Special Interest Groups (SIGs)   

This will be a discussion group led by Jean Greenlaw. The topic for each meeting will be the theme of Dr. Greenlaw’s “Book Talk” column that appears in the Denton Record-Chronicle on the first weekend of each month. It is not necessary to read the books mentioned in the column, but it will make your participation more meaningful for you if you do read a book that fits the theme. It can range from a picture book for children to the most complex book you find on the topic. Dr. Greenlaw will begin each session by discussing the topic and a few books from her column. A link to the column will be sent to the SIG roster before the meeting. Then members will participate by discussing the book they read.

There are three points Dr. Greenlaw would like participants to be ready to discuss with the group:
1. How does the book you read fit the theme?
2. What was your most important takeaway from the book?
3. Why would others be interested in reading the book?

If you wish to be a member of the SIG and not participate in the discussion, you are welcome. It just is more fun for you if you put your 2 cents worth in the discussion!

This SIG is for those readers who love getting lost in libraries and bookstores, only to realize months later that the "bestseller," must-read book on their shelf has been sitting there unread way too long. SIG members will suggest possible books to discuss one semester in advance. The group will choose one title to be read by everyone and that book's advocate will coordinate the book discussion. Participants will want to share with the group their personal response to the book.

While we may long have come to agree that no one is an island unto oneself, there is less acceptance of the ideas that countries too cannot exist isolated one from the other, that “foreign” affairs ineluctably have domestic impacts. This summer SIG is meant to be a forum where members can share their understandings of these impacts on American lives; can listen and learn from fellow members; and, based on considerations aired and thrashed out in our discussions, can begin to hone their judgments concerning appropriate policies for the United States to adopt. All discussions will be predicated upon members’ respecting their fellow members’ right to hold differing opinions and upon the value of sharing and appreciating these differences. Having spent approximately one-third of his life plowing the foreign affairs field as a US diplomat, Steve Dubrow will serve as the SIG leader, chiefly setting the agenda for the discussions at three meetings. However, it will be up to the members to offer their understandings, their reactions, and their conclusions.

Join Donna Zelisko-McLaughlin to explore a category of literature called “great books.” Selections might be philosophical, political, scientific, literary, or culturally significant. Group members respond to the works from a personal perspective of what resonates to one as a reader.

Members of all experience levels are welcome to join Sheila for guided yoga sessions.

This SIG is led by OLLI member John Penaska, a former IT professional who loves to write for fun. The group is open to any member who wants to explore examples of fun writing and practice writing with others. All experience levels and writing styles are welcome.

The group will use these meetings to discuss and define what is fun about writing, review some examples of fun writing, and decide together what direction the group will take. Members are encouraged to bring samples of their own writing and take an active role in determining the agenda for future meetings.