Heather Wallace and Bev Lee recently visited U3A Goulburn Valley's Ukes3A ‘Just Jammin’ Group in Shepparton.  The group meets every Monday from 12.15 to 1.15 'sharp', however smaller 'breakout' groups play in different parts of the building before and after the meeting.   

Greeted warmly and encouraged to sit in with the group, we watched as retired teacher and 'rock' guitarist John Canty worked with his class, ourselves supported by Geoff Holland, who John is mentoring to become an alternative group leader. ​ ​

It wasn't long before Heather, who has agreed to be convenor of our new Ukes4Fun guided self-help group, was sharing a music stand with Geoff and playing along with the group. 

John and Geoff willingly shared information about the establishment and operation of the group and are happy to provide us with support in future. ​

​Thank you so much John, Geoff, Elizabeth and other members of Shepparton's Ukes3A group, for making us so welcome!

​Bev and Heather

We are now heading toward the last weeks of our U3A program for 2022 and already planning for 2023.  Terry Case has put Tudor History aside and looking forward to some sessions on Australian History.  Claire Rudolph has already booked the U3A Meeting Room on the first Tuesday afternoon for The Sky’s the Limit, a course for aviation enthusiasts, whilst Jane Rushworth has some new ideas in the Psychology basket. 

We continue to investigate the possibility of a Ukulele class for some keen music lovers and a Photography class.  The trialling of some new online short course programs in 2023 is being looked at and the piloting of a semester-length book group for the men in Benalla U3A is being explored. 

The Program Committee is open to ideas or suggestions of courses and activities that members would be interested in, so don’t be nervous about suggesting new groups you would be keen to be part of.

At this time of the year, we also offer ‘taster’ opportunities.  Over the coming weeks, why not bring a friend along to one of the groups you are in or try a new one yourself to see if you like it.

Geraldine McCorkell,
​Programs Coordinator

Spring is here, bringing with it agricultural shows, festivals, jumble sales, art shows, concerts, exhibitions, luncheons, swooping magpies and daffodils!

It’s the time of the year when we invite friends interested in joining U3A to ‘taste’ our courses and activities.  Why not bring a friend along to one of the groups you are in or try a new one yourself to see if you like it. If you know anyone who is thinking of joining U3A next year, please let them know about this. People attending taster sessions just need to speak to the convenor beforehand and put their names on the attendance roll when they arrive, they don’t need to formally enrol.

October is Seniors Month. U3A Benalla’s Seniors’ Month activities include the launching of our new pamphlet at a street stall encouraging new members to join and the ‘taster’ opportunities mentioned above. Our Be Connected-funded ‘Try One Thing’ event is being held during Seniors Week, following Meet and Mingle on Wednesday 21 October at 11.45 am.   Jenny Sawyer will be guest speaker at a light lunch which is free to U3A members.

‘Building Back Better in a Post Covid environment' is the theme of this year’s U3A Network Victoria conference, which returns after a long break.  It is being held in Bendigo from the 2-4 October and our Vice-President, Anne Nelson, will be representing U3A Benalla. 

The Benalla Agricultural Show returns on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th October this year, with U3A Benalla one of this year’s sponsors in the Handicrafts section.

The Benalla Festival is back in November 2022. We are hoping to have an information stand at the Day in the Gardens Market, on Sunday 6 November.  If you would be happy to help set up and pack up on the day, we’d love to hear from you!

Our Singing for Fun, Recorder and Patchwork groups are currently working towards our annual ‘Meet and Mingle’ Concert, Quilt Exhibition and Morning Tea to be held in the Auditorium on Wednesday 16 November from 10 am to 12 noon.  All welcome!

Finally, Wine Appreciation convenor Nicole McFarlane has investigated and submitted possible venues for the U3A Benalla Christmas Luncheon, traditionally held in the 4th week of November.  More details in upcoming newsletters.  

There certainly is a lot to look forward to!

Our new course, The Sky’s the Limit, is for those with an interest in gliding, flying, the history of aviation, with past lives involving aircraft in some way, has been held over to the beginning of the year!

Sessions will include guest speakers with backgrounds in aviation and stories to tell, the occasional excursion and more. 

Class members will play an active role in suggesting & deciding upon monthly session topics/expeditions.  
  
Interested?  For information, contact Claire at rudolphclaire@bigpond.com.

Dr Margaret Ann (Mardi) Scharp OAM had a stellar nursing career. I knew her as a Registered Nurse (Sister), Nurse Teacher and Director of Nursing (Matron) at Prince Henry’s Hospital in Melbourne.

