{"id":85,"date":"2019-11-22T01:32:08","date_gmt":"2019-11-22T01:32:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.furman.edu\/osher-lifelong-learning-institute\/?page_id=85"},"modified":"2026-03-02T21:06:57","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T21:06:57","slug":"special-interest-groups","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.furman.edu\/osher-lifelong-learning-institute\/member-resources\/special-interest-groups\/","title":{"rendered":"Special Interest Groups"},"content":{"rendered":"

A Special Interest Group (SIG) is a group of OLLI\u00a0members whose focus is a certain area of interest. The following SIGs are already in place, and new SIGs are encouraged to form at any time. You do not need to register for SIGs, and there is no fee; however, you must be an OLLI member to participate. For more information about each group, contact the person listed. Information about starting a new SIG is available in the OLLI Office and on the OLLI website. Questions? Contact Heidi Wright at heidi.wright@furman.edu<\/a> or 864.294.2997<\/p>\n

Acoustic Jam<\/strong><\/p>\n

This SIG is for any OLLI member who likes to play an accoustic instrument or sing along to a wide variety of songs. Although primarily guitar and ukulele players, we welcome players of advanced beginner to advanced skill level who would like to sing, play, share songs, or swap ideas. Meeting times and location vary from term to term, based on room availability. Contact Mike Sullivan at\u00a0mlsatmrc@aol.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Baseball Enthusiasts<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

This SIG is for OLLI members who would like to get together with other <\/span>b<\/span>aseball <\/span>e<\/span>nthusiasts to enjoy baseball-related activities, <\/span>such as<\/span> watch parties, attending local games, watching baseball movies, discussing the upcoming season, sharing baseball stories, anecdotes and memorabilia, a<\/span>nd other activities of interest to the group. Contact Tory Vornholt at toryvornholt@gmail.com<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Big Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n

This group is for anyone with an interest in talking, listening and thinking carefully about fundamental issues. We opened with the question: Is God real or a delusion? We may continue with questions like: What is the meaning of life (and how do we recognize it)? Which is more fundamental, the individual or the community? Is season co-extensive with science? The group as a whole decides what to discuss. Genuine interest in ideas is the only requirement of membership. We meet weekly. Contact: Peter Michael at petemich9@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Bluegrass and Old-Time Jam<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

This jam is for OLLI members that enjoy playing bluegrass and old-time music in an informal setting. All levels are welcome to join in playing instrumentsals and songs dur<\/span>ing our two hour jams; acoustic instruments only, please. Contact Melissa DuPuy at melissa.dupuy @gmail.com or Bryan Catron at <\/span>catron2000@yahoo.com<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bridge<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Bridge SIG is for players with some experience. They meet weekly in Manly Lobby at the Herring Center. More groups may form if there is enough interest. Contact Barb Nebb at banebb@comporium.net.<\/a><\/p>\n

Bocce<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Bocce SIG offers OLLI members an opportunity to enjoy the game in a non-competitive atmosphere on the Furman grounds, near the Herring Center. We play weekly during each term at an agreed upon time by SIG members. Contact:Jim Zickos at jzickos@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Deal With It<\/strong><\/p>\n

Deal With It is a card game-based SIG to include Euchre, Spades, Hearts, Pinochle, etc. We will get together and break into groups to enjoy fellowship and kicking each other’s tails in these great games. Contact Justin Smith at justin.b.smith@ampf.com<\/a> with questions.<\/p>\n

Fix-It Clinic<\/strong><\/p>\n

This SIG brings together the talents, tools, and experience of OLLI Handymen and Handywomen who have a knack for repairing broken or malfunctioning household items. The idea is to keep usable items out of landfills and help avoid costly replacements or repairs.<\/p>\n

Examples of items we work on include bicycles, items with power cords (vacuums, hair dryers, lamps), battery-operated devices (toys, tools), furniture, electronics (laptops, TVs), and much more. If you’re interested in becoming a \u201cFixer\u201d, please contact Skip Redman at skipredman@gmail.com. If you have an item you’d like to have repaired for free, watch for our monthly Fix-It Clinic announcements in OLLI Notes.<\/p>\n

Foods, Friends and Fun\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

This SIG meets monthly to dine at Greenville area restaurants. OLLI members that like to be social, meet, new people, and enjoy great food are encouraged to join. Contact Patti Wargo\u00a0pattiwargo@hotmail.com<\/a> or Jacqui Foster at jacquigg1955@gmail.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

