AIDS talk
YOUNG South African social worker Thabisile Khosa will give a visual presentation about the strength and resilience of people living with HIV and AIDS in South Africa at the next Dandenong Ranges Oxfam meeting on Wednesday, 23 November. The presentation and discussion will take place at 8pm at Kallista Community House. Inquiries to Judy on 9754 7090.
Sing the year out
GEMCO is hosting the end-of-year Vocal Nosh community singing on Sunday, 20 November from 3pm to 6pm at the Gemco Hall, Emerald. Cost is $10 per person. There will be a vibrant mix of songs to bring a joyous and peaceful end to the year, including gospel, blues and lots of gorgeous harmonies. The evening concludes with homemade soup, bread and cake. For more information ring 5968 5440.
Christmas decor
GET into the spirit of Christmas with a two-hour workshop making beautiful handmade Christmas decorations. The event is open to school-aged kids and will take place on Monday, 5 December from 4pm to 6pm at the Montrose Town Centre, Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, Montrose. Bookings essential, call 9761 9133. Cost is $12.
Amateur radio
EMERALD U3A is planning to run a course on amateur radio in 2006. Amateur radio can provide a means for people to meet and maintain new friends ‘over the air’ and can be of great benefit to isolated and lonely people. Very little technical knowledge is needed. The course will be run by licensed radio operators and will be designed to stimulate an interest in radio and electronics. To become involved or find out more, phone Garth on 5968 5408.
Open garden
SIMON Gaythorpe’s garden at 34 Fordyce Road, Olinda, is a spectacular hillside garden overflowing with glorious colour. It will be open to the public as part of Australia’s Open Garden Scheme. The garden will be open between 10am and 4.30pm on Saturday, 26 and Sunday, 27 November. Entry fee $5.
Healthy babies
A FREE community health seminar on osteopathy and advice relating to its benefits for new mothers treating their babies will be presented by osteopaths Dr Sarah Hand and Dr Kate Johns on Wednesday, 30 November. Information, advice and any audience questions will be answered during the seminar and valuable information and advice relating to osteopathy and treating babies will be presented and discussed. The one-hour seminar will begin at 7.30pm at Knox Leisure Works, Tormore Road, Boronia. Everyone welcome, bookings essential. Phone 9762 9478 or email info@staytuned .com.au.
Craft market
MONTROSE Community Craft Market will hold its monthly market at the Montrose Town Centre, Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, Montrose, on Saturday, 19 November from 9.30am to 1.30pm. Inquiries to 9728 1703.
Market day
INTERCHANGE Outer East will host a market day on Saturday, 19 November from 10am until about 3pm at 5–7 Yose Street, Ferntree Gully. There will be stalls, live music, an art exhibition, food, kids’ entertainment, a jumping castle, snow cones and lots more. Market stalls are $10, parking available in the street and surrounding business premises. Inquiries phone Sandra on 9758 5522.
Christmas Concert
THE U3A Knox Xmas concert will take place on Tuesday, 13 December at Karralyka Theatre, Ringwood. The U3A Knox Bell Ringers and Chimes Groups will feature, and there will be carol singing, an a capella group, line dancing, the U3A choir and lots of fun. The concert starts at 1pm and tickets are $6, available now by ringing U3A on 9801 0261 9.30am to 3.30pm or leave a message on 9752 2618 any time.
Good grannies
ENJOY an afternoon exploring everyday opportunities to develop the grandmother/grandchild relationships through art forms. On Tuesday, 22 November from noon to 3pm at 255 Macclesfield Road, Macclesfield, Meg Bull will channel the group’s creative energies drawing on her own experiences. The cost is $20 and lunch is included. Space is limited so please book by calling Louise on 9756 6879 or Maria on 5968 4291.
Enrolments
MONBULK Pre-School is currently accepting enrolments for the 2006 kinder year. For all enquiries contact Shirlene, on 9737 9373.
Market day fundraiser
DANDENONG Ranges Steiner School Kinder is hosting a major fundraising event on Saturday, 19 November from 10am to 3pm at Ferny Creek Reserve, on the corner of Clarkmont and Hilton Roads, Sassafras. The fair will feature Steiner toys, hand made craft, books, stalls, children’s activities, pony rides, wholesome food café, sausage sizzle, natural therapies and lots more. Inquiries 5968 4382.
Trivia and Indonesia
A TRIVIA competition with prizes will take place at Gembrook Uniting Church on Saturday, 19 November. The quiz will be followed by a talk by Grace Genat about her trip to Indonesia and her work in an orphanage there. A supper of Indonesian food will follow. The event will begin at 7.30pm and will conclude after supper at 9pm. Phone Grace on 5968 1214 for more information.
Church service
AN ADVENT service will take place at the Emerald United Church, 3 Emerald-Monbulk Road, Emerald, on Sunday, 27 November at 9.15am.
Farewell service
GEMBROOK Uniting Church will hold a farewell service to thank Joan and Wilma Beer for their faithful service within the community before they move to Knox. The service will begin at 10am on Sunday, 20 November and will be followed by a luncheon. Please contact Rob Parr on 5968 1388 or Gayle Chandler on 5968 1996 for more information.
Food safety
EMERALD Community House is holding nationally accredited courses awarding a Safe Food Handling and Responsible Service of Alcohol Certificate for those considering hospitality work. Courses will be run in November and December. Phone 5968 3881 for details.
