ARA PODs (Programs on Demand)
You want it? You’ll run it? You’ve got it!
Carol Szot (207) 384-5153 or Email: carolszot@comcast.net
Book Club members pick their books of choice and lead discussions of their recommendations. Book selections are posted well in advance. We're a wonderfully diverse group, and it's always a treat to share new and different tastes and reviews of the same material.
When: 3rd Tuesday of the month (year-round), 1:00 p.m., with a few exceptions.
Where:
We meet at the Durham Police Station but might use Zoom in the winter if snow is predicted.
Carol will send an invitation to each meeting one month prior to the event, one week before, and the morning of the discussion.
These are the current selections:
2024
| 16-Jan 2024 | Sandy Tolan | The Lemon Tree | Peg Higgins |
| 20-Feb 2024 | Christine Baker Kline | A Piece of the World | Deb Longo |
| 12-Mar 2024 | Alan Brennert | Molokai | Sharon Zumpfe |
| *date change due to ARA Tour | |||
| 16-Apr 2024 | Olivia Wolfgang-Smith | Glassworks | Drew Christie |
| 21-May 2024 | Kazuo Ishiguro | Never Let Me Go | Susan Wagner |
| 18-Jun 2024 | Timothy Egan | Fever in the Heartland | Bill DeVries |
| July | No meeting this month | ||
| 20-Aug 2024 | Abraham Verghese | The Covenant of Water | Carol Chamberlain |
| Sep 17 | Isabel Wilkerson | Warmth of Other Suns | Carol Szot |
| Oct 22 | Susan Casey | The Underworld | Pat Laska |
| *date change due to ARA Tour | |||
| Nov 19 | Charlotte McConaghy | Migrations : A Novel | Sherry Evans |
| Dec 17 | Drew Gilfin Faust | Necessary Trouble | Drew Christie |
2023
Jan 17, 2023: O Pioneer, by Willa Cather (on Zoom), leading discussion—-Carol Chamberlain
Feb 21: Empire of Pain, by Patrick Radden Keefe (on Zoom), leading discussion—-Carol Szot
Mar 21: The Other Doctor Gilmer, by Benjamin Gilmer, leading discussion—-Robin Glasser
Apr 18: The Pioneers, by David McCullough, leading discussion—-Peggy Higgins
May 16: The Library Book, by Susan Orlean, leading discussion—-Pat Laska
Jun 20: The Painted Drum, by Louise Erdrich, leading discussion—-Drew Christie
Jul 18: Simple Passion, by Annie Ernaux, leading discussion—-Dorothy Healy
Aug 15: Lessons from the Edge, by Marie Yovanovitch, leading discussion—-Susan Wagner
Sep 12: Paradise Falls, by Keith O’Brien, leading discussion—-Nancy Walker
Oct 17: The Lincoln Highway, by Amor Towles, leading discussion—-Debbie Forster
Nov. 17: Lessons in Chemistry, Bonnie Garmus, leading discussion--Robin Glasser
Dec. 19: A Fall of Marigolds, Susan Meissner, leading discussion--MaryEllen Siudut/Cszot
Established in 2013
David Josko - 603-866-6113 or d.josko@comcast.net
We’re the Wheel Thing! With input from the group, we plan both rail-trail and road bike trips for up to 8-15 miles per trip. Routes and terrain are outlined early so riders know what to expect, and the pace is leisurely, for all levels of bikers. We use email for notification and description of upcoming rides, cancellations, and member communications. Weather permitting, we typically ride every two weeks. Bike with us for great exercise and fun fellowship!
With input from the group, we will plan both rail trails and road bike trips for up to 8-15 miles per trip. We’ll communicate by email for notification of upcoming rides, cancellations, and member communications/feedback. Rides are typically scheduled every two weeks, weather permitting.
Each year, rides will begin in the spring when the snow clears from the trails and roads, and the weather warms, usually by early April. We ride through the summer until late fall, usually until the end of October. Days of the week and destinations will vary, based on the rides and member input. We often stop for a bite to eat at establishments that offer outdoor sitting for social distancing.
Members will be notified about rides at the start of each week or earlier. If weather is questionable, updates will be made by email, usually the day before the scheduled ride.
We follow the current ARA COVID policy. Riding is an individual decision. Please join our in-person rides only if you determine it is safe for you, weighing the risks and benefits, based on your health. All members are responsible for their own safety. Although masks are not required for riding when socially distanced, please bring masks for if or when we might stop for snack or food.
Established in 2013
Jan Phelps - jmtp1978@gmail.com
or text 603-315-3231
A photo tells a story. Join this small group to explore creative and technical aspects of digital photography. Each month, members decide on a theme and submit photos on it to a shared, easy-to-learn-and-navigate Google Photos album. Members then meet via Zoom to critique the work.
