Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

OLLI E-News (Weekly Newsletter)

ENews August 1 2025

by

OLLI E-News August 1, 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.

First Session (July 1) of a Five-Session Summer 2025 Course on Climate Change: What Can One Person Do? By Peggy DiVincenzo and Renee Purdy;
Available on OLLI Website

August 1, 2025


Editor of the Week: Paul Van Hemel
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • Reminder: the OLLI office will be closed for summer break from August 1-15.
  • You should find your fall term catalog in the mail. If you do not receive a catalog by the end of July, please contact the OLLI Mason office.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, August 15; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, August 12, at 6:00.

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From the Desk of the Executive Director
Thank You to OLLI Volunteers


By Lisa Mariam, Executive Director


Part of our external audit involves calculation and confirmation of our volunteer contributions to OLLI.  I was working on that calculation and it’s so impressive how many hours OLLI members contribute to make OLLI run smoothly. Nearly 600 volunteers dedicated over 7,600 hours in 2024! As a member driven organization with a small part-time staff, we literally could not function without member volunteers.

On behalf of OLLI, I want to thank each and every volunteer for all that you do. Whether it’s recruiting instructors and selecting proposals on the program committees, coordinating trips to local sites, sharing your interests in clubs, teaching a class, staffing the front desk in the office, keeping our gardens looking beautiful, helping to spread the word about OLLI and recruit new members, ensuring our classroom technology is up to date and humming along, producing this newsletter, or all of the other work that happens behind the scenes to make OLLI the premier lifelong learning program in Northern VA, I want to thank you.

If you haven’t yet volunteered, I encourage you to reach out to a committee chair, Board Member, or staff to see how you can help. We also have several open positions including the Diversity Advisory Group. Many committee chairs are long serving and would welcome fresh perspectives and, as they say, many hands make light work. Volunteering for OLLI not only helps improve the programs you enjoy, but research proves it’s good for your health and wellbeing too!

Thank you,
Lisa
 

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Wednesday Conversation Topic for August 6
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch,
Co-Moderators
Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) moderate an OLLI social chat room every second Wednesday. Our topic to discuss on August 6: What is a chatbot? Have you engaged with one? On a regular basis? Was he/she useful?
      
Chatbots are virtual assistants, useful for many tasks, e.g., summarizing research, writing or reading resumes, finding phone numbers, and answering simple questions. Some of them are text based, while many of the newer ones are voice based. Think Siri, Alexa, CoPilot, or Gemini. Some chatbots greatly resemble live communicators. They can even provide virtual friendship.
 
What has been your experience with a chatbot, and was it positive or negative?
 
Find the Zoom link for the Wednesday Conversation on the OLLI daily schedule the morning of August 6 and join us.

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Computer Club
3rd Saturday, August 16
AnyList
Check Windows RAM For Errors With MDSCHED

By Paul Howard , OPCUG Program Chair


The Computer Club (OLLI Personal Computer User Group, or OPCUG) will meet with its partner, the Potomac Area Technology and Computer Society (PATACS), on Saturday, August 16, in person and via Zoom. The Zoom session opens at 12:45.
 
AnyList—Presented by Letitia Labell AnyList is a versatile application originally designed to keep track of your grocery list, but which can also be used to manage many kinds of lists. This app, which is available for iOS and Android devices, also has a web interface, so it can be used on any device. The best part of the app is that the lists can be shared among users, so anyone in your household can add items to the lists, and the lists sync automatically. If you like to have your groceries delivered (or ready for pickup) there is also an option to send your list to the grocery store’s app. There are many more features, such as collecting and organizing recipes, planning your meals, and adding pictures to your lists. You can also use AnyList to keep track of chores and other activities. You can make your life easier and more organized with AnyList.

Leti Labell loves computers. Although she started working as a programmer, she spent most of her career managing projects, both for software development as well as for non-computer projects. But throughout it all, she loved using computers to accomplish things in the best way possible. Now happily retired, she is still an avid technology user. Her current passions are the Italian language and all things Italian, as well as cooking and learning about ethnic foods. She uses her iPhone, iPads, and PCs to keep track of everything. Leti is the Coordinator of OLLI’s Ethnic Eats club, Membership Chair of OLLI Personal Computer Group (OPCUG) and a member of the PATACS board of directors.
 
