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.

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 at mlove196@maine.rr.com

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

FMI: Contact Karen Winslow at kpwinslow@yahoo.com or Anna Messmer at aemessmer@maine.rr.com

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

FMI: Contact Barbara Freeman at bhfreewoman@gmail.com

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 at loiswinter54@gmail.com. You’ll need to provide additional safety/contact information before 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 Elizabeth Housewright at ehousewright@gmail.com 

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 at lelanddm@gmail.com

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 at cunninglk@gmail.com

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

FMI: Contact Cheryl Anderson at pastor.cheryl0319@gmail.com or Richard Welsh at rewelsh@verizon.net

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 at ashepard33@yahoo.com

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 at OLLISingersAtUSM@gmail.com.

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

FMI: Contact Sharon Roberts at sroberts4664@gmail.com.

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 at stephendorneman@gmail.com.

Each month, this group reads and discusses articles from the latest issue of Scientific American.

FMI: Contact Elizabeth Housewright at ehousewright@gmail.com

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 at vonseg1@sbcglobal.net.

Join us for some laughs and interesting questions that will have your brain scanning your mental files for what some may call trivial information. You provide your own snacks and beverages. We provide the questions! You are one click away from an evening of good company and laughter. Register once for this Special Interest Group (SIG) and you will remain on the email list until July 2026 and will receive all relevant communications. All sessions will be via zoom, one or two Monday evenings a month September through June at 7PM.

FMI: Contact Elizabeth Housewright at ehousewright@gmail.com.

Bibliophile? Looking for the next book to read? Join in and share a title or two. Leave with the title of the next book to add to the stack!

FMI: Contact Anne Cass at annebcass@gmail.com.

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: Lynne Mentzer at revlynne1@gmail.com

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