From the Desk of the Executive Director–Research Study Participation Opportunity
By Jennifer Disano, Executive Director
Amy Adams, executive director of Mason’s Institute for Biohealth Innovation, is offering an opportunity for OLLI members to participate in a series of surveys to support COVID-19 research in Virginia. Her previous interactions with members led her to expect us to enjoy this fun research study.
The Mason Institutional Review Board has approved the following subject and description of the study:
Subject: COVID-19 Impact Study for Residents of Virginia
Description: COVID-19 has touched all of us in different ways. COVIDsmart is a digital health study led by George Mason University, Eastern Virginia Medical School – Sentara Healthcare Analytics and Delivery Science Institute (HADSI), and Vibrent Health. The study is looking for individuals to share feedback about their experiences with COVID-19 in order to help public health leaders better respond to the pandemic and future public health crises.
You can participate in COVIDsmart by completing surveys on your computer or mobile device from wherever you are. Your data is securely collected. All answers are privacy-protected. It will take about 25-35 minutes to complete the initial set of surveys, and you can expect to contribute around 45 to 60 minutes each month.
By taking this survey, you will be automatically entered to win a $50.00 gift card. There will be 20 drawings a month for eight months. An extra entry is earned with each survey finished. There will also be four drawings for a $500.00 gift card for anyone who completes the entire study. Participants will be eligible to win one (1) $50.00 monthly gift card and one (1) $500.00 grand prize gift card.
In 2021, OLLI celebrates its 30th year of classes for seniors. This feature provides fun facts and interesting milestones about our institute each week that E-News is published throughout the year.
April 30
Founding member Audrey Markham-Sullivan reminds us that having the George Mason University president’s wife (Joanne Johnson) teach a class on literature led to the university giving our institute space at Tallwood.
Election Procedure: How to Vote for Board of Directors Candidates
By Rita Way, Nominating Committee Chair
There are eight candidates for the five vacant positions on the Board of Directors. Their photos and bios are easily accessible on the candidate page of our OLLI website at this link.
Recognizing the accuracy, convenience, and efficiency of electronic balloting, the bylaws allow for electronic transmission. Because of the current pandemic crisis, members are able to use only this method of voting. You will receive a link by email on May 7, 2021, by noon to cast your ballot. The link will remain active until you have cast your ballot or until noon on Friday, May 21. If you do not receive an email on May 7, contact the OLLI office ([email protected]).
If you have questions about the election process, contact Rita Way at [email protected].
Like any magazine that invites page turning, OLLI’s annual literary journal has something new and engaging at every turn—and the turning takes just a click of your mouse. Now online as a “flip-doc,” OLLI Ink 2021 is accessible via this link.
With pieces as short as haikus and as long as memoirs and stories, the writing comes from a wide spectrum of OLLI members, including, but not limited to, those in the writing workshops. This year, photos from OLLI’s Photography Club also engage the reader and reward browsing.
So, browse to find out what it would be like to be stuck alone at night on a flooded road during the monsoon season in India; to lobby Members of Congress in person at the Capitol Building; to trace your father’s experience in the Battle of the Bulge; to take your family dog to live in Ghana.
Turn the page to discover a Corona Rap (“yes, jack, we were bushwhacked…”) a ballad about the five-string banjo; a poem in support of semicolons;;;;;; another about stardust (yes, real stardust) in our everyday lives; a poem about the ancient Chinese Magic Square; poems contemplating current events and a white man’s angst; a poem in the form of a French Huitain.
Keep turning and you’ll come across stories—about an invisibility potion; playing basketball at age 81; a family argument overheard; the mystery of a neighbor’s disappearance . . . and more.
The last meeting of the History Club until next fall will take place on Wednesday, May 5 at 4:00. Our speaker will be Peter Ansoff, and his subject is intriguingly titled “A Flag That Never Was: The Origins of the ‘First Navy Jack.’” Peter says that the flag, with its stretched-out rattlesnake and 13 red and white stripes, is a familiar image in American history books, and the Navy has flown it since 1976 to commemorate its heritage. However, as we shall learn, the flag appears to be an accidental invention by 19th century historians. As OLLI members know, Peter’s presentations are always full of interesting facts that hinge on unexpected twists and turns. As usual, we will meet by way of Zoom, and you won’t want to miss this presentation.
The Tallwood Book Club will be discussing these selections during May and June. The Zoom meeting time remains 2:30 to 4:00 on second Fridays of each month.
May 14: The Devil's Highway by Luis Alberto Urrea
June 11: The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson
Talk with OLLI friends at any time on this 24-7 open ChatLine. Arrange a time to meet friends online or drop in for an organized discussion. We have scheduled a few specific times and topics for chats this week, including:
Monday, May 3, 4:30-5:30—Topic: Mystery authors, books, TV series. Share your favorite genres, and characters.
Wednesday, May 5, 4:30-5:30—Topic: OLLI Clubs. Do you know about our 25 clubs? Some are ongoing in virtual mode; a few are on hiatus. Do you belong to any? Support any? Have suggestions for improving them or adding new ones? Do you want your club to return to the classroom—perhaps as a pilot in our gradual return to face-to-face interaction? Your thoughts are appreciated.
Look for links to this and any future ChatLine events in your inbox as part of the daily schedule email. Have feedback or an idea on a time/topic? Click here to email Doris Bloch.
Obituary: Phyllis Furdell
Phyllis Furdell, member since 2009, died on December 22, 2020. Her employment field was urban policy; she co-authored a book on how city governments could address unemployment issues. A pastel artist, her paintings reflected her love of cities and her background in urban issues. At OLLI, she enjoyed studying art as well as philosophy and science.
You are invited to attend a memorial service for her to be held on Tuesday, May 18, at 2:00, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Boulevard, Arlington, VA. The service will take place in the church's Memorial Garden where Phyllis' remains will be buried, and everyone is welcome to say a few words during the service. A friend is assembling a remembrance booklet with photos and other items (e.g., examples of her art and poems, articles about her); if you would like to contribute something, send it as soon as possible to [email protected]. Further information is available at this link.
Virtual Performances
Although Mason’s campus is shut down, online entertainment continues for us to access and enjoy. Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just send an email to Brianna Schoen at[email protected]. 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. Information can also be found at CFA ticket purchase page, Center for the Arts YouTube Channel, or the Hylton ticket purchase page.
Please note: Physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled until further notice in accordance with Mason’s guidelines. OLLI is conducting its classes and activities online. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates and check the OLLI calendar for revised information.
The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week 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 1
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon May 3
4:30 pm
ChatLine: Mystery Authors, Books, TV Series
Tue May 4
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Wed May 5
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
6:00 pm
Mah Jongg Club
History Club ChatLine: OLLI Clubs
Ethnic Eats Club
Thu May 6
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Fri May 7
10:00 am
Virtual Annual Business Meeting
Sat May 8
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Tue May 11
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Wed May 12
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
Memoir and More Writing Group
Spanish Club
Thu May 13
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Fri May 14
9:30 am
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
2:30 pm
Photography Club
Craft & Conversation
Grab ‘n’ Gab Coffee Klatch
Classic Literature Club
Homer, Etc.
Tallwood Book Club
OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.
Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger, Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich, Roz Stark, Jane Hassell
Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: [email protected]. Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words. Search E-News: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News at ENews Archives. To search the content within issues, use Search or enter your search term(s) in Google followed by “site:olli.gmu.edu/” without the quotes.