Check Windows RAM For Errors With MDSCHED—Presented by John Krout This session introduces the MDSCHED utility. Its purpose is to test and diagnose Random Access Memory (RAM) on your Windows computer. MDSCHED has been included in Windows since Windows Vista in late 2006. Such a diagnosis can help if your Windows computer crashes frequently, especially if it does so without telling you.

John Krout is a frequent presenter at our meetings on a wide range of computer, technology, and photography topics.
 
See full details on this meeting by clicking here. For information on the Computer Club, see the OPCUG Website. OPCUG dues are $5 and are now due for 2025 (and 2024, if you didn’t get around to paying earlier!)—see http://olligmu.org/opcug/comm.html for details on making payment.

To attend via Zoom’s cloud meeting service, beginning at 12:45, please click the link https://olligmu-org.zoom.us/j/86376591329?pwd=MwC2qGgzIOa6nG7TZItKb9jGycuJWG.1 to join the meeting and use passcode 218440 (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces) or enter meeting ID 863 7659 1329 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode (preferred method), or dial in at 301-715-8592.

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Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

This Morning
 
I’m in a state
between sleep and wakefulness
reminding me of my father’s heavy
green 1952 Buick
with its smooth, slow, steady, and yet
wavery
Dynaflow transmission
sounding as though it couldn’t decide  
which gear to be in.
Yet it never let him down.
My father bought that car in 1954
sold it in 1956.
Why
Does its deep, pleated seats remind me
of the state between sleep, wakefulness,
 
and safety.
                                   –Ed Sadtler

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances August 1 through August 11


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


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

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

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At the Fairfax Campus Venues

Mason String Camp Final Concert
Fri Aug 1, 2:15
Center for the Arts Concert Hall
Admission: Free
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

No performances

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At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

No performances

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

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Meetings & Clubs

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

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week. Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
 
Sat Aug 2 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Aug 4
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Poetry Reading Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Aug 5
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Aug 6


 		 10:30 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Aug 7
 
 		 11:50 am
 3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 All the News – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 8
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
12:00 noon
 2:30 pm		 Photography Club – online
Crafts and Conversation (Location TBD)
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tallwood Book Club – online
Sat Aug 9 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Aug 11
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Poetry Writing Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Aug 12
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Aug 13
 		 10:30 am
12:00 noon		 Investment Forum – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Thu Aug 14
 
 		 11:50 am
 3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 All the News – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 15
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Crafts and Conversation (Location TBD)
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Aug 16
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group

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About OLLI E-News

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

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

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

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

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ENews July 25 2025

by

OLLI E-News July 25, 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
OLLI Board of Directors meeting, July 18, 2025

July 25, 2025


Editor of the Week: John Nash
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, August 1; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, July 29, at 6:00.

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From the Desk of the Executive Director



By Lisa Mariam, Executive Director


Did you know that you may pay your membership dues over the course of the year:  $37.50 per month or $112.50 quarterly. Please contact the Registrar at [email protected] or 703-544-0085 to arrange for an installment plan.

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Did you get your 10,000 steps today? Did you know that it’s an urban legend? It originated in Japan in the 1960’s as a marketing slogan for a new pedometer. It’s still good for your health but what actually is the sweet spot? How Many Steps Should A Senior (80-Year-Old) Walk Each Day? - Village Walk.
(From the Healthcare Advisory Workgroup)

The History of Tallwood

 

By Paul Howard, OLLI Member and Former OLLI President


OLLI Colleagues:

An interesting history article/newsletter from the Fare Facs Gazette of Summer 2004 is available at the following link: [https://www.historicfairfax.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/HFCI23-2004.pdf]. It discusses the history of the site that OLLI now occupies at Tallwood, historical owners, and most interesting, the private school that once occupied the site. Based on the time-frame of its existence, I've always suspected the school was a 'segregation academy.' 

