OLLI Special Interest Groups
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Activities are an integral part of the OLLI program, providing opportunities to learn and socialize outside the classroom. If you have general questions or suggestions for activities, call Kathy Parrish at 919-681-3476. If you want to find out more about any of the listed groups, please contact the coordinator shown below for that activity.
Contemporary Literature Group
Craft group
Foodie SIG
French Language Table
Growing Thru Grief
International Folk Dance Group
MAC Computer Group
Mystery Mavens Book Club
New Horizons Music Groups
Novelist's Group
OLLI Public Policy Group
OLLI Singles
Retirement Transition Group
Science Book Club
Short Story Discussion Group
OLLI Spanish Conversation Table
Criminal and Social Justice Reform: Faceless No More
Craft group
Foodie SIG
French Language Table
Growing Thru Grief
International Folk Dance Group
MAC Computer Group
Mystery Mavens Book Club
New Horizons Music Groups
Novelist's Group
OLLI Public Policy Group
OLLI Singles
Retirement Transition Group
Science Book Club
Short Story Discussion Group
OLLI Spanish Conversation Table
Criminal and Social Justice Reform: Faceless No More
Contemporary Literature Group
This group enjoys reading and discussing the best contemporary literature, including both fiction and nonfiction. Our 2021 calendar includes The Buddha in the Attic, There There, The Other Family, Here We Are, Hamnet, The Soldier's Wife, What Are You Going Through, and The Rules of Civility. The group will Zoom every month throughout 2021. To be added to our mailing list, please contact Nancy Capaccio.
<< view OLLI calendar >>
Contact: Judy Grauer, asst: Nancy Capaccio.
Locatiion: via ZOOM
Date / Time: 2nd Mondays of month / 3:00 - 4:15pm
updated 4/6/21 kgs
<< view OLLI calendar >>
Contact: Judy Grauer, asst: Nancy Capaccio.
Locatiion: via ZOOM
Date / Time: 2nd Mondays of month / 3:00 - 4:15pm
updated 4/6/21 kgs
Craft Group
It’s time to dig out that unfinished project from the back of the closet. Knitting, quilting, crocheting, sewing . . . whatever. All are welcome. See current OLLI catalog for crafts workshops.
Contact: Judy Grauer at 919-416-0755
Location: Via ZOOM
Date: All year/ 1st & 3rd Mondays, Time : 3:00-4:15pm
updated 4/6/21 kgs
Contact: Judy Grauer at 919-416-0755
Location: Via ZOOM
Date: All year/ 1st & 3rd Mondays, Time : 3:00-4:15pm
updated 4/6/21 kgs
Foodie Field Trips SIG
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Please tell where you would like to meet and eat. Use our form <<<< https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdApm-v9fnmSoADGrLHJcTcFw8VMlrzA4Y1FKJyMnFbEWsa4w/viewform >>>>>.
Many of us fondly remember “Field Trips" as a vivid part of our early schooling. Outings gave us immediate access to new worlds outside our daily classroom routine. The Foodie Field Trips SIG meets lunchtimes at diverse food and beverage venues, suppliers and producers in the area. Activities are suspended until safe conditions return. Each outing will be a chance to learn, shop, and ‘break bread’ together at an inexpensive lunch spot. Some venues will reflect our region’s expanding cultural diversity while others offer more traditional fare. SIG members will suggest future destinations. To see the schedule, get details, or to RSVP, visit the SIG’s website >>>>>>> http://foodiefieldtrip.weebly.com >>>>>>> Date / Time: activities suspended until safe conditions return Updated 4/6/21 kgs |
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French Language Table
The French Table SIG is on hiatus due to COVID-19. With luck , it will not be too many more months before events will be possible and we can gather around the table again. Emily Lees (emilyjlees@gmail.com) ou à George Entenman (olli@entenman.net).
La Table Française se réunit le mardi de midi à 13 heures à "The Forest at Duke." En ce moment, le groupe est complet, et il y a une liste d'attente. Si vous parlez français couramment et vous voulez que nous mettions votre nom sur la liste, envoyez un mail à Emily Lees ou à George Entenman. Nous sommes heureux aussi de répondre à vos questions.
