Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

OLLI E-News (Weekly Newsletter)

OLLI E-News August 29, 2925
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.

The Social Room at Tallwood is evolving into Cafe OLLI, an informal gathering space for members to enjoy coffee and lunch with friends before, between, and after classes and clubs.

August 29, 2025


Editor of the Week: Paul Van Hemel
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • Fall-term registration is under way and continues throughout the term.
  • Reminder: Science, Technology, and Health Program Planning Group meeting on Tuesday, September 2, at 10:00 (one hour, Zoom only). Please join us even if you are not on the committee; the Zoom link will appear in the daily schedule email for September 2.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, September 12; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, September 9, at 6:00.

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From the Desk of the Executive Director


By Lisa Mariam, Executive Director


What have you been up to this summer? We are looking forward to seeing you back at Tallwood and hearing stories about your summer adventures! The staff have been working on maintenance and improvements around campus, especially the social room which we've named Cafe OLLI. This is a work in progress, and we'd appreciate your feedback about how we can make it a space for you to relax and enjoy coffee and lunch with friends before, between, and after classes and clubs. Would you like comfortable chairs? Instructors are welcome to share books and resources related to classes. Clubs may exhibit artwork on a rotating basis. Please let me know your ideas at [email protected].

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Why Should I Come to Class?


By Doris Bloch, Program Committee Co-Chair


In the last five years, Zoom has made a huge difference in all our lives and especially with our OLLI program. Before 2020, all OLLI courses were in person.

In 2021, we published an E-News article that enumerated all the ways that online participation in OLLI courses was desirable! Lots of members had told us initially that they hated Zoom and they never wanted to go online. Instructors said that they would not teach online. Nevertheless, due to the pandemic, we were forced to cancel all our in-person classes in 2020.

Times change and the tables have turned (unexpectedly.) Now, it seems that online access is so popular that we have a small majority of members preferring that mode of class attendance. Of course, some members are unable to travel to OLLI’s sites, due to illness or distance, and Zoom is a boon to them. But we want to encourage classroom attendance to all who can manage and enjoy its benefits.

Why SHOULD I come to class? Well, for starters, there is a social aspect to OLLI that is absent in the online experience. How can we make friends or be friends when we can’t even see your face? It is hard to make friends with “Laptop3” in the right-hand corner of the screen. The classroom is where we meet face to face to share our questions and views, where we might agree or disagree, where we meet with others who have similar interests. There is more to OLLI than a lecture utility. Get to know the staff, the physical layout, the coffee room. Get to know your instructors! By the way, the annuals planted in the Tallwood gardens are spectacular right now – and worth a trip to see.

Our instructors have told us that they want to see more faces: faces in the Zoom screen, but more importantly, faces in the classroom. It is disheartening to prepare for an 85-minute class (and devote many hours in preparation ahead of class) and then see fewer than 10 people in the lecture room.

An OLLI member recently reported, “In-person attendance gives you so much more opportunity to meet and interact with the other course attendees and with the instructor.” We can all renew the remembered personal touch of in-person attendance, or we can develop new relationships to gain that belonging-to-OLLI vibe. Also, overcoming social isolation brings its own physical and mental rewards to us seniors.

Zoom has its benefits, but let’s also recall how much fun it is to return to togetherness in the classroom. It adds a whole new dimension to OLLI membership!

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Literature, Language, Theater, and Writing Program Planning Group (LLT) Meeting


By Patricia Bangs, LLT Program Planning Group Co-Coordinator


The LLT Program Planning Group will meet Thursday, September 4, at 10:00 via Zoom to plan our program for spring 2026 term and beyond.

OLLI-Mason members are invited to attend and share ideas for literature, language, theater, and writing, possible resources, such as individuals you may know who might want to teach, or any other thoughts on this popular OLLI program area. In spring term and beyond we want to also include a program or two celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation through its history in the literary arts, theater, and related areas. Bring ideas and especially instructor resources.

The meeting Zoom link from Shannon Morrow, our lead program associate, is below. The link will also be available in the daily schedule email for September 4.

Any questions, please contact Pat Bangs at [email protected]. Thanks so much for all your contributions.

Topic: Literature, Languages, Theater, and Writing Program Planning Meeting

Time: September 4, 2025. 10:00 Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Zoom Meeting Link: https://gmu.zoom.us/j/95831148095

Meeting ID: 958 3114 8095

One tap mobile:

    +13017158592,,95831148095# US (Washington DC)
    +12678310333,,95831148095# US (Philadelphia)

Dial by your location:

    +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
    +1 267 831 0333 US (Philadelphia)

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Share the Wisdom of Your Family Stories with Mason Students


By Camille Hodges, Board Member and Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group Co-Chair


In the fall of 2025, Dr. Spencer Crew will be offering his Honors Family History Class at Mason and is asking OLLI members to participate by partnering with Mason students. Some OLLI members have had this experience in previous years and highly recommend this meaningful dialogue. Interactions may be done in person or virtually and usually begin in October.

Honors 240: The History of the American Family
NATURE OF THE COURSE AND ITS OBJECTIVES: The definition of family and of the responsibilities of each of its members has evolved over the years. Often economic circumstances, political views, wars and the evolving social beliefs of the society cause these changes. This course will focus on the way the American family has changed since colonial days. We will start with the Puritans and conclude with an examination of views of the family in society today. In the process we will study how the responsibilities of women, children, and men have evolved and why.

In addition, we will learn how oral history can aid in researching family history. One of the requirements will include interviewing older citizens and providing a document of the interview. They will then have it to keep and share with others if they wish.

Please contact Dr. Crew at: [email protected] to express your interest and get details.
You're Invited!


By Marilyn Harriman, Diversions Chair


Quick! What are two of the most important things you can do to improve your health? Answer: According to a Centers for Disease Control 2024 study, physical exercise and socializing are key to optimal aging.

Physical exercise can prevent or delay many of the health problems that come with age. Social engagement with friends improves mental, physical, and emotional well-being and can delay cognitive decline. Lack of exercise, social isolation, and loneliness, in contrast, are linked to increased risks of chronic diseases, heart issues, and a weaker immune system.

OLLI’s Diversions Team is hosting two events next week that boost our physical and emotional health. If you haven’t already signed up, join your OLLI friends—exercise your body and brain and have fun doing it!
 
On Tuesday, September 2, from 10:00 to 1:00 at Tallwood, we’ll have an end-of-summer Game Day Bash. We’ll play board games for fun, favors, and prizes. There’s an optional after-party at Auld Shebeen Pub in Fairfax at 1:30. Register for event 1201F via your member portal: page 26 in fall catalog—Between Term Events.

On Friday, September 5, 12- 2:30 at Tallwood, enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise at our BYO picnic lunch and yard game event: Cornhole, Badminton, and Croquet. Bring your picnic basket, a blanket or some lawn chairs, and share what you’ve been doing this summer. It’s a fantastic way to end the summer: meet new people and reconnect with OLLI friends you haven’t seen in a while. Register for event 1202F via your member portal.
 
Wednesday Zoom Conversation Topic for September 3
  By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch,
Co-Moderators
Every second Wednesday afternoon, Team Bloch hosts a social conversation with OLLI members on a selected topic. Everyone is invited to join in on Zoom at 4:00. It's a good way to meet friendly people and share others' perspectives.
 
The topic for Wednesday, September 3: as we are getting older, we are beginning to think about where we want to live in our old age. Do you prefer living in your house, in an apartment or in a retirement community? Will you live alone or with someone else? Discuss your preferences. 
 
The conversation is always on a drop-in basis; no registration is needed. The link to the Zoom session is the same as the 24/7 Chat Line and is found in the daily-schedule email for the day of the meeting, near the bottom of the list. Join us and enjoy learning about the myriad of housing options that can be adopted.

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The Spanish Page Turners—New Club Tryout


By Susan Job, Program Associate


Do you love Spanish and want to practice it in a fun way? Join The Spanish Page Turners—a book club for intermediate-level Spanish learners! We’ll dive into novels in Spanish that will not only build your vocabulary but also transport you into different cultures and perspectives. These intermediate-level books will give us the chance to follow longer story lines, connect deeply with characters, and see how the Spanish language flows in extended narratives. Reading novels together allows us to build vocabulary in context, notice cultural nuances, and enjoy the satisfaction of progressing through an entire work together. There will be plenty of space to chat, ask questions, share your thoughts, and even debate the choices of the characters. The goal isn’t to read perfectly—it’s to enjoy the language together and discover all it has to offer.
 
Please join us for an initial meeting on September 10 at 4:00 (via Zoom) to learn more about this club or contact Mark Ramage at [email protected].

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Tallwood Book Club


By Betty Ellerbee, Tallwood Book Club Coordinator


The Tallwood Book Club will be discussing An Unfinished Love Story by Doris Kearns Goodwin at its meeting on September 12. We will be finalizing choices for the coming months, relying on member recommendations as well as selections from the recent New York Times list of outstanding books since the year 2000. Availability at the Fairfax County Library is always a factor. We welcome new members at all times.

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Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

Adjusting to New Heights
 
My new Hoka sneakers
are built for comfort
2-inch soles
absorb shock
my well-used feet
no longer want to
 
The extra cush comforts
squawking knots
that’ve breached
my left sole
 
Its delicate plane
was no match for
persistent protuberances
who demand
the respect of age
 
I’ve accommodated them
with high-rise sneakers
reminiscent of my platform
“Marshmallow” shoes
from the 1970’s
except now
the audacious height of
these blaring white soles
feels like a megaphone
announcing
 
“Old lady coming through.”
 
My husband
the optimist
says my sneakers
are all the rage
notes I’m gaining
on him in height
He doesn’t need
to stoop as much to kiss
barefoot five-foot, five-inch
me
 
I give in to his sunshine
Me and my sneaks sidle over
Tell him
 
Well, I always did want to be
Five-seven
 
             – Susan Rexroad

Editor's Note: This poem was initially to appear in the July 18, 2025, issue. An error led to the poem being published with the last five lines of the poem's text missing. The entire poem appears above. E-News regrets the error. 

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Obituary: Marvin I. Singer

Marvin Singer, who joined OLLI in 2012, died on August 11, 2025. A funeral service was held on Wednesday, August 13, in Reston, VA. Burial was held on Wednesday, August 13, at the Judean Memorial Gardens in Olney, MD. More information is available at this link.

Donations may be made to the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation (NVHC) Cares fund (nvhcreston.org) or to The Mayo Clinic.