French\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00cates-vous Francophone? Vous \u00eates invit\u00e9 \u00e0 un SIG o\u00f9 on parlera fran\u00e7ais. On peut pratiquer la belle langue, et on peut faire la connaissance d’autres qui parle fran\u00e7ais. The French Conversation SIG welcomes all French proficiency levels. Contact Margaret Hafer<\/a><\/p>\n

Handbuilding with Clay<\/strong><\/p>\n

Join the Hand Building with Clay SIG and explore your creative potential with an afternoon of working with clay! All levels of experience welcome. Bring your own supplies or we will have some clay on hand for those that don\u2019t have it. Contact Betsy Beach at betsyb421@icloud.com<\/a> or Karen Hughes at swimclark78@gmail.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Handchimes<\/strong><\/p>\n

This SIG is for those interested in playing music with hand chimes. It is a group effort to produce beautiful music and have fun at the same time. The most important skill is to be diligent and ring at the right time so as not to overpower your neighbor’s note that is being rung at the “actual” right time! This is for ringers with some experience and the ability to read music is helpful. Contact Shelden Timmerman at hsheldentimmerman@gmail.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

Italian<\/strong><\/p>\n

This SIG meets via Zoom and focuses on conversational Italian with an emphasis on beginners to intermediate level Italian usage and knowledge. Our aim is to practice our Italian language skills while at the same time exploring new vocabulary. Contact Elisa Golden at e_m_golden@hotmail.com <\/a>or Mary Jo Pruitt at mpruitt915@aol.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Jam on Pickers Guitar<\/strong>
\nThis SIG is for guitar players who wish to swap licks and share songs, and is open to any OLLI member with basic guitar skills. Meeting times and location will be determined by the SIG members each term. Contact Mike Sullivan at mlsatmrc@aol.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Knitted Knockers<\/b><\/p>\n

The Knitted Knockers SIG helps women who have had mastectomies. We knit (and crochet) \u201cKnitted Knockers\u201d, which are soft, lightweight breast prosthetics provided free of charge to women either to use pre-reconstruction or as a more comfortable alternative to silicone prosthetics. All OLLI member knitters and crochet enthusiasts are welcome! Contact\u00a0Sally Bornmueller at sally.bornmueller@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Mah Jongg<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Mah Jongg SIG is for experienced players who\u00a0would like to get together weekly to play Mah Jongg. They also\u00a0welcome those who have recently taken a Mah Jongg class or who are trying to brush up on some “rusty” skills. They meet at 1:30 on Wednesdays in Manly Lobby at the Herring Center. Contact\u00a0Cathy Dwyer at cathd65@aol.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Mexican Train<\/strong><\/p>\n

This SIG is centered around the dominos based game, Mexican Train. All levels of play are welcome as players come together and play house rules in the Herring Center Manly Lobby. Contact Kathy Dorman at kathyconrad1951@gmail.com<\/a> or Sally Bornmueller at sally.bornmueller@gmail.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Modern American Canasta<\/strong><\/p>\n

This SIG is for OLLI members who already know how to play Canasta. We follow Modern American Canasta rules and meet twice a month. All skill levels are welcome! Contact Beth Bare at jeterbare9@gmail.com<\/a> or Fran Kaiser at frkaizy23@gmail.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Mountain Dulcimer<\/strong><\/p>\n

This SIG is for folks who enjoy getting together and playing dulcimer. It is open to anyone with basic beginner to intermediate skills.\u00a0 The meeting will entail selecting a new song each month for everyone to practice and memorize. We will employ a “circle jam” format in which we will encourage each other by sharing our favorite songs. Each attendee must have their own dulcimer, pick and tuning instrument. Contact\u00a0 by Christen Palombo<\/a> at palombopottery@gmail.com<\/a> or Clay Allen .<\/a><\/p>\n

OLLI Habitat<\/strong><\/p>\n

The OLLI@Habitat SIG is your chance to join OLLI members and work toward a meaningful purpose. It is the intention of this SIG to plan and participate in one Build Day during each OLLI term. The date will be determined by what is available with Habitat for Humanity and what the group is able and interested in helping with…probably not siding! SIG meeting will be “workdays” on actual Habitat for Humanity houses and members can participate as they are able. Contact Janet Aquilar at janetag1944@aol.com<\/a><\/p>\n

OLLI Players<\/strong><\/p>\n

OLLI Players is a SIG designed for OLLI members who love theatre and enjoy being a part of the atmosphere, team and comradery that our SIG will embrace. Our first undertaking will be Neil Simon\u2019s, Plaza Suite. Contact Mary Robert at mary.robert51@icloud.com<\/a> or Francine Hachem at fhachem@aol.com<\/a><\/p>\n

