Shared Interest Groups

Shared Interest Groups 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.

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

Meeting dates for 2026 are listed below. This page will be updated in December 2026 with next year’s dates.

Note: Membership in 2026-2027 SIGs is valid August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027. You may attend one meeting as a guest prior to joining.

Current Shared Interest Groups

Apple SIG

Meets third Fridays, 2-5 p.m. in Reuter 205; 8/21/26, 9/18/26, 10/16/26, 11/20/26, 12/18/26
SIG contact: Paula Withrow

The Apple SIG is open to new and seasoned users of desktop, laptop, iPhone, iPad, Watch and everything Apple. We provide a program that covers updated information, tips on operating and software/applications to enable members to get the most out of their devices. We also have a Help Desk after the program for those with specific issues.

Beer on Tap SIG

Meets second Wednesdays, 4:30-6 p.m. off campus at local pubs; 8/12/26, 9/9/26, 10/14/26, 11/11/26, 12/9/26
SIG contact: Erik Vedeler

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. Contact Erik Vedeler to learn the locations of meetings.

Bridge Grads SIG

Meets Thursdays, 2-5 p.m. in Reuter lower atrium; no meetings 11/26/26, 12/24/26, 12/31/26
SIG contact: Diane Amos

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 participants switch tables after four hands of play.

Chess SIG

Meets Mondays, 2-5 p.m. in Reuter lower atrium; no meetings 9/7/26, 12/28/26
SIG contact: Bill Isrin

Beginner and intermediate chess players who wish to develop and enhance their strategic thinking and chess skills meet weekly to engage in the game of kings. Some chess experience is recommended but not required.

Comedy SIG

Meets second Fridays, 3-5 p.m. in Reuter 230; 8/14/26, 9/11/26, 10/9/26, 11/13/26, 12/9/26
SIG contacts: Jim Veilleux and Paul Gordon

This SIG meets to let funny people and those aspiring to be funny express themselves and learn how to share their humor. We’ll explore improv and related genres that can make people laugh. We’re especially interested in encouraging graduates of the improvisational and stand-up comedy classes to join, but anyone with a funny bone and some improv experience is welcome to join. Because improv involves physical movement, members should consider their ability to participate.

Common Ground SIG

Meets first or second Fridays, 2-3:30 p.m. in Reuter 207; 9/4/26, 10/9/26, 11/6/26, 12/4/26
SIG contact: Martha Marshall

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 common ground. A willingness to listen is required. Topics are announced well in advance. Usually, a 20-30 minute presentation on the topic is followed by discussion.

Creating Art Together SIG

Meets third Fridays, 2-5 p.m. in Reuter 230; 8/21/26, 9/18/26, 10/16/26, 11/20/26, 12/18/26
SIG contact: Walt A-Akert

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!

The Forum SIG (aka Dialogue to Challenge Our Thinking)

Meets Fridays, 1-3 p.m. via Zoom; no meetings 11/27/26, 12/25/26, 1/1/2027
SIG contact: Beth Johnson and Sam Bedinger

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. Email Sam Bedinger for the Zoom link.

Gardening SIG

Meets second Fridays, 2-5 p.m. in Reuter 205 or off campus; 8/14/26 (off campus), 9/11/26, 10/9/26 (off campus), 11/13/26, 12/11/26 (off campus)
SIG contacts: Nancy Desmond and Allison Norton-Rimron

Western North Carolina, home to a diversity of plant life, is a rich but sometimes challenging environment in which to garden. Gardening SIG members strive to expand gardening knowledge and enjoy gardening activities together. In addition to meetings at OLLI, off-site activities such as touring public gardens, visiting specialty nurseries and visiting a member’s garden are regularly scheduled. Email the SIG contacts for meeting locations.

Healthspan Optimizers SIG

Meets fourth Fridays, 2-3:30 p.m. in Reuter 207; 8/21/26, 9/25/26, 10/23/26, 11/20/26
SIG Contacts: Jeff Fodi and Laurie LeMauviel

We take a holistic view of wellness including sleep, physical health, exercise, diet and nutrition, mindfulness, community and purpose. We pick a general topic for each session and discuss how we’re implementing that in our lives, what we’ve tried that works (and what doesn’t), latest research based on recent studies, podcasts and articles (as brought forward by participants) and determine the topic for the next SIG. Discussion will use accepted standards and explore items like what is physical fitness for age, how fitness is measured and what to do when there are physical limitations. General topics could also interrogate new developments, discuss bio-markers, lab work, wellness devices, exercise programs, health initiatives, wellness influencers, retained purpose, social connectedness and community, and new studies in diet and nutrition (more macro-focused rather than specific dietary regimens) and maintaining motivation, both in general and through challenges.

