Tom Manteuffel, Retired Cybersecurity Engineer and Frequent OLLIInstructor, Gave an Interesting and Informative Presentation: The Secret LifeofOwls, July 29, 2024
What Vaccinations are Recommended for Seniors, and Which Ones Should I Get?
By Michele Romano, MD, Health and Safety Advisory Chair, Suresh Mohla, MD, Health and Safety Advisory Committee Member, and Richard Crawford, OLLI Treasurer and Board Member
Seniors should ensure they are up to date with several key vaccinations to protect against serious diseases. The following vaccines are highly recommended for individuals aged 65 and older. By keeping up with these vaccinations, you can significantly reduce your risk of serious health complications and maintain a healthier lifestyle. Medicare covers most recommended vaccines.
Essential Vaccines for Seniors
Influenza Vaccine: An annual flu shot is crucial as seniors are at higher risk for complications from the flu. Flu vaccine before Halloween should cover you for the busy holiday season.
Pneumococcal Vaccine: This vaccine protects against pneumonia and other pneumococcal diseases. It is recommended that seniors should have this vaccine. Please check with your primary-care physician (PCP) to see which one is best for you.
Shingles Vaccine: Recommended for adults aged 60 and older, the shingles vaccine helps prevent shingles, a painful rash that can lead to long-term complications. Shingles vaccine is given in two doses, so please make sure to take both doses.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine: Seniors should receive the Tdap vaccine if they haven't had it in the past. Also, please get a routine tetanus booster shot every 10 years to maintain protection against tetanus.
COVID-19 Vaccine: Staying current with COVID‑19 vaccinations is also essential for seniors, as they are at increased risk for severe illness from the virus. It is recommended to get the vaccine before Halloween, so you are covered for the busy holiday season.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine: RSV can lead to serious respiratory illness in older adults. The CDC recommends the RSV vaccine for all adults over age 75, as well as adults over 60 who are at increased risk.
Please click this link to see CDC adult immunization recommendations for further information on all vaccines, including frequency.
What vaccinations have I received? If you are a Virginia resident you may submit a Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Immunization Record Request Form. However, it is important to let your PCP know all immunizations you receive outside their office as they can update your medical records, and they will be available on your patient portal 24/7. Your PCP should also be able to access the VDH website via the provider code and update it.
Click this Adult Immunization Schedule link for more information on all vaccines.
What does Medicare cover?
Medicare covers a variety of standard immunization shots under Part B and Part D.
To get your vaccines covered, it's best to get them from an in-network pharmacy or have your doctor's office bill your Part D plan directly. Talk to your doctor about which vaccines are recommended for you based on your age, health conditions, and lifestyle.
Medicare Part B covers the following standard immunization shots with no out-of-pocket costs:
Influenza (flu) vaccine
COVID-19 vaccine
Pneumococcal vaccine
Hepatitis B vaccine
Part B also covers vaccines needed if you're accidentally exposed to a harmful virus or bacteria, such as a tetanus shot for a puncture wound.
Medicare Part D covers most other commercially available vaccines needed to prevent illness, including:
Shingles vaccine
Tdap vaccine
RSV vaccine
Please discuss any questions or concerns with your Healthcare Provider.
Hold onto your cards, OLLI Mason has shuffled the staff deck. Make note of these changes so you can work with a full hand going forward!The changes are reflected in the staff listings in the fall-term OLLI catalog.
Meg Przybylski is the new registrar. Having worked for eight years as a site assistant, she is well versed in OLLI Mason operating principles and has interacted with many of you in classes and at events. She will now handle anything involving registration, membership, and related payments. Email: ollireg@gmu.edu.
Shannon Morrow has moved to Washington State. Have no fear, she will continue her excellent work as the lead program planner! Please direct all class-related questions to her. Email: smorrow4@gmu.edu.
Susan Job has joined the program planning team after working for six years as the registrar. Working alongside Shannon Morrow, Susan will handle trips, socials, clubs, and the development of various single-session classes. Email: sjob2@gmu.edu.
Nancy Klein has moved to North Carolina. She will continue as the communications associate but will no longer be part of the program planning team. Direct questions about E-blasts, the Communicator, or outreach efforts to her. Email: nklein4@gmu.edu.
Finally, we have two new site assistants joining the OLLI staff to provide audio-visual support. We welcome Griffyn Caires and Pranav Rathore!
By Emily Roudebush, Board Member/Vice President and Debby Mossburg, Outreach Committee Chair
Do you wish there was an easier way to share about OLLI with other seniors in your residential community? Or do you take part in programs at a senior center or other senior-based group? Do you love your time with OLLI, and often find yourself talking about it with family, friends and neighbors, but still have trouble answering fully if someone asks, “What is OLLI, exactly?” or “Why shouldI join OLLI?”
OLLI Outreach can help! We have complete, up-to-date presentations, all ready to go, that detail the programs, activities and benefits available through OLLI. We love OLLI, too, and we’re happy to present to residence communities, senior centers, and other senior groups about all that OLLI has to offer. These presentations are a great way to spread the word and encourage new people to join the fun at OLLI! A presentation can be as short as 10 minutes, as part of another activity, such as a luncheon or meeting, or it can be offered as a stand-alone event, with more content and time for questions. So, if you live in a community with potential OLLI members, or you’re a member of a senior group that would like to learn more about OLLI, please send an email to Debby Mossburg at debby.mossburg@verizon.net, with Outreach in the Subject line, to learn more about scheduling an OLLI Outreach presentation.
Thanks!
Editor’s note: This article appeared in a prior edition of E‑News. It is repeated here to encourage members to help OLLI in its outreach efforts, and to remind you that Board members and the Outreach Committee are ready to support you in doing so.
By Toni Acton, Board Member and Member Services Committee Chair
This fall, we have more than 65 new members joining us in our classes, clubs, and social activities. They will be easily recognizable by the green dot on their name tag (many of you may remember the red dot from years ago). When you see a new member, please welcome them with a big smile and a warm welcome. Remember, you were a “newbie” once!
The fall Kick-Off Coffee and Activities Fair is Thursday, September 19 at 10:00 at Tallwood. This is a great way to see old friends, meet new members, and learn more about the various clubs and committees we have at OLLI. Register for Event 1204 either online or by contacting the Registrar’s office.
F404Z: 250 Years of African‑American Poetry. This course will include occasional visits by working Black poets to read their poetry and talk about the influence of earlier Black poets on their work. For the October 9th session, we are pleased to welcome Steven Leyva.
