Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

OLLI E-News (Weekly Newsletter)

E-News-July-23-2021

OLLI E-News July 23, 2021
Print a condensed .pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
OLLI Board of Directors Meeting, July 16

July 23, 2021


Editor of the Week: David Gundry
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, July 30; regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, July 27, at 6:00.

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OLLI President's Message July 23:
Construction Progress


By Paul Howard, President
 

I have been at Tallwood the past week to continue updating some of OLLI’s computers for application in the hybrid class process. By noon on July 19, a team of six Mason carpenters had created a forest of 6 x 6 vertical timber posts for the new ramp (see accompanying photo). This was notable given that only the concrete piers were visible just the prior afternoon.

On July 17, we had the first hybrid trial with an audience other than the Audiovisual Support Committee team. It went well, providing us with a number of lessons learned as we continue our learning curve toward solutions for our ultimate return to campus.

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Summary of July Board of Directors Meeting



By Rita Way, Secretary



The regular meeting of the Board of Directors was held July 16, 2021.

OLLI President Paul Howard reported that renovations and construction of a ramp at Tallwood are progressing. Since early May the Audiovisual/Tech Support committee, with the assistance of members of the Potomac Area Technology and Computer Society (PATACS), has been holding ongoing sessions to install equipment that will allow OLLI to go hybrid when members return to class. The first live trial was Saturday, July 17th. Paul reviewed a preliminary analysis of some possible options for Zoom/hybrid/in-person operations when that return becomes feasible.

Executive director Jennifer Disano reported that OLLI membership enrollment met expectations for summer and she looks forward to a surge in membership for the fall term. Jennifer has been working with the Development Committee to find ways to apply for grants. They would be used to help with the changes in technology to improve delivery of classes to our members.

Jennifer has been attending ongoing meetings with the dean, directors, and other administrators at Mason, and with government entities in Fairfax, Reston, and Loudoun. She has been collaborating with AARP to present classes this summer.

Currently there are 1,038 annual members (among whom are 109 at the promotional rate). Total membership is 1,046, which includes the 1,038 annual members and 8 members at the introductory rate.

Three resolutions were unanimously approved by the Board.

Resolution, 210716-01: The Board now requires that all contracts $10,000 and above must be signed by the executive director and a member of the Executive Committee. Resolution, 210716-02: The Board approves the transfer of two designated contributions totaling $22,750 from the Reserve Account to the Capital Technology Fund. The first designated contribution of $15,000 is from a grant from the OSHER Foundation. The second designated contribution of $7,750 is from an OLLI member. Resolution, 210716-03; The Board approves official signers (board officers and executive director) to establish a credit card through Capitol One Bank for use by executive director and staff.
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

FORGOTTEN TREASURES

Hot, stale, dusty attic vaults
Cobwebbed window treatments
Wooden boxes, cedar trunks hiding
artifacts stashed for future discovery
Rusty hinges creak, scrape
Belching dust eddies into the air
Hesitant to liberate valuables
entombed for preservation.

Vintage oilcloths, cracked, stained
Threadbare muslin aprons with
Faded rick-rack trim. Frayed napkins
Dotted with coffee stains, grape jam
Used day-in, day-out by chapped
Worn, loving hands – the heart of
Home in the kitchen.

Cleansed in mountain rainwater
Dried in fresh, pure sunshine
Ironed crisp, a safety pin, peppermint,
or twisty tie dropped in apron pocket.
Pounds of beans, potatoes, flour –
Food for eight. Through the years
Whittled down to two, one, then none.
 

                               Margie Wildblood

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Arts & Music at George Mason
No Performances until September


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


 
Virtual Performances
Although Mason’s Fairfax campus is shut down, online entertainment and events at the Hylton Center continue for us to access and enjoy (https://hylton.calendar.gmu.edu/). Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just send an email to Brianna Schoen at bschoen@gmu.edu. 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.

All Mason Arts & Music events are postponed until September.
 
Meetings & Clubs

Please note: Physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled until further notice in accordance with Mason’s guidelines. OLLI is conducting its classes and activities online. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates and check the OLLI calendar for revised 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 but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
 
Sat Jul 24 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Tue Jul 27  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Wed Jul 28
 		  2:00 pm
 6:00 pm		 Memoir and More Writing Group
Ethnic Eats Club
Thu Jul 29  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Fri Jul 30
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am		 Craft and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Sat Jul 31 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Mon Aug 2  9:30 am What’s in the Daily News?
Tue Aug 3  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Wed Aug 4 10:00 am Mah Jongg Club
Thu Aug 5
 		 11:50 am
 4:30 pm		 All the News
Tai Chi Club
Fri Aug 6  9:30 am Craft and Conversation
Sat Aug 7 10:30 am Tai Chi Club

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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.

Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich, Roz Stark, Jane Hassell

Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: ollienewseditor@gmail.com.
Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words.
Search E-News: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News at ENews Archives. To search the content within issues, use Search or enter your search term(s) in Google followed by “site:olli.gmu.edu/” without the quotes.

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E-News-July-16-2021

OLLI E-News July 16, 2021
Print a condensed .pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.

Town Hall with Virginia State Legislators, July 8

Hosted by Executive Director Jennifer Disano

and Board Member Camille Hodges

July 16, 2021


Editor of the Week: Paul Van Hemel
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • Reminder: OLLI Personal Computer User Group (OPCUG) meeting via Zoom Saturday, July 17 (tomorrow!), at 1:00; for details click here. Zoom link and other meeting information appears in the Daily Schedule email for July 16-17 and in Zoom class links at the member portal.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, July 23; regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, July 20, at 6:00.

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OLLI's Plan for Return to Campus . . .
By Paul Howard, President and Jennifer Disano, Executive Director
. . . awaits information and direction from George Mason University. On June 30, Mason submitted material to Virginia governmental authorities, which will, when approved, serve as the foundation for our return. An ad hoc committee of OLLI members with medical expertise will be reviewing what we receive from Mason to ensure that the issues of our demographic are appropriately considered. The committee will produce a report with recommendations for the OLLI Board, which will then provide direction for our staff to act on in getting us back to activities and classes. It is currently our belief that we’ll be able to begin some of our programming face-to-face on a trial basis in the fall term.

Beginning in late May, the Audiovisual/Tech Support Committee, with the assistance of members of the Potomac Area Technology and Computer Society (PATACS), have been holding two sessions most weeks for trial methods of holding ‘hybrid’ classes. This includes testing newly-installed video cameras in TA‑1, acquiring accessory equipment to allow input and output of sound and video to our computers connected to classroom displays and Zoom, and working through the many issues that in-person and remote audiences entail. Our first ‘live trial’ will be on July 17, with a small meeting team in TA‑1 for the OPCUG/PATACS joint meeting. One presenter will be ‘in person’ in the room, and the second via Zoom, along with a remote Zoom audience.

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Photo of the Month

The July 2021 Photo of the Month theme was pets. We selected Ed Marion's photo "Will You Be My Pal?" 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 Coordinators

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Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop


                                   Maternal Instinct

                                   Vixen’s laser gaze
                                   Watching over her five kits
                                   Romping and darting
                                   As if on new yoyo strings
                                   She protecting, nurturing
                                  
                                                 Sally Sibley
 

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Arts & Music at George Mason
No Performances until September


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


 
Virtual Performances
Although Mason’s Fairfax campus is shut down, online entertainment and events at the Hylton Center continue for us to access and enjoy. Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just send an email to Brianna Schoen at bschoen@gmu.edu. 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.

All Mason Arts & Music events are postponed until September.
 
