— Join a group and meet regularly with your peers around a shared area of interest. Social groups are created and led by OLLI members and provide an outlet for socialization beyond courses. Special interest groups (SIGs) are created and led by OLLI members who decide to continue meeting on a regular basis to further pursue an area of study or interest. Social groups and SIGs are open to all members, but registration is required.
Special Interest Groups
Social Groups
SIG01 Biking Group
Join the OLLI Biking Group on rides that are typically on Rails to Trails within about 2 hours of State College. Participants are responsible for their own transportation and expenses. Rides are 20 to 30 miles in length and require physical ability and your own equipment, including helmets. Ride notification by email only. For more information, email olli@psu.edu.
Note: This group involves physical activity. You are responsible for wearing the proper attire and using the proper equipment (if applicable). It is recommended you consult your physician before participating in this activity. OLLI disclaims any and all liability for each individual’s participation in this activity.
SIG02 Book Club
The OLLI Nonfiction Book Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. For more information on current books being discussed, contact Gary and Judy Mitchell, at gmitchell38@comcast.net.
SIG03 Hiking Group
The Hiking Group takes weekly hikes on Fridays. The hikes are typically 3–7 miles and are primarily within a 20-mile radius of the State College/Bellefonte area. They vary from easy to moderate and occasionally challenging. Descriptions of the hikes are emailed to members early in the week of the hike; that email also contains several hikes planned for future weeks. For more information, contact Alice Clark at axc3@psu.edu.
Note: This group involves physical activity. You are responsible for wearing the proper attire and using the proper equipment (if applicable). It is recommended you consult your physician before participating in this activity. OLLI disclaims any and all liability for each individual’s participation in this activity.
SIG05 Writers Group
The Writers Group welcomes writers of all genres and skill levels to share their writing. The group meets from 10:00 a.m. to noon on the second Friday of each month. Details about meetings will be communicated via monthly emails. For more information, contact Rita Lumpkins at ritalouise@gmail.com or Michael Bourgo at bourgom@aol.com.
SIG07 Outdoor Art Group
The Outdoor Art Group is for any level of artist. The group meets from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month, and individuals typically spend two hours working on painting, drawing, nature journaling, photography, writing, etc. At 3:00 p.m., we gather to share snacks, conversation, art and art-making experiences, and our creative endeavors of the day in a supportive environment (if interested, this is not mandatory). Members help to suggest and arrange a variety of meeting spots (generally within 30 minutes of State College), including indoor locations during the winter months. For more information, contact Melissa (Missy) Stephens at missystephens01@comcast.net.
SIG08 Knitting & Crochet Group
The Knitting & Crocheting Group meets every other Monday from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the Pines Building at Juniper Village. Join us for needlework and chat. For more information, contact Carla Rossi at ckr1@psu.edu or Deb Smith at debsmith16823@gmail.com.
Join the Knitting & Crochet Group
SOC01 Lunch Group
Join other OLLI members for lunch on the third Wednesday of each month at noon at various locations in the State College area. You will have time to make friends with the people you have met in OLLI courses. For more information, contact Liz Hattin at lizhattin@gmail.com.
SOC02 Singles Supper Group
Single? Want to treat yourself to a nice dinner while meeting new friends? Think about joining the Singles Supper Group, which meets once a month. For more information, contact Sherry Robertson at sherry1481@comcast.net or Beverly Warren at beverlywarren337@gmail.com.
SOC03 Supper Group
Interested in good food and conversation? The Supper Group meets for a kick-off event in September, and then has dinners in October, November, December, March, April, and May. The host provides the entrée for four to six other members, who provide an appetizer, side dish, and dessert. Scheduling is quite flexible, so you can participate in the months that work for you. The only requirement is that you must be able to host once or twice a year.
(This group is currently on hiatus.)
SOC04 Traveling Lunch Bunch
Join the Traveling Lunch Bunch each month from February through November to taste the fare of restaurants outside the State College area. Group members provide input regarding restaurants to explore on the first Thursday. For more information, contact Ann and Sugato Mitra at annmitra@earthlink.net.
Join the Traveling Lunch Bunch
