85c May 2020 Merrijig community Newsletter

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Merrijig Community Newsletter May 2020
INDEX
Quote and FYI 2 Calendar 3
Welcome To the World 4 Baby Poetry 6
Hall adapting to change 7 Ordinary Undies (Poetry) 7
CFA & Virtual Gym 8 FYI Self care in Isolation 9
Alex’s Dad Jokes 10 ANZAC Day ideas 11
Donated Soldiers to Memorial 11 We did NOT forget 15
Healthy Snacks 16 Support for Seniors COID-19 17
Tru Blu Rides 16 Ideas while social distancing 16
A Word from the Shire 18 Final Laugh 19
“Alpine Ridge welcomes autumn” Photo by Christine Sheldrick
Please send in some of your beaut photos for future issues
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QuoteS of the month
Back issues of the newsletters can be viewed on the web at http://www.merrijig.com.au/html/local_news.html
Some articles in this newsletter may be picked up by the Mansfield Courier so consider this if you are
submitting stories you could be sensitive about sharing with the community wider than Merrijig.
If you‟re looking for a Justice of the Peace,
Laurie Jacob, Buttercup Rd 0439 280 333
Catherine McNish, Sawmill Settlement 0429 482 309
Merrijig Defibrillators are located at Merrijig Motor Inn
& McCormack Park
The procedure in case of an emergency where a person is possibly having a heart
attack is to dial Triple Zero. The call takers at Triple Zero have the location of the
Merrijig AED registered and will advise the caller of its location if that is the closest
unit to your location. McCormack Park unit is located in the machinery shed of the
Motorbike Track. If it is the Merrijig Motor Inn should be contacted by phone.
The Motor Inn phone number is 5777 5702.
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。◕‿ ◕。 Ive got NO-O-OTHING – Zilch – ZERO to go
on this calendar
except for rubbish days.
◄ April May 2020 June ►
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 Rubbish & Recycling
bin night
8 9
10 11 12 13
GVT to begin
planning
unwinding
Virus
restrictions
14 Just Rubbish bin
night
17 18 19 20 21 Rubbish &
Recycling bin night
15 16
22 23
24 25 26 27 28 Just Rubbish bin
night
29 30
31
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Welcome to the world
.
A strange time in the world for your birthday when much of the
world is in stay at home mode and social distancing is the catch cry
to avoid the passing on of the Corona Virus -19 sweeping the world
and killing thousands.
Yet your births remind us all that life is special and full of wonder.
Let‟s hope your life (not so little 4.6kg) Beau, is full of happiness
and great health, so that you can learn all the things you need to in
order to be a Merrijig boy, helping daddy with his spotted stud cattle
and mummy with her horses.
Congratulations to Mummy, Tayla Anne Cameron and Daddy, Scott
Purcell on the safe arrival of Beau on April 14 th . .
To all the grandparents on both sides of the family, as well as all the
cousins and Aunts and Uncles, congrats to you too.
☻ ☺웃 유
And Miss Prairie Joyce Swan
Prarie arrived safely on the 22nd of April at
8:02am and everyone is doing well.
Weighing in at 3.64 kg (or 8.3pounds) she is off to
a healthy start. She is the first daughter for Nick
and Adele Swan who are the son and daughter in
law of Tom and Sue Swan of Killarney Lane
Booroolite.
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These poems could have been for Tayla and Scott, Adele and Nick
– or any new parents for matter!
Baby Poems by Leigh-Anne Eldridge
With Blessings on the birth of your baby boy. (Sept.)
Welcome to the wonderful world of sleep deprivation
Poem Number One – (14th October, 2019)
Soft nose,
Little toes,
Knowing eyes,
Hearing lullabies,
Off to sleep, he goes.
Poem No. Two – (Tuesday, 15 th October, 2019)
Pink blush on cheek,
A snuffly breath,
Lying quietly,
What a week?
Inherits tartan and heather,
Already a brave little warrior, strong not weak.
