Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Enews25-15

About OLLI E-News

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

Editorial Staff Chief Editor/Technical Editor: Irene Osterman Associate Editor: Weekly Editorial Team: Pat Bangs, John Nash, Paul Van Hemel, Sheri Siesseger, Leslie Vandivere

Proofreaders: John West, Gordon Canyock, Susan Van Hemel Backup Chief Editor: Sheri Siesseger 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 – 6:00 pm Tuesday for that week's issue (6:00 pm Monday 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 E-News August 21, 2015
Print a condensed .pdf copy of this newsletter, two web pages per sheet of paper.
Luke Frazier, Principal Pops Conductor of the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, Presented F103 The Many Sounds of Music, July 21
 

August 21, 2015


Editor of the Week: Leslie Vandivere
Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices

We will not publish E-News weekly again until the fall term begins. Instead, our schedule during the break is September 4, 18, and 25.

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Open House at Tallwood and Loudoun



By Jennifer Disano, Executive Director

Kick off fall term with an exciting open house at both the Tallwood and the Loudoun campus on Thursday, September 17, from 10 to 2. We are honored to host Dr. Beth Cabrera, psychologist, senior scholar at George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being, and wife of George Mason University President Angel Cabrera, as the keynote speaker. Dr. Cabrera’s presentation, a discussion of her recent book, Beyond Happy: Women, Work, and Well-Being, will take place at Tallwood with simultaneous video teleconferencing to Loudoun.

Here is a look at the schedule for each location:

10:00 to 11:45

Loudoun Campus
  • Bring a friend! OLLI volunteers will be ready to share information about all that OLLI has to offer. Enjoy cookies and coffee and socializing with friends.
  • Pick up your free parking pass to attend classes in Loudoun.
  • Visit information tables for the Hylton Center, Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, and Road Scholar. Learn what programs they have that will interest OLLI members.
  • Get your picture taken if you have your Mason student ID number (G#), but still need your Mason ID card. The Mason card enables you to enjoy the many university privileges provided with your OLLI membership.  See them listed at http://www.olligmu.org/~docstore/OfficeDocs/UniversityPriviledges08212013.pdf
  • Learn about the fun ways you can become more involved at OLLI by joining a committee. Sign up as a volunteer and get a free volunteer lanyard.
  • Pick up your OLLI name tag.
  • Register for door prizes and get free OLLI stuff.
Tallwood Campus
  • Bring a friend to Tallwood! Walk the gardens, explore the many classrooms, and share a cup of coffee while socializing with friends.
  • Enjoy tasty home-baked goods offered for sale by the fabulous OLLI Development Committee. Your purchase/donation will go to the Friends of OLLI fund in direct support of OLLI programs and scholarships.
  • Learn about the fun ways you can become more involved at OLLI by joining a committee. Sign up as a volunteer and get a free volunteer lanyard.
  • Pick up your OLLI name tag.
11:50 to 1:15

Loudoun and Tallwood 1:15 to 2:00

Loudoun and Tallwood
          Visit any tables you missed and socialize with OLLI members and staff.

Note that space at the Dr. Cabrera event is limited due to classroom capacity. Registration is available now on the member portal at olligmu.augusoft.net or via an add/drop form in the OLLI office. Choose class number 1003BT for Tallwood and 1004BT for Loudoun. Or, contact the OLLI registrar Alice Slayton Clark at aclark24@gmu.edu or 703-503-3384 to reserve your space.

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Meet Bill Taylor, New Member of the Board of Directors



By Russell Stone, Member, Board of Directors

How many of us can claim to be “from” the D.C. area? Well, Bill was actually born in D.C. and grew up in the Maryland burbs. After attending Wheaton High School, he proceeded to the University of Maryland, where a major accomplishment was to meet and subsequently marry his wife Jane. They have three grown sons.

His early fascination with baseball still crowds his mind with trivia and statistics, but he also made room for a life-long love of reading and has a bachelor’s degree in English. This interest has followed him into OLLI where I first met Bill and Jane in a reading group on “difficult” authors. He journals and is a fan of old movies. (Aside: Q: What do Witness for the Prosecution, Gunga Din, and Red River have in common? A: All are Bill Taylor favorites.)

