US Congressman Gerald Connolly of Virginia Presents Kick-off Lecture for Spring Term 2023, March 20
April 7, 2023
Editor of the Week: Paul Van Hemel
Table of Contents
Alerts & Notices
Spring-term registration continues throughout the term (through May 19).
Check this page on the website for changes to the spring term catalog.
Get ready to vote (for five) in the OLLI Board election! Click here to read candidate statements. Watch for events where you can meet the candidates. The election is May 5‑19.
The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, April 14; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, April 11, at 6:00.
Geraldine Brooks to Headline Fall for the Book on April 16
By Kara Oakleaf, Director, Fall for the Book Festival
Fall for the Book is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and we’re connecting our community of readers with writers whose work has shaped the last 25 years of literature. We’re so pleased to welcome Pulitzer prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks as our spring headliner on Sunday, April 16.
Brooks’s latest novel, Horse, is an intricately crafted historical fiction novel about a record-breaking racehorse. Brooks braids narratives from 1850 Kentucky, 1994 New York City, and 2019 Washington DC into a sweeping novel about science, obsession, and injustice in America. Brooks is also the author of the bestselling novels March, People of the Book, and Caleb’s Crossing.
Sponsored by the Fairfax County Public Library. To reserve your free tickets starting on April 7, click here.
Did you know that OLLI has a book exchange? Since many new members are unfamiliar with the Tallwood campus, and others have been away for a while, we are offering this reminder that OLLI welcomes your good, no-longer-needed books for others to read. The exchange shelves are in the Social Room, at the far end of the right-hand wall as you enter the room. Please feel free to bring a few books, take a book or two (yes you may keep them, or bring them back if you choose, or both). When bringing books, please try to choose topics that still have some appeal; the 1979 World Almanac is not a favorite, nor is Windows 95 for Dummies! Popular and literary fiction, biography, and general non-fiction volumes are popular, and recent magazines (e.g., Smithsonian, National Geographic) are also good. Take a look, and maybe take a book, the next time you’re at Tallwood!
By Marilyn Harriman, OLLI Walk & Talk Club Co-Chair
The OLLI Walk & Talk Club celebrated the start of spring with Michael Nephew as our guide on March 29 at Mason District Park. Michael led 27 walkers across level paths and up and down hills for an invigorating experience. Afterward, most of the group gathered at Café V in Annandale for light refreshments and continued conversation.
Upcoming walks include a trek to the Mason main campus from the OLLI Tallwood pool parking lot on Wednesday, April 12 at 2:00; a hike along Long Branch Stream Valley Trail in Annandale starting at 2:00 on Thursday, April 20; and an exploration of trails at Wakefield Park on Friday, April 28, beginning at 2:00. After each walk, an optional get-together for continued conversation and beverages is held at a café near our walk location.
If you’d like to get out, get some fresh air, exercise this spring, and enjoy the company of a fun group of OLLI members, the club always welcomes new members. You can register for the OLLI Walk & Talk Club through the member portal. Once registered, you’ll receive additional details and directions to upcoming walk locations. Club members are not obligated to walk every week; each walker moves at their desired stride.
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
On Wednesday, April 12, at 4:00, Team Bloch will moderate a conversation on the kitchen appliance that you use or enjoy the most. Alternatively, what appliance would you replace IMMEDIATELY if it were no longer functioning?
For some people it would be the microwave or the coffeemaker or even an outdoor grill. For one of Team Bloch’s members who recently replaced their refrigerator, that would be the choice. Another team member has indicated that her SodaStream is essential to her life. Everyone has different priorities. Be sure and join us on the OLLI chat line for a discussion of this fun topic.
We look forward to your joining us on this lighthearted discussion, using the Wednesday daily‑schedule email for the Zoom link/meeting ID and password; plan on some social time with Team Bloch.
By Darden Purcell, D.M.A., Mason Director of Jazz Studies, Jazz Voice
Mason has two great jazz offerings coming up in the next couple of weeks. We welcome you to join us for these special events!
The Jazz Workshop
Monday, April 17, 8:00
Harris Theatre
Free and open to the public
The Jazz Workshop, directed by John Kocur, explores the intersection of improvisation and composition in the traditions of the great dance and studio jazz bands. The concert will feature compositions by jazz musicians such as Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus, Bobby Watson, Freddie Hubbard, and Michael Phillip Mossman.
Darden & The Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble at BLUES ALLEY (Jazz Supper Club, 1073 Wisconsin Avenue NW, DC)
April 19, shows at 7:00 & 9:00
The Mason Jazz Vocal Jazz Ensemble, directed by Darden Purcell, performs for the first time at America's oldest continuing jazz supper club, Blues Alley! Blues Alley has showcased internationally-renowned artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, Kenny Garrett, Maynard Ferguson, the Yellowjackets, and more. Located in the heart of historic Georgetown in an 18th century red brick carriage house, Blues Alley offers its patrons a unique ambiance, reminiscent of the jazz clubs of the 1920's and 30's.