Of particular interest is the discussion of the building we call 'Tallwood Cottage.' George Mason University allowed OLLI to begin using the cottage in 2010. Mason had a research project on computer security based there before our use, with extensive local area network (LAN) cabling throughout, and two 200-amp electrical service feeds for the building. Mason took down a wall and removed a closet so that, for several years, we had an extra classroom that could accommodate 20-25 folks. Ultimately, the need for staff offices ousted the classroom and kitchen use for club activity.

Smallwood—fondly known as the 'potty barn'—was on the north end of the Tallwood House discussed in the article. I believe Mason planned renovations of that building for OLLI use and then discovered massive termite damage, so that portion of Tallwood House accordingly was demolished.

Corrected Link for Memoir Available at Amazon

  

By Margie Wildblood, Author and OLLI Member


Last week’s E-News reported on the publication of my recent memoir Because He Loved Me, and included a link to an Amazon site for the book. Although the text of the site covered the English text for the book’s title and content, the site was a Spanish language page. For Amazon’s English language page on the book, please use the following link:  Because He Loved Me: A Story of the Transformative Power of True Love: Wildblood, Margie Crowe: 9798992527605: Amazon.com: Books. You also may go to: https://www.amazon.com, and copy this number 9798992527605 into the search line.

Thank you for your interest.

Poet's Corner

Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

Older Ladies

They spread out onto wooden pews
in their woolen suits and crepe dresses
not too flashy. Their shoulders were comforted
by fox stoles with beady-eyed faces.
Mother whispered Don’t touch.
Leather closed-toe pumps squeezed
their moleskinned corns. Gloves
shielded their roughened hands.
Beside them squatted their matching
pocketbooks with handkerchiefs
receipts, remnants of hard-earned wages
and candies wrapped in cellophane.
When my cousin’s grown son asked
if I had a butterscotch or peppermint
I realized I had become an older lady.
               –Carolyn Wyatt

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances July 25 through August 2


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


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

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

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At the Fairfax Campus Venues

(25-26 Season subscriptions to Great Performances
now on sale)

Mason String Camp Final Concert
Sat Aug 1, 2:15
Center for the Arts Concert Hall
Admission: Free
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

No performances

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At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

The Creative and Performing Arts Center: Space School Musical
Sat, Jul 26, 10:00 and 2:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: Free.

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

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Meetings & Clubs

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

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week. Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
 
Sat Jul 26 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jul 28
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Family History/Genealogy – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Jul 29
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 30
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Dabbling Artists – online
Thu Jul 31
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 1
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Homer, etc.– online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Aug 2 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Aug 4
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Poetry Reading Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Aug 5
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Aug 6
 
 		 12:00 noon
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Aug 7
 
 		 11:50 am
 3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 All the News – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 8
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
12:00 noon
 2:30 pm		 Photography Club – online
Crafts and Conversation (location TBD)
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tallwood Book Club – online
Sat Aug 9 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online

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About OLLI E-News

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

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

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

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

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ENews July 18 2025

by

OLLI E-News July 18, 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.

Dr. Heather Dudley presented a detailed review of the writing of the Declaration of Independence
2025 summer term

July 18, 2025


Editor of the Week: Paul Van Hemel
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • Reminder: OLLI Personal Computer Club meeting in person at Tallwood and via Zoom at 1:00 on July 19 (tomorrow). The Zoom session opens at 12:45.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, July 25; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, July 22, at 6:00.
Tallwood Book Club

 
By Betty Ellerbee, Tallwood Book Club Coordinator


Reader’s choice will be the topic of discussion at the August Zoom meeting of the Tallwood Book Club. Members will pick a book they especially want to read and will share a brief synopsis of the book and why they liked it…or didn’t. And whether they think everyone should read it for future discussions.

We will meet at our regularly appointed time, 2:30, on Friday, August 8.

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Member Achievement

OLLI member Margie Wildblood has published a memoir available on Amazon at this link. She thanks OLLI members of the Writer’s Workshop, Memoir and More Writing Group, and Poetry Workshop for their support, feedback, and suggestions.

