U3A GOLD COAST INC.

- NEWSLETTER
MARCH 2022
Level 1, Shop 1074, Margaret Street Campus
Australia Fair, 1 Margaret Street
Southport, QLD 4215 Southport.
Ph: (07) 5591 6671

Email General Enquiries: u3agoldcoastinc@bigpond.com

ABN 17 993 804 260 Email Attendance Sheets: u3agcfrontoffice@gmail.com
Email Class apologies: u3agcfrontoffice@gmail.com
Website: u3agoldcoast.weebly.com
Facebook: U3A Gold Coast Inc Southport

Executive Committee

President: Peter Gillmore

Vice-President: Lou Stevens
Secretary: Amanda Cowser
Treasurer: Jan Scott
Computer & Technology Manager: Gordon Cowser

Committee Members: Claire Potts

Neil McInnes
Margaret Karakatsanis
Greg Barnes (Elect)

Class Co-Ordinator. Lou Stevens

Marketing: Alison O’Keefe
Social Committee Co-Ordinator: Margaret Karakatsanis/Pat Jones
Office Manager: Wendy Barker
Newsletter Editors: Peter Gillmore/Lou Stevens
Facebook and Database Manager: Deb Newton

Volunteers for Reception and Admin duties

We are on the lookout for new blood, new skills, new ideas, new enthusiasm. So new volunteers are
always welcome. For anything and everything.

Reception Hours: Monday to Friday Morning: 8.45am-12-15pm Afternoon: 12-00pm to 3-15pm

If you have a few hours spare, even if you are not available for a full morning or afternoon shift, we
would love to have the help, please contact Peter Gillmore or Lou Stevens for more details.
Acknowledgement: The U3A Gold Coast Inc. Southport Newsletter is kindly printed
By the office of ROB MOLHOEK M.P. Member for Southport.

LEARNING FOR PLEASURE

U3A GOLD COAST INC. - NEWSLETTER
MARCH 2022
PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Welcome back to classes everyone. Let us all hope that we get no further covid disruptions!
It is so good to see our members enjoying all our classes especially the new classes and new tutors.
There are no longer any covid restrictions so if you want to still wear a mask then you can do so voluntarily.
Of course, the need to be double vaxxed remains mandatory.

We have several exciting developments underway, the most significant being the redevelopment and
management of our website. This will include the opportunity for members to join and renew on line
which I hope will be from Semester Two. We have also secured the services of a professional webmaster,
so when you go to our website you will see how much user friendly it will soon become.

We welcome to our U3A several new reception volunteers who are enabling us to make sure that our
office is fully staffed all week.

As a thank you to our volunteers, as we do for our tutors, we are offering a free class for all volunteers.
This offer is effective immediately.

At our recent Management Committee meeting we had two new members join us. Wendy Barker is our
new Office Manager and also a member of our Committee. We also welcomed Greg Barnes who will be
helping with the development of our Strategic Plan. Your Management Committee now has ten members
all of whom bring a wealth of experience to our U3A, and all offer themselves for re-election for 2022.

Finally, I encourage all our members and tutors to attend our Annual General Meeting which will be held at
the Southport Community Centre at 10am on Monday March 21 st. You will all receive next week, a full pack
of details about this important meeting at which I will be outlining our Strategic Plan that will include ideas
that will take us over the next three years and beyond. Monday morning classes on that day have been
cancelled to enable all members and tutors to attend. Refreshments will be served at the end of the
meeting.

I look forward to seeing you all at this important annual event.

Peter Gillmore

President
U3A Gold Coast Inc.

LEARNING FOR PLEASURE

U3A GOLD COAST INC. - NEWSLETTER
MARCH 2022

CLASS COORDINATOR’S REPORT

The first 2 weeks of Semester 1 2022 have come and gone. It was a busy time with all members required
to have vaccination status checked before entry to class – we thank you for your patience. There were
quite a number of no-shows which is disappointing as some classes were fully subscribed and current
members could not register, plus potential new members did not join because the classes of their choice
were full. We understand that there will always be unforeseen circumstances that prevent attendance. A
simple courtesy call to the office advising withdrawal from that class will enable that space to be taken by
someone else. It is also common courtesy to advise your Tutor if you are unable to attend for a short
period of time due to illness or travel. The rules of U3A state that class membership is terminated after 3
non-attendances without apology. A census of all classes will be taken after the first 3 weeks of Semester
1 and no shows without apologies will be culled to allow those members on the waiting list to have a place
in the class.

