JohnMiller, US Navy Vice Admiral (Ret.), Presented an Informative Analysisofthe Growing Danger of Strategic Competition, Confrontation, and Conflict; July 3
By Kathryn Russell, OLLI Program Committee Co-Chair
Have you noticed that OLLI catalogs are becoming heftier? That’s because our choices have grown substantially in recent years. Each term we choose from a stunning array of courses, special events, clubs, and ongoing activities. Then there’s the added advantage of choosing among in-person, Zoom, and hybrid classes. As we’re enjoying this fabulous summer term and anticipating the arrival of the fall catalog soon, this is a good time to reflect on how all these wonderful activities come into being. And to consider becoming a program volunteer.
There’s no magic involved. We begin with ideas generated not only by program planners, but also by many OLLI members. For example, you may come up with an idea inspired by a class you’re currently taking. You may discover a fascinating idea in the media or some other source. Or perhaps you’re thinking of teaching a class.
We invite you to come along and join in the process of program making. You’ll find so many rewards when you become an OLLI program volunteer. Volunteers often speak of the personal satisfaction that comes from sharing their talents with appreciative OLLI audiences. And they enjoy the camaraderie of their peers who share common interests.
One easy way to get involved is to attend one of the program planning group meetings that are held periodically, usually by Zoom. Look for announcements of these meetings in the E-News. For more information, contact one of the program planning leaders listed at the beginning of each subject area of the OLLI catalog. Or let one of the Program Committee co-chairs know about your interest. We want to hear from you!
Opportunities to Join the OLLI E-News Editorial Team
By Paul Van Hemel, E-News Chief Editor
If you love OLLI and are interested in an easy way to contribute a volunteer effort to the organization, here’s an opportunity to do so by becoming a member of the E-News editorial team. By serving one day every four or five weeks as Editor of the Week, you can have a positive impact on OLLI and enjoy a pleasant journalistic experience. We have openings for a couple of new editors.
E-News is one of several OLLI publications that is created using MailChimp software. We will teach you what you need to know and be able to do to put together an E-News issue. You don’t have to generate content, which generally is submitted by OLLI-member coordinators for committees, clubs, and activities. If you are interested and have questions or would like to know more, please contact me at [email protected]. Thanks!
Jerry Cheng, our instructor, has taught 500 classes for the Tai Chi Club on Zoom! He reached this milestone at the end of June. When the pandemic started in May 2020, Jerry suggested that we could benefit from the gentle exercise of Tai Chi three times a week, not just on Saturdays. We have classes at 4:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, allowing Jerry to return from work at his law practice, and also at 10:30 on Saturday mornings.
After the pandemic restrictions were reduced, Jerry has needed to miss teaching some classes because of court dates or client consultations. The OLLI members who host the meetings share a recent recording of a Tai Chi session when that happens. The 500-class milestone mentioned in the first sentence is when Jerry has been in-person on Zoom (is that an oxymoron?).
Some members miss seeing others in the TA-3 classroom, but others are quite pleased to exercise in private, avoiding traffic and parking challenges, and moving chairs before and after each lesson. Many OLLI members have been pleased to discover the benefits of regular physical activity that would not be possible without a virtual option at OLLI. Thank you, Jerry, for providing this opportunity for us!
Change of Date for Wednesday Chat Session This Coming Week
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Team Bloch is unable to host the usual conversation hour on Wednesday, July 17. However, we are rescheduling, for this week only, to Tuesday, July 16 at 4:00. The proposed topic will be a discussion of all the careers and jobs that are no longer viable or much in demand (e.g., secretary, shoe repairman/woman, itinerant knife sharpener, union steward) and what jobs and careers have popped up to replace them (e.g., computer programmer, influencer, equal opportunity officer). Since we left school, worker demand has changed significantly!
Look for us in the coming week on Tuesday the 16th—we should be on the OLLI Daily Schedule, but you can always log into the 24/7 chat line to find us.
The Computer Club (OLLI Personal Computer User Group, or OPCUG) will meet with its partner, the Potomac Area Technology and Computer Society (PATACS) on Saturday, July 20, in person and via Zoom. The Zoom session opens at 12:45.
Secure File Deletion—Presented by John Krout
This presentation will help you understand how Windows stores your files. When you choose to delete a file, Windows delete a file you choose in a way that allows a File Recovery application to recover the deleted file, including the file name and the file data, during a limited time window. You will learn about Recuva, a zero-cost File Recovery application.
Sometimes, though, you want to make sure a file is deleted securely, in a way that prevents recovery of it. Examples include:
your gift idea list for anyone else in your house sharing use of the computer
before lending or donating the computer to a young techie-to-be who has no qualms about snooping around in the computer
if you sell the computer or send it out for repair.
You will learn what Secure File Deletion does to prevent file recovery in such cases. You will learn how to use that capability in three applications: CCleaner, File Shredder, both of which are zero-cost, and System Mechanic, a commercial application.
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.
Windows Virtual Machines (VM): the What, Why, and How—Presented by Roger Fujii
This will be a quick primer on some Virtual Machine (VM) options available on Windows 10/11. It will cover what VMs are, what one would use a VM for, and how to set it up. Bring your questions about this little known but potentially highly‑useful technology.
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 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.
For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or HyltonCenter, call 1-888-945-2468. You can also buy tickets online through the event calendar (see the CFA ticket page link 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 link to stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a websiteMason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past 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., bolded below. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
Sat Jul 13
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jul 15
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 16
1:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 17
4:00 pm
Spanish Club – online
Thu Jul 18
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Jul 19
9:30 am
9:30 am
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm
Dabbling Artists Club
Mah Jongg Club
Crafts and Conversation Board of Directors Meeting
Homer, etc. – online
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Sat Jul 20
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Jul 22
9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Tue Jul 23
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 24
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
7:00 pm
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Theater Lovers’ Group
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
New Zealand and Ireland Travel – online
Thu Jul 25
4:30 pm
6:00 pm
7:00 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats Club – online
Canada and Portugal Travel – online
Fri Jul 26
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
1:00 pm
2:30 pm
Crafts and Conversation
Spanish Club
Homer, etc. – online
Photography Club
Stay Active and Independent for Life – 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.
