{"id":16,"date":"2012-08-21T18:37:56","date_gmt":"2012-08-21T18:37:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/fwc\/?page_id=16"},"modified":"2026-04-03T16:53:04","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T21:53:04","slug":"interest-groups","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/fwc\/interest-groups\/","title":{"rendered":"Faculty Club Special Interest Groups 2025-2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Faculty Club Interest Groups are the heart of our organization! \u00a0Take a look at upcoming plans below. \u00a0These groups cover a range of shared activities on evenings, weekends, and weekdays that promote learning, health, fun, and friendship. \u00a0Ask any one of our members and they’ll tell you some of their deepest relationships have come from the camaraderie in these Interest Groups! \u00a0Membership allows you to participate in any or all groups.<\/p>\n

\"Open<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

Book Club DAY\u00a0<\/b>(Coordinated by Kiran Gangahar)<\/p>\n

Book Club DAY meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 1-3 PM<\/strong>, hosted by a rotating roster of members who facilitate a review of the author and book. Our first books of the year were ” The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain and Percival Everett’s “James” which is a retelling of Mark Twain’s book with the perspective of Jim the enslaved man accompanying Huckleberry. In October “The Frozen River”by Ariel Lawhon was discussed. “Time for the Child” by Niall Williams was the book discussed by the group in November. \u00a0The December selection was “God’s Hotel” by Victoria Sweet. The new year began in January, with the group discussing “What you are Looking for in the Library” by Michiko Toyama. \u00a0In February “Everything is Tuberculosis” by John Green was the book that was discussed by the group. “Good Dirt” by Charmaine Wilkerson was discussed at the March book club by the group.<\/p>\n

Book Club EVENING <\/strong>(Coordinated by Carol McGlade)<\/p>\n

Book Club EVE meets by Zoom<\/strong> the 3rd Tuesday of each month<\/strong> from 5:30-6:30 PM<\/strong>, hosted by a rotating roster of members who facilitate a review of the author and book. Our first book club this year discussed “James” by Percival Everett. \u00a0In October we discussed “Atmosphere”, by Taylor Jenkins Reid. The book is a historical fiction about an astronaut in NASA’s Space Shuttle Program. \u00a0In November we discussed “Zero Stars: Do not Recommend” by MJ Wassmer. \u00a0For December, we met at the Reading Room in Downtown Omaha to celebrate the holiday in person instead of our usual Zoom meeting. In January the group resumed their meetings by Zoom to discuss ” The Magnificent Lives of Margorie Post” by Allison Pataki. \u00a0Carol McGlade presented the book in January and asked all members to attend the Zoom decked out in jewels like Marjorie Post would have worn. It was a blast! \u00a0Cori Cochran discussed “There are Rivers in the Sky” by Elif Shank with the group at our February Zoom meeting. \u00a0In March the group met by Zoom to discuss “My Friends” by Frederik Bachman.<\/p>\n

Our reading selections for 2025-2026, can be found by referring to the page “DAY and EVE Book Club Selections 2025-2026” on this website.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Book Club is a great way to experience a variety of\u00a0literature<\/strong>, contemporary and classic, and to get better\u00a0acquainted by sharing the ideas in each month\u2019s\u00a0selection. \u00a0New participants are always welcome.
<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"A<\/a><\/p>\n

Dining Out\u00a0<\/b>(Coordinated by Sara Crouse)<\/p>\n

Dining Out meets on the 3rd Saturday of each month<\/strong> at 6:00 PM<\/strong> at selected restaurants. \u00a0This group is for members, spouses\/partners <\/strong>who enjoy an evening out with friends. \u00a0The group wines and dines at various restaurants in Omaha and surroundings areas. \u00a0The group is notified of the restaurant selection, \u00a0location and a deadline date for RSVP several weeks in advance by email. Everyone can then decide if they wish to give it a try. \u00a0A RSVP to the “Dining Out” invitation must be sent to Sara by the deadline listed on the invitation. After the RSVP date, Sara sends out by email a list of those attending and contacts the restaurant for finalizing the numbers. During our first seven years, we’ve gathered at over 40 different restaurants and sampled the wide variety of food that Omaha offers.<\/p>\n

Our group coordinator, Sara Crouse, always welcomes suggestion from the group as to restaurants that one would like the group to visit. \u00a0Many of our members have favorites in their area that many are unaware exist. \u00a0It is always great to explore NEW venues throughout the year.\u00a0 Our first restaurant of the year was at Shaheen’s Authentic Afghan Cuisine in Omaha. In October we tried La Plaza Fiesta which was an excellent Mexican restaurant. In January we are tried the new Italian restaurant in Village point (that occupies the space where Bravo Restaurant was before its closing). \u00a0In February the group met for an authentic Sichuan-style, traditional Chinese meal at the Blue Fly Asian Kitchen, a family owned restaurant. The meal was outstanding. \u00a0In March the group ate out at the family owned Rib Shack Smokehouse. \u00a0Everyone enjoyed the St. Louis BBQ flavor of their ribs, and chicken. \u00a0What a great meal and conversation this evening!<\/p>\n

The venue selections will be posted as they are determined.<\/p>\n