JOIE has videos!
The UMRA-sponsored Journal of Opinions, Ideas & Essays has added three videos to its online collection of original publications by UMRA members.
“Places of Worship,” a photographic presentation by John Finnegan, showcases the wide variety of houses of worship around the world and throughout the ages. And Randy Croce has created two videos now posted on the JOIE website: “Who Built Our Capitol,” the story of the construction of the Minnesota statehouse, and “The Farmer-Labor Movement: A Minnesota Story,” describing the development of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor party in our state. We invite you to enjoy these interesting and informative videos.
Join the JOIE reviewing committee
If you find the articles and videos in JOIE of interest and would like to participate in production of the journal, we are seeking additional members for the reviewing committee and a new editor-in-chief. The modest workload for committee members includes reviewing submissions to JOIE for quality and appropriateness, participating in a small number of Zoom meetings, and assisting in establishing publishing policies.
The editor-in-chief submits eligible articles and videos to the committee for review, maintains reviewing and publication records, and posts the approved items online. He/she also supports the continued success of JOIE by writing short articles about the journal for the UMRA newsletter and other University media, and recruiting committee members as needed.
Email Kris Bettin to learn more about the JOIE reviewing committee and/or if you have an article, slideshow, or video of your own that you wish to add to the JOIE collection.
—Kris Bettin, JOIE editor
News
One last reminder that the Nominating Committee is looking for your suggestions for candidates to serve on the UMRA Board—primarily president-elect, who serves as Program Committee chair for one year before becoming president; secretary; and up to five directors. The Board meets monthly from September through May and directors serve three-year terms.
Volunteerism is declining across the country, and the University Retirees Volunteer Center is gearing up to help reverse the trend. Please be on the lookout for a short survey in February or March. URVC wants to hear about your interests, experiences, and suggestions related to volunteering.
Meet UMRA member Nanette Hanks, a fourth-generation Texan who has hiked the Camino de Santiago in Spain nearly 40 times! She’s going back in June, and still has a couple places left if you’d like to join the group she will be leading.
There are some relatively easy things you can do to help protect yourself against identity theft and online and telephone fraud. Here are some New Year’s resolutions to help make your 2026 a safe year.
The third of Marilynn Erickson's three stories about her family history. She wrote each story “to check out the verbal family stories and connect them to documentation and photos.”
This third story is about Scandal in the Graveyard.
The second of Marilynn Erickson's three stories about her family history. She wrote each story “to check out the verbal family stories and connect them to documentation and photos.”
This second story is about the Sea Wing disaster.