By Bob Heyer, Co-Coordinator, OLLI Walk & Talk Club
For the fall term, Marilyn (Harriman) and I achieved our goal of 101 members of the OLLI Walk & Talk Club!! Our objective is to facilitate President Lillian Brooks’s goal of getting more members back into the classroom by getting a maximum number of members together and involved in a common purpose activity, encouraging more involvement in in-person activities and events!
Although we had 101 members, many members have other activities drawing their time. We have averaged about 20 people on each walk & talk event, ranging from a minimum of about 14 to a maximum of 30. Additionally, we added to our events by having coffee and snacks afterward to continue our conversation started on the trail. We usually brief and then walk for an hour or so, plus another hour at coffee and conversations.
The key to our success has been spreading our walk locations from the Occoquan south to the Potomac River northward and from the east to the west covering a different cross-county trail and park in Fairfax County. Additionally, Marilyn has done a wonderful job locating and coordinating with some great bakeries, restaurants, and coffee shops! Her weekly email correspondence with club members covers where and when we are going with maps and pictures to make it easy to get started on time. We also make it a point for people to keep us informed by cell phone if they should need assistance to make a change before or on the walk.
The result has been a most enjoyable weekly event for our members as well as for Marilyn and me. Thank you for all your support in making this possible!
By Sulaiha (Su) Mastan, Diversity Committee Member
Northern Virginia is home to residents from multiple cultural, racial, ethnic, and faith groups; the area is expected to become more diverse over time.
OLLI is forming a new committee whose primary focus will be to look into diversifying its courses, events, activities,and memberships to be more reflective of the ever changing multicultural, multiracial, multi-ethnic, and multi-faith aspects of our community.
OLLI is seeking help from its membership, particularly members of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities and members of other minority groups. We are inviting you to share your experiences at OLLI and share insights into how OLLI can diversify its curriculum and memberships.
Please contact me at 703-606-1832 or send an email to sayang9307@gmail.com. Information shared will be kept confidential.
Editor’s Note: This article appeared in prior issues; it is repeated here to encourage members to share your experiences and insights.
How many times have we heard that saying. “It's better to give than to receive.” When I was a little boy and my mother was trying to instill in me a sense of understanding and compassion, I wasn't sure she knew what she was talking about. I certainly did look forward to birthdays and Christmas when, although limited in my family, I would receive a gift or two. But as I grew older, I slowly began to understand what my mother meant: it really does give a warm feeling to give or help out, or just do something nice for someone else.
Most of us reading this article are far better off than many others who might face financial, health, or just social issues. There are many opportunities to “give” whether money, time, or resources. And if you're like me, your mailbox and email accounts overflow with material from people and organizations offering you that opportunity, mostly legitimate and worthwhile, some only disguised as such. I have a file drawer filled with return address stickers and greeting cards designed to soften my attitude (read: feel guilty) toward their causes. I also have learned to respond by saying I recognize the importance of their cause or mission, but I have selected my charities to support. Too much “giving” can be a bad thing, too. If you get on one mailing list...you're destined to be on many more!
During this holiday season when we are especially aware of the needs of others, we should be compassionate and do what we can to improve our world and, in return, improve our own good feelings. I remember a previous church minister, when asked how to determine a level of sharing, said, “Give until it feels good!” That's good advice for all of us. “Give until it feels good!”
May the spirit of this season – no matter what religion – bring joy and happiness to each of you. And may you have a healthy and prosperous 2024!
She pauses in her stroll to watch the street juggler rapt audience of small boys before him tennis balls circle without apparent effort first three, then four, and finally five continuing the pattern, his touch barely discernable. He tries out a few fancy turns, one ball spikes higher, one he launches and retrieves behind his back. Then—it was inevitable—one ball drops away. A collective gasp goes up from the watchers. Do they get it? That when grown-ups are good at what they do, even when an Oops interrupts, they can go on without a falter, focus continuing on what they expect of themselves.
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 pageor the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.
Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of information on interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just sign up at this linkto stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website,Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.
Please note: OLLI Meetings and Clubs may currently take place in several formats: some are in person only, some are online only, and some are hybrid, meaning that they take place in person and are accessible online simultaneously. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number (except clubs; you may need to check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for location and other event information). Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates.
The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week, but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc. 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 Dec 23
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Tue Dec 26
9:30 am
4:30 pm
Annex Art
Tai Chi Club
Wed Dec 27
2:00 pm
Memoir and More Writing Group
Thu Dec 28
11:50 am
4:30 pm
All the News
Tai Chi Club
Fri Dec 29
11:00 am
Homer, etc.
Sat Dec 30
10:30 am
12:00 noon
Tai Chi Club
OLLI Walk and Talk Club
Tue Jan 2
4:30 pm
7:00 pm
Tai Chi Club
Trivia Club
Wed Jan 3
10:00 am
10:30 am
4:00 pm
Bridge Club
Investment Forum
Spanish Club
Thu Jan 4
11:50 am
4:30 pm
All the News
Tai Chi Club
Fri Jan 5
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
Mah Jongg Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc.
OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.
Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger,Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich, Martha Kossoff, Anne Hartshorn, Bonnie Becker, Carol McManus
Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: ollienewseditor@gmail.com. Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words. Note: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News on the DocStore. To search the content of issues, use Search Our Site or put your search term in Google followed by "site:ollidev2.earthcare.com/" without the quotes.
Reminder: Computer Club meeting Saturday, December 9 (tomorrow), at 1:00, via Zoom and in person in TA-1 at Tallwood. See this link for more information.
The OLLI office will be closed for holiday break from December 16‑January 2.
Winter term registration is under way and continues throughout the term.
The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, December 22; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, December 19, at 6:00.
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Continuing our Wednesday Conversations series, Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) will moderate a Zoom discussion on December 13 at 4:00.
The topic for December 13 is Preparations for Winter.
Are you ready for winter? The prognosticators have warned us about a snowy season ahead. First off, do you believe them? Do you think that the wooly caterpillars and the squirrels are perhaps better at forecasting? Secondly, it always helps to be prepared (see Boy Scout motto). So, how can each of us get ready for whatever ensues from Old Man Winter? Some of us are planning to relocate to warmer climates for a few months; some of us are stuck here. Do you hibernate like a bear in your cave? Do you stock up on provisions, chocolate, wine, etc., or on books and hobby supplies? Do you plan to organize your desk and file folders during winter storms? Do you lay in a pile of firewood or get a space heater? Sharpen your snow shovel or wax your cross-country skis? Or do you just get cozy with warm sweaters and blankets and enjoy the season?
Everyone has a different approach to winter and cold weather. At least, most of us are not living in northern Minnesota. Or if we are, it might be by choice, and we enjoy winter weather.
Check your daily schedule for the Zoom link on Wednesday and plan on discussing with Team Bloch on December 13.
By Sulaiha (Su) Mastan, Diversity Committee Member
Northern Virginia is home to residents from multiple cultural, racial, ethnic, and faith groups; the area is expected to become more diverse over time.
OLLI is forming a new committee whose primary focus will be to study diversifying its courses, events, activities, and memberships to be more reflective of the ever-changing cultural, racial, ethnic, and faith aspects of our community.
OLLI is seeking help from its membership, particularly members of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities and members of other minority groups. We are inviting you to share your experiences at OLLI and share insights into how OLLI can diversify its curriculum and memberships.
Please contact me at 703-606-1832 or send an email to sayang9307@gmail.com. Information shared will be kept confidential.
