March 2023 Newsletter

The March 5 reception and performance of the Arlington Philharmonic was nothing short of an amazing event. In fact, the Philharmonic reported that this free concert had the largest attendance ever with over 300 people coming to hear Violinist Irina Muressanu, Cellist Eric Kutz and the Philharmonic, conducted by Maestro Scott Wood.

The pre-concert reception was hosted by Encore Learning and Arlington 55+/ Alliance for Arlington Senior Programs. Each organization had an information table and Encore Learning provided refreshments. Thank you to Richard Juhnke, Anne Werner and Barbara Spangler for volunteering to share information about Encore Learning with guests.

We value the importance of safe learning experiences for all – students, class aides and instructors alike – both virtually and in-person. If you think that someone is having trouble following our Civility Policy, please email info@encorelearning.net. We’re here to help. Our Civility Policy is outlined below:

Civility Policy: Encore Learning subscribes to a policy of civility in all communications: verbal and nonverbal, one-on-one and in group settings. Civility is a behavioral norm that is respectful and courteous. It includes consideration of others' concerns, backgrounds, and feelings.

All of Encore Learning's policies may be found here.

The April 21 presentation will be by Bill Mugg. Bill will be presenting some of the more interesting aspects of the trip he and his wife Ellen took to Paris and Provence in October 2022. The “core” of this trip was a Hiking/Cuisine tour with Backroads.

Note: For the April 21st meeting ONLY, the Travel Club presentation will start at 3:00 PM rather than the normal time of 2:30 PM.

If you would like to be placed on the email list for the Travel Club, send an email to info@encorelearning.net. The Travel Club typically meets on the 3rd Friday each month at 2:30 PM on Zoom.

Earlier this year, the Breakfast Club recognized member sheri stroud for having won an award for the excellent video she produced for our 20th

Anniversary Celebration. The Accolade Global Film Competition selected Encore Learning, 20 years and Growing as an award winner in its 2022

festival.

Accolade is an international awards competition, which allows filmmakers from around the world to enter new films. Talented award winners have gone on to win Oscars, Emmys, Tellys, and other awards.

You can learn more about sheri by viewing a recent Zoom presentation she did for NOVA BNC where she talks about the movies with which she's been involved with over the years.

The Breakfast Club members congratulated sheri for her achievement and

expressed appreciation for her work on behalf of Encore Learning. The photo is from that breakfast, showing sheri and her award.

March has been so busy for the Encore Learning staff as we launched the spring semester. There have been occasions where I am reminded about how important it is to be flexible. An instructor is late, a classroom changes, some equipment is needed, or maybe the instructor is ill and the class needs to be virtual. These last minute occurrences happen and are no big deal for us, we take these in stride and resolve with the least amount of delay or distraction. We do hope that you remember to save your Zoom class login information, it's the same login every week for the class.

Some things are really hard though, and that includes losing our dear President Barbara Spangler. I had some wonderful time with her the week before she became very ill. She was a fantastic leader to work with. Barb was so kind and appreciated by the whole staff and our multitude of volunteers; we cherish our time with her. Barb became active with Encore Learning promptly after retirement from federal service. She was key to bringing me to Encore Learning in April 2019 as she was on the interview committee. I knew I would enjoy working with her from the start but I did not realize how fortunate I would be to work closely with her over the almost the next fours years. She will be missed by everyone at Encore Learning.

One of our March highlights was the Arlington Philharmonic concert on March 5. It was a joy to see so many members that day and share the gift of music. I enjoyed the concert seated with Barb and Steve Spangler and we cherished being together with so many members that day. We welcome hearing from you with your appreciations of Barb.

Enjoy the ever changing spring days and thank you to all of our volunteer instructors, Class Aides, and committee members who make our work a continuous joy.

During February 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.

THANK YOU to Lawrence Anderson, John Benton, Dianne Daily, Liz Hoefer, Mary Lovering, Hope Powers, John Sea, Barbara Seaman, Deb Spero and Nancy White 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!

Encore Learning is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Any donation is a charitable contribution deductible from income tax to the full extent permitted by law. Members, friends and organizations wishing to support Encore Learning may direct contributions to our General Fund to support our sustainability, to the Arthur W. Gosling Youth Scholarship Fund or the John T. Sprott Scholarship Fund. If you would like to discuss tax benefits of charitable giving and charitable remainder trusts, please view our Donate page or contact the office.