This Active Life

September 2001

Best Years Guide

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. That should be the mantra of every older American. Seniors are a favorite target of con artists, and many have lost hundreds, even thousands, of dollars to a wide variety of schemes.
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Choices

Meet Don Mack, computer lab facilitator and chair of the learning media services department at Laramie High School in Wyoming. Mack also edits the Albany County Education Association newsletter and serves on the NEA Today Local Editor Advisory Board.
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My Contribution

What?s in a story? Just ask South Carolina member Mozell Robinson. She?s been sharing African-American folk tales and lessons with children and adults around her state for years.
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What Can Your Association Do For You?

Even though they?re separated by land and sea, active and retired members of the Hawaii State Teachers Association-Retired always know they can count on one another in times of need. That unity has become the hallmark of the entire state Association.
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Look at What I've Done

Delaware member Norman Poole taught high school mathematics for more than 30 years. These days, however, you can find Poole in a host of activities: driving a school bus, mentoring elementary children, and leading his state Association as Delaware State Education Association-Retired president. For Poole, it's all in a day?s work as an active NEA-Retired leader.
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Ask the Expert

Each issue of This Active Life tackles one area of retiree concern. In this issue: the types of services and resources available to seniors.
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Personal Pension Profiles

Virginia member Katherine Hairston retired in 1994 after teaching second and third grade for 36 years in Henry County, Virginia. In Virginia, retirees receive a small bonus to their pension for teaching more than 35 years, says Hairston. As a Virginia retiree, Hairston receives a health credit of $75. Because she is over 65, Hairston is covered by Medicare. Currently, Hairston's pension is $2,189.03, after taxes, $1,928.91. She also receives Social Security payments.
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Carving a New Life in Wood

When Hawaii member Herb Kaneko retired from his high school woodshop and vocational education career in 1995, he didn?t want his years of training and love for woodworking to fade away. "I?ve always loved making beautiful pieces with great care," says Kaneko. "Retirement has finally given me the chance and the time to do so."
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