NEWSLETTER Issue 165, November 2017 ABN 42 123 530 408 Reg No A0019318T NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER • 1 • In this issue ... • Vice President’s Report • 2018 Course Info • Course & Activity News • This Issue’s Featured Member • Scam Watch We thank the office of the Honorable Marn Dixon MP, Member for Nepean, for prinng copies of this newsleer as a service to the community of the Southern Peninsula. Issue 165, November 2017 Below: U3ASP members Evelyn Burrows, Elaine Newbould and guest, Kathleen Dickson sample the culinary delights at our Seniors’ Morning Tea held during Seniors’ Week in October. Our thanks go to Yanni@SmugMug for making this photo available to us.
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N E W S L E T T E R
Issue 165, November 2017
ABN 42 123 530 408 Reg No A0019318T
N E W S L E T T E RN E W S L E T T E R
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In this issue ...
• Vice President’s Report
• 2018 Course Info
• Course & Activity News
• This Issue’s Featured Member
• Scam Watch
We thank the office of the Honorable Martin Dixon MP, Member for Nepean, for printing copies of this newsletter as a service to the community of the Southern Peninsula.
Issue 165, November 2017
Below: U3ASP members Evelyn Burrows, Elaine Newbould and guest, Kathleen Dickson sample the culinary delights at our Seniors’ Morning Tea held during Seniors’ Week in October.
Our thanks go to Yanni@SmugMug for making this photo available to us.
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N E W S L E T T E R
Issue 165, November 2017
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Vice President’s rePort
It’s been a hectic few months for our Committee since the last newsletter. Our President, Bob Donaldson, has resigned due to health issues and that was followed by the news that our Course Co-ordinator, Anny Oh-Williams and Graphics and Publicity Officer, David Williams have fallen in love with Queensland and are moving there this month. This has left a large gap in our Committee and a huge loss of experience. Fortunately, our Newsletter Editor, Andrea Osborne has stepped into the role of Graphics and Publicity Officer, however we are currently without a president and course co-ordinator, both major roles that govern the smooth and effective running of our organisation.
U3ASP is indebted to Bob, Anny and David for the leadership and guidance they have provided and offer heartfelt thanks for their efforts. We wish them all the very best for the future.
Members of every club expect it to be there for them so they can follow the pursuits the club provides, but this can only happen if people step up and volunteer to help with the running of the club. U3ASP has a number of tutors/activity leaders who have been in their roles for many years and next year we will lose a few who have done sterling service. These people have earned a rest and we need to replace them. We realise that not everyone has the time or capacity to be a tutor/activity leader. Often people are a bit timid in putting their hand up to help out but many hands make light work.
Unfortunately we have a number of people on waiting lists for some activities that are full because there is no-one to lead a new group for them. The State Government and the Mornington Peninsula Shire realise the need to keep older people active and healthy and the U3A movement fits well within their plans for delivering programs for older people. To this end U3ASP is under-
taking a project funded by the State Government to develop training for tutors/activity leaders in how to run courses. This program will benefit the whole of the U3A movement. We are also engaging with the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council on our being a major vehicle to deliver their programs for older people. Work is also underway to develop a five year plan, details of which will be circulated for comment by members shortly.
I would like to thank our treasurer, Bill O’Halloran for stepping up to the mark by representing U3ASP in a special interview with Dennis Gist on local community radio station RPPFM (98.7) during Senior’s Week. A noteworthy effort Bill and we hope that it will be successful in attracting new members.
Congratulations to everyone involved in the Seniors Morning Tea during Seniors Week in October. There was an excellent turn out and the prospect of a number of new members. It was great to see the Monash Health group and the Martha Cove Village group attend. Teena Daley’s group did a wonderful job with the catering. The exhibitions around the hall organised by Rosalie Arnold looked great and were helpful in promoting some of our activities to prospective new members. The advice on Balance and Well-being was very informative and well received. Our singers and the meditation segments were appreciated as was our secretary, David Mott’s organisation of the attendance of a photographer from the Local News publication. These promotions raise our profile in the community.
