Category: General

WRS Webinars Offered in October and November

ETF (Department of Employee Trust Funds) is offering a series of 30-minute, live, interactive webinars designed to increase your understanding of Wisconsin Retirement System benefits. Individuals can also ask questions at the end of these sessions. Visit their webinar page to learn more about any of the following sessions.

5 Basic Steps to Your Retirement
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/6177398674628200193

Consider this webinar your quick reference guide to starting the retirement process within the next 12 months. We’ll review: choosing a termination date, how to request a retirement estimate – and how to read and understand it. We’ll also cover how to schedule a retirement appointment and – drum roll here — how to submit the retirement application.

  • Fri, Nov 1, 2019 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Thu, Nov 7, 2019 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Wed, Nov 13, 2019 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Mon, Nov 18, 2019 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Choosing When to Retire
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/2991479070862002947

This webinar will focus primarily on choosing your optimal termination and WRS benefit effective dates. The focus will include not only the “December versus January” decision, but also how retirement timing at any point during the year can affect your retirement annuity amount and other employee retirement benefits as well.

  • Thu, Oct 17, 2019 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Fri, Nov 1, 2019 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Thu, Nov 14, 2019 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Thu, Nov 21, 2019 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Tue, Nov 26, 2019 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

How to Use ETF’s Online Retirement Calculator
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/4105621899758973185

ETF’s online retirement calculator, one of the most-used tools on our website, allows you to calculate an unofficial projection of your WRS retirement benefit at any point in the future. This webinar will cover where to find and how to use the calculator, specific information required for data entry (e.g., desired retirement date, spouse or partner’s birthdate, etc.) and how to interpret the results. There will be time at the end of the webinar to ask specific questions on this topic.

  • Wed, Nov 6, 2019 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Thu, Nov 14, 2019 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Wed, Nov 20, 2019 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Thu, Nov 21, 2019 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Preparing for Your Retirement
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/7855498608381434113

Who should attend? Employees who are planning to retire in the next 1 – 10 years.

Learn about your steps to retire with the WRS. Attend this event by live webinar! You will learn about the impact of contributions and investment returns on your account, when you can retire, your WRS annuity options, returning to work after you retire, what happens to your account when you die, health and life insurance, and more.

Questions are welcome during and after the event!

  • Thu, Oct 24, 2019 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  • Tue, Oct 29, 2019 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Wed, Nov 13, 2019 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Variable Fund
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/2212152925566071297

In this webinar we will discuss the Variable Fund – what it is, how it differs from the Core Fund, and the effect participation in this fund may have on your retirement benefit calculations. We will also discuss how to elect to participate in the Variable Fund, how to cancel Variable participation, and the impact the timing of these decisions may have on your Wisconsin Retirement System benefits.

  • Thu, Nov 7, 2019 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Tue, Nov 12, 2019 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Wed, Nov 20, 2019 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Mon, Nov 25, 2019 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Register for a webinar

Please contact Human Resources at (920) 465-2390 or payrollandbenefits@uwgb.edu with any questions.

Employee Spotlight: Molly Vandervest

Molly VandervestName: Molly Vandervest

Position at UWGB: Senior Associate AD for Development

Summary of what you do: I oversee anything that generates external revenue for the department including fundraising, ticket sales and corporate sponsorships.

How long have you been employed: 5 years (heading into my 6th season); prior to UW-Green Bay I worked for Downtown Green Bay, Inc. for 12 years

Brief history of employment with UWGB: I started with the University in July of 2014 as the Assistant Director of Development for the Athletic Department strictly focused on fundraising and have grown in my role now to include all areas of revenue generation for the department.

Three words that describe you: Energetic, genuine and optimistic

Personal interests: Spending time with my family (preferably in the north woods) which includes my husband Nate (a 2003 GB grad), our three kids Alice, George and Michael and our Newfoundland puppy Becky.

Random facts/interests: I’m currently going back to school for the first time in 15 years here at UW-Green Bay as part of the Applied Leadership master’s program with plans to graduate in May 2020.

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most? I absolutely love the team of people I get to work with in Athletics because it’s a high energy, fast-paced environment. I also have the privilege to connect with some incredible supporters, alumni and legends of the program. The picture of me with this write-up is with Coach Carol Hammerle who was an idol of mine growing up – special moments like this make my job the best!

 

Try this No-Excuse 30 Minute Workout!

Try this 30-minute workout you can do anywhere.

