NEWS DESK Turning logs into art WOMEN and chainsaws are not usually mentioned in the same sentence – except when the woman is chainsaw artist Angie Polglaze. The Hastings resident carves timber into eye-catching shapes and has won more awards than any other female carver in the world. Her skills have earned her a Service to the Arts Award from the United Chainsaw Carvers Guild in 2011 for her “encouragement and inspiration to women carvers everywhere”. Their challenge is to carve sculptures from a single piece of wood. This year’s theme is The Garden. “Chainsaw carving is mindboggling,” said Ms Polglaze, who draws her inspiration “from life” and learned her craft mainly from watching fellow competitors. The arts honours graduate’s 22 years as a wood carver included a decade “living out of a suitcase” while travelling the world. Times have changed: “Five years ago I got a house and a mortgage, two dogs and a cat, and decided not to travel so much. I’ve got critters who count on me.” Ms Polglaze loves giving renewed life to cypress pine which is her favoured material as it “doesn’t split, holds together and paints well”. “I find the events exciting. Coming from an arty background I use a lot of colour – that’s my trademark.” This week Ms Polglaze competes in the annual Australian Chainsaw Carving Competition at the SkyHigh Observatory, Mt Dandenong, 16-21 January. Her nine opponents include Canadian Marina Cole and men from the US and Japan. Stephen Taylor
Picture: Yanni
Emily braves the waters to find the cross Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au THE way is open for girls to take part in the Blessing of the Waters in future after a girl pipped the boys for the Rye prize for the first time at this year's Rye event. Emily Paxevanos, 16, of Whittlesea, was the only female in the usually male-dominated event when Red Hill Greek Orthodox priest Eleftherios Tatsis threw the wooden cross into the water, Saturday 6 January. Legend says good fortune will favour the winner of the annual event attracting thousands of competitors to the pier in anticipation. Frankie Ferraro, of Lysterfield, won the race for the crucifix at Frankston pier on the same day. He was among more than 1000 hopefuls eagerly waiting as Bishop of Miletoupolis Jakob Jakovos hurled the icon into the water to start the annual challenge. Emily received a $600 gold cross and chain and $200 cash from Father Tatsis for her efforts. Emily had earlier asked Bishop Tatsis for his permission to break with tradition and enter the race against the boys. Her father, Rob, was right behind her in her quest which received a favourable response.
Emily Paxevanos’s achievement is acknowledged by Red Hill Greek Orthodox priest Eleftherios Tatsis. Picture: Kostas Deves
“He said, ‘Why not, it’s the Blessing of the Sea’,” Mr Paxevanos said. Father Tatsis was thrilled to confirm that Emily was the first female to retrieve the cross in his 51 years as a priest – and possibly the first in Aus-
tralia. “Our congratulations to dear Emily,” he said. “Her achievement in retrieving the cross also helps dispel the oft-levelled charge the Orthodox Church is misogynistic in character.” Father Tatsis said she was “very
polite and respectful”. “She kissed the cross and gave it to the boys,” he said. “We live in a wonderful society and must treat everyone equally and that is why we welcome girls to enter.”
Fire on agenda A COMMUNITY bushfire exercise at St Andrews Beach Recreation Reserve last week was a call to action for residents. St Andrews Beach was identified in the Black Saturday royal commission as one of the top 50 high fire risk suburbs in Victoria. Rye Fire Brigade and CFA presenter John Legione hosted the presentation which was attended by about 180 people. Sorrento Fire Brigade, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, SES and Victoria Police also attended and Rotary helped out with catering. Residents discussed various fire scenarios and were encouraged to plan a course of action in an emergency. They left well aware of the importance of being prepared, keeping their house and block clean, having a written fire plan and practicing it. “It was a great day with local fire scenarios and conversations about preparedness and the importance of having a Bushfire Survival Plan,” Rye CFA lieutenant Edward Matt said. Discussions are being held on putting a CFA satellite fire station at St Andrews Beach in conjunction with the local community, he said.
“OPEN AMBROSE” “OPEN AMBROSE”
Sunday 11th March Sunday 11th March 2018201 Four person combination Four person combination $40$40 per per person | $160 per team person | $160 per team includes BBQBBQ on completion includes on completion Entries close 1st March 2018
Entries close March (Golf Pro) Shane Johnson Ph:1st 5981 01002018 or (Golf Pro) Shane Johnson Ph: 5981 (Office manager) Debbie Hedges Ph: 5981 01200100 or
(Office manager) Debbie Hedges Ph: 5981 0120
PAGE 14
Southern Peninsula News 16 January 2018