Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

OLLI E-News (Weekly Newsletter)

ENews October 24, 2025

by

OLLI E-News October 24, 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.

Board of Directors Meeting, via Zoom and
In Person at Tallwood, October 17

October 24, 2025


Editor of the Week: Paul Van Hemel
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • The recently updated OLLI Mason Member Handbook is available on the OLLI Mason website at this link.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, October 31; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, October 28, at 6:00.

Back to Top of Page
From the Desk of the Executive Director

OLLI Mason Artist in Residence


By Lisa Mariam,
Executive Director

We are thrilled to be hosting an artist in residence at OLLI Mason! Brianna Camp is a recent School of Art graduate and the latest recipient of College of Visual and Performing Arts Young Alumni Commissioning Grant. She will be producing a series of paintings entitled Flare: Finding a Sense of Place in the Chronically Ill Body. Brianna’s large-scale oil paintings will be accompanied by documentary photographs and poetry that explores her personal experiences with chronic illness and aims to reflect on pain and healing.

⁠Brianna will be offering artist talks, demonstrations, and a tour of the exhibition to OLLI members. Please feel free to stop by the cottage to meet her and see the work in progress.

Back to Top of Page
Don’t Miss the Holiday Party, the Biggest Event of the Season!


By Marilyn Harriman, Diversions Chair


Have you registered for OLLI Mason’s biggest social event of the season, the annual holiday party? If not, you won’t want to miss it! Join fellow members and guests at 11:30, Tuesday, December 2, at the Country Club of Fairfax for lunch, a cash bar, socializing, entertainment, and door prizes.

This year, George Mason University will treat us to the seasonal sounds of winter as we mingle and eat lunch. Door prizes will be announced after lunch is served.

Lunch choices include chicken marsala, pasta primavera, or broccoli salad with grilled chicken. All meals include a beverage and dessert. When you register, you’ll be asked to indicate your entrée choice and pay $50 on the OLLI member portal: Event #1204F. Registration ends on Friday, November 14. OLLI members are welcome to bring a guest.

Our annual party at the country club is a festive and uplifting time when we break bread together and enjoy each other’s company after fall courses conclude. Come out and have a good time on December 2!

Back to Top of Page
Theater Potpourri Class Presents Conversations with Local Playwrights


By Norma Jean Reck, Coordinator, Theater Lovers' Group


October 28: Meet Good Shepherd Players Director
Founded in 1981, the Good Shepherd Players is a community theater group that produces plays, musicals, cabarets, other theatrical performances, and at least one Broadway style musical each year. On Tuesday, October 28 at 11:50 a.m., Director Nancy Lavallee will join Theater Lovers via Zoom to tell us how their group employs creativity to bring theater to life in a most delightful way.
 
November 4: Meet a StageCoach Theater Company Playwright
On Tuesday, November 4, at 11:50 a.m. via Zoom, Theater Lovers will be treated to another local playwright of a different genre: of the StageCoach Theater Company. Aaron is a prolific playwright with more than 30 scripts for mysteries and children's stories to his credit. He is known for his original scripts and authentic approach to the art of acting. Besides playwriting, he directs StageCoach Banditos Improv Troupe and teaches advance acting students to hone their craft.
 
NO CLASS ON NOVEMBER 11. OLLI IS CLOSED.
 
November 18: Meet Hexagon Players
Their tagline should be: Let us entertain you! They will be at Tallwood in person ready to perform original skits with lots of music, fun, laughter and political satire. Plan to be there! More details to follow. Stay tuned.

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

Back to Top of Page
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

BIG SCARE
 
Minding my own business in my suburban home
I got a very scary call on the telephone.
The guy on the line from the Sheriff’s office, said he
had a warrant for my arrest for a missed court decree.
He said I signed a subpoena back in June, you see—
Now they need a signature to prove it was me.
Of course I hadn’t signed any such thing—
This was so outrageous, I almost started laughing.
He said I’d need over eight thousand to pay my bail bond.
My husband, listening in, thought for sure I’d been conned.
They were to send deputies to our house, then lock me in jail
Up to seventy-two hours if I didn’t pay bail.
So, with fear and trembling, I hung up the phone.
No one called back; no deputies came to my home.
We were so glad we didn’t fall for this scam—
We sure learned a lesson from this potential flimflam!
                                          –Joan Lunsford

Back to Top of Page
Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances October 23 through 26


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468. You can also buy tickets online through the event calendar (see links below) or visit the venue's box office. For more information, see the CFA ticket page or the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.

Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of information on interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just sign up at this link to stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website, Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.

Back to Top of Page
At the Fairfax Campus Venues

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

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
Sat, Oct 25, 8:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Concert Hall
Admission: $65, $56, $41.
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

(see music.gmu.edu for additional student recitals)
 
Mason Jazz Ensemble Concert: Fall 2025
Thu, Oct 23, 8:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $19 Adult, $14 Senior.

Dewberry School of Music Faculty Artist Showcase Recital 2025
Sunday, Oct 26 at 3:00
Concert Hall
Admission: Free and Open to the Public.

Back to Top of Page
At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

Chatham County Line
Sat, Oct 25, 5:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $35.

Manassas Symphony Orchestra: Romantic Impressions, Thomas Pandolfi, Piano
Sat, Oct 25, 7:30 
Merchant Hall
Admission: $35.

Time for Three (Hylton Presents)
Sun, Oct 26, 2:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Merchant Hall
Admission: $53, $46, $34.

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

Back to Top of Page
Meetings & Clubs

Please note: OLLI Meetings and Clubs may currently take place in several formats: some are in person only, some are online only, and some are hybrid, meaning that they take place in person and are accessible online simultaneously. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number (except clubs; you may need to check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for location and other event information). 

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week. Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc., bolded below. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
 
Sat Oct 25 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Oct 27
 		  9:30 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Oct 28
 
 		  2:00 pm
 3:45 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Oct 29
 
 
 
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Conversations with Team Bloch – online
Thu Oct 30
 
 		 11:50 am
 3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 All the News
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Oct 31
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm		 Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Classic Literature Club – online
Sat Nov 1 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Nov 3
 
 		  1:30 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Nov 4
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Nov 5
 
 
 
 
 		 12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Dabbling Artists Club
History Club – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Nov 6
 
 
 		 11:50 am
 3:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 All the News
Chair Yoga and More – online
Literary Book Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Nov 7 10:00 am Town Hall Meeting
Sat Nov 8 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online

Back to Top of Page
About OLLI E-News

OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.

Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry

Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, Chitra Mohla, John Nash, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Thomas Appich, Martha Kossoff, Anne Hartshorn, Bonnie Becker, Carol McManus

Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: [email protected].
Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words.
Note: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News on the DocStore. To search the content of issues, use Search Our Site or put your search term in Google followed by "site:olli.gmu.edu/" without the quotes.

Back to Top of Page

ENews October 17, 2025

by

OLLI E-News October 17, 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
 

Second Annual OLLI Oktoberfest Hosted October 10 by Diversions Chair Marilyn Harriman

October 17, 2025


Editor of the Week: David Gundry
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

 
  • Reminder: the OLLI Personal Computer User Group will meet in person at Tallwood, Saturday, October 18 (tomorrow), and via Zoom. The Zoom session starts at 12:45.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, October 24; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, October 21, at 6:00.

 
From the Desk of the Executive Director
Volunteer Highlights


By Lisa Mariam, Executive Director



Let's give our volunteers some love! The OLLI Mason program would not be possible without the dedication of hundreds of volunteers, some of whom have been volunteering for 5, 10, or even more years! 

We invite you to nominate a volunteer for special recognition. Please email [email protected] with your suggestion(s) including a description of their role(s) at OLLI, and bonus points for a photo. Each month we'll select one volunteer to highlight in the E-News.

Back to Top of Page
Potential French Club at OLLI? Please Reply If Interested


By Doris Bloch, Program Planning Committee Co-Chair



Parlez-vous Francais? Many of our OLLI members are very cosmopolitan, speaking multiple foreign languages, and often have much experience with the French language and culture. Are you perhaps interested in practicing or refreshing your French conversation at OLLI?

