From the Desk of the Executive Director Dr. Peter Stearns Among American Historical Association 2021 Prize Winners
By Jennifer Disano, Executive Director
A frequent instructor and honorary lifetime member at OLLI, Mason University Professor of History and Provost Emeritus Dr. Peter Stearns has delighted members for many years. He has received recognition by the American Historical Association (AHA) as it announced the winners of its 2021 prizes, to be awarded at the AHA’s 135th annual meeting in New Orleans January 6–9, 2022.
The AHA annual prizes honor exceptional books, distinguished teaching and mentoring in the classroom, public history, and other historical projects. This year’s finalists were selected from a field of over 1,400 entries by nearly 150 dedicated prize committee members. The names, publications, and projects of those who received these awards are a catalog of the best work produced in the historical discipline.
You can find the awards list at this link. Dr. Stearns is one of three honored with an award for scholarly distinction conferred on senior historians for lifetime achievement. We congratulate him on this well-deserved award.
The regular meeting of the Board of Directors was held virtually October 15, 2021.
President Paul Howard opened the meeting by welcoming Judy Pirozzi, our guest speaker. Al Smuzynski, chair of the Ad Hoc Grant committee, introduced the speaker, who is his former colleague. Judy's presentation outlined the process for grant acquisition. Al’s committee will work with her toward the goal of getting grants to help augment the OLLI budget.
Paul reported that the team working with him to install a hybrid system in TA‑1 is making good progress. The system will be tested in two classes—The Investment Forum and What’s in the Daily News—sometime in late October or early November.
The ramp construction at Tallwood is close to completion. There was a brief interruption due to late delivery of supplies.
Executive Director Jennifer Disano reported that masks will be required at all times inside all OLLI facilities. She is working with staff to prepare for the spring 2022 term when OLLI will have three modes to enable OLLI members to attend classes. These are in-person class, Zoom only, and hybrid (combination of in-person and Zoom).
Jennifer reported that currently the total membership is 1050 (1001 annual plus 49 introductory).
Three resolutions were approved by the Board, as follows.
Resolution 211105-01. Resolved, the Board reiterates that as an affiliate of George Mason University, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute will adhere and operate in accordance with George Mason University’s protocols to create a safe and healthy environment during the COVID‑19 and variants pandemic. (Re: Compliance for George Mason University Affiliates). Resolution passed – 10 pro. 1 abstain. (This resolution was passed by the Board at a special meeting held on October 5).
Resolution 211015-01. Resolved, the OLLI Board of Directors approves the proposed 2022 Budget Guidelines and Assumptions. Resolution passed unanimously.
Resolution 211015-02. Resolved, the OLLI Board of Directors approves the proposed Statement of Work (SOW) to contract with Judy Pirozzi. Resolution passed unanimously.
Literature, Theater, and Languages/Writing: Teach or Plan Programs
By Pat Bangs, Literature, Theater, and Writing/Languages Program Planning Committee Chair
As part of a volunteer organization, many OLLI members have joined the ranks of our instructors or become members on program planning subject committees. The Literature, Theater, and Languages/Writing (LLT) Program Planning Group is seeking both.
Perhaps you are a former teacher missing the classroom experience or have a passion—no need for formal expertise—you would like to share. You may also know individuals in your community who would be good OLLI instructors. Or, if you have a topic you would like to have taught, share it with us and we can search for an instructor. For example, we would like to expand our language offerings, including French and Italian, as well as Spanish, which is extremely popular and has a waiting list this term. We have had a request for a course on James Joyce’s Ulysses. If you or someone you know would like to tackle these needs or anything else, let us know. Beginning with our spring 2022 term, instructors are being asked in what format they would like to teach their class. They can teach in-person, hybrid (in-person with the class on Zoom simultaneously), or virtual only.
The LLT Program Planning Group is also inviting members to become a part of our planning process. In coordination with staff, we meet several times a year to review and plan course offerings for each term. Planning begins at least six months in advance and sometimes earlier. At the moment we meet via Zoom, but eventually we hope to return to in-person. Serving on the LLT Program Planning Group is a special opportunity to see how OLLI programs evolve and to be an active part of our extraordinary community.
If you would like more information about teaching OLLI Literature, Theater, or Languages/Writing programs or joining our group, please feel free to contact me or any of the other group co-chairs below.
OLLI Audiovisual/Technology Committee Update Fall 2021
By Camille Hodges, Board of Directors Member
I hope you will join with me in appreciation of the great volunteer work of the OLLI Audiovisual/Technology Committee. The latest updates from the committee were reported at the October 15 meeting of the Board of Directors. Many of the updates describe work done to establish and test the capability to conduct classes in hybrid mode, a combination of in-person attendance with the use of Zoom presentation. The committee is resolving challenges associated with hybrid mode to facilitate its use as an option when OLLI is able to resume classes on campus during a term in the near future.
Although the details of the committee activities are more extensive than can be included in this brief article, they are available for you to examine at this link. I encourage you to look at the list of updates to gain an understanding of the efforts of these volunteers to provide OLLI with technology that will enhance our ability maintain the excellence of our institute.
Upcoming In-person and Virtual Theater Events for TLG
By Norma Jean Reck, Theater Lovers’ Group Coordinator
The Theater Lovers' Group (TLG) will hold its next meeting virtually on Wednesday, October 27, from 4:00 – 5:30. All OLLI theater goers are invited to join us—feel free to invite a friend. A representative from the Sterling Playmakers group will speak to us about their community theater group, its productions, theater activities, and history. Details to follow.