The OLLI Ink literary journal is available on the OLLI website; for access, click here.
Annual membership meeting and first day of voting in Board of Directors election, Friday, May 7; detailed information is available at this link.
Note: A brief obituary for OLLI member Waverly “Corky” Rainey was published in the April 2 E-News (here). More information, including details on a funeral service May 4 at 10:30 at St. Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church in Fairfax, VA, is now available in an external obituary at the Washington Post.
The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, April 30; regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, April 27, at 6:00.
From the Desk of the Executive Director–Fairfax Volunteer Service Awards
By Jennifer Disano, Executive Director
On April 20, OLLI Program Co-chair Kathryn Russell (pictured at right) received an honorable mention award at the Fairfax Volunteer Service award ceremony. Her commendation recognized her service as follows:
"With her positive leadership, OLLI’s extensive programming team works in unity, ensuring balance, quality and abundance across all sites and subjects. Adept in serving preferences, she introduced new teaching concepts like study groups and inter-disciplinary courses. Importantly, she led her team to quickly pivot to online learning spring 2020 when pandemic conditions threatened to shutter OLLI, safeguarding a critical lifeline for older Americans in Northern Virginia."
The award ceremony also acknowledged OLLI Mason’s member volunteers as a group, noting that:
“Hundreds of member volunteers donate thousands of hours each year serving on the Board of Directors, leading programming and administrative committees, and teaching in OLLI classrooms. They set policy, budgets, and goals; they keep the campus and facilities (beautifully) landscaped, safe, and updated with state-of-the-art technology; they design newsletters, manage the website, edit publications, and author literary journals; they provide outreach to attract new members and in-reach to develop community amongst members; they program first-rate curriculum and recruit outstanding teachers. They do this all on their own, for free, with the support of a small part-time paid staff.”
See these citations at this link. It is a pleasure to acknowledge our members' ongoing contributions; thanks to all of you whose volunteer efforts make OLLI great!
In 2021, OLLI celebrates its 30th year of classes for seniors. This feature provides fun facts and interesting milestones about our institute each week that E-News is published throughout the year.
April 23
April 8 was the opening date for the first term of classes at Learning in Retirement Institute (LRI), in spring 1991, when 13 classes and three forums (the early name for special events) were offered to 96 members, who paid annual dues of $200.
President Paul Howard opened the meeting recognizing and thanking departing Board members. Michelle Blandburg and Bill Taylor are completing two terms and Lillian Brooks, Marguerite Johnson, and Diane Stanley are completing one term.
He also recognized and thanked Pat Carroll, Rosemary Lubinski, Marianne Metz, and Bill Taylor for their years of service as committee chairs. There are now openings for the University Liaison, Historian, and chairs of the outreach and strategic planning committees. Please get in touch with Paul if you have an interest in any of these critical committees.
Debbie Engelson, Terri Feldmayer, and Dave Talaber were thanked for volunteering on the Ollizoomhelp member assistance team and for helping members with Zoom and their devices. Nick Wenri has joined the team, which needs help in the Apple ecosystem, particularly in the Mac arena.
President Paul Howard and Executive Director Jennifer Disano met at Tallwood with the Mason design team on April 12th. They reviewed the designs for the ramp between upper and lower levels, improved stairwells, and redesigned kitchen cabinetry. There remain maintenance and repair items to be discussed. The design team has not yet released a timeline for completion of all items. Members are requested not to visit Tallwood until all construction is completed.
Executive Director Jennifer Disano reported that OLLI has a total of 1,053 members, of which 1,041 are full members and 12 are introductory members.
By Rita Way, Board Member and Nominating Committee Chair
The Annual OLLI Business Meeting is quickly approaching. We want to remind and invite all members to register and attend. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn about programming and operations, as well as hearing from the candidates for the Board of Directors.
The meeting will be held virtually on Friday, May 7, at 10:00. Please register for Event 1103 if you plan on attending.
Talk with OLLI friends at any time on this 24-7 open ChatLine. Arrange a time to meet friends online or drop in for an organized discussion. We have scheduled a few specific times and topics for chats this week, including:
Monday, April 26, 4:30-5:30 Topic: Hybrid Cars, Electric Cars, Self-Driving Cars: your thoughts, pro and con. Should I buy an electric car? Or should I wait for improvements in range, price, reliability? Etc.
Wednesday, April 28, 4:30-5:30 Topic: OLLI Class Recordings. Have you accessed them? Are they easy to use? Are they helpful? Should we continue to record and post them even after we return to some classroom participation? How might they be improved? Etc.
Look for links to this and any future ChatLine events in your inbox as part of the daily schedule email. Have feedback or an idea on a time/topic? Click here to email Doris Bloch.
Virtual Performances
Although Mason’s campus is shut down, online entertainment continues for us to access and enjoy. Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just send an email to Brianna Schoen at[email protected]. 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. Information can also be found atCFA ticket purchase pageor theHylton ticket purchase page.
Please note: Physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled until further notice in accordance with Mason’s guidelines. OLLI is conducting its classes and activities online. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates and check the OLLI calendar for revised information.
The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week 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 Apr 24
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon Apr 26
4:30 pm
ChatLine: Hybrid/Electric/Self-Driving Cars
Tue Apr 27
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Wed Apr 28
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
Spanish Club
ChatLine: OLLI Class Recordings
Thu Apr 29
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
Reston Book Club
Tai Chi Club
Fri Apr 30
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
Craft & Conversation
Classic Literature Club
Homer, etc.
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, Roz Stark, Jane Hassell
Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: [email protected]. Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words. Search E-News: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News at ENews Archives. To search the content within issues, use Search or enter your search term(s) in Google followed by “site:olli.gmu.edu/” without the quotes.
Reminder: The OLLI Personal Computer User Group (OPCUG) meets Saturday, April 17 (tomorrow), at 1:00; click here to join the webinar and use passcode 093811.
Spring-term registration continues on a space-available basis (click here). A few spring-term courses have been added, changed, or canceled since catalog production; click here for a full list.
Annual membership meeting and first day of voting in Board of Directors election, Friday, May 7; detailed information is available at this link.
The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, April 23; regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, April 20, at 6:00
Fun Facts for OLLI’s 30-Year AnniversaryBy Ray Beery, OLLI Member and Former PresidentIn 2021, OLLI celebrates its 30th year of classes for seniors. This feature provides fun facts and interesting milestones about our institute each week that E-News is published throughout the year.April 16In February 1993, the Virginia General Assembly passed a resolution “That…Commonwealth’s institutions of higher education be encouraged to support the establishment of Learning in Retirement Institutes and organizations.” The resolution was introduced by Delegate Ken Plum in the House and by co-sponsor Senator Joseph Gartlan in the Senate.
Presentation to Mason’s School of Music
By Michelle Calhoun Blandburg, Member of OLLI Board and Friends of Music at Mason
The Friends of Music at Mason Newsletter for April 2021 includes the third installment of my series on Erroll Garner and my father Eddie Calhoun. My father was the bassist of the Erroll Garner Trio for more than 10 years. The article is different because it includes my father's own words and recollections verbatim taken from his unpublished memoir Big-Time Sharecroppers.
Following the article, there is also information about the lecture I will be presenting (via Zoom) about Erroll and Daddy to George Mason's School of Music on Monday, April 26, 2021, from 12:30 to 1:30. To see the article and its following information on the lecture, click here.
If you are interested in seeing my lecture, please email Dr. Darden Purcell at [email protected]. Dr. Purcell will provide you with Zoom access information.
