Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Dennis Vanlangen

ENews August 29, 2025

by

OLLI E-News August 29, 2925
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.

The Social Room at Tallwood is evolving into Cafe OLLI, an informal gathering space for members to enjoy coffee and lunch with friends before, between, and after classes and clubs.

August 29, 2025


Editor of the Week: Paul Van Hemel
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • Fall-term registration is under way and continues throughout the term.
  • Reminder: Science, Technology, and Health Program Planning Group meeting on Tuesday, September 2, at 10:00 (one hour, Zoom only). Please join us even if you are not on the committee; the Zoom link will appear in the daily schedule email for September 2.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, September 12; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, September 9, at 6:00.

Back to Top of Page
From the Desk of the Executive Director


By Lisa Mariam, Executive Director


What have you been up to this summer? We are looking forward to seeing you back at Tallwood and hearing stories about your summer adventures! The staff have been working on maintenance and improvements around campus, especially the social room which we've named Cafe OLLI. This is a work in progress, and we'd appreciate your feedback about how we can make it a space for you to relax and enjoy coffee and lunch with friends before, between, and after classes and clubs. Would you like comfortable chairs? Instructors are welcome to share books and resources related to classes. Clubs may exhibit artwork on a rotating basis. Please let me know your ideas at [email protected].

Back to Top of Page
Why Should I Come to Class?


By Doris Bloch, Program Committee Co-Chair


In the last five years, Zoom has made a huge difference in all our lives and especially with our OLLI program. Before 2020, all OLLI courses were in person.

In 2021, we published an E-News article that enumerated all the ways that online participation in OLLI courses was desirable! Lots of members had told us initially that they hated Zoom and they never wanted to go online. Instructors said that they would not teach online. Nevertheless, due to the pandemic, we were forced to cancel all our in-person classes in 2020.

Times change and the tables have turned (unexpectedly.) Now, it seems that online access is so popular that we have a small majority of members preferring that mode of class attendance. Of course, some members are unable to travel to OLLI’s sites, due to illness or distance, and Zoom is a boon to them. But we want to encourage classroom attendance to all who can manage and enjoy its benefits.

Why SHOULD I come to class? Well, for starters, there is a social aspect to OLLI that is absent in the online experience. How can we make friends or be friends when we can’t even see your face? It is hard to make friends with “Laptop3” in the right-hand corner of the screen. The classroom is where we meet face to face to share our questions and views, where we might agree or disagree, where we meet with others who have similar interests. There is more to OLLI than a lecture utility. Get to know the staff, the physical layout, the coffee room. Get to know your instructors! By the way, the annuals planted in the Tallwood gardens are spectacular right now – and worth a trip to see.

Our instructors have told us that they want to see more faces: faces in the Zoom screen, but more importantly, faces in the classroom. It is disheartening to prepare for an 85-minute class (and devote many hours in preparation ahead of class) and then see fewer than 10 people in the lecture room.

An OLLI member recently reported, “In-person attendance gives you so much more opportunity to meet and interact with the other course attendees and with the instructor.” We can all renew the remembered personal touch of in-person attendance, or we can develop new relationships to gain that belonging-to-OLLI vibe. Also, overcoming social isolation brings its own physical and mental rewards to us seniors.

Zoom has its benefits, but let’s also recall how much fun it is to return to togetherness in the classroom. It adds a whole new dimension to OLLI membership!

Back to Top of Page
Literature, Language, Theater, and Writing Program Planning Group (LLT) Meeting


By Patricia Bangs, LLT Program Planning Group Co-Coordinator


The LLT Program Planning Group will meet Thursday, September 4, at 10:00 via Zoom to plan our program for spring 2026 term and beyond.

OLLI-Mason members are invited to attend and share ideas for literature, language, theater, and writing, possible resources, such as individuals you may know who might want to teach, or any other thoughts on this popular OLLI program area. In spring term and beyond we want to also include a program or two celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation through its history in the literary arts, theater, and related areas. Bring ideas and especially instructor resources.

The meeting Zoom link from Shannon Morrow, our lead program associate, is below. The link will also be available in the daily schedule email for September 4.

Any questions, please contact Pat Bangs at [email protected]. Thanks so much for all your contributions.

Topic: Literature, Languages, Theater, and Writing Program Planning Meeting

Time: September 4, 2025. 10:00 Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Zoom Meeting Link: https://gmu.zoom.us/j/95831148095

Meeting ID: 958 3114 8095

One tap mobile:

    +13017158592,,95831148095# US (Washington DC)
    +12678310333,,95831148095# US (Philadelphia)

Dial by your location:

    +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
    +1 267 831 0333 US (Philadelphia)

Back to Top of Page
Share the Wisdom of Your Family Stories with Mason Students


By Camille Hodges, Board Member and Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group Co-Chair


In the fall of 2025, Dr. Spencer Crew will be offering his Honors Family History Class at Mason and is asking OLLI members to participate by partnering with Mason students. Some OLLI members have had this experience in previous years and highly recommend this meaningful dialogue. Interactions may be done in person or virtually and usually begin in October.

Honors 240: The History of the American Family
NATURE OF THE COURSE AND ITS OBJECTIVES: The definition of family and of the responsibilities of each of its members has evolved over the years. Often economic circumstances, political views, wars and the evolving social beliefs of the society cause these changes. This course will focus on the way the American family has changed since colonial days. We will start with the Puritans and conclude with an examination of views of the family in society today. In the process we will study how the responsibilities of women, children, and men have evolved and why.

In addition, we will learn how oral history can aid in researching family history. One of the requirements will include interviewing older citizens and providing a document of the interview. They will then have it to keep and share with others if they wish.

Please contact Dr. Crew at: [email protected] to express your interest and get details.
You're Invited!


By Marilyn Harriman, Diversions Chair


Quick! What are two of the most important things you can do to improve your health? Answer: According to a Centers for Disease Control 2024 study, physical exercise and socializing are key to optimal aging.

