PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Barry Mason,
TUARA President
The year 2020 was challenging but also provided unique opportunities for creativity and innovation that resulted in an increase in our membership and in extensive use of Zoom technology to share information with our members. We continue to need your support in reaching out to prospective members and making them aware of the benefits of being a part of TUARA.
We launched a program in 2020 designed to highlight the many achievements of retired faculty and staff. In our first TUARA Talks, Ron Dulek shared insights based on his many summers living in the African bush country, which resulted in his recent book titled “Sitting With Elephants.” And Hank Lazer presented a uniquely appropriate topic for this trying time, the relationship between poetry and meditation. Please let us know your activities ranging from academic publications, to arts and crafts recognition, to theatrical performances, to community service, and we will share those activities with the membership in future TUARA Talks. Also, please offer suggestions for future Zoom programs that you think would be of special value to our members.
The mid-December food drive resulted in substantial food donations that were shared with Temporary Emergency Services for distribution. And, in January of this year, we partnered with University Medical Center in sharing information with our members about making appointments for Covid vaccinations. UA President Stuart Bell will be the keynote speaker at our annual spring membership meeting on Wednesday, May 12. Watch for more information about this virtual meeting in the near future.
Debbie Lane, our legislative chair, has been elected District 10 director for the Alabama Education Retirees Association and will soon take over this important statewide role on behalf of higher education retirees. Debbie replaces TUARA’s Mildred Switzer, who served as District 10 director for the last several years, devoting a great deal of time and energy to advocating for all of us. We thank Mildred for her devoted service as we welcome Debbie to her new role. We are so proud of these TUARA members’ leadership on the state level!
Plans for the 2021-22 academic year are under way. The election of several new board members and officers will take place at the spring meeting. Cathy Andreen, the incoming president, is in the midst of program planning for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Our priorities continue to be advocating for retirees’ benefits in Montgomery and on campus, providing informative programming and offering social engagement opportunities for our members. Please visit our website, tuara.ua.edu, or email TUARA at tuara.ua@gmail.com if we can be of assistance.
Barry Mason
2019-2021 TUARA President
TUARA AWARDS FOUR WITT SCHOLARSHIPS
TUARA has awarded four Robert E. Witt First Generation Scholarships during the 2020-2021 academic year. The scholarships, funded by TUARA members’ donations, provided $500 for each student.
With many class resources now available online and fewer students purchasing traditional textbooks, the TUARA executive board voted in the fall of 2020 to broaden the Witt Scholarship, originally designated for books, to cover student needs beyond textbooks. The scholarship may now be used for expenses including but not limited to tuition, books, miscellaneous supplies, room and board. Each recipient must be a sophomore enrolled full-time at UA, a resident of Alabama, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, be the first member of their family to attend college and have demonstrated financial need.
This year’s Witt Scholars are Taylor Black, Megan Davis, Tyquan Houston and Mariyah Thomas.
Black is a psychology major from Hoover, Ala. She is a Coca-Cola Scholar at UA and plans to earn a doctorate in psychology. Her goal is to provide patients with the mental health care they need to lead happy and healthy lives.
Davis, of Nauvoo, Ala., is majoring in creative media with a minor in history. She has a 4.0 GPA and is currently serving as a board member for the UA chapter of Circle K International, a collegiate service organization. She hopes to work in the film industry, following her passion for videography and video editing.
Houston is a nursing major from Roanoke, Ala. He plans to become a traveling nurse to broaden his horizons and see more of the country. He credits the Witt Scholarship with helping him “make this dream and plan come to fruition.”
Thomas, originally from Houston, Texas, is majoring in chemical engineering with a minor in general business. Her goal is to work in the plant industry and eventually learn more about the chemicals in makeup, since that is one of her hobbies.
Many UA students have significant unmet financial need – the difference between the cost of attendance and the amount a student receives in financial aid. Supporting the Robert E. Witt First Generation Scholarship is one way to make a difference for students in need. Please help by making a contribution. Make your check payable to The University of Alabama with “Robert E. Witt Book Scholarship” in the memo line. Mail your donation to TUARA, Box 861493, Tuscaloosa, AL 35486-0013. You will receive a tax-deductible statement from the University.
