Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

ENews April 3, 2026

by

OLLI E-News April 3, 2026
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.

A Large Group Attended an Interesting and Informative Presentation on the Decline of the Washington Post by Bob Levey, Long-Time Former Columnist at the Newspaper, at Tallwood, March 23

April 3, 2026


Editor of the Week: David Gundry 
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • Throughout the spring term, you may use this online form to add or drop classes, clubs, or other events.
  • Remember to check the catalog updates list on the website.
  • Note that one of the canceled Reston classes (812R) is available in Fairfax (802F).
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, April 10; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, April 7, at 6:00.









 

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OLLI Needs YOUR Help!


By Toni Acton, Members Services Committee Chair and Board Member



The Member Services Committee has two volunteer opportunities which are a wonderful way to make a difference at OLLI.
  • Volunteer in the Office – Assist members who stop by the office, answer the telephone, and be a “jack of all trades” to the staff. Three-hour shifts and no weekly commitment required.
  • Follow Up with New Members – E-mail and/or phone new members at the end of the term to find out if they have had a positive experience during their first term at OLLI.
If either of these positions is of interest to you and you’d like more information, contact Toni Acton, Chair, Member Services Committee at [email protected]. Thanks!
 
Spread the Word: OLLI Mason’s Inaugural Ideas Festival!


By Nancy Klein, Communications Associate



On May 8–9, 2026, we will host our very first OLLI Ideas Festival at Tallwood. This free, two-day open house event is designed to inspire continued learning and connection for adults aged 50 and above, offering a glimpse into all that OLLI Mason has to offer.

The festival will feature over 20 classes, clubs, demonstrations, and activities covering a wide range of interests, from art and music to history and health. Walk and Talk will venture to the main campus for a public art tour, and the festival will close with a panel discussion, “Global Perspectives on Longevity,” on Saturday, May 9 at 3:00, featuring experts from George Mason University. You are welcome to stop by for one session, one day, or both days. Bring a picnic lunch or order lunch from food trucks on site.

We know how much you value the learning and camaraderie at OLLI Mason, and we encourage you to share this exciting news with friends, family, and anyone you know who might be interested in exploring new passions and connecting with others. Flyers are available at the main office. Visit the OLLI Mason Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/OLLIMason/).



Let's make our first Ideas Festival a huge success by spreading the word far and wide!
For more information and to RSVP, visit olli.gmu.edu.
Tallwood Book Club


By Elizabeth Ellerbee, Tallwood Book Club Coordinator



The Tallwood Book club will meet at 2:30 on Friday, April 10th on Zoom.

Discussion will focus on The Briar Club by Kate Quinn.
New Excursion Added! Tour of the Virginia Holocaust Museum in Richmond



By Gay Alper, Trip Coordinator



Thursday, May 21, 2026
Bus trip (1207E Spring 2026 Virginia Holocaust Museum - Richmond VA)
Coordinator: Gay Alper
Limit: 30
Fee: $87, includes bus, driver tip, and museum admission

Note: You must register for the excursion by April 30; click this link for the member portal to register.

The bus will leave promptly at 9:00 from the Fairfax Swimming Pool parking lot (4200 Roberts Rd., Fairfax, VA)― approximate travel time 1 1/2 hours.

On arrival we will visit the Dimensions in Testimony theater and hear the story of a Holocaust survivor. Participants can ask questions to her “hologram” which is a pre-recorded video interview, made to look 3D.

We will break for lunch in a room at the museum. Participants must pre-order and pre-pay online at the designated restaurant’s website for lunch which will be delivered to the lunchroom from a nearby restaurant. (Registrants will be contacted with details by the coordinator prior to the excursion.)

We will then view a short video and meet Rena Berlin, currently a museum docent.

Rena Berlin taught our OLLI winter-term class, 'Learning About the Holocaust in Today’s World, Part One,' followed by Part 2 for spring term. Rena or a second docent will lead us on a tour of the museum.

The bus will depart the museum at approximately 3:30.

Editor’s note: This article appeared in last week’s issue of E-News but did not list the registration information that appears here.
Obituary:
In Loving Memory of Theodore "Ted" Parker
November 24, 1938 - March 8, 2025

Long-time member Ted Parker, 87, of Oakton, VA, who joined OLLI in the fall of 2005, passed away March 8, 2026. Born in the Bronx and raised in New Hampshire, Ted was a graduate of Assumption College and a doctoral student at Boston College. He served with honor as a captain in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Ted taught at schools in Holden and Hingham, MA, prior to joining the Massachusetts State Department of Education. Part of Ted's distinguished 40-year career in education included 24 years with the U.S. Department of Education, from 1976 until his retirement in 2000 as the assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education.

In retirement, Ted remained an active and valued member of his community, taking classes and serving as a highly respected moderator for the Great Decisions program at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. He found great fulfillment in fostering thoughtful, meaningful discussions on current events and global affairs.

