Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

OLLI E-News (Weekly Newsletter)

E-News-September-30-2022

OLLI E-News September 30, 2022
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
Ilya Somin, a Professor of Law at Mason, Argues in a Monday Lecture Series Class "Free to Move" that Foot Voting Offers Strong Advantages Over Ballot Box Voting for a More Open World, September 26

September 30, 2022


Editor of the Week: John Nash
Table of Contents

Alerts and Notices

  • You may now add or drop a class using the add/drop form available at this link.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, October 7; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, October 4, at 6:00.
An OLLI Summons

 

 By Barbara Wilan, Loudoun Program Planning Group Chair



Please help us find a solution for program planning at OLLI. We all like Zoom, and it will continue to be part of the OLLI program as life continues to normalize. However, many of us are committed to returning to the OLLI program that we loved prior to the pandemic: in-person classes, social events, and vibrant committees. Zoom and hybrids are going strong, but we fear for the in-person program, which brought many of us to OLLI in the first place.

Our problem has been getting our members to sign up for and come to in-person classes and social events. We need your opinions and suggestions for the best way to restore a strong in-person program. We know that you know what we need to do to attract you and our other members.

To that end, we will be forming a focus group to meet in-person on the Loudoun campus during October or November. We miss you, and we miss the old OLLI. Please help us restore OLLI’s live events.

If you are interested in helping us by joining our focus group, please contact Barbara Wilan at bwilan@webtv.net. Once we get a group formed, we’ll pick the day and time.

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Antietam Day Trip September 23

 

By Luci Martel, Special Events Program Planning Group Co-Chair

 

On September 23, long-time OLLI instructor and civil war historian, Jim Anderson, led an enthusiastic group of 20 OLLI members on a day trip to the Antietam Battlefield in Maryland. It was a perfect fall day with the weather cooperating (albeit a little windy) and Jim provided an outstanding overview of the entire battle. It was a wonderful way to kick off the 2022 fall term!

The group toured all of the tragic battle spots which, with Jim's narrative, helped explain why this was one of the most devastating battles of the Civil War. More than 23,000 were killed or wounded that day. (Photos by Luci Martel)


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History Club Meeting

 


By Elizabeth Lambert, History Club Coordinator

 


The first meeting of the History Club for the 2022-23 season will be held on Wednesday, October 5 at 4:00. It will be a virtual event. Our speaker will be Doug Snoeyenbos speaking on The Presidential Election of 1876. Doug describes it as one of the closest and most controversial in American history and it has many implications for our current Presidential elections. We will look at what made the Election of 1876 so unique, how it exposed weaknesses in the Electoral College system, and how it was eventually resolved as well as the consequences of that election, which included the end of Reconstruction.

Those who heard Doug speak at a History Club presentation last year know it will be an excellent meeting. Because the meeting will be virtual, any and all OLLI members, near and far, can have access to it. Be sure to put Wednesday, October 5, at 4:00 on your calendar.

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Join the Friends of Theater for a World Premiere and Music by the Go-Gos
 

By Norma Jean Reck, Theater Lovers' Group Coordinator


Please join us this Sunday, October 2, 2022, from 4:00 to 5:15 for a light-hearted theatrical treat from the comfort of your home. The free, virtual, two-part program begins with Mason’s talented theater students performing songs from Head Over Heels, a laugh-out-loud love story about the hilarious escapades of a royal family set to the music of the Go Gos. Director Erin Gardiner and Music Director Joe Walsh will be on hand to expertly take us behind-the-scenes of the play. Choreographer Stefan Sittig and his dance students will demonstrate the process of integrating dance and movement into the play. You can see Head Over Heels at the Center for the Arts from Thursday, October 27 through Sunday, October 30. For tickets and more information, please go to theater.gmu.edu.

To round out this exciting program, Djola Branner, Director of the School of Theater, will discuss what motivated him to write Sutta. The fun play, choreographed by Ahmed Maaty, is set in 2017. Branner uses movement, music, and text as theatrical language to tell the story of a young doctoral candidate whose research takes him to a Buddhist monastery. Mason’s talented theater students will bring Sutta to life by reading some scenes from the play. You can attend the world premiere of Sutta at the TheaterSpace from Friday, November 18 through Sunday, November 20. For tickets and more information, please go to theater.gmu.edu.

To RSVP or for more information, email ringle@gmu.edu or phone Rachel Ingle at 703-993-3927. The deadline to RSVP is Saturday, October 1 (tomorrow!). The Zoom link will be emailed to you shortly before the event on Sunday, October 2.

Everyone is welcome, so invite your family and friends to join you for this special Friends of Theater event. Be sure to save the date! See you there.

OLLI Weekly Conversations Continue – October 5: Travel 

 

 By Doris Bloch, Co-Moderator


Continuing our Wednesday Conversations Series, Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) will moderate a Zoom discussion on October 5 at 4:00, where any and every OLLI member is most welcome to join us to talk about our chosen topic: Travel (a fascinating topic and lots to discuss!). It will
combine a learning experience, a getting-to-know you experience, and just a friendly outlet where we can all relax and relate. No sign-ups needed; participation is totally open and spontaneous. Check the Daily-Schedule email or just use the OLLI Chat Line meeting ID.

October 5: Travel – Where have you been recently? Where have you been dreaming of going? What precautions are you taking? Share any horror stories or good experiences with us. We love to hear them. Cancelled trips? Lost luggage? Quarantine stays in foreign surroundings? Tour group feedback? We can all learn lessons from your tales, whether good, bad, indifferent.
 
Heads-up for the following week’s Conversation: October 12: Mystery Novels, Movies and TV Shows – What are you reading? Watching? Who’s your favorite? Recommendations welcomed. Should OLLI provide a future class on mysteries? Is anyone here currently writing a novel or has in the past? – please do share with us.

Each week we pre-select a topic, and advertise it in the OLLI E-News, the OLLI E-Blast, and the OLLI Daily-Schedule email (so it will be “in your face” and hard to miss.) If you have a suggestion for a topic that will be of interest to members, please do send it to one of us (Bblochyoung@gmail.com or
dbloch50@hotmail.com). We love receiving your suggestions. Our first conversation was devoted to discussing Word Games based on apps, mainly, but not exclusively, those played on cellphones. The “mothership” of these is Wordle, sponsored by the New York Times but available to subscribers and non-subscribers alike.

We are working on a list of games to share with OLLI members. OLLI puzzle-mad folks, stay tuned. Check your Daily Schedule for the Zoom link each Wednesday and plan on some social time with Team Bloch (who are totally non-related, in case you were wondering).
Member Achievement
News from OLLI’s Poetry Workshop

 

 By Jan Bohall, Poetry Workshop Co-Moderator

 

Congratulations to three of our OLLI poets who recently had poems accepted by literary publications! Susan Bennett placed her poem, ‘The Coat Rack Reflects,’ with the Artemis Journal; both Susan Rexroad and Margie Wildblood will have their poems, ‘a frothy occupation’ and ‘Ashes’ respectively, in the NoVA Bards 2022: Anthology of Northern Virginia Poetry.

In addition to the Workshop, all three poets are studying the craft with Ed Sadtler and Carolyn Wyatt in their course, So You Wanna Write Poetry? here at OLLI.

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Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop


 

SYMPHONIC NIGHTMARE

I’ve played for years in a symphony,

So I don’t really need your sympathy

When I tell you of a dream I had one night

Which may hint at my precarious plight.

 

In the dream I was late for a concert, you see—

It started at 7:30, not eight, the prior decree.

I heard the National Anthem as I came through the door

“How could I get to my seat on stage?” I implored

 

The surprised stage manager (what did he know?)

Rigged up a chandelier for me, my violin, and bow.

I swung over the orchestra and descended so low

That I jumped right into my chair, and was ready to go.

 

No one even noticed my braggadocio.

                                                                                                                          Joan Lunsford
                                                                                                                          November 6, 2021

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances, September 30 through October 10


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


Current vaccination policy for the Center for the Arts and Hylton Performing Arts Center is summarized as follows:

Audience members are not currently required to show proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test result for most events except when required by the event organizer or artist. If proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result is required for a specific event, it will be indicated on the webpage with event details.

Specific requirements are detailed and any future policy changes may be found here: https://cfa.gmu.edu/plan-your-visit/vaccination-policy.

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 sign up at this link to stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website, Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances. Information can also be found at CFA ticket purchase page, Center for the Arts YouTube Channel, or the Hylton ticket purchase page.

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At the Fairfax Campus Venues

MOMIX: Viva MOMIX
Sat, Oct 1, 8:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $55, $47, $33.
 

Virginia Opera: The Valkyrie
Sat, Oct 8, 8:00
Sun, Oct 9, 2:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $110, $70, $40.
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

New Sound Collective Concert
Fri, Oct 7, 8:00
deLaski Performing Arts Building, 3001, de Laski Rehearsal Room
Admission: Free.


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At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)


Gallery Exhibit: Bennie Herron: Zero and One
Sep 6 through Nov 6
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Buchanan Partners Art Gallery
Admission: Free.
  
Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: Music for the Young and Youthful
Sun, Oct 2, 2:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $50, $43, $29.

Alicia Ward: Cello Concert
Wed, Oct 5, 1:30
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: Lunch, concert, and dessert reception: $60,
                 Concert and dessert reception only: $35.

Naseebo Lal! Pakistani Folk Singer
Fri, Oct 7, 7:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $29 to $250.

Manassas Chorale: Broadway in Manassas!
Sat, Oct 8, 7:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $25, $23.

