In Appreciation of Barbara Spangler's Leadership at Encore Learning

Barbara Spangler’s public service and civic contributions are legendary. I want to focus on three tremendous gifts she made to Encore Learning.

When I joined Encore Learning’s Board I replaced Barbara, who stepped down from her Vice President’s position at the request of President Art Gosling to fill a greater need: chairing our Academic Programs Committee. Art wanted to strengthen what is arguably our most important committee, which is responsible for identifying instructors and courses each semester. Barb’s hard work revitalized that committee, just in time to handle the challenges of Covid in early 2020. We had to pivot to virtual learning and so did our instructors and members. In this, Barb’s husband Steve, and many others played key roles in making all involved comfortable on Zoom. This effort had a reward; we were able for register 230 people for Global Hot Spots, eliminating an ongoing painful waitlist for many.

When Art decided to step down as President in 2020, it was clear to everyone on the Board that Barb would be the strongest replacement. But she demurred, wanting to continue her work of insuring that when she stepped down as Chair of Academic Programs, it would be in the best possible shape. Barbara’s selfless decision was typical of her.

In 2022, she was ready to become our first female President and was deservedly elected as our leader. She helped advance a number of initiatives, including increasing membership and visibility in the community, and recently strengthening our financial management in ways that will increase revenue. She presided over our 20th anniversary celebration with pride, grace and humor, doling out well-deserved accolades to our staff, volunteers and members. It was a very special day.

But in my view the most important thing she did for Encore Learning was earlier, when she took charge of the search for a replacement for our first and only Executive Director, Marjorie Varner. Art asked Barb to use her decades of personnel management skills on our behalf and she delivered, identifying a half dozen strong candidates, doing background checks on each and arranging for Art and me to join her interviewing all the candidates. The result was the hiring of Lora Pollari-Welbes, through a first-rate process that Barb expertly managed.

You probably met Barb. In the past six years Barb participated in more than 50 Special Events and 45 classes. She served as Class Aide at least a dozen times. She was a model member and impeccable leader.

All of us will miss Barb terribly. But we should be grateful for the time we had working together to keep Encore Learning advancing and staying strong and relevant for those seeking continuing education.

- Tom Adams, Past President

Staff Corner

April finds us deep into spring weather, we've already had cherry blossoms, daffodils, tulips, and azaleas to enjoy. We were fortunate to meetup with ten new members at our April coffee at Arlington Central Library. We heard about their interests, prompted some club participation and gained interest in more in-person activities. We also heard that some new folks have been around a long time and did not know about us. We should not be a secret. Tell your friends about Encore Learning, share our Facebook page, bring them to a class as a visitor.

April is National Volunteer Recognition Month. Every day we have active volunteers to be thankful for. Read more about our volunteers kindly written by volunteer Jody Goulden.

As classes wind down, two reminders:

• The course evaluation link is emailed on the last day of class. This feedback form is completed in SurveyMonkey. Your feedback is a very important contribution to our success.
• Once the class is over, you can find your class media by going to 'My 'Account' page, then click on 'My Activities', then select 'Historic Enrollments'. These documents shared during your class are always available to you as a member who enrolled in that class. If you need help, check out our Quick Start Guide.

We look forward to seeing you at our Annual Meeting on May 18 and sharing more about our wonderful year of Encore Learning.

Lora Pollari-Welbes

Executive Director

During March 2023, we welcomed many new members and look forward to having them become active participants in Encore Learning. Please introduce yourself to them if you meet them in a class, club or event.

• Franz Gimmler
• Kathleen Lowy
• Olivier Massot
• Deborah Newby
• Jennifer Silver

• Effie Stallsmith
• Damtew Woldeyes
• Carol Carpenter Yaman
• Tadesse Yimer

THANK YOU to Meskerem Gebregiorgis, Peter Harnick, Janice McLean and Damtew Woldeyes for referring friends and family to Encore Learning. Thank you to the Membership Committee for their efforts to spread the word about Encore Learning. If you'd like to bring Encore Learning into your community (residential building or neighborhood) to share information about membership, let us know. Tell a friend about Encore Learning so you can see your name here!