PODS: Member Organized Interest Groups
We know 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. This page profiles our current PODs, which include Book Club, Photography, Hiking & Snowshoeing, The Lunch Bunch, Pickle Ball and Social Walking.
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ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION 2026
PROGRAMS ON DEMAND (PODs)
You want it? You’ll run it? You’ve got it!
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 Malcolm Brown with your questions (mb13brown@icloud.com - make sure to put ARA POD in the subject line).
More information on all PODs: https://aranh/pods
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ARA READERS BOOK CLUB
Carol Szot - 207-384-5153 or 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 PM.
Where: We meet in the Community Room of the Durham Police Station in Durham but will use Zoom if necessary for January & February to avoid winter weather issues.
EXPLORING PHOTOGRAPHY
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 PM.
HIKING
Paul Cully - pac4patriot@comcast.net
The Hiking POD runs Friday morning hikes, year-round, generally of 2-4 miles in length – 27 hikes in 2025. Hikes are in various locations throughout the Seacoast area and in various environments (woodlands, forests, beaches). Hikes are generally on largely level terrain and are deemed suitable for most seniors.
When: Friday mornings - see schedule published on the ARA Website or email pac4patriot@comcast.net for a copy.
Where: Various and varied sites in the greater Seacoast area.
More information: For more info about the POD and/or an individual hike on the schedule, or to join the POD and receive the hike notices that are sent via email prior to each Friday’s hike, contact Paul Cully at pac4patriot@comcast.net.
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LUNCH BUNCH
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 PM. Contact Nancy to learn about the upcoming venue.
PICKLEBALL
Malcolm Brown - mb13brown@icloud.com
The ARA Pickleball POD is a group of audacious folks interested in playing the game of pickleball. All levels are welcome! We use email for coordination on upcoming games, cancellations, and member communications.
When and Where: Weather permitting, we meet three times a week (usually in the morning) for games using the outdoor courts in Dover when weather permits, or various regional indoor courts during adverse weather.
More information: For more info and/or to be added to the mailing list, please contact Malcolm Brown mb13brown@icloud.com.
SOCIAL WALKING
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 UNH or greater Durham and stopping for coffee (or whatever) and conversation before returning to the parking lot, 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, please make sure your name is on our 2025–26 email list to receive updates as needed.
When and Where: Tuesdays (year-round, weather permitting), 1:30 – 3:30 PM. Durham town parking lot, corner of Madbury Road and Pettee Brook Lane.
