Welcome WVU Retirees
To learn more about the West Virginia University Retirees Association, see the About WVURA menu option. To learn more about current activity, see the following Inside Story.
PEIA TELEPHONE SCAM ALERT!
February 15, 2019
WVU has received an alert from PEIA:
There have been some reports of retirees receiving calls from scammers claiming to be representatives of PEIA. In these calls, the individuals indicated to the member that PEIA had experienced a computer 'glitch' and that the member needed to mail in their premium payments, or they would lose their healthcare coverage(s).
PEIA has not experienced such issues in processing premium payments and instructs members to never mail funds to any untrusted source(s). When in doubt, members should always call PEIA at 304-558-7850.
If any of your members have received such a call, please instruct them to report it to the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, who has been notified of the scam, at 1-800-368-8808.
The Inside Story . . .
Thursday, January 17, 2019
WVU Planetarium Presentations
Retirees gathered at the WVU Planetarium to see presentations on the Lincoln Almanac Trial and The Dark Matter Mystery. The Lincoln Almanac Trial told how Abe Lincoln proved a man innocent of murder by using the position of the moon. And The Dark Matter Mystery told about the search for the mysterious glue that keeps galaxies together. Both were fascinating.
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Backpack Feeding Program
After the holidays, we're back to our regular schedule - every third Wednesday of the month. Our faithful group showed up again to fill the backpacks with weekend meals for area school children.
WVURA Book Club
The Climb from Salt Lick: A Memoir of Appalachia by Nancy Abrams was the book discussed at the January meeting of the club. The author was also present at the meeting so we had a first-hand account of the book. It was a great presentation. For more information about the club or future book selections, see Book Club.
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Backpack Feeding Program
Retirees gathered early to pack food bags in anticipation of the school closing for the holiday. With a group this size, it didn't take long and it was good to know that the children would have food for the long holiday. What a turnout! Thanks team.
Thursday, December 13, 2018
Christian Help, Toy Distribution
Volunteers gathered at the WV National Guard Morgantown Readiness Center to distribution toys for Christian Help. Retirees worked as a group to give out toys to area families.
WVURA Book Club
Black Klansman: Race, Hate, and the Undercover Investigation of a Lifetime by Ron Stallworth was the book discussed at the December meeting of the club. For more information about the club or future book selections, see Book Club.
The Choral Concert: A Winter Gala
The Board of the WVU Retirees Association invited members of the Association to The Choral Concert: A Winter Gala at the Creative Arts Center. The concert was a choral celebration featuring performances by the WVU Chamber Singers, Women's Choir, and Men's Choir and the West Virginia Community Choir. It was a great way to start the holiday season. The Association provided tickets to the performance.
Thursday, November 29, 2018
Phipps Winter Flower Show and Light Garden
To kick off the holiday season, members of the Association traveled by chartered bus to the annual Winter Flower Show and Light Garden at the Phipps Conservatory. This year's theme was Holiday Magic: Let It Glow. Along with seasonal flowers, the rooms and the outdoor botanical gardens were decked out in bright Christmas lights. In the photo, you see some of our group entering the decorated front doors of the conservatory.
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Rosenbaum Family House Dinner
Members of the Retirees Association made dinner for the residents of Rosenbaum Family House on Wednesday evening, November 28, 2018. Our board cooked and our members visited with residents. This was our biannual dinner. We do this in May and November each year and guests offer us such positive feedback that we are happy to do this again.
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Backpack Feeding Program
Packing backpacks was moved to Tuesday this month in order to be ready for the Thanksgiving distribution. Our group showed up in force as usual and we are thankful for them!
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Hansel and Gretel at the Benedum
Members of the Retirees Association traveled by chartered bus to the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh to see Hansel and Gretel. Included on the bus trip was a pre-opera talk by Byron Nelson, a retiree from the WVU English Department and the OLLI instructor for Opera as Drama. Byron also offered a short critical recap on the way home.
WVURA Book Club
The Last Castle: The Epic Story of Love, Loss, and American Royalty in the Nation's Largest Home by Denise Kiernan was the book discussed at the November meeting of the club. For more information about the club or future book selections, see Book Club.
Toy Sorting at Christian Help
Volunteers from the Retirees Association worked at Christian Help sorting toys for the upcoming holiday. We had so many volunteers that what was to take three days, took one. Congratulations group!
Thursday, October 18, 2018
Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob Tour
Retirees traveled to Kentuck Knob and Fallingwater, two homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Both homes were stunning. In addition, retirees had lunch at the Ohiopyle State Park and took some time to see the Visitors Center and the falls. That's the Ohiopyle falls in the background.
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Backpack Feeding Program
Our group keeps growing in support of our volunteer effort. With this group, we got the task done in no time. And remember: "Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves." (James Matthew Barrie)
WVURA Book Club
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande was the book discussed at the October meeting of the club. For more information about the club or future book selections, see Book Club.
Sunday, September 30, 2018
Annual Picnic
Members attended the annual picnic at the Westside Senior Center. Food and drinks were provided by the Association and the Motown Strutters performed. There was also a raffle of WVU gear. The proceeds are used to support our biannual dinner at the Rosenbaum House. Most retirees were happy just to visit with friends they hadn't seen in a while.
