By: Sue Barnes, Davis Travelaires
The Davis Travelaires, a volunteer nonprofit that offers outings in the local region and beyond, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Join the celebration on Tuesday, June 16, 1:30—3:30p at the Davis Senior Center. The event will feature appetizers and sweet treats, a travel trivia game, and a chance to win door prizes. Register to attend at davistravelaires.org or call 530-902-1825.
The Davis Travelaires organization offers a wide range of trips—from local day trips to multi-day excursions in the U.S. and abroad—all designed to appeal to interests in arts, history, and culture. The group was incorporated as a nonprofit on June 16,1986 by the late Betsy Truffini, an active community volunteer who was also instrumental in establishing the Davis Senior Center.
Longtime board member and treasurer Wanda Winton became the second Travelaires volunteer when Betsy asked her to be the treasurer shortly after the organization’s launch. Wanda is still treasurer 40 years later.
“My 40 years being the Davis Travelaires treasurer has truly been a pleasure and highlight in my life,” Winton said. “That is why I continue to do the job. Hopefully I will be able to serve as the treasurer for many years to come!”
Another long-time volunteer, Kay Jeffery, served as the Travelaires president and executive director from 1994 until 2018. Kay no longer travels but she remembers her tenure with the organization fondly.
“We planned so many wonderful trips over the years. I particularly loved the trips involving shows…the Jersey Boys was a favorite,” Jeffery said. “Standout longer excursions were Yellowstone in winter and Paris for New Year’s Eve.”
Frequent traveler Janny Tang has participated in more than 20 trips since 2021 and is a fan of the safety and convenience of traveling with a group.
“I can visit destinations I would probably not get to on my own. Everything is so organized, the buses are comfortable, and the traveling companions are very congenial,” Tang said.
Upcoming day trips include:
- Jelly Belly Factory, July 28
- Bear Valley Visitor Center in Point Reyes, Sept. 2
- Fleet Week cruise in San Francisco, Oct. 10
- Duarte Poinsettias and Sciabica Olive Oil, Nov. TBD
For those who are interested in longer trips, spaces are still available for the September excursion to Catalina Island and December getaway to Waikiki.
For more information, visit DavisTravelaires.org, email DavisTravelaires@gmail.com, or call 530-902-1825. The Travelaires office, located inside the Davis Senior Center at 646 A Street, is staffed by volunteers on Thursdays, 10a—2p.
