Werribee Community Education Centre and will also boast a celebrity match, which is bound to attract a crowd.

Weerama is back, for its 38th year! Spread out over three days, running from the 18th to the 20th of March, festival highlights will include an outdoor pop up cinema at Arndell Park Community Centre and the reserve in Truganina on the Friday night, entertainment, rides, stalls, the W Factor talent competition and more, ending with fireworks, running from 12pm to 9:30pm on the Saturday at Presidents Park, as well as the annual parade down Watton Street on the Sunday morning at 10 am. Wyndham’s own Moomba is a great opportunity to get out into the community, so be sure to show your support.

The Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt is on again and bound to draw its usual crowd! Happening on Friday the

MUCH TO DO IN MARCH!Melissa Longo

The Around Hoppers Crossing - Community Newspaper is distributed in Hoppers Crossing with distribution points in Werribee, Tarneit, Truganina and Williams Landing

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Advertising enquiries: Daniel 0408 659 940

aroundsell@gmail.comWill 0449 834 359

will@aroundhopperscrossing.comLouise 0403 191 084

ml.goegan@gmail.com Alan 0412 412 740

Advertising: aroundsell@gmail.com will@aroundhopperscrossing.com Contributions: editorhoppers@gmail.com

Publishers:Bill 8307 8872

Will 8360 8598ABN 54 145 436 804 www.aroundhopperscrossing.com

FROM THE EDITOR

PUDDLING WITH THE PUBLISHERHelp! Help! I need help!I’ve got a Facebook site that’s growing and I’m finding I’m not giving it the attention it deserves, nor do I know enough about it to help the paper increase its readership.Should it interest you, or a friend that would like to earn some part time money, would like access to our large free software bank, gifts for your readers and you too, together with expenses like internet charges, lunch with a ‘Friend’, petrol, even unknown benefits that regularly become available and are rewarding, we would love to hear from you!Age is of no consequence – young, or at the other end of life is immaterial – you will work from home – we will cover all your expenses, and if you want to

turn it into a home business, doing Facebook for the thousands of business people like me, who don’t want to do it themselves, your advertising and editorial matter will be free – in fact we’d enjoy a column from you about building a great Facebook marketing site – believe me, it’s needed and may become your niche!Bill McPherson billmcpherson@optusnet.com.au – ‘Facebook site ‘ in the Subject line please

Hey guys,

International Women’s Day is coming up on March 8th and it is a wonderful excuse to celebrate the women in our lives. For over 100 years we have been honouring the amazing women who have shaped our world, and collectively battling against violence, discrimination and inequality for women the world over. 2016 sees the UN calling for gender equality with their Planet 50-50 by 2030 campaign.

Closer to home you can attend the inaugural Soroptimist International of Wyndham’s International Women’s Day event at Chirnside’s by the River, in Werribee. The keynote speaker for the event will be Sheila Byard. As the President of the National Council of Women of Victoria, Sheila is certain to offer plenty of inspiration to those who are in attendance on the night. If you are interested in checking this event out, contact Margie at

margieokanespeaker@gmail.com, or on 0419 659 530, or Karen on 5256 3570.

As a woman I always feel such a deep sense of pride when I think about the amazing things my gender is capable of. Men and women are such different creatures on so many levels, yet there is much to be achieved if we can simply work together - that is why equality is such an important thing to fight for.

As a mother, my greatest responsibility is to raise my daughter with a strong sense of identity. She should be proud, smart, kind, strong and equal to all – that is something we should each strive for, regardless of our gender.

Have a great month and enjoy this month’s paper!

Thanks in advance,

Melissa Longo

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25th of March, at Werribee Park, the day always sells out fast, so get your tick-ets ASAP – they can be purchased through Ticketek, (www.t icketek.com.au). It is an absolutely mad day, filled with chocolatey good-ness – the perfect way to kick off the Easter festivities.