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Backpack Feeding Program
The backpack feeding program started up again for the new school year. With a group this size, it only took one pass along the tables to fill a container. Many hands do make light work. Thanks team!
America's Cowboy Country
Members of the Association traveled with Collette Tours to see cowboy country. They started in Jackson Hole where they saw the Grand Tetons, then to Yellowstone, Cody, Deadwood, Mt. Rushmore and the Badlands with lots of stops in between.
WVURA Book Club
The Book Club reconvened after a summer break. Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson was the book discussed at the September meeting of the club. For more information about the club or future book selections, see Book Club.
Sunday, August 26, 2018
Black Bears Game
Retirees were a part of WVU Fun Day at the ballpark when the Black Bears played Auburn. The Mountaineer was there and there were giveaways. It was a beautiful day and a fun time
Thursday, August 2, 2018
Heinz History Center and the Pittsburgh Strip District
Retirees visited the Heinz History Center to view exhibitions that highlight our regional history then were bused to the strip district to tour the Contemporary Craft Art Gallery and the St. Stanislaus Kostka Church. They also had the option of skipping the tours and spending their time shopping in the district.
Moundsville Excursion
Our retirees visited the Grave Creek Indian Mound before their tour of the West Virginia Penitentiary. They listened to an excellent speaker tell them about life in the penitentiary. After lunch, they visited the Palace of Gold for a guided tour to learn about palace history and view marble, antiques, artwork, and more.
WVURA Book Club
The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and Peoples Temple by Jeff Guinn was the book discussed at the June meeting of the Book Club. For more information about the club or future book selections, see Book Club.
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Rosenbaum Family House Dinner
Members of the Retirees Association made dinner for the residents of Rosenbaum Family House on Thursday evening, May 24, 2018. Our board cooked and our members visited with residents. It was picnic fare and we got lots of compliments.
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Backpack Feeding Program
This was our last month for the backpack feeding program where we pack meals for the weekend for school students. The program will start up again in the fall. Thanks to our loyal volunteers who make our effort a success.
WVURA Book Club
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah was the book discussed at the May meeting of the Book Club. For more information about the club or future book selections, see Book Club.
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Benefits Fair
The Association sponsored a table at the WVU Benefits Fair. We wanted to be sure that retirement-eligible employees know they can join the Association and participate in our events. The WVU Mountaineer helped us get the word out.
Sunday, April 22, 2018
Mountaineer Baseball
WVU Athletics treated retirees to free tickets and free seats in the suites for the Mountaineer baseball game on April 22. The weather was beautiful and not everyone sat inside but it's always fun to be at the ballpark. Thanks Athletics.
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Stars of the Pharaohs
Retirees traveled back in time to see how Egyptians used science to make a workable calendar, tell time, and align huge buildings. They were also able to experience some of the most spectacular temples and tombs of the ancient word recreated in all of their original splendor.
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Backpack Feeding Program
Retirees filled bags with food for school students to take home for the weekend. There are over 800 children that qualify for the feeding program. This group did their part. Thanks, team.
Thursday, April 12, 2019
Annual Meeting
Retirees gathered at the Alumni Center to hear board members report on the last year. They also elected new board members: Lee Beaumont, Lana Cantoni, and Ade Neidermeyer.
WVURA Book Club
A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived: The Human Story Retold Through Our Genes by Adam Rutherford was the book discussed at the April meeting of the Book Club. For more information about the club or future book selections, see Book Club.
Backpack Feeding Program
After several cancellations due to weather and school closings, we finally gathered at Scott's Run to pack bags for the Backpack Feeding Program. We were so excited to get back to work that we forgot to take a team photo. Thanks team for all your hard work.
WVURA Book Club
Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune by Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell, Jr. was the book discussed at the February meeting of the Book Club. For more information about the club or future book selections, see Book Club.
Thursday, March 1, 2018
Virtual CAVE, Geology and Geography
The CAVE is a specially designed structure used to project computer images across the cave walls. Retirees used 3D glasses to experience a sense of immersion within the environment. Both sound and smell were used to reinforce the sense of place.
WVURA Book Club
A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson was the book discussed at the February meeting of the Book Club. For more information about the club or future book selections, see Book Club.
January 25 through March 22, 2018
Seminar Series in Financial Literacy
Naomi Boyd, Chair of the Department of Finance and Director of the Center for Financial Literacy and Education, started the first module of our five module series on financial literacy for retirees. Her focus was on how to achieve financial success through strategic financial planning.
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Backpack Feeding Program
Even though it was five days before Christmas, we had a great turnout for the backpack program. Volunteers packed food bags for school children for the weekend. Great Christmas spirit, gang! For more information on the program, see Backpack Feeding Program.
Thursday, December 7, 2017
Winter Festival of Lights
Retirees traveled to Oglebay Park to view the Winter Festival of Lights. We also toured the mansion and saw the light show at the zoo. Our original plans had to be tweaked somewhat so we ended up having dinner at Oglebay. Both the trip and the food were exceptional.
WVURA Book Club
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari was the book discussed at the December meeting of the Book Club. For more information about the club or future book selections, see Book Club.