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

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Meetings & Clubs

Please note: Although some physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled, some may be meeting in person or, in a hybrid mode, both in person and online. 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 Oct 1 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Mon Oct 3  9:30 am What’s in the Daily News?
Tue Oct 4
 		  4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Spanish Club
Tai Chi Club
Wed Oct 5
 
 
 		  1:45 pm
 1:45 pm
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Bridge Club
Mah Jongg Club
Memoir and More Writing Group
History Club
Thu Oct 6  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Fri Oct 7
 
 
 		  9:15 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am
11:00 am		 Recorder Consort
Craft and Conversation
Classic Literature Club
Homer, etc.
Sat Oct 8 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Mon Oct 10  9:30 am What’s in the Daily News?
Tue Oct 11  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Wed Oct 12
 
 
 
 		  1:45 pm
 1:45 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm
 6:00 pm		 Bridge Club
Spanish Club
Mah Jongg Club
Conversations with Brenda and Doris
Ethnic Eats Club
Thu Oct 13
 		  4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Reston Book Club
Tai Chi Club
Fri Oct 14
 
 
 
 
 
 
 		  9:15 am
 9:30 am
 9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
 2:30 pm		 Recorder Consort
Photography Club
Craft and Conversation
Grab ‘n’ Gab Coffee Klatch
Classic Literature Club
Homer, etc.
Cooking Club
Tallwood Book Club
Sat Oct 15
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club
Personal Computer User Group
 

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About OLLI E-News

OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.

Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Linda Randall, Tom Appich, 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.
An Amazon Smile Link appears here. When you shop using the Smile link designating OLLI as your charitable choice, we'll receive a 0.5 % donation, based on the value of your purchase.

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E-News-September-23-2022

OLLI E-News September 23, 2022
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.

In-Person Fall Kick-Off Coffee for New and Continuing Members, Fairfax, September 15, 2022

September 23, 2022


Editor of the Week: Paul Van Hemel
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

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

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Highlights of the September Board of Directors Meeting


By Gloria Loew, Secretary


The Board of Directors met on September 16 at Tallwood. President Lillian Brooks noted the in-person fall 2022 coffee klatch held on September 15 to welcome new members. It was a huge success, with more than 40 people attending. People were happy to be back together in person and the room was LOUD! Lillian also announced a retreat for Board members and committee chairs to work toward implementing the new OLLI Strategic Plan; the retreat will be held on November 12.
 
Michele Romano, chair of the Health Advisory Work Group, reported that the group is focusing on helping OLLI members feel better about coming to campus and participating in person. The group is planning activities and providing communication to keep us informed about COVID. They say that we are safer on the OLLI campus than we can be anywhere else because we are all vaxxed. OLLI members are encouraged to make personal decisions about wearing masks.
 
Debby Mossburg, chair of the Outreach Committee, noted that the committee is working aggressively and innovatively to increase our membership. They are distributing fliers and catalogs, writing articles for publication in community newspapers, and speaking to organizations that are helping their soon-to-be retirees find new activities.
 
Paul Howard, chair of the Ad-Hoc Website Committee, stated that the committee is working to make our website more attractive to potential members and more functional for current members.
 
Toni Acton described efforts by the Welcome Engagement Team to actively welcome new members.
 
Executive Director Jennifer Disano reported that our current membership is just under 1000 and we are working hard to increase that number. She also noted that Mason facilities staff continue to spruce up Tallwood. They recently fixed TA‑2 after a tree limb came through the roof. Jennifer also described that our programming volunteers are working to beef up our Reston and Loudon classes.

Treasurer David Osterman presented the treasurer’s report, after which resolutions under new business were tabled until the next meeting. This allowed time for the Board members and guests to attend a pizza party lunch at noon.

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Vaccine Facts


By Jane Harrison, Healthcare Advisory Workgroup Member


Beginning fall term 2022, it is helpful to assess the state of COVID vaccinations in the US. Although never intended to eradicate the disease, vaccines remain highly effective in lowering fatalities and reducing hospitalizations. Now that federal, state, and local government, business, and institutions no longer mandate restrictions, individuals must now protect themselves and the general public.

In brief, being “fully vaccinated” by government definition typically means that you have received the original two doses of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or one of Johnson and Johnson. The Pfizer and Moderna products are mRNA vaccines, which function as protein information carriers to prompt the body to make specific proteins. They instruct cells to produce the spike protein found on the coronavirus. In turn, this protein prompts the body to make an immune response. In July, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) approved Novavax, a more traditional vaccine that contains no genetic material. This vaccine is very similar to protein-based influenza vaccine and may encourage those who have resisted the newer mRNA technology to be more likely to get vaccinated. About 68% of Americans are now vaccinated, and 85% of Fairfax County residents 18 and older, and 77% total of county residents are fully vaccinated.

Cold weather favors Coronavirus and Influenza. Experts expect a moderate resurgence this fall, with a “possible fall wave” in early December. The updated bivalent booster from Pfizer and Moderna (the first vaccine to be updated since the original in 2020), is meant to target Omicron BA-4, BA-5. Dr. Fauci of the NIAID states that if the variant remains BA-5, a major surge is not expected. Some experts feel that side effects may be fewer also, since the dose is lower. The recommendation is to wait approximately two months from your last vaccination or coronavirus infection to get the new booster. OLLI will continue to closely monitor and adjust regulations for in-person attendance as needed.

The bivalent booster is now available. To find a vaccine site, go to vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682) Mondays through Fridays to schedule an appointment.

OLLI members are encouraged to keep all their vaccinations up to date, including for pneumonia, hepatitis, and herpes zoster (shingles). You can also receive the new coronavirus booster and the flu shot at the same time. It’s important to remember that both take about two weeks to become fully effective. Vaccination becomes even more important as we age to prevent serious complications of disease; talk to your health care provider about your vaccination status.

For questions or comments, please contact Michele Romano, Chair, Health Advisory Workgroup at tufax2@gmail.com.

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Wednesday Conversations with Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch,
Co-Moderators
Everyone is invited to join our Wednesday Conversation series. The Wednesday Conversations allow OLLI Members to chat at a dedicated time, day, and on a topic specific to each week. The goal is to entertain, educate, and socialize within our community of lifelong learners and it promises to be a lot of fun. Certainly, the first one of the series, held on September 14, was great. The topic was "Word Games," and we came up with quite a number; they will be the subject of a future E-News article so that everyone can share in the list.

The second Wednesday Conversation was held on September 21: The Royals (QEII, King Charles, Prince William, Prince Harry, spouses, offspring, the future line of succession, the future of the Commonwealth, and the Corgis).

Future dates and planned topics include:

September 28: What's for Dinner? How have your shopping and eating habits changed since the pandemic? Do you think that you will revert back to earlier habits? Are you cooking more or cooking less? Ordering out? Signing up for home delivery of ready-prepared foods or those meal delivery packages? And what about all those sourdough starters?

October 5:  Travel – Where have you been recently? Where have you been dreaming of going? What precautions are you taking? Share any horror stories or good experiences with us – we love to hear them. Cancelled trips? Lost luggage? Quarantine stays in foreign surroundings? Tour group feedback? We can all learn lessons from your tales – good, bad, indifferent.

October 12: Mystery Novels, Movies and TV Shows: What are you reading? Watching? Recommendations welcomed. Should OLLI provide a class on mysteries? Is anyone here currently writing a novel? Please share with us.

All of these start at 4:00. Note that they are extensions of our Chat line zoom using the same meeting ID and password, but at specific times/days and on specific topics. Look for the meeting ID and topics on the Daily Schedule email.

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Join the Hospitality Committee


By Elaine Leonard, Hospitality Committee Chair


If you like to bake or prepare easy-to-make appetizers, come share your skills with OLLI by becoming a member of the Hospitality Committee. This committee is in charge of serving, providing food, and decorating for five events during the year.

We provide finger foods for members' kick-off coffees and meetings. We also plan the holiday luncheon in December and assist with the annual picnic in May. These events introduce new members to OLLI, welcome back current members, provide updates on happenings at OLLI Mason and, best of all, foster socializing with friends.

To join, please contact me at belaineleonard@gmail.com. We would love to have you!
(Photos by Paul Van Hemel)

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Special Invitation: Join OLLI’s Theater Lovers for Two Upcoming Theater Events


By Norma Jean Reck, Theater Lovers’ Group Coordinator


Little Women, a Musical: This Saturday, September 24, the Theater Lovers' Group (TLG) will attend the 2:00 matinee performance of Little Women, a musical, at NextStop Theatre in Herndon, Virginia. Little Women is "candid, humble, charming, and a great addition to other adaptations like it," according to Broadway World Washington, D.C. "Sure to please any fan of this classic story."

Tickets are $40/person (group rate) and can be charged to your credit card by phoning Nora at 703-298-0667; she will seat our group together. You MUST tell Nora that you are with OLLI's Theater Group to get the group rate. Your guests (who do not have to be OLLI members) can also get the $40 group rate. There are only a few spaces left, so phone Nora ASAP.

NextStop Theatre is a professional company, located at 269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon, Virginia. There is plenty of free and convenient parking. If you want to carpool, email me at njreck@cs.com to let me know.

We will have an optional post-theater dinner at A Taste of the World restaurant, just steps away from the theater. If you would like to join us, please email me so I can make the reservations.

Masks are required. NextStop has rigorous covid protocols in place. 

Ford's Theatre and the Lincoln Assassination: On Wednesday, September 28, from 4:00 to 5:30, TLG will hold its club meeting virtually. Jake Flack, Deputy Director of Education, Ford's Theatre, will present a unique program about Ford's Theatre and the Lincoln assassination. During his presentation, he will answer questions such as: What was Washington, D.C. like for President Lincoln? Who are some of the people that the President met and knew? Flack will give us a close-up look at historical and contemporary images, using maps, photography, and illustrations. A Q&A session will follow the presentation.

You are invited to join us for this not-to-be-missed theatrical program from the comfort of your own home. 

Mark your calendar: Wednesday, September 28 from 4:00 to 5:30. Look for the Zoom link in OLLI's Daily News email.

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Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

Always in My Heart
Sometimes I can’t remember
the names of friends, coworkers,
artists, and performers.
 
I can’t recall titles
of movies, books, and TV shows.
I forget which days
my favorite series are shown
and I neglect to watch.
 
But I can recite “In 1492
Columbus sailed the ocean blue.”
I can sing the Bosco song
and all the words to
“Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo.”
 
I can’t remember the dates
the dearest of loved ones died.
Sometimes I even forget I can’t
just pick up the phone and call.
 
