You can still sign up for classes!

Our 44th semester is going strong, but there are still several classes with availability that have not begun yet. Registration is ongoing with classes running through mid December. Check out our Courses page for the calendar view, grid view, a PDF and more.

Reminders For Fall Courses

We’re looking forward to seeing you in class, either in-person or virtually! You will receive a reminder email with more information two days before your class begins, but in the meantime, here are a few tips and reminders to help you prepare:

In-Person Course Locations: All class locations, including room numbers, can be found in the course description. All courses at GMU will be held in Van Metre Hall at the Mason Square Campus in Arlington. Paid parking is available in an attached garage accessed off of Kirkwood Boulevard. Parking for two hours is $9.00. There are nearby parking meters as well.

Zoom Login Information for Virtual Courses: All Zoom login information has been uploaded to your member account and can be found in your class media and your course webpage. You will use the same login information for all class sessions, so we recommend saving the login information to your desktop. For tips on using Zoom, see these resources.

Know that for most classes they are Zoom meetings and you may choose to view the class with ‘Speaker View’ or ‘Gallery View’. Most classes work best with Speaker View and you can then also decide whether to have the shared screen or the speaker larger by dragging the vertical bar between the screens.

Class Media: We have a new Class Media portal for sharing course materials. Starting this term, each course has its own password-protected webpage. You can go to our website courses page to access your class media.

We record some select courses. Links to recorded course sessions will be available to registered participants within two business days after each class session. Registered participants will have access to the recordings, to view on their own time, until February 28, 2025. Click here for a list of recorded classes. You must be registered for the course to have access to the recording.

Inclement Weather and Other Policies: Please see this link for more information.

Name Tags: A big thank you to Dick Juhnke who is processing our name tag requests. Please wear your name tag if you have one or email us at info@encorelearning.net if you need one. Dick usually drops name tags at our office once a week so we can bring them to class.

Still trying to decide which courses to take? Consider these compelling options which begin in November and still have space available!

Science and Data and Stats — Oh My! (You can do this!)

This course empowers participants to confidently engage with and critically assess scientific and data-driven studies. Led by a retired clinical psychologist, it covers the scientific method, basic statistics, data analysis, and the pitfalls of flawed scientific practices. By the end, participants will be more informed consumers of data and equipped with a healthy skepticism essential for scientific inquiry. (In-Person, Begins 11/6)

Oracle of Omaha: The Life, Learning and Legacy of Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett, known as the “Oracle of Omaha,” is celebrated as one of the most successful long-term investors, renowned for his down-to-earth wisdom. In this four-session course led by an instructor who knew Buffett in his youth, participants will explore his life, career, and ideas through lectures, videos, and discussions based on “The Essays of Warren Buffett.” The course will also examine Buffett’s philanthropic views and his significant charitable contributions.(Virtual, Begins 11/7)

Shakespeare’s King Henry IV, Part 1

Shakespeare’s exploration of power in “Henry IV” centers on Henry Bolingbroke’s deposition of Richard II and his complex relationship with his son, Prince Hal. The play highlights the struggles of Henry’s rule and features memorable characters like Falstaff. Participants will analyze the play and various productions to showcase different interpretations of its historical themes. (Virtual, Begins 11/12)

Celebrating Vocal Harmony Groups

Join us for a multimedia celebration of vocal harmony featuring duos, trios, and groups across genres like Big Band, Jazz, Rock, and Motown. Discover the stories behind over 75 tracks from 60 iconic groups, including The Andrew Sisters, The Beach Boys, and Simon & Garfunkel, while enjoying their timeless music. (Virtual, Begins 11/6)

Encore Learning Presents

We’ve had some wonderful recent Encore Learning Presents. If you missed the Attack on Public Education or Watergate’s Unexpected Hero, you can find these on our YouTube channel.

On September 30, Rob Boston discussed the role public education plays in buttressing a democratic society, outlined current threats to public schools and talked about ways we can support and improve them.

On October 21, Author Dr. Lawrence Spinelli discussed his book on the life of Peter Rodino, Jr.

Member Tour of Suchitra Mattai Exhibit

Several members met at the National Museum of Women in the Arts to view the exhibit on display of the textiles, found objects, beads, and more, of multidisciplinary artist Suchitra Mattai. The docent led tour for the small group allowed for deeper reflection and appreciation of the artist’s work. It’s on display until January 12.

Check their calendar for events and free community days.

https://nmwa.org/whats-on/calendar/

For more about the exhibit:

https://nmwa.org/exhibitions/suchitra-mattai-myth-from-matter/

Thank you to tour organizer Jan Burchard for making the arrangements for the tour.

