The OLLI office will be closed for summer break from July 29-August 13. This will affect any in-person activities that might otherwise be held at Tallwood during the period.
Fourteen members of the OLLI Board met in person in TA‑1 and via Zoom on Friday, July 21, with 13 guest members. President Lillian Brooks called the meeting to order at 10:00.
President Brooks and Executive Director Jennifer Disano recently attended the OLLI Southern Region Workshop and shared key takeaways from the conference. They learned that many of the OLLIs have classes in person, charge for each class, are run by volunteers, and that some have over 1,500 members. Additionally, OLLIs have found that retaining members is very important and developing friendships through in-person classes and social events is key!
Lillian also pointed out that when OLLI members pass away, we will follow our OLLI Policy and Procedures, and support and assist the family as appropriate.
Other initiatives are currently in the works:
We continue to work with retirement communities to provide a few classes for a fee to entice new members.
The Health and Safety Advisory group is continuing to update protocols for Covid and other threats. People attending classes are expected to understand and meet the protocols as they evolve. Please do not come to events if you are not feeling well.
The Diversions Committee is planning many in‑person celebrations and events. The Burke Lake picnic and miniature golf event is back on!
The Website Ad Hoc Committee has identified and implemented some updates to the OLLI website and has identified some potential long‑term changes to consider.
OLLI is working with Mason to update our classrooms to augment audio for those who have difficulty hearing.
Members who identify and bring new members to OLLI should be rewarded. Details for implementing this idea are being defined.
OLLI expects to develop a trip to the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial with a docent.
OLLI will continue its working relationship with AARP.
The Board of Directors will have an offsite retreat on Friday, September 7 to work on some difficult OLLI problems needing solutions for “the new tomorrow!”
August may be a time when OLLI classes are on pause, but we can still get together for camaraderie and fun just a few miles from the Tallwood campus. Come out and enjoy a picnic lunch and a round of mini golf with your OLLI friends at Burke Lake Park on Friday, August 25, as the summer winds down. This is the perfect time of year when the trees whisper in the breeze, and we can relax in the shade with friends.
To join in the merriment, register before August 24 and bring a picnic lunch. Then participate in a friendly game of mini golf. The $15 registration fee includes sheltered picnic space rental and admission to the golf course. The event coordinator will provide lemonade and soft drinks; Burke Lake Park will provide your golf club and golf ball.
Parking is free, and directions to the picnic location will be emailed to each registrant.
To register, log into your member portal and find course 1203 Summer 2023 Burke Lake Picnic & Mini Golf (just typing 1203 in the search box should bring it up). Add the event to your cart and secure your spot by paying $15. Be sure to check out of your cart!
Please email Marilyn Harriman at [email protected] if you have questions.
What Does the HSS/CE Program Planning Group Do? How Do I Provide Input?
By Camille Hodges, OLLI Board Member and HSS/CE Program Planning Group Co‑Chair
WHAT? The Humanities/Social Sciences (HSS) and Current Events (CE) group assesses written proposals offering courses based on the interests of OLLI members. The group considers a wide range of subjects including topics suggested by members of the committee, community input, and professors who initiate a course. All presenters volunteer their time and expertise. Many are current or former Mason faculty members as well as faculty from other institutions of higher learning outside of the geographic area of Fairfax County.
WHY? The HSS and CE groups were combined a few years ago. The rationale was that many topics overlapped, and one committee was more efficient. The social sciences include sociology, psychology, economics, anthropology, political science, history, geography, law, philosophy, criminology, politics, and cultural studies. Current events are always on the menu.
HOW? If you wish to suggest a course topic, how can you make suggestions to the HSS/CE Program Planning Group?
Join us at our next Zoom meeting: Tuesday, September 5 at 10:00. The link will be posted in the OLLI daily schedule email.
Volunteer to join the HSS/CE Program Planning Group (Check OLLI E‑News or the calendar for group meeting dates/times).
Volunteer to present a course; the OLLI course proposal form is available at this link.
Contact one of the OLLI program associates or HSS/CE Planning Group chairs if you have ideas:
There will be a meeting on Tuesday, August 8, at Mellow Mushroom, 14335 Newbrook Drive, Chantilly, at 7:00, to determine interest in a new OLLI Trivia Club. We propose to meet every Tuesday evening at Mellow Mushroom, from 7:00 to about 9:00.
I am the coordinator, along with my husband Bob. If you have questions, contact me at [email protected] or by phone at 361-648-0007. My vision for this club is for OLLI members to get out a bit in the evening and to have fun competing as a team. We hope you will join us!
