Doni Nolan, Mason Greenhouse and Gardens Program Manager and PhD Student in Biology, Introduces Sustainable Food Production Course with Tour of President’s Park Greenhouse, June 12
Summer arrives and brings with it sunny days, outdoor fun, and mosquitoes. Enjoying the outdoors without the annoyance of itchy mosquito bites and the risk of a mosquito-borne disease is possible with a few simple steps.
West Nile Virus (WNV) is the most common mosquito-borne disease found in Fairfax County. Each year about three to five cases are diagnosed in residents of Fairfax County.
Approximately 80 percent of people (about four out of five) who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all.
Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected have symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach, and back.
About one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis.
Mosquitoes can breed in a container as small as a bottle-cap. The most effective way to control mosquitoes in your yard is to eliminate standing water where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Anything that collects and holds water for at least a week can be a potential breeding site.
Even if you get rid of most of their breeding ground, mosquitoes can still find you. Here are some tips to Fight the Bite:
Grab ‘n’ Gab Coffee Klatch is Right Around the Corner!
By Toni Acton, Member Services Committee Chair and Board Member
Are you new to OLLI and hoping to meet other members this summer? Have you been a member for years and want to catch up with old friends? If so, then join your fellow OLLI members at the Grab ‘n’ Gab Coffee Klatch on Friday, June 30 at 10:00 at Tallwood. All members — new and continuing — are welcome to enjoy the pastry, casual conversation, and camaraderie. Register for event 1101 via the member portal or contact the registrar at [email protected]. Hope to see you on Friday, June 30!
Theater Lovers' Group Planning Lunch and Meeting for June 30
By Norma Jean Reck, Theater Lovers’ Group Coordinator
Calling all OLLI theater lovers! Come and join members of OLLI's Theater Lovers' Group (TLG) on Friday, June 30, for a delicious luncheon at 11:30 at Hamrock's, followed by a brief planning meeting. All OLLI members are welcome to join us for our first in-person meeting since the pandemic. What a great (and delicious) way to meet other OLLI theater lovers, have your questions about TLG answered, and share your thoughts about theater programs, classes, and events.
We will begin planning for the upcoming 2023-24 theater season. We'll be taking suggestions for theater outings, programs, classes, and trips. Just a cursory review of what some of the theaters are offering in their upcoming season promises that the 2023-24 theater season will be a blockbuster. What a wealth of fabulous choices!
If you want to join us for the luncheon meeting, please email me at [email protected] no later than Wednesday, June 28, so that I can make reservations for the group.
Hamrock's is located at 3950 Chain Bridge Road in Fairfax. There is free parking at the restaurant and across the street.
Embrace the Future: Study on the Power of Bonding between Seniors and Robotic Companions!
By Sarah-Seval Aydin, M.Sc. Psychology, Mason Research Assistant
In an era where technology is revolutionizing the way we live, it's time to explore the incredible possibilities it offers to enhance the lives of our beloved elderly population. We are thrilled to present our groundbreaking research on the transformative effects of oxytocin in fostering short-term bonding between seniors and the charming robotic companion, Aibo.
I am Sarah, and I am part of an amazing neuroscience research team at George Mason University led by Associate Professor Frank Krueger. We are particularly interested in investigating the potential for emotional connection between humans and non-human creatures, like the robotic dog Aibo, within the realm of elderly care.
We strongly believe that our research can positively impact the well-being and quality of life of the elderly. It goes beyond just science; it's a testament to our dedication to empowering and enriching the lives of our senior community. By fostering companionship, emotional well-being, and addressing loneliness, we aim to enhance cognitive abilities and promote a healthier, happier lifestyle for older adults.
We invite you to be part of this extraordinary venture. Through your participation, you will not only contribute to the advancement of science but also be part of a movement that revolutionizes the way we perceive human-robot interaction.
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Continuing our Wednesday Conversations series, Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) will moderate a Zoom discussion on June 28 at 4:00. Our chosen topic this week is “Farmers’ Markets."
Do you support your local farmers' market? Are there specific items you prefer to buy at these markets? If yes, what do you often buy? If not, are you able to explain why? Do you think they are more expensive or priced right for the quality? Do you shop there for the thrill of exploration? What other item would you support at the market if it were available? My local farmers' market has branched out to offer jewelry, children's books, and imported knick-knacks – hardly farm-based. So, is the farmers' market phenomenon legitimate? Or do they play a valuable role in our local communities?
Check your daily schedule for the Zoom link on Wednesdays and plan on some social time with Team Bloch.
For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468, 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 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.
Please note: Although some physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled, some may be meeting in person or, in a hybrid mode, both in person and online. 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 Jun 24
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon Jun 26
10:00 am
Bridge Club
Tue Jun 27
9:00 am
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
Walk & Talk Club
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Tai Chi Club
Wed Jun 28
11:00 am
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Spanish Club
Memoir and More Writing Group
Mah Jongg Club
Theater Lovers’ Group
Thu Jun 29
4:30 pm
6:00 pm
Tai Chi Club
Ethnic Eats Club
Fri Jun 30
9:30 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm
Craft and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Sat Jul 1
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon Jul 3
10:00 am
Bridge Club
Tue Jul 4
10:00 am
4:30 pm
Walk & Talk Club
Tai Chi Club
Wed Jul 5
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Mah Jongg Club
Spanish Club
Conversation with Team Bloch
OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.
Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger,Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Linda Randall, Tom Appich, Jane Hassell
Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: [email protected]. Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words. 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.
Reminder: Mason Jazz Camp is June 19-23. Click here for details from the June 2 issue of E-News. Click this link for news on the artists and associated free concerts.
The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, June 23; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, June 20, at 6:00.
The last year as OLLI President has been a busy one. Our classes and instructors remain at the highest level, and the staff and OLLI volunteers work hard to keep it that way. But sometimes it seems like we are still climbing out of COVID and I wonder when the long-term effects of that terrible time will ever end. One of the impacts on all the OLLI programs across the country has been the drastic drop in membership. We are doing better than most, but we still lost 200 members in the last few years. As you already know, if this trend keeps up, it will have a dramatic impact on our sustainability as we look to the future. It calls for help from each one of us to step up our efforts to bring in new OLLI members.
