What is a SIG?
SIGs are another way for OLLI@SCU members to continue lifelong learning beyond the classroom. Meeting regularly, SIGS not only provide new and enriching opportunities to form friendships with other members, but they also provide continuity with the OLLI@SCU program over the summer break in the class schedule. A SIG is formed by a nucleus of people with a shared interest in the same subject, and who are willing to participate as active, rather than as passive, learners. Shared Interest Groups are independent and self-directed, with members deciding where and when they will meet and how the group will function.
How Do I Join a SIG?
1. SIGs are one of the benefits of your OLLI@SCU membership. Make sure your membership is up to date.
2. Go to the individual SIG home page to find the contact information for the group's facilitator and ask to be put on the email distribution. It's that simple.
Want to Propose a SIG?
We will announce the proposed SIG to the OLLI membership and in the monthly e-bulletin. When 5 or more people have expressed an interest in the proposed topic, the OLLI office will put you in touch with one another. Once a SIG has formed we will post an announcement on the program's Home Page with the name and contact information of the Group's facilitator.
Come join us for a relaxing chat and breakfast at Bill of Fare Restaurant, 1069 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129. We will meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 8:30 a.m. - 10: 00 a.m. Everyone is welcome. If you would like more information, please contact Ellen Ratner ellenratner100@gmail.com.
Would you like to learn a new language? Are you interested in practicing conversational Spanish? OLLI is introducing a new Special Interest Group that will meet starting on February 5, 2024. We will meet every 1st Monday of the month at 3:15 p.m. If you are interested, please reach out to Diane Dreher at ddreher@scu.edu.
The Everything is Energy SIG is a monthly discussion focused on leading a happier, more fulfilling life by shifting energy frequency. The goal of this SIG is to explore how to successfully navigate rapid change and global evolution through conscious energy transformation. Participants will be introduced to the concept that, while many believe life simply happens to them, anyone can actively create the life they desire with awareness and practice. The group meets monthly in person on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Times will be noted on the calendar page. For more information, contact Judy Bigot at judybigot@aol.com.
The Evolving World 2.0 Tech SIG is focused on understanding the latest technologies, how they may be used, and the potential influence in our daily lives. Each session will explore a single topic such as flying cars, Artificial Intelligence (AI), 3D printing or biotechnology. For more information, contact Judy Bigot at judybigot@aol.com.
The Osher Genealogy SIG provides a supportive atmosphere to those wishing to search for family roots and relationships. Our members have all levels of genealogical participation, from those just getting started to seasoned veterans who want to share their knowledge and experience. If you are interested in joining, please contact Patrick McCullough, pamccull356@yahoo.com.
The Bridge SIG meets on the third Tuesday of each month on the Santa Clara University campus. The group can accommodate 4 full tables of players for each meeting, first come, first served. Sign-up is required. Up to 16 players can be accommodated. We welcome players with different levels of experience. No partner is necessary. If you would like to be on the email list and to be notified of future games, please contact Ellen Ratner at ellenratner100@gmail.com.
Are you interested in joining other OLLI members to explore the rich history of our own home, Santa Clara County? From the indigenous peoples whose land this was to the Valley of Hearts Delight agricultural heritage to Silicon Valley, there is much to explore and learn about right here. If you’d like to join, please contact Candace Roney at mcroney72@gmail.com.
The Mystery Book Club meets once a month, except in December, to discuss mystery books or crime fiction, a genre that fictionalizes crimes, detection, and their motives. Contact: Judy Kane (jandtkane@sbcglobal.net) if you would like to join.
The OLLIWOOD Shared Interest Group will meet in person once a month to watch a film selected by the group. Enjoy a fun and lively outing, and join members afterward to discuss your thoughts about the movie. For more information or to add your name to future OLLIWOOD emails, contact Diana Carroll at diana.carroll@sbcglobal.net.
The OLLI Plays! SIG is a group that meets to attend live theater performances in the Bay Area. Following the performance, members will meet for coffee or lunch (or on Zoom) to discuss the play. For more information, contact Dolores Procaccio at mrsprocaccio@gmail.com.
OLLI Reads is a book group that meets ten times per year -- monthly January through June and September and October, with combined meetings for July/August and November/December. Contact Liz Salzer at salzbaum@sbcglobal.net with the subject line OLLI Reads SIG if you want more information and/or are interested in joining this group.
The Photography SIG goes on an expedition once a month, and then meets later in the month to review pictures and talk about various techniques and tools for digital cameras. Please contact facilitator Tom McNeal trmcneal@comcast.net with any questions.
Retired Old Men Eating Out (ROMEO) Groups are groups of men who meet periodically for a meal with basically no rules. The potential SIG group would meet periodically for breakfast or lunch for a general conversation on life, politics, or whatever. For more information, contact Alan Bennett at alanbennett18@gmail.com.
You’re invited to join a new Shared Interest Group focused on visiting local gardens. We’ll travel to local gardens to enjoy the beauty that’s all around us. If interested in participating in this SIG, please contact Marcia Maltby at mmaltby2@sbcglobal.net.
The Wine FUNdamentals SIG meets in person once a month for educational wine tastings and visits to local wineries. There are over 50 wineries of every size and shape in the Santa Clara Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) alone, all the way from long-established century-year family operations to smaller newcomers. Contact Information: Martha Wapenski, martha.wapenski@gmail.com.