Holi is also com-ing up with a couple of differ-ent events pop-ping up through-out Wyndham to help celebrate the

beautiful colours that help make this cultural holiday so special. The Werribee Racecourse plays host to the Festival of Colours on Saturday the 19th of March. Gates open at 11am and tickets are $5, (kids under 12 are free). Prepare to leave a lot more rainbow-y than you arrived – be sure to wear clothes to accommodate the fun of the event.

Presidents Park will take their turn at this special festival on Saturday, 26th March. Running from 11am until 9pm - the main objective of this event is to spread the message of peace and harmony, celebrated through the vibrant colors of the festival, and to present an exquisite picture of multi-cultural Australia. With free entry, it is another chance to immerse ourselves in other cultures, whilst enriching and diversifying our own.

This is really just the tip of the iceberg…. hop onto the Experience Wyndham website, (http://www.experiencewyndham.com.au/) – you will be surprised by the wide variety of entertainment that is available right here in our very own backyard!

TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS

IN “AROUND HOPPERS CROSSING”

GIVE US A CALL:

Alan 0412 412 740 alan@aroundhopperscrossing.com

Daniel 0408 659 940 aroundsell@gmail.com

Louise 0403 191 084 ml.goegan@gmail.com

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3 BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERINGIn this short piece I draw upon my experiences of volunteering and articulate that it is important to include volunteer work in one’s CV/resume and professional profile.a) Economic Benefits. There is no debate about the contribution of volunteers, both to society and to the volunteer him or herself. Volunteers provide valuable time and skills to help in the delivery of services, or products to organisations. There is indeed an economic contribution involved. When organisations put a dollar value in terms of the time contributed by volunteers, the hours will add up. Volunteers do save organisations a lot, so it is only fitting that they look after these precious human resources.b) Skills and Employability. Volunteers also help enhance the working environment as well. They add value to teams, increasing team cohesion and may assist in the mentoring processes, whether they are the mentors, or being mentored. Volunteers also gain from this work experience, albeit unpaid. For those looking for paid work, volunteer experience counts as legitimate work experience, that can strengthen the application, being a strong candidate with enough practical experience within a specific work environment. Sometimes the volunteer experience paves the way for paid employment within the organisation, as they can be prioritised due to the familiarity to the available role. Life skills developed from volunteering, reap rewards that go further than

what was learned in a specific work environment. Retirees for example choose to volunteer, especially when they have a lot of expertise to share.c) Social Benefits, including personal rewards. Volunteer experience can also make the volunteer feel socially included, and it gives them self-worth and a sense of accomplishment. Volunteers are naturally altruistic, and being involved gives them a sense of purpose. It makes them feel good. Therefore, they need to be nurtured rather than exploited. Volunteers need to be treated equally as any paid employee. They are not to be considered as ‘second class citizens’ in the work place. Have I done volunteer work? Yes, pretty much a lot in my adult life, whether it is for personal or professional reasons. I needed an outlet where my skills could be utilised. I also genuinely want to help others. When there are times I provided services for free, I would consider that as volunteering. When I helped set up and run a charitable institution for several years, it was a testament to how different skills can be learned and shared. Now it does not matter whether your volunteer role is big or small, what is most important is to give it a try and see how you go. Currently I volunteer as a community paper writer. I find it really fun. Volunteering should not be a burden or a chore – it should be liberating!

Mimi Laurilla

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RECOGNISING YOUR VALUE SYSTEM

In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you - Buddha

In order to do the above successfully, one of the most powerful tools would be your value systems.

Your value systems guide you through various ups and downs in life, also helping to keep you in check.

When asked simply, ‘how would you like to be described as a person?’ individuals come up with some common responses such as - honest, loving, supportive, hardworking etc.

These descriptive words are your values.

Even more important than recognising your values, is how you live by them - what you are willing to undertake (despite the consequences) or willing to let go of, so that in the end you know you were always true to your values.

Let’s do an exercise –

Imagine your most important people, including your parents and grandparents, attending your 80th birthday celebration, just imagine.

If all of these people were asked to describe what type of child, grandchild, partner, parent, friend, sibling, employee etc. you were to them - what would you want them to say?