Carolyn F. Wyatt

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances, September 23 through October 3


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


Current vaccination policy for the Center for the Arts and Hylton Performing Arts Center is summarized as follows:

Audience members are not currently required to show proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test result for most events except when required by the event organizer or artist. If proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result is required for a specific event, it will be indicated on the webpage with event details.

Specific requirements are detailed and any future policy changes may be found here: https://cfa.gmu.edu/plan-your-visit/vaccination-policy.

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 sign up at this link to stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website, Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances. Information can also be found at CFA ticket purchase page, Center for the Arts YouTube Channel, or the Hylton ticket purchase page.

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At the Fairfax Campus Venues

Kristin Chenoweth in Concert: For the Girls
Sat, Sep 24, 8:30
Concert Hall
Admission: $125, $85, $65 (included with Arts by George! Ticket).
 
MOMIX: Viva MOMIX
Sat, Oct 1, 8:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $55, $47, $33.
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

No Performances Scheduled
At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)


Gallery Exhibit: Bennie Herron: Zero and One
Sep 6 through Nov 6
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Buchanan Partners Art Gallery
Admission: Free.
 
KC Dance Center: Kollywood Night 2022
Sat, Sep 24, 5:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $25.
 
Mike Super: Magic and Illusion
Sun, Sep 25, 4:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $15.
 
Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: Music for the Young and Youthful
Sun, Oct 2, 2:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $50, $43, $29.

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

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Meetings & Clubs

Please note: Although some physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled, some may be meeting in person or, in a hybrid mode, both in person and online. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates; also, check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for event information.

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week 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 24 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Mon Sep 26  9:30 am What’s in the Daily News?
Tue Sep 27  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Wed Sep 28
 
 
 		  1:45 pm
 1:45 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Bridge Club
Spanish Club
Mah Jongg Club
Theater Lovers’ Group
Thu Sep 29  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Fri Sep 30
 
 
 		  9:15 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am
11:00 am		 Recorder Consort
Craft and Conversation
Classic Literature Club
Homer, etc.
Sat Oct 1 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Mon Oct 3  9:30 am What’s in the Daily News?
Tue Oct 4
 		  4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Spanish Club
Tai Chi Club
Wed Oct 5
 
 
 		  1:45 pm
 1:45 pm
 2:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Bridge Club
Mah Jongg Club
Memoir and More Writing Group
History Club
Thu Oct 6  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Fri Oct 7
 
 
 		  9:15 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am
11:00 am		 Recorder Consort
Craft and Conversation
Classic Literature Club
Homer, etc.
Sat Oct 8 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.

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, Linda Randall, Tom Appich, 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.
An Amazon Smile Link appears here. When you shop using the Smile link designating OLLI as your charitable choice, we'll receive a 0.5 % donation, based on the value of your purchase.

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E-News-September-16-2022

OLLI E-News September 16, 2022
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.

Limb Damage to TA-2 Classroom at Tallwood, September 12 (No Harm to Personnel or Equipment); It Is Under Repair by Mason Facilities

September 16, 2022


Editor of the Week: Dave Gundry
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • Registration for the fall term 2022 continues on a space-available basis. The term begins September 19.
  • The Computer Club meets Saturday, September 17 (tomorrow) at 1:00 via Zoom and in person at Tallwood.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, September 23; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, September 20, at 6:00.

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OLLI Walk & Talk Club: Mason District Park



By Marilyn Harriman and Bob Heyer, Board Members and Walk & Talk Club Coordinators




Reminder! Next Monday, September 19, we meet at 8:00 and will walk trails around OLLI Tallwood for 45 minutes. Meet at the picnic tables in the breezeway adjacent to the restroom building.

If you plan to attend, please email Marilyn (mlwharriman74@gmail.com) or Bob (rheyer@verizon.net) with your “yes” so we’ll know to wait for you. If you are running late, please call one of us on our cell phones: Marilyn at 703-725-0965; Bob at 571-214-8597.

In case of rain, we will text you and reschedule the walk for Tuesday, September 20, at the same time and meeting place.

On Monday, September 12, 13 walkers had the opportunity to see Mason District Park, a beautiful park that we never realized had so many paths and facilities.

THANK YOU to Michael Nephew as a wonderful guide. Without him, we would still be lost in the woods! We walked up and down dirt paths across quaint bridges, gravel paths along the meandering stream, and then a few paved tracks across the steel bridge, enjoying the beauty of walking among many large, tall trees, fall leaves, and newly planted and protected trees!

We are so lucky to have Fairfax County keep up these parks. Along the path, we found a wonderful concrete pavilion with many in-ground benches for free concerts during the summer, six tennis courts, and a jungle-gym play area. 

There is also a doggie park. At one point, at the top of a hill in the attached picture (Tony Harriman took the picture), Michael stopped to tell us where five different paths went among trees all around; someone said, “Ah, Seven Corners in the woods!”

We also noted areas were missing low growth due to deer in the area, and a few orange signs indicating hunting deer this fall. We had a great time in a beautiful forest, interrupted only by conversations among our 14 walkers.

Thanks to Michael Nephew's guidance, we did wonderfully well, enjoying a great Fairfax County park. We will do this again in Mason District Park and cover different trails.
 
COVID Update for September 16



By Michele Romano, Health Advisory Committee Chair



The news is good. COVID-19 is on the decline in Fairfax County. Cases per 100,000 have dropped from 262 on July 16 to 116.8 as of September 12. The infectivity rate (R0) has been < 1.0 since August 11, indicating that the disease is on the decline. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) places us in the low-risk category (Green). However, we know this could change as we get closer to the winter respiratory season; fingers crossed.

Here is what OLLI is doing to help decrease the risk:
  • A link is posted on the Daily Schedule with our health and safety protocols.
  • OLLI requires that all members and staff coming to campus be fully vaccinated.
  • OLLI continues to urge everyone who is at higher risk, has concerns, or feels uncomfortable, to wear a mask. Check out Chris Narbut’s mask review in the E-News (September 2) as well as the CDC website for further guidance.
  • Masks continue to be mandated on all OLLI and Mason group transportation.
  • We have excellent air filters and hand sanitizers everywhere.
  • The 2023 winter term (when the risk of respiratory infections is highest) will be via Zoom only.
  • The Health Advisory Workgroup will continue to monitor CDC, Fairfax County, and Virginia Department of Health tracking websites. If things start to change, we will notify the Board and OLLI members via email, E-News, or E-Blast asap.
  • Look for a variety of health-related topics and updates (both good and bad) in the E-News.

What can OLLI members do:
  • Stay up to date on all vaccines and boosters.
  • Stay current on risk, spread, and guidelines via COVID websites (see above).
  • If you choose to wear a mask, be sure it’s a good one.
  • Stay home and test if you are sick.
  • Stay up to date on CDC, Mason, and OLLI health and safety protocols.
We are at higher risk because of our age and the vulnerabilities that go with it (e.g., heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, weakened immune system). But we take those vulnerabilities with us wherever we go (e.g., concerts, weddings, funerals, church, air travel, graduations, babysitting, dining out). OLLI is probably one of the safest gathering venues because:
  • Our age group takes our health seriously.
  • We are all vaxxed and most are boosted.
  • We are conscientious and responsible; we won’t knowingly put other members at risk.
  • We are intelligent and capable of making the best choices for ourselves and our families.
I doubt you will find this level of precaution anywhere else. You are probably better off on an OLLI campus than anywhere else you go. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, you can email me at tufax2@gmail.com.
What are OLLI Program Planning Groups and What Do They Do?


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


So happy you asked! OLLI program planning groups are OLLI member volunteers responsible for reviewing and selecting course proposals each quarter. There are thirteen program planning groups, each responsible for a specific topic. You will find them listed in the Table of Contents of each OLLI catalog. The members meet regularly to brainstorm ideas for course presentations, discuss possible presenters, create courses, and contact instructors for possible future classes. In addition, each program planning group reviews course proposals submitted independently by interested persons who desire to share their expertise.  Courses are discussed and confirmed by program associates who keep track of classes and determine their scheduling.

Who can join a program planning group? Anyone interested in supporting a particular course topic may join a program planning group. We rely on personal and professional contacts and the ability to encourage people to present courses at OLLI.  Program planning group members often work together to create, support, or present a class; many groups now meet via Zoom.

Keep in mind that no presenter receives monetary compensation for teaching at OLLI/GMU.  Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each of our instructors.

For information regarding joining the Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group contact: Camille Hodges at mimihodges4@gmail.com or Peggy O’Brien at mazob@live.com.

For other OLLI program planning group information contact:
staff program associates: smorrow4@gmu.edu or nklein4@gmu.edu. Thank you.

Editor’s note: This article appeared in the preceding issue of OLLI E-News. It is repeated here at the author’s request to encourage member participation.

You Can Do OLLI Program Planning!



By Shannon Kim Morrow, Program Associate



“That class on Synergies between Climate Change, Human Rights, and Race was great!” 

“I loved the instructor who taught Black Flags and Red Lines...”

“Your friend’s class on Defeating Isis was so informative.” 

“That instructor sure knows a lot about gender issues!”

“I just registered for 981Z!”

What do all these classes have in common? Well, they were taught by instructors recruited by someone at OLLI who knows them personally. 

Have you loved certain OLLI classes? Are there particular kinds of classes you like or would like to see more of? Have you wondered how OLLI gets its rich assortment of diverse offerings? OLLI’s program planning groups do a fabulous job recruiting instructors and you may join any of these groups. But you don’t have to be a program planner to influence what courses get on the schedule.


