Fun Facts to Celebrate
OLLI's 25th Anniversary By Ray Beery, Member, Board of DirectorsLong-range planning began early in the Institute’s history, when a committee was established for this purpose in September 1992. On Dec 16, 1993, the Board approved five standing committees (four operational and one administrative), changed part-time staffer Carol Ferrara’s title from Coordinator to Administrator, and approved numerous management and implementation procedures recommended by an Ad Hoc Reorganization Committee.OLLI is celebrating its 25th year of classes for seniors in 2016. We'll be publishing fun facts and interesting milestones about the Institute each week that OLLI E-News is published from now until the end of the fall term, 2016.
By Rod Zumbro, OLLI E-News Creator
and Editor 2005-2013
If you enjoy reading OLLI E-News, you have longtime OLLI member Gordon Canyock to thank. Without him, our email newsletter would never have started and would not have continued after I stepped down as editor in July 2013.
In 2005, Gordon, then Communications Committee chair, and I decided to launch something new at OLLI-Mason: a colorful weekly newsletter that would display directly in members' email inboxes and keep members fully informed about our Institute. I put together each E-News but always had Gordon there to offer wise counsel and, as part of the review team, to look carefully at the draft of each issue to ensure it was as perfect as possible. When I stepped down after eight years as editor, Gordon took it upon himself to ensure that E-News would continue.
Gordon quickly devised and executed a plan for a new E-News operation with weekly editors to spread the workload and a commercial newsletter format to replace the unique format I had designed.
As chief editor of OLLI E-News version 2.0, Gordon published the first issue in August 2013. Within a short period he was able to recruit Irene Osterman as chief editor and other OLLI volunteers as associate editor, weekly editors, proofreaders and photographers. Gordon got a new E-News Committee established and worked on that committee, offering guidance and serving as a newsletter proofreader until last month, when he stepped down from E-News involvement. It's time to recognize Gordon's extraordinary efforts in starting and growing OLLI E-News from its inception and then keeping our newsletter — long a key part of OLLI communications with its members — alive and thriving.
Gordon, on behalf of a grateful OLLI membership, I offer a huge, heartfelt “Thank You, and Well Done!” for your continuous dedication to, and outstanding work on, OLLI's newsletter over the past ten-and-a-half years.
By Martha Powers, E-News Writer and OLLI Board Member
On the morning of Friday, March 4, we had a light dusting of snowflakes - but that didn’t stop 15 hearty souls from coming to the Social Annex for an hour-plus of homemade goodies and interesting conversation. Three guests from Mason’s Office of Military Services (which will be the recipient of our 25th anniversary financial gift) made this a special occasion by giving OLLI members a chance to learn about the office's goals and the many ways OMS helps Mason's veteran-students.
The OMS staffers included:
- Ryan Barnett, operations manager and transition coordinator;
- Michael Williams, assistant transition coordinator, an eight-year Marine veteran from California who is studying criminology, law, and society;
- Kara Dailey, assistant transition coordinator and daughter of a Navy CH-46 pilot; she is studying interpersonal communication.
In the words of OMS staffer Ryan Barnett, “The coffee klatch was a great and humbling opportunity to speak with a variety of members within OLLI. This was a great reminder that veterans are not forgotten by their community. I enjoyed discussing how our office assists veterans and issues that affect their education. Moreover, the coffee and camaraderie were unforgettable.”
Sorry you missed it? Then come to our next coffee klatch on Friday, April 1. Please sign up at the member portal. (Just put 1106 in the search box, at the top right of the box; when you click on “Checkout,” you’ll get confirmation that you’re signed up.) Hurry! Space is limited.
The intrepid members of OLLI's Theater Lovers’ Group and their guests who braved the snow scare on March 4, were rewarded with a fabulous presentation by Hexagon President Joe Kaplan. Kaplan also writes lyrics for and performs in this 100-percent volunteer theatrical group that is celebrating its 60th birthday this year.
Kaplan artfully interspersed videos and humorous quips from previous Hexagon productions with his talking points, to preview what we can expect to see in this year’s show entitled Red, White, and Voters’ Blues. OLLI’s TLG members and their guests will attend the April 3 matinee performance.
Hexagon, which is DC’s original political satirical musical comedy review, produces one show a year in March and April only. Its laugh-out-loud humorous songs, skits, and quips feature topical political and cultural subjects, such as the presidential race, cell phones, and drones...and, of course, its perennially popular chorus line.
