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OLLI
E-News #34-06 of Sep. 8, 2006
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ALERTS
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BOARD OF
DIRECTORS MEETING:
Fri, Sep 15, in
Reston (Washington Plaza Baptist Church in Lake Anne
Plaza). See our Maps page for directions.
All OLLI members are invited to attend and express their views on topics that will be discussed.
>
OLLI BOOK CLUB
will meet 10:00 Wed, Sep 13, at Tallwood. The book for discussion is March, 2006
Pulitzer Prize Winner for Fiction, by Geraldine Brooks. All are
welcome.
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OLLI MEMBER PUBLISHED
IN POST. Claire Hasselbeck, member of Barry Berkey's writing
workshop, had her first publishing credit in The Washington Post on Mon, Sep 4
(page C10). Claire first presented her essay, "The Labor of Love,"
during an OLLI workshop session.
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REMINDERS
> FALL-TERM CLASSES START MON, SEP 18.
> THE
CONVERSATION PROGRAM. Help needed! Volunteers meet Tue, Sep 12. Details.
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ALL MEMBERS
WHO JOINED LRI IN '91, '92 OR '93: Contact Janice Dewire. Details.
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| ARTICLES AND
NOTICE
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DEPARTMENTS
> PROFILE.
Resource Group chair Ave
Tombes. By Julie
Fintel
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CENTER FOR
THE ARTS: Upcoming arts and music events at Mason. By Jan Bohall
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MASON
HIGHLIGHTS.
Events at nearby Mason. By Barbara Kyriakakis
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COMING
ATTRACTIONS: OLLI non-class
events for next two weeks. |
Editor's Note. For this issue and
the next two issues (Sep 15 and Sep 22), OLLI member John West is
serving as guest
editor of OLLI E-News. Please
send articles, notices, letters to the editor, etc. for the Sep 15 and
Sep 22 issues to
him via email.
-- Rod Zumbro, OLLI E-News
editor
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FROM
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
About Mason's Vision Series
 By Dick Chobot,
Executive Director
GEORGE
MASON UNIVERSITY WILL OFFER an outstanding lecture series in
the fall of 2006 and spring of 2007. The
Vision Series will present eight distinguished faculty members
from George Mason University speaking on the topics that engage them
the most. The series is free, open to the public and will be held at
Mason’s Center for the Arts. Each presentation will be on a Monday at
8:00 PM and will be followed by a reception for the speaker.
The series begins on September 25 with Richard
Florida, the Hirst Professor of Public Policy. He will speak on "The
Flight of the Creative Class: The New Global Competition for Talent."
An article on Florida and his work appeared in the August
7, 2006 issue of Business Week.
Following are the remaining lectures of 2006:
- October 23,
2006 – Giorgio Ascoli, Krasnow Institute,
"Toward Virtual Brains"
- November 6,
2006 – June Tangney, Professor of Psychology,
"Shame and Guilt: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly"
- December 4,
2006 – Rainald Lohner, Professor of
Computational
Sciences, "Computational Sciences: The Third Pillar of the Empirical
Sciences"
Four programs of equal quality and interest
will be presented during the first four months of 2007. You may read
details about each lecture and order free tickets by visiting the
Center for the Arts' Vision Series Website page. You
may
also obtain tickets at the Center for the Arts ticket office
(Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00– 6:00) and on the evening of the event. No
phone requests will be taken.
Programs of this caliber represent one
advantage of affiliation with a university of George Mason’s stature. I
encourage you to take advantage of these offerings and others that are
announced from time to time.
CLOSED FALL COURSES
It's not too late to sign up for many
courses and events
 By Ann Hartmann,
Tallwood Site Administrator/OLLI Registrar
YOU WILL
RECEIVE YOUR
CONFIRMATION LETTER SOON, showing the courses and events in
which you have been enrolled. Many courses and events are not full, and
it's not too late to sign up. You may register for any of the
still-available courses and events by filling in a Change of Schedule
Request form available in the Tallwood social room. If you are unable
to come by Tallwood to fill out this form, you may email or call the office (703-503-3384)
with your request.
