| Welcome to our members newsletter for September 2024. There’s plenty on in September - be with us as we ‘fling into spring’ with all your favourite U3A groups! |
| | | At last the warmer weather is showing signs of returning. There is daylight when we wake up in the morning; the evenings are growing longer. The beautiful spring colours are blossoming, buds are appearing on the roses and there have been wonderful opportunities to get out in the garden, wear short sleeves and enjoy an evening cuppa on the verandah. This will be my last message to you as I will be standing aside as President at the annual general meeting (AGM) on Monday September 16 which brings me to my first point: that I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the meeting. By now you will have received formal notification of the 2024 AGM by email. It is a significant occasion each year allowing the Committee to report to members on the year’s activities and finances, when members elect a new Committee to take us into 2025 and when the 2025 fee schedule is approved by the membership. With the Notice of Meeting you will have received a Committee nomination form and a document titled ‘Our U3A Committee’ designed to give you an insight into what being a Committee member entails. I do urge members who feel they have something to contribute to nominate. I have enjoyed working with each of the 4 committees over the years and have been strengthened by the quality and contribution of each member. U3A Healesville is fortunate – and I have said this often enough – to have such capable, enthusiastic and committed members who each have played their part in making our U3A what it is. Moreover, they represent a vibrant membership. This was recently on display on 2 occasions: at the first aid/defibrillator presentation led by Ken Glenn where members engaged with Ken asking many pertinent and interesting questions; and, again, when we hosted our local Member of Parliament, Cindy McLeish, to a morning tea in the Court House. The occasion was lively and relaxed with groups of members in conversation with Cindy, making her feel totally at ease. Thank you for your support. I know you will be in good hands in the future as U3A Healesville continues to develop and grow as an organisation, not only providing valuable opportunities for the older members of our community, but also representing the interests of that community to relevant parties.
John Pascoe |
| | Meet your committee members |
| Barbara Woods (Vice President and Enrolments) Barbara joined U3A Healesville in 2013 and became a Committee member at the 2017 AGM when she was elected Treasurer. Her reason for joining was to become actively involved in a Healesville community organisation. In 2024, she attends Exercise to Music, Theatrical Performance Group, A Trip to the Movies, Hit the Road Touring Group and Pickleball. Her interests include reading, listening to music, walking, travelling, knitting and crochet. |
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Bill Woods (Treasurer, Database and Website Manager) Bill joined U3A Healesville in 2013 and became a Committee member at the 2017 AGM when he was elected President. He joined after hearing from Barb how wonderful Exercise to Music was for her and decided to see what all the fuss was about. He subsequently became actively involved in what he calls ‘this wonderful Healesville community organisation’. In 2024, he conducts the Healesville Community Choir and attends Exercise to Music, A Trip to the Movies, Theatrical Performance Group and Pickleball. He is currently the Course Leader of Monday Pickleball. His interests include reading, listening to and playing music, singing, golf, walking, art and crafts, woodworking and HO (‘half-O’) scale model trains. |
|  | | | Strings ‘n Things Open Mic late July The U3A Strings ‘n Things Open Mic, held in late July, was a great success. Just about everyone helped to make it an enjoyable night – from those who brought desserts to share, those who helped set up the hall beforehand, those who practised a few tunes before the night, to all of those who performed. The Uke Believers kicked off the night, the guitar and banjo groups combined to entertain us, there was a rollicking folk song/shanty, gentle harp music and a special Tina Turner look-alike complete with big hair and short black dress! It was all about musicians enjoying themselves and getting more confident in performing.
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|  | | First aid/defibrillator presentation On Tuesday 6 August, 35 members of U3A Healesville and the Senior Citizens Club were fortunate to have Ken Glenn of EmergencyCare give a thoroughly informative and entertaining presentation on the processes we need to follow to manage a health crisis. Ken explained the acronym ABC (air, blood and CPR), then demonstrated the importance of maintaining air flow, being able to administer CPR and the role the defibrillator plays in any attempt to save lives. Importantly, he helped those in attendance understand the process and why following a particular procedure is vital.