Please feel free to share this message with any jazz lovers who might be interested. All are welcome!
I hope you enjoy my efforts to share this history and to honor both Erroll Garner and my father Eddie Calhoun!
Reston Book Club MeetingBy Nancy Scheeler and Luci Martel, Reston Book Club CoordinatorsThe Reston Book Club will meet on Thursday, April 29, 4:00, via Zoom. The selection will be Moonglow by Michael Chabon. It unfolds as the deathbed confession of a man to his grandson and chronicles the life of Chabon’s grandfather, a World War II soldier, engineer, and rock enthusiast, who marries a troubled Jewish survivor from France and lives a challenging, wandering life in postwar America.
OLLI ChatLine Specific Topics and Times
By Doris Bloch, Program Committee Co-chair
Talk with OLLI friends at any time on this 24-7 open ChatLine. Arrange a time to meet friends online or drop in for an organized discussion. We have organized a few specific times and topics for chats this week including:
Monday, April 19, 4:30-5:30—Your thoughts on returning to the classroom vs. staying on Zoom. How would you like to see OLLI's classes delivered post-pandemic? Contribute feedback on your preferences or suggestions for the transition
Wednesday, April 21, 4:30-5:30—Do you think that George Mason University should change its name to disassociate with Mason's plantation history? What are your thoughts on changes to the local history names associated with the Confederate cause? Jefferson Davis Highway? John Mosby Highway? Robert E. Lee High School?
Look for links to this and any future ChatLine events in your inbox as part of the Daily Schedule email. Have feedback or an idea on a time/topic? Click here to email Doris Bloch.
Streaking Fast RacerThe April 2021 Photo of the Month theme was Motion. We selected Edward Marion's photo "Streaking Fast Racer," 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
Wistfulness
I used to dream that I could fly
just think myself into the air
escape Earth’s gravity as easily
as a bird, a bat, a butterfly.
I’d be amazed to find myself away up there
above the house, the town, the state
near to the stratosphere
tween light and dark
so high the air was thin
a place where quiet reigned and all was possible.
Then I’d hear a harsh voice speak:
You don’t belong in this exalted realm.
Suddenly I’d crash to earth
not float but plunge
and wake.
Dear Editor,
A recent OLLI Communicator led me to the frivolous suggestion that someone should do some research and perhaps write a story for the OLLI E-News. Every time I see the following classroom tips, I think there must have been some interesting incidents which prompted these repeated warnings:
Zoom Classroom TipsAlways Remember...Remain muted when not speaking.Dress appropriately; you may be on camera.Avoid distracting activities while attending class.
I'd write the story myself, but I don't know what behavior prompts those reminders and I'd resort to my imagination to describe my classmates interacting lasciviously with their video turned on or shouting "Hogwash!" while unmuted during an authoritative philosophical lecture. Don't let my mind wander to the possibilities of what might have been an example of failure to dress appropriately. Besides, I'm too busy to investigate because I enrolled in too many classes. And "no homework" is a myth.
Nothing truly disruptive has occurred in any of the classes I have been taking. That's why I am amused that someone apparently thinks the repeated reminders are needed, and then I try to imagine what could have happened to necessitate the original warnings. My imagination is overactive and a bit warped.
-- Ms. I. M. BemusedDear Ms. Bemused: We may resemble your “overactive and warped” imagination—what’s wrong with that? Some of us have lived with that for years!
We have seen the problem of people not muting themselves after asking a question or making a comment. And, of course, there is the perennial problem of off-topic comments, and those haven’t anything to do with Zoom. There seem to be remarkably few instances of bad behavior in Zoom sessions—just occasional instances of unmuted distracting noises, almost always quickly corrected. There have been unmuted ringing phones (sometimes belonging to the instructor!), conversations with people not in the class, barking dogs, etc. In these cases, the OLLI site assistant usually mutes everyone.
Thankfully, we haven’t seen instances of inappropriate dress. We wonder if the continued reminders in the communicator might be just that—“continued reminders” and filler! Perhaps the authors of the Communicator can enlighten us if there have been problems. Thank you for your letter.
The Editorial Team
Virtual Performances
Although Mason’s campus is shut down, online entertainment continues for us to access and enjoy. Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just send an email to Brianna Schoen at[email protected]. 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. Information can also be found atCFA ticket purchase pageor theHylton ticket purchase page.
Mason Student & Faculty Performances(see music.gmu.edu for additional student recitals) GMU Tuba Euphonium Chamber Ensembles: Concert in the ParkSat, April 17, 11:00
Olney Park Shelter located at 1840 Olney Road, Falls Church
Registration information will be posted at music.gmu.edu.Horn Day (Virtual)
Sun, April 18, 10:30
Registration will be posted at music.gmu.edu.Sibbi Bernhardsson Masterclass, violin
Fri, April 23, 12:30
Information will be posted at music.gmu.edu.
Pete Folliard Masterclass, euphonium
Mon, April 26, 12:30
Information will be posted at music.gmu.edu.
New Sound Collective, Percussion Ensemble, and Wind Symphony Chamber Concert
Mon, April 26, 8:00
Information will be posted at music.gmu.edu.
At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)Hylton at Home Story Corner: What a Wonderful World
Sat, Apr 17, 10:15am
Hylton Center Facebook page, and YouTube channel.Asaph Dance Ensemble
Thu, Apr 22, 7:15
Hylton Center Facebook page, and YouTube channel.
Mason Opera - Acts of Love and Marriage
Sat, Apr 24, 8:00
Sun, Apr 25, 3:00
TICKETS for April 24
TICKETS for April 25
Please note: Physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled until further notice in accordance with Mason’s guidelines. OLLI is conducting its classes and activities online. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates and check the OLLI calendar for revised information.
The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week 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 Apr 17
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club
Personal Computer User Group
Tue Apr 20
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Wed Apr 21
4:00 pm
Mah Jongg Club
Thu Apr 22
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Fri Apr 23
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
Craft & Conversation
Classic Literature Club
Homer, etc.
Photography Club
Sat Apr 24
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Tue Apr 27
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Wed Apr 28
4:00 pm
Spanish Club
Theater Lovers’ Group
Thu Apr 29
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
Reston Book Club
Tai Chi Club
Fri Apr 30
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
Craft & Conversation
Classic Literature Club
Homer, etc.
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, Roz Stark, Jane HassellSubmissions: 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.
Search E-News: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News at ENews Archives. To search the content within issues, use Search or enter your search term(s) in Google followed by “site:olli.gmu.edu/” without the quotes.
- Spring-term registration continues on a space-available basis (click here). A few spring-term courses have been added, changed, or canceled since catalog production; click here for a full list.
- You can help celebrate OLLI's 30th Anniversary by making a contribution of $30 (or more). Click here to make a donation.
- The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, April 16; regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, April 13, at 6:00.
From the Desk of the Executive Director:
Additional Benefits of OLLI Membership and Two Great Evening Events in April!
By Jennifer Disano, Executive DirectorWe are so fortunate at OLLI to enjoy many benefits of membership through our affiliation with George Mason University, including:
access to the University Libraries to conduct research, explore catalogs of music, art, literature, and so much more;
Further, special invitations abound from many departments and centers across the university for unique lecture opportunities beyond the daytime programming offered at OLLI. This month, OLLI members and the public can attend two unique events sponsored by the Office of the Provost and Fall for the Book Festival. Enjoy!
