TUARA News

Volunteer Opportunity: Reading Allies

TUARA members are invited to serve as volunteer tutors in Tuscaloosa area elementary schools through Reading Allies, a University of Alabama System initiative. TUARA is a Reading Allies community partner. Volunteers work one-on-one with striving readers through an individualized curriculum. Reading Allies is currently recruiting volunteers to work in five local schools: MLK, TASPA, Southview, Holt, and Matthews. Reading Allies will offer options to volunteer on Mondays-Thursdays beginning the week of Feb. 14. Most programs will end the week of April 25, with Southview Elementary ending on May 2. Mandatory Zoom trainings will be held the week of Feb. 7.

Anyone who wants to volunteer can sign up using this Google Form link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfKTZONDTBdyrA7LYKlMSrZd9EBeL83rTsgtZ4f3Ek_pziFHw/viewform?usp=sf_link.

Questions about volunteering with Reading Allies or other TUARA volunteer opportunities? Contact TUARA volunteer coordinator Carolyn Dahl at carolyn.dahl@ua.edu.

Report Your Volunteer Hours Today  

Please help us demonstrate retirees’ contributions to our communities by using the attached form to report your volunteer hours. Please report hours from January 2022 as well as unreported hours for 2021. Please list hours from 2021 separately so they can be added to the year-end report. Why is this important? Each year our investment of time in our communities makes a significant contribution to Alabama. When our data is added to similar data from other education retirees around the state through AERA, we demonstrate the value that retirees bring to Alabama’s economy and quality of life.  And that tremendous impact supports efforts to build support for retiree issues and benefits. 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. Please report your hours to TUARA today!

Please report hours for each of the following categories as applicable:

Three easy ways to respond:

1. Print this page, complete, and email a scanned copy to tuara.ua@gmail.com
2. Print this page, complete and mail to TUARA, Box 861493, Tuscaloosa, AL  35486
3. List totals by category in the body of an email addressed to tuara.ua@gmail.com.

Happy Holidays!

TUARA wishes all our members and friends a joyous holiday season! We are looking forward to an exciting and productive year in 2022.  

Please take a moment to read below and learn about volunteering for Reading Allies, respond to the What I Know Now survey, look ahead to the 2022 legislative session and report your volunteer hours to TUARA.

Volunteer Opportunity: Reading Allies

Over half of Alabama’s third graders are not reading on grade level by the end of their third-grade year, leading to years of potential educational, economic, and social hardship. Reading Allies, a University of Alabama System initiative, is working collaboratively to ensure the promise of a positive future for all of Alabama’s students through a focus on elementary literacy. TUARA is a Reading Allies community partner. TUARA members are invited to serve as volunteer tutors, working one-on-one with striving readers through an individualized curriculum. No matter if you are 18 or 80, Reading Allies makes volunteering simple and training is provided. If you are interested in volunteering with Reading Allies or simply want more information, contact TUARA volunteer coordinator Carolyn Dahl at carolyn.dahl@ua.edu.

What I Know Now Survey

Last week, you received a survey for TUARA’s new What I Know Now project. Recognizing that UA retirees are in that stage of life where they may be providing care for a parent, a spouse or another loved one, the What I Know Now project seeks to address a critical gap that exists in resources for caregivers. By drawing on the caregiving experiences of UA retirees, we will create a larger base of potential support that allows for more personal and confidential interactions regarding specific challenges. The project will initially focus on retirees who are providing care to a person living with dementia, Parkinson’s Disease or ALS; our hope, however, is to expand this resource to include other caregiving situations and, eventually, to other higher education retiree groups in the state, as appropriate. For more information and to access the survey, click here. All responses will be aggregated to ensure anonymity and confidentiality.  Please email your responses to bkellen3333@gmail.com by Friday, December 17.

Watch for Legislative Action Beginning in January

The Alabama State Legislature’s regular session begins Jan. 11, 2022. According to media reports, Sen. Bobby Singleton will sponsor the Retired Educators’ Bonus Bill, which would provide a one-time bonus check to education retirees. Watch for more information and calls to action in support of the bill as it makes its way through the legislature this spring.

Volunteer Hours Demonstrate Retirees’ Contributions

After a break last year due to the pandemic, TUARA is once again asking all members to report their community service hours. Please use the categories listed below to report your volunteer hours for November as well as any hours from January-November 2021 that have not been reported previously. Why is this important? Each year our investment of time in our communities makes a significant contribution to Alabama. When our data is added to similar data from other education retirees around the state through AERA, we demonstrate the value that retirees bring to Alabama’s economy and quality of life.  And that tremendous impact supports efforts to build support for retiree issues and benefits. 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. Please report your hours to TUARA today!