 
Meetings & Clubs

Please note: Physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled until further notice in accordance with Mason’s guidelines. OLLI is conducting its classes and activities online. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates and check the OLLI calendar for revised 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 but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
 
Sat Jul 17
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club
Personal Computer User Group
Tue Jul 20  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Wed Jul 21  4:00 pm Mah Jongg Club
Thu Jul 22  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Fri Jul 23
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Craft and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Photography Club
Sat Jul 24 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Tue Jul 27  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Wed Jul 28
 		  2:00 pm
 6:00 pm		 Memoir and More Writing Group
Ethnic Eats Club
Thu Jul 29  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Fri Jul 30
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am		 Craft and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Sat Jul 31 10:30 am Tai Chi Club

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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.

Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich, Roz Stark, Jane Hassell

Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: ollienewseditor@gmail.com.
Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words.
Search E-News: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News at ENews Archives. To search the content within issues, use Search or enter your search term(s) in Google followed by “site:olli.gmu.edu/” without the quotes.

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E-News-July-9-2021

OLLI E-News July 9, 2021
Print a condensed .pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
 
Dr. Timothy Mulligan, Formerly of National Archives, 
Examines the Battle of Britain 1940‑41, June 23‑30

July 9, 2021


Editor of the Week: John Nash
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • Meeting of the OLLI Board of Directors via Zoom Friday, July 16, at 10:00. Link and meeting information will be available in the July 16 OLLI daily schedule email. All members are welcome.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, July 16; regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, July 13, at 6:00.

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Computer Club

3rd Saturday, July 17 via Zoom
Getting Started on Your Family History
Virginia State Parks and Avenza Maps

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 17 via Zoom. Program activities begin at 1:00.

Getting Started on Your Family History – Presented by Amy Breedlove. This session provides basic information on documenting your family history. The speaker covers what to do first, as in figuring out what you and/or your family already knows. Next steps include figuring out what information is missing and what you want to look for first, determining what types of records may hold that information, who created those records, and where they may be available. Next, she briefly discusses the research process itself and where you can do the research. There follows a list of hints to keep you out of genealogical trouble and, finally, she presents some types of technology aids available to genealogists.

Amy Breedlove is a native Virginian and has lived in northern Virginia her whole life. She’s a Mason graduate in history and a retired career federal employee. She got interested in genealogy at age nine.  She is a member of several historical societies and many genealogical societies at the national, state, and local levels, including the Mount Vernon Genealogical Society. She’s not a professional genealogist or speaker but is always willing to answer questions.

Learn in 30: Virginia State Parks and Avenza Maps – Presented by John Krout. In this presentation, you will learn about the fascinating Virginia state parks and the new availability of park trail maps online, using the Avenza Maps app for Android and Apple portable devices. The state parks are scattered across Virginia, with several within a 90‑minute drive from the Washington DC metro region. Almost all the state parks feature hiking and biking trails, and some permit horseback riding. Most provide water recreation, such as river, bay or lake access, rental boats and kayaks, swimming pools, water parks, and fishing ponds.

You will learn how to use Avenza Maps to find and download Virginia State Parks maps, how to select a downloaded map for use, how to mark your parking spot or any other interesting location on the map for easy return, and how to record your hiking/riding track on the map.
PATACS member John Krout is an avid photographer and a frequent presenter at our joint meetings.

See full details on this meeting by clicking here. For information on the Computer Club, see the OPCUG Website. OPCUG dues are $5 for 2021—see http://olligmu.org/opcug/comm.html for details on making payment.

Attend via Zoom’s cloud meeting service, beginning at 1:00. Please click this link to join the meeting and use passcode 217154, or enter meeting ID 827 0407 4246 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode.

Course Proposals for Upcoming Terms



 By Nancy Klein, Communications and Program Associate


Thinking of teaching a course or know someone who would be willing to join the ranks of our fabulous OLLI Mason instructors, like those shown below? Proposals for future terms are due as follows—
       Winter 2022: July 26
       Spring 2022: October 8
For additional information, check out the Instructor Resources page on the OLLI website by clicking here. Thanks!

Reston Book Club: Switch in Order of Books for Fall Term

 
Nancy Scheeler and Luci Martel, Reston Book Club coordinators
Nancy Scheeler and Luci Martel, co-leaders of the Reston Book Club, announce a switch in order of books for discussion for fall term. It is too late to make this switch in the printed catalog.
 
On September 23, the club will discuss Anxious People by Fredrik Backman. On October 21, the book will be Disappearing Earth by Julia Phillips. This reversal is due to travel plans for Luci and Nancy.
 
The last book discussed during fall term will be Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart, as originally planned.
 
Members of the Reston Book Club gathered in person on June 17 for lunch at Cafe Montmartre on Lake Anne Plaza in Reston (see picture). The group plans to continue to meet via Zoom, with occasional in-person lunches scheduled during the year.
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

ON THE 4TH OF JULY

I heard the sound of fireworks
A neighbor thrilling his kids
 
I went outside
Sat on the stoop
 
I thought to be a kid again
 
And in the corner of my eye
I saw a firefly
 
Nature’s fireworks are not so loud
But they are equally a delight

                       Melvin Axilbund                 

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Arts & Music at George Mason
No Performances until September


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


 
Virtual Performances
Although Mason’s Fairfax campus is shut down, online entertainment and events at the Hylton Center continue for us to access and enjoy. Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just send an email to Brianna Schoen at bschoen@gmu.edu. 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.

All Mason Arts & Music events are postponed until September.
 
 
Meetings & Clubs

Please note: Physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled until further notice in accordance with Mason’s guidelines. OLLI is conducting its classes and activities online. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates and check the OLLI calendar for revised 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 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 Jul 10 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Tue Jul 13  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Wed Jul 14  2:00 pm Memoir and More Writing Group
Thu Jul 15  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Fri Jul 16
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am		 Craft and Conversation
Board of Directors Meeting
Homer, etc.
Sat Jul 17
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club
Personal Computer User Group
Tue Jul 20  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Wed Jul 21  4:00 pm Mah Jongg Club
Thu Jul 22  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Fri Jul 23
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Craft and Convrsation
Homer, etc.
Photography Club
Sat Jul 24 10:30 am Tai Chi Club

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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.

Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich, Roz Stark, Jane Hassell

Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: ollienewseditor@gmail.com.
Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words.
Search E-News: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News at ENews Archives. To search the content within issues, use Search or enter your search term(s) in Google followed by “site:olli.gmu.edu/” without the quotes.

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E-News-July-2-2021

OLLI E-News July 2, 2021
Print a condensed .pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
More Than 45 Participants Hear Braddock Supervisor James Walkinshaw Present Perspectives on Local Government, June 24

July 2, 2021


Editor of the Week: Sheri Siesseger 
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, July 9; regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, July 6, at 6:00.

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Fun Facts for OLLI’s 30-Year Anniversary


By Ray Beery, OLLI Member and Former President


In 2021, OLLI celebrates its 30th year of classes for seniors. This feature provides fun facts and interesting milestones about our institute each week that E-News is published throughout the first half of this year.

July 2
Learning in Retirement (LRI) had been publishing both the LRI Notices and the newsletter LRI Times. Because of the confusion in the names, the title for the newsletter was changed to the Tallwood Times beginning in 1997.

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Grab ‘n’ Gab Coffee Klatch on July 9: Let's Celebrate Independence Day


By Toni Acton, Member Services Committee Chair


Join your OLLI friends at the Grab ‘n’ Gab Coffee Klatch on Friday, July 9, from 10:00 to 11:30 to celebrate Independence Day! Share your memories of July 4th celebrations in the past. How did you celebrate this year? See how much you know with our July 4th Trivia Contest. Register for Event #1101 via the member portal or contact the registrar at ollireg@gmu.edu
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

Landscape With Cow in Distance, Painter Unknown                             
 
Calmness could have been the name of this
anonymous small oil painting, the cow not only
distant but indistinct, her grazing form
belonging to the field, blending with the
rough grass along the stream and a hazy
light descending through old trees.
 