Mardi left Prince Henry’s when she was seconded to the Health Department Victoria to oversee the transfer of General Nursing Training from the hospital sector to the tertiary sector in the 1980s.

During her career she was heavily involved in nursing advocacy with the Royal Australian Nursing Federation (RANF), the Victorian Nursing Council (VNC) which oversaw nursing registration and statewide exams and the College of Nursing Australia (whic ran post graduate nursing degrees). .Many of her roles involved board memberships or Presidency. The VNC role also involved setting of and marking finals examination papers statewide.

Mardi traveled extensively, both overseas and locally, with her husband and other close friends.  She played the bagpipes and was a member of bands which played during Moomba and Anzac Day marches in Melbourne.

At U3A, Mardi was involved with Community Singing and Brain Games.

Mardi was on the original Steering Committee of Age Friendly Benalla in 2017, and remained as a Committee person of AFB until 2021

Mardi moved to Benalla to live in Cooinda, where she was near her brother John, participating in activities there such as managing the roster for The Hub.

To me she was a great friend and work colleague with a lovely nature and willingness to help and support her friends and family.

Vale, Mardi.

​Wendy Sturgess

1. In line with U3A Network requirements it is mandatory for U3A Benalla members attending face to face U3A activities to produce evidence of being vaccinated.
2. Any member of U3A Benalla who is feeling unwell is asked not to attend a class or group to which they belong, but instead get tested for COVID 19 either by using a RAT test or by phoning Benalla Health to make an appointment.
3. An Attendance record for each class will be located on the table inside the U3A room or other venue being used by U3A Benalla. Every person entering the U3A room or other venue will be ticked off on this attendance record which contains the COVID-19 immunisation status of members. 
   
4. Persons not currently enrolled for a particular group or class or who have not had their COVID-19 immunisation status recorded, are required to give their name and produce evidence of their COVID-19 immunisation status to the Convenor who will record it on the attendance sheet. 
5. Members when attending U3A Benalla groups, classes or functions may choose to wear a face mask indoors.
6. It is suggested that members when attending U3A Benalla groups, classes or functions keep 1.5 metres apart at all times.
7. Outdoor groups such as Bushwalking or Bird watching do not have to wear masks, but U3A members may choose to do so.

Margaret Jenkins,
President,
​8 July 2022

Over twenty U3A members attended both lectures given by John Barry during May. In the first lecture John covered Powers of Attorney, whilst in the second lecture he covered making a Will and Estate Planning. Whilst both can be difficult subjects to address, John gave many stories to illustrate the points be made, and even injected some humour into the topics.   
 
In the first lecture John first explained that an Enduring Power of Attorney covered both personal matters, such as where you can live as well as being able to deal with financial matters when the person making the Power of Attorney is incapable of making their own decisions. It was emphasised that at all times the person taking on the responsibility of the Power of Attorney had to deal honestly and diligently with the responsibility given to him or her.

There was a need for the person appointing the Power of Attorney to also appoint a medical treatment decision maker, which may or may not be the same person who was being named as the holder of the Enduing Power of Attorney.

When appointing a medical treatment decision maker, it was wise to consider making an Advanced Care Directive at the same time. This would assist your medical decision maker in the future about your wishes.   

There are two types of Advanced Care Directives. The first type of Advanced Care Directive is termed a Values Directive. In this you record your values and preferences for your medical treatment to guide your medical treatment decision maker.

The second type of Advanced Care Directive is termed an Instructional Directive. In this you make legally binding statements directed to your health practitioners, in which you consent to, or refuse, specific future medical treatment.

To complete the Power of Attorney it is often a good idea to appoint a Support person who can guide you with the options available in a particular situation. Once again, this can be the same person holding the Enduring Power of Attorney, or another individual if that is more appropriate.

In the second lecture about Wills, John’s opinion was that the Will kit bought from the Newsagent on Making a Will, provided it was carefully followed, was a much cheaper and satisfactory alternative to instructing a lawyer to make your Will.
  
Throughout the presentations there were numerous questions, which John dealt with as they were asked. The questions showed that the audience appreciated John’s presentations of what could be a difficult subject, but one which he made very interesting.

Margaret Jenkins
 
 

The U3A Benalla and District Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 16 March preceded the March 'Meet and Mingle'.  Guest speaker, Tomorrow Today Foundation CEO Rosie Koop, officiated at the election of office bearers then provided a most informative overview of the Foundation, from inception, the growth of a focus on early childhood programs such as the PEEP program, and the improved outcomes which have been statistically, as well as anecdotally, evident as a result of their work. 

