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• Milwaukee History in the Making

  • When
    Wed, July 16, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Location
    Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Spaces left
    2

  St. Josaphat Basilica epitomizes the striving of early Polish immigrants to express their ethnic heritage, spiritual devotion, and patriotic pride by building impressive houses of worship. The Parish was formed in 1888 as an offshoot of Saint Stanislaus Parish and subsequently became the largest Polish parish in Wisconsin. Its first home was a modest building that burned to the ground in 1889. The parish built a second church, but it was too small for its needs. This burgeoning immigrant community desired to construct a church to meet the needs of its more than 12,000 parishioners in the late 19th century. Ground was broken in 1896, and the new building would be finished in 1901. When the plans were nearly complete, Fr. Grutza learned that the Chicago Post Office and Custom House needed to be razed, and he was able to purchase it for $20,000.

  The present church is not what the Chicago Post Office looked like. Architect Brielmaier changed his plans to include the salvaged materials, but his design remained faithful to the original model—St. Peter’s.  At the time of completion, the only building in the country with a larger dome was the United States Capitol. In the Catholic Church, basilica status is reserved for the largest, most beautiful, and most historically important churches. 

  In 1929, St. Josaphat Church was named the third basilica in the United States. Today there are over sixty. It is as close as we get to a European Cathedral. It is the largest church in Milwaukee, with a seating capacity of over 1,000 on the main floor, hundreds more can be accommodated in the galleries.

  Following lunch, we are off to explore Milwaukee's past and present from our rivers, harbors & Lake Michigan during a 90-minute tour. Unforgettable views and a unique perspective of Milwaukee's history & architecture. Live narration is provided by experienced and entertaining tour guides & the captain.

  Please note that temperatures can drastically vary on the lakefront, rivers, and mainland- please help make sure you stay comfortable by dressing in layers (year-round).

  As always there will be a ‘surprise stop’ along the way!

  The UWRA, PLATO, and the Verona Senior Center continue to partner on travel opportunities. Seating is limited, so register today! 

  Schedule  (Return times are approximate)

  8:00 a.m.	Depart Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli Street, Verona
  8:30 a.m.	Pick-up (East side) Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot)
  5:00 p.m.	Return Dutch Mill Park & Ride
  5:30 p.m.	Return Verona Senior Center

  Lunch Choices (includes, house salad, bread service, apple strudel & beverage)

  Breast of Chicken Sandwich	Served on a Milwaukee pretzel roll with lettuce, tomato, & Swiss cheese, served with German potato salad
  Hungarian Goulash	Tender beef braised in paprika sauce and onion over spätzle
  Weiner Schnitzel	Breaded tender port cutlet served with spätzle and sauerkraut
  Vegetable Napoleon	Roasted vegetable tower drizzled with pepper coulis, topped with Provolone cheese and served with spätzle

  Departure Locations

  Verona Park and Ride

  

  
  

  East side (Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot) 

  Map below for those boarding the bus on east side Dutch Mill Park & Ride. Please park in the "east" lot as indicated by the arrow. (east of Arby's)

  
  

  

  Cost

  $100 per person and includes bus transportation, driver tip, admission fees, meal, taxes, and gratuities.

  
  

  Registration Details and Deadline

  Register online.   Mailed in reservations using the REGISTRATION FORM and checks are accepted.  Registrations much be received no later than Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

  
  

  Refund Policy
  

  UWRA refunds an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline.  Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend.  Refunds made by check.

  Questions

  Contact trip coordinator Sandi Haase at (sandi.haase@wisc.edu) or the UWRA office at 608-262-0641.

  UW-Madison Retirement Association
  21 N Park St, Room 7205
  Madison WI 53715-1218
  608-262-0641
  retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu
  

  Show details
• Ship Ahoy!

  • When
    Wed, August 13, 2025
  •  
    7:00 AM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Manitowoc, WI
  • Spaces left
    11

  Register

  You are invited to join your fellow UWRA members. PLATO, and the Verona Senior Center members on another partnered day excursion to northeastern Wisconsin.

