Spring Semester Starts

Next Week!

We are so excited to start our 47th semester of Encore Learning classes! Registration is ongoing with classes running through mid May. Check out our Courses page for the calendar view, grid view, a PDF and more.

Reminders For Spring Courses

We’re looking forward to seeing you in class, either in-person or virtually, soon! You will receive a reminder email with more information two business 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 N. Kirkwood Road. Please note parking procedures for the Van Metre Hall garage. Visit https://encorelearning.net/parking/ for details. There are nearby street parking meters as well.

Class Pages and Zoom Login Information: All Zoom login information, as well as class media, can be found on the Class Page on our website. The Class Page link and password will be shared in the course reminder email sent two business days prior to the first class session. Please make note of the class page password so you can access all class information, including virtual class Zoom links and recordings if available, at your convenience. All class sessions use the same Zoom link each week. For tips on using Zoom, see these resources.

Class Media: All course materials provided by instructors will be uploaded to the password-protected Class Page on our website. The course webpage link and password will be shared in the course reminder email sent 2-3 business days before the first class session. You will also receive notifications with the course webpage link and password anytime new materials are added. Links to all course pages are available through the Class Pages link at the top of the Encore Learning homepage. However, you will need the password provided in your course reminder email to access them.

Please note that virtual class Zoom links are always available on the Class Page on our website. Click on “Class Pages” at the top of our homepage to find your class page. You will need the password provided in your course email reminder to access the Class Page.

Some Virtual Classes may be streamed at GMU Mason Square:

We realize there are students registered for courses that may be consecutive, i.e. one is virtual and the other being in-person. Encore Learning plans to have a classroom available to view some virtual classes. The instructor and other students will all be on Zoom. Encore Learning staff can also assist you with using your own device in a location at Mason. If you would like to request a virtual viewing room at Mason, please email info@encorelearning.net.

We are recording seventeen courses. Links to recorded course sessions will be available to registered participants within two business days after each class session to view on their own time, until July 31, 2026. Click here for a list of recorded classes. Please note that the recordings are provided for convenience and to accommodate any scheduling conflicts. They are not intended to replace the benefits of attending in real time, where you can ask questions and participate in discussions. 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.

With both in-person and virtual courses being offered, we encourage you to select which format you feel is most comfortable and beneficial for you.

Help Us Open Doors at Howard University & other HBCUs

The Academic Programs Committee is seeking personal introductions to the Howard University Alumni Association and their retired faculty. If you know alumni leaders or former Howard University professors who might be interested in sharing their expertise as instructors, we’d love your help bringing Howard’s extraordinary talent to Encore Learning! And any connections to retired faculty at other Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) most appreciated! Please email susanbornstein@me.com.

Don’t miss your chance to explore, learn, connect, and grow with Encore Learning this spring. View the full line-up of inspiring courses in our online catalog, and get ready to make Spring 2026 a season of discovery!

A few upcoming classes still have space available, so check your schedule and sign up! Below are just a few of our compelling classes starting soon:

Biosecurity 101: History, Policy and Global Risks

This course introduces the history and key definitions of biosecurity, examines its real-world practice in U.S. government agencies and related careers, and explores current debates—including the Biological Weapons Convention, gene synthesis security, dual-use research of concern—culminating in a tabletop exercise on a hypothetical biological incident.

Caregiving for Dementia

This six-week virtual course (via Zoom) for current or prospective caregivers of individuals with dementia—including those caused by Parkinson’s, Lewy Body disease, Alzheimer’s, stroke, and other conditions—provides vetted resources (including from Rush Medical Center of Chicago), practical guidance on safety, responsibilities, emotional coping, and support, and interactive discussion to better equip participants to manage the challenges and stresses of caregiving.

Writing A Memoir

Based on the instructor’s book Writing A Memoir (2nd ed.), this lecture-discussion-workshop course guides students through getting started, research, storytelling, organizing, permissions, and publishing—combining practical exercises and peer critique to help aspiring memoirists begin, refine, and successfully publish their work.

Global Hot Spots

This course will examine various areas of the world in crisis and the critical foreign policy issues they present for the United States. Experts including former senior government officials and academic specialists will discuss what is at stake in these dangerous hot spots and how the U.S. is responding to them.


Please note some schedule changes:

• Science and Data and Stats – Oh My! (You can do this!) has been cancelled this semester. Those enrolled in the course will be contacted with options to transfer or a refund.
• Demystifying Islam – course time has changed and now begins at 10:00 AM Wednesdays 4/8 – 5/6. There is some space available in this course if this new time fits your schedule!
• Biosecurity 101: History, Policy and Global Risks. This class was planned for hybrid, but is now only offered as a virtual class.

