We are so excited to start our 48th semester of Encore Learning classes! 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, 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 online course catalog.

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.

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.

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.

Encore Learning launched a new membership and registration portal on August 5. Our previous system was ten years old and at times frustrating and inflexible. We did a rapid implementation of a new system with exporting all of our data, testing it and launching in less than six weeks.

The good news is that most of you have successfully created your account and registered for classes or an event. Many members were registered by 10:02 AM and we have received a lot of positive feedback. That means the system works. We are appreciating new reporting functionality and automation of reminder messaging.

Two current challenges are some members not receiving the portal emails and confusion about membership renewals. We have developed additional guidance for these as well as have new resource videos.

Checkout our Member Account Help page for updated guidance.

https://encorelearning.net/help/account/#troubleshooting

For a video tutorial showing the process of renewing your membership, prior to expiration, please click here.

If your membership has already expired, you can renew using the process outlined in this video tutorial.

If you are a current member and do not see your active membership displayed, please contact staff at info@encorelearning.net so we can be sure your membership is connected to your record.

Thank you for joining on this journey of change. We are grateful for your enthusiasm to use the new portal.

Fall is in the air, and so is the excitement of learning! Encore Learning’s fall term is packed with engaging courses, and now is the time to secure your spot. Many of our courses are filling up quickly, but there are still some open slots in select classes starting in the next month. Don’t wait—register now!

One course we’d like to highlight is Fact or Fiction: Healthy Skepticism in a Data-Driven World at GMU. Join highly rated instructor Mike Stutts for this course providing foundational knowledge for navigating an increasingly AI-driven information landscape. The course’s emphasis on the scientific method and rigorous analysis provides essential foundations for understanding how information is generated, evaluated, and interpreted by AI systems. It can empower thoughtful questioning that can help learners distinguish reliable information from plausible-sounding claims.

And many more to choose from!

1067 – Songwriters Gone Too Soon: Lasting Legacies (Virtual)*

1068 – The Magic Behind Film Music, Part 1 (Virtual)*

2028 – How to Live Healthier, Happier and Longer in Retirement (GMU)

2029 – Food and Health: Why It’s Confusing, What We’re Learning Now (GMU)

3105 – Visualizing the Civil War in Arlington (GMU)

3107 – Five Points and the Making of Irish New York (Hybrid)*

4073 – Asia-US Relations: Critical Issues (Hybrid)*

4075 – Gerrymandering (Hybrid)*

4078 – Hot Topics: Northern Virginia Public Policy (Virtual)*

5085 – Revolutionary Writers and Their Rhetoric (GMU)

5088 – Shakespeare’s Comedies (GMU)

5089 – Poetry of Seamus Heaney: Making “Hope and History Rhyme”(Hybrid)*

6026 – Fact or Fiction: Healthy Skepticism in a Data-Driven World (GMU)

6041 – Generative Artificial Intelligence (Hybrid)*

6046 – Chemistry Matters: Making the Invisible Visible! (GMU)

6049 – Climate Change around the World (Virtual)*

7044 – Cross-Cultural Notions of Romantic Love (GMU)

7045 – Global Migration and US Immigration Policy (Hybrid)*

7046 – Population Trends Shaking Your World (Hybrid)*

*Course will be recorded.

Our wonderful Class Aides have been busily preparing for the Fall semester. On Friday 9/18, 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 9/22 and Wednesday 9/23, 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.

There was a great turnout of members and instructors at our Back to Campus event at Van Metre Hall on August 26.

Friends old and new socialized, checked out their classrooms, enjoyed donuts and coffee; and perhaps even won a prize by participating in our “bingo” game.

Thank you to several committee chairs and staff for making this event a success!

Photos – Top: Gail Massot and Jutta Bauman. Bottom left: Jane Nagy, Lynn Ray and Janet Auten. Bottom Right: Mildred Patterson, Marylin Marton and Mary Hynes.

October 19 – The Columbia Pike Documentary Project. Virtual presentation chronicling the ethnically diverse Columbia Pike Corridor with founder and lead photographer Lloyd Wolf.

October 30 – New Member Coffee at Van Metre Hall, GMU Arlington.

November 2 – What Kind of City Do You Want: The Optimism of the Washington Metro with Professor Zachary Schrag. In-person at GMU Van Metre Hall. Registration required.

November 16 – Ken Avis’ Music Stars, Guitars & Roadhouse Bars–Rooted in Northern Virginia. In-person at the Arlington Central Library. Registration required.

Encore Learning members enjoyed some fantastic tours recently, including a docent-led tour of historic Congressional Cemetery (above). Right: a fun group at a guided tour of President Lincoln’s Cottage.

On 9/24 a brave group overcame traffic and security challenges for an excellent tour of Grant Hall on Fort McNair. This is where the trial and execution of President Lincoln’s assassins took place. Our members were very impressed with their tour guide, Army historian Shane Makowicki. A number of attendees then proceeded to lunch at The Point after the tour.