Physical exercise can prevent or delay many of the health problems that come with age. Social engagement with friends improves mental, physical, and emotional well-being and can delay cognitive decline. Lack of exercise, social isolation, and loneliness, in contrast, are linked to increased risks of chronic diseases, heart issues, and a weaker immune system.

OLLI’s Diversions Team is hosting two events next week that boost our physical and emotional health. If you haven’t already signed up, join your OLLI friends—exercise your body and brain and have fun doing it!
 
On Tuesday, September 2, from 10:00 to 1:00 at Tallwood, we’ll have an end-of-summer Game Day Bash. We’ll play board games for fun, favors, and prizes. There’s an optional after-party at Auld Shebeen Pub in Fairfax at 1:30. Register for event 1201F via your member portal: page 26 in fall catalog—Between Term Events.

On Friday, September 5, 12- 2:30 at Tallwood, enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise at our BYO picnic lunch and yard game event: Cornhole, Badminton, and Croquet. Bring your picnic basket, a blanket or some lawn chairs, and share what you’ve been doing this summer. It’s a fantastic way to end the summer: meet new people and reconnect with OLLI friends you haven’t seen in a while. Register for event 1202F via your member portal.
 
Wednesday Zoom Conversation Topic for September 3
  By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch,
Co-Moderators
Every second Wednesday afternoon, Team Bloch hosts a social conversation with OLLI members on a selected topic. Everyone is invited to join in on Zoom at 4:00. It's a good way to meet friendly people and share others' perspectives.
 
The topic for Wednesday, September 3: as we are getting older, we are beginning to think about where we want to live in our old age. Do you prefer living in your house, in an apartment or in a retirement community? Will you live alone or with someone else? Discuss your preferences. 
 
The conversation is always on a drop-in basis; no registration is needed. The link to the Zoom session is the same as the 24/7 Chat Line and is found in the daily-schedule email for the day of the meeting, near the bottom of the list. Join us and enjoy learning about the myriad of housing options that can be adopted.

Back to Top of Page
The Spanish Page Turners—New Club Tryout


By Susan Job, Program Associate


Do you love Spanish and want to practice it in a fun way? Join The Spanish Page Turners—a book club for intermediate-level Spanish learners! We’ll dive into novels in Spanish that will not only build your vocabulary but also transport you into different cultures and perspectives. These intermediate-level books will give us the chance to follow longer story lines, connect deeply with characters, and see how the Spanish language flows in extended narratives. Reading novels together allows us to build vocabulary in context, notice cultural nuances, and enjoy the satisfaction of progressing through an entire work together. There will be plenty of space to chat, ask questions, share your thoughts, and even debate the choices of the characters. The goal isn’t to read perfectly—it’s to enjoy the language together and discover all it has to offer.
 
Please join us for an initial meeting on September 10 at 4:00 (via Zoom) to learn more about this club or contact Mark Ramage at [email protected].

Back to Top of Page
Tallwood Book Club


By Betty Ellerbee, Tallwood Book Club Coordinator


The Tallwood Book Club will be discussing An Unfinished Love Story by Doris Kearns Goodwin at its meeting on September 12. We will be finalizing choices for the coming months, relying on member recommendations as well as selections from the recent New York Times list of outstanding books since the year 2000. Availability at the Fairfax County Library is always a factor. We welcome new members at all times.

Back to Top of Page
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

Adjusting to New Heights
 
My new Hoka sneakers
are built for comfort
2-inch soles
absorb shock
my well-used feet
no longer want to
 
The extra cush comforts
squawking knots
that’ve breached
my left sole
 
Its delicate plane
was no match for
persistent protuberances
who demand
the respect of age
 
I’ve accommodated them
with high-rise sneakers
reminiscent of my platform
“Marshmallow” shoes
from the 1970’s
except now
the audacious height of
these blaring white soles
feels like a megaphone
announcing
 
“Old lady coming through.”
 
My husband
the optimist
says my sneakers
are all the rage
notes I’m gaining
on him in height
He doesn’t need
to stoop as much to kiss
barefoot five-foot, five-inch
me
 
I give in to his sunshine
Me and my sneaks sidle over
Tell him
 
Well, I always did want to be
Five-seven
 
             – Susan Rexroad

Editor's Note: This poem was initially to appear in the July 18, 2025, issue. An error led to the poem being published with the last five lines of the poem's text missing. The entire poem appears above. E-News regrets the error. 

Back to Top of Page
Obituary: Marvin I. Singer

Marvin Singer, who joined OLLI in 2012, died on August 11, 2025. A funeral service was held on Wednesday, August 13, in Reston, VA. Burial was held on Wednesday, August 13, at the Judean Memorial Gardens in Olney, MD. More information is available at this link.

Donations may be made to the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation (NVHC) Cares fund (nvhcreston.org) or to The Mayo Clinic.

Back to Top of Page
Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances September 6 through September 14 


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468. You can also buy tickets online through the event calendar (see links below) or visit the venue's box office. For more information, see the CFA ticket page or the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.

Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of information on interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just sign up at this link to stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website, Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.
At the Fairfax Campus Venues

Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: Beethoven—The Young Genius
Sun, Sep 14, 7:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $60, $52, $38.
Mason Student and Faculty Performances
(see music.gmu.edu for additional student recitals)

George Mason School of Theater: The Originals! 2025
Fri, Sep 12, 7:30
Sat, Sep 13, 2:00 and 7:30
deLaski Performing Arts Building, A105, TheaterSpace
Admission: $14.
At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

Gian Marco en Concierto
Sat, Sep 6, 8:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: From $89.24—See https://www.tickeri.com/events/8459jre42wci/gianmarco-en-virginia-washington-dc-area.
 
Arts Alive! 2025
Sun, Sep 14, 12:00
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Admission: Free.
For further details on any of the above events, see the CFA event calendar and the Hylton Center event calendar.
Meetings & Clubs

Please note: OLLI Meetings and Clubs may currently take place in several formats: some are in person only, some are online only, and some are hybrid, meaning that they take place in person and are accessible online simultaneously. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number (except clubs; you may need to check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for location and other event information). Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates.