Last month, our trivia team, Los Viejos, followed up a first-place win with an equally surprising second-place finish.
Final question: Which NHL team, which has already won three Stanley Cups in this century, is the oldest in the Western Conference?
We will be meeting again this Thursday (the 11th) at Kalypso’s in Reston, which is in the same complex as the Lake Anne OLLI campus. The game starts at 7:00. Andi and I are usually there around 6:30 to hold a table.
If you decide to give it a try, please text or e-mail in advance: (423) 524-5149 and [email protected]. We may not meet again until August.
Caregivers’ Support Group @ OLLI By Doris Bloch, Caregivers’ Support Group Co-Coordinator
Did you know that OLLI Mason sponsors a biweekly Zoom support group meeting for caregivers on Friday afternoons? Originally an informal gathering, the group is now listed on the registration portal and you can sign up to be on the email list.
The support group covers several helpful areas. We give our participants an opportunity to talk about their caregiving situation(s) with a supportive group, and also try to provide practical information, both from our own personal experience and/or from other knowledgeable resources. These resources could be internet-based or referrals to local social service agencies. We also draw on the expertise of the George Mason University School of Social Work, which supports us by providing the group meetings with a facilitator from their Master's in Social Work program.
Participation is low–key and you can remain anonymous if you prefer to do so.
Our meetings usually last no more than one hour. Our next Zoom-based meeting is scheduled for Friday, July 12, at 2:30 and the link will be listed on the Daily Schedule for that day. Just jump in; you don't need to register.
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].
Some Programs Cannot Come to OLLI, But We Can Go to Them By Camille Hodges,Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Co-Chair, and Diversity Advisory Group Co-Chair
While OLLI is looking for presenters with expertise regarding American Indian history, you can find out more about the heritage, customs, and daily life of our Native Americans at the 2024 Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Here's an excerpt from the Smithsonian website:
From the websitehttps://festival.si.edu:"At the 2024 Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall, Indigenous artists and makers, professional chefs and home cooks, musicians, dancers, athletes, and storytellers will demonstrate the depth of multigenerational traditions as well as new, innovative approaches to cultural expression.
Join a circle of celebration with stories, songs, and dance. Experience ancestral foods like the Three Sisters (beans, corn, and squash) and inventive, sustainable cuisine. Learn stories that underlie Indigenous sports and games. Hear how Indigenous youth are reclaiming their languages through spoken-word and hip-hop. Explore traditional arts that flourish in their connections to place and environmental knowledge."
Keep in mind that it’s hot in early July! Those of us who have attended these festivals know it’s worth the trip, but don’t do too much in one day. Take your grandkids, bottled water, snacks, wear a hat, and enjoy. Thanks!
Editor's Note: This article appeared in prior issues of E-News; it is repeated here to encourage your participation in celebrating the National Museum of the American Indian.
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.
Our topic for July 10: Tell us about the first time you voted—e.g., where and how old you were, what you had to do to register, how you felt about it. Would you encourage your younger family members to register to vote?
You can find the Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) conversation Zoom link listed in the Daily Schedule each Wednesday.
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.
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 Jul 6
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jul 8
9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Tue Jul 9
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 10
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu Jul 11
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Jul 12
9:30 am
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
1:00 pm
2:30 pm
2:30 pm
Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Spanish Club
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Tallwood Book Club – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Sat Jul 13
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jul 15
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 16
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 17
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Spanish Club – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu Jul 18
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Jul 19
9:30 am
9:30 am
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm
Dabbling Artists Club
Mah Jongg Club
Crafts and Conversation Board of Directors Meeting
Homer, etc. – online
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Sat Jul 20
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
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.
From the Art and Music Program Planners—Summer Art Classes
By Christine Narbut, Art and Music Program Planning Group Co-Chair
The summer term started this week and there is a great selection of Art classes to consider.
A Painter Always Paints Himself: A History of Self-Portraits, Part Two (Part 1 not required)Mondays, June 24 – July 15, 11:50, via Zoom
Dabbling Artistshybrid
There are four different sessions of Dabbling Artists listed in the catalog. In Art and Music, the five-session hybrid class—which meets on Thursdays, 11:50–1:15 – July 11, 18, 25; and August 1—will be the last of the Dabbling Artists classes as it transitions into the Dabbling Artists Club.
This summer, the Dabbling Artists Club will meet every other Friday from 9:30-11:30 July 19; August 2, 16, 30; and September 13, 27. Dabbling Artists come together to share visual art skills and ideas in painting, drawing, pen and ink or color pencil sketches, pastels, or mixed media. We meet in person at Fairfax in TA‑3 and via Zoom. Join the class and/or club to share this creative time with your OLLI friends.
Some Programs Cannot Come to OLLI, But We Can Go to Them
By Camille Hodges, Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Co-Chair, and Diversity Advisory Group Co-Chair
OLLI is looking for presenters with expertise regarding American Indian history. Meanwhile…
Indigenous Voices of the Americas
Celebrating the National Museum of the American Indian. June 26–July 1, 2024
From the websitehttps://festival.si.edu:"At the 2024 Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall, Indigenous artists and makers, professional chefs and home cooks, musicians, dancers, athletes, and storytellers will demonstrate the depth of multigenerational traditions as well as new, innovative approaches to cultural expression.
Join a circle of celebration with stories, songs, and dance. Experience ancestral foods like the Three Sisters (beans, corn, and squash) and inventive, sustainable cuisine. Learn stories that underlie Indigenous sports and games. Hear how Indigenous youth are reclaiming their languages through spoken-word and hip-hop. Explore traditional arts that flourish in their connections to place and environmental knowledge."