One of the initiatives that we revived in the last year is travel. It was our hope that exciting travel opportunities, domestically and internationally, would help us recruit and retain members. We thought that this would be a great opportunity for OLLI members to travel with friends and experience a fun and educational adventure together. We set up a domestic trip to California and the surrounding areas and a trip to Iceland. Iceland was one of my favorite trips, but I never got to see the Northern Lights. This trip in December would make it more likely than not that there would be an opportunity to see the Northern Lights. The California trip consists of many other discoveries that most of us who have been there may not have experienced.
The response so far for Iceland is growing, but we hope to have more members sign up for that wonderful trip soon. This is the reason I feel that we needed some feedback from the members on how we can enhance this program. I think we do need to bring back the travel committee to find ways to encourage OLLI friends to talk to their other OLLI friends and plan to go together on these excursions. They would be trips that you, the membership, select. Please take this short survey so that we can get your feedback on this topic. I am also looking for volunteers to be part of the travel committee. Please consider serving on the committee and let me or Jennifer know of your interest.
We thank Marilyn Harriman (Nominating Committee Chair) and her committee for identifying eight sterling candidates for the Board election. And we thank the OLLI membership for achieving a HIGH of 43% voting to elect five new members to the OLLI Board of Directors (BoD) to represent us. There are now 15 members on the Board, each serving a three-year term beginning in June of the year of their election. The Board meets on the third Friday of each month (except May, June, and December), in person and on Zoom, for all the members to listen in and hear what issues are being addressed. Comments and suggestions are appreciated at the end of each meeting, in person or on Zoom.
The new BoD met at Tallwood (TA-1) at 10:00 on June 2 in person and on Zoom. There were 13 of 15 Board members and eight guests attending.
BOARD MEMBERS ATTENDING
- Term ending 2024: Toni Acton, Dick Crawford, Camille Hodges, Debby Mossburg (Zack Teich, absent) - Term ending 2025: Lillian Brooks, Marilyn Harriman, Bonnie Nelson, Michele Romano, Carolyn Wyatt - Term ending 2026: Peter Ansoff, Debbie Engleson, Bob Heyer, Harry Johnson (Emily Roudebush, absent) - Executive Director: Jennifer Disano - Meeting Assistant: Mike Emery
The meeting was called to order by Marilyn Harriman for the sole agenda item of BoD officer elections. Elections were conducted with the following results: Lillian Brooks (President), Dick Crawford (Vice President), Bob Heyer (Secretary), and Debbie Engleson (Treasurer).
Lillian Brooks indicated that she expects to implement committees to address “OLLI Travel” and “Underserved Communities” over this Board year.
Members of the BoD will be involved in the following meetings: - Finance Committee – June 7 - New BoD Member Orientation – June 15 - Next BoD Meeting – July 21 - BoD Retreat at Tallwood – September 7 - Fall Kickoff Coffee – September 14
With no further comments from the Board members or public, the meeting was adjourned at 10:20.
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
OLLI Weekly Conversations Continue –June 21, 2023
Continuing our Wednesday Conversations Series, Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) will moderate a Zoom discussion on June 21 at 4:00. Our chosen topic this week is “Indiana Jones.”
The "last" Indiana Jones movie is due for release this month. Are you an Indiana Jones fan? Will you mourn the end of the series? Would you like to see Harrison Ford act in another epic, or who would you pick as a likely successor if Hollywood decides to extend the series?
Check your Daily Schedule for the Zoom link on Wednesdays and plan on some social time with Team Bloch.
New Book: Grandma Sylvia’s Guide to the Stock Market
By Sylvia Auton, Director of Staff Development, Fairfax County Public Schools, Retired
At one time, people believed the sun revolved around the earth. Now we know better. At one time, people believed that successfully investing in the stock market required talent, training, and considerable time. Now some of us know better. If we invest simply—set and forget with low expenses—the market can make us millionaires (if we start young enough) or grow our assets at any age. This is due to the revolution in thinking about investing, just as the Copernican revolution changed our thinking about the sun and earth.
For years, I never wanted to invest—just put my money under the mattress. Then my husband died; I had to learn. My book is about my stories and others, some from OLLI. It’s about my learning to invest simply, overcoming fears and anxieties. It’s about feeling joy and comfort in understanding the market, learning about today’s knowledge, and finding fun things about investing. It’s a journey of discovery, a memoir, and a how-to guide for simple investing. I’m not a financial advisor, nor do I give financial advice, but I write what I believe is a great way to invest, based on some of the best thinking in the field.
The June 2023 Photo of the Month theme was Abstracts. We selected Ed Marion's photo "Ripple Reflections" 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
For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468, 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 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.
Please note: Although some physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled, some may be meeting in person or, in a hybrid mode, both in person and online. 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 Jun 17
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Jun 19
9:30 am
What’s in the Daily News?
Tue Jun 20
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Tai Chi Club
Wed Jun 21
9:30 am
4:00 pm
Walk & Talk Club
Spanish Club
Thu Jun 22
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Fri Jun 23
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
1:00 pm
Mah Jongg Club
Craft and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Photography Club
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Sat Jun 24
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon Jun 26
10:00 am
Bridge Club
Tue Jun 27
9:00 am
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
Walk & Talk Club
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Tai Chi Club
Wed Jun 28
11:00 am
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Spanish Club
Memoir and More Writing Group
Mah Jongg Club
Theater Lovers’ Group
Thu Jun 29
4:30 pm
6:00 pm
Tai Chi Club
Ethnic Eats Club
Fri Jun 30
9:30 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm
Craft and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Stay Active and Independent for Life
OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.
Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger,Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Linda Randall, Tom Appich, Jane Hassell
Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: [email protected]. Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words. 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.
Reminder: The literature, theater, writing, and language (LLT) program planning group will meet on Tuesday, June 6, at 10:00 via Zoom. See article below for Zoom link. All members welcome.
The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, June 16; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, June 13, at 6:00.
Literature, Theater, and Writing/ Languages Program Planning Group to Meet June 6
By Patricia Bangs, LLT Program Planning Group Co‑Chair
What: LLT Program Planning Group meeting
Mark your calendars for our semi-annual all-campus program planning group meeting for OLLI's Literature, Theater, and Writing/Languages (LLT) program on Tuesday, June 6 at 10:00 via Zoom.
We will be reviewing past terms and looking forward to planning for the 2024 winter term and beyond. All OLLI members can contribute to the excellent programming offered to our membership. Bring ideas for literature, theater, or writing/languages programs, as well as instructor resources.
