Connecting creatively

Face-to-face meetings are not likely before Christmas for the East Melbourne Neighbour Network (EMNN). With this in mind, we have become more creative in the ways we stay in touch.

We are connecting via a regular EMNN newsletter-notice board as well as through our already established local walks and coffee encounters.

We have been sharing updates from members who lost touch because they are interstate, caring for relatives, or living at other properties. So good to hear the different ways friends are managing these different circumstances.

Hidden talents have been given free rein and we are sharing them via our newsletter. Who knew we had so many talented neighbours in our midst? Emotional paintings by Marion Bishop, beautiful woodwork dragsters by Alan Seale, botanical art, and delicious cooking, to name a few.

We have also begun our own swap and share stand on Friday mornings on the Powlett Reserve Community Room porch. Plant cuttings, seedlings, cut herbs, lemons, garlic, magazines, and good books for lockdown reading are all being offered free of charge. Anyone can drop something off and take anything they can use.

More and more members are getting the hang of Zoom thanks to our wonderful, patient instructors. Classes include Qigong, yoga, chair yoga, pilates and general exercises. It is not too late to join; we will still have to wait a while yet before we can meet normally.

Anyone looking to join a local walking group can meet us at 10.30am at the Fitzroy Gardens pond at the top of Grey St. We will pair up and enjoy a wander and chat in the gardens, possibly followed by a visit to the garden’s cafe Kere Kere to pick up a coffee. Be sure to let us know so that we wait for you. Ring Sue on 0402 356 533.

Kids holiday hunt event

School holiday excitement has been limited for too long and some local kids have teamed up to add a bit of fun and excitement on the last Friday of these holidays. The EMNN is joining with East Melbourne Group to help put on a school holiday scavenger hunt for five- to 15-year-olds.

Led by 13-year-old Gabrielle Sofra and 14-year-old Fiona Gillies, a scavenger hunt will end with a drink and lollies for each participant. There will be prizes for the winners and novelty prizes for pure fun.

When: Friday, October 1, starting at 3pm.

Where: Meet in Fitzroy Gardens, near the pond opposite Grey St and Roccella Restaurant.

Cost: $5 per person, can be single or teams of two or three •