Tom Shoop, former Fairfax County History Commissioner, discussed his book, A Place Called Ilda, on race and resilience in 19th and 20th-century Fairfax, Virginia, near Little River Turnpike and Guinea Road; April 21, Historic Blenheim
You will receive (or may have already received) an email with a link allowing you to cast your ballot for the Board election between May 2 and May 16. If you do not receive this email today, contact the OLLI office at [email protected].
The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, May 9; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, May 6, at 6:00.
By Camille Hodges, Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group Chairperson
As spring blossoms with promises of new life, we hope your thoughts have blossomed into new ideas to share with OLLI members. If you are personally hesitant to share, perhaps you know someone whose expertise in the areas of the humanities and social sciences would benefit our OLLI members. We value your willingness to contribute your expertise.
Here are some topics for consideration:
History of the Fairfax County Courthouse
“Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope”...and other dilemmas of older adulthood
Why are there so many versions of Cinderella? Or The Psychology Behind Folk Tales
The “Rosetta Stone” of Understanding Human Behavior
Your ideas?
Here is the course proposal link and due date schedule:
The History Club will meet in person at 4:00 on Wednesday afternoon, May 7, on the west side of Parking Lot K on the George Mason campus We'll be taking a tour of the redoubt at Farr’s Cross Roads, an important Civil War site. A map of the campus that includes Lot K (west side is to the left on the map) is linked here Fairfax Campus Map.
We will meet at the Farr's Cross Roads historical marker (illustrated at the right) with experienced presenters from the Bull Run Civil War Roundtable. They will explain the historical significance of the site, and then take us on a short walk of about 100 yards on a well-groomed trail to the site of the actual redoubt.
All are welcome; you don’t have to be a History Club member to attend, enjoy the great outdoors, and what should be a very interesting walk and talk.
Theater for the Merry Month of May - You Are Invited
By Norma Jean Reck, Coordinator, Theater Lovers' Group
Friday, May 9 Speaker - Be Sure to Zoom in at 1 p.m. Which of these types of theater do you enjoy the most? Murder mystery dinner theater or stage productions? Magic shows or comedy shows? You get it all with the amazing Stagecoach Theatre Company of Ashburn. This gem of a theater company does it all with something for everyone from five to adult; even gives classes if you want to brush up on your theater skills.
Stagecoach Theatre's owner and co-founder Jerri Wiseman will speak via Zoom with the Theater Lovers' Group on Friday, May 9 from 1 to 2:15 p.m. All OLLI members are invited to attend this fabulous event. Just look for the Zoom link under Theater Lovers' Group in the E-News Daily Schedule.
Saturday, May 18 Attend Matinee of Jesus Christ Superstar
Andrew Lloyd Weber's first production for the professional stage, Jesus Christ Superstar, ran for about a decade in London, which made it the longest running show there before being eventually overtaken by Cats. It is loosely based on the Gospels but focuses on the psychological and personal conflicts between characters, particularly Judas's dissatisfaction with Jesus' direction. It will be performed at Workhouse Arts Center W3 Theater. Military and senior tickets are $35 and can be purchased online at workhousearts.org. Optional dinner after the show.
Editor's Note: At the author’s request, all words are published unedited, exactly as submitted.
I walk into
the corner market
a blank slate
yearning for lawsuit fruit
a prairie of cherries
a crack pot apricot
with avocado bravado
I search for unflappable apples
parts of speech peaches
say a prayer to Santa Banana
wearing a passionfruit swimsuit
wondering how did I land
on this pomegranate planet
just another glum plum
For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468. You can also buy tickets online through the event calendar (see links below) or visit the venue's box office. For more information, see the CFA ticket pageor the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.
Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of information on interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just sign up at this linkto stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website,Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.
Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
Pre-performance discussions will take place in Monson Grand Tier, which is located on the third level of the Concert Hall, 45 minutes prior to curtain. As seating is limited, a livestream will also be available on screens in the main lobby.
Virginia Opera: Loving v. Virginia
Sat, May 3, 7:30
Sun, May 4, 2:00
Pre-performance discussion
Concert Hall
Admission: $110, $70, $40.
George Mason School of Theater: 12 Angry Jurors
Fri, May 2, 8:00
Sat, May 3, 2:00 and 8:00
Sun, May 4, 2:00
deLaski Performing Arts Building, A105, TheaterSpace
Admission: $20 Adult, $10 Senior.
George Mason School of Dance: Dance Innovations
Fri, May 2, 2:00 and 7:00
Sat, May 3, 7:00
Harris Theatre
Admission: $20 Adult, $12 Senior.
Mason Symphony Orchestra Concert: Concerto Competition Winners
Mon, May 5, 8:00
Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
Admission: $15 Adult, $10 Senior.
School of Dance: May Studio Series
Tue, May 6, 6:00 and 8:00
deLaski Performing Arts Building, A301, Dance Performance Studio
Admission: $17.
School of Music Honors Recital 2025
Sat, May 10, 8:00
Harris Theatre
Admission: Free.
Manassas Symphony Orchestra: Fantasies
Sat, May 3, 7:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $30.
ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre: The Lightning Thief – The Percy Jackson Musical
Fri, May 9, 7:00
Sat, May 10, 7:00
Sun, May 11, 2:00
Fri, May 16, 7:00
Sat, May 17, 7:00
Sun, May 18, 2:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $25 Adult, $20 Senior.
Manassas Ballet Theatre: The Sleeping Beauty
Fri, May 9, 7:30
Sat, May 10, 3:00 and 7:30
Sun, May 11, 3:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $75; $65; $55; $45.
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. 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 3
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon May 5
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 May 6
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Games Club – online
Bridge Club
History Club – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu May 8
11:50 am
3:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
All the News
Chair Yoga and More – online
Literary Fiction Book Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri May 9
9:30 am
9:30 am
10:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
12:00 noon
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
2:30 pm
Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Dance Club
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Theater Lovers’ Group
Classic Literature Club – online
Tallwood Book Club – online
Sat May 10
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon May 12
9:30 am
4:00 pm
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue May 13
2:00 pm
3:45 pm
4:30 pm
Chair Yoga and More – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Dabbling Artists Club
Spanish Club
Memoir and More Writers Group – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu May 15
11:50 am
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
All the News
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri May 16
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
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.
Note: Event times for May 2 have changed; the Annual Business Meeting will now be from 11:00-12:00, and the Tallwood Garden Party and Picnic will now be from 12:30–2:30
The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, May 2; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, April 29, at 6:00.
The History Club will meet via Zoom on Wednesday, May 7, at 4:00. Bull Run Civil War Roundtable members Jim Lewis and Brian McEnany will repeat the "Beyond the Battlefield" lecture that they have previously presented to OLLI classes.
The Tallwood Book Club meets on Zoom on the second Friday of each month from 2:30 to 4:00.
