TUARA News

Join Us for TUARA’s Annual Spring Luncheon on April 24

Please join us for TUARA’s spring luncheon, hosted by UA President Stuart Bell, at the Capstone Hotel at 11 a.m., Monday, April 24. Dr. Bell will provide an update on news and activities at the University. TUARA’s annual business meeting, awards presentations, and election of officers and executive board members will follow the luncheon. Please RSVP by Friday, April 14 by calling 205-348-9237 or sending an email to specialevents@ua.edu.

Books for the Black Belt

As part of the annual luncheon, we will collect books for the UA Center for Economic Development’s Books for the Black Belt project. Books for the Black Belt collects new or gently used K-12 books and distributes them to school libraries in Alabama’s Black Belt. In 2022, UACED collected and distributed more than 10,000 books to 72 schools in 13 counties. UACED strives to help children develop a love of learning and reading.

What kinds of books are appropriate to donate?

Any classic literature texts and other award-winning schoolbooks (fiction and nonfiction).  See below a reference list of appropriate books.

• Caldecott Award/Honor Books
• Carter G. Woodson Book Awards
• Coretta Scott King Book Awards
• NCSS Notable Tradebooks
• Newbery Medal Books
• Printz Award Books
• Pura Belpré Award

Special Need for Books Appropriate for Middle School Readers and ACT/College Prep Books

There is currently a specific shortage of books appropriate for middle school readers, as well as ACT/College prep books.

Can’t decide?

Sites like The Book Bundler or O3 Books offer bundles of gently used books at affordable prices. Checks made out to The University of Alabama will also be accepted if you prefer to donate funds to the project instead of bringing books.

TUARA Talks Recording

If you missed the recent TUARA Talks webinar, you can view the recording here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/XQbpXSB6zfq9MOa-A3uM6wn097Gi7kyZRUQmqpPtxhVQnAo8tgTO1-pbnGI0qSDB.C4A5nlhv7rErZnQ_?startTime=1679583629000

Passcode: j=l^E84R

Connect with TUARA

Follow TUARA on Facebook at facebook.com/tuara.ua.

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, 2023 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.

TUARA Talks Webinar

Please join us for a TUARA Talks webinar Thursday, March 23 at 10 a.m. Our speaker will be Dr. Sharlene Newman, executive director of the Alabama Life Research Institute at The University of Alabama (ALRI). ALRI is a university-wide institute that serves as a focal point for interdisciplinary biopsychosocial research that seeks to investigate the human condition at all levels, from the molecular to the environmental, with the goal of improving the lives of the people of Alabama and beyond. Research areas range from rural health and health disparities to neuroscience, biomedical sciences and environmental sciences and health. Dr. Newman’s presentation will describe ALRI’s mission and goals, including research themes and current activities.

Dr. Newman obtained her B.E. in electrical engineering and mathematics from Vanderbilt University and her M.S. and Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She trained as a cognitive neuroscientist who uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to understand human neurocognition at Carnegie Mellon University before joining the faculty in the department of psychological and brain sciences at Indiana University, where she was promoted to full professor and became the Class of 1948 Herman B. Wells Endowed Professor. She moved to UA in 2019 and is a professor in the department of psychology and adjunct professor in electrical and computer engineering. She was elected as a neuroscience fellow in the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2022.

In addition, Erica Thomas, assistant director of PEEHIP, will bring us up to speed on United Healthcare’s wellness benefits, including Renew Active and Renew Rewards. Bring your questions and learn how to make the most of all UHC has to offer.

Register in advance for this webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yrjBEyDFRvyfE8jPAJ6kpw

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

AERA Offers Scholarships to Public Education Employees

The AERA Foundation is offering ten $2,000 scholarships to public education employees who are employed in a state public school system (K-12) or state public postsecondary institution. Among other requirements, an eligible educator must be a current Alabama Education Association (AEA) member. The application deadline has been extended to March 13, 2023. Recipients have two years to use their scholarship. For more information and the application form, visit https://www.aerainc.org/scholarships. Information about joining AEA is available here. Please share this information with current UA employees or others who may be interested in applying.

Nominate a Retiree

It’s time to nominate your fellow retirees for our two TUARA awards.

The Judy Bonner Award is presented annually to an individual who exemplifies the leadership and service characteristics set forth during Dr. Bonner’s tenure at The University of Alabama.

The TUARA Community Service Award recognizes outstanding service to the West Alabama community.

See the nomination forms for more details.  The nomination deadline is March 15.

Save the Date: President’s Luncheon and Annual Meeting

Mark your calendar!  Our spring President’s Luncheon and Annual Meeting will be held on Monday, April 24.  Watch for more information to follow.

Connect with TUARA

TUARA has a new FaceBook page! Follow us at facebook.com/tuara.ua.

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, 2023 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.

