Focus Groups
Adventures in Lifelong Learning
Focus groups are formed by members who have common interests. Ongoing groups explore gardening, enjoy hiking, play bridge, and discuss art and books. Members are encouraged to form additional groups.
If you are interested in any of the below focus groups - click the Contact us button for the group and ask to be added to the group email list!
Current Focus Groups
ALL-A-Bloom
The ALL-A-BLOOM focus group will have its first meeting for 2025 on the third Wednesday of May.
DATE: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
START TIME: 10:00 AM
LOCATION: UW-Parkside Student Center, Hickory Room
Whether you have participated before or are new to it, join us for the official kick off of our ALL-A-Bloom focus group in 2025! This is a fantastic opportunity for collaboration as we work together to make this initiative truly bloom.
ALL-A-Bloom is a group devoted to members’ interests in horticulture, nature and exploration of area public and private gardens. Meetings are usually on the third Wednesday of the month from Spring to Fall at 10am.
Contact Cathy Brnak if you would like to be added to the mailing list, learn about current activities, or invite the group to visit your personal garden.
Contacts:
Cathy Brnak cbrnak@gmail.com
Kathy Barth kbarth2@wi.rr.com
ALL Books All the Time
The ALL Books All the Time focus group will alternate between selections of fiction and non-fiction, including general fiction, mysteries, science, and/or historical fiction, plus a variety of non-fiction books. The only criteria are to read the book and be ready to enter into the conversation. Our group normally meets via Zoom on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 1 pm. Contact Us to join the mailing list and receive the list of books.
Contact Nancy Barda barda3989@gmail.com
Bridge (Social)
Social Bridge is a friendly group of players who try to improve their skills and practice strategies. We are meeting on campus in Tallent Hall break room on Thursdays at 1:30 pm. To be dealt in, email Patti to be included in our schedule.
Contact Patricia Gross patriciagross368@yahoo.com
Climate Group
This is a new focus group. We meet the fourth Tuesday of each month at 10am in room 201 in Tallent Hall.
In this group we will be talking about all aspects of the current climate crisis. We will also be collecting and sharing data about organizations that ALL members currently support, both globally and locally. Most importantly, we will be discussing what action we can take, both individually and as a group.
New members are welcome.
For more information or to join , contact co-coordinators Nancy or Colin.
Nancy Barda barda3989@gmail.com and Colin Carter colincarter188@gmail.com
Current Affairs Discussion
Considering the continuing crush of local, state, national and worldwide events and political activities facing us during the rest of 2024, the Current Affairs Focus Group has plenty of food for thought to continue our monthly meetings. Our new meeting place will be 201 Talent Hall and there is an elevator at the back of the building. There is also Handicapped Parking available near that entry. We will meet every third Monday of the month, between noon and 1:30PM.
To be added to the email list, contact Linda Jacobson.
Contact Linda Jacobson dajacobson@hotmail.com
Duplicate Bridge
The Duplicate Bridge focus group has a lot of fun while learning to play and score a round for 2 or 3 tables, or learning how to use the Stayman Convention. We are meeting on the second and fourth Wednesdays from 1-3:30 pm in the Tallent Hall break room on campus. You do not need to have a bridge partner to join the group. Everyone is welcome to join independent of skill level. If you want to be dealt in, email Patti to be included in our schedule.
Contact Patricia Gross patriciagross368@yahoo.com
Great Books
We welcome those interested to join us on the fourth Monday of each month from 930-11 am. We will continue meeting on Zoom.
The Great Books focus group is reading from “The Civically Engaged Reader” published by the Great Books Foundation. The book contains essays, plays, poetry, etc. We discuss one selection each month.
New members are welcome. We always have thoughtful discussions using the text to deepen our understanding of the ideas presented.
For more information or to join contact Doris Nice
Contact Doris Nice dorisnice101@gmail.com
Great Decisions
The Great Decisions program is a discussion program designed to encourage study and discussion about important global foreign policy challenges faced by the U.S. It is sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association, a non-profit organization founded in 1918 and dedicated to inspiring Americans to learn more about the United States' relationship with the world. Through balanced, nonpartisan programs and publications, the FPA encourages citizens to participate in the US foreign policy process.
Published annually by the FPA, the Great Decisions briefing book serves as the focal text for discussions on 8 topics and, along with a video lecture on each topic, provides background information, expert analysis, and suggested questions for each foreign policy issue. Members buy their own 2024 briefing book directly from the Foreign Policy Association (fpa.org). Participants are asked to volunteer to lead the discussion on one of the topics. Please contact Jayne if you are interested in joining our group.
Contact Jayne Steffens Jaynesteffens22@gmail.com
Hiking Group
The ALL Hiking Group invites you to join the fun of discovering the many scenic trails in Racine and Kenosha counties (plus some beautiful spots in Milwaukee and Northern Illinois).
We meet every Thursday morning from April through October at 9:30 am- about 11:30 am (barring severe storm warnings). Walks are generally 2+ miles in distance (although many offer options for shorter or longer routes).
Trail surfaces are moderate – mowed or groomed walkways, hard packed earth, gravel, asphalt, etc. There may be some change in elevation and walking surface on various trails, but we try to let you know what to expect for each hike.
To be added to the email list for group reminders/information please email Wendi.
Contact Wendi Schneider wendiannette@yahoo.com
Non-Fiction Book Club
We meet the second Tuesday of each month from 1:30 to 2:30 pm. Our small but vibrant non-fiction book club Zooms (meets by Zoom only).
New faces are always welcome to join us. Contact Clarice to join the mailing list and receive the link for the meetings.
Contact Clarice Rohling drohling1@outlook.com
Poetry
We meet the second Monday of each month, 10- 11:30 am online via Zoom.
The Poetry Focus Group will begin a new book in July. The members of the group voted to select Ledger by Jane Hirsheld to read and discuss during our meetings. It should be noted that this group does not attempt to write poetry — only to read and discuss specic examples by contemporary American poets.
New members are certainly welcome. They should contact Ron.
Contact Ron Story ronstory45@gmail.com
Adventures in Lifelong Learning
Mon-Fri | 8:30 am-4:30 pm
262-595-3340
lifelonglearning@uwp.edu
900 Wood Rd.
Kenosha, WI 53144