Steven Leyva was born in New Orleans and raised in Houston. His poems have appeared or are forthcoming in 2 Bridges Review, Scalawag, Nashville Review, jubilat, Vinyl, and Prairie Schooner. He is a Cave Canem fellow and author of the chapbook Low Parish. Steven holds an MFA from the University of Baltimore, where he is an associate professor in the Klein Family School of Communications Design. Click this link for a message from Steven.
Wednesday Team Bloch Conversation—September 18 and 25
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
September 18: Movies
One of our participants requested that we talk about movies. Two discussion points: we can make suggestions on films that we recently enjoyed (streamed or in the movie theater); we can also more broadly discuss the future of movies in general – e.g., Are movie theaters likely to survive? Are our films too skewed to a teenage audience? We will address the movie situation on September 18.
September 25: Technology and Foreign Languages
On September 25, we will probe the intersection of technology and foreign languages. For example, with translation apps at our fingertips, do we need to teach foreign languages in our schools? With Google on our computers, translation from French to English is almost automatic. How many of us like to read literature in its original, non-English language format? What is ahead for AI and translation? Or, in disagreement, do we like to show courtesy when we travel to another country that doesn't use English as the native tongue? Will we miss the nuances if everything is translated by a computer? Pros and cons, what is your opinion?
As usual, we will meet on Zoom at 4:00 each Wednesday afternoon. Everyone is invited to join us; no sign‑up is required. Please join our conversation, supported by the 24/7 OLLI Chat Line.
Upcoming Events for all OLLI Theater Lovers' and Our Guests
By Norma Jean Reck, Coordinator Theater Lovers' Group
What an embarrassment of riches we have coming up this 2024-2025 theater season. We'll begin with seeing The Waverly Gallery at 1stStage, then Sondheim Tribute Revue at Creative Cauldron, 110 in the Shade at Mason's School of Theater and a trip to American Shakespeare Center Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, Virginia. Of course, we are looking forward to NYC Your Way, an overnight bus trip to Broadway on November 19/20 - some space still available.
On Sunday, September 29 at 2pm, we will see The Waverly Gallery at 1stStage. Ten tickets for $25 each have been reserved under my name. After that, tickets are $40 and $55. To purchase your ticket, phone 703-854-1856 ASAP. Tell them you are with OLLI Theater Lovers' Group (TLG) and email me when you have purchased your ticket, so I know how to contact you. We'll have lunch before the show, so we are driving while it's light out. The Tony award winning play is about Gladys, an aging matriarch of the Green family, who has run a barely profitable art gallery in a Greenwich Village hotel for years. The owner wants to replace the gallery with a coffee shop. The irascible Gladys becomes erratic and a cause for concern for her family. We can relate to this.
On Sunday, October 13 at 2pm, we will see Sondheim Tribute Revue at Creative Cauldron. This not-to-be-missed musical journey celebrates the work of Stephen Sondheim, a legendary composer and lyricist, who had a profound influence on Broadway history. We will have a group rate of $47. Phone 703-436-9948 and tell them you are with OLLI's TLG. Email me when you have your ticket, so I can contact you. Lunch before the show.
On Sunday, November 3 at 2pm, we will see 110 in the Shade performed by Mason's
Editor’s note: This article is 300 words (out of 425 submitted by the author). The remaining 125 words may be viewed at this link. At the author’s request, all words (including in the title) are published unedited, exactly as submitted.
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, September 21, in person and via Zoom. The Zoom session opens at 12:45.
Expert Panel: Frank Fota, Tom Gutnick, Gabe Goldberg
Our experts will address your computer and related technology questions – printers, smartphones, connected gadgets. Please help get things started – submit questions and issues via email to: expert_panel@patacs.org.
Learn in 30: Smart Watches and Hard Fall Detection—Presented by John Krout
Apple and Samsung smart watches include a safety feature called Hard Fall Detection. After my Samsung watch falsely reported to both 911 and my daughter the registered nurse that I had fallen, I found out by research that both brands of watches offer this feature, and on both, the feature has bugs.
This presentation will explain how I experienced a false fall detection and report of my "fall." It was doubly surprising because, at that time, I did not know hard fall detection was enabled. Later, I learned that for my Samsung brand watch, it is indeed disabled by default. I had bought a refurbished watch, so that may be why it was enabled for me. The presentation will also show various ways I considered to minimize the chance of a false hard fall detection report, and the two ways I chose to use. The methods I use have prevented a false report for many weeks.
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. In addition, John contributes articles to APCUG's library of shared newsletter content.
See full details on this meeting by clicking here. For information on the Computer Club, see the OPCUG Website. OPCUG dues are $5 and are now due for 2024 (and 2023, if you didn’t get around to paying last year!)—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 045284 (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces) or enter meeting ID 897 3557 7784 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode (preferred method), or dial in at 301-715-8592.
Why is it quite impossible
to kill a pot of mint
or a bed of mint if you prefer?
It will rise again, phoenix-like
a variation on whack-a-mole
to flourish as before,
despite burning by summer sun
or dehydration through neglect.
Programmed through generations
for survival, runners beneath soil’s surface
are its ticket to life. Designed for longevity
its superpower remains on the growing list
of matters I cannot explain.
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 pageor 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 linkto 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.
George Mason School of Theater: The Originals! 2024
Fri, Sep 13, 8:00
Sat, Sep 14, 2:00 and 8:00
deLaski Performing Arts Building, A105, TheaterSpace
Admission: $20 Adult, $10 Senior.
School of Music: Grand Piano Celebration 2024
Sun, Sep 22, 3:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $20 Adult, $15 Senior.
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 Sep 14
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Sep 16
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
4:00 pm
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Program Planning Committee
Poetry Writing Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Sep 17
1:00 pm
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
How to Zoom – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Sep 18
10:00 am
10:00 am
10:30 am
12:00 noon
12:00 noon
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Staff Meeting
Spanish Club – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu Sep 19
10:00 am
11:50 am
1:00 pm
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
6:00 pm
OLLI Kick-off Coffee
All the News – online
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats Club – online
Fri Sep 20
9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
2:30 pm
Crafts and Conversation Board of Directors Meeting
Mah Jongg Club
Classic Literature Club – online
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Sat Sep 21
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Sep 23
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Sep 24
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Dabbling Artists Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
Bridge Club
Spanish Club
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Theater Lover’s Group – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu Sep 26
11:50 am
1:00 pm
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
All the News
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Sep 27
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
12:00 noon
Dabbling Artists Club
Crafts and Conversation
Classic Literature Club – online
Homer, etc. – online
Photography Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
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, Sheri Siesseger, Laurie Schad, Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom 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: 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. 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.
The OLLI fall term is September 23 through November 15; fall term registration is under way and continues throughout the term.
