IG (Interest Groups 2022) - Amherst Neighbors

HomeIG (Interest Groups 2022)

About Interest Groups

Interest groups are made up of members who share a liking or passion for an activity. These activities enhance the neighbor-connection support Amherst Neighbors strives to build and provide while empowering older adults to lead a group, share interests, make new friends, and stay involved.

Join an Interest Group

If you are an Amherst Neighbors member, and would like to join an Interest Group from the list below, simply contact the group's leader by clicking on their email and let them know you'd like to join the group.

Start an Interest Group

If you don't see an Interest Group that fits your interests, consider sharing your enthusiasm and passion with others by starting an Interest Group. We would be happy to guide you and offer you the support you need to be successful! Please contact Sandy Roth at sanfordirvingroth@gmail.com with your idea for an interest group.

*If you are not an Amherst Neighbors member and would like to join one of our Interest Groups OR start a new one, please sign up and become a member by clicking on this link Become an Amherst Neighbors Member

Current Interest Groups

Screen_Shot_2022-09-22_at_1.04.31_PM.png

Book Group

Group leader: Sandy Roth

If you love to read, now is the time to think about joining the Amherst Neighbors book group, where members pick the next book to read and no genre is off limits. The group will be meeting every six weeks to allow participants plenty of time to acquire and read the book, and once we get together, everyone will have a chance to talk about the book through a lively discussion. For now, the group will be meeting on-line with date and time to be determined based on group needs. To find out more information about the group, or to sign up, please contact Sandy Roth at sanfordirvingroth@gmail.com or call him at 413-330-5679. We look forward to hearing from you!

Musical Interest Group

Coordinator: Jane Rausch

If you play an instrument and would like to create music with others, this is the interest group for you! Amherst Neighbors' member, Jane Rausch, is inviting interested members to join her at her home for the purpose of playing classical music together. This group is open to all skill levels and music will be provided by Jane. The primary goal is to enjoy playing music with others and have fun! To find out more information about this group, or to sign up, please contact Jane Rausch at jrausch@history.umass.edu or call her at 413-253-7218. We hope to hear from you!

Solo Agers Conversation Group

Coordinators: Ann Sklar, Pat Brinkman and Ken Bernstein

Solo Agers are individuals who journey through the challenges of aging without readily available help from adult children or other family members to meet their everyday needs for assistance, companionship and belonging. Solo Agers usually live alone or with a spouse who is also confronting issues of aging. Solo Agers often handle most things by themselves, from preparing meals and managing finances to arranging medical care and finding social networks.

The Solo Ager Conversation Group of Amherst Neighbors has an initial vision of a place where members' needs for belonging, safety, fun, practical information and support can be identified and honored. The group seeks ways for members to work together to support common goals. The group encourages smaller in person groups to get together for exercise, conversation, entertainment or mutual accountability around topics of specific interest to solo agers.

Meets on Zoom the 4th Monday of each month at 7 p.m. For more information about the group, or to sign up, please contact Ann Sklar at asklar02492@comcast.net or call her at 413-835-0831. We look forward to hearing from you!

Special Interest Knitting Group

Group leader:Janet Bunce

Come knit or crochet with us! It's that time of year when fiber folks get the urge to take up their needles again. Better that we do it together! This will be an ongoing group, meeting monthly at members' home in Amherst. No particular skill level necessary - just the desire to meet, chat and create over tea or coffee.

For more information or to join the group, contact j-bunce@comcast.net

Screenshot_2023-10-23_at_12.22.16_PM.png

Writer's Group

Group leader: Sandy Roth

If you love to write or if you've felt intimidated, come join us for a low-key Zoom writing experience. No pressure! Writing prompts will be provided, all you need to bring is a notebook and a pen and a willingness to share your writing. During each session we will chat a bit, do a short warm-up writing activity and then write on our own for 30 minutes. When we are done writing, each writer has the option of reading their work to the group and getting a bit of positive feedback. We would love to hear your voice. This group meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month.

To join this group contact Sandy Roth at sanfordirvingroth@gmail.com and he will get back to you. We are looking forward to hearing from you.

** Amherst Neighbors Interest Groups are member-led. Each group is responsible for decisions about the activities format, content, and scheduling.**