Editor’s Note: This article appeared in a prior issue; it is repeated here to encourage members to share your experiences and insights.
that overcomes my reserve,
that imparts new energy to tired words,
that sculpts angles into curves,
that injects serenity into frayed nerves.
I want to write a poem
that shoots electricity through a dead wire,
to see what messages will be inspired,
that pumps air into a flat tire,
allowing it to roll again,
up and down mountains
and around bends,
just to see what’s what
and where the road might end,
a new metaphor begin.
I want to approach a closed door and see it open
to friends,
new friends.
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 pageor the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.
Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of information on interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just sign up at this linktostay 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.
American Festival Pops Orchestra: Holiday Pops, Songs of the Season
Sat, Dec 9, 4:00
A pre-performance discussion will take place in Monson Grand Tier 45 minutes prior to curtain.
Concert Hall
Admission: $60, $51, $36.
Mariachi Herencia de México: A Mariachi Christmas
Sun, Dec 10, 3:00
A pre-performance discussion will take place in Monson Grand Tier 45 minutes prior to curtain.
Concert Hall
Admission: $50, $43, $30.
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra and Fairfax Ballet: Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker
Sat and Sun, Dec 16 – 17, 4:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $89, $69, $59, $49.
Ju Yun: Celestial Carnival
Buchanan Partners Art Gallery
Through Jan 6
Admission: Free.
American Festival Pops Orchestra: Songs of the Season
Sat, Dec 9, 4:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance, featuring Bryan Kidd, composer and arranger-in-residence, American Festival Pops Orchestra.
Merchant Hall Admission: $60, $51, $36.
Prince William Little Theatre: Miss Bennet, Christmas at Pemberley
Sat-Sun, Dec 9-10, 2:00 and Sat Dec 9, 7:00
Fri, Dec 15, 8:00
Sat-Sun, Dec 16-17, 2:00 and Sat Dec 16, 7:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $25 Adult, $20 senior, $15 12 and under.
Manassas Chorale: Sounds of the Season
Sat, Dec 9, 7:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $25 Adult, $23 senior.
Vienna Boys Choir
Sun, Dec 10, 2:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Merchant Hall
Admission: $55, $47, $33.
Manassas Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker
Thu, Dec 14, 7:30
Fri, Dec 15, 7:30
Sat, Dec 16, 3:00 and 7:30
Sun, Dec 17, 3:00
Tue, Dec 19, 7:30
Wed, Dec 20, 7:30
Thu, Dec 21, 3:00
Fri, Dec 22, 3:00
Sat, Dec 23, 3:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $75, $65, $55, $45, $35.
Please note: OLLI Meetings and Clubs may currently take place in several formats: some are in person only, some are online only, and some are hybrid, meaning that they take place in person and are accessible online simultaneously. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number (except clubs; you may need to check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for location and other event information). Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates.
The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week, but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
Sat Dec 9
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Dec 11
9:30 am
11:00 am
What’s in the Daily News?
Poetry Writing Club
Tue Dec 12
9:30 am
10:30 am
1:00 pm
2:30 pm
4:30 pm
Annex Art
Holiday Singing for Fun
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Caregiver Group
Tai Chi Club
Wed Dec 13
10:00 am
10:00 am
10:30 am
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Bridge Club
Tallwood Book Club
Investment Forum
Memoir and More Writing Group
Mah Jongg Club
Spanish Club
Conversation with Team Bloch
Thu Dec 14
11:50 am
1:00 pm
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
6:00 pm
All the News
Stay Active and Independent for Life
SAIL Assessment
Tai Chi Club
Ethnic Eats Club
Fri Dec 15
9:30 am
11:00 am
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Sat Dec 16
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon Dec 18
9:30 am
11:00 am
4:00 pm
What’s in the Daily News?
Poetry Reading Club
Family History/Genealogy Club
OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.
Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger,Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich, Martha Kossoff, Anne Hartshorn, Bonnie Becker, Carol McManus
Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: ollienewseditor@gmail.com. Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words. Note: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News on the DocStore. To search the content of issues, use Search Our Site or put your search term in Google followed by "site:ollidev2.earthcare.com/" without the quotes.
The OLLI Office will be closed for holiday break from December 16‑January 2.
Reminder: Theater Lovers’ Group outing for a matinee of the musical Ragtime at Signature Theater Sunday, November 26, 2:00. Please email Norma Reck at njreck@cs.com with any questions.
Winter term registration begins on Tuesday, November 28 at 9:00.
The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, December 8; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, December 5, at 6:00.
President Lillian Brooks opened the OLLI Board of Directors meeting in Tallwood TA‑1 and on Zoom on Friday,
November 17. All 15 elected directors, Executive Director Jennifer Disano, and at least 14 others (OLLI members and staff) were present.
President Lillian Brooks and Executive Director Jennifer Disano reported that they met with the Fairfax County Office on Aging. They found that OLLI should have more members on the various Fairfax County committees to represent OLLI interests and advertise for new members.
Jennifer Disano reported that we accepted the prestigious ArtsFairfax Award in front of over 1,000 event attendees. We now have 940 OLLI members which is in line with the average of 930 members for OLLIs throughout the country. Jennifer also indicated that the November 16 OLLI staff luncheon for over 50 OLLI volunteers that keep OLLI running was a great success.
Treasurer Debbie Engleson reported that OLLI is in a good position financially. We have reduced our use of rented lecture locations and changed our business model to provide classes at cost for retirement communities and other potential spaces. Zoom is here to stay, and we are working to determine the proper mix of Zoom, hybrid, and in‑person classes to meet membership desires at a financial balance.
We are working on resolutions to sign Memorandum of Understanding agreements with two local retirement communities early next year. We are also updating the Policy & Procedures Manual to approve new clubs in line with OLLI’s mission and protect our liability.
After a most successful Board meeting, we hope that more people will listen in at the Board meetings every third Friday of the month at 10:00. It is open to all OLLI Members either in person or on Zoom.
By Sulaiha (Su) Mastan, Diversity Committee Member
Northern Virginia is home to residents from multiple cultural, racial, ethnic, and faith groups; the area is expected to become more diverse over time.
OLLI will be forming a new committee whose primary focus will be to look into diversifying its courses, events, activities, and memberships to be more reflective of the ever changing multicultural, multiracial, multi-ethnic, and multi-faith aspects of our community.
OLLI is seeking help from its membership, particularly members of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities and members of other minority groups. We are inviting you to share your experiences at OLLI and share insights into how OLLI can diversify its curriculum and memberships.
Please contact me at 703-606-1832 or send an email to sayang9307@gmail.com. Information shared will be kept confidential.
Reminder: Help Plan Literature, Language, and Theater Programs December 7
By Pat Bangs, Literature, Theater, and Writing/Languages Program Planning Group Co‑Chair
Please join us for our semi-annual all-campus program planning group meeting for literature, theater, and writing/languages program planning, Thursday, December 7, at 10:00, via Zoom.
All are welcome. We will be reviewing past terms and looking forward to planning for summer term 2024 and beyond. Bring ideas for literature, theater, and writing/languages programs, including possible resources such as individuals you may know who might want to teach, or any other thoughts on this popular OLLI program area. Join at https://gmu.zoom.us/j/93862178369 on December 7.
If you have a yen to see your poem in print, the poetry program is working on an early 2024 edition of The Poets of OLLI, our first since pre-pandemic. Please send your submission(s) in an attachment to Jan Bohall at jpb.20@aol.com by Friday, December 8.
Just a few requests: You may submit one or two poems, accompanied by a brief bio. Poems must be no more than 30 lines long, including title and line spaces. Any theme is welcome, as well as any poetic form. If the poem has been published elsewhere, including the OLLI E-News and OLLI Ink, please let us know. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.