TUARA ANNUAL MEETING
Mark your calendar now and plan to join us for the TUARA annual meeting at noon on Wednesday, May 12. University of Alabama President Stuart Bell will speak at this Zoom event. The program will also include awards presentations and the election of officers and board members. Watch for more details and the invitation to register coming soon!
LANE TO LEAD AERA DISTRICT 10
TUARA board member Deborah Lane will begin a two-year term as Alabama Education Retirees Association District 10 director this spring. Lane ran unopposed for the position in recent AERA elections for state office. District 10 represents higher education retirees throughout the state. Lane will succeed Mildred Switzer, a long-time TUARA member who has served as District 10 director for the last several years.
Lane retired from UA in March 2017, after serving as associate vice-president of University Relations since September 2006. Before returning to her alma mater, she had a long career in corporate public relations, working with multiple Fortune 100 companies. She joined TUARA in 2017 and serves as chair of the legislative committee. Her goals include growing membership throughout District 10.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
By Deborah M. Lane
TUARA Legislative Chair
The 2021 Alabama State Legislative Session began on Tuesday, Feb. 2. The Alabama Education Retirees Association (AERA) has announced that its priorities for the 2021 session include a bonus check of $3 per month multiplied by years of service for each retired public educator in 2021 and establishing an Education Retiree Trust Fund to help generate ongoing bonus checks in future years. Updates on the session and on legislation that is important to retirees will be provided throughout the session via emails to TUARA members, and on the TUARA (tuara.ua.edu) and AERA (aerainc.org) websites. Additional information can also be found at legislature.state.al.us.
TUARA members are encouraged to contact their senators and representatives, especially when key legislation is up for a vote in committees or the full House and Senate. Studies show that hearing from at least 10 people – through calls, emails, letters or in-person visits — can influence a legislator’s vote. And, if they don’t hear from you, legislators assume you are okay with how they voted. It is vitally important that legislators know that retirees vote in large numbers and that we pay attention to how they vote on issues that impact us. Since the State Legislature’s decisions on pension and benefits still impact them, retired educators who now live out-of-state are encouraged to join TUARA and to contact members of the Tuscaloosa delegation, or any state legislator.
Your voice matters! Please take a few minutes to reach out to your senators and representatives in the Alabama State Legislature. Let them know that you care, and that you vote.
NEWS BRIEFS
TUARA Co-sponsors Virtual “Have Lunch With Your Legislators” Event
The League of Women Voters of Greater Tuscaloosa hosted a virtual “Have Lunch with Your Legislators” program to discuss proposed actions of the 2021 legislative session on Jan. 14, 2021. The event, co-sponsored by TUARA and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), may be viewed on the League of Women Voters of Greater Tuscaloosa Facebook page. West Alabama representatives Christopher England of District 70, Bill Poole of District 63 and Kyle South of District 16 participated in the program.
TUARA Helps UMC Schedule COVID-19 Vaccinations
TUARA assisted University Medical Center by collecting names and contact information for UA retirees ages 75 and older who wished to schedule appointments to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. TUARA referred more than 65 TUARA members and family members to UMC.
UA Clinic Offers Free Virtual Memory Screenings
The UA Geropsychology Clinic, an on-campus training clinic for UA graduate students, offers free and confidential virtual memory screenings to adults 50 and older who reside in the state of Alabama. These screenings can be conducted by telephone or video conferencing technology (i.e. Zoom). Screenings are conducted by graduate student psychologists who will provide written or verbal feedback on your results. For more information or to schedule a screening, call 205/614-3454 or email Geropsych@ua.edu
VIRTUAL EVENTS HIGHLIGHT UNUSUAL YEAR
Like so many other organizations, TUARA adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by moving events online for the 2020-2021 year. Membership meetings have featured expert speakers on timely topics ranging from the pandemic to voting.