Many of the instructors and topics come to OLLI because members like you ask people they know to teach at OLLI. Do you go to a vet, the doctor, church, or have friends who teach or who are in the military or government? Do you have friends or family members with special expertise, skills, hobbies, or talents? Any member may reach out to people they know or someone they meet and ask them to teach at OLLI. Potential instructors don’t have to have a teaching background or experience in lecturing. If you know someone you think would make a wonderful contribution to our program, have him or her complete the course proposal form: https://olli.gmu.edu/olli-course-proposal-form/ or email smorrow4@gmu.edu or nklein4@gmu.edu for more information. If you want to join a program planning group, you will be welcomed, but even if you just want to start small, you too can participate in OLLI programming!
Photo of the Month

 


 

The September 2022 Photo of the Month theme was night photography. We selected Lynne Cline's photo "Artemis-1 on the Launch Pad" 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 Ed Marion, Photography Club Coordinators

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Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

Susan Bennett: a Haiku

 

heatwave bakes dry earth

moist breeze tickles fragrant blooms

thumping rain arrives

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Note These Special Mason Music Events



By Dr. Linda Apple Monson, Director, Mason School of Music


Mason Musical Season

The fall Mason musical season opens with a celebration performance by faculty and students led by Dr. Linda Apple Monson on Sunday, September 18 at 3:00 in the Center for the Arts Concert Hall.

 





Arts by George

Arts by George! has raised more than $2 million since it began in 2006. This annual benefit event supports student scholarships at George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, Mason Community Arts Academy, Green Machine Ensembles, and the Great Performances at Mason season at the Center for the Arts. The evening begins on September 24 by showcasing the remarkable talents of Mason students amid an array of spectacular food and beverages, and culminates with a performance at 8:30 by Kristin Chenoweth. Admission: $350.
Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances, September 16 through September 26


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


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

Current vaccination policy for the Center for the Arts and Hylton Performing Arts Center is summarized as follows:

Audience members are not currently required to show proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test result for most events, except when required by the event organizer or artist. If proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result is required for a specific event, it will be indicated on the web page with event details.

Specific requirements are detailed and any future policy changes may be found here: https://cfa.gmu.edu/plan-your-visit/vaccination-policy.

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 sign up at this link to stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances. Information can also be found at CFA ticket purchase page, Center for the Arts YouTube Channel, or the Hylton ticket purchase page.
 

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At the Fairfax Campus Venues

Comedian Jay Pharoah
Fri, Sep 16, 9:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $35, $25.

Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel: American Pianistic Treasures
Sun, Sep 18, 7:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $50, $43, $29.

Kristin Chenoweth in Concert
Sat, Sep 24, 8:30
Concert Hall
Admission: $125, $85, $65 (included with Arts by George ticket).
 
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

(see music.gmu.edu for additional student recitals)
 
Grand Piano Celebration
Sun, Sep 18, 3:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $20, $15 senior.
At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)


Gallery Exhibit: Bennie Herron: Zero and One
Sep 6 through Nov 6
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Buchanan Partners Art Gallery
Admission: Free.

An Evening with Norm Lewis
Sun, Sep 18, 7:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $70, $55, $40.

KC Dance Center: Kollywood Night 2022
Sat, Sep 24, 5:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $25.

Mike Super: Magic and Illusion
Sun, Sep 25, 4:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $15.
 

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

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Meetings & Clubs

Please note: Although some physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled, some may be meeting in person or, in a hybrid mode, both in person and online. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates; also, check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for event information.

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week 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 Sep 17
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Sep 19  9:30 am What’s in the Daily News?
Tue Sep 20
 		  4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Spanish Club
Tai Chi Club
Wed Sep 21
 
 		  1:45 pm
 1:45 pm
 2:00 pm		 Bridge Club
Mah Jongg Club
Memoir and More Writing Group
Thu Sep 22
 		  4:00 pm
 4:30 pm		 Reston Book Club
Tai Chi Club
Fri Sep 23
 
 
 
 		  9:15 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Recorder Consort
Craft and Conversation
Classic Literature Club
Homer, etc.
Photography Club
Sat Sep 24 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Mon Sep 26  9:30 am What’s in the Daily News?
Tue Sep 27  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Wed Sep 28
 
 
 		  1:45 pm
 1:45 pm
 4:00 pm
 4:00 pm		 Bridge Club
Spanish Club
Mah Jongg Club
Theater Lovers’ Group
Thu Sep 29  4:30 pm Tai Chi Club
Fri Sep 30
 
 
 		  9:15 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am
11:00 am		 Recorder Consort
Craft and Conversation
Classic Literature Club
Homer, etc.
Sat Oct 1 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.

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, Linda Randall, Tom Appich, 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.
An Amazon Smile Link appears here. When you shop using the Smile link designating OLLI as your charitable choice, we'll receive a 0.5 % donation, based on the value of your purchase.

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E-News-September-2-2022

OLLI E-News September 2, 2022
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.

Christy Bowe’s July 15 Presentation Featured Her January 6 Insurrection Photos that Won the 2021 Paris Photo Prize for International Photography

September 2, 2022


Editor of the Week: Sheri Siesseger 
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • Priority registration for fall 2022 closed August 24, but registration continues on a space-available basis. The term begins September 19.
  • The Board of Directors will meet on Friday, September 16, at 10:00 in Tallwood TA‑1 and on Zoom. All members are welcome to attend.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, September 16; regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, September 13, at 6:00.

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OLLI President's Message, September 2


By Lillian Brooks, President


As the summer months end, I am hearing that several OLLI members traveled abroad or spent time at the beach. This is an indication that we are moving towards normalcy after COVID. I am sure all of us are looking forward to the great array of classes waiting for us in the fall. I signed up for ten classes and it was hard to choose. That is one of the reasons that I like OLLI Mason so much. Our members have input on the subjects that they are interested in learning more about, and then phenomenal instructors are recruited to teach those subjects. But you already know that.

The thing that I missed most is seeing my friends and meeting new people in the classroom. We were fortunate to keep our programs going with Zoom during the worst of the COVID pandemic and OLLI will continue to offer Zoom and hybrid classes. I realize that we are not completely out of the woods with COVID variants, but there is hope with a new vaccine that is expected to be ready for distribution in September.

I encourage those of us who can do so to come back to class and enjoy the social aspects of OLLI. The social events and clubs make OLLI a unique and multifaceted experience and not just an online course provider. With in-person classes, we are able to see people before and after class and laugh and talk about what we learned. It is so much more fun than looking at each other in boxes on a screen. Besides, members who come to campus get a hot cup of OLLI coffee, making the experience even more enjoyable! This is encouragement enough for me to get out of my pajamas and get dressed for class so I can mingle with friends.

The Health Advisory Team has given us guidelines on returning to in-person learning—masks are optional, but encouraged. Those guidelines are even more cautious than those at senior centers in this area. For those of you who feel more comfortable wearing a mask, please do so. It is my hope, as OLLI president and an OLLI member, that we can get back to normal as soon as possible. It has been a long road and it is time for us to move on.   

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Tallwood Book Club


By Betty Ellerbee, Tallwood Book Club Coordinator


The Tallwood Book Club will continue to meet via Zoom on the 2nd Friday of each month at 2:30. The September 9 selection is Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney.
 
In October, we will discuss Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout. 
In November, the selection is Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro.
Diversions: Spontaneous OLLI Event


By Doris Bloch, Program Committee Co-Chair


Join Us for a spontaneous OLLI event, September 11.

As part of our OLLI social activities program (newly named “Diversions”), we are proposing a spontaneous outing to hear the Virginia Chamber Orchestra (VCO) perform a concert at Meadowlark Gardens in Vienna. For one month in fall and another month in spring, the VCO offers a series of free outdoor concerts each Sunday afternoon and OLLI members can readily take advantage of an hour or two in a beautiful setting, relaxing and listening to classical music on the lawn, or, if lucky enough, under the shade of a tree.

Meadowlark Botanical Garden, located on Beulah Road, is a 90‑acre park with three lakes and lovely plantings. There is a charge to enter the park: $3 for those over 55, but no charge for the concert itself. For more information visit websites: Meadowlark Gardens link; VCO link.

The concert on September 11 is billed as a guitar quintet performance and the program, featuring pieces by Beethoven, Bach, and Piazzola among others, is listed on the above VCO website. It runs from 3:00–4:00, but you can arrive earlier, listen to the musicians tune up, and grab a good viewing and hearing spot (shaded, if possible). No OLLI registration is required.

I will be there (Doris Bloch, dbloch50@hotmail.com) in the entrance area to welcome you to the gardens and, if so desired, gather OLLI members together. Note that you will want to bring a blanket or folding chair and likely some water. Once you stake out a spot, you are free to stroll around the gardens until the concert begins. The concerts are held in the area of the Korean Bell Garden, and it is a downhill walk of five to ten minutes to get there.

In the event of rain, check the VCO website to see if the concert will be held. Hoping to meet and greet lots of OLLI members on the 11th.
Let’s Walk & Talk!
  By Marilyn Harriman and Bob Heyer, Board Members and Walk & Talk Club Coordinators
Great News! The walking group is starting up again as the OLLI Walk & Talk Club. Our objectives are to
  • Meet new and old friends and talk along the way
  • Explore trails familiar to us as well as new trails
  • Get in walking exercise as we enjoy nature and friends
Fairfax County has many interesting parks and neighborhoods that are worth exploring, some that you may have walked and others you haven’t.

We will start between 8:00 and 10:00 on weekday mornings, with walks being 45 minutes to one hour in length. Times will be set to allow walkers time to attend their classes. Time permitting, we can have lunch afterwards. Walking dates will be scheduled based on interested walkers’ availability during a given week.
 
If you would like to walk or lead a walk around Fairfax trails and neighborhoods weekly or biweekly, please contact Marilyn Harriman or Bob Heyer, and we will place you on the OLLI Walk & Talk distribution list to receive emails for scheduled walks. In addition, be sure to register for the OLLI Walk & Talk Club, Fall 2022 at the member portal.
 
Our first scheduled club walk will be in the South Run area on September 12 at 8:00. A second walk is scheduled for September 19, 8:30 starting from the Tallwood campus.
 
Marilyn Harriman                                                                       Bob Heyer
mlwharriman74@gmail.com                                                       rheyer@verizon.net
703-725-0965                                                                          571-214-8597
COVID-19 Update Between-Term Class


By Michele Romano, Health Advisory Committee Chair


Reminder: mark your calendars! Don’t forget to sign up for 1205Z: ‘COVID-19 Update’ which will meet on September 12, 2022, at 1:00. You won’t find it in the catalog as it is a between-term class. You may register using the member portal.

