Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

ENews August 14, 2026

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OLLI E-News August 14, 2026
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.

Richard Stillson Provided an Informative Analysis of the History of Ancient and Modern Pueblos, Tallwood, Summer 2026

August 14, 2026


Editor of the Week: Paul Van Hemel
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • The OLLI office will re-open Monday, August 17. Between-term office hours are Mon-Fri,  9:00-noon.
  • Fall 2026 registration begins August 18 at 9:00 and continues throughout the term.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, August 28; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, August 25, at 6:00.

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Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

60th Birthday
 
I rode
on the arm of a clock
reviewing all 12 milestones
from each zodiac block
I spun
wheels of environments
embracing all 5 elements
in measured increments
I reached
life’s pinnacle
marveling at trails
left behind by time vehicle
               ‒Qin Lloyd
 
Note: The 5 elements refer to earth, metal, water, wood, and fire. The 12 zodiacs refer to 12 chosen animals – rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, lamb, horse, monkey, chicken, dog, and pig. These elements and zodiacs were first acknowledged by China and later adopted by other Asian countries. A person who turns 60 years old after reaching all combinations of the elements and the zodiacs, is considered a lucky person.

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Special Singing for Fun Milestone


By Linda H. Harber,
Friends of Music at Mason Co-President

In 2027, we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the OLLI class, Singing for Fun. That is a long run for an OLLI class. And why― you might ask? Because Singing for Fun is SO MUCH FUN.
 
We offer it only in fall and spring, and this fall we will meet on Thursdays from 2:15 to 3:40. (See class 110F in the catalog.) No singing talent required, just a love for having fun and enjoying music. We sing all genres―golden oldies, folk rock, songs from the class members’ favorite singers, Broadway―especially old Broadway, country. You name it and we’ll try it. We have an enthusiastic piano player and song lyrics on the screen. Just like the most fun group sing along.
 
Research shows that music helps you feel better—it helps you rest, lifts your mood, and reduces stress. And singing really helps you feel more positive and relaxed. I am always most relaxed when I attend Singing for Fun.
 
Please join us for this milestone Singing for Fun class. OLLI's fall term will run from Sept 21-Nov 13 and registration begins August 18th. Be a part of the next 30 years of Singing for Fun!!
 
Looking forward to singing with you!

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At this time, there are no performances scheduled for Arts & Music at Mason
Fairfax and Arlington Campuses Visual Arts
(details can be found at https://www.masonexhibitions.org/)
 
Patriot Perspectives Gallery: Photography
Mason Exhibitions, Johnson Center
Fairfax
Through December 5, 8:30-5:00
 
College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) Dean's Suite: Painting, the Art of Seeing
Mason Exhibitions, Johnson Center
Fairfax
Through December 5, 8:30-5:00
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. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members.
 
Sat Aug 15
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Aug 17
 
 
 
 
 		  9:15 am
 9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
 4:00 pm		 OLLI Artists Club
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Poetry Reading Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Aug 18
 
 		  2:00 pm
 3:45 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Aug 19
 
 
 		 10:30 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Spanish Club – online 
Thu Aug 20
 
 
 		 11:50 am
 3:00 pm
 4:30 pm
 6:00 pm		 All the News – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats Club – online
Fri Aug 21
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Mahjong Club
Game On: Talking Sports
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Aug 22 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Aug 24
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Aug 25
 		  2:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Aug 26
 
 		 10:30 am
12:00 noon
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Spanish Page Turner Club – online
Thu Aug 27
 
 		 11:50 am
 3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 All the News – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 28
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm		 Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
French Conversation and Happy Hour – online
Sat Aug 29 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online

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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, 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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Notice: You received this newsletter because either you are a current OLLI member or you have been provided a courtesy copy. If you are an OLLI member who did not renew your membership, you can continue to receive our newsletter by emailing the office at [email protected] with your request. If someone forwarded this newsletter to you and you'd like to receive it each week, please email the office and ask to be added to the courtesy-copy list.

Copyright 2026 Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University, 4210 Roberts Rd., Fairfax, VA 22032-1028
Phone 703-503-3384, Fax 703-503-2832


 






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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