Teachers have been in the headlines for a variety of reasons this past school year. Whether it is an issue with the state of Michigan seeking an early retirement from experienced teachers, or the possibility of student progress defining a teacher’s abilities, they are on the subject.
Either way, the Retired Teachers Association of Kalamazoo is not missing the commotion. Each month dozens of retired teachers fromn the area gather to fellowship and celebrate their careers. During a recent meeting, many took the opportunity to display their favorite pastimes and passions.
Roland Stycos is one of them. Stycos retired in 1976 as a music teacher with Kalamazoo Public Schools. He taught on the elementary and junior high level and still today plays jazz and piano for his church, St. Ambrose Church. He is originally from upstate New York and said he has enjoyed traveling and photography for more than 20 years.
“I (not long) returned from Europe and when I heard about the chance to share my photograph here, I thought, this would be fun,” Stycos said of the exhibition at their meeting.
Others too were impressed with Stycos photography, particularly a digital self-portrait of himself. The mistake in lighting led to a uniquely creative effect that drew in viewers.
Christina McGrinson, teacher turned author, display her bilingual children’s book, Christopher, My Forever Friend. The book is a dedication to her son, Christopher murdered before his fifth birthday. It teaches children how to cope with the death of a friend through the eyes of Christopher’s best friend, Brad.
“Many of these teachers I worked with for years and they never knew my story,” said McGrinson who substitute teaches at El Sol, bilingual school. She said exhibitions such as this help others learn a bit more about their colleagues.
Dr. Monroe Johnson Jr. said he has a passion for fishing and wish he would have brought a display to share.
“I am a serious fisherman, and even head to Canada to catch certain kinds,” said Johnson, former assistant principal of Milwood Elementary. He continues to keep himself busy selling pre-paid legal services.
Judy Lemon shared her historical stamp collection. The former special education bus driver retired from Galesburg-Augusta Schools after 26 years where she also served as a substitute teacher. It was in third grade that she took up the hobby of stamp collecting with an uncle.
“Stamp collecting is something you can start at any time and do it for the rest of your life,” said Lemon.
She is proud of her stamps, which highlight such events as the 300th anniversary of explorations, World War II and the space shuttle missions. She does however display some worthless stamps as well.
“These were glued onto envelopes and are not worth anything now,” Lemon said.
Retired teachers who attended the hobby exhibition say they are having fun in their lives and enjoying every minute. Some say they have fulfilled their desire to teach, have raised their own children and now want to enjoy the rest of their life doing what they love.
Lemon agrees. She said she follows some stamp shows and admires those who have truly found some “gems.” “There are so many aspects of stamp collecting and some big money in it if you’re serious,” Lemon said. “I just collect for fun.”