Parking at the Community Centre – you are able to park free at Woodroffe Car Park at the community
centre by obtaining a yearly ticket from the Community Centre office. You will need to provide proof of
your U3A membership and the class you are attending. You will be issued a pass which will give you free
parking for the period of your class, plus 30 minutes either side. For example f your class is from 10am to
11am you will have free parking from 9.30am until 11.30am. Of course, it is only a small car park so it will
always be on a first come, first served basis. This can not be extended as space has to be provided for other
users of the Centre. Don’t forget you can take advantage of 2 hours free parking at Metro, or 3 hours free
at Australia Fair if you wish to socialise after your class.

Pack down tables, chairs etc. at the Community Centre – please follow the instructions provided by the
Community Centre for sanitising and packing up the room for the next hirer. If you are unsure of anything,
the Community Centre office staff will be only too happy to assist.

NO CLASSES WILL BE HELD MONDAY 21ST MARCH PRIOR TO 1PM TO ALLOW MEMBERS AND TUTORS TO
ATTEND THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AT THE COMMUNITY CENTRE FROM 10.00AM

NEW CLASSES AND CLASS UPDATES

NEW - Meditation and Mindfulness - beginning on the 10th March 12.14pm – 1.15pm at Margaret Street
Mindfulness meditation is a mental training practice that teaches you to slow down racing thoughts, let go
of negativity, and calm both your mind and body. It combines meditation with the practice of mindfulness,
which can be defined as a mental state that involves being fully focused on "the now" so you can
acknowledge and accept your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment An informal class in
meditation and mindfulness for enjoyment, awareness, peace of mind and togetherness. Suitable for
members of all physical ability (can use a chair if not able to use a yoga mat). Please bring yoga mat,
cushion or whatever you need to be comfortable.

LEARNING FOR PLEASURE

U3A GOLD COAST INC. - NEWSLETTER
MARCH 2022
NEW - Chair Yoga on Wednesdays 10.00am – 10.45am at the Community Centre
This class will commence 16th March. Chair yoga is a great way for older adults to get the wonderful health
benefits of yoga. Staying seated means that even frail seniors or those who aren’t flexible can safely do the
exercises. Yoga is an excellent way for older adults to loosen and stretch painful muscles, reduce stress,
and improve circulation.

Italian Beginners - commenced on March 3rd 2.45pm-3.45pm at Margaret Street.

We have found a new Tutor for beginners Italian - this is an entry level class for those interested in learning
Italian. Some spaces are available in this class.

Jazz Dancing – Tuesday 12.30pm – 1.30pm at Margaret Street

Due to a number of no-shows we now have some vacancies in this class. Jazzercise is a combination of
aerobic exercise, cardio, and dance fitness - safe and effective for all ages and fitness levels. Yoga mat
required. The Tutor has decades of experience as a teacher of many dance genres and we are very lucky to
have her as our Tutor. The class is a lot of fun, a great workout and you will learn routines to dazzle on the
dance floor.

German Intermediate – Wednesday 10.00am – 11.30am at the Community Centre

Vacancies are available in this class. Class members must have some knowledge of German - it is not a
class for beginners

Writing your Memoirs – change of day and time. This class will now be held 1st and 3rd Friday of
the month between 9am and 11am at the Community Centre. Vacancies are available

Music Appreciation – change of day and time. Due to Tutor availability this class will be held 2nd
and 4th Friday of the month, 9.00am – 11.00am at the Community Centre. Vacancies are available.
Enjoying your favourite music could add years to your lifespan. A study led by Patrick Fagan, a lecturer at
Goldsmiths, University of London, found that just 20 minutes of listening can boost your well-being by 21
percent.

Spanish – Beginners – Thursday 1.30pm – 2.30pm Upper Level Margaret Street

This class is now going ahead and will commence on Thursday 10th March. It is an entry level class and
there are some vacancies.

PLEASE NOTE:

YOGA B March 11th will be held upstairs in Room F3 Community Centre

PILATES A & B No classes on March 29th

FITNESS A No classes 19th & 26th April

FITNESS B No classes 21st & 28th April

LEARNING FOR PLEASURE

U3A GOLD COAST INC. - NEWSLETTER
MARCH 2022
COVID SAFETY: ALL MEMBERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO SHOW PROOF OF COVID VACCINATION
PRIOR TO ENTRANCE TO CLASS

Observe physical distancing

Clean and disinfect surfaces - tables, chairs and other frequently touched surfaces
Use hand sanitisers
Please do not attend class if feeling unwell or even just have a cough
Masks must be worn at all times in indoors until restrictions are lifted 4th March.

