You can still register for spring 2022 courses on a space-available basis. The catalog is online at this link.
For a list of canceled, changed, and added courses for the spring term, click here.
Board of Directors Meeting Friday, April 15, 10:00. All members welcome; Zoom link and other information will appear in the OLLI daily schedule email for April 15.
The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, April 15; regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, April 12, at 6:00.
It’s been a long two-year journey and I’m very happy to say to all our members, “Welcome back!” As we reopen our doors this spring, it seems like old times as the campuses bustle again with happy OLLI members enjoying each other’s company. With the advent of hybrid technology in the classrooms, it is such a pleasure to see all of you in person and online enjoying lectures, films, clubs, and social gatherings. We are back and thriving due to the enormous contributions of all of our dedicated volunteers—from teachers to curriculum planners to our tech support experts. Thank you! All of you have made a huge difference in continuing our mission of lifelong learning and socialization throughout the pandemic.
In this moment of rejoicing in our accomplishments at OLLI, I want to highlight especially the efforts of OLLI President Paul Howard for organizing the technology improvements that have led to hybrid services in the classrooms. Paul and his team of “Swifties” rose to the challenge of bringing hybrid classroom integration to OLLI and pulled off the seemingly impossible through grit and hard work. Today, OLLI members near and far are able to zoom into physical classrooms with live audiences from anywhere, thanks to these valued volunteers. It’s great to be back and I look forward to seeing each and every one of you on campus and beyond.
Reminder: OLLI Board of Directors Election Coming in May
Bob Heyer, Board Member and Election Committee Chair
Remember, in May we have an election coming up for five vacant positions on the OLLI Board for the next three years. Here are the candidates for the positions:
Go to the OLLI website at ollidev2.earthcare.com, then click on Board of Directors Candidates to read the bios of the candidates. On Friday, May 6, the candidates will be at the ZOOM OLLI annual membership meeting at 10:00. They will introduce themselves and take questions. The election will begin at noon on May 6.
If you are interested in becoming a candidate and being part of the OLLI future, please contact our OLLI Election Committee Chairman, Bob Heyer (rheyer@verizon.net) for details.
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, April 16, in person and via Zoom. You must observe OLLI/Mason Health protocols and do the daily health check prior to arrival. See:https://ollidev2.earthcare.com/health-and-safety/#COVID-check. (We suggest you set up the Mason health check account with an email account you use on your cell phone, and an easy-to-remember password.) Program activities begin at 1:00; the Zoom session usually opens at 12:45.
Creating Slideshows with PTE Studio – Presented by Gary Oddi
This presentation will demonstrate ‘PTE AV (Pictures to Exe Audiovisual) Studio.' It is a program for producing slideshows using your digital images and videos to create MP4s, exes, DVDs, or AVI formats. You can add text, background music, and transitions, being as creative as you wish It gives you a way to use and present the images and videos you shoot.
You can animate the images, videos, and text, using Pan, Zoom Rotate, and 3D. You can apply many slide styles, themes, and transition effects. The animation is done using keyframes that let you be as creative as you wish. Video clips can be edited within the program. Audio tracks can be added and edited, to include fade in/out, volume, cross-fading, and more. Samples of slideshows will be shown, and the program will be demonstrated.
Gary's Bio: I’ve been an amateur photographer for over 50 years. I like to take pictures and videos and put them together to save the memories of a trip or an event. I’ve created many slideshows with this program. I’m no expert, but the program offers the ability to be creative and share your stories with others. I post my slideshows on my Facebook account and YouTube channel. I don’t think there is a better way to present your photography or create memories of your still images and videos.
Learn in 30 – Internet Radio on the Road – Safely: Presented by John Krout
This presentation will introduce three related topics. First, learn how to find and try internet radio stations for almost any genre or topic. Second, learn about an app for your phone or tablet providing customizable screen buttons for your favorite internet radio stations, like the physical buttons of car radios, so you can easily and safely switch stations while driving. Third, learn how to feed audio from your phone or tablet through your car stereo for great audio quality in your car.