Keep in mind that it’s hot in late June and early July! Those of us who have attended these festivals know it’s worth the trip, but don’t do too much in one day. Take your grandkids, bottled water, snacks, wear a hat, and enjoy. Thanks!
Editor's Note: This article appeared in the last issue of E-News; it is repeated here to encourage your participation in celebrating the National Museum of the American Indian.
By Norma Jean Reck, Theater Lovers' Group Coordinator
TLG to see Hair
Due to popular request, Theater Lovers' Group (TLG) members and our always welcome guests will see the Sunday 2 PM matinee performance of Hair at Signature Theater on Sunday, July 7, followed by dinner at Eugenia. You and your guests are invited to join us for a delightful afternoon of fun and fabulous cuisine. To purchase your tickets, either phone Signature box office at 703-820-9771 or go online sigtheatre.org ASAP. There are a few tickets left. Please email me if you want to join our fabulous group for dinner so I can make the necessary reservations.
TLG Goes to Contemporary American Theater Festival
On Wednesday, July 10, Theater Lovers and guests will carpool to Shepherdstown, West Virginia, to see Tornado Tastes Like Autumn Sting and Parts 1 and 2 of What Will Happen to All That Beauty, with supper at the theater at intermission. We will stay overnight at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Charles Town, 10 miles from Shepherdstown. Group rate is $159. To make a reservation, phone Devin at 304-725-2200 or email her at [email protected]. Tell her you are with OLLI Theater Group. Free breakfast, wifi, restaurants, etc.
On Thursday, July 11, we will meet for a lecture and then see Enough to let the Light In, after which we will meet for dinner before departing for home.
We need two more people to sign up to get the discount rate of $212 for the tickets. If interested, please email Norma at [email protected] ASAP.
TLG to Hold Luncheon-Planning Meeting
On Wednesday, July 24, TLG will meet at Hamrock's for a luncheon meeting to plan for upcoming events as well as plays the upcoming 2024-2025 theater season. Everyone is welcome. Bring a friend and your show suggestions. Details to be announced shortly.
Editor's Note: Article unedited and as submitted, at the request of the author
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Continuing our Wednesday Conversations series, Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) will moderate a Zoom discussion on July 3 at 4:00. Our topic for July 3 is Inflation – Is It Tamed or Still Out of Control?
While the data suggest inflation is down, is that what you are experiencing? Insurance is rising dramatically. A haircut, going out to eat, the cost of a repair and other services seem to be increasing. How do we explain this disconnect? Why are we skeptical of the data?
Feel free to join in with us on Zoom using the 24/7 Chat Line login. Our conversations usually run about an hour, and we encourage you to participate. Everyone gets an opportunity to share their opinions and we all learn a lot.
Team Bloch (consisting of Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) conducts the Wednesday Conversation every week at 4:00, but there is no need to register or otherwise commit to joining in advance. It’s all done ad hoc. We welcome your thoughts and insights.
Not one
not ten
not hundreds
not thousands
but millions
of men, women, and children
should be marching
the labyrinth
the length and breadth of our land
with signs saying We demand better gun governance.
But if not millions
if not thousands
if not hundreds
if not ten
then one person
one man, woman, or child
should be marching.
By Christine Cimino, Workhouse Arts Center Director of Marketing and Communications
The Workhouse Arts Center is presenting our annual FireWorks event on Saturday evening, June 29 (tomorrow), 6:00-10:00. This year we have several fun activities to enjoy including lawn games, performances from local music and dance groups, kids’ activities, …and fireworks!
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.
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 Jun 29
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jul 1
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 2
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 3
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Spanish Club – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu Jul 4
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Jul 5
9:30 am
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm
Mah Jongg Club
Crafts and Conversation
Dabbling Artists Club
Homer, etc. – online
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Sat Jul 6
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jul 8
9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Tue Jul 9
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 10
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu Jul 11
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Jul 12
9:30 am
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
1:00 pm
2:30 pm
2:30 pm
Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Spanish Club
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.
Executive Director Jennifer Disano, several OLLI members, and staff meet with residents at Woodleigh Chase senior living community to recruit new members, June 3
OLLI Personal Computer User Group meets Saturday, June 15 (tomorrow) in person and via Zoom; check the OLLI daily-schedule email for the Zoom link and other information.
Summer-term registration continues throughout the term, which begins June 24.
The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, June 28; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, June 25, at 6:00.
On Friday, June 7, Election Chair Marilyn Harriman opened the OLLI Board of Directors meeting at 10:00 with 14 Directors, Jennifer Disano (Executive Director) and 11 OLLI members/staff in TA‑1 and on Zoom.
The election chair and Board members affirmed new President Debbie Engleson, then affirmed the other Board of Director officers for this year of service. All four were voted signature authority for the OLLI bank accounts.
President: Debbie Engleson
Vice President: Emily Roudebush
Secretary: Bob Heyer
Treasurer: Dick Crawford
President Debbie Engleson indicated she will use a time clock for all those recognized to speak during meetings. As past OLLI treasurer, she reported that OLLI income is above budget and expenses are under budget through the second quarter of 2024.
Executive Director Jennifer Disano reported that we have resolved the OLLI malicious portal attack with no additional charges by the bank for transactions during this event, and no compromise of any member data. Additionally, she is working with the Loudoun County supervisor to locate places OLLI can use for future events in the Loudoun area. We have held a very successful briefing at Woodleigh Chase Retirement Community and expect to have some new OLLI members soon. Jennifer is also working with The Mather and expects to sign members from there as well.
Emily Roudebush reported that five video vignettes are in final editing to be used for marketing and on the OLLI website to tell the OLLI story. Additionally, the OLLI website redesign has gone through Beta testing. Next, the Website Committee will assess any issues found and propose timing and funding options for the Board's consideration.
Congratulations to our new Board officers and our newly-elected Board members Camille Hodges, Dick Crawford, Toni Acton, Suresh Mohla, and Zach Teich.