Poem No. Three – (Thursday 24 th October, 2019)
Cry no more my little lad,
Let mummy sleep,
To hear you cry makes me sad,
Let mummy sleep,
My bairn is it a tummy sore?
Let mummy sleep.
Daddy too would like to snore!
Let mummy sleep,
Your sweet head upon her chest,
Let mummy sleep,
My darling wife has had no rest,
Let mummy sleep,
Your tiny hands with dimples sweet,
Let mummy sleep.
You‟ve changed our lives for ever more,
Let mummy sleep,
To keep you well and safe we‟ll endeavour,
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But please, please Dear God let mummy and daddy sleep!
☾♒✮ ☄☁☄☼☁☼☄☁☄✮ ♒☽
Adapting to change
Merrijig Public Hall committee held its monthly meeting via video conferencing last week with
10 members connecting using Zoom.
Hall secretary, Louise Jacob, said the process was seamless and worked really well with
everyone participating.
It was a short meeting, only 40 minutes, as the agenda was very light. All fund raising events
for the year had previously been cancelled at the March meeting, including the community
service usually held on ANZAC Day, which was very regretful but necessary in the current
circumstances.
Top left, Kaye Dyson, Laurie and Louise Jacob, Georgie Deyell.
Middle row from left Noel Willaton, Adrian Lawrence, Des and Mary Dunn.
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Bottom row, Robert Reeve and Kerrie Purcell.
のあ 。◕‿ ◕。 あの
Ocker‟s Ordinary Undies
By L.Eldridge 13.12.2019 for H.M.V.
What? A change from me usual jocks,
Reliable „Y‟ fronted, white cotton daggies,
This comes as a shock!
You must be joking; I‟m not a some artistic clot.
So what, if there‟s holes and raggedy bits,
I‟ve had „em for years, and no not really smelly!
I like me undies accessible, comfy and not too loose,
Gawd, in those slippery boxers, I‟d feel like a goose.
They are so dark, silky, loose and wide,
What‟s going to hold the jellies inside?
And look at that other colour, hot pink,
Geez I‟d look like a skater or a jockey on a rink,
Be adventurous take a risk, you say,
They look expensive, what did you pay?
Real silk? What the hell are you thinking?
So soft, slippery, me eyes open wide, nervously blinking,
Put „em on? The things we do for our Sheilas!
Next thing you‟ll ask me, is to wear black tights,
Not bloody likely, even the horse would take fright!
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Become Par t Of
THE MERRIJIG FIRE BRIGADE.
Local s At Work As CFA Vol unt eers
to be included on the new facebook page and instagram.
New members are always welcome at Glenroy-Merrijig CFA. Ring our Captain, Pete Bowker, on 0407 305
480, or Brigade Secretary Ross May on 0400 868 456.
-`ღ´-
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Corona Virus -19
Restrictions Relief to be considered in two weeks
More likely the "two person rule" will be the removed first when National Cabinet meets in the middle
of May to consider what restrictions can be eased. In states that have been more successful than
others, it is a slowly, slowly approach. The feeling among the nation's leaders is that you've got to
crawl before you can walk.
When cafes and restaurants reopen it will likely be in a socially-distanced manner, with one person
per four square metres, before they are able to resume regular operations. "The greatest danger is
giving people false hope" that their lives can return to normal sooner than the Chief Medical Officers
advise.
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Alex’s Dad Jokes … Groan !!!
I burnt my Hawaiian pizza today
Should have cooked it at aloha temperature
Did you hear about the two guys who stole a calendar?
They each got six months.
As an immigration officer, I may not
always agree with your point of view..
But I can see where you are coming from.
How many introverts does it take to change a lightbulb?
Why does it have to be a group activity
What’s Grey and not very heavy?
Light grey.
Dad: "Knock, knock!"
Kid: "Who's there?"
Dad: Spell!
Kid: Spell who?
Dad: W... H... O...