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances September 6 through September 14 


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.
At the Fairfax Campus Venues

Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: Beethoven—The Young Genius
Sun, Sep 14, 7:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $60, $52, $38.
Mason Student and Faculty Performances
(see music.gmu.edu for additional student recitals)

George Mason School of Theater: The Originals! 2025
Fri, Sep 12, 7:30
Sat, Sep 13, 2:00 and 7:30
deLaski Performing Arts Building, A105, TheaterSpace
Admission: $14.
At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

Gian Marco en Concierto
Sat, Sep 6, 8:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: From $89.24—See https://www.tickeri.com/events/8459jre42wci/gianmarco-en-virginia-washington-dc-area.
 
Arts Alive! 2025
Sun, Sep 14, 12:00
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Admission: Free.
For further details on any of the above events, see the CFA event calendar and the Hylton Center event calendar.
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). 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. 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 Aug 30 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Sep 1  9:30 am What’s in the Daily News? – online
Tue Sep 2
  
 		 10:00 am
 2:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Science, Technology, Health Program Planning Group
Caregivers Support Group – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Sep 3
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:30 am
12:00 noon
 4:00 pm		 Dabbling Artists Club
Investment Forum
Memoir and More Writing Group
Spanish Club – online
Thu Sep 4
 
 
 		 10:00 am
 
11:50 am
 4:30 pm		 Literature, Theater, Writing, and Languages Program Planning Group
All the News – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Sep 5
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am		 Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Sat Sep 6 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Sep 8
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Poetry Reading Club – online
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Tue Sep 9
 
 		  9:00 am
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Caregivers Support Group – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Sep 10
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:30 am
12:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Dabbling Artists Club
Investment Forum
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Sep 11
 
 
 		 10:00 am
 
11:50 am
 4:30 pm		 Humanities, Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group
All the News – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Sep 12
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am
 2:30 pm		 Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Tallwood Book Club – online
Sat Sep 13 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, 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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OLLI E-News August 15, 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
The Bomb, July 28: In a thought-provoking class, Tom Manteuffel reviewed the history and resources devoted in the world to development of thermonuclear weapons that can never be used.

August 15, 2025


Editor of the Week: David Gundry
Table of Contents
Alerts and Notices
  • Reminder: the OLLI Personal Computer User Group will meet in person at Tallwood, Saturday August 16 (tomorrow), and via Zoom. The Zoom session starts at 12:45.
  • Fall-term registration begins August 19 and continues throughout the term.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, August 29; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, August 26, at 6:00.
 
Celebrating the End of Summer
By Michele Romano and Suresh Mohla
Science, Technology, and Health Program Planning Group Co-Chairs
 
The Labor Day holiday will soon be behind us, and it will be time to move on. What better way to celebrate than to attend the Science, Technology, and Health Program Planning Group meeting on Tuesday, September 2, at 10:00. It will only be one hour, and Zoom only, so you can still be there even if you have not left the beach yet. Please join us even if you are not on the committee. And if you would like to be, please consider this a formal invitation.

We will be getting an update on OLLI programming past, present, and future from Shannon, our lead program associate. We need your ideas, insights, and comments (positive or not so positive) on what type of classes you would like to see moving forward. We’re a fun group. Come play with us.

Look for the link in the OLLI daily schedule that morning.

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Share the Wisdom of Your Family Stories with Mason Students


By Camille Hodges, Board Member and Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group Co-Chair


In the fall of 2025, Dr. Spencer Crew will be offering his Honors Family History Class at Mason and is asking OLLI members to participate by partnering with Mason students. Some OLLI members have had this experience in previous years and highly recommend this meaningful dialogue. Interactions may be done in person or virtually and usually begin in October.

Honors 240: The History of the American Family
NATURE OF THE COURSE AND ITS OBJECTIVES: The definition of family and of the responsibilities of each of its members has evolved over the years. Often economic circumstances, political views, wars and the evolving social beliefs of the society cause these changes. This course will focus on the way the American family has changed since colonial days. We will start with the Puritans and conclude with an examination of views of the family in society today. In the process we will study how the responsibilities of women, children, and men have evolved and why.

In addition, we will learn how oral history can aid in researching family history. One of the requirements will include interviewing older citizens and providing a document of the interview. They will then have it to keep and share with others if they wish.

If you are interested, please contact Dr. Crew at: [email protected] to express your interest and get details.
 
OLLI Wine Trip, October 24



By Bernard Oppel, Wine Trip Coordinator



After a three-year hiatus, the OLLI Wine Trip returns with a spectacular adventure on Friday, October 24. Relax on the chartered bus as we visit Slater Run and Fox Meadow wineries and enjoy a delicious plated lunch at the renowned Field and Main restaurant in Marshall, VA.

Check the announcement for Special Event course 1003E on page 25 of the fall OLLI catalog. Space is limited to 24 participants (plus the trip coordinator). These trips fill up early and require payment with your fall registration, so don’t delay signing up
Photo of the Month
The August 2025 Photo of the Month theme was Open. We selected Cookie (Ellen) Hilert's photo "Iguana," 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

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Wednesday Conversation Topic for August 20

 

      By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co-Moderators 



Topic for August 20: How have our food preferences changed as we age? Or HAVE they even changed? Some people find that their taste buds can become less sensitive and less numerous. This may affect their sense of taste. Others, over time, may become less interested in cooking or in trying exotic cuisines. This may be true of those of us who live alone and don't often share meals with others. There are some members of our demographic who live in a place where the meals are prepared and provided for residents—how might that affect our eating habits? Finally, and realistically, there are medical conditions and prescribed medications that affect our sense of taste and/or our dietary regimes—low-salt, low-protein diets for example. So, the question of the day is: how have any of these factors affected your eating habits?

This topic was suggested by an OLLI member who often participates in our biweekly conversations.

Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) conducts OLLI members' social conversations on Zoom every second Wednesday at 4:00. The team members have been moderating these sessions for the last three years. The next date is August 20, and any OLLI member may join us to contribute or just to listen in. The Zoom link is always in the OLLI daily schedule.
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

grey mourning doves
shake heads joined at the beak
prelude to romance
    bouncy bobbleheads
    remind me of you

        –Susan Bennett

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Obituary: Robert Alexander Persell

Long-time member Robert “Bob” Persell, who joined OLLI in spring term 2002, died on August 4 in Herndon, VA. He graduated from University of Virginia on a Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) scholarship in 1961 and was commissioned as a Navalofficer. After a distinguished Navy career, he retired in 1985, Bob joined NASA’s prestigious Senior Executive learning and development team. During an 11-year career at NASA, he served as a key member of a strategic planning initiative at Goddard Space Center.

At OLLI, Bob enjoyed taking classes and teaching, especially in the area of the Civil War. To honor Bob's memory, a service will be held at Floris United Methodist Church, Herndon, VA on Saturday, August 16 at 10:30. The funeral will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) in Bob's name at www.apdaparkinson.org.

More information is available at this link.

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Arts & Music at George Mason
No Performances Scheduled 


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


There are no performances scheduled for the next two weeks; OLLI is on summer break.

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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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 Aug 16
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Aug 18
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News?
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Aug 19
 
 		  2:00 pm
 2:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Caregivers Support Group – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Aug 20
 
 
 		 10:30 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Dabbling Artists Club – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Aug 21
 
 
 		 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 22
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Maj Jongg Club
Spanish Club
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Aug 23 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Aug 25
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News?
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Aug 26
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Aug 27
 		 10:30 am
12:00 noon		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Thu Aug 28
 
 
 		 10:00 am
11:50 am
 3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Art and Music Program Planning Group
All the News – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 29
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Aug 30 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, 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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OLLI E-News August 1, 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.

First Session (July 1) of a Five-Session Summer 2025 Course on Climate Change: What Can One Person Do? By Peggy DiVincenzo and Renee Purdy;
Available on OLLI Website

August 1, 2025


Editor of the Week: Paul Van Hemel
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • Reminder: the OLLI office will be closed for summer break from August 1-15.
  • You should find your fall term catalog in the mail. If you do not receive a catalog by the end of July, please contact the OLLI Mason office.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, August 15; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, August 12, at 6:00.

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From the Desk of the Executive Director
Thank You to OLLI Volunteers


By Lisa Mariam, Executive Director


Part of our external audit involves calculation and confirmation of our volunteer contributions to OLLI.  I was working on that calculation and it’s so impressive how many hours OLLI members contribute to make OLLI run smoothly. Nearly 600 volunteers dedicated over 7,600 hours in 2024! As a member driven organization with a small part-time staff, we literally could not function without member volunteers.

On behalf of OLLI, I want to thank each and every volunteer for all that you do. Whether it’s recruiting instructors and selecting proposals on the program committees, coordinating trips to local sites, sharing your interests in clubs, teaching a class, staffing the front desk in the office, keeping our gardens looking beautiful, helping to spread the word about OLLI and recruit new members, ensuring our classroom technology is up to date and humming along, producing this newsletter, or all of the other work that happens behind the scenes to make OLLI the premier lifelong learning program in Northern VA, I want to thank you.

If you haven’t yet volunteered, I encourage you to reach out to a committee chair, Board Member, or staff to see how you can help. We also have several open positions including the Diversity Advisory Group. Many committee chairs are long serving and would welcome fresh perspectives and, as they say, many hands make light work. Volunteering for OLLI not only helps improve the programs you enjoy, but research proves it’s good for your health and wellbeing too!

Thank you,
Lisa
 

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Wednesday Conversation Topic for August 6
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch,
Co-Moderators
Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) moderate an OLLI social chat room every second Wednesday. Our topic to discuss on August 6: What is a chatbot? Have you engaged with one? On a regular basis? Was he/she useful?
      
Chatbots are virtual assistants, useful for many tasks, e.g., summarizing research, writing or reading resumes, finding phone numbers, and answering simple questions. Some of them are text based, while many of the newer ones are voice based. Think Siri, Alexa, CoPilot, or Gemini. Some chatbots greatly resemble live communicators. They can even provide virtual friendship.
 
What has been your experience with a chatbot, and was it positive or negative?
 
Find the Zoom link for the Wednesday Conversation on the OLLI daily schedule the morning of August 6 and join us.

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Computer Club
3rd Saturday, August 16
AnyList
Check Windows RAM For Errors With MDSCHED

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, August 16, in person and via Zoom. The Zoom session opens at 12:45.
 