In late September, our Secretary, David Mott and I attended the biannual U3A Outer South East & Mornington Peninsula Regional Meeting held at Frankston. We reported that we have been nego-tiating a licence agreement with MPSC, had an IT security meeting with Bendigo Bank, and we are also investigating shared trans-port options for external events and joint activities. Every U3A reported that “burn out” amongst those on their Committees was a major problem, as was getting new people to help out.
Barry Mills and Sally Rule from U3ASP’s Camera club check out our display at our Seniors’ Morning Tea.
Photo: Courtesy of Yanni@SmugMug
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Issue 165, November 2017
On 6th October, committee members Bill O’Halloran, Andrea Osborne and David Mott attended the first (free) GET ACTIVE FESTIVAL at Camp Manyung organised by the YMCA. Twelve community organisations, including U3ASP were represented, each holding a stall in the Recreational Hall. The event was funded/supported by Mornington Peninsula Shire, Frankston City Council, and the Victorian State Government. A couple of hundred people perused the stalls and participated in outdoor activities over the three and a half hour period and I am delighted to report that there was plenty of interest in our display with around twenty information kits handed out to interested visitors. The success of this festival has ensured that it will become a regular annual event and according to reports from our representatives, the fabulous free food alone was worth turning up for.
Another great success was our first Management Networking Morning Tea held at the Laneway Café in Dromana in mid October. The purpose of the meeting was to establish a better link between the tutor/activity leaders and the Committee, to exchange views on what the Committee is trying to do and what the leaders need from the Committee to enable them to better provide their vitally important role in the running and opera-tion of U3ASP. The committee obtained valuable feedback from the leaders who attended, and we intend to use the ideas put forward to make U3A better for all. This will become a regular event so we encourage more tutor/activity leaders to attend the next one due to be held on Tuesday 11th November (an email will be sent providing further information).
We are looking forward to representing our members on Australia Day 2018, with a stall on the foreshore at the Dromana
Australia Day celebrations. This was a fun and successful event last year and I encourage members to spend an enjoyable day here next January 26th so they can see our display and partici-pate in the many activities held on the day.
We all hope you have a lovely and safe Christmas and New Year and we look forward to seeing you again in 2018.
Lee Chapman
Vice President
A MessAGe FroM YoUr coMMitteeSince 1995, our organisation has been registered to receive a donation from Ritchies, by members who shop there and have linked us as the not-for-profit organisation of their choice.
If you would like to support us and you don’t already have a Community Benefits card/tag, please collect one at the regis-ters next time you shop at ANY Ritchies store to use every time you shop. This is a simple way for us to raise funds with no costs involved.
All you do is nominate U3A Southern Peninsula, it’s that easy!
Each time you shop at Ritchies you can use your community benefit card linked to U3A Southern Peninsula and Ritchies will donate money back to us. These cards/tags can be used at ANY Ritchies store, supermarket or liquor outlet throughout Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland by members and their families.
If you aren’t sure who you nominated when you got your CB card then please ask for a new one at the register and nomi-nate U3A Southern Peninsula to ensure we benefit!
Our Community Benefit number is 93074.
insUrAnce For All MeMbers
Your Committee has sourced a low cost Accident Insurance Policy which will cover all Members of U3A Southern Penin-sula whilst travelling to, attending, and travelling home from organised U3ASP activities. At present, only tutors/activity leaders, committee members and office volunteers are covered by insurance, and only whilst they are performing in that role. A separate advice has been sent to all Members with details of the Policy. To cover the cost of this Accident Insurance, the 2018 Membership Fee will increase by $5 to $35.
PleAse note: Tutors/activity leaders are exempt from paying
annual membership fees.
Recreation hall at Camp Manyung for the Get Active Festival organised by the YMCA
Photo: Courtesy of Renee Gascoigne from YMCA
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Issue 165, November 2017
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tHis issUe’s FeAtUred MeMberFAYe MAddAFord
This is a new segment which will be included in each issue of your newsletter. We hope it will interest you and hopefully inspire you to nominate yourself or someone in U3ASP who deserves recognition.
