News

Volunteer opportunity— Help high school debaters become more effective communicators

Want to learn (or brush up on) skills as a debate judge? The Minnesota Urban Debate League, which sponsors the fall high school debate season, needs volunteer judges for final weekend tournaments through November and early December. No prior experience is needed; training and a meal will be provided. Here's a chance to give teenage speakers valuable feedback about improving skills in critical thinking, public speaking, and effective communication.  

Professional Development Grants for Retirees—Time to apply!

Need some financial help for a research or creative project you’d like to undertake or complete? The Professional Development Grants for Retirees (PDGR) program has transitioned to a new, online-only application process. The application deadline is December 15. 

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.

From the Cares Bookshelf

Letters from Madelyn: Chronicles of a Caregiver recounts the difficulties of managing caregiving in a true story that reveals the character of a caregiver who must contend with every emotion, yet manage this stage of life with growth, grace, and humor. If you worry about the headaches and traumas of wearing out together, especially as a member of an intimate pair, you will find this book relevant and comforting.  

UMRA grant brings magnificent textile collection to light

Thanks to an award from UMRA’s Professional Development Grants for Retirees (PDGR) program, Regents Professor Emerita Joanne Eicher’s collection of more than 500 African textiles can now be viewed through a U of M online database.

Volunteer opportunity: Become an AARP tax-aide

Do you enjoy working with numbers and helping people? You can do both, by joining AARP's tax-aide program—the nation's largest volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service. You will be helping seniors, low-income, disabled, and other disadvantaged taxpayers at a site near you. Choose to be a Preparer/Counselor, Document Facilitator, or Technical Supporter. AARP provides everything you need—and you need neither tax experience nor AARP membership to join. 

UMRA launches e-Newsletter in September

In September, UMRA’s new e-Newsletter began reaching all UMRA members who have email addresses. The e-news provides direct access to articles posted on the UMRA website as well as a link to the traditional, print newsletter for those who prefer to read or print out a copy of the newsletter for themselves. For those who prefer to have a printed copy mailed to them, that is still available upon request.

Planning for a meaningful retirement: Thoughts from the Cares Committee

One way to decide how you will spend your retirement is to think of it as a question of the meaning of life. Think back on your life and what made it meaningful. Make a list of your values and your options and then brainstorm. If you read the research literature on happiness, you will find that deep happiness comes not from pleasure-seeking, but from helping others.

What can caring for others do for you? 

Parking reservations available for UMRA luncheons

Combine your reservation for the UMRA luncheon with a reservation for parking and ensure your parking space. Plan to arrive between 10 a.m. and noon. Pay when exiting, and use parking coupons as usual.

Parking reservations available for UMRA luncheons

Combine your reservation for the UMRA luncheon with a reservation for parking and ensure your parking space. Plan to arrive between 10 a.m. and noon. Pay when exiting, and use parking coupons as usual.

Three honored with 'Service to UMRA' awards in May

This year the executive committee awarded three awards for Service to UMRA. All three of the awardees have served UMRA for many years in demanding positions, which required steady and consistent leadership. All three are leaving their respective positions this year. With thanks, we recognize them for helping to making UMRA the successful organization that it is.

Help Wanted: Cares Committee seeks new members

UMRA Cares Committee seeks new members to assist workshop development and important communication work. Those of you who’ve experienced the Cares Committee’s outreach at a time of serious illness or loss know the important role filled by these caring members.

To volunteer, all Ron Anderson, Cares Committee Chair at 612-963-6660 or email him at [email protected]

Reach out with your personal invitation

The most effective way to recruit new members to UMRA is for current members to extend a personal invitation to colleagues they know have retired or are about to retire. Pick up an UMRA brochure to support your invitation at the next luncheon meeting.  

Professional Development Grants for Retirees- a program worthy of your support

Do you have a scholarly project you would like to finish with the support of a small grant? Or a new project you would like to start? Then you might want to consider applying for a grant from the Professional Development Grants for Retirees (PDGR) program.

Care Guide program is suspended

Care Guides are a small group of volunteers who were trained by the late Dr. Robert Kane, director of the U of M Center on Aging. The guides were started to assist UMRA members in locating resources to manage unexpected long or short hospital stays or the challenges of providing caregiving to family members with serious health problems.