Join Via Zoom: At this link, Meeting ID: 998 5301 2947
Congratulations, New Members of the Board of Directors
By Marilyn Harriman, OLLI Board 2023 Nominating Committee Chair
Congratulations to our five newly-elected Board of Directors Members: Peter Ansoff, Debbie Engleson, Bob Heyer, Harry Johnson, and Emily Roudebush (see photos at the top of this issue). Each serves a three-year term of office, which ends June 2026.
Two of the five, Peter Ansoff and Bob Heyer, begin their second elected three-year term today. With the selections, we say goodbye and a big Thank You to four outgoing Board members: Mel Russell, Gloria Loew, David Osterman, and Paul Howard. Each served as an officer during service on the Board.
This year’s election brought out the largest percentage of voters our OLLI office administrator can recall, with 43% of our members voting.
As I complete my responsibilities as Nominating Committee chair, I want to recognize the Nominating Committee members. They helped make this year’s election successful: Toni Acton, Steve Effros, Al Smuzynski, and Doris Weisman. Their efforts to revitalize candidate criteria and recruit stellar candidates for our post-pandemic world enhanced this year’s nominating process.
At today’s Board meeting, the new board of 15 will elect a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer for the 2023-2024 year. All OLLI members are invited and encouraged to attend Board meetings, either in person or on Zoom. Meetings are generally held on the third Friday of July, September, October, November, January, February, March, and April. A special Board meeting to elect officers is held on the first Friday in June.
Don’t miss out on enjoying the camaraderie of OLLI friends and the emerging signs of summer at Burke Lake Park June 9, 11:30 – 2:30. Bring your picnic basket lunch and share conversation with new and old acquaintances.
Lemonade and soft drinks will be provided. Afterward, we’ll play a friendly round of putt putt golf just steps from our picnic area. The $15 fee pays for the picnic shelter rental and your golf game (golf clubs and ball included in fee).
Reservations and payment in advance are required for this event. To join in the fun, register through our registrar at [email protected] or call 703-503-3384.
You can also always register online through the member portal: Event #1206. Reservations must be made by the end of the business day on Monday, June 5, and the $15 fee (credit card) is due at the time of registration.
Directions to the park, the picnic area parking, and putt putt golf course will be sent to all registrants prior to the event.
The Computer Club (OLLI Personal Computer User Group, or OPCUG) will meet with its partner, the Potomac Area Technology and Computer Society (PATACS), and with Washington Apple Pi, on Saturday, June 17, in person and via Zoom. The Zoom session usually opens at 12:45.
Amateur Radio Ballooning – Presented by Martin Rothfield W6MRR Martin will discuss amateur radio High Altitude Balloons (HABs) and pico balloons. The two types are different in construction, flight characteristics, and duration. The HABs are made from latex and rise until bursting at very high altitude. After a HAB bursts, a parachute is used to safely recover the payload. Pico balloons are made of plastic and do not stretch. They float at a lower altitude for very long duration flights. Because HABs can carry significant weight and travel for a short time, they are typically battery powered. Because of weight constraints and long exposure to cold, pico balloons can't use batteries. Worldwide GPS position reporting is done with several standard amateur radio systems.
The National Weather Service (NWS) launches a large number of radiosondes balloons to collect weather data. Chasing after the radiosondes is a hobby as well. The NWS tracks our pico balloons to verify their predictions. Amateur radio ballooning is a great way to learn about the atmosphere and to experiment with new technologies. It is also a lot of fun!
Martin Rothfield W6MRR got his FCC amateur extra radio license in 2010 to participate in MakeMagazine's "Hackerspaces in Space" competition with HacDC (a hackerspace in DC). HacDC lost, but he continued launching countless high altitude and pico balloons with a number of organizations. Payloads have included many cameras, a crossband repeater, a Geiger counter, and devices for environmental and biological sampling. He got started in the industry designing chips for signal processors and has worked in design of satellites, meteor burst communications (MBC), avionics, and secure communications. W6MRR received Electrical Engineering (EE) degrees from the University of Maryland and Tufts.
What’s New with Tech? – Presented by Rob Pegoraro Rob will bring us up to date with the latest in the technology realm, from attending trade shows, exhibitions, equipment introductions and journalism assignments across the nation and around the world.
Rob Pegararo was the Washington Post’s Personal Tech columnist from 1999 to 2011, and now free-lances for a variety of publications, web sites, and other on-line media.
To attend via Zoom’s cloud meeting service, beginning at 12:45, please click this link to join the meeting and use passcode 425219 (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces) or enter meeting ID 838 7155 8407 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode (preferred method) or dial in – 301-715-8592.
Wednesday Team Bloch Conversations – June 7 and June 14
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Continuing our Wednesday Conversations series, Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) will moderate Zoom discussions at 4:00 on June 7 (topic "Climate Change" and June 14 (topic “Airline Preferences").
June 7: Weather is short-term; climate is long-term. What do we know about climate change, both from our information sources and from our own local, personal observations? And how will it affect our futures and the futures of the next generation(s)? Can we as individuals do anything meaningful to make a difference?
June 14: Continuing with travel topics: Is having status with a particular airline (e.g., frequent flyer status) important to you? Do you choose based on a credit card membership program? Is the food better on one airline or the other? Do you consider alliances when booking flights (e.g., Star Alliance, Oneworld, SkyTeam)? Do you use sites like Kayak to search for the best options to your desired destination? What is your opinion on the Southwest boarding process? Are there specific airlines that you avoid? Or are you always content to let someone else make those decisions (a tour operator, your travel companions)? Everyone has different approaches, and it is interesting to learn about other techniques and preferences.
Check your daily schedule for the Zoom link on Wednesdays and plan on some social time with Team Bloch.
Mason Jazz Camp and Associated Free Concerts in June
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 the Mason Jazz Camp June 19–23. Part of this camp is offering concerts each afternoon in the Center for the Arts (CFA) at Mason; the time is 3:30‑4:30 June 19-22 and 2:00‑4:00 on June 23. The concerts are FREE and open to the public (no tickets or camp registration needed) with FREE Parking in Lot K. We hope you will join us for these outstanding events listed briefly below. Click here to read three pages with more detailed information on the Mason Jazz Camp 2023 artists.
Mon Jun 19, 3:30:The US Army Blues – The Army Blues is the premier jazz ensemble of the US Army. Tue Jun 20, 3:30: Mike Kamuf Little Big Band – This jazz ensemble brings together eight talented musicians from the Washington DC/Baltimore region performing original compositions and arrangements by Mike Kamuf, as well as jazz standards and selections from the Great American Songbook.
