Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

ENews33-14

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/Technical Editor: Irene Osterman
Associate Editor:
Weekly Editorial Team: Paul Van Hemel, Sheri Siesseger, Leslie Vandivere,
Proofreaders: John West, Gordon Canyock, Susan Van Hemel
Backup Chief Editor: Sheri Siesseger

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 – 6:00 pm Tuesday for that week's issue (6:00 pm Monday 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.

OLLI E-News November 14, 2014
 
OLLI Townhall Meeting, Tallwood, Nov 7, 2014

November 14, 2014


Editor of the Week: Sheri Siesseger
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

We will publish again in three weeks on Dec 5 and then again on Dec 19. All articles about events from December 5-19 must be submitted by Tue, Dec 2 at 6 pm.

Missing something? Please check the lost and found box to the left of the refrigerator in the Tallwood Social Room by Nov 21. Any items unclaimed after that date will be donated to Good Will.

The Program Committee needs your ideas for future courses. Please take this survey by Nov 14: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MDZ77C8
 

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Town Hall 2014

By Jennifer Disano, Executive Director

The Annual Town Hall meeting was held Fri, Nov 7. A PowerPoint presentation was delivered on the “State of the Institute.” Several subjects were covered including: an overview of courses, presentations and special events offered in 2014; the number of teachers/presenters who participated in the program; the impact of Friends of OLLI donations; a summary of campus-specific issues, repairs and concerns; and an explanation of 2014 budget expenses. A copy of the presentation can be found on the OLLI website at this link: https://olli.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/2014TownHall.pdf. OLLI President Glenn Kamber followed the presentation by initiating an open dialog with members on the following topics: attendance, safety and parking issues, facilities issues, future plans for Tallwood, and information on the visioning meeting with Mason and the City of Fairfax that occurred Nov 6-8. For more information click here: http://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/community-development-planning/visionffxmason

Below are some questions/comments and responses discussed during the meeting.

Comment: Several members raised concerns about Tallwood classes being moved off campus due to increased enrollment and membership growth. As a result, the social experience is compromised and folks are missing out on a critical feature of OLLI participation.
ED Response: As the number of members increase, especially at Tallwood, there is higher demand on available seats, and there is limited parking at Tallwood. It is likely we will see more classes moved off campus in the future. In an effort to replicate the social opportunities available at Tallwood, facilities are being sought that will offer cookies and coffee and support multiple sessions so folks will be able to stay at one site and enjoy a full program with communal space.

Question: What is the breakout of Admin Costs in the Budget?
ED Response: Admin costs reflect the following: bank service charges, communications, conferences and dues, credit card fees, ED discretionary fund, insurance, meals, mileage, office printing/supplies, postage (including bulk mailings), professional fees, recruitment and training, registration system, social room supplies.

Comment: I really like the new OLLI Bookmark. Can we get that design made up as a poster?
ED Response: Yes. The bookmark was created for distribution to participants of the Mason/Fairfax City visioning planning session and for promoting OLLI as an outreach tool. Bookmarks will be distributed to area libraries, and OLLI members can pick up a few to use for themselves or give to friends. The vibrant colorful design would lend itself well to a poster. This may be something we can consider when designing the 25th anniversary event.

ED Comment: It seems there are more empty seats this term than I’ve noticed in prior terms.
Member response: Folks travel a lot in the fall. It may be a good idea to open the doors to all members following the second week of the term. Then, if there are empty seats, members can just stop in, even if they are not enrolled. There are hazards to this idea, but it may be something to consider.

Town Hall meetings are a valuable tool for the leadership, administration and general membership to collaborate on assessing best practices, expressing individual and collective concerns and to give feedback on ways forward. If you were not able to attend the meeting, please feel free to send your comments to the office or directly to OLLI Executive Director, Jennifer Disano [email protected] or OLLI President Glenn Kamber [email protected]
Tallwood Trio to Perform with Vocalist Nancy Riley at OLLI Holiday Party

By David Hirsch


The Tallwood Trio returns to this year’s Holiday Party on Fri, Dec 5, at the International Country Club. At the group’s 2013 inaugural engagement at the event, Vocalist Nancy Riley made her Tallwood Trio debut and has been part of this jazz ensemble ever since. This year’s repertoire will include many holiday favorites and popular tunes from The Great American Songbook.

Formed at OLLI’s Tallwood campus in October 2012, The Tallwood Trio has become a regular part of OLLI’s musical offerings. This year they presented Swing Into Spring at the Tallwood campus, and were featured in the Meet the Artists series at the Reston Community Center. All OLLI members, the group consists of Alan Wenberg, piano, Eric Henderson, bass, and David Hirsch, drums.

Other Holiday Party entertainment will be presented by the Recorder Group, Readers’ Theater, and Palmer McGrew.
OLLI Ink Seeks Submissions for 2015 Issue

By Betty Smith, Editor, OLLI Ink


OLLI Ink, OLLI's annual literary journal, is looking for submissions for the 2015 issue. The deadline is Feb 15, 2015.

We hope to have an online issue for those pieces we don’t have room for in the hard-copy journal.  So submit as many pieces as you like. Prose—fiction, personal essays, and memoirs—should be no longer than 2,500 words, and poetry no longer than 30 lines if you want to be considered for the hard copy edition. If your work is too long for the hard-copy journal or if you submit more than one piece, we’ll try to publish you online.

Please note that all rights stay with the authors.

Email your entrees to me ([email protected]) by Feb 15, and let me know if you have any questions.
Beginning French Class Wraps Up with Lunch

A French lunch was enjoyed by the Beginning French class Monday.  Before the meal Madame Persell showed the French film Amelie. Students answered questions about the film before the lunch. 

The menu included three types of quiche, fruit salad, green salad, baguettes, croissants and French pastries. The beverages were lemonade and cider.

Bon Appetit!
Coming Attraction (for Advance Planners)

By Doris Bloch, Special E-News Correspondent
 
In the spring 2015 term, OLLI will be offering a Special Event trip to the Signature Theatre in Shirlington to enjoy the Sat, Apr 11 2:00 matinee performance of a uniquely Signature show, Simply Sondheim. This brand new show, a Stephen Sondheim review, will be performed only at the Signature Theatre and nowhere else. As a group we will be able to purchase tickets at a 30% discount, i.e., a $90 ticket will cost OLLI members only $63.  
 
Why are we announcing this event six months in advance? Only to let OLLI folks know that the discounted tickets will be available through our registration portal and if you are interested in attending with us on that date, you should wait until the spring registration period to order your seat at the discounted rate, rather than ordering on your own and paying full price.
 
For more information, click on:
http://www.signature-theatre.org/201415season
 

Letter to the Editor: Kudos to the OLLIgopoly Team
 

Once again Bruce Mercer has prepared and given a thoroughly enjoyable set of four sessions of the OLLIgopoly—Trivia for Fun course. The five teams that competed had a great time. This course's best feature is that it encourages attendee participation. Great bonding occurs within each of the teams. All of us walk away having gained interesting information on many subjects that we knew little about.

The most successful teams are the ones that collaborate to come up with the correct answers.

Bruce spends an incredible amount of time researching each question to give great background to the questions. His audiovisuals are superb and the music that is played with each question may contain vital clues to the answers. I have never been in an OLLI class with as much enthusiasm.

Bruce is ably assisted by Dawn Jones who keeps all of the teams "honest" with impeccable score keeping. This was the third session that I have attended, and I, as well as many other class members, intend to take Bruce's next OLLIgopoly sessions in the winter and spring terms.

Alan Rubin
 

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Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop
 
The Sisterhood
 
There's a sisterhood, it's true, I swear,
of hopelessly unruly hair,
those silky girls are unaware
of all the hardship we must bear,
the trendy treatments that we share
to fight the hot and humid air
or keep from blowing everywhere,
there's no expense that we would spare
for one small taste of wash and wear,
so sisters, let's at last declare
this aberration is unfair,
and henceforth we will cease to care
embrace our curly heads with flair
trash gels and dryers if we dare
stand unified while others stare
until a mirror wreaks despair.
 
Debra B. Adler
Arts & Music at George Mason

Performances, through Dec 6

By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer

For tickets for either CFA or Hylton, 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 page or the Hylton ticket purchase page.
At the Fairfax Campus Venues

Czech Philharmonic
Fri, Nov 14, 8:00
Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano
Jiří Bělohlávek, conductor
Program includes:
Taras Bulba by Janáček,
Piano Concerto No. 2 in A Major, S. 125 by Liszt,
Symphony No. 9, "From the New World", Op. 95 by Dvořák
Pre-performance discussion: Josef Spacek; Czech Philharmonic Orchestra Concertmaster
Concert Hall
Admission: $70, $60, $42.
 
American Festival Pops Orchestra: Lights, Camera, Action!
Sat, Nov 15, 8:00
Norma Douglas Zimdahl, piano
Music from the cinema, television, and Broadway
Pre-performance discussion: Bryan Kidd; AFPO Arranger
Concert Hall
Admission: $48, $41, $29.
 
L.A. Theatre Works: In the Heat of the Night
Sun, Nov 16, 7:00
Pre-performance discussion: Members of the Company
Concert Hall
Admission: $44, $37, $26.

Seraphic Fire Christmas: Carols by Candlelight
Sat, Nov 29, 8:00
Pre-performance discussion: Member of the Company.
Concert Hall
Admission: $50, $43, $30.
 
Concert with Korean Human Cultural Assets
Sun, Nov 30, 6:00
Harris Theatre
Admission: $15.
 
Virginia Opera: H.M.S. Pinafore
Fri, Dec 5, 8:00
Sat, Dec 6, 2:00
Pre-performance discussion: Glenn Winters
Concert Hall
Admission: Fri, $86, $72, $44
                 Sat, $98, $80, $48.

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Mason Student & Faculty Performances
(see music.gmu.edu for additional student recitals)

Mason Wind Symphony
Thu, Nov 13, 8:00
Dr. Zhang Haifeng, guest conductor for this evening,
recently visited OLLI as part of the Music Sampler.
Concert Hall
Admission: Adults, $10; seniors, $5.

Mason Dance Company Fall Concert
Fri, Nov 14 - Sat, Nov 15, 8:00
Fri, Nov 14, 2:00
Harris Theatre
Admission: Adults, $15; seniors, $10.
 
Flute Choir Concert
Fri, Nov 14, 7:00
deLaski 3001
Admission: Free
 
Percussion Ensemble Concert
Sun, November 16, 3:00
deLaski 3001
Admission: Free
 
Mason Jazz Vocal Night
Sun, Nov 16, 7:00
Harris Theatre
Admission: Free
 
Jazz Workshop Concert
Mon, Nov 17, 8:00
Harris Theatre
Admission: Free.

Baroque Chamber Ensemble Recital
Tue, Nov 18, 3:00
deLaski 3001
Admission: Free.
 
Dido (Queen of Carthage)
Wed, Nov 19 - Sat, Nov 22, 8:00
Sat, Nov 22 - Sun, Nov 23, 2:00
The Mason School of Theater presents Marlowe's play inspired by Virgil's "Aeneid."
TheaterSpace
Admission: Adults, $15; seniors, $10.

Jazz 4 Justice: Viva Las Vegas: The Sounds of Sin City!
Fri, Nov 21, 8:00 (at Hylton)
Sat, Nov 22, 8:00 (at Concert Hall)
Mason Jazz Ensemble with guest vocalists including the Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble and Mason Jazz alumnus, John Lewis. Proceeds from the evening help the law foundation.
Admission: Adults, $20; seniors, $15.

A Capella Ensembles Concert
Sun, Nov 23, 4:00
Harris Theatre
Admission: Adults, $10; seniors, $5.
 
M3E Concert: Remaking Antiquity
Sun, Nov 23, 8:00
deLaski 3001
Admission: Free.
 
Mason School of Music. Mason Symphonic Band
Mon, Dec 1, 8:00
Concert Hall
Admission: Adults, $10; seniors, $5.
 
Jazz Combos Concert
Wed, Dec 3, 8:00
deLaski 3001
Admission: Free.
 
Various Chamber Ensembles Concert
Thu, Dec 4, 8:00
deLaski 3001
Admission: Free.
 
Dance Winter '14 Show
Fri, Dec 5 and Sat, Dec 6, 8:00
Harris Theatre
Admission: Adults, $15; seniors, $10.
 
Mason Opera Scenes: Maestro Rossini at the Fledermaus Ball
Fri, Dec 5 and Sat, Dec 6, 8:00
Sat, Dec 6, 2:00
Gregory Theatre at Hylton Center
Admission: Adults, $20; seniors, $15.