The Fall Membership Meeting was conducted via Zoom on Oct. 20, 2020, and featured three speakers:
- Dr. Richard Friend, Dean, UA College of Community Health Sciences
UA and the COVID-19 Crisis - John Merrill, Secretary of State of Alabama
Alabama Voting Updates - Amy Haines, UA Parking Services
What You Need to Know about Retiree Parking at UA
In addition, TUARA officers and board members presented updates. Pam Pruitt, vice-president for membership, provided information on joining and renewing memberships; Debbie Lane gave a legislative update; and Carolyn Dahl spoke about volunteerism and volunteer opportunities.
The Winter Membership Meeting, on Feb. 16, 2021, followed a similar virtual format. Speakers included:
- Walt Maddox, Mayor, City of Tuscaloosa
Challenges the City of Tuscaloosa has faced with addressing Covid issues and what Mayor Maddox sees as future issues arising from the pandemic - Dr. Richard Friend, Dean, UA College of Community Health Sciences
UA and the COVID-19 Crisis, including information on vaccines - Dr. James Reeves, UA College of Community Health Sciences
Issues faced by seniors during the Pandemic - Debbie Lane, TUARA legislative liaison
Alabama’s legislative agenda: Issues Affecting Retirees
TUARA TALKS FEATURE VARIED PRESENTATIONS
TUARA launched “TUARA Talks” this year. The new virtual series features presentations by TUARA members.
Ron Dulek led off the series on Dec. 9, 2020, with a presentation based on his recently published book, Sitting with Elephants. For the last 15 years, Dulek and his wife, Sally, have spent part of their summers living in the African bush. Ron’s presentation shared some of their adventures, including tips on how to approach and sit with a wild African elephant.
Dulek is the John R. Miller Professor of Management in the Culverhouse College of Business at UA. He teaches strategy and management communications in the MBA and the EMBA programs. His book is available on-line at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target and Waldorf Publishing. All profits derived from the sale of this book are given to an African Educational Trust Fund supporting the educational needs of children in one of the major African provinces.
Poet Hank Lazer presented the second TUARA Talks program on Feb. 18, 2021. Lazer read and discussed some of his poems, talking about their relationship to his ongoing meditation practice of 20-plus years.
Lazer has published 31 books of poetry, including COVID 19 SUTRAS (2020, Lavender Ink), Slowly Becoming Awake (N32) (2019, Dos Madres Press), Poems That Look Just Like Poems (2019, PURH – one volume in English, one in French), Evidence of Being Here: Beginning in Havana (N27), (2018, Negative Capability Press), Thinking in Jewish (N20) (2017, Lavender Ink). For the last year, Lazer has been quarantining in Tuscaloosa and at Duncan Farm in Carrollton.
Suggestions for TUARA Talks presentations are welcome. Please send an email to tuara.ua@gmail.com or contact any board member with ideas.
TUARA MEMBERS BELONG WITH OLLI!
By Elizabeth Aversa
OLLI at UA Advisory Board
TUARA member
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at The University of Alabama invites all TUARA members to join us in improving our educational, social, and general well-being. You belong with OLLI!
Despite COVID-19 and the restrictions it has put on our travel and socializing, there is a world of good news from OLLI. Our staff, leadership teams and volunteers have moved classes and social activities online. Free bonus programs and ZOOM training sessions have been held since the very beginning of the pandemic, and all evaluations indicate we’ve successfully transitioned to online classes. Online social opportunities are available, too, and these are keeping everyone busy until we can safely gather in person for face-to-face activities.
Statewide, OLLI is involved in a new program called OLLI Shares. Through this novel program, OLLI members may select up to three classes from the OLLI programs at Auburn and UAH, and their members can take several classes from UA’s OLLI catalog. Registration is seamless, and the OLLI Shares classes are included in the $50 course fee that enables members to take as many classes as they wish for one modest price! The bonus benefit is that even though we can’t travel just now, we are making new friends in other places through OLLI Shares.
Currently OLLI is offering a wide variety of classes – from the arts to science to health and well-being. It is not too late to register for some opportunities, and we invite you to call 205/348-3000 to join OLLI and participate in upcoming events. Our social activities include an event on setting the Easter table and another is for celebrating mothers and grandmothers. In OLLI, there is something for everyone!