Wed Jun 21, 3:30:Warren Wolf – The Mason Jazz Camp presents our special guest artist, Mack Avenue recording artist, vibraphonist, drummer, and pianist, Warren Wolf! Thu Jun 22, 3:30:Faculty Showcase – The Mason Jazz Camp faculty perform a special showcase! Artists include performers on various instruments, as well as voice.
Fri Jun 23, 2:00 (note time):Student Showcase – Participants in the Mason Jazz camp perform a student showcase to conclude the week-long camp!
We met distributing food to immigrants. You, an immigrant
now a citizen, wanted to help. I invited you in, wanted you
to feel included, told you so numerous times.
You became too included. People sought your advice, asked you
to do things I used to do. We’d bantered, joked, and teased until
I took offense, thought you were disrespecting, being too familiar.
Used harsh tones responding to that tease. Spitting out words like a wood chopper pulverizing live branches into blurry strands
of miscommunication. I was shocked by my reaction.
A void appeared, like a floating red tide, now needing attention.
Girding myself, I apologized for my harsh words asking we no
longer tease. First, you were silent then said, “No problem.”
It will take time not to see you as a threat
but the outsider, now insider,
doing what we both want to do –
distribute food to immigrant families.
For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468, 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 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.
Creative and Performing Arts Center: FENCES
Fri, Jun 2, 7:00
Sat, Jun 3, 3:00 and 7:00
Sun, Jun 4, 3:00
Fri, Jun 9, 7:00
Sat, Jun 10, 3:00
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $30 Adult, $17 senior.
Manassas Chorale: From Sea to Shining Sea
Fri, Jun 2, 7:30
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Admission: $25 Adult, $23 senior.
Showcase Dance Studio: Raise the Barre
Sun, Jun 11, 11:00 and 4:00
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Admission: $25.
Manassas Ballet Theatre: Coppéliaand MORE!
Thu, Jun 15, 7:30
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Admission: $15.
Virginia Dance Center: Dancing Upon a Dream
Sat, Jun 17 at 12:00 and 5:00
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Admission: $22.
Please note: Although some physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled, some may be meeting in person or, in a hybrid mode, both in person and online. 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 Jun 3
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon Jun 5
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
What’s in the Daily News?
Bridge Club
Poetry Reading Club
Tue Jun 6
9:30 am
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
Annex Art
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Tai Chi Club
Wed Jun 7
10:30 am
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Investment Forum
Spanish Club
Weekly Conversations: Doris and Brenda (Team Bloch)
Thu Jun 8
11:50 am
12:15 pm
4:30 pm
All the News
Excursions Committee Meeting
Tai Chi Club
Fri Jun 9
9:30 am
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
11:30 am
1:00 pm
2:30 pm
Mah Jongg Club
Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Burke Lake Picnic and Mini-Golf
Cooking Club
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Tallwood Book Club
Sat Jun 10
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon Jun 12
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
What’s in the Daily News?
Bridge Club
Poetry Writing Club
Tue Jun 13
9:30 am
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
Annex Art
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Tai Chi Club
Wed Jun 14
10:30 am
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Investment Forum
Memoire and More Writing Group
Mah Jongg Club
Weekly Conversations: Doris and Brenda (Team Bloch)
Thu Jun 15
11:50 am
4:30 pm
All the News
Tai Chi Club
Fri Jun 16
9:30 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Stay Active and Independent for Life
OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.
Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger,Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Linda Randall, Tom Appich, Jane Hassell
Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: [email protected]. Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words. 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 Lifetime Member Ken Plum kicked off the 2023 Cinco de Mayo picnic on May 5 in a ribbon-cutting to dedicate a decorative plum tree planted at Tallwood; members enjoyed foods of Mexico and festive activities to celebrate the day
Registration for the summer term has begun. Members may register throughout the term at the member portal. Many classes continue to have space available. Visit this page for changes to the summer catalog. Summer term begins June 20.
The spring term survey is available at this link. Please take a few minutes to provide your feedback.
Reminder: Computer Club 3rd Saturday meeting, 1:00, May 20 (tomorrow), in person in TA‑1 at Tallwood and via Zoom (Zoom session usually begins about 12:45).
Reminder: The literature, theater, writing, and language program planning group will meet on Tuesday, June 6, at 10:00 via Zoom. Check the OLLI daily schedule email on June 6 for the Zoom link. All members welcome.
The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, June 2; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, May 30, at 6:00.
By Norma Jean Reck, Coordinator, Theater Lovers' Group
Note date change: The May meeting of the Theater Lovers' Group (TLG) will be held via Zoom on Monday, May 22, at 11:00 instead of Wednesday, May 24, to accommodate the speaker, Peggy McKowen, Artistic Director of the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF). Find the link in the OLLI daily schedule on Monday, May 22 under Theater Lovers' Group.
All OLLI members are invited to join TLG members Monday, May 22 at 11:00 when Peggy will meet with us via Zoom from Shepherdstown, WV, to talk with us about CATF and this summer's plays. CATF, as a lot of you already know, aims to produce and develop new American plays. The festival is held during the month of July and features six plays in rotating repertory. This unique theatrical experience, attended by people from around the world, is situated on the banks of the Potomac just 70 miles north of DC. TLG is planning to attend. Details to follow.
On Saturday, June 10, TLG members are headed to NextStop Theater in Herndon, VA, to see the 2:00 matinee of Lin-Manuel Miranda's In the Heights. Tickets are $44 per person, OLLI group rate. We will go to A Taste of the World restaurant, right around the corner from NextStop, for an optional dinner. To purchase tickets, go online to nextstop.com or phone 703-481-5930. Be sure to tell them you are with OLLI to get the discount.
Planning ahead: The June TLG meeting will be an opportunity for members to finally meet in person. We are planning the meeting as a luncheon at a convenient restaurant. The agenda will include planning for plays you want to see (Sweeney Todd has already been suggested); plans for going to CATF this July; a trip to American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, VA, in October; and any other suggestions you may have for events and speakers.
Reminder: You must rejoin TLG when you register for your summer classes. You can join TLG anytime by going online or by email to OLLI Registrar [email protected].
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Continuing our Wednesday Conversations series, Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) will moderate a Zoom discussion on May 24 at 4:00. Our chosen topic this week is “Loneliness."
