Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Dennis Vanlangen

ENews October 10, 2025

by

OLLI E-News October 10, 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
Kick-Off Coffee and Volunteer/Activity Fair Hosted by Member Services Chair Toni Acton, September 18

October 10, 2025


Editor of the Week: Chitra Mohla
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, October 17; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, October 14, at 6:00.

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Chat Topic for Wednesday Conversation
October 15
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch,
Co-Moderators

On the first and third Wednesday of the month, Team Bloch (Brenda and Doris, a totally unrelated duo) moderate a friendly social chat on Zoom. Any member is very welcome to join us, to listen or to air views on the selected topic. 

We will hold the next session on Wednesday October 15 at 4:00 and the zoom link is always found in the Daily Schedule (hint: it is the same link as the 24/7 chat line).

Our topic for October 15 is newly published books that you are excited to read.
September is always a big month for the release of new books, but this year there are SO many new ones that interest us. Ken Follett has a new novel about Stonehenge. Ian McEwan has a new novel being touted as his best in years. Andrew Ross Sorkin has a nonfiction book titled 1929; Arundhati Roy wrote a memoir about her mother, and Osman’s 5th book in the Thursday Murder Club series was released on September 30. These are just a few of the new releases. 

Please join us and share what new book intrigues you.

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Computer Club
3rd Saturday, October 18
Experts Panel
Windows Boot Sequence


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, October 18, in person and via Zoom. The Zoom session opens at 12:45 (Zoom Link below).
 
Experts Panel—Presented by Geof Goodrum, Tom Gutnick, and Nick Wenri
This presentation is aimed at Windows 10 users whose computers cannot be upgraded to Windows 11, as well as any Windows user who is open to alternatives to Windows.
 
The presentation will show that Linux Mint with the Cinnamon presentation system closely resembles the look and feel of Windows. It will outline some of the popular apps that can be used in Linux Mint, including Web browsers, Zoom, LibreOffice, VLC, and others.
 
It also describes two closely related activities. First, it shows how to download a Linux Mint ISO file, download the Rufus for Windows application, and how to use Rufus to install the Linux Mint ISO file on a USB external storage device. Second, it shows how a Windows computer can be configured to start up a Linux operating system found on a USB external storage device such as a flash drive.
 
Test-driving Linux from a USB external drive leaves Windows intact on the computer internal storage. Windows can be used any time the USB external drive is not connected. If you elect to install Linux on your drive C, the flash drive Linux can do that for you.
 
Learn in 30—Windows Boot Sequence Presented by Roger Fujii
What happens when you push the button, and what tweaks might be helpful to your computer experience? Roger Fujii has helped OLLI with technology challenges for its email and LAN systems since 2006 and has been a PATACS stalwart since the ‘80s.

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:
https://olligmu-org.zoom.us/j/88388435350?pwd=hfaEFO7vfkvhVspokJXKnzpia7uTOh.1
to join the meeting and use passcode 804997. (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces), or enter meeting ID 883 8843 5350 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode (preferred method), or dial in at 301-715-8592.

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Get Ready to Split Your Sides Laughing as You Meet with Local Playwrights


By Norma Jean Reck, Coordinator, Theater Lovers' Group


October 14 Class Rescheduled for November 18 Features Hexagon
The 412Z Theater Potpourri: Meet the Playwrights class scheduled for Tuesday, October 14 has been cancelled and rescheduled as a hybrid class for Tuesday, November 18 from 11:50 to 1:15. The rescheduled class offers theater lovers an opportunity to personally meet the talented musicians and actors who will perform some of the original, hilarious skits Hexagon is famous for going on seven decades now. Hexagon is Washington's Only Original Political Satirical Musical Comedy Revue. 

October 21 Class Features Playwright Ellen Price
On Tuesday, October 21 from 11:50 to 1:15, get ready to laugh with playwright Ellen Price. To quote Ellen, "I write comedies in historic and contemporary settings – all with laugh-out-loud dialogue, dynamic characters and loads of heart." Ellen will join us via Zoom to talk about her creative process for writing her plays, invite us to read a bit of The Misfit Players and discuss it with her. Go to Ellen Dean Price's web site to learn more about and read parts of her other plays, one of which – A Backstage Christmas – we will go see in December. 

October 19 Providence Players Perform The Mousetrap
Join the Theater Lovers' Group on Sunday, October 19 when we will attend the 2pm matinee of Agatha Christies' The Mousetrap performed by the Providence Players at James Lee Community Center Theater, located at 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church. The Mousetrap is a murder mystery about a group of snowbound strangers, each with their own secret, who find out there is a murderer among them. Let the fun begin! Go to providenceplayers.org to purchase your ticket ($21). Be sure to get your senior discount. Optional lunch before the show TBA. Guests are always welcome to enjoy theater with our group, and we do carpool.

