The OLLI Office will be closed for holiday break from December 16‑January 2.
Reminder: Theater Lovers’ Group outing for a matinee of the musical Ragtime at Signature Theater Sunday, November 26, 2:00. Please email Norma Reck at njreck@cs.com with any questions.
Winter term registration begins on Tuesday, November 28 at 9:00.
The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, December 8; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, December 5, at 6:00.
President Lillian Brooks opened the OLLI Board of Directors meeting in Tallwood TA‑1 and on Zoom on Friday,
November 17. All 15 elected directors, Executive Director Jennifer Disano, and at least 14 others (OLLI members and staff) were present.
President Lillian Brooks and Executive Director Jennifer Disano reported that they met with the Fairfax County Office on Aging. They found that OLLI should have more members on the various Fairfax County committees to represent OLLI interests and advertise for new members.
Jennifer Disano reported that we accepted the prestigious ArtsFairfax Award in front of over 1,000 event attendees. We now have 940 OLLI members which is in line with the average of 930 members for OLLIs throughout the country. Jennifer also indicated that the November 16 OLLI staff luncheon for over 50 OLLI volunteers that keep OLLI running was a great success.
Treasurer Debbie Engleson reported that OLLI is in a good position financially. We have reduced our use of rented lecture locations and changed our business model to provide classes at cost for retirement communities and other potential spaces. Zoom is here to stay, and we are working to determine the proper mix of Zoom, hybrid, and in‑person classes to meet membership desires at a financial balance.
We are working on resolutions to sign Memorandum of Understanding agreements with two local retirement communities early next year. We are also updating the Policy & Procedures Manual to approve new clubs in line with OLLI’s mission and protect our liability.
After a most successful Board meeting, we hope that more people will listen in at the Board meetings every third Friday of the month at 10:00. It is open to all OLLI Members either in person or on Zoom.
By Sulaiha (Su) Mastan, Diversity Committee Member
Northern Virginia is home to residents from multiple cultural, racial, ethnic, and faith groups; the area is expected to become more diverse over time.
OLLI will be forming a new committee whose primary focus will be to look into diversifying its courses, events, activities, and memberships to be more reflective of the ever changing multicultural, multiracial, multi-ethnic, and multi-faith aspects of our community.
OLLI is seeking help from its membership, particularly members of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities and members of other minority groups. We are inviting you to share your experiences at OLLI and share insights into how OLLI can diversify its curriculum and memberships.
Please contact me at 703-606-1832 or send an email to sayang9307@gmail.com. Information shared will be kept confidential.
Reminder: Help Plan Literature, Language, and Theater Programs December 7
By Pat Bangs, Literature, Theater, and Writing/Languages Program Planning Group Co‑Chair
Please join us for our semi-annual all-campus program planning group meeting for literature, theater, and writing/languages program planning, Thursday, December 7, at 10:00, via Zoom.
All are welcome. We will be reviewing past terms and looking forward to planning for summer term 2024 and beyond. Bring ideas for literature, theater, and writing/languages programs, including possible resources such as individuals you may know who might want to teach, or any other thoughts on this popular OLLI program area. Join at https://gmu.zoom.us/j/93862178369 on December 7.
If you have a yen to see your poem in print, the poetry program is working on an early 2024 edition of The Poets of OLLI, our first since pre-pandemic. Please send your submission(s) in an attachment to Jan Bohall at jpb.20@aol.com by Friday, December 8.
Just a few requests: You may submit one or two poems, accompanied by a brief bio. Poems must be no more than 30 lines long, including title and line spaces. Any theme is welcome, as well as any poetic form. If the poem has been published elsewhere, including the OLLI E-News and OLLI Ink, please let us know. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.
By Linda H. Harber, Friends of Music at Mason President
Register at the member portal for Event 1208, Fall 2023 Holiday Singing for Fun, where you can sing along with your OLLI friends and celebrate the December holidays with merry music! Singing together is always fun, but on Tuesday, December 12, from 10:30-noon, it will be super fun! Whether the song is about Santa or Rudolph or dreidels—join us in our upcoming holiday sing‑along.