The surgeon general recently stated that "loneliness poses a greater threat than smoking." Do you believe this is true? Loneliness as a toxic threat? Research shows that Americans, who have become less engaged with worship houses, community organizations, and even their own family members in recent decades, have steadily reported an increase in feelings of loneliness. Is OLLI helpful to you in overcoming this threat? What other strategies have you adopted?
Check your daily schedule for the Zoom link on Wednesdays and plan on some social time with Team Bloch.
The Tallwood Book Club will hold its June and July meetings via Zoom on its regularly scheduled 2nd Friday of the month at 2:30. On June 9, we will be discussing The Known World by Edward Jones. On July 14, we will be discussing Chasing History by Carl Bernstein.
There will be no meeting in August, and we plan to meet in person at the Tallwood campus during September, October, November, and December on 2nd Wednesdays. Our September choice is The Dead Are Arising by Les Payne, which is a biography of Malcolm X.
By Linda H. Harber, Friends of Music at Mason President
Please join the Friends of Music at Mason (FOMM) on Friday, June 9 from 6:30-9:00 at the Woodlands Retirement Community. This event includes a private concert by talented Mason music students and a delicious dinner. Details on how to register are in the illustrated flyer. Seating is limited, so please sign up today.
By Debby Mossburg, Board Member and Outreach Committee Chair
OLLI is planning a class this fall featuring a number of senior housing options at several price points and levels of service. If you think your community would be a good candidate for us to feature, please contact [email protected]. Thank you!
The May 2023 Photo of the Month theme was Flowers. We selected Rosemary Lubinski's photo "Water Lilies at Biltmore," 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
Robert Hunter Coffin, Jr.
Robert Coffin, LTC US Army (Ret.), gardener, culinary educator, gourmet, food critic, and more died on May 8. A native of Hubbardston, MA, Bob graduated from UMass Amherst and received his master’s degree from Ohio University. He presented numerous popular courses memorable to OLLI members for introducing them to varieties of cheeses, peppers, tomatoes, wines, and other delights. A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 on Saturday, May 20, at the Blue and Gray VFW Post #8469, 5703 Vogue Road, Fairfax Station, VA. Click here for further information.
David J. Lynch
Retired US Army Colonel David Lynch, who was a long-time OLLI member, died on May 9. He was a resident of Springfield, VA. There will be a visitation at 1:00 today (May 19) at Nativity Catholic Church, 6400 Nativity Lane, Burke, VA, followed by a funeral mass at 2:00. He will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Further information is available at this link.
For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468, buy tickets online through the event calendar (see links below), or visit the venue's box office. For more information, see the CFAticket pageor the Hylton Centerticket purchase page.
Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just 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. Information can also be found at CFA ticket purchase page, Center for the Arts YouTube Channel, or the Hylton ticket purchase page.
Sat, May 20, 7:00
Sun, May 21, 2:00
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $20 Adult, $16 senior. Manassas Ballet Theatre: Swan Lake
Fri, May 19, 7:30
Sat, May 20, 3:00 and 7:30
Sun, May 21, 3:00
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Admission: $65, $55, $45, $35, $25.
Company 360: ACROSS
Sun, May 28, 2:00 and 7:00
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Admission: $30 Adult, $20 senior.
Creative and Performing Arts Center: FENCES
Fri, Jun 2, 7:00
Sat, Jun 3, 3:00 and 7:00
Sun, Jun 4, 3:00
Fri, Jun 9, 7:00
Sat, Jun 10, 3:00
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $30 Adult, $17 senior.
Manassas Chorale: From Sea to Shining Sea
Fri, Jun 2, 7:30
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Admission: $25 Adult, $23 senior.
Please note: Although some physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled, some may be meeting in person or, in a hybrid mode, both in person and online. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number (except clubs; you may need to check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for location and other event information). Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates.
The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc., bolded below. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
Sat May 20
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club
Personal Computer User Group
Mon May 22
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
What’s in the Daily News?
Poetry Reading Club
Theater Lovers’ Group
Tue May 23
9:30 am
4:30 am
Annex Art
Tai Chi Club
Wed May 24
10:00 am
10:00 am
10:30 am
1:45 pm
4:00 pm
Bridge Club
Walk & Talk Club
Investment Forum
Spanish Club
Mah Jongg Club
Thu May 25
10:00 am
11:50 am
4:00 pm
4:30 am
Loudon and Reston Program Planning Group Meeting
All the News
Reston Book Club
Tai Chi Club
Fri May 26
9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
Craft and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Photography Club
Sat May 27
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon May 29
11:00 am
Poetry Writing Club
Tue May 30
9:30 am
10:00 am
4:30 pm
Annex Art Program Planning Committee Meeting
Tai Chi Club
Wed May 31
10:00 am
10:00 am
10:30 am
2:00 pm
Bridge Club
Walk & Talk Club
Investment Forum
Memoir and More Writing Group
Thu Jun 1
11:50 am
12:00 noon
4:30 pm
6:00 pm
All the News
Luncheon for Mason Facilities
Tai Chi Club
Ethnic Eats Club
Fri Jun 2
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
Crafts and Conversation Board of Directors Meeting
Homer, etc.
OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.
Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger,Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Linda Randall, Tom Appich, Jane Hassell
Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: [email protected]. Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words. Note: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News on the DocStore. To search the content of issues, use Search Our Site or put your search term in Google followed by "site:olli.gmu.edu/" without the quotes.
Executive Director Jennifer Disano and President Lillian Brooks hosted OLLI's annual meeting May5; Board candidates made brief remarks and took questions from in-personandonline attendees
May 12, 2023
Editor of the Week: Paul Van Hemel
Table of Contents
Alerts & Notices
You should have received an emailed ballot for voting in the election for Board candidates. Be sure your vote is submitted by May 19.
The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, May 19; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, May 16, at 6:00.
From the Desk of the Executive Director Jack Wood Award for Town-Gown Relations
By Jennifer Disano, Executive Director
So pleased to be awarded the Jack Wood Town and Gown Award for Community Relations for my work as chair of the Fall for the Book Festival, along with fellow awardee Delegate Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum, member of the Virginia House of Delegates. OLLI nominated Ken for the Jack Wood Town and Gown Legacy Award for his long-term leadership. Also pictured is OLLI’s President Lillian Brooks. You can read about the 2023 award recipients at this link.
Swing into America’s favorite season with an all-American lunch of hot dog, cole slaw, potato salad, and soda drink, followed by an ice cream dessert from noon to 3:00 on Friday, May 19, at Tallwood. Weather permitting, we’ll sit outside at the picnic tables. In addition to the fun eats, we’ll be showing the iconic baseball film Field of Dreams afterward.