Editor's Note: At the author's request, all words are unedited and appear exactly as submitted.
Member Achievement

Poetry Book Published - Created by OLLI Members   
By Carolyn F. Wyatt, Memoir—and More—Writing Group Co-Coordinator

A Fountain of Dreams: Haiku – Senryu – Tanka, a book of poetry edited by Dr. Kathleen P. Decker, M.D., was recently published on Amazon (see this link ). The volume quickly rose to #1 in New Releases in Haiku, Tanka. The book contains poetry and photos by OLLI members. It was compiled under the tutelage and editorship of Dr. Kathleen Decker, president of the Poetry Society of Virginia.
 
In summer 2025, Dr. Decker taught a six-week course, American Versions of Haiku, Tanka, and Renku. Participants learned to use such formats in English. A great time was had by all.

Thank you, Dr. Decker!

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Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

Unpacking

Mom’s unpacking for her long journey.
Items she’s always carried
are being left behind.
She drops memories like
shoes and socks
stripped off and left on the floor after a long day.
 
Memories of how her parents died
how her son died
how to spell
house
have joined the discard pile.
The existence of her youngest sister teeters between
storage and removal.
 
I watch her disrobe
like a voyeur.
She doesn’t notice
I see her
shed each layer
doesn’t notice
my shock at her state of undress.
 
Maybe I need to unpack too
my expectations
of what proper attire is for the
journey she’s making
with a shrinking satchel
 
She doesn’t seem to mind
standing in her bare feet.
I wonder
can I share her delight in her
wiggling toes?
 
         ---Susan Rexroad


 Susan Rexroad, Jackie Davey, Jan Bohall, Carolyn Wyatt (from left to right)

Unpacking was an adult award winner in the Fairfax Public Library's 2025 Poetic Musings Contest.

The Fairfax County Public Library’s Poetic Musings award ceremony is a fun event. The adult and youth winners in each category read their winning poems to a crowd consisting mostly of the other award recipients and the people who support them. My group of cheerleaders included my husband and son and 3 OLLI members, who, like me, have been honing their poetry-writing craft through classes and clubs offered by OLLI. These accomplished poets, Carolyn Wyatt, Jan Bohall, and Jackie Davey, have chalked up their own accolades and have been published in various venues.

Lucky for me, they all have given back to OLLI by leading different writing classes and clubs and/or by facilitating the publication of member written works. Our lifetime learning community provides such a robust opportunity to learn from each other while cheering each other on, one more reason to say, "Thanks, OLLI!"

    ---Susan Rexroad

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances October 10 through October 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.

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At the Fairfax Campus Venues

(25-26 Season subscriptions to Great Performances, and tickets for individual performances, are now on sale)
 
The Magic of Rob Lake
RESCHEDULED to April 19.

Fairfax Symphony Orchestra: The Lark and The
Seasons
Sat, Oct 11, 8:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $75, $64, $54.

Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel:
Chopin—The Romantic
Sun, Oct 12, 7:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $60, $52, $38.

Laurie Berkner Band
Sat, Oct 18 at 11:00 and 3:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $45, $35, $24. Meet and greet after 3:00
performance $66 per family of up to 4.
  
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

Happy Hour with Darden and Friends
Fri, Oct 10 and Oct 17, 7:30
Reston Town Center Park
Admission: Free.
 
Mason Choirs Concert: Timeless: Choral Voices Across the Centuries
Tue, Oct 14, 8:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $19 Adult, $14 Senior.
 
Mason Symphony Orchestra
Wed, Oct 15, 8:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $19 Adult, $14 Senior.
 
Mason Opera Scenes Performance: Fall 2025
Mon, Oct 20, 8:00
Concert Hall
Admission: Free.

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At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

Prince William Little Theatre: The Woman in Black
Fri, Oct 10, 8:00
Sat, Oct 11, 7:00 and 10:00
Sun, Oct 12, 2:00
Fri, Oct 17, 8:00
Sat, Oct 18, 7:00
Sun, Oct 19, 2:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $30 Adult, $25 Senior.

Manassas Chorale: From Broadway with Love
Sat, Oct 11, 7:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $30.

Eva Ayllon with Special Guest Daniela Darcourt
Sun, Oct 12, 7:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $185, $155, $135, $105, $85 (tickets sold through Tickeri—888.981.7218).

Virginia Opera: A Taste of Opera
Tue, Oct 14, lunch at 12:30, concert at 1:30
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Admission: Lunch, concert, and dessert reception: $81
                 Concert and dessert reception-only: $50.
 
Manassas Ballet Theatre: Frankenstein
Fri, Oct 17, 7:30
Sat, Oct 18, 7:30
Sun, Oct 19, 3:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $81, $71, $60, $50, $40.

