Vote. It is a bit tricky this postal voting biz. Particularly fitting the ballot paper into the envelope I found (but maybe that’s just me. It was really tight though … and I had to stick my whole hand in first to make a little air pocket so that I could then put the voting slip in … ).

Anyway … remember … not only do you have to complete the paperwork before 25 October … but you also need to ACTUALLY SEND IT. This is a reminder to me as much as you. It is always the last step on these sorts of processes that catches me out (a bit like returning library books …).

And, you may be surprised to find the post boxes that used to be in the neighbourhood (such as the one just on the corner outside ACC) have now disappeared … 21st century and all I guess. There is still one on Grange Road near Becca Foodstore, one up the top of Perry Street (near Separation Street) and obviously you can still pop past the Post Office on Station Street or Heidelberg Road … or the Plaza!

Good luck to all the candidates who I have seen out door knocking and connecting locally. It is a real commitment to run for public office and I am personally full of admiration for anyone willing to put themselves out there like this - whatever level of government.

So happy voting! And … don’t forget to do it … vote that is.

Well we were back with a bang last week. It feels like the holidays are a distant memory already!

On Monday evening I went to a farewell event for Councillor Amanda Stone, who has been on Yarra Council for 15 years. She has been a wonderful supporter of neighbourhood houses and is generally a lovely person - we will miss her, and we wish her all the best in her next endeavours. It was really amazing to see the contribution and connections she has made across Yarra over her time with Council - not just across the community but also with Councillors and Council staff. Congratulations Amanda, truly, on all that you have achieved in this sometimes (I am 100% sure) thankless role.

Back at home … it was lovely to see everyone again on Friday for craft, gardening and lunch.

And Thursday evening was fun - it was super to welcome a couple of new faces to Alphington Arts, where we did gelli plate printing. Lots of fun. LOTS of mess!

On Saturday afternoon we had 6 students come along to our VCE Study Help session - and a generous volunteer, Jessy, came along to supervise. She lives locally and is a teacher. Thanks so much Jessy. We have another session this Saturday and next … if you know anyone who is in the middle of VCE let them know they can book in. BYO practise exam.

The CWA craft group also met on Saturday afternoon - preparing for Christmas market sales. They are amazing fundraisers … and will have a stall at our Christmas Makers Market coming up on Saturday 23 November - so you will be able to come along and buy a lovely home crafted gift (or two) from them.

This week Kalimna and I will have our heads down focusing on preparing the paperwork and presentation for the AGM coming up on Monday 28 October at 6.30pm. Jill will be back in the office this week getting ready for AAA Bowls to resume next week on Wednesday 23 October. Clare will be starting up her Art and Drawing classes on Monday afternoon and Thursday evenings, and also recommencing our AAA Arts program on Friday afternoons.

We also have a busy day Tuesday with Preserves Group from 1pm and Movie Club at night. We’ll be seeing There’s Still Tomorrow at 8pm at Westgarth Cinema if you’d like to come along. It’s part of the Italian Film Festival.

Please note the posts below … Armchair Theatre are looking for some new members and a reminder about Alphington Open Studios, coming up at the end of November.

I look forward to seeing you soon.

Leanne

We are excited to once again be part of the Alphington Open Studios Weekends - coming up in late November. Numerous local artists are opening up their home studios, and there will also be artists here at ACC and at the Parklands (in the office/management area at the end of Separation Street). Put a place holder in your diaries to take a trip around the neighbourhood!

This year the event is supported by our wonderful friends at the Clifton Hill/North Fitzroy Community Bank on Queens Parade. Bendigo Banks really do have a fabulous community model for banking that gives back up to 80% of their profits to the community.

If you have kids at schools, you play sport with a local club … or come along to places just like ACC, you will have benefited from them for sure!

Alphington Open Studios is a fabulous way to support local artists and also learn more about art processes - from painting to pottery to 3D sculpture. You can find out more about the artist involved at www.alphingtonstudios.com.

Are you a senior who would like to read plays with a friendly group? You might enjoy joining the Darebin U3A Armchair Theatre group - meeting on Wednesday afternoons here at ACC. Want to know more …

• You don't have to be an actor - just someone who enjoys reading plays with others.

• We read a wide variety of plays: serious, humorous, famous, as well as hidden gems.

• We also chat about the play we're reading and its resonance with our lives.

• You're welcome to join us for a look before you sign up.

•  For information, contact Ann on 0403036976.

After a two week break we are back for Term 4.

This week we have Alphington Arts on Thursday evening at 7.30pm. We’ll be exploring monoprinting and gelli plates this time. We are looking forward to seeing you!

We also have a VCE Exam Help session on Saturday from 1-4pm. Book your darlings in here so they can practise an exam in supervised conditions.

Also … our Wednesday Playgroup is back this week from 10am-12pm … along with Toy Library (pick up Tuesday afternoon on Wednesday morning) and our Community Morning is resuming this Friday - gardening, craft and community shed action from 10am followed by lunch at 12pm. All welcome.

Coming up soon we have:

• Street Photography

• Mosaics 101

• AAA Bowls

• AAA Arts

• Crunch (creative lunch)

You can book in to these workshops/short courses on our website.

Also our AGM is coming up on the last Monday of October … we’d love to see you to celebrate the year that has been.

On Tuesday 15th we’ll have Preserves Group in the afternoon and Movie Club at night. Save the date.

Note also Book Club friends that Kalimna is working with Jodi at the library to finalise everything for next year so please respond to emails/whatsapp things promptly. Hopefully most of you have gotten your book list preferences to Kalimna now. Or will be able to do so this month.

If you are interested in joining a Book Club here next year please let us know … email or call and we’ll see if we can fit you in to an existing group or .. . we can look at making a new group if we have enough takers!

That’s it I think! Looking forward to seeing everyone this week.

Leanne