ARMCHAIR TRAVELER

From Star Island to China

Tue, Feb 2, 2021, 11am

Location
Meeting to be held via Zoom.
 

Porch rockers outside the Oceanic Hotel on Star Island, “a magical place” of peace and tranquility visited by Jan McCulloch in August 2019.

Our next Armchair Traveler program will be on Tuesday, February 2, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via Zoom. We have two terrific presenters lined up to share their photos and experiences.

Use this link to join the Zoom meeting on February 2.

B. Jan McCulloch, professor emeritus, Family Social Science, will take us to Star Island, which she describes as “a magical place” of peace and tranquility nestled among the Isles of Shoals 10 miles off the coast of New Hampshire. Her presentation will be divided into three parts: a brief history of Star Island; staying at the Oceanic Hotel; and Star Island photography, including birds, landscapes, boating scenes, and an island celebration.

Robert Patterson, professor emeritus, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, will focus on three of his trips to China. In 1983, he was part of an invited lecture tour; in 1986, he led 20 people from the Twin Cities on a 350-mile bike tour from Shanghai to Nanjing; and in 1989, he was on Tiananmen Square during the uprising to overthrow the government.

Please mark your calendars. We look forward to you joining us.

—Lynn C. Anderson, chair, Armchair Traveler Program 



Upcoming Events

Event Date: June 8, 2026, at 8:30am - 2:15pm

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.


Event Date: June 9, 2026, at 12:30pm

Abandoned and discarded is the theme for the UMRA Photo Club meeting in June. Newcomers are welcome.


Event Date: June 15, 2026, at 9:30am

Michael leads this hike at Afton State Park.


Event Date: June 18, 2026, at 8:30am

Pick a favorite book and bring a brief synopsis of the book to the breakfast and share with the group.


Event Date: June 19, 2026, at 2pm

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. 


Event Date: June 24, 2026, at 11am

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.


Event Date: July 13, 2026, at 9:30am

Kayaking at Lake Bde Maka Ska.


Event Date: July 21, 2026, at 4pm


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.


Event Date: August 3, 2026, at 9:30am

Bev leads the Nokomis walk to Minnehaha Falls.


Event Date: August 17, 2026, at 9:30am

Nanette leads a trail of two cities hike.