May 2015 Volume 35, Number 5

RETIREES’NEWSLETTER

TCU RETIREES’ MAY PROGRAM

11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 28D.J. Kelly Alumni & Visitor’s Center

Parking in the Center’s Lot Arranged With TCU Police.Reservations Required.

The reservations deadline is Monday, mid-afternoon, May 25 for this meeting. Email Kirk Downey at k.downey@tcu.edu or call him:

972.863.3628 or 214.632.0317.

Pay $11 per meal at the door. Please honor your reservation to avoid being billed. If you have any dietary restrictions, please specify these in making your reservations. Attendees who do not want to eat still need to make reservations but please designate that you will not be eating

so that a meal won’t be ordered for you.

Renovations That Reflect the New Façade Facing

University Blvd.

You may think you need a Sherpa to find your way around the new version of TCU’s li-

brary. At this meeting you’ll at least get descriptions and instructions from the Library’s Dean, June Koelker.

Dean Koelker came to TCU in 1988 as associate director of the library, as Interim Dean and has held many re-sponsibilities in her time at TCU, most recently the major changes inside and out of the library. Previous jobs such as development of the Information Com-mons as well as budget preparation, per-sonnel and administration and technical services gave her the knowledge and skills set for this major task.

In addition to her position, she has given to TCU in volunteer services on task forces, committees and focus groups. Professionally she is a past trea-surer of the Texas Library Association. She has been a member of the American Library Association since 1980 and active in its Library Administration and Management (LAMA) Division since 1990.

Her comment on change is that she realizes how important continuing change is for libraries and intends to integrate the best of these opportunities to meet the needs of students, faculty and staff.

SPEAKER BIO

TCURA established 1983

June KoelkerShares Information About Mary Couts Burnett Library Renovations

2 May 2015 TCU Retirees’ Newsletter

Many retired faculty continue their research and funds are available to help. The Faculty Emeritus Research Fund supports TCU emeritus faculty who remain active in research beyond their formal duties at the University.

These rules/guidelines apply:• Awards must be approved in ad-

vance of project expenditures.• No more than one award will be

made to an individual in any given academic year. Priority will be given to those who have not previously received an award.

• The maximum award is $1,000.• Use of TCU facilities must be

approved by the Emeritus department chair.

Funds are limited; awards will be determined by project merit and potential benefit to TCU. Applica-tions must be complete, including all requested signatures, and may be submitted to the Provost’s Office in Sadler Hall.

Current deadline is May 18, 2015 for the award period June 1, 2015 through May 31, 2016. Residual funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis through the fiscal year, as funding allows, and must be spent by May 31. For up-to-date information, go to: research.tcu.edu.

For up-to-date information, go to: research.tcu.edu.

FACULTY EMERITUS RESEARCH FUND

Alzheimer’s Disease and DementiaPresentations Free for Family Caregivers

The presentations are from the Hos-pice Foundation of America as a part of its 22nd annual “Living with Grief” program. The announcement notes that in these cases, grief does not start with the patient’s death. The families’ grief starts with the diagnosis and con-tinues with the patient’s decline and after death.

The presentations are May 20 and June 17, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. each day, including small breaks in the early part of the presentations and panel discus-sions from 11:30 a.m. until noon. Their location both days is at the Alzheimer’s Association North Central Texas, 2630 West Freeway, Ste. 100, Fort Worth, TX 76102.

Registration is required, and to do so call 817.336.4949.

The presentations are sponsored by The Coalition for Quality End-of-Life Care of which retiree spouse, Kendra J. Belfi, MD, FACP, is a member. She supplied the information thinking that many of TCURA’s members may be dealing with these issues.

The notification says that for nurses, social workers, LNFA, counselors, clergy and other professionals continu-ing education credits are available. There is a $15 fee for professionals and an additional $15 for three hours of CE credits. Many retired faculty may still be active in these profes-sional careers.