By Nancy Klein, Communications and Program Associate
Ever wondered how to find more information about OLLI Mason clubs, other than what is listed in term catalogs? Visit the website (https://olli.gmu.edu/) and scroll down to the ‘Clubs & Activities’ link below the images on the home page.
Click on the ‘Clubs and Activities’ link. Another webpage will open (https://olli.gmu.edu/olli-clubs-and-interest-groups/). On that page there are instructions at the top which include this sentence: ‘The clubs highlighted in green have postings that you can access by clicking the club name.’ For example, if you are interested in finding out more about the Theater Lovers' Group, you can click on the name, which is highlighted in green, as shown below. You can also click on the coordinator’s name, also highlighted in green, to send an email message if you want more details or have questions about the club. Theater Lovers' Group Coordinator: Norma Jean Reck
OLLI Mason has 24 clubs and an AV Support Committee. Many clubs have virtual or hybrid meetings, so you don’t have to be local to enjoy the camaraderie!
By Camille Hodges, OLLI Board Member/Humanities and Social Sciences, Current Events Program Planning Group Co‑Chair
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there are many benefits to intergenerational wisdom sharing: “Sharing wisdom has positive effects on younger persons, including assistance with the development of life skills, exposure to new relationships and opportunities, and help with overcoming obstacles and barriers.”
We at OLLI Mason are fortunate to have the opportunity to connect with youth while sharing our life stories. This will be accomplished via a course taught by Dr. Spencer Crew, Robinson professor of history. Dr. Crew is currently seeking OLLI members to collaborate with students for the Fall 2023 honors class: “History of the Family.” Many OLLI members have participated in this collaboration and can attest to the value of the experience.
Please contact Dr. Crew directly at [email protected] if you are interested in participating in this
excellent opportunity. The fall semester start date is August 21, 2023.
Beethoven's 10th*....?
By Brenda Bloch-Young, Economics and Finance Program Planning Group Chair and Weekly Conversations Co‑Moderator
While the Wednesday Weekly Conversations take a break, here's something to think about. Classical music aficionados know that Beethoven didn't write a 10th symphony. Yet, for the 250th anniversary of his birth, German composers used notes left by Beethoven and artificial intelligence (AI) to finish the piece. It was performed in Bonn in 2021. Most are aware that his symphonies are very different, and yet, in this piece we hear familiar melodies.
The view from the kitchen
shows us what we head into in this new realm.
Colonoscopy today,
Mohs surgery in a few days,
Some other new surprise,
in another few days.
Note: Performances at all venues will resume in September
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, buy tickets online through the event calendar (see links below), or visit the venue's box office. For more information, see the CFA ticket pageor the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.
Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of 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.
Please note: Although some physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled, some may be meeting in person or, in a hybrid mode, both in person and online. 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 but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). 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 29
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon Jul 31
9:30 am
11:00 am
What’s in the Daily News?
Poetry Reading Club
Tue Aug 1
9:30 am
10:00 am
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
Annex Art
Walk & Talk Club
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Tai Chi Club
Wed Aug 2
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Mah Jongg Club
Spanish Club
Thu Aug 3
11:50 am
4:30 pm
All the News
Tai Chi Club
Fri Aug 4
11:00 am
1:00 pm
Homer, etc.
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Sat Aug 5
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon Aug 7
9:30 am
What’s in the Daily News?
Tue Aug 8
9:30 am
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
Annex Art
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Tai Chi Club
Wed Aug 9
2:00 pm
Memoir and More Writing Group
Thu Aug 10
11:50 am
4:30 pm
All the News
Tai Chi Club
Fri Aug 11
11:00 am
11:30 am
1:00 pm
2:30 pm
Homer, etc.
Cooking Club
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Tallwood Book Club
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, Sheri Siesseger,Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich
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.
A July course taught by Michael McGregor,
M.A. History, provided an informative comparison of congressional hearings on Watergate and on the January 6 attack on the Capitol
The OLLI office will be closed for summer break from July 29-August 13. This will affect any in-person activities that might otherwise be held at Tallwood during the period.
The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, July 28; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, July 25, at 6:00.
By Doris Bloch, Co-Founder of the OLLI Cooking Club
Does the site look familiar to you? This photo was taken on a summer's day in the breezeway outside the Tallwood office. It portrays some of the original members of the OLLI Cooking Club about to enjoy the "fruits" of their labors. The majority of the cooks portrayed here are no longer members of the club, but the fifth person from the left is the late Debby Halverson, the co-founder of the group. Paulette Lichtman-Panzer (third from right) and Doris Bloch (far right, co-founder) are still members. Not sure if any others in the photo are still involved. The food looks delicious, doesn't it?
