UC Santa Barbara Retirement Association Report
April 2023 Report
Submitted by Kim Summerfield, CUCRA Representative
Membership
Although our membership fell substantially during the pandemic to a low of 145 in October 2020, it's now back to a higher level than pre-pandemic levels, with 392 members. That's good news, but on the down side, we have had several key resignations from our board recently, including President, VP, Secretary, and Treasurer. We now have a new President, Treasurer and an additional CUCRA Rep, and are actively looking for additional board members. At our last board meeting we voted to waive the $15 yearly membership fee for the first year for new members with the hopes that that may inspire new retirees to become involved with the association.
Association's activities
In November we held an open discussion and round table regarding events that members would like to see held. Attendees expressed interest in lectures, local and out of town excursions, and interest groups.
In December we had our annual Holiday Luncheon at a local golf course. Turnout was very good and attendees brought unwrapped toys for a Toys for Tots distribution. We also held a raffle with proceeds going to a future scholarship for a local high school student who will be attending UCSB.
In January we held an antiques appraisal event with a local appraiser. We are in talks with her to do a workshop on downsizing our household possessions.
In March we had a lecture by a local orchid expert on orchid care. A week later we held a meet up at the Santa Barbara International Orchid Festival so that members could tour the exhibits together.
April brings us a sold out tour of the Los Olivos Lavender Fields and olive oil tasting. We will also begin a monthly dinner meet up at a local restaurant.
We will have a bus trip to the Los Angeles Natural History Museum scheduled for June.
Status of the Retirement Center
The Chancellor's Retiree and Emeriti Task Force has been meeting regularly to address issues regarding the lack of a proper UCSB Retirement Center. The chancellor attended the last meeting which is an encouraging sign. While the task force is creating a list of recommendations to be presented to the chancellor at a later date, it felt the need to place an immediate request for increased permanent FTE for a retirement director and assistant at the level of similarly sized campuses. A request for confidential offices (our current retiree assistant uses a cubicle) and meeting space will be forthcoming.