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week. Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc., bolded below. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
 
Sat Aug 30 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Sep 1  9:30 am What’s in the Daily News? – online
Tue Sep 2
  
 		 10:00 am
 2:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Science, Technology, Health Program Planning Group
Caregivers Support Group – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Sep 3
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:30 am
12:00 noon
 4:00 pm		 Dabbling Artists Club
Investment Forum
Memoir and More Writing Group
Spanish Club – online
Thu Sep 4
 
 
 		 10:00 am
 
11:50 am
 4:30 pm		 Literature, Theater, Writing, and Languages Program Planning Group
All the News – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Sep 5
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am		 Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Sat Sep 6 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Sep 8
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Poetry Reading Club – online
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Tue Sep 9
 
 		  9:00 am
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Caregivers Support Group – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Sep 10
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:30 am
12:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Dabbling Artists Club
Investment Forum
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Sep 11
 
 
 		 10:00 am
 
11:50 am
 4:30 pm		 Humanities, Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group
All the News – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Sep 12
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am
 2:30 pm		 Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Tallwood Book Club – online
Sat Sep 13 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online

Back to Top of Page
About OLLI E-News

OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.

Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry

Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Thomas Appich, Martha Kossoff, Anne Hartshorn, Bonnie Becker, Carol McManus

Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: [email protected].
Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words.
Note: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News on the DocStore. To search the content of issues, use Search Our Site or put your search term in Google followed by "site:olli.gmu.edu/" without the quotes.

Back to Top of Page

ENews August 15, 2025

by

OLLI E-News August 15, 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
The Bomb, July 28: In a thought-provoking class, Tom Manteuffel reviewed the history and resources devoted in the world to development of thermonuclear weapons that can never be used.

August 15, 2025


Editor of the Week: David Gundry
Table of Contents
Alerts and Notices
  • Reminder: the OLLI Personal Computer User Group will meet in person at Tallwood, Saturday August 16 (tomorrow), and via Zoom. The Zoom session starts at 12:45.
  • Fall-term registration begins August 19 and continues throughout the term.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, August 29; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, August 26, at 6:00.
 
Celebrating the End of Summer
By Michele Romano and Suresh Mohla
Science, Technology, and Health Program Planning Group Co-Chairs
 
The Labor Day holiday will soon be behind us, and it will be time to move on. What better way to celebrate than to attend the Science, Technology, and Health Program Planning Group meeting on Tuesday, September 2, at 10:00. It will only be one hour, and Zoom only, so you can still be there even if you have not left the beach yet. Please join us even if you are not on the committee. And if you would like to be, please consider this a formal invitation.

We will be getting an update on OLLI programming past, present, and future from Shannon, our lead program associate. We need your ideas, insights, and comments (positive or not so positive) on what type of classes you would like to see moving forward. We’re a fun group. Come play with us.

Look for the link in the OLLI daily schedule that morning.

Back to Top of Page
Share the Wisdom of Your Family Stories with Mason Students


By Camille Hodges, Board Member and Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group Co-Chair


In the fall of 2025, Dr. Spencer Crew will be offering his Honors Family History Class at Mason and is asking OLLI members to participate by partnering with Mason students. Some OLLI members have had this experience in previous years and highly recommend this meaningful dialogue. Interactions may be done in person or virtually and usually begin in October.

Honors 240: The History of the American Family
NATURE OF THE COURSE AND ITS OBJECTIVES: The definition of family and of the responsibilities of each of its members has evolved over the years. Often economic circumstances, political views, wars and the evolving social beliefs of the society cause these changes. This course will focus on the way the American family has changed since colonial days. We will start with the Puritans and conclude with an examination of views of the family in society today. In the process we will study how the responsibilities of women, children, and men have evolved and why.

In addition, we will learn how oral history can aid in researching family history. One of the requirements will include interviewing older citizens and providing a document of the interview. They will then have it to keep and share with others if they wish.

If you are interested, please contact Dr. Crew at: [email protected] to express your interest and get details.
 
OLLI Wine Trip, October 24



By Bernard Oppel, Wine Trip Coordinator



After a three-year hiatus, the OLLI Wine Trip returns with a spectacular adventure on Friday, October 24. Relax on the chartered bus as we visit Slater Run and Fox Meadow wineries and enjoy a delicious plated lunch at the renowned Field and Main restaurant in Marshall, VA.

Check the announcement for Special Event course 1003E on page 25 of the fall OLLI catalog. Space is limited to 24 participants (plus the trip coordinator). These trips fill up early and require payment with your fall registration, so don’t delay signing up
Photo of the Month
The August 2025 Photo of the Month theme was Open. We selected Cookie (Ellen) Hilert's photo "Iguana," which may also be viewed at this page. To view other photos by members of the Photography Club, visit the club's photo website.
        -- By John Olsen and Edward Marion, Photography Club Co-Coordinators

Back to Top of Page
 
Wednesday Conversation Topic for August 20

 

      By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co-Moderators 



Topic for August 20: How have our food preferences changed as we age? Or HAVE they even changed? Some people find that their taste buds can become less sensitive and less numerous. This may affect their sense of taste. Others, over time, may become less interested in cooking or in trying exotic cuisines. This may be true of those of us who live alone and don't often share meals with others. There are some members of our demographic who live in a place where the meals are prepared and provided for residents—how might that affect our eating habits? Finally, and realistically, there are medical conditions and prescribed medications that affect our sense of taste and/or our dietary regimes—low-salt, low-protein diets for example. So, the question of the day is: how have any of these factors affected your eating habits?

This topic was suggested by an OLLI member who often participates in our biweekly conversations.

Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) conducts OLLI members' social conversations on Zoom every second Wednesday at 4:00. The team members have been moderating these sessions for the last three years. The next date is August 20, and any OLLI member may join us to contribute or just to listen in. The Zoom link is always in the OLLI daily schedule.
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

grey mourning doves
shake heads joined at the beak
prelude to romance
    bouncy bobbleheads
    remind me of you

        –Susan Bennett

Back to Top of Page
Obituary: Robert Alexander Persell

Long-time member Robert “Bob” Persell, who joined OLLI in spring term 2002, died on August 4 in Herndon, VA. He graduated from University of Virginia on a Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) scholarship in 1961 and was commissioned as a Navalofficer. After a distinguished Navy career, he retired in 1985, Bob joined NASA’s prestigious Senior Executive learning and development team. During an 11-year career at NASA, he served as a key member of a strategic planning initiative at Goddard Space Center.