John Krout began his exploration of these topics almost a year ago, after being dissatisfied with SiriusXM (satellite radio) playlist management for a few years. He will identify the applications and provide QR codes so you can download them immediately if you wish.
To attend via Zoom’s cloud meeting service, you can begin at 12:45. Please click this link to join the meeting and use passcode 951528 (Note: enter passcode with NO spaces) or enter meeting ID 831 7741 9580 in the Zoom app and use the above passcode.
By Darden Purcell, D.M.A, Director of Jazz Studies, Jazz Voice
Mason has several great jazz concerts coming up in April, including the following two next week. Mark your calendars!
MASON JAZZ COMBOS
Wednesday, April 13, 8:00
De Laski Performing Arts Building, 3001
Free and open to the public.
Join the Mason Jazz Combos, directed by Wade Beach in their spring concert! Featured groups include Combo 327, Combo 336, and Combo 338 performing original compositions and arrangements of jazz standards. The Mason Jazz Combos are a vital part of the Jazz Studies curriculum, providing students opportunities in improvisation, composition, and arranging, as well as small-group performing experience. The Jazz Combos are open to music and non-music majors, instrumentalists, and vocalists of all musical abilities.
GRAMMY Award-winning composer, conductor, and Mason Artist-in-Residence Maria Schneider conducts Northern Virginia’s own Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra in a night of cool, expressive jazz. Witness jazz perfection with National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Schneider and the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra in this highly anticipated event. “To call Schneider the most important woman in jazz is missing the point—she’s a major composer–period” (TIME Magazine). Founded and led by virtuoso saxophonist Jim Carroll, the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra is comprised of the most remarkable jazz performers in the Washington region.
Previously announced vaccination, testing, and masking policies for audience members remain in effect for both the Center for the Arts and Hylton Performing Arts Center. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result is required for all in-person audience members. The venues are committed to staying current with evolving public health recommendations regarding safety and comfort, and following industry best practices in accordance with guidance from George Mason University. If these policies change, they will be updated on the Center’s webpage: 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 send an email to Brianna Schoen atbschoen@gmu.edu. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website,Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances. Information can also be found at CFA ticket purchase page, Center for the Arts YouTube Channel, or the Hylton ticket purchase page.
Virginia Opera: The Marriage of Figaro
Sat, Apr 9, 8:00
Sun, Apr 10, 2:00
Concert Hall
A pre-performance discussion will take place in Monson Grand Tier, which is located on the third level of the Center for the Arts Lobby, 45 minutes prior to curtain.
Admission: $110, $70, $40.
Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra with Maria Schneider
Sat, Apr 16, 8:00
Concert Hall
A pre-performance discussion will take place in Monson Grand Tier, which is located on the third level of the Center for the Arts Lobby, 45 minutes prior to curtain.
Admission: $46, $39, $28.
Mason School of Theater: In a Sentimental Mood, The Music of Duke Ellington
Fri, Apr 15, 8:00
Sat, Apr 16, 2:00 and 8:00
deLaski Performing Arts Building, A105, Theater Space
Admission: $20 Adults; $10 seniors.
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 Apr 9
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Tue Apr 12
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Wed Apr 13
1:45 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Bridge Club
Mah Jongg Club
Spanish Club
Thu Apr 14
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Fri Apr 15
9:15 am
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
Recorder Consort
Craft and Conversation Board of Directors Meeting
Classic Literature Club
Homer, etc.
Sat Apr 16
10:30 am
1:00 pm
Tai Chi Club
Personal Computer User Group
Tue Apr 19
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Wed Apr 20
1:30 pm
1:45 pm
Mah Jongg Club
Bridge Club
Thu Apr 21
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
Reston Book Club
Tai Chi Club
Fri Apr 22
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
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
Backup Chief Editor: Alice Slayton Clark
Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: ollienewseditor@gmail.com. Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words. 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:ollidev2.earthcare.com/” 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.
GRAMMY Award-winning composer, conductor, and Mason Artist-in-Residence Maria Schneider conducts Northern Virginia’s own Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra in a night
