Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

OLLI E-News (Weekly Newsletter)

E-News-August-13-2021

by

OLLI E-News August 13, 2021

Print a condensed .pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.

 

Dr. Heather Dudley Analyzes Case Studies for a Detailed History of Impeachment, Constitutional Convention to the Present; Summer 2021

August 13, 2021


Editor of the Week: Paul Van Hemel
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • Priority registration for fall term starts August 16 at 9:00 and ends August 24 at noon. Fall term begins September 20.
  • Grab ‘n’ Gab Coffee Klatch via Zoom Thursday, August 19, 10:00-11:30. See article below.
  • OLLI Personal Computer User Group (OPCUG) invites you to attend Virtual Technology Conference Saturday, August 21. See Computer Club article below.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, August 27; regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, August 24, at 6:00.

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Music, Music Everywhere!


By Marianne Metz, Music and Art Program Planning Group Co-chair


Attention, OLLI music lovers! As you browse the catalog and register for fall classes, you’ll find some great music courses in the “100 section.” We encourage you to sign up for them, and enjoy them. But don’t stop there! Consider also these music-related offerings found elsewhere in the catalog:

History of American Musical Theatre (class F411) – 8 sessions held Mondays at 2:15

An afternoon with Mason Artist-in Residence Sphinx Virtuosi
lecture/demonstration/discussion (class 962) – Monday, October 18, at 1:30

Motion Picture Scores (class 972) – Monday, November 15, at 2:15

The USO: The Force Behind the Forces (class 973) – Tuesday, November 16, at 9:40

Premier Military Bands in the Washington Area (class 978) – Tuesday, November 16, at 2:15.

And note that the October 11 session of the Monday Morning Lecture Series (class F903) offers a deep dive into the tango. 

Don’t miss out!
Yes, You Can Teach at OLLI!


By Camille Hodges, Humanities and Social Sciences, Current Events Program Planning Group Co-chair
 
Editor’s Note: This article appeared in the last issue of the E‑News; it appears here again to encourage you to consider joining your colleagues who teach at OLLI.
 
OLLI invites you to share your expertise on topics that reflect your knowledge in any area. Currently, OLLI members have expressed the desire to have classes on the following topics:
  • Cultural linguistics
  • Comparing Education in America with Other Countries
  • Faith Ringgold and her visualization of African American History
  • Historical Pros and Cons of Vaccinations
If you have an interest in teaching any of these requested classes via (Zoom/hybrid), have questions, or ideas of your own, please contact either of the following Humanities and Social Sciences, Current Events (HSS/CE) program planning group chairpersons:
Camille Hodges [email protected]
Peg O’Brien       [email protected]
 
Additionally, you may fill out the course proposal form found at the link below:
 
https://olli.gmu.edu/olli-course-proposal-form/
 
If you are interested in teaching at OLLI, there are resources available to assist you. The OLLI website has an instructor resources page at this link. At this resources page, you can find helpful information including:
  • an instructor information brochure
  • a teacher’s manual with in-depth teaching tips for new and experienced instructors
  • an instructor’s video tutorial on how to use Zoom
  • classroom discussion tips
  • OLLI PowerPoint advice and a PowerPoint graphics tutorial
  • Mason library teaching resources available to instructors
  • an optional feedback form for instructors
  • course proposal form templates
  • tips for writing catalog descriptions
  • other forms and materials to assist instructors.
 
Take the challenge and teach!
Share Your Family History with Mason Students!


By Camille Hodges, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Current Events Program Planning Group Co-Chair
 
Editor’s Note: This article appeared in a prior issue of the E‑News; it appears here again in hopes of encouraging members to enjoy an instructive and rewarding experience while supporting OLLI's relationship with Mason faculty and students.

We are happy to welcome Dr. Spencer Crew back to the Mason campus after his leave of absence to work as the Interim Head of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). He is currently looking for 10 OLLI members to participate in his fall 2021 course, “History of the Family.” This will involve being interviewed by students in his upcoming course, which will be in session from September-December. OLLI members who participated in this intergenerational exchange in the past described sharing their family history with Mason students as a personally rewarding experience. The class is currently scheduled to meet virtually on fall Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30-11:45. However, you will not be required to meet with students every week.
 