Warm-Up—5 Minutesfallbiking

Slowly walk, bicycle, or go up and down the stairs.

Aerobic Exercise—10 Minutes

Choose an activity you enjoy—anything that raises your heart rate and makes you breathe harder, like walking briskly, jogging, dancing, bicycling, or jumping rope. Do it at least hard enough that you can talk but not sing. Comfortable? Then work harder so you can’t say more than a few words without stopping for a breath. This gives you more benefits in the same time. Pick different activities on different days to prevent boredom.

Strengthening—10 Minutes

Try to do each exercise eight to 12 times, then rest one minute and do eight to 12 more. Do only as many as you can while maintaining good form.

Squats: Stand with your back to a sturdy chair, feet shoulder-width apart. Reach forward in front of your shoulders. Bend forward slightly at the hips, back straight. Bend your knees, and lower your bottom toward the chair to a count of four until you’re almost sitting. Keep your knees in line with your ankles and behind your toes. Pause. Rise to a count of two.

Wall pushups: Stand facing a wall. Reach forward in front of your shoulders. The wall should be just out of reach. Lean forward slightly from your ankles, back straight, and place your palms against the wall. Bend your elbows, and lower yourself toward the wall to a count of four. Pause. Push up to a count of two.

Abdominal Curls: Lie down on your back. Bend your knees, and plant your feet flat on the floor, hands behind your head. Point your elbows out to the sides. Lift your chin toward the ceiling, and your shoulders and upper back should be off the floor to a count of two. Pause. Lower yourself to a count of two.

Article from the StayWell Company, LLC

Herb-Crusted Tilapia for Two

Ingredients

2 tilapia fillets (about 3/4 pound)

1 tablespoon flour

1 large egg, plus 1 tablespoon water

2 tablespoons mixed herbs

1/2 cup panko (Japanese-style breadcrumbs)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Sprinkle flour on waxed paper. Rub fillets with flour. Beat egg with water in a shallow dish. On waxed paper, mix panko with herbs. Dip floured fillets in egg wash and roll in herb-panko mixture, patting it gently so that it sticks to the fish. Heat oil in a nonstick frying pan to medium high. Saute fish about 3 minutes. Turn once and cook for another 3 minutes. Serve immediately.

tilapia

Serves 2

Each serving contains about 317 calories, 39 g protein, 11 g fat (31%  calories from fat), 148 mg cholesterol, 15 g carbohydrates, 1.5 g fiber, and 132 mg sodium.

Recipe from the StayWell Company, LLC.

ETF Retirement Presentations in November in our Region

ATTENTION: Any employee considering retirement within the next 12 months or any employee within 1 year of minimum retirement age (age 50 for protective category employees or age 55 for all other categories):

The Department of Employee Trust Funds will be in Manitowoc, at Lakeshore Technical College on November 4th and 5th, 2019 and Green Bay, at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College on November 19th and 20th, 2019 to provide an overview of the retirement process and answer questions regarding your WRS retirement. Topics covered include, but are not limited to:  calculating your retirement pension, explanation of monthly annuity payment options, filling out retirement applications and beneficiary forms, future annuity adjustments, life insurance, health insurance, returning to work, etc.

ETF has tailored group appointment retirement sessions for members planning (or considering) retirement in the near future.  These sessions are similar to an individual appointment in Madison, with the same information presented, as well as the opportunity for WRS members to ask questions of knowledgeable, experienced ETF staff.

ENROLLMENT IS LIMITED.  These sessions tend to fill up quickly. If you wish to schedule an appointment for one of these sessions, please contact ETF at the number below as soon as possible. Registration for the Manitowoc sessions will close on Monday, October 21st. Registration for the Green Bay sessions will close on Tuesday, November 5th.

You must already have a retirement estimate to schedule an appointment to attend this session.  If you do not currently have a retirement estimate, you may order one when you schedule your appointment.  Other dates throughout the year and other locations throughout the state are available, if these dates are not convenient for you.

Ordering an estimate or scheduling an appointment does not require you to retire.  This can be for informational purposes only if that is all you need.

CALL 1-877-533-5020 TOLL-FREE TO SCHEDULE.

Bring Fitness Into Your Home Today

Try one of these ideas today in your home:

Watching TV? Turn commercial breaks into fitness breaks and do push-ups or crunches during them.

Challenge your kids to a plank contest.

  • Lie on the ground facedown with your hands next to your shoulders.
  • Press your body up so you’re on your hands and toes.
  • Hold the position, breathing normally, for as long as you can.