Preference will be given to members who have given their time and efforts as a volunteer/tutor/activity leader, and have an interesting story to tell about their life experience.
As I look back on my childhood I realise that I was born in a simple , innocent era compared to the world today. I grew up in Moorabbin and was the youngest of five children. My father was a builder and mum was a homemaker. It was a time of dirt roads and riding in the back of dad’s ute, no seat belts!
I attended primary school in Brighton and secondary school in Mentone. My siblings were much older than I, so I was the only child at home throughout my teenage years. My parents were very community conscious and I always accompanied them to deliver food or help the local community. Mum was
always baking for a school fete or family in need.
After finishing my secondary education I had no idea of what I wanted as a career, so at the suggestion of the principal I worked as a teacher aide in a private school for a year. l realised teaching was my calling. During my first year out as a qualified teacher I was entrusted with 55 Prep and Grade 1 children in a very confined space. I absolutely loved it! I continued teaching until I reached what I considered retire-ment age . I then continued with CRT work until that was becoming full time and I thought it was time to let go. I am passionate about education and believe everyone can achieve in their own way no matter what age.
I married at 21 and we have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. Our daughter lives in London and our sons in Melbourne. Family is my priority and I am proud to say that we have raised children who have become independent, caring people who have a sense of responsibility to the commu-nity. They each contribute to their local communities, with our eldest son working with the homeless in his spare time.
My husband Paul and I moved to Dromana in 2000. Since moving here we have both become involved in various organisations. One of the groups I belong to is a small group that raises funds for local organisations such as Rosebud Oncology and Dromana Specialist College.
We have been fortunate enough to be able to travel. We love cruising and most of our holidays are cruises; total relaxation. We sat down the other night and documented the countries we have visited. 54 was what we came up with! We are fortunate to be healthy enough to enjoy trav-eling , a true blessing.
I have only been a member of U3A for 4 years but they have been the most rewarding 4 years. Volunteering in the office has provided me with the opportunity to meet the most interesting and awe- inspiring people. No matter who walks through the door they always have an interesting story to tell. U3A has enabled me to broaden my knowledge on subjects I had never even considered. My advice to members is to try something new, a course you know nothing about, it might surprise you. Volunteering is the best way to meet new people and very rewarding.
I recently celebrated a big birthday and was feeling old. I was reminded by my son that it was a privilege to reach this age as it is denied to many. This totally changed my view on celebrating birthdays.
Never wait for life to get better, this might just be the best it gets so do what you want to do now.
Don’t count the days, make the days count!
Faye Maddaford
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Issue 165, November 2017
UP-COMING COURSESAs 2017 draws to its close, I hope our members have enjoyed the variety of courses and activities led by our dedicated team of volunteering tutors/activity leaders.
Looking forward to 2018, there will be a repeat of the majority of our current year’s long (running longer than ten weeks) and short courses. There will also be a range of new long and short courses to keep our members staying active throughout the year.
A peek on our new long courses registered to-date:
Tai Chi 8 and 24 by Bev Thornhill•
Social Table Tennis by Alice Opper and Noran Apakian•
A peek on our new short courses registered to-date:
Mother Tongue: The Story of English by Diane Bell•
Therapeutic Tapping for Chronic Pain by Kathleen Crawford •
Contract Bridge – Intermediate by Margaret Morgan•
Enhance your life with Feng Shui by Paula Polson•
All About India by Richard Cotter•
All About Indonesia by Richard Cotter•
All About Your Digital Images by Rosalie Arnold •
Get More oUt oF YoUr U3ASpeaking from my own recent experience, I am now getting much more out of our wonderful organisation than ever before, just by becoming more involved.
I have been an activity leader and your Newsletter layout designer/editor for several years, but I have recently started running a new short course, ‘Getting the most out of your Android Mobile’, which has lead me to research the latest technology of benefit to both me and members. I have also recently joined the committee undertaking the role of Graphics and Publicity Officer.