Here is the list of closed courses and
events
for the fall term. All others are still available.
| CLOSED COURSES |
301-
Highlights of Virginia's History
302- Jamestown and Colonial America
308- Indonesia: the Largest Archipelago
310- Through the Jade Gate to Central Asia
404- Examined Lives
405- Literary Roundtable
407- Readers' Theatre
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413-
Life Story Writing Workshop
604- Ethical Challenges in a World of Change
701- American Fear
702- American Perspectives: Comparing Worlds
704- Intelligence-Policy Relationship:
902- Wine, From the Vine to Glass |
E- Fall
for the Book Author Bernard E. Trainor
F- Visit to Ladew Topiary Gardens and Manor
H- Library of Congress
I- Carmen
L- Relations Between American and Israeli Jewry
M- The Supreme Court |
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| Note: If your plans have changed
such that you will no longer be able to attend any of the courses in
which you are enrolled, PLEASE NOTIFY THE OFFICE by email or phone (703-503-3384) as soon
as possible so that if that course is full, members on the waiting list
can be given an opportunity to enroll. Thank you! |
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NEXT WEEK'S BOARD MEETING
Why you may want to attend this meeting
 By Gordon Canyock,
Board member
OLLI
MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND BOARD MEETINGS and make their
views known. All Board meetings (except executive sessions) are open to
the general membership. The September Board meeting in Reston (note new
location for this Board meeting) on
Friday, September 15, promises to be an interesting one; the following
topics are on the tentative agenda--
- Revised Bylaws. The Board is
scheduled to vote on whether or not the final version of the revised
bylaws should be presented to the membership for its approval at a
special membership meeting to be called this fall; and
- Reimbursement for Meals and Entertainment.
The Board is expected to discuss ground rules for the use of the new
Meals and Entertainment budget line item that was recently approved in
the amount of $200 per month for the balance of 2006.
CAUTION: At press
time, the above topics are expected to be discussed ... but there are
no guarantees. The president sets the agenda. If you are
interested in attending this (or any) Board meeting and wish to know
for sure what will be discussed, please contact the office by phone
(703-503-3384) or email a day or two
in advance of the meeting and ask for the agenda.
Back
to top
OLLI POET RECOGNIZED
OLLI poet Mike McNamara to be published
OLLI
member Mike McNamara's poem, printed below, was just
accepted for publication by Mindprints:
A Literary Journal of Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria,
California.
The journal describes itself as "one of the few
national community college journals devoted to celebrating the work of
artists and writers with disabilities. We look for a strong voice,
unusual point of view and rich imagery and description."
Mike was retired from military service with a 70
percent disability -- mostly, he says, from jumping out of perfectly
good airplanes or falling out of equally serviceable helicopters.
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Sniper
Then I turned him over with my boot.
He
settled back,
spineless, limp,
Into
the water and the
rice.
His
hands, young hands,
still tangled
In the
fresh, green
stalks.
His
rifle lay cooling
beside him,
Chamber
and bore clotted
with mud and rice.
His
black, faded shorts,
darker now
With
water, streaked with
Bright
new color,
And his
exploded parts.
His back had shown just three punched
holes;
His
front was all one
opened, blue-boweled gut.
Young?
Certainly young,
despite
The
water-shriveled hands,
And
twisted mouth;
Despite
the gaping front,
And
open, glazing eyes.
Maybe
he was eighteen, or
less.
Suddenly I was there alone:
He was
perhaps myself,
some other time,
Or my
own son, some
future place.
Then,
before those
thoughts
Could
wash away my daily
purpose,
Memory
checked that flow.
This
was the sniper who
killed Lieutenant James.
I had
almost forgotten
that.
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THEATER OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT
Upcoming TFA events
 By Kevin Murray, TFA Managing Director
CALLING ALL THEATER LOVERS: Following
is a list of upcoming TFA events. Theater of the First Amendment,
George Mason University's professional equity theater company, is a
part of GREAT PERFORMANCES AT
MASON. TFA focuses on new works, rediscovered classics and family
productions that embody the slogan, "We entertain ideas." For more
information, please call 703-993-2195 or send me an email.
| WORDS
AT NIGHT |
PANEL
DISCUSSION |
FIRST
FRIDAYS AT OLD TOWN HALL |
| Wed,
Sep 27, 8:30, Harris Theater. FREE |
Wed,
Oct 4, 7:00, Center for the Arts Concert Hall. FREE |
Fri,
Oct 6, 7:30, Old Town Hall, 3999 University Dr., Fairfax. FREE |
TFA
presents Words at Night,
staged readings of literary works by new professors in Mason's MFA
Program in Creative Writing, Courtney Brkic, Kyoko Mori and Sally
Keith.
A Fall for the Book event; visit its Website for
the latest schedule information and updates. |
TFA
Artistic Director Rick Davis moderates a panel discussion focusing on
the Arena Stage archives and the evolution of new work for the American
theater, featuring a group of distinguished playwrights
scheduled to include Heather McDonald, Mary Hall Surface, Paul
D'Andrea, Karen Zacarías, along with one of America's most
senior dramaturgs, Arena Stage's Mark Bly.