Meet Your Legislators

TUARA is cosponsoring the League of Women Voters’ Meet Your Legislators event.  The event will be held on Thursday, February 23, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, with Kim Bailey moderating.  It will be broadcast live on the League of Women Voters’ Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/LWVGreaterTuscaloosa) and YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@lwvtuscaloosa1433), and it will be archived for later viewing on YouTube.

“With the 2023 Alabama Legislature convening in March, we feel it is important that our local legislative delegation share their respective views with their constituents on key issues that may be considered during the coming year,” said LWV spokesperson Carol Prickett.  Each legislator will be given a chance to present what he or she thinks the key issues will be for the upcoming 2023 legislative session. Afterward, the LWV moderator will ask each candidate prepared questions.

The following West Alabama legislators have been invited to participate:  Senate Dist.5 Greg Reed; Dist. 21 Gerald Allen; Dist. 24 Bobby Singleton. House Dist.16 Kyle South; Dist. 61 Ron Bolton (replaced Rodney Sullivan); Dist.62 Bill Lamb (replaced Rich Wingo); Dist.63 Cynthia Lee Almond; Dist.70 Christopher England; Dist.71 A.J. McCampbell; Dist. 72 Curtis Travis.

Sign up for United Healthcare’s Reward Program

Did you know you can sign up for monetary rewards through United Healthcare’s Renew Rewards program? If you are covered under PEEHIP’s United Healthcare Group Medicare Advantage Plan, register at https://retiree.uhc.com/PEEHIP and click on Renew Rewards. You can earn gift card rewards for reporting exercise, daily steps, doctor visits and more. You’re also eligible for free gym memberships through the Renew Active program. Details are available on the website.

ReUnited Kickoff Social

Last year, ReUnited launched after a conversation between some of our volunteers wishing there was a way to continue being active with United Way/in the community after retiring.  A small group of retirees met last year and adapted and tweaked as they went along…and are now ready to launch and grow! This is an informal meet & greet to start the year and share upcoming programs. The ReUnited Kickoff Social will be held Thursday, February 23, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the home of Shelley Jones, 907 Indian Hills Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL. Kindly RSVP to Julie Mann: julie@uwwa.org or 205-345-6640.

Meet Your Legislators

TUARA is cosponsoring the League of Women Voters’ Meet Your Legislators event.  The event will be held on Thursday, February 23, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, with Kim Bailey moderating.  It will be broadcast live on the League of Women Voters’ Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/LWVGreaterTuscaloosa) and YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@lwvtuscaloosa1433), and it will be archived for later viewing on YouTube.

AERA Offers Scholarships to Public Education Employees

The AERA Foundation is offering ten $2,000 scholarships to public education employees who are employed in a state public school system (K-12) or state public postsecondary institution. Among other requirements, an eligible educator must be a current Alabama Education Association (AEA) member. The application deadline has been extended to March 13, 2023. Recipients have two years to use their scholarship. For more information and the application form, visit https://www.aerainc.org/scholarships. Information about joining AEA is available here. Please share this information with current UA employees or others who may be interested in applying.

Nominate a Retiree

It’s time to nominate your fellow retirees for our two TUARA awards.  Nomination forms are attached.

The Judy Bonner Award is presented annually to an individual who exemplifies the leadership and service characteristics set forth during Dr. Bonner’s tenure at The University of Alabama.

The TUARA Community Service Award recognizes outstanding service to the West Alabama community.

See the nomination forms for more details.  The nomination deadline is March 15.

Save the Date: President’s Luncheon and Annual Meeting

Mark your calendar!  Our spring President’s Luncheon and Annual Meeting will be held on Monday, April 24.  Watch for more information to follow.

Scholarship Recipients Named

TUARA has awarded two Robert E. Witt First Generation Scholarships for the spring 2023 semester.

The first recipient is Ahmed Alshariki of Homewood, Alabama, who is majoring in criminology & criminal justice with a minor in cyber-crimes.  Mr. Alshariki states, “My career plan is to become an intelligence officer with the US Air Force. By doing that I’d be serving my country and do what enjoy.”

The second recipient is Asya Wright of Phenix City, Alabama, a sophomore majoring in psychology with a minor in human development. Ms. Wright states, “After earning a Bachelor of Science degree, I want to obtain the credentials to become a pediatric psychologist. I want to be an advocate for mental health that empowers families to face their insecurities and overcome the stigma of mental health in the African American Community. “

Connect with TUARA

TUARA has a new FaceBook page! Follow us at facebook.com/tuara.ua.

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, 2023 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.

TUARA Night at Wheelchair Basketball

Join TUARA friends and colleagues in cheering on The University of Alabama Men’s Wheelchair Basketball team as they take on Arizona Thursday, Jan. 19 at the Stran-Hardin Arena. The arena is located at 410 Peter Bryce Boulevard next to the UA Rec Center. We will meet at 6 p.m. for snacks and fellowship in the mezzanine. The game starts at 6:30 p.m. Parking is available in the Rec Center parking lot and in the tennis and softball lot across Peter Bryce Boulevard.