When and Where: Monthly field trip generally on the first Tuesday of the month, depending on theme. Critique session is the fourth Tuesday of each month, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Location: Field trip location and dates/times will vary dependent on theme, weather and member input. Interested members will arrive with their cameras and whatever equipment required (e.g., tripods) for their photography. Field trip destinations and schedule will be communicated to members via our email distribution list. Members who are unable to come or choose otherwise may shoot photos in other locations or venues, along the theme. Shortly after the field trip, a shared, themed, google photo album will be distributed to each member, so that members may upload their photos for group viewing.
The fourth Tuesday meeting will take place via zoom (at least for the near future), for a critique of photographs. Zoom invites will be sent via email shortly before each meeting.
Information: Please email Janet Phelps for questions and to request membership. ARA membership is required. Once you are approved, you will be added to our email distribution list, where you will be informed about our current theme, and receive the current google album for submission of your photos or to view other members’ submissions.
George Whitehead - 603-742-5855 or whiteheadg@aol.com
Who Am I…Really? The Genealogy POD is for ARA members who want to research their genealogy, build a family tree, or expand an existing one. Every day there are new breakthroughs in finding our roots. Here, we share our knowledge, research methods, experiences, and the interesting lives of our ancestors, all while building our trees.
When and Where: Contact George for current information.
Paul Cully - pac4patriot@comcast.net
The Hiking POD runs hikes, generally of 2-4 miles in length, in various locations throughout the Seacoast area and through various terrains (woodlands, forests, and/or beaches). Many hikes are on mostly level terrain and are deemed doable by most people. Advance notice is provided of hikes that involve significant elevation gains (and therefore descents) in the Wednesday “Reminder” email.
When and Where: Friday mornings – usually 10:00 AM starts – see schedule published below and on the calendar.
More information: A "Reminder and Directions" email is sent to Hiking POD members on every Wednesday before a scheduled Friday hike with details about the hike. For more info about the POD and/or an individual hike on the schedule, or to join the POD and receive the hike notices, contact Paul Cully at pac4patriot@comcast.net.
DOGS: We follow the ARA Dog Policy (adopted April 2023) which states that for the health, safety, and enjoyment of all group participants, those wishing to bring dogs on ARA hikes and walks at venues permitting dogs must (1) keep them on a short leash at all times, (2) ensure they do not interfere with other participants, and (3) pick up and appropriately dispose of their dogs' waste.
ARA Hiking POD – 2024 Hike Schedule
Updated March 12th, 2024
Winter Hikes Location
January 19th Wolfeboro X-C Ski Area, Wolfeboro, NH
February 2nd Lee Town Forest, Lee, NH
February 16th Burley Farms, Epping, NH
March 1st Great Bay Wildlife Management Refuge, Newington, NH
March 15th Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail, Newfields Loop, Newfields, NH Spring Hikes
March 29th Stonehouse Pond, Barrington, NH
April 5th Cliff Walk, York, ME
April 12th UNH College Woods, Durham, NH
April 19th Goodwill Conservation Area, Barrington, NH
April 26th Sweet Trail – Newmarket, NH
May 3rd Mount Agamenticus, York, ME
May 10th Orris Falls Conservation Area, So. Berwick, ME
May 17th Foss Farm, Durham, NH
May 31st Andres Institute of Art, Brookline, NH
Summer Hikes
June 7th Stratham Hill Park, Stratham, NH
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June 14th Fundy Trail, Pawtuckaway State Park, Pawtuckaway, NH |
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July 19th Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, NH |
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Fall Hikes
September 13th Doe Farm, Durham, NH
September 20th Savage Wildlife Preserve, South Berwick, ME
September 27th Pulpit Rock, York, ME
October 4th Odiorne Point, Rye, NH
October 11th Henderson-Swasey Town Forest, Exeter, NH
October 18th Spruce Swamp WMA, Brentwood, NH
October 25th Lee Town Forest, Lee, NH
November 1st Laudholm Reserve, Wells ME
November 8th Pine Mountain – Evelyn & Albert Morse Preserve – Alton, NH
Nancy Salka - 207-363-6846 or nanslk@myfairpoint.net
The Lunch Bunch is a group of people who enjoy each other and enjoy finding new venues to do their eating! They always have good food, good conversation and a genuine positive outlook in their lives that they share together. They pick their future restaurants at each meeting. We are a great group of people having stupendous fun!
When and Where: Third Wednesday of the month, 12:30 p.m. Contact Nancy to learn about the upcoming venue.
We follow the current ARA COVID policy.
If you plan to join us, we highly recommend that you be vaccinated.