OLLI and TUARA are natural partners. Members of both groups share some important characteristics: we are active, intelligent, and involved, mature members of the community. We need to celebrate our shared profile. This can happen when you join OLLI. As we said before, YOU BELONG WITH OLLI.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Many UA retired faculty and staff continue to research and write, share their talents and expertise, and engage in valuable community service. TUARA wants to share your achievements with our members and the University community. Please send your updates to tuara.ua@gmail.com
Dr. William D. “Bill” Gunther retired from UA in 1998 to move to the University of Southern Mississippi. He retired from USM in 2012. Today, his research centers on his hobby of collecting Alabama Obsolete Notes (1818-1885). He has published 18 articles in Paper Money, Journal of the Society of Paper Money Collectors; three articles in The Numismatist, Journal of the American Numismatic Association; and a book, A Comprehensive Guide to Alabama Obsolete Notes, 1818-1885 (with Dr. Charles Derby), May 2020, along with other publications. He has received eight awards from the Society of Paper Money Collectors for his articles and his Alabama collection. Bill has served on the executive committee and the board of directors of Special Olympics of Alabama for 11 years. He lives in Josephine, Ala.
TUARA’S SERVICE MISSION
By Carolyn Dahl
TUARA service chair
Historically, retirement is seen as a time for rest and relaxation but, in reality, more of us think of retirement as “a whole new chapter of life.” Freedom from many work and family responsibilities can give us freedom to explore and pursue new options. During retirement we finally have the opportunity to do all the things we couldn’t quite seem to fit in while we were working and raising families – things like traveling, reading, cultivating long-neglected hobbies or volunteering.
Serving the community is an important element of our mission, as you can see from the TUARA mission statement: “The University of Alabama Retirees Association is dedicated to protecting retiree benefits, serving the community, supporting UA students and sustaining fellowship.” TUARA members make significant contributions of time and energy to West Alabama. In 2019, 42 members reported more than 3,600 hours of volunteer service. TUARA reports volunteer service hours to the Alabama Education Retirees Association, which, in turn, uses that data to demonstrate the economic impact retirees continue to make on our state’s economy. Those 3,600 hours translate to more than $87,000 in economic value, or almost 2 years of service, based on 2,000 work hours/year.
Volunteer effort is an essential resource for the non-profit sector. Without volunteers, many charitable organizations would not be able to conduct programs, raise funds or serve clients. During 2017, 30.3 percent, or 77 million, of U.S. adults reported having volunteered, for a total of just under 7 billion hours and an economic value of $167 billion. In Alabama, more than 1 million individuals volunteered during the same time frame, or one in four Alabama adults, for 84 million hours and a value of $2 billion.
Who Volunteers?
Retirees bring a lifetime of experience when they volunteer – expanding experience and knowledge beyond paid staff, reaching more constituents and, as seen above, making a significant economic impact.
About one in four individuals age 55 and above volunteer. While individuals age 55 and above don’t make up the largest group of volunteers — individuals ages 35-55 volunteer at higher rates — our segment contributes significantly more volunteer hours. For example, adults age 65 and up volunteered an average of 133 hours/year compared to just 58 hours/year among those 35-44. In fact, while volunteers 55+ make up only 31 percent of the adult U.S. population, they account for almost 50 percent of total hours volunteered (Merrill Lynch, Bank of America, from BLS, 2015).
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering offers a myriad of benefits to us as individuals. Research repeatedly demonstrates that volunteering in retirement increases longevity and quality of life. Volunteerism improves health by strengthening the body, improving mood and reducing stress and anxiety, and plays a greater role in overall health than other variables like marriage, income, or education level. (https://www.volunteerhub.com/blog/25-, also, Americorp)
Volunteering in Retirement
Volunteering pays big dividends for emotional well-being, providing effective ways for us to reestablish a sense of identity and purpose, perhaps lost in retirement. Many retirees turn to volunteering as a good way to make retirement engaged and purposeful.