Contact: Emily Lees or George Entenman by email
Location:
Date / Time:
updated 4/6/21 kgs
La Table Française se réunit le mardi de midi à 13 heures à "The Forest at Duke." En ce moment, le groupe est complet, et il y a une liste d'attente. Si vous parlez français couramment et vous voulez que nous mettions votre nom sur la liste, envoyez un mail à Emily Lees ou à George Entenman. Nous sommes heureux aussi de répondre à vos questions.
Contact: Emily Lees or George Entenman by email
Location:
Date / Time:
updated 4/6/21 kgs
Growing Thru Grief / an interfaith support group
For seven years, this long-standing and vital Special Interest Group--Growing Thru Grief: An Interfaith Support Group -- had been meeting weekly in person. Then the pandemic arrived in force. Early in the COVID-19 crisis, the entire country was grieving the loss of normal life and the Executive Committee members knew this group’s needs would only intensify. The group soon resumed online via Zoom. Zoom was new for many members, and presented new technical and personal challenges. After a period of transition, the support group has returned to health. Zoom even has some advantages with online meetings - distance doesn’t exist anymore - so people have joined from far away.
This weekly Tuesday support group still places small group conversations at the heart of its work. Each such group has 2 facilitators present, trained by staff members of Duke Home Care and Hospice, and having backgrounds in healing arts, ministry, and medicine. Many of the facilitators began as participants. In addition to its small group conversations, the group continues to provide weekly presentations on topics related to grief. Still, while it is not talk therapy, the small groups present a chance to express one’s feelings about losing a loved one to caring and supportive listeners in a safe environment. The group has no set curriculum, no rules, and no criterion other than to be suffering from the loss of a loved one.
If you want more information about this group; please, send email to request registration.
Contact: admin@growingthrugrief.org
Register by email click button below
Location: Zoom only
Date / Time: Tuesdays / 4:15pm – 6:00pm
updated 04/23/21
This weekly Tuesday support group still places small group conversations at the heart of its work. Each such group has 2 facilitators present, trained by staff members of Duke Home Care and Hospice, and having backgrounds in healing arts, ministry, and medicine. Many of the facilitators began as participants. In addition to its small group conversations, the group continues to provide weekly presentations on topics related to grief. Still, while it is not talk therapy, the small groups present a chance to express one’s feelings about losing a loved one to caring and supportive listeners in a safe environment. The group has no set curriculum, no rules, and no criterion other than to be suffering from the loss of a loved one.
If you want more information about this group; please, send email to request registration.
Contact: admin@growingthrugrief.org
Register by email click button below
Location: Zoom only
Date / Time: Tuesdays / 4:15pm – 6:00pm
updated 04/23/21
International Folk Dance Group
We will resume dancing when the pandemic conditions allow us to.
Join us for a fun way to get exercise, both physical and mental, and improve your balance. The folk dances we practice are done in a
line or circle (no partner is needed) and are low impact (not highly strenuous). Most of the dances originated in Eastern Europe. Our
ongoing class meets on Tuesdays, 1:30–2:45pm, at Croasdaile Village Retirement Community. Newcomers are welcome at any time.
There is no charge, but please contact coordinator.
Contact: Judy Stafford 919-383-7172
Location:
date / time, a
updated 4/6/21 kgs
Join us for a fun way to get exercise, both physical and mental, and improve your balance. The folk dances we practice are done in a
line or circle (no partner is needed) and are low impact (not highly strenuous). Most of the dances originated in Eastern Europe. Our
ongoing class meets on Tuesdays, 1:30–2:45pm, at Croasdaile Village Retirement Community. Newcomers are welcome at any time.
There is no charge, but please contact coordinator.
Contact: Judy Stafford 919-383-7172
Location:
date / time, a
updated 4/6/21 kgs
Mac Computer Group
Mac users gather for Q&A and short presentations on topics of interest to
MAC and Apple users. The group will meet periodically at a day,
time, and place to be announced.
Contact: Mary Jo Fickle or Susan Eure
Location: to be announced for each occasional meeting
date / time: you will be contacted once you are a member
information correct as is: updated 4/6/21 kgs
MAC and Apple users. The group will meet periodically at a day,
time, and place to be announced.