Mason's School of Theater students will perform "A Concert Presentation of Footloose" October 28 and 29 at 8:00 and October 30 and 31 at 2:00 at Center for the Arts (CFA) Concert Hall. Following the 2:00 matinee on Sunday, October 31, you are invited to join the Friends of Theater and the students' families to "Meet and Greet" the cast after the show. We will meet on Holton Plaza, just outside the CFA. In case of inclement weather, the event will be in the lobby. All audience members are required to show either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test result. To purchase tickets online, go to cfa.gmu.edu, or by phone, call 703-993-2727. Senior tickets are $15 per person.
Director Erin Gardiner describes Footloose, the musical, thusly: "At its core, the show is about a community searching for healing in the wake of a tragedy. Ultimately, the younger generation leads the way to that healing through art and expression." Choreographer Ahmad Maaty says, "Footloose is a high-energy jukebox musical, full of incredible billboard hits that make you want to move." Music Director Joe Walsh says, "The music is fun and catchy. You'll be singing the tunes for weeks after you enjoy a performance."
On Monday, November 15 from 12:00 – 1:15, Djola Branner, Mason's new director of the School of Theater, will hold a conversation with playwright/television writer Julia Cho and playwright/director Chay Yew. This event, one of a series of conversations, is part of Mason's Fall Guest Artist Series: Creating Anti-Racist Theater. The series is one example of an ongoing effort to address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusivity. The audience is invited to interact with the guest artists after what is usually a very enlightening and thought-provoking conversation between Branner and the invited guests. If you are even just a little curious about what is happening in the world of theater, you are sure to come away with something to think about. It is a free, virtual event, open to all. To sign up for the event online, go to www.signupgenius.com.
A Phony Day
If you want your phone to ring,
Take a nap.
If you want your phone to ring,
Take a nap.
There’ll be phone calls from your kids,
Of what the grandkids did—
If you want your phone to ring,
Take a nap.
If you want your phone to ring,
Take a nap.
If you want your phone to ring,
Take a nap.
There’s a call from Amazon
Says your account is overdrawn—
If you want your phone to ring,
Take a nap.
If you want your phone to ring,
Take a nap.
If you want your phone to ring,
Take a nap.
Your car’s warranty has expired, …
Now that you’re all perspired,
I’ll leave you alone, so you
Can take a nap! Joan Lunsford
To be sung to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It”
As Mason's campuses reopen, programs are offered at both Fairfax and Manassas campuses, along with virtual events. Beginning October 18, 2021, proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result is required for all audience members. 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.
Mason Student & Faculty Performances (see music.gmu.edu for additional student recitals)
Mason School of Theater, A Concert Presentation of Footloose Thu, Oct 28, 8:00
Fri, Oct 29, 8:00
Sat, Oct 30, 2:00 and 8:00
Sun, Oct 31, 2:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $30 adults; $15 students, faculty/staff, and seniors.
Mason Symphony Orchestra Concert
Wed, Nov 3, 8:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $12 adults, $8 seniors, and $5 youth through grade 12.
Mason Choirs Fall Concert
Sat, Nov. 6, 4:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $12 adults, $8 seniors, and $5 youth through grade 12.
Gallery Exhibition: Carroll Sockwell - Grey
Continuing through Sun, Nov 14
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Buchanan Partners Art Gallery
Admission: Free.
ARTfactory: Sweeney Todd
Fri, Oct 22 and 29, 8:00
Sat, Oct 23 and 30, 8:00
Sun, Oct 24 and 31, 4:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $30.
Manassas Symphony Orchestra: Back to the Classics
Sat, Oct 23, 7:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $20 adults; $15 seniors.
US Navy Band: Awakenings
Sun, Oct 24, 3:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: Free; tickets are required.
Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra: Swingin' with the Met
Sat, Oct 30, 8:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $46, $39, $28.
Somers Voice: Sistas, the Musical
Fri, Nov 5, 7:00
Sat, Nov 6, 2:00 and 7:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $25.
Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra: Picture of Pictures at an Exhibition
Sat, Nov 6, 7:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $20 adults; $15 seniors.
Please note: Physical meetings for clubs and activities are canceled until further notice in accordance with Mason’s guidelines. OLLI is conducting its classes and activities online. Refer to the university's coronavirus website for official university updates and check the OLLI calendar for revised information.
The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week but for the most up-to-date information, please view the latest forecast of coming events on our website (News/OLLI Calendar). Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc. (bolded below). The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members; you may also log in at the member portal and click on ZOOM CLASS LINKS.
Sat Oct 23
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Tue Oct 26
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Wed Oct 27
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Memoir and More Writing Group
Spanish Club
Theater Lovers’ Group
Thu Oct 28
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
Reston Book Club
Tai Chi Club
Fri Oct 29
9:30 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
Craft and Conversation
Classic Literature Club
Homer, etc.
Sat Oct 30
10:30 am
Tai Chi Club
Tue Nov 2
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Wed Nov 3
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Mah Jongg Club
History Club
Thu Nov 4
4:30 pm
Tai Chi Club
Fri Nov 5
10:00 am
1:00 pm
Town Hall Meeting
Thanksgiving Volunteer Celebration
OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editor: David Gundry
Weekly Editor Team: David Gundry, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger, Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Tom Appich, Roz Stark, Jane Hassell
Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: ollienewseditor@gmail.com. Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words. Search E-News: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News at ENews Archives. To search the content within issues, use Search or enter your search term(s) in Google followed by “site:ollidev2.earthcare.com/” without the quotes.
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