Upcoming Events

On November 18, Suzette Walker will discuss her experience surviving hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. Join us for a conversation with Suzette about her experiences discussed in her book A Katrina Story. Join us on November 18th at 3:00 PM, details here:

https://encorelearning.asapconnected.com/#CourseID=305766

Thank you to all who attend our Encore Learning Presents events and to those who provide feedback.

Sunday Reception and Concert with the Arlington Philharmonic

As part of its community engagement, the Arlington Philharmonic is partnering with Encore Learning to host a free, in-person concert on Sunday, November 24, at 4:00 PM at Washington-Liberty High School. Encore Learning invites you to attend a pre-concert reception beginning at 3:00 PM, where you can join us in supporting local arts and mingle with fellow lifelong learners and music appreciators. The program includes pieces by Richard Strauss, Jean Sibelius, and Antonín Dvořák. We ask that you register for this event so we know how many to expect. We hope to see you there!

We are currently seeking volunteers for a variety of roles:

• Developing strategies to diversify our membership and ensure we are inclusive
• Planning academic courses or Special Events
• Joining a newly forming Public Relations/Marketing committee
• Be a photographer for your class or event

If any of these opportunities are of interest to you, please visit our Volunteer page or send an email to info@encorelearning.net.

Please email the Encore Learning office if you are interested in joining any of our clubs or would like more information. You can also visit our Clubs page on our website for details about our clubs.

Chamber Music Club

The Chamber Music Club meets every first and second Friday of the month, from October through May, to hear chamber concerts sponsored by the Friday Morning Music Club, a venerable institution dating to 1886.

The musicians are superb and the programming, diverse and interesting.

The 1-hour concerts start at noon, making lunch or coffee with other Encore Learning members afterwards attractive. The November concerts are on November 1 and 8.

The venue is St. George’s Episcopal Church, 915 N. Oakland St., adjacent to the Virginia Square Metro station. For those who drive, the church has a small parking lot. On-street parking is available as well. Please contact the office if you wish to join.

– Rhoda Ritzenberg, Coordinator

Cinema Club

The Encore Learning Cinema Club has been busy, seeing movies such as My Penguin Friend, Tokya Cowboy, and The Outrun at the Cinema Arts Theater in Fairfax. Groups average 14 people, but August’s movie, My Penguin Friend, saw 20 of us gathered! The next meeting is planned for November 7.

-Caroline Wooden, co-Coordinator

Global Lunch Club

The reestablished Global Lunch Club will meet for the first time on Thursday, November 7 at Dhoom Restaurant in Tysons for an Indian buffet. Future lunches will be scheduled approximately monthly. We hope to try out new restaurants and enjoy lively conversation. We are aiming to keep to 20 or so people per lunch. Suggestions of places to meet are always welcome.

-Jan Rothstein, Coordinator

New Club – Electric Vehicle

The EV Club had it first, well-attended meeting in October. The club is aimed at owners of EVs and PHEVs and those thinking about purchasing one.

The next meeting will be on November 7 at 10:00 AM. We will have a short presentation on “The Four Types of Electrified Vehicles” and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Following, we will have a general discussion of electrified vehicles. The club meets virtually on Zoom.

To join the club contact Barry Ginsberg at btg100@gmail.com.

Kayak Club

The Kayak Club went on it’s final outing for 2024 last week, and although the weather is still beautiful Fletcher’s Boathouse is closing as well for the season. We had a wonderful six months of paddling on the Potomac. Each week, although we usually take the same route, we always see something different. Lots of cormorants, great blue herons, turtles and some of us even saw an eagle soaring. It’s great to be on the water early in the season when there are baby Canada Geese and other young water fowl.  The best part of paddling on the Potomac, which is only about a half hour drive for most of us, is the feeling that you have left the city and are experiencing Mother Nature at her best.

If you are a member of the club, but haven’t been out with us yet, please try and join us on the water in 2025. – Janice Yeadon and Diana Warmann

Travel Club

The Travel Club will have its November meeting on Friday, November 15 at 3:30 PM on Zoom. Marty Suydam will lead a discussion on the the topic of Travel Insurance. Before the meeting, Marty will be requesting that any club members with either a good or bad experience with travel insurance let him know via email. Details to follow. Anyone interested in getting on the travel club email list should send an email to info@encorelearning.net. We hope to see you virtually on Zoom! -Charlie Hallahan, co-Coordinator

Mindfulness Club

Almost every Wednesday of the year, at Noon, the Encore Learning Mindfulness Club meets for discussion, about 20 minutes of guided meditation, and general sociability. Participants come as schedules allow or as the need for a quiet or contemplative period arises. The meditation period is not exotic; we generally take about 10 minutes to get centered in the moment, and the rest of the meditation period exploring what arises in the insight tradition. We often discuss resources (online, published, in person) which are available, usually at minimal expense.

If you wish to be added to our email group which gives meeting access information, please contact the Encore Learning office.