AnyList—Presented by Letitia Labell AnyList is a versatile application originally designed to keep track of your grocery list, but which can also be used to manage many kinds of lists. This app, which is available for iOS and Android devices, also has a web interface, so it can be used on any device. The best part of the app is that the lists can be shared among users, so anyone in your household can add items to the lists, and the lists sync automatically. If you like to have your groceries delivered (or ready for pickup) there is also an option to send your list to the grocery store’s app. There are many more features, such as collecting and organizing recipes, planning your meals, and adding pictures to your lists. You can also use AnyList to keep track of chores and other activities. You can make your life easier and more organized with AnyList.

Leti Labell loves computers. Although she started working as a programmer, she spent most of her career managing projects, both for software development as well as for non-computer projects. But throughout it all, she loved using computers to accomplish things in the best way possible. Now happily retired, she is still an avid technology user. Her current passions are the Italian language and all things Italian, as well as cooking and learning about ethnic foods. She uses her iPhone, iPads, and PCs to keep track of everything. Leti is the Coordinator of OLLI’s Ethnic Eats club, Membership Chair of OLLI Personal Computer Group (OPCUG) and a member of the PATACS board of directors.
 
Check Windows RAM For Errors With MDSCHED—Presented by John Krout This session introduces the MDSCHED utility. Its purpose is to test and diagnose Random Access Memory (RAM) on your Windows computer. MDSCHED has been included in Windows since Windows Vista in late 2006. Such a diagnosis can help if your Windows computer crashes frequently, especially if it does so without telling you.

John Krout is a frequent presenter at our meetings on a wide range of computer, technology, and photography topics.
 
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 the link https://olligmu-org.zoom.us/j/86376591329?pwd=MwC2qGgzIOa6nG7TZItKb9jGycuJWG.1 to join the meeting and use passcode 218440 (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces) or enter meeting ID 863 7659 1329 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode (preferred method), or dial in at 301-715-8592.

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Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

This Morning
 
I’m in a state
between sleep and wakefulness
reminding me of my father’s heavy
green 1952 Buick
with its smooth, slow, steady, and yet
wavery
Dynaflow transmission
sounding as though it couldn’t decide  
which gear to be in.
Yet it never let him down.
My father bought that car in 1954
sold it in 1956.
Why
Does its deep, pleated seats remind me
of the state between sleep, wakefulness,
 
and safety.
                                   –Ed Sadtler

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances August 1 through August 11


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

Mason String Camp Final Concert
Fri Aug 1, 2:15
Center for the Arts Concert Hall
Admission: Free
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

No performances

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At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

No performances

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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. 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 Aug 2 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Aug 4
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Poetry Reading Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Aug 5
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Aug 6


 		 10:30 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Aug 7
 
 		 11:50 am
 3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 All the News – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 8
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
12:00 noon
 2:30 pm		 Photography Club – online
Crafts and Conversation (Location TBD)
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tallwood Book Club – online
Sat Aug 9 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Aug 11
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Poetry Writing Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Aug 12
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Aug 13
 		 10:30 am
12:00 noon		 Investment Forum – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Thu Aug 14
 
 		 11:50 am
 3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 All the News – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 15
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Crafts and Conversation (Location TBD)
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Aug 16
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club – online
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 Editor: David Gundry

Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, 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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OLLI E-News July 25, 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
OLLI Board of Directors meeting, July 18, 2025

July 25, 2025


Editor of the Week: John Nash
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, August 1; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, July 29, at 6:00.

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From the Desk of the Executive Director



By Lisa Mariam, Executive Director


Did you know that you may pay your membership dues over the course of the year:  $37.50 per month or $112.50 quarterly. Please contact the Registrar at [email protected] or 703-544-0085 to arrange for an installment plan.

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Did you get your 10,000 steps today? Did you know that it’s an urban legend? It originated in Japan in the 1960’s as a marketing slogan for a new pedometer. It’s still good for your health but what actually is the sweet spot? How Many Steps Should A Senior (80-Year-Old) Walk Each Day? - Village Walk.
(From the Healthcare Advisory Workgroup)

The History of Tallwood

 

By Paul Howard, OLLI Member and Former OLLI President


OLLI Colleagues:

An interesting history article/newsletter from the Fare Facs Gazette of Summer 2004 is available at the following link: [https://www.historicfairfax.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/HFCI23-2004.pdf]. It discusses the history of the site that OLLI now occupies at Tallwood, historical owners, and most interesting, the private school that once occupied the site. Based on the time-frame of its existence, I've always suspected the school was a 'segregation academy.' 

Of particular interest is the discussion of the building we call 'Tallwood Cottage.' George Mason University allowed OLLI to begin using the cottage in 2010. Mason had a research project on computer security based there before our use, with extensive local area network (LAN) cabling throughout, and two 200-amp electrical service feeds for the building. Mason took down a wall and removed a closet so that, for several years, we had an extra classroom that could accommodate 20-25 folks. Ultimately, the need for staff offices ousted the classroom and kitchen use for club activity.

Smallwood—fondly known as the 'potty barn'—was on the north end of the Tallwood House discussed in the article. I believe Mason planned renovations of that building for OLLI use and then discovered massive termite damage, so that portion of Tallwood House accordingly was demolished.

Corrected Link for Memoir Available at Amazon

  

By Margie Wildblood, Author and OLLI Member


Last week’s E-News reported on the publication of my recent memoir Because He Loved Me, and included a link to an Amazon site for the book. Although the text of the site covered the English text for the book’s title and content, the site was a Spanish language page. For Amazon’s English language page on the book, please use the following link:  Because He Loved Me: A Story of the Transformative Power of True Love: Wildblood, Margie Crowe: 9798992527605: Amazon.com: Books. You also may go to: https://www.amazon.com, and copy this number 9798992527605 into the search line.

Thank you for your interest.

Poet's Corner

Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

Older Ladies

They spread out onto wooden pews
in their woolen suits and crepe dresses
not too flashy. Their shoulders were comforted
by fox stoles with beady-eyed faces.
Mother whispered Don’t touch.
Leather closed-toe pumps squeezed
their moleskinned corns. Gloves
shielded their roughened hands.
Beside them squatted their matching
pocketbooks with handkerchiefs
receipts, remnants of hard-earned wages
and candies wrapped in cellophane.
When my cousin’s grown son asked
if I had a butterscotch or peppermint
I realized I had become an older lady.
               –Carolyn Wyatt

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances July 25 through August 2


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

(25-26 Season subscriptions to Great Performances
now on sale)

Mason String Camp Final Concert
Sat Aug 1, 2:15
Center for the Arts Concert Hall
Admission: Free
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

No performances

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At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

The Creative and Performing Arts Center: Space School Musical
Sat, Jul 26, 10:00 and 2:00
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). 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. 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 Jul 26 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jul 28
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Family History/Genealogy – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Jul 29
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 30
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Dabbling Artists – online
Thu Jul 31
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 1
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Homer, etc.– online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Aug 2 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Aug 4
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Poetry Reading Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Aug 5
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Aug 6
 
 		 12:00 noon
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Aug 7
 
 		 11:50 am
 3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 All the News – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 8
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
12:00 noon
 2:30 pm		 Photography Club – online
Crafts and Conversation (location TBD)
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tallwood Book Club – online
Sat Aug 9 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, 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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OLLI E-News July 18, 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.

Dr. Heather Dudley presented a detailed review of the writing of the Declaration of Independence
2025 summer term

July 18, 2025


Editor of the Week: Paul Van Hemel
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • Reminder: OLLI Personal Computer Club meeting in person at Tallwood and via Zoom at 1:00 on July 19 (tomorrow). The Zoom session opens at 12:45.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, July 25; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, July 22, at 6:00.
Tallwood Book Club

 
By Betty Ellerbee, Tallwood Book Club Coordinator


Reader’s choice will be the topic of discussion at the August Zoom meeting of the Tallwood Book Club. Members will pick a book they especially want to read and will share a brief synopsis of the book and why they liked it…or didn’t. And whether they think everyone should read it for future discussions.

We will meet at our regularly appointed time, 2:30, on Friday, August 8.

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Member Achievement

OLLI member Margie Wildblood has published a memoir available on Amazon at this link. She thanks OLLI members of the Writer’s Workshop, Memoir and More Writing Group, and Poetry Workshop for their support, feedback, and suggestions.

Fairytales, Prince Charming, happily-ever-afters filled Margie’s girlhood dreams. Her love story blossoms in college when she meets a kind, inspirational–and married–professor who changes her life. Frightened by their growing attraction, he sets boundaries, tells her to find someone her age. A few years later, she does meet a younger man and falls in love. When their marriage ends, Margie gives up her fairytale fantasies. She accepts she will be alone the rest of her life. Then a letter arrives. . .

At times heart-breaking, at other times full of joy.

About the Author
Margie Crowe Wildblood grew up in a log cabin in southwest Virginia. The youngest of six children and the first college graduate in her family, she holds degrees in English and Psychology from Radford University and in Counseling from Purdue University. Since she retired from Northern Virginia Community College as a counselor and faculty member, she moderates writing workshops with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University.

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Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop


Adjusting to New Heights
 
My new Hoka sneakers
are built for comfort
2-inch soles
absorb shock
my well-used feet
no longer want to
 
The extra cush comforts
squawking knots
that’ve breached
my left sole
 
Its delicate plane
was no match for
persistent protuberances
who demand
the respect of age
 
I’ve accommodated them
with high-rise sneakers
reminiscent of my platform
“Marshmallow” shoes
from the 1970’s
except now
the audacious height of
these blaring white soles
feels like a megaphone
announcing
 
“Old lady coming through.”
 
My husband
the optimist
says my sneakers
are all the rage
notes I’m gaining
on him in height
He doesn’t need
to stoop as much to kiss
barefoot five-foot, five-inch me

           -- Susan Rexroad

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Photo of the Month
The July 2025 Photo of the Month theme was birds in flight, birds of prey. We selected two photos as winners. First place was Lynn Cline's Egrets (three white birds, one holding a snake), shown immediately below and which may also be viewed at this page.


The runner up was Ed Marion's photo of a swallow family in a nest, taken at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens shown below, and 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

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Obituary: Margaret Downes Andino

Former member Margaret Andino of Fairfax, who joined OLLI in the spring term of 2001, died June 18, 2025. Born January 8, 1936, she worked for George Mason University for twenty years in the Department of Public Administration, the Page Program, and the Honors Program. She enjoyed playing the piano and was an avid gardener.

