Our tour to Owatonna Thursday will be highlighted by several historic sites.

The former State Orphanage will be one stop along with the National Farmers Bank which features the stained glass works of Louis Sullivan.

There will also be a tour of the Winton Guest house, which is located on the Gainey Conference Center property just outside of Owatonna.

We will be departing at 8:30 a.m. from the Walmart parking lot, and our return time will be about 5 p.m. We can add a couple of people by calling one of our Travel numbers.

Our May 3 trip to the Tulip Festival in Pella, Iowa, will have to wait for another time. The weather has not been very good to us this year.

•May 15: “Mahalia” at the Old Log Theater near Excelsior. This is an annual trip to a favorite theater.

“Mahalia” is based on the life and career of legendary queen of gospel Mahalia Jackson. It was written by resident actor Tom Stoltz and has been on tour for almost 20 years before returning to the Old Log for this limited production.

The music promises to be a powerful, hand-clapping and foot-stomping musical. Dinner at the Old Log will be a choice of five delicious entrees from their kitchen. Departure time is 8:30 a.m. Space is still available. Fee is due by April 30.

•June 13: “War Horse” at the Orpheum. There is a waiting list in case of a cancellation. Fee is due by May 9. Departure time is 9 p.m.

•June 27: Clear Lake, Iowa. This will include our first boat ride of the season, along with a guided tour of The Surf Ballroom. The day will be spent leisurely near the central park with Thursdays on Main and the festivities downtown and around town.

•July 10: “Happy Days” at the Marion Ross theater. Marion Ross, who is a native of Albert Lea, is scheduled to attend the opening night performance. This also will include a dinner prior and a reception following. More details are available. Fee is due by June 11.

•July 31: “Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat” at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. A powerful and beloved historical story of Joseph and his favorite son, Jacob, who is given the splendid coat of many colors.

This musical telling of this familiar story includes 22 major production numbers filled with colorful costuming, creative staging, and upbeat music. A dinner choice off the menu is included. Fee is due by July 8.

 

Looking ahead

•August Mystery Trip with date TBA

•Fall overnight trip to Stillwater, date TBA.

•Oct. 13-19: Nashville, Tenn.

•Nov. 13-16: Branson Christmas and more.

•May 20: Travel Show at the Mower County Senior Center at 1 p.m. to discuss plans for a Feb. 5-12, 2014 trip, “Discover Panama.”

This trip will be steeped in history. There will be a special video presentation and time for questions. Refreshments will be served. An RSVP is appreciated. Call 507-438-3946.

We will continue to keep you posted on day trips and several extended outings whether one or two nights or a few days longer.

Traveling continues to be for all ages, with schedules available at our south entrance door, and to Mower County Senior Center members in our monthly newsletter. Our travel phone numbers are 507-438-3946 and 507-433- 9391.

Our mailing address is 1002 16th St. SW, Austin, MN, 55912.