Mason Provost Mark Ginsberg has revived the Vision Series originated by Dr. Peter Stearns years ago. The new series has featured some of OLLI’s favorite teachers such as Dr. Cynthia Lum. There is just one more event available—A Decade Beyond the Arab Spring: New Challenges for U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East, April 19, 7:00–8:15, presented by Dr. Peter Mandaville, professor of international affairs in the Schar School of Policy & Government and director of the Ali Vural Ak Center for Global Islamic Studies, both at Mason (more information at this link). Click here to register.
Fall for the Book: An Evening with American writer Kristin Hannah, Thursday, April 22, 7:00. Kristin Hannah will be in conversation with Tayla Burney, a longtime public radio producer in Washington, D.C. This event is brought to you by Fall for the Book and the Fairfax County Public Library (more information at this link). Register on Crowdcast for free here.
By Jennifer Disano, Executive Director
Please welcome new OLLI staffer Irina Irchai, site assistant for online classes. Irina has spent the last 20+ years working in the translation industry as a translator, interpreter, cultural consultant, researcher, instructor, and a project manager. She has participated in high-stakes research and translation projects for the U.S. Department of State, Department of Defense, Bank of New York (BNY) Mellon, Lockheed Martin, Agency for International Development (USAID), and other government agencies and private corporations. This has allowed Irina to utilize her diverse educational background and experience in telecommunications, foreign languages, and educational psychology.
Irina also regularly invests in her community in several ways. She is an enthusiastic crafter, and loves sharing her knowledge with others by teaching crochet classes both in-person and online as part of her business, ChicCustomCrochet. Through ChicCustomCrochet, Irina also helps to support Florida farmers and crafters at the Haile Farmers Market, Gainesville, FL, where she serves as treasurer on the Board of Directors. Additionally, she volunteers weekly at a rural Florida food bank, Children’s Table, Bronson, FL.
She notes, “I am excited to join the OLLI team, and contribute my work experience, knowledge of various industries, multicultural awareness, communication and computer skills to the continuing success of its offerings.”
By Ray Beery, OLLI Member and Former President
A six-month membership fee of $125, as well as the $200 annual fee, began in fall 1992. Both fees were available to current and new members. After evaluation, the half-year membership fee was eliminated as of fall 1995.April 9
In 1992, Mason's LRI was listed in the Elderhostel directory of learning in retirement institutes throughout the country. In early 1993, George Mason University’s new telephone book recognized LRI for the first time.
3rd Saturday, April 17–via ZoomMaking Digital Video Subtitles Electronic Distribution of Science Publications
By Paul Howard, OPCUG Program ChairThe Computer Club (OLLI Personal Computer User Group, or OPCUG) will meet with its partner, the Potomac Area Technology and Computer Society (PATACS), on Saturday, April 17, via Zoom. Program activities begin at 1:00.Making Digital Video Subtitles–Presented by John Krout
In this digital video era, closed captioning, in the speaker’s language, and subtitles, in foreign languages, have become synonyms. Both rely on a combination of technologies in the digital video file itself and in the digital video player software. Subtitles, valuable for anyone watching video in a noisy environment, can be a definite plus for any hearing-impaired viewer.
This presentation illustrates how to make English subtitles in any video with English dialog:
obtain text from speech in the video
edit the text (no speech to text conversion is perfect)
merge the text into a video file.
John has used this process to add subtitles to some of his recorded presentations for past PATACS/OPCUG meetings. Additionally, you will learn how to use the free VLC-media player to turn on and off subtitles, and to adjust the size of the subtitles on the screen.
A frequent meeting presenter, John also is the author of many of the articles on PATACS Zoom reference page, and many PATACS Posts newsletter offerings.
Learn in 30 – Electronic Distribution of Science Publications–Presented by Lorrin Garson
Scientists communicate by publishing results of their research in journals, which are the primary source, and historical record, of science information. But what is a journal and how does a scientist get his/her information published? The first science journal was published in January 1665. Science journals were printed on paper and distributed to libraries and individuals until late in the 20th century when distribution began electronically via the Internet. Learn how this information transited from petrochemicals (ink) on crushed trees (paper) to 1s and 0s transmitted electronically.
Lorrin had a long career in technical publishing of chemical information. His presentations to our computer groups are famous for their thorough research and clarity.
See full details on this meeting by clicking here. For information on the Computer Club, see the OPCUG Website. OPCUG dues are $5 for 2021—see http://olligmu.org/opcug/comm.html for details on making payment.
Attend via Zoom's cloud meeting service, beginning at 1:00. To join the meeting, please click this link and use Passcode 794756, or, from ‘Join’ in the Zoom app, enter 948 9296 8399 as the meeting ID and use passcode 794756 [Note – new codes this meeting].
Spring-Term Statistics–at the End of Priority Registration, March 11
By Doris Bloch, Program Committee Co-chair
For the spring term 2021, OLLI has 141 offerings, consisting of courses, special events, and social events. It is looking like quite a wide set of diverse opportunities for OLLI members.
While we know that there are always drops and adds before classes begin, we can make some generalizations based on the registrations that were added by the end of the priority registration cycle. For instance, the average number of participants in a single class is 74. We have one class with 234 registrations; we also have a class with only two.
Spring 2021 has only five waitlists and these are for courses where the number of participants has been restricted to a small group at the request of the instructor.
In total, OLLI members registered for 10,600 offerings. The average member signed up for 10 offerings. Pretty impressive! Enjoy our spring term classes.
Coffee Klatch to Celebrate OLLI’s 30th Anniversary
By Toni Acton, Member Services Committee Chair
Join your OLLI friends at the Grab ‘n’ Gab Coffee Klatch on Friday, April 16 from 1:00 to 2:30 for a bit of OLLI history as we celebrate our 30th anniversary. The OLLI Players will delight us with their trivia contest, and we’ll hear from members, old and new, as they share anecdotes from their OLLI experiences. Register for Event #1102 via the member portal or contact the registrar at [email protected].
By Doris Bloch, Program Committee Co-chair
The OLLI ChatLine is up and running 7 days a week and 24 hours a day. Anytime that you want to chat with a friend via Zoom, this is a handy vehicle for both video and audio contact - better than a phone call. However, some of us have tried to make the chatline more accessible for general discussion, meeting new people, and making new friends. How to do this? By specifying certain dedicated hours to be sure that someone is chatting online and by assigning topics of general interest to those time frames.
For the week of April 12, we have scheduled a slot from 4:30–5:30, well after the last classes of the day, on Monday, April 12, to talk about the "Washington Nationals," professional baseball team for the nation's capital. For a second session on Wednesday, April 14, also from 4:30–5:30, the topic is "Exercise;" what do you enjoy, what have you given up during the pandemic, what have you added or discovered during the pandemic, where are your favorite walks or hikes, and so on.
Note that the Zoom meeting ID and passcode are always in the Daily Schedule. Looking forward to some interesting Happy Hour chats.
A magpie or is it a witch?
perches on the closed stile of the
wattle fence burdened by thick snow
she studies the faded yellow barn
it’s snow-covered roof slanting down
in the disappearing steel pink light
the woven fence weighed down by
cumbersome snow groans in the cold,
disturbing her meditation.
Magpie spreads her wings, unconcerned
by snow, she soars into the
lengthening blue shadows
casting a spell on the bare limbs
they swirl in a frozen dance
framed by the pale gray sky
-Susan BennettBack to Top of Page
Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances, April 9 through April 19By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer
Virtual Performances
Although Mason’s campus is shut down, online entertainment continues for us to access and enjoy. Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just send an email to Brianna Schoen at[email protected]. 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. Information can also be found atCFA ticket purchase pageor theHylton ticket purchase page.