I tell a lot of dad jokes, but I don't have kids.
I guess that makes me a faux pas.
Mum said I would never be able to make a bicycle
out of spaghetti . Well I did, and you should’ve seen
her face when I rode pasta.
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‟S For remembering our service personnel
on ANZAC Day
Davies Rd
Merrijig
Jacquie and
Brian Pollard
rode at Dawn
as they usually
do on ANZAC
morning
bearing flags
to honour the
Australians and New Zealanders who protected our nation - to
a Brazier lit at their gateway.
Lynn and Andy Elder welcomed
the Dawn in Boorolite, while they
remembered and thanked those
who fought for our freedom.
While at Dave Lovick‟s on Buller Rd Merrijig a brazier and well lit
remembrance poppy lit up the early morning.
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The Beautyman family on Mt Buller Rd near
Sheep yard Flat turnoff welcomed the Anzac
dawn too.
While at
the
Merrijig 5
Pines War
and
Service
Memorial
a few
people
gathered
Piper
Stuart
McLauchlin
and bugler
Paul
Jackson.
Maureen Prendergast
with Paul Jackson
Where flowers and rocks had been left by other Merrijig people
visiting the memorial site early on the ANZAC Day morning.
Our Unique Merrijig Memorial was not neglected or abandoned this year from the example above but
also this story below.
Of course it goes without saying that we have all been disappointed that Corvid-19 restrictions prevented our
Service on ANZAC Day at the Merrijig War and Service Memorial this year however the Memorial Committee
of your Hall was delighted to receive yet another great contribution toward development of our Place of
Remembrance.
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Chris and Sherrie Jones of Caos Concepts, which is their local steel signage and artwork firm, offered to donate
plasma-cut silhouettes of military figures to enhance the memorial surrounds, mark the service of their family
members and lift our spirits in a testing time.
Within a 48 hour period, after discussions with the memorial sub-committee co-ordinator, Peter Howarth, and
with the approval of the memorial sub-committee team, Chris emplaced three works of art on Friday, April 24:
Two soldiers in front of the rock walls in the „Rest on Arms Reversed‟ position, leaning on their rifles pointed
down, which has been a mark of respect and mourning for centuries.
A lone soldier with bayonet fixed, in the „At Ease‟ position, guarding our Remembrance Walk.
Peter encourages everyone: “Do go and see the result. The Merrijig Public Hall Committee, which manages the
memorial on your behalf, is most grateful to Chris and Sherrie who join the many members of our community
who have contributed to the development and maintenance of this important place in our community life.”
Chris‟s interest in steel fabrication started years ago when he was younger and completed an apprenticeship as a
boiler maker. Always with an artistic leaning, Chris has amalgamated both loves to produce works of art like
this. He custom makes gate signage and other works in his and Sherrie‟s business, Caos being the family‟s
initials, Chris, Angus, Oscar and Sherrie.
Photos
From left - The soldiers flank the front of the memorial, one either side. In time they will take on the beautiful
rust coloured finish of the entrance signs. (The flag was lowered to half-mast early to pay respects for the four
police personnel killed on the Eastern Freeway on Wednesday.)
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The third soldier is located at the end of the Remembrance
Walk - a moving walk dedicated to each conflict Australians
have been involved in. This photo by Peter Howarth has the
third soldier looking like the Spirit of the Anzac rising from the
Aussie soil
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Pictured right is Chris Jones (son of Craig and Barb Jones) and his
companion Gypsy, with the newly installed ANZAC soldier at the
memorial.
What a wonderful contribution to the Community developed
Memorial Park. Your work CAOS is brilliant.
From 1919 when the first of the old 5 pines was planted, Merrijig
has had this special area which has now turned into a lovely
Memorial Park. Maybe one day there will be picnic tables for
visitors to relax and enjoy the space while they commune with the
people who served our nation in so many fields of war and peace
keeping service.
CAOS - your contribution is the latest in the respect the Merrijig
Community shows, by constantly improving and maintaining this
site - and please feel proud to share in its growth.