At certain special times
I like to take
The long way ‘round
To see more clearly
Ordinary things
Note the twittering
Titmouse at work
In the underbrush
Watch its small self
Ignore the intruding human
Close across the trail.
A hawk loops low
At the edge of the wood
In search of living food.
A deer stands stock-still
Beside a fast-moving stream
That burbles with joy
In the long way ‘round.
Current vaccination policy for the Center for the Arts and Hylton Performing Arts Center is summarized as follows:
Audience members are not currently required to show proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test result for most events except when required by the event organizer or artist. If proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result is required for a specific event, it will be indicated on the webpage with event details.
Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just sign up at this link to stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website,Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances. Information can also be found at CFA ticket purchase page, Center for the Arts YouTube Channel, or the Hylton ticket purchase page.
Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra with Bobby Floyd
Sat, Apr 8 at 8:00
Concert Hall
A pre-performance discussion will take place in Monson Grand Tier, on the third level of the Center for the Arts Lobby, 45 minutes prior to curtain.
Admission: $48, $41, $29.
State Ballet of Georgia
Sat, Apr 15, 8:00
Concert Hall
A pre-performance discussion will take place in Monson Grand Tier, on the third level of the Center for the Arts Lobby, 45 minutes prior to curtain.
Admission: $60, $51, $36.
Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel: Mozart and Friends
Sun, Apr 16, 7:00
Concert Hall
A pre-performance “Young Artists Musicale,” featuring piano students of Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association members, will take place from 6:00-6:30 in the main lobby of the Center for the Arts.
An interactive question-and-answer session will conclude this program.
Admission: $50, $43, $29.
Eric Garner: Multiple Repeat Mistakes
Through Apr 15
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Buchanan Partners Art Gallery
Admission: Free.
Sistas: The Musical
Fri Apr 7 at 7:00
Sat, Apr 8, 2:00 and 7:00
Fri, Apr 14, 7:00
Sat, Apr 15, 2:00 and 7:00
Sun, Apr 16, 3:00
Hilton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $30
Matinee Idols: Leo Sushansky and Michelle Lundy
Wed, Apr 12, Lunch 12:30, Performance 1:30
Jacquemin Family Foundation Rehearsal Hall
Admission: Lunch, concert, and dessert reception: $60;
Concert and dessert reception only: $35.
Mason Chorale Broadway Showcase
Sat, Apr 15, 2:00 and 8:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $20 Adult, $15 seniors.
Please note: Although some physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled, some may be meeting in person or, in a hybrid mode, both in person and online. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number (except clubs; you may need to check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for location and other event information). Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates.
The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc., bolded below. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
Sat Apr 8
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon Apr 10
9:30 am
What’s in the Daily News?
Tue Apr 11
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Wed Apr 12
1:45 pm
1:45 pm
4:00 pm
Bridge Club
Spanish Club
Mah Jongg Club
Thu Apr 13
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Fri Apr 14
9:30 am
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
2:30 pm
Photography Club
Craft and Conversation
Grab ‘n’ Gab Coffee Klatch
Classic Literature Club
Homer, etc.
Cooking Club
Tallwood Book Club
Sat Apr 15
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Apr 17
9:30 am
What’s in the Daily News?
Tue Apr 18
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
Spanish Club
Tai Chi Club
Wed Apr 19
1:45 pm
1:45 pm
2:00 pm
Bridge Club
Maj Jongg Club
Memoir and More Writing Group
Thu Apr 20
2:00 pm
4:30 pm
Walk & Talk Club
Tai Chi Club
Fri Apr 21
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
Craft and Conversation Board of Directors Meeting
Classic Literature Club
Homer, etc.
OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.
Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger, Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Linda Randall, Tom Appich, Jane Hassell
Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: ollienewseditor@gmail.com. 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.
Fall for the Book is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and we’re connecting our community of readers with writers whose work has shaped the last 25 years of literature. We’re so pleased to welcome Pulitzer prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks as our spring headliner on Sunday, April 16.
Did you know that OLLI has a book exchange? Since many new members are unfamiliar with the Tallwood campus, and others have been away for a while, we are offering this reminder that OLLI welcomes your good, no-longer-needed books for others to read. The exchange shelves are in the Social Room, at the far end of the right-hand wall as you enter the room. Please feel free to bring a few books, take a book or two (yes you may keep them, or bring them back if you choose, or both). When bringing books, please try to choose topics that still have some appeal; the 1979 World Almanac is not a favorite, nor is Windows 95 for Dummies! Popular and literary fiction, biography, and general non-fiction volumes are popular, and recent magazines (e.g., Smithsonian, National Geographic) are also good. Take a look, and maybe take a book, the next time you’re at Tallwood!
Mason has two great jazz offerings coming up in the next couple of weeks. We welcome you to join us for these special events!
Darden & The Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble at BLUES ALLEY (Jazz Supper Club, 1073 Wisconsin Avenue NW, DC)