This special Singing for Fun is for everyone! OLLI and singing—a great combination! Music and the winter holidays—the best combination! We will be accompanied by piano and violins—and will have song sheets. Everyone is welcome to join our joyful voices on December 12 in TA‑1!
Please register today and we’ll see you December 12 at 10:30!
The Computer Club (OLLI Personal Computer User Group, or OPCUG) will meet with its partner, the Potomac Area Technology and Computer Society (PATACS) on Saturday, December 9, in person and via Zoom. The Zoom session usually opens at 12:45.
Virtual Tour: System Source Computer Museum—Presented by Curator Bob Roswell
The System Source Computer Museum, located in Hunt Valley, Maryland, USA, exhibits notable computing devices from ancient times until the present. Over 5,000 objects are on display and many of the computation devices are operational. The museum's origins date to 1981 when a Baltimore ComputerLand franchise had computers in inventory that instantly became historic artifacts with the introduction of the IBM Personal Computer.
A system integrator, Bob Roswell consults with organizations to design, purchase, install, and maintain their technology infrastructure. As founder and curator of the System Source Computer Museum, his tours reflect deep knowledge about computer technology of the past that makes his excitement for the subject captivating.
Charging Phones and Laptops Another Way—Presented by John Krout
Tired of the spaghetti-like mass of cables needed to charge your cell phones and tablets? There may be a better way to go.
John Krout is a frequent presenter at our meetings on a wide range of computer, technology and photography topics, and author of many articles for the PATACS Posts newsletter.
See full details on this meeting by clicking here. For information on the Computer Club, see the OPCUG Website. OPCUG dues are $5 for 2023—see http://olligmu.org/opcug/comm.html for details on making payment.
To attend via Zoom’s cloud meeting service, beginning at 12:45, please click this link to join the meeting and use passcode 206627 (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces) or enter meeting ID 860 6157 6830 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode (preferred method).
We had a small group but those who came seemed to enjoy themselves. Here we are with our finished results. (Left to right: Jeff Milstein, Yen Tra, Instructor Emily, Marybeth Haneline, Tony Harriman, Joe Androsky, Ruth Altheim, Marilyn Harriman. An employee from Muse Paint Bar took the photo with my iPhone camera.)
Jeff Milstein wanted to paint his owl from a photo he had taken (Golden Bird in the middle), and our nice instructor helped him create the color scheme he had in mind. Afterward, five of us enjoyed dinner across the street at True Food Kitchen. It was a nice way to end fall term.
The November 2023 Photo of the Month theme was Sports Photography. We selected Ed Marion's photo, "Photo Finish: 60-Meter Dash," 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 Edward Marion, Photography Club Co-Coordinators
Wednesday Team Bloch Conversations—November29 and December 6
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Continuing our Wednesday Conversations series, Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) will moderate two Zoom discussions, November 29 and December 6, both at 4:00.
The topic for November 29 is Stress.
Coming up is the big month for stress. Whether it is stress for the holiday shopping, menu, meal preparation, present wrapping, decorating, hosting of holiday gatherings, holiday travel, other types of travel, social anxiety, or even a lack of "holiday spirit," this is a busy month and there are lots of stressors, not even to mention paying for all the holiday financial indulgences and the looming end-of-year wrapping up and reckoning of 2023. How do you face December stress? How to lessen the stress? (One of us eats cookies. Lots of cookies. It works. She also bakes lots of cookies and shares with neighbors and friends.)
The topic for December 6 is The Factors in Your Decision to Make the Move to a Retirement Community.