OLLI has a functioning Spanish Club, but not a French Club. We have had requests for a French course, but we haven't yet found an instructor willing to teach. However, a feasible alternative might be a French Conversation Club, meeting twice a month, to accommodate French speakers on an advanced beginner or intermediate level.

My own French is limited to about five words, so I am not qualified to coordinate the group, but I am willing to get the club started, assuming  there is sufficient interest. Please reply to olliclub@gmu.edu if you would like to hear more about this effort. If enough members reply, the next step would be to set up an initial interest group meeting, perhaps in mid-November. Thank you in advance. (Merci d'avance.)
Photo of the Month


The October 2025 Photo of the Month theme was Still Life. We selected Edward Marion's photo "Peach Bowl," 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, Photography Club Coordinator

Back to Top of Page
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

Moments            

They come and go 
      Long ones, short ones
      Pleasant ones wretched ones
      Memorable ones forgettable ones
Most have little traction 
       This one does
    
Fifty years ago this June 
        Moved in two doors from you
        Had the same first name and  
        Same birthday, you with a five-year start
        You a high school teacher 
               me a federal worker
         Become best buddies 

Half a century of moments passed 
Three weeks ago, you passed
What moments will rise to celebrate your life

I’ll start with this one
          Winter ’79, Saturday night after dark
          Many inches had fallen
          Two fathers, two sleds 
          Carving up snowy streets
          Behaving like a couple of kids
          Absent parental supervision
          A night never to be repeated

Thanks for all the moments of 
          fun, laughter and love 
                                
                              –Bill Sinclair

Back to Top of Page
Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances October 17 through October 27


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468. You can also buy tickets online through the event calendar (see links below) or visit the venue's box office. For more information, see the CFA ticket page or the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.

Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of information on interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just sign up at this link to stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website, Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.

Back to Top of Page
At the Fairfax Campus Venues

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

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

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
Sat, Oct 25, 8:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Concert Hall
Admission: $65, $56, $41.
 
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

Mason Opera Scenes Performance: Fall 2025
Mon, Oct 20, 8:00
Concert Hall
Admission: Free.

Mason Jazz Ensemble Concert: Fall 2025
Thu, Oct 23, 8:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $19 Adult, $14 Senior.

Faculty Artist Showcase Recital 
Sun, Oct 26, 3:00
Concert Hall
Admission: Free.

 

Back to Top of Page
At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

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

Manassas Ballet Theatre: Frankenstein
Fri, Oct 17, 7:30 
Sat, Oct 18, 7:30
Sun, Oct 19, 3:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $81, $71, $60, $50, $40.

Chatham County Line
Sat, Oct 25, 5:00.
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $35.

Manassas Symphony Orchestra: Romantic Impressions
Sat, Oct 25, 7:30 
Merchant Hall
Admission: $35.

Time for Three (Hylton Presents)
Sun, Oct 26, 2:00.
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Merchant Hall
Admission: $53, $46, $34.

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

Back to Top of Page
Meetings & Clubs

Please note: OLLI Meetings and Clubs may currently take place in several formats: some are in person only, some are online only, and some are hybrid, meaning that they take place in person and are accessible online simultaneously. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number (except clubs; you may need to check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for location and other event information). Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates.

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week. Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc., bolded below. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
 
Sat Oct 18
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Oct 20
 
 		  9:30 am
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Oct 21
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Oct 22
 
 

 
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Dabbling Artists
Spanish Club – online
Theater Lovers’ Group – online
Thu Oct 23
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Oct 24


 
 
 		  9:00 am
 9:30 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm		 Mason Sarcopenia Study
Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Classic Literature Club – online
Sat Oct 25 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Oct 27
 		  9:30 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Oct 28
 
 		  2:00 pm
 3:45 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Oct 29
 
 
 
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Conversations with Team Bloch – online
Thu Oct 30
 
 		 11:50 am
 3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 All the News
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Oct 31
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm		 Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Classic Literature Club – online
Sat Nov 1 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online

Back to Top of Page
About OLLI E-News

OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.

Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry

Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, Chitra Mohla, John Nash, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Thomas Appich, Martha Kossoff, Anne Hartshorn, Bonnie Becker, Carol McManus

Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: [email protected].
Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words.
Note: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News on the DocStore. To search the content of issues, use Search Our Site or put your search term in Google followed by "site:olli.gmu.edu/" without the quotes.

