Our Spring edition of Snippets includes 90th birthday greetings to Winnie; an update about the new Digital Art course; news of a special lost brooch found; the beaming smiles of the newsletter team; and diary dates for an antique road show; Heritage Week; the Spring School Holiday program; and Dementia Week.
Many happy memorable returns
Winnie Sylivris turned 90 on 22 July which coincided with her Greek Dancing class, and the class helped her celebrate with a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday – a highlight of Winnie’s special day.
Exploring the creativity of digital art
By Paul Maguire
You may have seen these images on the big screens. Digital Art is a new course at our U3A, and most of us had little or no experience in producing art using a computer, let alone understanding the software. Participants used their own computers, laptops, tablets, or mobile phones and were free to follow their own ideas.
Both 2D and 3D works were explored, and videos and GIFs were created. Some combined photos, others drew directly on the screen, or a combination of both. AI was also used. If there was a problem, then it was raised in class and others offered solutions. Within five weeks everyone produced remarkable digital art works as well as a having a very enjoyable time. Computer based art, AI (Artificial Intelligence) and now AR (Augmented Reality) is a new direction for the future.
Heartfelt thanks
By Sandra Craig
I’d like to thank the kind person who found the brooch that I recently lost in the car park and handed it in. It was my mother’s brooch and so has a lot of sentimental value for me. I am extremely grateful for its return.
Meet the team behind your regular U3A Nunawading newsletter
(left to right) Janice Jones (editor), Helen Smith (co-ordinator and webmaster), Susan Hosseini (in training), Mandy Parry-Jones (photo editor), Bronwyn Hughes (in training), Grace Lee (WordPress), and Benedict Chow (WordPress). Valerie Donlon, our invaluable proofreader, was absent.
Many hands make light work and if you’re interested in helping to prepare the newsletter and have copywriting, editing, photography, WordPress or other web editing skills, please contact Helen Smith at or ‘enrol’ in 24AAVOL7 Volunteer to help with eNews and Website.
Antique Roadshow values your treasures
An ‘Antique Roadshow’ style event with afternoon tea and live music is being held by the Balwyn Historical Society and hosted by well-known antiques collector and former President of the Victorian Antique Dealers Guild, Ian Armstrong OAM JP. Ian will speak on his interest in antiques and will value items brought in*.
When: Thursday 24 October
Time: Show 1 pm and item check-in from 11:30 am -12:45 pm
Where: Balwyn Evergreen Centre, 45 Talbot Ave, Balwyn
Registration is essential and closes on 10 October at 5pm. To book, go to: eventbrite.com.au/e/balwyns-very-own-antique-roadshow-style-event-tickets-939243591867 and for more details contact: Matthew 0438 079 475 or email
*Entry is ticketed and free and items for valuation must be pre-registered. The Balwyn Historical Society is requesting a $10 donation per item which is payable on the day. Multiple items can be registered, but there may only be time for one to be in the show.
Heritage Week celebrations (15-22 Sept)
Whitehorse Heritage Week kicks off on Sunday 15 September at the Schwerkolt Cottage Heritage Family Day that features heritage trades, crafts, a working dog show and children’s entertainment. Food and drinks will be available to purchase. Activities are from 11am to 4 pm at the Schwerkolt Cottage and Museum Complex, 10 Deep Creek Road, Mitcham. For more details go to: creativewhitehorse.vic.gov.au/whats-on/schwerkolt-cottage-heritage-family-day
There is also the Whitehorse on Stage Heritage Week program which includes exhibitions and talks spotlighting local theatre, film, and performance diversity at various locations throughout the week. For more information go to: creativewhitehorse.vic.gov.au/venues/schwerkolt-cottage-and-museum-complex/heritage-week
Spring School Holiday program
With the benefit of warmer weather, the Whitehorse City Council’s Spring School Holiday program has a host of great activities. Check out the Council’s website to see what’s on offer to keep the grandkids happily occupied, go to: whitehorse.vic.gov.au/things-do/festivals-and-events/school-holidays
Special event for Dementia Week (16-22 Sept)
In recognition of Dementia Action Week, Whitehorse City Council’s Positive Ageing Team and the Umbrella Dementia Cafe are hosting a free information session about dementia, its progression and management strategies. Guest speakers will also cover diet, social connection and more and a welcoming morning tea will be served.
When: Monday 23 September 2024
Time: 10 am – 12.30 pm
Where: Nunawading Community Hub, 96-106 Springvale Road, Nunawading
Bookings are essential at trybooking.com/CUBKE and for more information go to: whitehorse.vic.gov.au/living-working/people-and-families/positive-ageing/dementia-action-week
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