Thank you to our Special Events Team: Jan Burchard, Janet Gilleland, Louise Kenny, Tom Kilfoyle and Tom Underwood for arranging these fantastic events!

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!

Chamber Music Club Starts Back in October

Welcome back to those of you in the Chamber Music Club and hi to those thinking of joining.

We meet every first and second Friday of the month from October through May (no concert January 1) for free, noon chamber concerts by the Friday Morning Music Club at a church steps away from Encore Learning’s GMU Arlington home.

If you’re a Chamber Music Club member, you know how wonderful the concerts are. If you’re not a member, here’s why to join.

• The musicians are top-notch, the repertoire interesting. No tickets needed. Show up and come in.
• The concerts are glorious throughout the year, but especially during the gray, cold winter months.
• Because they end at 1:00 PM, going to coffee or lunch with people you know or with new friends you meet at the performances is a bonus.

Encore Learning members who join the Chamber Music Club get a monthly email, with a brief write-up on the upcoming concerts – perhaps information about a composer or about the music itself.

The first concerts are October 2 and October 9, St. George’s Episcopal Church, 915 N. Oakland Street, adjacent to the Virginia Square Metro stop. Concerts start at noon. To join the Chamber Music Club, email info@encorelearning.net. -Rhoda Ritzenberg, Club Coordinator

Cinema Club

The Cinema Club has been busy during the summer. We average about 15 people per film—we see the selection and stay to discuss it at lunch. We’ve gathered to see such movies as Reading Lolita in Tehran and The Marching Band.

Join us on Thursday, October 22, for our next movie (to be determined when Cinema Arts Theater releases that week’s films.) We’re still scrambling a bit for lunch venues that will seat our group and take reservations, but Caroline and Dru are checking out alternate options. –Caroline Wooden and Dru Dowdy.

Mindfulness Club

The Mindfulness Club meets by Zoom most Wednesdays from Noon to 1:00 for topical discussion, a 20 minute guided meditation and some social time. (Our meeting time will be adjusted to 12:30 to 1:30 from October 7 through November 11 to accommodate an Encore Learning class schedule). The Club sends its email list a weekly reminder of the meeting along with a suggestion relating to mindfulness practice. Participation is come-as-you-can, and there is no commitment for regular participation. Participants say the meditation period anchors their week, and the topical discussion allows them to ask questions and share experiences.

You can be added to the Club’s email list by contacting the Encore Learning office. Our meetings are suitable for persons trying mindfulness practice for the first time as well as for those who are more experienced. All are welcome! – Dwight Rodgers, Club Coordinator

Nonfiction Book Club

The Encore Learning Nonfiction Book Club will meet next in the Arlington Central Library on November 9 to discuss the book, White Trash: The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America. We’ll meet in the Bluemont Room at 1:30 pm. Written by Nancy Isenberg, the book explores the long history of social class in the United States, focusing on how political and cultural elites have stigmatized poor white people for four centuries. The book challenges the American myth of a classless society by showing how an impoverished white underclass has consistently been marginalized and blamed for its condition since the colonial period. Feel free to join us. If interested in joining the book club, let the office know, and we’ll add you to the mailing list –Ed Rader and Pat Chatten, co-coordinators.

Travel Club

The September Travel Club meeting featured a presentation by Lora Pollari-Welbes on her trip on the Southern Civil Rights Trail.

On October 16, Barry and Marge Ginsberg will present their recent summer trip to Switzerland. The trip included Zurich, an 11 day escorted tour of the famous Swiss Rails and then some time in Luzern. The Ginsberg’s report that the weather was gorgeous, the Alps picturesque and the countryside beautiful. We hope you can join us!

The Encore Learning Travel Club meets once a month, usually on the 3rd Friday of the month at 3:30 PM on Zoom. To become a member of the club and receive the club announcements, send an email to the office. We hope to see you virtually on Zoom! -Charlie Hallahan, co-coordinator.

Encore Learning joined several dozen community organizations at Green Valley Day, a celebration of community, heritage, and connection. We met community leaders and members, including County Board Member J.D Spain, Arlington School Board Member Zuraya Tapia-Hadley, the head of the civic association, NAACP, etc. Many community members learned about us for the first time. Many thanks to Bill Reilly, Deb Spero, Keith Klein, and Gail Massot for volunteering, and Encore Learning staff member Francesca Chilcote for materials and set up. And a very special thank you to Jane and Tibor Nagy for organizing volunteers and tent set up/break down. It was a great event. -Susan Bornstein

Photos: Above – Francesca Chilcote and Jane Nagy. Below- Encore Learning members Susan Bornstein and Keith Klein with JD Spain, Andrew Schneider,

Zuraya Tapia-Hadley and representatives of Path Forward.

Digital Discovery Fair

Saturday, October 10, 1:00-4:00 PM. Arlington County’s Digital Equity Initiative invites everyone to join us at Central Library for this free community event to celebrate Digital Inclusion Week, a national celebration focused on expanding access to technology, internet, and digital tools. At the County’s first Digital Discovery Fair, residents of all ages and skill levels can explore emerging technology, build digital skills, connect with local resources, and receive personalized tech support, all in one place. Snacks available while supplies last! Registration is encouraged but not required.