At OLLI, Bob enjoyed taking classes and teaching, especially in the area of the Civil War. To honor Bob's memory, a service will be held at Floris United Methodist Church, Herndon, VA on Saturday, August 16 at 10:30. The funeral will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) in Bob's name at www.apdaparkinson.org.

More information is available at this link.

Back to Top of Page
Arts & Music at George Mason
No Performances Scheduled 


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


There are no performances scheduled for the next two weeks; OLLI is on summer break.

Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of information on interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just sign up at this link to stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website, Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.

Back to Top of Page
Meetings & Clubs

Please note: OLLI Meetings and Clubs may currently take place in several formats: some are in person only, some are online only, and some are hybrid, meaning that they take place in person and are accessible online simultaneously. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number (except clubs; you may need to check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for location and other event information).

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week. Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc., bolded below. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.

 
Sat Aug 16
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Aug 18
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News?
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Aug 19
 
 		  2:00 pm
 2:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Caregivers Support Group – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Aug 20
 
 
 		 10:30 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Dabbling Artists Club – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Aug 21
 
 
 		 11:50 am
 3:00 pm
 4:30 pm
 6:00 pm		 All the News – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats Club – online
Fri Aug 22
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Maj Jongg Club
Spanish Club
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Aug 23 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Aug 25
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News?
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Aug 26
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Aug 27
 		 10:30 am
12:00 noon		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Thu Aug 28
 
 
 		 10:00 am
11:50 am
 3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Art and Music Program Planning Group
All the News – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 29
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Aug 30 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online

Back to Top of Page
About OLLI E-News

OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.

Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry

Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Thomas Appich, Martha Kossoff, Anne Hartshorn, Bonnie Becker, Carol McManus

Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: [email protected].
Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words.
Note: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News on the DocStore. To search the content of issues, use Search Our Site or put your search term in Google followed by "site:olli.gmu.edu/" without the quotes.

Back to Top of Page

ENews August 1 2025

by

OLLI E-News August 1, 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.

First Session (July 1) of a Five-Session Summer 2025 Course on Climate Change: What Can One Person Do? By Peggy DiVincenzo and Renee Purdy;
Available on OLLI Website

August 1, 2025


Editor of the Week: Paul Van Hemel
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • Reminder: the OLLI office will be closed for summer break from August 1-15.
  • You should find your fall term catalog in the mail. If you do not receive a catalog by the end of July, please contact the OLLI Mason office.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, August 15; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, August 12, at 6:00.

Back to Top of Page
From the Desk of the Executive Director
Thank You to OLLI Volunteers


By Lisa Mariam, Executive Director


Part of our external audit involves calculation and confirmation of our volunteer contributions to OLLI.  I was working on that calculation and it’s so impressive how many hours OLLI members contribute to make OLLI run smoothly. Nearly 600 volunteers dedicated over 7,600 hours in 2024! As a member driven organization with a small part-time staff, we literally could not function without member volunteers.

On behalf of OLLI, I want to thank each and every volunteer for all that you do. Whether it’s recruiting instructors and selecting proposals on the program committees, coordinating trips to local sites, sharing your interests in clubs, teaching a class, staffing the front desk in the office, keeping our gardens looking beautiful, helping to spread the word about OLLI and recruit new members, ensuring our classroom technology is up to date and humming along, producing this newsletter, or all of the other work that happens behind the scenes to make OLLI the premier lifelong learning program in Northern VA, I want to thank you.

If you haven’t yet volunteered, I encourage you to reach out to a committee chair, Board Member, or staff to see how you can help. We also have several open positions including the Diversity Advisory Group. Many committee chairs are long serving and would welcome fresh perspectives and, as they say, many hands make light work. Volunteering for OLLI not only helps improve the programs you enjoy, but research proves it’s good for your health and wellbeing too!

Thank you,
Lisa
 

Back to Top of Page
Wednesday Conversation Topic for August 6
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch,
Co-Moderators
Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) moderate an OLLI social chat room every second Wednesday. Our topic to discuss on August 6: What is a chatbot? Have you engaged with one? On a regular basis? Was he/she useful?
      
Chatbots are virtual assistants, useful for many tasks, e.g., summarizing research, writing or reading resumes, finding phone numbers, and answering simple questions. Some of them are text based, while many of the newer ones are voice based. Think Siri, Alexa, CoPilot, or Gemini. Some chatbots greatly resemble live communicators. They can even provide virtual friendship.
 
What has been your experience with a chatbot, and was it positive or negative?
 
Find the Zoom link for the Wednesday Conversation on the OLLI daily schedule the morning of August 6 and join us.

Back to Top of Page
Computer Club
3rd Saturday, August 16
AnyList
Check Windows RAM For Errors With MDSCHED

By Paul Howard , OPCUG Program Chair


The Computer Club (OLLI Personal Computer User Group, or OPCUG) will meet with its partner, the Potomac Area Technology and Computer Society (PATACS), on Saturday, August 16, in person and via Zoom. The Zoom session opens at 12:45.
 
AnyList—Presented by Letitia Labell AnyList is a versatile application originally designed to keep track of your grocery list, but which can also be used to manage many kinds of lists. This app, which is available for iOS and Android devices, also has a web interface, so it can be used on any device. The best part of the app is that the lists can be shared among users, so anyone in your household can add items to the lists, and the lists sync automatically. If you like to have your groceries delivered (or ready for pickup) there is also an option to send your list to the grocery store’s app. There are many more features, such as collecting and organizing recipes, planning your meals, and adding pictures to your lists. You can also use AnyList to keep track of chores and other activities. You can make your life easier and more organized with AnyList.