Now get a decent sized paper and a pen out and jot down these headings - Parenting, Intimate Relationships, Family, Social Relationships, Work life, Leisure, Health, Community and Spirituality.

Feel free to add more areas of your life, if you need to and then write down how you would like to contribute to all these important areas of your life.

Stick this paper up where it is visible most times of the day and let it be a reminder of what you have chosen your values to be.

Neha DaveRegistered Psychologist, MAPSwww.nehadave.com

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BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW! ALICE IN WONDERLAND TICKETS ARE SELLING FAST!

Once again, Altona City Theatre (ACT) is set to enchant family members of all ages, with Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll’s nineteenth century story of childhood curiosity, as it meets with unexpected events in a topsy-turvy world of talking animals and tea parties.

ACT brings it home to Altona with its usual great musical choices, choreography and fantabulous characters, set to fill seats with wide eyes and tapping toes.

Altona City Theatre has been entertaining the community since 1972.

The long list of shows includes Oliver, Guys and Dolls, Sweet Charity, Chicago, Rent and recently The Wedding Singer.

“With over eighty auditionees late last year, we have an amazing forty-member cast, who have picked up everything so quickly,” said Co-Producer Mark Crick,

an Audio Technician in his day job, who himself has been with ACT for thirteen years. Rehearsals started last year, with the cast giving up an average of two nights and weekends to make a truly magical show.

Crick said the show is the sum of more than one hundred and fifty hours of cast rehearsal, plus countless hours from production team members, plotting dances, arranging songs, blocking scenes, ensuring flyers are out, selling tickets, building and painting the set, rigging lights and setting up, designing sound and more.

“My favorite part is seeing the kids in the foyer, react to the characters coming out after the matinees,” Crick said.

“Hearing the kid’s involvement in the audience - seeing the whole show come together from auditions to the first read through, to final dress rehearsal - I just love the magic of it all.”

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Alice in Wonderland runs each weekend until March 19. Checkout www.altonacitytheatre.com.au for bookings or call (or SMS) 0425 705 550. All Tickets are $7, with the opportunity to meet the cast after every matinee show.

Petronella Boonen

Photos by Olivia Kowalcyk

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7 WAYS TO BOOST YOUR ENERGY LEVELS

Leading Melbourne Naturopath and Nutritionist, Caterina Morrison chats on 7 ways to easily boost your energy levels

1 Eat iron-rich foods

Iron is necessary for the production of energy from

glucose, which is the main fuel for both the brain and the body.

Iron-rich foods include lean meats, eggs, wholegrain breads and cereals, legumes, nuts, seeds, peas, molasses, apricots and green leafy vegetables.

2 Boost your B vitamins

They play a crucial role in fuelling the body with carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

The best vitamin B-rich foods include wholegrain cereals, meat, poultry, salmon, eggs, milk and green leafy vegetables.

You may also need to take an activated B-complex multivitamin daily.

3 Up your magnesium intake

Considered the anti-stress nutrient and occurs

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abundantly in natural, unprocessed foods.

The best dietary sources include tofu, legumes, nuts, seeds, wholegrains and green leafy vegetables such as spinach.

Avoid overcooking to minimise magnesium loss.

4 Choose complex carbs

These will help keep blood-sugar and energy levels stable.

Good choices include wholegrain breads and pasta, whole oats and muesli, brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, amaranth and root vegetables such as beetroot, pumpkin and sweet potato.

5 Get enough sleep

You need Eight hours of sleep optimal for good health and vitality.

Sleep is when cells produce and release proteins essential for growth and tissue repair.

Lack of sleep can cause poor concentration, mood

swings and weaken immune function.

6 Take spirulina

These freshwater algae are rich in vitamins B, C and D, as well as magnesium, iron, zinc and beta-carotene, for strong immune function.

Add one to two teaspoons to juice, water or smoothies. Take 10g to 20g a day for maintenance, available in tablet, capsule or powder form.

