Westchester Section retirees who signed up for the Si Beagle COVID-19 Metamorphosis Class are creating historic records of the pandemic of 2020 as they write their memoirs of life as we are living it today. 

Rosanna Nesi, the coordinator of the Retired Teachers Chapter’s Westchester Section, also known as the WPR section because it includes Putnam and Rockland counties, reports that retirees are enjoying the 12-class Beagle schedule she has put together. 

“Where I once did the legwork of finding physical spaces for our annual meetings and seminars, or restaurants for our popular Dine Arounds, I now do the work of setting up Zoom meetings, seminars and courses and getting teachers for the classes,” she explained. “Retirees here have always appreciated having this local section because it allows them to stay in touch with the union and colleagues without having to go over the bridge to the city.” 

The course schedule includes something for everyone, with several book clubs, yoga and meditation classes, a series of Alfred Hitchcock films, the history of jazz, arts and crafts and the memoir class. 

“The more I reach out, the more response I get,” Nesi said. “Retirees are looking for things to do.” 

She has been able to encourage those whose technology skills are limited and who are intimidated by Zoom. 

What delights Nesi is the after-class social interaction that has developed — the Zoom coffee klatches and cocktail get-togethers that retirees arrange by email. “This is not like going on a blind date because you’ve met these people in class and feel comfortable with them,” she said. 

It has been a busy two years since Nesi stepped into the section leadership. In the spring, for example, she made 1,200 calls to retirees to check on their well-being and arrange help for those who needed it. 

She is grateful for all the support she gets from the Retired Teachers Chapter at UFT headquarters. “Nobody limits me,” Nesi said.