If you haven’t already signed up and paid for the event and want to join in the fun, it’s $12 and includes lunch and creamy vanilla ice cream custard with your choice of toppings. Register through the portal for event number 1104–Spring Lunch and Ice Cream Social, or call the registrar (have a credit card handy) at 703-503-3384. Registration ends on Monday, May 15. You must pay in advance and be registered to attend this event. Registering through the OLLI portal, check out from your cart. Your registration is complete after you submit your credit card information and receive a “Congratulations” notice. Otherwise, your registration will not be entered.
Hope to see you at Tallwood to enjoy some all-American eats and fun conversation!
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, May 20, in person and via Zoom. The Zoom session usually opens at 12:45.
Using Zoom in the Apple Ecosystem – Presented by Mike Emery
iPhone, Mac, iPad? Mike will show us the ins and outs of using Zoom with Apple devices.
Mike Emery is OLLI's Tallwood Site Assistant and has been wrestling with Zoom and a variety of computing devices since COVID changed the OLLI world beginning in March of 2020. He has many years of professional experience in IT/computer support roles in government enterprises. He is a member of the PATACS Board of Directors.
Learn in 30: Large File Transfer Techniques – Presented by John Krout
So, you want to send a file, or a group of files, via email to family, friends, coworkers, or other specific folks. Every email service imposes a ceiling on attachment size. Photo sizes grow whenever you upgrade a camera or a phone. You can shoot a dozen cute pix of the grandchild and exceed the attachment size ceiling. You can shoot 4K resolution video with a smart phone that is 5+ years old and create a 100-megabyte MP4 file in a few minutes.
While you can post to social media, and have your photo or video resolution reduced severely, some files are necessarily intended for a very specific audience, not the entire galaxy of social media friends and followers. In this presentation, you will learn about two very different free web-based solutions, their limits, and their advantages.
John Krout is a frequent presenter at our meetings on a wide range of computer, technology and photography topics, and author of many articles for the PATACS POSTS newsletter.
To attend via Zoom’s cloud meeting service, beginning at 12:45, please click this link to join the meeting and use passcode 569804 (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces) or enter meeting ID 823 4185 2232 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode (preferred method) or dial in – 301-715-8592.
Trip to National Museum of African American History and Culture
By Marguerite Johnson, Former Board Member and Secretary
The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is dedicated to educating people of all races and nationalities about African American life from 1400 to the present day. It is a dense museum with numerous artifacts, documents, photos, videos, statues, flags, and more. Most of the items came from family archives that were preserved over generations.
On Friday April 21, twenty-seven OLLI members put on their good walking shoes to take a VIP tour of the NMAAHC. For 90 minutes our docent led us through the winding lower-level history galleries. She seamlessly connected the three galleries depicting periods in the progression of African American history from Slavery and Freedom 1400-1877 to Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: the Era of Segregation 1876-1968, ending at A Changing America: 1968 and Beyond.
Photos Courtesy of Marguerite Johnson, April 21
Feeling physically and mentally exhausted we took a break at the Contemplative Court and lunched at the Sweet Home cafe. We were then free to visit the remaining two above-ground galleries, Community and Culture, on our own.
Community broadly covers many aspects of everyday life such as education, military service, professions, political activities, and sports. Culture features provocative artwork, television, movies, plays, dance, and music. We could easily have spent at least an additional 90 minutes at each at each of these galleries. Many attendees plan a second visit.
Our visit to the NMAAHC was sometimes painful, definitely thought-provoking, and even relatable as we compared our experiences living in the 1960s.
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Continuing our Wednesday Conversations series, Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) will moderate a Zoom discussion on May 17 at 4:00. Our chosen topic this week is “Travel – And Packing."
As we approach the summer vacation season, thoughts turn to travel. The best part of travel is packing – NOT!! Dreading the packing? – decisions on the weather, the clothing for all anticipated events, the need to carry every single item everywhere. Team Bloch has diametrically opposite approaches to the packing quandary – one of us is a minimalist, one is everything-but-the kitchen-sink packer. What do you do? What items do you NEVER leave out? What items do you pack that you never use and plan to leave behind for the next trip? Do you intentionally leave room for the "inevitable" purchase of "souvenirs?"
Check your Daily Schedule and please join us to share your thoughts on Zoom in the OLLI Chat Room on May 17 at 4:00.
I miss my mama, gone twenty years.
A mountain woman with a huge heart
who lost her own mother when she was seven,
and mourned the rest of her life.
She never healed, but she learned to live
with it, as folks tell us to do.
She raised six children, worked from
sun-up to sundown, never took a vacation, never ate out,
never had a day off.
She cooked three meals a day,
each with dozens of homemade biscuits,
specialized in every kind of bean and potato
to “put meat on our bones.”
She lived in the kitchen, or on the back porch on wash days,
the only time she cursed was when the wringer jammed.
She doted on her children,
although she seldom had time
to sit down and play with them,
so busy she was with her chores. Pity the person
who disrespected her poverty, mistreated one of her kids.
Hear the roar of mama bear.
A support to friends and family, a caring ear to listen,
a servant to her husband, a champion for her offspring,
sacrificing her needs for family.
We had the best mama,
even when she reached for the willow switch.
If only I could wrap my arms around her,
tell her I love her one more time.
Current vaccination policy for the Center for the Arts and Hylton Performing Arts Center is summarized as follows:
Audience members are not currently required to show proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test result for most events except when required by the event organizer or artist. If proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result is required for a specific event, it will be indicated on the webpage with event details.
Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just 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. Information can also be found at CFA ticket purchase page, Center for the Arts YouTube Channel, or the Hylton ticket purchase page.
ARTFactory’s Pied Piper Theatre: School of Rock
Fri, May 12 and 19, 7:00
Sat, May 13 and 20, 7:00
Sun, May 14 and 21, 2:00
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $20 Adult, $16 senior.
CAMMO Voices
Sat, May 13, 8:00
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Admission: $48, $41, $29, free for veterans.
Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra: How to Opera: Overtures, Arias, and Recitatives
Sun, May 14, 3:00
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Admission: $20 Adult, $17 senior.
Manassas Ballet Theatre: Swan Lake
Fri, May 19, 7:30
Sat, May 20, 3:00 and 7:30
Sun, May 21, 3:00
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Admission: $65, $55, $45, $35, $25.
