The Women’s Club at UCF has a number of interest groups that provide opportunities to share common interests, attend local events, and engage in activities such as book discussions, hikes, gourmet meals, games, among many others. Interest groups are a wonderful vehicle for meeting other club members and developing lasting friendships. While participation in interest groups is optional, members are encouraged to join one or more groups based on personal interests.
Some of the interest groups may be at capacity due to space constraints. New or similar interest groups will be started and new interest group ideas are always welcome and will be considered by our Interest Group Chair. Of course, new groups are contingent on having enough interested participants and a new interest group leader.
Check the Activity Calendar page under Activities and Events for a list of events, times, topics and to RSVP. We look forward to seeing you!
Arts and Culture
Cultural Arts & Wellness
Susan Gregory – Contact
The cultural arts and wellness group meets at various places of interest in Central Florida to learn about ways to live a healthier life, to explore the latest innovative lifestyle changes, and to appreciate the arts and culture in the Orlando area. Our events are usually held during the day. Our activities can be anything from tai-chi in a park to viewing gorgeous and unique table settings at Tables Extraordinaire.
International Friendship
Zalpha Hashem and Teresa Riedel – Contact
We gather at venues around Central Florida to experience and share the customs and cuisines of various cultures and countries. Join us for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. The goal of this group is to enjoy friendship, while appreciating the variety of cultures and food at the national and international levels. Our activities also include attending on-campus events during International Education Week and hearing speakers on international topics. If possible, we sometimes include spouses, partners, and friends in our activities.
Conversational Spanish
Sally Galvan – Contact
¿Hablas Español? No? Then you should think about joining our new Conversational Spanish Interest Group. This group focuses on the basics necessary to navigate your way in a Spanish speaking environment – how to introduce yourself, order food, find the restroom, get directions and more. Meetings are held on the 4th Friday of the month at 11 am with a lesson followed by lunch in restaurants of Spanish speaking countries.
Book Clubs
Bookworms (Day)
Carole Goldsmith – Contact
Daytime Bookworms meets monthly to discuss either a fiction or nonfiction book selection that has been chosen by the group. Each member brings her own light lunch during which there is an opportunity to socialize. Following the luncheon, the book discussion is led by one of the members. Some of the selections lend themselves to inviting a guest discussion leader or to a field trip to a location or an event related to the book. The meetings are often entertaining, as well as enlightening.
*This group is at capacity. A waiting list is maintained. PageTurners, On The Same Page, and Books & Banter are similar interest groups available to join.
Bookworms (Evening)
Mary Lubaroff – Contact
This evening book club interest group meets to socialize and discuss the book selection thathas been chosen by the group. Fun and enjoyment while reading and sharing is at the core of this group. Members meet in the evenings and enjoy each other’s company at various locations.
*This group is at capacity. There is availability with the PageTurners, On the Same Page and Books & Banter Interest Groups.
PageTurners
Anna Habowski – Contact
Pageturners is a bookclub that meets to socialize and discuss the book selection which has been chosen by the group. This group meets on the third Wednesday of the month for the entire year at 1:00 pm in members’ homes. For more details on how to join Pageturners, contact Anna Habowski at PageTurners1@cfl.rr.com or (407) 275-6051.
On The Same Page
Gail Boardway – Contact
On the Same Page is a dinner book club that meets on the 1 st Monday of the month in members’ homes or in local restaurants. If you are interested in joining this group, contact Gail Boardway at boardgail@gmail.com or 407-754-4037.
Books & Banter
Diana Bishop – Contact
Books and Banter is a new evening book club that meets the 4th Wednesday of the month at 6 pm from September to May. Their meeting place is Legacy Pointe at UCF in Oviedo. They welcome all new members. If you would like to join this group, please contact Diana Bishop at jjdbishop@hotmail.com or text 231-838-1517.
Crafts and Hobbies
Garden Hoes
Sally Galvan – Contact
Do you love all things gardening? Join us for fun outings, visits to unique community gardens, and nursery classes, along with the opportunity to share gardening secrets. We also exchange plant cuttings with each other. This group meets on various days of the week depending on when gardening opportunities arise. Some of our recent field trips were to the 4Roots Farm, Epcot Flower & Garden Show, and Mead Gardens.