The OLLI Cooking Club has undergone a lot of changes over the years. Currently we meet on a Friday once a month in members' homes to share a potluck lunch with an organizing theme. For instance, a recent theme was French cuisine. About 10 members gathered to share dishes, recipes, and an enjoyable afternoon. Leadership of the club has recently been passed from Ute Christoph-Hill to Colleen Tuddenham. Please contact Colleen ([email protected]) if you would like more information on future luncheon plans.
The July 2023 Photo of the Month theme was Long Exposure. We selected Ed Marion's photo "Difficult Run," 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
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Continuing our Wednesday Conversations series, Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) will moderate a Zoom discussion on July 26 at 4:00. Our chosen topic this week, as suggested by Betty Ellerbee, is “Things I Never Learned and Don't Intend to Either!"
Everyone has a few things that they never learned and we either regret or rejoice in those gaps. Maybe you didn't have time or resources or the opportunity early on. This is your chance to air them, share them, and perhaps let regrets go. Or was there some reason why you scoffed at the "need" to learn a certain skill, while others insisted on engaging in that skill? Examples to get our conversation going: playing tennis, playing the piano, learning to waltz, cooking gourmet fare, writing poetry, running a marathon, writing HTML code. Why is your interest in those subjects no longer alive or pressing? This is an open-ended topic for our conversations! (There will be NO recordings of our shared confessions, so feel free to tell us all about it.) We would love to hear from you and to share your ideas with others in our conversational hour.
Check your daily schedule for the Zoom link on Wednesdays and plan on some social time with Team Bloch. Note: there will be no scheduled Wednesday conversations while OLLI is closed, July 29 to August 13.
Can my computer be better at couplets
than a human with paper and pen?
Adept at composing a sonnet or two,
perfect words to convey love once again?
Can AI truly best us in meter,
in assonance, simile, and more?
Will a robot emerge to replace us
in endrhyme, volta, metaphor?
But content will evermore matter,
experience will bring a new twist,
grace and style will prevail and ultimately
we humans will find what’s been missed.
For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468, buy tickets online through the event calendar (see links below), or visit the venue's box office. For more information, see the CFA ticket pageor the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.
Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of 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.
Please note: Although some physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled, some may be meeting in person or, in a hybrid mode, both in person and online. 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 but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). 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 22
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon Jul 24
10:00 am
Bridge Club
Tue Jul 25
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Tai Chi Club
Wed Jul 26
11:00 am
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
Spanish Club
Memoir and More Writing Group
Conversations with Doris & Brenda
Thu Jul 27
4:30 pm
6:00 pm
Tai Chi Club
Ethnic Eats Club
Fri Jul 28
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
1:00 pm
Mah Jongg Club
Craft and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Photography Club
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Sat Jul 29
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon Jul 31
9:30 am
11:00 am
What’s in the Daily News?
Poetry Reading Club
Tue Aug 1
9:30 am
10:00 am
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
Annex Art
Walk & Talk Club
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Tai Chi Club
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, Sheri Siesseger,Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich
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.
Theater Lovers' Group's July Events: Theater Trip and Speaker for Meeting
By Norma Jean Reck, Coordinator, Theater Lovers’ Group
There are just a couple of spaces left on the Theater Lovers' Group (TLG) trip to the Contemporary American Theater Festival that takes place annually during the month of July in nearby Shepherdstown, WV. Join your fellow OLLI theater lovers in attending three exciting premieres, taking a backstage tour, discussing the play with the pros, and indulging in some fine dining.
The trip dates are Thursday, July 27 and Friday, July 28. We drive down on Thursday and come back on Friday. On Thursday, we see Overview Effect at noon and either Spiritus or Redeemed (your choice) Thursday evening. On Friday, we see Your Name Means Dream at 2:00. We will stay at the Clarion Inn Harpers Ferry Thursday night—group rate is $122.07. Our group rate on tickets is $49/per show or three shows for $147.
To sign up for the trip or for more information, email Norma at [email protected] ASAP.
Reminder: Wednesday, July 19, TLG Meeting:
Aubrey Whitlock, Associate Director of Education for the American Shakespeare Center (ASC) in Staunton, VA, will speak via Zoom at our 4:00 meeting on Wednesday, July 19. She will talk about the history of ASC, casting, and staging practices. She can also tell us more about the two shows we will see on October 21—Much Ado about Nothing and Hamlet—when we take an overnight trip to ASC. Be sure to Zoom in for this very informative and exciting program. You don't want to miss it.
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Continuing our Wednesday Conversations series, Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) will moderate a Zoom discussion on July 19 at 4:00. Our chosen topic this week is “The New Business Casual."