Note: The information provided in this SIG is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Participation in this group does not create a physician-patient or professional-client relationship between the facilitators and members.

Hiking SIG

Meets 2-3 times per month off campus
SIG Contact: Glenn Peterson

The Hiking SIG fosters the enjoyment of hiking in the greater Asheville area, provides varied levels of hikes 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 SIG

Meets third Fridays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. off campus; 9/18/26, 10/16/26, 11/20/26, 12/18/26
SIG contact: Lary Custodio

Come join the fun to read and discuss books devoted to history. This group meets in area library meeting rooms or member homes. Contact Lary Custodio to learn the locations of meetings.

Mah Jongg SIG

Meets Wednesdays, 2-4 p.m. in Reuter lower atrium; no meetings 11/26/26, 12/30/26
SIG contacts: Angelyn Whitmeyer and Linda Horton

Mah jongg is a game involving skill, strategy and a certain degree of luck. This SIG provides the opportunity for players of both Wright-Patterson or National versions of mah jongg to meet and play in a relaxed atmosphere. Game play books/cards are the responsibility of the players.

Meditation SIG

Meets second Mondays, 4:15-5:30 p.m. via Zoom and fourth Mondays, 4:15-5 p.m. in Reuter 205; view meeting schedule
SIG contact: Sally Ekaireb

OLLI Meditation SIG members comprise a community of individuals who are curious, intrigued and interested in engaging in many different styles of meditation. Some want to learn how to calm the mind and improve sleep, while others want to learn how to expand consciousness! Together members learn and experience different styles of meditation, often with OLLI instructors and sometimes with gifted instructors beyond the OLLI community. All OLLI members are welcome to come make new friends and be part of the meditation community. You may attend both the in person and the online sessions. No meditation experience required.

Modern Canasta SIG

Meets Tuesdays, 2-5 p.m. in Reuter lower atrium; no meeting 12/29/26
SIG Contact: Donna Kelman

Members gather weekly to play modern canasta following the rules of the Canasta League of America. Players are encouraged to purchase the Ultimate Guide to Modern Canasta, ISBN: 9781771400879. Join a welcoming, congenial group of players to have fun and exercise the gray cells. Players need to contact Donna Kelman each week by Monday at noon to reserve a seat.

Mystical Journeys SIG

Meets fourth Fridays, 2-4 p.m. in Reuter 206; 8/24/26 (1-3 p.m.), 9/25/26, 10/23/26
SIG contact: Linda Go

This SIG meets to explore and share and learn about Shamanism, dreams and visions, meeting ancestors and guides, near death experiences and more!

Plant-Based Living SIG

Meets first Fridays, 2-5 p.m. in Reuter 206; 8/7/26, 9/4/26, 11/6/26, 12/4/26 (11:30 a.m. in Reuter lower atrium)
SIG contact: Bonnie Wheeler

The 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

Meets second Fridays, 2-4 p.m. in Reuter 120; 8/14/26, 9/11/26, 10/9/26, 11/13/26, 12/11/26 (off campus)
SIG contact: Mary Louisa Ippolito

The Poetry SIG is for people who want to practice the art of writing poetry. SIG members each write a poem, based on a prompt from the coordinator, 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.

Texas Hold ‘Em Poker SIG

Meets first Fridays, 2-5 p.m. in Reuter 230; 8/7/26, 9/4/26, 11/16/26, 12/4/26
SIG contact: Bruce Jones

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 SIG

Meets third Tuesdays, 5-6:30 p.m. via Zoom and in person; 8/25/26, 9/15/26, 10/20/26, 11/17/26, 12/15/26
SIG contact: Louis Lieb

The Thriving in Community SIG addresses a vast range of issues pertaining to aging including aging in place, continuing care retirement communities, health issues, end-of-life issues, care managers, solo aging and dealing with loss. We’ve even had a meeting on stand-up comedy! Email Lou Lieb for meeting locations and Zoom link.

Travel SIG

Meets second Fridays, 2-4 p.m. in Reuter 206; 9/11/26, 10/9/26, 11/13/26, 12/10/26 (Thursday)
SIG contact: Kathleen Gainey

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.

Ukulele SIG

Meets fourth Fridays, 2-4 p.m. in Reuter 205; 8/24/26, 9/25/26, 10/23/26
SIG contact: Earl Fowler

For people who have taken the Ukulele class at OLLI or have at least beginner ukulele skills, join us to play music and sing for fun. You must have your own ukulele. Bringing a music stand is helpful.

Propose a New Shared Interest Group

Review the guidelines and the SIG proposal process, and complete a Shared Interest Group proposal form to propose a new group.