Needlework
Judy Dziuban – Contact
The needlework interest group is a fun and relaxed group. Our members either knit, crochet, needlepoint, or quilt. We share patterns, learn new techniques, and help each other if someone has a problem. We always have coffee and a morning treat. Our meetings are usually held on the second Monday morning of each month from 9:30 – 11:30 am. They are currently meeting outdoors under a picnic shelter at the Red Bug Lake Park Pavilion in the Casselberry/Winter Springs area.
Current Events
Great Decisions
Bemmie Eustace – Contact
Please consider joining the Great Decisions discussion group presented by the Foreign Policy Association. Contact the interest group chair (or co-chair) if interested in joining. The Foreign Policy Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring the American public to learn more about the world. Founded in 1918, FPA serves as a catalyst for developing awareness, understanding of, and providing informed opinions on global issues. Through its balanced, nonpartisan programs and publications, the FPA encourages citizens to participate in the foreign policy process by informing, engaging, and inspiring. To learn more about Great Decisions please visit the website.
Games
Mah Jongg 1
Liz Payer – Contact
The Mah Jongg 1 interest group meets twice each month in members’ homes to enjoy each other’s company and play the ancient tile game of Mah Jongg. This year gatherings are the first and third Tuesdays of the month. The group plays from August through May.
*This group is at capacity. Contact the interest group leader if you wish to be added to the group’s substitute list. NOTE: Mah Jongg 2 (daytime) is a similar interest group available to join.
Mah Jongg 2
Sheri Dyer – Contact
This group meets on the first and third Wednesday at 1 pm in Oviedo. To join this group, you must be familiar with the basic rules and procedures of the game. For more information, contact the IG leader, Sheri Dyer at sheri@imadyer.com or text (407) 766-1804
Rummikub
Geetha Varadarajulu – Contact
Rummikub is one of the world’s best-selling and most-played games that contains the elements of gin rummy and mahjong. This group meets at 9:30 am on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at players’ homes in the area. All members are welcome to join regardless of skill level. We are open to teaching you how to play. If you are interested in joining this group, contact Geetha Varadarajulu at geethaavraj@sbcglobal.net or text 407-580-6784.
Canasta Group
Leslie Collin – Contact
Calling All Canasta Lovers for a new interest group that will be meeting on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at 1 pm. If you love canasta and want to join this group, please contact Leslie Collin at leslieacollin@gmail.com or text (407) 687-7776.
History and Family
The Searchers – Genealogy Group
Beth Barnes – Contact
Have you been told your great-great grandmother was a Cherokee princess or that you were related to George Washington? Would you like to learn the truth, build your family tree? The Searchers meet at 1:30 on the 4th Monday of each month. If you are searching and want to learn how to find answers, contact the interest group leader to join.
Sports and Outdoors
Monday Walkers
Beth Barnes – Contact
We meet every Monday morning at 7 at one of three locations for a 1.5 or 3.0 mile walk. We begin slowly, build gradually, and no one gets left behind. Bring a Women’s Club friend or potential member with you as we walk, talk, and get fit. We walk or run the Lady Track Shack 5k together, an event held in Winter Park every year in October to benefit breast cancer research. New members are welcome.
Spectator Sports Fans
Merrell Bailey – Contact
Are you a sports enthusiast? The Spectator Sports Fans interest group is for you! Join your sports fan friends and have fun attending UCF sporting events. Working with the UCF Athletics Association, we aspire to attend an event for each of the UCF women’s sports each year. We will schedule other events as interested. Friends and family always welcome. Come join our cheering session for UCF sports events.
Take a Hike!