A graduate of Georgetown Law, he was admitted to the Virginia Bar and pursued a lifelong career in the Social Security Administration, focusing on administrative law judge hearings and appeals, mainly relating to disability benefits. He served with distinction as an administrative appeals Judge, then as a senior executive managing the judicial appeals system. Bill received two Presidential Rank Awards for excellence in the Senior Executive Service, and was honored on his retirement when the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review established the “William C. Taylor Lifetime Leadership Award.”

He has been a volunteer Cub Scout leader, Little League coach and organizer, and has furthered the work of Knights of Columbus charitable activities. More recently Bill was instrumental in establishing Concerned Fairfax, part of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Northern Virginia, which works to improve services for individuals with serious mental illness or substance abuse disorders. He has advocated for this cause within the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board and has testified before the Board of Supervisors and various county commissions. Bill says he enjoys OLLI for its lively, thoughtful discussions, so the Board is clearly the place for him!

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Inside OLLI-Mason

Spotlight on Our Volunteers: The Outreach Committee and You

By Nancy Scarborough, E-News Staff Writer

Did you know that YOU, as an OLLI Mason member, are an “unofficial” member of the Outreach Committee?
 
The current Outreach Committee, chaired by Dave Ryan, was officially formed in 2011 with the mission of “getting the word out about OLLI in order to increase membership by communicating benefits of OLLI to people outside the organization.” In addition to Dave, current members of the committee are Martha Powers, Connie Geller, Toni Acton, Norma Reck, and John Woods.
 
This committee stays busy giving recruitment presentations with videos and slideshows, customized for particular groups. They also attend and staff OLLI booths at various conferences that fit our target market of seniors or retirees. Stories are placed in local newspapers and even the AARP Bulletin. One radio ad was created for Diane Rehm’s National Public Radio show. Helping to edit OLLI brochures, flyers, and even bumper stickers are also part of the job. Most recently, the Outreach Committee is sponsoring a slogan contest.
 
Dave, with a background of media relations in the Washington press office of the Environmental Protection Agency, has found it “thrilling to help OLLI grow into a significant part of the northern Virginia senior experience.” He has also enjoyed learning the “dynamics” of local public relations. The biggest challenge for the committee, according to Dave, is the fact that “many people in this area still do not know that OLLI exists.”
 
That is where YOU come in. Dave suggests that OLLI members become unofficial Outreach Committee members by “talking up” OLLI to friends. He recommends carrying OLLI business cards, which you can pick up in the Tallwood office, and mentioning the two free classes (not full courses) that people can visit to try out OLLI. You are also very welcome to join the official Outreach Committee!
 

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Preview of Fall Classes



By Kathryn Russell, Co-Chair, Program Committee

Hard to believe that crisp autumn days will soon be upon us, heralding the beginning of another fabulous OLLI term. Like many others, you may still be browsing through the heftiest catalog yet, scratching your head and trying to decide how many of the extraordinary fall courses you can squeeze into your calendar. There’s a reason it’s taking so long to decide—well, 149 reasons, actually. That’s the number of courses and special events being offered this fall, an all-time record for our wonderful OLLI volunteer program planners. We’re also very grateful for the dedication of OLLI member instructors as well as instructors from the community. Have a look at a sample of this fall’s offerings.