We enjoyed dressing comfortably at home during the pandemic. Now that the world has reopened, is it appropriate to wear a T-shirt and shorts to the theater, a fine dining restaurant, or a church service? Jeans to an evening concert at the Kennedy Center? Do dress codes matter anymore? Or should there be dress codes for different venues? Should we all revert (for fun!) to coats and ties for men, white gloves and flowered hats for ladies? When did you last spot a gentleman wearing a homburg? Are you as puzzled as we are? Share your thoughts on current "business casual" trends and dress codes.
Check your daily schedule for the Zoom link on Wednesdays and plan on some social time with Team Bloch.
I can't believe I'm writing an article on “planning,” a good practice that many of us don't always follow. But I have always appreciated the value of good planning, from my military career, my family life (mostly done by my late wife), and now into my changed life as a single person with the responsibilities for ALL planning. I have three calendars—yes, three calendars—that I keep sync'ed and use as guides to keep me on track. And now, in the middle of summer (yikes, in the middle?) with the beautiful Virginia fall just around the corner, planning our summer and fall days becomes very important, lest the days slip by us.
One of the banes to planning for our future is that we let events and activities in our daily lives get in the way. We tend to say, “I'll do it tomorrow when I have time." My military career included a course in time management where we were encouraged to keep a daily log (or calendar) of things to get done and then draw a line through the ones completed. There was an added psychological benefit of accomplishment. I also recall a conversation with a friend who, on completing our business, ended with the usual “let's have lunch sometime.” She immediately said to get out my calendar and we made a luncheon date for six weeks away! But that time came fast, and we had a nice lunch. The Nike slogan “Just do it!” is right on.
It's not too late to make travel and activity plans for the rest of the summer and into the fall. Air fares may be cheaper with longer lead time, hotel rooms still available, dinner guests are available, household tasks can be scheduled, and the selected time has no competition...yet! It's not too early to begin considering the trips that are offered through OLLI. So start taking action now on your “wished-for” plans. You'll find the time comes faster than expected! Remember the old adage: Failing to plan is planning to fail. Plan on, my friends, plan on!
In the artist’s café
time never moves.
The same patrons sit
at the same tables,
consume
the same drinks,
food.
“Why would I try
something different?”
one asks,
on a day like yesterday,
a day the artist approves,
It’s as if the patrons
know their place,
the spot they were put in
when the artist drew them:
the woman in
the humble hat,
nursing her coffee.
Demurely, she waits
for someone to come,
or somewhere to go,
at a time we know
won’t arrive.
And so she sits,
sits,
and the artist presides,
making sure she
doesn’t step out
of character,
into another sketch,
say of a bedroom,
sunlit,
in which a woman poses
naked on a bed.
For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468, buy tickets online through the event calendar (see links below), or visit the venue's box office. For more information, see the CFA ticket pageor the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.
Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of 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.
Prince William Little Theatre and Manassas Symphony Orchestra: Oliver
Fri, Jul 14, 8:00
Sat, Jul 15, 2:00 and 8:00
Sun, Jul 16, 2:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $35, $30, $25.
Please note: Although some physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled, some may be meeting in person or, in a hybrid mode, both in person and online. 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 but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). 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 15
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Jul 17
10:00 am
Bridge Club
Tue Jul 18
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Tai Chi Club
Wed Jul 19
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Mah Jongg Club
Spanish Club
Conversations with Doris & Brenda
Thu Jul 20
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Fri Jul 21
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm
Craft and Conversation Board of Directors Meeting
Homer, etc.
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Sat Jul 22
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon Jul 24
10:00 am
Bridge Club
Tue Jul 25
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Tai Chi Club
Wed Jul 26
11:00 am
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
Spanish Club
Memoir and More Writing Group
Conversations with Doris & Brenda
Thu Jul 27
4:30 pm
6:00 pm
Tai Chi Club
Ethnic Eats Club
Fri Jul 28
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
1:00 pm
Mah Jongg Club
Craft and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Photography Club
Stay Active and Independent for Life
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, Sheri Siesseger,Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich
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.
OLLI President's Message July 7 OLLI at Fourth of July Parade in Fairfax
By Lillian Brooks, President
Marilyn Harriman and Bob Heyer organized the OLLI Mason “Walk & Talk” club to march in the City of Fairfax Fourth of July Parade. Thank you to all who came out to celebrate Independence Day in style. The “Walk & Talk” members are pictured at right with Mason President Gregory Washington and his wife Nicole Washington. Below are some additional photos by George Bradshaw. What a fun day for all!
