Gather Groups
Gather Groups are small, peer-led groups that bring people together around shared interests in a way that fits real life. They are designed to foster meaningful connection through consistency, conversation, and community without the pressure of a formal program.
Gather Groups are social rather than instructional, relational rather than programmatic, and built around showing up as yourself. They are not classes or committees. Each group meets in person, off-site, and is shaped by the people in it, with Captain serving as connectors rather than experts.
As you peruse our offerings, we ask you to keep in mind a few important details:
Groups are for adults only.
Each group will include approximately 8–15 members, and will be facilitated by 1–2 peer Captain with staff support.
Participants may be invited to contribute in different ways based on the group’s culture and goals.
Groups are built around commitment. Members are encouraged to show up regularly and invest in one another and in the group as a whole.
Additional Gather Groups can be added at any time.
To ensure as many people as possible can participate, we ask that each person sign up for only one group.
If you are registering with a partner or spouse, please have each person sign up individually.
Casino Club
For: Open to all
A club where those who love to play cards and casino games or those who want to learn how to play can come together for some fun. The group will play Texas Hold-Em, 3-card Poker, 4-Card Poker, Blackjack and more. Whether you love to play, want to practice your skills for your next casino trip or want to learn how to play, this is an engaging group!
Who it’s for: Anyone!
Led by: Stacy Bernstein
Group size: Approx. 10
Meets: TBD for 90 minutes
When: Weekends in the evening
Schmooze and Savor
For: Couples in their 30s-50s
A chance to gather with other people in the area to meet new people, eat, drink and schmooze. Meet once a month for tasty food and drink .
Who it’s for: Couples in their 30s-50s
Led by: Valerie and Ben Shander
Group size: 16
Meets: Homes and outdoor locations for 90 minutes
When: Weekends in the evening
TEEquilla Tasting Group
For: Anyone interested in learning more about Tequila!
A chance to gather with other people in the area to meet new people, eat, drink and schmooze. Meet once a month for tasty food and drink .
Who it’s for: Anyone interested in learning more about Tequila!
Led by: Douglas Boneparth
Group size: 20
Meets: Terrace Plant Shop
When: Weekday evenings
Stitch & Kvetch
For: Adults with fiber arts experience
A social fiber art gathering for stitching, knitting, crochet, needlepoint, and more. Bring your project, pull up a chair, and spend some creative time with good people. Come for the craft, stay for the schmoozing. Come pick up some tips and tricks from new fiber friends. Advanced beginners and above are welcome.
Who it’s for: Adults with fiber arts experience
Led by: Kara Goldman and Keira Marcus
Group size: 15
Meets: In homes of both captains and members
When: Weekend afternoons (12-5PM)
Good to know: Bring your own fiber arts project: knitting, crochet, needlepoint, embroidery
Early Risers
For: Everyone
This group is perfect for EARLY RISERS who are looking for an outdoor exercise community. Plan is to go for early morning walks/jogs around Mindowaskin Park and surrounding area.
Who it’s for: Open to everyone who is into fitness
Led by: Asya Wallach
Group size: 25
Meets: Outdoor locations
When: Weekdays in the morning (around 5:45 AM)
Good to know: Come in exercise clothes!
Poker Group
For: Everyone ages 21+
We are going to:
1.Learn how to play all kinds of poker but focus on no limit Texas hold em. Minor focus will be on responsible gambling.
2. Simulate a real cash home-game. This is a "friendly" match, to borrow a soccer term, therefore there will be no money exchanged. There will be a buy in, but all monies will be returned at the end of the night. *Note: the buy in determines how many chips you start with. As in real game situations, people buy in for different amounts. There will also be unlimited re-buys. It teaches us about responsible gambling, and strategy.
Who it’s for: Open to everyone 21 +
Led by: Dan Scheininger
Group size: 8
Meets: In homes of group members and captain
When: Weekend evenings
Good to know: Dan became interested in poker after watching Rounders in high school. I highly recommend this movie for beginners and experts alike. It is currently on Netflix. Please bring a small amount of cash.
Temple Emanu-El Social Bridge Club
For: Anyone who knows how to play bridge
Social bridge for those who are looking for playing bridge together. Must know how to play.
Who it’s for: Anyone who knows how to play
Led by: Diane and Jerry Forman
Group size: 8
Meets: In homes of group members
When: Weekdays. Time is determined based on group availability.
Friends Playing Frisbee
For: Anyone!
Weather permitting, we will meet about once every other week to play catch, frisbee golf or maybe even some ultimate. All are welcome, regardless of age or skill level.
Who it’s for: Anyone who likes frisbee
Led by: Peter Goldberg
Group size: 20
Meets: Outdoors
When: Weekends in the evenings
Football fans
For: Anyone who loves to watch and talk about football
Let’s get together and watch football!
Who it’s for: Football fans
Led by: Scott Kessler
Group size: 12
Meets: Group members homes, outdoor locations, brewery, TBD
When: When football games are on
Knicks Fans
For: Anyone who loves the Knicks
Let’s get together and watch the Knicks!
Who it’s for: Knicks fans
Led by: Randon Lester
Group size: 12
Meets: Group members homes, outdoor locations, brewery, TBD
When: When the Knicks are playing
Mahj-el Tov!
For: Intermediate players (not beginners)
A fun, friendly mahjong group for intermediate players. Players grouped by experience for comfort and enjoyment.
Who it’s for: Everyone with a knowledge of how to play mahjong (this is not a class to learn to play)
Led by: Katy Engel
Co-Leader: Debra Weinstein
Group size: Up to 16
Meets: Coffee shop
When: Weekend afternoons
Good to know: Mahjong sets provided as available. Participants may be asked to bring their own.
Intermediate Mah Jongg
For: Intermediate players (not beginners)
A group for intermediate Mah Jong players to gather and socialize as we develop our games. This group will meet during evenings or weekends - as the group decides - to accommodate working or other schedules.
Led by: Lori Manning Greenberg
Group size: Up to 10
Meets: To be determined by group
When: To be determined by group
Good to know: Dates and times can be flexible. Please have a National Mah Jong Card.