Books to be discussed at upcoming meetings are as follows:
May Gilead by Marilynne Robinson;
June Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel;
July River of the Gods by Candice Millard.
By Darden Purcell, D.M.A., Mason Director of Jazz Studies, Jazz Voice
Mason’s Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music is hosting several jazz concerts this spring, and we hope OLLI members will attend and enjoy them. Listed below are two upcoming events at the end of April. Please join us!
Mason Jazz Ensemble at Blues Alley: Tuesday, Apr 29, 7:00
Washington DC historic Jazz club, Blues Alley
Tickets: $27 plus $7 fee; for more details, click this link.
The Mason Jazz Ensemble, directed by Jim Carroll, performs at Blues Alley as part of the Big Band Jam educational week!
International Jazz Day: Wednesday, Apr 30, 8:00
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Tickets: $19 each; click this link.
Share the vibrancy and vitality of jazz music with Mason Jazz students and faculty on April 30! George Mason University, Jazz Studies, celebrates International Jazz Day with performances by the Mason Jazz Ensemble (Jim Carroll) and The Jazz Workshop (John Kocur).
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
As there was a wide-spread Zoom outage during our previous Wednesday Conversations with Team Bloch, we are repeating the topic for our next session on April 30.
Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) conducts a casual, drop-in conversation on Zoom every second week on Wednesday's at 4:00. Each session is on a different topic.
The topic for Team Bloch's Wednesday afternoon chat on April 30 is "What are Your Fears?" This could be a very personal subject and may differ for everyone; on the other hand, there are certain universal fears we probably all encounter as we age. Team Bloch suggests a few: running out of money, being alone, losing independence, just to start the discussion ball rolling. A related topic (possibly more productive) is "How Do You Face Your Fears?" We all have different ways of coping with difficulty—and each situation likely requires a different approach.
You may listen in as a lurker or add to the discussion – up to you – but we encourage you to voice your thoughts; that way we all benefit and learn from each other.
The zoom link is always found in the Daily Schedule on the relevant morning. Log on and join us on April 30 or any future session.
Outside my window the towering maple tree
Holds a profusion of gold leaves –
The final step
Before releasing them
And leaving behind
Naked limbs
Like brown bones.
But now, the magnificent glowing leaves
Thrash wildly in the warm, smoky wind --
Without pause --
Like dancers in a final frenzy
Of abandon.
Shutting my eyes,
I raise my hands to join this celebration
And dissolve into roiling waves of an unseen ocean;
The energy of the atmosphere
Expressed in an unexpected October occurrence.
I am a child again
In instinctive, resplendent harmony
With raging nature.
–Nancy Coffey
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 the CFA ticket page link below) or visit the venue's box office. For more information, see theCFA ticket pageor theHylton 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 atthis link to stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a websiteMason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.
Center for the Arts, Concert Hall Pre-performance discussions will take place in Monson Grand Tier, which is located on the third level of the Concert Hall, 45 minutes prior to curtain. As seating is limited, a livestream will also be available on screens in the main lobby.
Virginia Opera: Loving v. Virginia
Sat, May 3, 7:30
Sun, May 4, 2:00
Pre-performance discussion
Concert Hall
Admission: $110, $70, $40.
George Mason School of Theater: 12 Angry Jurors
Thu, May 1, 8:00
Fri, May 2, 8:00
Sat, May 3, 2:00 and 8:00
Sun, May 4, 2:00
deLaski Performing Arts Building, A105, TheaterSpace
Admission: $20 Adult, $10 Senior.
George Mason School of Dance: Dance Innovations
Fri, May 2, 2:00 and 7:00
Sat, May 3, 7:00
Harris Theatre
Admission: $20 Adult, $12 Senior.
Mason Symphony Orchestra Concert: Concerto Competition Winners
Mon, May 5, 8:00
Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
Admission: $15 Adult, $10 Senior.
Hylton Performing Arts Center 15th Anniversary Gala
Sat, Apr 26, 6:00
Hylton Performing Arts Center Admission: Individual Tickets $350 ($210 Benefit).
For more HyltonCenter.org/galas information, Click here.
Virginia National Ballet: Bohemian Rhapsody
Sun, Apr 27, 3:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $50.
International Jazz Day 2025
Wed, Apr 30, 8:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $15 Adult, $10 Senior.
Manassas Symphony Orchestra: Fantasies
Sat, May 3, 7:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $30.
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 Apr 26
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Apr 28
9:30 am
4:00 pm
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Apr 29
2:00 pm
3:45 pm
4:30 pm
Chair Yoga and More – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Dabbling Artists Club
Memoir and More Writers Group – online
Conversation with Team Bloch
Thu May 1
11:50 am
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
6:00 pm
All the News
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats – online
Fri May 2
11:00 am
12:00 noon
12:30 pm
Annual Business Meeting (Note Time)
Chair Yoga and More – online
Garden Party & Picnic
Sat May 3
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon May 5
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 May 6
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Games Club – online
Bridge Club
History Club – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu May 8
11:50 am
3:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
All the News
Chair Yoga and More – online
Literary Fiction Book Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri May 9
9:30 am
9:30 am
10:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
12:00 noon
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
2:30 pm
Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Dance Club
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Theater Lovers’ Group
Classic Literature Club – online
Tallwood Book Club – online
OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.
Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, 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.
OLLI Personal Computer User Group 3rd Saturday meeting is April 19 (tomorrow) in person and via Zoom; check the OLLI daily schedule email for link and other information.
The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, April 25; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, April 22, at 6:00.
As I wrap up my 12 years with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University, I want to take a moment to reflect and share my gratitude for the journey we’ve taken together. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve this community, and I’m incredibly proud of all we’ve accomplished side by side.
When I joined OLLI in 2013, I saw the incredible potential of our organization—and with your support, that potential became reality. Together, we doubled OLLI program offerings, expanded our reach, and welcomed an ever-growing number of Mason professors into our classrooms. We also built strong partnerships with respected organizations and subject matter experts from across the DC metro area—and the world, enriching our courses with timely, thought-provoking content. We created new opportunities for learning, for connection, and for growth.
What makes OLLI truly special is the strength and richness of its member community. Around 50% of our classes are taught by OLLI members themselves—bringing their own talents, passions, and expertise into the classroom. This peer-to-peer learning model, where members take classes, teach classes, recruit new instructors, and generously share their knowledge, is what makes OLLI unique. It’s a living, breathing example of lifelong learning at its finest. Add to that the extraordinary efforts of volunteers who serve on committees, lead initiatives, and support every corner of the organization, and you have the foundation of a place that is not only educational—but also deeply human. Working in an organization with such a soul-satisfying mission has been more than a job—it’s been a joy.