Is it time to consider moving to a senior living facility? Every week, Team Bloch receives one or two brochures for a new community being built in the area, inviting us to visit. Stairs and maintenance of a large home are certainly a burden as we age. Yet, interacting with people of all ages has benefits. There's the argument that downsizing is far easier when we are younger and more fit. Everyone will weigh the factors differently (too soon, too late, just right now—the Goldilocks dilemma.) What facts are you evaluating and weighing to aid your decision-making?
Check your Daily Schedule for the Zoom link on Wednesdays and plan on discussion with Team Bloch on November 29 and December 6.
Healing Arts Ensemble Fall Recital By Linda H. Harber, Friends of Music at Mason President
The Healing Arts Ensemble, the signature performing group for Mason’s programs in music for well-being, will hold its fall recital on November 29 at 5:00 in the Center for the Arts Grand Tier III. It is free and all are welcome to attend the very relaxing event next Wednesday at this busy time of the year!
“Love is a wild and unpredictable quantum energy that expands in all directions and defies all the laws of linear causality.” Sam Keen, To Love and Be Loved
On a crisp fall day— relaxing ‘neath the warming sun with gentle clouds moving overhead in rhythm with the breeze— We share a playful game of frisbee toss.
You, the pro, giving guidance to my less experienced self:
"It’s all in the wrist,” demonstrating the optimal side-step forward and hinged release of the hand.
The disc soars my way, air currents delivering it straight into my upraised hands. I/we laugh at the catch— me, surprised— you, affirming!
I return the serve, watching as my aim veers too far left and way short of your hands. You bound toward the ground, retrieving and throwing the object back.
Too low, I fumble the catch. No mind…it’s the tossing that counts, not the act of being caught. As in relationships, the dynamism… the life-force is in the extending.
As if some child, waiting patiently all along to seize the magical toy that held joy’s promise… and then, lovingly, offered it up to you.
For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468, 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.
Chanticleer: A Chanticleer Christmas
Sat, Nov 25, 8:00
A pre-performance discussion will take place in Monson Grand Tier 45 minutes prior to curtain.
Concert Hall
Admission: $58, $49, $34.
Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: Festive French Fare
Sun, Nov 26, 7:00
Pre-performance “Young Artists Musicale,” featuring piano students of Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association members, will take place from 6 to 6:30 in the main lobby.
Concert Hall
Admission: $50, $43, $29.
Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy: A Celtic Family Christmas
Saturday, Dec 2, 8:00
A pre-performance discussion will take place in Monson Grand Tier 45 minutes prior to curtain.
Concert Hall
Admission: $60, $51, $36.
American Festival Pops Orchestra: Holiday Pops, Songs of the Season
Saturday, Dec 9, 4:00
A pre-performance discussion will take place in Monson Grand Tier 45 minutes prior to curtain.
Concert Hall
Admission: $60, $51, $36.
Mariachi Herencia de México: A Mariachi Christmas
Sunday, Dec 10, 3:00
A pre-performance discussion will take place in Monson Grand Tier 45 minutes prior to curtain.
Concert Hall
Admission: $50, $43, $30.
Piano Chamber Ensembles
Mon, Nov 27, 7:00
deLaski Performing Arts Building, A323
Admission: Free.
Healing Arts Ensemble
Wednesday, Nov 29, 5:00
Center for the Arts, Monson Grand Tier III
Admission: Free.
Mason Symphonic Band
Wednesday, Nov 29, 8:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $12 Adult, $8 senior.
Mason Wind Symphony
Thursday, Nov 30, 8:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $12 Adult, $8 senior.
Mason School of Dance:Dance Innovations
Friday, Dec 1, 8:00
Saturday, Dec 2, 8:00
Harris Theatre
Admission: $20.
Mason Opera Presents: An Evening of Gilbert & Sullivan
Friday, Dec 1, 8:00
Saturday, Dec 2, 8:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $20 Adult, $15 senior.
Mason Symphony and Choirs Holiday Concert 2023
Sunday, Dec 3, 7:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $20 Adult, $15 senior.
Mason School of Dance: Studio Series
Tuesday, Dec 5, 6:00 and 8:00
deLaski Performing Arts Building, A301
Admission: $15.
