News

UMRA Board encourages new interest groups

For UMRA members who would like to get together for more than luncheons each month. Special interest groups are a way of meeting with like-minded friends and new friends with similar interests.  

Nominating Committee invites participation

Want to be a part of keeping UMRA thriving? The UMRA Nominating Committee is asking for names this month for officers and Board members for 2018-19. Think about nominating someone (including yourself) for one of these positions.

Better Balance (Tai Ji Quan) Class at Wilder

Beginning Jan. 22 (2018) Wilder Services for Aging will teach a mild exercise class designed to reduce the risk of falls by improving muscle strength, flexibility and mobility from practicing coordinated movements in a slow, circular, flowing motion.

The workshop will run for 24 sessions, from 10:30 to 11:30am every Monday and Wednesday at Wilder, 650 Marshall Ave, St. Paul. It is free but a donation of $60 is suggested. No prior experience is necessary. Please register by Tuesday, Jan 16.

UMRA Book Club makes its selections for February through May

The February book will be The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man’s Love Affair with Nature by J. Drew Lanham, with discussion led by Judy Helgen.

Exploring alternative transportation? Share your experiences

As the Cares Committee has been exploring alternative transportation options, they have encountered some successes and some frustrations. They invite readers to share their experiences and recommendations with others. 

New Financial and Legal Issues Group gets underway

“Tax Planning in Uncertain Times” was the topic for the first meeting of the new special interest group, Financial and Legal Issues (FLG), led by Andy Whitman in December. Members learned about end-of-year possible tax actions and set out a schedule of speakers and topics for the coming year.

Professional Development Grants for Retirees—2018 update

Ten applications were submitted by the December deadline for the 2018 Professional Development Grants for Retirees program. The approved proposals will be announced in March. 

Volunteer Opportunity: Participate in research to improve balance

Many elderly people risk falling and breaking a hip as a result of poor balance. If you are at least 70 years old and not involved in a physical activity/exercise program, you are invited to participate in the new Ready–Steady program, offered by the School of Nursing. Help find the best ways to avoid accidental falls through strength-building and balance exercises. Compensation provided.

The ever-popular parking discount coupons

News you can use: Parking discount coupons are one of UMRA’s best membership benefits. If your supply is running low, here’s how to send for more!

From the Cares Bookshelf

The Power of Meaning: Crafting a Life that Matters, by Emily Esfahani Smith, explains a growing new movement within psychological research that is fundamentally reshaping our understanding of the good life. It’s a very readable book for academics and non-academics alike.  

Searching on UMRA's website

The familiar U of M page heading includes a blank search field and a Search button. On our site the search results default to just our site, not the whole U. We recommend that you take advantage of this search capability.

URGENT: Luncheon RSVPs

This is a call to all UMRA members who have reservations for the November luncheon. You are being asked to contact Judy Leahy Grimes if you know that circumstances will prevent you from attending the November luncheon.  As you know, most of the recent luncheons have been fully subscribed, necessitating the closure of reservations, meaning that some members who would have liked to attend were prevented from doing so. Yet there are often name tags which have not been picked up and open spaces at some of the tables indicating that additional members might have been accommodated. To allow as many people to come as possible we ask people to report if circumstances have changed which will prevent them from attending. Contact Judy at  [email protected]  or 651-698-4387.  She is manageing a waiting list for those who want to attend.

The Frugal University Retiree

UMRA has compiled a wide variety of benefits for university retirees. From the Campus Club and the University Bookstore, from parking discounts to the School of Music and Northrop, find out what the frugal retiree can do at a discount!

Hero needed

UMRA is still seeking a successor to Earl Nolting as discount coordinator. 

When getting around becomes difficult

If you have given up your car, or if driving at night is a challenge, you can still enjoy concerts—in your own living room. Start by requesting email delivery of Ostinato, the School of Music electronic newsletter to receive information on upcoming SOM events and note which ones are live-streamed.