2009-10 Interest Groups

What are Interest Groups?
Organized and led by volunteer members, these groups meet around a specific topic or interest on a regular basis (weekly or monthly) during the academic year. Group size may range from 5 to 30 participants.

Please check off the groups you would like to join on the Membership Form.

How to participate?

1. First meeting is free, participation thereafter requires membership in Harvard Neighbors.

2. Check off the group that interests you on the membership form/registration form so you will receive notices.

3. Contact us via email neighbors@harvard.edu to register.

4. Some groups have a materials fee in addition to the membership fee (materials fees are payble to the leader).

5. Most groups meet at Harvard Neighbors, 17 Quincy St., Harvard Yard, Cambridge. Some groups meet elsewhere. For current meeting times and location, check calendar.

For further information call (617) 495-4313.

Last update: October 13, 2009

Groups for 2009-10 are arranged alphabetical:

Adventures in Art
For busy people, a fine change from the daily routine!New members are always welcome on brief guided tours at the Harvard Art Museum . Join us for three autumn events at the Sackler Museum , 485 Broadway:

Wednesday, October 7 at 2 p.m."Sacred spaces: The World of Dervishes, Fakirs and Sufis."A fascinating exploration led by docent Elizabeth Fraser.

Wednesday, October 21 at 2 p.m."Teaching and Learning in the Art Museum."Ray Williams, Director of Education of the Harvard Art Museum , will lead this session, presenting a sampling of activities developed to engage various audiences with looking and thinking about art.

Thursday, November 19 at 3 p.m."A Historian’s Perspective: How the Art of Pissarro, Manet and Picasso Can Teach Us about Women’s Lives in Late 19th Century France." Gallery talk with Kelsey McNiff, Director of Academic Partnerships, Harvard Art Museum

Membership and reservations required. Tours limited to 15 Registration (please specify each tour) required: neighbors@harvard.edu

Afternoon Bridge
Contract bridge for intermediate social players. Come at noon with your lunch and enjoy a chat; play begins at 12:30 p.m. Every Tuesday, 12-3 p.m. Starts September 22, 2009.

Art, Creativity and Meaning
Whether you choose work that is visual, written or involves dance or music, enjoy a unique approach to exploring your creative self. You will enjoy the journey and be surprised at what you find. The group offers freedom from judgment and criticism. Art experience is not necessary. Fee for materials. Every Thursday, 9:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. Starts October 1, 2009.

Creative Needleworks
Bring your own work or start something new. Every Tuesday, 10 a.m. -12 p.m. Starts September 22, 2009.

Evening Book Club
Newcomers welcome to join lively discussions! Meets second Tuesday of the month, 5:30-7 p.m. First reading: Netherland by Joseph O'Neill; first meeting: October 13, 2009. For all readings click here.

East Meets West Forum
Explore Chinese and American as well as other eastern and western cultures through discussion, seminars and social events. Find out shared and unique values in all the cultures through this cultural exchange forum, meet and make friends, and enrich life and working experience. For details, contact William Wei, wwei@harvard.edu

French Book Club
Discussion in French of classic and contemporary works of fiction. The readings for October and November respectively are: Germinal by Emile Zola, and Les Caves du Vatican by André Gide. Meets first Tuesday each month, 5:30-7 p.m. Contact Richard Lesage rlesage@fas.harvard.edu. Starts October 6, 2009.

French Conversation
Come and join a discussion group for intermediate, advanced and native French speakers. We will take as our starting points articles, movies, etc. As a somewhat frivolous adjunct to the discussions, we will also sample various French foods. Starts September 25 at 12-1 p.m.

German Book Club
Discussion in German of classic and contemporary books. Meets 4th Tuesday, 5:30-7 p.m. Starts September 22. Click here for book selections.

Infant & Toddler Playgroup
Parents with infants and toddlers (0-3 years) meet to share friendship, experiences and activities. Expectant parents are also welcome. Mondays, 10-11:30 a.m. Rie Kitada riehikita@hotmail.com. Starts September 21, 2009.

Italian Conversation
Speakers of Italian with some proficiency as well as native speakers enjoy sociability and practice through conversation. We discuss readings ranging from Dante to contemporary authors. First meeting on Sept 30, regularly 3rd Wed. thereafter, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Japanese Conversation-Gogo no Sawakai
(Nihongo de! sawakai)
This group is for all who speak Japanese fluently. This group members will serve as volunteers for Japanese Culture. Meets on alternate Wednesdays, 12:30-2:00pm Starting Sept. 23. Click here for Japanese description.

Japanese Culture
Monthly Surprise: Enjoy every month a different choice of Japanese Culture demonstration with volunteers. Meets 2nd Monday, 12:30-2:00pm starting Oct.19. A minimal materials fee is needed.

Knitting for Everyone
Anyone with an interest in knitting/crocheting is welcome to join this group. We share techniques, patterns and ideas. Participants are asked to donate small baby project to a charity. Meets every Tuesday, 12-1 p.m. Starts September 22, 2009.

Lunchtime Book Group
We read fiction and non-fiction, recent publications and classics, all available in paperback. First meeting Sept. 21, thereafter on 4th Monday, 12-2 p.m. Joan Muellner 617-354-6366 or AnnaMaria Abernathy Amabernathy@rcn.com. Click here for the reading list.

Quilting Bee
Beginners are most welcome to learn the art, techniques and history of American quilting. Most work will be hand sewing. Fabrics, books, patterns and sewing machines available. Materials fee. There will be occasional field trips.Meets every Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. -12 p.m. Starts September 23, 2009.

Telling Lives: Memoir Writing -FILLED for 2009-10!

MIT Women’s Chorale
Explore your musical side! The chorale’s repertoire covers a wide range of styles, including both secular and sacred. Harvard women welcome! Meets every Thursday, 7:45 p.m. First meeting September 17, 2009. click here for schedule http://web.mit.edu/womensleague/womenschorale/