Our wonderful Class Aides have been busily preparing for the Spring Semester. On Thursday 2/19, our Class Aide Committee co-chairs assembled informational folders for our in-person class aides to help set them up for a smooth start. Then on Tuesday 2/25 and Wednesday 2/26, we hosted training sessions for both our in-person and virtual class aides, making sure everyone feels confident and ready for the term ahead. Thank you to all our class aide volunteers and committee co-chairs John Metzler and Mike Stutts.

Below: Member Mirembe Nantongo gives approval to what she’s learning in the Virtual Class Aide training.

Our Special Events team is in full gear identifying and researching tours, our Monday presentations on Zoom and in-person events. The second half of January and February were busy months:

• Rails to Trails film followed by Q and A with Arlingtonian film producer Peter Harnik. (see below)

• Our tour of Octagon House sold out.

• Professor Stephen Vladeck of Georgetown University presented on the War Powers Resolution.

• We toured the Wilbur J. Cohen building with its New Deal frescos.

• We toured a special exhibit at the McLean Art Center – Photography Historical and Inspirational.

• Much appreciated Encore Learning instructor Dan Sherman presented in person his very popular Hamilton: The Man and the Musical to a sellout crowd.

New Deal Art at the Wilbur Cohen building. Photo courtesy of Nancy Kilpatrick.

The Flower Power photograph by Bernie Boston, taken during the March on the Pentagon, October 21, 1967, was discussed at the McLean Project of the Arts Photography exhibit. Photo courtesy of Tom Underwood.

The Rails to Trails event (pictured above) was rescheduled from January 26 to February 2 after weather conditions made travel difficult. Even with snow still on the ground we brought over 120 people together to view the Rails to Trails documentary and hear from author and executive producer Peter Harnik. While the film can be screened at home, clearly watching it together with peers created a positive shared experience. Many participants were new to Encore Learning and several joined after the event.

We appreciate the very positive feedback we have received for these events: One participant commented “Encore Learning at its finest” for the War Powers Resolution presentation. “Fantastic” after the tour of the Wilbur J. Cohen building. Enthusiastic applause following all of our in-person tours. A great crowd joined us at the library for Dan Sherman’s Hamilton presentation despite the weather.

What’s coming up?

• Sun. March 1, 3:00 PM – Arlington Philharmonic, concert and reception. 

• Mon. March 9, 3:00-4:30 PM – encore presentation on Zoom of Hamilton: The Man and the Musical.

• Wed. March 18, 3:00 PM virtual tour of the Cryptology Museum. 

• Mon. March 23, 6:30-7:30 PM – What Now: Retirement Panel Discussion at Arlington Central Library. Register here: https://arlingtonva.libcal.com/event/15818028

• Tues. Mar. 31, 1:00 PM tour of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) building.

Looking further down the road, we are planning to secure tickets to a Nationals baseball game and just set up a tour of Old Town North. 

These events would not happen without the ideas, follow-through, organizational skills and considerable time of our Special Events committee – Tom Underwood, Tom Kilfoyle, Jan Burchard and Nancy Kilpatrick. We are lucky that they have come forward to offer tours, often hidden gems, for our members and, for our Monday Zoom presentations timely topics presented by knowledgeable people. Thanks, Tom, Jan, Tom and Nancy.

We do have a request of you, our members. Many of our tours are popular, have limited capacity and sell out quickly. If you think there is a reasonable chance that you will not be able to attend, please do not sign up. Thank you!

-Louise Kenny, Committee Chair

Encore Learning at Feel the Heritage Festival

Deb Spero, Louise Kenny, Keith Klein and Susan Bornstein represented Encore Learning at the February 21 Feel the Heritage Festival. Held at the Charles Drew Community Center, the festival celebrated the 2026 national Black History Month theme, ‘”A Century of Black History Commemoration”. We met new potential Encore Learning members, and talked with organizations including AARP, the National Council of Negro Women, and a Black fraternity.  Photo: Keith Klein outreach at the festival. Courtesy of Susan Bornstein.

We are currently seeking volunteers for a variety of roles:

• Posting our events in public calendars (such as ArlNow, the Beacon, NextDoor, Positive Aging, etc.).
• Developing strategies to diversify our membership and ensure we are inclusive.
• Planning academic courses or Special Events.
• Class Aides for the Spring Semester.
• Joining a forming Public Relations/Marketing committee.

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

The Encore Learning Nominating Committee has been formed and is seeking nominations for certain board positions for next year. The position of IT Chair or IT Co-Chairs will be open for the next term. If you or someone you know has an IT background and would like to get more engaged with Encore Learning, please consider this opportunity.

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

Please note: Clubs are maintained by Encore Learning as a benefit to our members. If you’re not a member or have let your membership lapse, please go to our membership page for how to join or renew. Thank you!