Please note: Although some physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled, some may be meeting in person or, in a hybrid mode, both in person and online. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number (except clubs; you may need to check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for location and other event information). Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates.
The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc., bolded below. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
Sat May 13
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon May 15
9:30 am
What’s in the Daily News?
Tue May 16
9:30 am
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
Health Advisory Workgroup Meeting
Spanish Club
Tai Chi Club
Wed May 17
1:45 pm
1:45 pm
2:00 pm
Bridge Club
Mah Jongg Club
Memoir and More Writing Group
Thu May 18
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Fri May 19
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
Craft and Conversation
Classic Literature Club
Homer, etc.
Sat May 20
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club
Personal Computer User Group
Mon May 22
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
What’s in the Daily News?
Poetry Reading Club
Theater Lovers’ Group
Tue May 23
9:30 am
4:30 am
Annex Art
Tai Chi Club
Wed May 24
10:00 am
10:00 am
10:30 am
1:45 pm
4:00 pm
Bridge Club
Walk & Talk Club
Investment Forum
Spanish Club
Mah Jongg Club
Thu May 25
10:00 am
11:50 am
4:00 pm
4:30 am
Loudon and Reston Program Planning Group Meeting
All the News
Reston Book Club
Tai Chi Club
Fri May 26
9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
Craft and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Photography Club
OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.
Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger,Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Linda Randall, Tom Appich, Jane Hassell
Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: [email protected]. Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words. Note: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News on the DocStore. To search the content of issues, use Search Our Site or put your search term in Google followed by "site:olli.gmu.edu/" without the quotes.
From the Desk of the Executive Director OLLI Receives Arts Education Award
from ArtsFairfax
By Jennifer Disano, Executive Director
I am so pleased to announce that OLLI has received the 2023 Arts Education Award from ArtsFairfax. This organization is Fairfax County’s local arts agency funded in part by Fairfax County, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as corporations, foundations, and individuals. What an honor to be recognized for our efforts at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University!
The Education Award recognizes an artist or arts organization for providing exceptional arts education opportunities and experiences. In making the award, ArtsFairfax cited OLLI’s more than 30 years of commitment to providing educational, cultural, and social opportunities for adults in their retirement years. They noted the range of courses that “sparks the creativity and interests of its intellectually curious and active senior membership.” You can read their statements on the 2023 honorees at this link.
After calling the April 28 meeting to order, President Lillian Brooks reported on activities of OLLI and the executive committee since the last Board meeting. One item of note for members addressed upcoming group travel opportunities to California and Iceland later this year. Interested members will make trip arrangements with travel agents; there will be Zoom presentations on May 12 and May 19 to provide specific information about these trips.
Executive Director Jennifer Disano provided an update on OLLI memberships; of note, so far, 26 promotional members from prior years renewed their membership in 2023. She also reported on her busy schedule of local OLLI and Mason meetings, as well as numerous offsite meetings, including attendance at a national OLLI symposium in Chicago with directors from other OLLI institutes, on the topic of collaboration.
Under new business, the Board approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between OLLI and the Fairfax County Public Library. Under this MOU, the library will pay OLLI $20,000 in return for our OLLI providing them with four in-person and 16 virtual lectures over the course of a year beginning July 1. The virtual classes will be part of our catalog and all OLLI members will, of course, be able to attend the on-site lectures. It is hoped that these lectures will help OLLI become better known throughout the county and perhaps increase our membership. The Board also approved a resolution noting the first year assessment of progress on implementing the strategic plan submitted on April 28, 2023, by the Strategic Planning Committee.
Save the Date: Literature, Theater, and Writing/Languages Program Planning Group to Meet June 6
By Pat Bangs, LLT Program Planning Group Co‑Chair
Meeting Date and Time: Tuesday, June 6, 2023, 10:00 What: LLT Program Planning Group meeting Via Zoom: Link to come at a later date before the meeting
Mark your calendars for our semi-annual all-campus program planning group meeting for OLLI's Literature, Theater, and Writing/Languages (LLT) program on Tuesday, June 6 at 10:00 via Zoom.
We will be reviewing past terms and looking forward to planning for the 2024 winter term and beyond. All OLLI members can contribute to the excellent programming offered to our membership. Bring ideas for literature, theater, or writing/languages programs, as well as instructor resources.
We’ve had requests for programs on topics such as Greek plays; new Broadway plays; old film history; old movie stars; Joyce’s Ulysses; basic literature/composition elements; and journalism basics/how to research facts. We are able to offer Spanish language classes, but there have been requests for French, beginning German, Arabic, Chinese, and Italian. I’m sure there are more ideas. This is just a sample of what we would like to offer. All we need are instructors to teach them. Bring your class and resource ideas or just come to learn how OLLI programs develop. All members are welcome.
By Dr. Michele Romano, Health Advisory Workgroup Chair
One third of people over the age of 65 fall each year. Over 95% of hip fractures are due to falls. Falls are the leading cause of death from injury in older adults. The major result of falls in our age group is loss of the ability to function and live independently.
Both internal and external factors contribute to falls. A few common internal factors involve medical conditions that accompany aging, such as muscle weakness, neurological problems, arthritis, medications, and poor vision. External factors would include bathtubs, improper shoes, clutter on floors/stairs, and poor lighting. Calculate your risk of falls on this Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: Stay Independent (cdc.gov). Check out tips for fall prevention at: Fall prevention: Simple tips to prevent falls - Mayo Clinic.
Maintaining muscle strength and balance is key. Did you know that OLLI Mason can help you do both? The Tai Chi Club holds classes three times a week via Zoom geared to any level of ability, and all are welcome. We have had numerous yoga classes over the years so check your catalogs.
If you enjoy the great outdoors, the Walk & Talk club may be a perfect fit. They meet every 1-2 weeks at different parks in Fairfax County and often stop for coffee after. It’s a great way to get in your daily steps, improve strength and balance, and meet new friends. What’s not to love?
May 30 through September 1, OLLI will offer class 1201Z SAIL (Stay Active and Independent for Life) on Zoom. This is a strength, balance, and fitness program. Look for more details in issues of OLLI E‑Blast and E‑News.
As long as you are an OLLI member you can participate in any or all of these for free. Does it get any better?
The First Commandment of Aging: DO NOT EVER GET ON A LADDER
A Conversation on Contemporary American Theater Festival with Peggy McKowen
By Norma Jean Reck, Coordinator of Theater Lovers' Group
Who would have thought that the newest plays written by America's playwrights are developed and performed each July in Shepherdstown, West Virginia's oldest town, which sits on the banks of the Potomac River, an easy drive from OLLI?