Mason Student & Faculty Performances(seemusic.gmu.edu for additional student recitals)
Mason Dance Company: Spring New Dances
Center for the Arts
Fri, Apr 9 and Sat, Apr 10, 8:00
TICKETS For Friday
TICKETS For SaturdayMason School of Theater: Are you There?
Fri, Apr 9, 8:00
RegisterDewberry Faculty Artist Series: Duo-Piano and Musical Theater!
Tue, Apr 13, 7:00
Center for the Arts YouTube channel
At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)K [squared]²
Thu, Apr 15, 7:15
Hylton Center Facebook page, and YouTube channel.
Hylton at Home Story Corner: What a Wonderful World
Sat, Apr 17, 10:15am
Hylton Center Facebook page, and YouTube channel.
Please note: Physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled until further notice in accordance with Mason’s guidelines. OLLI is conducting its classes and activities online. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates and check the OLLI calendar for revised information.
The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week 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 Apr 10
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Tue Apr 13
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Wed Apr 14
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
Memoir and More Writing Group
Spanish Club
Thu Apr 15
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Fri Apr 16
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
Craft & Conversation
Board of Directors Meeting
Classic Literature Club
Homer, etc.
Grab ‘n’ Gab Coffee Klatch
Cooking Club
Sat Apr 17
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club
Personal Computer User Group
Tue Apr 20
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Wed Apr 21
4:00 pm
Mah Jongg Club
Thu Apr 22
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Fri Apr 23
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
Craft & Conversation
Classic Literature Club
Homer, etc.
Photography Club
OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: Jean Boltz, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger, Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Linda Randall, Tom Appich, Roz Stark
Marian Drohan, Jane HassellSubmissions. 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 – 6:00 Tuesday for that week's issue (6:00 Monday for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words.Search E-News: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News at ENews Archives. To search the content within issues, use Search or enter your search term(s) in Google followed by “site:olli.gmu.edu/” without the quotes.
Correction: In the March 19 E-News, in an article on fall-term course proposals, a link to the OLLI course proposal form did not work. To access the form, click here.
Reminder: There are three special musical events coming up in April at Mason’s Dewberry School of Music recommended by the Friends of Music at Mason. For details and an informative flyer, click this link.
The next Grab ‘n’ Gab virtual coffee will be Friday, April 16, 1:00 to 2:30. It will feature a 30th anniversary trivia game developed by the OLLI Players. Register for event 1102 at the member portal.
Spring-term registration continues on a space-available basis (click here). A few spring-term courses have been added, changed, or canceled since catalog production; click here for a full list.
The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published April 9. Submissions are due by 6:00, Tuesday, April 6.
From the Desk of the Executive Director Please Support Friends of OLLI and $30 for 30th Anniversary Fundraisers
By Jennifer Disano, Executive Director
Recently, the OLLI Board of Directors approved a resolution to raise funds during our 30th anniversary year. The $30 for the 30th campaign is intended to help offset increased costs of equipment for ongoing hybrid learning as explained in the following resolution:
“Since the beginning of COVID-19, OLLI members have not been able to attend in-person classes on any of its campuses. We transitioned to virtual learning via Zoom to allow continuity of program and other activities. Although members miss in-person classes and social gatherings, most have appreciated the addition of remote learning experiences via Zoom. They have enjoyed attending classes at all venues without having to travel to them. In addition, individuals residing in remote locations can attend classes, and some have become members. It is our intention to continue to provide virtual experiences as well as in-person classes, clubs and social events. This will allow for the evolution of our program to include not only in-person and Zoom learning, but also to step forward with hybrid classes. Hybrid classes will allow students to expand their learning opportunities by attending in person and also accessing instruction remotely.”
In order to achieve this goal, we need your help! Please give generously to the Friends of OLLI and especially to the $30 for 30-years campaign. Online donations are preferred. Click this link to Donate Today!
Farewell to Alice Slayton Clark and Welcome to Nancy Klein
By Jennifer Disano, Executive Director
Alice Slayton Clark, our beloved communications and program associate, is leaving OLLI after eight years to re-enter her career in foreign policy with a new job in international trade policy. A dedicated and innovative staffer, Alice’s contributions have enriched and expanded OLLI’s program two-fold, improved communications both internal and external, and supported partnerships across Mason and the wider community. We thank Alice for her many years of dedication to OLLI and wish her all the best. Alice’s last day is April 8. Nancy Klein will replace Alice. We welcome Nancy and look forward to a seamless transition over the coming weeks.
A bit about Nancy Klein: Originally from North Carolina, Nancy graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1996 with a degree in psychology. She spent five years serving at Fort Bragg, where she met her husband Marty. During that time, Nancy earned a master’s degree in health services administration. Nancy spent the majority of her Army life in the northern Virginia area, focusing on raising three children. Her true passion is volunteering. Nancy’s favorite volunteer activity is raising potential guide dogs for Guiding Eyes for the Blind.
Fun Facts for OLLI’s 30-Year Anniversary By Ray Beery, OLLI Member and Former PresidentIn 2021, OLLI celebrates its 30th year of classes for seniors. This feature provides fun facts and interesting milestones about our institute each week that E-News is published throughout the year.April 2
LRI’s founders worked hard and successfully to get newspaper and television publicity. The January 1992 Board minutes reported that TV News Channel 8 would visit LRI, film an excerpt on the class on China, and broadcast it with a live six-minute segment featuring Kathryn Brooks. TV channel 25 would produce a one-hour panel of LRI representatives discussing the Institute with a call-in segment after the presentations.
Notes from the March 19 Board Meeting By Marguerite Johnson, SecretaryThe Board of Directors met March 19. President Paul Howard spoke about how the Audiovisual (AV) Support Committee is considering ways to make available a hybrid program for OLLI. He displayed a newly created OLLI web page named Hybrid Class Resources. Located on the AV Support Committee site under AV System Reference, it describes material being researched by the committee.Communications and Program Associate Alice Slayton Clark will be returning to her career in foreign policy after eight years of employment with OLLI. She was given an annual OLLI membership in recognition of her excellent service to the members. Nancy Klein, who has been serving as a site assistant, has been hired as her replacement.
Charles Silver displayed an impressive brochure sent by AARP to 500 residents in Northern Virginia describing five OLLI classes to be available free of charge this summer. Two of the classes will be available nationwide. Participants will be required to register for each class. Included prior to each class will be a slide with information about OLLI including how to become a member. Executive Director Jennifer Disano hopes this collaboration with AARP will attract new members.
Mason has given specifics about certain repairs at Tallwood which will begin April 1. The drop box on the office door has been sealed, and mail is now being forwarded to a post office box. Members are asked not to visit the Tallwood site while renovations are in progress.
Notice of Annual Meeting and Board of Directors Election By Marguerite Johnson, SecretaryThe annual membership meeting will be held via Zoom at 10:00 on Friday, May 7. The agenda for the meeting will include:
Reports from the OLLI president and executive director;
Brief speeches by the candidates for election to the Board and opportunity to ask questions of the candidates, moderated by the Nominating Committee chair;
Opportunity for general questions and answers.
To attend the meeting, click the following link: Zoom webinar. The webinar ID is 856 9666 5494; the passcode is 010 263. You may dial in instead at 301-715-8592.