All OLLI members are welcome at our monthly OLLI Board meetings in Tallwood TA‑1 or on Zoom at 10:00 on the 3rd Friday of each month.
By Marilyn Harriman, 2024 Nominations and Election Chair
As noted in my article in the last issue, five candidates were elected to the Board in the recent election: Toni Acton, Dick Crawford, Camille Hodges, Suresh Mohla, and Zach Teich.
This year, voter turnout was 42%, one percent below last year, according to Administrator Susan Todenhoft. Four of the five electees are incumbents who will serve a second term of office; Suresh Mohla is a new Board director who begins his three-year term this month. Congratulations to our newly elected directors!
We bid farewell to director Debby Mossburg, who completed her term of service in May. She made many valuable contributions to the board, including being Outreach Chair, which she will continue.
Canvassing and recruiting Executive Committee officers was finalized at the end of May. Board directors elected the officer slate by acclamation. Our 2024-2025 officers are:
Debbie Engleson President
Emily Roudebush Vice President
Bob Heyer Secretary
Dick Crawford Treasurer.
Our new officers bring a wealth of non-profit board leadership experience to our organization and will guide us as we seek solutions in a post-Covid world.
Debbie Engleson has served one year on the OLLI Mason Executive Committee as treasurer, working with Executive Director Jennifer Disano and Finance Committee Chair David Osterman. Debbie previously served on a non-profit board, the National Council of Jewish Women, twice as president in two different cities.
Emily Roudebush has served on the OLLI Board for one year and leads the OLLI Promotion and Marketing Project. She also serves on another non-profit board, the New Dominion Chorale, and is ending her first year as president.
Bob Heyer is finishing his first year as secretary on the OLLI Mason Executive Committee and has served four years on the Board. He also serves on the Braddock Road Youth Soccer Club executive committee and previously served as chairman of the endowment fund at his church.
Dick Crawford will serve his second term on the OLLI Board. He was OLLI Mason Executive Committee vice president, 2023-2024, and has previously served on corporate and trade boards of directors, including as chairman of the National Council of Chain Restaurants. He also served as a government relations advisor to the board of directors of a large national chain restaurant.
By Emily Roudebush, 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? 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 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 ten minutes, as part of another activity, such as a luncheon or meeting, or 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.
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Every Wednesday afternoon at 4:00, Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, who, by the way, are not related except in friendship) moderate a casual conversation on Zoom among OLLI members. Everyone is welcome to join in and express their thoughts and ideas or just listen to the discussion.
Our topic for June 19 is What are you reading now?
Summer is here! It often signals a change in our reading patterns or what the print media often label as "beach reads," although we decided last year that this was not a helpful term. We are curious to know what you are reading now and whether you would recommend the book to us. Rereading an old favorite? A newly released novel or nonfiction book? Have you found a particular genre or author you're hooked on? Please join us and share what you are enjoying now.
The topic for Wednesday June 26 is Which old clothes do we keep and why do we keep them? This was a topic suggested by an OLLI member.
It is fairly common to have clothes in your closet of various sizes if you tend to go up and down in weight. Some other cherished and saved items might be a wedding dress, bridesmaid dress, or mother-of the bride or groom dress. Favorite jeans? Power suit from pre-retirement days? "What I wore on the night when...?" Tuxedo? It doesn't need to fit to bring back memories. What's in your closet?
You can always join us on the OLLI 24/7 Chat Line; check the daily schedule for the Zoom link. No pre-registration or commitment required. (Or as we say at OLLI, no homework, no prerequisites, no academic degree needed.)
On Thursday, June 20, 11:00-1:00, join your OLLI friends and colleagues for a relaxing time in Tallwood’s backyard. This is a BYO event. Please bring your blanket, picnic lunch, and non-alcoholic beverage, and plan to relax under a tree on our expansive grass-lined grounds behind the academic buildings. Lawn chairs are welcome. We’ll also have picnic tables set up for those who’d prefer to sit above the grass.
The Diversions team will provide the entertainment with a cornhole game, croquet, and badminton. Located in the back of the Tallwood campus, 4210 Roberts Road, Fairfax, the plants, trees, and expanse of lawn make a welcome lunchtime sanctuary.
The long-range weather forecast looks very warm for June 20, with more clouds than sun. Sunscreen, light clothing, and a sunhat are recommended.
If you haven’t already signed up, register for Event 1202 in the member portal.
Some Programs Cannot Come to OLLI, But We Can Go to Them
By Camille Hodges, Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Co-Chair, and Diversity Advisory Group Co-Chair
OLLI is looking for presenters with expertise regarding American Indian history. Meanwhile…
Indigenous Voices of the Americas
Celebrating the National Museum of the American Indian. June 26–July 1, 2024
From the websitehttps://festival.si.edu:"At the 2024 Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall, Indigenous artists and makers, professional chefs and home cooks, musicians, dancers, athletes, and storytellers will demonstrate the depth of multigenerational traditions as well as new, innovative approaches to cultural expression.
Join a circle of celebration with stories, songs, and dance. Experience ancestral foods like the Three Sisters (beans, corn, and squash) and inventive, sustainable cuisine. Learn stories that underlie Indigenous sports and games. Hear how Indigenous youth are reclaiming their languages through spoken-word and hip-hop. Explore traditional arts that flourish in their connections to place and environmental knowledge."
Keep in mind that it’s hot in late June and early July! Those of us who have attended these festivals know it’s worth the trip, but don’t do too much in one day. Take your grandkids, bottled water, snacks, wear a hat, and enjoy.
Traveling with OLLI Mason: Iceland, December, 2023
By Zach Teich, Board Member
Eight intrepid OLLI Mason lifelong learners spent a week in Iceland in mid-December last year in OLLI’s recently established travel program. The tour, called Iceland’s Magical Northern Lights, was presented by Collette, a very experienced tour operator. The tour included airport transfers to/from Dulles International and from/to Reykjavik airport, the roundtrip flight, all land transportation and accommodation in Iceland, and most meals.