ACADEMIC EVENT

May CommencementMay 9, 2015

Fort Worth Convention Center Arena,1201 Houston Street, downtown

Morning - 9 a.m.AddRan, Fine Arts, Business

and University Programs

Afternoon - 2 p.m.Brite, Communication, Education,

Science & Engineering,and Harris College

The Convention Center operates two parkinggarages. Locations can be found at:

www.commencement.tcu.edu.The cost is $15 upon entry,

and cash is advised.

Upcoming Meetings

July 16 Summer Coffee at Chancellor Victor Boschini’s residence. More about this in the July Newsletter. There will not be a June newsletter, although the July edition may arrive early.

To be sure you don’t miss any news from TCU, the latest information isalways available to you online. Go to: http:..newsevents.tcu.edu/stories/

NOTICE

May 2015 TCU Retirees’ Newsletter 3

Aging Well and Safely Into Your 80s and BeyondAfter a long and cold winter, I am

grateful for the advent of spring colors and warmth. I hope you, too, have found beauty in the changing seasons to pave the way for a fabulous 2015!

This month’s column will focus on aging successfully and safely into our 80’s and beyond. Most of us wish to live healthy and long lives, and in-credible advances in science, technol-ogy, and social organizational change may help us reach that goal. Overall, most of us desire an aging experience that supports our independence, men-tal sharpness to make decisions and engage fully with life, mobility, and safety to support our ideas of a qual-ity life. A chronic illness (diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, heart disease, etc.) may affect your ability and drive to meet those goals. This makes it im-perative that you have a close working relationship with your doctor and have a plan to age successfully and safely.

How can we age well and safely? Here are some pointers to meet that goal:n Assess your current life needs

and satisfaction to make a plan of ways to meet that goal. Think about your current state of health (physi-cal, mental, social, spiritual, etc.) and resources (local and beyond) that sup-port aging well and safely. Resources may include access to quality medical care and trusted doctors, transporta-tion, good weather and housing, work or volunteer opportunities, cultural events, information to respond to current health diagnoses and health promotion, relevant community agen-cies for health, and family and friends that improve your quality of life.

n Most importantly, make plans to manage your own health. Your pri-mary care doctor (usually an internist or family practice physician that pro-vides your patient-centered “medical home”) should be your main health care advocate, connect you with the health care system, alert you when it is time for a visit, manage your medi-cations, intervene if you are at risk for disease (e.g., diabetes) and “head the team” of competent professionals (including specialists) to meet your needs. This doctor should also remind you about five simple health promo-tion actions: wear sunblock every day to prevent skin cancer and loss of collagen that causes wrinkles (!), drink lots of water (at least 8 glasses/day) to prevent kidney disease (com-mon with aging), exercise daily, eat healthy foods and amounts, and don’t smoke. At least annually, take all your medications and over the counter pills to your primary care doctor for review and work together to find the best combination of medications and other pills for your health. Part of managing your own health also means under-standing your health insurance policy (Medicare etc.) so you can efficiently use your benefits and save health care costs. Each fall, use the Medicare open enrollment (October 15 – De-cember 7) period for Medicare to carefully review plan choices for one

that best meets your health care needs in the coming year.n Make plans to keep your body

strong, flexible, and in balance. Sta-tistics show that over 30% of persons age 80 years and beyond have diffi-culty walking and 25% have problems getting out of a chair. Aging leads to muscle loss that affects safe mobility inside and outside the home, preven-tion of falls, and strength needed to perform activities of daily living (eating, toileting, etc.). Muscle mass loss may also cause less effective breathing (that leads to increased risk of pneumonia and other respiratory issues) and increased risk of bone fractures. The key here is to prevent as much muscle loss as you can by making a plan for of exercise in consultation with your primary care doctor. A program of cardio exercise, yoga, walking, weight bearing, and strength training can prevent muscle loss or build it up after illness (most experts say aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day). Recent tech-nology (e.g., the Fitbit bracelet), that allows tracking of steps and physi-cal exercise outcomes, may make exercise more rewarding. Research shows yoga and tai chi benefit one’s balance and flexibility to prevent falls. Many heath insurance policies cover exercise programs for older adults, a testimony to their value in promot-ing older persons’ health (e.g., Silver Sneakers). Overall exercise, including something as simple as a daily walk for 30-40 minutes, is the #1 effective patient driven action to age well!n Develop plans to stay men-

tally engaged to prevent Alzheimers’

