Meet Us At the Deck!
Drop by the Campus Drive Parking Deck on Monday, Oct. 10 from 9-11 a.m. and take care of all your TUARA/UA errands at one time! You will be able to
- Renew your parking permit and pick up your new hangtag.
- Obtain your new Action Card. UA retired the old, swipe-only Action Cards in July 2021. If you haven’t replaced yours already, you’ll need one to use the on-campus libraries and recreation centers.
- Pay your TUARA dues. Our fiscal year runs from Oct. 1-Sept. 30, so it’s time to renew now!
- Donate to Beat Auburn Beat Hunger. We’re especially requesting peanut butter, or any non-perishable, ready-to-eat protein source, but other canned goods and cash gifts are also welcome. Our contributions also contribute to Feed Alabama, AERA’s Statewide Community Service Project.
- Visit with your friends and colleagues over coffee and donuts.
Please print the attached parking pass and follow the instructions to enter the deck. We will have a representative at the gate to assist you if needed. The Campus Drive Parking Deck is located at 451 Campus Drive East, just east of Hackberry Lane.
Connect with TUARA
TUARA has a new FaceBook page! Follow us at facebook.com/tuara.ua.
Save the Date for Social Event in November
TUARA will host a social event on Monday, Nov. 14, from 2-4 p.m. at the McAbee Activity Center, 3801 Loop Road in Tuscaloosa. Mark your calendar and watch for more information coming soon!
Volunteer with Reading Allies
Reading Allies is seeking volunteers to help local elementary school students improve their reading skills. Many volunteers are needed to work with students in both the Tuscaloosa City and Tuscaloosa County schools. You can sign up to volunteer by visiting www.readingallies.org and clicking the heading ‘Volunteer.’
TUARA Launches What I Know Now
Newly developed and launched by TUARA, What I Know Now is an initiative for UA retirees caring for a family member diagnosed with dementia, Parkinson’s or ALS. The new What I Know Now website will facilitate one-on-one, private and confidential conversations between UA retirees who are navigating the challenges and uncertainty of new and difficult, ever-present and ever-changing challenges of these diseases and those who are willing to share what they learned during their own journeys. For example, conversations could focus on a recent diagnosis: “My family member was just diagnosed with dementia. What can I expect?” Or, a specific situation: “My loved one has ALS and uses a wheelchair. How do we handle going through security checkpoints at the airport or a concert? Should we even try to travel?” The What I Know Now website can help – if you have information to share, or questions to ask. Go to tuara.ua.edu and click on WIKN for additional information. Note: These interactions are NOT intended to replace medical advice, be a substitute for expert advice, or be directly relevant in every circumstance. Each situation, even those with the same diagnosis, is unique to each person. Conversations should reflect whatever information volunteers choose to share about their personal circumstances as well as the individual experiences of the person they are talking to. Conversations are designed to add to information provided by physicians, multiple online resources, foundations and support groups, and to bridge the gap between general information and individual experiences.
Renew Your Membership Today
TUARA’s membership year runs from Oct. 1-Sept. 30. If you can’t make it to the “Meet Us at the Deck” event on Oct. 10, please renew your membership for 2022 by printing the attached form and sending it with your $25 annual membership dues to Box 861493, Tuscaloosa, AL 35486-0013. If you prefer, you can pay your dues by PayPal or credit card by clicking here. Click on “Check out as guest” to pay by credit card. Invite retired friends and colleagues to join as well!
Volunteer Hours
Whether you volunteer weekly or just occasionally, please report your volunteer hours to TUARA. We share reported hours with AERA. AERA, in turn, uses retirees’ volunteer hours statewide to demonstrate the value that retirees bring to Alabama’s economy and quality of life. It’s easy! Just email your hours, broken down by the categories in the chart below, to tuara.ua@gmail.com. Please report any previously unreported hours from Jan. 1, 2022 through the present.
Service hours should include activities in Alabama for which you have not received financial reimbursement. Hours should also not include 1) Sunday school and church attendance, 2) Caring for family members, and 3) Participation in AERA activities on state committees or the Board of Directors. You may include hours spent on TUARA activities, except for attending board meetings.
| Categories | Examples | # of Service Hours |
| Arts | Children’s Hands-On Museum, theater, opera, arts | |
| Church | Church related service projects (not attendance for worship services) | |
| Civic | Organizational projects, civic and special interest | |
| Health | Bloodmobile, clinics, nursing home, nutrition, home care | |
| Education | Mentoring, literacy projects | |
| Transportation | Shopping, errands, escort services | |
| RSVP/Volunteer Programs | Shut-Ins, telephone, etc. | |
| Youth Work | Big Brothers Big Sisters, work related to youth programs | |
| TUARA | TUARA volunteer activities, administrative work, communications, etc. | |
| Other (specify) | ||
| Total Hours |