-Dwight Rodgers, Coordinator

Nonfiction Book Club

The Encore Learning Nonfiction Book Club will meet next on November 12 at 1:30 PM in the Arlington Central library. Club members have chosen to read and discuss the following book: Empress of the Nile: The Daredevil Archaeologist Who Saved Egypt’s Ancient Temples from Destruction by Lynne Olson. The book tells the remarkable story of the intrepid French archaeologist, Christiane Desroches-Noblecourt, who led the international effort to save ancient Egyptian temples from the floodwaters of the Aswan Dam. Without her efforts, a dozen temples, including the Temple of Dendur, now at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, would currently be at the bottom of a vast reservoir. The meeting is open to all Encore Learning members. If you’re interested in joining the book club, tell the office, and we’ll add your name to the mailing list. (Note: the meeting is being held on a Tuesday, because the second Monday of the month, November 11, when we would typically meet, is a holiday.) – Ed Rader, Co-coordinator

Tech Hobbyist Club

On October 14, Linda Shapiro gave an excellent presentation on her personal hacks for the best performance of computers and cell phones. If you would like a PDF of the presentation, send Barry Ginsberg an email at btg100@gmail.com.

On November 11 at 10:00 AM, Olivier Massot will give next months tech presentation on “Digital Art”.

The link to join the meeting is:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87045265665?pwd=RDVCcjJMeFNYb1V2bkRrMVVKZHdaZz09

Meeting ID: 870 4526 5665 Passcode: tech

Lots of fun Fall activities are planned on the Plaza at Mason Square. Go to https://ularlington.gmu.edu/plaza/ for details about Fall programming. Events are free and open to the public.

With the year-end approaching, some of you may be doing some tax planning and there are three ways to support Encore Learning and your other favorite charities while lowering your tax liability.

1. Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA makes your donation 100% tax deductible even if you don’t itemize.
2. Appreciated securities (eg. stocks) will avoid paying capital gains tax and also increase your itemizable deductions
3. A grant from your donor-advised fund which has been funded from appreciated assets.

For more details, please visit this page for helpful info about end-of-year giving. You can bookmark it for later too!

The best thing about Encore Learning is our members! Give a friend an Encore Learning “gift membership” this holiday season. That would be a warm, Encore Learning welcome for the coming year. 

Checkout our webpage for details:

https://encorelearning.net/membership/gifts/

In addition to giving a membership you can gift a class to an Encore Learning member. Contact the office to pre-purchase a credit to their account and that will be applied to their course registration.

Alternatively, if you know someone now who seems interested in joining or know someone recently retiring, take a moment to explain to them what you find rewarding about Encore Learning. Then, let them know how to join. Joining is easy; all they have to do is visit our website and click on “join.” If they have questions about the process, they can email the staff at info@encorelearning.net.

Memberships are tax deductible as a charitable contribution.

October launched Encore Learning’s 44th semester. Five years ago I would not have known the hundreds of wonderful people I would meet and the dozens of classes that would be offered during the half of a decade.

What is special about this October is the surprise of finding a student who was virtual come to the classroom for a hybrid class. So it was that I found myself chatting with Pat Chatten who is taking a class on planning for and understanding the Encore Years. The fact that a 91 year old is coming to class to learn about planning and understanding the Encore Years is worthy of appreciation. The desire to keep learning, follow passions and follow curiosity is so amazing. Pat being able to participate from home but also able to come join the in-person class is wonderful and something we are offering for all eight of our hybrid classes.

These hybrid classes are a gift in many ways but also have challenges. We have to ensure: the video is pleasing, (not too zoomed in or zoomed out); the remote students can be heard when the moment is right; the Class Aide can get their device connected to WiFi and stay powered up for the class; and the Class Aide can monitor the virtual students and enjoy the class. So, its no small effort but a great team effort and worthwhile to bring this opportunity to our members.

We look forward to seeing you online or in the classroom.

~ Lora 

Lora Pollari-Welbes

Executive Director

Important Date Reminders

There are no classes and the office is closed on the following dates:

• Tuesday, November 5 for Election Day.
• Monday, November 11 in honor of Veterans Day.
• November 27 – 29 for Thanksgiving break.
• December 20 – January 3 for holiday break.

Please note that our regular office hours are 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. If you reach us after 2:00 PM, you may not receive a response until the next business day.

During September 2024, we welcomed the following new members:

Spread the word and please refer friends and family to 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.

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 or to the Arthur W. Gosling Youth Scholarship Fund. If you wish to designate a charitable gift in someone’s honor or memory, please email us indicating how the gift should be recognized. If you would like to discuss tax benefits of charitable giving and charitable remainder trusts, please view our Donate page or contact the office.

We hope you enjoyed this edition of The Inside Scoop. If you would like to submit an article or share some photos of members participating in Encore Learning activities, please email us at info@encorelearning.net.

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