Plan to attend ARTS by George on Saturday, September 28 at Mason; for more information, click this link.
The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, September 13; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, September 10, at 6:00.
It’s Game On!
By Marilyn Harriman, Diversions Chair
It’s game on! Come to Tallwood campus on Tuesday, September 10, 10:00-1:00, for a fun morning of entertainment and camaraderie with Debby Mossburg and me. We’ll play fun and easy table games, and at the end of the morning, awards and prizes will be announced and presented to the winners. After the event, participants are invited to continue the fun at the new Coyote Grill on Main Street in Fairfax.
Additional details about the event are in the fall catalog.
To join in the game fun, register for event 1201. To attend the lunch at Coyote Grill, register for event 1202.
There is no cost for the Tallwood Game event. Transportation and the cost of lunch are on your own.
This is an excellent opportunity to get revved up for the fall term and reconnect with your OLLI friends!
Mason’s “History of the Family” Course Invites OLLI Members to Share with University Students
By Camille Hodges, Board Member and Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group Co-Chair
Intergenerational conversations not only provide a pathway of understanding the history of OLLI members but also encouraging Mason students to research and appreciate the history of their own families. Both students and OLLI members encountered an experience like no other as they engaged in Mason’s fall 2023 Honors course, “History of the Family,” taught by Dr. Spencer Crew. During the July 30, 2024, Humanities and Social Sciences OLLI class, Dr. Crew and his team of presenters discussed the rich rewards of intergenerational dialogue, which elicited many emotional responses from those who attended.
The Honors course “History of the Family” is available once again during the fall 2024 term which begins on September 26. If you would like to participate by sharing your family history and encouraging Mason students as they research theirs, please contact Dr. Crew via email at srcrew@gmu.edu. The in-person student interview process is required but will not begin until later in the fall and may also be conducted via Zoom. Testimonies have shown that this is a personal experience of tremendous value.
Editor’s Note: This article appeared in a previous E-News issue. It is repeated here to encourage members to participate in Dr. Crew’s “History of the Family” course in the fall.
By Christine Narbut, Art and Music Program Planning Group Co‑Chair
Program planning for the fall term has resulted in some amazing choices for OLLI members that will engage the creative brain. Check out the following classes in the current fall catalog, which can awaken your music gene, recall memories of times past, and present an opportunity to sing along.
F104Z From Tin Pan Alley to Motown: Music’s Intersection Between Entertainment, Politics, and Social Justice – Presented by Michael Agron
F105 Singing for Fun – Instructors: Gayle Parsons, Linda Harber, Sophia Elberti, and Linda Gordon
The offerings below may inspire you and cause you to consider learning how to paint or nudge you back to painting again.
F110Z Something Always Comes Out of Innovation: 1874 and the Birth of Impressionism – presented by Chris With
1206 National Gallery of Art: Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment– field trip coordinated by Bonnie Nelson and Lucy Martel
OLLI can help you find and nurture your creative side. Consider the opportunities below.
F103 Watercolor Painting: Building Additional Skills Beyond Novice– Instructor: Chris Narbut. If you have always had a desire to try painting, here is your opportunity to experience the joy of creating art in a supportive environment with guidance from experienced instructors.
Dabbling Artists Club – Coordinator Chris Narbut; meeting every other week on Wednesdays, artists who dabble in watercolor, pastels, pen and ink, drawing and sketching, or other media meet in person and on Zoom to share ideas and helpful hints with each other. The club is a source of ideas and encouragement for each other and the OLLI community.
The Art and Music Program Planning Group meets quarterly to plan for sessions and to recruit instructors for upcoming terms. Spring term plans are underway. If you are interested in making a suggestion for a class or in teaching, or have contacts in the art and music community who might be interested in teaching, consider joining the Art and Music Program Planning Group. Please contact Chris Narbut at nickelpickel.cgrus@cox.net or Linda Harber at lharber@gmu.edu.
Wednesday Team Bloch Conversation for September 4 and September 11
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Team Bloch is proposing topics for the first two weeks in September, before fall term begins.
September 4: Unbelievable Events in Your Life
Team Bloch is taking a personal week off the first week of September, but we are delighted to welcome a volunteer moderator this week, Elizabeth Hammer (an honorary Team Bloch member!). The topic chosen by Elizabeth for September 4: Tell us about something that has happened to you that you find to be unbelievable. It can be in any category, domain, or sector.
September 11: Birthday Celebrations
Birthday joys provide, in some sense, age-related anticipation (pun intended). Either you really look forward to them (usually when you are under 22), or you dread them (over 55). Where do you fall on this emotional spectrum? Happily anticipating your next birthday, neutral in feeling, or do you wish everyone would ignore the big day?
How do you typically celebrate your birthday? Or do you even celebrate? And if so, and you could have your wishes granted, would you alter the usual predictable celebration? Feel free to share; nothing spills out beyond the Wednesday Conversation session participants.
Our conversations are held every Wednesday afternoon at 4:00 via Zoom. The sessions are fully participatory, and all are welcome to join us. You can find the Zoom link in the Daily Schedule sent out by the OLLI office every Wednesday morning. There is no signup required; just log in to the 24/7 Chat Line.
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 pageor 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 linkto 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.
George Mason School of Theater: The Originals! 2024
Fri, Sep 13, 8:00
Sat, Sep 14, 2:00 and 8:00
deLaski Performing Arts Building, A105, TheaterSpace
Admission: $20 Adult, $10 Senior.
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 theOLLI calendarand daily schedule email for location and other event information). Refer to the university'scoronavirus websitefor 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. 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 31
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Sep 2
9:30 am
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Tue Sep 3
2:00 pm
4:30 pm
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Sep 4
10:00 am
10:00 am
10:30 am
12:00 noon
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Spanish Club – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu Sep 5
11:50 am
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
All the News – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Sep 6
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
3:30 pm
Crafts and Conversation
Mah Jongg Club – online
Classic Literature Club – online
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Sat Sep 7
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Sep 9
9:30 am
11:00 am
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Poetry Reading Club – online
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tue Sep 10
9:00 am
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
Game Day Bash
Chair Yoga and More – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Sep 11
9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
10:30 am
12:00 noon
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
Dabbling Artists Club
Bridge Club
Tallwood Book Club
Investment Forum
Chair Yoga and More – online
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu Sep 12
11:50 am
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
All the News – online
Chair Yoga and More – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Sep 13
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
12:00 noon
Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Classic Literature Club – online
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Chair Yoga and More – online
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, Sheri Siesseger, Laurie Schad,
Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich, Martha Kossoff, Anne Hartshorn, Bonnie Becker, Carol McManus Backup Chief Editor: Alice Slayton Clark
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. 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.