Contact: Mary Jo Fickle or Susan Eure
Location: to be announced for each occasional meeting
date / time: you will be contacted once you are a member
information correct as is: updated 4/6/21 kgs
Mystery Mavens Book Club
Whether you HAVE a clue, or DON'T have a clue, this book club may be for you!
We enjoy discussing a range of types of mysteries: suspense, amateur/professional sleuth, cozy, noir, and more.
Our 2021 lineup includes An Unsuitable Job for a Woman, The Riddle of the Sands, The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War, Birds of a Feather, A Royal Affair, and The Thursday Murder Club. Do you suspect you’ll be interested? Simply contact Nancy Capaccio at nancycapaccio99@gmail.com.
Group members suggest possible reads, and every few months the next several books are agreed upon by the group as a whole; the members who proposed the books chosen are responsible for getting up some basic information about the author and the book and facilitating the group’s discussion. The group is thinking ahead and planning since this group doesn’t want to stop reading great mysteries for three months during the summer break
Contact Nancy to join our mailing list and enjoy the hunt for great mystery books!
Contact: Nancy Capaccio
Location: Via Zoom
Date/Time: 2nd Tuesday of month throughout the year / 2:00PM-3:15PM
We enjoy discussing a range of types of mysteries: suspense, amateur/professional sleuth, cozy, noir, and more.
Our 2021 lineup includes An Unsuitable Job for a Woman, The Riddle of the Sands, The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War, Birds of a Feather, A Royal Affair, and The Thursday Murder Club. Do you suspect you’ll be interested? Simply contact Nancy Capaccio at nancycapaccio99@gmail.com.
Group members suggest possible reads, and every few months the next several books are agreed upon by the group as a whole; the members who proposed the books chosen are responsible for getting up some basic information about the author and the book and facilitating the group’s discussion. The group is thinking ahead and planning since this group doesn’t want to stop reading great mysteries for three months during the summer break
Contact Nancy to join our mailing list and enjoy the hunt for great mystery books!
Contact: Nancy Capaccio
Location: Via Zoom
Date/Time: 2nd Tuesday of month throughout the year / 2:00PM-3:15PM
New Horizons Music Groups
The New Horizons Music programs provide entry points to music making for adults, including those with no musical experience at all and those who were active in school music programs but have been inactive for a long time. Many adults would like an opportunity to learn music in a group setting similar to that offered at schools, but the last entry point in most cases was elementary school. We are here to change that! New Horizons has several instrumental and vocal groups.
Click either button below for Location, dates, time and dues information.
Currently, on hiatus
Updated information 4/25/21 kgs
Click either button below for Location, dates, time and dues information.
Currently, on hiatus
Updated information 4/25/21 kgs
Novelists' Group GROUP MEMBERS LIMITED to 6
The Novelists’ Interest Group is for serious writers who are advanced in their projects and want to improve their writing skills and discuss their craft. Participants will bring copies of excerpts from their books (5-10 pages), read them, and critique each other’s work. No fee. Group limit: 6. Contact Carol Hoppe to confirm your attendance.
Contact: Carol Hoppe
Location: In Chapel Hill TBA, contact Carol ( below ) for details
Date / time: Every Other Friday, all year long 1:00PM to 3PM.
updated 9/4/20
Contact: Carol Hoppe
Location: In Chapel Hill TBA, contact Carol ( below ) for details
Date / time: Every Other Friday, all year long 1:00PM to 3PM.
updated 9/4/20
OLLI Public Policy Group
The OLLI Public Policy Group was formed in late 2019. The common interest in the members is in sharing and discussing issues in public policy at the international, national, and state levels. One of our goals is to take advantage of the interests of OLLI members and the expertise available in the Duke Sanford School. In the past we've actively participated in public policy meetings held by the Sanford School faculty and students, as well as public policy discussions led by OLLI members. These discussions are held in a collegial manner conducted with respect for the views of participating OLLI members.
The pandemic has created challenges for everyone, including the Public Policy group. We've experimented with small, outdoor, masked and socially distanced informal discussions. We are now evolving to test other options for our group to interact. Interest in participating in meetings via Zoom is divided.