Lou Stevens
Class Coordinator

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the U3A
Gold Coast Inc will be held on:

Monday 21 March 2022 at 10am at Southport Community Centre

Proposed Business
1. Welcome
2. To confirm the minutes of the AGM held 18 March 2021
3. To receive the President’s Report
4. To receive the Treasurer’s Report (Annual Accounts & Audit)
5. Appointment of Auditor
6. Election of Officers
Positions vacant: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Committee
Members
7. To consider and vote on any Notice of Motion received by the Secretary by email by
the due date
8. New Membership Fee
9. General Business
Tea and coffee will be served at the conclusion of the meeting.

LEARNING FOR PLEASURE

U3A GOLD COAST INC. - NEWSLETTER
MARCH 2022
Is frozen fruit and veg as healthy as fresh?
“Frozen fruits and vegetables are as healthy as fresh as they tend to be frozen instantly upon picking
them so they keep their nutritional value for longer,” says nutritional health coach Holly Zoccolan.
While nutritionist Rob Hobson says there may be some slight variations between the two: “Frozen
fruit and veg are usually processed or blanched to destroy bacteria, which may lead to some loss of
nutrients.”
Ms Zoccolan says: “When fresh vegetables are sat for hours at the grocery store, they slowly lose
their nutritional value in comparison to frozen fruit and vegetables which keep fresher for longer.”
The nutrition profile is very similar to fresh produce
Frozen fruit and vegetables are almost like-for-like in terms of nutritional value when compared with
fresh. There can be slight variations, but the differences are usually negligible. For example, frozen
peas have around 70 calories per 100g compared to 79 calories in fresh peas. Frozen peas have 5.5g
protein, 1g fat, 11g carbohydrates and 5.5g fibre per 100g compared to fresh peas, which contain
almost 7g protein, 1.5g fat, 10g carbohydrates and 5.6g fibre.

A healthier way to preserve fresh produce

Freezing is a widely used long-term method of preservation that retains many of the attributes
associated with freshness better than other methods of preservation, such as canning and drying.

They offer out-of-season nutrients year-round

Freezing fresh produce when in season is a valuable way to access nutrients such as vitamin C during
the winter months. Studies suggest people who include frozen produce in their diets tend to eat
more fruit and vegetables overall.
Freezing fruit and vegetables doesn’t require any preservatives or added ingredients, making it a
healthy way of extending the life of fresh produce. However, it’s worth checking labels of
commercially frozen produce to ensure they have no added sugar, salt or other flavourings.
Frozen fruits and vegies are the ultimate convenience food. They are typically quick to prepare with
minimal wastage. There’s usually no washing, peeling or chopping involved, which is what you’re
looking for when thinking up a quick, healthy meal.

They are quick to prepare

Frozen fruits and vegies are the ultimate convenience food. They are typically quick to prepare with
minimal wastage. There’s usually no washing, peeling or chopping involved, which is what you’re
looking for when thinking up a quick, healthy meal.

Cheap and easy to measure

Frozen produce is typically cheaper than its fresh equivalent, especially out of season. It’s also easier
to measure out the exact amount you will eat and put the rest back in the freezer rather than trying
to come up with three meals in a row that all involve cauliflower.

Article courtesy of YourLifeChoices

LEARNING FOR PLEASURE

U3A GOLD COAST INC. - NEWSLETTER
MARCH 2022
What will help you live longer?
Gardening Many of the world’s oldest people share this hobby. It is well-known fact that a life
filled with things you enjoy and moderate physical activity is linked to a longer life. Gardening offers a
great way to get some low-intensity exercise, fresh air, and sunshine.

Along with great physical health benefits it can also help to reduce stress and improve your mood.
Numerous studies have found that gardening has profound physical and mental health benefits.
Australian researchers following men and women in their 60s found that those who regularly
gardened had a 36 per cent lower risk of dementia than their non-gardening counterparts.