Fairytales, Prince Charming, happily-ever-afters filled Margie’s girlhood dreams. Her love story blossoms in college when she meets a kind, inspirational–and married–professor who changes her life. Frightened by their growing attraction, he sets boundaries, tells her to find someone her age. A few years later, she does meet a younger man and falls in love. When their marriage ends, Margie gives up her fairytale fantasies. She accepts she will be alone the rest of her life. Then a letter arrives. . .

At times heart-breaking, at other times full of joy.

About the Author
Margie Crowe Wildblood grew up in a log cabin in southwest Virginia. The youngest of six children and the first college graduate in her family, she holds degrees in English and Psychology from Radford University and in Counseling from Purdue University. Since she retired from Northern Virginia Community College as a counselor and faculty member, she moderates writing workshops with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University.

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Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop


Adjusting to New Heights
 
My new Hoka sneakers
are built for comfort
2-inch soles
absorb shock
my well-used feet
no longer want to
 
The extra cush comforts
squawking knots
that’ve breached
my left sole
 
Its delicate plane
was no match for
persistent protuberances
who demand
the respect of age
 
I’ve accommodated them
with high-rise sneakers
reminiscent of my platform
“Marshmallow” shoes
from the 1970’s
except now
the audacious height of
these blaring white soles
feels like a megaphone
announcing
 
“Old lady coming through.”
 
My husband
the optimist
says my sneakers
are all the rage
notes I’m gaining
on him in height
He doesn’t need
to stoop as much to kiss
barefoot five-foot, five-inch me

           -- Susan Rexroad

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Photo of the Month
The July 2025 Photo of the Month theme was birds in flight, birds of prey. We selected two photos as winners. First place was Lynn Cline's Egrets (three white birds, one holding a snake), shown immediately below and which may also be viewed at this page.


The runner up was Ed Marion's photo of a swallow family in a nest, taken at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens shown below, and 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

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Obituary: Margaret Downes Andino

Former member Margaret Andino of Fairfax, who joined OLLI in the spring term of 2001, died June 18, 2025. Born January 8, 1936, she worked for George Mason University for twenty years in the Department of Public Administration, the Page Program, and the Honors Program. She enjoyed playing the piano and was an avid gardener.

Margaret viewed civic engagement as an individual responsibility and an essential duty of citizenship. She was co-chair of the Fairfax County Park Authority and also served as a director on the Fairfax County Water Authority. She especially enjoyed her service as president of the Kings Park West Civic Association.

At her request, in lieu of flowers, please consider supporting WETA or your local public radio station in her memory. More information is available at this link.

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances July 18 through July 26


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


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

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

Back to Top of Page
At the Fairfax Campus Venues

Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
(25-26 Season subscriptions to Great Performances now on sale)
 
No performances
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

No performances

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At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

Prince William Little Theatre: Hairspray, The Broadway Musical
Fri, Jul 18, 8:00
Sat, Jul 19, 2:00 and 7:00
Sun, Jul 20, 2:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $30 Adult, $24 Senior.
 
The Creative and Performing Arts Center: Space School Musical
Sat, Jul 26, 10:00 and 2:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: Free.

 

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

Back to Top of Page
 
Meetings & Clubs

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

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week. Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
 
Sat Jul 19
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Jul 21
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Jul 22
 
 		  2:00 pm
 2:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Caregivers Support Group – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 23
 
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Theater Lovers’ Group – online
Thu Jul 24
 
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm
 6:00 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats – online
Fri Jul 25
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Jul 26 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jul 28
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Family History/Genealogy – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Jul 29
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 30
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Dabbling Artists – online
Thu Jul 31
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 1
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Aug 2 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online

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About OLLI E-News

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

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

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

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

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ENews July 11 2025

by

OLLI E-News July 11, 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
Bob Levey, retired columnist for The Washington Post, treated a large OLLI audience to a fascinating discussion of his years during the golden era at the newspaper, July 1

July 11, 2025


Editor of the Week: David Gundry
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • Board of Directors Meeting, July 18 at 10:00, via Zoom and in person at Tallwood. All members welcome.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, July 18; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, July 15, at 6:00.

Back to Top of Page

“America250” will be Celebrated on July 4, 2026, and You’re Invited to Participate


By Camille Hodges, Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group Chair 

 

In July 2026 the United States will celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. You are invited to participate in this mission by presenting OLLI classes from now through July 2026 to enlighten our members via your expertise on this part of American history. 