OLLI Recorder Consort<\/strong><\/p>\n

The OLLI Consort SIG\u00a0offers recorder players the opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of ensemble playing, advance their skills, and perform for others. They meet at the Herring Center and the schedule is set each term by the participants. Contact Sharon Howell at JasminRC@icloud.com<\/a> or Judy Brooks at\u00a0jandb1223@gmail.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

OLLI Singers<\/strong><\/p>\n

The OLLI Singers SIG is designed to bring together OLLi members who love to sing. The chorus will gather once a week in the Herring Center to read through once a week in the Herring Center to read through various kinds of music-anything and everything from traditional Scottish folk songs to Renaissance madrigals to classical oratorio music to Broadway show tunes- depending on the numbers, interests, and abilities of our members. The main goal is to have fun singing as a chorus, with occasional performances at OLLI and perhaps other area venues. All you need is good pitch and either some ability to read music or to pick up relatively quickly by ear. We’ll sing mostly in parts, but there will be room for solos and some unison singing, as well. Contact Laura Becker at LLB3130@gmail.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Open Studios<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Open Studio SIG provides a welcoming place to work on your current painting and drawing projects. Share your interest in art and practice your skills with artists of all levels. Contact Paula Winiski at\u00a0pwiniski@bellsouth.net.<\/a><\/p>\n

Out and About Singles<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is a group of single OLLI members who enjoy movies, plays, festivals and eating out together. Come and join us. Make new friends and help plan a calendar of fun. There is a lot to do in Greenville! Contact Betty Jo Shaw at scooper7284@charter.net<\/a> or Sue Miller at suerebecca910@gmail.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Painless Penniless Poker<\/b><\/p>\n

The Painless Penniless Poker SIG is for players with some experience, but all levels are welcome. \u201cPenniless\u201d means we are not playing for money \u2013 only your pride is on the line! We play a variety of poker games each week. Contact Dave Knox at kathyanddavek@gmail.com<\/a> or Dawn Boulos at<\/em> dawnmlb.shopper@gmail.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Pickleball<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Pickleball SIG is for those who already had an introduction to and know the basics of how to play this hybrid of badminton, tennis and ping pong. If you already know how to play, you know why it’s a hit with seniors all over the country. Indoor and\/or outdoor court time is scheduled twice weekly on Furman’s campus. Contact Karen Wright at karenawright@hotmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Political Issues of the Day<\/strong><\/p>\n

This discussion SIG is for those OLLI members who have taken a class in either “Last Week’s News” or “Political Issues.” All points of view will be respected. Anyone who does not wish to listen to opposing viewpoints or to respectfully engage should not attend.\u00a0 Contact Margaret Manning at mmmmanning@gmail.com<\/a> or Kristi Allam<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Science Explorers<\/strong><\/p>\n

Discover our Scientific\u00a0Future! Curious about groundbreaking innovations like better EV batteries, vertical agriculture, filming cells, modeling cancer, and more? Join other OLLI members interested in discussing the latest scientific discoveries. Contact Tom Roy at thomasonroy313@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Scrabble<\/strong><\/p>\n

All Scrabble lovers are invited to join the Scrabble SIG. All skills levels are encourage to join in the fun. Contact Mary Ivasutyn at mivasuty@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Sign Language <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

This SIG offers members the chance to practice conversational ASL, build confidence, and enjoy discussions about books and movies related to <\/span>hearing impaired communities<\/span>. A basic knowledge of ASL is h<\/span>elpful, but you do not need to be fluent. Just come ready to practice and engage. Contact <\/span>Paula<\/span><\/a><\/a><\/a> Gabbert<\/span> at <\/span>paula.gabbert@furman.edu<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sit and Knit<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bring your current knitting project, your lunch and your favorite yarn and join the Sit and Knit SIG. Enjoy a relaxing break with fellow knitters, share tips and tricks, or simply enjoy the company. All skill levels welcome! Contact Vicki Federoff at federoffv@gmail.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Sixty Sisters<\/strong><\/p>\n

We are sisters supporting each other through our serious, silly, sensational 60s! The Sixty Sisters SIG encourages women on life’s sixth decade focusing on health,wealth and connectedness. Open to all who are, have been, will be or support women in life’s sixth decade.\u00a0 Contact Lorraine Russell\u00a0 at sixtysisters60@gmail.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Spanish Conversation<\/strong><\/p>\n