Margaret viewed civic engagement as an individual responsibility and an essential duty of citizenship. She was co-chair of the Fairfax County Park Authority and also served as a director on the Fairfax County Water Authority. She especially enjoyed her service as president of the Kings Park West Civic Association.

At her request, in lieu of flowers, please consider supporting WETA or your local public radio station in her memory. More information is available at this link.

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances July 18 through July 26


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.

Back to Top of Page
At the Fairfax Campus Venues

Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
(25-26 Season subscriptions to Great Performances now on sale)
 
No performances
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

No performances

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At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

Prince William Little Theatre: Hairspray, The Broadway Musical
Fri, Jul 18, 8:00
Sat, Jul 19, 2:00 and 7:00
Sun, Jul 20, 2:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $30 Adult, $24 Senior.
 
The Creative and Performing Arts Center: Space School Musical
Sat, Jul 26, 10:00 and 2:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: Free.

 

Back to Top of Page
For further details on any of the above events, see the CFA event calendar and the Hylton Center event calendar.

Back to Top of Page
 
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). 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. 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 Jul 19
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Jul 21
 
 
 		  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 Jul 22
 
 		  2:00 pm
 2:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Caregivers Support Group – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 23
 
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Theater Lovers’ Group – online
Thu Jul 24
 
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm
 6:00 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats – online
Fri Jul 25
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Jul 26 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jul 28
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Family History/Genealogy – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Jul 29
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 30
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Dabbling Artists – online
Thu Jul 31
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 1
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Aug 2 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, 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.

Back to Top of Page
 
OLLI E-News July 11, 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
Bob Levey, retired columnist for The Washington Post, treated a large OLLI audience to a fascinating discussion of his years during the golden era at the newspaper, July 1

July 11, 2025


Editor of the Week: David Gundry
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • Board of Directors Meeting, July 18 at 10:00, via Zoom and in person at Tallwood. All members welcome.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, July 18; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, July 15, at 6:00.

Back to Top of Page

“America250” will be Celebrated on July 4, 2026, and You’re Invited to Participate


By Camille Hodges, Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group Chair 

 

In July 2026 the United States will celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. You are invited to participate in this mission by presenting OLLI classes from now through July 2026 to enlighten our members via your expertise on this part of American history. 

 

As OLLI members, we are aware that there was more to the signing than “meets the eye.” This is where you come in. As a presenter for the Humanities and Social Sciences you are encouraged to explore the Declaration through various lenses including (but not limited to) its philosophy as well as its multifaceted effect on society during that time period.

 

If you or a knowledgeable colleague can support OLLI’s mission of lifelong learning regarding the topic of the “Declaration of Independence” please consider this invitation.

 

Submission deadlines for 2026:

 






Note: Dr. Heather Dudley taught a three-session summer 2025 course 303Z “The Declaration of Independence” June 25–July 9. More courses like this are desirable!

 

Here is a link to the course submission form:

 

  https://olli.gmu.edu/olli-course-proposal-form/.

 

Editor’s Note: This article appeared in a previous issue of E-News. It is repeated here to encourage your participation in “America250” during the coming year. Thanks.

Back to Top of Page







 It’s time to DRAIN. THE. SWAMP. Mosquitoes transmit numerous diseases. They breed in stagnant, standing water (swamps, ditches, water buckets, birdbaths, etc.). Take the time to check your property. And you thought this was going to be political.   
(From the Healthcare Advisory Workgroup)
Are You a Spanish Speaker? Experienced in Teaching the Language?


By Patricia Bangs, Literature, Theater, and Writing/Languages Program Planning Group Co-Chair


If you are a fluent Spanish speaker and/or experienced in teaching the language, the Literature, Theater, and Writing/Languages (LLT) Program Planning Group would love you to join our language programming. We are looking for courses at any level from travel and conversational Spanish to traditional beginner and intermediate classes. Or, if you know of anyone who might be interested in offering Spanish classes, please let us know. Contact LLT co-chair Pat Bangs at [email protected].

And, for the many OLLI members who may be missing their Spanish language practice, you might want to consider one of the senior perks offered by George Mason University—the opportunity to audit courses through the university’s senior citizen waiver program. Virginia residents 60 years or older are entitled to audit up to three academic credit courses per semester and pay no tuition or fees (except for material). For details on the process, see Senior Citizen Waiver Program – Office of the University Registrar George Mason University.
Computer Club
3rd Saturday, July 19
Old and New Nuclear Power Technology
How to Contribute Graphics to Wikipedia

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, July 19, in person and via Zoom. The Zoom session opens at 12:45.

Old and New Nuclear-Power Technology—Presented by John Krout
Learn how nuclear energy becomes electricity. Learn how the two primary types of nuclear power reactors heat water for steam turbines to produce electricity, and the common cause of each of the three big nuclear-power reactor failures: Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima Daiichi.

In the 1950s, the engineer at Oak Ridge National Lab who held a key patent for one of the two primary types of solid-fuel nuclear-power reactors also built and tested the first liquid-fuel reactors. That experience led him to conclude that the liquid-fuel approach was both far more economical and safer than conventional solid-fuel reactors.

Learn about two companies aiming to build and sell small liquid-fuel reactors. Learn why liquid-fuel reactors are far safer than traditional solid-fuel reactors, and produce far less waste than traditional solid-fuel reactors.

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.

How to Contribute Graphics to Wikipedia—Presented by Lee De Cola
“For over 20 years I have been a Wikipedia editor, making editorial corrections, adding datagraphics, and even creating new articles. This presentation will demonstrate how you can contribute an original graphic to a Wikipedia article.”

Lee De Cola, PhD (University of Ibadan), is a retired U.S. Geological Survey scientist who studies environmental change in space and time.

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 for making payment.

To attend via Zoom’s cloud meeting service, beginning at 12:45, please click https://olligmu-org.zoom.us/j/86376591329?pwd=MwC2qGgzIOa6nG7TZItKb9jGycuJWG.1 to join the meeting and use passcode 218440 (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces) or enter meeting ID 863 7659 1329 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode (preferred method), or dial in at 301-715-8592.

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Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

Days of Yore

Faded brown teddy bear
Sitting forlorn on the shelf
Worn patch on the back
Stitch to hold the arms in place
Testament to countless cuddles

Silent listener, always near
Absorbing worries and calming fears
Holder of secrets 
Tales of playground triumphs
Scraped knees
Whispered wishes 

The day a tiny tooth began to sway
A silent nod from button eye
I see your growth, your changing way
A milestone reached

                 – Chitra Mohla

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances, July 11 through July 20


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.

Back to Top of Page
At the Fairfax Campus Venues

Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
(25-26 Season subscriptions to Great Performances now on sale)
 
No performances
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

No performances

Back to Top of Page
At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

Prince William Little Theatre: Hairspray, The Broadway Musical
Fri, Jul 11, 8:00
Sat, Jul 12, 2:00 and 7:00
Sun, Jul 13, 2:00
Fri, Jul 18, 8:00
Sat, Jul 19, 2:00 and 7:00
Sun, Jul 20, 2:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $30 Adult, $24 Senior.
 
Arif Lohar Live: Pakistani Singer
Sat, Jul 12, 8:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $150; $100; $75; $50.

Onyx Youth Orchestra & Onyx Philharmonic
Wed, Jul 16, 6:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $35 Adult, $25 Senior.

Back to Top of Page
For further details on any of the above events, see the CFA event calendar and the Hylton Center event calendar.

Back to Top of Page
 
Obituary: Sandra S. Kilburn

Sandra Kilburn of Fairfax, who joined OLLI in the fall term of 2005, died June 28, 2025. Born February 6, 1944, Sandra earned a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and a master’s degree from the University of Hawaii. Her career as a pediatric physical therapist spanned more than 30 years. She was also a long-time member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) and served in mentorship and leadership for young women for many years.

A Celebration of Life honoring Sandra will take place in the near future. In lieu of flowers, you are requested to consider a donation in her honor to St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Tri Delta Foundation, PEO Foundation's Star Scholarship Award, or Oldies But Goodies (OBG) Cocker Spaniel Rescue. More information is available at this link.
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). 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. 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 Jul 12 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jul 14
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Jul 15
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 16
 
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Dabbling Artists – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Jul 17
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Jul 18
 
 
 		  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 Jul 19
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Jul 21
 
 
 		  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 Jul 22
 
 		  2:00 pm
 2:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Caregivers Support Group – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 23
 
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Theater Lovers’ Group – online
Thu Jul 24
 
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm
 6:00 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats – online
Fri Jul 25
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Jul 26 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online

Back to Top of Page
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, 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.

Back to Top of Page
 
OLLI E-News July 4, 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
OLLI Photography Club Meeting,
In-Person and Via Zoom, Tallwood, June 13

July 4, 2025


Editor of the Week: Paul Van Hemel
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • Board of Directors Meeting, July 18 at 10:00, via Zoom and in person at Tallwood. All members welcome.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, July 11; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, July 8, at 6:00.

Back to Top of Page
Wednesday Team Bloch Conversation for July 9
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) conducts a casual, drop-in conversation on Zoom every second Wednesday at 4:00. Each session is on a different topic.
 
The topic for Team Bloch's Wednesday afternoon chat on July 9 is Intergenerational Households.
 
Do you live in an intergenerational household—parents, adult children, and grandchildren co-existing under one roof? Based on several recent articles, this seems to be a growing trend for a number of reasons. Sometimes it is financial—either the children or the grandparents need support. In other situations, the motivation is to provide care for grandparents or grandchildren. Of course, there is always the possibility that this is an interesting and rewarding way to live. Is this a feasible option that you might consider? Try to envision your daily life in a multi-generational house with your family. We welcome you to share your thoughts with us.
 
No need (or option) to register for the conversation—just join in—all are welcome. Look for the Zoom link in the emailed daily schedule on the morning of our scheduled conversation (Hint: it is always identical to the 24/7 Chat meeting ID/Passcode.)
 
You may listen in as a lurker or add to the discussion—up to you—but we encourage you to voice your thoughts; that way we all benefit and learn from each other.
 
Editor’s Note: This item appeared in last week’s issue. It is repeated here to encourage your participation in the July 9 conversation.
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

MY NEW CROWN

I went to see my dentist

‘cause the pain would not desist

My upper left molar made me frown—

So my dentist recommended a crown.


Much toil goes into making one of those.

