OLLI Personal Computer User Group 3rd Saturday meeting is April 19 (tomorrow) in person and via Zoom; check the OLLI daily schedule email for link and other information.
The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, April 25; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, April 22, at 6:00.
As I wrap up my 12 years with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University, I want to take a moment to reflect and share my gratitude for the journey we’ve taken together. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve this community, and I’m incredibly proud of all we’ve accomplished side by side.
When I joined OLLI in 2013, I saw the incredible potential of our organization—and with your support, that potential became reality. Together, we doubled OLLI program offerings, expanded our reach, and welcomed an ever-growing number of Mason professors into our classrooms. We also built strong partnerships with respected organizations and subject matter experts from across the DC metro area—and the world, enriching our courses with timely, thought-provoking content. We created new opportunities for learning, for connection, and for growth.
What makes OLLI truly special is the strength and richness of its member community. Around 50% of our classes are taught by OLLI members themselves—bringing their own talents, passions, and expertise into the classroom. This peer-to-peer learning model, where members take classes, teach classes, recruit new instructors, and generously share their knowledge, is what makes OLLI unique. It’s a living, breathing example of lifelong learning at its finest. Add to that the extraordinary efforts of volunteers who serve on committees, lead initiatives, and support every corner of the organization, and you have the foundation of a place that is not only educational—but also deeply human. Working in an organization with such a soul-satisfying mission has been more than a job—it’s been a joy.
The challenges of the pandemic could have slowed us down, but instead, they brought out the best in us. We moved our entire catalog online in a matter of weeks, kept our members engaged and connected, and later invested in hybrid technology to offer even more flexibility. Our community not only stayed together—we became stronger, more resilient, and more creative than ever.
Financially, we’ve made great strides as well. Thanks to thoughtful planning, generous support, and new partnerships, we’ve maintained our stability, expanded our impact, and continued to invest in the future. From supporting student scholarships to launching travel programs, we’ve been able to dream big—and follow through.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the incredible staff I’ve had the privilege of working with. Your talent, dedication, and care have been the heartbeat of this organization. It’s been a joy to lead alongside you, and I’m so proud of the workplace culture we’ve built together—respectful, collaborative, and kind.
To our volunteers: thank you. You bring OLLI to life. Whether in classrooms, on committees, at events, or behind the scenes, your contributions have shaped every success we’ve had. And to our wonderful instructors—thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion. You’ve enriched lives in ways both big and small, and your impact will be felt for years to come.
To the Board, thank you for your steady guidance and your trust. Your vision and leadership have made so much possible, and I’m truly grateful for your partnership over the years. Although I’m stepping away from this role, I leave with full confidence in OLLI’s bright future. We’ve built something meaningful together—a welcoming, inspiring place to learn and grow at every stage of life. I will carry the memories, the friendships, and the lessons from this experience with me always.
By Norma Jean Reck, Coordinator, Theater Lovers’ Group
Do you know who the WASPs were who served during World War II? Do you know what 'decision height' means in aviation?
Join the Theater Lover's' Group on Sunday, April 27, to see the 2pm matinee performance of Decision Height at the Vienna Community Center by the Vienna Theatre Company to find out. You will be intrigued by this 'unforgettable story of bravery, sacrifice, and sisterhood, shining a light on a courageous group of unrecognized heroes.' The story unfolds around Virginia who, during WWII, leaves home to become a Woman Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) and her amazing journey. Tickets are $16 and can be purchased at viennava.gov/webtrac. Optional dinner after the show at a nearby restaurant. Email [email protected] to join us for dinner and show.
Editor’s Note: At the author’s request, all words are published unedited, exactly as submitted.
The April 2025 Photo of the Month theme was Symmetry and Repetition. We selected John Olsen's photo "TheVessel," which may also be viewed at this page. To view other photos by members of the Photography Club, visit the club's photo website.
-- By John Olsen and Ed Marion, Photography Club Coordinators
Does demure
my word of the day
mean grace
on any stage
in any play?
Should it lure
us towards humility
respect for others
not just those
who relate to us?