Pre-trip, Collette provided information about what we would see in Iceland, tips on clothing to bring, and the need to bring crampons for use walking on ice(!). The information package also contained what turned out to be a prophetic warning: there was no guarantee of actually seeing the northern lights; in fact, we had no luck seeing them.
In Reykjavik, we took a walking tour with a very knowledgeable local guide and had a marvelous dinner at a restaurant that featured Icelandic cuisine.
We also traveled to Vik, our base of operations for three days exploring the Golden Circle, which has a host of attractions both natural and man-made. Our hotel there was somewhat more basic than the one in Reykjavik but was comfortable and the buffet meals were very good.
In Vik, we saw geothermal areas, lava fields, waterfalls, glaciers, iceberg fields, black sand beaches, and three very interesting museums. We weren’t able to stop at the famous Blue Lagoon for a very good reason―the road was closed due to fear of an imminent volcanic eruption!
All-in-all, OLLI Mason’s Iceland trip with Collette was wonderful. Both hotels were modern and comfortable. The activity level was age-appropriate, and it included more strenuous options for those so inclined. Most importantly, even though the northern lights didn’t cooperate, there was no shortage of wonderful sights to see in Iceland.
Last week, we took down a roomful of Millennials in what was a true team effort. They were very gracious about their defeat. It was one of those rare nights where the ball happened to bounce our way each time.
Final question: Which small Caribbean island is known as the ‘Spice Island’ for the export of nutmeg?
We are skipping the next few weeks due to a recurring event at Lake Anne which makes parking difficult. As such, we do not plan to meet again until July 11th.
If you are interested in joining us in July at Kalypso’s in Reston, please text or e-mail: (423) 524-5149 or [email protected].
By Darden Purcell, D.M.A. Mason Director of Jazz Studies, Jazz Voice
Mason Jazz proudly announces a series of FREE concerts available this summer. These concerts are part of the Mason Jazz Camp and will take place in the Center for the Arts. No tickets or camp registration are required to attend! We hope to see you there for one or more of these great jazz concerts.
Mason Jazz Camp―MJC Faculty Showcase
Monday, June 24, 3:30-4:30
Center for the Arts Free and open to the public–no tickets/registration required. Click here for details.
Mason Jazz Camp―Leigh Pilzer
Tuesday, June 25, 3:30-4:30
Center for the Arts Free and open to the public–no tickets/registration required. Click here for details.
Mason Jazz Camp―Cyrus Chestnut
Wednesday, June 26, 3:30-4:30
Center for the Arts Free and open to the public–no tickets/registration required. Click here for details.
Mason Jazz Camp―The United States Air Force Airmen of Note
Thursday, June 27, 3:30-4:30
Center for the Arts Free and open to the public–no tickets/registration required. Click here for details.
Mason Jazz Camp―Student Showcase
Friday, June 28, 2:00-4:00 (Note–different time)
Center for the Arts Free and open to the public–no tickets/registration required. Click here for details.
Wings extended wide
a black bird glides high
against a backdrop
of peaked foothills
layered in swirling fog,
stands of dark evergreens
punctuated by snow,
lost to view after it enters
the faint green-yellow
of low-level vegetation
struggling for water.
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.
Mason Jazz Camp Performances
Mon, Jun 24, 3:30 - Mason Jazz Camp Faculty Showcase
Tue, Jun 25, 3:30 – Leigh Pilzer
Wed, Jun 26, 3:30 – Cyrus Chestnut
Thu, Jun 27, 3:30 – Airmen of Note
Fri, Jun 28, 2:00 – Student Showcase
Concert Hall
Admission: Free.
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 Jun 15
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Jun 17
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
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Tue Jun 18
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 Jun 19
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Spanish Club – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu Jun 20
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:50 am
2:00 pm
4:30 pm
Art and Music Program Planning Group online
Picnic in the Park
All the News – online
Chair Yoga Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Jun 21
9:30 am
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm
Dabbling Artists Club
Mah Jongg Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Sat Jun 22
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club - online
Mon Jun 24
9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
What’s in the Daily News? – online Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Tue Jun 25
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
2:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Theater Lovers’ Group special event – hybrid, open to all
Chair Yoga Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jun 26
2:00 pm
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Theater Lovers’ Group – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu Jun 27
2:00 pm
4:30 pm
6:00 pm
Chair Yoga Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats Club – online
Fri Jun 28
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
1:00 pm 2:30 pm
Crafts and Conversation
Spanish Club
Homer, etc. – online
Photography Club
Stay Active and Independent for Life – 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.
By Marilyn Harriman, Board Member and Nominating Committee Chair
Congratulations to the following members elected to the OLLI Board of Directors in the 2024 election:
Toni Acton
Dick Crawford
Camille Hodges
Suresh Mohla
Zach Teich
Thank you to all of the candidates for your willingness to run for election to serve on the OLLI Board of Directors.
By Harry Johnson and Camille Hodges, Diversity Committee Co-Chairs, and
Debby Mossburg, Outreach Committee Chair
Northern Virginia is a community rich in diversity. OLLI Mason―frankly—is not. As avid learners looking to expand our awareness of the world around us, we believe that attracting more members from communities such as Black/African American, Asian, Latino, and other under-represented NOVA communities will only enrich our own experiences at OLLI. To accomplish this goal, we need your help. If you have a connection to any of these communities, we’d like to explore with you ways that we can introduce them to OLLI and share information about the benefits of OLLI membership. Such inroads might be through community centers, clubs and organizations, newsletters, gathering places, and other venues yet to be discovered. We’re looking for volunteers who simply want to offer ideas and suggestions, as well as those who may want a more active role in our outreach effort. We value your input and are looking forward to hearing from you. Please email us at olli.gmu.edu with Diversity in the subject line.