In addition to having fun and providing entertainment, Hexagon also raises money for local charities. This year's recipient is the Lisner-Louise-Dickson-Hurt Home for low-income elderly people in Washington, DC.
Probably everyone has taken pictures and more so recently with the rising popularity of cameras in smart phones. But if you want to improve the quality of your pictures, OLLI members have a great resource right here: the OLLI Photo Club.
The OLLI Photo Club was organized several years ago by Dan Feighery, who served as the club chairman. “There were many good photographers in OLLI who were interested in improving their picture-taking skills,” said Dan. An accomplished photographer himself, Dan started monthly programs that include photograph critiques and competitions, professional speakers and technical assistance. Within the last year, the photo club has organized a monthly local “road trip” headed by Tom Simpson where attendees have an opportunity to be together, taking pictures of a selected site such as one of the Washington, DC, landmarks, and compares and critiques the results.
Beginning in November, Dan relinquished his duties when he found two wonderful leaders in the form of new OLLI members Angela and Dave Talaber. Dave is a retired member of the Army whose career took him, Angela and their family to many interesting places that encouraged their photographic hobby. “We both shoot digital as do many people now but we haven’t given up our film cameras,” said Dave, noting that both he and Angela are enrolled in a “dark-room, film-print” course at the Northern Virginia Community College.
“Our goal is to continue the good work that Dan began, offering OLLI members opportunities to learn about photography, expand their skills and improve the quality of their photography” said Angela. She also pointed out that the photo club is testing a new webpage, primarily through the diligent work of George Bradshaw. "We want the new webpage to be easier to transfer information and post photographs," she said.
All OLLI members are invited to attend the photo club which now has 58 registered members. The photo club meets the second Friday of each month. Field trips are scheduled the third Friday of each month while special technical/skills discussions are held every fourth Friday. The photo club schedule, plus member photographs and any special announcements, can be found on the OLLI Website at https://ollidev2.earthcare.com/photography-club-overview/.
By Martha Powers, E-News Writer and
OLLI Board Member
Though the weather outside was frightful, our Ice Cream Social was delightful! The Social Events team was scooping up a storm, and every chair in TA-1 was occupied by OLLI members noshing on homemade goodies, hot cider, ice cream, and toppings. Our annual talent show offered a wide variety of musical, dramatic, and comedic performances, followed by the hilarious Carol Burnett/Steve Martin spoof, “Beach Blanket Boo-Boo” and Steve Martin’s “Comedy for Dogs.” But if you missed the chance to laugh at Ol’ Man Winter, take heart: We’re having Christmas in July this summer! Keep an eye peeled for details.
OLLI members enjoyed ice cream after which Martha Powers offered
25 words...or more! (photos by Dan Feighery)
“The Danube’s not blue, but gray”,
A critic was heard to say.
Strauss muttered something Viennese, and rude,
Saying, “I do valtzes, not werisimilitude!”
Leos (a Czech) Janacek
Said,” Oh! What the heck.
I’m better than Dvorak
And that’s a fakt.”
Such an innovation of Monteverdi
Giving the opera to poster’ity.
For which I really think he ought
To be stabbed, poisoned, strangled and shot.
Rimsky-Korsakov, a Russian, and thus neurotic,
Loved odd music and themes exotic.
When asked, “Do you know Scherezade?”
Said, “Da, she was strange when we met in Novgorod !”
The DO'S and DON'T'S of Emergency Preparedness at OLLI
By Alice Slayton Clark, OLLI Staff Member
and E-News Writer
What would you do if you are with an OLLI member who slips on the stairs or gets hit by a car in the parking lot? Accidents happen on campuses across America and OLLI is no exception. Injuries can be more serious and treatments more complicated in older Americans, especially if they have a long-term health condition. Unless you are a doctor, nurse or EMT, please leave emergency treatments to the professionals or trained staff.
DO’S
Immediately call 911. Even if the injury looks minor, the individual could have a broken bone or internal injury that is worse than it appears. Better safe than sorry and too late with proper care.
Notify the OLLI staff. OLLI staff representatives have access to first aid kits and can provide bandages and necessary salves. All OLLI staff have been trained in CPR and the use of defibrillation equipment in case someone is unresponsive and not breathing. Importantly, staff have emergency contact information for all OLLI members.
Talk to and reassure the victim that treatment is at hand. Your calm assurances can go a long way toward maintaining the patient’s well-being.
DON’T’S
Do not move the individual. They could have an internal injury that would be exacerbated by shifting their body.
