Tom Manteuffel, Retired Cybersecurity Engineer and Frequent OLLIInstructor, Gave an Interesting and Informative Presentation: The Secret LifeofOwls, July 29, 2024
What Vaccinations are Recommended for Seniors, and Which Ones Should I Get?
By Michele Romano, MD, Health and Safety Advisory Chair, Suresh Mohla, MD, Health and Safety Advisory Committee Member, and Richard Crawford, OLLI Treasurer and Board Member
Seniors should ensure they are up to date with several key vaccinations to protect against serious diseases. The following vaccines are highly recommended for individuals aged 65 and older. By keeping up with these vaccinations, you can significantly reduce your risk of serious health complications and maintain a healthier lifestyle. Medicare covers most recommended vaccines.
Essential Vaccines for Seniors
Influenza Vaccine: An annual flu shot is crucial as seniors are at higher risk for complications from the flu. Flu vaccine before Halloween should cover you for the busy holiday season.
Pneumococcal Vaccine: This vaccine protects against pneumonia and other pneumococcal diseases. It is recommended that seniors should have this vaccine. Please check with your primary-care physician (PCP) to see which one is best for you.
Shingles Vaccine: Recommended for adults aged 60 and older, the shingles vaccine helps prevent shingles, a painful rash that can lead to long-term complications. Shingles vaccine is given in two doses, so please make sure to take both doses.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine: Seniors should receive the Tdap vaccine if they haven't had it in the past. Also, please get a routine tetanus booster shot every 10 years to maintain protection against tetanus.
COVID-19 Vaccine: Staying current with COVID‑19 vaccinations is also essential for seniors, as they are at increased risk for severe illness from the virus. It is recommended to get the vaccine before Halloween, so you are covered for the busy holiday season.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine: RSV can lead to serious respiratory illness in older adults. The CDC recommends the RSV vaccine for all adults over age 75, as well as adults over 60 who are at increased risk.
Please click this link to see CDC adult immunization recommendations for further information on all vaccines, including frequency.
What vaccinations have I received? If you are a Virginia resident you may submit a Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Immunization Record Request Form. However, it is important to let your PCP know all immunizations you receive outside their office as they can update your medical records, and they will be available on your patient portal 24/7. Your PCP should also be able to access the VDH website via the provider code and update it.
Click this Adult Immunization Schedule link for more information on all vaccines.
What does Medicare cover?
Medicare covers a variety of standard immunization shots under Part B and Part D.
To get your vaccines covered, it's best to get them from an in-network pharmacy or have your doctor's office bill your Part D plan directly. Talk to your doctor about which vaccines are recommended for you based on your age, health conditions, and lifestyle.
Medicare Part B covers the following standard immunization shots with no out-of-pocket costs:
Influenza (flu) vaccine
COVID-19 vaccine
Pneumococcal vaccine
Hepatitis B vaccine
Part B also covers vaccines needed if you're accidentally exposed to a harmful virus or bacteria, such as a tetanus shot for a puncture wound.
Medicare Part D covers most other commercially available vaccines needed to prevent illness, including:
Shingles vaccine
Tdap vaccine
RSV vaccine
Please discuss any questions or concerns with your Healthcare Provider.
Hold onto your cards, OLLI Mason has shuffled the staff deck. Make note of these changes so you can work with a full hand going forward!The changes are reflected in the staff listings in the fall-term OLLI catalog.
Meg Przybylski is the new registrar. Having worked for eight years as a site assistant, she is well versed in OLLI Mason operating principles and has interacted with many of you in classes and at events. She will now handle anything involving registration, membership, and related payments. Email: [email protected].
Shannon Morrow has moved to Washington State. Have no fear, she will continue her excellent work as the lead program planner! Please direct all class-related questions to her. Email: [email protected].
Susan Job has joined the program planning team after working for six years as the registrar. Working alongside Shannon Morrow, Susan will handle trips, socials, clubs, and the development of various single-session classes. Email: [email protected].
Nancy Klein has moved to North Carolina. She will continue as the communications associate but will no longer be part of the program planning team. Direct questions about E-blasts, the Communicator, or outreach efforts to her. Email: [email protected].
Finally, we have two new site assistants joining the OLLI staff to provide audio-visual support. We welcome Griffyn Caires and Pranav Rathore!
By Emily Roudebush, Board Member/Vice President and Debby Mossburg, Outreach Committee Chair
Do you wish there was an easier way to share about OLLI with other seniors in your residential community? Or do you take part in programs at a senior center or other senior-based group? Do you love your time with OLLI, and often find yourself talking about it with family, friends and neighbors, but still have trouble answering fully if someone asks, “What is OLLI, exactly?” or “Why shouldI join OLLI?”
OLLI Outreach can help! We have complete, up-to-date presentations, all ready to go, that detail the programs, activities and benefits available through OLLI. We love OLLI, too, and we’re happy to present to residence communities, senior centers, and other senior groups about all that OLLI has to offer. These presentations are a great way to spread the word and encourage new people to join the fun at OLLI! A presentation can be as short as 10 minutes, as part of another activity, such as a luncheon or meeting, or it can be offered as a stand-alone event, with more content and time for questions. So, if you live in a community with potential OLLI members, or you’re a member of a senior group that would like to learn more about OLLI, please send an email to Debby Mossburg at [email protected], with Outreach in the Subject line, to learn more about scheduling an OLLI Outreach presentation.
Thanks!
Editor’s note: This article appeared in a prior edition of E‑News. It is repeated here to encourage members to help OLLI in its outreach efforts, and to remind you that Board members and the Outreach Committee are ready to support you in doing so.
By Toni Acton, Board Member and Member Services Committee Chair
This fall, we have more than 65 new members joining us in our classes, clubs, and social activities. They will be easily recognizable by the green dot on their name tag (many of you may remember the red dot from years ago). When you see a new member, please welcome them with a big smile and a warm welcome. Remember, you were a “newbie” once!
The fall Kick-Off Coffee and Activities Fair is Thursday, September 19 at 10:00 at Tallwood. This is a great way to see old friends, meet new members, and learn more about the various clubs and committees we have at OLLI. Register for Event 1204 either online or by contacting the Registrar’s office.
F404Z: 250 Years of African‑American Poetry. This course will include occasional visits by working Black poets to read their poetry and talk about the influence of earlier Black poets on their work. For the October 9th session, we are pleased to welcome Steven Leyva.