7 Cut back on caffeine

Caffeine stimulates the production of stress hormones, which gives you a temporary boost in energy but can also contribute to anxiety, irritability, muscle tension, weakened immunity and insomnia.

Try alternatives such as dandelion root coffee or herbal teas.

For more health tips, visit her Facebook page:

Caterina Morrison, Naturopath, Health and Wellbeing Expert

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EVERYONE BELONGS AT GATEWAY COMMUNITY SERVICES

Gateway Community Services is holding a special 3-course luncheon, with cultural entertainment and guest speakers, at South Kingsville Community Centre, on Wednesday 16th March to celebrate Cultural Diversity Week 12-20th March.

At the luncheon there will be guest speakers and singers/performers that reflect the culturally rich and diverse traditions of its members. The purpose of the event is to build tolerance and harmony.

Gateway Community Services has a long tradition of providing community luncheons with entertainment, opportunities for corporate volunteers and for engaging diverse community partners to deliver community wellbeing programs.

This particular celebration for Cultural Diversity Week continues to grow, due to the interest in diverse cultures and in sharing all traditions.

Amongst Gateway’s 400 members, 65% are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and this figure is similar for the demographics of the 100 volunteers who support Gateway’s programs.

Gateway Community Services Manager, William Kelly said, “Gateway’s commitment to diversity includes members of the GLTBI (gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and intersex) community who can be marginalised by prejudice, and experience poorer health outcomes.”

William explains that this celebration is not just a one-off festivity, but also an opportunity to strengthen our

existing harmony and build even more respect and stronger relationships.

Cultural celebrations are an important part of the programming for Gateway Community Services.

The sharing of common histories, cultural traditions and significant events, is a way to bring attention to where we have come from, where we are now, and importantly, that everyone belongs.

Gateway Community Services is a non-for-profit organisation operating in the western suburbs of Melbourne.

Gateway provide an extensive range of community programs and opportunities, including social & lifestyle groups, volunteering opportunities, disability services, support for carers, a community register, emergency food relief, a learning centre and community transport.

Gateway is often looking for volunteers, as well as members, to join the growing selection of programs.

To enquire about Gateway’s programs and services, call 9399 3511, or go to

www.gatewaycommunityservices.org.au or check out what’s happening on

www.facebook.com/gatewaysupport

By Lisa Field

www.lisafieldpromotions.com

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SHARE THE JOY

What do I love? Junk mail. Living in the sticks means we don't get it anymore, but rubbish still finds its way into our post office box.

Letters from banks offering platinum credit cards and carpet cleaning flyers are common. What I really love, is that most of the annoying correspondence comes with a truly thoughtful gesture.

A reply paid envelope. More rubbish to recycle, you may say. Think again.

Picture this. It's Friday evening and this week we've completed nine loads of washing, sixteen lunches and five noisy breakfasts.

There were four extra supermarket trips and one doctor’s visit, permission forms signed, mowers serviced and prescriptions collected.

I have ruined dinner, lost my sunglasses and a lady backed into my car at Coles. It's been a little busy.

But as I check my diary I spot a pile of papers, and three reply paid envelopes. Nice.

I remember opening the mail wondering why I was bothering. Now I know why.

I spend ten minutes tidying up, while the children bring me stray notes and papers.

I collect an assortment of things, stuffing them into the envelopes, including catalogues, discount petrol vouchers and last week's shopping list.

I find a parking receipt, a noodle menu, two religious Christmas cards and a passport application form. Chuckling, I add three bread ties, some festive confetti and we are done.

Smiling, I seal up the envelopes thinking of the joy I will give the person who receives these beautiful gifts. The same joy I felt when I opened them at my end. But my joy is two-fold.

Not only have I spread the love of sharing useless junk with someone else, my house is now clear of unwanted paper clutter.

You should try it sometime. Now, if only I could mail the children.

