If you have any questions about study groups or if you would like to lead a new study group, please contact Josephine (Joey) Stern, at sternjo@pacbell.net or 1-408-238-4890.
To join a group contact the facilitator.
ALL THINGS FLOWERS– NEW CLUB
Facilitator/Leaders: Tina Parsley and Bassima Story 650-823-2367 Bassima@yahoo.com
When: First Tuesday every other month 1:30 to 3:30
Where: Sequoia Room
Learn the art of flower arranging in a fun and welcoming environment. No prior experience is needed.
Materials needed will be provided at cost.
AMERICAN HISTORY GROUP
Facilitator: Bob Lapidus 408-693-9498 boblapidus@gmail.com
When: First Tuesday of the month at 2:00pm.
Where: This group meets on Zoom.
Discussion of the events of different areas of US History and their effect on our country. The leader for each month selects the topic and a film or documentary that is viewed at home.
FRENCH CONVERSATION GROUP–NEW CLUB
Leader: Mary Kelly 408-621-3477
When: TBD
Where: In members’ homes (On voluntary basis)
Day & Time: TBD
Interested in improving your spoken French? Join our friendly French conversation group. Together we shall speak French at an advanced beginner level and up. We will celebrate all things French: Wine, food, books, movies & music.
THE HISTORY OF MODERN ISRAEL
Facilitator: Israel Littman 201-573-0747 irl856@gmail.com
When: Second Wednesday of the month 4:00pm
Where: This group meets in the Sequoia Room
This course invites you to explore the triumphs, challenges, and complexities that have shaped Isreal from its establishment in 1948 to present day. Israel is a nation at the crossroads of history, culture, and geopolitics. Through engaging narratives, primary sources, and critical analysis, you’ll uncover the pivotal moments –wars, peace efforts, societal transformations, and global influence–that defined Israel’s remarkable story.
FUN PARTY BRIDGE– NEW CLUB
Facilitator/Leader: Mary Kelly 408-621-3477
When: TBD
Where: In members’ homes (On voluntary basis)
Day & Time: TBD
Interested in playing bridge in a relaxed social atmosphere? You must know how to play at an advanced beginner level or up.
LOCAL DAY TRIPS STUDY GROUPS
Facilitators: Judy Rogers 408-465-6776 judy.rogers488@gmail.com
Yvette Katz (609) 731-6878 ykatz256@gmail.com
When: Varies
Where: Different Locations
Join us on trips to special places in our backyard. There are many “undiscovered ” off the beaten path, and very compelling sites to visit. Take an interesting tour with the Local Day Trips Study Group and discover great features of our unique region.
MAH JONGG: LEARN TO PLAY
(new groups start when there are enough new students for a class)
Facilitator: Judy Rogers 408-465-6776 judy.rogers488@gmail.com
When: Once a Week for 8 weeks at 1:30 pm Day to be determined.
Where: Lessons at Judy Roger’s home.
MEN’S DIALOGUE GROUP: EXPLORING A VARIETY OF LIFE’S ISSUES
Facilitator: Bob Lapidus 408-693-9498 boblapidus@gmail.com
When: 2nd Tue. of the month at 1:00pm
Where: This group meets on Zoom.
This is a confidential and safe group to discuss the various issues that come up during a lifetime. Issues such as: transition, health and wellness, relationship building, joy and loss, legacy, general satisfaction, and other life’s challenges. The members of the group decide what topics they want to address and what ground rules they would like to adopt for the good and welfare of the members.
MOVIE GROUP
Facilitator: Judy Rogers 408-465-6776 judy.rogers488@gmail.com
When: 4th Sat. of the month at 5:00pm
Where: This group meets in the Sequoia Room at Cribari Center.
A movie or documentary is chosen by the month’s leader, who then leads the discussion at the meeting. Members are emailed the movie information and watch the movie at home ahead of time. An optional group dinner at the clubhouse follows the movie discussion for those who wish to attend.
MY BOOK CLUB
Facilitator: Joey Stern 408-238-4890 sternjo@pacbell.net
When: 2nd Thu. month at 11:00am
Where: This group meets at the Clubhouse.
The entire group selects the books for the year. At each meeting the month’s reviewer leads the discussion for the chosen book. Lunch at the clubhouse after the discussion is optional.
NON-FICTION BOOK CLUB
Facilitator: Nan Holmes 408-841-9775 nankind@gmail.com
When: 4th Thu. 3:00pm
Where: This group meets on Zoom.
A book is chosen for each month, and the month’s reviewer leads the discussion for the book.
Line Dancing Class for beginnings
Facilitator: Celia Schiffer 631-678-7109 celia_schiffner@gmail.com
The beginner line dancing class is a relaxed, welcoming space where no experience is needed and everyone can jump right in. You’ll learn a few easy dances at a comfortable pace, with zero pressure for perfection. The focus is on having fun, meeting new friends, and enjoying music while getting a bit of exercise. It’s the perfect way to move, laugh, and feel great in a supportive group setting.
Please bring a water bottle and wear comfortable non-slip shoes.
We will meet Thursdays in the Cribari auditorium on at 9:00 to 10:00 AM.
News Reals Study club
Facilitators: Ann Snook (408) 891-1820 ansmeltz@gmail.com and
Ron McChesney (831) 713-9556 rlinscco@gmail.com
When: 2nd Tuesday of the month 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Where: Sequoia Room, Cribari Center
Are you curious and compassionate about what’s really going on in our world? Are you excited about learning what is happening at the local, state and national levels? Would you like to practice listening to different perspectives? How about being amazed by unsung heroes and animals that rescue children from raging waters? Do you want to share something you’ve read or seen in the news media?
The Sunshine Dancers new Study Clubs group
The Sunshine Dancers were formed by a group of people who simply love to dance and have fun. Over the past three years, the group has performed both inside and outside of The Villages, consistently receiving positive feedback and compliments for their rich cultural content and semi-professional performances.
The focus is on culturally inspired dances, including Hula Dance, Tibetan Folk Dance, Mongolian Dance, Uyghur Dance, as well as Modified Line Dance and Classical Dance. The group is open to everyone, and you’re sure to find a style that matches your interests and abilities.
The Sunshine Dancers are a warm, friendly group—most members had no previous dance experience when they joined. What they shared was a love of movement, music, and learning together. The group practices Wednesdays at 7:00 – 8:30 PM in the Vineyard Center, and newcomers are always welcome to observe or jump right in.
Contact: Ling Yu at lingbythesea@gmail.com
MEXICAN TRAIN
Ever wanted to learn and play the incredibly popular game Mexican Train—and wondered why so many people love it? The answer is simple: it’s easy to learn, engaging, and combines strategy with just the right amount of luck and the Villages Study Groups Club has the time and place for you!
Mexican Train is played with double-12 dominoes. Players build connected “trains” (chains of dominoes) starting from a central hub. The goal is to empty your hand and end each round with the lowest possible score. After multiple rounds, the player with the lowest total score wins—making it a fun mix of skill, strategy, and chance.
Come meet new friends and reconnect with old ones on Thursdays at 6:30 PM in the Redwood Room – Cribari.
For more information, contact
Margaret McDaniel 📧 mmcdiii@hotmail.com