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

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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 Oct 11 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Oct 13
 		  9:30 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Oct 14
 
 		  2:00 pm
 3:45 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Oct 15
 
 
 
 		 12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Oct 16
 
 
 		  3:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm
 6:00 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Literary Fiction Book Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats Club – online
Fri Oct 17
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm		 Crafts and Conversation
Board of Directors Meeting
Mah Jongg Club
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Classic Literature Club – online
Sat Oct 18
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Oct 20
 
 		  9:30 am
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Oct 21
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Oct 22
 
 
 
 
 		 12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Dabbling Artists
Spanish Club – online
Theater Lovers’ Group – online
Thu Oct 23
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Oct 24
 
 
 
 		  9:00 am
 9:30 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm		 Mason Sarcopenia Study
Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Classic Literature Club – online
Sat Oct 25 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online

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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, Chitra Mohla, 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.

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ENews October 3, 2025

by

OLLI E-News Master Draft
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
Board of Directors Meeting, Hosted by President Deborah Engleson and Executive Director Lisa Mariam, September 19

October 3, 2025


Editor of the Week: John Nash
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • The September 26 issue of E-News included an article about performances to be attended by Theater Lovers (see this link). The article title was incorrect. The correct title should have been Theater Lovers to Attend Performances of a Musical and the Longest Running Mystery.
     
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, October 10; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, October 7, at 6:00.

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Volunteers Needed for Economics and Finance
Committee Program Planning

 

By Shannon Morrow, Lead Program Associate 


OLLI Mason is looking for program planning chairs for the Economics and Finance committee.

If you enjoy the high-quality economics and finance-related classes that OLLI offers, please
consider volunteering for this important role. Lead program committee chairs and program associates are here to assist and to guide the process.

For more information, email [email protected] or [email protected]. It is because of volunteers like you that OLLI Mason is one of the best programs in the country. Thank you! 
 

Participants Needed for Mason Sarcopenia Study

 

By Abby Suchoski, Mason M.S. Student in Nutrition – Dietetics Concentration

Greetings, all. Please consider taking part in a Mason Nutrition and Food Studies Department research study on sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass, strength, and function with age. As current literature shows that the main components for sarcopenia detection are grip strength and gait speed, these physical tests will be conducted for each participant. Each assessment takes about 25-30 minutes and participants will receive a $20 Amazon gift card for their time. Trained research assistants will be on OLLI’s campus on 10/7, 10/13, 10/17, and 10/24 to conduct assessments (see poster below).

Participants must meet the following requirements:
  • be at least 65 years old
  • live in the DMV area
  • be fluent in English
  • not be at increased risk of falls
  • not have been diagnosed with cognitive impairment, dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease
  • not have acute or chronic diseases such as:
    • renal failure
    • rheumatologic disease
    • cardiac arrhythmia
    • neoplasms
    • other terminal diseases
  • not be receiving hospice services
  • not be diagnosed with a neuromuscular or neurological condition affecting somatosensory or motor function or control such as:
    • hemiplegia
    • multiple sclerosis
    • peripheral neuropathy
    • Parkinson’s disease
    • myasthenia gravis
    • ataxia
    • apraxia
    • post-polio syndrome
    • mitochondrial myopathy
    • end-stage congestive heart failure
  • have no current, planned, or previous use of drugs known to influence muscle mass or performance, such as:
    • anabolic steroids
    • IGF-1
    • GH
    • replacement androgen therapy
    • anti-androgen therapy.
Please click here to sign up for a time slot in advance. You are also more than welcome to stop by TA-2 during these times, and your assessment can be conducted if the researcher is available.       

Please email Abby Suchoski at [email protected] if you have any questions or would like additional information about the study.

Autumn is Here, So Enjoy It

 

By John Nash, E-News editor


It begins with the tilt of the Earth. As the Northern Hemisphere leans away from the sun, daylight hours shorten and temperatures cool. This shift triggers a cascade of changes in the natural world. Trees, sensing the drop in sunlight, stop producing chlorophyll—the pigment that makes leaves green. As chlorophyll fades, other pigments like carotenoids and anthocyanins replace it which turns the trees brilliant shades of amber, crimson, and gold. New England gets much of the glory for fall colors but here in Virginia, the colors are almost as good: Virginia doesn't have the abundance of  sugar maples which produce the striking red fall colors in New England. The color change isn't just beautiful—it is a survival strategy. Trees shed their leaves to conserve water and energy during the cold months ahead.

In addition to the cooler weather produced by the tilting of the Earth, another indicator of fall are the migrating birds which head south for warmer weather. They know what’s coming.

Autumn is nature’s way of getting ready. It’s not the end—it’s the beginning of rest. We all should enjoy this special time of the year. But shouldn't every time of the year be special to us?