Back to Top of Page

ENews October 10, 2025

by

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

October 10, 2025


Editor of the Week: Chitra Mohla
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

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

Back to Top of Page
Chat Topic for Wednesday Conversation
October 15
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch,
Co-Moderators

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

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

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

Please join us and share what new book intrigues you.

Back to Top of Page
Computer Club
3rd Saturday, October 18
Experts Panel
Windows Boot Sequence


By Paul Howard , OPCUG Program Chair


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

See full details on this meeting by clicking here . For information on the Computer Club, see the OPCUG Website. OPCUG dues are $5 and are now due for 2025 (and 2024, if you didn’t get around to paying earlier!)—see http://olligmu.org/opcug/comm.html for details on making payment.

To attend via Zoom’s cloud meeting service, beginning at 12:45, please click:
https://olligmu-org.zoom.us/j/88388435350?pwd=hfaEFO7vfkvhVspokJXKnzpia7uTOh.1
to join the meeting and use passcode 804997. (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces), or enter meeting ID 883 8843 5350 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode (preferred method), or dial in at 301-715-8592.

Back to Top of Page
Get Ready to Split Your Sides Laughing as You Meet with Local Playwrights


By Norma Jean Reck, Coordinator, Theater Lovers' Group


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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Dr. Decker!

Back to Top of Page
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

Unpacking

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


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

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

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

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

    ---Susan Rexroad

Back to Top of Page
Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances October 10 through October 20


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer



For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468. You can also buy tickets online through the event calendar (see links below) or visit the venue's box office. For more information, see the  CFA ticket page or the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.

Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of information on interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just sign up at this link to stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website,  Mason Arts at Home , which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.

Back to Top of Page
At the Fairfax Campus Venues

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

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

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

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

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

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

Back to Top of Page
At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

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

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

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

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

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

Back to Top of Page
Meetings & Clubs

Please note: OLLI Meetings and Clubs may currently take place in several formats: some are in person only, some are online only, and some are hybrid, meaning that they take place in person and are accessible online simultaneously. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number (except clubs; you may need to check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for location and other event information).

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week. Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc., bolded below. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
 
Sat Oct 11 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Oct 13
 		  9:30 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Oct 14
 
 		  2:00 pm
 3:45 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Oct 15
 
 
 
 		 12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Oct 16
 
 
 		  3:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm
 6:00 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Literary Fiction Book Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats Club – online
Fri Oct 17
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm		 Crafts and Conversation
Board of Directors Meeting
Mah Jongg Club
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Classic Literature Club – online
Sat Oct 18
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Oct 20
 
 		  9:30 am
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Oct 21
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Oct 22
 
 
 
 
 		 12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Dabbling Artists
Spanish Club – online
Theater Lovers’ Group – online
Thu Oct 23
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Oct 24
 
 
 
 		  9:00 am
 9:30 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm		 Mason Sarcopenia Study
Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Classic Literature Club – online
Sat Oct 25 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online

Back to Top of Page
About OLLI E-News

OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.

Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry

Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, Chitra Mohla, John Nash, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Thomas Appich, Martha Kossoff, Anne Hartshorn, Bonnie Becker, Carol McManus

Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: [email protected].
Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words.
Note: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News on the DocStore. To search the content of issues, use Search Our Site or put your search term in Google followed by "site:olli.gmu.edu/" without the quotes.

Back to Top of Page

ENews October 3, 2025

by

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

October 3, 2025


Editor of the Week: John Nash
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

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

Back to Top of Page

Volunteers Needed for Economics and Finance
Committee Program Planning

 

By Shannon Morrow, Lead Program Associate 


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

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

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

Participants Needed for Mason Sarcopenia Study

 

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

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

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

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

Autumn is Here, So Enjoy It

 

By John Nash, E-News editor


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

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

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

Back to Top of Page

Poet's Corner
                                                                                              Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

To Give Up the Car Keys

Whether we decide for ourselves

to give up driving for the safety of others and ourselves

or if someone else decides that it is time,

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

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

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

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

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


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468. You can also buy tickets online through the event calendar (see links below) or visit the venue's box office. For more information, see the CFA ticket page or the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.

Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of information on interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just sign up at this link to stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website, Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.

Back to Top of Page
At the Fairfax Campus Venues

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

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

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

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

No Performances

Back to Top of Page
At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

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

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

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

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

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

Back to Top of Page
Meetings & Clubs

Please note: OLLI Meetings and Clubs may currently take place in several formats: some are in person only, some are online only, and some are hybrid, meaning that they take place in person and are accessible online simultaneously. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number (except clubs; you may need to check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for location and other event information). Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates.

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week. Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc., bolded below. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
 
Sat Oct 4 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Oct 6
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Tallwood Trio
Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Oct 7
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Oct 8
 
 
 
 		 12:00 noon
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm		 Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Dabbling Artists Club
Thu Oct 9
 
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm
 6:00 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats Club – online
Fri Oct 10
 
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm
 2:30 pm		 Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Classic Literature Club
Tallwood Book Club
Sat Oct 11 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Oct 13
 		  9:30 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Oct 14
 
 		  2:00 pm
 3:45 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Oct 15
 
 
 
 		 12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Oct 16
 
 
 		  3:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm
 6:00 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Literary Fiction Book Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats Club – online
Fri Oct 17
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm		 Crafts and Conversation
Board of Directors Meeting
Mah Jongg Club
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Classic Literature Club – online
Sat Oct 18
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group

Back to Top of Page
About OLLI E-News

OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.

Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry

Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, Chitra Mohla, John Nash, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Thomas Appich, Martha Kossoff, Anne Hartshorn, Bonnie Becker, Carol McManus

Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: [email protected].
Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words.
Note: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News on the DocStore. To search the content of issues, use Search Our Site or put your search term in Google followed by "site:olli.gmu.edu/" without the quotes.

Back to Top of Page

ENews September 26, 2025

by

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

September 26, 2025


Editor of the Week: Paul Van Hemel
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

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

Back to Top of Page
From the Desk of the Executive Director
Mason Visual Arts Exhibition: Before the Americas


By Lisa Mariam, Executive Director


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Back to Top of Page
In Search of Senior Olympics Competitors


By Debby Mossburg, OLLI Member and Senior Olympics Participant


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

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

Back to Top of Page






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


By Doug Snoeyenbos, History Club Coordinator


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

Back to Top of Page
Theater Lovers' Group Kicks Off Its 2025-2026
Season with In-person Meeting



By Norma Jean Reck, Theater Lovers' Group Coordinator


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

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

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

Back to Top of Page
Tallwood Book Club to Meet October 10


By Betty Ellerbee, Tallwood Book Club Coordinator


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

Back to Top of Page
Photo of the Month


The September 2025 Photo of the Month theme was Black and White. We selected Bob Kelberg's photo "Horse in Black and White September2025," which may also be viewed at this page. To view other photos by members of the Photography Club, visit the club's photo website.

        -- By John Olsen and Edward Marion, Photography Club Co-Coordinators

Back to Top of Page
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

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

Back to Top of Page
OLLI Mason Free Music Presentations


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


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

            

Back to Top of Page 
Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances September 26 through October 5


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468. You can also buy tickets online through the event calendar (see links below) or visit the venue's box office. For more information, see the CFA ticket page or the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.

Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of information on interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just sign up at this link to stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website, Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.

Back to Top of Page
At the Fairfax Campus Venues

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

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

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

Back to Top of Page
At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

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

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

Back to Top of Page
Meetings & Clubs

Please note: OLLI Meetings and Clubs may currently take place in several formats: some are in person only, some are online only, and some are hybrid, meaning that they take place in person and are accessible online simultaneously. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number (except clubs; you may need to check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for location and other event information). 

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week. Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.

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

Back to Top of Page
About OLLI E-News

OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.

Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry

Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, Chitra Mohla, John Nash, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Thomas Appich, Martha Kossoff, Anne Hartshorn, Bonnie Becker, Carol McManus

Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: [email protected].
Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words.
Note: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News on the DocStore. To search the content of issues, use Search Our Site or put your search term in Google followed by "site:olli.gmu.edu/" without the quotes.