I am delighted to report to you that I have found all our committee members to be a friendly, welcoming and knowl-edgeable bunch, totally dedicated to the best interests of our members.
My work within has put me into the very engine room of our organisation. It is an ideas bank for all our views on how we can do more and do it better for our members to grow, learn and enjoy. It is a forum for views and discussion around these very important issues as well as how we want U3ASP to develop into the future.
As well as all this inspirational discussion, we make sure that we get things done and, like me, I think you will find it fulfilling to know that you can be part of making a difference.
It has also given me the opportunity to meet lots of inter-esting people both within and beyond our chapter by attending special events and activities.
U3ASP is currently crying out for new committee members, volunteers and tutors/activity leaders.
If you wonder why the course you’d like to enrol in is wait-listed or you wish we would run something new akin to your interests, it may be YOU that we need. These issues all revolve around the need for more members to take a proactive role.
The committee knows that there is a bank of knowledge and experience amongst our members, so why not offer yours as a tutor/activity leader?
Whether you are a great home cook, a bookworm or you just love walking and exploring the many great tracks that our peninsula has to offer, you could start another group/course. Many of you, as a volunteer tutor/activity leader could share your knowledge and skills to enrich the lives of other U3ASP members. Your contribution would be most welcome.
Why not have a ponder over what you could offer U3ASP? I am certain that, like me, you will find that what you give will reward you many times over.
If you are interested and need further information please contact the office who will arrange for a Committee member to further assist you.
Up to date 2018 course information will be only be available for members to read on U-MAS (U3A Memberhsip Administration System) from Thursday 16th November.
Courses are open for enrolments to volunteers from Wednesday 6th December, and open for enrolments to all members from Thursday 7th December.
dAte FroM dAY eVent
9/11/2017 Thursday 2018 membership subscriptions can be paid, only in cash or cheque at the Office, or direct deposit.
Ensure you collect your payment receipt and new membership badge at the same time.
16/11/2017 Thursday 2018 courses will be visible to members to read only.
1/12/2017 Friday U-MAS is not available to members due to preparation for new course year rollover.
3/12/2017 Sunday U-MAS is available to members upon completion of the new course year rollover.
PayPal is re-enabled on U-MAS. Credit card payments can now be made on U-MAS.
6/12/2017 Wednesday 2018 courses (exclude closed courses) will be available for enrol-ments by volunteers only.
7/12/2017 Thursday 2018 courses (include closed courses) will be available for enrolments by all members.
14/12/2017 Thursday Last day of Office in 2017
16/1/2018 Tuesday First day of Office in 2018
1/2/2018 Thursday Commencement of 2018 courses
For YoUr inForMAtion: A sUMMArY oF All keY dAtes
Anny Oh-Williams coUrse co-ordinAtor
N E W S L E T T E R
Issue 165, November 2017
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AstronoMY rePort
This year our group of 15 members first learned of the astro-logical influences on the time of our lives by the sun, moon and stars. As the 5,000 year history of astronomy rapidly revealed, simple observing instruments were replaced by refracting and reflecting telescopes, astrophotography, giant and space tele-scopes, radio, microwave, infrared, ultra violet, X, gamma and cosmic ray, neutrino and gravity wave telescopes. These instru-ments aided by modern physics and chemistry reveal that together with the sun, planets, moon and earth we all began in a Big Bang nearly 14,000 million years ago. Since then our simple atoms gradually gathered together to form a super-giant star which rapidly condensed and heated to a billion degrees as our heavier atoms formed. This star then exploded as a super-nova. Together we drifted through space until our mutual gravity eventually condensed us into the proto-sun about 5,000 million years ago when our recent prehistory began.
So our modern Dreamtime story tells us that not only are our lifetimes governed by stars but we have lived as stars ever since we came from nothing - only to be blown back there by that awesome wind - Dark Energy ?
Enjoy the ride !
Dr Peter Norman tUtor
tHe storY oF teA This delightful and informative course on tea provided the participants with a wealth of information backed up by tastings of various teas. These tastings were accompanied by different cakes and biscuits, all with a story of their origin and resulting popularity etc.