Have you witnessed history in the making? If so, OLLI wants your story for a fall 2024 class entitled I Was There. The class will present the personal stories, photos, and videos of OLLI members who participated in important historical events, either at or behind the scenes. The stories might include, for example, Vietnam, subsequent combat activity, presence at the Tiananmen Square protest, or deliberations in the halls of power about what US policy should be in response to world events. Please email John Quinn at [email protected] with information about what you did or saw. John will contact you to work out the details.
If you love knowledge and competition, consider joining us on Thursdays for trivia at Kalypso’s in Reston (same complex as the Lake Anne Osher campus). We play as a team (Los Viejos).
The game starts at 7:00. Andi and I are usually there around 6:30 to hold a table. If you decide to give it a try, please text or e-mail in advance: (423) 524-5149 and [email protected].
Update: Our inaugural session was somewhat of a roller-coaster. However, we managed a respectable 4th place finish thanks to the final question. Final question: What word is based on the Greek words for “sharp” and “dull.”
By Norma Jean Reck, Coordinator, Theater Lovers’ Group
NYC Your Way November 19-20, 2024
We're spreading the news to all OLLI members that a party bus will leave Fairfax for an overnight stay at the Marriott Marquis Times Square Hotel on Tuesday, November 19. We'll get to The Big Apple mid-afternoon in time to have a fabulous dinner and see a show of your choice that evening. Next day, Wednesday, November 20, you will have plenty of time to do your own thing—shop for the holidays, take a city tour, visit a museum, see a matinee performance, see Rockefeller Center dressed for the holidays, etc.—before leaving late afternoon to return home about 11:00. Overnight parking is free.
Ask Trevor
Need help with discount tickets, making restaurant reservations, and planning what to do? No problem! Our seasoned tour guide Trevor Major is on hand to answer all your questions. Phone him at 804-869-5285 or email him at [email protected]. OLLI members will be meeting with Trevor via Zoom on Tuesday, June 25 at 2:00—be sure to sign up for the meeting. Participants will meet later at OLLI so we can coordinate who wants to do what and when.
Deposit Due
The cost of lodging, transportation, handling of luggage, etc. is $525 double or $675 single. Also included is a $45 voucher for a breakfast at the Marriott.
To hold your space, a deposit of $250 is due now. Make the check payable to Champlain Tours and mail it ASAP to Champlain Tours, PO Box 8585, Burlington, VT 05402.
Please email Norma at [email protected] if you need more information and if you will be joining us on the trip so we can coordinate.
Help spread the news to your friends and family. Remember that guests are always welcome and need not be OLLI members.
On May 10, an adventuresome and curious group of OLLI members drove out to the Chantilly area of Loudoun County to spend the morning at the National Botanic Garden. After an introductory talk in the Stone Barn, we had time to explore the various garden areas and to view the whimsical Hobbit Town and Folly Castle, both of which were constructed from reclaimed materials.
Interesting sculptures are scattered throughout the park. Members interested in horticulture embarked on an informative walking tour to learn about the various types of cacti, bamboo, and other plants on the grounds. In all, it was an enjoyable way to spend a Friday morning at this little-known gem of Northern Virginia. See photos at the top of the issue.
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Continuing our Wednesday Conversations series, Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) will host discussions both on June 5 and June 12 at 4:00.
Our topic for June 5 at 4:00 is When Did Your Family Arrive in America? This is partly genealogy, partly family lore. Also why did they leave their previous home and immigrate? Who and what did they leave behind? There are likely lots of stories to be told behind the scenes and shared with us all.
The topic for June 12 is Book Club Varieties. There has recently been a spotlight thrown on book clubs that do not follow the traditional pattern—for example, the “Silent Book Club,” which we talked about a few months ago. Another variation is a topic-based club, where each member reads a book based on the “assigned” topic, such as WWI biography, and each then enlightens all the club members at the next meeting on what they learned or enjoyed. Another variant is the Online Book Club, where the members never get together in person. Still one more type is refreshment-based, where the nibbles served reflect the chosen book’s setting(s). What’s your preference?
Feel free to join us on Zoom using the 24/7 Chat Line login. Our conversations usually run about an hour, and we encourage you to participate. Everyone gets an opportunity to share their opinions and we all learn a lot.
Team Bloch conducts our Wednesday Conversation every week, but there is no need to register or otherwise commit to joining in. It’s all ad hoc.
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, June 15, in person and via Zoom. The Zoom session opens at 12:45.
It’s All About the Drone/Fairfax County Public Safety UAS Program—Presented by Roy Shrout
Drones can be found in almost every city and county in the United States. In 2020 alone, around 1 million consumer drones were purchased in North America. As of December 31, 2023, the FAA reports that they have 790,918 drones registered in their database. This includes 369,528 commercial drones, 416,095 recreational drones, and 5,295 paper registrations. There are 368,604 individuals who are certified as Part 107 Remote Pilots. To help keep safety as a key component to anyone who flies a drone, the FAA implemented a new safety program called TRUST in June 2021. The law requires that all recreational flyers must first pass a short aeronautical knowledge and safety test prior to flying their drone. So far 667,165 persons have passed this test.
The presentation will focus on two parts.
Part 1: Drone Basics: show and tell and a few videos
What types of drones are available to the public?
What can you do with them?
Safety
Where and when are you allowed to fly (airspace, weather, parks, applicable law)?
Types of required certification/training
Registration
Part 2: Fairfax County Public Safety Program
What steps were used to create the program?
What is the program?
How is it being used today?
The talk will also address the concerns and issues that continue to be raised regarding internationally manufactured drones and what happens if they are banned.
Roy Shrout served as the Deputy Coordinator of Emergency Management for the Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management from 2006 until he retired in April 2020.
This session will include a PC and Tech Support Clinic in the Annex; you must register in advance for clinic and be a member of OPCUG or PATACS to receive assistance from our tech helpers. Click here to access the clinic link.