 

As OLLI members, we are aware that there was more to the signing than “meets the eye.” This is where you come in. As a presenter for the Humanities and Social Sciences you are encouraged to explore the Declaration through various lenses including (but not limited to) its philosophy as well as its multifaceted effect on society during that time period.

 

If you or a knowledgeable colleague can support OLLI’s mission of lifelong learning regarding the topic of the “Declaration of Independence” please consider this invitation.

 

Submission deadlines for 2026:

 






Note: Dr. Heather Dudley taught a three-session summer 2025 course 303Z “The Declaration of Independence” June 25–July 9. More courses like this are desirable!

 

Here is a link to the course submission form:

 

  https://olli.gmu.edu/olli-course-proposal-form/.

 

Editor’s Note: This article appeared in a previous issue of E-News. It is repeated here to encourage your participation in “America250” during the coming year. Thanks.

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 It’s time to DRAIN. THE. SWAMP. Mosquitoes transmit numerous diseases. They breed in stagnant, standing water (swamps, ditches, water buckets, birdbaths, etc.). Take the time to check your property. And you thought this was going to be political.   
(From the Healthcare Advisory Workgroup)
Are You a Spanish Speaker? Experienced in Teaching the Language?


By Patricia Bangs, Literature, Theater, and Writing/Languages Program Planning Group Co-Chair


If you are a fluent Spanish speaker and/or experienced in teaching the language, the Literature, Theater, and Writing/Languages (LLT) Program Planning Group would love you to join our language programming. We are looking for courses at any level from travel and conversational Spanish to traditional beginner and intermediate classes. Or, if you know of anyone who might be interested in offering Spanish classes, please let us know. Contact LLT co-chair Pat Bangs at [email protected].

And, for the many OLLI members who may be missing their Spanish language practice, you might want to consider one of the senior perks offered by George Mason University—the opportunity to audit courses through the university’s senior citizen waiver program. Virginia residents 60 years or older are entitled to audit up to three academic credit courses per semester and pay no tuition or fees (except for material). For details on the process, see Senior Citizen Waiver Program – Office of the University Registrar George Mason University.
Computer Club
3rd Saturday, July 19
Old and New Nuclear Power Technology
How to Contribute Graphics to Wikipedia

By Paul Howard , OPCUG Program Chair


The Computer Club (OLLI Personal Computer User Group, or OPCUG) will meet with its partner, the Potomac Area Technology and Computer Society (PATACS), on Saturday, July 19, in person and via Zoom. The Zoom session opens at 12:45.

Old and New Nuclear-Power Technology—Presented by John Krout
Learn how nuclear energy becomes electricity. Learn how the two primary types of nuclear power reactors heat water for steam turbines to produce electricity, and the common cause of each of the three big nuclear-power reactor failures: Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima Daiichi.

In the 1950s, the engineer at Oak Ridge National Lab who held a key patent for one of the two primary types of solid-fuel nuclear-power reactors also built and tested the first liquid-fuel reactors. That experience led him to conclude that the liquid-fuel approach was both far more economical and safer than conventional solid-fuel reactors.

Learn about two companies aiming to build and sell small liquid-fuel reactors. Learn why liquid-fuel reactors are far safer than traditional solid-fuel reactors, and produce far less waste than traditional solid-fuel reactors.

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.

How to Contribute Graphics to Wikipedia—Presented by Lee De Cola
“For over 20 years I have been a Wikipedia editor, making editorial corrections, adding datagraphics, and even creating new articles. This presentation will demonstrate how you can contribute an original graphic to a Wikipedia article.”

Lee De Cola, PhD (University of Ibadan), is a retired U.S. Geological Survey scientist who studies environmental change in space and time.

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 for making payment.

To attend via Zoom’s cloud meeting service, beginning at 12:45, please click https://olligmu-org.zoom.us/j/86376591329?pwd=MwC2qGgzIOa6nG7TZItKb9jGycuJWG.1 to join the meeting and use passcode 218440 (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces) or enter meeting ID 863 7659 1329 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode (preferred method), or dial in at 301-715-8592.