The vote for Board of Directors will take place from noon, Friday, May 7, through noon on Friday, May 21.
Election Procedure - How to Vote for BOD Candidates
There are eight candidates for five vacant positions on the Board of Directors. For access to their bios on the candidate page of the OLLI website, click here.
Recognizing the accuracy, convenience, and efficiency of electronic balloting, the bylaws allow for electronic transmission. Because of the current pandemic, members must use this method of voting. You will receive a link by email on May 7, 2021 by noon to cast your ballot. The subject line will read: 2021 OLLI Ballot for Board of Directors. The link will remain active until you cast your ballot or until noon on Friday, May 21. If you do not receive this email on May 7 contact the OLLI office, [email protected].
If you have questions about the election process, contact Nominating Committee Chair Rita Way at [email protected].
History Club Topic is Forgotten Founders By Elizabeth Lambert, History Club CoordinatorThe next meeting of the History Club will take place on Wednesday, April 7, at 4:00. Our speaker will be Heather Dudley discussing the role that Gouverneur Morris played in the writing of the Constitution.According to Heather, Morris was one of the “Forgotten Founders.” These are the men who played important roles in our nation’s founding, but only those who study the Revolutionary era have ever heard of them. We all know Washington, Jefferson, and, of recent musical fame, Hamilton, but there are others whose contributions to the new government have gone unnoticed. Among Morris’ talents: “he loved to talk, he was a great dancer (with only one leg), he was a flirt, and he wrote the Constitution.”
Heather intends to give future presentations on other forgotten founders. All OLLI members and their guests are welcome to attend History Club meetings. You won’t want to miss this one.
OLLI's Computer Club—the OLLI PC User Group or OPCUG—has been holding joint meetings with the Potomac Area Technology and Computer Society (PATACS) since January 2009, with the third-Saturday sessions drawing 500 to 600 attendees annually. On March 20, Roger Fujii, PATACS' treasurer, presented a check for $500 to Angie Talaber, chair of OLLI's Development Committee. PATACS contributions to OLLI since 2010 total $3,250. Three flat-panel monitors for use at the joint meetings and PC clinic sessions were also donated to OPCUG. Ms. Talaber remarked, “OLLI is indeed fortunate to have a group of dedicated and skilled friends such as yourselves.”
On behalf of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, I would like to thank PATACS for its generosity in being an OLLI benefactor for another year. We appreciate the ongoing support during this period of uncertainty and technological challenges.
This donation will be instrumental in helping OLLI adapt to the “new normal” where hybrid classes and distance learning have already replaced the traditional teaching environment.
By John Olsen and Edward Marion,
Photography Club Coordinators
Frank Van Riper will be the guest speaker at the meeting of the Photography Club on Friday April 9 at 9:30. He will discuss his latest book Recovered Memory: New York & Paris 1960-1980, about his experiences doing street photography in both places. The book has had rave reviews in both the New York Times and the Washington Post; its list cost is $45 plus shipping and handling, but it may be obtained at a discount price (e.g., check here). You can email Frank for signed and inscribed copies: [email protected]). More information about the book is available at this link.
Travelers Wanted By Tom Hady, Trip Tales CoordinatorThe COVID-19 pandemic has left fall- and spring-term Trip Tales series in trouble! Since no one has been able to travel, we are running out of speakers for next fall term, September-November 2021.If you took a trip in the past or have one planned soon and would like to tell about it and show some pictures, now is the time to volunteer. We want to hear about your experiences and see some pictures, but high-level photo skills are not needed. We meet on Monday afternoons, and the current plan is for on-line classes in the fall. If you can join us, contact Tom Hady at [email protected]. But don’t delay—the fall term catalog is already being planned. Thanks!
Criminology Webinar Available via Eventbrite By Paul Westcott, OLLI MemberLike many of you, I have enjoyed several OLLI courses on criminology over the past several years presented or organized by Dr. Cynthia Lum, professor of criminology, law and society at Mason. In one of the courses, there was information provided for a related presentation available through Eventbrite. Since then, I have viewed several other interesting Eventbrite webinars on criminology topics. The most recent of these webinars was held in March entitled “Wrongful Convictions: the Psychology of Human Error in Criminal Justice” with Mark Godsey and Laurese Glover. A recording of this webinar is available at this link.This Eventbrite webinar is not intended to compete with OLLI, but to complement the many wonderful learning opportunities we all have through OLLI.
In chipmunk years this house has spanned five chipmunk generations
(Ten years, per lifetime, Siri says, and yes, I Googled, too.)
I’m older than the house, in age, but we match up quite well.
A sag in well-worn places, a fade of age apparent
Remind us both the bloom of youth is just a memory.
The plumbing could work better both for me and for the house-
We both could use a spruce up here and there.
Yet we have aged in place quite well
And can honestly admit
The neighborhood would miss us if we vanished overnight.
House has new water heater, leak under sink is fixed;
For me, I’m stepping up and out in new red microfiber.
More chipmunk generations are to come
And we are lookin’ good!
Corky Rainey, who joined OLLI in 2011, lost a year-long battle with cancer on March 24. He was a long-time member of the Tom Crooker Investment Forum. He will be missed by his friends at OLLI.
Virtual Performances
Although Mason’s campus is shut down, online entertainment continues for us to access and enjoy. Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just send an email to Brianna Schoen at[email protected]. 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. Information can also be found atCFA ticket purchase pageor theHylton ticket purchase page.
Mason Student & Faculty Performances (seemusic.gmu.edu for additional student recitals)
Percussion Masterclass with Pablo Rieppi, Mason Alumnus
(BM Performance '92)
Wed, Apr 7, 12:30
Contact Prof. John Kilkenny at [email protected] for Zoom access
Mason Dance Company: Spring New Dances
Center for the Arts
Fri, Apr 9 and Sat, Apr 10, 8:00 Tickets for Friday Tickets for Saturday
Mason School of Theater: Are you There?
Fri, Apr 9, 8:00 Register
Please note: Physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled until further notice in accordance with Mason’s guidelines. OLLI is conducting its classes and activities online. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates and check the OLLI calendar for revised information.
The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week 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 Apr 3
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Tue Apr 6
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Wed Apr 7
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
6:00 pm
Mah Jongg Club
History Club
Ethnic Eats Club
Thu Apr 8
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Fri Apr 9
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
2:30 pm
Photography Club
Craft & Conversation
Classic Literature Club
Homer, etc.
Tallwood Book Club
Sat Apr 10
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Tue Apr 13
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Wed Apr 14
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
Memoir and More Writing Group
Spanish Club
Thu Apr 15
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Fri Apr 16
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
Craft & Conversation Board of Directors Meeting
Classic Literature Club
Homer, etc.
Grab ‘n’ Gab Coffee Klatch
Cooking Club
OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.
Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger, Leslie Vandivere,
Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Linda Randall, Tom Appich, Roz Stark
Marian Drohan, Jane Hassell
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. Search E-News: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News at ENews Archives. To search the content within issues, use Search or enter your search term(s) in Google followed by “site:olli.gmu.edu/” without the quotes.
March means Daylight Saving Time… so spring ahead and share the fun with the Special Events Program Planning Group! Here are a few photos from recent (pre-pandemic) special events. To learn more about joining our dynamic team, email group chair Rita Way at [email protected].
Reminder: The OLLI Personal Computer User Group (OPCUG) meets Saturday, March 20 (tomorrow), at 1:00; click here to join the webinar and use passcode 728227.
