OLLI is host to a variety of Special Interest Groups (SIGs), all of which are created and managed by members. SIGs meet regularly and provide members with social, cultural, and educational opportunities beyond the OLLI classroom.
Interested in starting a SIG? All it takes is a member (or two) willing to organize and manage the group and its activities. OLLI will help you to find members who share your interests. Contact the OLLI office and we’ll connect you with SIG Coordinator, member Jan Brunell.
The following SIGs are up and running online via Zoom. To connect with a group, log into the OLLI member site where you will find SIG leader contact information.
Bananagrams
Grab your own banana of letters and play individually while joining other members online via Zoom. “Our measure of success is having fun!” Meets weekly on Tuesdays, 3 p.m.
Leader: Laurie Lykken
Jazz Appreciation:
The OLLI Cats
The OLLI Cats are exploring options for sharing music together online via Zoom. To learn about the plans as they unfold, please contact:
Leader: Cecelia Boone
Memoir Writing
Meets online via Zoom on the third Thursdays of each month, 1 p.m.
Leader: Ken Rich
Poetry Appreciation
Meets online via Zoom, weekly on Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
Leader: Norbert Hirschhorn
Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Attend four concerts (Series 4A, Ordway Concert Hall), Fridays, 11 a.m., if concerts are performed and in-person meetings are permitted. Purchase tickets at www.thespco.org. Post-concert lunch nearby (optional).
Leader: Dave Bucheck
Storytelling
For people who love telling stories, want to improve their storytelling skills, or enjoy hearing stories well-told. Meets online via Zoom “semi-monthly” on Wednesdays, 10–11:30 a.m.
Leader: Dale Anderson
OLLI Stammtisch
Practice conversational German online via Zoom on Mondays, 6 p.m. Meets weekly.
Leader: Deb Wentworth
Wednesday Walkers
Members take turns leading walks each Wednesday morning at various locations throughout the Metro.
Leader: Judy Remington
Travel, Adventure, and Camaraderie
This newly formed SIG will meet to discuss and outline travel, both international and domestic, to be considered for OLLI adventures and excursions. Meeting dates/times TBD.
Leader: Cherie Hamilton
Book Club SIGs
American History Books
Meets online via Zoom on the first Thursday of each month, 1:30 p.m.
Leader: Bill Wittenbreer
Mysteries
Meets online via Zoom on the first Tuesday of each month, 2:30–4 p.m.
Leader: Karen Koepp
Nonfiction Saint Paul
Meets online via Zoom on the fourth Thursday of each month, 1 p.m.
Leader: Ron Tabar
Literary Fiction Uptown
Meets online via Zoom on the third Tuesday of each month, 1:30–3 p.m.
Leader: Carla Waldemar
Nonfiction Minneapolis
This SIG has met every month since 2003! Meets online via Zoom on the second Fridays of each month, 2 p.m.
Leader: Kate Anderson
Saint Paul Contemporary Fiction
Meets online via Zoom on the third Friday of each month, 10:30 a.m.
Leader: Della Shupe
Awesome Book Club
Reading and discussion of books by and/or about women. Meets online via Zoom on the second Tuesday of each month, 1:30 p.m., April−November.
Leaders: Deborah Tabert
Fiction Minneapolis
Meets online via Zoom on the third Friday of each month, 10–11:30 a.m.
Leader: Judy Remington