COVID-19 update
Wahgunyah Cres, Langwarrin
Witternberg Drive, Frankston
Bayview Kindergarten, Frankston
Delcombe Park Kindergarten
Spoonvilles: springing up and spreading cheer Langwarrin kids have constructed quirky creations for the rapidly growing Spoonville at Wahgunyah Crescent. Local mum, Felicity Harborne, said there were more than 1600 ‘spoonies’ on display. Felicity and fellow mums Sarah Smith, Sarah White and Michelle Cochrane worked together to create the Spoonville. “We created the Wahgunyah Crescent Spoonville to give our children and
neighbours something to participate in and enjoy during isolation. It quickly grew and now we have a huge following in the Local Langwarrin community,” Felicity said. Spoonville started in the English village of Winnersh before spreading across Britain and then catching the imagination of children and parents in Victoria as the state tightened COVID-19 restrictions in July.
Spoonvilles have since sprung up across the city, helping keep kids entertained and providing residents with a reason to smile. Felicity said the community had also to placed messages of support for frontline and essential workers at the Spoonville “We love listening to the kids excitedly yell when they find ‘spoonies’ they love or recognise, or the spoonie they have added,” she
said. “Parents have been enjoying it as much as the kids” Lilly, 8, said, "I love how people are so creative and it brings so much joy to our spoon village.” Dexter, 7, added, “It’s fun to be able to make our own spoon characters and add them to the Spoonville. I love going to see all the new ‘spoonies’ and look for the ‘Where's Wally’.”
Knit happens — residents embrace ‘yarn bomb’ project Residents at Skye’s Oak Tree Retirement Village weren’t sheepish when it came to getting out their knitting needles for a ‘yarn bomb’ project. Village manager, Joseph Bailouni, said it was a case of ‘ewe beauty’ as residents individually knitted colourful squares. “Engagement is vital for wellbeing. Yarn bombing is a collective task that can be completed safely and individually. I suggested the idea to all the residents and the uptake was amazing,” Mr Bailouni said. “It’s been a wonderful project to keep residents engaged and take their minds off the COVID pandemic.” Mr Bailouni said residents were excited to see their yarn bomb creations
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adorning shade sails facing the front of the village. He added that the project had brightened up the days of those involved and caught the eyes of passers-by. Oak Tree resident, Anne Bamforth, said COVID-19 meant some organised activities had been put on hold, but friendships and companionship hadn’t. Anne added that residents had pulled together during the pandemic by offering to help each other out with errands. “If one of us is going to the shops, we’ll offer to pick up shopping for the others. We’ve really pulled together. At times like these and always, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I’m so happy and feel so safe and secure. I’m living a beautiful life here.”
Frankston City News November–December 2020
Letters bringing joy to those stuck at home Elderly residents of Frankston City were touched to receive letters from local students during the pandemic. Council’s Positive Ageing and Youth Services staff collaborated with students from several local schools and the Frankston Youth Council as part of the ‘Letters of Joy’ project. The heartfelt letters, many which were accompanied by colourful illustrations, brought cheer to their recipients, especially those who remained at home while restrictions were in place. Tyson said he participated in the Letters of Joy project to make a difference. “I didn't know who was receiving it or how they would react, but all I wanted to do was make them and everyone else feel more safe knowing people are still caring about you.”
Olivia added: “I wanted to get involved in Letters of Joy because I wanted to make sure the older people are doing well through this tough time and I just wanted to check on them.” Liv shared the sentiment of her fellow letter writers. said: “I wanted to make people in the community smile during these tough times.” she said. Carrum Downs resident, Ann, said receiving a letter had lifted her spirits. “I was quite surprised. It was like receiving a letter from a pen pal.” Frankston Youth Council members and students from David Scott School, Langwarrin Primary School, Skye Primary School, Woodlands Primary School, St Augustine's Primary School, St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School, Elisabeth Murdoch College and Ballam Park Primary School.
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