Dee Simpson

You can also find me at http://comejoindee.com/

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This month’s photos remind us that Wyndham really is such a gorgeous place for nature watchers. Images of the Werribee River and the Cheetham Wetlands wonderfully capture the natural wonder available right outside our doorsteps. A tempting photo of dinner from Cyclo de Saigon should be enough to have readers heading down to Main Street in Point Cook. Thanks again to now regular contributor, Lisa N Edwards! Send your pics to me at editorpointcook@gmail.com or use #around pointcook or #aroundhoppers on Instagram.

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BURNOUT – HOW TO AVOID IT…

Burnout is more than just another buzzword for being stressed. 'Burnout' has been called an erosion of the mind, spirit and emotions - and it is becoming increasingly common.

Are you at risk?

What are the warning signs?

And how can you stop it?

In the USA, absenteeism, low productivity and job turnover related to the syndrome, have been estimated to cost industry around $160 billion annually. Burnout related absenteeism is on the increase in Australia and other Western countries.

Burnout doesn't appear suddenly, it builds up over time - and it doesn't just disappear after a good night’s sleep

HEADING OFF BURNOUT

There are no simple solutions to burnout. However, there are several critical warning signs which you can recognise, and to take steps to fight it.

* Anxiety in the form of a vague, urgent feeling of

unease or dread.

* Loss of ability to motivate yourself. Getting out of bed to go to work constitutes a major effort.

* Fatigue, especially waking unrefreshed after a full night’s sleep.

* Sleeplessness: either difficulty in falling asleep or waking too early in the morning.

* Irritability.

* Inability, or reduced ability, to concentrate.

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* Decline in performance.

* Loss of confidence.

* Lack of enthusiasm.

* Negative, cynical outlook replacing former optimism.

* Loss of appetite.

* Over-eating, particularly with cravings for sweets.

* Impaired libido.

* Non-specific, vague aches and pains, especially in the head, jaw, neck, shoulders and lower back.

* Increased emotionalism: crying excessively and with little prompting, flaring angrily at a provocation that, previously, you wouldn't have even noticed.

* Avoidance of sensory stimulation: noise, bright lights, music, tight clothing, touching may all suddenly become intolerable.

* Falling prey to every cold or 'bug' that does the rounds.

WHAT TO DO

In essence, you have to slow down and shed some of the load - unpalatable as this decision may be - you have to place a higher value on your personal needs.

Don't be afraid to speak to a doctor or therapist who will advise you on a course of action to help you.

Regular vigorous exercise can help to devour all those chemicals released during the fight or flight reflex.

Meditation, prayer, yoga and Pilates are unsurpassed for calming the mind.

Make a sincere attempt to say 'enough is enough'.

Don't work seven days a week. You need one day off to replenish your reserves.

Allow time to play. Have a massage. Go to a show, movie or art gallery and have dinner at your favourite restaurant.

If you work in an office, try and do something physical over the weekend. Go to the park and have a picnic, cycle on a scenic trail or just read a good book.

Most of all create a network of like-minded friends with whom you can talk to. Research has shown that sharing problems with others is extremely beneficial.

Yours in good health,

Cherie de Haas

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PET OBESITY

Obesity is a serious problem for people throughout the developed world, but it has also become a serious health concern for our pets.

The Australian Veterinarian Association claim that 45% of dogs and 40% of cats are overweight, or obese in Australia, with the numbers increasing more each year.

Animals are adversely affected by obesity in that, just like us, their quality of life deteriorates, due to related health problems.

They are more likely to suffer from a variety of illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes, neurological disorders, respiratory problems, cancer, arthritis, skin issues, reproductive issues and premature ageing.

Some contributing factors of obesity we may have little control over, include breed, sex, genetics, and age.

However, there are things in our pets lives that we can control, such as diet and exercise.

Consider dietary changes, by selecting foods which are low in fat and contain all the necessary nutrients and vitamins to maximise their health.

Try to remove processed foods, and work towards incorporating a healthy raw food diet in controlled amounts. Exercise is extremely beneficial, take your dogs for regular walks - if possible take them to an off leash park where they are able to run around.