HEALTH HELP NOWby Carolyn Cagle

More HEALTH HELP NOW on P4

4 May 2015 TCU Retirees’ Newsletter

disease and other cognitive decline illnesses. A program of physical and mental exercise “stalls off” problems with thinking often associated with aging. Social and nature connections, volunteering or working, learning new things and ideas, traveling, learning a new language, or accepting new challenges help stimulate the brain structure to operate crisply during the aging process. Computer technology such as email, Twitter, Googlechat and Skype allow persons unable to travel to vicariously “visit” far-away others and build social connections important to aging success. Mental stimulation also happens with the spiritual work of meditation, mindful-ness, nature walking, and other mind-body therapies focused on relaxation. A strong religious faith and positive life attitude also foster one’s resiliency and ability to successfully age.n Ponder and implement plans to

structure your home for future needs and support independent living as long as possible (“aging in place.”). You may wish to move or remodel your home so that living occurs on only one floor, there is easy access to bathing (no step-over for tub or show-er) and shower/tub grab bars, level-

type door knobs are at waist level, stairs could accommodate a chair-lift, and hallways are wide enough for wheelchairs or other assistive devices (canes, walkers). Technology of-fers home thermostats regulated by iPhones (e.g., the NEST). Overall, there are new inventions coming “to the market” daily to increase safety and comfort of aging persons to allow them to stay in their homes (my moth-er has a machine that automatically sends her BP to her doctor’s office for monitoring and doctor alerts for care). Aging persons can also safely drive longer due to multiple advances in car technology (e.g., cars that auto-matically brake with perception of a barrier ahead). Think also about how to minimize needed outside landscap-ing and outside chores. The National Association of Home Builders has many great ideas on its website about how to comfortably and safely “age in place” with currently available “SMART” technology. Exciting dis-cussions on the societal need for com-munities to structure housing units responsive to aging persons’ physical, social, and spiritual needs appear often in the news. These offer fuel for changing ideas on the definition of community and societal benefits with using wisdom and skills of persons of

various ages to create “vibrant living and helping” living areas.n Contemplate moving to a retire-

ment or aging community to “age in place.” As you know, there has been tremendous growth in retirement com-munities that offer spaces conducive to small village living, assistance with health care needs and transportation, light housekeeping, and social events. The cost of this village living can be expensive for many aging persons, the wide range of available services and freedom from home ownership demands make this later life choice of living priceless until there is a need for more structured care (assisted liv-ing, living with family, etc.). n As I have transitioned into retire-

ment from TCU, I have greatly en-joyed sharing my health care knowl-edge with you this year. I hope to continue to share further information with you in the fall that will nurture your future health and well being.

References:Carstensen, L. L. (2014, February 23 – March 2). The new age of much older age. Time, pp. 69-70.How to live well into your 80’s and beyond: Five keys to a long healthy life (2014, June). Consumer Reports, pp. 37-40.

HEALTH HELP NOW from P3

DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS?