Steven Leyva was born in New Orleans and raised in Houston. His poems have appeared or are forthcoming in 2 Bridges Review, Scalawag, Nashville Review, jubilat, Vinyl, and Prairie Schooner. He is a Cave Canem fellow and author of the chapbook Low Parish. Steven holds an MFA from the University of Baltimore, where he is an associate professor in the Klein Family School of Communications Design. Click this link for a message from Steven.
Wednesday Team Bloch Conversation—September 18 and 25
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
September 18: Movies
One of our participants requested that we talk about movies. Two discussion points: we can make suggestions on films that we recently enjoyed (streamed or in the movie theater); we can also more broadly discuss the future of movies in general – e.g., Are movie theaters likely to survive? Are our films too skewed to a teenage audience? We will address the movie situation on September 18.
September 25: Technology and Foreign Languages
On September 25, we will probe the intersection of technology and foreign languages. For example, with translation apps at our fingertips, do we need to teach foreign languages in our schools? With Google on our computers, translation from French to English is almost automatic. How many of us like to read literature in its original, non-English language format? What is ahead for AI and translation? Or, in disagreement, do we like to show courtesy when we travel to another country that doesn't use English as the native tongue? Will we miss the nuances if everything is translated by a computer? Pros and cons, what is your opinion?
As usual, we will meet on Zoom at 4:00 each Wednesday afternoon. Everyone is invited to join us; no sign‑up is required. Please join our conversation, supported by the 24/7 OLLI Chat Line.
Upcoming Events for all OLLI Theater Lovers' and Our Guests
By Norma Jean Reck, Coordinator Theater Lovers' Group
What an embarrassment of riches we have coming up this 2024-2025 theater season. We'll begin with seeing The Waverly Gallery at 1stStage, then Sondheim Tribute Revue at Creative Cauldron, 110 in the Shade at Mason's School of Theater and a trip to American Shakespeare Center Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, Virginia. Of course, we are looking forward to NYC Your Way, an overnight bus trip to Broadway on November 19/20 - some space still available.
On Sunday, September 29 at 2pm, we will see The Waverly Gallery at 1stStage. Ten tickets for $25 each have been reserved under my name. After that, tickets are $40 and $55. To purchase your ticket, phone 703-854-1856 ASAP. Tell them you are with OLLI Theater Lovers' Group (TLG) and email me when you have purchased your ticket, so I know how to contact you. We'll have lunch before the show, so we are driving while it's light out. The Tony award winning play is about Gladys, an aging matriarch of the Green family, who has run a barely profitable art gallery in a Greenwich Village hotel for years. The owner wants to replace the gallery with a coffee shop. The irascible Gladys becomes erratic and a cause for concern for her family. We can relate to this.
On Sunday, October 13 at 2pm, we will see Sondheim Tribute Revue at Creative Cauldron. This not-to-be-missed musical journey celebrates the work of Stephen Sondheim, a legendary composer and lyricist, who had a profound influence on Broadway history. We will have a group rate of $47. Phone 703-436-9948 and tell them you are with OLLI's TLG. Email me when you have your ticket, so I can contact you. Lunch before the show.
On Sunday, November 3 at 2pm, we will see 110 in the Shade performed by Mason's
Editor’s note: This article is 300 words (out of 425 submitted by the author). The remaining 125 words may be viewed at this link. At the author’s request, all words (including in the title) are published unedited, exactly as submitted.
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 21, in person and via Zoom. The Zoom session opens at 12:45.
Expert Panel: Frank Fota, Tom Gutnick, Gabe Goldberg
Our experts will address your computer and related technology questions – printers, smartphones, connected gadgets. Please help get things started – submit questions and issues via email to: [email protected].
Learn in 30: Smart Watches and Hard Fall Detection—Presented by John Krout
Apple and Samsung smart watches include a safety feature called Hard Fall Detection. After my Samsung watch falsely reported to both 911 and my daughter the registered nurse that I had fallen, I found out by research that both brands of watches offer this feature, and on both, the feature has bugs.
This presentation will explain how I experienced a false fall detection and report of my "fall." It was doubly surprising because, at that time, I did not know hard fall detection was enabled. Later, I learned that for my Samsung brand watch, it is indeed disabled by default. I had bought a refurbished watch, so that may be why it was enabled for me. The presentation will also show various ways I considered to minimize the chance of a false hard fall detection report, and the two ways I chose to use. The methods I use have prevented a false report for many weeks.
John Krout is a frequent presenter at our meetings on a wide range of computer, technology and photography topics, and author of many articles for the PATACS Posts newsletter. He also presents for national APCUG Wednesday Workshops and Saturday Safaris. In addition, John contributes articles to APCUG's library of shared newsletter content.
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 2024 (and 2023, if you didn’t get around to paying last year!)—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 this link to join the meeting and use passcode 045284 (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces) or enter meeting ID 897 3557 7784 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode (preferred method), or dial in at 301-715-8592.
Why is it quite impossible
to kill a pot of mint
or a bed of mint if you prefer?
It will rise again, phoenix-like
a variation on whack-a-mole
to flourish as before,
despite burning by summer sun
or dehydration through neglect.
Programmed through generations
for survival, runners beneath soil’s surface
are its ticket to life. Designed for longevity
its superpower remains on the growing list
of matters I cannot explain.
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 pageor 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 linkto 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.
George Mason School of Theater: The Originals! 2024
Fri, Sep 13, 8:00
Sat, Sep 14, 2:00 and 8:00
deLaski Performing Arts Building, A105, TheaterSpace
Admission: $20 Adult, $10 Senior.
School of Music: Grand Piano Celebration 2024
Sun, Sep 22, 3:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $20 Adult, $15 Senior.
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, 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 Sep 14
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Sep 16
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
4:00 pm
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Program Planning Committee
Poetry Writing Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Sep 17
1:00 pm
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
How to Zoom – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Sep 18
10:00 am
10:00 am
10:30 am
12:00 noon
12:00 noon
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Staff Meeting
Spanish Club – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu Sep 19
10:00 am
11:50 am
1:00 pm
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
6:00 pm
OLLI Kick-off Coffee
All the News – online
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats Club – online
Fri Sep 20
9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
2:30 pm
Crafts and Conversation Board of Directors Meeting
Mah Jongg Club
Classic Literature Club – online
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Sat Sep 21
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Sep 23
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Sep 24
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Dabbling Artists Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Bridge Club
Spanish Club
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Theater Lover’s Group – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu Sep 26
11:50 am
1:00 pm
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
All the News
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Sep 27
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
12:00 noon
Dabbling Artists Club
Crafts and Conversation
Classic Literature Club – online
Homer, etc. – online
Photography Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
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, Laurie Schad, Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom 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.
