Five College Learning In Retirement

Contemporary Book Group
2026-10-09 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
This group is for people interested in reading both fiction and non-fiction books published within the last five years. The aim of the group is to spread our wings a bit and enjoy a wide variety of books (historical fiction, humor, memoir, biography, mystery, thrillers, romance, current events, history, politics, natural science, etc.)
Each month participants will choose among 2-4 books recommended by the facilitator and group members. Group members will vote on books two months ahead of time so there is enough time to procure and read the books. Membership capped at 14. This group meets on the second Friday of each month.
Facilitators: Finnegan Alford-Cooper

Photography Club
2026-10-09 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-11-13 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-12-11 14:00 - 15:30, 2027-01-08 14:00 - 15:30, 2027-02-12 14:00 - 15:30 | FCI Library Annex, 202 Plain Road, North Hatfield, MA, 01066, United States
The group explores various aspects of photography, from learning new techniques and equipment (macro photography, studio lighting, astrophotography, etc.) to developing our skills in wildlife, street, event, etc. photography. We explore post-processing and aspects of presenting our work for display.
Facilitator: Tom Clune

Viewpoints
2026-10-15 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-11-19 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-12-17 14:00 - 15:30, 2027-01-21 14:00 - 15:30
Hybrid meetings: in person at the Five College Library Annex Building in N. Hatfield and on Zoom.
Viewpoints is a monthly round-table discussion of current domestic and international events and issues (often, but not always, political), and other subjects not necessarily tied to the headlines of the day (such as culture wars, free speech restrictions in schools and colleges, and policing and firearms). Each month’s participants choose four topics for roughly 20-minute discussions.
Facilitator: Jay Russell

Story Time
2026-10-15 15:30 - 17:00 | Zoom
We will meet once a month on zoom to discuss short stories that we have read prior to the meeting. Members of the group will take turns choosing stories and leading the discussion. In most cases stories selected will be found on the internet. Suggestions of interesting stories will be provided by the group leader.
Facilitator: Martha Cohen

Our Stories, Our Lives
2026-10-20 16:00 - 17:30, 2026-11-17 16:00 - 17:30, 2026-12-15 16:00 - 17:30, 2027-01-19 16:00 - 17:30, 2027-02-16 16:00 - 17:30 | Zoom
This is a group of women who meet monthly to discuss life experiences, focusing on such topics as the experience of aging and ageism, health issues, political concerns, using time wisely, gender roles, family ties, and friendship.
Facilitators: Finnegan Alford-Cooper and Bonnie Strickland

Curriculum Committee Meeting
2026-11-05 14:30 - 15:30, 2026-12-03 14:30 - 15:30, 2027-01-07 14:30 - 15:30, 2027-02-04 14:30 - 15:30

Communications Committee Meeting
2026-11-05 15:00 - 16:30, 2026-12-03 15:00 - 16:30, 2027-01-07 15:00 - 16:30, 2027-02-04 15:00 - 16:30

Council Meeting
2026-11-12 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-12-10 14:00 - 16:00, 2027-01-14 14:00 - 16:00, 2027-02-11 14:00 - 16:00 | Zoom

Reading the Classics
2026-11-26 14:00 - 15:30, 2027-01-28 14:00 - 15:30 | Zoom
This is a book club focused on books considered to be classics of literature. Each month a new book is read, and discussed at the meeting.
Facilitator: Jeanne Kaiser
