UMRA’s Book Club I will discuss the debut novel Buckeye by Patrick Ryan when it meets via Zoom at 2 pm. on Friday, August 21. 

You are invited to join the discussion of The Cause: The American Revolution and Its Discontents, 1773-1783 by Joseph J. Ellis.

"Monuments" is the theme for September.

UMRA member Mike Amidon, president of the Minnesota Genealogical Society in Mendota Heights, will provide a brief overview of the society, the library, and the many volunteers who help maintain it, when UMRA’s Family History Interest Group meets on Wednesday, September 9.

Bev Moe leads a hike around Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis with a social gathering afterwards at Isles Bun & Coffee.

Older adults often have difficulty with sleep. Our goal for this informal discussion is to share with each other helpful routines and strategies. Our resource person will be sleep specialist Marcel Hungs, MD, PhD.

UMRA Book Club I will discuss The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry when it meets via Zoom at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 18. The day’s discussion leader will be Judy Helgen. 

Critical issues facing detained immigrants and their families will be discussed.

UMRA’s September Living Well Workshop will feature Carol Bradford, MD, MS, FACS, interim dean of the University of Minnesota Medical School and interim executive vice president for Health Affairs. She is an internationally recognized cancer surgeon-scientist who also brings considerable leadership and administrative experience. 

We'll visit with Marla Spivak, MacArthur Fellow and Emeritus Professor of Entomology and Dr. Katie Lee

A 1978 short story collection by American author John Cheever. 

Professor Arun Saldanha, the featured speaker for the first luncheon forum of UMRA’s 2026–27 program year, will examine how tourism has evolved in an era shaped by pandemics, climate concerns, and changing global realities; and encourage us to think about what it means to be thoughtful, responsible, and curious travelers. 

 The architecture in Iceland is as spare as the culture -- honest and simple.

Michelle Trudeau-Spanjers leads the hike at William O'Brien State Park.

Topics include longevity, distributions, long term care, Social Security, and comprehensive planning.

The theme for October is "Hands."

UMRA’s second “Campus Conversation” with a University leader will offer UMRA members an exclusive opportunity to meet with John Morris, president and CEO of the University of Minnesota Foundation. The focus of the conversation will be the role of the foundation and its relationship to retirees.

Jon C leads the hike at Nerstrand Big Woods with lunch afterwards.

Michael Osterholm is a well-known epidemiologist, author, and public commentator with particular expertise on infectious diseases and vaccines. His conversation with us via Zoom will address current major public health outbreaks around the world, as well as the importance of preparedness for future pandemics.

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Discuss long term care options with Fred Andersen.

Chris Coleman, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity president and CEO and a two time alumnus of the University of Minnesota, will provide a deep dive for UMRA’s October 27 luncheon forum into how Habitat creates, preserves, and promotes affordable homeownership for low-income households.

Bob & Jean Hall and Andy Whitman, participants. 

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The theme for November is "Pathways and roadways"

UMRA’s Cabinets of Curiosity tour will offer an insider's look into the important work happening at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center. We will enjoy a walking tour through patient exam rooms, student learning areas, and clinical/surgery suites, highlighting how faculty experts and student veterinarians collaborate to deliver life-saving care.