ENews April 4, 2025

April 4, 2025

• Alerts & Notices
• Notes from the Nominating Committee on Nominations by Petition
• A Visit to Woodlawn
• You’re Invited to a Dance Party
• Don't Miss Seeing 'The Tempest' at Mason with OLLI's Theater Lovers' This Saturday
• Poet's Corner
• Early April 2025 Mason Jazz Concerts
• Arts & Music at George Mason
• Meetings & Clubs
• About OLLI E-News

Alerts & Notices

• The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, April 11; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, April 8, at 6:00.

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By Norma Jean Reck, Chairperson, Nominating Committee


In addition to the Director candidates identified by the Nominating Committee for the 2025 Board of Directors elections, OLLI’s Bylaws allow for additional nominations by petition. The guidelines for petition nominations are set out on pages 31 and 32 of OLLI’s Policies and Procedures Manual (P&P Manual), Appendix A. Director Nomination and Election Process. You can find OLLI’s P&P Manual by going online to OLLI’s website at olli.gmu.edu.

Who can file a nomination petition to run for Director for OLLI’s 2025 Board of Directors?
Any qualified OLLI member can file a nomination petition to run for Director. The required qualifications are addressed on page 31 in the P&P Manual, Appendix A. Qualifications for a Director.

What is required in filing a nomination petition?

1. The petitioner must get the signatures of 45 OLLI members, along with their contact information, i.e., email address and phone number.
2. The petitioner must provide a candidate statement of no more than 400 words, which is to include biographical information, work experience and expertise, and OLLI involvement.
3. The petitioner must present the 45 signatures and candidate statement to the Nominating Committee by emailing them to Chairperson Norma Jean Reck at [email protected] no later than Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

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By Carolyn Kramer, Excursions Committee Trip Coordinator


In early March, a group of OLLI members enjoyed a between-term excursion to the 62nd annual Woodlawn Needlework Show (see photos above).  After a lunch hosted by Nelly's Needlers, the group had ample time to explore the eight rooms of the mansion where nearly 600 projects were on display. The exhibits included stunning examples of counted cross stitch, crewel, needlepoint, smocking, and more.  A number of attendees were treated to an excellent mid-afternoon guided and narrated tour that provided much fascinating information about the history of the mansion, the various needling techniques, and fibers. In all, it was a fine way to spend a day with OLLI acquaintances in a creative and historic setting.

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By Marilyn Harriman, Diversions Chair
 
It’s time to put on your dancing shoes! Come dressed in your favorite retro threads, or come as you are in 2025 and enjoy the sounds of the 1950s, ’60s, and ‘70s at our dance party on April 25 from 1:00-3:00. TA-1 at Tallwood will be transformed into a dance hall with all the familiar accessories—a wall to stand against, chairs for chatting with friends, a dance area, and a snack table.
 
D.J. Captain Dave will spin the platters while we reminisce, listen, and, if you’d like, dance to the tunes we rocked and strolled to when we were a bit younger.
 
The Diversions Committee will provide refreshments—party food like you used to eat—and drink—liquid thirst quenchers.
 
If you haven’t registered yet and want to join the party, register through your member portal for event #1102F. There is no cost, but we need to know how many are coming to plan for the food and drinks.

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By Norma Jean Reck, Coordinator, Theater Lovers' Group

OLLI's Theater Lovers' Group (TLG) will attend the 2pm matinee performance of Mason's School of Theater's 'The Tempest' this Saturday, April 5. Senior tickets are $15. Purchase tickets by phoning 703-993-8888 (Harris Theater) or by going online to [email protected]. Optional dinner at Oh George after the show. Email me at [email protected] to sign up with TLG.

Adapted and directed by Rick Davis, Dean of Visual and Performing Arts, The Tempest is set in an alternative universe of virtual reality. Prospero, Duke of Milan who has been banished with his daughter to a remote island, uses magic to shipwreck his malevolent brother and his accomplices to exact revenge on them. In the end, Prospero weighs his need for revenge against a quest for peace.

It will be a riveting and memorable musical performance.

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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 three upcoming events in early-to-mid April. Later ones will be announced in subsequent issues of E-News. Please join us!

Jazz Workshop: Wednesday, Apr 9, 8:00
Harris Theatre
Free and open to the public; no tickets or registration required
For more details, click this link.

The Jazz Workshop explores the intersection of improvisation and composition in a medium-size jazz ensemble. Come experience a taste of 21st-century jazz by the next generation of jazz musicians in the “Changing of the Guard.”

Mason Jazz Vocal Night: Monday, Apr 14, 8:00
Center for the Arts
Tickets: Click this link.

Join Dr. Darden Purcell, the Mason Jazz Voice Studio, and the DOWNBEAT award-winning Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble for an evening of swinging standards, Latin American songs, and classic hits from the Great American Songbook. Featuring our rhythm section of Paul Bratcher (piano), Nareg Boghosian (guitar), Ponenya Min (bass), Clay Cottis (drums) and Raven Wilson (percussion)!

Jazz Combos/Braddock Road Brass Band: Tuesday, Apr 15
Center for the Arts
Free and open to the public; no tickets or registration required
For more details, click this link.

Combo Italia/Combo 336 (directed by Dr. Shawn Purcell) and the Braddock Road Brass Band (directed by Graham Breedlove) perform their spring 2025 concert!

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