Theater Lovers' Group to Visit Contemporary American Theater Festival – You are Welcome to Join Us
By Norma Jean Reck, Coordinator, Theater Lovers’ Group (TLG)
Where else can you see the newest plays in a state's oldest capital? Only at the renowned Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF), which is held annually during the month of July at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV, a stone's throw from Fairfax. TLG members and our guests will carpool to CATF on Thursday, July 27, to see two shows; then we'll overnight at the Clarion Inn in Harpers Ferry. On Friday, July 28, the group will catch another show followed by a discussion before heading home. Needless to say, we will do some fine dining at some of the interesting local restaurants and enjoy the charming ambience of a quaint town devoted to the arts.
The group price for each ticket is $49; for three shows it is $147/person. The group rate at the Clarion Inn is about $133/person. The Clarion is within a few miles of CATF and offers comfortable amenities plus a hot breakfast.
The plays we will see are all premieres: Overview Effect and either Spiritus or Redeemed on Friday (your choice) and Your Name Means Dream on Saturday, followed by a discussion.
If you have any questions or are interested in joining our group, please email Norma at [email protected] ASAP. Guests are always welcome.
On Friday, June 30, TLG held its first in-person meeting since Covid-19 kept us sequestered in our homes. We had a lovely lunch at Hamrock's in Fairfax and a brief meeting about TLG, CATF, American Shakespeare Center (ASC) trip scheduled for October 21, and suggestions for TLG activities. Thanks to Jean Tatalias for the photos of the group shown below.
Mark your calendars: The July TLG meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 19. The TLG meeting will feature a speaker from ASC, which is always informative and fascinating. Stay tuned.
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 15, in person and via Zoom. The Zoom session usually opens at 12:45.
Scientists Are Human – Presented by Lorrin Garson
There is a common perception that scientists are somehow different than "normal" people, perhaps a bit quirky or strange. We will look at fourteen scientists—all chemists and educators. All are, or were, accomplished scientists, including five Nobel Prize winners, and two are undeniably stinkers. With one exception, all are known to the presenter, and some are friends.
Lorrin Garson had a long career in technical publishing of chemical information. His presentations to our computer groups are famous for their thorough research and clarity in explaining topics such as cryptography, encryption of personal data, cloud storage, and the origins of personal computers.
Learn in 30: Surge Protection and Faulty AC Wiring – Presented by John Krout
If your 3-wire Alternating Current (AC) receptacle lacks a connection to ground, a problem that cannot be seen, then surge protection will not work, and the surge protection warranty is void. In this presentation, find out why that invisible problem is so common, and how you can use an inexpensive device to determine whether the 3‑wire AC sockets for your computers, HDTVs, smart phone and tablet chargers, and other electronics are properly wired.
John Krout is a frequent presenter at our meetings on a wide range of computer, technology, and photography topics. He has authored many articles for the PATACS Posts newsletter.
To attend via Zoom’s cloud meeting service, beginning at 12:45, please click this link to join the meeting and use passcode 425219 (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces) or enter meeting ID 838 7155 8407 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode (preferred method) or dial in – 301-715-8592.
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Continuing our Wednesday Conversations series, Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) will moderate a Zoom discussion on July 12 at 4:00. Our chosen topic this week is “Reading Non‑Fiction."
What non-fiction has caught your eye in the last 12 months? Are you a poetry fan? A biography addict? History nut? Do you like to read about world-wide political affairs? Dramas? So many genres, so little time. Are you a broad generalist or a focused specialist? Do you comb the book reviews in the newspapers or online to get recommendations? Or do you solicit suggestions from friends? Get inspiration from OLLI instructors? Ask your local library for ideas? All of the above?
We would love to hear from you and to share your ideas with others in our conversational hour.
Check your daily schedule for the Zoom link on Wednesdays and plan on some social time with Team Bloch.
Member Achievement:
Jacqueline Davey, Poetry Winner 2023
By Carolyn F. Wyatt, Board Member and Poetry Writing Instructor
Congratulations to OLLI member Jacqueline Davey who is among the adult winners of the Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) 2023 contest in honor of National Poetry Month.
In her keynote address, current Fairfax County Poet Laureate Danielle Badra remarked: “In “Tomato Plants” by Jacqueline Davey, the poet transports us through our senses. The poet writes, ‘Drawn by / spiky spades of leaves / and downy stems / I drink deeply of / their bitter spiced aroma / enriched by the sun.’ The poet goes on to describe the way this scent is reminiscent of a grandfather whom the poet barely knew. The rich imagery and skillful use of alliteration form a poem that the reader can truly empathize with.”
All the winning poems are available on the FCPL website at this link.
If you would like to receive notifications about some of the FCPL spotlight adult events, send a message to [email protected]. You will receive 1–2 monthly emails.