The event will feature selected readings of
scenes along with lively discussion and audience interaction. A Fall
for the Book event; visit its Website for the latest
schedule information and updates. |
TFA's
First Fridays at Old Town Hall presents
The Patient Stone, by Sadeq
Hedayat, adapted for the stage by Amin Neshati and Kristin
Johnsen-Neshati. Join us as we present a reading of this new
work-in-progress. Bring the kids!
Trapped
in a world of riches and haunted by solitude, Fatemeh strives to save
her beloved, Javanmard. But when he rises from a mysterious slumber,
will the young man distinguish true love from treachery? This Persian folktale, as retold by one of
Iran's leading twentieth-century writers, recalls the darker tales of
the Brothers Grimm and centers on themes of sacrifice, purity of heart
and personal destiny. |
PROFILE OF AVERETT TOMBES
Meet one of OLLI's Resource Group
chairs
 By Julie Fintel, OLLI
E-News staff writer
OLLI CAN BOAST OF
ITS OWN RENAISSANCE MAN. Averett Tombes is
a medal-winning athlete, chairs OLLI’s Science, Health and Technology
Resource Group, holds a PhD in biology, and has taught, conducted
research and served in administration at four universities. Now he
takes OLLI classes in current events, history and a variety of other
subjects.
Last year in the Northern Virginia Senior
Olympics, Ave won the gold medal in the 200-meter dash and bronze
medals in the 50-yard dash and the shot put. (See details about Ave's performance in a
related story. -- Ed.)
As chairman of OLLI’s Science, Health and
Technology Resource Group, Ave discusses with his committee which
classes would appeal to OLLI’s members. Courses could include
oceanography, physics and other science subjects. One recent
Health course has proven to be very popular, thanks to the teaching of
retired George Mason biology professor Jayne Hart; part 2 of her Health
class will be given this winter.
Ave is married to OLLI member Jane
Tombes, who co-chairs another resource
group. As if their lives weren't busy enough, Ave and Jane find time to
enjoy their four children and 11 grandchildren who live in Virginia and
North Carolina.
Jane and Ave see OLLI as an opportunity to continue
to learn and to expand their already considerable knowledge.
Photo
of Ave Tombes by Gordon Canyock
Back to top
CALL FOR TRIP TALES
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 A FAVORITE OLLI CLASS is Trip Tales, where members share
recent travel experiences to places around the world. We have been to
Africa, Antarctica and South America … to name just a few. During the
winter session, we invite you to share interesting and exciting trips
you have taken.
The Trip
Tales course is scheduled on Tuesdays at 11:30, Jan 23–Feb 13.
Please contact Virlinda Snyder at 703-339-5748 or Rae Schafer (phone 703-503-3384) to
let OLLI know if you interested in making a presentation. We look
forward to hearing from you. |
Back to top
COMING EVENTS AT THE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Something for everyone at nearby Mason
 By Jan Bohall, OLLI
E-News staff writer
For tickets, call 888-945-2468 or the Center for the Arts Box Office, Tue–Sat, 10:00–6:00.
Fairfax
Symphony Orchestra
William
Hudson
conducting
Santiago
Rodriguez at the
piano |
Saturday,
Sep 16, at 8:00
Admission $45, $35, $25
Concert Hall |
| This
first concert of the Symphony’s 50th Anniversary season brings
Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, op. 74, his 'Pathetique'
Symphony; and Rachmaninoff’s difficult Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Minor,
op. 30. |
MASON HIGHLIGHTS
A brief listing of other events at nearby
Mason
 By Barbara Kyriakakis, OLLI
E-News assistant editor
| Football
Tailgate Party
- Did
you know Mason has a football team? Come and enjoy the pre-game party on Sep 9 from
4-7 pm in Lot J, kicking off the team’s
first game: GMU v. St. Paul’s
College at Robinson Field. Free food
and snacks, XBOX 360 give away at halftime, T-shirt giveaway, gift
cards, DJ
and more. Tickets $5; pre-game party
free. (703) 993-3467. |
The Krasnow Monday
seminars
begin on Sep 11. The first, entitled "The
neurobiology of crocodilians and blind cave fish" will be presented by guest speaker Daphne Soares, Biology College of Life
Sciences,
Univ. of MD. All lectures
will be held
in Room 229 of the Krasnow Institute at 4 pm with a discussion
following the
lecture. |
The
Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution
will also host a Mon. seminar on
Sep 11 entitled Conflict Analysis and
Resolution in the Republic
of Georgia at
3 pm in Truland, Room 555,
Arlington Campus. Irakli Kakabadze, a
1996 graduate of ICAR, will speak. |
Cinema
Series – Did
you miss The
Da Vinci Code? Here is your chance to see it for $1
with
your GMU ID card; Sep 15 and 16, 6 and 9 pm, Johnson Center Cinema.