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Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

Days of Yore

Faded brown teddy bear
Sitting forlorn on the shelf
Worn patch on the back
Stitch to hold the arms in place
Testament to countless cuddles

Silent listener, always near
Absorbing worries and calming fears
Holder of secrets 
Tales of playground triumphs
Scraped knees
Whispered wishes 

The day a tiny tooth began to sway
A silent nod from button eye
I see your growth, your changing way
A milestone reached

                 – Chitra Mohla

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances, July 11 through July 20


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


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

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

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At the Fairfax Campus Venues

Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
(25-26 Season subscriptions to Great Performances now on sale)
 
No performances
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

No performances

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At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

Prince William Little Theatre: Hairspray, The Broadway Musical
Fri, Jul 11, 8:00
Sat, Jul 12, 2:00 and 7:00
Sun, Jul 13, 2:00
Fri, Jul 18, 8:00
Sat, Jul 19, 2:00 and 7:00
Sun, Jul 20, 2:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $30 Adult, $24 Senior.
 
Arif Lohar Live: Pakistani Singer
Sat, Jul 12, 8:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $150; $100; $75; $50.

Onyx Youth Orchestra & Onyx Philharmonic
Wed, Jul 16, 6:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $35 Adult, $25 Senior.

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

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Obituary: Sandra S. Kilburn

Sandra Kilburn of Fairfax, who joined OLLI in the fall term of 2005, died June 28, 2025. Born February 6, 1944, Sandra earned a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and a master’s degree from the University of Hawaii. Her career as a pediatric physical therapist spanned more than 30 years. She was also a long-time member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) and served in mentorship and leadership for young women for many years.

A Celebration of Life honoring Sandra will take place in the near future. In lieu of flowers, you are requested to consider a donation in her honor to St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Tri Delta Foundation, PEO Foundation's Star Scholarship Award, or Oldies But Goodies (OBG) Cocker Spaniel Rescue. More information is available at this link.
Meetings & Clubs

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

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week. Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc., bolded below. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
 
Sat Jul 12 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jul 14
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Jul 15
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 16
 
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Dabbling Artists – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Jul 17
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Jul 18
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Crafts and Conversation
Board of Directors Meeting
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Jul 19
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Jul 21
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Jul 22
 
 		  2:00 pm
 2:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Caregivers Support Group – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 23
 
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Theater Lovers’ Group – online
Thu Jul 24
 
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm
 6:00 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats – online
Fri Jul 25
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Jul 26 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online

Back to Top of Page
About OLLI E-News

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

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

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

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

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ENews July 4 2025

by

OLLI E-News July 4, 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
OLLI Photography Club Meeting,
In-Person and Via Zoom, Tallwood, June 13

July 4, 2025


Editor of the Week: Paul Van Hemel
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • Board of Directors Meeting, July 18 at 10:00, via Zoom and in person at Tallwood. All members welcome.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, July 11; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, July 8, at 6:00.

Back to Top of Page
Wednesday Team Bloch Conversation for July 9
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 Wednesday at 4:00. Each session is on a different topic.
 
The topic for Team Bloch's Wednesday afternoon chat on July 9 is Intergenerational Households.
 
Do you live in an intergenerational household—parents, adult children, and grandchildren co-existing under one roof? Based on several recent articles, this seems to be a growing trend for a number of reasons. Sometimes it is financial—either the children or the grandparents need support. In other situations, the motivation is to provide care for grandparents or grandchildren. Of course, there is always the possibility that this is an interesting and rewarding way to live. Is this a feasible option that you might consider? Try to envision your daily life in a multi-generational house with your family. We welcome you to share your thoughts with us.
 
No need (or option) to register for the conversation—just join in—all are welcome. Look for the Zoom link in the emailed daily schedule on the morning of our scheduled conversation (Hint: it is always identical to the 24/7 Chat meeting ID/Passcode.)
 
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.
 
Editor’s Note: This item appeared in last week’s issue. It is repeated here to encourage your participation in the July 9 conversation.
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

MY NEW CROWN

I went to see my dentist

‘cause the pain would not desist

My upper left molar made me frown—

So my dentist recommended a crown.