By Linda H. Harber, Friends of Music at Mason President
Register at the member portal for Event 1208, Fall 2023 Holiday Singing for Fun, where you can sing along with your OLLI friends and celebrate the December holidays with merry music! Singing together is always fun, but on Tuesday, December 12, from 10:30-noon, it will be super fun! Whether the song is about Santa or Rudolph or dreidels—join us in our upcoming holiday sing‑along.
This special Singing for Fun is for everyone! OLLI and singing—a great combination! Music and the winter holidays—the best combination! We will be accompanied by piano and violins—and will have song sheets. Everyone is welcome to join our joyful voices on December 12 in TA‑1!
Please register today and we’ll see you December 12 at 10:30!
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, December 9, in person and via Zoom. The Zoom session usually opens at 12:45.
Virtual Tour: System Source Computer Museum—Presented by Curator Bob Roswell
The System Source Computer Museum, located in Hunt Valley, Maryland, USA, exhibits notable computing devices from ancient times until the present. Over 5,000 objects are on display and many of the computation devices are operational. The museum's origins date to 1981 when a Baltimore ComputerLand franchise had computers in inventory that instantly became historic artifacts with the introduction of the IBM Personal Computer.
A system integrator, Bob Roswell consults with organizations to design, purchase, install, and maintain their technology infrastructure. As founder and curator of the System Source Computer Museum, his tours reflect deep knowledge about computer technology of the past that makes his excitement for the subject captivating.
Charging Phones and Laptops Another Way—Presented by John Krout
Tired of the spaghetti-like mass of cables needed to charge your cell phones and tablets? There may be a better way to go.
John Krout is a frequent presenter at our meetings on a wide range of computer, technology and photography topics, and author of many articles for the PATACS Posts newsletter.
See full details on this meeting by clicking here. For information on the Computer Club, see the OPCUG Website. OPCUG dues are $5 for 2023—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 206627 (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces) or enter meeting ID 860 6157 6830 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode (preferred method).
We had a small group but those who came seemed to enjoy themselves. Here we are with our finished results. (Left to right: Jeff Milstein, Yen Tra, Instructor Emily, Marybeth Haneline, Tony Harriman, Joe Androsky, Ruth Altheim, Marilyn Harriman. An employee from Muse Paint Bar took the photo with my iPhone camera.)
Jeff Milstein wanted to paint his owl from a photo he had taken (Golden Bird in the middle), and our nice instructor helped him create the color scheme he had in mind. Afterward, five of us enjoyed dinner across the street at True Food Kitchen. It was a nice way to end fall term.
The November 2023 Photo of the Month theme was Sports Photography. We selected Ed Marion's photo, "Photo Finish: 60-Meter Dash," which may also be viewed at this page. To view other photos by members of the Photography Club, visit the club's photo website. -- By John Olsen and Edward Marion, Photography Club Co-Coordinators
Wednesday Team Bloch Conversations—November29 and December 6
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Continuing our Wednesday Conversations series, Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) will moderate two Zoom discussions, November 29 and December 6, both at 4:00.
The topic for November 29 is Stress.
Coming up is the big month for stress. Whether it is stress for the holiday shopping, menu, meal preparation, present wrapping, decorating, hosting of holiday gatherings, holiday travel, other types of travel, social anxiety, or even a lack of "holiday spirit," this is a busy month and there are lots of stressors, not even to mention paying for all the holiday financial indulgences and the looming end-of-year wrapping up and reckoning of 2023. How do you face December stress? How to lessen the stress? (One of us eats cookies. Lots of cookies. It works. She also bakes lots of cookies and shares with neighbors and friends.)
The topic for December 6 is The Factors in Your Decision to Make the Move to a Retirement Community.
Is it time to consider moving to a senior living facility? Every week, Team Bloch receives one or two brochures for a new community being built in the area, inviting us to visit. Stairs and maintenance of a large home are certainly a burden as we age. Yet, interacting with people of all ages has benefits. There's the argument that downsizing is far easier when we are younger and more fit. Everyone will weigh the factors differently (too soon, too late, just right now—the Goldilocks dilemma.) What facts are you evaluating and weighing to aid your decision-making?
Check your Daily Schedule for the Zoom link on Wednesdays and plan on discussion with Team Bloch on November 29 and December 6.
Healing Arts Ensemble Fall Recital By Linda H. Harber, Friends of Music at Mason President
The Healing Arts Ensemble, the signature performing group for Mason’s programs in music for well-being, will hold its fall recital on November 29 at 5:00 in the Center for the Arts Grand Tier III. It is free and all are welcome to attend the very relaxing event next Wednesday at this busy time of the year!
“Love is a wild and unpredictable quantum energy that expands in all directions and defies all the laws of linear causality.” Sam Keen, To Love and Be Loved
On a crisp fall day— relaxing ‘neath the warming sun with gentle clouds moving overhead in rhythm with the breeze— We share a playful game of frisbee toss.
You, the pro, giving guidance to my less experienced self:
"It’s all in the wrist,” demonstrating the optimal side-step forward and hinged release of the hand.
The disc soars my way, air currents delivering it straight into my upraised hands. I/we laugh at the catch— me, surprised— you, affirming!
I return the serve, watching as my aim veers too far left and way short of your hands. You bound toward the ground, retrieving and throwing the object back.
Too low, I fumble the catch. No mind…it’s the tossing that counts, not the act of being caught. As in relationships, the dynamism… the life-force is in the extending.
As if some child, waiting patiently all along to seize the magical toy that held joy’s promise… and then, lovingly, offered it up to you.
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 pageor the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.
Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of information on interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just sign up at this linkto stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website,Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.
Chanticleer: A Chanticleer Christmas
Sat, Nov 25, 8:00
A pre-performance discussion will take place in Monson Grand Tier 45 minutes prior to curtain.
Concert Hall
Admission: $58, $49, $34.
Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: Festive French Fare
Sun, Nov 26, 7:00
Pre-performance “Young Artists Musicale,” featuring piano students of Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association members, will take place from 6 to 6:30 in the main lobby.
Concert Hall
Admission: $50, $43, $29.
Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy: A Celtic Family Christmas
Saturday, Dec 2, 8:00
A pre-performance discussion will take place in Monson Grand Tier 45 minutes prior to curtain.
Concert Hall
Admission: $60, $51, $36.
American Festival Pops Orchestra: Holiday Pops, Songs of the Season
Saturday, Dec 9, 4:00
A pre-performance discussion will take place in Monson Grand Tier 45 minutes prior to curtain.
Concert Hall
Admission: $60, $51, $36.
Mariachi Herencia de México: A Mariachi Christmas
Sunday, Dec 10, 3:00
A pre-performance discussion will take place in Monson Grand Tier 45 minutes prior to curtain.
Concert Hall
Admission: $50, $43, $30.
Piano Chamber Ensembles
Mon, Nov 27, 7:00
deLaski Performing Arts Building, A323
Admission: Free.
Healing Arts Ensemble
Wednesday, Nov 29, 5:00
Center for the Arts, Monson Grand Tier III
Admission: Free.
Mason Symphonic Band
Wednesday, Nov 29, 8:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $12 Adult, $8 senior.
Mason Wind Symphony
Thursday, Nov 30, 8:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $12 Adult, $8 senior.
Mason School of Dance:Dance Innovations
Friday, Dec 1, 8:00
Saturday, Dec 2, 8:00
Harris Theatre
Admission: $20.