The challenges of the pandemic could have slowed us down, but instead, they brought out the best in us. We moved our entire catalog online in a matter of weeks, kept our members engaged and connected, and later invested in hybrid technology to offer even more flexibility. Our community not only stayed together—we became stronger, more resilient, and more creative than ever.
Financially, we’ve made great strides as well. Thanks to thoughtful planning, generous support, and new partnerships, we’ve maintained our stability, expanded our impact, and continued to invest in the future. From supporting student scholarships to launching travel programs, we’ve been able to dream big—and follow through.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the incredible staff I’ve had the privilege of working with. Your talent, dedication, and care have been the heartbeat of this organization. It’s been a joy to lead alongside you, and I’m so proud of the workplace culture we’ve built together—respectful, collaborative, and kind.
To our volunteers: thank you. You bring OLLI to life. Whether in classrooms, on committees, at events, or behind the scenes, your contributions have shaped every success we’ve had. And to our wonderful instructors—thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion. You’ve enriched lives in ways both big and small, and your impact will be felt for years to come.
To the Board, thank you for your steady guidance and your trust. Your vision and leadership have made so much possible, and I’m truly grateful for your partnership over the years. Although I’m stepping away from this role, I leave with full confidence in OLLI’s bright future. We’ve built something meaningful together—a welcoming, inspiring place to learn and grow at every stage of life. I will carry the memories, the friendships, and the lessons from this experience with me always.
By Norma Jean Reck, Coordinator, Theater Lovers’ Group
Do you know who the WASPs were who served during World War II? Do you know what 'decision height' means in aviation?
Join the Theater Lover's' Group on Sunday, April 27, to see the 2pm matinee performance of Decision Height at the Vienna Community Center by the Vienna Theatre Company to find out. You will be intrigued by this 'unforgettable story of bravery, sacrifice, and sisterhood, shining a light on a courageous group of unrecognized heroes.' The story unfolds around Virginia who, during WWII, leaves home to become a Woman Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) and her amazing journey. Tickets are $16 and can be purchased at viennava.gov/webtrac. Optional dinner after the show at a nearby restaurant. Email [email protected] to join us for dinner and show.
Editor’s Note: At the author’s request, all words are published unedited, exactly as submitted.
The April 2025 Photo of the Month theme was Symmetry and Repetition. We selected John Olsen's photo "TheVessel," 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
Does demure
my word of the day
mean grace
on any stage
in any play?
Should it lure
us towards humility
respect for others
not just those
who relate to us?
Or should we
as many do these days
and have through the ages
not bother
but just “adjust”
rescind grace
blow demure away
as so much chaff in the wind
and stick with the tried and true
of me first, then maybe
maybe you?
By Darden Purcell, D.M.A., Mason Director of Jazz Studies, Jazz Voice
Mason’s Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music is hosting several jazz concerts this spring, and we hope OLLI members will attend and enjoy them. Listed below are two upcoming events in late April. Please join us!
Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble at Blues Alley: Monday,
Apr 21, 7:00 and 9:30 Shows
Washington, DC, historic Jazz club: Blues Alley
Tickets: $25 plus $7 fee
For more details: Click this link.
The Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble, directed by Darden Purcell, performs at Blues Alley, as part of the Ella Fitzgerald Vocal Competition Educational Week!
Jazz Combos/Steel Pan Ensemble: Wednesday, Apr 23, 8:00
Center for the Arts
For more details: Click this link.
Combo 338/Combo 217, directed by Wade Beach, and the Steel Pan Ensemble, directed by Victor Provost, perform their spring 2025 concert! Free and open to the public.
For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468. You can also buy tickets online through the event calendar (see links below) or visit the venue's box office. For more information, see the CFA ticket pageor the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.
Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of information on interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just sign up at this linkto stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website,Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.
Hylton Performing Arts Center 15th Anniversary Gala
Sat, Apr 26, 6:00
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Admission: Individual Tickets $350 ($210 Benefit).
For more HyltonCenter.org/galas information, Click here.
Virginia National Ballet: Bohemian Rhapsody
Sun, Apr 27, 3:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $50.
Opportunities to Join the OLLI E‑News Editorial Team
By Paul Van Hemel, E‑News Chief Editor
If you love OLLI and are interested in an easy way to contribute a volunteer effort to the organization, here’s an opportunity to do so by becoming a member of the E‑News editorial team. By serving one day every four or five weeks as Editor of the Week, you can have a positive impact on OLLI and enjoy a pleasant journalistic experience. We have openings for a couple of new editors.
E‑News is one of several OLLI publications that is created using MailChimp software. We will teach you what you need to know to put together an E-News issue. You don’t have to generate content, which generally is submitted by OLLI-member coordinators for committees, clubs, and activities. If you are interested and have questions or would like to know more, please contact me at [email protected]. Thanks!
Please note: OLLI Meetings and Clubs may currently take place in several formats: some are in person only, some are online only, and some are hybrid, meaning that they take place in person and are accessible online simultaneously. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number (except clubs; you may need to check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for location and other event information). Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates.
The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week, but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc., bolded below. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
Sat Apr 19
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Apr 21
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 Apr 22
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Apr 23
12:00 noon
1:30 pm
1:30 pm
1:45 pm
4:00 pm
Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Games Club – online
Bridge Club
Spanish Club
Theater Lovers’ Group – online
Thu Apr 24
11:50 am
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
All the News
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Apr 25
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Dance Party
Classic Literature Club – online
Sat Apr 26
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Apr 28
9:30 am
4:00 pm
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Apr 29
2:00 pm
3:45 pm
4:30 pm
Chair Yoga and More – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Dabbling Artists Club
Memoir and More Writers Group – online
Conversation with Team Bloch
Thu May 1
11:50 am
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
6:00 pm
All the News
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats – online
Fri May 2
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
12:30 pm
Annual Meeting Annual Business Meeting
Chair Yoga and More – online
Garden Party & Picnic
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.
A March 26 class with instructor Bunnie Jordan, quilter, quilt appraiser, and author, highlighted the history of quilts of Virginia, with actual quilts shared for close examination
- Reminder: Mason Jazz Vocal Night: Monday, Apr 14, 8:00; Center for the Arts, Tickets – Click this link.
- Reminder: Jazz Combos/Braddock Road Brass Band: Tuesday, Apr 15, 8:00; Center for the Arts, Free – click here.
- The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, April 18; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, April 15, at 6:00.
We know that OLLI has many experienced and talented members. Share your expertise with the rest of us! We offer a great many classes each term and are always looking for new program ideas.
Do you have a unique interest you could share with OLLI students? Did you do something in your formerly employed or volunteer life that you are still passionate about? Do you have a friend who would make a great instructor? Did you see a class at another OLLI that you would like to have here? Or perhaps you have been in a class that gave you an idea for a course. Let’s spread the wealth and add some new ideas to OLLI programs.