Dr. Andrew Siegel, ophthalmologist trained at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in glaucoma subspecialty, discussedhow to prevent glaucoma from taking away your vision—February 13, 2024
OLLI Personal Computer User Group 3rd Saturday meeting is August 17 (tomorrow) in person and via Zoom; check the OLLI daily-schedule email for link and other information.
The OLLI fall term is September 23 through November 15; fall-term registration begins August 20 and continues throughout the term.
The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, August 30; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, August 27, at 6:00.
Mason’s “History of the Family” Course Invites OLLI Members to Share with University Students
By Camille Hodges, Board Member and Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group Co-Chair
Intergenerational conversations not only provide a pathway of understanding the history of OLLI members but also encourage Mason students to research and appreciate the history of their own families. Both students and OLLI members encountered an experience like no other as they engaged in Mason’s fall 2023 Honors course, “History of the Family,” taught by Dr. Spencer Crew. During the July 30, 2024, Humanities and Social Sciences OLLI class, Dr. Crew and his team of presenters discussed the rich rewards of intergenerational dialogue, which elicited many emotional responses from those who attended.
The Honors course “History of the Family” is available once again during the fall 2024 term which begins on September 26. If you would like to participate by sharing your family history and encourage Mason students as they research theirs, please contact Dr. Crew via email at srcrew@gmu.edu. The in‑person student interview process is required but will not begin until later in the fall and may also be conducted via Zoom. Testimonies have shown that this is a personal experience of tremendous value.
Your Invitation to Join the OLLI Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group
By Camille Hodges, Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events
Program Planning Group Co-Chair
Where do great OLLI programs originate? They come from our OLLI members/friends and that includes you! We are always looking for great ideas that support the interests of our OLLI members as well as our community. The Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group focuses on all social sciences as well as topics that are of current public interest and may not be covered in other OLLI-scheduled news programs. This is because our programming is created weeks in advance for each term. You can provide your ideas/suggestions by joining the HSS/CE Program Planning Group Meeting via the Zoom link shared in OLLI E-News.
If you are interested or have a friend/neighbor/ colleague whose ideas would support our HSS/CE program planning, please invite them to attend our Zoom meeting on August 29 at 10:00. The Zoom link will be available via OLLI E-News a few days before the meeting, as well as on the OLLI Daily Schedule list of programming. Just click on the link and join the meeting!
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Team Bloch's topic for August 28th Wednesday Afternoon Conversation is: Do you wear a watch? If yes, a traditional watch or a smart watch?
Let’s talk about watches, Pros and Cons: some of the younger generation members eschew wristwatches—time can be checked on their cell phone, they say. But is it rude to pull out your cell phone every ten minutes while in conversation? Or is it equally rude to check your wristwatch every ten minutes? Is it ruder to be late?
Do you have a smart watch? Or do you wear a watch at all? What can a smart watch do for you and what are the disadvantages! What features do you use most on your smartwatch? Interesting to find out what our generation is typically wearing and how their watches are being used.
Our conversations begin at 4:00 each Wednesday afternoon on the 24/7 Chat Line. No registration is required; just click on the link in the emailed Daily Schedule.
The August 2024 Photo of the Month theme was Minimalism. We selected Ed Marion's photo "Minimalist – Frank Lloyd Wright," 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
Because
You laugh
easily naturally generously
to things I say and do
to what others say and do
Because
Your laugh forgives forgets
repeatedly
like it didn’t happen
like it didn’t matter although it did
Because
Your laugh goes to
our children their children
our godchildren friends
our dogs grand dogs
Because
Your laugh is
slight
shy
robust bringing tears
Because
Your laugh was present
before I knew your name
on our first date
during good and bad times
Because
Your laugh
twinkles the moment
invites relaxes connects
is with me for years to come
Mark Weinstein, long-time OLLI member, died on August 7, 2024; he joined in the fall of 2009. Mark was devoted to lifelong learning and teaching. He was slated to teach a fall OLLI class on Steerage—traveling in the lowest category of passenger accommodations on westbound trans-Atlantic steamships at the end of the 18th and early 19th centuries.
Mark was an electrical engineer by profession and served in the United States Air Force. He also volunteered for many years as a docent at the United States Air and Space Museum. He will be missed by his many OLLI friends and students.
A chapel funeral service for Mark was held Monday, August 12, at Stanetsky-Hymanson Memorial Chapel in Salem, Massachusetts. He was laid to rest in Shirat Hayam-Beth El Cemetery, 506 Lowell Street, Peabody, MA. More information is available at this link.
Although there are no performances scheduled for this month, single tickets for next season's performances are on sale for non-subscribers as of August 1. Check the Center for the Arts (CFA) ticket purchase page for a schedule of performances. The Hylton Center for the Performing Arts event schedule has information on fall performances.
By Linda H. Harber, OLLI Member and Friends of Music at Mason President
What a way to start the upcoming arts season at George Mason University!
One of the best events is coming on Saturday, September 28 at Mason: ARTS By George. It is a unique evening which combines many of my favorite things—incredible entertainment, talented student artists in all areas of the arts spectrum—music (Jazz, piano, opera, wind symphony), dance, theater, music technology, art technology, film, Green Machine and more. Also, there will be delicious food and drink throughout. When you sign in, you will receive a schedule for the early evening with so much to choose from as you walk around the arts venues (and did I mention food and drinks?). The evening will close with a concert by the amazing Tony-award-winning Lea Salonga in Mason’s Center for the Arts. More details are available at this link.
A percentage of the admission cost for the evening goes to Mason Arts student scholarships – so you can have fun and support talented arts students! Individual Tickets for (alumni) are $250 ($200 benefit)
Individual Tickets for (non-Alumni) are$350 ($200 benefit)
Please join in on my favorite arts event and hopefully soon-to-be yours! Looking forward to seeing you there!
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 Aug 17
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer Club
Mon Aug 19
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
4:00 pm
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Bridge Club
Poetry Reading Club – online
Chair Yoga Club – online
Tue Aug 20
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Chair Yoga Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Aug 21
10:00 am
10:30 am
12:00 noon
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Board Game Club
Investment Forum
Chair Yoga Club – online
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Spanish Club – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu Aug 22
11:50 am
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
6:00 pm
All the News – online
Chair Yoga Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats Club – online
Fri Aug 23
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
12:00 noon
1:00 pm
2:30 pm
Mah Jongg Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Photography Club
Chair Yoga Club – online
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Sat Aug 24
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Aug 26
9:30 am
10:00 am
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Bridge Club
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Chair Yoga Club – online
Tue Aug 27
2:00 pm
4:30 pm
Chair Yoga Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Aug 28
10:30 am
12:00 noon
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Investment Forum
Chair Yoga Club – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Theater Lovers’ Group – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu Aug 29
10:00 am
11:50 am
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group Meeting
All the News – online
Chair Yoga Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 30
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
Dabbling Artists Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Chair Yoga Club – online
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, Sheri Siesseger,Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom 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: 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. 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.
Last month, our trivia team, Los Viejos, pulled off a third consecutive top-three finish.
Final question: "What insect secretion is also slang for a lopsided result in sports?"
We will be getting together again this Thursday (8 August) at Kalypso’s in Reston, which is in the same complex as the Lake Anne Osher campus. The game starts at 7:00 PM. Andi and I are usually there around 6:30 to hold a table.
If you decide to give it a try, please text or email in advance: (423) 524-5149 or amount1963@gmail.com.
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 17, in person and via Zoom. The Zoom session opens at 12:45.
Surprise—Join Us and Discover
Several topics are under development for this month’s session, but details were unavailable when the deadline for this publication arrived. Details will be posted when available on the OPCUG and PATACS websites.
Learn in 30: Google Calendar—Presented by Geof Goodrum
This month's Learn in 30 session will be a guided tour of PATACS's Google Calendar, which was added to the PATACS website this year. We'll demonstrate calendar features and how to add PATACS calendar events and reminders to your personal calendar, so you won't miss a meeting topic that interests you.
Geof Goodrum is a retired US Government scientist and technology enthusiast who has been active in Computer User Groups since 1984. Geof has been a user and advocate of the GNU/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 through 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 2024 (and 2023, if you didn’t get around to paying last year!)—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 815677 (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces) or enter meeting ID 849 1732 2131 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode (preferred method), or dial in at 301-715-8592.
The Tallwood Book Club will hold its last Zoom meeting of the year on Friday, August 9th, at 2:30. The book to be discussed is Moloka'i by Alan Brennert.
During the fall and in December, the meetings will be on the Tallwood campus, as noted in the recently-released Fall Catalog.
Your Thoughts Can Be Featured In A Fall 2024 Course: I Was There
By John Quinn, OLLI Instructor
In the fall term, I will present a two-part course entitled "I Was There," which is intended to capture the personal recollections of OLLI members who participated in or witnessed significant historical events.
I have found some interesting stories from OLLI members so far, but not enough. If you witnessed or were otherwise personally involved in one or more significant historical events, please consider contacting me to have your recollections featured in the course.
The younger gentleman in the accompanying photo is Charley Ostott, an OLLI member and a retired three-star Army general, then a senior at West Point. The older gentleman is Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Please contact me at skinsnats@gmail.com (cell phone: 703-915-1578) with any questions. Thanks.
Early morning
Heron in the pond silently steps
Long legs and splayed feet gently stir the water
Head lowered checking for small fish
Slow steady progressive breakfast
Then the ducks arrive in a kerfuffle of fuss
Wildly calling as they fight momentum to land
In a squawk of flapping and flusters
Wings and feet splash into water
The flock settles into paddled disturbance
The heron quietly raises his head
Stands to his fullest
Sends an annoyed glance at his new neighbors
Spreads his enormous wings and leaves with grace
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. 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 3
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Aug 5
9:30 am
11:00 am
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Poetry Reading Club – online
Tue Aug 6
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Chair Yoga Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Aug 7
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Aug 8
11:50 am
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
All the News – online
Chair Yoga Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 9
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
1:00 pm
2:30 pm
2:30 pm
Photography Club – online
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Tallwood Book Club – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Sat Aug 10
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Aug 12
9:30 am
11:00 am
4:00 pm
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Poetry Writing Club – online
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Tue Aug 13
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Chair Yoga Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Thu Aug 15
11:50 am
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
All the News – online
Chair Yoga Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 16
9:30 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm
Crafts and Conversation – online
Homer, etc. – online
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
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, Sheri Siesseger,Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom 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: 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. 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.
Allen Wright, former specialist at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, presented a comprehensive and informative course on the story of Wonder Woman, feminism, and the history of female superheroes―summer 2024
On Friday, July 19, President Debbie Engleson opened the OLLI Board of Directors meeting at 10:00 with 14 Directors, Jennifer Disano (Executive Director), and 13 OLLI members/staff in TA‑1 and on Zoom.
We are continuing to investigate potential locations in Loudoun and Reston for classes and meetings. Cascades Senior Center and Library, which are close to our previous Loudoun campus location, share a parking lot and could meet our needs between them. Since the number of members in these locations has been reduced, we need more volunteers to help generate new memberships and support these events.
The OLLI Website Committee has been working diligently to make our website easier to navigate and more attractive to new members. Our video snippets are being completed now and will be embedded in our website, as well as be available for events and briefings.
Chair Marilyn Harriman and the Diversions Committee have been very active with events for 2024 and 2025. The Walk and Talk Club had 16 members march in the Fairfax City Fourth of July Parade. Our June OLLI Picnic at Tallwood was most successful. Events coming up into 2025 are the fall Kickoff Coffee, Oktoberfest, Game Day Bash, Holiday Party, St. Patrick’s Day, Annual Dance Party, OLLI Picnic and Potluck in the Park, and Trivia Event.
Chair Kathryn Russell and the OLLI Programming Team have been providing many wonderful classes with highly qualified teachers. They take members’ ideas and locate veteran instructors to present them, assist in developing classes, create schedules, and design the great catalogs we see each quarter. We NEED more volunteers to help and fill the team as the members are aging out.
The “Dirty Knee Club” and Mason workers have done a wonderful job planting the blooming flowerbeds around the Tallwood buildings. Mason has also been busy refurbishing our walkways between classrooms and repairing our air conditioning in TA‑1.
See you in September at our next OLLI Board Meeting in Tallwood TA‑1 and on Zoom at 10:00 on Friday, September 20.
Do you like to dance, listen to music, meet people, and have fun? Join us for a "dance club interest meeting" via Zoom on Tuesday, July 30 at 2:00. The Zoom link will be included in the OLLI daily schedule.
No expertise in dancing is needed. Your ideas and suggestions are welcome for making this another great OLLI activity. If you have questions, please email Lila Goldstein at mailto:lwgoldstein@gmail.com.
Editor’s note: This article appeared in prior E–News issues; it is repeated here to foster interest in an OLLI dance club.
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Every Wednesday afternoon at 4:00, Team Bloch moderates an online conversation on OLLI's 24/7 chat line. Each week we choose a different topic and encourage sharing of our thoughts, experiences, and opinions.