Mason Opera Presents: An Evening of Gilbert & Sullivan
Friday, Dec 1, 8:00
Saturday, Dec 2, 8:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $20 Adult, $15 senior.
Mason Symphony and Choirs Holiday Concert 2023
Sunday, Dec 3, 7:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $20 Adult, $15 senior.
Mason School of Dance: Studio Series
Tuesday, Dec 5, 6:00 and 8:00
deLaski Performing Arts Building, A301
Admission: $15.
Ju Yun: Celestial Carnival
Buchanan Partners Art Gallery
Through Jan 6
Admission: Free.
Virginia National Ballet: The Nutcracker
Fri, Nov 24, 2:00 and 6:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $45, $40, $35, $30, $25, $20.
Northern Virginia Ballet: The Nutcracker
Sat, Nov 25, 2:00 and 6:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Merchant Hall
Admission: $35 Adult, $25 senior.
A Canadian Brass Christmas
Sun, Nov 26, 4:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $60, $51, $36.
Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra (OBCO): Handel's Messiah
Fri, Dec 1, 8:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $20 Adult, $15 senior.
Manassas Symphony Orchestra Family Concert: Nature’s Rhythms
Sat, Dec 2, 3:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $30 Adult, free 18 and under.
The Legendary Ingramettes
Sun, Dec 3, 2:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Merchant Hall
Admission: $48, $41, $29.
Mason Arts Amplified will offer a limited release of a pay-to-view digital performance. This recording will be available to watch beginning December 14 through January 15 at noon ET. You can pre-order digital access for $15 now at this link.
American Festival Pops Orchestra: Holiday Pops, Songs of the Season
Fri, Dec 8, 8:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance, featuring Bryan Kidd, composer and arranger-in-residence, American Festival Pops Orchestra.
Merchant Hall
Admission: $60, $51, $36.
Prince William Little Theatre: Miss Bennet, Christmas at Pemberley
Fri, Dec 8, 8:00
Sat-Sun, Dec 9-10, 2:00 and Sat Dec 9, 7:00
Fri, Dec 15, 8:00
Sat-Sun, Dec 16-17, 2:00 and Sat Dec 16, 7:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $25 Adult, $20 senior, $15 12 and under.
Manassas Chorale: Sounds of the Season
Saturday, Dec 9, 7:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $25 Adult, $23 senior.
Vienna Boys Choir
Sunday, Dec 10, 2:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Merchant Hall
Admission: $55, $47, $33.
Please note: OLLI Meetings and Clubs may currently take place in several formats: some are in person only, some are online only, and some are hybrid, meaning that they take place in person and are accessible online simultaneously. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number (except clubs; you may need to check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for location and other event information). Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates.
The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week, but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
Sat Nov 25
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon Nov 27
9:30 am
11:00 am
4:00 pm
What’s in the Daily News?
Poetry Reading Club
Family History/Genealogy Club
Tue Nov 28
9:00 am
9:30 am
10:00 am
1:00 pm
2:30 pm
4:30 pm
Holiday Party Committee
Annex Art
Special Board Meeting
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Caregiver Group
Tai Chi Club
Wed Nov 29
10:00 am
10:30 am
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
Bridge Club
Investment Forum
Memoir and More Writing Group
Conversation with Team Bloch
Thu Nov 30
11:30 am
11:50 am
4:30 pm
Diversity/Multicultural Committee
All the News
Tai Chi Club
Fri Dec 1
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
1:00 pm
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Annual Holiday Party
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Sat Dec 2
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon Dec 4
9:30 am
11:00 am
4:00 pm
What’s in the Daily News?
Poetry Reading Club
Family History/Genealogy Club
Tue Dec 5
9:30 am
1:00 pm
2:30 pm
4:30 pm
Annex Art
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Caregiver Group
Tai Chi Club
Wed Dec 6
10:00 am
10:00 am
10:30 am
10:30 am
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Board Game Club
Bridge Club
Spanish Club
Investment Forum
History Club
Conversation with Team Bloch
Thu Dec 7
11:50 am
4:30 pm
Homer, etc.
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Fri Dec 8
9:30 am
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
1:30 pm
Mah Jongg Club
Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Cooking Club
Stay Active and Independent for Life
OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.
Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger,Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich, Martha Kossoff, Anne Hartshorn, Bonnie Becker, Carol McManus
Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: ollienewseditor@gmail.com. Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words. Note: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News on the DocStore. To search the content of issues, use Search Our Site or put your search term in Google followed by "site:ollidev2.earthcare.com/" without the quotes.
OLLI Annual Town Hall Meeting, In Person and Zoom, Tallwood, November 3
November 10, 2023
Editor of the Week: David Gundry
Table of Contents
Alerts & Notices
The OLLI Office will be closed for holiday breaks from November 20 to 25 and December 16 to January 2, 2024.
Reminder: Theater Lovers’ Group event Sunday, November 26, to attend the 2:00 matinee of the musical Ragtime at Signature Theater. Please email Norma Reck at njreck@cs.com with any questions.
Winter term registration begins on November 28 at 9:00.
The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, November 24; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, November 21, at 6:00.
Reminder: Register by November 14 for Holiday Party
By Debbie Engleson, Board Member and Treasurer
Time is running out! You need to register by November 14 to join fellow OLLI members and guests for the OLLI Holiday Party. Enjoy the music of the recorder group as you check in on Friday, December 1.
Where: The Country Club of Fairfax at 5110 Ox Road, Fairfax.
Starting at 11:30, there will be socializing and a cash bar, with lunch served at 12:15.
Following remarks and door prizes, you will be treated to the music of the Fairfax High School Carolers.
For lunch, choose chicken marsala, pasta primavera, or spinach salad with grilled chicken as entrées. All meals include beverages and dessert. You can indicate your choice of entrée and pay the $50 fee when you register on the OLLI portal(Event 1203). Registration ends on Tuesday, November 14.
Register now and bring a guest. You don’t want to miss this lovely event!
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, November 21, in person and via Zoom. The Zoom session usually opens at 12:45.
A Day in the Mobile Life—Presented by Roy Wagner
I will discuss how I use my “mobile” devices in a “typical” day and compare it with how life was before we had mobile devices available to us. I’ll talk about using my mobile phone and tablet through a typical day in my life.
OLLI member Roy Wagner served as President of Washington Apple Pi (wap.org) for three years and hosts the monthly ‘Clubhouse’ Zoom meetings. He began using Apple products in 1987, while fighting with Windows machines in the work environment.
Learn in 30: Why Do Printer Drivers Sometimes Take So Long to Print Photos?—Presented by John Krout
One night, your presenter's son asked why his Windows computer took more than 15 minutes to start printing a billion-pixel photo he downloaded from NASA. Your presenter too has experienced that delay many times, most recently when he self-published his 2024 Calendar containing most of the multi-photo panoramas he has taken over the past 20 years. This will continue to happen: even smartphone photos now can exceed 40 megapixels in size, and one recent phone shoots 200 megapixel photos. Plus, many phones now take huge composite panoramas. This presentation will explain the two major purposes of a printer driver, and simple steps you can take to make photos print quickly, and even upload quickly.
John Krout is a frequent presenter at our meetings on a wide range of computer, technology and photography topics, and author of many articles for the PATACS Posts newsletter.
To attend via Zoom’s cloud meeting service, beginning at 12:45, please click this link to join the meeting and use passcode 206627 (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces) or enter meeting ID 860 6157 6830 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode (preferred method).