Save the date and be there Monday, May 22, 2023, at 11:00 when Peggy McKowen, the new Artistic Director of the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF), joins OLLI members via Zoom to talk with us about her vision for the annual festival and for celebrating in 2023 the "Summer of Six" – the six new plays that will be performed in repertory this July. They are contemporary plays that make you want to talk about the stories, the characters, and the issues they represent.
McKowen can also tell us about the unique "talktheater" events, which deepen your understanding of theater and the theatrical process of perfecting a play. The variety of these free events provides you with ample opportunities to speak one-on-one with the actors, playwrights, and Peggy herself.
All OLLI members are invited to join the members of the Theater Lovers' Group to meet and chat with this extraordinarily talented theater icon.
Mark your calendars: Monday, May 22, from 11:00 to 12:30.
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Continuing our Wednesday Conversations series, Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) will moderate a Zoom discussion on May 10 at 4:00. Our chosen topic this week is “Your Suggestions for OLLI."
How can we enhance the OLLI experience? Perhaps more or fewer courses to be offered, more or fewer trips or clubs, ideas for future classes or instructors, schedule tweaks? This is your chance to give feedback and chime in with what you like and what you think might be improved at OLLI – with an emphasis today on program content. (We will do our best to communicate your compliments and suggestions to the most effective persons.)
Check your Daily Schedule for the Zoom link on Wednesdays and plan on some social time with Team Bloch.
Stories never told to grandchildren
mothers not called
relationships never repaired
songs never composed or sung
books never written
elderly friends not visited
apologies never given
poems not written
trips never taken
Current vaccination policy for the Center for the Arts and Hylton Performing Arts Center is summarized as follows:
Audience members are not currently required to show proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test result for most events except when required by the event organizer or artist. If proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result is required for a specific event, it will be indicated on the webpage with event details.
Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just 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. Information can also be found at CFA ticket purchase page, Center for the Arts YouTube Channel, or the Hylton ticket purchase page.
Mason School of Theater: Concert Presentation of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Fri and Sat, May 5-6, 8:00
Sun, May 7, 2:00
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $20 Adults, $10 seniors.
Manassas Symphony Orchestra: Aspirations
Sat, May 6, 7:30
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Admission: $25.
Academy of Russian Ballet and Northern Virginia Youth Ballet: Coppélia
Sun, May 7, 2:00 and 6:00
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Admission: $28 Adult, $20 seniors.
ARTFactory’s Pied Piper Theatre: School of Rock
Fri, May 12 and 19, 7:00
Sat, May 13 and 20, 7:00
Sun, May 14 and 21, 2:00
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $20 Adult, $16 senior.
CAMMO Voices
Sat, May 13, 8:00
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Admission: $48, $41, $29, free for veterans.
Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra: How to Opera: Overtures, Arias, and Recitatives
Sun, May 14, 3:00
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Admission: $20 Adult, $17 senior.
Please note: Although some physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled, some may be meeting in person or, in a hybrid mode, both in person and online. 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 May 6
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon May 8
9:30 am
What’s in the Daily News?
Tue May 9
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Wed May 10
1:45 pm
1:45 pm
4:00 pm
Bridge Club
Spanish Club
Mah Jongg Club
Thu May 11
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Fri May 12
9:30 am
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
2:30 pm
Photography Club
Craft and Conversation
Walk & Talk Club
Classic Literature Club
Homer, etc.
Cooking Club
Tallwood Book Club
Sat May 13
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon May 15
9:30 am
What’s in the Daily News?
Tue May 16
9:30 am
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
Health Advisory Workgroup Meeting
Spanish Club
Tai Chi Club
Wed May 17
1:45 pm
1:45 pm
2:00 pm
Bridge Club
Mah Jongg Club
Memoir and More Writing Group
Thu May 18
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Fri May 19
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
Craft and Conversation
Classic Literature Club
Homer, etc.
OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.
Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger,Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Linda Randall, Tom Appich, Jane Hassell
Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: [email protected]. Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words. 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 revived in the last year is travel. It was our hope that exciting travel opportunities, domestically and internationally, would help us recruit and retain members. We thought that this would be a great opportunity for OLLI members to travel with friends and experience a fun and educational adventure together. We set up a domestic trip to 
more members sign up for that wonderful trip soon. This is the reason I feel that we needed some feedback from the members on how we can enhance this program. I think we do need to bring back the travel committee to find ways to encourage OLLI friends to talk to their other OLLI friends and plan to go together on these excursions. They would be trips that you, the membership, select. Please take this short 
ck Crawford (Vice President), Bob Heyer (Secretary), and Debbie Engleson (Treasurer).
t
Don’t miss out on enjoying the camaraderie of OLLI friends and the emerging signs of summer at Burke Lake Park June 9, 11:30 – 2:30. Bring your picnic basket lunch and share conversation with new and old acquaintances.
Martin will discuss amateur radio High Altitude Balloons (HABs) and pico balloons. The two types are different in construction, flight characteristics, and duration. The HABs are made from latex and rise until bursting at very high altitude. After a HAB bursts, a parachute is used to safely recover the payload. Pico balloons are made of plastic and do not stretch. They float at a lower altitude for very long duration flights. Because HABs can carry significant weight and travel for a short time, they are typically battery powered. Because of weight constraints and long exposure to cold, pico balloons can't use batteries. Worldwide GPS position reporting is done with several standard amateur radio systems.
Rob will bring us up to date with the latest in the technology realm, from attending trade shows, exhibitions, equipment introductions and journalism assignments across the nation and around the world.
tickets or camp registration needed) with FREE Parking in Lot K. 
from the Great American Songbook.
various instruments, as well as voice.
I am so pleased to announce that OLLI has received the 2023 Arts Education Award from ArtsFairfax. This organization is Fairfax County’s local arts agency funded in part by Fairfax County, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as corporations, foundations, and individuals. What an honor to be recognized for our efforts at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University!
Save the date and be there Monday, May 22, 2023, at 11:00 when Peggy McKowen, the new Artistic Director of the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF), joins OLLI members via Zoom to talk with us about her vision for the annual festival and for celebrating in 2023 the "Summer of Six" – the six new plays that will be performed in repertory this July. They are contemporary plays that make you want to talk about the stories, the characters, and the issues they represent.