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Poet's Corner
                                                                                              Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

To Give Up the Car Keys

Whether we decide for ourselves

to give up driving for the safety of others and ourselves

or if someone else decides that it is time,

there is little grace in the act.
If we live long enough
we will one day be faced with the ultimatum
anticipated or not,
mandated by physician or demanded by family
to relinquish the keys

We will not have a choice
no matter how much we plea,
But how will I get to the grocery?
The doctor, the dentist, the bank?
The library, to browse at my ease?
Lunches with friends, to church?

My car took a bump recently from a driver
who had blacked out at the wheel, her words,
and collided with my own vintage car
steadily counting the years with me.
The woman had a seizure, not her first,
she later admitted, and her physician
had advised her not to drive.

A dear friend recently endured having her
car keys taken by a family friend, her children
unwilling to risk more conflict with their mother
and put themselves in the position of takers.
It’s for the best does not quite satisfy.

                                        –Jan Bohall
Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances October 3 through 19


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.

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At the Fairfax Campus Venues

(25-26 Season subscriptions to Great Performances, and tickets for individual performances, are now on sale)
 
Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble
Fri, Oct 3, 8:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Concert Hall
Admission: $65, $56, $41.
 
Papermoon Puppet Theatre
Sat, Oct 4, 2:00 and 7:00
A discussion with the artists from the stage will immediately follow the performance.
Harris Theatre
Admission: $35.
 
The Magic of Rob Lake
RESCHEDULED to April 19.

Fairfax Symphony Orchestra: The Lark and The
Seasons
Sat, Oct 11, 8:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $75, $64, $54.

Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel:
Chopin—The Romantic
Sun, Oct 12, 7:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $60, $52, $38.
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

No Performances

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At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

Soweto Gospel Choir
Fri, Oct 3, 8:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Merchant Hall
Admission: $55, $48, $35.
 
Pilobolus (dance company)
Sun, Oct 5, 2:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Merchant Hall
Admission: $60, $52, $38.

Prince William Little Theatre: The Woman in Black
Fri, Oct 10, 8:00
Sat, Oct 11, 7:00 and 10:00
Sun, Oct 12, 2:00
Fri, Oct 17, 8:00
Sat, Oct 18, 7:00
Sun, Oct 19, 2:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $30 Adult, $25 senior.

Manassas Chorale: From Broadway with Love
Sat, Oct 11, 7:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $30.

Eva Ayllon with Special Guest Daniela Darcourt
Sun, Oct 12, 7:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $185, $155, $135, $105, $85 (tickets sold through Tickeri—888.981.7218).

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

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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 Oct 4 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Oct 6
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Tallwood Trio
Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Oct 7
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Oct 8
 
 
 
 		 12:00 noon
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm		 Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Dabbling Artists Club
Thu Oct 9
 
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm
 6:00 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats Club – online
Fri Oct 10
 
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm
 2:30 pm		 Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Classic Literature Club
Tallwood Book Club
Sat Oct 11 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Oct 13
 		  9:30 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Oct 14
 
 		  2:00 pm
 3:45 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Oct 15
 
 
 
 		 12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Oct 16
 
 
 		  3:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm
 6:00 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Literary Fiction Book Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats Club – online
Fri Oct 17
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm		 Crafts and Conversation
Board of Directors Meeting
Mah Jongg Club
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Classic Literature Club – online
Sat Oct 18
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group

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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, Chitra Mohla, 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.

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ENews September 26, 2025

by

OLLI E-News September 26, 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
Executive Director Lisa Mariam hosted an appreciation event for OLLI volunteers, September 8, at Tallwood.

September 26, 2025


Editor of the Week: Paul Van Hemel
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • Fall classes are under way. Registration continues throughout the term.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, October 3; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, September 30, at 6:00.

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From the Desk of the Executive Director
Mason Visual Arts Exhibition: Before the Americas


By Lisa Mariam, Executive Director


Before the Americas is an art historical survey featuring 45 works by Afro-Latino, Caribbean, and African American artists, many of whom have lived and worked in Greater Washington. The works of these artists span painting, printmaking, sculpture, book art, performance, and video art. The exhibit traces the significance of these artists through four themes: Genetic Memory, Migration, Invisibility, and Interconnectivity.

The exhibition is currently on display through September and early October at Gillespie Gallery inside the Art and Design Building at Mason. I encourage you to visit the exhibition, which includes a significant painting by Sam Gilliam that was recently donated to the University Art Collection. You may also be interested in attending a symposium related to the exhibition on October 4, 12:30-6:30 at the Mason Center for the Arts Concert Hall, hosted by Exhibition Curator Cheryl Edwards. More information is available at this link.

Trail Blazing: Connecting and Keeping the Appalachian Trail​
You are invited to the George Mason University Libraries Special Collections Research Center for an Appalachian Trail Archives 100th Anniversary Event featuring author, historian, and Fulbright Scholar, Mills Kelly, George Mason Professor Emeritus.