Aim to take your dogs for daily walks, of between 20-60 minutes for best results.

For cat owners, consider a scratching post and toys, such as balls, catnip toys, laser pointers, rod sticks or wands with feathers etc.

Aim to play with them a few times a day for 10-15 minutes each time.

To check if your pet is obese or overweight, you should be able to easily see and feel your pet’s ribs and waist without excess fat covering.

If you are unsure if your pet is a healthy weight, it is recommended that you contact your local veterinarian for a thorough examination.

A fit and lean animal is likely to have a much higher quality of life, live longer, and have significantly less health problems.

Cindy Bremner

Natural Pawfection- Animal Naturopath

0421-446-764

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HYPNOTHERAPY FOR CHILDBIRTH

Mum’s and birth companions are learning a new approach to child birth with an increasing number of women now using hypnosis during the birth of their babies.

Janine Fowler a Certified Practitioner with Hypnobirthing Australia says ‘Just as an athlete prepares their mind and body for an important sporting event, this program also gives mothers and their birth partners a range of tools to prepare for and use during their very special event.

The program is packed full of resources to prepare yourself to relax physically and prepare mentally to trust your body’s ability to birth calmly no matter what turn your birth takes’. More and more women are gaining access to this concept with close to 100 practitioners conducting classes all throughout Australia and New Zealand.

The program is the fastest growing birthing course in the country.

So many women experience fear and anxiety during their pregnancy and leading up to the birth of their child. This course allows women to release any fears and gives them a wide range of skills to experience a calm beautiful birth.

The good news is we now have access to this wonderful program with our own Certified Practitioner here in the Western Suburbs. Janine Fowler, Clinical Hypnotherapist and Counsellor is now running monthly group classes at the new Saltwater Coast Community Centre and private sessions are also available.

A wealth of knowledge on the program including many beautiful birth stories can be found at hypnobirthingaustralia.com.au.

Alternatively Janine can be contacted on 0414 270 633 to discuss the program and class availability.

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NOURISH YOUR THINKING! IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH.

©Glow Images. Model used for illustrative purpose.

In the whirlwind-of-life that we call our daily routine, every minute seems to be accounted for.

There’s the family to attend to, trips to the supermarket, household chores, work commitments, and yes, emails and Facebook posts to catch up with.

How does one cope with the hectic pace of life and stay mentally on top?

One way, is to make time to nourish yourself at home and work.

What’s more, it’s good for your health.

NOURISH YOUR THINKING AT HOME AND WORK.

Recently I witnessed the benefits of undertaking “nourishing” action.

In my garden a number of beautiful rose bushes planted by a previous home-owner, suddenly started failing.

A friend inquired if I was regularly nourishing the roses with proper food and water?

I hadn’t been doing so. When I did, they revived immediately and have bloomed more profusely than ever.

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In the comfort of our home, we may have appropriate food and water each day for our bodily needs. But what about our thinking?

It also requires attention. Old, worn-out, negative thoughts need to be over-hauled and refreshed, and our thinking capacity nourished with fresh, robust, constructive ideas.

Such mental nourishing leads to a healthier state of mind. We’re able to relax more, sleep better, and respond to challenges from a position of strength.

TIPS:

- Before you leap out of bed in the morning, take a moment to nurture your inner self. Affirm that you are loved, lovable and loving. You are a special person. You can accomplish much good.

- Cherish yourself by remembering that an ever-present Love is constantly watching over you, guiding you through each day, and keeping you safe. – Bible Psalm 121

- If you’re thirsty for caring or companionship, drink-in thoughts of hope and encouragement. Happiness and contentment are within your reach.

- When feeling under pressure at work, do what a friend of mine does. Take a mental pause and feed your thinking with “beautiful images of thought”. Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health p. 248

- Use the gentle imagery of the beautiful 23rd Psalm, and picture yourself in a peaceful green meadow, resting beside a calm stream. This comforting, tranquil thought-image, will soon refresh and restore your peace of mind.