Much toil goes into making one of those.

First, a tooth for interim use was composed—

After the original was greatly ground down.

A week later, I got my real crown.


After many adjustments- tap, tap, tap,

My crown felt welcomed in the gap

Like a new family member, it joined

In efforts to chew my savory sirloin.

                             –Joan Lunsford

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances, July 11 through July 20


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


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

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

Back to Top of Page
At the Fairfax Campus Venues

Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
(25-26 Season subscriptions to Great Performances now on sale)
 
No performances
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

No performances

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

Prince William Little Theatre: Hairspray, The Broadway Musical
Fri, Jul 11, 8:00
Sat, Jul 12, 2:00 and 7:00
Sun, Jul 13, 2:00
Fri, Jul 18, 8:00
Sat, Jul 19, 2:00 and 7:00
Sun, Jul 20, 2:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $30 Adult, $24 Senior.
 
Arif Lohar Live: Pakistani Singer
Sat, Jul 12, 8:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $150; $100; $75; $50.

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

Back to Top of Page
 
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 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!

Back to Top of Page
Meetings & Clubs

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

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week. Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc., bolded below. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
 
Sat Jul 5 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jul 7
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Jul 8
 
 		  2:00 pm
 2:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Caregivers Support Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 9
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Thu Jul 10
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Jul 11
 
 
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
12:00 noon
 2:30 pm		 Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Spanish Club
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tallwood Book Club – online
Sat Jul 12 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jul 14
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Jul 15
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 16
 
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Dabbling Artists – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Jul 17
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Jul 18
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Crafts and Conversation
Board of Directors Meeting
Homer, etc.
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Jul 19
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group

Back to Top of Page
About OLLI E-News

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

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

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

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

Back to Top of Page

ENews June 27 2025

by

OLLI E-News June 27, 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
The Dirty Knee Club Keeps Tallwood Landscaping Fresh
for Summer 2025

June 27, 2025


Editor of the Week: John Nash
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • For those planning to march in the 10:00 Independence Day parade on July 4, please email Marilyn Harriman (Walk & Talk co-chair) before July 2 so the planners can look for you and give you parking and meet-up details: [email protected].
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, July 4; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, July 1, at 6:00.

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


By Lisa Mariam, Executive Director

 

First Month

Dear Members,

What an incredible first month it’s been for me at OLLI Mason! Since joining on June 2, I’ve been truly energized by the spirit of this community—from the dedicated volunteers and staff, extraordinary curriculum, fascinating clubs, to the traditions that make OLLI Mason so special. I’ve also had the privilege of connecting with many of you. Hearing your stories and seeing the impact OLLI Mason is making has been inspiring.

As we begin the new term, I invite you to get even more involved—every member is encouraged to give their time, talents, and dollars. Our goal is 100% participation. There are so many ways to make a difference in our community, by volunteering for a committee to enhance our excellence, sharing your OLLI Mason experience with friends and neighbors, and contributing to the Friends of OLLI campaign. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].

All my best,
Lisa

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“America250” will be Celebrated on July 4,
2026, and You’re Invited to Participate

 
By Camille Hodges, Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group Chair


In July 2026 the United States will celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. You are invited to participate in this mission by presenting OLLI classes from now through July 2026 to enlighten our members via your expertise on this part of American history. As OLLI members, we are aware that there was more to the signing than “meets the eye.” This is where you come in. As a presenter for the Humanities and Social Sciences, you are encouraged to explore the Declaration through various lenses including (but not limited to) its philosophy as well as its multifaceted effect on society during that time period.

If you or a knowledgeable colleague can support OLLI’s mission of “lifelong learning” regarding the topic of the Declaration of Independence please consider this invitation.
Submission deadlines for 2026:
Winter 2026 /due by July 21, 2025
Spring 2026 /due by October 6, 2025
Summer 2026/ due by January 26, 2026

Note: Dr. Heather Dudley is currently teaching a three-session summer 2025 course 303Z The Declaration of Independence June 25–July 9. More courses like this are desirable!
 