Save the Date: Literature, Theater, and Writing/Languages Program Planning Group Meeting
By Pat Bangs, Literature, Theater, and Writing/Languages Program Planning Group Co‑Chair
Date: Thursday, December 7
Time: 10:00-11:30
Whether you enjoy the classics or spy novels, sci-fi or memoir, want to learn a language, or explore playwrights and the world of theater, we need your thoughts and ideas.
Please join us for our semi-annual all‑campus program planning group meeting for literature, theater, and writing/language program planning on Thursday, December 7, at 10:00 via Zoom.
We will be reviewing past terms and looking forward to planning for summer 2024 and beyond. All OLLI members can contribute to the excellent programming offered to our membership. Bring ideas for literature, theater, and writing/language programs, possible resources, such as individuals you may know who might want to teach, or any other thoughts on this popular OLLI program area. And, of course, if you or anyone you know would like to join our group, here is your opportunity to see the process in action. Spread the word; see you on December 7.
The meeting Zoom link from Shannon Morrow, our staff program associate, is https://gmu.zoom.us/j/93862178369. We will resend it again closer to the meeting. If you would also like to be added to our mailing list for a reminder, or have any questions, please email me at: pbangs68@gmail.com.
Humanities, Social Sciences, and Current Events Program Planning Group Meeting
By Camille Hodges, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Current Events Program Planning Group Co-Chair
The Humanities, Social Sciences, and Current Events (HSS/CE) Program Planning Group will meet on Tuesday, November 14, at 10:00, via Zoom. The Zoom link for the meeting appears below.
The OLLI Fall Session ends tomorrow; you should have received the winter catalog in your mailbox by now. Course offerings are high quality as usual.
The Multicultural Committee is “in-progress” and needs additional members if you’re interested or can suggest someone. So far, the main idea is that all OLLI committees continue to strive to be as “multicultural/multi-ethnic” as possible when considering course offerings as we encourage a more diverse membership. Look for an article in the OLLI E-News soon.
The Old Town Hall in Fairfax is a great venue; you are encouraged to park across the street in the library parking lot (underground). It’s easy and a short walk across the street.
Summer 2024 course proposals are due January 26.
We are working on a couple of presenters who have not committed yet.
The next HSS/CE meeting is tentatively scheduled for January 16, 2024.
Fall 2024 proposals are due March 8. (Dr. George Oberle, Mason Assistant Professor of History and Art History, may present in the fall of 2024.)
Still looking for discussions on: “banned/challenged” books (Yes, Charlotte’s Web is one of them); possible constitutional issues confronting the Supreme Court.
Others?
II. Updates from Shannon and Nancy
III. Updates from committee members/What ideas can we help you with?
IV. Other information to share? Questions? Comments?
The Town Hall meeting in TA-1, Tallwood, on November 3 was opened by OLLI President Lillian Brooks with 36 members on Zoom and 24 members in person. Those in person enjoyed the fall coffee and many confections provided by the Diversions Committee. Lillian introduced the Board members present. Lillian noted that our Strategic Plan objectives are to continue to recruit new and diverse members from the many ethnic groups in the Northern Virginia area. We would like to have more people in the classrooms as well as enjoying our in-person events (e.g., fall kickoff and Halloween parties, the December 1 holiday party). We are also offering OLLI-sponsored travel for our members (Iceland this year, next year to the Far East (Japan and Korea), and Albuquerque during the balloon festival).
Jennifer Disano was introduced and recognized for her outstanding ten years of service as our Executive Director, and for building the OLLI Mason program. This year OLLI won the prestigious ArtsFairfax Award which gave us a lot of county-wide attention. Jennifer noted that we currently have 940 members, close to the national average of 933 members for the 125 OLLIs in the country. We enjoy in-person, Zoom and hybrid classes at all three campuses, using classrooms at Tallwood five days a week, at Reston one to two days a week, and at Mason Loudoun one day a week. We are reaching out to local retirement communities, such as the three Silverstone locations and others, to offer some classes and packages for a fee to entice new memberships. We are also working to update our OLLI website and advertising materials, as well to locate potential donors and possibly a sponsor. Our biggest challenge is to locate volunteers for the Board of Directors and the many different things that OLLI is involved with for the present and future.
There were many questions and comments at the Town Hall from the Zoom and in-person audiences, helping to amplify and clarify the details of our many OLLI activities.
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Continuing our Wednesday Conversations series, Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) will moderate a Zoom discussion on November 15 at 4:00, where every OLLI member is welcome to join us to talk about our topic: Keeping and Firing Friends.
We all know that FRIENDSHIP is important. Socialization is a most important factor in our mental well-being, our staying engaged in life, and our physical welfare. Friends help bridge the loneliness gap. As we retire from the workplace and perhaps dial our activities down a bit, friendships tend to change or disappear. During the Covid pandemic, many of us had to put our friendships on pause and isolate ourselves. For all those reasons, friendships require work on everyone's part to maintain. The backbone of any friendship is one where both sides put in equal effort and support.
The Atlantic recently ran an article about "How to Break Up with Your Friends." But in that article they cited six different types of expectations for friends: genuine regard (they like you for what you are), self-disclosure (you feel safe to discuss personal stuff), instrumental aid (they help you move or send you a meal when you are sick), similarity (you enjoy some of the same things), enjoyment (you are happy to spend time with them), and agency (what externals they can help you with). An important point is that no one friend can likely offer all of these things and you might want to have several "overlapping" friends, each of whom can satisfy a few of those expectations. It may be unrealistic to "break up" if a friend doesn't meet all those criteria—maybe it is better to overlook the gaps? What does a "friend" mean to you?
Join us via the OLLI 24/7 Chat Line on November 15. See the OLLI daily schedule email for the Zoom meeting ID and password.
Note: Team Bloch is taking a week off from our Wednesday Conversations Series on November 22, the day before Thanksgiving. We will resume the Wednesday following, November 29.
Always around. Facing it is daunting.
It’s been there (here) since the beginning
when there was nothing but nothingness.
God turned nothingness into
light, dark, day, night, sun, moon,
stars, seas, fish, sky, birds, land, animals,
humankind, and a day to rest.
The Big Bang exploded nothingness into
electrons, quarks, protons, neutrons,
particles, waves, helium, hydrogen,
carbon, iron, dark matter, proteins,
carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids.
Still lots of nothingness.
nothing to do, nothing new, nothing changes,
nothing here, nothing to look forward to,
nothing good, nothing to talk about,
ain’t worth nothin’.
In the meantime, take your nothingness and
clean up the kitchen, confront a problem,
provide what’s missing, do what’s next,
write a poem, paint a picture, savor a
reddish-orange sunset, apologize, admire
a neighbor’s hydrangea, smile at a stranger,
wonder at all the stars, watch a four-year old
discover bike balance,
delight in the miracle of life.
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 pageor the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.
Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of information on interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just sign up at this link to stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website,Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.
Virginia Opera: The Barber of Seville
Sat, Nov 11, 7:30
Sun, Nov 12, 2:00
A pre-performance discussion will take place in Monson Grand Tier 45 minutes prior to curtain.
Following the Sun, November 12 matinee, Virginia Opera Resident Scholar Joshua Borths will lead a post-performance discussion with the artists in the Center for the Arts main lobby.
Concert Hall
Admission: $110, $70, $40.
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra with Renée Fleming
Sat, Nov 18, 8:00
A pre-performance discussion will take place in Monson Grand Tier 45 minutes prior to curtain.
Concert Hall
Admission: $100, $75, $50.
Family Series: B—The Underwater Bubble Show
Sun, Nov 19, 4:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $25.