All levels of Spanish skills are welcome to join the Spanish Conversation SIG. The group meets at 10:45 a.m. on Thursdays to practice conversing. In order to keep the conversation flowing, members are encouraged to bring news to share with the group such as details of a class they are taking, a picture about which they would like to expound or a current topic in the news they would like to discuss. Contact Anne Coble at cobleal@bellsouth.net<\/a> or Linda Scott Taylor at\u00a0LindaScottTaylor@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Stamp Collecting<\/strong><\/p>\n

Stamp Collecting SIG meetings will include a brief presentation, show and tell, trading of stamps and discussion of philatelic related topics. Contact Lynn Duncan at echoes92@charter.net.<\/a><\/p>\n

STEAM Tech Teams<\/strong><\/p>\n

The primary goal of this SIG is to promote STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) programs in schools through 3D Design and Printing, fabricating simple prosthetic hands for children; exploring basic electronics; making and flying quad-copter drones; and exploring biomolecules and neuroscience.\u00a0To learn more, see our website at www.STEAMTechTeams.com. All are welcome.\u00a0You do not have to be technically oriented to participate in this extraordinary project. Contact Reid Becker at Reid.Becker@gmail.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Taste Buds<\/strong><\/p>\n

Calling all OLLI Bakers \u2013 we have just the SIG for you! The Tast Buds SIG is intended to bring OLLI members together that love to bake and share their goodies. SIG members are part of delivering occasional treats which appear in the Manly Lobby and some of OLLI\u2019s favorite events. Contact Sally Bornmueller at sally.bornmueller@gmail.com<\/a> or Wendy Vermeulen at wvermeulen@comcast.net<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Theatre of the Spoken Word\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The purpose of this SIG is to engage OLLI participants in the creation, rehearsal, and performance of productions that celebrate the spoken word. This SIG will do production projects such as Readers Theatre, Radio Dramas, and Open Mics. Contact Mary Robert at mary.robert51@icloud.com<\/a> or Bill Burns at talsydon437@gmail.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

Threads<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are so many ways to create with thread, (yarn,cord,floss,etc.) Threads is a SIG to work on and share any art you enjoy using any fiber you choose.\u00a0 Example of a few thread art formats are crochet, weaving, needlepoint, tatting, knitting, cross stitch, embroidery, and many, many others. Threads will meet at OLLI on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month from 10:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Contact Myra Underwood<\/a> at myraunderwood1@icloud.com<\/a> or Diana Myers at td030405@yahoo.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Tocqueville<\/strong><\/p>\n

Exasperated by the strident tone of much discussion of current political, social, and economic issues? The Tocqueville SIG invites you to participate in an ongoing forum that promotes civilized discussion in a too often uncivilized world. Taking a page from Furman’s Tocqueville Society- and in partnership with that group- the SIG offers a welcoming environment to explore contemporary issues through the lens of current and past writers and thinkers. The SIG also plans to sponsor well-known speakers whose presentations will be open to all OLLI members and the community. Contact Mary Hile<\/a>s or Tom Clarke<\/a><\/p>\n

Wine<\/strong><\/p>\n

Designed for OLLI members interested in expanding their knowledge through sharing their appreciation of the grape, the Wine SIG meets as determined by its members. Options are visits sharing our favorite wines along a certain theme, such as cabernet sauvignon or best reds under $15, structured tasting at local wine bars, tasting experts on a particular region or grape, visits to local wineries, sharing favorite wine infusions and more. Contact Dan Scieszka at maddjs@att.net <\/a>\u00a0or Marilyn Bracy at winesensing@yahoo.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A Special Interest Group (SIG) is a group of OLLI\u00a0members whose focus is a certain area of interest. The following SIGs are already in place, and new SIGs are encouraged to form at any time. You do not need to register for SIGs, and there is no fee; however, you must be an OLLI member […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":210,"parent":30,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-85","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.furman.edu\/osher-lifelong-learning-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/85","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.furman.edu\/osher-lifelong-learning-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.furman.edu\/osher-lifelong-learning-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.furman.edu\/osher-lifelong-learning-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.furman.edu\/osher-lifelong-learning-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=85"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/www.furman.edu\/osher-lifelong-learning-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/85\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2294,"href":"https:\/\/www.furman.edu\/osher-lifelong-learning-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/85\/revisions\/2294"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.furman.edu\/osher-lifelong-learning-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/30"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.furman.edu\/osher-lifelong-learning-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/210"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.furman.edu\/osher-lifelong-learning-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=85"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}