Please report hours for each of the following categories as applicable:

Three easy ways to respond:

1. Print this page, complete, and email a scanned copy to tuara.ua@gmail.com
2. Print this page, complete and mail to TUARA, Box 861493, Tuscaloosa, AL  35486
3. List totals by category in the body of an email addressed to tuara.ua@gmail.com.

Renew Your Membership Today

TUARA’s membership year runs from Oct. 1-Sept. 30. If you haven’t renewed your membership for 2022 yet, please go to Membership Application at www.tuara.ua.edu, print the membership 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!

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

UA retirees are in that stage of life where they may be providing care for a parent, a spouse or another loved one. While caregivers have access to multiple resources online and elsewhere that provide information about the conditions, challenges and potential solutions inherent in caregiving situations, the scope of these resources tend to be more general in nature. Support groups can provide more specific suggestions to help navigate daily challenges, but information is typically limited by the number of participants and the range of experiences those participants may be able and willing to share.

TUARA’s What I Know Now project seeks to address the critical gap that exists between these resources. By drawing on the caregiving experiences of UA retirees, we will create a larger base of potential support that allows for more personal and confidential interactions regarding specific challenges.

The project will initially focus on retirees who are providing care to a person living with dementia, Parkinson’s Disease or ALS; our hope, however, is to expand this resource to include other caregiving situations and, eventually, to other higher education retiree groups in the state, as appropriate.

The first step is to conduct a survey of TUARA members to gauge interest in a confidential vehicle that will allow UA retirees to share their caregiving experiences through one-on-one interactions with other UA retirees who are facing or have faced similar issues and situations.  Some examples of the types of conversations that could occur are: “My loved one was just diagnosed with dementia. What can I expect?” Or “My loved one uses a wheelchair. How do we handle going through security checkpoints at the airport or a concert?”

As you respond to the following yes/no questions, we invite you to add any comments or suggestions that would help in the development and implementation of the What I Know Now pilot program. All responses will be aggregated to ensure anonymity and confidentiality. Please copy the survey and email your responses to bkellen3333@gmail.com by Friday, Dec. 17, 2021. Thank you for your participation.

What I Know Now

Interest Survey 

Would the What I Know Now program be helpful to you as a caregiver?  Please tell us why.

Yes: ______________________________________________________________

No: _______________________________________________________________

Would you consider participating in the What I Know Now program as a current or former caregiver?  Please tell us what factors would influence your decision.

Yes: _________________________________________________________________

No: _________________________________________________________________

Additional Comments:

Please submit your responses no later than Friday, Dec. 17, 2021.

Register today for AERA District 10 Meeting on Nov. 17

All TUARA members are invited to join fellow higher education retirees for the AERA District 10 annual meeting, which will be held via webinar on Wednesday, Nov. 17 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. CST. The agenda will include updates on membership, the 2021 and 2022 legislative sessions and community service activities from AERA’s president John Paul Jones and executive director Jill Jackson, as well as presentations from representatives of TRS and PEEHIP.

Agenda

• Welcome and Introductions: Debbie Lane, Director-District 10
• Invocation: Mike Geerts, VP-UABRA
• Pledge of Allegiance: Nancy Bernard, President-AURA
• Comments from AERA President: John Paul Jones
• Executive Director’s State Office Report: Jill Jackson
  • Membership
  • 2021/2022 Legislative Updates
  • Community Service Program
• TRS Update: Peggy Mobley, TRS Board
• PEEHIP Update: Erica Thomas, Assistant Director-PEEHIP
• AMBA Update: Alexander Williams, District Manager-Association Member Benefit Advisors
• Closing Remarks: Debbie Lane
• Adjourn

Register in advance for this webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Z0mdri1hSASMuH715Xh7Tg

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

Join Us for the AERA District 10 Meeting on Nov. 17

All TUARA members are invited to join fellow higher education retirees for the AERA District 10 annual meeting, which will be held via webinar on Wednesday, Nov. 17 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. CST. The agenda will include updates on membership, the 2021 and 2022 legislative sessions and community service activities from AERA’s president John Paul Jones and executive director Jill Jackson, as well as presentations from representatives of TRS and PEEHIP.

Agenda

• Welcome and Introductions: Debbie Lane, Director-District 10
• Invocation: Mike Geerts, VP-UABRA
• Pledge of Allegiance: Nancy Bernard, President-AURA
• Comments from AERA President: John Paul Jones
• Executive Director’s State Office Report: Jill Jackson
  • Membership
  • 2021/2022 Legislative Updates
  • Community Service Program
• TRS Update: Peggy Mobley, TRS Board
• PEEHIP Update: Erica Thomas, Assistant Director-PEEHIP
• AMBA Update: Alexander Williams, District Manager-Association Member Benefit Advisors
• Closing Remarks: Debbie Lane
• Adjourn

See the information below to register for the webinar. We’ll look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, Nov. 17!

