After joining the Club, many members also choose to join and participate in the Club’s various interest groups. Currently the Club offers thirty-seven groups which meet regularly for specialized programs covering a wide range of members’ shared and personal interests. Some groups can accommodate only a limited number so membership may be limited. In those cases, a waiting list is maintained and often potential members are called to fill in when a member cannot attend. New groups can be formed with ten interested members.
Contact us for more information about any of the interest groups.
Armchair Travel
Armchair Travel groups, one afternoon and one evening, offer members an opportunity to share travel adventures, tips, and stories through photos, videos, souvenirs, and food. One group meets in the evening at 7 pm on the second Wednesday and an afternoon group meets at 1:30 pm on the fourth Tuesday.
Art/Culture
Art/Culture brings members together in different venues of modern-day culture.
Movie Mavins
Meet on the fourth Monday, attempt to see a wide range of movie genre followed by coffee and discussion.
Art and About
Members have an opportunity to further their appreciation of all forms of art and connect to the heart of inspiration with programs, tours, and exploration of area museums, galleries, exhibits, and displays on the second Thursday.
Book Club
Book Club members find a common bond as they enjoy reading and exploring new books and authors. Two different groups meet monthly.
The Book Club
Meets the second Monday at 1:30 pm at the Green Hills, 2200 Hamilton Dr. In December, holiday music is a special treat.
Time of Your Life Book Club
Meets the second Friday at 10 am in members’ homes.
Bowling
Bowling division meets on Thursdays at 9 am at Perfect Games, 1320 Dickinson Av. Division dues are charged in addition to the weekly bowling fee. All levels of bowlers are welcome.
Cards or Games
There are three different divisions for those who enjoy cards and games.
Bridge
meets the first, third, and fifth Wednesday of each month. Play begins at 1:00 pm at Northcrest Retirement Community, Fireside Room, 1802 Northcrest Court.
Cards and Games
Meets the fourth Thursday at 1 pm. Cards or games are planned by the meeting hostess. This group also meets are the Northcrest Fireside Room.
Cribbage
Meets the first Friday at 10 am at BAM.
The Bunco Squad
Meets the 1st Wednesday at 2 pm to roll the dice in members’ homes.
Mahjong Maniacs
Meets weekly at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays at the G3 Games, Grinds, and Gallery – North Grand Mall.
Couples Clubs
Couples Clubs (four different groups) offer social activities for couples. Members share in the planning and preparation of easy meals and/or activities. The host couples determine the activities and location for each event. There may be a cover-the-cost fee for each event determined by the hosts. Membership is limited in each group.
Culture Sharing
Culture Sharing offers an evening of international friendship in a group of mixed heritage/citizenship, with special emphasis on welcoming international women to the club and community. Meetings are held the third Wednesday at 7 pm at the Northcrest Community Green Room, 1801 20th St.
Exercise Groups
Exercise groups offer members an opportunity to exercise and enjoy the out of doors.
Walk and Talk
Enjoys a flexible, healthy, exercise program including a lot of socializing. Meetings are held the third Tuesday at a member’s home at 9 am. Members walk in the hostess’s neighborhood or at the Mall (North Grand) before gathering for coffee.
Golf
Seasonal group that meets on Tuesday mornings April thru August at Homeward Golf Course.
Take a Hike
Meets the 2nd Monday rain, hail or snow.
Biking Babes
Rides twice a month April through October. All members must wear a helmet.
Food
Food groups offer opportunities for members to express themselves through food.
Foodies and Good Food-Good Friends
Enjoys good food and friendship monthly, first Thursday, first Thursday, and third Wednesday, respectively. Rotating small committees plan, prepare, and serve lunch to the members of each group. Each group has a set fee for the lunch.
‘Spice’ Girls and Taste Buds
Offers members opportunities to explore, create, and share food. ‘Spice Girls’ meet the fourth Monday afternoon and Taste Buds meet the third Thursday. Membership is limited in all of the food groups.
Breakfast Buddies and Breakfast Beauties
Meet on the third Friday of each month.
Gardening
Gardening meets the second Wednesday from 11:30 am to 1 pm. Members bring a brown bag lunch and enjoy a wide variety of programs, tours, and other activities related to gardening. The group also maintains a city flower garden plot in Stuart Smith Park (Elwood and Lincoln Way) during the summer season.
Genealogy
Genealogy members enjoy on-going research of individual family history during monthly meetings (third Thursday, 1:30 pm) or visits to state and community archival resources.
Nature Study
Nature Study provides opportunities for members to explore the great outdoors, see natural wonders, learn about conservation and preservation programs, and become acquainted with the animals and plants that are part of our outdoor world. Meetings are usually held the last Wednesday at 1:30 pm.
Needlework
Needlework groups: Block Builders, Hooks and Needles, and Stitchery, engage members in a wide variety of quilt, crochet, knitting, and needlework projects, respectively, through monthly meetings, workshops, and tours. Members provide their own supplies and equipment.
Block Builders
Meet the second Friday
Hooks and Needles
Meet the fourth Monday
Stitchery
Meetson the first Monday.
Newcomers
Newcomers is a great group for new or prospective members to get acquainted and find their place in the club and community. This group warmly invites all members new to the ISU community or club to all club events as well as monthly events planned entirely for the purpose of getting to know other new members, other club members and become more familiar with club events, interest groups, and activities.
Travel, Food & Adventure
Breakfast Buddies, Iowa Cafe Adventures and Lunch Bunch are a must for those who yearn a monthly “adventure”, good food, and unique shopping opportunities! Members venture to different tea rooms, cafes, or eating establishments throughout Central Iowa to enjoy breakfast (third Friday) or lunch (first and second Tuesdays) and explore places of interest in the area.
Breakfast Beauties
Meets every third Friday of the month.
Breakfast Buddies
Meets every third Friday of the month.
Iowa Cafe Adventures and Lunch Bunch
Meets the first and second Tuesdays of the month.
Wine and Beer
Wine and Beer groups, (five wine groups) provide educational experiences in wine tasting and appreciation or simply exploration and conversation. Programs are developed collaboratively by hostesses, group members, outside speakers, and field trips.
The Bacchus
(Roman god of wine) group meets in the homes of members on the first Monday of the month at 6:30 pm.
The Dionysus
(Greek god of wine) Circle meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm in the homes of its members.
Women on Wine
Meet the last Thursday of the month to explore Iowa wineries.
Viva la Vino
Meet first Monday, 5:30-7:30 pm
Wine and Tapas
Meet third Thursday, 4-6 pm. Sample wines and tapas provided by the hostess.
All Things Beer
Meets the second Wednesday, 3:30-5:30 pm, focuses on developing curiosity, appreciation, and respect for beer offering tasting, brewing, and cooking experiences for members.
Membership is limited in each of the groups.