Welcome to our March 2025 Monthly Update
Glen Eira U3A is kicking off the new calendar year with a bang! We have an incredible 110 volunteer tutors leading 160 diverse courses for our 1,100+ members. In addition, our nine ‘Volunteering at U3A’ courses provide an opportunity for those who want to get involved and lend a hand in running our vibrant community of life-long learners. Signing up is the same as enrolling in any other course and your help would be greatly appreciated!
With over 75% of available spots already filled across all courses, the demand is clearly high and many of our courses have waitlists. Please note that if you are waitlisted for a course, you cannot attend that course until a position is available and you have been notified. You are also not eligible to attend that course even if an enrolled member is absent. We appreciate your understanding.
We understand the frustration for those who are on a waitlist but keep an eye out for new and interesting courses as they are added during the year.
If you are not able to attend your course on a specific day, you must submit an apology in advance. This can be done online.
Don’t forget, Monday 10 March is a public holiday and there will be no classes and our venue will be closed.
Mark Rubinstein
President
2025 New Courses for Enrolment
We continue to have new courses offered to our members. Here are the latest new courses that are available for enrolment:
25MUS07: Classical Guitar for Absolute Beginners – long course – Tuesday 18/3/25 to 25/11/25; 9.30-11.45
If you are planning on learning to play classical guitar, our Classical Guitar for Absolute Beginners is laid out in a step-by-step progression. Learning to play classical guitar involves a broad range of skills, which interlink. It is more than just placing your fingers on the guitar fretboard and plucking a string.
During the first session (and before any members take the step to purchase a guitar), the tutor will explain the course and the process and advise members about purchasing a guitar.
The course will cover things such as:
- Fundamentals on how to hold a classical guitar and correct sitting position
- Basic music theory and symbols
- Learning to read Tablature with notations
- Tuning the guitar
25COM14: Apple iPhone/iPad Problem Solving Q&A – 2 sessions – Tuesday 8/4/25 and 15/4/25; 1.30-3.30
Do you want to know how to update your Apple device or how to download an app from the Apple App Store or how to save your photos?
- These 2 informal sessions are designed around your questions about your Apple iPhone / Apple iPad. We will help you to find the answers to these questions.
- There will be a list of sample questions that will be emailed to members PRIOR to the course and you have the opportunity to add your own questions.
- Attendees will need to bring either an Apple iPhone or iPad, fully charged and with passwords to log in.
25GAM21 Thursday Scrabble – long course – Thursday 13/3/25 to 27/11/25; 1.00-3.00
We will play a friendly game of scrabble using the Collins Scrabble Words dictionary. Cheat sheets and dictionaries are available for reference. The tutors are social players and not experts and discussion of the meaning and uses of unusual words is encouraged.
A list of courses with vacancies is available on the website – List of Courses with current vacancies.
Volunteering – Every Volunteer Has A Story
Our Events Support Team
We recently held a Tutor Thank You Lunch on Tuesday 4 February. The purpose was to thank all our tutors for their contributions throughout the past year and to welcome them to the year ahead. It was a success with around 80 tutors attending and enjoying a great selection of food and drinks.
We would not have been able to do this without the support of our Events Management Team and the Office Volunteers in preparation and during the event.
There will be other events during the year (amongst others, a Recorder Ensemble concert, our AGM, and a Choir concert) and it is this Events Management Team that organises these events and any catering required.
Upcoming Events
Hearing Van Visit – Wednesday 7 May 9.30 – 3.00. Those who wish to attend for a short hearing check should contact Reception or call in and add your name to the list. The Van will be situated in the Woolworths Car Park near our entrance. The appointments are at 15-minute intervals throughout the day.
Lost and Found
This locket was found in the Green Room on 6 August 2024 and has not been claimed. Do you know who the owner might be? If so, please let Reception know so they can return this beautiful memorabilia to the owner.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing Update
Old batteries? Do you have old batteries that you want to get rid of? You can deposit these old batteries directly into the receptacle at Woolworths.
Here come the cooler months. As the cooler months approach, many of us will be relying on our gas heaters to keep warm and comfortable. However, before you turn up the heat, it’s essential to have your heater checked by a qualified professional. A well-maintained heater not only works more efficiently but also reduces the risk of carbon monoxide leaks, which can be dangerous in enclosed spaces.
In addition to servicing your heater, this is also the perfect time to check your smoke alarms. With increased indoor heating and more time spent inside, the risk of house fires can rise. Make sure your smoke alarms have fresh batteries and are in proper working order. If your alarms are more than ten years old, consider replacing them with newer models for added safety.
Taking these simple precautions now can give you peace of mind all winter long, keeping your home warm, safe, and worry-free. Stay cozy and stay safe!
Unexpected Visitor!
An art group’s coffee break in the foyer was interrupted by a surprise visitor – a red wattle bird. The poor little fellow flew around wildly, crashing into windows before an intrepid pair of gentlemen (the term is loosely used here) corralled him to the passage near the green room, where he was rescued and released to the garden. Unfortunately, he lost tail feathers in the pursuit, which are on display in the art room. None the less, and happily, he seemed to fly satisfactorily.