  We’ll begin the day at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc.  All people are connected by the waters surrounding us. Between the mighty Mississippi River and the Great Lakes bordering our state, a network of creeks, lakes and rivers traverse Wisconsin, linking our individual stories to create a larger epic that resonates with all of us. The Wisconsin Maritime Museum invites all people to create personal and meaningful connections with our waterways through engaging programs, interactive exhibits and a world-class collection.  Founded in 1969 as the Manitowoc Submarine Memorial Association, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum has grown into one of the largest maritime museums in the region In addition to commemorating the maritime heritage of the Manitowoc-Two Rivers area and the submarines built here during World War II, the Museum is now a leader in preserving the maritime history of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region.

  Following lunch at Water's Edge Restaurant, Lighthouse Inn, we head to Rodgers Fishing Village to explore an 1886 historic lighthouse, shipwreck displays and artifacts, and of course commercial fishing exhibits.  For over 175 years, commercial fishermen have battled Lake Michigan for their living and even today fishing tugs haul in the day's catch. There are six historic buildings that portray exciting stories.  You can step aboard the 1936 wooden fishing tug BUDDY O explore fishing sheds and climb up the 1886 Two Rivers' North Pier Lighthouse for a bird's eye view of the Fishing Village.

  Then we are off to tour the West of the Lake Gardens. West of the Lake Gardens is a beautiful, peaceful botanical garden with beautiful views of Lake Michigan. The six acres of gardens sit on the former estate of John and Ruth West, and feature a rose garden, red & white garden, formal garden, sunken garden, and more.

  There are a few more details yet to be finalized.  As always, the trip will include a surprise stop during the day! After completing our visits, we head home. 

  Seating is limited, so register soon! Registrations must be received no later than Wednesday, July 16.

  7:15 a.m.	Depart Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli Street, Verona
  7:30 a.m.	Pick-up (East side) Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot)
  8:00 p.m.	Return Dutch Mill Park & Ride
  8:30 p.m.	Return Verona Senior Center

  

  Lunch choices

  • French onion soup/garden salad
  • Perch sandwich
  • Chicken/bacon melt

  

  Departure Locations

  Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli Street, Verona

  

  East side (Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot) 

  Map below for those boarding the bus on east side Dutch Mill Park & Ride. Please park in the "east" lot as indicated by the arrow. (east of Arby's)

  
  

  

  Cost

  $110 per person and includes bus transportation, driver tip, admission fees, meals, taxes, and gratuities.

  
  

  Registration Details and Deadline

  Register online.   Mailed in reservations using the REGISTRATION FORM and checks are accepted.  Registrations much be received no later than Wednesday July 16.

  
  

  Refund Policy
  

  UWRA refunds an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline.  Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend.  Refunds made by check.

  Questions

  Contact trip coordinator Sandi Haase at (sandi.haase@wisc.edu) or the UWRA office at 608-262-0641.

  UW-Madison Retirement Association
  21 N Park St, Room 7205
  Madison WI 53715-1218
  608-262-0641
  retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu
  

  Show details
• Where Nature and Architecture Converge

  • When
    Mon, August 25, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Location
    Spring Green, Wisconsin
  • Spaces left
    4

  Register

  Taliesin is the home of Frank Lloyd Wright's Wisconsin home for nearly 50 years Taliesin means "shining brow" in Welch. In honor of his heritage and is built on the brow of a hill in Wisconsin's Driftless region. Join us and immerse yourself in Taliesin's unique mix of architecture, nature, culture, and agriculture in Spring Green. This will be an intimate look at the 70-year career of one of America's greatest architects, with a professional guide, in the hills of the Driftless Area valley.  Following lunch, we will visit downtown Spring Green.  As always, there will be a surprise stop on our trip.

  The UWRA, the Verona Senior Center and PLATO continue to partner on travel opportunities. Seating is limited, so register today! 

  Travelers are required to complete the 2025 Verona New Member Form  (no charge) and 2025 Verona Trip Waiver Form.  You can fill out these forms in advance or on the day of the trip.