Kathy Blackburn – Contact – (407) 443-7231
Join the hiking group and discover the exceptional joy of outdoor hiking on Florida’s stunning trails, where natural beauty meets invigorating adventure. Hike through lush forests, along scenic waterways, and past vibrant wildlife, all while receiving the varied benefits of outdoor exercise. Florida’s wilderness trails offer more than just a physical workout – they provide a mental escape from daily stress and a chance to reconnect with the great outdoors, all while enjoying the company of others. Our urban hikes help you discover the vibrant heart of Florida, with each step being a journey into the rich tapestry of our communities. Whether you’re exploring the intricate designs of modern structures, learning about the past through preserved sites, or simply enjoying the community’s diverse cultural expressions, urban hiking in central Florida provides a dynamic and enriching experience that blends fitness with discovery. We welcome you!
Technical
Tech Curious
Sue Chapman – Contact
Technology reshapes the way we walk in the world today. While technology connects us it can also isolate us. So we want to turn-the-tables by sharing our tech victories, tech questions, and tech ideas. In an interactive how-to format, community professionals, UCF students, and Women’s Club members will lead idea sharing. The goal is for everyone to leave each session with at least one “ah ha!” idea to meet or beat a tech challenge you are experiencing.
Theater and Movies
Theater
Norma Verner and Lynda Langa – Contact
The theater group enjoys exploring different community venues and a variety of productions throughout the year. Members are notified of upcoming events by e-mail and are responsible for purchasing their own tickets. Attendees get together at the theater, although they aren’t always able to sit together, and enjoy having dinner together either before or after each production. In order to accommodate all group members, the days and times of scheduled events will vary. Some events are on week-days while others are on weekends, and some events are matinees, while others are evening performances. We make an effort to explore the many different wonderful community theaters in the Orlando area, making a special effort to include support of our own UCF theater.
Chick Flicks
Victoria Snyder – Contact
Let’s go to the movies. About once a month, we’ll get together to see a film of interest to club members and discuss it afterwards over drinks and dinner. Because the day and time always depend upon what’s playing, we often don’t have much more than a week’s notice. Contact interest group leader if you want to go the movies and join Chick Flicks.
Travel
Armchair Travelers 1
Carol Pickler and Cynthia Chamberlin – Contact
Armchair Travelers provides opportunities for its members to travel all over the world without passports or luggage. The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month from October to May. Meetings start at 7:00 p.m. and usually end by 9:00 p.m. One of the attractive features of this group is that spouses and partners are also welcome to attend.
*This group is at capacity. Armchair Traveler 2 is a similar interest group that meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 7 pm and is available for members to join.
Armchair Traveler 2
Linda Hennig and Lisa Gantz – Contact
Do you love to travel? Or love to travel vicariously? Do you enjoy seeing other destinations in the USA and all parts of the world? Do you want to share travel experiences and pictures with friends? The Armchair Traveler II Interest Group is open to all members of the Women’s Club at UCF. This group meets on the third Tuesday of the month. Spouses and partners are welcome. Travel adventures are shared along with wine and food of the travel region. To join this interest group, contact Linda Hennig at Lmhennig@cs.com
Wine and Dine
Gourmet Dining
Pat Peppler – Contact
Our evenings are planned around themes with new and old favorite recipes. We also include picnics and evenings trying out some of the many wonderful Orlando restaurants.
*This group is at capacity. International Gourmet is a similar interest group available to join.
International Gourmet
Doreen Behmke – Contact
Do you love to try new restaurants but don’t want to go alone or just want to enjoy the experience with a fun group. This group meets various times throughout the year in the evening for dinner at various restaurants and venues. We also participate in the Bite30 and Magical Dining programs throughout the year. Spouses and partners are invited.
Wine Tasting
Sue Chapman – Contact
Are you a wine enthusiast or just want to know more about wine? This group meets various times throughout the year in the evening at various restaurants and venues. We also have special wine tasting and party events. Spouses and partners are invited. Dates, location and venues may vary but fun is always in the mix!
Happy Hour Lovers
Darlene Bouley – Contact
Who doesn’t love happy hour? You get to have a drink and a nibble with your friends but don’t have to make dinner. This group will research great happy hour opportunities and meet at a different location once a month at 4 pm. To join this event or to be added to the mailing list for this group, contact Darlene Bouley at dbouley5@gmail.com or text 407-620-2765. Also, if you have happy hour suggestions, please let Darlene know.