Program planning chairs would love to hear from you. They are listed at the beginning of each subject section of the catalog. You can always contact Kathryn Russell, Program Committee co-chair, with your ideas. Let's make it happen for an exciting OLLI program!
Notice of Annual Meeting and Board of
Directors Election
By Robert “Bob" Heyer, Secretary, Board of Directors
The annual membership meeting will be held in classroom TA-1 on the Fairfax (Tallwood) Campus and on Zoom on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 10:00. The agenda for the meeting will include:
- Reports from the OLLI President and Executive Director
- Introduction of the 2025 board candidates
- Opportunity for questions and answers.
The election for the Board of Directors will take place from noon, Friday, May 2, through noon on Friday, May 16, 2025.
Election Procedure - How to Vote for BOD Candidates. You may vote for up to five candidates for the five vacant positions on the Board of Directors. Their photos and bios are easily accessible on the candidate page of the OLLI website at this link.
Recognizing the accuracy, convenience, and efficiency of electronic balloting, the bylaws allow for electronic transmission. You will receive an email on May 2, 2025, containing a link, allowing you to cast your ballot electronically. The subject line will read: 2025 OLLI Ballot for Board of Directors. The link will remain active until you cast your ballot or until noon on Friday, May 16. Remember to check your spam and junk folders for this email; if you do not receive this email on May 2 contact the OLLI office at [email protected].
If you have questions about the election process, please contact Norma Reck, the nominating committee chair, at [email protected].
The solution to pollution is dilution. We all know that hand washing decreases the spread of germs but when and for how long? Click onAbout Handwashing | Clean Hands | CDCfor the answers. The sweet spot is 20 seconds (just hum Happy Birthday twice).
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) conducts a casual, drop-in conversation on Zoom every second week on Wednesday at 4:00. Each session is on a different topic.
The topic for Team Bloch's Wednesday afternoon chat on April 16 is “What are Your Fears?” This could be a very personal subject and may differ for everyone; on the other hand, there are certain universal fears we probably all encounter as we age. Team Bloch suggests a few: running out of money, being alone, losing independence, just to start the discussion ball rolling. A related topic (possibly more productive) is “How Do You Face Your Fears?” We all have different ways of coping with difficulty – and each situation likely requires a different approach.
You may listen in as a lurker or join the discussion – it's up to you. However, we encourage you to voice your thoughts so that way we all may benefit and learn from each other.
The zoom link is always found in the email with the daily schedule on the relevant morning. Log on and join us on April 16 or any future session.
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, April 19, in person and via Zoom. The Zoom session opens at 12:45.
Artificial Intelligence – An Overview—Presented by Rob Truman
What is AI and how can I use it today? First, we will examine how Google and Microsoft are incorporating chatbot technology within their own applications (Gemini and Copilot). There will follow an examination of chatbots as a whole and where the technology is currently headed in the field of AI search. There will also be a brief overview of other AI technology such as deep fakes, voice cloning, and robotics, with a look at the good and bad of AI.
Rob is a member of Computer Booters of Sun Lakes Computer Club and serves on their Board of Directors as their web director. He has over 40 years of experience in information technology and Internet-related fields. He is a retired U.S. Navy chief electronics technician and has worked as a technical support professional for Microsoft over the years. Rob holds a Master of Arts degree in adult education and a Bachelor of Science degree in information technology (BSIT). He is a staunch proponent of lifelong learning and runs a website/blog called GeezerTek which focuses on helping the senior community with their technology needs. Rob also volunteers and teaches adult education technology classes through his local community college and their lifelong learning program: New Adventures in Learning.
Intro to Windows Narrator and Text-to-Speech—Presented by John Krout
Windows Narrator is a text-to-speech feature that has been included in Windows starting in Windows 2000. As of Windows 10, the audio quality is quite good in English. Why might Windows Narrator be useful to you? If you do not feel happy about recording your own voice, you can instead use Windows Narrator to record a voice reading your script. This can be useful when you want to record a custom text tone as a gift for your relatives and friends. This can also be useful to narrate a slide deck presentation for your user group or other organization.
John Krout is a frequent presenter at our meetings and for APCUG on a wide range of computer, technology and photography topics, and author of many articles for the PATACS Posts newsletter.
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 this link to join the meeting and use passcode 340191 (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces) or enter meeting ID 8681 36 20 720 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode (preferred method), or dial in at 301-715-8592.
Little Things
Weeks ago I lost
a single black glove,
a driving glove amortized
by years of use.
Last week I lost
a leather glove also black
and ended up with a pair.
It made me happy.
As happy as the day
you brought me flowers
for no reason.
For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468. You can also buy tickets online through the event calendar (see links below) or visit the venue's box office. For more information, see the CFA ticket pageor the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.
Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of information on interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just sign up at this linkto stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website,Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.
Chorale Broadway Showcase 2025:
A Choral Tribute to Disney Magic
Fri, Apr 11, 8:00
Sat, Apr 12, 2:00
Center for the Arts
Admission: $20 Adult, $15 Senior.
Jazz Vocal Night
Mon, Apr 14, 8:00
Center for the Arts
Admission: $15 Adult, $10 Senior.
Mason Symphonic Band
Wed, Apr 16, 8:00
Center for the Arts
Admission: $15 Adult, $10 Senior.
Please note: OLLI Meetings and Clubs may currently take place in several formats: some are in person only, some are online only, and some are hybrid, meaning that they take place in person and are accessible online simultaneously. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number (except clubs; you may need to check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for location and other event information). Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates.
The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week, but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc., bolded below. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
Sat Apr 12
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Apr 14
9:30 am
4:00 pm
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Apr 15
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
3:45 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Dabbling Artists Club
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Spanish Club – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu Apr 17
1:00 pm
3:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Literary Fiction Book Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Apr 18
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 Apr 19
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Apr 21
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 Apr 22
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Apr 23
12:00 noon
1:30 pm
1:30 pm
1:45 pm
4:00 pm
Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Games Club – online
Bridge Club
Spanish Club
Theater Lovers’ Group – online
Thu Apr 24
11:50 am
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
All the News
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Apr 25
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Dance Party
Classic Literature Club – online
OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.
Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, 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.
Notes from the Nominating Committee on Nominations by Petition
By Norma Jean Reck, Chairperson, Nominating Committee
In addition to the Director candidates identified by the Nominating Committee for the 2025 Board of Directors elections, OLLI’s Bylaws allow for additional nominations by petition. The guidelines for petition nominations are set out on pages 31 and 32 of OLLI’s Policies and Procedures Manual (P&P Manual), Appendix A. Director Nomination and Election Process. You can find OLLI’s P&P Manual by going online to OLLI’s website at olli.gmu.edu.
Who can file a nomination petition to run for Director for OLLI’s 2025 Board of Directors?