First meeting of our new Pickle Ball POD
Malcolm Brown - mb13brown@icloud.com
The ARA Pickleball POD is a group of audacious folks interested in playing the game of pickleball. Weather permitting, we meet twice weekly for games using the courts in Dover. All levels are welcome! We use email for coordination on upcoming games, cancellations, and member communications.
More information: For more info and/or to be added to the mailing list, please contact Malcolm Brown mb13brown@icloud.com.
The current ARA COVID policy is guided by the prevailing CDC Guidelines. If you plan to join us, we highly recommend that you be vaccinated.
Established 2022
Penny and Mike Drooker - pdrooker@hotmail.com (preferred) or 603-397-5681
Walkers meet weekly throughout the year. We usually set out from the Durham Town parking lot at the corner of Madbury Road and Pettee Brook Lane, taking various routes around greater Durham, but we sometimes go farther afield to explore local natural areas. If you’re looking for exercise and good conversation, please join us! All you have to do is show up – no reservation required. However, do make sure your name is on our email list to receive updates as needed.
When: Tuesdays (year-round, weather permitting), 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. We rarely cancel, but conditions such as blizzards or dangerously high Air Quality Index days sometimes make this necessary.
Where: Meet at parking lot at the corner of Pettee Brook Lane and Madbury Road in Durham. (Two hours free for Durham residents; $1 for non-residents.) From time to time, we meet elsewhere. To stay informed, please join our 2024-25 contact list by sending your email address to Penny and Mike.
COVID (as of January 2024): We follow ARA COVID policy (guided by prevailing CDC Guidelines) and New Hampshire, Durham, and UNH requirements. We highly recommend that you be fully vaccinated before joining the group.
DOGS: We follow the ARA Dog Policy (adopted April 2023) which states that for the health, safety, and enjoyment of all group participants, those wishing to bring dogs on ARA hikes and walks at venues permitting dogs must (1) keep them on a short leash at all times, (2) ensure they do not interfere with other participants, and (3) pick up and appropriately dispose of their dogs' waste.
Established 2013.
Linda Benton - lba.oceanlover@gmail.com
Stagecraft is all about connecting and experiencing, so right now we are on hiatus. When/if we reactivate, we will notify ARA members via an “email blast.”
Ever watch a play and think “I can do that?” We choose plays and explore all the aspects of stagecraft. Channel your inner producer, director, actor, set or costume designer/decorator (or at least learn what they do!). Remember it takes all these skills to mount a production worthy of “curtain up.” Whatever your interest or skill set, stage craft offers the opportunity to participate in the creative process. No pressure, just lots of fun.
We sometimes read plays out-loud to others. Most of us have never done this before and have "aged out" of memorizing, but totally enjoy having a good time.
We also attend plays and gather afterwards to discuss them.
If you are interested in the group and/or have ideas of what we can do to connect during this uncertain time, Let us know!
When/if we reactivate, we will notify ARA members via an “email blast.”
Originally called Play Reading; began in 2014.
Disclaimer: ARA, its officers and content providers, shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from or otherwise connected to your voluntary participation in any program, POD, activity or event.
ARA knows that our members have special interests. So, in addition to providing Spring and Fall terms of educational Programs, we introduced PODs (Programs on Demand) and began encouraging the formation of member-organized/led special interest groups of like-minded people who wanted to bicycle, or play pickleball, or kayak, or savor books or movies, or explore photography, or lunch together, or …
PODs can mimic the Program start and end dates, run year-round, or on any other schedule if the group prefers, as long as they don’t conflict with other Programs. ARA will publicize your group to ARA members. Take a look! Join in! Got a POD of your own or an idea for one? Contact Bill DeVries with your questions Willem.DeVries@unh.edu - make sure to put ARA POD in the subject line.
How does your idea become a POD?
After deciding on a particular activity, the POD Leader develops an email notification soliciting new members for the proposed POD. The email should include the information on the POD and request interested members to get in touch with the POD Leader. The requests for an email notification should be directed to, Program Committee POD Liaison.
After initial interest is generated, the POD leader will schedule a start-up meeting following which the group will work autonomously from then on. The POD will set dates that work for the group and optimally do not conflict with ARA regularly scheduled programming- typically Tuesday all day and Friday afternoons are free. POD Leaders communicate plans and changes among the POD members.
ARA may include a general description of PODs along with the printed program schedule.
ARA may also include POD activity/schedule information on the ARA Website Calendar of Events. To be included on the Website Calendar of Events, you must send information on the what, when and where to ARA Technology Services at arainfo1982@gmail.com using the POD name as the subject of the email.
For questions and further information on starting a POD for your special interest, email Willem DeVries Willem.DeVries@unh.edu.