Leti Labell loves computers. Although she started working as a programmer, she spent most of her career managing projects, both for software development as well as for non-computer projects. But throughout it all, she loved using computers to accomplish things in the best way possible. Now happily retired, she is still an avid technology user. Her current passions are the Italian language and all things Italian, as well as cooking and learning about ethnic foods. She uses her iPhone, iPads, and PCs to keep track of everything. Leti is the Coordinator of OLLI’s Ethnic Eats club, Membership Chair of OLLI Personal Computer Group (OPCUG) and a member of the PATACS board of directors.
 
Check Windows RAM For Errors With MDSCHED—Presented by John Krout This session introduces the MDSCHED utility. Its purpose is to test and diagnose Random Access Memory (RAM) on your Windows computer. MDSCHED has been included in Windows since Windows Vista in late 2006. Such a diagnosis can help if your Windows computer crashes frequently, especially if it does so without telling you.

John Krout is a frequent presenter at our meetings on a wide range of computer, technology, and photography topics.
 
See full details on this meeting by clicking here. For information on the Computer Club, see the OPCUG Website. OPCUG dues are $5 and are now due for 2025 (and 2024, if you didn’t get around to paying earlier!)—see http://olligmu.org/opcug/comm.html for details on making payment.

To attend via Zoom’s cloud meeting service, beginning at 12:45, please click the link https://olligmu-org.zoom.us/j/86376591329?pwd=MwC2qGgzIOa6nG7TZItKb9jGycuJWG.1 to join the meeting and use passcode 218440 (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces) or enter meeting ID 863 7659 1329 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode (preferred method), or dial in at 301-715-8592.

Back to Top of Page
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

This Morning
 
I’m in a state
between sleep and wakefulness
reminding me of my father’s heavy
green 1952 Buick
with its smooth, slow, steady, and yet
wavery
Dynaflow transmission
sounding as though it couldn’t decide  
which gear to be in.
Yet it never let him down.
My father bought that car in 1954
sold it in 1956.
Why
Does its deep, pleated seats remind me
of the state between sleep, wakefulness,
 
and safety.
                                   –Ed Sadtler

Back to Top of Page
Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances August 1 through August 11


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468. You can also buy tickets online through the event calendar (see links below) or visit the venue's box office. For more information, see the CFA ticket page or the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.

Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of information on interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just sign up at this link to stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website, Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.

Back to Top of Page
At the Fairfax Campus Venues

Mason String Camp Final Concert
Fri Aug 1, 2:15
Center for the Arts Concert Hall
Admission: Free
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

(see music.gmu.edu for additional student recitals)

No performances

Back to Top of Page
At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

No performances

Back to Top of Page
For further details on any of the above events, see the CFA event calendar and the Hylton Center event calendar.

Back to Top of Page
Meetings & Clubs

Please note: OLLI Meetings and Clubs may currently take place in several formats: some are in person only, some are online only, and some are hybrid, meaning that they take place in person and are accessible online simultaneously. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number (except clubs; you may need to check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for location and other event information).

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week. Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
 
Sat Aug 2 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Aug 4
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Poetry Reading Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Aug 5
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Aug 6


 		 10:30 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Aug 7
 
 		 11:50 am
 3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 All the News – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 8
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
12:00 noon
 2:30 pm		 Photography Club – online
Crafts and Conversation (Location TBD)
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tallwood Book Club – online
Sat Aug 9 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Aug 11
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Poetry Writing Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Aug 12
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Aug 13
 		 10:30 am
12:00 noon		 Investment Forum – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Thu Aug 14
 
 		 11:50 am
 3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 All the News – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 15
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Crafts and Conversation (Location TBD)
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Aug 16
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group

Back to Top of Page
About OLLI E-News

OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.

Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry

Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Thomas Appich, Martha Kossoff, Anne Hartshorn, Bonnie Becker, Carol McManus

Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: [email protected].
Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words.
Note: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News on the DocStore. To search the content of issues, use Search Our Site or put your search term in Google followed by "site:olli.gmu.edu/" without the quotes.

Back to Top of Page

ENews July 25 2025

by

OLLI E-News July 25, 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
OLLI Board of Directors meeting, July 18, 2025

July 25, 2025


Editor of the Week: John Nash
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, August 1; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, July 29, at 6:00.

Back to Top of Page

From the Desk of the Executive Director



By Lisa Mariam, Executive Director


Did you know that you may pay your membership dues over the course of the year:  $37.50 per month or $112.50 quarterly. Please contact the Registrar at [email protected] or 703-544-0085 to arrange for an installment plan.

Back to Top of Page






Did you get your 10,000 steps today? Did you know that it’s an urban legend? It originated in Japan in the 1960’s as a marketing slogan for a new pedometer. It’s still good for your health but what actually is the sweet spot? How Many Steps Should A Senior (80-Year-Old) Walk Each Day? - Village Walk.
(From the Healthcare Advisory Workgroup)

The History of Tallwood

 

By Paul Howard, OLLI Member and Former OLLI President


OLLI Colleagues:

An interesting history article/newsletter from the Fare Facs Gazette of Summer 2004 is available at the following link: [https://www.historicfairfax.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/HFCI23-2004.pdf]. It discusses the history of the site that OLLI now occupies at Tallwood, historical owners, and most interesting, the private school that once occupied the site. Based on the time-frame of its existence, I've always suspected the school was a 'segregation academy.' 

Of particular interest is the discussion of the building we call 'Tallwood Cottage.' George Mason University allowed OLLI to begin using the cottage in 2010. Mason had a research project on computer security based there before our use, with extensive local area network (LAN) cabling throughout, and two 200-amp electrical service feeds for the building. Mason took down a wall and removed a closet so that, for several years, we had an extra classroom that could accommodate 20-25 folks. Ultimately, the need for staff offices ousted the classroom and kitchen use for club activity.

Smallwood—fondly known as the 'potty barn'—was on the north end of the Tallwood House discussed in the article. I believe Mason planned renovations of that building for OLLI use and then discovered massive termite damage, so that portion of Tallwood House accordingly was demolished.

