Poughkeepsie AAUW Interest Groups

Note: Some interest groups meet occasionally via Zoom. Check the online calendar.

Members may join as many interest groups as they wish. General scheduling information is presented here. Contact the coordinator of each group for the next meeting time and place. Prospective members may attend three interest group meetings before joining. New interest groups can be formed at any time with a minimum of three participants.

If you would like to start of new Interest Group, you will find the following information very helpful: Interest Group Resource Guide

Interest Groups Liaison: Beth DeFiglio interest.aauw.poughkeepsie@gmail.com

For trips and activities that might result in physical injury, coordinators will have participants sign this form: Hold Harmless Form

Interest Group Information

Contact for all interest groups is interest.aauw.poughkeepsie@gmail.com

- - All those books...
    We read the classics and more: All of us who fell in love with literature at a young age have those writers whom we always meant to read and never did. In addition, we read Contemporary Literature, as well as 20^th Century Masterpieces.
    2nd Monday, 2:30 PM, September-June Via Zoom
    Coordinator: Carol Loizides
  - Art on the Go
    We are an informal art group that meets once a month to create artwork in the spirit of friendship and mutual support. During winter months we visit museums and area art galleries.
    
    We meet on the 4th Friday of each month and the times vary according to the outing.
    Coordinator: Mary Coiteux
- - Aventures en Soleil
    Aventures en Soleil organizes day trips to locations within a 2 hour radius. We meet once a month. The day of the month may vary to accommodate the availability of our destination.
    Adventures in Soleil 2024 Calendar
    Oh! the Places We Have Been 2000-2021
    3rd Thursday, all year
    Coordinator: Terry Jackrel
  - Bridge I
    Bridge I consists of women with a working knowledge of the game. Our goal is to have a fun afternoon of bridge while helping each other improve our game. We meet at members’ homes.
    3rd Wednesday, 1 PM, all year
    Coordinator: Susan Fink
  - Bridge II
    For those who have played bridge in the past and are familiar with conventions such as Stayman and Blackwood, Bridge II revitalizes skills and provides a transition from social to duplicate bridge. We meet year-round at the Community Room at Collegeview towers. 140 Fulton Avenue
    4th Thursday, 1:00pm – 4PM.
    11:45 lunch at restaurants to be decided. Coordinator: Sandy Goldberg
  - Contemporary Literature
    We read books recommended by our members that will generate interesting and stimulating discussions. We are a comfortable group, looking for good reading and discussions without a lot of pressure.
    4th Tuesday
    
    Sept-Oct 3pm in person
    
    Nov- March 7:30 Zoom,
    
    Apr – June 3pm in person
    
    Coordinators: Linda Freisitzer
  - Craft ‘n’ Create
    Craft ‘n’ Create is a group dedicated to handwork. Our projects vary according to the interests of our members and may include community service projects. One of our goals is to share our projects and skills with each other and to try new things. All experience levels are welcome. Join us and enjoy the fellowship of other ‘crafty’ women.
    4th Monday, 1:30 Year round
    Coordinators: Mary Ann Williams, Pat Luczai
  - Cuisine Group
    An ethnic or themed dinner is served at a member’s home each month. Those attending prepare an appropriate dish, recipes are supplied by a dinner coordinator, and hostesses and coordinators rotate. The cost of the meal is shared by all who attend. Anyone who enjoys cooking and the adventure of new and different cuisines is welcome.
    3rd Tuesday, 6:30 PM, September – June
    Coordinator: Barbara Van Italie
  - Gourmet: Out & About
    Once a month the Gourmet group has a “girls’ night out,” savoring the cuisine and wine of a Hudson Valley restaurant.
    First Wednesday of the month August – June
    Coordinators: Michelle Miller and Mary Ann Boylan
  - Mah Jongg
    We are a friendly group willing to help new players learn to play. The group has players with all levels of ability. Experts to beginners are welcome. Our goal is to help each other improve while having a fun afternoon. Location TBA
    4th Wednesday, Jan. to Oct. and 2nd Wednesday Nov. and Dec, all year. 12-4 PM
    Coordinator: Blanche Bergman
  - Manderley Literary Society
    The Manderley Literary Society is a dynamic and welcoming book group devoted to the exploration of literature, both classic and modern. This is accomplished through lively discussion and accompanied by the enthusiastic consumption of sweets. We meet in members’ homes, with each member taking turns hosting and reviewing selected books.
    3rd Monday, 4:30 PM, September – June
    Coordinator: Shelley Friedman
  - Movie Mavens
    Starting in January 2023, gather to view movies in in local theaters, with the possibility of a meal afterwards to discuss the film.
    4th Monday of the month, times vary
    Coordinator: Linnea Masson
  - Pedal Pushers
    We are a group of women who enjoy bike riding. We all have some experience, but none of us are speed demons. We cycle on trails only; no on-road biking. The only requirements are a bike, helmet, water, and a love of the outdoors.
    2nd Monday, times vary, April-October, rain dates possible
    Coordinator: Pat Luczai
  - Poetry & Plays
    
    If you wish to share in a journey traversing many voices, styles and times through poetry, theatre, field trips and more, please consider POETRY & PLAYS. For more details, please follow the link Poetry & Plays
    3rd Friday, 1:00 PM, January – October
    Coordinators: Jackie Sweeney and Maria DeWald
  - Reely Together
    This online movie streaming group began as a way to share our love of film, and find a way to connect socially, while we were still in quarantine during the COVID crisis. We prioritize films that can be accessed for free through our local library systems (Kanopy and Hoopla). We may occasionally choose films that can be rented easily for a nominal fee. Members stream the chosen films at home, and then we come together for discussion over Zoom once a month. Each meeting ends by choosing the next film, alternating genres as we go.
    2nd Tuesday, 2:00 pm, September to June on Zoom
    Coordinator: Jackie Vierno
  - Trekkers
    We are an adventurous and energetic group of women who share a love of the outdoors. We meet once a month with walks/hikes that range from easy meadow walks to moderately challenging mountain trails. Nice “no pressure,” fun loving group who loves to discuss current events, books, recipes, etc. while trekking.
    Trekker Calendar 2024
    Trekker_Guidelines_and_Answers_to_Most_FAQ
    Trails we have trod
    Usually Saturday mornings, times and dates vary, all year
    Coordinator: Tori Smith
  - Word Games
    Come stretch your mind with a variety of challenging or just-plain-fun word games! We meet at members’ homes – on a voluntary and rotating basis. We play old favorites like Scrabble and Boggle and Bananagrams to new word games which members bring to share. If you already are a whiz at word games, come and challenge others! If you are not yet a WORDIE, come and we’ll convert you! We are a welcoming group.
    1st Monday, 1:30 PM
    Coordinator: Sharon Fleury
  - World Travelers
    World Travelers presents an opportunity to listen to a member’s travelogue, with a slideshow of their photos, after an interesting trip overseas, or even closer to home. We welcome new speakers and look for volunteers to offer their larger gathering room for guests. Presentations are done simultaneously in people’s homes and on Zoom.
    1st Tuesday, 7:00 PM, October-June except January
    Coordinator: Bonnie Auchincloss