First, a tooth for interim use was composed—

After the original was greatly ground down.

A week later, I got my real crown.


After many adjustments- tap, tap, tap,

My crown felt welcomed in the gap

Like a new family member, it joined

In efforts to chew my savory sirloin.

                             –Joan Lunsford

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances, July 11 through July 20


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.

Back to Top of Page
At the Fairfax Campus Venues

Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
(25-26 Season subscriptions to Great Performances now on sale)
 
No performances
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

No performances

Back to Top of Page
At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

Prince William Little Theatre: Hairspray, The Broadway Musical
Fri, Jul 11, 8:00
Sat, Jul 12, 2:00 and 7:00
Sun, Jul 13, 2:00
Fri, Jul 18, 8:00
Sat, Jul 19, 2:00 and 7:00
Sun, Jul 20, 2:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $30 Adult, $24 Senior.
 
Arif Lohar Live: Pakistani Singer
Sat, Jul 12, 8:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $150; $100; $75; $50.

Back to Top of Page
For further details on any of the above events, see the CFA event calendar and the Hylton Center event calendar.

Back to Top of Page
 
Join the OLLI E‑News Editorial Team


By Paul Van Hemel, E‑News Chief Editor


If you love OLLI and are interested in an easy way to contribute a volunteer effort to the organization, here’s an opportunity to do so by becoming a member of the E‑News editorial team. By serving one day every four or five weeks as Editor of the Week, you can have a positive impact on OLLI and enjoy a pleasant journalistic experience. We have openings for a couple of new editors.

E‑News is one of several OLLI publications created using MailChimp software. We will teach you what you need to know to put together an E-News issue. You don’t have to generate content, which generally is submitted by OLLI-member coordinators for committees, clubs, and activities. If you are interested and have questions or would like to know more, please contact me at [email protected]. Thanks!

Back to Top of Page
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). 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. 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 Jul 5 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jul 7
 
 
 		  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 Jul 8
 
 		  2:00 pm
 2:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Caregivers Support Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 9
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Thu Jul 10
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Jul 11
 
 
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
12:00 noon
 2:30 pm		 Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Spanish Club
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tallwood Book Club – online
Sat Jul 12 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jul 14
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Jul 15
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 16
 
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Dabbling Artists – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Jul 17
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Jul 18
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Crafts and Conversation
Board of Directors Meeting
Homer, etc.
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Jul 19
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group

Back to Top of Page
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, 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.

Back to Top of Page
 
OLLI E-News June 27, 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
The Dirty Knee Club Keeps Tallwood Landscaping Fresh
for Summer 2025

June 27, 2025


Editor of the Week: John Nash
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • For those planning to march in the 10:00 Independence Day parade on July 4, please email Marilyn Harriman (Walk & Talk co-chair) before July 2 so the planners can look for you and give you parking and meet-up details: [email protected].
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, July 4; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, July 1, at 6:00.

Back to Top of Page
From the Desk of the Executive Director


By Lisa Mariam, Executive Director

 

First Month

Dear Members,

What an incredible first month it’s been for me at OLLI Mason! Since joining on June 2, I’ve been truly energized by the spirit of this community—from the dedicated volunteers and staff, extraordinary curriculum, fascinating clubs, to the traditions that make OLLI Mason so special. I’ve also had the privilege of connecting with many of you. Hearing your stories and seeing the impact OLLI Mason is making has been inspiring.

As we begin the new term, I invite you to get even more involved—every member is encouraged to give their time, talents, and dollars. Our goal is 100% participation. There are so many ways to make a difference in our community, by volunteering for a committee to enhance our excellence, sharing your OLLI Mason experience with friends and neighbors, and contributing to the Friends of OLLI campaign. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].

All my best,
Lisa

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“America250” will be Celebrated on July 4,
2026, and You’re Invited to Participate

 
By Camille Hodges, Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group Chair


In July 2026 the United States will celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. You are invited to participate in this mission by presenting OLLI classes from now through July 2026 to enlighten our members via your expertise on this part of American history. As OLLI members, we are aware that there was more to the signing than “meets the eye.” This is where you come in. As a presenter for the Humanities and Social Sciences, you are encouraged to explore the Declaration through various lenses including (but not limited to) its philosophy as well as its multifaceted effect on society during that time period.

If you or a knowledgeable colleague can support OLLI’s mission of “lifelong learning” regarding the topic of the Declaration of Independence please consider this invitation.
Submission deadlines for 2026:
Winter 2026 /due by July 21, 2025
Spring 2026 /due by October 6, 2025
Summer 2026/ due by January 26, 2026

Note: Dr. Heather Dudley is currently teaching a three-session summer 2025 course 303Z The Declaration of Independence June 25–July 9. More courses like this are desirable!
 
Here is a link to the course submission form: https://olli.gmu.edu/olli-course-proposal-form/.
 








It’s time to head to the beach. Did you know that your skin is the largest organ in your body? It is also your first line of defense against disease. Protect it so it can protect you. Sunscreens should be at least SPF 30, applied 30 minutes before sun exposure, then every 2 hours and after each time you go in the water. Sunscreen: Tips to wear it well | MD Anderson Cancer Center. Don’t forget the ears and, men, don’t forget the scalp.
                                                      
(From the Healthcare Advisory Workgroup)

Mason Nutrition Study Asks for Your Help

 

By Abigail Suchoski, Trained Mason Nutrition Graduate Student


OLLI Mason has the opportunity to assist with a scientific research study through the GMU Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences. The research evaluates the presence of sarcopenia, which is the loss of muscle mass, strength, and function with age, in older adults. Professor Stefanos Tyrovolas is the lead investigator of the study. The assessments will be performed by trained graduate students Abby Suchoski and Bri Schuh.

The full test will be completed in about 20 minutes and will be conducted at Tallwood over several weeks (or longer if needed). They are also able to travel to alternative locations for data collection. In addition, each participant will receive a $20 Amazon gift card for their efforts.

For more information, look for details in an OLLI E-Blast in the upcoming weeks. Please consider helping with this particularly important research. We need you. Thank you.
 
We hope that this will be the start of future collaborations.

Michele Romano, MD and Suresh Mohla, PhD
Co-chairs, Science, Technology & Health Committee
Wednesday Team Bloch Conversation— July 9
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) conducts a casual, drop-in conversation on Zoom every second Wednesday at 4:00. Each session is on a different topic.

The topic for Team Bloch's Wednesday afternoon chat on July 9 is Intergenerational Households.

Do you live in an intergenerational household—parents, adult children, and grandchildren co-existing under one roof? Based on several recent articles, this seems to be a growing trend for a number of reasons. Sometimes it is financial—either the children or the grandparents need support. In other situations, the motivation is to provide care for grandparents or grand-children. Of course, there is always the possibility that this is an interesting and rewarding way to live. Is this a feasible option that you might consider? Try to envision your daily life in a multi-generational house with your family. We welcome you to share your thoughts with us.

No need (or option) to register for the conversation—just join in—all are welcome. Look for the Zoom link in the emailed daily schedule on the morning of our scheduled conversation. (Hint: it is always identical to the 24/7 Chat meeting ID/Passcode.)

You may listen in as a lurker or add to the discussion—up to you—but we encourage you to voice your thoughts; that way we all benefit and learn from each other.
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

Hope Springs from the Heart
 
When uncertainty spins you around
and you can’t seem to find the ground
of your own being;
when you feel the talon-grip
of fear around your heart and 
night descends so the way
forward looks dark…
then, the one thing to do is
make an offering of your 
helplessness…
serve it up to that Eternal Presence
beyond yourself that knows the
uncharted path for you to take...
until you finally feel your heart reveal
a glimmer of hope beyond the
fear and hopelessness.
Nurture that hope so that
it glows and grows
like the Light that brightens
on a December morn
that slowly signals the 
songbird’s return whose 
harmony fills your heart 
when spring is reborn.

                      –Sophia Elberti

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances, June 27 through July 7


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.

Back to Top of Page
At the Fairfax Campus Venues

Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
(25-26 Season subscriptions to Great Performances now on sale)
 
Mason Jazz Camp - Student Showcase 2025
Fri, Jun 27, 2:00
Mason Jazz camp student showcase to conclude the week-long camp!
Click here for more information.
Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
Admission: Free and open to the public.
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

No performances

Back to Top of Page
At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

Paul Anka in Concert
Sat, Jun 28, 7:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $100, $80, $50.

Back to Top of Page
For further details on any of the above events, see the CFA event calendar and the Hylton Center event calendar.

Back to Top of Page
 
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). 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. 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 Jun 28 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jun 30
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Jul 1
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 2
 
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Dabbling Artists Club – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Jul 3
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Jul 4   Holiday
Sat Jul 5 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jul 7
 
 
 		  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 Jul 8
 
 		  2:00 pm
 2:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Caregivers Support Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 9
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Thu Jul 10
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Jul 11
 
 
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
12:00 noon
 2:30 pm		 Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Spanish Club
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tallwood Book Club – online
Sat Jul 12 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, 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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OLLI E-News June 13, 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.

Board of Directors meeting, led by OLLI President Deborah Engleson and Executive Director Lisa Mariam, was held at Tallwood on June 6. Business included election of officers for the coming year.

June 13, 2025


Editor of the Week: Paul Van Hemel
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • OLLI Personal Computer User Group 3rd Saturday meeting is June 21, at 1:00, in person and via Zoom. See article below for Zoom link and other information.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, June 27. The regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, June 24, at 6:00.

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From the Desk of the Executive Director
Thank You for the Warm Welcome


By Lisa Mariam, Executive Director


I'm thrilled to join the OLLI GMU community as your new Executive Director. My role is to ensure that OLLI continues to evolve in productive and forward-looking ways. I'll be visiting many classes and clubs over the coming weeks (which I consider a major perk of the job!). If I haven't met you yet, please, introduce yourself. These first months I will be focused on listening, and I appreciate your feedback about your OLLI experience.

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Celebrate with Your OLLI Friends on July 4th

By Marilyn Harriman, Diversions Chair, Walk & Talk Club Co-Chair



Come out and celebrate with your OLLI Friends on July 4th!

OLLI’s Walk & Talk Club will be participating in the Fairfax Fourth of July Parade for the third year in a row, as part of the George Mason University contingent, and we’d love to have you join us.

Last year, we marched behind the GMU Athletic Association, who included us in their cheers and songs as we walked. This event is a blast! It’s a great way to celebrate the Fourth of July, show your OLLI spirit, and get out into the fresh air.

