Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

ENews November 7, 2025

by

OLLI E-News November 7. 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
Mason History Professor Emeritus Peter R. Henriques
provided a fascinating analysis of
George Washington’s decision to attend
the Constitutional Convention of 1787.

November 7, 2025


Editor of the Week: Paul Van Hemel
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • Please complete the fall term survey to offer OLLI your suggestions on how to improve your membership experience.
  • Register on the member portal by November 13 to attend the OLLI holiday party at Country Club of Fairfax on December 2, 11:30-2:30; cost is $50.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, November 14; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, November 11, at 6:00.

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From the Desk of the Executive Director

Concert Discounts for OLLI Mason Members


By Lisa Mariam, Executive Director


OLLI Mason has a new partnership with the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra. They have offered us a discount for their concerts. We are advertising in their program and also working a table at an upcoming concert. The full schedule is included in a brochure at this link. Use the code OLLI to obtain the discount (15% off tickets).

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Volunteer Spotlight: Margie Wildblood


By Lisa Mariam, Executive Director


Margie Wildblood has a generous spirit of giving. Since 2022, Margie has been the instructor for the Writers Workshop as well as coordinator for the Poetry Writing Club and the Memoir-and-More Writing Group.

She is always there to support members, helping them with their writing projects and providing resources. Her enthusiasm for group activities is uplifting and generates a spirit of camaraderie; members feel supported and motivated to attend all the sessions.

Margie has published a memoir with the support of the Writer’s Workshop, Memoir and More Writing Group, and Poetry Workshop.

A big thank you to Margie for her leadership of OLLI Mason’s writing programs!

If you’d like to nominate an OLLI volunteer to be highlighted in the E-News, please use the form available at this link (includes attaching a photo if possible).

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Computer Club
3rd Saturday, November 15
Recipe Management Software
Clock App Custom Alarm Tones

By Paul Howard, OPCUG Program Chair


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, November 15, in person and via Zoom. The Zoom session opens at 12:45.
 
Recipe Management Software—Presented by Leti Labell
Recipe management software allows centralized recipe storage and organization, and facilitates meal planning and grocery list generation. It will also allow the discovery of new recipes and the customization of existing recipes.

This presentation compares various recipe management applications, discussing the features of each and recommending the best. How to choose a recipe manager will be discussed, as well as how to find and evaluate recipes.

Leti Labell is a member of both OPCUG and PATACS, with a lifelong love of computers. She has an MS in computer science and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and a Project Management Professional (PMP). However, even more than computers, Leti loves cooking and collecting cookbooks and recipes.
 
Learn in 30: Clock App Custom Alarm Tones—Presented by John Krout
This presentation covers Samsung Clock, Google Clock, and iPhone Clock. The Samsung Clock app is unique because it can read aloud the alarm name. I think it doesn't do a great job of that. The artificial voice sounds a bit ragged, so I also assign my artificial voice recordings of alarm names in that app because those sound better.

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. He also presents for the national Association of Personal Computer User Groups (APCUG) Wednesday Workshops and Saturday Safaris, and contributes articles to the APCUG library of shared newsletter content.
 
See full details on this meeting by clicking here. For information on the Computer Club, see the OPCUG Website. OPCUG dues are $5 and are now due for 2025 (and 2024, if you didn’t get around to paying earlier!)—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 https://olligmu-org.zoom.us/j/88388435350?pwd=hfaEFO7vfkvhVspokJXKnzpia7uTOh.1 to join the meeting and use passcode 804997. (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces) or enter meeting ID 883 8843 5350 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode (preferred method), or dial in at 301-715-8592.

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Join the Theater Lovers to see Upcoming Iconic Masterpieces


By Norma Jean Reck, Coordinator, Theater Lovers' Group


Theater Without Words
Imagine seeing a stage play performed totally without words - and loving it. On Saturday, November 15 at its 1:30 p.m. matinee, Synetic Theatre will perform the classic Frankenstein without words, just physicality. You will spend the one and a half hours being gob smacked at their performances, wondering How do they do that? We'll first go to Ruthie's All Day for an optional lunch, then to the Thomas Jefferson Theatre at 125 Old Glebe Road in Arlington for the show. Purchase your tickets - $35 to $65 - online at synetictheater.org. Let Norma know if you will be doing lunch and/or theater.
 
Iconic Musical
Who can resist tapping their toes and singing along to If I Were a Rich Man? Signature Theater will be staging the iconic musical Fiddler on the Roof in the round. We will go to the 2 p.m. matinee performance on Sunday, November 23. Go to sigtheatre.org to purchase your ticket and select your seat. We will have an optional lunch at Our Mom Eugenia in Shirlington. Let Norma know that you will be joining us.
 






Celebrate our 250th Anniversary
The Theater Lovers' Group (TLG) will be going to the National Theatre in DC on Sunday, June 28 at 2 p.m. to see Suffs. This Broadway hit is a must see. It is the wrenching story of the suffragettes told in a most memorable, mesmerizing, musical way. Orchestra seats will be about $135. If interested in going with TLG, I need to know before November 30 before single tickets go on sale.  If interested, please email me ASAP so that I can place the ticket order. Email me at njreck @cs.com.

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

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Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

Eureka Moment
 
Life is chock full of distracting demands.
 
But there are times
when the mind seeks a new paradigm -- 
intuitively, almost autonomously.
 
The brain feasts on a massive buffet
of ideas and impressions in the maelstrom
of one’s experience, sifts through it
and finds new connections.
 
Billions of neurons in the cerebral cortex
that make us who we are, across time,
grapple to synthesize
an incalculable number of thoughts, ideas, impressions.
Like egg and sperm
they are driven
to seek a cohesion, a collusion, catharsis,
until they find
a seminal thought.
 
The conception presents a clear, yet jarring conclusion
to the conscious mind –
a conclusion that evokes ambivalence.
 
The heart is quiet,
resistant,
questioning, then pensive,  
until, in humility,
mellowed by a dash of humor and a splash of irony,
one embraces what is -- 
or feels like --
a personal truth.   
 
                              – Nancy Coffey

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George Mason Jazz - More November Concerts


By Darden Purcell, D.M.A., Mason Director of Jazz Studies, Jazz Voice


Last week’s E-News noted several jazz concerts coming up at Mason this fall, including some that are free and open to the public. We presented information on upcoming performances, specifically Mason Jazz Vocal Night, Monday, November 10, at 8:00, and the Steel Pan Ensemble|Jazz Combos, Wednesday, November 12, at 8:00. Information on two more events appears below. Join us for these outstanding performances.

++++++++++++++++++
JAZZ 4 JUSTICE: The Latin Tinge 
Friday, November 14, 8:00 
Center for the Arts 
Tickets:  https://cfa.calendar.gmu.edu/jazz4justice-8482-2025
Featuring the Mason Jazz Ensemble (Director, Jim Carroll), the Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble (Director, Dr. Darden Purcell), and very special guest conductor, George Mason University President, Dr. Gregory Washington! 

Celebrate the vibrant rhythms and soulful melodies of “The Latin Tinge”—a tribute to the essential influence of Afro-Cuban, Caribbean, and South American sounds on the evolution of jazz. Enjoy an exciting evening featuring student and faculty ensembles, special guests, and dynamic arrangements that highlight the enduring connection between jazz and Latin musical traditions. Proceeds benefit Legal Services of Northern Virginia, providing legal aid to those in need, and George Mason Jazz Department educational initiatives. 

++++++++++++++++++
BRADDOCK ROAD BRASS BAND | JAZZ COMBOS 
Wednesday, November 19, 8:00 
Harris Theatre 
Free and Open to the Public 
The Braddock Road Brass Band (directed by Graham Breedlove) and Jazz Combos (directed by Dr. Shawn Purcell) perform their fall concert! Attendees will enjoy music from Chuck Mangione, Irving Berlin, Charlie Parker, Rodgers and Hart, Eddie Harris, Fats Domino, and Dirty Dozen Brass Band!

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances November 7 through November 17


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or Hylton Center, call 1-888-945-2468. You can also buy tickets online through the event calendar (see links below) or visit the venue's box office. For more information, see the CFA ticket page or 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 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

360 ALLSTARS
Sat, Nov 8, 4:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Concert Hall
Admission: $55, $48, $35.

Artists in Conversation: La Santa Cecilia
Thu, Nov 13, 7:00
Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Blenheim Boulevard, Fairfax
Admission: Free, registration required at https://cloud.venues.cvpa.gmu.edu/LaSantaCecilia?_gl=1*1253bnw*_ga*MTgzNzQyMDYwLjE3NjIwOTg3MjQ.*_ga_HHWWM9D99E*czE3NjIwOTg3MjQkbzEkZzEkdDE3NjIwOTg3NzgkajYkbDAkaDQ5OTE5NjgzMg.
 
La Santa Cecilia
Sat, Nov 15, 8:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Concert Hall
Admission: $55, $48, $35.
 
Mariza
Sun, Nov 16, 7:00
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/)
 
Before the Americas
Aug 25–Nov 15
Gillespie Gallery, Art and Design Building, Fairfax, VA

How We See What They Saw
A Reading Room of Photobooks by Women
Sep 15–Nov 21
Fenwick Gallery
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

(see music.gmu.edu for additional student recitals)
 
George Mason School of Dance: New Dances 2025
Fri, Nov 7, 8:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $30 Adult, $19 Senior.
 
Percussion Ensemble Concert
Sun, Nov 9, 1:00
Performing Arts Building (PAB) 3001
Admission: Free.
 
Mason Jazz Vocal Night Fall 2025
Mon, Nov 10, 8:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $19 Adult, $14 Senior.
 
Jazz Combos and Steel Pan Ensemble Concert
Wed, Nov 12, 8:00
Harris Theater
Admission: Free.
 
Groove Theory A Capella Concert
Thu, Nov 13, 8:00
Performing Arts Building (PAB) 3001
Admission: Free.
 
Jazz4Justice
Fri, Nov 14, 8:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $24 Adult, $19 Senior.
 
Mason Jazz Monday: Braddock Road Brass Band
Mon, Nov 17, 12:30
Performing Arts Building (PAB) A327C
Admission: Free.
 
Brass & Wind Chamber Concert
Mon, Nov 17, 8:00
Harris Theater
Admission: Free.

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At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical
Sat, Nov 8, 11:00 and 2:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $24.
 
The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys
Sat, Nov 8, 5:00 and 8:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $35.
 
The U.S. Army Band
Sun, Nov 9, 3:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: Free.
 
DanceWorks Fall Semester Showcase: Heaven and Earth
Sat, Nov 15, 5:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: Free.
 

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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; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.

 
Sat Nov 8 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Nov 10
 		  9:30 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Nov 11
 		  2:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Nov 12
 
 
 
 
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Spanish Book Club – online
Conversations with Team Bloch – online
Thu Nov 13
 
 
 		 11:50 am
 3:00 pm
 4:30 pm
 6:00 pm		 All the News
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats Club – online
Fri Nov 14
 
 
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm
 2:30 pm		 Photography Club – online
Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Classic Literature Club – online
Tallwood Book Club – online
Sat Nov 15
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Nov 17
 
 		  9:30 am
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Nov 18
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Nov 19
 
 
 
 
 
 		 10:00 am
10:00 am
10:30 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Dabbling Artists Club – online
Spanish Club – online
Conversations with Team Bloch – online
Thu Nov 20
 
 		 11:50 am
 3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 All the News – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Nov 21
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Crafts and Conversation
Board of Directors Meeting
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Nov 22 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 Editor: David Gundry

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

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