aShby Village Interest & Support Groups
Interest Groups
Interest groups form when members or volunteers express a shared interest and then put one together. Want to learn more about your iPhone in the company of other Ashby Village members? Interested in playing bridge or mahjong or doing some knitting in good company? Or perhaps you want to discuss climate change or explore end-of-life issues? There may be an interest group just waiting for you. If not, you might organize one! Explore Interest Group gatherings on the Ashby Village Calendar.
CREATIVITY
Art
*IN PERSON*
Members work on their own projects or work together on a new craft, such as working with clay, collage, paper maché, wire working and more. You don’t need an art background to join – just curiosity and the interest in trying something new. RSVP to Barbi Jo Stim or Lynn Alper.
Handwork Group—Knitting & More
*IN PERSON*
Get together to enjoy knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, embroidery, or other handiwork. Contact Mary Jo to join.
Moderated Musings
*IN PERSON*
Are you someone who finds joy in pondering life's profound questions? Are you seeking a space to explore the depths of human existence and the mysteries that surround us? In this group, we delve into thought provoking topics that have intrigued humanity for centuries. Kester Watters has been leading thought-provoking discussions for over a decade. By challenging assumptions and sharing personal triumphs, Kester fosters an environment that encourages diverse perspectives and respectful dialogue. Contact Kester Watters for more information.
Reading Shakespeare
*ON ZOOM*
Enjoy the depth and breadth of the Bard. We read plays aloud and watch movies. We also discuss and discuss. New to Shakespeare? Welcome...indeed encouraged! The host has performed in many Shakespeare productions but still loves to learn from others. Contact Kester Watters for more information.
Writing Together
*IN PERSON*
This group shares writing efforts and seeks helpful feedback from one another. Participation includes sending drafts to group members in advance, reading a short section to one another when we meet, and then commenting. We aim to have a few drafts available each session. Writings may be memoirs, drafts for publication, general topics, short stories, or revisions. Contact Kate for more information.
GAMES & PUZZLES
Bridge
*IN PERSON*
Open to seasoned players as well as those ready to learn. Contact Jody Keller if you're interested in joining.
Hamlet Jigsaw Puzzles
*IN PERSON*
Join fellow Ashby Village members for an afternoon of casual fun with puzzles and games. Contact Carol Takaki for location details and to join.
Mahjong—EmeryBunch (Emeryville)
*IN PERSON*
Afternoon and evening groups meet for Mahjong. Contact Jean Goldman for location details and to join.
Scrabble!
*IN PERSON*
Want to sharpen your word skills? Want to relive some fun times? Come play Scrabble! Contact Don Hubbard for information and to join.
TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCE
Android Group—Outlandish
*IN PERSON*
Join the group and become more proficient in using your Android devices. Contact Alison Colgan (galisoncolgan@gmail.com) for location details and to join.
Apple Tech Group
*ON ZOOM*
Become better acquainted and have more fun with your iPad, iPhone, and Macs. Learn to problem solve and get familiar with new (and old) features and apps. Group leader Mark Goldman, an Ashby Village volunteer, is not only very skilled in the use of most Mac products but is very good at explaining what is happening to less experienced Mac Users. Contact Mark Goldman (mark_goldman@sonic.net) for the Zoom link.
North Berkeley iPhone & iPad
*ON ZOOM*
Tech volunteer Maryl Gearhart helps North Berkeley members to become more proficient in using iPhone and iPad on topics the group requests. Gain skill with your iPad or iPhone and have fun in the process! Contact Maryl Gearhart (marylgear@mac.com) for the Zoom link.
Science & Ideas
*ON ZOOM*
Lively discussion group on a myriad of topics, suggested and presented by members and distinguished guests. Contact Joseph Evinger (jdevinger@comcast.net) for information and check the Ashby Village calendar for monthly program details.
Support Groups
Member Support Groups are small ongoing member-led discussion groups formed around common issues. Support groups provide current Ashby Village members forums to share experiences, information, advice and support with one another.
Support groups are most useful and encourage meaningful discussions when the number of participants is limited. Member Support Groups are in high demand and tend to fill up quickly, and waiting lists are maintained on an ongoing basis.
Check the Ashby Village Calendar for group availability and upcoming meetings.
Please contact Karen Dean (karen@ashbyvillage.org or 510-204-9200) if you are interested in participating in a group that's currently full or if you have questions, as additional groups may form depending on interest.
Hearing Loss
*ON ZOOM*
These monthly support groups provide participants an opportunity to learn from and support each other by sharing the ways we cope with hearing loss so that we can improve our ability to interact with the world around us.
Low Vision
*ON ZOOM*
The Low Vision Support Group provides emotional support and sharing of information so that we can best carry out matters of daily living with our current level of vision. We also promote public awareness of the needs of visually-impaired seniors. The Low Vision Support Group seeks to be inclusive and welcomes anyone with a visual impairment.
Caregivers
*IN PERSON*
Caregivers play an essential role by providing assistance with social and/or health needs of another person. Caregiver Support groups are intentionally formed as small groups that allow ample opportunity for each member to share and participate.
Women in Their 70s
*ON ZOOM & IN PERSON*
Women born in the 1950s, or thereabout, gather to share reflections about what it is like to live in their seventh decade.
Over 80
*ON ZOOM*
Ashby Village members 80 years of age and older are invited to join one of our Over 80 Discussion Groups for lively bi-monthly discussions on a broad range of topics relevant to life in your eighth decade.
90 Plus Group
*ON ZOOM*
All Ashby Village members 90 years of age and older are invited to a monthly get together on Zoom. We share our stories, discuss where we are today, and voice our dreams for the future.