Wearing red, white, and/or blue, we’ll march behind our OLLI Mason banner and wave to the crowds lined up along the parade route. The parade route is on flat city streets and is less than a mile long (.87 miles). Marchers move at a fairly relaxed pace.

The parade begins at 10:00, and our involvement ends before 11:00. Participants must be parked by 8:10 before the roads close.

We will gather at our designated place in the lineup and enjoy hanging out under shaded trees until the parade begins. After we exit the route, we head for our cars and meet up (optional) for lunch at PJ Skidoo’s on Fairfax Boulevard.

To join us, email me, Marilyn Harriman, Walk & Talk co-chair, before July 2 so we can look for you and give you parking and meet-up details: [email protected].

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The Great Gatsby is 100 Years Old!


By Camille Hodges, Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group Chairperson
 

Did you know that April 10th marked the 100th anniversary of The Great Gatsby? This novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald has endless possibilities for an OLLI Humanities course or two.

Here are some philosophical themes to consider for a presentation:
 
  • The American Dream…how has it changed/or has it?
  • The “green light” on the dock…a metaphor to explore.
  • Dangers of living in the “past” rather than the present.
  • What exactly is “the pursuit of happiness?”
  • The importance of being your true self.
  • The truth about “The Roaring Twenties.”

For this or any other course idea, please use the following document: 

OLLI Course Proposal Form

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Computer Club
3rd Saturday, June 21
Mastering Your New Mac
PHEV and Hybrid Battery Charge Level Monitor


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, June 21, in person and via Zoom. The Zoom session opens at 12:45.
 
Mastering Your New Mac—Presented by Lorrin Garson
If you like learning a new computer system, you must thoroughly enjoy going to the dentist. It’s a painful and emotional experience and it takes weeks, if not months, to become comfortable with a new system—at least for most people. In any case, it’s easier than learning to use a computer for the first time! “Mastering Your New Mac” will provide basic information for those learning to use an iMac or MacBook.
Lorrin Garson had a long career in technical publishing of chemical information. His presentations to our computer groups are famous for their thorough research and clarity in explaining topics such as cryptography, encryption of personal data, cloud storage, and the origins of personal computers.
 
PHEV and Hybrid Battery Charge Level Monitor—Presented by John Krout
This presentation will enable you to extend the life of your hybrid battery, probably the most expensive battery you will own, and therefore the resale value of your hybrid vehicle. Pluggable Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), including both an electric motor, a large rechargeable battery, and a gasoline engine, are outselling the more expensive EVs in the United States.
 
You will learn how to use a zero-cost app and a low-cost On-Board Diagnostics (ODB) Bluetooth adapter to view the traction battery charge level as a percentage of the battery capacity whenever your vehicle is turned on. The app works with a variety of Hybrids and PHEVs from Toyota and associated brands. The app lists both the vehicle models and ODB Bluetooth adapters known to work with the app.
 
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 national APCUG Wednesday Workshops and Saturday Safaris, and contributes articles to APCUG's library of shared newsletter content.

PC Clinic in the Annex
Get hands-on help with your computer and technology problems from PATACS experts. Bring in your computer, and we'll help you lose the 'blues' - system slowdowns, unwanted programs, virus and malware. We can help install new RAM, optical drives, hard disks, and software. Be sure to read the Clinic Rules – click link: Clinic Rules
 
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 this link to join the meeting and use passcode 340191 (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces) or enter meeting ID 895 2587 0071 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode (preferred method), or dial in at 301-715-8592.

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Wednesday Team Bloch Conversation for June 25

By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) conducts a casual, drop-in conversation on Zoom every second Wednesday at 4:00. Each session is on a different topic.
 
The topic for Team Bloch's Wednesday afternoon chat on June 25 is National Public Radio, the Public Broadcasting System, and our local affiliates WETA and WETA Classical. These systems are potentially being undermined by a projected loss of federal funding. How does that affect you? Are you a regular listener or viewer? If so, what are your favorites?
 
You may listen in as a lurker or add to the discussion—up to you—but we encourage you to voice your thoughts; that way we all benefit and learn from each other.
 
The Zoom link is always found in the OLLI daily schedule email on the relevant morning. Log on and join us on June 25 or any future session.
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

Creech                                                                       
 
I heard its kik-kik-kikkik above
ever-present traffic sounds
whatever it might be
but couldn’t quite identify the sound
large bird, big voice box
guessing a heron, no,
lacking water close by
then a fast rat-a-tat-tat
of sharp beak on wood
trusty Merlin
brought me the answer
a pileated woodpecker
within a dense stand of deciduous trees
well hidden from my view
on about his business
of drumming
to declare his territory
      
                   – Jan Bohall

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Obituary: Sara Noblett Heyer

Sara “Sally” Noblett Heyer (formerly Sara Carey Noblett), OLLI member since 2020, passed away peacefully in Fairfax, Virginia, on May 22, 2025, after complications from a fall and recovery. Her husband of almost 61 years, Robert “Bob” Heyer, and sons John Heyer, Robin “Rob” Heyer, David Heyer, her sister Molly Stephens, and their families were tending her recovery process to the end. Sally was a most faithful, kind, and loving wife and “Mom” for all as we grew up, supporting many activities.

Sally was born on February 26, 1942, in Richmond, Virginia to Geroge W. Noblett Jr and Mary Penington Noblett and grew up in Kilmarnock, Virginia graduating high school from St. Margaret's School in Tappahannock in 1960. She then graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1964, where she met Bob Heyer. They were married right after graduation and proceeded to Naval Flight training in Pensacola, Florida, Meridian, Mississippi, and Kingsville, Texas. From there they moved around for 20 years with Navy tours in Jacksonville, Florida, Monterey, California, Lemoore, California, Cubi Point, Philippines, and Northern Virginia before Bob retired. Sally was the heart of our family, always a devoted wife, and mother, raising the three boys through many activities while Bob was flying with Navy cruises and temporary duties. He retired from the Navy in 1984; they remained in Burke, Virginia, and Fairfax Station, Virginia as the boys grew up. Sally did volunteer work in schools the boys attended and supported many soccer functions and band gigs. With a love for reading, Sally enjoyed working for a few years at the Crown Book store.

She is survived by husband Bob, sons John (wife Tricia and son Gavin), Robin (wife Kerry), David (son Jack and daughter Dalton) and sister Molly Stephens (sons Jeb and Harper, and daughters Brent and Grace) of Pawley’s Island, South Carolina.

A service and burial will be held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Burke, Virginia, on Sunday, June 15, at 3:00, with a reception afterward. More information is available at this link.

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Mason Jazz Camp FREE Concerts 2025


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


Mason Jazz Camp, coming up in two weeks, features FREE concerts during June 23-28! All concerts are free and open to the public. No tickets or camp registration are required. Just show up and enjoy the concert! All performances are at the Center for the Arts.

Mason Jazz Camp Faculty Showcase Mon, June 23, 3:30-4:30
Click here for information.

                

Juan Megna Tue, June 24, 3:30-4:30
Click here for information.

                

Alton Sencalar Wed, Jun 25, 3:30-4:30
Click here for information.

                

The US Navy Band Commodores Thu June 26, 3:30-4:30
Click here for information.

                

Student Showcase Fri, June 27, 2:00-4:00 (Note time)
Click here for information.

                

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances, June 13 through June 27


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

Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
(25-26 Season subscriptions to Great Performances now on sale)
 
Mason Summer Band Camp Final Concert 2025
Fri, Jun 20, 3:00
Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
Admission: Free and Open to the Public.
 
Mason Jazz Camp Faculty Showcase Mon, Jun 23, 3:30-4:30
The Mason Jazz Camp faculty perform a special showcase to open the camp! Click here for more information.
Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
Admission: Free and Open to the Public.
 
Juan Megna Tue, Jun 24, 3:30-4:30
Drummer and Percussionist. Click here for more information.
Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
Admission: Free and Open to the Public.
 
Alton Sencalar Wed, Jun 25, 3:30-4:30
American trombonist, composer, and educator.
Click here for more information.
Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
Admission: Free and Open to the Public.
 
The US Navy Band Commodores Thu Jun 26, 3:30-4:30
The Navy's premier jazz ensemble.
Click here for more information.
Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
Admission: Free and Open to the Public.
 
Mason Jazz Camp - Student Showcase 2025
Fri, Jun 27, 2:00
Mason Jazz camp student showcase to conclude the week-long camp!
Click here for more information.
Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
Admission: Free and Open to the Public.

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Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

No performances

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At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

Ordway Ballet Recital
Fri, Jun 13, 7:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $30, $27 Adult; $25, $22 Senior.

Virginia Dance Center: Dancing with Emotion
Sat, Jun 14, 12:00 and 5:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $25.

Back to Top of Page
For further details on any of the above events, see the CFA event calendar and the Hylton Center event calendar.

Back to Top of Page
 
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). 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. 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 Jun 14 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jun 16
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News?
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Poetry Reading Club – online
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Jun 17
 
 
 		 10:00 am
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 How to Zoom – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jun 18
 
 
 		 10:30 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Dabbling Artists Club – online
Spanish Club
Thu Jun 19
 
 		 11:50 am
 3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 All the News – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Jun 20
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Jun 21
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Jun 23
 
 		 10:00 am
10:00 am
 4:00 pm		 Board Game Club – online
Bridge Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Jun 24
 
 		  2:00 pm
 2:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Caregivers Support Group – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jun 25
 
 		 12:00 noon
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Theater Lovers’ Group – online
Thu Jun 26
 		  3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Jun 27
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Spanish Club
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat Jun 28 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, 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.

Back to Top of Page
 
OLLI E-News May 30, 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.

Dr. Peter Henriques, Mason Professor Emeritus of History, Expert on George Washington and Instructor of Many Popular OLLI Courses, Presented on George Washington and Slavery, May 14

May 30, 2025


Editor of the Week: David Gundry
Table of Contents
Alerts and Notices
 
  • Registration for the summer term is underway. The summer catalog is available on the website. Be sure to check the canceled, changed, and added list on the website.
  • Board of Directors meeting Friday, June 6, at 10:00, in person at Tallwood in TA-1 and via Zoom. All members are welcome.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, June 13; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, June 10, at 6:00.
Wednesday Conversation Topic for June 11
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators

For the Team Bloch Conversation on June 11, our topic will be "The Great Gatsby at the 100th Year Anniversary."

