What’s a SIG?
It is when members interested in a specific topic or who enjoy the same activity get together on a regularly scheduled basis – whether it be in-person or online. From book and movie clubs to outdoor or community adventures, OLLI members are welcome to participate in any SIG throughout our four learning regions. There is no fee for joining a SIG, as they are a member benefit. Though there may be costs associated with activities planned by the members of the SIG.
To learn more about a particular SIG, you can click on the SIG Leader's name and send them an email with your questions or to be added to the e-mail list.
Shared Interest Groups or SIGs are just one of our engaging OLLI membership benefits!
What’s a SIG? It is when members interested in a specific topic or who enjoy the same activity get together on a regularly scheduled basis – whether it be in-person or online. From book and movie clubs to outdoor or community adventures, OLLI members are welcome to participate in any of the current SIGs throughout our four learning regions.
There is no fee for joining a SIG, as they are a member benefit, however there may be costs associated with activities planned by the members of an individual SIG.
Please reach out to the contact listed below to learn more about the group and their meetings throughout the term!
In person sigs
Candlepin Bowling
Mt. Washington Valley Area | Contact: Barb Butler
Location: Saco Valley Lanes in Fryeburg
Join fellow OLLI members for candlepin bowling on the second Wednesday of the month at 1:00pm for friendly competition and plenty of fun! Whether you are an experienced bowler or trying candlepins for the first time, all skill levels are welcome. Come stay active, connect with others and enjoy this classic New England pastime—no perfect score required!
Crafting Crew
Mt. Washington Valley Area | Contact: Paula Gray
Bring your favorite creative project and join the Crafting Crew! The group meets every Wednesday from 1–3 p.m. at the Madison Library to craft, socialize and connect with fellow OLLI members. Knit, crochet, sew, embroider, sketch, paint or work on any project you enjoy. Come every week or drop in when you can—you are always welcome!
Hiking
Mt. Washington Valley Area | Contact: John Rozek
Explore the beauty of the Mount Washington Valley while enjoying fresh air, friendly conversation and great company! Hiking details are shared about a week in advance, including whether the outing is easy or moderate, so members can choose the experience that is right for them. Most hikes take place on Thursdays. Come for the scenery and stay for the camaraderie!
Seacoast Area | Contact: Sandy O'Neill
Enjoy the outdoors and explore scenic trails with the Seacoast Hiking SIG! This welcoming group offers mostly flat hikes and walks ranging from 1.5–4 miles. Upcoming outings are announced in the OLLI Outlook, with trail conditions and hike details shared by email before each adventure. Members from all OLLI regions are invited to join, meet new people and enjoy the journey together!
Ice Cream Trail
Concord Area | Contact: Jacki Fogarty or Alexandria Arnold
The Capital Region Ice Cream SIG meets once a week at different ice cream venues from late Spring to early Fall to enjoy ice cream and fellowship while exploring our community. We're working on increasing the size of our membership 1000 calories at a time!
Mt. Washington Valley Area | Contact: Cindy Graham
Catch up with your friends and meet new people with the perfect summertime treat! Throughout the summer we will enjoy something sweet from ice creameries throughout the valley for you to try. Come buy yourself a cone or a sundae…and tell us about your summer!
Lunch Bunch/Munch Bunch
Concord Area | Contact: Jean Russell
Come explore local dining spots, enjoy good food and connect with fellow OLLI members! The group meets once a month at a variety of restaurants throughout the Greater Concord area. Meeting days vary, and all members are welcome to suggest a restaurant for the group’s next gathering.
Manchester Area | Contact: Mike Baker
Members and their guests meet monthly at selected restaurants in the greater Manchester area to enjoy good food, lively conversation, and an opportunity to meet OLLI members socially outside the classroom setting.
Mt. Washington Valley Area | Contact: Diane Rozek
Discover the flavors of the Mount Washington Valley with the Munch Bunch! On the fourth Friday of each month, members gather at a different local restaurant to sample the area’s cuisine, share recommendations and connect over a delicious meal. Bring your appetite and your ideas for the group’s next dining adventure!
Snowshoeing
Mt. Washington Valley Area | Contact: Betsy Gemmecke
Explore the winter beauty of the Mount Washington Valley with the MWV Snowshoe SIG! After the holidays, the group organizes outings throughout the region for a range of abilities. C-level outings are generally 3–4 miles on mostly flat terrain, while B-level outings include elevation gain. Hike details are shared about a week in advance so members can choose the outing that is right for them.
Virtual sigs
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Discussion
Contact: Jim Isaak or Glenn Meyers
Explore the rapidly changing world of artificial intelligence with the AI SIG. Each month, members discuss emerging technologies, share how they are using AI and consider its broader impact—from the future of work to the opportunities and risks shaping our society. No technical experience is required—just bring your curiosity, questions and ideas!
Book Groups
Chapter Chats | Contact: Salley Embly
Turn the page on great conversation with Chapter Chat! Open to all readers, this welcoming group meets monthly, usually via Zoom, to discuss books selected by its members. Each conversation is guided by a volunteer, offering everyone the chance to share insights, explore different perspectives and discover their next great read.
Fresh Reads | Contact: John Russell
Discover new ideas and fresh perspectives with Fresh Reads! Meeting on the third Monday of each month, the group explores member-selected nonfiction books covering current events, history, the environment, climate, science and health. Join fellow readers for thoughtful conversation and engaging discussion.
Manchester Book Group | Contact: Mike Baker
Drawing from a member created list of suggested readings, the Manchester Book Group meets monthly to discuss books, fiction or non-fiction, that will stimulate thoughtful discussion and promote sharing individual insight.
Creative Writing
Contact: Pam Otis
The Creative Writing SIG welcomes anyone who has an interest in writing, whether you already love to write, or are interested in trying your hand at it for the very first time. We write on a wide range of topics, and in a variety of writing styles. It's fun to be playful and experiment. We meet every other Thursday at 1:00pm. We'd love to have you join us!
Happy Hour
Contact: Dennis McGivern
Pour your favorite beverage, grab a sweet treat and join fellow OLLI members for a lively themed gathering on Zoom! Meeting monthly on a Tuesday from 6–7 p.m., the group explores wine and spirits while enjoying relaxed conversation and good company. Bring your curiosity—and remember to “Zoom responsibly!”
Movie Club
Contact: Marty Bender
Movie lovers, this group is for you! Meeting weekly on Mondays at 3 p.m., members suggest two films and vote on which one to watch independently before the next gathering. Join the group to share your thoughts, hear different perspectives and enjoy a lively conversation—even if you did not have a chance to watch the movie!
Public Policy
Contact: Tessa McDonnell
The Public Policy Group meets on the third Thursday of each month for a 90-minute discussion of domestic and international policy. With no set agenda, members from across the state bring forward the topics and issues they want to explore. Diverse perspectives are welcomed and encouraged, creating a respectful, safe environment for thoughtful and robust conversation.
Additional Information
All SIG activities operate under the umbrella of OLLI at the University of New Hampshire and must align with university policies and standards. To learn more about how to start a SIG, the roles and responsibilities, and how they work within OLLI at UNH, please click through our SIG Policies & Procedures.