This photo gallery includes photographs of Vice President Margaret Jenkins presenting the Annual Report for Dorothy Webber, Secretary Geraldine McCorkell reading the minutes of the previous AGM, and Rosie Koop presenting to the audience, as well as photos of 'meeting and mingling' of U3A members with Rosie and Rural City of Benalla Councillors Danny Claridge, Don Firth and Punarji Gunaratne.

At the Convenors Meeting held in February 2022 there was a question concerning use of the Defibrillator which is stored in the main Auditorium of the Benalla Senior’s Centre.
 
Following this question we are pleased to announce that we have invited Ambulance Victoria to give us some information about Use of the Defibrillator at our May Meet and Mingle which will be held on Wednesday 18th May 2022 at 10am in our U3A room.
 
In the meantime we have been sent the following information from Ambulance Victoria called Call Push Shock FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) which we are adding to our Website with their permission. The information is available to our Convenors and other U3A Members if required.

Margaret Jenkins 

The Membership Application Form for new members, Program Guide and Timetables for 2022 are  available on the Join/Join Us menu above or in the 'kit' which can be collected from the RedB4 Bookshop,  Bridge Street (next to Hide's Bakery. 

Members enrolled last year can still return the individualised Membership Renewal forms emailed or posted to them.  Please print the form, make any corrections to your details, then add your program selections.

​​Return the signed form, with  required fee attached or evidence of EFT* payment noted, to:

1. RedB4 Bookshop - next door to Hides Bakery (cheque only).
2. U3A Benalla, PO Box 674, Benalla 3671 (cheque only)\​

​​* E.F.T. payment to Goulburn Murray Credit Union. (GMCU) Account Details: BSB: 803 078 Account: 137131  Use ‘Your Name’ as the Reference (Surname First).  Record receipt number for your records. 

Proof of double vaccination of COVID 19 is to be provided upon enrolment or at attendance at chosen classes if not already recorded.  

Fifteen years ago, Sustainability Convenor John Lloyd joined Benalla U3A and found John Avery's 'Future Energy' class "right up my alley".  At the time John was building his house drawing on best practice principles for a sustainable environment, so there was much to share and talk about in the class.  The following year John Avery asked John to share the convening role, with John moving from joint convenor to convenor a year later. 

John convened 'Towards a Sustainable Future', now 'Sustainability', for 13 years.  On occasions, when busy on projects including his Presidency of the Benalla Sustainable Futures Group, John considered pulling back.  However, he highly valued the loyal group of interested class members who had come to know one another very well and delighted in his sessions (…despite having to occasionally remind them, 'Now, this isn't the politics class…', to prevent a discussion on an environmental issue becoming derailed!)

John's continued interest and extensive reading on environmental issues set the scene for each fortnightly session.  He arrived at each class with evidence-based articles from reputable writers to photocopy, distribute and discuss with class members.  During the Pandemic, John distributed these articles on-line to members before sessions, some of which he facilitated using 'Zoom'. 

After turning 80, further ‘down shifting’ was in order, but the U3A 'Sustainability' group remained high on John’s agenda. However, John and Freida have decided to leave the beautiful sustainable home in which they have been so comfortable - which must be difficult - to move to the Bendigo/Castlemaine area, closer to Freida's family.

Thank you so much for sharing your passion for a sustainable future, John.   Concerned that future generations will suffer from our inaction, you prompted us to consider, "What did you do once you knew?" inspired by a poem by Drew Dillinger you found particularly challenging
​
It's 3:23 in the morning
and I'm awake
because my great great grandchildren
won't let me sleep,
my great great grandchildren
ask me in dreams
What did you do while the planet was plundered?
What did you do when the earth was unravelling?
Surely you did something
when the seasons started failing?
as the mammals, reptiles and birds were all dying?
Did you fill the streets with protest
      when democracy was stolen?
               what did you do
               once you knew?

You once wrote "We need to make our voice heard, to fight for our world. We need to give hope to future generations. How will we answer our grandchildren when they ask, "What did you do once you knew?"  

Well John, there is no doubt that your great great grandchildren would feel very proud that you did everything you possibly could once you knew. 