If you are interested in participating or want more details, please contact Dr. Crew at [email protected].
Coffee Klatch to Feature Fall Term Classes


By Toni Acton, Member Services Committee Chair


Join your OLLI friends at the Grab ‘n’ Gab Coffee Klatch for a bit of on-line socializing on Thursday, August 19 from 10:00 to 11:30, and hear from some of the OLLI instructors who will be teaching classes this fall. Registration starts on August 16, so this is a perfect time to get a preview of some of the classes planned for the fall term. Register for Event #1205 via the member portal or contact the registrar at [email protected].

Computer Club

3rd Saturday, August 21
Attend the APCUG Virtual Technology Conference
 

By Paul Howard, OPCUG Program Chair


OLLI Personal Computer User Group (OPCUG) and the Potomac Area Technology and Computer Society (PATACS) 3rd Saturday meeting is "on hiatus" for August, but you are invited to attend the Virtual Technology Conference of the Association of Personal Computer User Groups (APCUG). Starting at noon on August 21, there will be three sessions, each with two tracks. Below is the announcement from the PATACS website: 
On Hiatus
Attend the APCUG
Virtual Technology Conference

Click Here for Details
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop
Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?

Perhaps it was on an errand, say, to the farmer for more seed corn
Or to gain access to a cornfield for more or finer kernels
A twist on the proverb demonstrating that the grass is perceived to be greener
On the opposing side of the fence, er, road,
 
Or one of the younger chicks in the village might have wandered
Across, oblivious to the danger of motor and cycling traffic
And she hastened to escort it back to safety,
 
Or conceivably, someone she had grown to love stood on the other berm
Watching traffic come and go, humans bustling to arrive where they
Wanted to be, and she felt herself drawn to stand beside him

                                                                   jan bohall
 
Arts & Music at George Mason
No Performances until September (but note ticket sales below)


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


 
Virtual Performances
Although Mason’s Fairfax campus is shut down, online entertainment and events at the Hylton Center continue for us to access and enjoy (https://hylton.calendar.gmu.edu/). Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just send an email to Brianna Schoen at [email protected]. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website, Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.

All Mason Arts & Music events are postponed until September. But note that tickets for fall 2021 performances are now on sale for performances at both the Mason Center for the Arts and the Hylton Center at:
https://cfa.gmu.edu and
https://hyltoncenter.org.
 
Meetings & Clubs

Please note: Physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled until further notice in accordance with Mason’s guidelines. OLLI is conducting its classes and activities online. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates and check the OLLI calendar for revised information.

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc. (bolded below). The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
 
Sat Aug 14 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Mon Aug 16
 
 		  8:30 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am		 Gentle Yoga Club
What’s in the Daily News?
Poetry Club
Tue Aug 17
 		  9:30 am
 4:30 pm		 Annex Art
Tai Chi Club
Wed Aug 18
 		 10:00 am
10:30 am		 Mah Jongg Club
Tom Crooker Investment Forum
Thu Aug 19
 
 		 10:00 am
11:50 am
 4:30 pm		 Grab ‘n’ Gab Coffee Klatch
All the News
Tai Chi Club
Fri Aug 20
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am		 Craft and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Sat Aug 21

 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm
 		 Tai Chi Club
Personal Computer User Group
(APCUG events start at 10:00 am)
Mon Aug 23
 		  8:30 am
 9:30 am		 Gentle Yoga Club
What’s in the Daily News?
Tue Aug 24
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
 4:30 pm		 Annex Art
Spanish Club
Tai Chi Club
Wed Aug 25
 
 		 10:30 am
 2:00 pm
 6:00 pm		 Tom Crooker Investment Forum
Memoir and More Writing Group
Ethnic Eats Club
Thu Aug 26
 		 11:50 am
 4:30 pm		 All the News
Tai Chi Club
Fri Aug 27
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Craft and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Photography Club
Sat Aug 28 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
 
About OLLI E-News

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

Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich, Roz Stark, Jane Hassell

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

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E-News-July-30-2021

by

OLLI E-News July 30, 2021
Print a condensed .pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
Tallwood Ramp Begins to Take Shape, July 22

 

July 30, 2021


Editor of the Week: Sheri Siesseger
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • OLLI will be closed August 1-14 for summer break.
  • Priority registration for fall term is August 16 at 9:00 through August 24 at noon. Fall term begins September 20.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, August 13; regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, August 10, at 6:00.

