Brisbane Seniors Reveal U3A Secret

A WELL-KEPT SECRET!
It is not uncommon when I mention University of The Third Age to retired people, they do not know anything about this organisation and the variety of resources on offer. Guess what! U3A does not want to be a well-kept secret!

THEY WANT SENIORS
to be life-long learners and follow up that long-held wish to learn a Language, know more about Art, History, Creative Writing, how to use that Excel program on their computer and many other classes and activities from Scrabble to Healthy Living, keeping both mind and body working well—with no end-of-term exams.

U3A BRISBANE IS INVITING SENIORS
from across the greater Brisbane area to discover the benefits of lifelong learning at an Open Day on Saturday 9 September, 2023. The event will run from 9.30am to 12.30pm at its City Campus (nextdoor to Anzac Square) on the 5th floor at 232 Adelaide Street, Brisbane. There is a carpark nextdoor and the building is minutes away from BCC buses and Central Station.

President Gabrielle Power West explains:
“We are excited to welcome everyone to our Open Day.
U3A Brisbane is not just about learning, it is about fostering a sense of belonging,
creating an environment where seniors can continue to engage positively in our community.”
https://www.u3abrisbane.org.au/

UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE
The name says it all! There are over 200 branches Australia-wide: U3A Brisbane is a non-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers with a limited advertising budget. I have been attending classes for three years now and I know they are hoping to reach as many people as possible for this informative Open Day. Please tell your family and friends, carers and seniors new to Brisbane. Bring them along to discover this not-so-secret and highly accessible resource in the heart of Brisbane.

OPEN DAY OPPORTUNITIES
will be provided for visitors to—
• Explore the diverse range of courses on offer.
• Find out about the benefits of participation in U3A.
• Connect with their friendly tutors who are keen to share their knowledge in an inclusive and enjoyable learning environment.
• Discover the camaraderie that makes U3A Brisbane a thriving
community of like-minded people.

TUTOR A CLASS
U3A Brisbane is always keen to hear from people who would like to share their knowledge or passion with others.
Being a tutor can be rewarding in its own right.
If you are reading this as a current member, have you considered running a course yourself?
Do you know someone who is knowledgeable or passionate about a subject who would be prepared to share that by taking on the role of tutor/facilitator?
There will also be an opportunity at the Open Day to ask about what is involved in being a tutor and the support U3A can provide.
https://www.u3abrisbane.org.au/tutors

ALL ARE WELCOME
Admission is free. Light refreshments will be available. Please assist with catering by registering your intention to attend using this link or visit their website.

LIFT THE LID
and spread the word about U3A. Impress your grandchildren, tell them where you go to school. Let everyone in on the secret!

❤ Gretchen Bernet-Ward

D H Lawrence and the Swan

Relativity

I like relativity and quantum theories
because I don’t understand them
and they make me feel as if space shifts about
like a swan that can’t settle,
refusing to sit still and be measured;
and as if the atom were an impulsive thing
always changing its mind.

by

D. H. Lawrence (1921)

David Herbert Richards Lawrence (1885 – 1930) was an English novelist, poet, essayist, critic, playwright, and painter.

WILD BIRD RESCUES, GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND
http://wildbirdrescues.com.au/feeding-native-birds/feeding-swans-and-ducks/
Read why you should NOT feed wild swans!

♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward

Marie Curie said…

IMG_20200824_143106 — Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, the first person and the only woman to win the Nobel Prize twice, and the only person to win the Nobel Prize in two scientific fields. She was also the first woman to become a professor at the University of Paris. Details https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/1903/marie-curie/biographical/

♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward

Thinking Controlled by Machines

Gears and Cogs 19 — Franklin Patrick Herbert (1920-1986) was an American science fiction author best known for the 1965 novel Dune and its five sequels although he wrote other books and short stories and worked as a newspaper journalist. https://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/frank-herbert/

Dinosaur Wanders into Museum

IMG_20190709_134223 — Photo of dazed Tyrannosaurus Rex was taken from bus window outside Queensland Museum and Science Centre, Brisbane © GBW 2019

♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward

Leonardo da Vinci said…

Gears and Cogs 15 Quotation — Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) was a painter, sculptor, architect, inventor and student of all things scientific but he had difficulty waking up in the morning. He wrote “Lying on a feather mattress or quilt will not bring you renown”. One of his earlier inventions was a personal alarm clock powered by water. Based on his elementary diagrams, Leonardo’s device would trigger an alarm by the collection of water dropping into a reservoir at brief intervals. I would have thought the drip, dripping of water all night would have kept him awake. Website https://www.leonardodavinci.net/ ♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward

Public Dangers

IMG_20180630_160606 — Alfred North Whitehead (1861–1947) was a British mathematician, logician and philosopher best known for his work in mathematical logic and the philosophy of science.

To quote Mr Whitehead in full "...For this reason, dictionaries are public dangers, although they are necessities” ― Alfred North Whitehead.

A witty comment or would he have thought the same of IT in the 21st century e.g. Wikipedia and social media?

♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward

Earth Hour for the Environment

Are you participating in Earth Hour? Join the largest global movement for the environment. On Saturday 24 March 2018 switch off – then do it again every year. Make an earth-friendly statement towards our planet’s future. Commit to a sustainable world!

Candlelight 012

Have a cosy night in.
Light all the candles you can find.
Turn off all your lights.
Turn off the television.
Turn off the phone.
Turn off all electronic devices.
Sit in your favourite place.
Talk, laugh, eat and relax.
Be aware of the darkness of night.
Gaze into the candle flames.
Feel drowsy, feel peaceful.
One hour goes fast.
Maybe sit there a bit longer…

♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward

In Australia, Earth Hour will start at 8:30pm. Join millions of people in over 180 countries who are switching off their lights for Earth Hour as a symbolic gesture to show the need for stronger climate action. Are you ready to join the movement? It’s time to switch off and #Connect2Earth.

Earth Hour ambassador, Lucas Handley, says “For me, Earth hour isn’t just about saving energy for that one hour – it’s a visual recognition that we are all part of an interconnected community; capable and committed to finding a more sustainable and earth-friendly direction for our society.” Q&A with Lucas Handley

https://www.earthhour.org.au/
https://maas.museum/event/earth-hour-at-sydney-observatory-2/

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