Shared Interest Groups
Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) are a great way for OLLI-UO members to continue lifelong learning beyond the classroom! These groups provide new opportunities to form friendships with other members around shared interests. They are independent and self-directed, with members deciding where and when to meet and how the group will function. SIGs are open to current OLLI-UO members only, i.e. those who hold a membership for the current year.
Have an idea for a SIG? See examples of past SIGs, review SIG guidelines, and propose a SIG here.
Great Decisions Foreign Policy Study Group (Central Oregon)
Thursdays, April 6–May 25, 5:30 p.m.
LOCATION
Contact Central Oregon member Judy Hurlburt for location information.
description
The Great Decisions program is a national, grassroots foreign policy discussion program, started by President Eisenhower, who wanted a format for the general public to discuss foreign policy issues. Hundreds of these groups across the country are participating in this activity each year. Participants are not required to have a background in foreign policy, but curiosity and a willingness to read and engage with others.
Participants will purchase and read eight Foreign Policy Association's Great Decisions articles for 2023. For eight weeks, participants will gather at Judy Hurlburt's house over a light potluck meal to discuss the articles. Group is limited to 16, including Judy. Judy will create a waitlist in case someone drops out.
Coordinator/host Judy Hurlburt will decide with the group how to order briefing booklets and the DVD on Wondrium videos. The cost is $35 plus shipping if ordering a hard copy. $22.99 for a Kindle edition on Amazon. Used paperbacks are also available on Amazon. Please notify Judy of your interest in participating by March 21.
GREAT DECISIONS TOPICS 2023
- Energy Geopolitics
- War Crimes
- China and the U.S.
- Economic Warfare
- Politics in Latin America
- Global Famine
- Iran at a Crossroads
- Climate Migration
coordinator
Judy Hurlburt
Contact Judy directly by looking up her up in the Central Oregon member directory, which can be downloaded from the OLLI-UO Member Portal.
Tuesdays at the Movies (Central Oregon)
Second Tuesdays, April–June, 3:30 p.m.
LOCATION
Regal Old Mill, 680 SW Powerhouse Dr, Bend, 97702
description
Tuesdays at the Regal Old Mill movies are discount days for seniors. Central Oregon member Robin Robinson loves going to the movies and would love to have your company. She will facilitate the email list and research and suggest movies.
We will start with the second Tuesdays of the month, April through June and possibly longer.
The 3:30 p.m. showings are a nice time. Robin will watch for movies to attend that Tuesday and send an email out to the group a few days before. If participants of the group find upcoming movies they’d like to see, let Robin know and she will share that with the group.
Those interested should send Robin an email, and she will compile a list of movie buffs. Participants are invited to walk down to Café Yumm or Hola’s afterward the showing to talk about the movie and have a bite to eat or something to drink. Hanging out afterwards is not a prerequisite for going to the movies together!
COORDINATOR
Robin Robinson
Contact Robin directly by looking up her up in the Central Oregon member directory, which can be downloaded from the OLLI-UO Member Portal.
City of Bend Water Reclamation Facility (Central Oregon)
Friday, May 19, 9:50 a.m.–noon
Registration is required.
DESCRIPTION
Join OLLI-UO in Central Oregon members for a fascinating tour of the City of Bend Water Reclamation Facility (Wastewater Treatment) on the east side of Bend near the Bend airport.
Registration
OLLI members will need to individually go to the city web site to register for this tour, which has a limit of 12 members. Make sure to select May 19 upon registration.
Note: We are touring the Water Reclamation Facility, NOT the Water Filtration Facility.
9:50 a.m. Meet at the Bend Water Reclamation Facility (Wastewater treatment), 22395 McGrath Rd, Bend, OR 541-317-3000 ext. 2
10:00 a.m.–noon Two Hour Tour
12:15–1:30 p.m. Lunch at Worthy Brewing, 495 NE Bellevue Dr., Bend 541-639-4776
IMPORTANT PARTICIPANT INFORMATION
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as participants should expect to spend two hours walking and standing. There is no cost for this tour, unless you join us for lunch afterwards.
Please notify Wendy Chase, Tour Leader, that you have a confirmed reservation for this tour via the city web site, so we know you are coming. (contact info for Wendy may be found in the Central Oregon member directory behind the OLLI-UO Member Portal)
Photography
Location
Eugene/Springfield
Description
This SIG is about developing the inner photographer in each of us. We cultivate our ability to see life clearly and unfiltered. The group learns about and applies elements of composition and aesthetics using equipment ranging from a smart phone to more complex cameras. We will alternate field trips collecting images with review sessions to discuss and critique. Group size is limited to 10 participants.
Facilitator
Peter Burnstein
Shinrin-yoku (Forest Bathing)
Location
Eugene/Springfield
Description
We are all familiar with how a quiet walk in the woods can calm us down, expand our horizons and intensify our connection to nature. Since 1982, Japanese researchers have been studying the health benefits of planned walking in the forest, using all our senses to become more aware of what lives around us. This immersion in nature is called forest therapy, forest healing, or in a literal translation of Shinrin-Yoku, forest bathing. This is not exercise, or hiking, or jogging. It is simply being in nature, connecting with it through our sense of sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. Studies have revealed that forest bathing has a positive impact on both physical and mental health. The forest healing movement has spread to Korea, Europe, and America, including OLLI-UO. This SIG explores this method by taking two-hour walks once a month in wooded settings in the Eugene-Springfield area.
Facilitators
Mona Meeker and Kate Nelson