Yoga Yoga is a great way to reduce stress, improve mental health and increase lifespan. It is a form
of exercise that combines stretching, breath work, and meditation, and it has been shown to be
beneficial for people of all ages. Studies have found that yoga can lower resting heart rate, increase
endurance, and improve the maximum uptake of oxygen during exercise – all reflections of improved
aerobic conditioning. Emerging research suggests yoga can even increase body awareness, or
attention to the sensations and things going on inside you. That’s no small matter as researchers
think heightened body awareness can improve how well people take care of themselves. Other
studies have found that yoga can help improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety and depression, and
improve overall quality of life. A recent study even indicates it may be helpful for dealing with
arthritis.

Meditation Meditation is an ancient practice that involves quieting the mind and focusing
inwardly for a set period of time. It has gained modern credibility as a powerful way to reduce stress,
promote relaxation and boost memory, concentration and mood and it may actually help you live a
longer life.Scientific evidence suggests regular meditation can improve psychological conditions such
as anxiety and depression, which in turn can affect mortality. Meditation has been proven to bolster
the immune system and reduce levels of cortisol, known as the stress hormone.

Tai Chi Tai Chi is a mind-body exercise that can help you improve your balance and
coordination, increase your strength and flexibility and improve cardiac function. The benefits of
regular Tai Chi are similar to those that come with a regular yoga practice .

Volunteering One of the best ways to do a little good for yourself is to help others, but only if
your motives are pure. People who volunteer may live longer than those who don’t, as long as their
reasons for volunteering are to help others rather than themselves, suggests research published in
the journal Health Psychology. The study showed that volunteers lived longer than people who didn’t
volunteer if they reported altruistic values or a desire for social connections as the main reasons for
wanting to volunteer.

Listening to music Enjoying your favourite songs could add years to your lifespan. A study led
by Patrick Fagan, a lecturer at Goldsmiths, University of London, found that just 20 minutes of
listening can boost your sense of wellbeing by up to 21 per cent

Article Courtesy of YourLifeChoices

LEARNING FOR PLEASURE

U3A GOLD COAST INC. - NEWSLETTER
MARCH 2022
U3A GOLD COAST INC
IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2022

MONTH DATE DAY(S) KEY ACTIVITIES

JANUARY 24 MONDAY Australia Fair Office Reopens 9.00am – 3.00pm
Admin / Registrations Only
25 TUESDAY Office open 9.00am – 3.00pm
26 WEDNESDAY AUSTRALIA DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY
27 THURS Office open 9.00am – 3.00pm
28 FRIDAY Office open 9.00am – 3.00pm
FEBRUARY 17 THURSDAY TUTORS MEETING – Community Centre 10AM
FEBRUARY 21 MONDAY SEMESTER ONE COMMENCES
Classes start this week
MARCH 01 TUESDAY RENEWAL REGISTRATIONS CLOSE - All registrations will be
considered new members after this date
MARCH 21 MONDAY
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
APRIL 15 FRIDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY: GOOD FRIDAY (CLOSED)
18 MONDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY: EASTER MONDAY (CLOSED)
25 MONDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY: ANZAC DAY (CLOSED)

MAY 02 MONDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY LABOUR DAY (CLOSED)

JULY 01 FRIDAY SEMESTER ONE ENDS
JULY 25 to 29 MON-FRI Office open 10am – 12 noon

NO CLASSES FROM MONDAY 4 JULY to FRIDAY 29 JULY (inclusive)

AUGUST 01 MONDAY SEMESTER TWO COMMENCES
Class recommence this week
26 FRIDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY: GOLD COAST SHOW
(Closed)
OCTOBER 03 MONDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY (Qld): QUEEEN’S BIRTHDAY
NOVEMBER 01 TUESDAY Melbourne Cup!
11 FRIDAY Remembrance Day: 11am –1 minute silence observed
DECEMBER 02 FRIDAY SEMESTER TWO ENDS Final day of classes for 2022
05 to 09 MON to FRI Australia Fair Office Open 10am to 2pm
Administration Purposes Only

CLOSED FROM Monday 12 Dec 2022 to TBA for 2023.

LEARNING FOR PLEASURE

U3A GOLD COAST INC. - NEWSLETTER
MARCH 2022

SOCIAL COMMITTEE – Margaret K. and Pat Jones

Lunch Get Together – SATURDAY 26TH MARCH

KOKONUT WILLY’S
AT THE GRAND HOTEL
360 MARINE PARADE, LABRADOR

11.30 am for 12 Noon

”I” comes before “E” except after C

Remember learning that at school? Well…….

Except when your foreign neighbour Keith receives eight counterfeit beige
sleighs from feisty caffeinated weightlifters. Weird!

LEARNING FOR PLEASURE