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Yes, You Can Teach at OLLI!

By Camille Hodges, Humanities and Social Sciences, Current Events Program Planning Group Co-chair
 

OLLI invites you to share your expertise on topics that reflect your knowledge in any area. Currently, OLLI members have expressed the desire to have classes on the following topics:
  • Cultural linguistics
  • Comparing education in America with other countries
  • Faith Ringgold and her visualization of African American history
  • Historical pros and cons of vaccinations  
If you have an interest in teaching any of these requested classes via Zoom or hybrid, have questions, or ideas of your own, please contact either of the Humanities and Social Sciences, Current Events (HSS/CE) program planning group chairpersons: 
Camille Hodges [email protected] or Peg O’Brien [email protected]. Or you may fill out the course proposal form found at https://olli.gmu.edu/olli-course-proposal-form/
 
If you are interested in teaching at OLLI, there are resources available to assist you. The OLLI website has an instructor resources page at this link. At this resources page, you can find helpful information including:
  • an instructor information brochure
  • a teacher’s manual with in-depth teaching tips for new and experienced instructors
  • an instructor’s video tutorial on how to use Zoom
  • classroom discussion tips
  • OLLI PowerPoint advice and a PowerPoint graphics tutorial
  • Mason library teaching resources available to instructors
  • an optional feedback form for instructors
  • course proposal form templates
  • tips for writing catalog descriptions
  • other forms and materials to assist instructors.
Take the challenge and teach!
Sign Up for Two Fall Performances by OLLI Players
By Kathie West, OLLI Players Director
As you look toward fall registration (August 16-24), don't neglect to sign up for two OLLI Players performances.
  • The Haunted Carousel premiers on October 15. In the 1890s a child disappeared from the carousel. Do you know who he is?
  • Starlight Flight 1-17 premiers on November 17. A passenger killed 20 years ago resurfaces. Who is he?
Both are ghost stories that have music, costumes, and sound effects. The actors are all dedicated members of OLLI Players and have mastered Zoom performances. Spoilers will appear in the September and October issues of E-News. Keep an eye open for them.
Tallwood Book Club


By Betty Ellerbee, Tallwood Book Club Coordinator


The Tallwood Book Club’s next two monthly Zoom meetings will be held on the second Friday of each month from 2:30 to 4:00. The book to be discussed on Friday, August 13, is Isabel Allende’s The Long Petal of the Sea. The Friend by Sigrid Nunez will be discussed on Friday, September 10.
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

The Poem Speaks
 
Please
read me.
 
Though I bleed on the page,
wring my hands,
impose pathetically  
on the imagination,
 
read me.
 
Though I crawl shamelessly,
an insult to dignity,
dangle and sprawl,
an outrage to decency,
 
read me.
 
Though I be an un-brave moan of a poem,
a squeak at worst,
a hoarse and hackneyed plea at best,
 
read me.
 
Test and sneer if you must,
jeer and discard in disgust,
but read me.
 
Please read me.
 
And for such favor,
what shall you receive in return?
Why, heartburn! Heartburn!
 
Some things are certain.
 
                                                Ed Sadtler
 
Arts & Music at George Mason
No Performances until September


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


 
Virtual Performances
Although Mason’s Fairfax campus is shut down, online entertainment and events at the Hylton Center continue for us to access and enjoy (https://hylton.calendar.gmu.edu/). Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just send an email to Brianna Schoen at [email protected]. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website, Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.

All Mason Arts & Music events are postponed until September.
 
Meetings & Clubs

Please note: Physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled until further notice in accordance with Mason’s guidelines. OLLI is conducting its classes and activities online. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates and check the OLLI calendar for revised information.

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc. (bolded below). The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
 
Sat Jul 31 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Mon Aug 2  9:30 am What’s in the Daily News?
Tue Aug 3  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Wed Aug 4 10:00 am Mah Jongg Club
Thu Aug 5
 		 11:50 am
 4:30 pm		 All the News
Tai Chi Club
Fri Aug 6  9:30 am Craft and Conversation
Sat Aug 7 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Mon Aug 9  9:30 am What’s in the Daily News?
Tue Aug 10
 		 11:00 am
 4:30 pm		 Spanish Club
Tai Chi Club
Wed Aug 11  2:00 pm Memoir and More Writing Group
Thu Aug 12
 		 11:50 am
 4:30 pm		 All the News
Tai Chi Club
Fri Aug 13
 
 		  9:30 am
11:30 am
 2:30 pm		 Craft and Conversation
Cooking Club
Tallwood Book Club
Sat Aug 14 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
 
About OLLI E-News

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

Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich, Roz Stark, Jane Hassell

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

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E-News-July-23-2021

by

OLLI E-News July 23, 2021
Print a condensed .pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
OLLI Board of Directors Meeting, July 16

July 23, 2021


Editor of the Week: David Gundry
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, July 30; regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, July 27, at 6:00.

