Interest Groups
Interest groups are a way to connect with like-minded retirees for fun, learning or just to make new friends. Each interest group’s focus, schedule and current activity are listed below.
Groups are open to all members, are self-governed and operate independently in their planned activities. Always check the Event Calendar to view groups organized by color-coding and date.
If you have a passion that you would like to share with other members, consider forming your own interest group by sending the details to umra-new-interest-group-suggestion@umich.edu.
Share Your Interest with Others
Click Image to Learn How!
UMRA Reads
UMRA Reads is a diverse group of members who meet monthly to read and discuss books across all genres, with a different genre each month. Meetings are usually on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 3-5pm ET via Zoom, with adjustments for holidays.
Current book list and meeting dates (pdf): 2023/24 Book Selections
Sample a Typical Book Discussion
Are you curious how an online discussion feels? Enjoy this recorded session discussing the May book selection with a retiree focus, ‘The Reluctant Fortune-Teller by Kesiah Frost.
Have a question? Contact Sharon at grayden@umich.edu
UMRA Walks
UMRA Walks take monthly treks at different locations around the Ann Arbor area traversing along fully accessible paved pathways to enjoy fresh air and camaraderie. The pace of each trek is completely flexible. Some walkers choose to walk the designated round trip. Others choose a lighter pace stopping at benches to relax, chat, look at nature and soak up the sun.
For those who can stay after the walk, it is possible that small groups will spin off for coffee or lunch to nearby locations.
You are welcome to bring a guest if you like – friend, neighbor or grandchild.
Have a question? Contact Sarah at sarahely@umich.edu
UMRA Community Projects
UMRA Community Projects plans to identify and coordinate opportunities for UMRA members to volunteer in the community, either as an individual or part of a group of activities.
A special thanks to Susan Crawford, Kathleen Fischer and Karen Shill for coordinating.
Have a question? Contact the team at UMRA-Com-Projects@umich.edu
UMRA Golfs
All golfers of any level are welcome to join us throughout the summer as we golf and have fun in the process. Spouses are welcome.
UMRA Kayaks
All kayakers of any level are welcome to join us throughout the summer as we kayak together on the Huron River and other water ways in Washtenaw County, and have fun in the process. Spouses are welcome.
Please contact Jean Shope at jshope@umich.edu to express interest, have suggestions, or to find out about upcoming kayaking opportunities.
UMRA Plays Mah Jongg
Mah Jongg is a tile-based game of skill, strategy and luck played by four players. The Interest Group is for beginners and players at all levels.
This SIG meets on Mondays, (not holidays), at 1:00pm at the Pittsfield Township Senior Center: 701 W. Ellsworth Road. Ann Arbor, MI. There is a nominal fee to join the Senior Center.
If you are curious, or looking for something interesting to do on Monday afternoons. Please plan to show up. You will meet new UMRA friends, and learn a very interesting game.
Have questions? Contract instructors and UMRA members Corrine Serrell and Kathy Fischer (fischerk@umich.edu) to express interest, have questions or learn more.
UMRA Needlecrafts
Open to all who want to discover the joys of knitting and crocheting, garment sewing, quilting, embroidery and fiber art. Share current projects. Interpret pattern designs. Learn new skills. Establish resources of local experts. Envision some ‘hands-on’ time in member homes for teaching and problem-solving, as well as field trips to current exhibits of costumes and quilts.
Have a question? Please contact Rose Wedal at wedalr@umich.edu.
UMRA Travel Discussion
The group focuses on discussions about travel, including topics related to travel, such as TSA security, trip insurance, international travel, cheap flights, etc.
Please contact Joe Marker at joemarker2@gmail.com to express interest.
Consolidated List of Upcoming Activities
Always check the Event Calendar for a full listing of all interest group activities organized by color-coding and date. Below is a combined listing of the next 20 upcoming activities.
