Welcome to our February 2025 Monthly Update
A warm welcome to all our member and volunteers. Our 2025 year commences on 10 February 2025 with over 150 courses on offer. We currently have over 1,000 active members, including over 90 new members who joined this year.
I thank all our volunteer tutors who are offering courses in 2025 and to all our volunteers for their excellent work in helping to setup and conduct our enrolments process (both online and assisted enrolments). Each year after enrolments, the Committee reviews the enrolment process so we can make improvements for the future.
As in previous years, some of our most popular courses filled up very quickly. I can understand the disappointment of members who missed out on their preferred course. Unfortunately, in many cases, demand far outstrips supply. Waitlisted members might consider some of the great variety of other courses that still have vacancies. In any case, please always be respectful of our wonderful Office Volunteers who do their best to ensure the enrolment process runs smoothly.
We are always interested in running short courses that are of interest to our members. Do you have a special subject or interest area that you would like to share with others? Please let us know.
Mark Rubinstein
President
2025 New Courses for Enrolment
Throughout the year, we have new courses being offered to our members. Here are the latest new courses that are available for enrolment:
25GAM20: Cryptic Crosswords Intermediate – short course
For members who are past the ‘beginner’ stage and wish to further improve their Cryptic Crossword solving skills. Although not essential, participants should previously have attended Stephen’s Cryptic Crosswords Beginner course.
The dates for this course are 13 February, 20 February and 27 February 2025.
“Plein Air” Art Courses – 1-day courses
The dates and locations for these courses varies.
- 25ART17 Plein Air: Summer – Sunday 23 February, 2025 – North Point, Brighton.
- 25ART18 Plein Air: Autumn – Sunday 4 May, 2025 – Springvale Botanical Cemetery.
- 25ART19 Plein Air: Winter – Sunday 3 August, 2025 – Royal Exhibition Building.
- 25ART20 Plein Air: Spring – Sunday 12 October, 2025 – Royal Botanical Gardens.
These courses give Glen Eira U3A artists a chance to practise their ‘plein air’ skills. We will go out to a carefully chosen location so we can practise drawing/watercolour/acrylic /any other medium works.
More information will be sent the week prior to each date to finalise meeting points. All of the dates are subject to change depending on weather and, if cancelled, the course may be held the following Sunday.
Please ensure that you have hats, sunscreen, water etc with you. There may be seating available or not, so bring your own stool and easel if you have one.
You can sign up now for one or more of these ‘plein air’ courses.
Available Courses
List of Courses with current vacancies.
Volunteering – Every Volunteer Has A Story
Commencing in 2025, each month we highlight one of our various volunteering teams. These teams help Glen Eira U3A prosper and grow.
We are looking for volunteers who are interested in joining our Grants Management Team to help with researching, preparing and applying for grant opportunities. Some prior experience in preparing proposals would be an advantage.
Recent successes of our Grants Management Team: We are one of the few U3A’s that has its own premises and, as such, we are responsible for its upkeep and any improvements. Last year, we were successful in gaining a VicTrack grant to construct a ramp. This ramp was completed late in 2024.
There are many other areas that we could improve, e.g. Art room refurbishment and the entry areas to the main building.
Would you like to volunteer to help our Grants Management Team? All you need to do is select 25AAV02 Grants Management Team and enrol. You will be contacted soon after to talk about how you can contribute.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing Update
We’re excited to share a few updates to support your safety, accessibility, and wellbeing:
New Ramp Installation: A ramp has been installed in the Memorial Garden (the garden area to the right as you enter our venue). The ramp will provide for improved accessibility.
Defibrillator Location: The defibrillator unit is located in the foyer area near the kitchen. Please familiarise yourself with its position.
Fire Safety Update: The HSW Team is finalizing the GE U3A Fire Safety Policy and Emergency Evacuation Procedures. Stay tuned for details about an onsite fire drill later this year to ensure we’re all prepared.
As we step into a new year, here’s your gentle reminder to pause, breathe, and check in with yourself. Prioritising your wellbeing doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are three simple tips to stay balanced:
Start Small: A 5-minute morning stretch and deep breathing sets a positive tone.
Stay Hydrated: With these hot days, don’t forget to drink plenty of water and get adequate rest. Keep a water bottle handy.
Embrace Rest: Quality sleep fuels productivity and happiness—give yourself permission to unwind.
Your wellbeing matters. Take a moment today to do something just for you and stay safe and well.