Exclusively for OLLI@UGA members, the Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) are a popular way to meet new friends and socialize with people of similar interests. And as you’ll see from the list below, OLLI members have an incredible variety of groups from which to choose!
“I’ve found the OLLI Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) provide a gateway for exposure to new experiences, learning new topics, and meeting interesting people” — Barbara Lewis, OLLI member
Provides a forum for members to discuss among themselves, as well as with local, regional and national thought leaders / experts in the aging field, strategies and ideas for living long, healthy, productive, and purposeful lives.
Twice monthly meetings alternate between learning crafts and visiting art museums and galleries.
Informal convivial discussions of fiction, non-fiction, mystery, memoir, travelogue, contemporary and classic books selected by group vote. Group meets in Room LG-4 at Talmage Terrace.
The OLLI@UGA CINEMA@CINÉ Special Interest Group meets monthly to watch a matinee film together and enjoy a discussion about the film, with refreshments and snacks — the cinema equivalent to a book club. Join in for an enjoyable evening of cinema, conversation and camaraderie.
Modern cynicism addresses the perceived gap between stated and actual social motives and goals and the rejection by many of the need to be socially involved. This SIG is offered especially for those who are deeply troubled about the world their children and grandchildren will be living in, but feel overwhelmed and powerless to do anything about it.
Cynic Clinic discussions monthly as announced at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1065 Gaines School Road.
The purpose of this Shared Interest Group is for members to share their experiences, questions, problems, strategies, other methodology or tools with each other in a collaborative setting, since DNA analysis cannot be done in a vacuum. A welcoming group of people with varied levels of expertise both in genealogy and in using DNA to solve problems, we usually meet monthly. As a joint Shared Interest Group with Clarke-Oconee Genealogical Society (COGS), members explore the ever changing world of different consumer DNA companies, their offerings, and tools to interpret the results. Some of our members have spent years doing genealogy and have done lots of testing; others are just getting started in both arenas. All are welcome and are invited to share and ask questions. Genealogy is, after all, a highly collaborative undertaking.
Join us to play American Mahjong weekly from 6:00 to 8:00PM in the break room at River’s Crossing. Whether you’re brand new to the game or a long-time player, all are welcome!
The OLLI@UGA Opera Group offers opportunities to learn about opera, attend the MetOpera Live in HD broadcasts at University 16 Cinemas, and attend the UGA Opera Theatre productions and student recitals. A luncheon before the MetOpera broadcasts features a UGA opera grad student presenting information and leading discussion. The broadcasts are on random Saturday afternoons, and notices are sent to SIG members in advance. TheMetOpera website contains the schedule and more information about each opera. Join us to learn about and enjoy opera.
Spur of the moment gatherings at local venues provide opportunities to meet and get to know fellow OLLI members over a cup of coffee or other beverage of choice.
Members help each other with planning or planting a garden (whatever its size), swapping seeds and cuttings, sharing local knowledge, and touring commercial nurseries, organic farms, botanical gardens and their own gardens.
Bringing wine lovers and learners together for an informal, reasonably-priced social gathering.
We meet on the third Thursday each month from 4p to ~5:30p at Tapped Athens Wine Tasting Market (297 Prince Ave in the Bottleworks) to taste and discuss 2-3 wines. The cost of each tasting will be computed by dividing the price of the number of bottles opened by the number of attendees. Therefore, RSVPs are required.
Gwinnett Walks SIG meets Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. (9:00 in the summer) at different parks across Gwinnett County. Walks are about two miles along paved trails, with a flexible pace so everyone can enjoy the outing together. All OLLI members are welcome—whether you join regularly or drop in when you can.
Practice your Spanish conversation skills in a casual, informal setting at 1 pm every 2nd & 4th Friday
If you love the great outdoors and hiking is a passion or an interest, you will want to join this group. Hikes range from short to long and easy to challenging, for fitness, fun and enjoyment of the marvels of nature.
J.U.L.I.E.T. is envisioned as a group that encourages women to enjoy spending time together as they explore venues in various NE Georgia towns. Once a month, SIG members will gather at the designated location, explore the area on foot, then enjoy a meal together at a local restaurant.
Members of this lively and friendly group socialize, meet new people, form new friendships and enjoy wonderful food at locally owned Athens / Watkinsville restaurants.
A group that meets to discuss issues of men during retirement.
Based upon teachings of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh – This SIG will meet and meditate together to reduce stress, enhance physical/mental/emotional health, and foster spiritual & social well-being. Meetings will be on Tuesday mornings, every two weeks.
A time and space to create and explore writing. By humans.
Members can improve their health while exploring Athens and getting to know other members of OLLI@UGA. Walkers stroll approximately two miles, two days a week throughout Athens’s historic neighborhoods, parks, and gardens.
Members range in experience from complete novices to serious amateurs. Meetings feature a “show & tell” session and a presentation on a topic of interest to amateur photographers. Photo walks around Athens and trips to scenic venues and photo exhibits are scheduled.
Come and read and write poetry together with fellow OLLI Members.
Retired Older Men Eating Out: Come join us for lunch on the first Tuesday of each month!
Lively, wide ranging discussions of topics suggested by members are led by an experienced facilitator using a version of the Socratic Method. We meet at 4:30 p.m. every second Tuesday at River’s Crossing, 850 College Station Road.
This group meets for dinner at an area restaurant to foster interaction and networking among single OLLI@UGA members.
Members participate in kayak and canoeing activities around Athens. The group will have a monthly trip (Splashdown) for all interested, weather permitting. Kayak rental is not available on some trips.
Practice your German conversation skills in a casual, informal setting. “Sprechen Sie Deutsch?” SIG meets every Thursday at 1:30 at River’s Crossing.
Gather with fellow Supper Club members over a meal – a great way to get to know OLLI@UGA members and enhance friendships!
Writing about our lives, we share our prose and poetry to learn more about ourselves and each other as we hope to write memoir more effectively in regard to both form and content. Meetings are held at The Church at College Station across from the UGA Veterinary School at College Station Road.