Or should we
as many do these days
and have through the ages
not bother
but just “adjust”
rescind grace
blow demure away
as so much chaff in the wind
and stick with the tried and true
of me first, then maybe
maybe you?
By Darden Purcell, D.M.A., Mason Director of Jazz Studies, Jazz Voice
Mason’s Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music is hosting several jazz concerts this spring, and we hope OLLI members will attend and enjoy them. Listed below are two upcoming events in late April. Please join us!
Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble at Blues Alley: Monday,
Apr 21, 7:00 and 9:30 Shows
Washington, DC, historic Jazz club: Blues Alley
Tickets: $25 plus $7 fee
For more details: Click this link.
The Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble, directed by Darden Purcell, performs at Blues Alley, as part of the Ella Fitzgerald Vocal Competition Educational Week!
Jazz Combos/Steel Pan Ensemble: Wednesday, Apr 23, 8:00
Center for the Arts
For more details: Click this link.
Combo 338/Combo 217, directed by Wade Beach, and the Steel Pan Ensemble, directed by Victor Provost, perform their spring 2025 concert! Free and open to the public.
For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468. You can also buy tickets online through the event calendar (see links below) or visit the venue's box office. For more information, see the CFA ticket pageor the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.
Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of information on interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just sign up at this linkto stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website,Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.
Hylton Performing Arts Center 15th Anniversary Gala
Sat, Apr 26, 6:00
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Admission: Individual Tickets $350 ($210 Benefit).
For more HyltonCenter.org/galas information, Click here.
Virginia National Ballet: Bohemian Rhapsody
Sun, Apr 27, 3:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $50.
Opportunities to Join the OLLI E‑News Editorial Team
By Paul Van Hemel, E‑News Chief Editor
If you love OLLI and are interested in an easy way to contribute a volunteer effort to the organization, here’s an opportunity to do so by becoming a member of the E‑News editorial team. By serving one day every four or five weeks as Editor of the Week, you can have a positive impact on OLLI and enjoy a pleasant journalistic experience. We have openings for a couple of new editors.
E‑News is one of several OLLI publications that is created using MailChimp software. We will teach you what you need to know to put together an E-News issue. You don’t have to generate content, which generally is submitted by OLLI-member coordinators for committees, clubs, and activities. If you are interested and have questions or would like to know more, please contact me at [email protected]. Thanks!
Please note: OLLI Meetings and Clubs may currently take place in several formats: some are in person only, some are online only, and some are hybrid, meaning that they take place in person and are accessible online simultaneously. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number (except clubs; you may need to check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for location and other event information). Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates.
The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week, but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc., bolded below. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
Sat Apr 19
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Apr 21
9:30 am
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Apr 22
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Apr 23
12:00 noon
1:30 pm
1:30 pm
1:45 pm
4:00 pm
Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Games Club – online
Bridge Club
Spanish Club
Theater Lovers’ Group – online
Thu Apr 24
11:50 am
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
All the News
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Apr 25
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Dance Party
Classic Literature Club – online
Sat Apr 26
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Apr 28
9:30 am
4:00 pm
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Apr 29
2:00 pm
3:45 pm
4:30 pm
Chair Yoga and More – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Dabbling Artists Club
Memoir and More Writers Group – online
Conversation with Team Bloch
Thu May 1
11:50 am
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
6:00 pm
All the News
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats – online
Fri May 2
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
12:30 pm
Annual Meeting Annual Business Meeting
Chair Yoga and More – online
Garden Party & Picnic
OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.
Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Thomas Appich, Martha Kossoff, Anne Hartshorn, Bonnie Becker, Carol McManus
Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: [email protected]. Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words. Note: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News on the DocStore. To search the content of issues, use Search Our Site or put your search term in Google followed by "site:olli.gmu.edu/" without the quotes.
Join the Theater Lover's' Group on Sunday, April 27, to see the 2pm matinee performance of Decision Height at the Vienna Community Center by the Vienna Theatre Company to find out. You will be intrigued by this 'unforgettable story of bravery, sacrifice, and sisterhood, shining a light on a courageous group of unrecognized heroes.' The story unfolds around Virginia who, during WWII, leaves home to become a Woman Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) and her amazing journey. Tickets are $16 and can be purchased at 