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 earlier in the 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 389574 (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces) or enter meeting ID 857 2717 9449 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode (preferred method), or dial in at 301-715-8592.
Ephemera
The loving couple collected the slenderest of twigs
To build a fragile nest in our neighbors’ cherry tree.
In mere days she laid three pure white eggs.
Two weeks later they hatched into greedy mouths
That quickly grew and flew away.
The flimsy nest soon fell apart
As if it had never been.
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.
National Community Band Festival: Day 1
Sat, Jun 1, 4:00-9:00
Clark County Community Band 4:00
City of Falls Church Ensemble 5:15
The Main Street Community Ensemble 6:15
Herndon Regional Wind Ensemble 7:45
Center for the Arts
Admission: $19 Adult, $16 Senior.
National Community Band Festival: Day 2
Sun, Jun 2, 1:00
The Cathedral Brass
Arlington Concert Band
Fairfax Wind Symphony
Center for the Arts
Admission: $19 Adult, $16 Senior.
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra: Celebrating Gershwin at 100
Sun, Jun 9, 4:00
Center for the Arts
Admission: $65, $55, $40.
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 Jun 1
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jun 3
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
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Tue Jun 4
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jun 5
10:30 am
4:00 pm
The Investment Forum
Spanish Club – online
Thu Jun 6
11:50 am
4:30 pm
All the News – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Jun 7
9:30 am
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
Mah Jongg Club
Crafts and Conversation Board of Directors Meeting
Homer, etc. – online
Sat Jun 8
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jun 10
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Bridge Club
Poetry Writing Club – online
Tue Jun 11
10:00 am
4:30 pm
LLT Program Planning Group Meeting – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jun 12
10:00 am
10:30 am
4:00 pm
Board Game Club
The Investment Forum
Mah Jongg Club – online
Thu Jun 13
11:50 am
4:30 pm
All the News – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Jun 14
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
2:30 pm
Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Tallwood Book Club – online
Sat Jun 15
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
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.
Professional Photographer Stan Bysshe Treated the Photo Club to an Informative Review of the Evolution of His Career Development and Changing Photographic Technology, with Photos,May 10
I wanted to communicate to you that my term as president comes to an end in June 2024 when a new president and executive committee of the Board of Directors will be elected. I spent the last two years working to effectively represent OLLI and lead the Institute in a progressive and sustainable direction. It has been my honor to serve as your president and I am proud of the work that was accomplished during my tenure.
My first year as president was during the aftermath of COVID-19. By that I mean that it took a long time for us to recover and feel comfortable around people. In those days, we were still wearing masks and distancing. Our membership numbers were declining, even though OLLI continued offering a rich program through Zoom. We also faced a budget deficit related to the decrease in membership. It was time for the Board to look at other ways to secure funding and memberships in tandem with the outstanding and continual work of the Outreach Committee. We began to engage with residential retirement communities to see if we could offer some of our classes for a fee. At first, we didn’t get much interest, but, once Silverstone properties entered into an agreement with us, it seemed like the dam opened up, and now we have several prospects for other lucrative partnerships. Our new contractual partnerships raised the need to have outside legal advice on this and other matters on a precautionary basis. We were able to secure a respected law firm to represent OLLI, on retainer, and on an as-needed basis.
In an effort to connect with the Fairfax community, I discovered that we were offering some classes for free in Fairfax public libraries. Jennifer Disano and I met several times with Supervisor Herrity, then chair of the Older Adults Committee. As a result of those meetings, OLLI has received funding from Fairfax County Public Library system for the past two years. At a recent meeting with Supervisor Alcorn, who took over as chair of the Older Adults Committee, we discovered other areas that we could tap into with the County that have the potential for revenue and recruitment of new members.
With the support of the Board, I reinstated the travel committee which offered exciting travel opportunities for OLLI members. It is important that more members consider these exciting trips both in the U.S. and abroad. OLLI works with travel agencies that give us a percentage of the revenue received from OLLI travelers. We have received our first payment from the Iceland trip that we sponsored.
The OLLI strategic plan called for more diversity in our membership. The Board approved the establishment of a Diversity Committee as a standing committee, reporting directly to the president. That committee is exploring ways to attract various ethnic and racial groups that may not know about OLLI and would be interested in what OLLI has to offer. The goals are to improve the diversity of our members, provide more classes of ethnically diverse interest, and at the same time, grow as an organization.
These efforts resulted in a budget with a healthy surplus for this year. OLLI is financially stable, but there are a lot of things that we can do with that surplus. One example involves the Board review of ways to enhance programming in Loudoun and Reston after the closing of the Mason facility at Loudoun. A small group of Board members are discussing alternatives and possible rentals for class space in Loudoun/Reston and will bring some thoughts to the Board to consider in the months ahead.
Our relationship with George Mason is excellent. Jennifer and I met with the temporary provost, but a new provost is coming on board, and it will be important to continue to foster a good relationship with that office. This year President Gregory Washington spoke at our Teacher Appreciation Dinner as we distributed scholarships to students from 17 different departments. It is clear that the University takes great pride in affiliating with OLLI Mason.
Lastly, my experience as OLLI president has heightened my resolve to keep our Institute thriving and I plan to continue that goal as a Board member this year. I have learned that we can only enhance the intellectual and social aspects of OLLI with volunteers. OLLI is fortunate to have an excellent staff and Executive Director, but we will always need volunteers from our membership for events, teaching classes, program planning, joining a committee, and even serving on the Board. I encourage members to think of ways they can help OLLI. We all have skills to contribute that can enrich the OLLI experience.
Thank you, OLLI members, for your support during these last two years.
Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Meeting May 23
By Camille Hodges, Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group Co-Chair
Here is the information for our meeting next week. Feel free to invite anyone you wish to join us as we begin planning for the 2025 winter term.
Topic: Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events (HSS/CE) Program Planning Group meeting
Time: May 23, 2024, 10:00 Eastern Time (US and Canada) Click on this link to join the Zoom meeting (the link will also appear in the emailed May 23 OLLI Daily Schedule).