Any qualified OLLI member can file a nomination petition to run for Director. The required qualifications are addressed on page 31 in the P&P Manual, Appendix A. Qualifications for a Director.
What is required in filing a nomination petition?
The petitioner must get the signatures of 45 OLLI members, along with their contact information, i.e., email address and phone number.
The petitioner must provide a candidate statement of no more than 400 words, which is to include biographical information, work experience and expertise, and OLLI involvement.
The petitioner must present the 45 signatures and candidate statement to the Nominating Committee by emailing them to Chairperson Norma Jean Reck at [email protected] no later than Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
When is the deadline to submit a nomination petition?
The deadline for submitting the requisite signatures and statement is Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
When will the election be held?
Staff will conduct the online election beginning at noon on Friday, May 2, 2025, and ending at noon on Friday, May 16, 2025.
When will the elected Directors be announced?
The newly elected Directors will be announced in the afternoon on Friday, May 16, 2025.
If you have any questions or need more information, please email me at [email protected].
By Carolyn Kramer, Excursions Committee Trip Coordinator
In early March, a group of OLLI members enjoyed a between-term excursion to the 62nd annual Woodlawn Needlework Show (see photos above). After a lunch hosted by Nelly's Needlers, the group had ample time to explore the eight rooms of the mansion where nearly 600 projects were on display. The exhibits included stunning examples of counted cross stitch, crewel, needlepoint, smocking, and more. A number of attendees were treated to an excellent mid-afternoon guided and narrated tour that provided much fascinating information about the history of the mansion, the various needling techniques, and fibers. In all, it was a fine way to spend a day with OLLI acquaintances in a creative and historic setting.
It’s time to put on your dancing shoes! Come dressed in your favorite retro threads, or come as you are in 2025 and enjoy the sounds of the 1950s, ’60s, and ‘70s at our dance party on April 25 from 1:00-3:00. TA-1 at Tallwood will be transformed into a dance hall with all the familiar accessories—a wall to stand against, chairs for chatting with friends, a dance area, and a snack table.
D.J. Captain Dave will spin the platters while we reminisce, listen, and, if you’d like, dance to the tunes we rocked and strolled to when we were a bit younger.
The Diversions Committee will provide refreshments—party food like you used to eat—and drink—liquid thirst quenchers.
If you haven’t registered yet and want to join the party, register through your member portal for event #1102F. There is no cost, but we need to know how many are coming to plan for the food and drinks.
Don't Miss Seeing 'The Tempest' at Mason with OLLI's Theater Lovers' This Saturday
By Norma Jean Reck, Coordinator, Theater Lovers' Group
OLLI's Theater Lovers' Group (TLG) will attend the 2pm matinee performance of Mason's School of Theater's 'The Tempest' this Saturday, April 5. Senior tickets are $15. Purchase tickets by phoning 703-993-8888 (Harris Theater) or by going online to [email protected]. Optional dinner at Oh George after the show. Email me at [email protected] to sign up with TLG.
Adapted and directed by Rick Davis, Dean of Visual and Performing Arts, The Tempest is set in an alternative universe of virtual reality. Prospero, Duke of Milan who has been banished with his daughter to a remote island, uses magic to shipwreck his malevolent brother and his accomplices to exact revenge on them. In the end, Prospero weighs his need for revenge against a quest for peace.
It will be a riveting and memorable musical performance.
Editor’s Note: At the author’s request, all words are published unedited, exactly as submitted.
By Darden Purcell, D.M.A., Mason Director of Jazz Studies, Jazz Voice
Mason’s Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music is hosting several jazz concerts this spring, and we hope OLLI members will attend and enjoy them. Listed below are three upcoming events in early-to-mid April. Later ones will be announced in subsequent issues of E-News. Please join us!
Jazz Workshop: Wednesday, Apr 9, 8:00
Harris Theatre
Free and open to the public; no tickets or registration required
For more details, click this link.
The Jazz Workshop explores the intersection of improvisation and composition in a medium-size jazz ensemble. Come experience a taste of 21st-century jazz by the next generation of jazz musicians in the “Changing of the Guard.”
Mason Jazz Vocal Night: Monday, Apr 14, 8:00
Center for the Arts
Tickets: Click this link.
Join Dr. Darden Purcell, the Mason Jazz Voice Studio, and the DOWNBEAT award-winning Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble for an evening of swinging standards, Latin American songs, and classic hits from the Great American Songbook. Featuring our rhythm section of Paul Bratcher (piano), Nareg Boghosian (guitar), Ponenya Min (bass), Clay Cottis (drums) and Raven Wilson (percussion)!
Jazz Combos/Braddock Road Brass Band: Tuesday, Apr 15
Center for the Arts
Free and open to the public; no tickets or registration required
For more details, click this link.
Combo Italia/Combo 336 (directed by Dr. Shawn Purcell) and the Braddock Road Brass Band (directed by Graham Breedlove) perform their spring 2025 concert!
For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468. You can also buy tickets online through the event calendar (see links below) or visit the venue's box office. For more information, see the CFA ticket pageor the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.
Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of information on interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just sign up at this linkto stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website,Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.
Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
Pre-performance discussions will take place in Monson Grand Tier, which is located on the third level of the Concert Hall, 45 minutes prior to curtain. As seating is limited, a livestream will also be available on screens in the main lobby.
Cirque Mechanics: Pedal Punk Acrobatics
Sat, Apr 5, 2:00 and 8:00
Pre-performance discussion.
Concert Hall
Admission: $55, $47, $33.
Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey
Sun, Apr 6, 1:00 and 4:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $15.
School of Music Jazz Workshop
Wed, Apr 9, 8:00
Harris Theatre
Admission: Free.
Chorale Broadway Showcase 2025: A Choral Tribute to Disney Magic
Fri, Apr 11, 8:00
Sat, Apr 12, 2:00
Center for the Arts
Admission: $20 Adult, $15 Senior.
Jazz Vocal Night
Mon, Apr 14, 8:00
Center for the Arts
Admission: $15 Adult, $10 Senior.
Please note: OLLI Meetings and Clubs may currently take place in several formats: some are in person only, some are online only, and some are hybrid, meaning that they take place in person and are accessible online simultaneously. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number (except clubs; you may need to check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for location and other event information). Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates.
The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week, but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc., bolded below. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
Sat Apr 5
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Apr 7
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 Apr 8
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Apr 9
11:50 am
12:00 noon
1:30 pm
1:30 pm
1:45 pm
Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Games Club
Bridge Club
Spanish Club
Thu Apr 10
1:00 pm
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Apr 11
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 – online
Tallwood Book Club – online
Sat Apr 12
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Apr 14
9:30 am
4:00 pm
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Apr 15
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
3:45 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Dabbling Artists Club
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Spanish Club – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu Apr 17
1:00 pm
3:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Literary Fiction Book Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Apr 18
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 Apr 19
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.
Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, 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.
Meet the Candidates for OLLI’s 2025 Board of Directors Upcoming Election
By Norma Jean Reck, Chairperson, Nominating Committee
At the March 21 meeting of the OLLI Board of Directors (BOD), I presented the names of the five OLLI members that the Nominating Committee has identified and verified to be candidates for Director for the 2025 BOD elections. They are: Tim Harwarth, John McAndrew, Ann McNeish, Michele Romano, and Steve Rose, whose photos and biographical statements are provided below; the photos and biographical statements also appear on the OLLI website at this link. Kudos to Edward Marion for taking candidate photos on March 14.
Tim Harwarth: I earned a BA from the University of Minnesota in Political Science. I also served in the U.S. Army Reserve while I was in college in Minnesota. I moved to the Washington area and earned an MA degree at George Washington University in National Defense Policy. While working on my master’s degree, I also worked full time on Capitol Hill for a Senator from my home state of Minnesota. After I received my MA, I worked for a contractor supporting the Air Force and Office of the Secretary of Defense, primarily in congressional affairs and staff roles.
My federal government and intelligence community career began at the Defense Intelligence Agency where I was staff officer for six years. I served a short rotational assignment at the Pentagon in the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence office. I then transferred to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) where I worked for the functional management and the intelligence production directorates for three years. Next, I accepted a position at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) where I was the action officer for producing the intelligence community’s justification books for submission to Congress. After working at ODNI for two years, I transferred back to NGA serving in chief of staff and career service manager roles. I retired from NGA in March 2023 after 27 years of federal service.
I joined OLLI after I retired in March 2023. I greatly enjoyed the classes at OLLI, especially the history classes, as history has always been an interest of mine. Another interest is board gaming. I have been playing various types of board games most of my life. To pass on some of my knowledge, I taught an OLLI class, Introduction to Modern Board Gaming. I followed up the class by creating the Board Gaming Club at OLLI. We get together in person every other week and meet virtually the other weeks. I enjoy teaching my fellow OLLI club members some of the games in my personal collection. I believe that I have been successful in passing my love of board games to other members of the club. I believe that I will bring new perspectives and ideas to the OLLI Board of Directors. I am a people person and a great communicator. I hope to use these abilities to continue to make OLLI a great place to be.
John McAndrew: I earned a BA from Hampton University and an MEd in curriculum and instruction/middle education from George Mason University. In addition, I achieved National Board Certification in social studies/history for early adolescence. My teaching experience includes 24 years as a middle school classroom teacher of social studies (history, civics, economics, and geography) for grades 6 and 8; a year as a K-6 social studies curriculum support teacher for Fairfax County Public Schools; and a few summers as an adjunct professor with the GMU Fast Train Program for Teaching Elementary Social Studies. Following retirement, I volunteered (3 years) with the Virginia Literacy Program, tutoring adult English with the Woodson Adult Center. I worked for the FCPS Department of Human Resources Colleague Assistance Program by supporting K-12 FCPS teachers.
As a committee co-chair of the Humanities/Social Sciences/Current Events Committee, my responsibilities include extensive use of written and verbal communication. These are written electronic invitations to course presenters from universities such as GMU, University of Richmond, Old Dominion University, Fairfax County Public Library, and community members. These communication venues demand professional expertise with e-mail, e-mail attachments, websites, and follow-up letters of thanks and appreciation to presenters. I consistently write committee meeting invitations and meeting minutes and submit articles to OLLI E-News. My responsibilities include collaborating with members electronically, in person, and via phone to brainstorm topics and ideas, construct courses, and determine presenters. Making courses relevant to our members is a major goal of program planners; however, our objectives are not only to provide excellent programming but also to ensure that topics reflect the multicultural landscape of Fairfax County. I have also acted as the temporary chairperson of the Outreach Committee and as a Mason University Board of Directors member.
I have been a member of OLLI since 2014, a member of the Humanities and Social Sciences Program Planning Group since 2019, and am currently serving as co-chairperson of the Humanities/Social Sciences/Current Events committee. My vision for fine-tuning this committee is ongoing. As the current co-chair of the newly formed OLLI Diversity Committee, I have been involved with its construction, goal setting, and objectives. Board membership would allow me to help fine-tune the construction of this committee and support other programming from the perspectives of problem-solving, oversight, accountability, and adherence to OLLI Mason’s strategic plan.
Ann McNeish: As a member of OLLI since fall of 2019, I witnessed the change brought about by COVID, as OLLI adapted to meet those challenges. Last year I was excited to work with other members on two major projects: help redesign the OLLI homepage and create marketing videos featuring OLLI members, both intended to help attract new members to our OLLI community. The videos were completed last fall and are posted to the OLLI website. They can also be used in presentations to community groups as part of OLLI’s ongoing marketing efforts. The new OLLI homepage was recently launched, and a training session was held to familiarize members with the changes and ensure they could still easily find information. These experiences were deeply rewarding, being able to use my knowledge and experience in marketing and communications to help an organization that I value so deeply.
As a native of Nashville, Tenn., I graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in finance. After two years with the Securities and Exchange Commission, I spent 20 years with the trade association for mutual funds, conducting industry and market research and developing and executing communications strategies related to research findings. Communications included monthly reports, press releases and ongoing dialogue with members of the press, and conference speeches for members, consumers, regulators, members of Congress, and international counterparts in the investments field. I then spent 15 years with Bank of America, supporting executives for wealth management, investment banking, the consumer bank and the Chief Financial Officer, planning and executing communications for customers, regulators, shareholder and Board of Director presentations, and earnings reports.
After retiring, I volunteered for two years in Pinehurst, N.C., at a free medical clinic established to provide baseline health care for adults in the community without employer-sponsored health care but unable to qualify for Medicaid. I worked at the front desk checking patients in for appointments, scheduling follow-ups, and dispensing prescriptions. After returning to Northern Virginia, I volunteered during COVID for BritePaths in Fairfax, helping distribute the daily allocation of grants to families needing assistance with rent or utilities.
Michele Romano: Education and Work Experience: I am a retired physician and associate clinical professor at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health with 30 years of experience in family medicine in Fairfax, Va. I was also a registered nurse for 12 years before going to medical school and opened the first critical care unit in a civilian hospital in Fairbanks, Alaska in 1970. Very cool but you grow up fast. I attended medical school at VCU in Richmond, Va., and then established a private practice, growing to five providers and 13 ancillary personnel. I learned leadership, management, teaching, financial skills, and people skills over those 30 years and was still able to do what I loved best…treat my amazing patients.