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.

When: Nov 17, 2021 02:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Topic: AERA District 10 2021 Annual Meeting

Register in advance for this webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Z0mdri1hSASMuH715Xh7Tg

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

United Way Donations Top $50,000

UA retirees gave a total of $53,313 to this year’s United Way campaign. Many thanks to everyone who contributed toward making a difference in the lives of those who depend on the assistance United Way provides.

TUARA Gives to Beat Auburn Beat Hunger

TUARA members donated more than 180 pounds of peanut butter and other non-perishable food to UA’s Beat Auburn Beat Hunger campaign at the “Meet Us at the Deck” event on Oct. 29. Food collected for Beat Auburn Beat Hunger is given to the West Alabama Food Bank to assist families in our area. Your generous donations also contribute to Feed Alabama, AERA’s Statewide Community Service Project.

Renew Your Membership Today

TUARA’s membership year runs from Oct. 1-Sept. 30. Please renew your membership for 2022 by printing the membership 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 Demonstrate Retirees’ Contributions

After a break last year due to the pandemic, TUARA is once again asking all members to report their community service hours. Please use the categories listed below to report your volunteer hours for October as well as any hours from January-October 2021 that have not been reported previously. Why is this important? Each year our investment of time in our communities makes a significant contribution to Alabama. When our data is added to similar data from other education retirees around the state through AERA, we demonstrate the value that retirees bring to Alabama’s economy and quality of life.  And that tremendous impact supports efforts to build support for retiree issues and benefits. 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. Please report your hours to TUARA today!

Please report hours for each of the following categories as applicable:

Three easy ways to respond:

1. Print this page, complete, and email a scanned copy to tuara.ua@gmail.com.
2. Print this page, complete and mail to TUARA, Box 861493, Tuscaloosa, AL 35486
3. List totals by category in the body of an email addressed to tuara.ua@gmail.com.

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

Drop by the Campus Drive Parking Deck on Friday, Oct. 29 from 10 a.m.-noon and take care of all your TUARA/UA errands at one time! It’s Fall Study Break at UA, so don’t worry about the traffic! You will be able to 

• Renew your parking permit and pick up your new hangtag. Retired faculty/staff parking permits last for two years and expire on Oct. 31. Check the back of your hangtag to see if your permit expires in 2021 or 2022. If it’s 2021, you can renew it at the drive-up event.
• Get your new Action Card. UA retired the old, swipe-only Action Cards in July. If you haven’t replaced yours already, you’ll need a new card to use the on-campus libraries and recreation centers. Note: New Action Cards have a picture of Big Al on them. No Big Al? You need to replace your card.
• Pay your TUARA dues. Our fiscal year runs from Oct. 1-Sept. 30, so it’s time to renew now! Checks and credit cards will be accepted on Friday.
• Donate to Beat Auburn Beat Hunger. This annual campaign benefits the West Alabama Food Bank. 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 donations also contribute to Feed Alabama, AERA’s Statewide Community Service Project.

• Enjoy doughnut holes and coffee (Thanks, Bama Dining!) and visit with your friends and colleagues in a Covid-safe environment,
• Chat with members of the Tuscaloosa County legislative delegation: We have invited the entire Tuscaloosa County legislative delegation to drop by and chat with us informally:  Representatives Almond, England, McCampbell, South, Sullivan, and Wingo; and Senators Allen, Reed, and Singleton.

Please invite your friends and former colleagues to join you on Friday. We are looking forward to seeing you!

All TUARA members are invited the virtual Fall Membership Meeting at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 20. Please register today and join us for this important meeting.

Agenda

Dr. Richard Friend, Dean, UA College of Community Health Sciences

COVID-19 Update: UA’s current response, boosters and more

Pam Parker, Reading Allies

Reading Allies is a volunteer organization dedicated to ensuring that all children in Tuscaloosa area schools are reading on grade-level by third grade. TUARA supports Reading Allies as a member of the community-wide coordinating council.

Updates from TUARA:

Cathy Andreen, President’s Report

Pam Pruitt, Membership Update

Susan McGuire, Coming Events

Catherine Davies, Legislative Update

Carolyn Dahl, Volunteer Opportunities

Debbie Lane, AERA District 10 Update

Register in advance for this webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iDuuoTnCQeKzzJUt41nHVg

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

TUARA Virtual Membership Meeting on Oct. 20

Join TUARA for a virtual membership meeting at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 20. The program will include valuable and timely information from key speakers: 

Dr. Richard Friend, Dean, UA College of Community Health Sciences

COVID-19 Update: UA’s current response, boosters and more

Pam Parker, Reading Allies

Reading Allies is a volunteer organization dedicated to ensuring that all children in Tuscaloosa area schools are reading on grade-level by third grade. TUARA supports Reading Allies as a member of the community-wide coordinating council.