OLLI member Paul Murad died January 24, 2022; he was 78. A resident of Vienna since 1984, he had worked for the Defense Intelligence Agency for many years. Previously, he had worked at the NASA Manned Spacecraft Center and, after two years in the Army, he earned his master’s degree in aeronautical engineering and astrodynamics at New York University in 1968. For more detail on his life, click this link.
A memorial service honoring the life of Paul Armand Murad will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday, July 18 at 3:00 (please arrive by 2:00). After the ceremony, there will be a reception at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall (JBM-HH) starting at 4:15. Information to know for visiting Arlington National Cemetery is available at this link. For specific information about JBM-HH base access, click here.
For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468, buy tickets online through the event calendar (see links below), or visit the venue's box office. For more information, see the CFA ticket pageor the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.
Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of 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.
ARTfactory's Pied Piper Theatre: Disney's Descendants: The Musical
Fri, Jul 7, 7:00
Sat, Jul 8, 2:00 and 7:00
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $20 Adult, $15 senior and under 17.
Prince William Little Theatre and Manassas Symphony Orchestra: Oliver
Fri, Jul 14, 8:00
Sat, Jul 15, 2:00 and 8:00
Sun, Jul 16, 2:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $35, $30, $25.
Please note: Although some physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled, some may be meeting in person or, in a hybrid mode, both in person and online. 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 but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). 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 8
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon Jul 10
9:30 am
10:00 am
What’s in the Daily News?
Bridge Club
Tue Jul 11
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Wed Jul 12
11:00 am
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
Spanish Club
Memoir and More Writing Group
Conversations with Doris & Brenda
Thu Jul 13
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Fri Jul 14
9:30 am
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
1:00 pm
2:30 pm
Mah Jongg Club
Photography Club
Craft and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Cooking Club
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Tallwood Book Club
Sat Jul 15
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Jul 17
10:00 am
Bridge Club
Tue Jul 18
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Tai Chi Club
Wed Jul 19
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Mah Jongg Club
Spanish Club
Conversations with Doris & Brenda
Thu Jul 20
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Fri Jul 21
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm
Craft and Conversation Board of Directors Meeting
Homer, etc.
Stay Active and Independent for Life
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, Sheri Siesseger,Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Linda Randall, Tom Appich, Jane Hassell
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.
Michael R. Heib, Mason Research Professor at Center for Excellence in C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence) and Cyber, Describes Research on Drones as First Responders to Traffic Accidents, June 22
In the last three years, Zoom has made a huge difference in all our lives and especially with our OLLI program.
Three years ago, we published an E-News article that enumerated all the ways that online participation in OLLI courses was desirable! Lots of members told us 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.
Times change, and the tables have turned. Now it seems that online access is so popular that we have a majority of members using and preferring that mode of class attendance.
The pandemic is not 100% over, but OLLI’s policies have pivoted to accommodate safety measures to keep us apart in the classroom space. We have vaccines and medications to protect us from Covid and boost our immunity. For the most part, recently we have adapted to a reasonable amount of risk-taking, some more than others. And social isolation brings its own physical and mental challenges.
Our instructors have told us that they want to see more faces: faces on 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.
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 thescreen 😉. 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.
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!
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Continuing our Wednesday Conversations series, Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) will moderate a Zoom discussion on July 5 at 4:00. Our chosen topic this week is “Classical Music and Its Resurgence."
Did you know that there has been a recent resurgence of interest in classical music? Are you a regular listener?
It seems that younger generations discovered classical music during the pandemic. The movie Tar is credited with driving Mahler's 5th to the top of Spotify's playlists last fall. Classical music has become so popular that Apple has created a separate iPhone App just for this genre. Have you tried it? If you are a fan, do you listen to specific composers or prefer themed playlists? Or do you stick with classical radio stations?
A few online resources of interest are available at this link. WQXR (NYC) runs a podcast on classical music that is also good.
Check your daily schedule for the Zoom link on Wednesdays and plan on some social time with Team Bloch.
As a creature of constant awe
I dare to turn my gaze
to the wonder of stars
to the beauty of a sticky web
to my cat as it rips its prey
As a creature of constant awe
I kiss my lover with open eyes
and plunge into freezing ponds
yet dread the growing apathy
from a dear, old friend
As a creature of constant awe
I marvel at the enormity
of a planet bursting with life
yet tremble to the piercing laughter
of a small child’s joy
Slipping through wonder worlds,
I look away yet cling tight
with slippery fingers to lust and life,
unsure if my inner creature
dare close its many, many eyes
Kay Menchel, OLLI member since 2021 and long-time OLLI instructor in literature courses, died June 28.