- If you’re someone who likes to pray, or meditate, feed your thinking with gratitude for the good that is already in your life. Gratitude definitely gives you a boost. It nourishes your thinking, puts a spring-in-your-step, and is good for your health.

Health writer, Beverly Goldsmith, is a practitioner and teacher of Christian Science healing. www.spiritualityandhealthconnect.com

Twitter: @GoldsmithBev

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Flick Chic Reviews… DEADPOOLFrom the opening credits, to the obligatory end of credits Marvel movie morsel, Deadpool is one thing, above all else…FUN!

If endless, choreographed violence and whip-fast, inappropriate language-riddled scripting is not your cup of tea, then perhaps this film is not for you, but if

you like your Ryan Reynolds dirty, then strap yourself in for 108 minutes of awesome.

Deadpool is not your regular Marvel superhero film and it knows it. In fact, the film makers have taken the very clever approach of

exploiting this fact every chance they get.

With the main character continually speaking directly to the viewer, we are able to get a little one on one time with this

anti-hero and the film is all the better for it. The origin story of Deadpool introduces us to Wade Wilson, somewhere in the middle

of his madcap adventures, and then backtracks where necessary, to make sure we are all caught up. Reynolds was born to play Deadpool

and is exactly the right level of likeable/crazy to have the viewer right in his corner from the start.

Some Xmen cameos keep Wilson on the right side of good, in his battle against evil and the obligatory love interest, comical sidekick and British bad guy are all along for the ride.

A great sound track that includes everything from Wham to Salt‘n’Pepa, keeps the movie chugging along, whilst reminding us exactly which generation Deadpool is from.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this break from the regular Marvel formula. Deadpool is a stand alone standout that I would happily see turned into a franchise.

Bring on Deadpool 2!!

Melissa Longo

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Laugh Out Loud

GETTING OLDER

A distraught senior citizen phoned her doctor's office. "Is it true," she wanted to know, "that the

medication you prescribed has to be taken for the rest of my life?"

"'Yes, I'm afraid so,"' the doctor told her.

There was a moment of silence before the senior lady replied, "I'm wondering, then, just how

serious is my condition because this prescription is marked 'NO REFILLS'.."

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An older gentleman was on the operating table awaiting surgery and he insisted that his son, a renowned surgeon, perform the operation. As he was about to get the anaesthesia, he asked to speak

to his son.

"Yes, Dad , what is it?"

"Don't be nervous, son; do your best, and just remember, if it doesn't go well, if something happens

to me, your mother is going to come and live with you and your wife...."

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Aging: Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about

it. This is so true.

I love to hear them say "you don't look that old."

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The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.

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Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me! I want people to know why I look this way. I've travelled a long way and some of the roads weren't

paved.

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When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, think of Algebra.

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One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being

young.

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Ah, being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.

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First you forget names, then you forget faces. Then you forget to pull up your zipper... it's worse

when you forget to pull it down.

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NOWHERE“Flattery will get you Nowhere”,Is what I have often been told;

But if you want to get Somewhere,You have to do things that are bold.

Somewhere, in the words of a song,Is a beautiful place to go,

But the road can be hard and long,Unless you just go with the flow.

.Though Somewhere is where you’re headed,

When you set out on life’s journey,Is Nowhere a place to be dreaded?

I ask you, “How bad can it be?”

A long way off the beaten trackIs a place that’s Nowhere’s middle.

Now if you can’t find your way back,You could be in lots of trouble.

If Nowhere is where you’re getting,When Somewhere’s your destination,

You’ll find that’s very frustrating,And the cause of aggravation.

You could be going Nowhere fast,Heading Somewhere in a strong gale;

But shorten sail or lose your mast:This could cost you more than a sail.

If you are going Anywhere,Plan with care the route you will take,

For Nowhere is the place whereYou might finish up by mistake.

Where is this place that’s called Nowhere?Is it right here in Australia?

You will know if you end up there:It’s a metaphor for failure.