Corrected Link for Memoir Available at Amazon

  

By Margie Wildblood, Author and OLLI Member


Last week’s E-News reported on the publication of my recent memoir Because He Loved Me, and included a link to an Amazon site for the book. Although the text of the site covered the English text for the book’s title and content, the site was a Spanish language page. For Amazon’s English language page on the book, please use the following link:  Because He Loved Me: A Story of the Transformative Power of True Love: Wildblood, Margie Crowe: 9798992527605: Amazon.com: Books. You also may go to: https://www.amazon.com, and copy this number 9798992527605 into the search line.

Thank you for your interest.

Poet's Corner

Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

Older Ladies

They spread out onto wooden pews
in their woolen suits and crepe dresses
not too flashy. Their shoulders were comforted
by fox stoles with beady-eyed faces.
Mother whispered Don’t touch.
Leather closed-toe pumps squeezed
their moleskinned corns. Gloves
shielded their roughened hands.
Beside them squatted their matching
pocketbooks with handkerchiefs
receipts, remnants of hard-earned wages
and candies wrapped in cellophane.
When my cousin’s grown son asked
if I had a butterscotch or peppermint
I realized I had become an older lady.
               –Carolyn Wyatt

Back to Top of Page
Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances July 25 through August 2


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468. You can also buy tickets online through the event calendar (see links below) or visit the venue's box office. For more information, see the CFA ticket page or the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.

Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of information on interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just sign up at this link to stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website, Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.

Back to Top of Page
At the Fairfax Campus Venues

(25-26 Season subscriptions to Great Performances
now on sale)

Mason String Camp Final Concert
Sat Aug 1, 2:15
Center for the Arts Concert Hall
Admission: Free
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

(see music.gmu.edu for additional student recitals)

No performances

Back to Top of Page
At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

The Creative and Performing Arts Center: Space School Musical
Sat, Jul 26, 10:00 and 2:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: Free.

Back to Top of Page
For further details on any of the above events, see the CFA event calendar and the Hylton Center event calendar.

Back to Top of Page
Meetings & Clubs

Please note: OLLI Meetings and Clubs may currently take place in several formats: some are in person only, some are online only, and some are hybrid, meaning that they take place in person and are accessible online simultaneously. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number (except clubs; you may need to check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for location and other event information). Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates.

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week. Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
 
Sat Jul 26 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jul 28
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Family History/Genealogy – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Jul 29
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 30
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Dabbling Artists – online
Thu Jul 31
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 1
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Homer, etc.– online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Aug 2 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Aug 4
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Poetry Reading Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Aug 5
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Aug 6
 
 		 12:00 noon
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Aug 7
 
 		 11:50 am
 3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 All the News – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 8
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
12:00 noon
 2:30 pm		 Photography Club – online
Crafts and Conversation (location TBD)
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tallwood Book Club – online
Sat Aug 9 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online

Back to Top of Page
About OLLI E-News

OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.

Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry

Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Thomas Appich, Martha Kossoff, Anne Hartshorn, Bonnie Becker, Carol McManus

Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: [email protected].
Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words.
Note: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News on the DocStore. To search the content of issues, use Search Our Site or put your search term in Google followed by "site:olli.gmu.edu/" without the quotes.

Back to Top of Page

ENews July 18 2025

by

OLLI E-News July 18, 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.

Dr. Heather Dudley presented a detailed review of the writing of the Declaration of Independence
2025 summer term

July 18, 2025


Editor of the Week: Paul Van Hemel
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • Reminder: OLLI Personal Computer Club meeting in person at Tallwood and via Zoom at 1:00 on July 19 (tomorrow). The Zoom session opens at 12:45.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, July 25; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, July 22, at 6:00.
Tallwood Book Club

 
By Betty Ellerbee, Tallwood Book Club Coordinator


Reader’s choice will be the topic of discussion at the August Zoom meeting of the Tallwood Book Club. Members will pick a book they especially want to read and will share a brief synopsis of the book and why they liked it…or didn’t. And whether they think everyone should read it for future discussions.

We will meet at our regularly appointed time, 2:30, on Friday, August 8.

Back to Top of Page
Member Achievement

OLLI member Margie Wildblood has published a memoir available on Amazon at this link. She thanks OLLI members of the Writer’s Workshop, Memoir and More Writing Group, and Poetry Workshop for their support, feedback, and suggestions.

Fairytales, Prince Charming, happily-ever-afters filled Margie’s girlhood dreams. Her love story blossoms in college when she meets a kind, inspirational–and married–professor who changes her life. Frightened by their growing attraction, he sets boundaries, tells her to find someone her age. A few years later, she does meet a younger man and falls in love. When their marriage ends, Margie gives up her fairytale fantasies. She accepts she will be alone the rest of her life. Then a letter arrives. . .

At times heart-breaking, at other times full of joy.

About the Author
Margie Crowe Wildblood grew up in a log cabin in southwest Virginia. The youngest of six children and the first college graduate in her family, she holds degrees in English and Psychology from Radford University and in Counseling from Purdue University. Since she retired from Northern Virginia Community College as a counselor and faculty member, she moderates writing workshops with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University.

Back to Top of Page
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop


Adjusting to New Heights
 
My new Hoka sneakers
are built for comfort
2-inch soles
absorb shock
my well-used feet
no longer want to
 
The extra cush comforts
squawking knots
that’ve breached
my left sole
 
Its delicate plane
was no match for
persistent protuberances
who demand
the respect of age
 
I’ve accommodated them
with high-rise sneakers
reminiscent of my platform
“Marshmallow” shoes
from the 1970’s
except now
the audacious height of
these blaring white soles
feels like a megaphone
announcing
 
“Old lady coming through.”
 
My husband
the optimist
says my sneakers
are all the rage
notes I’m gaining
on him in height
He doesn’t need
to stoop as much to kiss
barefoot five-foot, five-inch me

           -- Susan Rexroad

Back to Top of Page
Photo of the Month
The July 2025 Photo of the Month theme was birds in flight, birds of prey. We selected two photos as winners. First place was Lynn Cline's Egrets (three white birds, one holding a snake), shown immediately below and which may also be viewed at this page.