It might be good to spend a summer afternoon
within its frame, seated on a low rock,
inconspicuous and almost out of sight.
Or wandering along the other side of the stream,
a small figure in brown unnoticed by the cow,
blending and belonging, also anonymous.
 
                                  Caroline McNeil
Arts & Music at George Mason
No Performances until September


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


 
Virtual Performances
Although Mason’s Fairfax campus is shut down, online entertainment and events at the Hylton Center continue for us to access and enjoy. Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just send an email to Brianna Schoen at bschoen@gmu.edu. 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.

All Mason Arts & Music events are postponed until September.
 
Meetings & Clubs

Please note: Physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled until further notice in accordance with Mason’s guidelines. OLLI is conducting its classes and activities online. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates and check the OLLI calendar for revised 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 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 Jul 3 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Tue Jul 6  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Wed Jul 7  4:00 pm Mah Jongg Club
Thu Jul 8
 		 12:15 pm
 4:30 pm		 Special Events Program Planning Group Meeting
Tai Chi Club
Fri Jul 9
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
 2:30 pm		 Photography Club
Craft and Conversation
Coffee Klatch: Independence Day Coffee and Trivia
Homer, etc.
Cooking Club
Tallwood Book Club
Sat Jul 10 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Tue Jul 13  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Wed Jul 14  2:00 pm Memoir and More Writing Group
Thu Jul 15  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Fri Jul 16
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am		 Craft and Conversation
Board of Directors Meeting
Homer, etc.
Sat Jul 17
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club
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.

Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich, Roz Stark, Jane Hassell

Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: ollienewseditor@gmail.com.
Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words.
Search E-News: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News at ENews Archives. To search the content within issues, use Search or enter your search term(s) in Google followed by “site:olli.gmu.edu/” without the quotes.

Back to Top of Page
 

E-News-June-25-2021

OLLI E-News June 25, 2021
Print a condensed .pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
Board of Directors Meeting with Newly­‑Elected Directors, June 18
(See Summary Article Below)

June 25, 2021


Editor of the Week: David Gundry
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

 
  • Summer term has begun and runs through July 30. If you are registered for a course/event you cannot attend or no longer want, please contact the registrar (email ollireg@gmu.edu) and drop it.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, July 2; regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, June 29, at 6:00.
  • As a reminder, OLLI classes will not be held on Monday July 5, in observance of Independence Day.

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Fun Facts for OLLI’s 30-Year Anniversary



By Ray Beery, OLLI Member and Former President


In 2021, OLLI celebrates its 30th year of classes for seniors. This feature provides fun facts and interesting milestones about our institute each week that E-News is published throughout the first half of this year.

June 25
A five-year contract for the use of the Fairfax swimming pool parking lot was signed in 1996.

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Summary of the Board of Directors Meeting
June 18



By Rita Way, Secretary



President Paul Howard opened the meeting by welcoming the newly elected board members, Toni Acton, Zachary Teich, Camille Hodges, Debby Mossburg, and Charles Silver.

The first order of business was the election of board officers. A vote was taken by virtual technology and ballots counted by Mike Sargent of Earthcare. Lillian Brooks, chair of the Governance Committee, announced the results as follows:

President – Paul Howard
Vice President– Mel Russell
Secretary – Rita Way
Treasurer – David Osterman

Executive Director Jennifer Disano reported that ramp construction at Tallwood has started. Much activity is happening at the site and the new ramp is taking shape. Additionally, the Audiovisual Committee (“Tom Swift Club”) is working in TA-1 to improve equipment in our classrooms. As of now, all classes for summer and fall are planned to be held on zoom.

The promotional rate of $300 is working to bring in new members. However, the membership is in a downward trend and all members are encouraged to promote OLLI. Word of mouth is the best marketing tool.

Site assistants and staff have been working long hours to prepare for summer and fall terms with very little turnaround time. Please give kudos to them at your next opportunity.

More help is needed producing the catalog. Several editors and proofreaders have moved on to other activities. Putting out the catalog is a very large project and it is an important marketing tool.

The old OLLI Handbook is now titled, The OLLI Manual. Lillian Brooks and the Governance Committee have worked very hard to bring the manual up to date. This will be an ongoing process.

Current OLLI membership is 1,034 (1,030 full members and 4 introductory members).
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

Birding

Once I hiked up mountains
Armed with binoculars
Tripod camera and patience
Scanning the skies
To spy on birds

Once I traveled the world
Barging into remote forests
Bug spray camouflage  
Worn jeans field guide
Following faint trails
To spy on birds

Once I haunted marshes
Early morning ghost
Ready with spotting scope
Tidal charts coffee
Lurking in the reeds
To spy on birds

Now I walk softly
Through subdued woods
Sit quietly in parks
Set out feeders and suet
So birds can come
To spy on me

                       Betty Webb   

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Arts & Music at George Mason

No Performances until September


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


 
Virtual Performances

Although Mason’s campus is shut down, online entertainment continues for us to access and enjoy. Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just send an email to Brianna Schoen at bschoen@gmu.edu. 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.

All Mason Arts & Music events are postponed until September.
 
Meetings & Clubs

Please note: Physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled until further notice in accordance with Mason’s guidelines. OLLI is conducting its classes and activities online. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates and check the OLLI calendar for revised 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 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 Jun 26 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Tue Jun 29  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Wed Jun 30
 		  2:00 pm
 6:00 pm		 Memoir and More Writing Group
Ethnic Eats Club
Thu Jul 1  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Fri Jul 2  9:30 am
11:00 am		 Craft and Conversation
Homer, Etc.
Sat Jul 3 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Tue Jul 6  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Wed Jul 7  4:00 pm Mah Jongg Club
Thu Jul 8
 		 12:15 pm
 4:30 pm		 Special Events Program Planning Group Meeting
Tai Chi Club
Fri Jul 9
 
 
 
 
 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
 2:30 pm		 Photography Club
Craft and Conversation
Coffee and Trivia
Homer, etc.
Cooking Club
Tallwood Book Club
Sat Jul 10 10:30 am Tai Chi Club

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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.

Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich, Roz Stark, Jane Hassell

Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: ollienewseditor@gmail.com.
Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words.
Search E-News: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News at ENews Archives. To search the content within issues, use Search or enter your search term(s) in Google followed by “site:olli.gmu.edu/” without the quotes.

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E-News-June-18-2021

OLLI E-News June 18, 2021
Print a condensed .pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.

Science, Technology, and Health
Program Planning Group Meeting, June 10:
Thinking Ahead to Early 2022!

June 18, 2021


Editor of the Week: Paul Van Hemel
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • The Computer Club (OLLI Personal Computer User Group, or OPCUG) meets Saturday, June 19 (tomorrow) at 1:00, via Zoom; meeting link and information appears in the OLLI June 18/19 daily schedule email.
  • Since the 2021 summer catalog was published, there have been a few updates reflecting canceled, changed, or added courses/events; see this link.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, June 25; regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, June 22, at 6:00.

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Fun Facts for OLLI’s 30-Year Anniversary


By Ray Beery, OLLI Member and Former President


In 2021, OLLI celebrates its 30th year of classes for seniors. This feature provides fun facts and interesting milestones about our institute each week that E-News is published throughout the first half of this year.

June 18
In 1996 Learning in Retirement Institute (LRI) made a grant to the George Mason University Foundation in honor of Abe Spero, LRI’s late legal counsel and a member of the Mason Board. Note: Chronology says two scholarships in names of K. Brooks and Abe Spero. In 1997, LRI approved a $1,500 scholarship for Mason’s New Century College in honor of Abe Spero, using funds donated to LRI.

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Share Your Family History with Mason Students!