Take a few minutes to pull weeds, rake leaves, or sweep your sidewalk. (Bonus: You’ll boost your home’s curb appeal!)leaves2

Tackle that to-do list. Paint the bathroom, organize your closet, or clean out your garage.

 

Article from the StayWell Company, LLC

Lime Shrimp Kebabs

There’s nothing like a summer barbecue with family and friends to celebrate the season.

For a quick, easy, and healthy meal, add a green salad and fresh corn on the cob and you’re good to go.

Ingredients

  • 3 large limeslimekebabs
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed and peeled
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper
  • 2 tsp. olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. fresh cilantro, cleaned and chopped
  • 16 large shrimp, uncooked, deveined
  • 10 medium cherry tomatoes, rinsed and dried
  • 10 small white-button mushrooms, wiped clean and stems removed

Directions

In a glass measuring cup, squeeze limes, yielding ¼ cup of juice. Add the garlic, pepper, olive oil, and cilantro and stir. Place the shrimp in a medium bowl and pour the cilantro lime marinade over the shrimp. Let the shrimp marinate for 10 to 15 minutes in the refrigerator. Alternate cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and shrimp on 4 skewers. Preheat the grill to medium heat. Grill the skewers for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the shrimp are just cooked through.

Makes 2 servings

Each serving contains 160 calories,  6 g fat, 85 mg cholesterol, 95 mg sodium, and 17 g carbohydrates.

Recipe from the StayWell Company, LLC.

TIAA “Save Smart, Start Early” Free Workshop on October 14th

TIAA

The financial knowledge to help plan for whatever life brings

TIAA has experience helping people save and invest since 1918. We’re proud to share that knowledge with you in the form of fun, interactive and informative workshops. Here is a workshop that is coming soon to UW-Green Bay. You’re welcome to invite a colleague who may also want to attend!

Enrollment presentation:  Save smart, start early

Join us on Monday, October 14, 2019, from 3 – 4 p.m. at The 1965 Room in the University Union for a presentation designed to help you understand your UW Tax-Sheltered Annuity 403(b) Program options. It’s a lot easier to spend than save. But getting into a saving mindset now could make a big difference later. Start with a plan that works for you and follow it. It might be easier than you think.

The University of Wisconsin offers a comprehensive UW Tax-Sheltered Annuity 403(b) Program to meet the diverse needs of our community. Understanding your retirement savings options can help you make the most of them.

This presentation can help you understand:

  • Why you should enroll
  • How much you should save
  • What the basics of investing are

No matter where you are in life, you can plan and start saving for the retirement you want.

Come and learn how to create a plan that can help you reach your goals—on your time line.

Mark your calendar to attend!  Please contact payrollandbenefits@uwgb.edu or (920) 465-2390 if you have any questions.

Reminder: Listening Sessions for the Chancellor Search are Wednesday, Oct. 2; Skype and Survey Links Listed

As the search committee begins the work of identifying a new chancellor for UW-Green Bay, you are invited to attend one or more of the listening sessions to be held on campus this week Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019. The listening sessions will be administered by the chair of the search and screen committee, Regent Robert Atwell, and vice-chair of the committee, UW-Green Bay Prof. Michael Draney. All employees will have an opportunity to watch/listen via Skype. All sessions are open to the public. Feedback to the committee is welcome at this survey.

To Skype into any of the Green Bay Campus sessions use this link.

Session 1:  Faculty and staff focus
8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Alumni Room (UU 103), Green Bay Campus

Session 2:  Student focus
9:45 to 10:45 a.m.
Alumni Room (UU 103), Green Bay Campus

Session 3:  Faculty and staff focus
10:45 to 11:45 a.m.
Alumni Room (UU 103, Green Bay Campus

Session 4:  Faculty, staff and student focus
2:45 to 3:45 p.m.
Wombat Room (2114), Sheboygan Campus

To Skype into the Sheboygan Campus session use this link.

These sessions provide an opportunity for members of the campuses and larger communities to offer thoughts and feedback as to the direction for the University’s next leader. Although forums are directed at particular stakeholder groups, all are open and all are welcome to attend any of the sessions. A Skype link is provided for those who cannot attend in person and the committee will take feedback from those who may not be able to attend via this survey.

The search for a new UW-Green Bay chancellor began with the announcement by the UW System Sept. 13, 2019. Please see the Board of Regents Protocol for the Chancellor Search & Screen Process for more information on the search committee selection process.