Richard Crawford writes:
It is with a heavy heart that we share the tragic news that our beloved teacher and friend Kay Menchel passed away on June 28 after her fierce battle with cancer. Kay had been a 12‑year instructor here at OLLI. Her courses covered a wide range of literary expression, including Victorian and classic novels, Jewish writers, poetry, and graphic novels. And her discussions covered much more than the written words. She would go into detailed explorations of the working conditions of children in factories in the 1800s, or the customs and mores that shaped a Victorian lady’s day-to-day life. In her recent class on “Keep the Home Fires Burning” we learned personal stories from diaries and news clippings of how families fared in Britain during World War II.
Kay was a constant source of sharp wit and unflagging vitality. She had a passion for good writing in any form and frequently joked that her pile of books ‘to read’ grew by three for every one she read. During the challenging months of COVID, she graciously led us through some of the longest novels—between sessions—to keep us reading, laughing, and connected with each other. In other words, she kept us sane. She was generous with her humor, time, and compassion. We at OLLI join with her husband Marc and children Hannah and Cameron in mourning her loss.
There will be a memorial service on Monday, July 3, at 11:00, at the Adams‑Green Funeral Home, 721 Elden Street, Herndon, Virginia 20170. The family ask that guests leave the first three rows free for close family.
Doris James
Long-time OLLI member (since 2001) Doris James died on June 20 after a battle with cancer. Born in 1931, she graduated from Muskingum College, New Concord, Ohio, where she received a teaching certificate in 1952. She spent a year in Denver and then returned to Ohio State University to begin a master’s program and was recruited to work for the Central Intelligence Agency in Washington DC. She was highly respected for her leadership role at work. In 1976, she received her Master of Science degree in Library Science from Catholic University, Washington DC.
Services will be held at St Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 6509 Sydenstricker Road, Burke, VA 22015 as follows: July 1, 10:00 Saturday – visitation; 11:00 – services with reception immediately following. More information is available atthis link.
For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468, buy tickets online through the event calendar (see links below), or visit the venue's box office. For more information, see the CFA ticket pageor the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.
Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of 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.
ARTfactory's Pied Piper Theatre: Disney's Descendants: The Musical
Fri, Jul 7, 7:00
Sat, Jul 8, 2:00 and 7:00
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $20 Adult, $15 senior and under 17.
Please note: Although some physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled, some may be meeting in person or, in a hybrid mode, both in person and online. 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 but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). 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 1
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon Jul 3
10:00 am
Bridge Club
Tue Jul 4
10:00 am
4:30 pm
Walk & Talk Club
Tai Chi Club
Wed Jul 5
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Mah Jongg Club
Spanish Club
Conversation with Team Bloch
Thu Jul 6
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Fri Jul 7
9:30 am
11:00 am
Craft and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Sat Jul 8
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon Jul 10
9:30 am
10:00 am
What’s in the Daily News?
Bridge Club
Tue Jul 11
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Wed Jul 12
11:00 am
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
Spanish Club
Memoir and More Writing Group
Conversations with Doris & Brenda
Thu Jul 13
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Fri Jul 14
9:30 am
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
1:00 pm
2:30 pm
Mah Jongg Club
Photography Club
Craft and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Cooking Club
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Tallwood Book Club
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, Sheri Siesseger,Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Linda Randall, Tom Appich, Jane Hassell
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.
Doni Nolan, Mason Greenhouse and Gardens Program Manager and PhD Student in Biology, Introduces Sustainable Food Production Course with Tour of President’s Park Greenhouse, June 12
Summer arrives and brings with it sunny days, outdoor fun, and mosquitoes. Enjoying the outdoors without the annoyance of itchy mosquito bites and the risk of a mosquito-borne disease is possible with a few simple steps.
West Nile Virus (WNV) is the most common mosquito-borne disease found in Fairfax County. Each year about three to five cases are diagnosed in residents of Fairfax County.
Approximately 80 percent of people (about four out of five) who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all.
Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected have symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach, and back.
About one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis.
Mosquitoes can breed in a container as small as a bottle-cap. The most effective way to control mosquitoes in your yard is to eliminate standing water where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Anything that collects and holds water for at least a week can be a potential breeding site.
Even if you get rid of most of their breeding ground, mosquitoes can still find you. Here are some tips to Fight the Bite:
Grab ‘n’ Gab Coffee Klatch is Right Around the Corner!
By Toni Acton, Member Services Committee Chair and Board Member
Are you new to OLLI and hoping to meet other members this summer? Have you been a member for years and want to catch up with old friends? If so, then join your fellow OLLI members at the Grab ‘n’ Gab Coffee Klatch on Friday, June 30 at 10:00 at Tallwood. All members — new and continuing — are welcome to enjoy the pastry, casual conversation, and camaraderie. Register for event 1101 via the member portal or contact the registrar at [email protected]. Hope to see you on Friday, June 30!
