Special Interest Groups (SIGs)   

Ready to grow and improve as a writer? Whether you are writing stories to share with family or have loftier intentions to publish, you’ll find that the best flash memoirs (1,000 words or less) aren’t merely anecdotal; they’re emotionally compelling. This will be a participatory group of 10 members who are expected to write memoirs, submit them via a secure portal, and review each other’s submissions before each meeting. We will provide constructive feedback to one another as we grow and learn. Our sessions will be led by LA-based writer Jill Hoppe, whose work spans film, television, animation, stage, and short fiction. She is a graduate of UCLA’s TV writing program and the winner of several prizes, including the Austin Film Festival and the PAGE International Awards. We’ll explore topics related to the craft of writing, including narrative structure, thematic elements, character design, conflict and stakes, tricks to improve dialogue and prose, and the psychology of unpacking difficult memories. Those interested will have the option of publishing their stories on the ASU OLLI Community Blog. An $80 fall fee per member will cover our instructor's costs. Instructions for the collection will be given at the first meeting.

discussion group using materials provided by the Foreign Policy Association (fpa.org), facilitated by Kathleen Adamson, Jim Stephens, Ph.D., and Joe Schelzo. This SIG is a discussion group where all members are expected to prepare in advance and willingly share experiences, readings, and cultural perspectives in a civil environment. This is a small group of fewer than 20 with opportunities for all to share in the discussion. The book is purchased at www.fpa.org/great_decisions for $35. We will meet on the 3rd Saturday of each month.

Topics we will be covering:
-Ukraine and the Future of European Society
-Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World
-U.S. Engagement with Africa
-The Future of Human Rights & International Law in a Divided World.

We will meet at the Tempe Public Library, 3500 South Rural, Tempe.
A one-time FEE: $10 per member, paid directly to the facilitator at the first meeting, to rent the library room for the semester.

Calling all music lovers! Like to hear live music in all kinds of venues – big, small, local talent, world-acclaimed, club or MIM acoustic; interested in all kinds of music, or maybe jazz is your groove; craving a little education or trivia on your favorite vocalist – this SIG is for you. We will meet 1-2 times a month to find some music activity that ‘rocks’ your soul. This SIG is for those who are tired of attending concerts alone, love to swap tips on where to find great music, or simply want more music in their lives! The first meeting will be at The Vig at McCormick, located at 7345 N Via Paseo Del Sur, Scottsdale, AZ 85258. Future locations depend on activity. Subsequent events to be decided by the group. This SIG will start in October, with a specific date and time for the first meetup sent out after registration.

Join us for a fun hiking group, exploring easy to moderate trails (3–6 miles) around the Valley. We’ll meet on the second Friday of November and December at designated trailheads, with the first location shared after registration. Some hikes may be led by volunteer trail docents who will share insights about local desert plants and wildlife. Future trail locations will be selected by participants during the first hike. Hiking sticks, snacks, and water are recommended. This is a great opportunity to enjoy nature, stay active, and make new friends while discovering the beauty of our desert surroundings. Come explore with us!

Fee for this SIG is $0

Join us for a fun, monthly hiking group exploring easy-to-moderate trails (3–6 miles) around the Valley. We’ll meet on the first Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. at designated trailheads, with the first location shared after registration. Some hikes may be led by volunteer trail docents who will share insights about local desert plants and wildlife. Future trail locations will be selected by participants during the first hike. Hiking sticks, snacks, and water are recommended. This is a great opportunity to enjoy nature, stay active, and make new friends while discovering the beauty of our desert surroundings. Hike will run from October through December—come explore with us!

Fee for SIG - $0.

Join our delightful culinary journey designed for members ready to step out of their food “comfort zone.” We will explore diverse cultures through their cuisine in our unique classrooms, meeting for lunch at various ethnic restaurants throughout central Phoenix and the West Valley. Savor authentic flavors, make new friends, and occasionally enrich your understanding of global traditions. Perfect for food lovers seeking adventure and connection! This SIG will meet once a month, usually on the second Thursday, from September through December. The first lunch will be held on Thursday, September 10. The restaurant location will be shared after registration. Subsequent Thursday lunch dates will be determined by the group.

There is no fee for this SIG. Each member will be responsible for their own lunch.