Shared Interest Groups   

Meets the second Friday of the month

Members of the Apple SIG provide those who are new or seasoned users of all things Mac and Apple including laptops, desktops, watches, iPhones, iPads and iPods, with updated information, tips and tools for getting the most out of the devices and their associated applications. This is a forum for learning and practicing best uses for Apple products.

Meets the third Friday of the month.

Members of the 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!

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 the second Wednesday of the month at local brew pubs and members are always finding new brews and different venues. Contact SIG Coordinator Erik Vedeler (Vedelererik@gmail.com) for meeting locations.

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 on Thursdays, in the Reuter Center Atrium to mingle, socialize and have fun. The group follows Chicago scoring and switch tables after four hands of play.

 

Meets first Friday of the month.

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.

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. The Gardening SIG is a venue to learn more! The goals of the Gardening SIG are to expand members' gardening knowledge, help troubleshoot garden issues and to enjoy gardening activities together. Meetings at OLLI may include speakers and Q&A. Additionally, off-site activities (e.g., touring public gardens, visiting specialty nurseries and visiting a member's garden, are a regular component of the Gardening SIG; days/times for off-site activities will vary.

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.

Come join the fun to read and discuss books devoted to history. This group meets the third Friday of the month in area library meeting rooms or member homes. Contact Mike Wang (mbwanghome@gmail.com) to learn the locations of meetings. 

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 in-person meeting is on the fourth Friday of the month, 2-4 pm at the Reuter Center
• The Zoom meeting is the second Monday of the month, 4-6 pm. The Zoom link to attend this meeting will be sent to you by email. 

Join a community of individuals who are curious, intrigued and enthusiastically interested in engaging in many different styles of meditation. Some want to learn how to calm the mind, improve sleep or expand consciousness while others want to learn how to levitate! Learn and experience different styles of mediation, often with OLLI instructors and sometimes with instructors beyond the OLLI community. All OLLI members are welcome to come make some new friends and be part of the meditation community. No mediation or levitation experience required. Contact ollimeditationsig@gmail.com with any questions.

Meets the first Friday of the month. 

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. 

 

The Poetry SIG is for people who want to practice the art of writing poetry. SIG members each write a poem 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. There are three groups that meet at different times and locations. Be sure you select the right section for your registration.

The Poetry SIG is for people who want to practice the art of writing poetry. SIG members each write a poem 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. There are three groups that meet at different times and locations. Be sure you select the right section for your registration.

The Poetry SIG is for people who want to practice the art of writing poetry. SIG members each write a poem 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. There are three groups that meet at different times and locations. Be sure you select the right section for your registration.

Meets the first Monday of the month.

Stitch 'N Time SIG is for stitchers of all types (knitting, crochet, quilting, needlepoint, embroidery, cross stitch, sewing, etc.) to help, encourage, inspire and support each other. It is an opportunity for members to connect and meet others who share their interest in fiber projects. All skill levels are welcome.

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.

The Forum (AKA Dialogue to Challenge our Thinking) SIG meets Fridays, 1-3 p.m., via Zoom, 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. Check with coordinator Beth Johnson for any dates when the group is not meeting.

Thriving in Community SIG meets the fourth Tuesday of the month via Zoom and at occasional in-person meetings to explore issues around aging including aging in place, end of life issues: legal, financial, philosophical and emotional. Informational exchanges and personal sharing are part of each meeting. Contact SIG Coordinator Lou Lieb (louislieb2@gmail.com) for meeting locations, dates and times and to receive the Zoom link.

Mahjong is a game that involves skill, strategy and calculation, as well as a certain degree of luck. Tile Clickers SIG meets Wednesdays in the Reuter Center Atrium and provides the opportunity for all players of the Wright-Patterson or National/American versions of Mahjong to meet and play in a relaxed atmosphere. Scoring materials are the responsibility of the players.

Meets third Friday of the month. 

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.