By Camille Hodges, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Current Events Program Planning Group Co-Chair
 
We are happy to welcome Dr. Spencer Crew back to the Mason campus after his leave of absence to work as the Interim Head of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). He is currently looking for 10 OLLI members to participate in his fall 2021 course, “History of the Family.” This will involve being interviewed by students in his upcoming course, which will be in session from September-December. OLLI members who participated in this intergenerational exchange in the past described sharing their family history with Mason students as a personally rewarding experience. The class is currently scheduled to meet virtually on fall Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30-11:45. However, you will not be required to meet with students every week.
 
If you are interested in participating or want more details, please contact Dr. Crew at srcrew@gmu.edu.
 
Editor’s Note: This article first appeared in the June 4, 2021, issue. It is repeated here to encourage members to support the relationship between OLLI and Mason by exploiting the opportunity for a rewarding experience.

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One Hundred Years of Smiles



By John Nash, Editor and Staff Writer


“He was always smiling and joking,” recalled one OLLI member who knew Chester Myslicki. Chester, a previous long-time OLLI member, passed away recently (see Obituary).

I didn’t know Chester well other than to occasionally see him at Tallwood when he was an active OLLI member and when he participated in the annual OLLI Veterans Day programs. I became a little more familiar with him as I worked with his niece, Andrea Myslicki, to arrange for his Zoom presence as one of the honored guests at last year’s Veterans’ Day program I moderated. The Zoom image showed a truly delightful man who waved and grinned at his Zoom OLLI friends. And he had many!

Chester enjoyed many OLLI classes and even participated in some of Kathy West’s theater programs. “Chester was a mainstay of Readers Theater both in Tallwood and at Loudoun,” said Kathy. “I could always count on Chester to add an accent, costume, or funny gesture to every role he took on. I have many memories of Chester doing a sun-tan commercial and coming in in his bathing trunks, a towel, and sunglasses! He stood up and danced at a Murder Mystery at Church of the Good Shepherd!”

After many years serving overseas in Iran and other countries he retired and made OLLI his new home. He was a swimmer in the Senior Olympics and after competing many years into his mid-nineties he was always winning a gold medal, as he would laugh and point out that no one else was in his age group!

“Readers Theatre and all of his many theatre fans will greatly miss his gentle smile and his antics in all his roles. Oh, how I loved that man,” Kathy said.

Throughout his lifetime—and it was a generous 100 years—Chester conveyed a friendly, positive spirit and an encouraging—often humorous—attitude, enjoyed and appreciated by his many friends in OLLI. His experiences through his years, including service in World War II, proved he was definitely one of “the Greatest Generation.”

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Photo of the Month


The June 2021 Photo of the Month theme was Reflections. We selected Ed Rader's photo "Reflected Tree," 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 Coordinators

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Member Achievement: The Washington Post Features

Member Peter Ansoff is a vexillologist (one who studies the history and meaning of flags). He is president of the North American Vexillological Association. His knowledge and love of flags was the subject of an article about Flag Day published on the KidsPost page of The Washington Post on June 8; click on this link to read the item.

Recently, The Washington Post published poems on cicadas. The following poem by member Jan Bohall appeared on June 8:
In any time and motion study
The cicada would surely
Come out ahead.
While seventeen years
May be a long prep time
Once back, it gets right to work
At leaving a legacy.

The following poem by member Mike Mc Namara appeared on June 9:
Cicada swarms
Like fire alarms
Without the fire —
Are just suppressed desire.

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Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

Heading for the Fourth Cornice in the Time of Covid
 
Know that I am rushing, rushing, rushing in my own way
To overcome this slothfulness while I am yet alive
 
Alas, I am much like the men of Aeneas
Electing to end their travels in the cradle
Of Sicily, escaping the hardships of further strife
Thereby foregoing the glory of the founding of Rome.
(If you think that is glory. And some may not.)
 
But have I doomed myself to their afterlife
As a running shade if Dante Alighieri has his say
Where the slothful rush bootlessly back
The wrong way on Purgatorio’s fourth cornice
Ceaselessly shouting examples extolling
Those excellent beings who perpetually pursued
The righteous, the valuable, the good, the best.
 
Now I languish in sloth when I should arise,
I’ll face retribution another day.
                                 Betty Smith

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Obituary: Chester Myslicki

Long-time OLLI member Chester Myslicki died May 27 at his home in Tysons Corner. Chester joined OLLI in 1992 shortly after OLLI’s founding, and just last October celebrated his 100th birthday.

Chester was a US Army veteran, serving in the Signal Corps during WWII and later in occupied Japan. He attended the University of Michigan as an undergraduate and earned his master’s degree in economics there after his army career. He worked as an economist at the US Commerce Department, the Department of Labor, and the President’s Council of Economic Advisors. In later years, he went to Iran and Afghanistan with the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.

For many years, Chester was a fixture at OLLI Veterans Day celebrations where his exemplary military service was honored. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, June 26, at 10:30, at Money and King Funeral Home, 171 W. Maple Avenue, Vienna, VA. He will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Further information is available at this link.

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances, June 18 through July 5


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


 
Virtual Performances
Although Mason’s Fairfax campus is shut down, online entertainment and events at the Hylton Center continue for us to access and enjoy. Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just send an email to Brianna Schoen at bschoen@gmu.edu. 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. Information can also be found at CFA ticket purchase page, Center for the Arts YouTube Channel, or the Hylton ticket purchase page.
 
At the Fairfax Campus Venues

No events scheduled (all events in Fairfax are postponed until the end of September)
Mason Student & Faculty Performances
(see music.gmu.edu for additional student recitals)
 
No events scheduled (all events in Fairfax are postponed until the end of September)
At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

Virginia Dance Center: Dancing in Wonderland
Sat Jun 19, 11:00 and 3:30
Sun, Jun 20, 11:00 and 3:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $20.
For further details on any of the above events, see the CFA event calendar and the Hylton Center event calendar.
Meetings & Clubs

Please note: Physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled until further notice in accordance with Mason’s guidelines. OLLI is conducting its classes and activities online. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates and check the OLLI calendar for revised 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 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 Jun 19
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club
Personal Computer User Group
Tue Jun 22  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Thu Jun 24  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Fri Jun 25
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Craft and Conversation
Homer, Etc.
Photography Club
Sat Jun 26 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Tue Jun 29  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Wed Jun 30
 		  2:00 pm
 6:00 pm		 Memoir and More Writing Group
Ethnic Eats Club
Thu Jul 1  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Fri Jul 2  9:30 am
11:00 am		 Craft and Conversation
Homer, Etc.
Sat Jul 3 10:30 am Tai Chi Club

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About OLLI E-News

Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich, Roz Stark, Jane Hassell

Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: ollienewseditor@gmail.com.
Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words.
Search E-News: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News at ENews Archives. To search the content within issues, use Search or enter your search term(s) in Google followed by “site:olli.gmu.edu/” without the quotes.

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E-News-June-4-2021

OLLI E-News June 4, 2021
Print a condensed .pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.

OLLI Players: Younger than Spring, and Spring Has Sprung, May 2021.

June 4, 2021


Editor of the Week: Sheri Siesseger 
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • Priority registration for the summer term ended June 1, but registration continues on a space-available basis. The online catalog is available at this link.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, June 18. Submissions are due by 6:00 pm, Tuesday, June 15.

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From the Desk of the Executive Director: 
OLLI’s 30-Year Anniversary Teacher-Appreciation Event


By Jennifer Disano, Executive Director


Our annual OLLI Mason teacher-appreciation event (via Zoom) occurred on May 26 during this 30th anniversary of our institute’s founding. The event included remarks by OLLI President Paul Howard and Kathryn Russell of our Program Committee. Also speaking were special guests and OLLI instructors Dr. Peter Stearns, Mason University Professor/Provost Emeritus; John Rybicki, retired pastoral associate at the Riderwood retirement community in Maryland; Ben Gold, long-time docent at the US Supreme Court; and Dr. Linda Apple Monson, Director of Mason’s School of Music.