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OLLI President's Message July 23:
Construction Progress


By Paul Howard, President
 

I have been at Tallwood the past week to continue updating some of OLLI’s computers for application in the hybrid class process. By noon on July 19, a team of six Mason carpenters had created a forest of 6 x 6 vertical timber posts for the new ramp (see accompanying photo). This was notable given that only the concrete piers were visible just the prior afternoon.

On July 17, we had the first hybrid trial with an audience other than the Audiovisual Support Committee team. It went well, providing us with a number of lessons learned as we continue our learning curve toward solutions for our ultimate return to campus.

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Summary of July Board of Directors Meeting



By Rita Way, Secretary



The regular meeting of the Board of Directors was held July 16, 2021.

OLLI President Paul Howard reported that renovations and construction of a ramp at Tallwood are progressing. Since early May the Audiovisual/Tech Support committee, with the assistance of members of the Potomac Area Technology and Computer Society (PATACS), has been holding ongoing sessions to install equipment that will allow OLLI to go hybrid when members return to class. The first live trial was Saturday, July 17th. Paul reviewed a preliminary analysis of some possible options for Zoom/hybrid/in-person operations when that return becomes feasible.

Executive director Jennifer Disano reported that OLLI membership enrollment met expectations for summer and she looks forward to a surge in membership for the fall term. Jennifer has been working with the Development Committee to find ways to apply for grants. They would be used to help with the changes in technology to improve delivery of classes to our members.

Jennifer has been attending ongoing meetings with the dean, directors, and other administrators at Mason, and with government entities in Fairfax, Reston, and Loudoun. She has been collaborating with AARP to present classes this summer.

Currently there are 1,038 annual members (among whom are 109 at the promotional rate). Total membership is 1,046, which includes the 1,038 annual members and 8 members at the introductory rate.

Three resolutions were unanimously approved by the Board.

Resolution, 210716-01: The Board now requires that all contracts $10,000 and above must be signed by the executive director and a member of the Executive Committee. Resolution, 210716-02: The Board approves the transfer of two designated contributions totaling $22,750 from the Reserve Account to the Capital Technology Fund. The first designated contribution of $15,000 is from a grant from the OSHER Foundation. The second designated contribution of $7,750 is from an OLLI member. Resolution, 210716-03; The Board approves official signers (board officers and executive director) to establish a credit card through Capitol One Bank for use by executive director and staff.
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

FORGOTTEN TREASURES

Hot, stale, dusty attic vaults
Cobwebbed window treatments
Wooden boxes, cedar trunks hiding
artifacts stashed for future discovery
Rusty hinges creak, scrape
Belching dust eddies into the air
Hesitant to liberate valuables
entombed for preservation.

Vintage oilcloths, cracked, stained
Threadbare muslin aprons with
Faded rick-rack trim. Frayed napkins
Dotted with coffee stains, grape jam
Used day-in, day-out by chapped
Worn, loving hands – the heart of
Home in the kitchen.

Cleansed in mountain rainwater
Dried in fresh, pure sunshine
Ironed crisp, a safety pin, peppermint,
or twisty tie dropped in apron pocket.
Pounds of beans, potatoes, flour –
Food for eight. Through the years
Whittled down to two, one, then none.
 

                               Margie Wildblood

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Arts & Music at George Mason
No Performances until September


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


 
Virtual Performances
Although Mason’s Fairfax campus is shut down, online entertainment and events at the Hylton Center continue for us to access and enjoy (https://hylton.calendar.gmu.edu/). Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just send an email to Brianna Schoen at [email protected]. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website, Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.

All Mason Arts & Music events are postponed until September.
 
Meetings & Clubs

Please note: Physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled until further notice in accordance with Mason’s guidelines. OLLI is conducting its classes and activities online. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates and check the OLLI calendar for revised information.