Tour the Trail Blazing: Connecting and Keeping the Appalachian Trail​ exhibition and learn how scholars from around the world are using the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) Archives for teaching, learning, and research.

In 2022, George Mason University proudly became the guardian of the ATC Archives, the largest and most significant collection of its kind. This century-old archive includes correspondence, publications, more than 1,000 historic maps, and thousands of irreplaceable photographs. It serves as a vital resource for scholars, students, authors, and enthusiasts worldwide, providing invaluable insights into a century of conservation efforts.

Register to Attend
Monday, October 6, 2025 (Event Date)
6:00- 8:00
Fenwick Library
4400 University Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22030

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Chat Topic for Team Bloch Wednesday Conversation October 1
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch,
Co-Moderators
The first and third Wednesday afternoon of each month, Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) moderate a friendly social chat on Zoom. Any member is very welcome to join us, to listen or to air views on the selected topic. We are very open to discourse and to new voices in any of our conversations. Please feel free to join in.
 
Our topic for Wednesday, October 1 is "What Do You Do in Your Leisure Time?" Do you have hobbies, such as reading, gardening, making music, sewing, woodworking, writing your memoirs, exercising, dancing, singing in a chorus, playing golf, or tennis? Or do you volunteer on a regular basis? Is this a new activity for you, one that you adopted post-retirement or during our covid-isolation timeframe? Do you do it alone or in a group? Be there to share; maybe you can find a kindred soul or a new activity for you to explore.
 
Hope to see many OLLI members on October 1 at 4:00 for our Zoom conversation. The link is found in the Daily Schedule.

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In Search of Senior Olympics Competitors


By Debby Mossburg, OLLI Member and Senior Olympics Participant


Did you know that this year’s Northern Virginia Senior Olympics (NVSO) is the largest ever, with over 1,200 adults, 50 and over, entering one or more of the 92 events over 17 days in September? We know of a few OLLI members who’ve competed this year or in years past.

Have you? We’d love to hear your stories and feature them in a special E-News article later this year, whether you rose to glory or, like me, came in near to dead last. If you’ve ever competed in the NVSO, please send me your name, year(s) competed, and event(s) if you’d like to be included in our tribute. Better yet, add a few lines telling about your experience. We’d love to encourage other OLLI members to give it a try. Please send me an email ([email protected]) by October 15. I can’t wait to hear from you!

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Medical Emergency at OLLI Tallwood? Did you know that we have an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) in the breakroom? Our staff is trained in its use if needed. Call 911. Notify staff. You might help save a life.
                                                                                                       From the Healthcare Advisory Workgroup
 
History Club Meeting Wednesday October 1


By Doug Snoeyenbos, History Club Coordinator


The History Club will hold its first meeting of the fall semester on Wednesday, October 1, at 4:00, on Zoom. The presenter will be our own OLLI member, Ben Gold. Ben will present on the Tonkin Gulf incident in 1964 that led to Congressional approval of formal United States involvement in the Vietnam War. Ben has a personal interest and a unique perspective on this topic because, at the time, he was there serving as Operations Officer on a destroyer in the Gulf. Ben transmitted many of the vital messages to and from the US Navy ships involved. This will be a very interesting presentation which you won’t want to miss.

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Theater Lovers' Group Kicks Off Its 2025-2026
Season with In-person Meeting



By Norma Jean Reck, Theater Lovers' Group Coordinator


On Sunday, October 12, all theater lovers are invited to join us to see the 2 p.m. matinee of The Turn of the Screw: The Musical at Creative Cauldron's (CC) new home at 127 E. Broad Street, Falls Church 22046 (next to Whole Foods). CC's musical geniuses Conner and Smith turned this Henry James' novella into a 90-minute musical described as "hypnotic and unnerving." You may remember that the story takes place on a remote country estate where the governess, caring for two children, soon has eerie encounters. Go online to http://www.creativecauldron.org to purchase First tier tickets for $35 when you enter the code SSS. Optional dinner after the show. Please email me after you have purchased your ticket so I can arrange for us to sit together.

Did you know that The Mousetrap started off as a short radio play that Agatha Christie wrote as a birthday present for Queen Mary in 1947? She based the play, then titled The Three Blind Mice, on the real-life story of Dennis O'Neill and his brother who were living on an isolated farm in foster care. The Mousetrap opened in London's West End in 1952 and ran continuously until March 16, 2020, when it closed due to the Covid pandemic. It has all the trappings of a fun whodunnit: strangers snowed in in a remote guest house, a policeman from London arrives looking for a murderer among them, and then one of them is murdered. Guaranteed to keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat.
 