Mark Your Calendar for “Meet Your Legislators” Program Feb. 23

The League of Women Voters of Greater Tuscaloosa plans to host a virtual “Meet Your Legislators” program to discuss proposed actions of the 2023 Alabama legislative session at 6 p.m., Feb. 23. TUARA will co-sponsor the event. Watch for more details coming soon.

Final Call for 2022 Volunteer Hours

Please report any unreported volunteer hours for 2022 as soon as possible so we can share them with AERA. AERA 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.

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.

Volunteer Opportunities

Many TUARA members already volunteer with Reading Allies, helping local elementary school students improve their reading skills. Many more 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.’ In addition, donors can provide individual assistance to K-12 students in area schools through the Neighborhood Bridges program. Go to www.neighborhoodbridges.org and search for Tuscaloosa for more information and to sign up to help. More information on both these programs is available at https://www.tuscaloosaeducationfoundation.org/.

 AERA Offers Scholarships to Public Education Employees

The AERA Foundation is offering ten $2,000 scholarships to public education employees, who are employed in a state public school system (K-12) or state public postsecondary institution. Among other requirements, an eligible educator must be a current Alabama Education Association (AEA) member. The application deadline is Feb. 17, 2023. Recipients have two years to use their scholarship. For more information and the application form, visit https://www.aerainc.org/scholarships. Information about joining AEA is available here. Please share this information with current UA employees or others who may be interested in applying.

Connect with TUARA

TUARA has a new FaceBook page! Follow us at facebook.com/tuara.ua.

Happy Holidays!

TUARA wishes all our members and friends a joyous holiday season! We are looking forward to an exciting and productive year in 2023. Please watch for news of upcoming events in January.

Volunteer Opportunities

TUARA member Dr. Terri Boman, executive director of the Tuscaloosa Education Foundation, spoke about Reading Allies and the Tuscaloosa Education Foundation at the TUARA membership meeting in November. Many TUARA members already volunteer with Reading Allies, helping local elementary school students improve their reading skills. Many more 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.’ In addition, donors can provide individual assistance to K-12 students in area schools through the Neighborhood Bridges program. Go to www.neighborhoodbridges.org and search for Tuscaloosa for more information and to sign up to help. More information on both these programs is available at https://www.tuscaloosaeducationfoundation.org/.

 AERA Offers Scholarships to Public Education Employees

The AERA Foundation is offering ten $2,000 scholarships to public education employees, who are employed in a state public school system (K-12) or state public postsecondary institution. Among other requirements, an eligible educator must be a current Alabama Education Association (AEA) member. The application deadline is Feb. 17, 2023. Recipients have two years to use their scholarship. For more information and the application form, visit https://www.aerainc.org/scholarships. Information about joining AEA is available here. Please share this information with current UA employees or others who may be interested in applying.

 United Way Update

TUARA was recognized at the UA United Way campaign celebration on Dec. 1 as one of 12 units that exceeded their 2022 United Way goal. While final numbers are not available yet, UA retirees gave more than $24,000, more than double their goal of $10,944! The University’s campaign has reached 95 percent of its goal of $405,000.

As a reminder, completed pledge cards may be mailed to:
Office of Finance
Attn: Caroline Railsback
The University of Alabama
Box 870136
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0136

Welcome New Members!

TUARA is pleased to welcome new members:
William Andreen
John & Kathleen Barnard
Dwight Cammeron
Kathy Chang
Thomas & Denise Downs
Danny & Tina DuBose
Sharon & Curtis Evans
Janet Foster
David & Paula Heggem, Jr.
Paula & Miles Marques
Daniel Meissner
Gregory Singleton
Warren & Adrienne Spruill
Cynthia & Dennis Sunal
C.J. Tarter

Connect with TUARA

TUARA has a new FaceBook page! Follow us at facebook.com/tuara.ua.

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.

Renew Your Membership Today

TUARA’s membership year runs from Oct. 1-Sept. 30. If you haven’t renewed your membership yet, you may print the attached form and send 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!

Join Us for a TUARA Social Event and Membership Meeting on Nov. 14

All TUARA members and guests are invited to a wine and cheese social and membership meeting on Monday, Nov. 14, from 2-4 p.m. at the Leroy McAbee Activity Center Community Room, 3801 Loop Road in Tuscaloosa. In addition to catching up with friends and colleagues, the event will include updates on TUARA activities and a brief presentation by Nicole Harshman, executive director of FOCUS 50+. Tours of the FOCUS facility will be available as well. We will also collect donations for the Beat Auburn Beat Hunger food drive benefiting the West Alabama Food Bank. Suggested donations include pasta, rice and condiments such as ketchup and mayonnaise, or any non-perishable food items. Please come and bring your retired and soon-to-be retired UA friends!