Theater Lovers' Group Planning Lunch and Meeting for June 30
By Norma Jean Reck, Theater Lovers’ Group Coordinator
Calling all OLLI theater lovers! Come and join members of OLLI's Theater Lovers' Group (TLG) on Friday, June 30, for a delicious luncheon at 11:30 at Hamrock's, followed by a brief planning meeting. All OLLI members are welcome to join us for our first in-person meeting since the pandemic. What a great (and delicious) way to meet other OLLI theater lovers, have your questions about TLG answered, and share your thoughts about theater programs, classes, and events.
We will begin planning for the upcoming 2023-24 theater season. We'll be taking suggestions for theater outings, programs, classes, and trips. Just a cursory review of what some of the theaters are offering in their upcoming season promises that the 2023-24 theater season will be a blockbuster. What a wealth of fabulous choices!
If you want to join us for the luncheon meeting, please email me at [email protected] no later than Wednesday, June 28, so that I can make reservations for the group.
Hamrock's is located at 3950 Chain Bridge Road in Fairfax. There is free parking at the restaurant and across the street.
Embrace the Future: Study on the Power of Bonding between Seniors and Robotic Companions!
By Sarah-Seval Aydin, M.Sc. Psychology, Mason Research Assistant
In an era where technology is revolutionizing the way we live, it's time to explore the incredible possibilities it offers to enhance the lives of our beloved elderly population. We are thrilled to present our groundbreaking research on the transformative effects of oxytocin in fostering short-term bonding between seniors and the charming robotic companion, Aibo.
I am Sarah, and I am part of an amazing neuroscience research team at George Mason University led by Associate Professor Frank Krueger. We are particularly interested in investigating the potential for emotional connection between humans and non-human creatures, like the robotic dog Aibo, within the realm of elderly care.
We strongly believe that our research can positively impact the well-being and quality of life of the elderly. It goes beyond just science; it's a testament to our dedication to empowering and enriching the lives of our senior community. By fostering companionship, emotional well-being, and addressing loneliness, we aim to enhance cognitive abilities and promote a healthier, happier lifestyle for older adults.
We invite you to be part of this extraordinary venture. Through your participation, you will not only contribute to the advancement of science but also be part of a movement that revolutionizes the way we perceive human-robot interaction.
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Continuing our Wednesday Conversations series, Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) will moderate a Zoom discussion on June 28 at 4:00. Our chosen topic this week is “Farmers’ Markets."
Do you support your local farmers' market? Are there specific items you prefer to buy at these markets? If yes, what do you often buy? If not, are you able to explain why? Do you think they are more expensive or priced right for the quality? Do you shop there for the thrill of exploration? What other item would you support at the market if it were available? My local farmers' market has branched out to offer jewelry, children's books, and imported knick-knacks – hardly farm-based. So, is the farmers' market phenomenon legitimate? Or do they play a valuable role in our local communities?
Check your daily schedule for the Zoom link on Wednesdays and plan on some social time with Team Bloch.
For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468, buy tickets online through the event calendar (see links below), or visit the venue's box office. For more information, see the CFA ticket pageor the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.
Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of 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.
Please note: Although some physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled, some may be meeting in person or, in a hybrid mode, both in person and online. 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 but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). 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 Jun 24
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon Jun 26
10:00 am
Bridge Club
Tue Jun 27
9:00 am
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
Walk & Talk Club
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Tai Chi Club
Wed Jun 28
11:00 am
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Spanish Club
Memoir and More Writing Group
Mah Jongg Club
Theater Lovers’ Group
Thu Jun 29
4:30 pm
6:00 pm
Tai Chi Club
Ethnic Eats Club
Fri Jun 30
9:30 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm
Craft and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Sat Jul 1
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon Jul 3
10:00 am
Bridge Club
Tue Jul 4
10:00 am
4:30 pm
Walk & Talk Club
Tai Chi Club
Wed Jul 5
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Mah Jongg Club
Spanish Club
Conversation with Team Bloch
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, Sheri Siesseger,Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Linda Randall, Tom Appich, Jane Hassell
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.
The July 2023 Photo of the Month theme was Long Exposure. We selected Ed Marion's
Marilyn Harriman and Bob Heyer organized the OLLI Mason “Walk & Talk” club to march in the City of Fairfax Fourth of July Parade. Thank you to all who came out to celebrate Independence Day in style. The “Walk & Talk” members are pictured at right with Mason President Gregory Washington and his wife Nicole Washington. Below are some additional photos by George Bradshaw. What a fun day for all!
t:
