Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

ENews November 28, 2025

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OLLI E-News November 28, 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
OLLI Board of Directors Met November 21 at Tallwood

November 28, 2025


Editor of the Week: Chitra Mohla
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • Literature, Language, Theater and Writing (LLT) Program Planning Group will meet on Tuesday, December 9 at 10:00 via Zoom. Check the OLLI daily schedule email on December 9 for the link.
     
  • You should have received the OLLI winter catalog in the mail. All offerings are now ‘Add to Cart;’ you no longer need to prioritize courses. Register early to increase your chances for enrollment.
     
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, December 12; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, December 9, at 6:00.

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Do you have a boatload of old, outdated, unwanted meds (including herbals, vitamins, supplements) and wondered how to get rid of them? Most pharmacies now have drug drop boxes near the pharmacy window. Follow these directions for Fairfax County: Safe Disposal of Medicines | Health or Loudoun County: Proper Disposal of Unused Medications | Loudoun County, VA - Official Website. Other counties can be found online. The First Commandment of Drug Disposal: DO NOT flush down the toilet unless it is on the FDA Flush List and no other safe disposal options are available Drug Disposal: FDA’s Flush List for Certain Medicines | FDA.
 
From the Healthcare Advisory Workgroup

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Chat Topic for Wednesday Conversation
December 3
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch,
Co-Moderators

Topic for December 3: what are your time-honored holiday traditions? They might revolve around food, decorations, family rituals, special music, games, gift-giving, or religious celebrations that you carry out year after year. It might be sending out an annual Christmas letter, or making a certain cookie recipe, or watching a specific Bowl Game as a family. We would love to have you share those cherished traditions with all of us. (Perhaps we might adopt a new one after hearing about yours!)
 
The Wednesday Conversation is held on the first and third Wednesday afternoon of every month at 4 pm on Zoom. No registration is possible; it is held strictly on a drop-in basis. All are welcome to join in. The Zoom link will be found in the OLLI Daily Schedule of December 3 (Note that it is always the same link as the 24/7 Chat Line.)

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History Club Meeting on December 3
By Doug Snoeyenbos, History Club Coordinator

The History Club will meet via Zoom on Wednesday, December 3, at 4:00. 

Our presenter will be Murray Bloom. The presentation will be titled
“The Battle of the Atlantic and the Role of the Liberty Ship.” 

The Battle of the Atlantic was one of the most crucial but sometimes overlooked chapters of World War II. American-built Liberty ships played a vital role in transporting the men, equipment, and supplies that made the air war over Germany and the cross-Channel invasion possible, despite the threat from German U-Boats.  Murray will trace the course of the battle and explain how Liberty ships contributed to winning the war. 

Murray has a BA in History, an MBA, and a JD. He retired from the Maritime Administration after 36 years. He has always had a love for nautical history. 

The Zoom link will be in the OLLI email on Wednesday morning.

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OLLI Registration for Classes is Changing - Do You Want Some Help?
      

By Toni Acton, Member Services Chair and Board Member



The registration system for classes at OLLI is changing this winter. The hope is that it will be easier and faster for our members to complete the process. If you’ve never used the on-line registration system and want to learn, or just want to understand the upcoming changes, look no further.
 
We will be providing in-person training next week from 9:00 to noon at Tallwood on December 3, 4, and 5 in the Annex. Just stop by with a list of the classes and clubs you want to register for this winter and we’ll provide one-on-one help.

Registering through the portal is very quick, you don’t have to worry about getting your paper registration form in on time, and it saves our staff a lot of work.

Any questions, contact Toni Acton at [email protected].

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Photo of the Month
The November 2025 Photo of the Month theme was Cityscape. We selected Cookie (Ellen) Hilert's photo "East River New York," 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, Photography Club Coordinator

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Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop
What’s Newsworthy?
 In the morning, I check my newsfeed…
 just to make sure we’re all still here.
 Along with political and worldly events,
 I see that a popular young actress was seen with a new beau
 but more importantly that Taylor and Travis are still an item…
 all is right with the world!
 Or that a previously unknown person is now famous 
 because of some social media stunt.
 When did these type stories become news?
 Infotainment…like a drug, keeps us all 
 voyeuristically watching.
 What used to be intimate sharing
 among family and friends is now
  a global pronouncement.
 Like many, I find myself 
 looking in spite of myself…
 As if my I-Phone said…
 "Hee-hee…made you look!"
 as another precious moment
 is surrendered to the mundane.  
                                                                 
                                                              --- Sophia Elberti 

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances November 28 through December 23


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer



The College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) has several web sites of performances, talks etc.
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

Chanticleer
Sat, Nov 29, 8:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Concert Hall
Admission: $71, $60, $45.
 
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra with Yo-Yo Ma
Sat, Dec 6, 8:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Concert Hall
Admission: $156, $106, $86.
 
American Festival Pops Orchestra: Songs of the Season
Sat, Dec 13, 4:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Concert Hall
Admission: $71, $60, $45.
 
Vienna Boys Choir
Sun, Dec 14, 4:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Concert Hall
Admission: $71, $60, $45.
Fairfax Campus Visual Arts
(details can be found at https://www.masonexhibitions.org/)
 
OFFERINGS TO THE POTOMAC
ACKNOWLEDGING INDIGENOUS PLACE
February 24 - May 15, 2026
Buchanan Hall Atrium Gallery, Manassas Campus
   
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

Piano Chamber Ensemble Concert
Mon, Dec 1, 6:00
deLaski Performing Arts Building, A302
Admission: Free.
 