New Club – Improv Club

Wally Christensen, Improv Club Coordinator, interviews “Cupid,” regarding his Valentine’s Day plans. “Cupid” is Steve Pillof, Improv course instructor and leader of the Improv club. Nine others were at our meeting on Feb. 13. Everyone is welcome. No experience needed. Just bring an open mind and a willingness to play and have fun. Those interested in joining the club should let the office know. Our next meeting is February 27 at GMU, Room 313, 10:00-11:30 AM. –Ed Rader

Chamber Music Club

The Chamber Music Club meets every first and second Friday of the month, at noon, 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 February concerts are on March 6 and March 13.

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

Cinema Club

The Encore Learning Cinema Club meets monthly to see a current film, usually at Cinema Arts Theater in Fairfax. Recent movies have included Oscar Nominated Live Shorts, Blue Moon, Rental Family, Roofman. We talk about the movie over lunch at a nearby restaurant, and the discussions are usually interesting and animated. The number of attendees range from 8 to about 15. Join us for a movie and a discussion over lunch nearby. Our next meeting dates are March 19 and April 22. –Caroline Wooden and Dru Dowdy

Global Lunch Club

Encore Learning’s Global Lunch Club met at Kazan’s Restaurant in McLean on Thursday, Feb. 12. The food was great and they seated us in a private room so we were able to have lively conversation while we enjoyed our shish kebabs and other Turkish foods. Next meeting will likely be on Thursday, March 19th.  Suggestions welcome for future meetings! –Jan Rothstein.

Mindfulness Club

The Mindfulness Club meets by Zoom Wednesdays at Noon for an hour of connection, discussion and meditation. The Club mailing list receives a weekly email with tips on mindfulness and meditation, and with the link to the Zoom. We welcome new members who have no experience with mindfulness practice, as well as those who have years of practice. Many of the Club’s participants find our group meditations to be a useful supplement to their solo practice.To be added to the Mindfulness Club email list, contact the Encore Learning office. –Dwight Rodgers, Club Coordinator

Nonfiction Book Club

Our next book is The Art Thief by Michael Finkel. “In this spellbinding portrait of obsession and flawed genius, Michael Finkel gives us one of the most remarkable true-crime narratives of our times, a riveting story of art, theft, love, and an insatiable hunger to possess beauty at any cost.” (from Amazon). 

We’ll discuss this book at our next meeting on March 9 in the Arlington Central library. All are welcome. Notify the office if you’re interested and we’ll add you to our mailing list – Ed Rader and Pat Chatten, co-coordinators.

Travel Club

Our February presentation was given by Iolaire and Susan McFadden on their independent trip to Norway.

The Travel Club Meeting for March 2026 will be on Friday, March 20 at the usual time of 3:30 on Zoom. It will be presented by Dick Juhnke on Bulgaria.

Dick shares this preview of the talk: Last October, my partner and I, armed with some wonderful expert advice, embarked on a two-week adventure to a country neither of us had been to or knew much of anything about: Bulgaria. From Sofia in the west to Varna on the Black Sea coast, we saw one of the oldest cities in Europe, bastions of the Roman Empire, and towns and villages which played key roles in revolts against Eastern Rome a millennium ago and the Ottoman Empire 150 years ago. Along the way we met welcoming people, ate delicious food, and parried with the Cyrillic alphabet (which, by the way, was invented by a Bulgarian!). And after hearing about Thrace in Tom Wukitsch’s courses and elsewhere, I finally learned where Thrace was — you guessed it, Bulgaria! Pictures below will be part of the upcoming presentation.

We have been asked by Arlington County to pass along the link to the County’s 2026 Resident Satisfaction Survey.

Per the county: “The Community Survey is an important opportunity for Arlington County to gather data to better understand community experiences.

The results will directly inform future planning and decision-making, helping ensure that policies and services meet the needs of the entire community.”

Survey link: https://www.research.net/r/2026ArlingtonCounty

We’re thrilled about the upcoming semester, not only because of the fantastic classes but also because of the many new members joining us. We warmly welcome a dozen recently retired federal employees who received scholarships, along with others who joined after exploring our catalog, attending the Rails to Trails event, or hearing about us from friends.

As the weather can be unpredictable, please keep an eye on your email if conditions seem uncertain. Snow is forecasted for our first week of classes, even though we optimistically call this the spring semester!

In addition to checking your emails, visit your class pages. You’ll find everything you need for your class – location, dates, links, materials and more.

Thank you for signing up for classes and telling your friends about Encore Learning. We’ve filled up so many classes and exceeded our registration goals thanks to you!

~ Lora 

Lora Pollari-Welbes

Executive Director

During January 2026, we welcomed the following 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 Goodwin Living, Arlington Neighborhood Village, Sandra Borden, James Crutchfield, Mary Kay Davis, Carol Fontein, Willa Gogata, Peter Harnik, Barbara Jones, Louise Kenny, Barbara Korman, Alan Luba, Nancy Manahan, Barbara McBride, Cathy McCormick, John  Newman, Lora Pollari-Welbes, Jill Schroeder, John Seal, David Siegrist, Anne Vor der Bruegge and Nancy White for referring friends who became members of Encore Learning! 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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