By MARG STORK
GREATER Dandenong is well and truly in the south-east of Melbourne, but there’s a part of it that’s deep in the heart of Texas.
At least, that’s what happens with the hundreds of dancers who do some boot-scooting at the Springers Leisure Centre, Keysborough.
Lined up in rows are people from diverse age groups: from teenagers shuffling in perfect time to quite a few senior cowboys and cowgirls.
Professional instructors are on hand to get newcomers in step.
“Line-dancing helps you keep fit mentally and physically and it creates a social contact that often leads for participants to make lasting friendships,” says instructor Keith Davies.
The big day looming is the Victorian Line Dancing Association’s annual ball on June 29 at the leisure centre. The ball is now in its 17th year and draws people from around Victoria and interstate. Last year, as many as 700 dancers kicked their heels up at the ball and this year promises more of the same.
For seniors, line dancing is a great way to stretch a limb and get their fitness kick. The association even runs classes in some suburban retirement villages.
“We have dancers from Hampton Park and Carrum Downs among our members and we arrange daytime and evening classes to suit our members’ lifestyle and schedule,” says Keith.
For more information, visit victorianlinedanceasn.au or call 9870 9854.
What’s a country gal to do?
There’s a buzz in the air at the Country Women’s Association’s Noble Park branch. The 42 members have already pencilled in activities for 2013.
The talented craftswomen and great cooks run stalls throughout the year outside the Commonwealth Bank in Douglas Street, Noble Park, dishing up jams, pickles, chutneys, cakes, scones and other homemade goodies.
Members eagerly look forward to the craft exhibition held regularly with Gippsland CWA branches in Pakenham.
Members support, in particular, the Queen Elizabeth Centre in Noble Park. Last year, they also donated a gorgeous handmade quilt to the Glenallan Special School in Mulgrave.
Their meetings are held from 10am-12.15pm on the fourth Monday of the month and newcomers are welcome to come along.
The oldest member Muriel Norris is 92, and another member, Mary Johnson, is also in her 90s. If you’d like to join, call 9547 7261.
Boredom busters
Who said libraries were just book nooks? There’s a lot of games to keep the young ‘uns busy while you browse the shelves.
No need to make a booking — just bring the kids along to join the fun.
Free family events are held from 4-5pm on Fridays at the Dandenong library and 11am-noon on Saturdays at the Springvale library. Call the Dandenong library on 9238 1489 or Springvale on 9239 5398.
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 The Dandenong Journal, PO Box 318, Dandenong 3175.
What do you think? Post a comment below.
For all the latest breaking news, stay with this website. Also, follow the Weekly at facebook.com/dandenongjournal or on Twitter @DandyJournal.