It has been almost three years now since COVID‑19 arrived on the scene. We’ll look at where we were, where we are, and where we are headed—and how all this affects us at OLLI.

Then, what about long-haul COVID? We’ll go over Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Fairfax County risk levels. We’ll review CDC and Mason protocols. I’ll have a list of calculators and websites for you. This will be recorded, but you might want to have your cellphone cameras ready to take pics of any slides you are interested in or otherwise capture the screen. My email is tufax2@gmail.com if you have any questions now or later.

I look forward to seeing you on September 12.
Join Our Conversation
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co-Moderators
Starting Wednesday September 14 at 4:00, Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch will moderate a weekly Zoom session, where any and every OLLI member is most welcome to join us to talk about our chosen topic. It is designed to be both a learning experience, a getting-to-know-you experience, and just a friendly outlet where we can all relax and relate. No sign-ups needed; participation is totally open and spontaneous.

Each week we will pre-select a topic, and advertise it in the OLLI E‑News, the OLLI E‑Blast, and the OLLI Daily Schedule. We have brainstormed on a number of subjects, but if you have a suggestion for a topic that will be of interest to members, please do send it to one of us: Bblochyoung@gmail.com or dbloch50@hotmail.com. We love suggestions.
 
The first conversation will be devoted to discussing word games based on apps, mainly, but not exclusively, those played on cell phones. We have a list of games; perhaps you can contribute a few more for us OLLI puzzle-mad folks. If you haven't tried playing one of these games as yet, join us to understand why we are hooked.

Check your Daily Schedule for the Zoom link each Wednesday and plan on some social time with the Bloch women (who are totally non-related, in case you wondered.) 

If you have questions, contact one of us at the email addresses shown above.
Let’s Party Like It’s 2019!!


By Toni Acton, Board Member and Member Services Committee Chair


Social activities are coming back to OLLI, and we’re starting with our OLLI-Wide Kick-Off Coffee on Thursday, September 15, at 10:00 at Tallwood. For all those who have missed seeing their friends in person, this is your chance. And for our new members, what a wonderful opportunity to get to know other OLLI members, both old and new. There will be great food provided by our Hospitality Committee (all individually wrapped per the OLLI health guidelines) and, for the first time in two years, coffee and water will be available. Masks are optional. We want you to feel comfortable, especially if you haven’t been on campus recently.

There will be an opportunity to learn about any changes in OLLI operations and facilities, presented by our executive director and the president of OLLI-Mason, with plenty of time for questions. We’ll even have a tour of the Tallwood facilities for our new members, including the infamous “Potty Barn.” 

Please join us on September 15 – register for event 1201 via the member portal or contact the registrar at ollireg@gmu.edu.
Computer Club
3rd Saturday, September 17 In Person and Via Zoom
Thinking About Building or Buying a New Computer?  
Learn in 30: Lessons Learned Using Spotify to DJ My
50th High School Reunion
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, September 17, in person and via Zoom. If attending in person, you must observe OLLI Mason health protocols (see this link). Coffee and soft drinks will be available; details on individually packaged snacks are being worked out. Program activities begin at 1:00; the Zoom session usually opens at 12:45.
 
Thinking About Building or Buying a New Computer? – Presented by Roger Fujii
Given the upcoming announcements of new central processing units (CPUs) and graphics cards, the introduction of double data rate 5 (DDR5), and the graphics processing unit (GPU) pricing crash, now is a good time to think about building a new computer. Even if you don't want to build it yourself, knowing what the parts are will be useful in evaluating whether the price is good for what you are getting. The talk will cover the components needed and some potential pitfalls.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)-graduate Roger Fujii is a PATACS technology guru and has been helping OLLI with knotty technical issues since 2006.
 
Learn in 30: Lessons Learned Using Spotify to DJ My 50th High School Reunion – Presented by Mike Pafford
This ‘Learn in 30’ has Mike Pafford back again, to tell us about his lessons learned in using his Spotify premium account to provide the background music at his recent 50th high-school reunion. In February, Mike gave a longer, detailed presentation on how he ‘thought’ he might use Spotify to do this. In this, much shorter, talk, he’ll let us know what he really did; what went right; what went wrong; and what he learned from the experience. Bottom line: this really turned out to be an example of “If I can do it, anybody can!”

Mike Pafford is a retired systems engineer, having had careers in the Navy and at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab. Previously, he presented a fascinating session about a cross-country trip in an electric vehicle.
 
See full details on this meeting by clicking here. For information on the Computer Club, see the OPCUG Website. OPCUG dues are $5 for 2022—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 085407 (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces) or enter meeting ID 885 2504 2358 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode (preferred method) or dial in – 301-715-8592.
Welcome to Your Mason Musical Year


By Linda H. Harber, Friends of Mason Music President
 

The Mason music we love is back live for fall semester. I am very excited and looking forward to the Sunday, September 18 Grand Piano Celebration at 3:00 in the Center for the Arts Concert Hall. It is a favorite for opening the musical season—can’t wait. Dr. Linda Apple Monson will perform with faculty and student musicians for an extraordinary celebration.
 
Mason’s Arts by George is the following Saturday, September 24. This tradition features a potpourri of all the diverse and wonderful talents within the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Mason. The special evening is back for the first time since before the pandemic.
 
Join the Dewberry Music School again October 12 for a Mason Symphony Orchestra Concert, October 15 for the Fall Choral Festival Concert, and October 17 for the Mason Wind Symphony & Symphonic Band Concert. These are all in Mason’s Center for the Arts!
 
Please let me (lharber@gmu.edu) know if you want to be on the Friends of Music at Mason (FOMM) email list for newsletters and Friday Musical Moments. Careful reading of (and responding to) upcoming newsletters may even win you a parking pass for the Mason Pond Deck—great parking for these upcoming events. There is also free parking in lot K on campus.
 
Enjoy a healthy and musical fall.
The Use of Masks to Reduce the Risk of Respiratory Illness (e.g., Influenza, COVID) in Indoor Community Settings
By Christine Narbut, Health Advisory Workgroup Member
There are many variables to consider when deciding about the need to wear a mask at a public indoor setting. Understanding the purpose of a mask and the types of masks available is important information to have when making the decision. Masks primarily are designed to protect the wearer from contracting a respiratory disease from someone else. Secondarily, it can also prevent you from passing the disease to someone else if you currently have active illness.
  • There are many types of masks available on the market, but only one type of mask is certified by NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) to protect the wearer from contracting a respiratory disease. That is the N95 mask.
  • Loosely woven cloth products provide the least protection, layered finely woven products offer more protection, well-fitting disposable surgical masks and KN95s offer even more protection, and well-fitting NIOSH-approved respirators (including N95s) offer the highest level of protection. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to recommend that you wear the most protective mask you can that fits well and that you will wear consistently.
  • There are many different brands of N95 masks. All have a flexible metal nose bridge that can be molded over the nose, and bands that go over and behind the head, which improve the fit. The fit can be evaluated by breathing out in the mask and feeling for air escaping under the eyes and around the cheeks and under the chin. If air is felt in these areas the mask is not the best fit. Here is a link to the CDC Guide for use of your N95 mask.
Your personal health and vaccine status as well as the level of disease in the community also determine whether wearing a mask is recommended. Please consult your physician about your risk and the recommendation for your participation in OLLI classrooms and at social events.

If you have questions or comments, please contact Michele Romano, Chair, Health Advisory Workgroup, tufax2@gmail.com.
What are OLLI Program Planning Groups and What Do They Do?

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

So happy you asked! OLLI program planning groups are OLLI member volunteers responsible for reviewing and selecting course proposals each quarter. There are thirteen program planning groups, each responsible for a specific topic. You will find them listed in the Table of Contents of each OLLI catalog. The members meet regularly to brainstorm ideas for course presentations, discuss possible presenters, create courses, and contact instructors for future classes. In addition, each program planning group reviews course proposals submitted independently by interested persons who desire to share their expertise. Courses are discussed with and confirmed by program associates who keep track of classes and determine their scheduling.
 
Who can join a program planning group? Anyone interested in supporting a particular course topic may join a program planning group. We rely on personal and professional contacts and the ability to encourage people to present courses at OLLI.  Program planning group members often work together to create, support, or present a class; many groups now meet via Zoom.
 
Keep in mind that no presenter receives monetary compensation for teaching at OLLI-Mason. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each of our instructors.
 
For information regarding joining the Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group contact: Camille Hodges mimihodges4@gmail.com or Peggy O’Brien mazob@live.com.
 
For other OLLI program planning group information contact staff program associates: smorrow4@gmu.edu or nklein4@gmu.edu. Thank you.
Renting a Room to Age in Place


By Mike Perel, Fairfax Area Commission on Aging
 

Some older adults who want to “age in place” are showing renewed interest in renting a room in their home. They are looking for extra income, assistance with home chores, and other benefits. The Washington Post recently published an article about it: https://wapo.st/3JYlUz8. There was also a recent PBS News Hour home-sharing report that you can watch by clicking here.
 
As mentioned in these and other news stories, a number of jurisdictions around the county have set up third-party-arranged services to assist older homeowners with home sharing. Some programs help match older adults with similar age housemates, and some arrange matches with young adults. This service can arrange for background checks, advertising, problem resolution, and assistance with rental agreements, among other tasks.
 
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has recently asked its Area Agency on Aging to investigate setting up a home-sharing program here. The Fairfax Area Commission on Aging, which is an advisory committee to the Area Agency on Aging, is assisting in this task and is surveying the views of older homeowners in the area about home sharing. To let your views be known (whether or not you think home sharing would work for you), please click on this link to take a short, 6‑item survey.
 
Your responses will be anonymous.
 
The results will be shared with the Fairfax County Area Agency on Aging and the Board of Supervisors to assist them in their assessment of home sharing. Thanks!
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop
 
Don’t Take My Word for It
 
The last sandwich was consumed
in the Little Purity Diner,
in the Bronx,
just before a tsunami
swept down 12th Street
and up 7th Avenue
to the park,
carrying everyone away,
everyone who was anyone,
leaving everyone else
with a sense of fair play.
 