Back to Top of Page

ENews September 12, 2025

by

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

September 12, 2025


Editor of the Week: John Nash
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

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

Back to Top of Page
OLLI President's Message September 12

By Deborah Engleson, President


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

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

Back to Top of Page
From the Desk of the Executive Director


By Lisa Mariam, Executive Director


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

Back to Top of Page

OLLI Kick-Off Coffee on Thursday, September 18

 

By Toni Acton, Member Services Chair


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

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

Six OLLI Members Score Awards at Game Day Bash

  
By Marilyn Harriman, Diversions Chair



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

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

An Evening with Ken Burns: Film Preview

 
Shannon Morrow, Lead Program Associate


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

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

Tickets will be available starting on September 24.
 


Information for the Team Bloch Wednesday Afternoon Conversation on September 17

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

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

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

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

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


By Paul Howard , OPCUG Program Chair


The Computer Club (OLLI Personal Computer User Group, or OPCUG) will meet with its partner, the Potomac Area Technology and Computer Society (PATACS), on Saturday, September 20, in person and via Zoom. The Zoom session opens at 1:45. Our Fall Luncheon will begin at 12:30 and conclude at 1:35. Reservations for the lunch must be submitted by noon on September 15 via the form link below: https://forms.gle/a4gHN62sxvKgYbCd9.

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

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

Test-driving Linux from a USB external drive leaves Windows intact on the computer internal storage. Windows can be used any time the USB external drive is not connected. If you elect to install Linux on your drive C, the flash drive Linux can do that for you.

John Krout is a frequent presenter at our meetings on a wide range of computer, technology, and photography topics

See full details on this meeting by clicking here. For information on the Computer Club, see the OPCUG Website. OPCUG dues are $5 and are now due for 2025 (and 2024, if you didn’t get around to paying earlier!)—see http://olligmu.org/opcug/comm.html for details on making payment.

To attend via Zoom’s cloud meeting service, beginning at 12:45, please click https://olligmu-
org.zoom.us/j/88388435350? pwd=hfaEFO7vfkvhVspokJXKnzpia7uTO h.1 to join the meeting and use passcode 804997 (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces) or enter meeting ID 883 8843 5350 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode (preferred method), or dial in at 301-715-8592.

Back to Top of Page
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

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

–Margie Wildblood

Back to Top of Page

A New Season of Mason Music

 

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


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

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

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

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

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


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468. You can also buy tickets online through the event calendar (see links below) or visit the venue's box office. For more information, see the CFA ticket page or the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.

Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of information on interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just sign up at this link to stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website, Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.

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

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

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

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

George Mason School of Theater: The Originals! 2025
Fri, Sep 12, 7:30
Sat, Sep 13, 2:00 and 7:30
deLaski Performing Arts Building, A105, TheaterSpace
Admission: $14.

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

Back to Top of Page
At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Back to Top of Page
Meetings & Clubs

Please note: OLLI Meetings and Clubs may currently take place in several formats: some are in person only, some are online only, and some are hybrid, meaning that they take place in person and are accessible online simultaneously. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number (except clubs; you may need to check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for location and other event information). 

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week. Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc., bolded below. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
 
Sat Sep 13 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Sep 15
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Poetry Writing Club – online
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Tue Sep 16
 
 		  1:30 pm
 2:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Program Committee Meeting
Caregivers Support Group – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Sep 17
 

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



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


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

Back to Top of Page
About OLLI E-News

OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.

Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry

Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Thomas Appich, Martha Kossoff, Anne Hartshorn, Bonnie Becker, Carol McManus

Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: [email protected].
Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words.
Note: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News on the DocStore. To search the content of issues, use Search Our Site or put your search term in Google followed by "site:olli.gmu.edu/" without the quotes.

Back to Top of Page

OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE
AT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY

4210 Roberts Rd. Fairfax, VA 22032-1028
Phone: (703) 503-3384
Email: [email protected]

Copyright ©2025 Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. All Rights Reserved.

Website designed and developed by Earthcare Technologies Inc.

OLLI Mason is a nonprofit, equal opportunity 501(c)(3) organization
and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national/ethnic origin.