Chanticleer
Sat, Nov 25, 8:00
A pre-performance discussion will take place in Monson Grand Tier 45 minutes prior to curtain.
Concert Hall
Admission: $58, $49, $34.
Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: Festive French Fare
Sun, Nov 26, 7:00
Pre-performance “Young Artists Musicale,” featuring piano students of Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association members, will take place from 6 to 6:30 in the main lobby.
Concert Hall
Admission: $50, $43, $29.
Brass Day
Sat, Nov 11, 10:00 until 4:00
Harris Theatre, deLaski Performing Arts Building, several Fairfax campus sites
Admission: Free, but registration is required.
Registration link coming soon @ music.gmu.edu.
Steel Pan Ensemble, Latin American Ensemble
Tue, Nov 14, 8:00
Harris Theatre
Admission: Free.
Jazz Combos, Braddock Road Brass Band
Wed, Nov 15, 8:00
Harris Theatre
Admission: Free.
Mason School of Theater: fallen
Thu, Nov 16, 8:00
Fri, Nov 17, 8:00
Sat, Nov 18, 2:00 and 8:00
Sun, Nov 19, 2:00
TheatreSpace, deLaski A105, and other Fairfax campus sites
Admission: $30 adult, $15 senior.
Piano Chamber Ensembles
Mon, Nov 27, 7:00
deLaski Performing Arts Building, A323
Admission: Free.
Ju Yun: Celestial Carnival
Buchanan Partners Art Gallery
Through Jan 6
Admission: Free.
Manassas Ballet Theatre: Colin―Son, Marine, Hero
Thu, Nov 9, 7:30
Fri, Nov 10, 7:30
Sat, Nov 11, 3:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $65, $55, $45, $35, $25, (Free for veterans and service members; up to two tickets each with ID. Free tickets are limited and only available in person at the Hylton Center Ticket Office).
American Roots Series: Seven Voices—A Tribute to Patsy Cline
Sun, Nov 12, 4:00
Sun, Nov 12, 7:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $30, (Free for veterans and service members; up to two tickets each with ID. Free tickets are limited and only available in person at the Hylton Center Ticket Office).
Matinee Idylls: Virginia Opera, A Taste of Opera
Tue, Nov 14, Lunch at 12:30, concert at 1:30
Gregory Family Theater
Admission:
Lunch, concert, and dessert reception: $65
Concert and dessert reception only: $40.
Gian Marco, Diego Torres En Concierto
Thu, Nov 16, 8:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $169, $139, $119, $99.
Sonia De Los Santos
Sat, Nov 18, 11:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $15.
Steep Canyon Rangers
Sat, Nov 18, 8:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance, featuring Steep Canyon Ranger musicians Aaron Burdett, Graham Sharp, and Mike Ashworth.
Merchant Hall
Admission: $50, $43, $30.
Axial Dance: Winter Wonderland
Sun, Nov 19, 3:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $12.
Virginia National Ballet: The Nutcracker
Fri, Nov 24, 2:00 and 6:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $45, $40, $35, $30, $25, $20.
Northern Virginia Ballet: The Nutcracker
Sat, Nov 25, 2:00 and 6:00
A pre-performance discussion begins one hour prior to the performance.
Merchant Hall
Admission: $35 adult, $25 senior.
A Canadian Brass Christmas
Sun, Nov 26, 4:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $60, $51, $36.
Please note: OLLI Meetings and Clubs may currently take place in several formats: some are in person only, some are online only, and some are hybrid, meaning that they take place in person and are accessible online simultaneously. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number (except clubs; you may need to check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for location and other event information). Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates.
The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week, but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc., bolded below. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
Sat Nov 11
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon Nov 13
9:30 am
11:00 am
What’s in the Daily News?
Poetry Reading Club
Tue Nov 14
9:30 am
10:00 am
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
4:30 pm
Annex Art Humanities/Social Sciences and Current Events Program Planning Group Meeting
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Publicity & Publications Committee Meeting
Tai Chi Club
Wed Nov 15
10:00 am
10:30 am
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Bridge Club
Investment Forum
Memoir and More Writing Group
Mah Jongg Club
Spanish Club
Conversation with Team Bloch
Thu Nov 16
11:30 am
11:50 am
4:30 pm
Volunteer Appreciation Lunch
All the News
Tai Chi Club
Fri Nov 17
9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm
2:30 pm
Crafts and Conversation Board of Directors Meeting
Recorder Rehearsal
Homer, etc.
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Party with Paint!
Sat Nov 18
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club
Personal Computer User Group
Mon Nov 20
9:30 am
11:00 am
What’s in the Daily News?
Poetry Writing Group
Tue Nov 21
9:30 am
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
Annex Art
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Tai Chi Club
Thu Nov 23
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Fri Nov 24
11:00 am
1:00 pm
Homer, etc.
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Sat Nov 25
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon Nov 27
9:30 am
11:00 am
What’s in the Daily News?
Poetry Reading Group
Tue Nov 28
9:30 am
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
Annex Art
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Tai Chi Club
Wed Nov 29
10:00 am
10:30 am
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
Bridge Club
Investment Forum
Memoir and More Writing Group
Conversation with Team Bloch
Thu Nov 30
11:30 am
11:50 am
4:30 pm
Diversity/Multicultural Committee
All the News
Tai Chi Club
Fri Dec 1
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 pm
1:00 pm
Crafts and Conversation
Homer, etc.
Annual OLLI Holiday Party
Stay Active and Independent for Life
OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.
Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger,Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich, Martha Kossoff, Anne Hartshorn, Bonnie Becker, Carol McManus
Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: ollienewseditor@gmail.com. Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words. Note: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News on the DocStore. To search the content of issues, use Search Our Site or put your search term in Google followed by "site:ollidev2.earthcare.com/" without the quotes.
OLLI Mason was Awarded the Arts Fairfax Education Award, October 26
November 3, 2023
Editor of the Week: John Nash
Table of Contents
Alerts & Notices
Alert: Change of date for the Theater Lovers’ Group outing for a Sunday 2:00 matinee of the musical Ragtime at Signature Theater. The event will be at 2:00 on Sunday, November 26. Please email Norma Reck at njreck@cs.com with any ticket questions and let her know you will join the group, and if you are interested in the 12:00 lunch.
REMEMBER TO VOTE! If you haven’t already voted, Tuesday, November 7 is Election Day. November 4 is the last day for early in-person voting in Fairfax. The Virginia legislature is currently split; the House of Delegates has a Republican majority while the Senate has a very small Democratic majority, so every vote is important in determining what legislation passes in the next couple of years.
The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, November 10; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, November 7, at 6:00.
By Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch, Co‑Moderators
Continuing our Wednesday Conversations series, Team Bloch (Brenda Bloch-Young and Doris Bloch) will moderate a Zoom discussion on November 8 at 4:00. The topic will be: Your News Sources!
Where do you get your news? Daily or weekly newspaper, digital or paper? Or on your phone? Or on your computer? Mainstream media or other sources such as newsletters or blogs? Which sources do you have confidence in, and which do you distrust? How do you discern the bias inherent in certain stories?
Check your daily schedule for the Zoom link on Wednesdays and plan on discussion with Team Bloch on November 8.
Grandma Sylvia’s Guide to the Stock Market: Win the Great Game and Sleep Well at Night, by OLLI member and author Sylvia Auton, was selected as a recommended book choice for the week of October 28. Fairfax County Public Library's “Wowbrary" had Auton's book among the weekly choices for "the newest stuff at your library"—see the accompanying figure.