The runner up was Ed Marion's photo of a swallow family in a nest, taken at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens shown below, and which may also be viewed at this page.


To view other photos by members of the Photography Club, visit the club's photo website.
        -- By John Olsen and Edward Marion, Photography Club Co-Coordinators

Back to Top of Page
Obituary: Margaret Downes Andino

Former member Margaret Andino of Fairfax, who joined OLLI in the spring term of 2001, died June 18, 2025. Born January 8, 1936, she worked for George Mason University for twenty years in the Department of Public Administration, the Page Program, and the Honors Program. She enjoyed playing the piano and was an avid gardener.

Margaret viewed civic engagement as an individual responsibility and an essential duty of citizenship. She was co-chair of the Fairfax County Park Authority and also served as a director on the Fairfax County Water Authority. She especially enjoyed her service as president of the Kings Park West Civic Association.

At her request, in lieu of flowers, please consider supporting WETA or your local public radio station in her memory. More information is available at this link.

Back to Top of Page
Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances July 18 through July 26


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468. You can also buy tickets online through the event calendar (see links below) or visit the venue's box office. For more information, see the CFA ticket page or the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.

Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of information on interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just sign up at this link to stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website, Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.

Back to Top of Page
At the Fairfax Campus Venues

Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
(25-26 Season subscriptions to Great Performances now on sale)
 
No performances
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

(see music.gmu.edu for additional student recitals)

No performances

Back to Top of Page
At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

Prince William Little Theatre: Hairspray, The Broadway Musical
Fri, Jul 18, 8:00
Sat, Jul 19, 2:00 and 7:00
Sun, Jul 20, 2:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $30 Adult, $24 Senior.
 
The Creative and Performing Arts Center: Space School Musical
Sat, Jul 26, 10:00 and 2:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: Free.

 

Back to Top of Page
For further details on any of the above events, see the CFA event calendar and the Hylton Center event calendar.

Back to Top of Page
 
Meetings & Clubs

Please note: OLLI Meetings and Clubs may currently take place in several formats: some are in person only, some are online only, and some are hybrid, meaning that they take place in person and are accessible online simultaneously. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number (except clubs; you may need to check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for location and other event information). Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates.

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week. Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
 
Sat Jul 19
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Jul 21
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Jul 22
 
 		  2:00 pm
 2:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Caregivers Support Group – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 23
 
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Theater Lovers’ Group – online
Thu Jul 24
 
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm
 6:00 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats – online
Fri Jul 25
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Jul 26 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jul 28
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Family History/Genealogy – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Jul 29
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 30
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Dabbling Artists – online
Thu Jul 31
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 1
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Aug 2 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online

Back to Top of Page
About OLLI E-News

OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.

Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry

Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Thomas Appich, Martha Kossoff, Anne Hartshorn, Bonnie Becker, Carol McManus

Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: [email protected].
Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words.
Note: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News on the DocStore. To search the content of issues, use Search Our Site or put your search term in Google followed by "site:olli.gmu.edu/" without the quotes.

Back to Top of Page

ENews July 11 2025

by

OLLI E-News July 11, 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
Bob Levey, retired columnist for The Washington Post, treated a large OLLI audience to a fascinating discussion of his years during the golden era at the newspaper, July 1

July 11, 2025


Editor of the Week: David Gundry
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • Board of Directors Meeting, July 18 at 10:00, via Zoom and in person at Tallwood. All members welcome.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, July 18; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, July 15, at 6:00.

Back to Top of Page

“America250” will be Celebrated on July 4, 2026, and You’re Invited to Participate


By Camille Hodges, Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group Chair 

 

In July 2026 the United States will celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. You are invited to participate in this mission by presenting OLLI classes from now through July 2026 to enlighten our members via your expertise on this part of American history. 

 

As OLLI members, we are aware that there was more to the signing than “meets the eye.” This is where you come in. As a presenter for the Humanities and Social Sciences you are encouraged to explore the Declaration through various lenses including (but not limited to) its philosophy as well as its multifaceted effect on society during that time period.

 

If you or a knowledgeable colleague can support OLLI’s mission of lifelong learning regarding the topic of the “Declaration of Independence” please consider this invitation.

 

Submission deadlines for 2026:

 






Note: Dr. Heather Dudley taught a three-session summer 2025 course 303Z “The Declaration of Independence” June 25–July 9. More courses like this are desirable!

 

Here is a link to the course submission form:

 

  https://olli.gmu.edu/olli-course-proposal-form/.

 

Editor’s Note: This article appeared in a previous issue of E-News. It is repeated here to encourage your participation in “America250” during the coming year. Thanks.

Back to Top of Page







 It’s time to DRAIN. THE. SWAMP. Mosquitoes transmit numerous diseases. They breed in stagnant, standing water (swamps, ditches, water buckets, birdbaths, etc.). Take the time to check your property. And you thought this was going to be political.   
(From the Healthcare Advisory Workgroup)
Are You a Spanish Speaker? Experienced in Teaching the Language?


By Patricia Bangs, Literature, Theater, and Writing/Languages Program Planning Group Co-Chair


If you are a fluent Spanish speaker and/or experienced in teaching the language, the Literature, Theater, and Writing/Languages (LLT) Program Planning Group would love you to join our language programming. We are looking for courses at any level from travel and conversational Spanish to traditional beginner and intermediate classes. Or, if you know of anyone who might be interested in offering Spanish classes, please let us know. Contact LLT co-chair Pat Bangs at [email protected].

And, for the many OLLI members who may be missing their Spanish language practice, you might want to consider one of the senior perks offered by George Mason University—the opportunity to audit courses through the university’s senior citizen waiver program. Virginia residents 60 years or older are entitled to audit up to three academic credit courses per semester and pay no tuition or fees (except for material). For details on the process, see Senior Citizen Waiver Program – Office of the University Registrar George Mason University.
Computer Club
3rd Saturday, July 19
Old and New Nuclear Power Technology
How to Contribute Graphics to Wikipedia

By Paul Howard , OPCUG Program Chair


The Computer Club (OLLI Personal Computer User Group, or OPCUG) will meet with its partner, the Potomac Area Technology and Computer Society (PATACS), on Saturday, July 19, in person and via Zoom. The Zoom session opens at 12:45.