Crying and mourning occurred,
of course;
it ebbed,
leaving the survivors
with a burst of creative energy.
The Bronx was reconfigured
along new lines.
It became the Miracle on 34th Street.
Everyone returned to speaking Bronxian.
Independence was declared from Manhattan.
High-rises were banned.
The park was expanded.
Queens was told to go live in its own dream.
 
As to Brooklyn,
it didn’t have the chutzpah to object,
living, as it did, in a state of Moonstruck.
 
                                                     Ed Sadtler
Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances, September 2 through September 18


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


Current vaccination policy for the Center for the Arts and Hylton Performing Arts Center is summarized as follows:

Audience members are not currently required to show proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test result for most events except when required by the event organizer or artist. If proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result is required for a specific event, it will be indicated on the webpage with event details.

Specific requirements are detailed and any future policy changes may be found here: https://cfa.gmu.edu/plan-your-visit/vaccination-policy.

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 sign up at this link to stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website, Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances. Information can also be found at CFA ticket purchase page, Center for the Arts YouTube Channel, or the Hylton ticket purchase page.

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At the Fairfax Campus Venues

FEEL Musical Event of Love & Loss (Benefit event)
Sun, Sep 11, 5:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $34.
 
Comedian Jay Pharoah
Fri, Sep 16, 9:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $35, $25.
 
Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel: American Pianistic Treasures
Sun, Sep 18, 7:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $50, $43, $29.
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

Mason School of Theater: The Originals!
Fri, Sep 9, 8:00
Sat, Sep 10, 2:00 and 8:00
deLaski Performing Arts Building, A105, TheatreSpace
Admission: $20, $10 senior.
 
Grand Piano Celebration
Sun, Sep 18, 3:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $20, $15 senior.
At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)
 

Gallery Exhibit: Bennie Herron: Zero and One
Sep 6 through Nov 6
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Buchanan Partners Art Gallery
Admission: Free.
 
Arts Alive! 2022
Sun, Sep 11, 12:00
Hylton Performing Arts Center parking lot
Schedule available at this link
Admission: Free.
 
An Evening with Norm Lewis
Sun, Sep 18, 7:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $70, $55, $40.
 

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

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Meetings & Clubs

Please note: Although some physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled, some may be meeting in person or, in a hybrid mode, both in person and online. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates; also, check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for event information.

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week 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 3 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Mon Sep 5  9:30 am What’s in the Daily News?
Tue Sep 6
 		  9:30 am 
 4:30 pm		 Annex Art
Tai Chi Club
Wed Sep 7
 
 
 		 10:00 am
10:00 am
10:30 am
 2:00 pm		 Bridge Club
Mah Jongg Club
Tom Crooker Investment Forum
Memoir and More Writing Group
Thu Sep 8
 
 		 10:00 am
11:50 am
 4:30 pm		 Special Events Program Planning Group
All the News
Tai Chi Club
Fri Sep 9
 
 
 
 
 		  9:15 am
 9:30 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
 2:30 pm		 Recorder Consort
Photography Club
Craft and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Cooking Club
Tallwood Book Club
Sat Sep 10 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Mon Sep 12
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am		 What’s in the Daily News?
Poetry Club
Tue Sep 13
 		  9:30 am
 4:30 pm		 Annex Art
Tai Chi Club
Wed Sep 14
 
 
 		 10:00 am
10:30 am
12:00 noon
 4:00 pm		 Bridge Club
Tom Crooker Investment Forum
Staff Pre-Term Meeting
Mah Jongg Club
Thu Sep 15
 		 11:50 am
 4:30 pm		 All the News
Tai Chi Club
Fri Sep 16
 
 
 		  9:15 am
 9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am		 Recorder Consort
Craft and Conversation
Board of Directors Meeting
Homer, etc.
Sat Sep 17
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club
Personal Computer User Group
 

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About OLLI E-News

OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.

Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Linda Randall, Tom Appich, 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.
An Amazon Smile Link appears here. When you shop using the Smile link designating OLLI as your charitable choice, we'll receive a 0.5 % donation, based on the value of your purchase.

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E-News-August-19-2022

OLLI E-News August 19, 2022
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
A Brief History of English – Informative Presentation by Tom Manteuffel, July 28, 2022

August 19, 2020


Editor of the Week: David Gundry
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • Note: This delivery of E-News is the official copy. You may have received an issue Wednesday night which was sent from the OLLI office in error before the final review and scheduling of delivery. This copy is not very different from that one.
  • Priority registration for fall 2022 is under way, continuing until August 24. The term begins September 19.
  • Remember that you must register for your clubs each term when registering.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, September 2; regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, August 30, at 6:00.

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OLLI Players Brings Down the Curtain
 



By Kathie West, OLLI Players Director

 



After 16 years of performing, OLLI Players is hanging up its hat. We started as a drama club in 2006 and then went to channel 10. We then started road performances from Haymarket to Alexandria and Loudoun and in between. We performed for the Fairfax Board of Supervisors and were also asked to do scam skits for TV. We performed at libraries, nursing homes, senior centers, memory care homes, independent and assisted living centers, and of course OLLI. We are listed in Northwest Senior Theatre in Oregon and have performed for them in Washington, DC.
 
In the 16 years, we have written five Murder Mysteries, an Octoberfest Play, two Christmas programs, and a Veterans Day play. We have performed at 35 venues and performed over 70 different pieces of theatre. We have become a family that has changed over the years, and we have lost some beloved members. We kept on going and getting new members all the time. Each member has their own special offering, and it was fun.
 
From the 16 years, we still have three original members with us, Sandy Lisiewski, Manny Pablo, and me. We laughed and cried and yelled and screamed but the show went on. So, without further ado, the OLLI Players bring the curtain down. Thanks for the memories.
Join the What’s in the Daily News? Club



By John Quinn, Co-Moderator



You follow the news every day, right? Of course. On your phone, computer, TV, radio, print news, or wherever. And you have reactions, opinions, emotions, professional insights, and questions about the news you’d like to share, don’t you? Of course. OLLI has just the thing for you. It’s called What’s in the Daily News? (WIDN) Club.  

Join us online every Monday morning at 9:30, year-round, for the WIDN Club. The class participants have immense professional expertise in a wide range of areas, including journalism, world affairs, economics, education, politics, the military, law, medicine, and many more areas. The discussion is always lively, respectful, and informative, and everyone gets an equal chance to speak. The group carries on the discussion via email throughout the week, and even has its own Friday afternoon happy hour!

Come and join us this fall—make some new friends—and speak your mind! You can find the WIDN Club listing on page 38 of OLLI’s fall 2022 Catalog.

Food and Drink Guidelines at Campus Social Events

By Marilyn Harriman, Social Activities Chairperson, and Dick Crawford, Health Advisory Workgroup

As OLLI starts the new calendar year, the Social Activities Program Planning Group is looking forward to hosting social events, either stand-alone or activities in conjunction with clubs and committees.

Social events and food are important to our OLLI experience and we are excited to be getting back together!

The OLLI Health Advisory Workgroup has met and is advising event organizers about food and beverages served on campus.

It is possible to enjoy safe communal dining while practicing social distancing and best practices regarding the handling of food.

There is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with the transmission of COVID-19. The virus that causes COVID-19 is one that causes respiratory illnesses and is not known to be transmitted by exposure to food. 

I think we all know it is much more likely that an infected person will spread the virus through person-to-person transmission rather than contaminated food or food packaging material. 

The workgroup advises the following practices:

  • Food and drink will be served with no direct contact with the food or beverage when served.
  • Snacks such as cookies and pretzels will be pre-packaged, wrapped in plastic, or available using proper utensils, containers.
  • Homemade goods may be self-serve as long as proper utensils are available (e.g., spatulas, tongs, spoons, toothpicks), or in individual containers, such as brownies in paper cupcake liners.
  • Coffee, hot tea, cold beverages can be served in break rooms and classrooms.
  • Volunteers wearing plastic gloves may serve foods such as pizza.

Health Advisory Workgroup members who are in committees and clubs will serve as resources for food advisory questions and guidelines.

As OLLI restarts social activities on campus, these guidelines will apply to three upcoming events:

  • OLLI Fall Kick-Off Coffee at Tallwood, September 15, 10-11:30
  • Grab ‘n’ Gab Coffee Klatch at Tallwood, October 14, 10-11:30
  • Halloween Party at Tallwood, October date, time to be announced.

The Social Activities Program Planning Group is looking to expand opportunities for food at future OLLI events. As COVID conditions remain in flux, the Health Advisory Workgroup will review guidelines as part of planning for the future.  

Look for news of additional social events on E‑News as well as in the catalog. 

Bon Appétit!

If you have questions or comments, please contact Michele Romano, Chair, Health Advisory Workgroup, tufax2@gmail.com.

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Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

Home Away From Home

Over the long silver expansion
Bouncing sunlight off the steel
High over the glinting reflection
Leading me to a different real

Onto the island of crab and water
Rest wine and food abound
Routine rhythm and rules to alter
A release from the daily routine found

Friendship warming the way to relaxation
Fellowship new and old so inspire
A break from the routine to vacation
The home away from home to desire

                             Sally Sibley

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances, August 20 through September 5


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


Current vaccination policy for the Center for the Arts and Hylton Performing Arts Center is summarized as follows:

Audience members are not currently required to show proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test result for most events except when required by the event organizer or artist. If proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result is required for a specific event, it will be indicated on the webpage with event details.

Specific requirements are detailed and any future policy changes may be found here: https://cfa.gmu.edu/plan-your-visit/vaccination-policy.

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 sign up at this link to stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website, Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances. Information can also be found at CFA ticket purchase page, Center for the Arts YouTube Channel, or the Hylton ticket purchase page.

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At the Fairfax Campus Venues

No Events Scheduled
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

No Performances Scheduled
At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)
 

Manassas Symphony Orchestra: The Raleigh Ringers

Sat, Aug 27, 7:00

Merchant Hall

Admission: $25, $20 senior.

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

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Meetings & Clubs

Please note: Although some physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled, some may be meeting in person or, in a hybrid mode, both in person and online. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates; also, check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for event information.