Plus updates from TUARA:

Cathy Andreen, President’s Report

Pam Pruitt, Membership Update

Catherine Davies, Legislative Update

Carolyn Dahl, Volunteer Opportunities

Debbie Lane, AERA District 10 Update

Register in advance for this webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iDuuoTnCQeKzzJUt41nHVg 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Please join us on Oct. 20!

Meet Us At the Deck!

Drop by the Campus Drive Parking Deck on Friday, Oct. 29 from 10 a.m.-noon and take care of all your TUARA/UA errands at one time! It’s Fall Study Break at UA, so don’t worry about the traffic! 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. 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 in a Covid-safe environment.

Renew Your Membership Today

TUARA’s membership year runs from Oct. 1-Sept. 30. Please renew your membership for 2022 by printing the membership 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 Demonstrate Retirees’ Contributions

After a break last year due to the pandemic, TUARA is once again asking all members to report their community service hours. Please use the categories listed below to report your volunteer hours for September as well as any hours from January-September 2021 that have not been reported previously. Why is this important? Each year our investment of time in our communities makes a significant contribution to Alabama. When our data is added to similar data from other education retirees around the state through AERA, we demonstrate the value that retirees bring to Alabama’s economy and quality of life.  And that tremendous impact supports efforts to build support for retiree issues and benefits. 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. Please report your hours to TUARA today!

Please report hours for each of the following categories as applicable:

Three easy ways to respond:

1. Print this page, complete, and email a scanned copy to ua@gmail.com
2. Print this page, complete and mail to TUARA, Box 861493, Tuscaloosa, AL 35486
3. List totals by category in the body of an email addressed to ua@gmail.com.

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

Volunteer Hours Demonstrate Retirees’ Contributions

After a break last year due to the pandemic, TUARA is once again asking all members to report their community service hours. Please report your volunteer hours and help demonstrate retirees’ impact on our community. Why is this important? Each year our investment of time in our communities makes a significant contribution to Alabama. When our data is added to similar data from other education retirees around the state through AERA, we demonstrate the value that retirees bring to Alabama’s economy and quality of life.  And that tremendous impact supports efforts to build support for retiree issues and benefits. We are asking you to report your hours for the period of January-August 2021. Following this report, we will go back to our former practice of requesting service hours on a monthly basis. 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. Please report your hours to TUARA today!

United Way Campaign

Retirees play an important role in UA’s United Way campaign every year, with cumulative gifts over the last 10 years totaling more than $330,000. The campaign launched in late August this year, a month earlier than in past years. Please watch for your United Way letter if you have not already received it and return your completed donation card with your check by Sept. 22. Every gift makes a difference in the lives of those who depend on the assistance United Way provides.

Legislature Establishes Education Retirees’ Trust Fund

Governor Kay Ivey has signed the Education Retirees’ Trust Fund (SB61) into law. The fund was established by the state legislature with the exclusive purpose of providing periodic bonus checks to public education retirees. While the bill providing funding for the trust fund was not passed this session, establishing the trust fund itself is a huge step in the right direction. Many thanks to everyone who contacted their legislators to ask for their support for the bill!

UA To Deactivate Swipe-Only ACT Cards July 12

The University of Alabama is saying goodbye to the old, swipe-only Action Cards on July 12. These are the cards that were issued until 2017. UA retirees utilizing on-campus libraries and recreation centers who still have these cards will need to have a replacement card made. Obtaining a new card is not necessary if not using the on-campus recreation center and library services. Those in need of a replacement will need to visit the Action Card Office in the Campus Drive Parking Deck located at 451 Campus Drive East during business hours, which are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Retirees who have already received the new, NFC tap card featuring Big Al will not need a replacement. For questions and assistance, contact the Action Card Office at 205-348-2288 or action.card@ua.edu.

Interested in Serving on a Committee?

TUARA needs your help! We’re looking for members to help with programs, membership recruitment, community service, communication and more. Please respond to this message if you would like to serve on a committee in the coming year. Thanks for your support in making TUARA a stronger organization!

Keep Track of Volunteer Hours

After a break from collecting volunteer hours during the pandemic, TUARA will begin asking members to report volunteer service hours again later this summer. Please keep track of your volunteer hours, including civic and church service projects, work with the arts and education, health care, food insecurity, etc. As retirees, we are making significant contributions of time and energy to our communities. Why is it important to report our volunteer time to TUARA? We report these hours AERA (Alabama Education Retirees Association) and AERA uses them to demonstrate the economic impact Alabama Education Retirees continue to make on our state’s economy as they advocate on our behalf in Montgomery.