Old and New Nuclear-Power Technology—Presented by John Krout
Learn how nuclear energy becomes electricity. Learn how the two primary types of nuclear power reactors heat water for steam turbines to produce electricity, and the common cause of each of the three big nuclear-power reactor failures: Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima Daiichi.

In the 1950s, the engineer at Oak Ridge National Lab who held a key patent for one of the two primary types of solid-fuel nuclear-power reactors also built and tested the first liquid-fuel reactors. That experience led him to conclude that the liquid-fuel approach was both far more economical and safer than conventional solid-fuel reactors.

Learn about two companies aiming to build and sell small liquid-fuel reactors. Learn why liquid-fuel reactors are far safer than traditional solid-fuel reactors, and produce far less waste than traditional solid-fuel reactors.

John Krout is a frequent presenter at our meetings on a wide range of computer, technology, and photography topics, and author of many articles for the PATACS Posts newsletter.

How to Contribute Graphics to Wikipedia—Presented by Lee De Cola
“For over 20 years I have been a Wikipedia editor, making editorial corrections, adding datagraphics, and even creating new articles. This presentation will demonstrate how you can contribute an original graphic to a Wikipedia article.”

Lee De Cola, PhD (University of Ibadan), is a retired U.S. Geological Survey scientist who studies environmental change in space and time.

See full details on this meeting by clicking here. For information on the Computer Club, see the OPCUG Website. OPCUG dues are $5 and are now due for 2025 (and 2024, if you didn’t get around to paying earlier!)—see http://olligmu.org/opcug/comm.html for details for making payment.

To attend via Zoom’s cloud meeting service, beginning at 12:45, please click https://olligmu-org.zoom.us/j/86376591329?pwd=MwC2qGgzIOa6nG7TZItKb9jGycuJWG.1 to join the meeting and use passcode 218440 (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces) or enter meeting ID 863 7659 1329 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode (preferred method), or dial in at 301-715-8592.

Back to Top of Page
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

Days of Yore

Faded brown teddy bear
Sitting forlorn on the shelf
Worn patch on the back
Stitch to hold the arms in place
Testament to countless cuddles

Silent listener, always near
Absorbing worries and calming fears
Holder of secrets 
Tales of playground triumphs
Scraped knees
Whispered wishes 

The day a tiny tooth began to sway
A silent nod from button eye
I see your growth, your changing way
A milestone reached

                 – Chitra Mohla

Back to Top of Page
Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances, July 11 through July 20


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468. You can also buy tickets online through the event calendar (see links below) or visit the venue's box office. For more information, see the CFA ticket page or the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.

Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of information on interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just sign up at this link to stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website, Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.

Back to Top of Page
At the Fairfax Campus Venues

Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
(25-26 Season subscriptions to Great Performances now on sale)
 
No performances
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

(see music.gmu.edu for additional student recitals)

No performances

Back to Top of Page
At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

Prince William Little Theatre: Hairspray, The Broadway Musical
Fri, Jul 11, 8:00
Sat, Jul 12, 2:00 and 7:00
Sun, Jul 13, 2:00
Fri, Jul 18, 8:00
Sat, Jul 19, 2:00 and 7:00
Sun, Jul 20, 2:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $30 Adult, $24 Senior.
 
Arif Lohar Live: Pakistani Singer
Sat, Jul 12, 8:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $150; $100; $75; $50.

Onyx Youth Orchestra & Onyx Philharmonic
Wed, Jul 16, 6:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $35 Adult, $25 Senior.

Back to Top of Page
For further details on any of the above events, see the CFA event calendar and the Hylton Center event calendar.

Back to Top of Page
 
Obituary: Sandra S. Kilburn

Sandra Kilburn of Fairfax, who joined OLLI in the fall term of 2005, died June 28, 2025. Born February 6, 1944, Sandra earned a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and a master’s degree from the University of Hawaii. Her career as a pediatric physical therapist spanned more than 30 years. She was also a long-time member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) and served in mentorship and leadership for young women for many years.

A Celebration of Life honoring Sandra will take place in the near future. In lieu of flowers, you are requested to consider a donation in her honor to St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Tri Delta Foundation, PEO Foundation's Star Scholarship Award, or Oldies But Goodies (OBG) Cocker Spaniel Rescue. More information is available at this link.
Meetings & Clubs

Please note: OLLI Meetings and Clubs may currently take place in several formats: some are in person only, some are online only, and some are hybrid, meaning that they take place in person and are accessible online simultaneously. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number (except clubs; you may need to check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for location and other event information). Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates.

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week. Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc., bolded below. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
 
Sat Jul 12 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jul 14
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Jul 15
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 16
 
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Dabbling Artists – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Jul 17
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Jul 18
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Crafts and Conversation
Board of Directors Meeting
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Jul 19
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Jul 21
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Jul 22
 
 		  2:00 pm
 2:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Caregivers Support Group – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 23
 
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Theater Lovers’ Group – online
Thu Jul 24
 
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm
 6:00 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats – online
Fri Jul 25
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Jul 26 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online

Back to Top of Page
About OLLI E-News

OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.

Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry

Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Thomas Appich, Martha Kossoff, Anne Hartshorn, Bonnie Becker, Carol McManus

Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: [email protected].
Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words.
Note: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News on the DocStore. To search the content of issues, use Search Our Site or put your search term in Google followed by "site:olli.gmu.edu/" without the quotes.

Back to Top of Page

OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE
AT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY

4210 Roberts Rd. Fairfax, VA 22032-1028
Phone: (703) 503-3384
Email: [email protected]

Copyright ©2025 Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. All Rights Reserved.

Website designed and developed by Earthcare Technologies Inc.

OLLI Mason is a nonprofit, equal opportunity 501(c)(3) organization
and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national/ethnic origin.