The OLLI fall term is September 23 through November 15; fall term registration is under way and continues throughout the term.
Plan to attend ARTS by George on Saturday, September 28 at Mason; for more information, click this link.
The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, September 13; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, September 10, at 6:00.
It’s Game On!
By Marilyn Harriman, Diversions Chair
It’s game on! Come to Tallwood campus on Tuesday, September 10, 10:00-1:00, for a fun morning of entertainment and camaraderie with Debby Mossburg and me. We’ll play fun and easy table games, and at the end of the morning, awards and prizes will be announced and presented to the winners. After the event, participants are invited to continue the fun at the new Coyote Grill on Main Street in Fairfax.
Additional details about the event are in the fall catalog.
To join in the game fun, register for event 1201. To attend the lunch at Coyote Grill, register for event 1202.
There is no cost for the Tallwood Game event. Transportation and the cost of lunch are on your own.
This is an excellent opportunity to get revved up for the fall term and reconnect with your OLLI friends!
Mason’s “History of the Family” Course Invites OLLI Members to Share with University Students
By Camille Hodges, Board Member and Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group Co-Chair
Intergenerational conversations not only provide a pathway of understanding the history of OLLI members but also encouraging Mason students to research and appreciate the history of their own families. Both students and OLLI members encountered an experience like no other as they engaged in Mason’s fall 2023 Honors course, “History of the Family,” taught by Dr. Spencer Crew. During the July 30, 2024, Humanities and Social Sciences OLLI class, Dr. Crew and his team of presenters discussed the rich rewards of intergenerational dialogue, which elicited many emotional responses from those who attended.
The Honors course “History of the Family” is available once again during the fall 2024 term which begins on September 26. If you would like to participate by sharing your family history and encouraging Mason students as they research theirs, please contact Dr. Crew via email at [email protected]. The in-person student interview process is required but will not begin until later in the fall and may also be conducted via Zoom. Testimonies have shown that this is a personal experience of tremendous value.
Editor’s Note: This article appeared in a previous E-News issue. It is repeated here to encourage members to participate in Dr. Crew’s “History of the Family” course in the fall.
By Christine Narbut, Art and Music Program Planning Group Co‑Chair
Program planning for the fall term has resulted in some amazing choices for OLLI members that will engage the creative brain. Check out the following classes in the current fall catalog, which can awaken your music gene, recall memories of times past, and present an opportunity to sing along.
F104Z From Tin Pan Alley to Motown: Music’s Intersection Between Entertainment, Politics, and Social Justice – Presented by Michael Agron
F105 Singing for Fun – Instructors: Gayle Parsons, Linda Harber, Sophia Elberti, and Linda Gordon
The offerings below may inspire you and cause you to consider learning how to paint or nudge you back to painting again.
F110Z Something Always Comes Out of Innovation: 1874 and the Birth of Impressionism – presented by Chris With
1206 National Gallery of Art: Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment– field trip coordinated by Bonnie Nelson and Lucy Martel
OLLI can help you find and nurture your creative side. Consider the opportunities below.
F103 Watercolor Painting: Building Additional Skills Beyond Novice– Instructor: Chris Narbut. If you have always had a desire to try painting, here is your opportunity to experience the joy of creating art in a supportive environment with guidance from experienced instructors.
Dabbling Artists Club – Coordinator Chris Narbut; meeting every other week on Wednesdays, artists who dabble in watercolor, pastels, pen and ink, drawing and sketching, or other media meet in person and on Zoom to share ideas and helpful hints with each other. The club is a source of ideas and encouragement for each other and the OLLI community.
The Art and Music Program Planning Group meets quarterly to plan for sessions and to recruit instructors for upcoming terms. Spring term plans are underway. If you are interested in making a suggestion for a class or in teaching, or have contacts in the art and music community who might be interested in teaching, consider joining the Art and Music Program Planning Group. Please contact Chris Narbut at [email protected] or Linda Harber at [email protected].
Wednesday Team Bloch Conversation for September 4 and September 11
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Team Bloch is proposing topics for the first two weeks in September, before fall term begins.
September 4: Unbelievable Events in Your Life
Team Bloch is taking a personal week off the first week of September, but we are delighted to welcome a volunteer moderator this week, Elizabeth Hammer (an honorary Team Bloch member!). The topic chosen by Elizabeth for September 4: Tell us about something that has happened to you that you find to be unbelievable. It can be in any category, domain, or sector.
September 11: Birthday Celebrations
Birthday joys provide, in some sense, age-related anticipation (pun intended). Either you really look forward to them (usually when you are under 22), or you dread them (over 55). Where do you fall on this emotional spectrum? Happily anticipating your next birthday, neutral in feeling, or do you wish everyone would ignore the big day?
How do you typically celebrate your birthday? Or do you even celebrate? And if so, and you could have your wishes granted, would you alter the usual predictable celebration? Feel free to share; nothing spills out beyond the Wednesday Conversation session participants.
Our conversations are held every Wednesday afternoon at 4:00 via Zoom. The sessions are fully participatory, and all are welcome to join us. You can find the Zoom link in the Daily Schedule sent out by the OLLI office every Wednesday morning. There is no signup required; just log in to the 24/7 Chat Line.
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 pageor 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 linkto 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.
George Mason School of Theater: The Originals! 2024
Fri, Sep 13, 8:00
Sat, Sep 14, 2:00 and 8:00
deLaski Performing Arts Building, A105, TheaterSpace
Admission: $20 Adult, $10 Senior.
