Interest groups are an integral part of Shepherd’s Lifelong Learning program, providing opportunities to learn and socialize outside the classroom. These groups are initiated and led by local volunteers on a wide variety of topics with meeting dates and locations determined by the group facilitator. Types of groups could include hiking, reading, sewing, dancing, photography, to name a few. We would like to incorporate additional interest groups in the Shepherd University Lifelong Learning Program. If you would like to volunteer to facilitate an interest group, please contact Cindy Powers at Lpowers@shepherd.edu.
ACTIONS FOR HAPPINESS
CONTACT: Carol Richmond carolrichmond@ymail.com
Happiness is what we all want but it often seems difficult to find. We will share what’s good in our lives, our wins, renew our commitment to ourselves, connect with like-minded people, practice 21 keys to happiness, commit to happiness actions, have fun and focus on optimism in the days ahead. Meetings are at 5 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month and can be on Zoom if requested. Please contact Carol Richmond if you are interested or have questions.
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SHERLOCK HOLMES SOCIETY
CONTACT: Frank McCluskey Frankmccluskey11@gmail.com
Around the world, the hundreds of Holmes societies have been beloved for their mix of scholarship with tongue-firmly-in-cheek (as Dorothy Sayers said of her Holmes associations). We hope to meet four times a year for a spirited discussion of Holmes, Victorian literature, and all things London of 1895. We will toast, have a short presentation, and good fellowship.
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ARTFULL CODGERS
CONTACT: John Spears jnsiii125@gmail.com
We are an amateur acting and improv group housed within the Lifelong Learning program. We typically produce one medley of short plays, monologues etc. annually in late February, with proceeds going to a campus charitable organization. We are open to new members, but request that potential actors first take our fall course ACTING: BASIC SKILLS, taught by our current members. We are also open to those who would prefer to work behind the scenes on sets, as a stage manager, etc.
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GUITAR INTEREST GROUP
CONTACT: Steve Bartlett at radiobartlett@gmail.com
This is a group for guitarists who enjoy (or think they might enjoy) getting together with others as we strum our way through favorite tunes. We meet every Thursday afternoon at 3:00. The format is simple: we take turns “calling” songs from our list of tunes — classic rock, folk, pop, etc.– and we play through them. Lots of laughs, nothing too hard and we learn from each other along the way. If you know the basic major, minor and 7th chords, you’re right with us. We keep our tunes in an app called Songbook Pro, so access to a tablet is useful.
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READING OLGA TOKARCZUK INTEREST GROUP
CONTACT: Mark Kohut mark.kohut@gmail.com
Olga Tokarczuk. Those who know, know.
Mondays at 9 AM over Zoom. Join.
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Community Conversations:
CAFÉ SOCIETY DISCUSSION GROUP
EVERY TUESDAY EXCEPT HOLIDAYS
FACILITATOR: Daniel Bennett
LOCATION: Zoom Only
TIME: 8:30 – 10:00 AM
COST: Free to public
Join the conversation: Email admin@cafesocietyonline.org
Designed to foster a more informed, engaged, and connected community, Café Society offers lively “coffee shop–style” conversations centered primarily on local and national political issues, while also exploring how these topics intersect with global developments. Discussions often benefit from guest speakers and subject-matter experts, adding depth and perspective to the issues at hand.
Through respectful dialogue and the exchange of diverse viewpoints, participants build media literacy, strengthen civic awareness, and contribute to a more vibrant democratic culture.
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CURRENT INTERNATIONAL ISSUES DISCUSSION GROUP
EVERY THURSDAY EXCEPT HOLIDAYS
FACILITATOR: Fred Turco
LOCATION: Zoom Only
TIME: 9–10:30 a.m.
COST: Free to public
Join the conversation: Email Mark.Kohut@gmail.com
This discussion group focuses specifically on current events and issues around the world, providing a forum for participants to share insights and learn from one another in a collaborative setting. Unlike Café Society, this group is participant-driven, with less emphasis on formal presentations and more on shared knowledge and discussion.
Participants are encouraged to come prepared to contribute their understanding of the topics, and optional reading materials will be provided to support and enrich the conversation.