Ju Yun: Celestial Carnival
Buchanan Partners Art Gallery
Through Jan 6
Admission: Free.
Virginia National Ballet: The Nutcracker
Fri, Nov 24, 2:00 and 6:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $45, $40, $35, $30, $25, $20.
Northern Virginia Ballet: The Nutcracker
Sat, Nov 25, 2:00 and 6:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Merchant Hall
Admission: $35 Adult, $25 senior.
A Canadian Brass Christmas
Sun, Nov 26, 4:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $60, $51, $36.
Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra (OBCO): Handel's Messiah
Fri, Dec 1, 8:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $20 Adult, $15 senior.
Manassas Symphony Orchestra Family Concert: Nature’s Rhythms
Sat, Dec 2, 3:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $30 Adult, free 18 and under.
The Legendary Ingramettes
Sun, Dec 3, 2:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Merchant Hall
Admission: $48, $41, $29.
Mason Arts Amplified will offer a limited release of a pay-to-view digital performance. This recording will be available to watch beginning December 14 through January 15 at noon ET. You can pre-order digital access for $15 now at this link.
American Festival Pops Orchestra: Holiday Pops, Songs of the Season
Fri, Dec 8, 8:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance, featuring Bryan Kidd, composer and arranger-in-residence, American Festival Pops Orchestra.
Merchant Hall
Admission: $60, $51, $36.
Prince William Little Theatre: Miss Bennet, Christmas at Pemberley
Fri, Dec 8, 8:00
Sat-Sun, Dec 9-10, 2:00 and Sat Dec 9, 7:00
Fri, Dec 15, 8:00
Sat-Sun, Dec 16-17, 2:00 and Sat Dec 16, 7:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $25 Adult, $20 senior, $15 12 and under.
Manassas Chorale: Sounds of the Season
Saturday, Dec 9, 7:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $25 Adult, $23 senior.
Vienna Boys Choir
Sunday, Dec 10, 2:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Merchant Hall
Admission: $55, $47, $33.
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. 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 Nov 25
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon Nov 27
9:30 am
11:00 am
4:00 pm
What’s in the Daily News?
Poetry Reading Club
Family History/Genealogy Club
Tue Nov 28
9:00 am
9:30 am
10:00 am
1:00 pm
2:30 pm
4:30 pm
Holiday Party Committee
Annex Art
Special Board Meeting
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Caregiver Group
Tai Chi Club
Wed Nov 29
10:00 am
10:30 am
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
Bridge Club
Investment Forum
Memoir and More Writing Group
Conversation with Team Bloch
Thu Nov 30
11:30 am
11:50 am
4:30 pm
Diversity/Multicultural Committee
All the News
Tai Chi Club
Fri Dec 1
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
1:00 pm
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Annual Holiday Party
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Sat Dec 2
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon Dec 4
9:30 am
11:00 am
4:00 pm
What’s in the Daily News?
Poetry Reading Club
Family History/Genealogy Club
Tue Dec 5
9:30 am
1:00 pm
2:30 pm
4:30 pm
Annex Art
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Caregiver Group
Tai Chi Club
Wed Dec 6
10:00 am
10:00 am
10:30 am
10:30 am
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Spanish Club
Investment Forum
History Club
Conversation with Team Bloch
Thu Dec 7
11:50 am
4:30 pm
Homer, etc.
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Fri Dec 8
9:30 am
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
1:30 pm
Mah Jongg Club
Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Cooking Club
Stay Active and Independent for Life
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, Tom 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: 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. 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.
Register at the 
We had a small group but those who came seemed to enjoy themselves. Here we are with our finished results. (Left to right: Jeff Milstein, Yen Tra, Instructor Emily, Marybeth Haneline, Tony Harriman, Joe Androsky, Ruth Altheim, Marilyn Harriman. An employee from Muse Paint Bar took the photo with my iPhone camera.)