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
 
Sat Jul 24 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Tue Jul 27  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Wed Jul 28
 		  2:00 pm
 6:00 pm		 Memoir and More Writing Group
Ethnic Eats Club
Thu Jul 29  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Fri Jul 30
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am		 Craft and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Sat Jul 31 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Mon Aug 2  9:30 am What’s in the Daily News?
Tue Aug 3  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Wed Aug 4 10:00 am Mah Jongg Club
Thu Aug 5
 		 11:50 am
 4:30 pm		 All the News
Tai Chi Club
Fri Aug 6  9:30 am Craft and Conversation
Sat Aug 7 10:30 am Tai Chi Club

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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.

Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich, Roz Stark, Jane Hassell

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

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E-News-July-16-2021

by

OLLI E-News July 16, 2021
Print a condensed .pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.

Town Hall with Virginia State Legislators, July 8

Hosted by Executive Director Jennifer Disano

and Board Member Camille Hodges

July 16, 2021


Editor of the Week: Paul Van Hemel
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • Reminder: OLLI Personal Computer User Group (OPCUG) meeting via Zoom Saturday, July 17 (tomorrow!), at 1:00; for details click here. Zoom link and other meeting information appears in the Daily Schedule email for July 16-17 and in Zoom class links at the member portal.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, July 23; regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, July 20, at 6:00.

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OLLI's Plan for Return to Campus . . .
By Paul Howard, President and Jennifer Disano, Executive Director
. . . awaits information and direction from George Mason University. On June 30, Mason submitted material to Virginia governmental authorities, which will, when approved, serve as the foundation for our return. An ad hoc committee of OLLI members with medical expertise will be reviewing what we receive from Mason to ensure that the issues of our demographic are appropriately considered. The committee will produce a report with recommendations for the OLLI Board, which will then provide direction for our staff to act on in getting us back to activities and classes. It is currently our belief that we’ll be able to begin some of our programming face-to-face on a trial basis in the fall term.

Beginning in late May, the Audiovisual/Tech Support Committee, with the assistance of members of the Potomac Area Technology and Computer Society (PATACS), have been holding two sessions most weeks for trial methods of holding ‘hybrid’ classes. This includes testing newly-installed video cameras in TA‑1, acquiring accessory equipment to allow input and output of sound and video to our computers connected to classroom displays and Zoom, and working through the many issues that in-person and remote audiences entail. Our first ‘live trial’ will be on July 17, with a small meeting team in TA‑1 for the OPCUG/PATACS joint meeting. One presenter will be ‘in person’ in the room, and the second via Zoom, along with a remote Zoom audience.

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Photo of the Month

The July 2021 Photo of the Month theme was pets. We selected Ed Marion's photo "Will You Be My Pal?" which may also be viewed at this page. To view other photos by members of the Photography Club, visit the club's photo website.

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

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Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop


                                   Maternal Instinct

                                   Vixen’s laser gaze
                                   Watching over her five kits
                                   Romping and darting
                                   As if on new yoyo strings
                                   She protecting, nurturing
                                  
                                                 Sally Sibley
 

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Arts & Music at George Mason
No Performances until September


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


 
Virtual Performances
Although Mason’s Fairfax campus is shut down, online entertainment and events at the Hylton Center continue for us to access and enjoy. Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just send an email to Brianna Schoen at [email protected]. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website, Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.

All Mason Arts & Music events are postponed until September.
 
 
Meetings & Clubs

Please note: Physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled until further notice in accordance with Mason’s guidelines. OLLI is conducting its classes and activities online. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates and check the OLLI calendar for revised information.

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
 
Sat Jul 17
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club
Personal Computer User Group
Tue Jul 20  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Wed Jul 21  4:00 pm Mah Jongg Club
Thu Jul 22  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Fri Jul 23
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Craft and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Photography Club
Sat Jul 24 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Tue Jul 27  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Wed Jul 28
 		  2:00 pm
 6:00 pm		 Memoir and More Writing Group
Ethnic Eats Club
Thu Jul 29  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Fri Jul 30
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am		 Craft and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Sat Jul 31 10:30 am Tai Chi Club

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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.

Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich, Roz Stark, Jane Hassell

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

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E-News-July-9-2021

by

OLLI E-News July 9, 2021
Print a condensed .pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
 
Dr. Timothy Mulligan, Formerly of National Archives, 
Examines the Battle of Britain 1940‑41, June 23‑30

July 9, 2021


Editor of the Week: John Nash
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • Meeting of the OLLI Board of Directors via Zoom Friday, July 16, at 10:00. Link and meeting information will be available in the July 16 OLLI daily schedule email. All members are welcome.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, July 16; regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, July 13, at 6:00.

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Computer Club

3rd Saturday, July 17 via Zoom
Getting Started on Your Family History
Virginia State Parks and Avenza Maps

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 17 via Zoom. Program activities begin at 1:00.

Getting Started on Your Family History – Presented by Amy Breedlove. This session provides basic information on documenting your family history. The speaker covers what to do first, as in figuring out what you and/or your family already knows. Next steps include figuring out what information is missing and what you want to look for first, determining what types of records may hold that information, who created those records, and where they may be available. Next, she briefly discusses the research process itself and where you can do the research. There follows a list of hints to keep you out of genealogical trouble and, finally, she presents some types of technology aids available to genealogists.

Amy Breedlove is a native Virginian and has lived in northern Virginia her whole life. She’s a Mason graduate in history and a retired career federal employee. She got interested in genealogy at age nine.  She is a member of several historical societies and many genealogical societies at the national, state, and local levels, including the Mount Vernon Genealogical Society. She’s not a professional genealogist or speaker but is always willing to answer questions.

Learn in 30: Virginia State Parks and Avenza Maps – Presented by John Krout. In this presentation, you will learn about the fascinating Virginia state parks and the new availability of park trail maps online, using the Avenza Maps app for Android and Apple portable devices. The state parks are scattered across Virginia, with several within a 90‑minute drive from the Washington DC metro region. Almost all the state parks feature hiking and biking trails, and some permit horseback riding. Most provide water recreation, such as river, bay or lake access, rental boats and kayaks, swimming pools, water parks, and fishing ponds.

You will learn how to use Avenza Maps to find and download Virginia State Parks maps, how to select a downloaded map for use, how to mark your parking spot or any other interesting location on the map for easy return, and how to record your hiking/riding track on the map.
PATACS member John Krout is an avid photographer and a frequent presenter at our joint meetings.

See full details on this meeting by clicking here. For information on the Computer Club, see the OPCUG Website. OPCUG dues are $5 for 2021—see http://olligmu.org/opcug/comm.html for details on making payment.

Attend via Zoom’s cloud meeting service, beginning at 1:00. Please click this link to join the meeting and use passcode 217154, or enter meeting ID 827 0407 4246 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode.

Course Proposals for Upcoming Terms



 By Nancy Klein, Communications and Program Associate


Thinking of teaching a course or know someone who would be willing to join the ranks of our fabulous OLLI Mason instructors, like those shown below? Proposals for future terms are due as follows—
       Winter 2022: July 26
       Spring 2022: October 8
For additional information, check out the Instructor Resources page on the OLLI website by clicking here. Thanks!

Reston Book Club: Switch in Order of Books for Fall Term

 
Nancy Scheeler and Luci Martel, Reston Book Club coordinators
Nancy Scheeler and Luci Martel, co-leaders of the Reston Book Club, announce a switch in order of books for discussion for fall term. It is too late to make this switch in the printed catalog.
 
On September 23, the club will discuss Anxious People by Fredrik Backman. On October 21, the book will be Disappearing Earth by Julia Phillips. This reversal is due to travel plans for Luci and Nancy.
 
The last book discussed during fall term will be Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart, as originally planned.
 
Members of the Reston Book Club gathered in person on June 17 for lunch at Cafe Montmartre on Lake Anne Plaza in Reston (see picture). The group plans to continue to meet via Zoom, with occasional in-person lunches scheduled during the year.
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

ON THE 4TH OF JULY

I heard the sound of fireworks
A neighbor thrilling his kids
 
I went outside
Sat on the stoop
 
I thought to be a kid again
 
And in the corner of my eye
I saw a firefly
 
Nature’s fireworks are not so loud
But they are equally a delight

                       Melvin Axilbund                 

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Arts & Music at George Mason
No Performances until September


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


 
Virtual Performances
Although Mason’s Fairfax campus is shut down, online entertainment and events at the Hylton Center continue for us to access and enjoy. Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just send an email to Brianna Schoen at [email protected]. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website, Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.