The PPSIG will have an ongoing project: WORKSHOP: Repair & Renovation of the Constitution; 2038. It may meet, on zoom or via email, the first Friday of each month. The time will be 11-12:30PM, the OLLI second period. Those interested in participating should contact Jim Hollowood Jhollowood@gmail.com.
Some members are not comfortable with the Zoom format, while others are comfortable using it in the interim. We are also exploring how to share and discuss the most relevant and interesting on-line discussions by Duke faculty and guest speakers.
We remain fully open to suggestions on how to best serve the OLLI community. Please contact Jim Hollowood at Jhollowood@gmail.com or Larry Reed at lgreed3@gmail.com or (919) 452-3896 if you would like to explore participating in the group. By Larry Reed
The pandemic has created challenges for everyone, including the Public Policy group. We've experimented with small, outdoor, masked and socially distanced informal discussions. We are now evolving to test other options for our group to interact. Interest in participating in meetings via Zoom is divided.
The PPSIG will have an ongoing project: WORKSHOP: Repair & Renovation of the Constitution; 2038. It may meet, on zoom or via email, the first Friday of each month. The time will be 11-12:30PM, the OLLI second period. Those interested in participating should contact Jim Hollowood Jhollowood@gmail.com.
Some members are not comfortable with the Zoom format, while others are comfortable using it in the interim. We are also exploring how to share and discuss the most relevant and interesting on-line discussions by Duke faculty and guest speakers.
We remain fully open to suggestions on how to best serve the OLLI community. Please contact Jim Hollowood at Jhollowood@gmail.com or Larry Reed at lgreed3@gmail.com or (919) 452-3896 if you would like to explore participating in the group. By Larry Reed
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Contact: Larry Reed (919) 452-3896
Date / time: 1st Friday of each month / 11:00 - 12:30PM Location: TBD Zoom meeting info sent to members as needed UPDATED 4/6/21 kgs |
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OLLI Singles
OLLI Singles Group Plans Activities and Welcomes New Members
OLLI Singles supports social engagement for its members by its members.
. We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of the month to discuss topics of mutual interest and to share experiences, moderated by the meeting host. For more information and details about the link/password please contact the Steering Committee to join our SIG.
Lynne Grossman will be using "Less Small Talk; More Genuine Conversations" prompts to get the conversation started, open us all up to sharing and listening to one another, and having a fun time. If you would like to host and moderate an additional OLLI Singles Zoom meeting on either the 2nd or the 4th Wednesday of a month, contact Lynne.If you wish to join the upcoming Zoom conversations send Lynn an email by selecting Steering Committee button below.
. All OLLI Singles inquiries must be sent to olliatdukesingles@gmail.com.
Paul Deblinger is the administrator of the private OLLI Singles Facebook group. Only current paid and registered OLLI Singles members can join this private group, post information, and initiate conversations. If you're on the current email list and request to join, Paul will admit you to the group.
For more information and details about the link/password please contact the Steering Committee at olliatdukesingles@gmail.com to join our SIG.
OLLI Singles Group Plans Activities and Welcomes New Members
OLLI Singles supports social engagement for its members by its members.
. We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of the month to discuss topics of mutual interest and to share experiences, moderated by the meeting host. For more information and details about the link/password please contact the Steering Committee to join our SIG.
Lynne Grossman will be using "Less Small Talk; More Genuine Conversations" prompts to get the conversation started, open us all up to sharing and listening to one another, and having a fun time. If you would like to host and moderate an additional OLLI Singles Zoom meeting on either the 2nd or the 4th Wednesday of a month, contact Lynne.If you wish to join the upcoming Zoom conversations send Lynn an email by selecting Steering Committee button below.
. All OLLI Singles inquiries must be sent to olliatdukesingles@gmail.com.
Paul Deblinger is the administrator of the private OLLI Singles Facebook group. Only current paid and registered OLLI Singles members can join this private group, post information, and initiate conversations. If you're on the current email list and request to join, Paul will admit you to the group.
For more information and details about the link/password please contact the Steering Committee at olliatdukesingles@gmail.com to join our SIG.
