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Tuesday 3 November 2020
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Zooming good friends DISTANCE can be a barrier to friendship but, with new technology, staying in touch has never been easier. Although Jo Cooper and Vi Fleming, both aged 103, live in aged care centres at Mornington and Frankston, the stay in touch on a regular basis. Friends since meeting at Baxter Village, Frankston some years ago, the pair are great supporters of Zoom, the videotelephony and online chat service that has become an integral part of daily life during the coronavirus pandemic. Ms Cooper’s daughter Joyce Curry says her mother and Ms Fleming are “tech savvy” and enjoy their “magical moments” on Zoom. Ms Cooper, a descendent of early Sorrento settlers, went to school in that town where she worked as a cleaner and as a doctor’s receptionist. She moved to Melbourne during World War II and worked with the Country Women’s Association before marrying and, on retiring, moving to Mount Eliza 25 years ago. Since moving into an aged care centre at Mornington, Ms Cooper has taken up painting and “enjoys the odd game of Bingo”, according to her daughter. Ms Curry said Ms Fleming was the first female real estate agent in Frankston, having taken on her husbands’ business after he died at an early age. “She succeeded in what was in those days a competitive man’s world, often causing a few comments,” Ms Curry said. “Alongside her career she raised three children on her own, enjoyed sport and travel and, particularly, playing golf.” Keith Platt
JO Cooper (on screen) having a Zoom chat with longtime friend Vi Fleming. Picture: Supplied
Storms create claims havoc Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au MORNINGTON, Mount Martha, Mount Eliza and Frankston are ranked fourth in insurer AAMI’s list of stormdamaged suburbs. This comes after analysis of almost 19,000 storm-related insurance claims across Victoria from June 2019-July 2020. The suburbs are among areas in Melbourne’s south east that copped
the most damage from storms over the past 12 months – especially after one storm in January that produced large hail, damaging winds and flash flooding. The damage led to more than 8000 insurance claims. The south east has consistently topped the list of storm damaged regions over the past three years, with significantly more home claims than any other region, followed by Melbourne’s north east and south west. Flash flooding and large hailstones
caused by severe thunderstorms usually cause the most damage. With a wetter than usual spring and summer expected due to a La Nina, homeowners can brace for more damage as we approach summer. AAMI’s Melissa Cronin said storms were more likely during the warmer months. “Claims data from the past year identified January and February as the top time for storm-related claims,” she said. “However, storms are unpredictable
and can hit at any time without warning. We encourage people to be prepared by doing general maintenance and preparation works now, before it is too late.” Homeowners should check that their insurance policies are current and adequate; make a home emergency plan and have an emergency kit. They should regularly clear their backyards and gutters, trim trees and overhanging branches, and ensure outdoor furniture and toys (including bikes, trampolines
and sporting equipment) are tied down or put away in a shed or garage. Ms Cronin said storm damage was generally covered by insurance. “We encourage people to regularly check and update their policy to ensure it meets their current circumstances,” she said. “If you have any questions regarding what is covered as part of your policy, or the claims process, you should contact your insurer.”
Open for business. It is with the greatest pleasure we announce the reopening of the Mercedes-Benz Mornington Dealership. Please be assured all COVID safe compliance will be in affect. Simply follow the signs when you arrive. If you would you like to arrange a Service Appointment with your authorised Mercedes-Benz retailer - no problem. Simply call us on 5973 9688 or go to our website and use our Online Service Appointment Booking system. It makes it easy for you to get the appointment you want.
Mercedes-Benz Mornington 29-Mornington-Tyabb Rd (03) 5923 0011 LMCT443 mbmornington.com.au