Here is a link to the course submission form: https://olli.gmu.edu/olli-course-proposal-form/.
 








It’s time to head to the beach. Did you know that your skin is the largest organ in your body? It is also your first line of defense against disease. Protect it so it can protect you. Sunscreens should be at least SPF 30, applied 30 minutes before sun exposure, then every 2 hours and after each time you go in the water. Sunscreen: Tips to wear it well | MD Anderson Cancer Center. Don’t forget the ears and, men, don’t forget the scalp.
                                                      
(From the Healthcare Advisory Workgroup)

Mason Nutrition Study Asks for Your Help

 

By Abigail Suchoski, Trained Mason Nutrition Graduate Student


OLLI Mason has the opportunity to assist with a scientific research study through the GMU Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences. The research evaluates the presence of sarcopenia, which is the loss of muscle mass, strength, and function with age, in older adults. Professor Stefanos Tyrovolas is the lead investigator of the study. The assessments will be performed by trained graduate students Abby Suchoski and Bri Schuh.

The full test will be completed in about 20 minutes and will be conducted at Tallwood over several weeks (or longer if needed). They are also able to travel to alternative locations for data collection. In addition, each participant will receive a $20 Amazon gift card for their efforts.

For more information, look for details in an OLLI E-Blast in the upcoming weeks. Please consider helping with this particularly important research. We need you. Thank you.
 
We hope that this will be the start of future collaborations.

Michele Romano, MD and Suresh Mohla, PhD
Co-chairs, Science, Technology & Health Committee
Wednesday Team Bloch Conversation— July 9
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 Wednesday at 4:00. Each session is on a different topic.

The topic for Team Bloch's Wednesday afternoon chat on July 9 is Intergenerational Households.

Do you live in an intergenerational household—parents, adult children, and grandchildren co-existing under one roof? Based on several recent articles, this seems to be a growing trend for a number of reasons. Sometimes it is financial—either the children or the grandparents need support. In other situations, the motivation is to provide care for grandparents or grand-children. Of course, there is always the possibility that this is an interesting and rewarding way to live. Is this a feasible option that you might consider? Try to envision your daily life in a multi-generational house with your family. We welcome you to share your thoughts with us.

No need (or option) to register for the conversation—just join in—all are welcome. Look for the Zoom link in the emailed daily schedule on the morning of our scheduled conversation. (Hint: it is always identical to the 24/7 Chat meeting ID/Passcode.)

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.
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

Hope Springs from the Heart
 
When uncertainty spins you around
and you can’t seem to find the ground
of your own being;
when you feel the talon-grip
of fear around your heart and 
night descends so the way
forward looks dark…
then, the one thing to do is
make an offering of your 
helplessness…
serve it up to that Eternal Presence
beyond yourself that knows the
uncharted path for you to take...
until you finally feel your heart reveal
a glimmer of hope beyond the
fear and hopelessness.
Nurture that hope so that
it glows and grows
like the Light that brightens
on a December morn
that slowly signals the 
songbird’s return whose 
harmony fills your heart 
when spring is reborn.

                      –Sophia Elberti

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances, June 27 through July 7


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


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

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

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At the Fairfax Campus Venues

Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
(25-26 Season subscriptions to Great Performances now on sale)
 
Mason Jazz Camp - Student Showcase 2025
Fri, Jun 27, 2:00
Mason Jazz camp student showcase to conclude the week-long camp!
Click here for more information.
Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
Admission: Free and open to the public.
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

No performances

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At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

Paul Anka in Concert
Sat, Jun 28, 7:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $100, $80, $50.

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

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Meetings & Clubs

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

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week. Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc. 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 28 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jun 30
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Jul 1
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 2
 
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Dabbling Artists Club – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Jul 3
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Jul 4   Holiday
Sat Jul 5 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jul 7
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Jul 8
 
 		  2:00 pm
 2:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Caregivers Support Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 9
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Thu Jul 10
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Jul 11
 
 
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
12:00 noon
 2:30 pm		 Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Spanish Club
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tallwood Book Club – online
Sat Jul 12 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online

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About OLLI E-News

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

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

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

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

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AT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY

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