F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel was published by Scribners in April 1925, one hundred years ago. Did you know that it was not a commercial success at first? The first printing of 20,000 copies sold very slowly and the second printing had not yet sold out when Fitzgerald died in 1940 at age 44. What does the novel say about the times that we are living in today (if anything)?

We meet via Zoom every second Wednesday at 4:00 on the OLLI Chat Line. Any OLLI member is welcome to join us. The Zoom meeting link is found in the OLLI Daily Schedule on the mornings of our meetings.
 
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop
Fly Like a Bird
 
There is a relief in the photos of birds
a neighbor posts on our neighborhood blog.
I wonder,
         how do these fragile beings survive,
                  where are they flying to,
and my head, then even my body,
                  relaxes as I think
                  about flying with them
through openings in trees,
soaring in the sun,
fast flitting to shelter when it rains,
taking to the air quickly when
the ground becomes dangerous,
singing to other birds to let
them know what I see going on.
 
I cannot do that.
 
My mind can.
 
         – Betty Smith
 
Elizabeth (Betty) Smith was an active OLLI member since 2010, as well as the founder of the Memoir and More Writing Club. Although she moved to Colorado two years ago to be closer to a daughter, thanks to Zoom, Betty continued to participate in the OLLI Poetry Workshop. She was a creative and accomplished poet, as well as a willing resource for other writers. Betty passed away in September 2024. We honor her memory and her commitment to writing with one of her many beautiful poems.

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances, May 30 through June 14


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 the CFA ticket page link 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.
 

Back to Top of Page
At the Fairfax Campus Venues

Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
Pre-performance discussions will take place in Monson Grand Tier, which is located on the third level of the Concert Hall, 45 minutes prior to curtain. As seating is limited, a livestream will also be available on screens in the main lobby.

Fairfax Symphony Celebrates Zimmerman's 15th Anniversary
Elgar: Introduction and Allegro for Strings
Leshnoff: Concertante for 2 Violins and Orchestra (East Coast Premiere) with Chee-Yun and Kit Zimmerman, violin
Shostakovich: Symphony No.10
Sat, May 31, 8:00
Pre-performance discussion
Concert Hall
Admission: $65, $55, $40.

National Community Band Festival, Center for the Arts
Sat, Jun 7, Concert Hall:

  • City of Falls Church Concert Band, 3:00
  • Clarke County Community Band, 4:15
  • Main Street Community Band, 5:30
  • Arlington Concert Band, 6:45
  • Capital Wind Symphony, 8:00

 
Sun, Jun 8, Concert Hall:

  • Herndon Regional Wind Ensemble, 1:00
  • City of Fairfax Band, 2:15
  • Fairfax Wind Symphony, 3:00

Admission: $19 Adult, $14 senior (each day).

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Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

No performances

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At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

Manassas Chorale: Princesses and Pirates
Fri, May 30, 7:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $25, $23.

Virginia National Ballet Spring Recital
Sat, May 31, 3:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $35.

Boyle School of Irish Dance
Sun, Jun 1, 4:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $18.

Showcase Dance Recital
Sat, Jun 7, 4:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $30.

Axial Dance: The Most Magical Recital on Earth
Sun, Jun 8, 2:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $15.

Powerworx Dance: Power of Dance
Sun, Jun 8, 3:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $20 Adult, $15 Senior.

Manassas Ballet Theatre Recital
Thu, Jun 12, 7:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $20.

Ordway Ballet Recital
Fri, Jun 13, 7:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $30, $27 Adult; $25, $22 Senior.

Virginia Dance Center: Dancing with Emotion
Sat, Jun 14, 12:00 and 5:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $25.

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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). 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. 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 May 31 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jun 2
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News?
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Poetry Reading Club – online
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Jun 3
 
 
 		 10:00 am
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Large Program Planning Meeting
Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jun 4
 
 
 		 10:30 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Dabbling Artists Club – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Jun 5
 
 
 		 10:00 am
11:50 am
 3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Facilities Lunch
All the News – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Jun 6
 
 
 		  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 Jun 7 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jun 9
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News?
Board Game Club – online
Bridge Club
Poetry Writing Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Jun 10
 
 		  2:00 pm
 2:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Caregivers Support Group – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jun 11
 
 		 10:30 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Thu Jun 12
 
 		 11:50 am
 3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 All the News – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Jun 13
 
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
12:00 noon
 2:30 pm		 Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tallwood Book Club – online
Sat Jun 14 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, 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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OLLI E-News May 16, 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
Karen Wheeless described how recordings that were distributed to deployed WWII military through the Armed Forces Radio Service (AFRS) during a 1940s
27-month strike by musicians preserved thousands of classic performances on VDiscs; May 9

May 16, 2025


Editor of the Week: Paul Van Hemel
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • OLLI Personal Computer User Group 3rd Saturday meeting is May 17 (tomorrow), at 1:00, in person and via Zoom; check today's OLLI daily schedule email for link and other information.
  • Registration for the summer term begins May 20 and continues through the term. The summer catalog is available on the website. Be sure to check the canceled, changed, and added list on the website.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, May 30; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, May 27, at 6:00.

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The Story of Black Fairfax


By Camille Hodges, Board Member and E-News Staff Writer
 

The story of Black Fairfax has long been untold. The free Black population of Fairfax Court House dates to at least the 1820s. After the Civil War, newly freed Black citizens expanded the hamlet of Jermantown dramatically. Additional segregated neighborhoods, including School Street, which overlapped today's George Mason University, and Ilda, off Guinea Road, grew and thrived. In the second half of the nineteenth century, residents built schools, churches, and a cemetery. These families persevered under Jim Crow in the early twentieth century.
 
Etta Willson, Rita Colbert, Linneall Naylor, Rondia Prescott, and Jenee Lindner, authors of Black Communities of Fairfax: A History, discussed their book in presentations for OLLI Mason at the Civil War Interpretive Center at Historic Blenheim in Fairfax on April 7 and 14 as part of a three-part series.
 
Save the Date: LLT Program Planning Group to Meet May 27


By Patrica Bangs, LLT Program Planning Group Co-Coordinator


What: Literature, Languages/Writing, and Theater (LLT) Program Planning Group Meeting
When: Tuesday, May 27, 10:00-11:00 Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Via Zoom (see link below)

OLLI members, we need your thoughts and ideas. Whether you enjoy the classics or spy novels, sci-fi or memoirs, want to read poetry, learn a language, explore playwrights and the world of theater, or hone your writing skills, the LLT Program Planning Group would love to hear from you.

Please join us for our quarterly all-campus program planning group meeting for literature, languages/writing, and theater program planning May 27 at 10:00 via Zoom.

We will be reviewing past terms and planning for the winter 2026 term and beyond. All OLLI members can contribute to this excellent programming. Bring ideas for literature, theater, writing, or language programs, and possible instructor resources. And, of course, if you or anyone you know would like to join our group, here is your opportunity to see the process in action. Spread the word. See you on May 27.

The meeting Zoom link from Shannon Morrow, our staff program associate, is below. The link will also be available on the emailed daily schedule. If you would like to be added to our LLT mailing list for a reminder, please email Pat Bangs at: [email protected].
 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://gmu.zoom.us/j/99712233280
 
Meeting ID: 997 1223 3280
One tap mobile
+12678310333,,99712233280# US (Philadelphia)
+13017158592,,99712233280# US (Washington DC)
 
Dial by your location
        +1 267 831 0333 US (Philadelphia)
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
Find your local number: https://gmu.zoom.us/u/ac7ZFZ2Ho1








It’s heating up out there. If the HEAT INDEX is in the Caution Zone or above, consider limiting or avoiding time outdoors. Remember to check not only the time you leave but the time you plan to return. Many weather apps will report this hourly.
             
                                                      
(From the Healthcare Advisory Workgroup)
June Theater Picks: Something New and Something Old


By Norma Jean Reck, Theater Lovers’ Group Coordinator



Something New! Murder by the Numbers
A murder mystery dinner with yummy BBQ, a help-yourself beer wall, and a chance to be in the show is what awaits you when you join the Theater Lovers' Group (TLG) on Saturday, June 7 for the StageCoach Theatre Company's performance of the newly minted Murder by the Numbers at Ono Offshore in Chantilly. This original murder mystery takes place in Las Vegas in the 1960s. Author Wayne Kerr is on stage talking about his recently published book, a thriller, dealing with chance, intrigue, and betrayal. His fans are more interested in murder than autographs. A publicity stunt or real life? You will have to be there to find out. Tickets, which are $61.25/person, include the dinner and show but not refreshments. Tickets sell out fast and can be purchased online at stagecoachtc.com. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Dinner is at 6 and the show starts at 6:45.

Something Old: The Piano Lesson
A winner of Pulitzer Prize for Drama, The Piano Lesson is a play written by American playwright August Wilson in 1987, the fourth in his Pittsburgh Cycle. At the center of discussion is the family's heirloom piano that is decorated with designs carved by an enslaved ancestor showing the faces of the great grandfather's wife and son during enslavement. Bernice and her brother Boy Willie grapple with their differing views of the piano (with its own story) and questions about their lives. What do you do with a legacy? How do you put it to best use? TLG will attend the 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, June 14 at 1st Stage. There are still some $25 tickets left. Phone 703-854-1856 to get yours. There will be a Meet the Cast talk back after the show, followed by dinner at a nearby restaurant. Remember that guests are always welcome.

Editor's Note: At the author’s request, all words are published unedited, exactly as submitted.
Program Update for Computer Club Meeting May 17


By Paul Howard, OPCUG Program Chair


The Computer Club (OLLI Personal Computer User Group, or OPCUG) 3rd Saturday meeting May 17 presentation by Rob Pegoraro has an updated description. The Zoom session opens at 12:45.

2025 In Tech: What Fresh Hell Is This? Presented by Rob Pegoraro
Yes, so many things seem kind of terrible right now. Between Trump's tariffs and his crusade against environmental-protection policies, even a tablet or a TV purchase isn't what it used to be. I'll talk about what's going on right now, what you can do about it (spoiler alert: sometimes nothing), and what's actually getting better in the tech universe.

Biographical information for Rob Pegoraro can be found in the Computer Club meeting announcement in the May 9 E-News issue: click here.