Dr. Stearns presented a great lecture on the history of pets, and Dr. Monson gave a wonderful piano performance. Fortunately, this event was recorded, and I encourage you to click on this link to share in appreciating OLLI’s terrific volunteer instructors and to enjoy the remarks and presentations by our special guests. You will be glad you did!
Fun Facts for OLLI’s 30-Year Anniversary


By Ray Beery, OLLI Member and Former President


In 2021, OLLI celebrates its 30th year of classes for seniors. This feature provides fun facts and interesting milestones about our institute each week that E-News is published throughout the year.

June 4
The open house on September 5, 1996, was held in “the most awful weather imaginable” due to Hurricane Fran. The electricity went on and off, but 100 people attended, and 11 were interested in joining the Learning in Retirement Institute (LRI). (LRI News Oct 96)

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Summary of Special OLLI Board of Directors Meeting, May 21


By Marguerite Johnson, Secretary


A special meeting of the OLLI Board of Directors was held May 21, 2021, to review and approve the replacement of the OLLI Board Handbook with the OLLI Policies and Procedures Manual.

Resolution 210521-01 "Resolved, that the Board approve the replacement of the OLLI Handbook with the OLLI Policies and Procedures Manual" passed with a unanimous vote.

Governance Committee chair Lillian Brooks stated that the Policies and Procedures Manual is the bedrock of the organization as it explains who we are and how we operate. This new document is more readable and up to date. Procedures that were unclear or missing have been added. President Paul Howard thanked Lillian and her team including Peter Ansoff, Janet Geffner, and Dick Crawford for all their hard work over the past 15 months.

The new Policies and Procedures Manual can be found on the OLLI website under Main Menu – Documents.
Loudoun and Reston Program Planning Groups to Meet June 8 and June 15
By Shannon Morrow, Program Associate
All OLLI members are welcome to join us for the next Loudoun Program Planning Group meeting on Tuesday, June 8, at 10:00. No experience necessary; we would love to have your ideas. Click this link to join the Zoom meeting on June 8 (meeting ID: 830 4090 2833; passcode 645321). Or dial in at 301-715-8592.

Please also join us on Tuesday, June 15 at 10:00 for the next Reston Program Planning Group meeting. Click here to join the Zoom meeting on June 15 (meeting ID: 846 5570 5699; passcode: 246810). Or dial in at 301-715-8592. Again, your ideas are encouraged.

Thank you.
Science, Technology, and Health Program Planning Group to Meet June 10
By Michele Romano, M.D., Science, Technology, and Health Program Planning Group Co-chair
The Science, Technology, and Health Program Planning Group will meet on Thursday, June 10, at 4:00 via Zoom. Please come with your thoughts and ideas for future courses and hear what is in the works for upcoming terms. If you are not presently a member and would like to join the group, we would love to have you. Please email me at tufax2@gmail.com and we will add you to the list. The Zoom link will be sent in a separate email, and it will also appear in the daily schedule email for June 10. We look forward to seeing you. 

Computer Club to Meet June 19

3rd Saturday, June 19 via Zoom
The History of Technology: From Fire to Fiber Optic
A Space to Work In—or Two or Three
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 19 at 1:00 via Zoom.

The History of Technology – Presented by Ray Van Dyke. From humankind’s earliest days, tools were key to survival. From the first days, technology has driven us to new heights, and many cultures have shared in this endeavor. This lecture will explore many of these contributions and showcase the acceleration of technological innovation. Contributions of the Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, and others, through to the critical revolutions of today, will all be discussed in a lively format, placing various inventors in their times.

Ray Van Dyke is an intellectual property/patent practitioner and educator in the Washington area.

Learn in 30: A Space to Work In—or Two or Three – Presented by Tom Gutnick. There's a great productivity feature that seems to be a secret, whether you're working with Windows, MacOS, or Linux. If you only ever do one thing at a time on your computer, you can skip this, but if you're frequently juggling lots of open windows for various projects, here's a way to work more effectively. Virtual desktops (also called spaces or workspaces or virtual displays) allow you to organize related windows into independent compartments, with a few clicks or keystrokes. Tom will show what it can do for you and how to set it up.
 
PATACS member Tom Gutnick is the owner of Sunny Banana IT Consulting—Technology without the Turmoil, and is an instructor at NOVA Community College. 
 
See full details on this meeting by clicking here. For information on the Computer Club, see the OPCUG Website. OPCUG dues are $5 for 2021—see http://olligmu.org/opcug/comm.html for details on making payment.

Attend via Zoom’s cloud meeting service, beginning at 1:00. Please click this link to join the meeting and use passcode 794756, or enter meeting ID 948 9296 8399 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode.
Photography Club to Meet June 11
   
By John Olsen and Edward Marion,
Photography Club Coordinators
Marie Joabar will be the guest speaker at the next meeting of the Photography Club, starting at 9:30 Friday, June 11. She will present tips and techniques for capturing the moon, snow scenes, waterfalls, and fireworks displays.

Marie has been immersed in photography and photography education for more than 20 years and is passionate about sharing her knowledge about photography, cameras, and digital technology with others. She finds just the right way to take complicated concepts and explain them in a logical, easy-to-understand way.

Marie founded Capital Photography Center in January 2012 to offer a range of photography classes taught by professional photographers and photographic educators.
 
In addition to running her business and teaching, Marie finds time to enjoy her own photography. Among her favorite subjects are people, both candid and posed; and country and city landscapes. Her work can be viewed on her website at www.mariejoabar.com.

Originally from Michigan, Marie has lived in Alexandria, Virginia, for the past 30+ years with her husband. 

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Tallwood Book Club to Meet June 11


By Betty Ellerbee, Tallwood Book Club Coordinator


The Tallwood Book Club will meet on the second Fridays during the summer months and throughout the fall.
 
The selection for discussion on June 11 is The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson. The July selection for discussion is Hamnet by Maggie O'Ferrell.
 
The meetings are from 2:30 until 4:00 via Zoom. Consult the emailed daily OLLI schedule for the meeting link and information.
Can You Help the Development Committee Find Grants?


By Angela Talaber, Development Committee Co-chair


The OLLI Development Committee recently met to plan a strategy for obtaining funds to help OLLI realize a hybrid program that will carry us into the future. One option is for OLLI to apply for grants from community-oriented partners.
 
Grants are highly competitive and, as such, much time and preparation is required to find grant opportunities, plan a project, and then develop a proposal. I am hoping that in our diverse membership there are members who have had grant experience and would be willing to assist OLLI in this effort. If you are that person, please contact Angie Talaber at talaber@comcast.net.

Thank you.
Share Your Family History with Mason Students!

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

We are happy to welcome Dr. Spencer Crew back to the Mason campus following his leave of absence working as the Interim Head of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). He is currently looking for 10 OLLI members to participate in his fall 2021 course, “History of the Family.” This will involve being interviewed by Mason students in his course, which will be in session from September to December. OLLI members who previously participated in this intergenerational exchange described sharing their family history with Mason students as a personally rewarding experience. The class is currently scheduled to meet virtually on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30-11:45. However, you will not be required to meet with students every week.
 
If you are interested in participating or want more details, please contact Dr. Crew at srcrew@gmu.edu.
Poet's Corner

Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop
Puzzled Light
    by Lydia Lewis
 
My mind is a puzzle box with
drilled holes lovingly spaced in
artful random order.
 
At times inner light shines forth
and casts a brilliant illuminating
sense of wonder.
 
In other hours there is only shadow
and I grope for pieces of flint and
steel to ignite the divine spark.
 
Most days a half light shines
leaving me to puzzle whether or
not to just accept this twilight.
Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances, June 4 through June 24


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


 
Virtual Performances
Although Mason’s campus is shut down, online entertainment continues for us to access and enjoy. Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just send an email to Brianna Schoen at bschoen@gmu.edu. 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. Information can also be found at CFA ticket purchase page, Center for the Arts YouTube Channel, or the Hylton ticket purchase page.
 