We not only learnt about the long and complex history of tea, tracing its origins from China and the global expansion into Portugal and Britain etc and how and why it became popular, but also of the properties of different teas and their benefits, including the calming impact of tea.
The ethics of tea production, its marketing and impact on the environment were also touched on.
The course included delightful anecdotes about various person-alities associated with tea eg. Sir Thomas Lipton and The Duchess of Bedford, amongst others.
During the sessions participants were invited to contribute/ask questions etc and as some members had lived and worked in major tea producing countries such as Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and Malaysia their observations and knowledge were able to be shared.
coUrse And ActiVitY news
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Issue 165, November 2017
Sue DixonActiVitY leAder
We all came away from the course with a deeper understanding of not only the history of tea, but also the idiosyncrasies of making the perfect cuppa and a newly found knowledge of the many different varieties of tea.
The social aspects of sharing a good cup of tea cannot be under-estimated, and having done this course our understanding of the subtle differences of the various teas has been enhanced.
Unfortunately Gwen Fletcher and husband Jock were away in sunnier places (lucky them) for our last session, which was a “High Tea”. All our class members brought some thoroughly delicious food to share, which was enjoyed by all – together with a choice of teas, of course! We also had some music to accompany our meal with such appropriate songs as “Tea for Two”, “The Earl Grey Tea Song”, “Everything Stops for Tea” just to mention a few. It was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon and no dinner needed that night!
Thank you to all who participated, not just in the “High Tea” but also the rest of the course. I had a great time leading “Tea Lover’s Club” and learnt quite a lot about tea myself during my
research.
cYclinG teAM
JerseYs 2017
The process of obtaining our U3A cycling team jerseys, commenced when one of our keen cyclists Kelvin, suggested that team cycling jerseys would be a good idea. He mentioned that the Bendigo Bank sponsored the local community for many different projects. My first thought was ‘Oh! No’! Writing submissions for grants is not my forte, but with the assistance of Bill O’Halloran, the submission was written. To our delight we were successful. Many thanks from our cycling team, to the Bendigo Bank, and the Commonfolk Café.
The challenge then began. Maria, Rick, Kelvin and I turned on our artistic talents, and designed a jersey that was brightly coloured and visible to other road users. We selected a company that would arrange the purchase of our jerseys. This was fraught with many challenges, but eventually after numerous emails and telephone calls, we obtained our jerseys.
Many U3A members have supported us during this procedure by attending meetings. Rosalie coordinated the shooting of the group photos and provided us with them to present to our sponsors: Gary Sandford, the manager of the Bendigo Bank and the Commonfolk Café Mornington.
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Issue 165, November 2017
Many thanks to Sally and Don, the photographers, who success-fully organised our cycling team on a freezing day which was a challenge.
We feel that the jerseys have provided our tean with a sense of belonging; a group who are like minded and love cycling and coffee.
This is my last year of coordinating the U3A Cycling Team and I would like to thank our cyclists for their support over the last two years. Rick Hayllar will coordinate our cycling group in 2018 and I wish him well.
Glenys Layton ActiVitY leAder
PHotoGrAPHY: GroUP A rePort
Our group has been busy over the past four months with presentations by members and a professional photographer, which have increased our photographic knowledge. We have also had photoshoots at Abbotsford Convent and a local farm in Moorooduc.
We continue to focus on having fun, learning and letting the creative juices flow.
I am proud of the effort most of our members put in to go on improving their skills, as well as the camaraderie we have between members and the continuing support I receive from the group.
Ernie de VliegertUtor
Cycling group members present a copy of the photo to the manager of Bendigo Bank
Maureen Skilton - should i
Ian Paterson - Abbotsford none
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N E W S L E T T E R
Issue 165, November 2017
As a service to U3ASP members, your committee has decided to publish information about the latest scams in order to keep you up to date and aware of these insidious phone, door-to-door, postal and internet issues. We are grateful to the ACCC for providing this service to our community.
This is another new addition to your newsletter which will appear in each quarterly issue.