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Photo of the Month
The May 2025 Photo of the Month theme was close-ups. We selected Cookie (Ellen) Hilert's photo "Duckling: Pond at Burke Center" 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

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Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

MY BROTHER, MY FRIEND
 
you birthed your own demons
in the teen years, a horrific accident
self-medicated with alcohol
the garage now your private bar
 
kept a job, brought home the bacon,
never a DUI. But when you
menaced your wife, that final straw
woke you to action
 
thirty years hence, no longer lost to me
reborn sans alcohol, easy to forget
the dark days, the shovel attack
a story now relived with laughter
 
a new person, full of epiphanies
more alike than different, we
no longer rivals
but siblings-and-friends
our twilight years upon us,
time together our treasure to stow
 
                        –Margie Wildblood

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances, May 16 through May 31


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

Center for the Arts, Concert Hall

No performances

Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

No performances

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At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre: The Lightning Thief – The Percy Jackson Musical
Fri, May 16, 7:00
Sat, May 17, 7:00
Sun, May 18, 2:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $25 Adult, $20 Senior.
 
American Festival Pops Orchestra: Armed Forces Day Celebration
Sat, May 17, 8:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance
Merchant Hall
Admission: $60, $51, $36.
 
Northern Virginia Ballet: Peter and the Wolf plus Paquita
Sat, May 24, 4:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $35 Adult, $30 Senior.
 
Manassas Chorale: Princesses and Pirates
Fri, May 30, 7:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $25, $23.
 
Virginia National Ballet: Spring Recital
Sat, May 31, 3:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $35.

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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). 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. 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 May 17
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer Club
Mon May 19
 
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Poetry Writing Club – online
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue May 20
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed May 21
 
 
 
 
 		 10:00 am
10:00 am
10:30 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 4:00 pm		 Board Games Club – online
Bridge Club
Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Dabbling Artists
Spanish Club
Thu May 22
 
 
 
 		 10:00 am
 
11:50 am
 3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Humanities Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group Meeting
All the News – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri May 23
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat May 24 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon May 26 11:00 am Poetry Reading Club – online
Tue May 27
 
 
 
 		 10:00 am
 
 2:00 pm
 3:45 pm
 4:30 pm		 Literature, Theater, and Writing/Languages Program Planning Group Meeting
Chair Yoga and More – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed May 28
 
 
 
 
 		 10:00 am
10:00 am
10:30 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Board Games Club – online
Bridge Club
Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu May 29
 
 
 		 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 May 30
 
 
 
 		  9:00 am
 9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Walk & Talk Club
Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat May 31 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, 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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OLLI E-News May 9 2025
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
OLLI Annual Business Meeting with Farewell for Jennifer Disano, Followed by Picnic; Tallwood, May 2

May 9, 2025


Editor of the Week: John Nash
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • You should have received an email with a link allowing you to cast your ballot for the Board election between now and May 16. If you did not receive this email, contact the OLLI office at [email protected].
  • Board of Directors meeting via Zoom and in-person at Tallwood, Friday, May 16. All OLLI members are welcome.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, May 16; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, May 13, at 6:00.

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From the Desk of the Executive Director 
  

By Jennifer Disano, Executive Director



OLLI Mason Appoints Lisa Mariam as New Executive Director

OLLI Mason is pleased to announce the appointment of seasoned nonprofit leader Lisa Mariam as its new executive director, effective June 2, 2025. Selected from over 70 applicants after an extensive national search, Mariam will step in as I step down to pursue collaboration with George Mason University’s Watershed Lit Radio Literary Podcast at UpstartCrow.org and serve as a consultant for nonprofits. I will provide transition support during Mariam’s first week to ensure a smooth handover.

Welcoming Lisa Mariam 
Lisa said, “I am deeply honored and energized to join OLLI Mason as its next Executive Director. OLLI Mason is renowned for its diverse classes—from arts to investing—along with clubs, events, and travel opportunities for older adults. It fosters vibrant longevity through mental, social, and physical engagement. I’m excited to work with the Board, staff, and community partners to build on OLLI’s legacy, ensuring it remains a premier center for lifelong learning in Northern Virginia and a national model for holistic programming.”

Mariam brings extensive experience from her current role managing the Challenge America Program at the National Endowment for the Arts, administering grants to underrepresented communities. Previously, as senior director of grants and services at ArtsFairfax, she launched the Arts for Life initiative, expanded the grants program, and forged public-private partnerships. Her career began at the National Gallery of Art, organizing travel exhibits. Mariam is also an active volunteer, serving on the Fairfax Master Arts Plan Task Force, Fairfax 50+ Plan, and the Board of the McLean Community Center.

OLLI President Debbie Engleson, who led the search committee, said “Lisa’s strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and alignment with OLLI’s mission make her the ideal choice to lead us forward. Her community connections and expertise in growing membership and partnerships will guide OLLI into its next chapter.”

We are thrilled to welcome Lisa Mariam as our new Executive Director. Her leadership and passion for community engagement will advance OLLI’s commitment to lifelong learning.

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Computer Club
3rd Saturday, May 17
Tech Journalist Rob Pegoraro
Google Gmail Web Interface


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, May 17, in person and via Zoom. The Zoom session opens at 12:45.         

Tech Update – What’s New—Presented by Rob  Pegoraro
Rob Pegoraro writes about interesting problems and possibilities in computers, gadgets, apps, services, telecom, and other things that beep or blink. He’s covered such developments as the evolution of the cell phone from 1G to 5G, the fall and rise of Apple, Google’s growth from obscure Yahoo rival to verb status, and the transformation of social media from CompuServe forums to Facebook’s billions of users. Pegoraro has met most of the founders of the internet and once received a single-word email reply from Steve Jobs. 

A D.C.-based journalist, Rob Pegoraro was the Washington Post personal-tech columnist from 1999 to 2011. He has contributed to USA Today, Discovery News, PCMag, Boing Boing, Ars Technica, and other publications. Incessant interlocutor on Twitter, occasional radio/TV/podcast guest. Also: dad, husband, cook, gardener, cyclist, etc.

Google Mail Web Interface—Presented by Geof Goodrum
Geof Goodrum will provide a live tour of the Google Mail (Gmail) web interface and the many settings and features available to make managing your email easier, including how to create and use labels, filters, and templates.

Geof is a retired U.S. government scientist and technology enthusiast who has been active in computer user groups since 1984. He has been a user and advocate of the GNU (GNU’s Not Unix)/Linux operating system and open source software since 1994 with professional experience as a programmer, system administrator, network administrator, data engineer, system engineer and system architect. Geof also enjoys hiking and completed a thru hike of the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail in 2018.

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 this link to join the meeting and use passcode 340191 (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces) or enter meeting ID 8681 36 20 720 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode (preferred method), or dial in at 301-715-8592.

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Wednesday Team Bloch Conversation— May 14
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) conducts a casual, drop-in conversation on Zoom every second week on Wednesday at 4:00. Each session is on a different topic.

The topic for Team Bloch's Wednesday afternoon chat on May 14 is "Book Recommendations." This is a popular and oft-repeated topic that everyone seems to enjoy discussing and sharing suggestions. What book(s) have you read in the last six months that you would recommend to others and why?

You may listen in as a lurker or add to the discussion—it's up to you—but we encourage you to voice your thoughts; that way we all benefit and learn from each other.

The zoom link is always found in the Daily Schedule on the relevant morning. Log on and join us on May 14 or any future session.
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

Sands

If I were to fill an hourglass
I would gather the sands
from all the beaches
I have walked at dawn.
Windblown through my hair
nestled between my toes
captured in seashell treasures
or folded within the wet hem
of a child’s pants.
And these sands
would mark my time
until they dwindle
to a single grain.

                       – Jacqueline Davey

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Obituary

Elizabeth (Betty) Smith


Word has reached OLLI that a longtime and highly regarded OLLI member, Betty Smith, has died in Colorado. Betty joined OLLI in 2010 and was an active participant in the literature program. As a retired newspaper and book editor, she was a sterling resource for us in questions of grammar, syntax, and nuances of tone. She moderated a memoir class for OLLI for many years, and edited OLLI Ink, our annual literary journal, until 2019. Betty moved to Colorado in 2023 to be near one of her two daughters and grandchildren. She died on September 6, 2024.

Remembrances:

"Always honest, ever modest, an accomplished poet and editor, Betty helped many with their writing. I was lucky enough to be one of them. I miss her mightily.” Ed Sadtler

“Betty was a cherished companion in the wise reading of ancient works of Greek literature.” Donna Osthaus

“Betty was a stalwart part of the Poetry Workshop and we remember her well: her keen eye for nature, her take on Middle English language, her sense of humor, and her firm sense of what was right.” Jan Bohall

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances, May 9 through May 18


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

Center for the Arts, Concert Hall

No Performances
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

School of Music Honors Recital 2025
Sat, May 10, 8:00
Harris Theatre
Admission: Free.

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At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre: The Lightning Thief –
The Percy Jackson Musical
Fri, May 9, 7:00
Sat, May 10, 7:00
Sun, May 11, 2:00
Fri, May 16, 7:00
Sat, May 17, 7:00
Sun, May 18, 2:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $25 Adult, $20 Senior.

Manassas Ballet Theatre: The Sleeping Beauty
Fri, May 9, 7:30
Sat, May 10, 3:00 & 7:30
Sun, May 11, 3:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $75; $65; $55; $45.

American Festival Pops Orchestra: Armed Forces Day Celebration
Sat, May 17, 8:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance
Merchant Hall
Admission: $60, $51, $36.

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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). 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., 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 May 10 10:30 am Tai Chi Club – online
Mon May 12
 		  9:30 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue May 13
 
 		  2:00 pm
 3:45 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed May 14
 
 
 
 
 
 
 		 11:50 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm
 1:30 pm
 1:45 pm
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Dabbling Artists Club
Spanish Club
Memoir and More Writers Group – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu May 15
 
 		 11:50 am
 3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 All the News
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri May 16
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
 2:00 pm		 Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Classic Literature Club – online
Sat May 17
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer Club
Mon May 19
 
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News? – online
Poetry Writing Club – online
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue May 20
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed May 21
 
 
 
 
 		 10:00 am
10:00 am
10:30 am
12:00 noon
 1:30 pm
 4:00 pm		 Board Games Club – online
Bridge Club
Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Dabbling Artists
Spanish Club
Thu May 22
 
 
 
 		 10:00 am
 
11:50 am
 3:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Humanities Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group Meeting
All the News – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri May 23
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Sat May 24 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, 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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OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE
AT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY

4210 Roberts Rd. Fairfax, VA 22032-1028
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