We’re pleased to welcome many Mason and NOVA professors. You won’t want to miss Professor Cynthia Lum and three more professors from Mason’s Department of Criminology, Law and Society, who will explore hot-button criminology issues, e.g., policing, crime prevention, and firearms policy (F654). In addition, check out these courses:
  • “Beyond Happy” (1003BT and 1004BT, videoconference to Loudoun) – Dr. Beth Cabrera, Mason’s Center for Advancement of Well-Being
  • “Infectious Diseases, People, and Geography” (L659) – Barbara Crain, associate professor from NOVA
  • “From the Page to the Stage: The Crucible” (F412) – Professor Howard Kurtz and Maggie Rodgers, School of Theater at Mason
  • “Orson Welles at 100” (L422) – Josh Pachter, assistant dean for communication studies and theater, NOVA
  • “Science and Technology Today” (F801) – Mason’s Dr. Theodore C. Dumas, Dr. Iosif Vaisman, Dr. Kim "Avrama" Blackwell, Dr. Robert Cressman
  • “The Rise (Again) of Charismatic Catholicism and Protestantism in Latin America” (970) – Garry Sparks, assistant professor from Mason’s Religious Studies Department
  • “The Importance of Bee Health” (958) – Professor German Perilla, Mason
 Among the many exciting new offerings this fall, look for the two-week course scheduled four times: “True Colors: Self Awareness and Interpersonal Relationships” (F651 A, B, C, D). Also check out these new titles: “Treasures of the National Gallery – a Virtual Tour” (R111); “Mythbusters and the Rational Investor” (R206); “History of Medicine: From Witchcraft to Robots” (F804). And we’re very pleased to welcome several American diplomats who will examine important topics on global issues in “Challenges and Opportunities Facing US Foreign Policy” (F702).
 
While we love the new courses, we’re also fortunate to have some familiar names returning to us. You’ll be happy to see that Virginia Opera’s Glenn Winters is returning with “Understanding Opera” (F102). And don’t miss the opportunity to experience the dynamic personality of Luke Frazier, pops conductor of Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, who will bring us “The Greatest Musicals of All Time” (973, 974, and 975) at all three sites. We’re equally grateful for the return of Maestro Chris Zimmerman of the FSO, presenting “The Art of Storytelling in Sound” (962). Here are some other familiar faces we welcome back:
  • Delegate Ken Plum – “Travelogue on Virginia” (F307)
  • John Rybicki – “From God to the Afterlife in Judaism, Christianity and Islam” (F605)
  • Peter Stearns – “A History of Shame, and Why It Matters” (1055BT and 1006BT, videoconference to Loudoun)
 Before deciding that your calendar’s completely stuffed, you have to check out the incredible Fall for the Book festival events. These are “musts” for all the book lovers out there. Also look for an entirely new category—Between Term Events—featuring outstanding activities to keep you occupied before and after the fall term. And you haven’t even reached the Ongoing Activities yet!
 
Once again, we’re reaping the benefits of the intense labors of OLLI volunteer program planners, and we can look forward to a sensational fall season of learning and social activities. Continue to enjoy your tour through the new catalog for a few more days, but remember that registration ends August 26.
 
Wanted: A Few Serendipitous OLLI Members

By Mark Weinstein, Coordinator, L316 The Serendipity of Life!

Over the past several years we have had OLLI sessions on our lives and experiences in the sixties, seventies, and our hometowns. Our next project in this series is to relate our life's serendipitous experiences. The series will start in the fall term and is titled the "Serendipity of Life."
 
Serendipity is defined as “The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way." We have all experienced serendipity over our lifetimes.
 
Do you ever think back over your life and contemplate how things worked out? The assorted paths of fate and events that formed your life, your family and where you are now? Decisions that you made or decisions made by some unknown persons that had positive consequences on your life?
 
We have some openings, so join your OLLI community and sign up to share your life-molding events. Our first class in this series will start at Loudoun on Wednesday, September 30, at 9:40. We will have two speakers per class to engage and discuss their life's paths; there will be seven classes. For your story, as in some of our past presentations, all you need to do is to get up and talk. No props needed. You can bring a spouse or a friend for support or collaboration.
 
If you have any questions or want to discuss how to assemble a presentation, please contact me at ngw4@verizon.net or 703 723-7440.
Calling All Book Lovers


By Kathryn Russell, Co-Chair, Program Committee

Get ready to “Fall for the Book” next month. We’ll have great opportunities for close encounters with well-known writers and their works. You may have already noticed that this year’s Fall for the Book festival at Mason offers more exciting choices than ever before. Each year OLLI helps to sponsor some of these events, and two of them will be presented at our own Tallwood sites. Others will be held on the Mason campus or other close-by venues.
 
One very special event (953) takes place on September 28, when Ernest J. Gaines, author of the renowned novel, A Lesson before Dying, will be interviewed by one of our favorite Mason professors, Keith Clark. CUE bus transportation will be provided to and from the EagleBank Arena (formerly Patriot Center). On September 30 Professor Clark will lead a discussion of Gaines’ book at the OLLI Fairfax Lord of Life site. Notice, also, that the Tallwood Book Club will discuss this book at its September 9 meeting. All OLLI members are welcome.
 