Click on the image for complete details.

Advance Arlington: Is Arlington Prepared for a Silver Tsunami Across a Range of Services and Needs?

October 14, Hybrid Event. 6:45 PM at Lubber Run Community Center or virtual on Zoom. Click here for details and to register.

As our population ages, Arlington must evaluate whether local housing frameworks, transit corridors, healthcare networks, and county budgets are equipped for the decade ahead. Whether you’re planning your own future, supporting an aging parent, or watching how local tax dollars are spent, this demographic shift touches every household in our community.

What Remains?: The Vietnam War and Its Reckoning, curated by Cheryl Edwards, features intercultural artists who served during the Vietnam War, presenting works from public and private collections that honor memory, witness, and the lasting impact of service across generations. The exhibit runs through November 21st at Mason Exhibitions, 3601 North Fairfax Dr, Arlington. Please click on the link above for details and content advisory.

October 7 – From Sea to Space: Challenges for Energy, Trade, and National Security. 8th Annual Schar School Energy Security Event. Explore how the war with Iran underscores the vital role of maritime security, and how the growing importance of space could shape our energy future. Click on link for details and to register.

October 15 – Embassies and Entrepreneurs: A Global Community Celebration. The Carter School is bringing together embassies, small local businesses, and community members for a dynamic showcase of global cultures on the Plaza from 3:30 – 6:00 PM. Open to everyone to come together to explore global cultures, enjoy music, cultural cuisines, and connect through a shared spirit of peace and discovery.

To get updates on what is happening at Mason Square, like free music and yoga, sign-up for the mailing list here. Or visit the Mason Square website. Maybe join up with some other Encore Learning members for some fun at the square!

You all exceeded our expectations and get an A+ for being so committed to exploring new classes so that you can learn and connect with Encore Learning. We have over 1300 course registrations with 635 of the members already registered. That does mean that almost half of you are not yet registered. There is plenty of time, 38 classes have not started yet! And just like that, the

semester has already begun.

A few courses sold out instantly and we know that is difficult to understand. Some people click faster, pick the one they want and checkout in a flash. What all of these registrants did was navigate our new membership and registration portal. They created new usernames and passwords, learned how to search and save to their Wishlist, pay for a membership, register and checkout. That is really impressive.

Several users had issues (as noted above) and we have learned some things that will help us next time. We have increased tips and launched new training videos. We appreciate that our members understand that we are learning, too.

We hosted our first “Back to Campus” event and it was a delight to see so many instructors and new members get to know each other and explore campus. We’ll hold another New Member Coffee on October 30. Finding ways to make our members feel welcome and meet other members is our priority.

Although our enrollment has been strong, we still have hundreds of open class seats across our 41 courses, so we invite you to tell more friends and neighbors about the enriching opportunities we offer.

The work of dozens of volunteers make this all happen. If you are not currently volunteering for Encore Learning and want to know more about how you can become involved, please contact us. We look forward to seeing you there and continuing to build our vibrant community together!

I hope you enjoy the upcoming semester and are ready to explore, learn and connect.

~ Lora

Lora Pollari-Welbes

Executive Director

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

During July and August 2026, we welcomed the following new members, including some new instructors:

• Kristina Anderson
• Kimberly Ashworth
• Stephen Barlas
• Aileen Barr
• Betty Belanus
• Nancy Bennett
• Margaret Bethany
• Paul Branum
• Margaret Coffey
• Garry Dalby
• Richard Doyle
• Ron Edelstein
• Sue Essman
• Susan Fox
• Geoffrey Frank
• Diane Gallop
• Jeanne Gardner
• David Gearin
• David Giroux
• Julie Gordon
• Christopher Griffin
• Alex Grosz
• Patricia Hartwell
• Stephen Harvey

• Rusty Hazzard
• Corinne Hegener
• Mary Hynes
• Susan Jedrey
• Peggy Jones
• Ann Kilian
• Richard Klass
• Julie Luevano
• Maggie McElmurry
• Barbara Nyman
• Bonny O’Neil
• Janet Osborne
• Annie Oxman
• Carolyn Page
• Jeffrey Porro
• Kathleen Reeder
• Ronald Reel
• Sonia Syed Rehman
• Jay Sherwin
• Elizabeth Sywetz
• David Timko
• Jeanne Toth
• Deidre Woollard
• Mary Youman

We 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 House, Pat Dalby, Mary Davis, Patricia Doyle, Paula Jakub, Ann Kaupp, Susan Mitchell, Madelaine Morgan, Stacy Porro, and Sharon Schuler for referring friends who became members of Encore Learning!

If you’d like to bring Encore Learning to your community (residential building or neighborhood) to share information about membership, please 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.

Share on social media. When you simply like our Facebook page or share our Facebook posts and events to your social network, it’s a huge help. Forward our emails to a friend — use the link at the bottom of the email.

And please subscribe to our YouTube channel.