(703) 993-1702. |
COMING ATTRACTIONS
Non-class events at OLLI for the next two
weeks
The following list covering the
next two weeks is extracted for your
convenience from the more
complete OLLI
Staff Forecast of Non-Class Events. Board, committee and resource-group
meetings are highlighted
in bold. OLLI members are
welcome at all Board, committee and resource-group meetings (except
executive sessions).
Sep
8 Friday 10:00 AM
Planning
Committee Meeting
TA Annex
10:00 AM
Recorder Group TA-2
1:30 PM Homer
Book Club TA Annex
12 Tuesday 10:00
AM Publications
Committee Meeting TA Annex
13 Wednesday 10:00
AM Book Club at Tallwood TA-2
10:00 AM
Bridge TA-3
10:00 AM
Investment Forum TA-1
15 Friday 9:30 AM
Drama Club TA-1
10:00 AM Board of Directors Meeting
Lake Anne Church
10:00 AM
Recorder Group TA-2
1:30 PM Homer
Book Club TA Annex
18 Monday 9:30 AM
Fall 06 Term Begins
20 Wednesday 1:30 PM
Fiction Writers' Club TA-2
1:30 PM
Bridge TA-3
2:00 PM
Genealogy TA-1
22 Friday 9:30 AM
Drama Club TA-1
9:30 AM Recorder
Class TA-2
10:00 AM Fiction Book Club
Reston Library
10:30 AM Newcomer Coffee
TA Annex
11:30 AM Recorder
Group TA-2
1:30 PM Homer Book Club
TA Annex
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Rod
Zumbro
Editor
Karen
Hamilton
Deputy
Editor
|
 Guest
editor for this week: OLLI member John West |
About
OLLI
E-News. OLLI
E-News is
OLLI's weekly newsletter; it is emailed to OLLI
members with email addresses on Fridays. When classes are in
session, printed copies of this newsletter are distributed in
classrooms, primarily for members without email. We encourage OLLI
members and
staff employees to submit news items and write articles; deadline to
the editor is 7:00 PM Wed for that week's issue. Comments,
suggestions or complaints? Please contact the OLLI
E-News editor or the
Publications Committee chair, Gordon
Canyock.
Note
about HTML graphics. If
you do NOT see
photos and
clickable links in this message, you might want to ask a teenaged
grandchild or a neighborhood teenager or college student to fix things
for you. Or you could change your
email settings yourself. Here's how to view html-formatted messages
like this newsletter in
three popular email systems:
- Outlook
Express.
Click Tools; select Options; in the Read tab, uncheck "Read all
messages in plain text."
- Yahoo
Mail.
Click Mail Options/General Preferences; under Security, uncheck "Block
HTML graphics in email messages from being downloaded."
- AOL.
Upgrade,
if possible, to an AOL version above 5.0.
GMU Webmail.
If OLLI E-News is being sent
to your gmu.edu email address, we recommend against using GMU Webmail
(i.e., iPlanet "Messenger Express") to read the newsletter because it
is not easy to view our newsletter as a single
integrated
document, with text and accompanying images. As you may know, you can
easily use other email systems, such
as Outlook Express or Yahoo Mail, to retrieve mail sent to external
addresses such as your gmu.edu address. An alternative is to read your
newsletter online at the OLLI Website after it is posted
each Friday.
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OLLI
E-News Editorial Staff
Assistant
Editor, Database Manager
Barbara Kyriakakis
Assistant
Editor
Arleen Richman
Photo
Editor
Michael Coyne |
| Copyright
©
2006 Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University.
Materials in this publication subject to OLLI-GMU copyright may be
reproduced for noncommercial educational purposes as long as credit is
given to OLLI-GMU. |
|
Updated:
September 8, 2006
Copyright © 2006 Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at
George Mason University. Materials in this publication subject to
OLLI-GMU copyright may be reproduced for noncommercial educational
purposes as long as credit is given to OLLI-GMU.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University
4210 Roberts Rd., Fairfax, VA 22032-1028
Phone: (703) 503-3384; E-mail: olli@gmu.edu;
Fax: (703) 503-2832
Original site design and construction by OLLI-GMU member Rod Zumbro. |
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