Beyond the Classroom.

Going beyond the classroom with Omnilore is a great way to get to know the talented and fascinating people who make up the Omnilore community.

Special Interest Groups


Special Interest Groups are an important part of the Omnilore experience. Complementing our more structured Discussion Groups, Special Interest Groups offer members a chance to engage in social activities and experiences which, while still retaining an intellectual focus, are an opportunity to build connections and develop friendships. These groups are all initiated and led by Omnilore members who have an interest they’d like to share with others.

Click on the links below to learn more about the five groups that are currently active.

Movies with Friends

Watch and discuss acclaimed, thought-provoking films

Learn More

Behind the Kitchen Door

Experience local restaurants and meet with the proprietor to learn about what it takes to operate a successful restaurant

Learn More

Field Trips

Explore and learn about local history, cultural sites and institutions, often followed by a meal

Learn More

The Omnilore Book Club

Do you enjoy discussing the books you read with others? The Omnilore Book Club welcomes you!

Learn More

Walking

Social walks through our local nature preserves

Learn More

If you have an interest you’d like to share with others, come join us and make it happen!

Affiliated Groups


Affiliated Groups operate independently of Omnilore and do not require Omnilore membership to participate, although the majority of participants are members of Omnilore.

Click on the links below to learn about the group that is currently active.

Science, Technology and Society

Explore scientific topics of social importance over a pot luck dinner

Learn More

Forum


Forums are held three times per year during the last weeks of February, June and October and provide an opportunity to bring the Omnilore community together for a luncheon and to hear an invited speaker. The October Forum is also our Annual Meeting at which we elect officers for the coming year.

Past speakers have included scientific and academic researchers, business leaders, journalists, local politicians and famous local artists. Forums are held at selected venues in the Palos Verdes area.

You do not need to be a member of Omnilore to attend the Forum. If you are thinking about joining Omnilore, the Forum offers a great opportunity to meet members and learn more about the organization.

Omnilore presents

At the Spookacular Forum on October 30 at the Mary and Joseph Retreat House, Paul Weubben, our  award winning guest speaker, will discuss the current climate crisis and the energy challenges we face.

Bring your spirit and wear spooky outfits to celebrate Halloween. Eat, visit with fellow Omniloreans, find witches, stashes, and have a ghost of a chance to take home a monster’s bounty!

Social hour: 11:00 am

Lunch 12:00 Noon

Location

Mary and Joseph Retreat Center
5300 Crest Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Click here for map

Menu

  • Chicken Piccata, Rice Pilaf, Grilled Vegetables

  • Mediterranean Chopped Salad, Dinner Rolls

  • Dessert: Pumpkin Pie with Fresh Whipped Cream

  • Beverages: Coffee, Iced Tea, Lemonade (sugar free) and Infused Water

  • Vegetarian Option: Crispy Tofu Piccata

Register

Cost: $45 per person

Forum, October 30, 2026
$45.00

This forum will be at the Mary and Joseph Retreat Center (Click for Map)

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Social Hour starts at 11:00 AM. Buffet at noon. Speaker at 1:00 PM.

At the Spookacular Forum on October 30 at the Mary and Joseph Retreat House, Paul Weubben, our  award winning guest speaker, will discuss the current climate crisis and the energy challenges we face.

Bring your spirit and wear spooky outfits to celebrate Halloween. Eat, visit with fellow Omniloreans, find witches, stashes, and have a ghost of a chance to take home a monster’s bounty!

Social hour: 11:00 am

Lunch 12:00 Noon

Menu:

Chicken piccata, rice pilaf, grilled vegetables, Mediterranean chopped salad, dinner rolls, and pumpkin pie with fresh whipped cream. Beverages include coffee, iced tea, lemonade (sugar-free), and infused water. The vegetarian option is crispy tofu piccata.

Or if you prefer to mail a check, print and return this form with payment

 Reservations must be received by Monday, October 26
For further information call Susan: 310 749 6263

Read about Paul Wuebben

If you have suggestions for future speakers, contact the Forum committee at forum@omnilore.org

Annual Picnic


In an informal social setting members have time to get to know each other and build the Omnilore community.

People enjoying lunch together at the Omnilore annual picnic
Participants serving food at a shaded picnic table
People choosing food from a shared picnic buffet
Four Omnilore members smiling around a picnic table

Get Involved in the Management and Administration of Omnilore

Pen

Everything we do is done by us, our members, and there’s a lot to do!

  • Help us plan and schedule a new curriculum of Study/Discussion Groups every term

  • Plan events like our picnic or our forums

  • Create and lead a Special Interest Group

  • Serve as coordinator for a Study/Discussion Group

  • Serve on the Management Council or lead a sub-committee

  • Join the website maintenance team

  • Help edit the bi-monthly newsletter

  • Help grow our membership by participating in recruitment activities and spreading the word in our community

  • … and more!

Pencil and notebook