The Gallery is located on the TCU campus in the Sid Richardson Science Building at the corner of West Bowie Street and Cockrell.WEBSITE: www.monnigmuseum.tcu.eduADMISSION: Free. Audio wands are available.HOURS: 1 P.M. to 4 P.M. Tuesday through Friday and 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. on Saturday.GROUPS: Mornings from Tuesday through Friday are reserved for groups of 10 or more

that have made a previous appointmentto visit the gallery.CONTACT INFO:Phone: 817-257-MARS (6277)FAX: 817-257-7789DIRECTOR: Teresa Moss t.moss@tcu.eduCURATOR: Dr. Arthur Ehlmann a.ehlmann@tcu.edu

The Oscar E. Monnig Meteorite Gallery

Specimen: Springwater, Canada (pallasite) Found: 1931

May 2015 TCU Retirees’ Newsletter 5

Second Survey of Retirees’ Experiences With Medical CoverageReflects Disappointment and Concern Regarding the Change

AD HOC COMMITTEE’S SECOND SURVEY

At its April 6 meeting the TCURA Board approved the second report from the Ad Hoc Committee’s Second Survey to get feedback from TCU retirees about their experi-ences with the change in benefits. What follows is the report.

TCU Retirees Ad HocCommittee’s Second Report onHealth Care Changes in 2013:

March 2015 update

I. Prolog

A. TCU Retiree Health Care Ben-efits prior to June 1, 2013 – Commit-ments Kept.

For decades, TCU retirees have remained in the same health plans (with adjusted premiums) that they accessed as employees. This allowed TCU to use its negotiating power to maximize benefits in the market place, and enabled retirees to prudently plan for their future health care expenses.

B. TCU Retiree Health Care Benefits after June 1, 2013 – Commit-ments Broken.

On February 4, 2013, TCU an-nounced that TCU retirees would be moved out of the TCU benefits system and were required to negotiate as indi-viduals in the health care market (al-beit with a set amount of money put in health benefit accounts for each retiree and covered spouse). This announce-ment was presented to retirees as a fait accompli with no prior consultation and hence no ability for retirees to plan ahead for this change. It also contra-dicted the Retiree Handbook at the

time of announcement. Additionally, it appears that the decision was made with no regard, or lack of understand-ing, of the degree to which the new ar-rangement would provide significantly less benefits to retirees, particularly in terms of pharmacy benefits.

C. The first report from the Ad Hoc Committee in early 2014 covered only 7 months (June to December, 2013) of the TCU retiree experience with the new health care regimen while this re-port covers the full 12 months of 2014, an important difference since many insurance features such as deductibles, copays and formularies can reset on the first day of each calendar year.

II

A review of the findings of the 2014 TCU Retiree Association Survey on Health Care

In early 2104 the TCU Retiree Association surveyed its members regarding the 2013 Changes to the TCU Retiree health care that were introduced unilaterally by the TCU administration.

A. 2014 Survey Results.In general, the survey results show

that many retirees are dissatisfied or greatly dissatisfied with the insurance coverage in the new program, with the out-of –pocket costs for purchased drugs, and with the manner in which the new coverage meets their expecta-tions for retirement. In short, when over half of the constituency of a program is dissatisfied with a program, it is difficult to call it a success. This assumes that some degree of satisfac-

tion with the program is desired.B. The Survey Indicated that the

Dissatisfaction centered with Medicare Part D.

At the time of tabulation, 185 survey responses had been returned. This represented 279 of 427 (65%) Extend Health enrollees. Satisfaction with Medicare Part D was evenly split (50 +/- 1%) between satisfied and dissatisfied. The committee had heard complaints about being dropped from CARES, but was shocked to find that one-half of the respondents were un-happy with their new, TCU-subsidized ($202.72/person/month) insurance coverage.

Sixty-four percent of respondents reported that prescription costs were more expensive with Medicare Part D than with CARES. Twenty percent of respondents reported that they had not filled a prescription because of the cost! Other respondents reported they reduced or skipped the recommended dose. Ninety-four percent of respon-dents who were dissatisfied with Medicare Part D also mentioned that their medications were more expen-sive in Medicare Part D compared to CARES.

III

The 2015 Survey Results. A slightly modified version of the 2014 Survey was administered to the Re-tirees in early 2015. The results were very similar to the 2014 Survey.

