From northern Spain to western Africa
Enjoy the recording of UMRA’s first Armchair Traveler program of 2023–24. Nanette Hanks shared fabulous pictures and information about the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain. Tom O'Toole told us about his return visit to Sierra Leone in West Africa.
From northern Spain to western Africa
Wed, Sep 20, 2023, 10am
UMRA’s first Armchair Traveler program of 2023–24 will take us from the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain to Sierra Leone in West Africa on Wednesday, September 20, from 10 to 11 a.m. via Zoom.
We will have two fabulous presenters, both UMRA members. Here is a preview, including descriptions by Hanks and O’Toole.
Nanette Hanks will take us to the Camino de Santiago, a network of pilgrimage trails leading to the shrine of the apostle James in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. “Pilgrims have been walking to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain for thousands of years, but its popularity has swelled in the last 20. The scenery along this unique and historic 500-mile trail is breathtaking, passing through fields, forests of eucalyptus, small villages, big cities, and tiny hamlets."
Thomas O’Toole will take us to Sierra Leone, where he served in the Peace Corps in 1963. “With its vibrant culture and natural beauty, Sierra Leone offers a great introduction to Africa. Those interested in an intimate look at a lesser-known African country ought to think about a visit. Its palm-fringed white beaches and warm people are most welcoming. You will gain a deep appreciation for Salone as people share their zest to tell you about their story of struggle, resilience, and hope.”
The Zoom link for the meeting will be emailed to UMRA members one month and also one week before the program. I hope you can join us.
—Lynn C. Anderson, Armchair Traveler program chair
Upcoming Events
Connect, explore new ideas for what it means to live and age well, and celebrate a community of continuous learning at the fifth annual Age-Friendly University Day to be held on the U of M Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis on Monday, June 8.
Abandoned and discarded is the theme for the UMRA Photo Club meeting in June. Newcomers are welcome.
Michael leads this hike at Afton State Park.
Pick a favorite book and bring a brief synopsis of the book to the breakfast and share with the group.
UMRA’s Book Club I will discuss In Winter’s Kitchen by Beth Dooley when it meets via Zoom on Friday, June 19. Kathryn Sedo will lead the discussion.
We will gather in the Waterfall Room for an in-person, summer social and luncheon for UMRA members and guests on June 24th. Our event will include social time; a plated, seated lunch; and the always popular Summer Social Trivia Game with quizmasters Dave Dorman and Mark Jenson.
This event will include social time; a plated, seated lunch; and the Summer Social Trivia Game.
There are three entree options - all include dessert (or GF desert) and a choice of sodas, lemonade, and coffee or water.
Cash bar available inside the Dock & Paddle.
Kayaking at Lake Bde Maka Ska.
Two major conferences, one organized by the Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education (AROHE) and the other by the Big Ten Retirees Association (BTRA), will take place this year. The AROHE conference will be held in Florida and the BTRA conference will be hosted by UMRA on the UMN campus.
The AROHE conference invites all interested retirees and university faculty and staff to reimagine retirement. You are invited to register if interested at https://www.arohe.org/2026-Conference.
The BTRA is being hosted by UMRA this year. Leadership of retiree organizations around the US will convene to share competencies. Attendance is restricted.
Bev leads the Nokomis walk to Minnehaha Falls.
Nanette leads a trail of two cities hike.