STAY CONNECTED – UPPER PLENTY
Sponsored by Mitchell Shire Council
Email: shack AT upperplenty.com
Ph: 5783-1661
Snail Mail: 175 Clarkes Rd., Upper Plenty 3756
March, 2010
Hi Everyone,
Retraction: I incorrectly stated that some people had had insurance claims from storm damage on Feb.14 denied. At the time the insurance claims were under consideration and the outcome was unknown. My apologies to those concerned.
Maxine & Don Watson hosted the second Clarke’s Rd Street Party on Friday Feb. 26th ( the first was held soon after the 2009 bushfires). Maxine & Don’s 54th wedding anniversary was on the 25th February. Thanks to Maxine & Don who are wonderful friends and neighbours and a real asset to our community. Thanks also to Hayley Day who did a tremendous job organising invitations, food, and other innumerable tasks that go with an event like this. If anyone is interested in organising a party for their street there is funding available through Council. For info & help to do this contact our Community Advisory Group members, Hayley – 5783-1141, or, Alison – 5783-1950.
Flood stories have been in the forefront over the last few weeks. I was surprised to see a fish jumping in my dam a week or so after the storm. I mentioned this to Laurie Day who grew up in Clarkes Rd. Laurie said that whenever the Patton’s dam overflowed (our dam flows into theirs) he often found redfin in the paddock across the road (now Cathy & John Day’s). Rita & Keith Millar’s picket fence (the half that wasn’t burnt in Feb. 09) was found in our creek but has now been retrieved in pieces as it was too heavy to move otherwise. Bill & Glenys Broderick’s Portaloo travelled 1.5km by water around multiple twists & bends and has come to rest on our creek bank. It has never been used and Glenys & Bill would be happy to give it a new home – you have only to come and collect it from the creek. There are stories of garden sleepers being carried up to 2km away, and of course, Laurie & Sheena Patton’s car being swept 100m away was pretty dramatic. Cathy Day was on her way home when the water stared to rise. She had to pull into the Walsh’s driveway & take shelter on their veranda for an hour or so until she & Laura were able to wade home. I heard that Helmut Runge (Cleves Rd Nth) found an aluminium tinny in the middle of his paddock. Not sure if he has been able to find the owner yet. Lots of people have lost driveways & fencing sheds & their contents have been water damaged. However, I notice most people manage to retain a sense of humour. Better than being miserable.
Good things about lots of rain: full tanks, can take long showers, can fill & use the spa bath, and don’t have to water the garden.
The Recovery Meeting on Friday 12th March was a great success. Congratulations to Kris, Alison & Hayley who organised the pizza, pasta & activities. The children had great fun hunting for Easter eggs and the visiting masseuse was kept very busy.
Upper Plenty Website – upperplenty.com – is now showing photos of community events. It is also available for anything of local interest that you, or a group you belong to, would like to post. Contact Tony Wakefield editor AT upperplenty.com
NOTE: These addresses have been changed to the new website Nov 2010, Editor.
WHO’S DOING WHAT AND WHERE ARE THEY?
Channel 12 UHF CB is now being used in Upper Plenty to keep in touch in times of danger. Fireguard groups strongly recommend communities to have this means of communication. For more information check out the Upper Plenty website atwww.upperplenty.vic.au or contact Tony Wakefieldeditor@upperplenty.vic.au or, come to the monthly meetings at the Shack and speak to Tony or Paul Brinsden.
Margaret & Stephen Patton (Clarkes Rd) – Congratulations on becoming first-time grandparents and to Mavis another great grandchild. The new grandparents have had a trip to Sydney to meet their newest family member and generally help out.
Upper Plenty Primary School – the move to the new school building has gone smoothly and the new facilities are proving even better than expected. There is a communal learning area which can accommodate all students & teachers, as well as a large number of parents. Interactive whiteboards are being put to good use in teaching-learning situations. The school now has around 115 students – a far cry from the 1990’s when the school population got as low as 11 and was in danger of closing. Principal Kim Tierney & her staff have done a wonderful job building up the school and creating an excellent community facility.
Bonny & Graeme Francis (Lords Rd) – Green Living will be running an article on Bonny & Graeme’s house once it is completed. It will be an energy efficient home which is environmentally friendly. Hoping to move in about April/May.
Robert Knott / Timber Mill – Mahadys Road – Mr. Knott is appealing Council’s decision to reject the Planning Application for the Timber Mill. This means that milling operations can continue until the case is heard at VCAT and a final decision is made. In the Star Newspaper (16/03/10) Mr. Knott stated that he would “take it to the highest court in the land if I have to”. He continues to deny he is having a negative impact on the area, claiming the area’s amenity had been “shot to hell” anyway as a result of the bushfires. Oh well, why not make it worse….
Margaret & Chris Christadoulou (Sticks ‘n’ Stones) – are still awaiting news about their insurance claim to cover the huge losses they sustained during the storm. The insurance company requires them to put in place measures to prevent damage should another storm / flood occur. They are currently building a huge retaining wall to divert flood waters. Once that is completed the insurance company will reassess their claim.
Nicole & Eric Kanderovskis (Mahadys Rd) – have started rebuilding. At the last Recovery Meeting Nicole said the building was up to frame stage.
Rita & Keith Millar (Clarkes Rd) have had their new slab laid.
JOKES
Q: What do you call an egg that knows everything?
A: An egg-spert.
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Q: What animal should you never play cards with?
A: A cheetah.
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An older, tired-looking dog wandered into my backyard. I could tell from his collar and well-fed belly that he had a home and was well taken care of.
He calmly came over to me, I gave him a few pats on his head; he then followed me into my house, slowly walked down the hall, curled up in the corner and fell asleep.
An hour later, he went to the door and I let him out.
The next day he was back. He greeted me in my backyard, walked inside and resumed his spot in the hall and again slept for about an hour. This continued on & off for several weeks.
Curious, I pinned a note to his collar: “I would like to find out who the owner of this wonderful sweet dog is and ask if you are aware that almost every afternoon your dog comes to my house for a nap”.
The next day he arrived for his nap with a new note pinned under his collar: “He lives in a home with 6 children, 2 under the age of 3 – he’s trying to catch up on his sleep. Can I come with him tomorrow?
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Reporter interviewing a 104-year-old woman:
“And what do you think is the best thing about being 104?” the reporter asked.
She simply replied, “No peer pressure”.
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WHAT’S ON AT THE SHACK?
Bushfire Recovery Meeting – Friday 9th April, from 6.30pm.
For details phone Kris – 0401 133 400.
Yoga – Mondays at 7.30pm. Enquiries Julie 0408 483 876 or 9716 3635.
Garden Club – 4th Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm.
Enquiries – Susan 5783-1456.
Annual General Meeting for the Shack – Wednesday March 17 at 7.30pm
Office Bearers and Committee will be elected to the Hall Committee of Management. If you would like to become more involved in your community this is your opportunity. Enquiries – Rose 5783-1661.