Join the Theater Lovers' in seeing The Mousetrap on Sunday, October 19 at the 2 p.m., matinee when the Providence Players perform it at The James Lee Community Center Theater, 2855 Annandale Road, F.C. 22042. Go online to purchase your $21 tickets and select your seat at providenceplayers.org. Optional lunch before the show TBA. Thanks to Bonnie for this terrific pick.
 
Save the dates: Sunday, June 28, TLG goes to National Theatre to see 2 p.m. matinee of Suffs, fresh from Broadway. Monday and Tuesday, November 16 - 17, we will take an overnight coach trip to NYC to see a Broadway show. Details will follow.

Editor’s Note: At the author’s request, all words are published unedited, exactly as submitted.

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Tallwood Book Club to Meet October 10


By Betty Ellerbee, Tallwood Book Club Coordinator


The Tallwood Book Club will have its regularly scheduled Zoom meeting on Friday, October 10th at 2:30. Participants will choose between Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama and The Return: Fathers, Sons and the Land in Between by Hisham Matar…or may choose to read both. In November we will also have two choices, H is for Hawk by Helen MacDonald and Lab Girl by Hope Jahren.

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Photo of the Month


The September 2025 Photo of the Month theme was Black and White. We selected Bob Kelberg's photo "Horse in Black and White September2025," 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

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Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

Avebury Henge
 
I had been to see the more famous henge
with ropes that guard its spirit
of ancient rites and past worship.
 
Here is a more humble site where
it seems boulders were thrown randomly
by giants who once wandered these plains.
 
History, long lost, has been replaced
by myths and tales of these great rings
of stone pillars that encircle the quiet hamlet
now nestled within their fossilized orbit.
 
I’m surprised I am free to wander here
along with grazing sheep
indifferent to Neolithic history
that only seek the cool shadows
provided by the rocks.
 
As I touch these smooth surfaces
I wonder at mysteries
I can’t attempt to unravel.
I run my hand over a stone
four times my height
as if its sun-warmed surface
holds a worn braille
that could reveal the stories it holds.
 
                     –Jacqueline Davey

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OLLI Mason Free Music Presentations


By Linda H. Harber, Friends of Music at Mason Co-President


Mason School of Music faculty and students invite you to music presentations free and open to the public in fall 2025. The presentations are scheduled from 9:30 to 10:55 Tuesdays at Fairfax Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 5114 Twinbrook Road, Fairfax, VA 22032. See the schedule below for details.

            

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances September 26 through October 5


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.

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At the Fairfax Campus Venues

(25-26 Season subscriptions to Great Performances now on sale)
 
Special Event – ARTS by George! An Evening with Darren Criss
Sat, Sep 27, 8:30
Concert Hall
Admission: $106, $81, $55 for performance only. For information on the entire evening of ARTS by George! Go to artsbygeorge.gmu.edu.
 
Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble
Fri, Oct 3, 8:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Concert Hall
Admission: $65, $56, $41.
 
Papermoon Puppet Theatre
Sat, Oct 4, 2:00 and 7:00
A discussion with the artists from the stage will immediately follow the performance.
Harris Theatre
Admission: $35.
 
The Magic of Rob Lake
RESCHEDULED to April 19.
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

Mason Bands Concert: Celebrations in Motion
Tue, Sep 30, 7:30
Concert Hall
Admission: $19 Adult, $14 senior.

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At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

ARTfactory’s Actor’s Theatre: Little Shop of Horrors
Fri, Sep 26, 7:30
Sat, Sep 27, 7:30
Sun, Sep 28, 2:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $35 Adult, $30 senior.
 
Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra: Halloween Favorites
Sat, Sep 27, 8:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $30 Adult, $27 senior.
 
Soweto Gospel Choir
Fri, Oct 3, 8:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Merchant Hall
Admission: $55, $48, $35.
 
Pilobolus (dance company)
Sun, Oct 5, 2:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Merchant Hall
Admission: $60, $52, $38.

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

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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 Sep 27 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Sep 29
 		  4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Sep 30
 
 		  2:00 pm
 3:45 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Oct 1
 
 
 
 
 		 12:00 pm
12:00 pm
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
History Club – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Oct 2
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Oct 3
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm		 Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Classic Literature Club – online
Sat Oct 4 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Oct 6
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Tallwood Trio
Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Oct 7
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Oct 8
 
 
 
 		 12:00 noon
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm		 Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Dabbling Artists Club
Thu Oct 9
 
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm
 6:00 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats Club – online
Fri Oct 10
 
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm
 2:30 pm		 Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Classic Literature Club
Tallwood Book Club
Sat Oct 11 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online

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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, Chitra Mohla, 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.

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ENews September 12, 2025

by

OLLI E-News September 12, 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
Diversions Chair Marilyn Harriman Hosts a “Picnic in the Park” at Tallwood, September 5

September 12, 2025


Editor of the Week: John Nash
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • Fall-term registration is under way and continues throughout the term.
  • Note: The first class of course 654F/654Z Black Jews: Who are They and Where Do They Come From? has been changed from September 23 to September 30. 
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, September 26; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, September 23, at 6:00.