A. In the 2015 Survey, the retirees

More SECOND SURVEY on P6

6 May 2015 TCU Retirees’ Newsletter

were fairly evenly split in terms of the satisfaction with the Medicare Part D portion of their TCU retiree health care benefit. Fifty-six percent reported being Very satisfied (9%) or Satisfied (47%). Forty-three percent reported being Dissatisfied (34%) or Very Dis-satisfied (9%).

B. Likewise, the retirees were also fairly evenly split in terms of whether the cost of prescription drugs was a problem for their household bud-gets. Forty-four percent reported that the cost of prescription drugs was an Ex-tremely Serious Problem (4%), Very Serious Problem (6%), or Serious Problem (34%). While the fifty-six percent reported the cost of prescription drugs was Not Significant.

C. Additionally, most retirees reported that the cost of their pre-scription drugs were more expensive. Sixty-three percent reported that their prescription drugs were Much More Expensive (21%) or More Expensive (42%). Thirty-seven percent reported that their prescription drugs were About The Same (30%) or Much Less Expensive (7%)

D. Finally, only thirty-one percent of retirees reported that they were able to fill all prescriptions regardless of cost, while seventy-four percent reported that they failed to fill a prescription because of cost, skipped doses or took smaller doses to make a prescription last longer.

IV

In short, the 2013 Changes to TCU retiree health care remain a major issue and problem. A significant number of retirees (10 and 25 percent) are financially unable to cope with the changes. To the best of our knowl-edge, the percentage of retirees that were having significant problems with the cost of prescription drugs before June 2013 was zero. Additionally, this will not apply only to current retir-

ees, but will continue to apply in the same proportions to all future retirees. Con-sequently, the current university actions will create a continuous class of retirees who are greatly disadvan-taged by the broken promises of the univer-sity. In short, if noth-ing changes, 15 to 25 percent of all current

and future retirees will suffer great financial harm with Medicare Part D. Finally, we should recognize that no one knows nor can predict which in-dividuals will be in the group that will experience these significant problems since we can’t predict how our health will change over time.

V

As with last year’s survey the respondents were once again invited to make comments concerning the changes in TCU’s health insurance for retirees, particularly regarding Medi-care Part D, the prescription drug cov-erage, which proved to be the major focus of dissatisfaction in last year’s survey. About half of the returned surveys (86 of 150) had comments, but

many of those were questions or not directly relevant to insurance coverage experiences. From those respondents who made positive or negative com-ments concerning the prescription drug coverage 28 typical comments (24 negative and 4 neutral or positive) are shown below. There weren’t any more positive or neutral comments, but there were some additional negative ones essentially repeating the points raised in the shown examples.

POSITIVE ORNEUTRAL COMMENTS

“I’m not impacted because I only use a few generic drugs, but if that changes I could easily end up in the donut hole; the drug situation is scary!”

“We think the TCU reimbursement program is great. With Humana ($15.60 premium) our highest copay is $12.”

“I do not take any prescription drugs on a regular basis.”

“Present arrangement works well for someone like me who has good overall health and makes limited use of prescriptions, but this wouldn’t be the case for anyone requiring expen-sive drugs on an ongoing basis.”

NEGATIVE COMMENTS

“Inadequate prescription drug cover-age; Insurance coverage is poor—more out-of-pocket and out-of-net-work coverage than under CARES; When we dedicate our professional life to TCU we hoped they would

More SECOND SURVEY on P7

SECOND SURVEY from P5

Twenty percent of respondents reported that they had not filled a prescription because of the cost! Other respondents reported they reduced or skipped the recommended dose.

May 2015 TCU Retirees’ Newsletter 7

reward us as we age with reasonable insurance coverage.”

“Increasing the HSA by a percentage each year would demonstrate that our service to TCU was really ap-preciated.”

“Formularies are not as good as they were under CARES (a common complaint)”

“I fell into the donut hole in August and would have to pay $5000 for the remainder of the year for two drugs, which we can’t afford. After submit-ting financial information to the drug company I got one of the drugs at a lower cost but for the other I use a lower dose. I’ve never had to ask for assistance before and found it rather humiliating.”