Another acclaimed author, Tim O’Brien, will discuss his most well-known work, The Things They Carried (956) on October 3. This short-story collection centers on deeply touching experiences of American soldiers during the Vietnam War. History buffs can also look forward to several other engaging book talks. Check out these offerings in the Special Events section of the OLLI catalog:
  • Lincoln’s Bodyguard (951), by T.J. Turner
  • Fortune’s Fool (955), by Terry Alford
  • Section 60 (952), by Robert Poole
I hope you have room in your calendar for this extraordinary Fall for the Book festival. If you haven’t already signed up for some of these events, you can easily add to your course choices at the member portal online or in the Tallwood office.
Be Afraid! The Mystery at Tallwood is Coming!

By Michelle Blandburg, OLLI Member

Chills, thrills, murder, mayhem, music, and history! The Mystery at Tallwood, premiering on October 30, will have it all! OLLI’s new Murder Mystery Club’s upcoming production will mystify and entertain you with a fusion of fun and fantasy, live music by the Tallwood Trio, and a spooky soundtrack created by John Henkel.

Under the direction of Kathie West and Wendy Campbell, the club members worked all summer to create an original theatrical event to delight you and raise funds to benefit the Friends of OLLI. Be sure to make our Murder Mystery special event one of your selections during the fall term registration; the cost is $35 and includes a catered lunch.
Poet's Corner
Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop
 
TIME IS NOW
 
Do not wait until my eyes are closed and my face is cold.
I will not be able to see you then
Or to hear your murmured whispers;
My arms will not lift to hold you
Nor will my lips speak the words you’ll want to hear.
 
Do not wait, my children, until you are strangers,
Shocked at the news…
Wondering how and why and when.
 
Come now, while I can feel your embraces, hear your giggles,
And see your sparkling eyes and magic smiles.
Come now, while I can listen to your hearts
And hold your aches and joys in mine.
 
Come NOW.
Sherry Lis
 
Arts & Music at George Mason

Performances, next ten days

By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer

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

No performances scheduled.

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Mason Student & Faculty Performances
(see music.gmu.edu for additional student recitals)

No performances scheduled.
At the Hylton Center

The Story of E.A.T. (Experiments in Art and Technology)
Aug 17 - Oct 4
Buchanan Partners Art Gallery
Buchanan Partners Art Gallery is open to the public Tue-Sat, 10:00 - 6:00, Thu, 10:00 - 8:00 and two hours before performances. Gallery Reception: Thu, Sept 17 from 6:00 to 8:00. RSVP to jconnor8@gmu.edu.
Admission: Free.
For further details on any of the above events, please see the CFA event calendar and the Hylton Center event calendar

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Meetings & Clubs


The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office, with direct web links added when available. The list is accurate as of mid-week but to check anytime for the latest information, please view the latest forecast of upcoming 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, kickoff coffees, etc. (bolded below).
Sat Aug 22 10:30am Tai Chi Club–TA-3
Mon Aug 24 10:00am
10:00am		 Bridge Club–TA-3
What’s in the Daily News–TA-1
Tue Aug 25  9:30am
11:00am		 Cottage Art–Cottage
Liaison Meeting–N/A
Fri Aug 28  9:00am
10:00am
10:00am
12:00pm		 Recorder Consort–TA-3
Member Services Committee–N/A
Craft and Conversation–Cottage
Photography Club (F)
Sat Aug 29 10:30am Tai Chi Club–TA-3
Mon Aug 31 10:00am
10:00am		 Bridge Club–TA-3
What’s in the Daily News–TA-1
Tue Sep 1   9:30am Cottage Art–Cottage
Wed Sep 2 10:00am
10:30am		 Special Events Committee–Annex
Investment Forum–TA-1
Fri  Sep 4  9:00am
10:00am
11:00am		 Recorder Consort–TA-3
Craft and Conversation–Cottage
Homer, etc–Annex

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AT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY

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Phone: (703) 503-3384
Email: olli@gmu.edu

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