Maker Space at the Missoula Library, April 18, 2:00 PM

Visit the "Maker Space" at the Missoula Public Library on April 18 (Thursday) at 2PM. A unique place to learn how to use a 3-D printer, laser cutter, and other equipment for your own projects. Meet in the atrium area, just inside the front doors of the Missoula Public Library (455 E. Main Street) at 2PM. Free parking is availale in the MPL lot off of E. Front Sst. (enter via Adams St.). For further information, email Dan Doyle at DoyleDP@mso.umt.edu. No RSVP needed.

Highway Cleanup, May 6

Under the auspices of the MT Dept. of Transportation Adopt-A-Highway Program, UMRA volunteers pick up litter on two miles of MT Hwy 200 near mile marker 8 just past Bonner. Our next clean up is scheduled for Monday, May 6. Meet at 10AM at the parking lot of the Comfort Inn at 1021 E. Broadway. From there we will carpool to our starting location. Wear gloves and appropriate clothing and bring a sack lunch. Safety vests and trash bags will be provided. Please email Tim Edwards at tim.edwards241@gmail.com to let us know if you will be able to help out and so we can alert you if we have to change the date because of weather conditions or road construction.

Next Executive Board Meeting in May.

The Executive Board will meet next via Zoom in May. All members are invited to attend. If you are interested, contact Gayle Hudgins for the zoom link at gayle.hudgins@umontana.edu

Lunch at the Iron Griz, March 25, 11:30 AM

Iron Griz American Bistro on South Avenue

Twenty UM retirees and their guests enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Iron Griz American Bistro. Part of University of Montana Campus Dining, the Iron Griz strives to be a sustainable garden-to-table restaurant with much of its produce grown onsite. For their current menu and operating hours, go to https://www.irongriz.com/

UM Retiree Recognition Event on June 11

Join with other UM retirees to celebrate new retirees and welcome them into the UMRA. The event is scheduled for the afternoon of June 11 on campus. More details will be available soon.

Mahjong Sundays and Mondays

Jack and Lily Eidswick host mahjong games every Sunday and Monday at their home. Participants come from all walks of life and have diverse backgrounds, but they all have one thing in common, namely love for the game! Whether you're familiar with the game or not at all but have an interest, please join our friendly get together and spend a delightful afternoon of fun (and stimulating) game of mahjong. Questions? Please contact Lily at lily.eidswick@gmail.com or 406-542-0603.

Biking (now in coordination with Missoula Bicycle Club)

The next MBC-UMRA ride is planned for Tuesday, April 2, at 1:30 PM. See full details at ride website. RSVP if you plan to join this ride. While this bike ride is directed toward UM Retirees, as a slow and gentle rid, it is open to all MBC members. Primary route is Milwaukee Trail and South Hills Trail with connective residential streets to return to Silver Park.

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Cycling in Missoula is scheduled from approximately March through November. The gathering place is at the Pavilion closest to the eastside parking in Silver Park, west of the baseball stadium. An outing typically is 15-20 miles at a casual pace (2-2.5 hours) mainly on trails with minimal crossings and traffic. Contact Bob Wachtel email quailr@missoulabicycleclub.org to be notified once cycling starts up and to receive weekly notices.

NEWS:  Beginning in the Spring of 2023 the Missoula Bicycle Club assumed sponsorship of bicycle rides oriented towards UM Retirees. This sponsorship has provided the ride leaders and participants a level of liability insurance that was not previously available. This sponsorship requires that participants be members of the Missoula Bicycle Club, which also also allows them to join any MBC-sponsored rides. Please visit the Missoulabicycleclub.org website for full information about this organization dedicated to encouraging bicycling in Western Montana. Follow the menu links for information about becoming a member and ride information posted for each ride. Bob Wachtel will continue to be the primary leader for UMRA-oriented rides and plans to continue Tuesdays as the primary day for these rides. Check the schedule on the MBC website for posted rides and contact Bob (email above) with any questions. Ride for health and pleasure.

Active for Life Class

The UM Recreation Center typically offers an Active for Life Class for those over 50 years of age. Contact the UM Recreation Center for additional information about registration and fees, as well as future classes.