President’s Message

Before I continue to highlight our Special interest Groups (SIGs), I want to tell you about the delightful CCI Cultural Fashion Show that I attended March 7 at the Annandale Campus. The Community College Initiative (CCI) is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, bringing exchange students from underserved areas and underrepresented groups to the U.S. for a year of study and cultural exchange. This non-degree academic program builds technical skills in applied fields, enhances leadership capabilities, and strengthens English language proficiency. It also provides opportunities for professional internships, service learning, and cultural exchange through community engagement activities. This event began with an informal lunch with the students from 11 countries and continued with a diverse student presentation showcasing their cultures through their colorful native dress, poems, songs, dance, and brief narratives and videos about their country. LLI member Anna Dixon was a cosponsor, and, in the absence of the Provost, I was asked to open the program.

Over lunch, I talked with two Brazilian students about their country and their pride in being selected from among hundreds of applicants. The students’ presentations were energizing and were received with unabashed enthusiasm by the attendees. Hopefully, this event will continue next year with a new crop of students. If it does, do come and enjoy!

Bridge SIG:  This SIG normally meets twice a month, on a Wednesday or a Thursday,
10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., usually at the Mason District Governmental Center. The dates, times, and locations are published on the Bridge SIG website and advertised in this newsletter.
The group plays social (not duplicate) bridge. Players of all ability levels are welcome. No need to bring a partner. Partners are rotated every few hands. The coordinator sends out email invitations to interested players several days ahead of each game, giving date, time and location. To get on that list, contact: Martin Stutsman or June Chalou (See member directory for contact information).

Photography SIG:  Anyone with an interest in photography is welcome. Monthly meetings are normally on the third Friday at the Braddock District Government Center (Kings Park Library), Braddock Hall Meeting Room, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  According to chair Buck Myers, “the goal is to improve our individual skills while expanding our horizons in the world of capturing images of things around us, whether it is people, landscapes, wildlife, architecture, reflections, or other objects.”  Each month, the group has a specific topic or theme to provide a focus for images presented at the meeting. Members offer a portfolio of images for discussion by the group and one image from each member is selected for display on LLI’s website. There is no requirement for expensive, or even dedicated camera gear. Use what you have, including cell phone cameras. The goal is simply to have fun with your photography. Meetings often include a short instructional video and discussion to address subjects such as shooting techniques, composition of images, or tips on gear for a particular photographic experience. Questions? Contact Buck Myers (See the member directory for contact information).

Remember:  Our strength is our members!

Patti Volz
President, LLI/NOVA