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OLLI President's Message September 12

By Deborah Engleson, President


This isn't my normal President's Message but a request for some help. Do you have some large, empty boxes—preferably square—that you could part with? We are cleaning out a closet in the cottage at Tallwood and need boxes.

Please contact Debbie Engleson (330-573-6366, or [email protected]) and I will arrange for pickup. Thank you!

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From the Desk of the Executive Director


By Lisa Mariam, Executive Director


There are so many terrific opportunities to learn and enjoy at Mason, and many of them are free. Please note the upcoming lecture about George Mason's views on anti-monopoly and the Constitution. It will be held at Mason’s Fenwick Library, Room 2001, September 25, at 5:30, and presented by Columbia University Professor Richard John.

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OLLI Kick-Off Coffee on Thursday, September 18

 

By Toni Acton, Member Services Chair


Join your friends and new members at the Kick-Off Coffee at Tallwood on September 18.  Meet our new executive director, hear from our Board president, and learn more about what is happening at OLLI this fall. 

You also can attend the committee and club fair before and after the presentation to learn about all the activities other than classes that are available to OLLI members.  And of course, there’s always the wonderful food provided by the Diversions Committee.
 
We hope to see you on September 18! Please register on line or contact the Registrar at [email protected] or 703-544-0085 for Special Event 1203F.

Six OLLI Members Score Awards at Game Day Bash

  
By Marilyn Harriman, Diversions Chair



On Tuesday, September 2, 22 OLLI members gathered in TA-1 to play a variety of board games, including Wordspiel, Taboo, Yahztee, and  Hexaquest. Six winners took home trophies and neck
ribbons. Tony Harriman and Ann Smith took first and second place, earning the most points after playing five games. Four gamers tied for fourth place. Everyone agreed it was a fun way to
engage our brains. As we concentrated on each game, we practiced critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. And we had fun enjoying one another’s company. More than half of us convened at Auld Shebeen Irish Pub in Fairfax for lunch afterwards.

By popular demand, a winter Game Day event has been scheduled for February 24, from 10:00 to 1:00 in TA-1 at Tallwood. If you enjoy board games and want to beat the winter blues, be sure to mark it on your calendar. Registration details will be in the winter catalog under “Special Events.”

An Evening with Ken Burns: Film Preview

 
Shannon Morrow, Lead Program Associate


Save the Date: October 29. At this free event, you will hear from author and documentary-maker Ken Burns to get an early look at his new six-part PBS documentary that explores the country’s founding struggle and its eight-year War for Independence.

You will watch an exclusive preview in front of George Washington's mansion on the historic bowling green at Mount Vernon.

Tickets will be available starting on September 24.
 


Information for the Team Bloch Wednesday Afternoon Conversation on September 17

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

Every other Wednesday (soon to be rescheduled to the first and third Wednesdays of each month), Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, a totally unrelated duo), moderate a friendly social chat on Zoom. Any member is very welcome to join us, to listen or to air views on the selected topic. We are very open to discourse and to new voices in any of our conversations. Please feel free to join in.

We will hold the next session on Wednesday, September 17 at 4:00, and the zoom link is always found in the OLLI daily-schedule email (Hint: it is the same link as the 24/7 chat line here). 

This week's Conversation's topic: "What foreign culture do you feel most comfortable with? Or with what regional American culture do you identify most closely?” This might be reflected in your favorite foods, your favorite music, your holidays, or even your reading matter. Some of us were raised in the south and retain that connection, while others are west coasters or New Yorkers. Some of us came from an Asian culture and are often partial to one of those specific cuisines. Certain members might be bilingual and maintain a second language in their homes. Diversity makes our community stronger, we believe, and we love to hear about your special background(s).

Drop in to share or just listen in. New participants are always welcome, and no advanced preparation is needed.
Computer Club
3rd Saturday, September 20
Fall Luncheon
Test Driving Linux


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, September 20, in person and via Zoom. The Zoom session opens at 1:45. Our Fall Luncheon will begin at 12:30 and conclude at 1:35. Reservations for the lunch must be submitted by noon on September 15 via the form link below: https://forms.gle/a4gHN62sxvKgYbCd9.

Test Driving Linux—Presented by John Krout
This presentation is aimed at Windows 10 users whose computers cannot be upgraded to Windows 11, as well as any Windows user who is open to alternatives to Windows. This presentation will show that Linux Mint with the Cinnamon presentation system closely resembles the look and feel of Windows. It will outline some of the popular apps that can be used in Linux Mint, including Web browsers, Zoom, LibreOffice, VLC, and others.