Thank you for your passion and unswerving, dedicated contribution towards a sustainable future.
​

Beverley Lee

Safer Internet Day – ‘Play It Fair Online’, is a time to consider ‘best practice’ in internet safety in terms of our own online presence as well as protecting ourselves from online scares. The ‘Safety First’ online topic resources on Be Connected will continue to be drawn upon in 2022 and we will continue to regularly raise the issue of protection against scams—a topic at a Meet and Mingle presentation last year. ​

Protect against Scams

Be alert. If you get an email or phone call you suspect is not genuine:

1. Verify –Check using contact details you get from a phone book or independent online search.
2. Avoid clicking links – before clicking, hover your computer mouse over the URL (web link) and the ‘from’ email address:
   • If an email address doesn’t end with the company’s name and .com after the ‘@’ symbol, it’s likely to be a scam.
   • If a URL is different from the link description, it is probably a scam.
3. Take your time – many scams will try to create a sense of urgency. Don’t be rushed into handing over your personal information.
4. Consider your privacy – Only provide information such as Medicare numbers and credit card security codes to organisations you can trust. Requests for private data should ring alarm bells.
5. Report – If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your financial institution immediately.

​For safety on Facebook, see: Getting started with Facebook – note the recommended privacy settings.

Kyohei Fujiie joined Benalla U3A in January 2018, having lived some years in the district. He would say, "Just call me Fuji," and used that name on his U3A nametag.

He and Tomoko joined the U3A Recorder Group. They played various instruments, and were already involved with community performances, to which they invited the Recorder Players. Fuji had a good sense of rhythm and was very insistent on keeping time in the pieces played. He added to the U3A group's repertoire by adapting some musical pieces for the recorder.

Fuji and Tomoko joined the U3A Easy Walks bushwalking group, delighting in the outings and the beauty of the countryside. Fuji organised walks with very precise planning, measuring distances, drawing maps, and highlighting points of interest. He also shared with the group information and photos of walks he and Tomoko had done in State and National Parks. An enthusiastic and talented photographer, some of Fuji’s photos have featured on the U3A website.

As Margaret Walshe said, "Fuji, thank you for sharing your love of the Australian bush with fellow U3A walkers."
​
The U3A Easy Walks bushwalking group will schedule a repeat of the Mt Pilot walk Fuji had choreographed so well in April 2021.

​Andrea Stevenson

An Age Friendly community is one that is good for everyone.    By creating a community where older people can live safe, purposeful and healthy lives – in mind and body – we are creating a community where everyone, no matter their age, benefits.

Benalla Rural City, along with most places in the world, has an increasing proportion of its population over 55 years of age and living for much longer and can be supported to remain active, valued and as healthy as possible - in other words, to age well.

An Age Friendly Benalla will be a place where the community - including all its residents, its businesses, all levels of government and organisations mindfully work together to address the challenges and opportunities of ageing well in a rural setting. 

​One of the Committees of Age Friendly Benalla is the Age Well in Benalla Info Hub which is available in the Benalla Library every Thursday morning from 9.30am to 12.30pm.   It is a friendly referral service for older people to come for a chat if they have a concern about accessing information to make their lives easier.   The Hub looks at linking people to services and facilitating information.     It is a community volunteer group.

At the recent U3A enrolment day volunteers from this group set up a table in the Seniors room to promote this service to the Community.   It was a great opportunity to promote the info hub and provide guidance to older people in our community.    For example, the info hub was able to advise 15 people on the day about the $250 energy rebate that is currently available and assist with how they can apply for this.   The info hub also received a couple of enquiries regarding home assistance, held conversations regarding council exiting out of the Aged & Disability Services and also received interest from a member of the community wishing to join the Age Friendly Benalla Reference Group.

Heather Wallace

With lock down a thing (hopefully) of the past and restrictions on gatherings having eased somewhat, groups were able to meet more readily again in November/December.  A number celebrated year's end and the upcoming festive season, while the U3A Christmas Lunch in mid November was able to go ahead. Attracting 63 members, the luncheon at the acclaimed Chrismont Winery restaurant in the King Valley proved to be a joyous occasion! 

​Here are links to photos of some of these year end meetings and celebrations -
 
​Christmas at Chrismont Winery
​Singing for Fun at the Golf Club
Easy Walks at Mokoan Hub
​Creative Writing at 'the Northo'
Investment - '& the winners are...!'
Lifeball Photo Shoot
Recorder Group 'new and old...'
Saturday Cards '500'
Music Appreciation 'Class of 21'

​The U3A Benalla and District website is a wonderful way to

• Remind ourselves about dates and times – just go to the home page and scroll down the calendar
• Reminisce about the activities we’ve participated in with our group/s (Hint:  when you get to the bottom of the group’s page, just click on ‘previous’ to go to earlier entries.)
• Find previous newsletters – for example, to find last year's December's newsletter, check out the side menu on the About/Newsletter page and click on December 2021.  
• Search for people, activities, events from the past – just use the search box at the top of the page
• Access the U3A Benalla and District Facebook account – just go to the top menu and click on FB.