Early on Anzac morning Jody Galway lit this special brazier as her token of respect for those who served.
Sympathies are sent to Jody, as she also lost 4 colleagues in the Police car smash only days prior.
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We all missed this unique display (picture below by Tom Swan) of Merrijig‟s people but no doubt it will be just as
spectacular next year.
We Did NOT Forget. We WILL not Forget.
Many Merrijig people
chose to come at
their own time to
place flowers and
rocks as suggested
in last newsletter.
The memorial looks
amazing with its one
1916 survivor pine
tree. The 5 young
Lone Pines grow
strong and tall,
parallel to the walk
on the road side of
the fence.
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๏ ๏﴿ ๏ ๏﴿ ๏ ๏﴿
There will very soon be a PDF posted on either the Mansfield Hospital web Page or the Shire Web
Page of in depth details of healthy ideal ways to snack. Unfortunately it‟s not up and ready for alink to
be provided with this edition.
*•.¸(*•.¸♥¸.•*´)¸ .•*´ ✿´*• .¸(*•.¸♥¸.•*´)¸.•*´
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COVID-19 support line opens for seniors
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Monday, 27 April, 2020
A free dedicated support line is now available to address the mental health of senior Australians, their families
and carers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Established by the federal government in conjunction with the Council on the Ageing Australia, National
Seniors Australia, the Older Persons Advocacy Network and Dementia Australia, the phone line will be staffed
with advisers who can offer practical help and advice.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said talking to someone who understands and
listens was an important outlet for anybody struggling to cope as the spread of the virus creates additional
pressure on individuals and communities.
“Each of these long-standing organisations is well regarded, passionate and very experienced in supporting
Senior Australians and their loved ones,” Minister Colbeck said.
Minister Colbeck said the COVID-19 phone line is a great initiative that reinforces the message of support for
those in isolation, particularly if contact with family or friends is limited. “I urge people to call this support line
if they are feeling lonely or distressed, troubled or confused, or need to talk to someone about their concerns
caring for a vulnerable person during the COVID-19 outbreak,” he said.
Call the COVID-19 support line on 1800 171 866.
The support line will operate Monday to Friday, except public holidays, from 8.30 am to 6 pm.
✌⊂(✰‿✰)つ✌
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Cr Marg Attley:-Your local representative on
Mansfield Shire Council. Available to be contacted on:
5776 2231 or marg.attley@mansfield.vic.gov.au
On ANZACDay As per usual our Mayor Marg Attley
made a special visit to the Merrijig Five Pines War
and Service Memorial to lay the wreath on behalf of
the Mansfield Shire.
You can keep up with the latest from the shire even
while social distancing is in operation Check out the
web link
https://www.mansfield.vic.gov.au/news
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The English (use an upper-class accent when you read of the English) are feeling the pinch in relation
to recent virus threat and have therefore raised their security level from “Miffed” to “Peeved.”
Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to “Irritated” or even “A Bit Cross.”
The English have not been “A Bit Cross” since The Blitz in 1940 when tea supplies nearly ran out.
Terrorists have been re-categorized from “Tiresome” to “A Bloody Nuisance.”
The last time the British issued a “Bloody Nuisance” warning level was in 1588, when threatened by
the Spanish Armada.
The Scots have raised their threat level from “Pissed Off” to “Let‟s get the Bastards.”
They don‟t have any other levels. This is the reason they have been used on the front line of the
British army for the last 300 years.
Australia, meanwhile, has raised its security level from “No worries” to “She‟ll be alright, Mate.”
Two more escalation levels remain: “Crikey! I think we‟ll need to cancel the barbie this weekend!” and
“The barbie is cancelled.”
So far no situation has ever warranted use of the last final escalation level.
Submitted by Graham Godber
Bye for now Adele
Adele McCormack
67 MacPherson-Smith Dve
Mansfield 3722 ☏ 0409 600 655
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