“Like most retirees we have dramati-cally increased expenses for pre-scribed drugs.”

“The continued question of TRUST has not been addressed.”

“Large variation in drug prices from year to year from +9% to +630% averaging 266% for seven drugs.”

“May elect to forego treatment be-cause of cost.”

“I am disappointed that the allocation to retirees is not sufficient to get the same 100% medical coverage as before.”

“I feel TCU just wanted to wash their hands of retiree medical coverage.”

“The part D drug coverage is very

sub-standard to what we had before the change.”

“The cost of our prescription drugs has more than tripled in 2014 in spite of having stopped taking one of the most expensive drugs. My doctor is working with me to try to find something else, but there’s not much hope. It’s all very distressing.”

“How can TCU expect to be a world class institution when it sends out re-ports of how much money has been donated (millions – more money than ever) and still does not treat its retirees with respect when they have helped TCU reach its present status? Greedy! Greedy! Greedy! Some retirees may choose not to include TCU in their wills because they are already paying high bills. What if someone wrote a letter to the news-paper about the current situation?”

“I spent over $6000 last year for prescriptions. When I retired I was not planning on that. I had good insurance and didn’t know TCU was doing away with our insurance until afterwards.”

“After a career at TCU with below average salaries retirees were cut loose by the administration! We stopped giving to TCU! Sadly we now have negative attitudes toward a place we once loved!”

“I’m satisfied with the health insur-ance but the drug insurance is bad. Last month my doctor called in a prescription and the insurance wouldn’t pay for it; for another one they wanted me to pay $500 so I didn’t get it. My husband stopped taking a drug called xxxx because it cost so much.”

“This least expensive plan is a book-keeping nightmare; sometimes we wait over a month for payment only to be told our claim was “DENIED”. Help from TCU staff often can get it paid with a second processing. There should be a better way.”

“Don’t like the annual changes in formulary and which pharmacies are preferred or no longer in the net-work.”

“Our current prescription program is much more expensive because of the donut hole!”

“The donut hole is a “killer.” I am in it by April.”

“Disappointed with the TCU adminis-tration; we long for CARES/Express Scripts.”

“I spent 49 years at TCU wish we had the same coverage as then.

“The change in TCU’s retiree cover-age has had a considerable adverse effect on us.”

“Our expenditures tripled from 2013 to 2014!”

Respectfully submitted by Jean Walbridge,President of the TCURetiree’s Association

And the TCU RetireesAd Hoc Committeeon Health InsuranceLarry AdamsEmily BurgwynKirk DowneyManfred Reinecke, Chair

““

SECOND SURVEY from P6

8 May 2015 TCU Retirees’ Newsletter

Newsletter Design: Broc Sears . School of Strategic Communication faculty . Bob Schieffer College of Communication . 817.257.5052 . b.sears@tcu.edu