Please note: The information provided can only be as current as that appearing on the ACCC ScamWatch website at the time of publishing.
For the latest information, please search: scamwatch.gov.au.
- Editor
Scams target people of all backgrounds, ages and income levels. Every year scams cost Australians millions of dollars and cause considerable personal and financial harm.
Scams have a devastating effect on people and their families. One of the best ways to combat this type of fraud is to stay one step ahead of the scammers by being aware of scams and how to protect yourself.
The most common scams you might encounter are:
The online sphere: email, the internet, social media and mobile apps which have overtaken telephones as scammers’ preferred tool of the trade to contact potential victims. The top three scams that people are most likely to encounter online are:
Phishing: Often delivered via email, scammers will pretend to be from well-known businesses and government departments to con unsuspecting victims out of their personal information and money. For example they might say they’re from Apple and you need to reset your password for security reasons, or they may offer you a gift voucher to a major supermarket for completing a ‘survey’.
False billing: scammers will pretend to be from a utility provider such as your phone or energy company and send you a fake bill. These scams can be very hard to pick as the fake bills scammers send look authentic.
Buying and selling: Scammers will trick people who are looking to buy or sell goods online. For example, they may set up a fake online store that sells well-known brands at seemingly too-good-to-be-true prices; or they may set up a fake listing on a classifieds website.
Happy Wanderers trying to keep warm during a visit to French Island. courtesy : ernie de Vliegler
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Issue 165, November 2017
There are some simple techniques you can employ to avoid being stung by a scammer online.
While scammers are often after your money, they’re also trying to steal your personal information, which is just as valuable. It’s important to safeguard your personal details online the same way you would your wallet.
If you’re ever contacted out of the blue, particularly via email, by someone asking you to pay a bill, complete a survey or update your passwords, it pays to be sceptical. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of something online like a store, classified listing or email you receive, do your own research as those who have been stung by scammers will often post warn-ings for others. There are plenty of very useful tips and advice at www.scamwatch.gov.au to avoid being stung by online scams.
How to Protect YoUrselF:
Don’t gift a scammer iTunes cards.•
Never give a telephone caller claiming to be from a charity • organisation, your credit card details. If you would like to offer the charity a donation, say you will deal with them directly through that charity.
On-line NBN scammers aim to con victims out of their • money and personal information by claiming they repre-sent another company.
Phone and internet scammers pretending to be from well-• known businesses and government departments are trying to con unsuspecting victims out of their personal informa-tion and money.
Romance scams often use other people’s photos and • request help for financial hardship.
If you are sent an email that appears to be from Microsoft • telling you that your account is over-quota, ignore it.
Beware of high risk, investment scams that offer high • returns.
Reject anyone knocking on your door suggesting they can • fix something regarding a repair to your property who wants payment in advance.
If you come across a suspicious encounter of any sort, please report it to the ACCC by phone or email: www.scamwatch.gov.au/about-scamwatch/contact-us.
A MessAGe FroM tHe editorPleAse note: cHAnGe oF PUblicAtion dAtes
In future, your newsletter will be published quarterly in late January/early February, April, August and November.
Tutors/activity leaders are encouraged to provide news items and photos to the email address below, particularly those running unfilled groups.
The newsletter has now been given the go-ahead by the committee to have a greater print run at high quality for larger distribution; to local libraries, retirement villages, shopping plazas and council offices.
As a result of this, we are likely to receive a lot more interest from the community so your submission can encourage new members and future leaders.
we welcoMe YoUr contribUtions
At times, it may not be possible to include all submissions but please don’t be put off. Resubmit them for the next issue where they will be used if space permits.
Please forward letters, articles, interviews, poetry, short stories, photos, items of interest etc. for consideration by the editor to: [email protected].
Text and pictures should not be embedded together within a docu-ment. Pictures need to be supplied individually in jpeg format and text can be sent in an email or as a MS Word document. Please supply images in high resolution.
U3AsP editorAndrea Osborne
disclAiMer
From time to time your committee gives space in this newsletter to community events or notices which it believes in good faith, are worthy of being brought to the attention of members.