At the Fairfax Campus Venues

No events scheduled. All events in Fairfax are postponed until the end of September.
 
Mason Student & Faculty Performances
(see music.gmu.edu for additional student recitals)

Lunchtime with The Arts at Mason: Mason Faculty Brass Ensemble 
Reston Town Square Park
Thu, June 10, 12:30
Admission: Free.
 
Lunchtime with The Arts at Mason: Mason Cabaret
Reston Town Square Park
Thu, June 17, 12:30
Admission: Free.
 
Lunchtime with The Arts at Mason: Mason Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble
Reston Town Square Park
Thu, June 24, 12:30
Admission: Free.
At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

Hylton on the Hill: Lua Project
Sat, Jun 5, 4:00
Pre-function: Beacon Hall Lobby
Admission: $25.
 
Boyle School of Irish Dance: Spring Recital
Sun, Jun 6, 11:30, 2:00, and 5:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $15.
 
Hylton on the Hill: The Rock-A-Sonics
Sat, Jun 12, 4:00
Pre-function: Beacon Hall Lobby
Admission: $25.
 
Virginia National Ballet: Spring Recital
Sun, Jun 13, 12:00 and 3:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $35.
 
The Ballet Arts Ensemble of Fairfax
Tue, Jun 15, 7:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: call box office at 703-993-7759.
 
Hylton at Home: Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra
Thu, Jun 17, 7:15
Hylton Center Facebook page, and YouTube channel.
 
Virginia Dance Center: Dancing in Wonderland
Sat, Jun 19, 11:00 and 3:30
Sun, Jun 20, 11:00 and 3:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $20.
For further details on any of the above events, see the CFA event calendar and the Hylton Center event calendar.
Meetings & Clubs

Please note: Physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled until further notice in accordance with Mason’s guidelines. OLLI is conducting its classes and activities online. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates and check the OLLI calendar for revised 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 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 Jun 5 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Mon Jun 7
 
 		  8:30 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am		 Gentle Yoga Club
What’s in the Daily News?
Poetry Club
Tue Jun 8
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
 4:30 pm		 Annex Art
Loudoun Program Planning Group Meeting
Spanish Club
Tai Chi Club
Wed Jun 9
 		 10:30 am
 2:00 pm		 Tom Crooker Investment Forum
Finance Committee Meeting
Thu Jun 10


 
 		  9:30 am
11:50 am
 4:00 pm

 4:30 pm		 Coffee Klatch
All the News
Science, Technology & Health Program Planning Group Meeting
Tai Chi Club
Fri Jun 11
 

 		  9:30 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 am		 Photography Club
Craft and Conversation
Homer, Etc.
Cooking Club
Sat Jun 12 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Mon Jun 14
 		  8:30 am
 9:30 am		 Gentle Yoga Club
What’s in the Daily News?
Tue Jun 15
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
 4:30 pm		 Annex Art
Reston Program Planning Group Meeting
Spanish Club
Tai Chi Club
Wed Jun 16
 
 		 10:00 am
10:30 am
 2:00 pm		 Mah Jongg Club
Tom Crooker Investment Forum
Memoir and More Writing Group
Thu Jun 17
 

 		 10:00 am

11:50 am
 4:30 pm		 Humanities, Social Sciences, & Current Events Program Planning Group Meeting
All the News
Tai Chi Club
Fri Jun 18
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am		 Craft and Conversation
Board of Directors Meeting
Homer, Etc.
Sat Jun 19
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club
Personal Computer User Group

Back to Top of Page
About OLLI E-News

Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich, Roz Stark, Jane Hassell

Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: ollienewseditor@gmail.com.
Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words.
Search E-News: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News at ENews Archives. To search the content within issues, use Search or enter your search term(s) in Google followed by “site:olli.gmu.edu/” without the quotes.

Back to Top of Page
 

E-News-May-21-2021

OLLI E-News May 21, 2021
Print a condensed .pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
Toni Acton Hosts Grab ‘n’ Gab Coffee Klatch, May 14 – Topics: Post-Pandemic OLLI; Class Recordings; Tallwood Construction

May 21, 2021


Editor of the Week: David Gundry
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • The E-News that was distributed last week showed an incorrect date at the top for the date of the issue; the correct date was May 14, 2021.
  • Voting in the Board of Directors election ends at noon today, May 21; you should have received a ballot in an email with subject “2021 OLLI Ballot for Board of Directors.”
  • Priority registration for the summer term begins May 24 and continues through June 1. The online catalog is available at this link.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, June 4; regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, June 1, at 6:00.
Fun Facts for OLLI’s 30-Year Anniversary


By Ray Beery, OLLI Member and Former President


In 2021, OLLI celebrates its 30th year of classes for seniors. This feature provides fun facts and interesting milestones about our institute each week that E-News is published throughout the year.

May 21
Learning in Retirement Institute (LRI) held a five-year celebration party on April 13, 1996 at The Virginian retirement community in Fairfax.

Back to Top of Page
OLLI ChatLine Topic for Next Week


By Doris Bloch, Program Committee Co-chair



Talk with OLLI friends at any time on this 24-7 open ChatLine. Arrange a time to meet friends online or drop in for an organized discussion. We have scheduled one specific time and topic for a chat this week:
  • Monday, May 24, 4:30-5:30—Topic: Genealogy. Do you know where your ancestors were born?

Look for links to this and any future ChatLine events in your inbox as part of the daily schedule email. Have feedback or an idea on a time/topic? Click here to email Doris Bloch.

Back to Top of Page

Photo of the Month



The May 2021 Photo of the Month theme was Trees. We selected Robert Kelberg/Gertrude Sherman's photo "Trees 4-21-01," 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 Coordinators

Back to Top of Page
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

(haiku based on T. S. Eliot’s poem, The Family Reunion)

the nighttime ambush
lies beyond the tight lipped smile
of a cold blue moon
                       Tony Rounds

Back to Top of Page
Obituary: Richard Pelszynski

Richard Pelszynski of Fairfax Station, VA, died May 2, 2021. He was a current OLLI member, as is his wife, Patricia. He graduated from Ohio State University and was commissioned in the US Navy. He received an MBA in management and marketing from Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management. He was interred at Quantico National Cemetery on May 14.

Back to Top of Page
Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances, May 21 through June 7


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


 
Virtual Performances
Although Mason’s campus is shut down, online entertainment continues for us to access and enjoy. Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just send an email to Brianna Schoen at bschoen@gmu.edu. 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. Information can also be found at CFA ticket purchase page, Center for the Arts YouTube Channel, or the Hylton ticket purchase page.
 
At the Fairfax Campus Venues

Mason School of Theater: Luther's Trumpet
Fri, May 28, 8:00
Virtual Event – Professional cast supported by Mason students
REGISTER
Mason Student & Faculty Performances
(see music.gmu.edu for additional student recitals)
 
No performances scheduled
At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

Powerworx Dance: Finding power Through Dance
Sat, May 22, 4:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $15.