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At the Hylton Center

Nature Visions Photo Expo
Now through Nov 16
The Buchanan Partners Art Gallery is open to the public Tue-Sat, 10:00 - 6:00, Thu., 10:00 - 8:00 and two hours before performances. 
Admission: Free

Altered Terrain Today
Rosemary Luckett, artist
Nov 16 - Feb 1
The Buchanan Partners Art Gallery is open to the public Tue-Sat, 10:00 - 6:00, Thu., 10:00 - 8:00 and two hours before performances.
Gallery Reception: Thu, Nov 20 from 6:00 - 8:00. For more information about the current exhibit, visit HyltonCenter.org/gallery. For reception RSVP to [email protected].
Admission: Free.

Virginia Opera: A Taste of Opera
Tue, Nov 18, 12:30
Celebratory Thanksgiving lunch catered by Grafton Street.
12:30 - Lunch
1:30 - Concert followed by coffee and dessert reception with the artists.
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $43 (Lunch and concert), $20 (Concert only).
 
The Charlie Daniels Band with Opening Act: Red Marlow
Wed, Nov 19, 8:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $65, $55, $40.

Berenstain Bears LIVE! in Family Matters: The Musical
Sat, Nov 22, 11:00 and 2:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: Adults, $15; children, $5.
 
Auld Yins: A Special Evening of Scotch Tasting
Sat, Nov 22, 7:00
Buchanan Partners Art Gallery
Admission: $93.00
 
Youth Orchestras of Prince William: Crazy Eights
Sun, Nov 23, 4:00
Beethoven: Symphony no. 8, movement 1
Dvorak: Symphony no. 8, movement 1
Dvorak: Symphony no. 8, movement 4
Dvorak: Slavonic Dance no. 8
Merchant Hall
Admission: Adults, $15; seniors, $12.
 
Chanticleer: A Chanticleer Christmas
Sun, Nov 30, 4:00
Pre-performance discussion: Kory Reid, Assistant Music Director
Merchant Hall
Admission: $50, $43, $30.
 
3rd Annual Swing Machine Big Band Christmas Extravaganza
Thu, Dec 4, 7:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: Adults, $29; seniors, $20.
 
Angela Knight Ministries: Christmas in New York
Fri, Dec 5, 7:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $20, $15.

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For further details on any of the above events, please see the CFA event calendar and the Hylton Center event calendar

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Mason Highlights

Other Mason events, next two weeks

By Helen Ackerman, OLLI E-News Staff Writer

Seminar: Medicaid's Role in the U.S. Health Care Systems
Dr. Anne Schwartz, Executive Director of Medicaid and the CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC), discusses this important issue.
Thu, Nov 20, 12:15 to 1:45.
Merten Hall, Room 1202.
Admission: Free.

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Meetings & Clubs


The following list covering the next three weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office, with direct web links added when available. The list is accurate as of mid-week but to check anytime for the latest information, please view the latest forecast of upcoming 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, Kickoff Coffees, etc. (bolded below).
Sat Nov 15 10:30am
 1:00pm		 Tai Chi Club–TA-3
Computer Club–TA-1
Mon Nov 17 10:00am What’s in the Daily News, cont’d–TA-1
Tue Nov 18  9:30am
10:00am		 Cottage Art–Cottage
Knitting and Needlework Club–Panera, Herndon
Wed Nov 19 10:00am
10:00am
10:30am
 1:30pm
 1:45pm		 Bridge Club–TA-3
Mah Jongg Club–TA-2
Tom Crooker Investment Forum–TA-1
Strategic Planning Committee–Annex
A/V CommitteeTraining/Meeting–TA-1
Fri Nov 21  9:00am
10:00am
10:00am
11:00am		 Recorder Consort–TA-3
Board of Director’s Meeting–TA-1
Craft and Conversation–Cottage
Homer, etc–Annex
Sat Nov 22 10:30am Tai Chi Club–TA-3
Mon Dec 1 10:00am What’s in the Daily News, cont’d–TA-1
Tue Dec 2  9:30am
10:00am		 Cottage Art–Cottage
Knitting and Needlework Club–Panera, Herndon
Wed Dec 3 10:00am
10:00am
10:00am
10:30am		 Bridge Club–TA-3
Mah Jongg Club–TA-2
Special Events Committee–Annex
Tom Crooker Investment Forum–TA-1
Fri Dec 5 10:00am iPad User Group–UCP 113/114

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AT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY

4210 Roberts Rd. Fairfax, VA 22032-1028
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Email: [email protected]

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