United Way Update

Please see this letter from the UA United Way campaign. Many thanks to all TUARA members who have already given and thanks in advance to those who still plan to participate.

THE UA UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN CONTINUES!

University Goal                                  University Total

$405,000.00                                        $183,765.48

Goal                                                   Retirees Total

$10, 944.00                                         $23,809.00

Connect with TUARA

TUARA has a new FaceBook page! Follow us at facebook.com/tuara.ua.

 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 haven’t renewed your membership yet, you are welcome to renew at the social on Nov. 14 or you may print the attached form and send 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.

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.

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.

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.’

If you have already signed up, Reading Allies asks that you help spread the word. Here are some ways to help out:

1. Share via social media. Create your own post directing people to readingallies.org or share our posts from @ReadingAllies on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.
2. Email organizations and faith-based communities you are a part of letting them know that Reading Allies is in need of volunteers to work one-on-one with students to bring them up to grade level in reading. Encourage others to spend 5 minutes learning more about Reading Allies by watching the video here: https://youtu.be/Uw7cKbuLi3A
3. Signed up for one session but willing to do more? Email us and let us know!
4. Have anyone with questions reach out to volunteer@tuscaloosaeducationfoundation.org.

Renew Your Membership Today

TUARA’s membership year runs from Oct. 1-Sept. 30. Please renew your membership for 2022-2023 by clicking on Membership Application at the top of this page, printing the 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 at Tuscaloosa Toyota Classic

Here’s a great opportunity to represent our community as Tuscaloosa hosts professional women golfers from around the world at the 2022 Tuscaloosa Toyota Classic: Some 120 professional women’s golfers who play on the Epsom Tour will play in the tournament at Ol’ Colony Golf Course. The tournament, along with two pro-ams, will take place the week of Sept. 26 – Oct. 2, with the three-round professional tournament taking place Friday, Sept. 30 through Sunday, Oct. 2. Whether you are a golfer or not, there are many volunteer positions available — from scoring to social events to whatever. And opportunities that involve sitting, standing or walking. Visit VOLUNTEER | Tuscaloosa Toyota Classic and submit the volunteer form today! Questions? Please contact TUARA executive board members Marie Robbins, marobbins08@gmail.com, or Kevin Almond, kalmond6@gmail.com.

Watch AERA District 10 Annual Meeting Online

Missed the Alabama Education Retirees Association District 10 annual meeting on Aug. 16 or want to watch it again? Click the link below and use the passcode provided to watch the webinar:
Alabama Education Retirees Association District 10 Webinar
Passcode: Q26esJ&f
The program includes valuable information about PEEHIP and United Healthcare as well as updates on AERA activities and tips to avoid scams.

Meetings to Provide Information about PEEHIP United Healthcare Plan

PEEHIP is offering meetings around the state to introduce the new PEEHIP United Healthcare Group Medicare Advantage (PPO) plan that will provide health care and prescription drug coverage for all Medicare-eligible retirees and eligible dependents starting on Jan. 1, 2023. Presentations will be offered at the Hotel Capstone in Tuscaloosa on Sept. 21 from 9-11 a.m. and from 1-3 p.m.  For information on additional in-person and virtual meetings, visit https://retiree.uhc.com/content/dam/retiree/pdf/peehip/2023/PEEHIP_meeting_schedule.pdf.

TUARA Awards Witt Scholarships for Fall 2022

TUARA has awarded the Robert E. Witt First-Generation Scholarships for the fall semester to UA sophomores Diamond Townsend and Taylor White. TUARA awards two $500 scholarships each semester. 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. The scholarships are funded by TUARA members’ donations and dues. To contribute to the fund, please make your check payable to The University of Alabama with “Robert E. Witt 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.

Welcome New Member

We welcome Trudier Harris, whose name was inadvertently left off the list of new members in the TUARA Newsletter this summer. Her name has been added to the online version, available by clicking here.

AERA Membership Drive

All TUARA members are encouraged to join the Alabama Education Retirees Association (AERA). AERA is our voice in Montgomery, thanks to their strong legislative program geared to protecting retirees’ TRS funding and PEEHIP benefits. AERA was instrumental in the Alabama Legislature passing the Education Retiree Bonus Check bill this spring. While TUARA is a unit of AERA, they are separate organizations. We encourage TUARA members to join AERA in addition to TUARA. For more information, contact Cynthia Peebles at 205-792-0638 or cpeeblesretired@gmail.com or visit aerainc.org.

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.

TUARA

• Advocates for retiree benefits on campus and in Montgomery
• Promotes retirees’ volunteer service
• Awards the Robert E. Witt First-Generation Scholarship
• Provides networking and fun with colleagues and friends
• Annual membership only $25