Volunteer Experience: I have served on the VCU Board of Directors, the VCU Health System Board, the Inova Fair Oaks Medical Executive Committee, and chaired the Department of Family Medicine. I presently serve on the board of the Medical College of Virginia Foundation (a billion-dollar foundation that serves as the philanthropic arm for the VCU Health System). I chair their Personnel and Compensation Committee and am a member of their Strategic Planning Task Force, Communications Committee, and Executive Committee.
OLLI: I have been a member since 2015. I am presently a member of the OLLI Board, chair the Healthcare Advisory Committee, co-chair the Science, Technology, and Health Committee, and am an OLLI instructor. I hope that my past experience with medical and nonprofit boards contributes to OLLI’s mission. I am continuously amazed at all the great work our members do to make OLLI Mason such a robust and awesome organization. I will continue to always be cognizant that we spend our members’ money wisely. I will always ask questions and follow best practices as much as possible. As Board members, we are fiduciaries. We work for you. Our members really are the mission.
OLLI Mason has the most intelligent, interesting, engaged group of people I have ever known. It would be my great honor and pleasure to serve a second term on the OLLI Board. Thank you.
Stephen J. Rose: I earned a BA in business/decision science from George Mason University and an MS in information management from Marymount University. In addition, I earned certifications in project management, and agile software development. I am currently taking a George Mason class on non-profit organization law, governance, and ethics. My career started in computer operations with the U.S. Navy and progressed to software development in both application and operating systems. These activities led me to developing a business unit that provided consulting services to various U.S. and foreign intelligence agencies. My management experience includes managing technical consulting and software development teams (over 50 staff personnel), proposal development, staff management, profit and loss responsibilities and marketing solutions to both government and commercial customers. I also supported worldwide software integration and deployment projects for various customers.
At OLLI I served as the subcommittee leader in developing a pricing model for use with commercial business customers. I am a member of the finance committee and a member of the web-development group that is upgrading our current web site. I was a member of the 2024 Nominating Committee. I am currently providing OLLI support in investigating the potential for a new registration software system to meet our evolving needs.
I have been a member of OLLI since 2019 and have been a frequent attendee at OLLI Board meetings. I believe that my business experience can be a valuable addition to the OLLI Board in the areas of financial management, business development, and operational management.
The Board is happy to report that we've received more than 70 applications for our Executive Director position, many from highly qualified candidates. The Search Committee met last week with our partners at AMorrison Consulting to plan out the rest of the process. This week, AMorrison began reviewing all of the submissions, narrowing down the candidate options, and conducting initial screening interviews and background checks for the top 12 candidates. The top 4-5 will then have Zoom interviews with the Search Committee, and after discussing the results, they'll select the top two candidates for live, in-person interviews at Tallwood. Once those are completed, the Search Committee will recommend the top candidate to the OLLI Board of Directors for approval and hiring.
We anticipate this process will be concluded by the end of April, and the Board will continue providing updates as the search progresses.
Caring for someone in physical or mental decline? The very first thing you need to do is TAKE. CARE. OF. YOU. 1/3 of caregivers will die before the victim of the disease. You are no good to anyone if you can’t breathe. Learn about resources in your area (AARP, Fairfax Area Commission on Aging, etc.). Join a support group. OLLI has one.
The History Club will meet via Zoom on Wednesday, April 2, at 4:00. Blane Ampthor will present on The Great Atlantic Speed Race: The Era of the Great Ocean Liners. Ocean linerswere the vital link between Europe and North America during two world wars and enabled the largest migration in human history. Several competed to be the fastest across the world’s most dangerous ocean, garnering business, prestige, and fame. This is the story of those magnificent machines and some of the people who made them what they were.
Blane is a retired federal employee with a lifelong interest in history. He has read extensively on World War II, the American Revolution, and ocean liners. He has taught several OLLI classes and instructed with the Loudon County Public Library, AARP, and senior communities. He enjoys visiting sites related to his interests so that he can gain a fuller understanding of events.
The March 2025 Photo of the Month theme was Self-Portrait. We selected George Bradshaw's photo "BradshawG_SelfPortrait," 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
Do you like to travel? Do you like to share your travel stories with others? Share those stories with OLLI members! Consider speaking in one session of the 8-session Trip Tales series that are offered in spring and fall terms. We are now planning for fall term (Sep 22–Nov 14) with Trip Tales given on Mondays at 2:15-3:40. You may present virtually, in-person, or hybrid.
If interested, please contact [email protected]. Or click this link and complete the form to participate. If you have a suggestion for any course, you may use these two links also.
As we start a new term, here are some facts about OLLI that new members may be unaware of, and current members may have forgotten!
The Social Room at Tallwood has coffee, tea, and snacks, as well as a lending library. It’s a great place to hang out before classes and chat with other members.
When not in use, the Annex is a great place to have lunch or something to drink between back-to-back classes. Consider sitting outside at the picnic tables when the weather is nice.
If you are signed up for a class or other event and will not be able to attend, please drop the class through the link on the OLLI Home Page or by calling the Registrar. There is frequently a waiting list, and this will allow someone to take your place.
If you’re on a Zoom call, please turn off your camera and mute your microphone if you’re involved in another activity (e.g., eating, walking into another room).
Please include your name in our Membership Directory. The only people who have access to the Directory are OLLI members. If another member is trying to get in touch with you, they can’t unless you’re listed in the Directory.
OLLI is more than just classes—check out the 28 clubs listed at the back of the catalog. And don’t forget there are many opportunities to volunteer at OLLI.
By Darden Purcell, D.M.A., Mason Director of Jazz Studies, Jazz Voice
Mason’s Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music is hosting several jazz concerts this spring, and we hope OLLI members will attend and enjoy them. Listed below are two upcoming events in late March and early April. Later ones will be announced in subsequent issues of E-News. Please join us!
Big Band Showdown: Monday Mar 31, 8:00
Center for the Arts
Tickets: $15 General Public, $10 Seniors, $5 Students
For more details, click this link.
Join the Mason Jazz Ensemble (director Jim Carroll) and special guests, the Blues Alley Jazz Youth Orchestra (director Michael Bowie) and the Liberty University Jazz Ensemble (director Joseph Henson) for an evening that celebrates the hot sounds and swinging beats of the Big Band era!
Jazz Workshop: Wednesday Apr 9, 8:00
Harris Theatre
Free and open to the public; no tickets or registration required
For more details, click this link.
The Jazz Workshop explores the intersection of improvisation and composition in a medium-size jazz ensemble. Come experience a taste of 21st-century jazz by the next generation of jazz musicians in the “Changing of the Guard.”
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) conducts a casual, drop-in conversation on Zoom every second week on Wednesday's at 4:00. Each session is on a different topic.
The topic for Team Bloch's Wednesday afternoon chat on April 2 is "If you could write your autobiography, what chapter would be the most important one?" Could be an intriguing topic to discuss.