Meeting ID: 987 6090 1798
One tap mobile +12678310333,,98760901798# US (Philadelphia) +13017158592,,98760901798# US (Washington DC)
Dial by your location +1 267 831 0333 US (Philadelphia) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
Find your local number: https://gmu.zoom.us/u/awDnslnyA
Join by SIP [email protected]
If you love knowledge, learning and competition, come join us this summer for Trivia night!
The plan is to meet on Thursdays for Pour House trivia, which seems to be the best fit for our age group. We are currently trying to decide between Kalypso’s in Reston and Solace Outpost in Falls Church. If you have questions or would like to be on the list, please send your contact info to [email protected] or call/text (423) 524-5149.
In the meantime, I'll keep everyone up to date on our progress, including a weekly status report and the “final question.”
The Tallwood Book Club will switch to Zoom meetings for June, July, and August. The meetings will be on the second Friday of each month from 2:30-4:00. Scheduled books are as follows:
June 14 Tastes Like War by Margaret Cho
July 12 Under the Wide and Starry Sky by Nancy Horan
August 9 Moloka’i by Alan Brenner
The Zoom link will be shown on the OLLI Daily Schedule for each date.
The May 2024 Photo of the Month theme was Springtime. We selected Cookie (Ellen) Hilert's photo "Pond at Burke Center," 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 Ed Marion, Photography Club Coordinators
Dennis Halpin, OLLI member from fall 2019 to December2023, died at home in Burke, Virginia, on April 19. A lifelong learner, Dennis earned a BA degree in political science and history from Loyola University and studied journalism at Columbia University. He was a Peace Corps volunteer, teaching English in Korea.
Dennis served as a congressional staffer on the House of Representatives International Relations Committee, rallying Congress to pass legislation such as the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004. He promoted human rights in both Koreas during his career.
An avid reader, Dennis had a passion for languages and mastered Korean, Chinese, and Italian throughout his life, and he continued to pursue new interests and expand his interests at OLLI.
A Catholic funeral mass will be held at 11:30 on Saturday, May 18, at Saint Mary's of Sorrows Parish, 5222 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, Virginia 22032. Following the mass, there will be a funeral reception in Fairfax at Auld Shebeen, 3971 Chain Bridge Road, in the Cellar Room from 1:30-4:30, with a live Celtic band. Additionally, a Buddhist funeral will take place from 11:00 until 3:00 on Sunday, May 19, at Bub Hwa Buddhist Temple, 7202 Poplar Street, Annandale, Virginia, with a lunch provided at the Temple.
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.
National Community Band Festival: Day 1
Sat, Jun 1, 4:00-9:00
Clark County Community Band 4:00
City of Falls Church Ensemble 5:15
The Main Street Community Ensemble 6:15
Herndon Regional Wind Ensemble 7:45
Center for the Arts
Admission: $19 Adult, $16 Senior.
National Community Band Festival: Day 2
Sun, Jun 2, 1:00
The Cathedral Brass
Arlington Concert Band
Fairfax Wind Symphony
Center for the Arts
Admission: $19 Adult, $16 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 May 18
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
Mon May 20
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 May 21
9:30 am
2:00 pm
4:30 pm
Annex Art – online
Gentle Yoga Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed May 22
10:00 am
10:30 am
4:00 pm
Bridge Club
Investment Forum – online
Theater Lovers’ Group – online
Thu May 23
10:00 am
11:50 am
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
Humanities & Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group – online
All the News – online
Gentle Yoga Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri May 24
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
Mah Jongg Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Photography Club
Sat May 25
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon May 27
11:00 am
Poetry Reading Club – online
Tue May 28
9:30 am
2:00 pm
4:30 pm
Annex Art – online
Gentle Yoga Club
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed May 29
10:00 am
10:00 am
10:30 am
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Investment Forum
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu May 30
11:50 am
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
6:00 pm
All the News – online
Gentle Yoga Club
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats Club – online
Fri May 31
9:30 am
11:00 am
2:30 pm
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Caregivers 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.
By Camille Hodges, Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Co-Chair, and Diversity Advisory Group Co-Chair
Every Wednesday afternoon at 4:00, Team Bloch moderates an online conversation on OLLI's 24/7 Chat Line. Each week we choose a diffe
The Workhouse Arts Center is presenting our annual FireWorks event on Saturday evening, June 29 (tomorrow), 6:00-10:00. This year we have several fun activities to enjoy including lawn games, performances from local music and dance groups, kids’ activities, …and fireworks!
colleagues for a relaxing time in Tallwood’s backyard. This is a BYO event. Please bring your blanket, picnic lunch, and non-alcoholic beverage, and plan to relax under a tree on our expansive grass-lined grounds behind the academic buildings. Lawn chairs are welcome. We’ll also have picnic tables set up for those who’d prefer to sit above the grass.
December last year in OLLI’s recently established travel program. The tour, called Iceland’s Magical Northern Lights, was presented by Collette, a very experienced tour operator. The tour included airport transfers to/from Dulles International and from/to Reykjavik airport, the roundtrip flight, all land transportation and accommodation in Iceland, and most meals.
Pre-trip, Collette provided information about what we would see in Iceland, tips on clothing to bring, and the need to bring crampons for use walking on ice(!). The information package also contained what turned out to be a prophetic warning: there was no guarantee of actually seeing the northern lights; in fact, we had no luck seeing them.
Circle, which has a host of attractions both natural and man-made. Our hotel there was somewhat more basic than the one in Reykjavik but was comfortable and the buffet meals were very good.
restaurant reservations, and planning what to do? No problem! Our seasoned tour guide Trevor Major is on hand to answer all your questions. Phone him at 804-869-5285 or email him at 
The May 2024 Photo of the Month theme was Springtime. We selected Cookie (Ellen) Hilert's 
Dennis Halpin, OLLI member from fall 2019 to December