Image: The door on the left is for Meals on Wheels. The door on the right is the correct door to enter the Hub. Please use the correct door.
Welcome to Term 4. There are only seven weeks in this term and we hope you are able to attend and enjoy all that you are enrolled in.
In this Course Admin update, there is a reminder about using the correct entrance; we are calling for expressions of interest for Pickleball and there is news about our community garden, the Network Tutor Excellence Awards and one last opportunity to explore space. Also, please look out for information on our Christmas workshops and end-of-year concert in this newsletter.
Use the right door
Our feature image is a reminder to use the correct door if you are entering from the lower-level car park entrance. At the start of term, Meals on Wheels was seriously disrupted by many people attempting to enter through the Meals on Wheels door instead of the correct entrance. Please take note and use the correct door!
Expression of interest: Pickleball
Pickleball is often recognised as one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide and is suitable for all ages. It is a paddle sport played with two people (singles) or four people (doubles) and combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Do we have enough interest to run a U3A Pickleball group?
You will need to have a basic understanding of Pickleball rules and be able to play as these sessions are not facilitated by a coach. At this time, we do not have a member who has the knowledge to teach members how to play. However, we do have a member who is prepared to take responsibility as a coordinator. If you are interested in being trained to take on the role of leader helping members who have no prior experience, please let Elsie know as training is available.
The venue would be at Sportlink in Vermont South. Each game lasts for an average of 10-20 minutes, but players who usually participate in this recreation play sessions for an average of two hours.
If you are interested in playing Pickleball please email and include your membership number and name.
Find out more about Pickleball
U3A Nunawading Community Garden update
The gardeners from the City of Whitehorse did a great job in replacing the old soil with new soil ready for planting. They also mended the watering system and donated a worm farm and compost bin. Once the Social Enterprise Café is established, we are hoping they will help with keeping our worms fed and the compost filled.
Our enthusiastic group of volunteers have now commenced planting in the garden. Keep an eye out for vegetables, herbs and flowers that have been planted and should start to flourish in Term 4. We are hoping for a good crop of vegetables and herbs and a sunny display of flowers.
Network Tutor Excellence Award
Congratulations to Helen Smith and Paulina Chong who both received a 2024 U3A Network Tutor Excellence Award.
To be eligible for this award you need to excel in the following areas: innovation in the development and presentation of classes; excellence in class conduct and presentation; receive strong positive feedback from attendees; and mentoring of other tutors (leaders).
Helen and Paulina ticked all these boxes. Helen is a leader who takes many of our members on the journey of learning new skills in the IT area and is also a member of the Committee of management. She has helped many of our members feel safer in using new technology. Helen is also our webmaster and coordinates the monthly newsletter.
Paulina is well known for her enthusiastic manner and positive attitude. She is a member of the Committee of Management, leads three classes and is the Events Coordinator. Paulina is an advocate for U3A and healthy active ageing. Paulina’s mission in life is to inspire others and get the best out of people.
If you would like to read the full details of the citation, please ask a member of the Course Admin team.
The following class has vacancies
24SCI015: Exploring Space Term 4. Friday 11:15 am to 12:45 pm, three weeks commencing 8 November. Leader Vicki Wilson.
Last chance for this course! There have been amazing advances in understanding our solar system, galaxy and beyond as NASA and renowned scientists explore further afield with their upgraded telescopes and equipment.
Our universe is incredible and I would love to walk you through the new information found including the on again/off again reasons why Pluto is a planet. It’s only a short three-week course but is packed full of ‘wow factor’ information and facts about where we live in our universe.
In the third session we will have an open discussion about your ideas of what is out there further afield after I have given you what the scientists are saying.
- The first lesson is about our solar system taking you through all the new information available.
- The second lesson takes you on a journey through the milky way galaxy that will blow you away.
- The third lesson takes you further still showing how big our universe is and the theories that they have come up with including yours. Come and join me as I take you on an awe-inspiring journey of discovery.
Elsie Mutton OAM
Course Administrator