Shared Interest Groups

Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) offer a way to pursue shared interests with other OLLI members. SIGs meet on a regular schedule, weekly to monthly, according to the needs of the group. If you are interested in any particular SIG, please contact the coordinator to learn more. Note: SIG Membership for 2024-25 is open. You must first join OLLI for 2024-25 to be able to register in the SIG. Membership in the 2024-25 SIG is valid through July 31, 2025. You may join a SIG any time until that date.

Current Shared Interest Groups (SIGs)

To join a Shared Interest Group you must first be an OLLI member. Register for membership in our online registration system and then register for the SIG you want to join. Unless the SIG is full, you will be added to the roster and can attend the next scheduled meeting. 

You may attend one meeting as a guest prior to joining.  

• Apple SIG: Meets 2nd Fridays, 2-5 p.m., Reuter Center 206. No meeting December 13, 2024.
  SIG contact: Paula Withrow (pvwithrow@aol.com)
  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.
• Art Together SIG: Meets 3rd Fridays, 2-5 p.m., Reuter Center 230
  SIG contact: Sharon Sandel (sharsand46@gmail.com)
• Members of the Art Together SIG meet in the art room to produce art and inspire and promote each other to make all kinds of art and to have fun!
• Beer on Tap SIG: Meets 2nd Wednesdays, 4:30 p.m., off campus
  SIG contact: Erik Vedeler (vedelererik@gmail.com)
  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.
• Bridge Grads SIG: Meets Thursdays, 2-5 p.m., Reuter Center Lower Atrium; No meeting November 28 or December 26, 2024
  SIG contact: Diane Amos (famsamos1@gmail.com)
  This SIG is for people who have either taken an OLLI bridge course 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 mingle and socialize and have fun. The group follows Chicago scoring and switch tables after four hands of play.
• Common Ground SIG: Meets 1st Fridays, 2.5 p.m., Reuter Center 205; no meetings in summer months
  SIG contact: Martha Marshall (marshall@ret.unca.edu)
  The 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.
• The Forum SIG (aka Dialogue to Challenge Our Thinking):
  Meets  Fridays, 1-3 p.m., via Zoom
  SIG contact: Beth Johnson (johnson1ea@earthlink.net)
  The Forum 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 for the Zoom link.
• Gardening SIG: Meets 2nd Fridays, 2-5 p.m., Reuter Center 205 or off campus 
  SIG contact: Nancy Desmond (nldesmond@gmail.com)
  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. In addition, off-site activities (eg 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. Contact Nancy Desmond for meeting locations.
• Hiking SIG: Meets 2-3 times per month, off campus
  SIG Contact: Glenn Peterson (OLLIHikingSIG@gmail.com)
  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.
• History Book Club: Meets 3rd Fridays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., off campus
  SIG contact: Mike Wang (mbwhome@gmail.com)
  Come join the fun to read and discuss books devoted to history. This group meets in area library meeting rooms or member homes. Contact Mike Wang to learn the locations of meetings. 
• Meditation SIG: Meets 2nd Mondays, 4-6 p.m. via Zoom and 4th Fridays, 2-4 p.m., Reuter Center 206. No meeting October 25 or December 27, 2024.
  SIG contact: Sally Ekaireb (ollimeditationsig@gmail.com)
  Meditation SIG members comprise 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! Together members 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. You may attend either or both the in person and Zoom sessions. 
• Modern Canasta SIG: Meets Tuesdays 2-5 p.m., Reuter Center Lower Atrium. No meeting December 24 or 31, 2024.
  SIG Contact: Kathy Tempelaar-Lietz (kathytem49@gmail.com)
  Members gather weekly to play modern canasta following the rules of the Canasta League of America. Players are encouraged to purchase Ultimate Guide to Modern Canasta, ISBN9781771400879 and available at www.conastaleagueofamerica.com. Join a welcoming, congenial group of players to have fun and exercise the gray cells. Players need to reserve a seat each week by noon on Mondays to be assured a seat to play.  Send reservation request to ollicanastasig@gmail.com.
  
• Plant-Based Living SIG: Meets 1st Fridays, 2-5 p.m., Reuter Center 206
  SIG contact: Bonnie Wheeler (bonniewhee@gmail.com)
  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. 
• Poetry SIG: Group A meets 2nd Fridays, 2-5 p.m., Reuter Center 120; Group B meets 3rd Friday, 1-3 p.m. via Zoom, Group C meets 1st Friday, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Grace Episcopal Church, 871 Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville
  Contact: Sarah Scott, Group A: (sarah.cedarloftcabin@gmail.com); Kim Hayes, Group B: (kimhys53@gmail.com); Jay Jacoby, Group C: (jbjacoby@uncc.edu)
  The Poetry SIG is for people who want to practice the art of writing poetry. SIG members each write a poem that is shared at the SIG meeting in a safe and respectful environment that encourages 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.
• Stitch in Time SIG: Meets 1st Mondays, 2-4 p.m. Reuter Center Lower Atrium. No meeting September 2, 2024.
  SIG contact: Gay Lambirth (gaylambirth@yahoo.com), 281.433.1060
  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.
• Texas Hold ‘Em Poker: Meets 2nd Fridays, 2-5 p.m., Reuter Center 230. No meeting December 13, 2-24/
  SIG contact: Bruce Jones (bruce_e_jones@yahoo.com)
  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.
• Thriving in Community: Meets 4th Tuesdays, 5-6:30 p.m. via Zoom and/or off-campus sites
  SIG contact: Louis Lieb (louislieb2@gmail.com)
  Thriving in Community SIG meets via Zoom and at occasional in-person sites 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 for meeting locations and Zoom link
• Tile Clickers SIG: Meets Wednesdays, 2-5 p.m., Reuter Center Lower Atrium. No meeting November 27, December 25 2024.
  SIG contact: Angelyn Whitmeyer (awhit@identifythatplant.com), Linda Horton (lindahorton997@gmail.com)
  Mahjong is a game that involves skill, strategy and calculation, as well as a certain degree of luck. Tile Clickers SIG provides the opportunity for all players of Wright-Patterson or National versions of Mahjong to meet and play in a relaxed atmosphere.
• Travel SIG: 3rd Fridays, 2-4 p.m., Reuter Center 206,;no meetings in summer months
  SIG contact: Kathleen Gainey (Kathleen.m.gainey@outlook.com), 703.298.8203.
  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.

To propose a new Shared Interest Group

To submit a proposal for a new Shared Interest Group for 2024-25, Review the guidelines and complete a proposal form