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 theOLLI calendarand daily schedule email for location and other event information). Refer to the university'scoronavirus websitefor 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 Aug 31
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Sep 2
9:30 am
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Tue Sep 3
2:00 pm
4:30 pm
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Sep 4
10:00 am
10:00 am
10:30 am
12:00 noon
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Spanish Club – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu Sep 5
11:50 am
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
All the News – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Sep 6
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
3:30 pm
Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club – online
Classic Literature Club – online
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Sat Sep 7
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Sep 9
9:30 am
11:00 am
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Poetry Reading Club – online
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Sep 10
9:00 am
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
Game Day Bash
Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Sep 11
9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
10:30 am
12:00 noon
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
Dabbling Artists Club
Bridge Club
Tallwood Book Club
Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu Sep 12
11:50 am
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
All the News – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Sep 13
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
12:00 noon
Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Classic Literature Club – online
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
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, Laurie Schad,
Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich, Martha Kossoff, Anne Hartshorn, Bonnie Becker, Carol McManus Backup Chief Editor: Alice Slayton Clark
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.
Dr. Andrew Siegel, ophthalmologist trained at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in glaucoma subspecialty, discussedhow to prevent glaucoma from taking away your vision—February 13, 2024
OLLI Personal Computer User Group 3rd Saturday meeting is August 17 (tomorrow) in person and via Zoom; check the OLLI daily-schedule email for link and other information.
The OLLI fall term is September 23 through November 15; fall-term registration begins August 20 and continues throughout the term.
The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, August 30; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, August 27, at 6:00.
Mason’s “History of the Family” Course Invites OLLI Members to Share with University Students
By Camille Hodges, Board Member and Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group Co-Chair
Intergenerational conversations not only provide a pathway of understanding the history of OLLI members but also encourage Mason students to research and appreciate the history of their own families. Both students and OLLI members encountered an experience like no other as they engaged in Mason’s fall 2023 Honors course, “History of the Family,” taught by Dr. Spencer Crew. During the July 30, 2024, Humanities and Social Sciences OLLI class, Dr. Crew and his team of presenters discussed the rich rewards of intergenerational dialogue, which elicited many emotional responses from those who attended.
The Honors course “History of the Family” is available once again during the fall 2024 term which begins on September 26. If you would like to participate by sharing your family history and encourage Mason students as they research theirs, please contact Dr. Crew via email at [email protected]. The in‑person student interview process is required but will not begin until later in the fall and may also be conducted via Zoom. Testimonies have shown that this is a personal experience of tremendous value.
Your Invitation to Join the OLLI Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group
By Camille Hodges, Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events
Program Planning Group Co-Chair
Where do great OLLI programs originate? They come from our OLLI members/friends and that includes you! We are always looking for great ideas that support the interests of our OLLI members as well as our community. The Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group focuses on all social sciences as well as topics that are of current public interest and may not be covered in other OLLI-scheduled news programs. This is because our programming is created weeks in advance for each term. You can provide your ideas/suggestions by joining the HSS/CE Program Planning Group Meeting via the Zoom link shared in OLLI E-News.
If you are interested or have a friend/neighbor/ colleague whose ideas would support our HSS/CE program planning, please invite them to attend our Zoom meeting on August 29 at 10:00. The Zoom link will be available via OLLI E-News a few days before the meeting, as well as on the OLLI Daily Schedule list of programming. Just click on the link and join the meeting!
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Team Bloch's topic for August 28th Wednesday Afternoon Conversation is: Do you wear a watch? If yes, a traditional watch or a smart watch?
Let’s talk about watches, Pros and Cons: some of the younger generation members eschew wristwatches—time can be checked on their cell phone, they say. But is it rude to pull out your cell phone every ten minutes while in conversation? Or is it equally rude to check your wristwatch every ten minutes? Is it ruder to be late?
Do you have a smart watch? Or do you wear a watch at all? What can a smart watch do for you and what are the disadvantages! What features do you use most on your smartwatch? Interesting to find out what our generation is typically wearing and how their watches are being used.
Our conversations begin at 4:00 each Wednesday afternoon on the 24/7 Chat Line. No registration is required; just click on the link in the emailed Daily Schedule.
The August 2024 Photo of the Month theme was Minimalism. We selected Ed Marion's photo "Minimalist – Frank Lloyd Wright," 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
Because
You laugh
easily naturally generously
to things I say and do
to what others say and do
Because
Your laugh forgives forgets
repeatedly
like it didn’t happen
like it didn’t matter although it did
Because
Your laugh goes to
our children their children
our godchildren friends
our dogs grand dogs
Because
Your laugh is
slight
shy
robust bringing tears
Because
Your laugh was present
before I knew your name
on our first date
during good and bad times
Because
Your laugh
twinkles the moment
invites relaxes connects
is with me for years to come
Mark Weinstein, long-time OLLI member, died on August 7, 2024; he joined in the fall of 2009. Mark was devoted to lifelong learning and teaching. He was slated to teach a fall OLLI class on Steerage—traveling in the lowest category of passenger accommodations on westbound trans-Atlantic steamships at the end of the 18th and early 19th centuries.
Mark was an electrical engineer by profession and served in the United States Air Force. He also volunteered for many years as a docent at the United States Air and Space Museum. He will be missed by his many OLLI friends and students.
A chapel funeral service for Mark was held Monday, August 12, at Stanetsky-Hymanson Memorial Chapel in Salem, Massachusetts. He was laid to rest in Shirat Hayam-Beth El Cemetery, 506 Lowell Street, Peabody, MA. More information is available at this link.
Although there are no performances scheduled for this month, single tickets for next season's performances are on sale for non-subscribers as of August 1. Check the Center for the Arts (CFA) ticket purchase page for a schedule of performances. The Hylton Center for the Performing Arts event schedule has information on fall performances.
By Linda H. Harber, OLLI Member and Friends of Music at Mason President
What a way to start the upcoming arts season at George Mason University!
One of the best events is coming on Saturday, September 28 at Mason: ARTS By George. It is a unique evening which combines many of my favorite things—incredible entertainment, talented student artists in all areas of the arts spectrum—music (Jazz, piano, opera, wind symphony), dance, theater, music technology, art technology, film, Green Machine and more. Also, there will be delicious food and drink throughout. When you sign in, you will receive a schedule for the early evening with so much to choose from as you walk around the arts venues (and did I mention food and drinks?). The evening will close with a concert by the amazing Tony-award-winning Lea Salonga in Mason’s Center for the Arts. More details are available at this link.