Volunteer Opportunities
Want to help alleviate food insecurity in West Alabama? Here are some opportunities to volunteer:
West Alabama Food Bank secures donations, stores and distributes food to about 70 soup kitchens, food pantries and other hunger relief programs in a nine-county area. Volunteers sort food items, pack food for delivery to area pantries, pack backpack/weekend meals for children and help with office work. Contact: Tucker Brown, 205/333-5353
Community Soup Bowl serves 300-350 hot meals daily. Volunteers stock shelves, interact with clients, plate hot meals, and assemble take-away food packages, as well as do yard work, building maintenance and office tasks. Contact: Susan, soupbowl@bellsouth.net
Temporary Emergency Services provides food boxes to almost 4,000 community members annually. Volunteers help keep shelves stocked and assemble boxes of food for distribution. Contact: Sharon, 205/758-5535
Meals on Wheels delivers a fresh, hot meal daily to individuals who are homebound or unable to prepare a meal for themselves. Volunteers deliver meals, usually from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Contact: 205/469-0383
The Area Agency on Aging/West Alabama Regional Commission delivers boxes of frozen meals to homebound seniors. Hot meals are provided at 22 area senior centers on a daily basis, for pick-up or delivery. Contact Audrey Crowder, West Alabama Regional Commission Nutrition Coordinator, 205/33-2990.
Welcome New Members
TUARA is pleased to welcome new members
- Thomas Albright
- Yardley and Kimberly Bailey
- Milla Boschung
- Reuben and Katy Cook
- David and Gayle Dagley
- Richard and Debby Davis
- Neal Flum and Jeanne Baker
- Janice Fink and Gary Mankey
- Tommy and Robin Ford
- Belinda Hartsell
- Tim and Jo Hebson
- Sue and Jerry Keel
- Clark Midkiff
- Brenda Nix
- Robert Olin
- Lee and Janis Richey
- Steve Miller and Desmond Lim
- Cheryl and James Norris
- Michael and Jill Picone
- Judy Reeves
- Martha Reynolds
- Marie Robbins
- Michael Spearing
- Kenneth Strickland
- Jean and Crosby Thomley
- John Watters
- Philip Westbrook
- Kevin and Laura Whitaker
- Gary White
- Dan Wolfe
- Paul and Susan Wright
For information about joining TUARA or renewing your membership, visit tuara.ua.edu today and click on Membership Application. Invite your retired and soon-to-be-retired friends and colleagues to join as well!
In Memoriam
TUARA honors the memory of members who have died and expresses our sympathy to their families. Please notify Betty Wedgeworth at tuara.ua@gmail.com if you know of deceased individuals who should be added to the list.
- Robert Barfield
- Jennings Bryant
- Paul Hill
- Jerome “Jerry” Hoffman
- Walter Misiolek
- Kathleen Pugh
- Alice Sandlin
- William “Bill” Stewart
- Alvin “Tom” Thomas
THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA® RETIREES ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE BOARD 2020-2021
OFFICERS
Barry Mason, President ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….jbmason@cba.ua.edu
Cathy Andreen, Vice President/President-Elect ……………………………………………………………………candreen8185@yahoo.com
Pam Pruitt, Vice President for Membership ………………………………………………………………………..pamela.pruitt57@gmail.com
Donna Keene, Vice President for Programs/Arrangements …………………………………………………………….dmkeene@gmail.com
Cheree Causey, Recording Secretary ………………………………………………………………………………………cheree.causey@gmail.com
Betty Wedgeworth, Database Secretary …………………………………………………………………………………………tuara.ua@gmail.com
Ron Dulek, Treasurer ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..rdulek@cba.ua.edu
MEMBERS-AT-LARGE
Don Crump …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….wdcrump@comcast.net
Carolyn Dahl ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………carolyn.dahl@ua.edu
Ray Gowhari…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….rgowhari@ua.edu
Benton Gup ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..bgup@cba.ua.edu
Deborah Lane …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..lanedeborah201@gmail.com
Hank Lazer ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….hlazer@bama.ua.edu
Lee Pike …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….lpike@cba.ua.edu
Ronnie Robertson …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………rwrmar@gmail.com
Ruth Roberts ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..rr54580@gmail.com
Mildred Switzer………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….4switzer@att.net
Ben Winston ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….winhenn95@aol.com
Angela Wright ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………ajwright@ua.edu