Mason Bands Concert: But joy comes...
Thu, Dec 4, 7:30
Concert Hall
Admission: $19 Adult, $14 Senior.
 
School of Dance: Fall Dance Innovations
Fri, Dec 5, 2:00 and 7:00
Sat, Dec 6, 7:00
Harris Theatre
Admission: $24 Adult, $16 Senior.
 
Electronic Composition Concert
Fri, Dec 5, 6:00
deLaski Performing Arts Building, 3001
Admission: Free.
 
Guitar Ensemble Concert
Sun, Dec 7, 1:00
deLaski Performing Arts Building, 3001
Admission: Free.
 
Mason Electronic Music Ensemble (MEME) Concert
Sun, Dec 7, 4:00
deLaski Performing Arts Building, A327
Admission: Free.
 
Mason Symphony Orchestra & Choirs Winter Festival: Music of Magic and Memory
Sun, Dec 7, 7:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $24 Adult, $19 Senior.
 
New Sound Collective
Mon, Dec 8, 8:00
Harris Theatre
Admission: Free.
 
School of Dance: December Studio Series
Tues, Dec 9, 7:00
deLaski Performing Arts Building, A301
Admission: Pay what you can.
 
Green Machine Ensembles Historical Showcase
Tues, Dec 9, 7:00
deLaski Performing Arts Building, 3001
Admission: Free.
  

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At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

ARTfactory’s Actor’s Theatre: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Musical
Fri, Nov 28, 2:00 and 7:00
Sat, Nov 29, 2:00 and 7:00
Sun, Nov 30, 2:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $35 Adult, $30 Senior.
 
Virginia National Ballet: The Nutcracker
Fri, Nov 28, 2:00 and 6:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $65; $60; $55; $50; $45; $40.
 
Academy of Russian Ballet and Northern Virginia Ballet: The Nutcracker
Sat, Nov 29, 2:00 and 6:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $50 Adult, $40 Senior.
 
Canadian Brass
Sun, Nov 30, 4:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Merchant Hall
Admission: $71, $60, $45.
 
Mason Opera: Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi
Fri, Dec 5, 3:00 and 8:00
Sat, Dec 6, 3:00 and 8:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $24 Adult, $19 Senior.
 
The Creative and Performing Arts Center: Black Nativity, by Langston Hughes
Fri, Dec 5, 7:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $40 Adult, $35 Senior.
 
Manassas Symphony Orchestra: Holiday in New Orleans
Sat, Dec 6, 3:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $35 Adult, $30 Senior.
 
Dailey & Vincent Christmas Tour
Sun, Dec 7, 4:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Merchant Hall
Admission: $71, $60, $45.

American Festival Pops Orchestra Holiday Pops:
Songs of the Season
Fri, Dec 12, 8:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Merchant Hall
Admission: $71, $60, $45.
 
Prince William Little Theatre: It’s a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play
Fri, Dec 12, 8:00
Sat, Dec 13, 2:00 and 7:00
Sun, Dec 14, 2:00
Fri, Dec 19, 8:00
Sat, Dec 20, 2:00 and 7:00
Sun, Dec 21, 2:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $30 Adult, $25 Senior.
  
Manassas Chorale: Merry and Bright
Sat, Dec 13, 7:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $30.
 
Bria Skonberg Quintet
Sun, Dec 14, 2:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Merchant Hall
Admission: $71, $60, $45.
 
Manassas Ballet Theatre: Nutcracker
Wed, Dec 17, 7:30
Thu, Dec 18, 7:30
Fri, Dec 19, 7:30
Sat, Dec 20, 3:00 and 7:30
Sun, Dec 21, 7:30
Mon, Dec 22, 3:00
Tue, Dec 23, 3:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $91, $81, $71, $60, $50.

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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 Nov 29 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Dec 1
 
 
 		 9:30 am
11:00 am
4:00 pm
4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Poetry Reading Club – online
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Dec 2
 
 
 		 11:30 am
2:00 pm
2:00 pm
4:30 pm		 Holiday Party - Country Club of Fairfax
Caregivers Support Group – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Dec 3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 		 10:00 am
10:00 am
10:30 am
12:00 noon
1:30 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm		 Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Dabbling Artists club – online
History Club – online
Spanish Club – online
Conversations with Team Bloch – online
Thu Dec 4
 
 		 11:50 am
3:00 pm
4:30 pm		 All the News – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Dec 5
 
 		 9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Dec 6 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Dec 8
 
 
 		 9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Holiday Singing for Fun
Poetry Writing Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Dec 9
 		 2:00 pm
4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Dec 10
 
 
 
 
 		 10:00 am
10:00 am
10:30 am
12:00 noon
2:00 pm
4:00 pm		 Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Spanish Page Turner Book Club – online
Thu Dec 11
 
 
 		 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 Dec 12
 
 
 
 
 
 		 9:30 am
9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
12:00 noon		 Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Tallwood Book Club
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Dec 13
 		 10:30 am
1:30 pm		 Tai Chi Club
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: David Gundry, 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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AT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY

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

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