Shared Interest Groups   

Meets the third Friday of the month

The Apple SIG is open to new and seasoned users of desktop, laptop, iPhone, iPad, Watch and everything Apple.  We provide a program that covers updated information, tips on operating and software/applications to enable members to get the most out of their devices. We also have a Help Desk after the program for those with specific issues. 

 

Meets the second Wednesday of the month

The Beer on Tap SIG is for OLLI members who enjoy getting together to socialize and sample Asheville's diverse craft beer selections. The group meets at local brew pubs and members are always finding new brews and different venues. Contact SIG Coordinator Erik Vedeler for meeting locations.

 

Meets Thursdays, 2-5 p.m.

This group is for people who have either taken one of the OLLI bridge courses or have been long-time bridge players and know the common bridge conventions. While this is not a beginner's bridge SIG, it is also not a heads-down-serious bridge group. Members meet weekly to mingle, socialize and have fun. The group follows Chicago scoring and participants switch tables after four hands of play.

 

Meets the second Friday of the month.

This SIG meets to let funny people and those aspiring to be funny express themselves and learn how to share their humor. We’ll explore improv and related genres that can make people laugh. We’re especially interested in encouraging graduates of the improvisational and stand-up comedy classes to join, but anyone with a funny bone and some improv experience is welcome to join. Because improv involves physical movement, members should consider their ability to participate. 

Meets first or second Friday of the month. No meetings June, July, August

Common Ground SIG encourages learning and friendship in discussions that promote understanding of and interaction with members whose ideas and opinions about American society may be different from one's own. The overarching framework will be an analysis of polarization, a significant problem in our country today. Members will examine issues from different perspectives and look for areas of agreement so solutions to problems may be found. A willingness to listen is required. Topics are announced well in advance. Usually, a 20-30 minute presentation on the topic is followed by discussion. Contact Martha Marshall for information on the next meeting

Meets the third Friday of the month.

Members of the Creating Art Together SIG meet in the art room (230) to produce art and inspire and promote each other to make all kinds of art and to have fun!

Meets the second Friday of the month.

Western North Carolina, home to a diversity of plant life, is a rich but sometimes challenging environment in which to garden. Gardening SIG members strive to expand gardening knowledge and enjoy gardening activities together. In addition to meetings at OLLI, off-site activities such as touring public gardens, visiting specialty nurseries and visiting a member's garden, are regularly scheduled. Contact Nancy Desmond or Allison Norton-Rimron for meeting locations.

Meets Fourth Friday of the month

We take a holistic view of wellness including sleep, physical health, exercise, diet & nutrition, mindfulness, community, and purpose. We pick a general topic for each session and discuss how we’re implementing that in our lives, what we’ve tried that works (and what doesn’t), latest research based on recent studies, podcasts and articles (as brought forward by participants) and determine the topic for the next SIG. Discussion will use accepted standards and explore items like what is physical fitness for age, how fitness is measured and what to do when there are physical limitations. General topics could also interrogate new developments, discuss bio-markers, lab work, wellness devices, exercise programs, health initiatives, wellness influencers, retained purpose, social connectedness & community and new studies in diet & nutrition (more macro focused rather than specific dietary regimens), and maintaining motivation, both in general and through challenges. 

The information provided in this SIG is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Participation in this group does not create a physician-patient or professional-client relationship between the facilitators and members.

Meets the third Friday of the month. No meetings July or August

Come join the fun to read and discuss books devoted to history. This group meets in area library meeting rooms or member homes. Contact Lary Custodio (laryc574@gmail.com) to learn the locations of meetings. 

Meets Wednesdays, 2-4 pm in Reuter Center Atrium

Mahjong is a game involving skill, strategy and calculation and a certain degree of luck. This SIG provides the opportunity for players of the Wright-Patterson Group or National Mah Jongg League versions of mahjong to meet and play in a relaxed atmosphere. Game play books/cards are the responsibility of the players.

Note: There are two meetings per month and you may attend either or both of these meetings.  For the full meeting schedule, click here.

• The Zoom meeting is the second Monday of the month, 4:15-5:30 p.m. The Zoom link to attend this meeting will be sent to you by email. 
• The in-person meeting is on the fourth Monday of the month, 4:15-5:00 p.m. at the Reuter Center.

OLLI Meditation SIG members comprise a community of individuals who are curious, intrigued and interested in exploring many different styles of meditation. Some want to learn how to calm the mind and improve sleep, while others want to learn how to expand consciousness through sound or breath work. Together members learn and experience different styles of meditation, often with OLLI instructors and sometimes with gifted instructors beyond the OLLI community. All OLLI members are welcome to come make new friends and be part of the meditation community. You may attend both the in person and the online sessions. No meditation experience required.

Meets the fourth Friday of the month.

This SIG meets to explore and share and learn about Shamanism, dreams and visions, meeting ancestors and guides, near death experiences and more! 

Meets the first Friday of the month in Reuter Center 206, with occasional lunches in the Reuter Center Lower Atrium

Plant-Based Living SIG meets to share information and support for those interested in the benefits and the how-to of following a plant-based diet for personal health and for the health of the planet. 

 

Meets the second Friday of the month. 

The Poetry SIG is for people who want to practice the art of writing poetry. SIG members each write a poem, based on a prompt from the coordinator, that they share at the SIG meeting in a safe and respectful environment that encourages creative growth. Group size is limited so there is adequate time for poetry sharing and discussion. Members must be willing to write poems and share them with the group.

Meets the first Friday of the month. 

Texas Hold‘em is an exciting, fast-paced game that is simple to learn and difficult to master. The Texas Hold'em Poker SIG welcomes all levels of players from expert to absolute beginner. Beginners will be able to work with an experienced player who is well-versed in training new players. Come join in this chance to play, learn and meet other OLLI players in a friendly and non-money game.

Meets Fridays, 1-3 p.m., via Zoom

The Forum (AKA Dialogue to Challenge our Thinking) SIG meets for a free-flowing dialogue designed to enrich and expand participant's thinking on a wide range of topics usually related to current events, from changing demographics of retirees to nuclear disarmament. Topics are suggested and voted on by members. Contact Beth Johnson (johnson1ea@earthlink.net) for the Zoom link.

Meets the third Tuesday of the month.

Thriving in Community SIG addresses a vast range of issues pertaining to aging, including aging in place, CCRCs, health issues, end of life issues, care managers, solo aging and dealing with loss. We’ve even had a meeting on stand up comedy! Contact Lou Lieb for meeting locations and Zoom link.

Meets second Friday of the month. No meetings June, July, August.

Travel SIG members share and solicit information on travel, discuss pros and cons of traveling alone or with a companion, share experiences of travel and assist member's efforts in planning for independent travel, joining a tour group or using the services of a travel agent. Members can learn and share traveling tips and best practices.

Meets Fourth Friday of the month. No meeting November and December.
For people who have taken the Ukulele class at OLLI or have at least beginner ukulele skills, join us to play music and sing for fun. You must have your own ukulele. Bringing a music stand is helpful.

Meets Mondays, 2-5 p.m.

Beginner and intermediate chess players who wish to develop and enhance their strategic thinking and chess skills meet weekly to engage in the game of kings. Some chess experience is recommended but not required.

 

The Hiking SIG fosters the enjoyment of hiking in the greater Asheville area, provides varied levels of hikers to meet the needs of group members, introduces a variety of hiking locations and provides a social outlet to interact with other members. Meetings vary depending on leader availability, usually 2-3 hikes per month. After you register for this SIG in the OLLI online registration system, go to OLLIHikingSIG.org to create a profile, see scheduled hikes and sign up for the hikes you want to attend.