  
  

  Schedule  (Return times are approximate)

  8:00 a.m.	Depart (East side) Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot)
  8:30 a.m.	Depart Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli Street, Verona
  5:00 p.m.	Return Verona Senior Center
  5:30 p.m.	Return Dutch Mill Park & Ride

  
  

  Departure Locations

  Verona Park and Ride  -- See map below

   (PLEASE NOTE:  Verona departure location changed to Verona Park & Ride) 

  
  

  East side (Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot) 

  Map below for those boarding the bus on east side Dutch Mill Park & Ride. Please park in the "east" lot as indicated by the arrow. (east of Arby's)

  
  

  

  Lunch buffet -- Handcrafted sandwich, chips, sweet treat from the bakery, and beverage 

  Cost

  $100 per person and includes bus transportation, driver tip, admission fees, meal, taxes, and gratuities.

  
  

  Registration Details and Deadline

  Register online.   Mailed in reservations using the REGISTRATION FORM and checks are accepted.  Registrations much be received no later than Monday, July 21, 2025.

  
  

  Refund Policy
  

  UWRA refunds an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline.  Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend.  Refunds made by check.

  Questions

  Contact trip coordinator Sandi Haase at (sandi.haase@wisc.edu) or the UWRA office at 608-262-0641.

  UW-Madison Retirement Association
  21 N Park St, Room 7205
  Madison WI 53715-1218
  608-262-0641
  retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu
  

  Show details
• Colors of New England

  • Start
    Fri, October 03, 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Fri, October 10, 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    New England
  • Spaces left
    25

  Join members of the Verona Senior Center on a multi-day tour.  

  Our travel partner, the Verona Senior Center, has teamed with Collette Travel to offer a multi-day trip to discover the colors of New England in October 2025.  

  The trip leaves Madison and heads for Boston.  Highlights include Simon Pearce, Quechee Gorge, Stowe, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Trapp Family Lodge, Rocks Estate, North Conway, Kancamagus Highway, Mount Washington, Lake Winnipesaukee Cruise, Portland, Lobster Dinner and Kennebunkport.

  
  

  Prices include round trip air from Dane County Regional airport, air taxes and fees/surcharges, hotel transfers. and 12 meals.  Does not include cancellation waiver and insurance.

  
  

  Registration is made directly through

  Collette at:    "Discover the Colors of New England".

  
  

  An informational meeting about this tour is scheduled for:

  Tuesday, September 24, 2024
  1:00-2:00 P.M.
  Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli Street, Verona

  
  

  Questions

  Contact the UWRA office at 608-262-0641 or trip coordinator Sandi Haase at (sandi.haase@wisc.edu).

  
  

  UW-Madison Retirement Association
  21 N Park St, Room 7205
  Madison WI 53715-1218
  608-262-0641
  retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu
  

  Show details
• Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma!

  • When
    Thu, October 09, 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Location
    Fireside Theatre in Ft. Atkinson
  • Spaces left
    18

  Register

  It's an American classic!  It's the show that first introduced the immortal writing team of Rodgers and Hammerstein! It's the show that ushered in the Golden Age of American Musical Theatre! It's OKLAHOMA! This bright, brassy, boisterous musical comedy is filled with colorful costumes, breathtaking dancing, side-spitting humor, and a musical score featuring such hits as "People Will Say We're In Love," "Surrey With the Fringe On Top," and the rousing title number "Oklahoma!" The original production won a Pulitzer Prize and various Broadway revivals have won multiple Tony Awards. Now The Fireside presents a fresh, new, not to be missed telling of this time-honored musical.

  The UWRA and the Verona Senior Center are partnering on this travel opportunity. Seating is limited, so register today! 

