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"When I retired four years ago, I swore I would never grade another paper for as long as I live," declares the Brooklyn Heights resident, who was a professor of English literature
and writing at William Paterson University in New Jersey for 23 years. Swapping a three-hour daily commute several days a week for a 15-minute subway ride once a week, Parker couldn't
be happier in her new role. And the pay isn't bad, either. She earns $78 an hour for her time in the classroom. Sure, there's preparation. But that's not heavy lifting for
Parker, who used to work about 60 hours a week and graded hundreds of papers during a semester. "The students are very different than the ones I taught before retirement," Parker
says. "They are highly educated and highly cultured. They do the reading," she adds. "I just adore it." Watching her mother struggling with Alzheimer's years ago
made Parker realize how important it is to stay engaged and keep the mind active as you get older. Parker is now writing her third book, a scholarly work on Hamlet and the religious upheaval
during Shakespeare's times. About her role as adjunct instructor, she says: "At least half the students come back for the next semester. It's very rewarding." GETTING A
PAYOFF FROM VOLUNTEERING — EVEN AS GRANDMA OR GRANDPA After retiring in June 2008, Lynn Podoll, now 74, a retired Lutheran pastor, and his wife, Karla, a former teacher, were excited that
they could continue living lives of service. The couple moved to Hope Meadows, an innovative small community on 22 acres in Rantoul, Ill. Hope Meadows was built as a place where children
adopted from foster care find permanent and loving homes, as well as surrogate grandparents, playmates and an entire neighborhood designed to support them. As nurturing as the environment is
for the children, it also has a positive impact on retirees by giving them a strong sense of purpose. The Podolls, who will celebrate 50 years of marriage in 2017, stay extremely busy.
Among other things, Karla volunteers Mondays and Tuesdays at an afterschool program for children and families. Lynn helps out in the community garden, while she participates in a Thursday
morning quilting group in the neighborhood. "Each child has a quilt for their own interests, favorite colors and so on," says Lynn Podoll, adding: "My wife is much more active
than I am." Karla Podoll's artistic talents help the community, too. She makes items to sell at a community shop, whose proceeds help support the nonprofit program that runs Hope
Meadows.