Team Bloch's topic for July 31 is Which Option Is More Reasonable – to Rent vs. Own Where You Live?
At this point in our lives, do we really need to own the home we live in? Sure, many of us have a lot of stuff and need a place to put it. There are great storage units in the area for this. Do you want to deal with replacing windows and appliances, calling the plumber or the electrician? Maybe it is much easier to rent a home and call the superintendent when there is a problem? Throughout our lives, the consensus was to own your home. Do you think that is still true?
Join us at 4:00 on the 31st to give us your opinion(s)—lots of pros and cons on this topic. OLLI's daily-schedule email will provide you with the Zoom link.
No lush pampered lawn for me
Beautiful “weeds” under the tree
Moss abounds in the cool shade
Forming a soft pillow-like glade
Purple henbit sparkles in the green
Yellow buttercup always the queen
Squirrels finding their acorns around
Ground birds pecking as grubs abound
A pollinator’s retreat, wild blooms arise
As the sun heats brilliant blue skies
Green and wild, I’ll take lush anytime
Soon nature will show in all its prime
–Sally Sibley
*My father was an expert gardener. I am an enthusiastic wannabe. When he was quite elderly, he visited me and I was showing him all the weeds in the lawn. He said “green is green.” Sweet.
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Sulaiha Mastan, affectionately known to her friends as “Su.” An extraordinary woman, Su moved to our community from Malaysia and earned her PhD in clinical psychology from George Mason University.
In the early years of her career, Su served as a forensic psychologist for Fairfax County, an experience that inspired her to establish a private practice. For the past 15 years, she worked as a clinical psychologist at Kaiser Permanente, providing invaluable support to both adolescents and adults. During her tenure at Kaiser, Su created an award-winning program for transgender youth, showcasing her dedication and innovative spirit.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Su was a cherished member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). She initially joined as a student, but her commitment and passion led her to volunteer in the OLLI office and contribute significantly to the newly formed Diversity Advisory Committee, even amidst her serious illness.
Su's legacy of compassion, dedication, and service will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be profoundly missed.
She is survived by her beloved daughter Helina and partner of many years, Lou Riggs. Lou can be reached at Louriggs@gmail.com.
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 pageor 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 linkto 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.
No performances this month, but single tickets for next season's performances go on sale for non-subscribers August 1. Check CFA ticket purchase page for schedule of performances.
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. 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 27
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jul 29
9:30 am
10:00 am
4:00 pm
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Bridge Club
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Tue Jul 30
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Dance Club Interest Meeting – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 31
4:00 pm
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu Aug 1
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 2
9:30 am
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm
Dabbling Artists
Mah Jongg Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Sat Aug 3
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Aug 5
9:30 am
11:00 am
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Poetry Reading Club – online
Tue Aug 6
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Chair Yoga Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Aug 7
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Spanish Club – online
Thu Aug 8
11:50 am
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
All the News – online
Chair Yoga Club – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 9
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
1:00 pm
2:30 pm
2:30 pm
Photography Club – online
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Tallwood Book Club – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
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, Sheri Siesseger,Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom 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: 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. Note: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News on the DocStore. To search the content of issues, use Search Our Site or put your search term in Google followed by "site:olli.gmu.edu/" without the quotes.
OLLI Personal Computer User Group meets Saturday, July 20 (tomorrow) in person and via Zoom; check the OLLI daily-schedule email for the Zoom link and other information.
The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, July 26; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, July 23, at 6:00.
Do you like to dance, listen to music, meet people, and have fun? Join us for a "dance club interest meeting" via Zoom on Tuesday, July 30 at 2:00. The Zoom link will be included in the OLLI daily schedule.
No expertise in dancing is needed. Your ideas and suggestions are welcome for making this another great OLLI activity.
If you have questions, please email Lila Goldstein at
mailto:lwgoldstein@gmail.com.
Editor’s note: This article appeared in a prior E–News issue; it is repeated here to foster interest in an OLLI dance club.
Is it hot enough for you? Summer heat always seems to occur during the summer―a no brainer, huh?―but in the last few years, the summers have seemed to be hotter and sooner. You recall the pronouncement last year that “2023 will be the coolest summer we will have for a long time.” And it was HOT last summer! These are definitely the "dog days of summer!"
So how did we get the term “dog days of summer?” Since there is some space in this week's E-News―and I'm the editor―a little research will tell us.
This reference to the hot summer months is nothing new. The "dog days of summer" refers to the hottest and most humid period of the year, traditionally lasting from July 3 to August 11. This term originates from ancient Greek and Roman times and is connected to the star Sirius, known as the Dog Star, which is part of the constellation Canis Major (the Greater Dog).
Ancient Greeks noticed that Sirius rose and set with the sun during this period, coinciding with the hottest days of the year. They believed that the combined heat from Sirius and the sun caused the extreme temperatures. The term "dog days" comes from the Latin phrase "dies caniculares," meaning "days of the dog star.”
In ancient Egypt, Sirius's rising also signaled the annual flooding of the Nile, an event crucial for agriculture. However, in Greek and Roman mythology, this period was often seen as a time of misfortune, associated with drought, fever, and bad luck. The Old Farmers' Almanac helped readers (mostly farmers) blame any crop disasters, like no rain or intense summer heat, on the "dog days of summer."
While the appearance of Sirius does not actually affect the weather, the association with the hottest part of summer has persisted. Today, the "dog days" are still recognized as the peak of summer heat, influenced primarily by the Earth's tilt and the resulting direct sunlight. And maybe a little "global warming" is helping, too!
So now you know about the “dog days of summer.” Advice: stay inside, stay cool, and be glad we're not in Arizona!
The July 2024 Photo of the Month theme was The Color Green. We selected John Olsen's photo "Steptoe Butte," 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
the mall is awash in plaid shorts
a security guard listens to Boy George on the radio
you come and go, you come and go
there’s a strange scent in the air
coconut cream pie latte
mother and daughter pairs stroll by
dressed like Barbie and Midge with matching purses
how much energy it takes to look like everyone else
toddlers in training on a perfect summer day
marching up and down the aisles of plenty
some day this all will be theirs
young men wearing jeans with the crotch around their knees
sunshine streams in through the skylight
you can almost feel a breeze
Norm Nelson, former OLLI member who joined in the fall of 2009, died in Annandale on July 12, 2024. After service as an officer in the Navy, he attended the University of Illinois, obtaining a law degree. Norm enjoyed studies in history and music.
There will be a memorial visitation at 12:00 and a service at 1:00 on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at the Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA. Further information is available at this link.
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 pageor 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 linkto 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.
No performances this month, but single tickets for next season's performances go on sale for non-subscribers August 1. Check CFA ticket purchase page for schedule of performances.
