Running for mum makes a tough day special EACH Mother’s Day, Mentone woman Cassie Willetts runs in memory of her mum. Running in the Mother’s Day Classic, she honours her mum, Sue, 65, who passed away in 2013. “Mum had breast cancer for a few years and it later turned to secondary breast cancer in her bones. She passed away after complications with chemotherapy and a long stint in hospital,” Ms Willetts said. “My main inspiration in taking part in the Mother’s Day Classic is to try to raise as much money as possible to help find a cure for the disease, along with providing assis-
tance for those dealing with breast cancer, and their families.” The Mother’s Day Classic is being held around Australia to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Sunday 8 May. It involves a 4km and 8km walk and run around Alexandra Gardens and the Tan Track, Birdwood Av, South Yarra, 7am-noon. Last year Ms Willetts set out to raise $3000 but managed to reach more than $5000 as part of the team Cancer Crushers. “My best memory from the Mother’s Day Classic is definitely last year – I was very proud to raise
$5000 as I am passionate about the fundraising. “I used to run the event to beat my personal best, but last year I walked with a couple of friends who were pregnant or had prams. Walking or running, it’s a lovely way to spend Mother’s Day. “My mum was taken too soon by the disease; let’s try to stop this happening to more beautiful mums, sisters, daughters and friends.” Ms Willetts usually goes out for breakfast with friends afterwards. The enthusiastic executive assistant raised $4000 in 2013, $3000 in 2014 and just over $5000 last
year, on top of a couple of thousand raised in previous years. “My goal for 2016 is $5000,” Ms Willetts said. “I publicise it on Facebook and ask for donations, I email my contacts, put it on my LinkedIn – everyone is very supportive.” See mothersdayclassic.com.au for further details about the Mother’s Day Classic.
Here’s to you, mum: Mentone’s Cassie Willetts gears for Mother’s Day Classic, now in its 17th year.
Kinder enrolments are child’s play APPLICATIONS are now open for 2017 fouryear-old sessional kindergarten places using Kingston Council’s “simple, easy to use” central enrolment system. Council offers one central enrolment point which covers 27 local kindergartens and ensures a fair allocation process based on a series of set criteria. Parents can nominate their top three preferred kindergartens. Over the past two years 97 per cent of families received a place at their first choice kindergarten. Applications for next year’s first round allocation will be accepted from 1 May to 30 June, with all applications included regardless of the date they are received in this period. Kingston Mayor Cr Tamsin Bearsley said unlike some other areas, where parents had to rush to be the first applicant at several kindergartens, Kingston offered a simple one-stop for fouryear-old sessional kindergarten enrolment. “Places are prioritised based on a set of criteria including proximity and prior connection to the kindergarten,” Cr Bearsley said. To be eligible for funded four-year-old sessional kindergarten children must turn four by 30 April in the year they start kindergarten. Cr Bearsley said kindergarten gives children valuable opportunities to learn, make friends and develop skills in the year before they start school. “Help your child prepare for schooling and gain valuable social skills by enrolling them in four-year-old sessional kindergarten to receive vital early years learning,” she said. “There are also many high quality full day kindergarten options across the Kingston municipality to meet the diverse needs of children and families.” For more information about early years enrolment options, or to complete an Enrolment Application Form, see kingston.vic.gov.au/ kindergarten
VIEW celebrates
DINGLEY and Cheltenham VIEW Club members celebrated their first year of fun and friendship with a tasty brunch at the Flight Deck Bar and Grill, Moorrabin Airport. Forty-four VIEW members of Brighton, Mordialloc-Chelsea and Oakleigh VIEW clubs attended. Guest speakers were Kingston mayor Cr Tamsin Bearsley and VIEW area VB national councillor Trish Brooks, while Laughter Lady Lyn Mitchell entertained. VIEW clubs members meet for fun and friendship, as well as supporting The Smith Family in their Learning for Life program. They aim to break the cycle of poverty through education for the 34,000 Australian children in the program. VIEW stands for the Voice, Interests and Education of Women. It is a leading women’s volunteer organisation and support network that empowers women to have their voices heard on issues of importance for the future wellbeing of society. New members are welcome to join VIEW which meets every second Tuesday morning. Women of all ages are welcome to join. Details: Call Mary 87746133 or Chris 9772 6527. Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News 4 May 2016
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