All Mason Arts & Music events are postponed until September.
 
 
Meetings & Clubs

Please note: Physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled until further notice in accordance with Mason’s guidelines. OLLI is conducting its classes and activities online. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates and check the OLLI calendar for revised information.

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc. (bolded below). The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
 
Sat Jul 10 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Tue Jul 13  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Wed Jul 14  2:00 pm Memoir and More Writing Group
Thu Jul 15  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Fri Jul 16
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am		 Craft and Conversation
Board of Directors Meeting
Homer, etc.
Sat Jul 17
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club
Personal Computer User Group
Tue Jul 20  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Wed Jul 21  4:00 pm Mah Jongg Club
Thu Jul 22  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Fri Jul 23
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Craft and Convrsation
Homer, etc.
Photography Club
Sat Jul 24 10:30 am Tai Chi Club

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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.

Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich, Roz Stark, Jane Hassell

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

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E-News-July-2-2021

by

OLLI E-News July 2, 2021
Print a condensed .pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
More Than 45 Participants Hear Braddock Supervisor James Walkinshaw Present Perspectives on Local Government, June 24

July 2, 2021


Editor of the Week: Sheri Siesseger 
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, July 9; regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, July 6, at 6:00.

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Fun Facts for OLLI’s 30-Year Anniversary


By Ray Beery, OLLI Member and Former President


In 2021, OLLI celebrates its 30th year of classes for seniors. This feature provides fun facts and interesting milestones about our institute each week that E-News is published throughout the first half of this year.

July 2
Learning in Retirement (LRI) had been publishing both the LRI Notices and the newsletter LRI Times. Because of the confusion in the names, the title for the newsletter was changed to the Tallwood Times beginning in 1997.

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Grab ‘n’ Gab Coffee Klatch on July 9: Let's Celebrate Independence Day


By Toni Acton, Member Services Committee Chair


Join your OLLI friends at the Grab ‘n’ Gab Coffee Klatch on Friday, July 9, from 10:00 to 11:30 to celebrate Independence Day! Share your memories of July 4th celebrations in the past. How did you celebrate this year? See how much you know with our July 4th Trivia Contest. Register for Event #1101 via the member portal or contact the registrar at [email protected]
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

Landscape With Cow in Distance, Painter Unknown                             
 
Calmness could have been the name of this
anonymous small oil painting, the cow not only
distant but indistinct, her grazing form
belonging to the field, blending with the
rough grass along the stream and a hazy
light descending through old trees.
 
It might be good to spend a summer afternoon
within its frame, seated on a low rock,
inconspicuous and almost out of sight.
Or wandering along the other side of the stream,
a small figure in brown unnoticed by the cow,
blending and belonging, also anonymous.
 
                                  Caroline McNeil
Arts & Music at George Mason
No Performances until September


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


 
Virtual Performances
Although Mason’s Fairfax campus is shut down, online entertainment and events at the Hylton Center continue for us to access and enjoy. Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just send an email to Brianna Schoen at [email protected]. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website, Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.

All Mason Arts & Music events are postponed until September.
 
Meetings & Clubs

Please note: Physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled until further notice in accordance with Mason’s guidelines. OLLI is conducting its classes and activities online. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates and check the OLLI calendar for revised information.

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc. (bolded below). The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
 
Sat Jul 3 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Tue Jul 6  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Wed Jul 7  4:00 pm Mah Jongg Club
Thu Jul 8
 		 12:15 pm
 4:30 pm		 Special Events Program Planning Group Meeting
Tai Chi Club
Fri Jul 9
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
 2:30 pm		 Photography Club
Craft and Conversation
Coffee Klatch: Independence Day Coffee and Trivia
Homer, etc.
Cooking Club
Tallwood Book Club
Sat Jul 10 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Tue Jul 13  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Wed Jul 14  2:00 pm Memoir and More Writing Group
Thu Jul 15  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Fri Jul 16
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am		 Craft and Conversation
Board of Directors Meeting
Homer, etc.
Sat Jul 17
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club
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.

Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich, Roz Stark, Jane Hassell

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

Back to Top of Page

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AT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY

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Phone: (703) 503-3384
Email: [email protected]

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