You rest; You rust! I'm not sure where I first heard that, but I believe it's true. With “inactivity” a person can lose out on lots of things . . . including a few years of life.
As we drift into our “golden years”―we never say “old!” We all have a tendency to slow down as we age, which is good. But slowing down doesn't mean we must stop. Sometimes we have to look a little harder for opportunities that interest us and keep us active. Recently, there have been several articles in E-News suggesting various ways to actively participate in OLLI, from running for a board position, participating on committees, joining discussion groups, or teaching an OLLI class. For many years, members of the OLLI photo club have volunteered to take pictures of Mason events. It's a way we can return the good will of Mason while helping us improve our photography skills. OLLI members need only to express an interest to find many volunteer opportunities to enrich their lives.
In addition to volunteer opportunities at OLLI, we can find ways to stay active within our religious institutions, local communities, and support groups. Volunteer Fairfax, for example, offers a list of organizations and groups who can always use support.
I recently moved to a retirement community in Loudoun County where the word “retirement” just doesn't exist. There are so many opportunities to become involved. I recently used my photography skills to take pictures of four residents who had achieved the wonderful age of 100 plus. They were delightful to work with, and I learned so much from their conversations. One doesn't get to be 100 years old without some incredible experiences!
People often are reluctant to volunteer; they fear they will be given too much responsibility or the activity will demand too much time. There's an easy solution: just make clear your interest level and available time, and then participate in a rewarding activity.
Volunteering is like exercising: it doesn't take a whole lot to reap some incredible benefits. Many opportunities to be involved are right here in OLLI! Keeping those mental and physical gears in motion will certainly add years to your life . . . and ensure there is no rust forming! Remember: motion is lotion!
Fall
My goldfinches have flown south
My brave hummingbird is Mexico bound
Bees just a desperately buzzing few
Acorns hailing in a damaging torrent
Squirrels frantically hiding their bounty
Leaves of gold drifting slowly down
The chill is gentle but a clear call
It must be fall
―Sally Sibley
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 pageor the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.
Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of information on interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just sign up at this link to stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website,Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.
Silkroad Ensemble with Rhiannon Giddens: American Railroad
Sun, Nov 5, 7:00
A pre-performance discussion will take place in Monson Grand Tier 45 minutes prior to curtain.
Concert Hall
Admission: $60, $51, $36.
Virginia Opera: The Barber of Seville
Sat, Nov 11, 7:30
Sun, Nov 12, 2:00
A pre-performance discussion will take place in Monson Grand Tier 45 minutes prior to curtain.
Following the Sunday, November 12 matinee, Virginia Opera Resident Scholar Joshua Borths will lead a post-performance discussion with the artists in the Center for the Arts main lobby.
Concert Hall
Admission: $110, $70, $40.
David Amoroso: Belleza Brutal
Buchanan Partners Art Gallery
Through Nov 4
Admission: Free.
The U.S. Army Band Star-Spangled Spectacular with Christopher Jackson
Sat, Nov 4, 7:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: Free but tickets are no longer available. Audience members without tickets will be seated pending availability of open seats prior to the start of the performance.
Ju Yun: Celestial Carnival
Buchanan Partners Art Gallery
Nov 7–Jan 6
Admission: Free.
Manassas Ballet Theatre: Colin―Son, Marine, Hero
Thu, Nov 9, 7:30
Fri, Nov 10, 7:30
Sat, Nov 11, 3:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $65, $55, $45, $35, $25, (Free for veterans and service members; up to two tickets each with ID. Free tickets are limited and only available in person at the Hylton Center Ticket Office).
American Roots Series:Seven Voices—A Tribute to Patsy Cline
Sun, Nov 12, 4:00
Sun, Nov 12, 7:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $30, (Free for veterans and service members: up to two tickets each with ID. Free tickets are limited and only available in person at the Hylton Center Ticket Office).
Please note: OLLI Meetings and Clubs may currently take place in several formats: some are in person only, some are online only, and some are hybrid, meaning that they take place in person and are accessible online simultaneously. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number (except clubs; you may need to check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for location and other event information). Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates.
The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week, but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc., bolded below. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
Sat Nov 4
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Tue Nov 7
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Tai Chi Club
Wed Nov 8
11:00 am
1:30 pm
1:45 pm
4:00 pm
Spanish Club
Tallwood Book Club
Bridge Club
Conversations with Doris & Brenda
Thu Nov 9
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
Reston Book Club
Tai Chi Club
Fri Nov 10
9:30 am
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
1:00 pm
Mah Jongg Club
Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Classic Literature
Homer, etc.
Cooking Club
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Sat Nov 11
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Mon Nov 13
9:30 am
11:00 am
What’s in the Daily News?
Poetry Reading Club
Tue Nov 14
9:30 am
10:00 am
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
4:30 pm
Annex Art Humanities/Social Sciences and Current Events Program Planning Group Meeting
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Publicity & Publications Committee Meeting
Tai Chi Club
Wed Nov 15
10:00 am
10:30 am
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Bridge Club
Investment Forum
Memoir and More Writing Group
Mah Jongg Club
Spanish Club
Conversations with Doris & Brenda
Thu Nov 16
11:30 am
11:50 am
4:30 pm
Volunteer Appreciation Lunch
All the News
Tai Chi Club
Fri Nov 17
9:30 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm
2:30 pm
Crafts and Conversation Board of Directors Meeting
Recorder Rehearsal
Homer, etc.
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Party with Paint!
OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.
Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger,Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich
Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: ollienewseditor@gmail.com. Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words. Note: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News on the DocStore. To search the content of issues, use Search Our Site or put your search term in Google followed by "site:ollidev2.earthcare.com/" without the quotes.
Dr. Maryam Dadkhah, Health and Nutrition Specialist, Reviews How Lifestyle Changes Can Help Prevent and Manage Chronic Diseases,
October 4 and 11, Fall Term
By Doris Bloch, Support Group/Chat Line Coordinator
As noted in a recent E-News, OLLI is launching a group to support those OLLI members who are caregivers for any family member or friend that is exhibiting symptoms of dementia or memory deficit, although we are certainly open to any interested OLLI member. In this effort, we have strong backing and cooperation with the George Mason University's School of Social Work (SSW), which has provided us with a facilitator! Thank you, Mason SSW.
You need not be a full-time caregiver or even a current caregiver to contribute your experiences and emotions to this group. You can share or lurk, as you wish!
This is a project in its infancy, and we look forward to hearing from you. We are holding our introductory meeting on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 31 (Halloween). We will log onto the OLLI Chat Line at 3:45 for 30 minutes and probably just introduce ourselves and talk about the direction for the group. (The meeting ID for the 24/7 Chat Line is included in the OLLI daily schedule, sent out every weekday morning by 7:30.)
It is envisioned that we will convene the support group one afternoon every second week, on Zoom, and initially take approximately an hour of the open 24/7 Chat Line. The group’s focus will not be on educational materials, as OLLI has offered substantial course work on those aspects, but rather on the emotional and practical sides of caregiving. If there is enough interest, the group may eventually morph into a club/ongoing activity. This will give us an email list of registrants so we can send notices and links, and have a dedicated Zoom meeting slot.
Please contact Doris Bloch (dbloch50@hotmail.com) or Nancy Klein (nklein4@gmu.edu) if you are interested in participating in the group, or if you have suggestions or questions.
You don’t want to miss OLLI’s Holiday Party—the season's biggest event! When: Friday, December 1. Where: The Country Club of Fairfax at 5110 Ox Road, Fairfax.
Starting at 11:30, there will be socializing and a cash bar, with lunch served at 12:15.