A percentage of the admission cost for the evening goes to Mason Arts student scholarships – so you can have fun and support talented arts students! Individual Tickets for (alumni) are $250 ($200 benefit)
Individual Tickets for (non-Alumni) are$350 ($200 benefit)
Please join in on my favorite arts event and hopefully soon-to-be yours! Looking forward to seeing you there!
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, 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 Aug 17
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer Club
Mon Aug 19
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
4:00 pm
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Bridge Club
Poetry Reading Club – online
Chair Yoga Club – online
Tue Aug 20
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Chair Yoga Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Aug 21
10:00 am
10:30 am
12:00 noon
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Board Game Club
Investment Forum
Chair Yoga Club – online
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Spanish Club – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu Aug 22
11:50 am
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
6:00 pm
All the News – online
Chair Yoga Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats Club – online
Fri Aug 23
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
12:00 noon
1:00 pm
2:30 pm
Mah Jongg Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Photography Club
Chair Yoga Club – online
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Sat Aug 24
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Aug 26
9:30 am
10:00 am
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Bridge Club
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga Club – online
Tue Aug 27
2:00 pm
4:30 pm
Chair Yoga Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Aug 28
10:30 am
12:00 noon
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Investment Forum
Chair Yoga Club – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Theater Lovers’ Group – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu Aug 29
10:00 am
11:50 am
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group Meeting
All the News – online
Chair Yoga Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 30
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
Dabbling Artists Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga Club – online
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, 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.
Last month, our trivia team, Los Viejos, pulled off a third consecutive top-three finish.
Final question: "What insect secretion is also slang for a lopsided result in sports?"
We will be getting together again this Thursday (8 August) at Kalypso’s in Reston, which is in the same complex as the Lake Anne Osher campus. The game starts at 7:00 PM. Andi and I are usually there around 6:30 to hold a table.
If you decide to give it a try, please text or email in advance: (423) 524-5149 or [email protected].
The Computer Club (OLLI Personal Computer User Group, or OPCUG) will meet with its partner, the Potomac Area Technology and Computer Society (PATACS), on Saturday, August 17, in person and via Zoom. The Zoom session opens at 12:45.
Surprise—Join Us and Discover
Several topics are under development for this month’s session, but details were unavailable when the deadline for this publication arrived. Details will be posted when available on the OPCUG and PATACS websites.
Learn in 30: Google Calendar—Presented by Geof Goodrum
This month's Learn in 30 session will be a guided tour of PATACS's Google Calendar, which was added to the PATACS website this year. We'll demonstrate calendar features and how to add PATACS calendar events and reminders to your personal calendar, so you won't miss a meeting topic that interests you.
Geof Goodrum is a retired US Government scientist and technology enthusiast who has been active in Computer User Groups since 1984. Geof has been a user and advocate of the GNU/Linux operating system and Open Source software since 1994, with professional experience as a programmer, system administrator, network administrator, data engineer, system engineer, and system architect. Geof also enjoys hiking and completed a through hike of the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail in 2018.
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 2024 (and 2023, if you didn’t get around to paying last year!)—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 this link to join the meeting and use passcode 815677 (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces) or enter meeting ID 849 1732 2131 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode (preferred method), or dial in at 301-715-8592.
The Tallwood Book Club will hold its last Zoom meeting of the year on Friday, August 9th, at 2:30. The book to be discussed is Moloka'i by Alan Brennert.
During the fall and in December, the meetings will be on the Tallwood campus, as noted in the recently-released Fall Catalog.
Your Thoughts Can Be Featured In A Fall 2024 Course: I Was There
By John Quinn, OLLI Instructor
In the fall term, I will present a two-part course entitled "I Was There," which is intended to capture the personal recollections of OLLI members who participated in or witnessed significant historical events.
I have found some interesting stories from OLLI members so far, but not enough. If you witnessed or were otherwise personally involved in one or more significant historical events, please consider contacting me to have your recollections featured in the course.
The younger gentleman in the accompanying photo is Charley Ostott, an OLLI member and a retired three-star Army general, then a senior at West Point. The older gentleman is Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Please contact me at [email protected] (cell phone: 703-915-1578) with any questions. Thanks.
Early morning
Heron in the pond silently steps
Long legs and splayed feet gently stir the water
Head lowered checking for small fish
Slow steady progressive breakfast
Then the ducks arrive in a kerfuffle of fuss
Wildly calling as they fight momentum to land
In a squawk of flapping and flusters
Wings and feet splash into water
The flock settles into paddled disturbance
The heron quietly raises his head
Stands to his fullest
Sends an annoyed glance at his new neighbors
Spreads his enormous wings and leaves with grace
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, 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 Aug 3
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Aug 5
9:30 am
11:00 am
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Poetry Reading Club – online
Tue Aug 6
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Chair Yoga Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Aug 7
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Aug 8
11:50 am
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
All the News – online
Chair Yoga Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 9
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
1:00 pm
2:30 pm
2:30 pm
Photography Club – online
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Tallwood Book Club – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Sat Aug 10
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Aug 12
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 Aug 13
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Chair Yoga Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Thu Aug 15
11:50 am
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
All the News – online
Chair Yoga Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 16
9:30 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm
Crafts and Conversation – online
Homer, etc. – online
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
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, 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.
The OPC visited the Occoquan Historic District on May 17, 2024. Photo courtesy Ed Marion.The OPC visits the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Photo courtesy Ed Marion.
Field Trips are on the 3rd Friday of each month. We usually carpool from the Tallwood parking lot at 9:00 am, or meet at the designated location at 10:00 am. Field trip destinations are announced at club meetings and by email to members.
For more information, or to suggest future field trip destinations, email Lynn Cline or call her at (c) 703-789-6930.
September 16 Field Trip -- National Zoo
Address:
3001 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, DC
Hours: 8:00 - 6:00
Animals are most active early in the morning, therefore it is recommended to arrive when the zoo opens at 8:00am. Passes are required. They are free (except for parking) and are for the day, not a specific time. Passes can be obtained online at: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/visit/etix-entry-passes
OPTION 1: FREE ENTRY PASS (WALKING INTO THE ZOO)
If you walk, bike, taxi or take public transportation, you need an entry pass for each person in your group.
Limit six passes per reservation
Access the Zoo via the Connecticut Avenue or Harvard Street Bridge entrances.
NOTE: If you choose a Paid Parking Pass (option 2), you do not need entry passes for your group.