This presentation also describes two closely related activities. First, it shows how to download a Linux Mint ISO file, how to download the Rufus for Windows application, and how to use Rufus to install the Linux Mint ISO file on a USB external storage device. Second, it shows how a Windows computer can be configured to start up a Linux operating system found on a USB external storage device such as a flash drive. 

Test-driving Linux from a USB external drive leaves Windows intact on the computer internal storage. Windows can be used any time the USB external drive is not connected. If you elect to install Linux on your drive C, the flash drive Linux can do that for 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 https://olligmu-
org.zoom.us/j/88388435350? pwd=hfaEFO7vfkvhVspokJXKnzpia7uTO h.1 to join the meeting and use passcode 804997 (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces) or enter meeting ID 883 8843 5350 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode (preferred method), or dial in at 301-715-8592.

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Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

You
 
when I think of love
I think of you
all my beautiful moments
all my lonely times
as if before I met you
you shared them with me
our spirits joined in time
made to love the other
 
when I think of you
all of me
everything I was
and am
and will be
says love

–Margie Wildblood

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A New Season of Mason Music

 

By Linda H. Harber, Friends of Music at Mason President


What's happening in the Mason Music World? The opening concert of the new season—the Grand Piano Celebration—is coming on Sunday, September 21, at 3:00 at Mason's Center for the Arts. It is always an incredible concert with faculty and students. Relax and enjoy the talented musicians.

Afterwards, we will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Friends of Music at Mason (FOMM). Started 20 years ago by Alice Heyer, our fun group of friends enjoys music, and love meeting and supporting the talented students, faculty, and staff of the Dewberry Family School of Music. We provide music scholarships and Snack Attacks during finals times. We schedule Meet the Students events so our supporters can meet and interact with Mason music students. We are starting a 20th FOMM anniversary scholarship fund.

FOMM members also know how to have fun. If you attended our March Mardi Gras, you saw the musical fun in action. On October 18, we will have a FOMM Oktoberfest—so mark your calendar for that event also.

We will kick off our 20th year celebration with festivities and refreshments in the Center for the Arts Lobby after the September 21 concert. Alice Heyer will be joining us for some other special surprises.

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, September 21 at 3:00!
Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances September 12 through September 28


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.

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At the Fairfax Campus Venues
(25-26 Season subscriptions to Great Performances now on sale)

Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: Beethoven—The Young Genius
Sun, Sep 14, 7:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $60, $52, $38.

Special Event – ARTS by George! An Evening with Darren Criss
Sat, Sep 27, 8:30
Concert Hall
Admission: $106, $81, $55 for performance only.
For information on the entire evening of ARTS by George! Go to artsbygeorge.gmu.edu.
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.

Grand Piano Celebration 2025
Sun, Sep 21, 3:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $24 Adult, $15 senior.

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At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

Arts Alive! 2025
Sun, Sep 14, 12:00
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Admission: Free.

ARTfactory’s Actor’s Theatre: Little Shop of Horrors
Fri, Sep 19, 7:30
Sat, Sep 20, 7:30
Sun, Sep 21, 2:00
Fri, Sep 26, 7:30
Sat, Sep 27, 7:30
Sun, Sep 28, 2:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $35 Adult, $30 senior.

KC Dance Center: Kollywood Night 2025
Sat, Sep 20, 5:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $55, $35.
Jeremy Jordan in Concert
Sun, Sep 21, 7:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $81, $65, $55.

Jeremy Jordan in Concert
Sun, Sep 21, 7:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $81, $65, $55.

Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra: Halloween Favorites
Sat, Sep 27, 8:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $30 Adult, $27 senior.

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

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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 Sep 13 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Sep 15
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Poetry Writing Club – online
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Tue Sep 16
 
 		  1:30 pm
 2:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Program Committee Meeting
Caregivers Support Group – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Sep 17
 

 
 		  9:30 am
10:00
10:30 am
12:00 noon
 4:00 pm		 Dabbling Artists Club
Bridge Club
Investment Forum
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Sep 18
 		 11:50 am
 4:30 pm		 All the News – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Sep 19
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am		 Crafts and Conversation
Board of Directors Meeting
Homer, etc. – online
Sat Sep 20
 		 10:30 am
12:30 pm
 1:45 pm		 Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group luncheon
Personal Computer User Group meeting
Mon Sep 22  4:00 pm Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Tue Sep 23
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Caregivers Support Group – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Sep 24
 



 		 12:00 noon
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm
 4:00 pm		 Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Chair Yoga and More– online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Dabbling Artists Club
Theater Lovers’ Group – online
Thu Sep 25
 
 		 11:50 am
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 All the News – online
Literary Fiction Book Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Sep 26


 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm		 Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More– online
Classic Literature Club – online
Sat Sep 27 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online

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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.

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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.

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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].

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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!

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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)

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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.

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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].

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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AT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY

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