Ted was a steady source of strength for his family and a respected voice in his community. His curiosity, leadership, and kindness will live through the family he cherished and the many students, Scouts, and friends he inspired throughout his life.
Services will be held at Vale United Methodist Church, 11528 Vale Road, Oakton, VA 22124, on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11:00, followed by a Celebration of Life Luncheon in the Fellowship Hall.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP to mailto:[email protected].
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in Ted’s honor to the following organizations:
  • OLLI at George Mason University: Supporting the fund to continue the mission of lifelong learning. Go to https://olli.gmu.edu, then click on Donate.
  • Boy Scouts of America (Now - Scouting America), National Capital Area Council. Supporting the mentorship of the next generation of leaders.
Theater Lovers to Attend Performance of Washington's Only Original, Political, Satirical, Musical, Comedy Revue


By Norma Jean Reck, Theater Lovers’ Group Coordinator



This award-winning, all volunteer, nonpartisan theater group has been delivering original songs, music, and laughter based on the local, national, international political and social issues to the DMV for the past 70 years. It also has donated all its proceeds to local charities, which amounts to $4 million for that same time period. 

This unique theatrical organization is called Hexagon. On Saturday, April 25 at its 3pm matinee at The Atlas Performing Arts Center at 1333 H Street, NE in Washington, D.C., they will perform their 2026 show - Lollapalposers! It will feature original songs, comedy and slapstick. There will not be a dull moment. We will carpool and grab a bite (TBD). Please email me [email protected] if interested. You don't want to miss this one and a half hour of pure fun.
Tickets (including Historic Preservation fees) are $44.75. Go to hexagon.org to purchase your ticket.

Editor's Note: At the author's request, all words are published unedited, exactly as submitted.

 
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

Kaleidoscopic Em 
…homage to a nine-year-old girl

Like a kaleidoscope, her brilliant fractal gems radiate bright hues—

shifting and changing depending on circumstance or mood.

At first a bit defiant, but then warm and exuberant as comfort grows;

a smile and hug from her signaling you might be an ally she’d like to know.

A perfect intricate combination of wonder, wit, and will…

an inquisitive mind and keen self-possession that is genuinely real.

Her presence so full of promise, unfolding in her own unique way,

making tomorrows brighter that such a young heroine exists today.

                           –Sophia Elberti

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances April 4 through April 13


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


The College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) has several web sites of performances, talks etc. For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468.
CFA ticket purchase page
Center for the Arts YouTube channel 
Hylton ticket purchase page
The new https://masonartsamplified.gmu.edu/
music.calendar.gmu.edu/
theater.calendar.gmu.edu/
dance.calendar.gmu.edu
masonexhibitions.org/
and if you miss a live performance, there is a pay-per-view for many: https://cfa.gmu.edu/events/paid-digital-performances

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

Peppa Pig – My First Concert
Sat, Apr 11, 1:00 and 4:00
A family-friendly activities in the Center's main lobby starting one hour prior to the performance, featuring an interactive instrument petting zoo with Mason Community Arts Academy faculty members.
Center for the Arts
Admission: $65, $56, $41.

Circa
Sun, Apr 12, 7:00
A pre-performance discussion with Circa Tour Director Nathan Boyle begins one hour prior to the performance.
Center for the Arts
Admission: $60, $52, $38.
Fairfax Campus Visual Arts
(details can be found at https://www.masonexhibitions.org/)
 
The Prescription is Home 
Through April 18, 2026
Mason Exhibitions, Arlington Campus

Living the Prescription
Through May 8, 2026
Founders Gallery, Arlington Campus
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

Wade Beach Jazz Combos and Braddock Road Brass Band Concert (Spring 2026)
Mon, Apr 6, 8:00
Harris Theatre
Admission: $19 Adult, $14 Senior.

Mason Jazz Monday, Steel Pan Ensemble    
Mon, Apr 6, 12:30
deLaski Performing Arts Building, A327C
Admission: $19 Adult, $14 Senior.

Mason Jazz Vocal Night
Mon, Apr 13, 8:00
Center for the Arts
Admission: $19 Adult, $14 Senior.

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At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

Aquila Theatre: The Hound of the Baskervilles
Sat, Apr 4, 4:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $55, $48, $35.

American Festival Pops Orchestra: Celebrating America’s 250 Years!
Sat, Apr 11, 8:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance with Bryan Kidd.
Merchant Hall
Admission: $65, $56, $41


VISUAL ARTS 

Fountain of Truth
Buchanan Partners Art Gallery
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Through April 11, 2026

Offerings to the Potomac: Acknowledging Indigenous Place
Through May 15, 2026
Buchanan Hall Atrium Gallery, Manassas Campus

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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., bolded below. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members.

 
Sat Apr 4 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Apr 6
 
 		  9:30 am
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News?
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Apr 7
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Apr 8
 
 
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Spanish Page Turner Club – online
Thu Apr 9
 
 		 11:50 am
 3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 All the News
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Apr 10
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm
 2:30 pm
 4:00 pm		 Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Classic Literature Club – online
Tallwood Book Club – online
French Club and Happy Hour Club – online
Sat Apr 11 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Apr 13
 		  9:20 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Apr 14
 
 		  2:00 pm
 3:45 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Apr 15
 
 
 
 
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
OLLI Artists Club
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Apr 16
 
 		 11:50 am
 3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 All the News
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Apr 17
 
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm		 Crafts and Conversation
Board of Directors Meeting
Mah Jongg Club
Game On: Talking Sports Club – online
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Classic Literature Club – online
Sat Apr 18
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club – online
OLLI 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 Editors: David Gundry, Deborah Kruesi

Weekly Editor Team: Chloe DiStaso, David Gundry, Deborah Kruesi, Chitra Mohla, 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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OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE
AT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY

4210 Roberts Rd. Fairfax, VA 22032-1028
Phone: (703) 503-3384
Email: [email protected]

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