  
  

  The meal includes a Scallop Appetizer, freshly baked breads, choice of entree, Double Layer Carrot Cake for dessert, and coffee/tea/milk. Entree choices include:

  Chicken Florentine	Pan seared Chicken Breast stuffed with Fresh Spinach and Cheeses, served over a Spinach Cream Sauce and served with Garlic Whipped Potatoes and Roasted Asparagus.
  Baked Almond Crusted Cod	Two Northern Cod Fillets coated with Dijon Mustard and crusted with Toasted Almonds, Japanese Breadcrumbs, and Fresh Herbs. Baked to crunchy perfection and served with our decadent Tarragon Sauce and served with Garlic Whipped Potatoes and Roasted Asparagus.
  Beef Short Rib	Slowly braised in beef stock and dressed with a red wine demi-glaze and served with Garlic Whipped Potatoes and Roasted Asparagus.
  Vegetarian Option	Vegetarian Manicotti with red sauce

  
  

  Schedule  (Return times are approximate)

  8:30 a.m.	Depart Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli Street, Verona
  9:00 a.m.	Pick-up (East side) Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot)
  5:00 p.m.	Return Dutch Mill Park & Ride
  5:30 p.m.	Return Verona Senior Center

  Departure Locations

  Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli Street, Verona

  

  East side (Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot) 

  Map below for those boarding the bus on east side Dutch Mill Park & Ride. Please park in the "east" lot as indicated by the arrow.

  

  
  

  Cost

  $125 per person and includes bus transportation, driver tip, admission fees, meal, taxes, and gratuities.

  
  

  Registration Details and Deadline

  Register online.   Mailed in reservations using the REGISTRATION FORM and checks are accepted.  Registrations much be received no later than Thursday, August 28, 2025.

  
  

  Refund Policy
  

  UWRA refunds an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline.  Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend.  Refunds made by check.

  Questions

  Contact trip coordinator Sandi Haase at (sandi.haase@wisc.edu) or the UWRA office at 608-262-0641.

  UW-Madison Retirement Association
  21 N Park St, Room 7205
  Madison WI 53715-1218
  608-262-0641
  retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu
  

  Show details
• Classical Greece

  • Start
    Sun, November 09, 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Wed, November 19, 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Greece
  • Spaces left
    25

  Our travel partner, the Verona Senior Center, has teamed with Collette Travel to offer a multi-day trip to discover classical Greece in November 2025.  

  

  Highlights includes Athens, The Acropolis and Parthenon, Meteora, Delphi, Olympia, Greek Farm Visit, Cooking Class, Greek Dance Class, Choice on Tour: Nafplio Walking Tour or Mycenae Archeological Tour.

  
  

  Prices include round trip air from O'Hare International Airport, air taxes and fees/surcharges, hotel transfers. and 16 meals.  Does not include cancellation waiver and insurance.

  
  

  Registration is made directly through

  Collette at:    "Classical Greece".

  
  

  An informational meeting about this tour is scheduled for:

  Tuesday, September 24, 2024
  1:00-2:00 P.M.
  Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli Street, Verona

  
  

  Questions

  Contact the UWRA office at 608-262-0641 or trip coordinator Sandi Haase at (sandi.haase@wisc.edu).

  
  

  UW-Madison Retirement Association
  21 N Park St, Room 7205
  Madison WI 53715-1218
  608-262-0641
  retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu
  

  Show details
• Iceland's Magical Northern Lights

  • Start
    Sun, March 08, 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Sat, March 14, 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Iceland

  Join members of the Verona Senior Center on a multi-day tour.  Our travel partner, the Verona Senior Center, has teamed with Collette Travel to offer a multi-day trip to view Iceland's Magical Northern Lights.  

  

  The trip leaves Madison and heads for Reykjavik.  Highlights include Northern Lights Cruise, Search for the Northern Lights, Golden Circle, Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, Lava Exhibition Center, Vik, Seljalandsfoss, Skógar Museum, Skógafoss, Sólheimajökull Glacier, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon.

  
  

  Prices include round trip air from Dane County Regional airport, air taxes and fees/surcharges, hotel transfers. and 11 meals.  Does not include cancellation waiver and insurance.

  
  

  Registration is made directly through

  Collette at:   "Iceland's Magical Northern Lights".

  
  

  An informational meeting about this tour

  will be scheduled for early fall 2025

  
  

  Questions

  Contact the UWRA office at 608-262-0641 or trip coordinator Sandi Haase at (sandi.haase@wisc.edu).

  
  

  UW-Madison Retirement Association
  21 N Park St, Room 7205
  Madison WI 53715-1218
  608-262-0641
  retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu
  

  Show details