We are delighted that Janice Ellis (pictured) has volunteered to work on the website.  Janice is currently learning to add newsletter reports to the website.  Thank you, Janice!
​
I'd also like to thank Be Connected andTech Savvy Beginners - Apple convenor Jenny Sawyer and Tech Savvy Beginners - Android convenor Robyn Lukey for incorporating ‘learning to use U3A Benalla's website’ in their classes.   Thank you, Jenny and Robyn. 

Last but not least, thanks go to the convenors and ‘news correspondents’ whose newsletter reports and photographs are posted on the website each month.  What a wonderful resource you provide.

The U3A Benalla and District page on Facebook has gradually grown to 200 followers.  It’s a very gentle site, with a small audience and to date, no ‘trolls’.  Roving photographers and Facebook contributors Bev Thornell and Andi Stevenson's regular posts are always engaging and also provide a wonderful resource for the website.  Thank you, Bev and Andi.
 
On a final note, our ‘Facebook Post of the Year’, posted in August by Andi Stevenson, features Betty Milligan's poem, 'Here We Go Again'.  It received 14 likes, 4 comments and 15 shares!

Bev Lee, Web Manager

This is a message to members who have not yet had the Covid-19 statement on their entry form endorsed by a Club Official.

We have run into a small problem with New and Renewing members submitting membership forms at RedB4 bookshop.  Members have ticked that they have had their Covid-19 Vaccinations, but there has been no option for members to have their Covid-19 vaccination certificate sighted and certified by a Club Official (Convenor or Committee Member) at the bookshop.

To overcome this please take a copy of your Covid-19 certificate to the first session of each of your classes and have your Convenor mark a “YES” on the subject roll.

This problem has only occurred to about 15 existing or new members.

Thanks for your cooperation.
​
Len Jeffers
Membership Officer

​Nomination of Geraldine McCorkell for Benalla Citizen of the Year

U3A Benalla has nominated Geraldine McCorkell for Benalla Citizen of the Year in 2022. The nomination was co-ordinated by Wendy Sturgess, our Publicity Officer, with the assistance of other organisations and members of U3A.

We have received notification from Benalla Rural City Council that the presentation of Australia Day awards will take place on Wednesday 26 January 2022 Benalla from 10 am.  Winners of the awards will not be announced until the day.

Benalla Rural City Council has announced that the planned event has been scaled back and will now be live streamed to the community.  

Benalla Rural City’s Australia Day Award presentations can be watched online from 10am on Wednesday, January 26, at benalla.vic.gov.au. 

​Further information can be obtained by contacting the Council’s Event Coordinator, Sharon Geer on 0498 204 648 or sharon.geer@benalla.vic.gov.au     Good luck Geraldine!

What a successful enrolment day!  Although enrolments will still come in over the next few weeks, it's highly likely that the bulk of enrolment forms for 2022 were processed on Wednesday.

It was wonderful to see so many members attending and the Age Friendly Benalla Hub in action. 

Thanks go to the dedicated committee members and convenors who welcomed and supported attendees and to the 'Memberships Team' who worked so effectively to process enrolments. 

​Bev Lee 

News Update - we've just received news that the launch of John Barry's book 'Whatever of Glory' at the Benalla Library on Monday 17 January we posted news of in late November last year has been cancelled. However, U3A members will be pleased to know that John will be speaking on his writing of 'Whatever of Glory' at Meet and Mingle in mid February!

Interested?  Enrolment Fees are $30 per person each year, with $10 extra if you would like the newsletter posted by mail.  Come along to Enrolment Day on Wednesday 12 January from 9.30 to 12 midday or check out the 'Join Us' page on the website for other ways in which to enrol.  

The funeral of Kyohei Fujiie will be held on Saturday January 8th at 1pm, at the John Cooper Hall (opposite Coles).
​
* Only immediate family and friends to be present *

There will be an opportunity for 1 or 2 people at a time to be led inside during the service, to light Kyohei's Incense and offer prayers.

After the funeral, 2/2:30 pm onwards, there will be a wake at Benalla Botanic Gardens.

There too, attendees may light an incense in his name. (Information courtesy of Rodan Fujiie)

​Andi Stevenson