Manassas Ballet Theatre Artist Chat: Giselle
Tue, May 25, 7:15
Free Virtual Event

Seán Heely Celtic Band
Sat, May 29, 4:00
Hylton on the Hill
Admission: $25, Buy Tickets

Manassas Ballet Theatre: Giselle (Streaming)
Sun, May 29, 7:30
Admission: $25 (30-day streaming period) at Manassas Ballet Theatre’s online ticket platform
 
For further details on any of the above events, see the CFA event calendar and the Hylton Center event calendar.
Meetings & Clubs

Please note: Physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled until further notice in accordance with Mason’s guidelines. OLLI is conducting its classes and activities online. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates and check the OLLI calendar for revised 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 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 22 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Mon May 24
 
 
 		  8:30 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am
 4:30 pm		 Gentle Yoga Club
What’s in the Daily News?
Poetry Club
Chatline: Genealogy
Tue May 25
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
 4:30 pm		 Annex Art
Spanish Club
Tai Chi Club
Wed May 26
 		 10:30 am
 4:00 pm		 Tom Crooker Investment Forum
Theater Lovers’ Group
Thu May 27
 
 		 11:50 am
12:15 pm
 4:30 pm		 All the News
Special Events Program Planning Group
Tai Chi Club
Fri May 28
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Craft and Conversation
Homer, Etc.
Photography Club
Sat May 29 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
     
Tue Jun 1
 		  9:30 am
 4:30 pm		 Annex Art
Tai Chi Club
Wed Jun 2
 
 		 10:30 am
 2:00 pm
 6:00 pm		 Tom Crooker Investment Forum
Memoir and More Writing Group
Ethnic Eats Club
Thu Jun 3
 		 11:50 am
 4:30 pm		 All the News
Tai Chi Club
Fri Jun 4
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am		 Craft and Conversation
Homer, Etc.
Sat Jun 5 10:30 am Tai Chi Club

Back to Top of Page
About OLLI E-News

Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich, Roz Stark, Jane Hassell

Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: ollienewseditor@gmail.com.
Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words.
Search E-News: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News at ENews Archives. To search the content within issues, use Search or enter your search term(s) in Google followed by “site:olli.gmu.edu/” without the quotes.

Back to Top of Page
 

E-News-May-14-2021

OLLI E-News May 14, 2021
Print a condensed .pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.

Annual Meeting and Presentation of Board Candidates, May 7

May 14, 2021


Editor of the Week: Paul Van Hemel
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • OLLI Personal Computer User Group (OPCUG) meets via Zoom May 15 (tomorrow) at 1:00; details available at this link.
  • Voting continues in the Board of Directors election, which runs until May 21; you should have received a ballot in an email with subject “2021 OLLI Ballot for Board of Directors.”
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, May 21; regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, May 18, at 6:00.

Back to Top of Page
Fun Facts for OLLI’s 30-Year Anniversary


By Ray Beery, OLLI Member and Former President


In 2021, OLLI celebrates its 30th year of classes for seniors. This feature provides fun facts and interesting milestones about our institute each week that E-News is published throughout the year.

May 14
A compilation of Learning in Retirement Institute (LRI) poetry was published in March 1996; printing was subsidized by LRI; booklets were sold at $2.50 each. Poems dated back to the first Poetry Workshop in spring 1991. Later, Poets of Tallwood was published in 2008 and Poets of OLLI in 2012.

Back to Top of Page
Summer Literature Course (F403) Book Change and Film Addition


By Shannon Morrow, Program Associate


There are two changes to Ellen Moody’s summer course, F403, Post-Colonialism and the Novel; the changes are reflected in the course registration in the member portal. One change substitutes a book of short stories, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala's East into Upper East, for her older novel, A Backward Glance. The second change is the addition of a second film that the class will view: Mira Nair's 1993 The Namesake. Everything else stays the same:

F403 Post-Colonialism and the Novel
Wednesdays, 9:40–11:05, June 23–July 28
Instructor: Ellen Moody
Class limit: 40
In this course we will explore identity and gender politics, colonialism, emigration, and slavery in three books: Ruth Prawer Jhabvala’s East into Upper East, Caryl Philips’s Crossing the River, and Jane Mander’s The Story of a New Zealand River. We will look at how people are affected by history, law and custom, violence, cultures, economic and geographical circumstances, as well as the sheer need for survival. The class will see/discuss Mira Nair's 1993 film The Namesake & Jane Campion’s 1993 film, The Piano.
Ellen Moody taught in senior colleges until 2012 and for eight years at two OLLIs. She is a published scholar, with specialties in the 18th through 20th centuries, with a special love of historical and political novels.

Back to Top of Page
Reston Book Club
By Nancy Scheeler and Luci Martel,
Reston Book Club Coordinators
The Reston Book Club will meet via Zoom on Thursday, May 20, at 4:00. The selection will be The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante.
 
The book is a coming-of-age story—one at which Ferrante is a master. The novel’s main story tells of a teenage girl as she grapples with the discomfort of becoming a young woman and learning how to deal with adults and their myriad of “stories.” The book also focuses on the duality of Naples, its neighborhoods, and its residents. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A DATE CHANGE.

Back to Top of Page
OLLI ChatLine Topics for Next Week!


By Doris Bloch, Program Committee Co-chair


Talk with OLLI friends at any time on this 24-7 open ChatLine. Arrange a time to meet friends online or drop in for an organized discussion. We have scheduled a few specific times and topics for chats this week, including:
  • Monday, May 17, 4:30-5:30—Topic: Washington Capitals hockey. Love them, win or lose?
  • Wednesday, May 19, 4:30-5:30—Topic: Future classes. Your ideas and suggestions for OLLI classes to offer in our 2022 terms.
Look for links to this and any future ChatLine events in your inbox as part of the daily schedule email. Have feedback or an idea on a time/topic? Click here to email Doris Bloch.

Back to Top of Page
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

The Big Payoff*
 
My mom and her sisters did not watch
The Price is Right
They didn't need to
They had their own pricing game called
Shopping
The object – give grocers as little money as possible
 
Winnings included
massive bragging rights
Relishing double coupons redeemed on sale items
by crowing
They were practically giving it away!
was a guaranteed crowd pleaser
Getting a cashier to void a wrongly keyed price
deserved dramatic retellings
 
Strategies included poring over
store circulars
and charting where to go
 
  A & P meat
  Waldbaums produce
  Shop Rite paper products
 
Amateur mistakes
They never admitted
 
  Not demanding rain checks
  Not checking receipts
  Not using coupons before expiration
 
For all its joys and diversions
mom's game was junior league
compared to my Italian grandma’s
Her Brooklyn neighborhood
was full of mom-and-pop shops
with six kids she mastered the art of
Let's Make a Deal.
 
  The walk away
  The hard bargain
  The never back down
 
Being a pro, she didn't brag
She didn't need to
She has six eye-witnesses and me
keeping her legend alive
 
                        Susan Rexroad
 
*The Big Payoff was a 1950’s game show where my parents were contestants. They won their honeymoon, a week at Mount Airy Lodge in the Poconos, and their bedroom set.

Back to Top of Page
Obituary: Elizabeth Bolton

Elizabeth (Liz) Bolton, who joined OLLI in 2001 and was a member and lifelong learner for many years, died on April 15. A graduate of the University of Maine in 1959, she was a resident of Reston since its early days in 1969. An avid traveler, Liz took advantage of the Road Scholar program of educational travel for adults. A memorial in Maine will be planned for August. More information is available at this link.

Back to Top of Page
Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances, May 14 through May 31


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


 
Virtual Performances
Although Mason’s campus is shut down, online entertainment continues for us to access and enjoy. Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just send an email to Brianna Schoen at bschoen@gmu.edu. 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. Information can also be found at CFA ticket purchase page, Center for the Arts YouTube Channel, or the Hylton ticket purchase page.
 