A musical performance and door prizes will entertain us afterward.
For lunch, choose chicken marsala, pasta primavera, or spinach salad with grilled chicken as an entrée. All meals include beverages and dessert. You can indicate your choice of entrée and pay the $50 fee when you register on the OLLI portal (Event 1203). Registration ends on Monday, November 14.
Don’t wait—reservations are taken on a first‑come, first‑served basis. OLLI members are encouraged to bring guests.
By Norma Jean Reck, Coordinator, Theater Lovers’ Group
Ragtime, a musical genre popular in the early 1900s, is basically a hybrid of European and African music. It is said to be the truly American form of music. As such, it is a fitting backdrop for Ragtime, the award-winning musical set in New York in the early 1900s, to express the melting pot of styles and cultures of the various peoples who built our country with the hope for a brighter tomorrow.
The Theater Lovers' Group (TLG) will see the Sunday, November 12,2:00 matinee of Ragtime at Signature Theater, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington. We will have lunch at a nearby restaurant in Shirlington before the show (so we can drive home during daylight hours).
Tickets are $81, $98, and $123, depending on the location. To purchase tickets, go to http://www.sigtheatre.org or phone 703-820-9771. Tickets go fast.
Please email Norma at njreck@cs.com to sign up with the group. Remember guests are always welcome!
Reminder: TLG will see the Sunday, November 5, 2:00 matinee of On Golden Pond at the Vienna Community Center with the Vienna Community Players. Tickets are $16. They can be purchased online at viennatheatrecompany.org. or at the theater on the day of the performance. We will go to dinner after the show. Please email Norma to let her know you will be joining us.
The October 2023 Photo of the Month theme was Animals in the Wild or the Zoo. We selected George Bradshaw's photo, "Red-winged Blackbird," which may also be viewed at this page. To view other photos by members of the Photography Club, visit the club's photo website.
-- By John Olsen and Edward Marion, Photography Club Co-Coordinators
Ralph Youngren, an enthusiastic member of OLLI since fall 2006, mainly on the Reston campus, passed away on October 17, 2023. His main passion was architecture, and it was in that field that he built his career.
Ralph and his wife Ann moved to Reston upon his retirement. They lived in Chicago and Michigan. He had visited Reston in the 1960’s shortly after its creation by Robert E. Simon and admired the planned community, never imagining that he would retire in Reston! His older son paved the way, moving to Reston and starting his family there.
Joining OLLI was a delight for Ralph. He taught classes on architecture and the design talent of Thomas Jefferson. He also enjoyed many classes, All The News, Literary Roundtable, and especially all things Jane Austen and History.
He cherished the friendships he made through OLLI and was grateful for everything he learned through its classes.
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 pageor the Hylton Center ticket purchase page.
Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of information on interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just sign up at this link to stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website,Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.
Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra with Christian McBride
Sat, Oct 28, 8:00
A pre-performance discussion will take place in Monson Grand Tier, 45 minutes prior to curtain.
Concert Hall
Admission: $50, $43, $30.
Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: Power and Passion of Beethoven
Sun, Oct 29, 7:00
A pre-performance “Young Artists Musicale,” featuring piano students of Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association members, will take place from 6:00 to 6:30 in the main lobby.
Concert Hall
Admission: $50, $43, $29.
Silkroad Ensemble with Rhiannon Giddens
Sun, Nov 5, 7:00
A pre-performance discussion will take place in Monson Grand Tier, 45 minutes prior to curtain.
Concert Hall
Admission: $60, $51, $36.
David Amoroso: Belleza Brutal
Buchanan Partners Art Gallery
Through Nov 4
Admission: Free.
ARTFactory’s Rooftop Productions: Kinky Boots Fri, Oct 27, 7:30
Sat, Oct 28, 7:30
Sun, Oct 29, 2:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $30 Adult, $25 senior.
Art of Life Charities: "Lifting Others Up" Gala
Sat, Oct 28, 6:00
Guests will be treated to a performance by American Idol finalist Aaron Kelly. Dinner, art auction, and more during an amazing evening that helps the community.
Tickets artoflifecharities.org/.
Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra: Beethoven and Mozart
Sat, Oct 28, 8:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $20 Adult, $15 senior.
The U.S. Army Band Star-Spangled Spectacular with Christopher Jackson
Sat, Nov 4, 7:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: Free but tickets are no longer available. Audience members without tickets will be seated pending availability of open seats prior to the start of the performance.
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., 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 Oct 28
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Tue Oct 31
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Tai Chi Club
Wed Nov 1
1:45 pm
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Bridge Club
Memoir and More Writing Group
Mah Jongg Club
History Club
Spanish Club
Conversations with Doris & Brenda
Thu Nov 2
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Fri Nov 3
10:00 am
1:00 pm
Annual Town Hall Meeting
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Sat Nov 4
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Tue Nov 7
1:00 pm
4:30 pm
Stay Active and Independent for Life
Tai Chi Club
Wed Nov 8
11:00 am
1:30 pm
1:45 pm
4:00 pm
Spanish Club
Tallwood Book Club
Bridge Club
Conversations with Doris & Brenda
Thu Nov 9
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
Reston Book Club
Tai Chi Club
Fri Nov 10
9:30 am
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
1:00 pm
Mah Jongg Club
Photography Club
Crafts and Conversation
Classic Literature
Homer, etc.
Cooking Club
Stay Active and Independent for Life
OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.
Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger,Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich
Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: ollienewseditor@gmail.com. Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words. Note: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News on the DocStore. To search the content of issues, use Search Our Site or put your search term in Google followed by "site:ollidev2.earthcare.com/" without the quotes.
thward and from the east to the west covering a different cross-county trail and park in Fairfax County. Additionally, Marilyn has done a wonderful job locating and coordinating with some great bakeries, restaurants, and coffee shops! Her weekly email correspondence with club members covers where and when we are going with maps and pictures to make it easy to get started on time. We also make it a point for people to keep us informed by cell phone if they should need assistance to make a change before or on the walk.
uised as such. I have a file drawer filled with return address stickers and greeting cards designed to soften my attitude (read: feel guilty) toward their causes. I also have learned to respond by saying I recognize the importance of their cause or mission, but I have selected my charities to support. Too much “giving” can be a bad thing, too. If you get on one mailing list...you're destined to be on many more!
![](http://ollidev2.earthcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Dec-1-2023-Holiday-Party.png")
Register at the 
We had a small group but those who came seemed to enjoy themselves. Here we are with our finished results. (Left to right: Jeff Milstein, Yen Tra, Instructor Emily, Marybeth Haneline, Tony Harriman, Joe Androsky, Ruth Altheim, Marilyn Harriman. An employee from Muse Paint Bar took the photo with my iPhone camera.)
the recorder group as you check in on Friday, December 1.
t
cently used my photography skills to take pictures of four residents who had achieved the wonderful age of 100 plus. They were delightful to work with, and I learned so much from their conversations. One doesn't get to be 100 years old without some incredible experiences!
You don’t want to miss OLLI’s Holiday Party—the season's biggest event! When: Friday, December 1. Where: The Country Club of Fairfax at 5110 Ox Road, Fairfax.
Ragtime, a musical genre popular in the early 1900s, is basically a hybrid of European and African music. It is said to be the truly American form of music. As such, it is a fitting backdrop for Ragtime, the award-winning musical set in New York in the early 1900s, to express the melting pot of styles and cultures of the various peoples who built our country with the hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Tickets are $81, $98, and $123, depending on the location. To purchase tickets, go to 