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week 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 20
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Aug 22
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News?
Bridge Club
Mah Jongg Club
Tue Aug 23
 		  9:30 am
 4:30 pm		 Annex Art
Tai Chi Club
Wed Aug 24
 
 		 10:30 am
 2:00 pm
 6:00 pm		 Tom Crooker Investment Forum
Memoir and More Writing Group
Ethnic Eats Club
Thu Aug 25
 
 		 11:30 am
11:50 am
 4:30 pm		 Program Planning Committee Meeting
All the News
Tai Chi Club
Fri Aug 26


 		  9:15 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 noon		 Recorder Consort
Craft and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Photography Club
Sat Aug 27 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Mon Aug 29
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am		 What’s in the Daily News?
Bridge Club
Poetry Club
Tue Aug 30
 		  9:30 am
 4:30 pm		 Annex Art
Tai Chi Club
Wed Aug 31 10:30 am Tom Crooker Investment Forum
Thu Sep 1
 		 11:50 am
 4:30 pm		 All the News
Tai Chi Club
Fri Sep 2
 
 		  9:15 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am		 Recorder Consort
Craft and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Sat Sep 3 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.

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, Linda Randall, Tom Appich, 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.
An Amazon Smile Link appears here. When you shop using the Smile link designating OLLI as your charitable choice, we'll receive a 0.5 % donation, based on the value of your purchase.

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E-News-August-5-2022

OLLI E-News August , 2022
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.

Dr. Caroline Malloy, Chicago Historian, Presented an Informative Series Concerning Repatriation of
Stolen Artifacts, Summer 2022

August 5, 2022


Editor of the Week: Paul Van Hemel
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • You should have received your catalog for fall 2022; it is available online at this link.
  • Priority registration for fall 2022 begins on August 16 at 9:00. The term begins September 19.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, August 19; regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, August 16, at 6:00.

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Watercolor Classes Highlights


By Christine Narbut, Watercolor Painting Instructor


This past spring, a new Introduction to Watercolor Painting class took place in room TA‑1 at OLLI Fairfax. This class was offered in person and through Zoom. Color mixing and the use of brushes and washes to create exciting paintings were some of the techniques demonstrated.

This fall, the watercolor class will continue to build on the skills from the spring class; the fall class will review some of the skills and techniques shared in the spring class. Consider this class if you always wanted to try watercolor painting.

In addition, artists join together during the term with others at Dabbling Artists and between terms at Annex Art. This fall, Dabbling Artists will be in person; between terms, Annex Art will be Zoom only. See the fall catalog for more information.

Below are some paintings from class participants in the spring term.

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Hooray for OLLI Trips!


By Carolyn Kramer, Special Events Program Planning Group Member


Over the years, many OLLI members have ventured out on a variety of OLLI day trips. If you are among those participants, you are aware of the opportunities that these excursions provide for experiencing and learning about the destinations and for forming new friendships.

For example, this spring, three trips were enjoyed by those who joined in on the jaunts to several Virginia destinations:
  • In March we traveled to Stratford Hall in Westmoreland County for a spectacular and enlightening tour led by an archaeologist/historian/staff member at this birthplace of Robert E. Lee.
  • In April we ventured to Locust Grove to tour the tiny Fort Germanna Visitor Center which documents the history and settlement of that area by German settlers in the 1700s. This stop also included an introduction to the site’s archaeology center. That afternoon we toured Belmont, the Falmouth County home and studio of artists Gari and Corinne Melchers.
  • Then in June, between terms, we went west to Rosemont Manor in Berryville to learn about the property's history, followed by a three-course tea and a self-guided tour of the mansion’s rooms, each named for a well-known person who stayed there.
(Photos by Phyllis Krochmal, Dottie Lamb, Ann Smith)
 
If you have not yet tried an OLLI trip, you are encouraged to look into the new offerings for this fall. Look toward the back of your OLLI catalog. You just might find something that whets your curiosity!
Computer Club


By Paul Howard, OPCUG Program Chair


The Computer Club (OLLI Personal Computer User Group, or OPCUG) will meet with its partner, the Potomac Area Technology and Computer Society (PATACS), on Saturday, August 20, in person and via Zoom. You must observe OLLI/GMU Health protocols (see this link). Program activities begin at 1:00; the Zoom session usually opens at 12:45.
 
Streaming Audio Using VLC (Video LAN Client)
– Presented by John Krout
This presentation covers four related topics: 1. How to prepare a Windows computer firewall to enable VLC to receive incoming requests to listen to an audio stream. 2. How to prepare, save, and update a VLC playlist. 3. How to stream a playlist of songs using VLC (This is needed because the VLC streaming interface will play only one file at a time, even though it allows the user to specify multiple files to be played). 4. How to use a music player application such as VLC or VirtualRadio to receive streaming audio from a computer on a home network. In a prior Learn in 30, Internet Radio on the Road – Safely, John demonstrated adding a station to VirtualRadio. For this meeting, he will demonstrate the capability for the audience present in Tallwood TA‑1 by streaming a VLC playlist from his laptop. Bring along your smart phone with VLC or VirtualRadio installed to listen!

John Krout is a regular presenter at our meetings, and a prolific author of articles appearing in the PATACS Posts newsletter.
 
Learn in 30: Introduction to Advanced Mousing: Windows Context Menus – Presented by Gabe Goldberg
Though PC mice have two main buttons, people mostly use the left one. In fact, Microsoft quotes research showing that 75% of Windows users don't use the right button at all. But almost everywhere in Windows, right-clicking displays a shortcut menu, also called a context menu, displaying actions and options available in the "context" of the object clicked. These handy actions/options can greatly improve productivity. Don't ignore powerful right-click!

Gabe Goldberg had a career as an IT professional and as a writer for AARP and other publications. He presents to groups across multiple states in his role as regional representative for APCUG (Association for Personal Computer User Groups).
 
See full details on this meeting by clicking here. For information on the Computer Club, see the OPCUG Website. OPCUG dues are $5 for 2022—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 816743 (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces) or enter meeting ID 823 0941 3026 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode.

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Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

I Have to Say
 
Whenever you
Start with
“I have to say,”
You follow
With something
You don’t really
Have to say.
 
Just sayin’.
            David Weiss

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Obituary: William David Brewster

William David Brewster of Oak Hill, VA, member from summer 2008 to 2018, died on July 15. At OLLI, Bill was a long-time participant in the Tom Crooker Investment Forum.

Bill was drafted into the Army in 1967. He subsequently attended the Infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, GA, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant; he served in that capacity and in the Army Chemical Corps until leaving the service as a first lieutenant in 1968.

Bill married Linda Brady in June 1968. He subsequently received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Fordham University. He worked in the chemical industry and later in digital telecommunications.

After moving to Oak Hill, VA, Bill belonged to the Tau Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order (Herndon, VA). His brothers and sisters from the Tau Fraternity will host a Franciscan wake on August 11 from 5:00 to 7:00 at Adams-Green Funeral Home at 721 Elden Street, Herndon, VA 20170.

A memorial mass will be held from 11:00 to noon on August 12, at St. Joseph Catholic Church located at 750 Peachtree Street, Herndon, VA 20170. Interment will be immediately thereafter at Chestnut Grove Cemetery at 831 Dranesville Road, Herndon, VA 20170. All are Welcome!

Further information is available at this link.

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances, August 5 through August 22


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


Current vaccination policy for the Center for the Arts and Hylton Performing Arts Center is summarized as follows:

Audience members are not currently required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result for most events except when required by the event organizer or artist. If proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test result is required for a specific event, it will be indicated on the webpage with event details.

Specific requirements are detailed and any future policy changes may be found here: https://cfa.gmu.edu/plan-your-visit/vaccination-policy.

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 sign up at this link to stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website, Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances. Information can also be found at CFA ticket purchase page, Center for the Arts YouTube Channel, or the Hylton ticket purchase page.

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At the Fairfax Campus Venues

No Events Scheduled
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

No Performances Scheduled
At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

Company 360 Dance Theatre: Dreamt
Sat, Aug. 13, 2:00 and 7:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $35, $25 senior.

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

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Meetings & Clubs

Please note: Although some physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled, some may be meeting in person or, in a hybrid mode, both in person and online. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates; also, check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for event information.

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week 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 6 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Mon Aug 8
 		  9:30 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News?
Mah Jongg Club
Tue Aug 9
 		  9:30 am
 4:30 pm		 Annex Art
Tai Chi Club
Wed Aug 10  2:00 pm Memoir and More Writing Group
Thu Aug 11
 		 11:50 am
 4:30 pm		 All the News
Tai Chi Club
Fri Aug 12
 

 		  9:15 am
 9:30 am
11:30 am
 2:30 pm		 Recorder Consort
Craft and Conversation
Cooking Club
Tallwood Book Club
Sat Aug 13 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Mon Aug 15
 
 
 		  9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am		 What’s in the Daily News?
Bridge Club
Mah Jongg Club
Poetry Club
Tue Aug 16
 		  9:30 am
 4:30 pm		 Annex Art
Tai Chi Club
Wed Aug 17 10:30 am Tom Crooker Investment Forum
Thu Aug 18
 
 
 		 10:00 am
 
11:50 am
 4:30 pm		 Humanities and Social Sciences/Current Events Program Planning Group Meeting
All the News
Tai Chi Club
Fri Aug 19
 
 		  9:15 am
 9:30 am
11:00 am		 Recorder Consort
Craft and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Sat Aug 20
 		 10:30 am
 1:00 pm		 Tai Chi Club
Personal Computer User Group
 

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About OLLI E-News

OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.

Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger, Paul Van Hemel 
Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Linda Randall, Tom Appich, 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.
An Amazon Smile Link appears here. When you shop using the Smile link designating OLLI as your charitable choice, we'll receive a 0.5 % donation, based on the value of your purchase.

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E-News-July-29-2022

OLLI E-News July 29, 2022
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.