OPTION 2: PAID PARKING PASS (PARKING AT THE ZOO)
If you drive and park at the Zoo, your Paid Parking Pass covers entry for everyone in your personal vehicle. You do not need to reserve free entry passes for your group.
$30 per car
One pass per car, covers all occupants
All cars must enter the Zoo at the Connecticut Avenue entrance (3001 Connecticut Ave, NW).
Note: Lynn Cline has a zoo membership and can reserve free parking and entry for one car and its passengers.
Carpool departure time from Tallwood is 7:00 so we may arrive when the zoo opens and the animals are most active for the public.
Tidal Basin/Cherry Blossoms (was George Mason Gunston Hall and Grounds)
April 15
Sully Plantation
Address:
3560 Historic Sully Way
Chantilly, VA
Description:
Sully reflects Fairfax County history. It was the 1794 home of Richard Bland Lee, Northern Virginia's first Representative to Congress and General Robert E. Lee's uncle. Sully is on the National Register for Historic Places, is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is part of the National Park Service’s Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.
Richard Bland Lee’s home
Lee family possessions
Furnished historical rooms
Original outbuildings
Federal Period architecture
A representative slave quarter
A visitor center with gift shop
An open-hearth kitchen
Garden
Food and clothing of the 1800s
Work of a large, gentry farm
Hours:
The grounds are open 9am - 5pm
The Visitor Center and Gift Shop are open 11am - 3pm.
Tours:
There are House Tours available for a fee ($8 for seniors) but they are only available at 11am, 1pm and 3pm Thursday through Sunday.
There is a Forgotten Road Tour of all the outbuildings and slave quarter areas at 2pm, which is also $8 for seniors.
While a permit is required for commercial photography, for our visit, there are no restrictions on photography, whether on the grounds or in the house.
May 20
Brookside Gardens (alt. Meadowlark Gardens)
June 17
Franciscan Monastery
July 15
Kenilworth Gardens (alt. Neabsco Creek Boardwalk)
August 19
NOTE: Due to the hot weather, we will be going to the Marine Corps Museum rather than to Huntley Meadows
National Marine Corps Museum
Address:
1775 Semper Fidelis Way Triangle, Virginia
Hours: 9:00 - 5:00
Fees: Free admission and parking
As a rule, bringing food and drink is prohibited, however, visitors may bring unopened, clear water bottles no larger than 20 oz.
Museum Photography Policy
The National Museum of the Marine Corps encourages you to take photographs and video during your visit. Flash photography is NOT allowed in the vicinity of the Iwo Jima flag, and signage is posted accordingly. The Museum reserves the right to prohibit flash photography in other areas as needed to ensure that fragile objects are protected. Using your camera's flash in crowded areas may disturb others. Please respect your fellow Museum visitors.
Photographers using tripods or similar devices should be respectful of others. On busy days, the Museum may restrict use of such devices to ensure visitor safety and the flow of foot traffic throughout the galleries.
If you would like to carpool from the OLLI Tallwood campus, send an e-mail to Lynn Cline at [email protected] so we have a head count. Meet up time is 9:00 am.
September 16
National Zoo
Address:
3001 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, DC
Hours: 8:00 - 6:00
Animals are most active early in the morning, therefore it is recommended to arrive when the zoo opens at 8:00am. Passes are required. They are free (except for parking) and are for the day, not a specific time. Passes can be obtained online at:
If you walk, bike, taxi or take public transportation, you need an entry pass for each person in your group.
Limit six passes per reservation
Access the Zoo via the Connecticut Avenue or Harvard Street Bridge entrances.
NOTE: If you choose a Paid Parking Pass (option 2), you do not need entry passes for your group.
OPTION 2: PAID PARKING PASS (PARKING AT THE ZOO)
If you drive and park at the Zoo, your Paid Parking Pass covers entry for everyone in your personal vehicle. You do not need to reserve free entry passes for your group.
$30 per car
One pass per car, covers all occupants
All cars must enter the Zoo at the Connecticut Avenue entrance (3001 Connecticut Ave, NW).
Note: Lynn Cline has a zoo membership and can reserve free parking and entry for one car and its passengers.
Carpool departure time from Tallwood is 7:00 so we may arrive when the zoo opens and the animals are most active for the public.
Habitat, the Smithsonian Gardens Outdoor Exhibition This exhibit has gardens at locations around the National Mall. Each location has a theme with plants and information, and there are also some sculptures. For details on the locations and themes, as well as a map you can print out, click here: https://gardens.si.edu/exhibitions/habitat/National Native American Veterans Memorial
The National Native American Veterans Memorial opened November 11, 2020. It is on the grounds of the National Native American Indian Museum. Here is a description from the Smithsonian website: An elevated stainless-steel circle balanced on an intricately carved stone drum, the memorial is simple and powerful, timeless and inclusive. The design incorporates water for sacred ceremonies, benches for gathering and reflection, and four lances where veterans, family members, tribal leaders, and others can tie cloths for prayers and healing. For more information, click here: https://americanindian.si.edu/visit/washington/nnavm#nnavm-faqsEisenhower Memorial
The other new memorial is the Eisenhower Memorial, which opened in September 2020, located just across the street from the Air & Space Museum, at 540 Independence Avenue, SW. This Memorial is open 24 hours a day. Reports indicate it is especially nice to photograph at night since it is beautifully lit, should you choose to make more than one trip to town. More information is available here: https://www.nps.gov/ddem/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm
July
Lotus and Liliesat Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
1550 Anacostia Ave. NE
Washington, DC 20019
According to the website, the lotus flowers are popping up all around the park and are currently at 38% bloom. The lilies are out in force. Also, 7 great blue herons, 4 great egrets and 1 green heron were spotted from the boardwalk on June 30.
The park is open 8:00 - 4:00 daily. The lotus and lily festival runs July 9 - July 31, and during this time the park is open until 8:00pm on Fridays.
Sunflowers (two options)
This year it seems to be less than optimal but for those who wish to try it, here are options.
Option 1: McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area
Directions: From the Capital Beltway, take Exit 39 (River Road) west toward Potomac. Proceed for approximately 11 miles to the intersection of River Road and MD 112, Seneca Road. Turn left and continue on River Road for about 2 1/2 miles. McKee-Beshers will be on your left as you head west on River Road.
Apparently one of the fields has been planted with something other than sunflowers this year, and the sunflowers are currently at an early stage.
