News

Be a URVC “Phone Companion” for Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly

Too many isolated elders stare at the phone this holiday season, hoping it will ring!

Will you commit yourself to relieving loneliness among elders who have little, if any, family or friendship support in their lives? With just a little time and caring, Phone Companion Volunteers make a big difference in the lives of isolated elderly. Contact the University Retirees Volunteer Center to get started: [email protected]  or 612-625-8016

Tutors needed at Murray Middle School

Murray Middle School provides an intentional intervention program called the “Pilot One-on-One Program” for at-risk students who are academically challenged. The program, now in its ninth year, focuses on students that typically do not have strong home support and are often living in crisis.

What's new on the UMRA website

Your webmasters have enabled the online luncheon reservation service as of November 1, 2016.  You can now make a luncheon reservation for yourself—or yourself and spouse—on the website, and pay for it with your credit card...

Apply for Professional Development Grants for Retirees before December 16th deadline

The Offie of the Provost, Offie of the Vice President for Research, and the U of M Retirees Association have small grants (up to $5,000) to help retirees pursue projects related to their scholarly and/or creative interests. All U of M faculty, P&A, and civil service retirees are eligible to apply, including employees retiring by July, 1, 2017.
 

University Clinical Research Study Participants (Male Only !)

MRI – Brain Antioxidents Study: Stage 3 needs Men for Control Group (Age 65 – 89). Stage 3 does NOT include those who were previous subjects or who have Alzheimer Disease . Read on for more information on this study, or contact [email protected] or 612-625-8016 

Future City Competition needs Volunteer Mentors for: “The Power of Public Space”

The Power of Public Space is the theme for a middle school engineering program for a regional competition sponsored by Success Beyond the Classroom. The University Retirees Volunteer Center seeks technical professionals to be mentors. You would meet a student team at a middle school weekly until January, providing advice, guidance, and technical assistance.

2016-2017 PDGR Abstracts

On February 25, 2016, a committee of retirees, appointed by Frances Lawrenz, Associate Vice President of Research, reviewed and recommended 11 of 12 applications for Professional Development Grants for Retirees.  On March 1, Brian Herman, Vice President for Research, announced the recipients for the 2016-2017 Professional Development Grant for Retirees.

Photo Club meets in new location in fall 2016

The UMRA Photo Club welcomes photographers of all abilities. Most of us are struggling amateurs who like to take pictures and want to get better. We benefit from the kind help we get from each other.

Help the Cares Committee start a new book group

Here is a list of some new interesting books published this year on health and aging. Check your local library or bookseller for these references. After your read, please send us a one- or two-paragraph summary along with the author, title, and publisher to share with UMRA members.

Member survey results aid leadership retreat discussions over the summer

The survey was designed by the planning committee for the August Board and Committee Chair Retreat. The information helped inform the discussion about UMRA’s future. Thirty-five percent of our membership responded to the survey. Thanks to everyone who participated.

Care Guides are asking for your experiences in navigating health care issues

The Care Guides want to discuss a new initiative in which they could assist UMRA members with health concerns not restricted to long-term care. They plan to meet in October with Professor Bob Kane, director of the Center on Aging, to plan for this new Care Guide role.

UMRA Care Guides continue to be available for consultation on a health care emergency. To speak to a Care Guide, call the Center on Aging, 612-624-1185.

A buffet of fall volunteer projects

The University Retirees Volunteer Center’s guiding principle is to provide a diversity of opportunities to meet the wide range of your interests. Here is a selection for the current season. Contact [email protected] for more information and your registration.

Pursue your scholarly interests with this UMRA grant application opportunity

You are invited to submit an application for a Professional Development Grant for Retirees (PDGR) to pursue your scholarly interests.

The deadline for submitting an application for the 2017–2018 grant is December 15, 2016. See Activities / Grants for Retirees.

Volunteer Ambassadors / Greeters at Northrop

Here are opportunities to attend lectures, performances, and discussions on a wide range of topics while serving as greeter at Northrop Auditorium for the I.A.S. "Thursday at 3:30" Series. The Institute of Advanced Studies offers events in the newly redesigned Northrop Auditorium. These "Thursday" series are held in the 2nd floor Crosby Seminar Room, 240 Northrop.

URVC Volunteers - Take Phone Pledges for KBEM Jazz 88 Radio

Volunteers needed to answer phones and take pledges for KBEM – The Jazz 88 Radio Station’s Fall Pledge Drive.