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|  | | Cindy McLeish, MP visits U3A Healesville On Thursday 22 August, U3A Healesville hosted a morning tea with our local State MP, Cindy McLeish. The occasion commenced with Karen Roberts, Karen Nutt, Ron Roberts and Phill Hipwell representing the combined U3A Healesville music groups, playing 2 well-known pop songs before Cindy briefly addressed the members. This was followed by an excellent opportunity for members to meet and talk with Cindy. The most common comment from members later was that she was easy to talk with, a ready listener and was easily able to engage with members in a relaxed manner on whatever matter they chose to discuss. Although Cindy was only available for 1 hour, it was pleasing to see that everyone who wanted to talk to Cindy was able to do just that!
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|  | | |  | | | |  | | New Yarra Ranges group for the over 50s The Yarra Ranges Shire Council has established a social group for LGBTIA+ over 50s. The group meets at Healesville Library on the second Monday of the month from 10-11am, except January. The group is a way to connect and enjoy a cuppa together. More information is available from the Healthy Ageing Project officer by phone at 1300 368 333 or by email at seniors@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
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|  | | Seasonal Sunday Soiree Come and sing along with others at a wonderful, free, all ages singing workshop on Sunday 29 September from 2pm at the Senior Citizens Hall. Although free, booking is essential at catherinenolan@bigpond.com or by text to 0417 002 793.
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|  | | Welcome to the Upside of Ageing Live Up is running a free talk on healthy ageing and what government and other organisations can offer. The talk will be held at the Senior Citizens Hall on Tuesday 29 October starting at 1.30pm. We will pass on more information when we receive it.
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| | Garden Design Fest The Garden Design Fest will be held in the Melbourne metropolitan area 16 and 17 November. Gardens will be open on the Mornington Peninsula - Redhill, McCrae, Mount Martha (2) and in Metropolitan Melbourne - Black Rock, Elwood, Brighton, Brighton East, South Yarra, North Melbourne, Glen Iris, Boronia, Surrey Hills, Balwyn, Kew (3), Kew East, Eaglemont, Heidelberg, Bellfield, Clifton Hill, Carlton North, Thornbury, and Moonee Ponds: 25 gardens in all. To find out more visit the Garden Fest website at https://gardendesignfest.com.au
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|  | | | | The U3A Healesville 2024 AGM The U3A Healesville 2024 AGM will be held on Monday 16 September at 10am at the Senior Citizens Hall. The guest speaker will be Katie Gatward, Digital Literacy Officer – Seniors, at the Healesville Library. Her topic will be ‘Identifying Scams’. Initial papers for the meeting - the notice of meeting and nomination forms for committee were sent to members on Monday 26 August. The remainder of key reports such as a detailed agenda and the President’s and Treasurer’s report will be sent out to members on Monday 9 September. All U3A Healesville members are encouraged to attend.
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|  | Yarra Ranges over 50s October Festival In October, the Yarra Ranges Shire will hold a series of events to celebrate the Over 50s, including 4 events being hosted by U3A Healesville. There will be a general invitation to come along and see some of our classes in action: The Ukulele Group: Tuesday 8 October, 10:45am-12:45pm at the Court House Move it or Lose it: Wednesday 16 October, 11am-12pm at the Senior Citizens Club Philosopher's Lunch: Monday 21 October, 1pm-2:30pm at the Court House Theatrical Performance Group: Thursday 24 October, 12:30-3pm at the Senior Citizens Club
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|  | | | OHS. If you have concerns or issues you would like to report re safety around the venues used by U3A Healesville, remember to report them to Bec Doig at rebeccadoig@gmail.com Covid is still around. We care for everyone’s health and wellbeing, so please stay away from class if you are unwell and also let your course leader know if you can’t attend class. Please wear your name badge to your class/activities. It makes it much easier for new members to feel welcome.
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| | | | And remember, it’s important to let us know if you have any news or stories to share so we can promote the range of activities that members are involved in. You can send us your news and information by email to the U3A Healesville email address: healesvilleu3a@bigpond.com or by phone/text to 0490 917 975.
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| | We thank Ken Fewster, Healesville Senior Citizens Club and Yarra Ranges Council for their ongoing support. |
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