Taken from the June, 2006 newsletter of the Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale. Reprinted here with permission.

Ed Sullivan would have rated it a “Really Big Shew.” So did the 198 members and friends of LLI who attended the LLI Tenth Birthday celebration May 2 at Greenspring Village.

Presenting an appropriate theme, LLI Stirs Things Up, the many events attracted former members and “moveaways” who enjoyed a balance of history and nostalgia. Guests of honor, Marjorie and Knox Singleton, were remembered with a rose bouquet for Marjorie and a commemorative scrapbook for the president emeritus and LLI founder along with 38 charter members.

Themed decorations were abundant and colorful. Heading the list were 20 table centerpieces depicting the mission and activities of several special groups and institutions. Three judges had difficulty limiting the winner’s circle to five and agreed each centerpiece was prize worthy. Winners were International Study-Travel, Holiday Party, Music, Lunch Bunch and Board of Directors.

A sparkling cider Tenth Anniversary toast and a group singing of “Happy Birthday” preceded the introduction of local, county and state representatives who awarded a citation and resolution that enumerated the performance and value of LLI to the community.

NOVA faculty and LLI instructors, committee chairs, charter members, and board members were acknowledged publicly and in detailed programs. Pictorial history was abundant. Storyboards displayed pictures of past trips, forums, classes and special events. Burma Shave jingle posters were especially applied to LLI.

Computer-generated photos rotated on a large screen and reminded the audience of past events and membership activities during the pre-lunch hospitality hour. A power point history of the LLI Story was dedicated to “The Way We Were, and the Way We Are,” with pictorial and narrative accompaniment.

Musical entertainment was provided by a senior male choral group, the “Arlington Songfellows,” who sang several well-remembered popular and folk songs.

Birthday Party Committee: Bonnie Hopler, Martie Klee, and Leah Porzel
Program Speakers: Norma Hughes, Martie Klee, Lorin Goodrich, Alan Mayer, Don Reynolds
Photo Storyboards: Arlene Gribben,
Burma Shave Posters: Don Reynolds
Computer Producers: Paul Hopler, Phil Range
Event photography/video: Doris Balinsky, Octavio Capetillo, Sue Swift
Fairfx County: Penny Gross
Virginia Delegate: Mark D. Sickles

The Tenth Anniversary Committee invites you to participate in our next event, the Picnic, September 20 at Ft. Hunt.

Members comments about the party -

The décor, the food, the entertainment, the fellowship were delicious, exciting and exhilarating!

Martie was the perfect M.C. and Don’s presentation added just the right historical touch.

I’m glad we’re having Martie’s history boards and Arlene’s picture boards at the June forum.

Scrapbook for Knox is priceless.