The zoom link is always found in the email with the daily schedule on the relevant morning. Log on and join us on April 2 or any future session.
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 the CFA ticket page link 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.
Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
Pre-performance discussions will take place in Monson Grand Tier, which is located on the third level of the Concert Hall, 45 minutes prior to curtain. As seating is limited, a livestream will also be available on screens in the main lobby.
Les Arts Florissants: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at 300
Sun, Mar 30, 4:00
Pre-performance discussion.
Concert Hall
Admission: $60, $51, $36.
Cirque Mechanics: Pedal Punk Acrobatics
Sat, Apr 5, 2:00 and 8:00
Pre-performance discussion.
Concert Hall
Admission: $55, $47, $33.
Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey
Sun, Apr 6, 1:00 and 4:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $15.
Please note: OLLI Meetings and Clubs may currently take place in several formats: some are in person only, some are online only, and some are hybrid, meaning that they take place in person and are accessible online simultaneously. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number (except clubs; you may need to check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for location and other event information). Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates.
The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week, but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
Sat Mar 29
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Mar 31
9:30 am
4:00 pm
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Apr 1
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
3:45 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Dabbling Artists Club
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
History Club – online
Spanish Club – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu Apr 3
11:50 am
1:00 pm
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
6:00 pm
All the News
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats – online
Fri Apr 4
9:30 am
10:00 am
10:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
2:00 pm
Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Dance Club
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Classic Literature Club – online
Sat Apr 5
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Apr 7
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 Apr 8
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Apr 9
11:50 am
12:00 noon
1:30 pm
1:30 pm
1:45 pm
Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Games Club
Bridge Club
Spanish Club
Thu Apr 10
1:00 pm
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Apr 11
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 – online
Tallwood Book Club – online
OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.
Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: Thomas Appich, 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.
We will meet at the Farr's Cross Roads historical marker (illustrated at the right) with experienced presenters from the Bull Run Civil War Roundtable. They will explain the historical significance of the site, and then take us on a short walk of about 100 yards on a well-groomed trail to the site of the actual redoubt. 
Saturday, May 18 Attend Matinee of Jesus Christ Superstar
Join the Theater Lover's' Group on Sunday, April 27, to see the 2pm matinee performance of Decision Height at the Vienna Community Center by the Vienna Theatre Company to find out. You will be intrigued by this 'unforgettable story of bravery, sacrifice, and sisterhood, shining a light on a courageous group of unrecognized heroes.' The story unfolds around Virginia who, during WWII, leaves home to become a Woman Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) and her amazing journey. Tickets are $16 and can be purchased at 
The topic for Team Bloch's Wednesday afternoon chat on April 16 is “What are Your Fears?” This could be a very personal subject and may differ for everyone; on the other hand, there are certain universal fears we probably all encounter as we age. Team Bloch suggests a few: running out of money, being alone, losing independence, just to start the discussion ball rolling. A related topic (possibly more productive) is “How Do You Face Your Fears?” We all have different ways of
It’s time to put on your dancing shoes! Come dressed in your favorite retro threads, or come as you are in 2025 and enjoy the sounds of the 1950s, ’60s, and ‘70s at our dance party on April 25 from 1:00-3:00. TA-1 at Tallwood will be transformed into a dance hall with all the familiar accessories—a wall to stand against, chairs for chatting with friends, a dance area, and a snack table.
OLLI's Theater Lovers' Group (TLG) will attend the 2pm matinee performance of Mason's School of Theater's 'The Tempest' this Saturday, April 5. Senior tickets are $15. Purchase tickets by phoning 703-993-8888 (Harris Theater) or by going online to 
Jazz Workshop: Wednesday, Apr 9, 8:00
Mason Jazz Vocal Night: Monday, Apr 14, 8:00
Jazz Combos/Braddock Road Brass Band: Tuesday, Apr 15
Tim Harwarth: I earned a BA from the University of Minnesota in Political Science. I also served in the U.S. Army Reserve while I was in college in Minnesota. I moved to the Washington area and earned an MA degree at George Washington University in National Defense Policy. While working on my master’s degree, I also worked full time on Capitol Hill for a Senator from my home state of Minnesota. After I received my MA, I worked for a contractor supporting the Air Force and Office of the Secretary of Defense, primarily in congressional affairs and staff roles.
John McAndrew: I earned a BA from Hampton University and an MEd in curriculum and instruction/middle education from George Mason University. In addition, I achieved National Board Certification in social studies/history for early adolescence. My teaching experience includes 24 years as a middle school classroom teacher of social studies (history, civics, economics, and geography) for grades 6 and 8; a year as a K-6 social studies curriculum support teacher for Fairfax County Public Schools; and a few summers as an adjunct professor with the GMU Fast Train Program for Teaching Elementary Social Studies. Following retirement, I volunteered (3 years) with the Virginia Literacy Program, tutoring adult English with the Woodson Adult Center. I worked for the FCPS Department of Human Resources Colleague Assistance Program by supporting K-12 FCPS teachers.
Ann McNeish: As a member of OLLI since fall of 2019, I witnessed the change brought about by COVID, as OLLI adapted to meet those challenges. Last year I was excited to work with other members on two major projects: help redesign the OLLI homepage and create marketing videos featuring OLLI members, both intended to help attract new members to our OLLI community. The videos were completed last fall and are posted to the OLLI website. They can also be used in presentations to community groups as part of OLLI’s ongoing marketing efforts. The new OLLI homepage was recently launched, and a training session was held to familiarize members with the changes and ensure they could still easily find information. These experiences were deeply rewarding, being able to use my knowledge and experience in marketing and communications to help an organization that I value so deeply.
Michele Romano: Education and Work Experience: I am a retired physician and associate clinical professor at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health with 30 years of experience in family medicine in Fairfax, Va. I was also a registered nurse for 12 years before going to medical school and opened the first critical care unit in a civilian hospital in Fairbanks, Alaska in 1970. Very cool but you grow up fast. I attended medical school at VCU in Richmond, Va., and then established a private practice, growing to five providers and 13 ancillary personnel. I learned leadership, management, teaching, financial skills, and people skills over those 30 years and was still able to do what I loved best…treat my amazing patients.
Stephen J. Rose: I earned a BA in business/decision science from George Mason University and an MS in information management from Marymount University. In addition, I earned certifications in project management, and agile software development. I am currently taking a George Mason class on non-profit organization law, governance, and ethics. My career started in computer operations with the U.S. Navy and progressed to software development in both application and operating systems. These activities led me to developing a business unit that provided consulting services to various U.S. and foreign intelligence agencies. My management experience includes managing technical consulting and software development teams (over 50 staff personnel), proposal development, staff management, profit and loss responsibilities and marketing solutions to both government and commercial customers. I also supported worldwide software integration and deployment projects for various customers.