Short Story Discussion Group
A well-written short story can make you feel the same thrill, experience the same attachment to the characters, as reading a full length novel, but typically takes less than an hour to read, rather than days (or weeks).
We hope you will join us for our Short Story Discussion Groups. Contact Howard for more details. Contact: Howard Goldberg Location: Via Zoom Date / Time 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month / 10:30-11:30am |
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Retirement Transition Group
This informal drop-in group is for OLLI members who are going through transitions in retirement and perhaps experiencing some challenges. The group meetings will provide an opportunity to share concerns, offer ideas that have worked, share resources we are aware of, to connect with other OLLI members who are going through the same experiences. People can drop in at any of the meetings. There is no charge.
Contact the coordinator below to learn more and to be put on a mailing list for this group.
Contact: Corinne Schillin 919-537-8450 or email below
Location and Time:Via ZOOM, 2nd Friday of the month / 1:00pm
Contact the coordinator below to learn more and to be put on a mailing list for this group.
Contact: Corinne Schillin 919-537-8450 or email below
Location and Time:Via ZOOM, 2nd Friday of the month / 1:00pm
Science Book Club
The club reads and discusses books of substance on topics ranging from biology, evolution, and the physical sciences to medicine, the environment, and biographies of famous scientists. OLLI membership is not required for the Science Book Club and you do not have to have a science degree to participate, and no registration is required.
The OLLI Science Book Club is meeting on Zoom at our regular first Thursday of the month at 3:15 time. The coordinator sends out an invitation a week before our meetings to our mailing list. Contact Dan Oldman for more information and zoom link.
Contact: Dan Oldman, 919-544-2686
Location: currently ZOOM ONLY
Date / Time: 1st Thursday of month / 3:15 - 4:45pm
updated 4/6/21 kgs
OLLI Spanish Conversation Table
No Activity during pandemic
The OLLI at Duke Spanish Conversation Table will meet the second Friday of each month through April at Mi Peru Peruvian Cuisine restaurant, 4015 University Drive, Suite A1 in Durham, from 12:45 p.m. to 2 p.m. This Dutch treat gathering welcomes Spanish speakers of all levels who wish to practice conversational Spanish. Please RSVP by the Wednesday before the event to Margaret Riley at mrileync@gmail.com or 919 403-2684 if you plan to attend. RSVP due 2/12, RSVP due 3/12, and RSVP due 4/8
Contact: Margaret Riley
Location:
Date / Time:
updated 4/6/21 kgs
The OLLI at Duke Spanish Conversation Table will meet the second Friday of each month through April at Mi Peru Peruvian Cuisine restaurant, 4015 University Drive, Suite A1 in Durham, from 12:45 p.m. to 2 p.m. This Dutch treat gathering welcomes Spanish speakers of all levels who wish to practice conversational Spanish. Please RSVP by the Wednesday before the event to Margaret Riley at mrileync@gmail.com or 919 403-2684 if you plan to attend. RSVP due 2/12, RSVP due 3/12, and RSVP due 4/8
Contact: Margaret Riley
Location:
Date / Time:
updated 4/6/21 kgs
Criminal and Social Justice Reform: Faceless No More
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Recent events have highlighted problems with the criminal justice system and our larger social fabric, both locally and across the country. The Justice: Faceless No More Special Interest Group (SIG) discusses new insights and perspectives on the situation. We will meet former prisoners, activists and others who know the criminal justice system well. On occasion, expert speakers will join us to discuss the human and financial costs of our current system, the history of our laws and possible new approaches. We will look beyond the fence lines and gun towers and take a deep dive into “Prison World” in North Carolina, The United States and internationally. We will also examine our civil rights history, which is tied closely to the criminal justice system, and hear from people and organizations involved with historic and current civil rights events. Our group may identify “call to action” recommendations to present to our local, state and national policymakers and legislators. Our SIG builds on several recent OLLI classes, that all received excellent reviews from OLLI members on this topic. Everyone is welcome. We will meet the first Friday of every month from 9-10:30 beginning February 5 - April 23.
Contact: Mark Hall Location: Zoom only Date / Time: 1st Friday of month / 9:00-10:30 AM |
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