Live From Korea, Well-received Series from George Mason Korea, Summer 2022
Note: Class Recordings Available on OLLI Website

July 29, 2020


Editor of the Week: John Nash
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • You should have received your catalog for fall 2022; it is available online at this link.
  • Priority registration for fall 2022 begins on August 16 at 9:00.
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, August 5; regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, August 2, at 6:00.

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Tallwood Book Club


 

By Betty Ellerbee, Tallwood Book Club Coordinator


The Tallwood Book Club will have two Zoom meetings between terms at its regularly scheduled meeting time of second Fridays at 2:30.

On August 12, we will be discussing The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi. On September 9, we will discuss Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney. For each meeting, the Zoom link will be available in the OLLI Daily Schedule email for the day.

Fall is Coming. Get Ready!

 

 By John Nash, E-News Editor


Yep, fall is coming! And in the midst of the recent heat wave – with probably more to come – many of us think it can’t get here fast enough! However, we still have some glorious days of summer left that may include vacations in the mountains or at the beach. Let’s not wish too fast, huh?

During the ending of summer, we always can do some good planning for the fall. One of your top priorities will be reviewing the new OLLI fall catalog. If you didn’t receive your copy, you can always call the OLLI office at 703-503-3384 for a copy or go to the OLLI website to review a copy there. As ever, the program committee has assembled an outstanding array of topics with classes either on location or by Zoom. Fall registration is from August 15 to 24.

Another great source for activities is what you’re reading now -- the OLLI E-News. Not only will you keep up with the OLLI board activities and issues, but you will find many opportunities where your skills and services can help make a difference in the OLLI community.

You should also be reading the Arts and Music column by Shelly Gersten. This column shows all the performances at Mason Fairfax and the Hylton Theater in Manassas. Many of these performances are presented by the outstanding faculty and students at Mason and are often free.

OLLI is a community and a family. We develop friendships, we keep ourselves actively engaged, and we give ourselves “purpose.” Don’t categorize OLLI as just a few courses you’d like to take. It’s much more than that. But you have to make it happen!
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

STORM
 
It begins with a raging wind-tyrant,
Hasty, frantic, violently
Tossing leafy tempests
In defenseless swirls of agitation.
 
Then comes the battering rain,
Ascending from gentle thumps
To pounding anarchy,
Carelessly slicing greenery,
Carving random rivulets
In the muddy forest floor.
 
Only to be curtly replaced
With glistening sun-stars
Bedazzled in radiant
Luster of nature’s
Fresh calm.
                   Margie Wildblood

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Obituary: Thelma Weiner

Long-time member Thelma Weiner, who first joined OLLI in fall 1998 and was a continuing member since fall 2005, passed away on Saturday, July 23. A well-known Hollywood actress and performer in musical theater, she was a beloved presence in OLLI drama and musical events. She will be greatly missed by her many OLLI friends.

Thelma appeared in the movies, e.g., Murder at 1600 (a secretary), First Monday in October (senator’s wife), Avalon (Aunt Mollie), and an episode of Homicide. She also did numerous television commercials. She studied at the Juilliard School in New York and was a member of the Screen Actors Guild.

Interment was at King David Memorial Gardens in Falls Church, Virginia, following a memorial service on Tuesday, July 26.

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Arts & Music at George Mason
Performances July 29 through August 8


By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer


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

Current vaccination policy for the Center for the Arts and Hylton Performing Arts Center is summarized as follows:

Audience members are not currently required to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test result for most events except when required by the event organizer or artist. If proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result is required for a specific event, it will be indicated on the webpage with event details.

Specific requirements are detailed and any future policy changes may be found here: https://cfa.gmu.edu/plan-your-visit/vaccination-policy.

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 sign up at this link to stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website, Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances. Information can also be found at CFA ticket purchase page, Center for the Arts YouTube Channel, or the Hylton ticket purchase page.

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At the Fairfax Campus Venues

No Events Scheduled
Mason Student and Faculty Performances

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

No Performances Scheduled
At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

ARTfactory and Pied Piper Theatre: Godspell
Fri, Jul 29, 7:00
Sat, Jul 30, 2:00 and 7:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $12.

Akeelah and the Bee
Sat, Jul 30, 3:00
Sun, Jul 31, 3:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $25, $20 senior, $12 under 12.

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

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Meetings & Clubs

Please note: Although some physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled, some may be meeting in person or, in a hybrid mode, both in person and online. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates; also, check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for event information.

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week 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 30 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Mon Aug 1
 		  9:30 am
11:00 am		 What’s in the Daily News?
Poetry Club
Tue Aug 2
 		  9:30 am
 4:30 pm		 Annex Art
Tai Chi Club
Thu Aug 4
 		 11:50 am
 4:30 pm		 All the News
Tai Chi Club
Fri Aug 5
 		  9:15 am
 9:30 am		 Recorder Consort
Craft and Conversation
Sat Aug 6 10:30 am Tai Chi Club
Mon Aug 8
 		  9:30 am
 4:00 pm		 What’s in the Daily News?
Mah Jongg Club
Tue Aug 9
 		  9:30 am
 4:30 pm		 Annex Art
Tai Chi Club
Wed Aug 10  2:00 pm Memoir and More Writing Group
Thu Aug 11
 		 11:50 am
 4:30 pm		 All the News
Tai Chi Club
Fri Aug 12


 		  9:15 am
 9:30 am
11:30 am
 2:30 pm		 Recorder Consort
Craft and Conversation
Cooking Club
Tallwood Book Club
Sat Aug 13 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.

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, Linda Randall, Tom Appich, 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.
An Amazon Smile Link appears here. When you shop using the Smile link designating OLLI as your charitable choice, we'll receive a 0.5 % donation, based on the value of your purchase.

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E-News-July-22-2022

OLLI E-News July 22, 2022
Print a condensed pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
OLLI President Lillian Brooks was Board meeting chair for in-person and Zoom attendees, July 15

July 22, 2020


Editor of the Week: Sheri Siesseger
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

  • In accordance with a Mason July 7 Health and Safety notice, wearing masks when inside OLLI spaces is now optional (see this link).
  • The OLLI office will be closed for summer break from Friday, July 29, reopening  Monday, August 15. 
  • The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, July 29; regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, July 26, at 6:00.

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July Board Meeting Highlights


By Gloria Loew, Secretary


The Board of Directors met on July 15. This Board is off to a great start working to help OLLI continue to have terrific programming even as COVID concerns remain.

Dr. Michele Romano is heading up a Health and Safety Advisory Group that will advise the Board on proper COVID precautions. Using reliable information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and others, she will suggest changes to OLLI procedures as necessary. Currently, OLLI has a mask-optional policy that aligns with CDC guidelines for Fairfax County, which is in the medium risk category. Members are encouraged to continue to wear masks and/or attend classes by Zoom if that makes them more comfortable. Members still need to be vaccinated to attend in-person classes. Updates to OLLI policy will be announced in the E‑News.

OLLI is exploring various fund-raising options to help support our programming. Please contact OLLI President Lillian Brooks or Executive Director Jennifer Disano if you have fund-raising expertise that can help us.

Zachary Teich is the new Chair of our Strategic Planning Committee.

Debby Mossburg’s Outreach Committee has been very active in developing tools to recruit and retain new members.

Our Special Events program planners are looking into expanding our offerings for members who are ready to get together in person. Marilyn Harriman and Luci Martel will head up a group that will plan excursions and diversions. Rita Way will make sure activities are COVID compliant.
COVID Update: July


By Michele Romano, Board Member and Healthcare Advisory Work Group Chair

If you’ve been listening to the news, you know that Omicron BA.5 is the dominant COVID variant in the U.S. right now and is really catching fire. It is highly transmissible.

However, the good news is that the vast majority of people who test positive are either asymptomatic or have typical cold symptoms (sore throat, runny nose, sinus congestion and headache, cough, body aches). This is very different from the original COVID of early 2020. Even though the present vaccines do not contain the Omicron variant, they still offer a great deal of protection. So far very few people are getting seriously ill (requiring hospitalization) or dying from BA.5. Even though the Center for Disease Control (CDC) places Fairfax and Loudoun at medium risk (masks optional), OLLI members should continue to wear masks on our campuses if they are at high risk or just feel more comfortable doing so. Please see ‘Health and Safety Protocols for OLLI Mason’ online.

I will be giving an extensive COVID‑19 Update via Zoom on Monday, Sept. 12 at 1:00 before fall term starts. Please come and bring your questions; the Zoom link will appear in the Sept. 12 OLLI daily schedule email. COVID data is moving at warp speed right now, so I suspect a lot will change by then.
Photo Club Visit to Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
By John Olsen and Edward Marion
Photography Club Co-Coordinators
"As I started walking through the acres of water lilies and lotus blossoms, I had no idea of what magic lay ahead. I admired the pretty flowers blooming in countless shallow pools of water while dragonflies flitted among the blooms. The dirt paths were muddy in places after the recent rains and evoked memories of childhood long forgotten. The bright sunshine and the heat of the day drove me to a shady place under a tree. I savored the moments looking at the plants in the water and listening to birds singing nearby. I felt the mud under my shoes and felt euphoric as I wandered closer to the pools of water. I felt like a child again exploring an unknown landscape. Care and worries faded away. This was heaven."

These are impressions from Christine, one of our Photography Club members, from our July field trip. If you enjoy photography and exploring parks, museums, and neighborhoods, please consider joining the OLLI Photo Club on our field trips. Our trips are on the third Friday of the month in the morning and usually last between two to three hours, followed by congenial conversation over lunch in a local restaurant.

On the fourth Friday of the month, we share our favorite photos from the trip. Our members represent all levels of photography and a wide variety of camera gear, whether cell phone camera, point and shoot, or DSLR with a variety of lenses. We all enjoy the fun of photography, sharing our experiences and learning from one another.

We are also engaged in volunteer projects, such as providing photography to the Mason drama department and photographing the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics each September.  
We welcome new members! (Photo by Ed Marion)
Photo of the Month
The July 2022 Photo of the Month theme was monochrome. We selected Robert Kelberg's photo "The Pier" 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 Ed Marion, Photography Club Coordinators

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Poet's Corner