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The Best of Portugal: From the Age of Discovery to Today

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Make your own discoveries in Portugal in 2025 on this journey to medieval monasteries, fertile vineyards and cities that are equal parts history and modern energy. Deadline to express an interest is Friday June 7, 2024.

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Portugal 2024

Spain at a Slower Pace: The Best of Barcelona and Madrid

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Spend eight nights in Madrid and Barcelona in 2025. Express your interest by June 7, 2024.

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Ceiling image of church in Spain

The Best of the Canadian Maritimes

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Embrace the colorful history of the Canadian Maritime provinces for 11 nights in 2025. Express your interest by June 7, 2024.

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Canada

Independent City Discoveries: Québec City

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Spend four nights in Québec City in 2025. Express your interest by June 7, 2024.

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Quebec City

Discoveries Along the Douro: Portugal’s Best-Kept Secrets

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Spend 9 nights on the Douro River in Portugal in 2025. Express your interest by June 7, 2024.

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Portugal

Mexico City: History, Art, Culture and Politics

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Embrace and explore Mexico City as it showcases all facets of Mexico’s national character in 2025. Deadline to express an interest is Friday, June 7, 2024.

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Mural in Mexico City.

Signature City St. Augustine

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Bright and bold living history awaits you in beautiful St. Augustine, Florida in 2025. Express your interest by June 7, 2024.

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St. Augustine, Florida

Election of UMRA’s 2024–25 leaders to be held online

The election of UMRA officers and new board members for 2024–25 will be conducted via an online poll from May 13 to 19, with the results to be announced at our annual meeting on May 21. Look for the ballot in your email inbox on May 13. Diane Young has been nominated to be president-elect.

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Diane Young, UMRA president-elect, April 2024

Our journey with Alzheimer’s

“I convinced myself I could handle this problem without support groups or doing additional research, but that’s only because I didn’t want to make it any more real than it already was. Denial comes in many forms, and one is to avoid thinking about the problem any more than need be.” —Alice A. Larson

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Alice and Bob Larson and family, c. 2021.

HELLO, my name is Peter Moe

Meet UMRA member Peter Moe. He retired in 2023 after a career that spanned nearly half a century at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and is credited with developing the “Arb” into one of the few in the U.S. with world-class fruit and landscape breeding programs.

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Peter Moe. Photo by Sara Pace.

URVC Leadership Council welcomes two new members

The University Retirees Volunteer Center (URVC) has welcomed two new members with valuable skills and experience to the URVC Leadership Council: Lynn Slifer and Jeanne Jacobson.

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Lynn Slifer, cropped, April 2024

Changes to @umn.edu internet identity

The University plans to remove retirees from the @umn.edu internet identity domain on December 7. UMRA has advocated for ensuring continued access to this identity (including email, Google Workspace, and associated services), citing University retirees’ enduring contributions to and engagement with the University. Thus far, our efforts have not prompted any change of plans. 

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Google Workspace, UMN email graphic

Seeking editor-in-chief for JOIE

Leading the online Journal of Opinions, Ideas & Essays has been a labor of love for Kris Bettin. Alas, a change in family needs has necessitated her retirement. So, JOIE is seeking a new leader to join a savvy editorial committee of five and bring fresh ideas for continued development of the UMRA-sponsored journal.

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JOIE banner

An overview of the UMRA Photo Club

If you’re looking for an opportunity to explore your photographic interests, hone your photographic skills, and hear what other retirees are up to, the UMRA Photo Club is a great place to be. We have fun! And whatever your skill level, there is room for everybody. 

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Big fish! Photo by Sheri Goldsmith May

Renew your UMRA membership

Soon you will receive an email or letter inviting you to renew your UMRA membership for the 2024–25 year. Please renew before you get busy with your summer activities. Your support helps to make our programs and many other member benefits possible!

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UMRA, Engaging the future