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. 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 20
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Jul 22
9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Tue Jul 23
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 24
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
7:00 pm
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Theater Lovers’ Group
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
New Zealand and Ireland Travel – online
Thu Jul 25
4:30 pm
6:00 pm
7:00 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats Club – online
Canada and Portugal Travel – online
Fri Jul 26
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
1:00 pm
2:30 pm
Crafts and Conversation
Spanish Club
Homer, etc. – online
Photography Club
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Sat Jul 27
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jul 29
9:30 am
10:00 am
4:00 pm
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Bridge Club
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Tue Jul 30
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Dance Club Interest Meeting – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 31
4:00 pm
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu Aug 1
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Aug 2
9:30 am
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm
Dabbling Artists
Mah Jongg Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc. – online
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Sat Aug 3
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
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, Sheri Siesseger,Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom 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: 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. 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.
JohnMiller, US Navy Vice Admiral (Ret.), Presented an Informative Analysisofthe Growing Danger of Strategic Competition, Confrontation, and Conflict; July 3
By Kathryn Russell, OLLI Program Committee Co-Chair
Have you noticed that OLLI catalogs are becoming heftier? That’s because our choices have grown substantially in recent years. Each term we choose from a stunning array of courses, special events, clubs, and ongoing activities. Then there’s the added advantage of choosing among in-person, Zoom, and hybrid classes. As we’re enjoying this fabulous summer term and anticipating the arrival of the fall catalog soon, this is a good time to reflect on how all these wonderful activities come into being. And to consider becoming a program volunteer.
There’s no magic involved. We begin with ideas generated not only by program planners, but also by many OLLI members. For example, you may come up with an idea inspired by a class you’re currently taking. You may discover a fascinating idea in the media or some other source. Or perhaps you’re thinking of teaching a class.
We invite you to come along and join in the process of program making. You’ll find so many rewards when you become an OLLI program volunteer. Volunteers often speak of the personal satisfaction that comes from sharing their talents with appreciative OLLI audiences. And they enjoy the camaraderie of their peers who share common interests.
One easy way to get involved is to attend one of the program planning group meetings that are held periodically, usually by Zoom. Look for announcements of these meetings in the E-News. For more information, contact one of the program planning leaders listed at the beginning of each subject area of the OLLI catalog. Or let one of the Program Committee co-chairs know about your interest. We want to hear from you!
Opportunities to 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 that is created using MailChimp software. We will teach you what you need to know and be able to do 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 ollienewseditor@gmail.com. Thanks!
Jerry Cheng, our instructor, has taught 500 classes for the Tai Chi Club on Zoom! He reached this milestone at the end of June. When the pandemic started in May 2020, Jerry suggested that we could benefit from the gentle exercise of Tai Chi three times a week, not just on Saturdays. We have classes at 4:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, allowing Jerry to return from work at his law practice, and also at 10:30 on Saturday mornings.
After the pandemic restrictions were reduced, Jerry has needed to miss teaching some classes because of court dates or client consultations. The OLLI members who host the meetings share a recent recording of a Tai Chi session when that happens. The 500-class milestone mentioned in the first sentence is when Jerry has been in-person on Zoom (is that an oxymoron?).
Some members miss seeing others in the TA-3 classroom, but others are quite pleased to exercise in private, avoiding traffic and parking challenges, and moving chairs before and after each lesson. Many OLLI members have been pleased to discover the benefits of regular physical activity that would not be possible without a virtual option at OLLI. Thank you, Jerry, for providing this opportunity for us!
Change of Date for Wednesday Chat Session This Coming Week
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Team Bloch is unable to host the usual conversation hour on Wednesday, July 17. However, we are rescheduling, for this week only, to Tuesday, July 16 at 4:00. The proposed topic will be a discussion of all the careers and jobs that are no longer viable or much in demand (e.g., secretary, shoe repairman/woman, itinerant knife sharpener, union steward) and what jobs and careers have popped up to replace them (e.g., computer programmer, influencer, equal opportunity officer). Since we left school, worker demand has changed significantly!
Look for us in the coming week on Tuesday the 16th—we should be on the OLLI Daily Schedule, but you can always log into the 24/7 chat line to find us.
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 20, in person and via Zoom. The Zoom session opens at 12:45.
Secure File Deletion—Presented by John Krout
This presentation will help you understand how Windows stores your files. When you choose to delete a file, Windows delete a file you choose in a way that allows a File Recovery application to recover the deleted file, including the file name and the file data, during a limited time window. You will learn about Recuva, a zero-cost File Recovery application.
Sometimes, though, you want to make sure a file is deleted securely, in a way that prevents recovery of it. Examples include:
your gift idea list for anyone else in your house sharing use of the computer
before lending or donating the computer to a young techie-to-be who has no qualms about snooping around in the computer
if you sell the computer or send it out for repair.
You will learn what Secure File Deletion does to prevent file recovery in such cases. You will learn how to use that capability in three applications: CCleaner, File Shredder, both of which are zero-cost, and System Mechanic, a commercial application.
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.
Windows Virtual Machines (VM): the What, Why, and How—Presented by Roger Fujii
This will be a quick primer on some Virtual Machine (VM) options available on Windows 10/11. It will cover what VMs are, what one would use a VM for, and how to set it up. Bring your questions about this little known but potentially highly‑useful technology.
Roger Fujii has helped OLLI with technology challenges for its email and LAN systems since 2006 and has been a PATACS stalwart since the ‘80s.
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 2024 (and 2023, if you didn’t get around to paying last year!)—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 815677 (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces) or enter meeting ID 849 1732 2131 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode (preferred method), or dial in at 301-715-8592.
For tickets for either Center for the Arts Concert Hall (CFA) or HyltonCenter, 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 pageor 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 websiteMason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.
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 Jul 13
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jul 15
9:30 am
10:00 am
4:00 pm
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Bridge Club
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Tue Jul 16
1:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 17
4:00 pm
Spanish Club – online
Thu Jul 18
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Jul 19
9:30 am
9:30 am
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm
Dabbling Artists Club
Mah Jongg Club
Crafts and Conversation Board of Directors Meeting
Homer, etc. – online
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Sat Jul 20
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Jul 22
9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Tue Jul 23
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 24
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
7:00 pm
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Theater Lovers’ Group
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
New Zealand and Ireland Travel – online
Thu Jul 25
4:30 pm
6:00 pm
7:00 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Ethnic Eats Club – online
Canada and Portugal Travel – online
Fri Jul 26
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon
1:00 pm
2:30 pm
Crafts and Conversation
Spanish Club
Homer, etc. – online
Photography Club
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
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, Sheri Siesseger,Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom 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: 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. 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.