At the Fairfax Campus Venues

Mason School of Theater: Luther's Trumpet
Fri, May 28, 8:00
Virtual Event – Professional cast supported by Mason students
REGISTER
Mason Student & Faculty Performances
(see music.gmu.edu for additional student recitals)
 
No performances scheduled
At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

Manassas Ballet Theatre: Giselle
Fri, May 14, 7:30
Sat, May 15, 2:00
Sat, May 15, 7:30
Sun, May 16, 3:00
Sat, May 29, 7:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $40 to $70, Buy Tickets
 
Ordway Conservatory: Thumbelina
Thu, May 20, 7:15
Virtual Event: Hylton Center
Admission: Free

Seán Heely Celtic Band
Sat, May 29, 4:00
Admission: $25, Buy Tickets
For further details on any of the above events, see the CFA event calendar and the Hylton Center event calendar.
Meetings & Clubs

Please note: Physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled until further notice in accordance with Mason’s guidelines. OLLI is conducting its classes and activities online. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates and check the OLLI calendar for revised 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 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 15
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club
Personal Computer User Group
Mon May 17  4:30 pm ChatLine: Washington Capitals hockey
Tue May 18  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Wed May 19
 
 		  2:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Memoir and More Writing Group
Mah Jongg Club
ChatLine: Future classes
Thu May 20
 		  4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Reston Book Club
Tai Chi Club
Fri May 21
 
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
 2:00 pm		 Craft & Conversation
Classic Literature Club
Homer, Etc.
Cooking Club
Sat May 22 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Mon May 24
 
 		  8:30 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am		 Gentle Yoga Club
What’s in the Daily News?
Poetry Club
Tue May 25
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
 4:30 pm		 Annex Art
Spanish Club
Tai Chi Club
Wed May 26
 		 10:30 am
 4:00 pm		 Tom Crooker Investment Forum
Theater Lovers’ Group
Thu May 27
 
 		 11:50 am
12:15 pm
 4:30 pm		 All the News
Special Events Program Planning Group
Tai Chi Club
Fri May 28
 
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Craft and Conversation
Homer, Etc.
Photography Club
Sat May 29 10:30 am Tai Chi Club

Back to Top of Page
About OLLI E-News

Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich, Roz Stark, Jane Hassell

Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: ollienewseditor@gmail.com.
Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words.
Search E-News: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News at ENews Archives. To search the content within issues, use Search or enter your search term(s) in Google followed by “site:olli.gmu.edu/” without the quotes.

Back to Top of Page
 

E-News-May-14-2021

OLLI E-News May 14, 2021
Print a condensed .pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.

Annual Meeting and Presentation of Board Candidates, May 7

May 14, 2021


Editor of the Week: Paul Van Hemel
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • OLLI Personal Computer User Group (OPCUG) meets via Zoom May 15 (tomorrow) at 1:00; details available at this link.
  • Voting continues in the Board of Directors election, which runs until May 21; you should have received a ballot in an email with subject “2021 OLLI Ballot for Board of Directors.”
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, May 21; regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, May 18, at 6:00.

Back to Top of Page
Fun Facts for OLLI’s 30-Year Anniversary


By Ray Beery, OLLI Member and Former President


In 2021, OLLI celebrates its 30th year of classes for seniors. This feature provides fun facts and interesting milestones about our institute each week that E-News is published throughout the year.

May 14
A compilation of Learning in Retirement Institute (LRI) poetry was published in March 1996; printing was subsidized by LRI; booklets were sold at $2.50 each. Poems dated back to the first Poetry Workshop in spring 1991. Later, Poets of Tallwood was published in 2008 and Poets of OLLI in 2012.

Back to Top of Page
Summer Literature Course (F403) Book Change and Film Addition


By Shannon Morrow, Program Associate


There are two changes to Ellen Moody’s summer course, F403, Post-Colonialism and the Novel; the changes are reflected in the course registration in the member portal. One change substitutes a book of short stories, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala's East into Upper East, for her older novel, A Backward Glance. The second change is the addition of a second film that the class will view: Mira Nair's 1993 The Namesake. Everything else stays the same:

F403 Post-Colonialism and the Novel
Wednesdays, 9:40–11:05, June 23–July 28
Instructor: Ellen Moody
Class limit: 40
In this course we will explore identity and gender politics, colonialism, emigration, and slavery in three books: Ruth Prawer Jhabvala’s East into Upper East, Caryl Philips’s Crossing the River, and Jane Mander’s The Story of a New Zealand River. We will look at how people are affected by history, law and custom, violence, cultures, economic and geographical circumstances, as well as the sheer need for survival. The class will see/discuss Mira Nair's 1993 film The Namesake & Jane Campion’s 1993 film, The Piano.
Ellen Moody taught in senior colleges until 2012 and for eight years at two OLLIs. She is a published scholar, with specialties in the 18th through 20th centuries, with a special love of historical and political novels.

Back to Top of Page
Reston Book Club
By Nancy Scheeler and Luci Martel,
Reston Book Club Coordinators
The Reston Book Club will meet via Zoom on Thursday, May 20, at 4:00. The selection will be The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante.
 
The book is a coming-of-age story—one at which Ferrante is a master. The novel’s main story tells of a teenage girl as she grapples with the discomfort of becoming a young woman and learning how to deal with adults and their myriad of “stories.” The book also focuses on the duality of Naples, its neighborhoods, and its residents. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A DATE CHANGE.

Back to Top of Page
OLLI ChatLine Topics for Next Week!


By Doris Bloch, Program Committee Co-chair


Talk with OLLI friends at any time on this 24-7 open ChatLine. Arrange a time to meet friends online or drop in for an organized discussion. We have scheduled a few specific times and topics for chats this week, including:
  • Monday, May 17, 4:30-5:30—Topic: Washington Capitals hockey. Love them, win or lose?
  • Wednesday, May 19, 4:30-5:30—Topic: Future classes. Your ideas and suggestions for OLLI classes to offer in our 2022 terms.
Look for links to this and any future ChatLine events in your inbox as part of the daily schedule email. Have feedback or an idea on a time/topic? Click here to email Doris Bloch.

Back to Top of Page
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

The Big Payoff*
 
My mom and her sisters did not watch
The Price is Right
They didn't need to
They had their own pricing game called
Shopping
The object – give grocers as little money as possible
 
Winnings included
massive bragging rights
Relishing double coupons redeemed on sale items
by crowing
They were practically giving it away!
was a guaranteed crowd pleaser
Getting a cashier to void a wrongly keyed price
deserved dramatic retellings
 
Strategies included poring over
store circulars
and charting where to go
 
  A & P meat
  Waldbaums produce
  Shop Rite paper products
 
Amateur mistakes
They never admitted
 
  Not demanding rain checks
  Not checking receipts
  Not using coupons before expiration
 
For all its joys and diversions
mom's game was junior league
compared to my Italian grandma’s
Her Brooklyn neighborhood
was full of mom-and-pop shops
with six kids she mastered the art of
Let's Make a Deal.
 
  The walk away
  The hard bargain
  The never back down
 
Being a pro, she didn't brag
She didn't need to
She has six eye-witnesses and me
keeping her legend alive
 
                        Susan Rexroad
 
*The Big Payoff was a 1950’s game show where my parents were contestants. They won their honeymoon, a week at Mount Airy Lodge in the Poconos, and their bedroom set.

Back to Top of Page
Obituary: Elizabeth Bolton

Elizabeth (Liz) Bolton, who joined OLLI in 2001 and was a member and lifelong learner for many years, died on April 15. A graduate of the University of Maine in 1959, she was a resident of Reston since its early days in 1969. An avid traveler, Liz took advantage of the Road Scholar program of educational travel for adults. A memorial in Maine will be planned for August. More information is available at this link.

Back to Top of Page
Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances, May 14 through May 31


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


 
Virtual Performances
Although Mason’s campus is shut down, online entertainment continues for us to access and enjoy. Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just send an email to Brianna Schoen at bschoen@gmu.edu. 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. Information can also be found at CFA ticket purchase page, Center for the Arts YouTube Channel, or the Hylton ticket purchase page.
 
At the Fairfax Campus Venues

Mason School of Theater: Luther's Trumpet
Fri, May 28, 8:00
Virtual Event – Professional cast supported by Mason students
REGISTER
Mason Student & Faculty Performances
(see music.gmu.edu for additional student recitals)
 
No performances scheduled