LAST Tuesday afternoon I spotted a well-dressed middle-aged woman walking past the fresh fruit displayed by a greengrocer in Chester Street, Oakleigh.
It was temptingly arranged, and she casually leaned over and helped herself to a handful of green seedless grapes, munching appreciatively as she ambled towards the car park.
If the storekeeper had seen her it could easily have been the ‘gripes’ of wrath. Made me wonder just how many people take fruit samples from the open partitions and don’t attempt to pay for them.
Peering into digital microscopes
When students at Noble Park Secondary College return to school after the Easter break they will be anxious to try out their new science centre.
The college has been able to buy specialist science equipment.
Principal Pam Dyson says the education department is committed to improved student outcomes in science: “As a ‘science specialist’ school we are continuing to develop partnerships with specialist groups – dealing with topics such as space centre/Mars exploration – and affiliation with John Monash Science School, and the Genetics Technology Centre.
“This is an exciting time for students, who will have access to state-of-the-art science technology and the latest science research information.”
Swags for the homeless
Cornerstone Drop In Centre – whose volunteer workers and supporters from schools and organisations feed the hungry, conduct programs for the lonely, the shut-ins, the homeless and itinerant workers – has loyal friends among members of the Rotary Club of Dandenong East.
The Rotarians have brought many ‘swags for the homeless’ (swags.org.au) for Cornerstone’s compassionate co-ordinator Pastor Don Cameron and his helpers to give to people who don’t have a roof over their heads and a warm place to sleep.
The Rotarians held yet another successful club function in March to help with their fund-raising.
If any Weekly reader would like to contribute in any way to the Rotarians’ special efforts, call Phil Thurgood on 0407 325 241.
Boosting girl-power
As Greater Dandenong attracts more newcomers from overseas to its welcoming heart, the council and multicultural organisations are offering programs to help young people assimilate.
One such program is Girlspace, meeting weekly from 2-4.30pm from April 13- 22 at Y-stop in Dandenong.
Women aged 17 to 25 from a refugee background who live, work or study in Greater Dandenong and Casey have been invited to join a 12-week program to develop skills and confidence.
The aim is to increase leadership skills and improve well-being with fun activities and workshops. To register, call Maureen Rodgers on 9793 2155.
Do you have a milestone, memory or question for Marg? Email marg@yourweekly.com.au or post submissions to A Moment with Marg, c/o Greater Dandenong Weekly, PO Box 318, Dandenong 3175.