Last month, our trivia team, Los Viejos, followed up a first-place win with an equally surprising second-place finish.
Final question: Which NHL team, which has already won three Stanley Cups in this century, is the oldest in the Western Conference?
We will be meeting again this Thursday (the 11th) at Kalypso’s in Reston, which is in the same complex as the Lake Anne OLLI campus. The game starts at 7:00. Andi and I are usually there around 6:30 to hold a table.
If you decide to give it a try, please text or e-mail in advance: (423) 524-5149 and amount1963@gmail.com. We may not meet again until August.
Caregivers’ Support Group @ OLLI By Doris Bloch, Caregivers’ Support Group Co-Coordinator
Did you know that OLLI Mason sponsors a biweekly Zoom support group meeting for caregivers on Friday afternoons? Originally an informal gathering, the group is now listed on the registration portal and you can sign up to be on the email list.
The support group covers several helpful areas. We give our participants an opportunity to talk about their caregiving situation(s) with a supportive group, and also try to provide practical information, both from our own personal experience and/or from other knowledgeable resources. These resources could be internet-based or referrals to local social service agencies. We also draw on the expertise of the George Mason University School of Social Work, which supports us by providing the group meetings with a facilitator from their Master's in Social Work program.
Participation is low–key and you can remain anonymous if you prefer to do so.
Our meetings usually last no more than one hour. Our next Zoom-based meeting is scheduled for Friday, July 12, at 2:30 and the link will be listed on the Daily Schedule for that day. Just jump in; you don't need to register.
Do you like to dance, listen to music, meet people, and have fun? Join us for a "dance club interest meeting" via Zoom on Tuesday, July 30 at 2:00. The Zoom link will be included in the OLLI daily schedule.
No expertise in dancing is needed. Your ideas and suggestions are welcome for making this another great OLLI activity. If you have questions, please email Lila Goldstein at mailto:lwgoldstein@gmail.com.
Some Programs Cannot Come to OLLI, But We Can Go to Them By Camille Hodges,Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Co-Chair, and Diversity Advisory Group Co-Chair
While OLLI is looking for presenters with expertise regarding American Indian history, you can find out more about the heritage, customs, and daily life of our Native Americans at the 2024 Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Here's an excerpt from the Smithsonian website:
From the websitehttps://festival.si.edu:"At the 2024 Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall, Indigenous artists and makers, professional chefs and home cooks, musicians, dancers, athletes, and storytellers will demonstrate the depth of multigenerational traditions as well as new, innovative approaches to cultural expression.
Join a circle of celebration with stories, songs, and dance. Experience ancestral foods like the Three Sisters (beans, corn, and squash) and inventive, sustainable cuisine. Learn stories that underlie Indigenous sports and games. Hear how Indigenous youth are reclaiming their languages through spoken-word and hip-hop. Explore traditional arts that flourish in their connections to place and environmental knowledge."
Keep in mind that it’s hot in early July! Those of us who have attended these festivals know it’s worth the trip, but don’t do too much in one day. Take your grandkids, bottled water, snacks, wear a hat, and enjoy. Thanks!
Editor's Note: This article appeared in prior issues of E-News; it is repeated here to encourage your participation in celebrating the National Museum of the American Indian.
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Every Wednesday afternoon at 4:00, Team Bloch moderates an online conversation on OLLI's 24/7 Chat Line. Each week we choose a different topic and encourage sharing of our thoughts, experiences, and opinions.
Our topic for July 10: Tell us about the first time you voted—e.g., where and how old you were, what you had to do to register, how you felt about it. Would you encourage your younger family members to register to vote?
You can find the Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) conversation Zoom link listed in the Daily Schedule each Wednesday.
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 pageor 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 linkto 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.
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 Jul 6
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jul 8
9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Tue Jul 9
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 10
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Memoir and More Writing Group – online
Mah Jongg Club – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu Jul 11
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Jul 12
9:30 am
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
1:00 pm
2:30 pm
2:30 pm
Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Spanish Club
Homer, etc. – online
Cooking Club
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Tallwood Book Club – online
Caregivers Support Group – online
Sat Jul 13
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club – online
Mon Jul 15
9:30 am
10:00 am
4:00 pm
What’s in the Daily News? – online
Bridge Club
Family History/Genealogy Club – online
Tue Jul 16
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Tai Chi Club – online
Wed Jul 17
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Spanish Club – online
Conversation with Team Bloch – online
Thu Jul 18
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Fri Jul 19
9:30 am
9:30 am
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm
Dabbling Artists Club
Mah Jongg Club
Crafts and Conversation Board of Directors Meeting
Homer, etc. – online
Stay Active and Independent for Life – online
Sat Jul 20
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club – online
Personal Computer User Group
Hold onto your cards, OLLI Mason has shuffled the staff deck. Make note of these changes so you can work with a full hand going forward!
Steven Leyva was born in New Orleans and raised in Houston. His poems have appeared or are forthcoming in 2 Bridges Review, Scalawag, Nashville Review, jubilat, Vinyl, and Prairie Schooner. He is a Cave Canem fellow and author of the chapbook Low Parish. Steven holds an MFA from the University of Baltimore, where he is an associate professor in the Klein Family School of Communications Design. Click 
es in the current fall catalog, which can awaken your music gene, recall memories of times past, and present an opportunity to sing along.
Mark Weinstein, long-time OLLI member, died on August 7, 2024; he joined in the fall of 2009. Mark was devoted to lifelong learning and teaching. He was slated to teach a fall OLLI class on Steerage—traveling in the lowest category of passenger accommodations on westbound trans-Atlantic steamships at the end of the 18th and early 19th centuries.
One of the best events is coming on Saturday, September 28 at Mason: ARTS By George. It is a unique evening which combines many of my favorite things—incredible entertainment, talented student artists in all areas of the arts spectrum—music (Jazz, piano, opera, wind symphony), dance, theater, music technology, art technology, film, Green Machine and more. Also, there will be delicious food and drink throughout. When you sign in, you will receive a schedule for the early evening with so much to choose from as you walk around the arts venues (and did I mention food and drinks?). The evening will close with a concert by the amazing Tony-award-winning Lea Salonga in Mason’s Center for the Arts. More details are available at 
and most humid period of the year, traditionally lasting from July 3 to August 11. This term originates from ancient Greek and Roman times and is connected to the star Sirius, known as the Dog Star, which is part of the constellation Canis Major (the Greater Dog).
Every Wednesday afternoon at 4:00, Team Bloch moderates an online conversation on OLLI's 24/7 Chat Line. Each week we choose a diffe