I hail from Traralgon, and as a child, I have fond memories of Saturdays when my mother would engage in lawn bowls. During those times, I took on the responsibility of preparing all the delightful cakes and pastries for the week. Ensuring the kitchen was impeccably clean before her return was a must, as she never missed an opportunity to offer her critiques on my culinary skills. Interestingly, her voice still resonates in my mind, even at the age of 92.

After completing my education up to year 10, I started working in the administrative department at Australian Paper Manufacturers. Later on, I moved to the SEC in Traralgon, continuing my administrative work there until I tied the knot. Following my marriage, I dedicated myself to raising our 4 children, while my husband managed his nurseries. Nevertheless, I would occasionally lend my insights to the nursery business.

During my 50s when my marriage ended, I ventured into entrepreneurship and started my own nursery specializing in Alpine trees in Olinda. I also developed a strong connection with the Ferny Creek Horticultural Society and even became a lifetime member. Through my nurseries, I managed to raise substantial funds for the society.

My passion for nurseries remained undiminished throughout my life, as I continued working in that field well into my 70s. Eventually, I moved in with my son James and daughter-in-law Melissa, offering my help in raising their children and tending to their beautiful 10-acre garden—a task I thoroughly enjoyed. Furthermore, I actively participated in the U3A, where I took up painting forestry illustrations with watercolors, indulging in my love for both forestry and cooking.

If there's one piece of advice I would like to share, it's to always wear a smile—it has the power to take you places.

• BBQ coming up next Saturday at Emerald Village Meats
• Keep Oct 28 free for the grade 5&6 disco
• If anyone knows a florist that can assist with our bubbles evening training participants please let me know

• We are looking at interact with Emerald Secondary School
• Arranging a meeting with youth
• Breakfast Club - we need to set up a roster to help with this worthwhile activity that supports kids who dont always get a breakfast.  We had 60-70 there last week so we need more hands on deck

• Deposit will be paid on 8th Sept
• 23 signed up so far for accommodation - $34 deposit required
• Some members are staying at the Big4 site

• This is in Footscray - we will work out car-pooling
• $25 pp including a simple meal
• Keep 31 Oct free - 5pm a group will be going to the Monash Synchrotron

• Looking at a donation to the Mums of the Hills to put in a security system for $1500
• Club has donated to the 100 year celebrations of Emerald Scouts
• $1000 has been provided to the pharmacy and we will consider supporting Cockatoo in the same way

• Kris and Sid have been working on a social media plan and posts will come out weekly that look and feel consistent (and will appear on Instagram too)
• If you have any good stories, please reach out to Kris and she will organise the scheduling

• Allan provided information on medicine foils
• Everytime we have a guest speaker we will arrange for a tree to be planted on their behalf

Run Against Puffing Billy - 10 September

• Roster to be filled
• We need to be there 7.30 - 10.30 - please help if you can!

New Member Seminar

Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy - SAVE THE DATE - 26 NOVEMBER 2023

Call to action for Dementia