OLLI Virtual Kick-Off Coffee will be Thursday, March 25, 10:00-11:00; all members welcome. Register for Event 1101.
Spring-term classes begin March 29. You should have received your class assignments on March 10. Spring-term registration continues on a space-available basis (click here).
A few spring-term courses have been added, changed, or canceled since catalog production; click here for a full list.
The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, April 2; regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, March 30, at 6:00.
Fun Facts for OLLI’s 30-Year Anniversary By Ray Beery, OLLI Member and Former President
In 2021, OLLI celebrates its 30th year of classes for seniors. This feature provides fun facts and interesting milestones about our institute each week that E-News is published throughout the year.
March 19
In 1992, LRI was listed in the Elderhostel directory of learning in retirement institutes throughout the country. In early 1993, George Mason University’s new telephone book recognized LRI for the first time.
By Alice Slayton Clark, Communications and Program Associate
Calling all longstanding and new OLLI instructors! Please be aware that the deadline for course proposals for fall term 2021 is April 12, 2021. Fall term 2021 runs from September 20-November 12. If you haven’t submitted your proposal yet, please do so soon to ensure we will have space for your offering. Your description does not need to be catalog-ready for you to submit, but your submission allows us to save you a spot on the calendar. The earlier you submit, the more likely we can fit your offering into the term and provide you with your preferred dates for the class. Spaces fill up quickly, so act soon!
If you need more time, the deadline for course proposals for winter term 2022 is July 26, 2021. Winter term 2022 runs from January 24-February 18. We encourage all to send in offerings!
You can find the course proposal form at this link. Please fill it out in its entirety, click “submit,” and the OLLI program planners will be in touch with you soon thereafter about your offering. Thanks for your support for OLLI programming!
Science, Technology, and Health Program Planning Group
By Mary Kornreich, Science, Technology, and Health Program Planning Group Co-chair
OLLI’s Science, Technology, and Health Program Planning Group strives to present stimulating courses in the biological and physical sciences and to presemt informational and instructive lessons about technology.
If you have an interest in science or technology which you would like to share with OLLI members, we would love to hear about it! Or perhaps you know someone who would be a good teacher in one of these areas—we'd be happy to contact them.
Specifically, in the biological sciences we are looking for courses in genetics and epigenetics. For example, during a recent class on evolution, some class members asked whether epigenetic changes that happen in our lifetimes can be passed on to future generations. The discussion showed that class members were eager to learn more about epigenetics.
We could use an update on genetics, and we are also looking for courses on the human microbiome, because our microbiomes apparently can have a great impact on our health.
In technology, we are looking for courses in artificial intelligence. There is also a great deal of interest in the use of, and future developments in, nuclear power.
Please send your ideas for courses, suggestions for instructors, or offers to teach to one of our three co-chairs:
Reston Book Club Meeting By Nancy Scheeler and Luci Martel, Reston Book Club Coordinators
The Reston Book Club will meet on Thursday, April 1, at 4:00, via Zoom. The selection will be: Redhead by the Side of the Road by Anne Tyler, which was long listed for the 2020 Booker Prize. It concerns second chances, misperception, and the sometimes-elusive power of human connection. One day a man’s mundane and routine life is thrown off kilter and changes him forever.
Basketball Fan? Or Looking for a Happy Hour Chat? OLLI’s Chat Line Will Provide!!!
By Doris Bloch, Program Committee Co-chair
On top of our classes, OLLI gives its members increased social engagement! We are reinstating the 24/7, on-all-the-time Chat Line, which is an unmoderated Zoom meeting. This means that you can chat with other OLLI members any time.
News: We also are instituting a few hours dedicated to specific topics. For example, last Thursday on March 18 from 2–3 pm was dedicated to college basketball. For those who are following the NCAA Big Dance, the basketball tournament of 64 teams now in full swing, the chat was all about the teams, brackets, games, predictions for the Final Four, and the final champion, or the whole 2020-1 season and how it compares to past seasons. Not exclusive to the men’s teams, the women’s tournament also was “fair game” for discussion. We hope to continue that chat each week if members are participating.
On Tuesday, March 23 at 3–4 pm, we will sponsor a time slot to talk about movies that you have seen, want to see, or a movie review that you want to share. Also of value might be sharing any film resources that you have discovered during our time at home.
When our spring term begins, we want to initiate an OLLI Happy Hour Chat, once or twice a week, so members can socialize at a relaxed pace and talk about classes that they are taking or plan to take. They can also share beverage tips.
Links to any and all Chat Line events will be included in the Daily Schedule.
We have lots of ideas for other topics to address in the future, but additional suggestions for topics are always welcome (send to [email protected].) This is a pilot, so let’s see if it becomes a fixture, depending on your level of interest and support!
New Reston Program Planning Coordinators
By Nancy Scheeler, Program Committee Co-chair
The Program Committee is pleased to announce that OLLI members Sigrid Fishpaw and Anita Lasansky have stepped up to serve as co-coordinators for program planning for the Reston campus. When OLLI returns to in-person classes, Sigrid and Anita will work with other Reston planning volunteers to ensure a robust offering of classes at United Christian Parish Church and the Reston Community Center at both Lake Anne and Hunters Woods.A native of Worms, Germany, Sigrid immigrated to the United States as a young adult and has called Northern Virginia home for more than 30 years. Before her retirement she worked in program management in the private sector and government contracting.
Her passions include opera, and she looks forward to attending live performances once again after her travel to Chicago’s Lyric Opera was cancelled in 2020.
An OLLI member since 2018, she signed up for numerous and often overlapping on-line classes during the past year. She particularly enjoys learning about literature and United States history. She is looking forward to volunteering in a variety of roles and believes that on-line learning is here to stay, even when in-person classes can be resumed.
Anita is also a relatively new member of OLLI, having retired two years ago. Born in the Bronx, New York, the daughter of Holocaust survivors, she grew up in New Jersey where she went to elementary and high school, and to college. She married right after college graduation, and she and her husband had two sons. She taught at a Yeshiva, a court-reporting school, and a school for delinquent boys. She also sold radio time for a year.
When she moved to northern Virginia, she went into real estate, becoming first a broker and then a manager of 119 agents working in the Reston Long and Foster office.
“I love OLLI since I love the halls of learning and enjoy meeting new people.” She finds the level of teaching at OLLI “extraordinary.”
The OLLI Mason Program Committee, sometimes termed the “P4,” consists of Kathryn Russell, Russell Stone, Doris Bloch, and Nancy Scheeler.
The March 2021 Photo of the Month theme was Life during COVID. We selected John Nash's photo "Mask It . . . Quick.," 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 Coordinators
A sandbar exposed by the inlet’s ebbing tide
provides footing for a living mosaic of gulls;
dappled green water sluices around the bar
rushing to the embrace of a welcoming sea;
osprey circle, then plummet
in an explosion of spray;
they surface struggling to subdue a thrashing fish
and lift off laden with success.
The delicate scrabbles of ghost crabs
lead us to dunes thick with sea oats and brush
where we discover two weathered chairs,
an anonymous gift to beach walkers who, with gratitude,
arrange perfect shells and dried seaweed
on a makeshift altar of driftwood.
Sitting in those chairs, bleached holy by the sun,
we rest in the grace of the inlet,
breathing in the calming cadence
of the waves’ rustle and sigh,
while formations of pelicans,
wings spread in silent benediction,
glide across the azure sky.