As mentioned in one of our meetings, another option for sunflowers is Burnside Farms. The website currently has only preliminary information and the farm is closed until mid-July. When they reopen, they will have fields of sunflowers. You must purchase a ticket online and the prices are not yet posted. Unlike McKee-Beshers, which is a wildlife sanctuary, this is intended for family fun, so it is a very different type of photo opportunity.
Logistics from their website: The farm does not allow reflectors, flash boxes, tripods, props or any other equipment that may get in the way of other guests enjoying their visit. We reserve the right to ask you to not use these devices if we see them in use. Regular hours are different each season and hours are dependent on how many daylight hours we have. New for 2021, we will offer limited early bird and evening ticket options (those tickets will be posted to our ticket page when they become available).
There is a unique opportunity to see an exhibit in the gardens during this visit. Contemporary American artist Kristine Mays's life-size, three-dimensional dancing wire sculptures will emerge throughout the gardens for the special exhibition Rich Soil, on view from June 26, 2021 through January 9, 2022.
Mays breathes life into wire, transforming an industrial product into fascinating and moving works of art. Springing to life throughout the 13 acres of formal gardens, 29 sculptures will surprise visitors as they dance throughout the garden beds, bursting forth from the plant life. "My hope is that the figures will spring forth like spirits rising from the soil, to be recognized, revered and embraced," Mays has explained. "May they push through while at the same time mingling and dancing among the flowers. Both plant and human beings come and go—reverberating within the cycles of life.”
Choose your favorite photo spot: Great Falls, Harper's Ferry, Skyline Drive, pumpkin fields, or your own neighborhood. Any location is fair game for sharing your photos and experiences for this theme. We'll discuss your photos at the OPC Zoom meeting October 22nd at noon.
November
December
Field Trip Schedule for 2020
.
January 17
Museum of Women in the Arts
1250 New York Ave, NW, Washington, DC
Opportunity to photograph Masonic building architecture, the art collection, and to see a special photography exhibit called “Live Dangerously.”
.
February 21
Smithsonian Natural History Museum
10th and Constitution Ave, NW, Washington, DC
.
March 20
National Building Museum 401 F Street, NW Museum exploring the history and impact of architecture, engineering, landscape architecture and design... The Virtual Field Trip to the NBMWelcome to the OLLI Photo Club's virtual field trip to the National Building Museum. The link above will open a YouTube video of a slide presentation given in the OLLI 2018 course, F106 Virtual Museum Tour. Slides advance every 10 seconds. Pressing the space bar will pause and restart the video. Moving the timeline cursor along the bottom of the video will position to different slides. Enjoy!.
April 17
River Farm 7931 E Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA Home of the American Horticultural Society, 25 landscaped acres overlooking the Potomac..WIFT - Social Distancing Survival Techniques .
April 24
WIFT - Celebrations
.
May 1
Reston, VA View from 22nd floor of John Hoover’s Reston building is a 360 degree look including DULLES AIRPORT, EAST & NORTH TO MARYLAND, WEST, TYSONS CORNER, MOUNTAINS, ETC.
. .WIFT - Trails and Sidewalks .
May 15
Franciscan Monastery 1400 Quincy Street, NE, Washington, DC Church and gardens.
. .WIFT - Abstracts and Pets .
May 22
WIFT - Photos of Unusual Perspective
.
May 29
WIFT - Landscapes: Home and Neighborhood
.
June 19
Green Springs Gardens
Gunston Hall 10709 Gunston Rd, Mason Neck, VA Home of George Mason, gardens and trail to the Potomac. . -- or -- . Mason Neck State Park 7301 High Point Road, Lorton, VA Park on the Belmont Bay with trails along the coast, through the marsh and woodlands.
.
July 3
Nearby Old Towns, Our Heritage
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July 17
National Arboretum 3501 New York Ave., NE, Washington, DC Gardens representing different climates, the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum and the National Capitol Columns.
. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
.
August 21
Sully Historical Site 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly, VA, 20151 Sully was completed in 1799 by Richard Bland Lee, Northern Virginia's first Representative to Congress. It is on the National Register for Historic Places and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
. River Farm
7121 East Boulevard Drive in Alexandria
River Farm is the home of the American Horticultural Society, with extensive gardens along the Potomac River.
.
.
September 18
Occoquan Regional Park
9751 Ox Road
Trails along the river, Turning Point Plaza honoring women suffragists. Options to combine this with a visit to the nearby Workhouse Arts Center or the town of Occoquan.
.
October 16
Theodore Roosevelt Island
Off of Northbound Memorial Parkway near Key Bridge
Park with trails, views of the Potomac River. Option of bridge photos.
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November 20
National Army Museum Ft. Belvoir, Virginia Museum opens in June 2020.
. Great Falls -- Maryland, Virginia, or both!
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December 18
US Botanical Garden
Special Christmas display at this time.
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Schedule subject to change per weather, member’s preferences and suggestions.
June 16 Yards Park (Nationals) and Blind Whino Church
July 21 Kenilworth Gardens
August 18 Museum of Natural History
September 15 Georgetown Waterfront
October 20 Freer and Sackler Galleries
Novembe 17 Holocaust Museum
December 15 National Museum of African American History and Culture
Schedule subject to change per weather, member’s preferences and suggestions
Additional Friday venues: Alexandria and Occoquan
Additional Possibilities: Folklife Festival (June 29-July 4 and July 6-9), Summit Point Racetrack (day trip – approximately 40 minutes from Dulles Airport), Scales and Tails (Cunningham Falls State Park, MD)
Allen Wright, former specialist at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, presented a comprehensive and informative course on the story of Wonder Woman, feminism, and the history of female superheroes―summer 2024
On Friday, July 19, President Debbie Engleson opened the OLLI Board of Directors meeting at 10:00 with 14 Directors, Jennifer Disano (Executive Director), and 13 OLLI members/staff in TA‑1 and on Zoom.
We are continuing to investigate potential locations in Loudoun and Reston for classes and meetings. Cascades Senior Center and Library, which are close to our previous Loudoun campus location, share a parking lot and could meet our needs between them. Since the number of members in these locations has been reduced, we need more volunteers to help generate new memberships and support these events.
The OLLI Website Committee has been working diligently to make our website easier to navigate and more attractive to new members. Our video snippets are being completed now and will be embedded in our website, as well as be available for events and briefings.