Do not give them water, food or medicine. You do not know what medicines they are taking or allergies they have. After trauma, their system might not be able to handle anything consumable.
A little caution and savvy about what to do in the event of an emergency will go a long way toward ensuring the best outcomes for patients and caregivers alike.
Performances, Next Ten DaysBy Shelly Gersten, E-News Staff WriterFor 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
Celtic Nights: Spirit of Freedom
Sun, Mar 20, 4:00
Pre-performance discussion: Member of the company
Concert Hall
Admission: $48, $41, $29.
Aquila Theatre: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Sat, Mar 26, 8:00
Rescheduled from Jan 22
Concert Hall
Pre-performance discussion: Member of the company
Admission: $44, $37, $26.
Mason Student & Faculty Performances
(see music.gmu.edu for additional student recitals)Dance Gala Concert, School of Dance
Fri, Mar 18 and Sat, Mar 19, 8:00
Prior to the performance on Mar 19, the School of Dance will host the Dance Gala. Tickets start at $150 per person. For information, contact Cody Clarke at cclark17@gmu.edu or 703-993-4749.
Concert Hall
Admission to concert: Adults, $25; seniors, $15.Faculty Artist Series: Dr. Stanley Curtis, Trumpet
Sat, Mar 19, 8:00
Harris Theatre
Admission: Free.University Singers Concert
Sun, Mar 20, 4:00
Harris Theatre
Admission: Adults, $12; seniors, $8.
Faculty Artist Series: Dr. Anna Balakerskaia, Piano
Sun, Mar 20, 7:00
Harris Theatre
Admission: Free.
Mason's School of Theater: Middletown- Preview
Wed, Mar 23, 8:00
Performing Arts Building, Room A105
Admission: Pay what you can, $5 increments.
Jazz Ensemble Concert - Big Band Showdown
Wed, Mar 23, 8:00
Concert Hall
Admission: Adults, $12; seniors, $8.
Mason's School of Theater: Middletown
Thu, Mar 24, - Sat, Mar 26, 8:00
Sat, Mar 26, 2:00
Thu, Mar 31, - Sat, Apr 2, 8:00
Sat, Apr 2, - Apr 3, 2:00
TheaterSpace
Admission: Adults, $25; seniors, $15.
Symphonic Band and Percussion Ensemble Concert
Thu, Mar 24, 8:00
Harris Theatre
Admission: Adults, $12; seniors, $8.
Korean-American Student Association Culture Show
Sat, Mar 26, 7:00
Harris Theatre
Admission: Free.
The 5th Annual PWCPS Student Exhibition
Feb 1 - Mar 20
Buchanan Partners Art Gallery
The Gallery is open to the public Tue-Sat, 10:00 - 6:00, Thu, 10:00 - 8:00 and two hours before performances.
Admission: Free.
Prince William Little Theatre: Sherlock Holmes and the West End Horror
Fri, Mar 18 and Sat, Mar 19, 8:00
Sun, Mar 20, 2:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: Adults, $20; seniors, $17.
Manassas Chorale: Voices United
Sat, Mar 19, 7:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: Adults, $20; seniors, $18.
Mason Dance Company Dance Celebration
Sun, Mar 20, 4:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: Adults, $25; seniors, $15.
Land Beyond the Water, Peter Stern, Artist
Mar 21 - May 15
Buchanan Partners Art Gallery
The 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, Apr 7 from 6:00 to 8:00. RSVP to jconnor8@gmu.edu.
Admission: Free.
Members of the Special Events Subcommittee send a warm "Hello" and best wishes for a speedy recovery to Chairperson Florence Adler, who recently suffered a bad fracture while at OLLI. (photo by Stephanie Trachenberg.)
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).
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: Sheri Siesseger
Weekly Editorial Team: Jean Boltz, John Nash, Sheri Siesseger, Leslie Vandivere, Paul Van Hemel Proofreaders: Nancy Michel, Marilyn O'Brien, Susan Van Hemel
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 – 6:00 Tuesday for that week's issue (6:00 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.
executed a plan for a new E-News operation with weekly editors to spread the workload and a commercial newsletter format to replace the unique format I had designed.
political satirical musical comedy review, produces one show a year in March and April only. Its laugh-out-loud humorous songs, skits, and quips feature topical political and cultural subjects, such as the presidential race, cell phones, and drones...and, of course, its perennially popular chorus line.
OLLI members have a great resource right here: the OLLI Photo Club.
post photographs," she said.