Upcoming Mason Music and Friends of Music at Mason Events By Linda Harber, President, Friends of Music at Mason and OLLI Member
Happy Musical March, OLLI friends!
I am excited to tell you about some wonderful free concerts and programs from the Reva and Sid Dewberry family School of Music at Mason. If you are already a Friend of Music at Mason (FOMM), thank you for your support. You will be receiving your email invitations to these events. And if you aren’t on our mailing list yet, please email me at [email protected] and I will ensure you get on the list.
What will you receive?
Our monthly virtual newsletter with lots of musical happenings and stories–many written by your fellow OLLI friends.
Our Friday Musical Moments–which bring music to your email every Friday–from the talented students, faculty, and alumni of Mason Music!
A regular calendar with information about the amazing student recitals, all virtual. Our students really appreciate you “sitting” in their virtual audience these days.
Invitations to these and other upcoming special musical events:
April 11 at 4:00: Opera Overtures Reception with some of the student performers in the April 24th Mason Opera Night. Learn about the three Operas, and perhaps some surprise recipes for opera cocktails and mocktails.
April 24 at 8:00 and April 25 at 3:00. Three operas will be presented: The Telephone by Gina Carlo Menotti; Dream Lover by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor; and The Marriage of Figaro by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
April 30 at 8:00. International Jazz Day Program. Learn about jazz and its roots, future and impact with Mason Jazz students and faculty.
These are just three of the wonderful free (did I say free?) programs brought right to you virtually by the talented Mason Music students. There are no traffic or parking issues this spring, just relaxing and enjoying beautiful music.
Please join the group and enjoy the music. Email me to be included in our mailing list. Remember, life without music would B flat.
Virtual Performances
Although Mason’s campus is shut down, online entertainment continues for us to access and enjoy. Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just send an email to Brianna Schoen at[email protected]. 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. Information can also be found atCFA ticket purchase pageor theHylton ticket purchase page.
Mason Student & Faculty Performances (seemusic.gmu.edu for additional student recitals) Mason School of Theater: Chimichangas and Zoloft
Fri, Mar 19, 8:00 REGISTER
Please note: Physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled until further notice in accordance with Mason’s guidelines. OLLI is conducting its classes and activities online. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates and check the OLLI calendar for revised information.
The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week 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 Mar 20
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Mar 22
8:30 am
9:30 am
Gentle Yoga Club
What’s in the Daily News?
Tue Mar 23
9:30 am
10:30 am
11:00 am
4:30 pm
Annex Art Loudoun Program Planning Group Meeting
Spanish Club
Tai Chi Club
Wed Mar 24
10:30 am
1:00 pm
4:00 pm
5:00 pm
Tom Crooker Investment Forum
Attend and Enjoy OLLI Classes (Zoom training)
Theater Lovers’ Groups
Ethnic Eats Club
Thu Mar 25
10:00 am
11:50 am
4:30 pm
OLLI Virtual Kick-off Coffee
All the News
Tai Chi Club
Fri Mar 26
9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
Craft & Conversation
Homer, etc.
Photography Club
Sat Mar 27
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Tue Mar 30
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Wed Mar 31
2:00 pm
Memoir and More Writing Group
Thu Apr 1
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Fri Apr 2
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
Craft & Conversation
Classic Literature Club
Homer, etc.
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, Leslie Vandivere,
Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Linda Randall, Tom Appich, Roz Stark
Marian Drohan, Jane Hassell
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. Search E-News: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News at ENews Archives. To search the content within issues, use Search or enter your search term(s) in Google followed by “site:olli.gmu.edu/” without the quotes.
On April 20, OLLI Program Co-chair Kathryn Russell (pictured at right) received an honorable mention award at the Fairfax Volunteer Service award ceremony. Her commendation recognized her service as follows:
The Annual OLLI Business Meeting is quickly approaching. We want to remind and invite all members to register and attend. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn about programming and operations, as well as hearing from the candidates for the Board of Directors.
Streaking Fast Racer
Irina also regularly invests in her community in several ways. She is an enthusiastic crafter, and loves sharing her knowledge with others by teaching crochet classes both in-person and online as part of her business, ChicCustomCrochet. Through ChicCustomCrochet, Irina also helps to support Florida farmers and crafters at the Haile Farmers Market, Gainesville, FL, where she serves as treasurer on the Board of Directors. Additionally, she volunteers weekly at a rural Florida food bank, Children’s Table, Bronson, FL.
Join your OLLI friends at the Grab ‘n’ Gab Coffee Klatch on Friday, April 16 from 1:00 to 2:30 for a bit of OLLI history as we celebrate our 30th anniversary. The OLLI Players will delight us with their trivia contest, and we’ll hear from members, old and new, as they share anecdotes from their OLLI experiences. Register for Event #1102 via the member portal or contact the registrar at 
after eight years to re-enter her career in foreign policy with a new job in international trade policy. A dedicated and innovative staffer, Alice’s contributions have enriched and expanded OLLI’s program two-fold, improved communications both internal and external, and supported partnerships across Mason and the wider community. We thank Alice for her many years of dedication to OLLI and 
wish her all the best. Alice’s last day is April 8. Nancy Klein will replace Alice. We welcome Nancy and look forward to a seamless transition over the coming weeks.
since January 2009, with the third-Saturday sessions drawing 500 to 600 attendees annually. On March 20, Roger Fujii, PATACS' treasurer, presented a check for $500 to Angie Talaber, chair of OLLI's Development Committee. PATACS contributions to OLLI since 2010 total $3,250. Three flat-panel monitors for use at the 
joint meetings and PC clinic sessions were also donated to OPCUG. Ms. Talaber remarked, “OLLI is indeed fortunate to have a group of dedicated and skilled friends such as yourselves.”
By Tom Hady, Trip Tales CoordinatorThe COVID-19 pandemic has left fall- and spring-term Trip Tales series in trouble! Since no one has been able to travel, we are running out of speakers for next fall term, September-November 2021.If you took a trip in the past or have one planned soon and would like to tell about it and show some pictures, now is the time to volunteer. We want to hear about your experiences and see some pictures, but high-level photo skills are not needed. We meet on Monday afternoons, and the current plan is for on-line classes in the fall. If you can join us, contact Tom Hady at 
By Paul Westcott, OLLI MemberLike many of you, I have enjoyed several OLLI courses on criminology over the past several years presented or organized by Dr. Cynthia Lum, professor of criminology, law and society at Mason. In one of the courses, there was information provided for a related presentation available through Eventbrite. Since then, I have viewed several other interesting Eventbrite webinars on criminology topics. The most recent of these webinars was held in March entitled “
basketball. For those who are following the NCAA Big Dance, the basketball tournament of 64 teams now in full swing, the chat was all about the teams, brackets, games, predictions for the Final Four, and the final champion, or the whole 2020-1 season and how it compares to past seasons. Not exclusive to the men’s teams, the women’s tournament also was “fair game” for discussion. We hope to continue that chat each week if members are participating.
A native of Worms, Germany, Sigrid immigrated to the United States as a young adult and has called Northern Virginia home for more than 30 years. Before her retirement she worked in program management in the private sector and government contracting.
Anita is also a relatively new member of OLLI, having retired two years ago. Born in the Bronx, New York, the daughter of Holocaust survivors, she grew up in New Jersey where she went to elementary and high school, and to college. She married right after college graduation, and she and her husband had two sons. She taught at a Yeshiva, a court-reporting school, and a school for delinquent boys. She also sold radio time for a year.