Chair Marilyn Harriman and the Diversions Committee have been very active with events for 2024 and 2025. The Walk and Talk Club had 16 members march in the Fairfax City Fourth of July Parade. Our June OLLI Picnic at Tallwood was most successful. Events coming up into 2025 are the fall Kickoff Coffee, Oktoberfest, Game Day Bash, Holiday Party, St. Patrick’s Day, Annual Dance Party, OLLI Picnic and Potluck in the Park, and Trivia Event.
Chair Kathryn Russell and the OLLI Programming Team have been providing many wonderful classes with highly qualified teachers. They take members’ ideas and locate veteran instructors to present them, assist in developing classes, create schedules, and design the great catalogs we see each quarter. We NEED more volunteers to help and fill the team as the members are aging out.
The “Dirty Knee Club” and Mason workers have done a wonderful job planting the blooming flowerbeds around the Tallwood buildings. Mason has also been busy refurbishing our walkways between classrooms and repairing our air conditioning in TA‑1.
See you in September at our next OLLI Board Meeting in Tallwood TA‑1 and on Zoom at 10:00 on Friday, September 20.
Do you like to dance, listen to music, meet people, and have fun? Join us for a "dance club interest meeting" via Zoom on Tuesday, July 30 at 2:00. The Zoom link will be included in the OLLI daily schedule.
No expertise in dancing is needed. Your ideas and suggestions are welcome for making this another great OLLI activity. If you have questions, please email Lila Goldstein at mailto:[email protected].
Editor’s note: This article appeared in prior E–News issues; it is repeated here to foster interest in an OLLI dance club.
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Every Wednesday afternoon at 4:00, Team Bloch moderates an online conversation on OLLI's 24/7 chat line. Each week we choose a different topic and encourage sharing of our thoughts, experiences, and opinions.
Team Bloch's topic for July 31 is Which Option Is More Reasonable – to Rent vs. Own Where You Live?
At this point in our lives, do we really need to own the home we live in? Sure, many of us have a lot of stuff and need a place to put it. There are great storage units in the area for this. Do you want to deal with replacing windows and appliances, calling the plumber or the electrician? Maybe it is much easier to rent a home and call the superintendent when there is a problem? Throughout our lives, the consensus was to own your home. Do you think that is still true?
Join us at 4:00 on the 31st to give us your opinion(s)—lots of pros and cons on this topic. OLLI's daily-schedule email will provide you with the Zoom link.
No lush pampered lawn for me
Beautiful “weeds” under the tree
Moss abounds in the cool shade
Forming a soft pillow-like glade
Purple henbit sparkles in the green
Yellow buttercup always the queen
Squirrels finding their acorns around
Ground birds pecking as grubs abound
A pollinator’s retreat, wild blooms arise
As the sun heats brilliant blue skies
Green and wild, I’ll take lush anytime
Soon nature will show in all its prime
–Sally Sibley
*My father was an expert gardener. I am an enthusiastic wannabe. When he was quite elderly, he visited me and I was showing him all the weeds in the lawn. He said “green is green.” Sweet.
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Sulaiha Mastan, affectionately known to her friends as “Su.” An extraordinary woman, Su moved to our community from Malaysia and earned her PhD in clinical psychology from George Mason University.
In the early years of her career, Su served as a forensic psychologist for Fairfax County, an experience that inspired her to establish a private practice. For the past 15 years, she worked as a clinical psychologist at Kaiser Permanente, providing invaluable support to both adolescents and adults. During her tenure at Kaiser, Su created an award-winning program for transgender youth, showcasing her dedication and innovative spirit.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Su was a cherished member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). She initially joined as a student, but her commitment and passion led her to volunteer in the OLLI office and contribute significantly to the newly formed Diversity Advisory Committee, even amidst her serious illness.
Su's legacy of compassion, dedication, and service will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be profoundly missed.
She is survived by her beloved daughter Helina and partner of many years, Lou Riggs. Lou can be reached at [email protected].
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 pageor 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 linkto 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.
No performances this month, but single tickets for next season's performances go on sale for non-subscribers August 1. Check CFA ticket purchase page for schedule of performances.
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, 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 27
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jul 29
9:30 am
10:00 am
4:00 pm
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Bridge Club
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Tue Jul 30
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Dance Club Interest Meeting – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 31
4:00 pm
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu Aug 1
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 2
9:30 am
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm
Dabbling Artists
Mah Jongg Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Sat Aug 3
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Aug 5
9:30 am
11:00 am
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Poetry Reading Club – online
Tue Aug 6
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Chair Yoga Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Aug 7
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Aug 8
11:50 am
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
All the News – online
Chair Yoga Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 9
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
1:00 pm
2:30 pm
2:30 pm
Photography Club – online
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Tallwood Book Club – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
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, 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.
Hold onto your cards, OLLI Mason has shuffled the staff deck. Make note of these changes so you can work with a full hand going forward!
Steven Leyva was born in New Orleans and raised in Houston. His poems have appeared or are forthcoming in 2 Bridges Review, Scalawag, Nashville Review, jubilat, Vinyl, and Prairie Schooner. He is a Cave Canem fellow and author of the chapbook Low Parish. Steven holds an MFA from the University of Baltimore, where he is an associate professor in the Klein Family School of Communications Design. Click 
es in the current fall catalog, which can awaken your music gene, recall memories of times past, and present an opportunity to sing along.
Mark Weinstein, long-time OLLI member, died on August 7, 2024; he joined in the fall of 2009. Mark was devoted to lifelong learning and teaching. He was slated to teach a fall OLLI class on Steerage—traveling in the lowest category of passenger accommodations on westbound trans-Atlantic steamships at the end of the 18th and early 19th centuries.
One of the best events is coming on Saturday, September 28 at Mason: ARTS By George. It is a unique evening which combines many of my favorite things—incredible entertainment, talented student artists in all areas of the arts spectrum—music (Jazz, piano, opera, wind symphony), dance, theater, music technology, art technology, film, Green Machine and more. Also, there will be delicious food and drink throughout. When you sign in, you will receive a schedule for the early evening with so much to choose from as you walk around the arts venues (and did I mention food and drinks?). The evening will close with a concert by the amazing Tony-award-winning Lea Salonga in Mason’s Center for the Arts. More details are available at 
