Welcome to the Retiree Division

Welcome to the Retiree Division section of Local 1180's new website. More than just a drop-in center, the Retiree Division provides retirees of CWA Local 1180 with a venue to pursue their social, intellectual, and educational interests throughout their retirement. Through thoughtful and creative planning, the staff of the Retiree Division prepares a monthly calendar representing a compilation of some of the greatest activities in the area at any given moment. Broadway shows, trips, speakers, lunches, and interactive workshops allow retirees to socialize with peers, have fun, and learn a little along the way.

We can only begin to tell you about how glad our retirees are to have a one-stop-shopping experience that offers so many ways to keep busy, engaged, and active. We hope that you make the decision to join in on some of the fun. Read the monthly calendar to see what events are coming up, and then call to reserve your space. Remember that we are providing programs for more than 4,000 retirees in the New York City area, so space may be limited.

We have a special welcome gift for all 'newbie' retirees. Or, if you are an existing retiree, stop by the office just to say hello. We can't wait to greet you all.

Suzanne E. Beatty, LMSW

Retiree Division Director

Biography

Director's Message

This past month I had the unusual opportunity to attend both the Staten Island and Queens Borough meetings, as well as the Benefit Conference in Tampa and Boca Raton, Florida. I do get out to several boroughs frequently and I always attend the events in the Southern States, but duty always seems to conspire against me on the dates of the Staten Island and Queens meetings and I haven’t been able to attend in a very long time. Attending these member events are always a highlight as I see smart and happy retirees and hear stories of ever-changing life circumstances and resilience. It has been meaningful for me to connect the stories year to year and to see your connections and friendship with fellow retirees.

When I see you all, I think of the previous events that we shared and the other things happening at Local 1180 and in my own personal life during those times. A scene of my former life fills in around every face I see, and even now I happily recall Maria, Alice, Norma, Carol, Karen and Rob, Gloria, Jeannette, Ann, Bella, Ruth, and Zorina in Florida, and Mary and Ann and Victoria and Robert and Carol and Dorothy in Staten Island, and Dolores, Elaine, Carol, Anna, Morty, Mirium, Mary, Dorothy, and Estina in Queens — as well as dozens more of you who I have developed a relationship with throughout the years. Some of you I know as a familiar face and others I know by name, but all your stories are woven into the tapestry that is 1180. 

So while the Retiree Division is a benefit program, what I see and know is that connections are the cornerstone of the program. Yeah, we do benefit stuff, but it’s the connections that are key — your connections to staff, connections to benefit providers, your connections to community agencies, and of course, your connections to each other. 

It is well documented that a great conundrum of retirement is that the relationships formed during your work years, seven hours a day, five days a week for ‘ump-teen’ years, mostly evaporate during retirement. While you are sure glad to be rid of some people and thank heaven that you are out of that place, there are few activities that fulfill the human need for social interaction to the degree that work does. Countless studies have shown that people with social connections are happier and healthier than those without. Connected people have increased physical health, a boosted immune system, a more positive outlook on life, improved mental sharpness, and live longer, happier lives. The effect is comparable to lowering blood pressure, stopping smoking, or going from obese to a slim and trim you!

Some people may have to make an intentional effort to stay socially active. You may have to overcome shyness or low energy or look for something to get involved in, but the benefits of improved health and wellness will be worth it. Happy May to you all.