Jack Nystrom

23

Calling on Hoppers Crossing Schools and Parents to share photos, art, stories, writing for this page.Email your contributions to will@aroundpointcook.com or post to the PO Box 1145 Altona Meadows 3028

THIS MONTH IN 1938Werribee Shire Banner Thursday 24th March 1938

POINT COOK FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT INSPECTED.

At the invitation of Point Cook officials, members of the Werribee Fire Brigade recently visited the Central Flying School, for the purpose of inspecting a new fire-fighting unit. The unit, which was procured from England, is one of the most up to-date of its kind in Australia.

The principal object of its installation will be for extinguishing conflagrations on aircraft. Sgt.-Major Swanne, of the R.A.A.F., fully explained the details of its arrangements, and later gave a mock demonstration of working and application. Members of the Werribee Brigade took part in the demonstration, under the instruction of Sgt.-Major Swanne.

The uses of asbestos suits, which are used for entering burning structures, were also demonstrated. These greatly impressed the visitors.

More Training Needed. Members of the Werribee Brigade, who recently visited Bendigo and took part in the annual demonstrations, stated that they had been greatly impressed by the display.

Although not successful in any of the events conducted, they felt that with more experience they would give a good account of themselves. One of the chief things required was more intensive training.

Improved Methods for Fire Fighting. It has been decided by the Werribee Brigade to divide members into three divisions. It is held that this decision will make for more practical and efficient

methods of checking outbreaks of fire. Instructions in various phases of the work were given. Positions on the fire cart are to be numbered and in future, men occupying certain seats will know and do the job allotted to each position.

This should greatly minimise confusion and duplication at an outbreak. Many people at a fire, while well meaning, often hinder firemen in carrying out their work, so the adoption of the system should give members a more intimate knowledge of their duties and make for greater efficiency in checking an outbreak. Demonstrations are to be given to members in the working of the pump, both from the main and still water.

Town Plan of Water Mains. Gratitude has been expressed by the Brigade for the up-to-date plan of the Werribee reticulation, which has been presented to them by the local Shire Council.

The plans were submitted to a meeting of the Brigade on Monday evening last, when they were eagerly perused and the location of the various plugs noted.

Greg Milne

24 Please redistribute rather than discard.Please redistribute rather than discard.

In November last year a famous landmark on the Princes Fwy towards Geelong upped and disappeared. People were concerned, emails were written, phones were called and questions were tweeted. Where had the big blue jumbo gone?The consternation was understandable. That old Boeing 747-338 had a history as bright and exciting as its one-time Nalanji Dreaming livery, and many people had, over its many years of flight formed nostalgic relationships with it.The jumbo came off the production line at Seattle (Everett) in 1984 and was registered to Qantas. It flew all over the world and had several names over its time: City of Sydney, City of Warrnambool and then Nalanji Dreaming after Balarinji created its stunning Aboriginal livery in 1995. It finished flying in 2008, was painted blue and red, and has lived at Avalon Airport ever since.

These days the plane is used often – along with Avalon’s hangars – in training as well as film and television work. One of the most joyful functions to date has been helping children with special needs overcome intense fear of flying.So back to its disappearance.Facilities Manager, Dave Moreland and his small team of maintenance staff and contractors worked tirelessly over those several months in a hangar to bring about the plane’s reincarnation. 375 litres of paint was used to smooth out the skin, and the logo and its mirror image were created and placed painstakingly on either side of the tail. The logos are 11m long and made up of several separate pieces each. The new name, and the name of its home - Avalon Airport – is bold in black. The excitement from the community after it was rolled back outside in February has been palpable. Interest has been piqued, memories stirred, and people are thrilled that care has been taken and respect has been shown.Dave hasn’t finished yet. Some of the exterior and cockpit lights are now working, but there’s more to be done. Dave plans on the tyres being replaced and replica engines added… and then there’s the interior to start on!To keep up to date with all of Avalon Airport’s news and images follow along on social media on Facebook, Twitter (@AvalonAirportAU) and Instagram (@avalonairport).

A HAPPY RETURN