Officers

PresidentJean Walbridge817-921-6676817-680-2527 cellfolkart@airmail.net

Vice PresidentH. Kirk Downey972-863-3628 or214-632-0317 k.downey@tcu.edu

SecretaryBill Pohl817-927-0604w.pohl@tcu.edu

TreasurerVictor Belfi817-923-2450v.belfi@tcu.edu

ArchivistJudith Smith817-921-4798j.o.smith@tcu.edu

Past PresidentPaul Hartman 817-423-0532paul.hartman@tcu.edu

EditorDoug Newsom817-732-2901d.newsom@tcu.edu

Representatives

Brite DivinityStan Hagadone972-393-8688j.hagadone@tcu.edu

Neeley SchoolSanoa Hensley817-923-1412s.hensley@tcu.edu

Bob Schieffer College of CommunicationDoug Newsom817-732-2901d.newsom@tcu.edu

EducationLuther Clegg817-924-8406LutherBClegg@gmail.com

Fine ArtsEmmet Smith817-921-4798j.o.smith@tcu.edu

Harris CollegeWilladean Ball817-731-1426weball43@charter.net

HumanitiesBill Pohl817-927-0604w.pohl@tcu.edu

Natural SciencesManfred Reinecke817-924-8536m.reinecke@tcu.edu

Social ScienceLarry Adams817-926-7314l.adams@tcu.edu

Staff Will Stallworth817-346-8485w.stallworth@tcu.edu

Admin. LiaisonBronson Davis817-763-8589BronsonClarkDavis@gmail.com

Rep.-at-LargeBill Ray 903.523.5982 front30@mac.com

University Committee Representatives

Retirement / BenefitsEmily Burgwyn817-688-1719e.burgwyn@tcu.edu

Retirement Program Mgr.Tracy Thompson817-257-5017t.thompson@tcu.edu

TCU Retirees’ Association Board of Directors 2014-2015

MISSION STATEMENT

The Texas Christian Univer-sity Retirees’ Association ex-ists to provide opportunities for fellowship, to promote lifelong learning, to advocate for fair benefits, to recognize the accomplishments of its members, and to strengthen the relationship between the retirees and the University.

A sampling fromwww.holidayinsights.com

Month Celebrations• Date Your Mate Month • Foster Care Month • National Barbecue Month • National Bike Month • National Blood Pressure Month • National Hamburger Month • National Photograph Month • National Recommitment Month • National Salad Month • Older Americans Month

Weekly Celebrations• Nurse’s Week - first week• Wildflower Week - week two • National Bike Week - third week • National Police Week - third week • Emergency Medical Services Week - fourth week

Daily Holidays, Specialand Wacky Days1 International Tuba Day 1 May Day 1 Loyalty Day

1 Mother Goose Day 1 Save the Rhino Day 1 Space Day 2 Baby Day 2 Brothers and Sisters Day 3 Lumpy Rug Day 3 World Press Freedom Day 4 Bird Day 4 National Candied Orange Peel Day 4 Renewal Day 4 Star Wars Day 5 Cinco de Mayo 5 National Hoagie Day 5 Oyster Day 6 Beverage Day 5 National Teachers Day6 National Tourist Appreciation Day 6 National Nurses Day 6 No Diet Day 6 School Nurses Day7 National Tourism Day 8 Iris Day 8 Military Spouses Day8 No Socks Day 8 V-E Day 8 World Red Cross Day World Red Crescent Day 9 Birth Mother’s Day

9 International Migratory Bird Day9 Lost Sock Memorial Day 9 National Train Day10 Clean up Your Room Day 10 Mother’s Day 11 Eat What You Want Day 11 Twilight Zone Day 12 Fatigue Syndrome Day 12 International Nurses Day 12 Limerick Day 13 Frog Jumping Day 13 Leprechaun Day 13 National Receptionist Day14 Dance Like a Chicken Day 15 National Bike to Work Day15 National Chocolate Chip Day 15 Police Officer’s Memorial Day 16 Armed Forces Day16 Love a Tree Day 16 National Sea Monkey Day 16 Wear Purple for Peace Day 17 Pack Rat Day 18 International Museum Day 18 No Dirty Dishes Day 18 Visit Your Relatives Day 19 Boy’s Club Day 20 Be a Millionaire Day20 Pick Strawberries Day

21 National Memo Day 21 National Waiters & Waitresses Day 22 Buy a Musical Instrument Day 23 International Jazz Day23 Lucky Penny Day 24 National Escargot Day 25 Memorial Day 25 National Missing Children’s Day 25 Tap Dance Day 25 Victoria Day(Canada)26 Sally Ride Day 27 Sun Screen Day 28 Amnesty International Day 29 Learn About Composting Day 30 Water a Flower Day 31 National Macaroon Day 31 Save Your Hearing Day 31 World No Tobacco Day

MAY, 2015 BIZARRE AND UNIQUE HOLIDAYS