OLLI at USM offers many diverse activities beyond the classroom. Open exclusively to current OLLI members, our Special Interest Groups provide great opportunities to connect socially with people with similar interests.

Four members of the Let's Knit SIG with their knitting

A few members of OLLIs “Let’s Knit!” SIG

Join an OLLI SIG!

To participate in any Special Interest Group, you must be a current OLLI member. SIGs are not intended as instructional events. Many programs run year-round, except for July and August.

Click on a group name below and read about their activities, note which groups you would like to join, and then click the Registration Information button to sign up.

Registration Information

If you like to bike, how about joining a group of OLLI members for a ride every couple of weeks with a delicious treat along the way? This group does not meet in the winter months.

FMI: Contact Mark Love

In person. A monthly gathering for OLLI members who find joy in exploring literature and sharing insights in a group setting. Our reading choices span contemporary fiction, classics, and non-fiction, aiming for a balance of social connection and intellectual engagement. To allow everyone time to share, the group is limited to 11 members.

FMI: Contact Mary Ellin Logue

Online. Members meet each month, September through June, to discuss readings from various genres, including contemporary novels, classics, biographies, memoirs, short stories, etc.

FMI: Contact Anna Messmer

Those who enjoy playing bridge for fun are welcome to join this group, which meets weekly.

FMI: Contact Barbara Freeman

A seasonal outlet for downhill skiing enthusiasts, the club welcomes new and returning members. Skiers plan trips to area mountains when snow conditions are good and driving conditions permit.

FMI: Contact Lois Winter. You will need to provide safety/contact information and complete your Downhill Ski Club registration prior to receiving notice of upcoming ski trips.

Embark on a stimulating journey of diverse discussions with our special interest group. Join us monthly from September to June for engaging conversations sparked by thought-provoking articles, intriguing podcasts, or captivating topics that resonate with the curious mind. Each month will be a different topic: attend those that interest you.

FMI: Contact the OLLI Office

Members read and discuss one work of history each month. Works include social, political, economic, and foreign-policy history as well as biography, autobiography, memoir, and historical fiction.

FMI: Contact Dawn Leland

A social group for people who enjoy knitting to get together to share their projects and ideas. Meets during the fall, winter, and spring terms. All ability levels are welcome to join.

FMI: Contact Ruth Cohen

We are a group of dedicated knitters who meet at the Wishcamper Center during the Fall, Winter, and Spring terms. No instruction is provided, but all experience levels are represented. Knitting together builds community.

FMI: Contact Linda Cunning

Get together with us for Mah Jongg fun! All levels of expertise are welcome. Bring your own foursome or team up with members. You’ll need your own 2026 card.

FMI: Contact Meg Lannon

We meet for guided and/or silent meditation, some learning and discussion.  All levels of experience are welcome.

FMI: Contact Cheryl Anderson or Richard Welsh

Do you play an instrument? Do you sing? Let’s gather together and make some music. Bring a song, play a note, or sing a tune. We will have some music charts to start with and then see where our interests lead us. A piano is available. For all levels.

FMI: Contact Alan Shepard

Singing is fun and good for you, too: mind, body and soul. Rehearsals Friday afternoons and concerts fall and spring. Four-part choral music: spirituals, folk, pops, Broadway and more. We keep it upbeat and fun – join us!

FMI: Contact Bob Swerdlow

Shutterbugs at OLLI at USM meet and learn from each other while sharing their love of photography.

FMI: Contact Sharon Roberts

Come join the fun! Stick figures are our specialty and sometimes they look like the word we are trying to draw. No art ability required. Meets twice monthly on Thursday afternoons via the easy-to-use Zoom whiteboard.

FMI: Contact Stephen Dorneman

Every month on the third Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. we will meet via Zoom to discuss the latest issue of Scientific American. 

FMI: Contact Elizabeth Housewright

This walking group strives to get OLLI members outdoors in the Portland area on easy to moderate walks that promote good health, social mixing, and understanding of our natural environment and our cultural heritage.

FMI: Contact David von Seggern

Are you hungry for more than food? Are you hungry for spiritual nourishment? Are you ready to write your way to a deeper connection with your spiritual self? Come write and grow with us as we explore creative writing techniques and prompts in a positive and supportive environment.

FMI: Mary Capobianco

Would you like to propose a new SIG and be the coordinator (or renew a current one)?

Complete this proposal form: Special Interest Group (SIG) Proposal Form