Welcome to  The Inside Scoop , our electronic  newsletter for  members only.

Please  enjoy this issue,  and  share your feedback  by email. We always look forward to hearing from you.

Annual Meeting Update

Our Annual Meeting was held on Monday, May 20, 2019 at Arlington Central Library. We started the meeting with socializing and light refreshments and then got down to business. After brief remarks by President Art Gosling, Treasurer John Morton gave an update on our finances.

Then Ed Rader, Chair of our Nominating Committee, announced the candidates and we elected our board by a vote of a quorum of the membership. Thanks to the Nominating Committee for their hard work.

Your Board of Directors for 2019-20 are as follows:

President - Arthur Gosling

Vice President - Thomas C. Adams

Vice President - David Rhoad

Treasurer - Kevin Connors

Secretary - Joan Carter

Academic Programs Chair - Barbara Spangler

Class Aides Co-Chair - Jere Cummins

Class Aides Co-Chair - Eileen Janas

Community Advisory Council Chair - Christine Milliken

Information Technology Co-Chair - Stephen Spangler

Information Technology Co-Chair - Martin Suydam

Membership Co-Chair - Carol Cochran

Membership Co-Chair - Kathy LaPier

Publications Co-Chair - Mildred Lawson

Publications Co-Chair - Jill Neuville

Special Events Chair - Kris McLaughlin

Volunteers Chair - Steven Shapiro

Current board and former Board members from left to right: Eileen Janas, Steve Shapiro, Marty Suydam, Chris Milliken, Jere Cummins, Kathy LaPier, Barbara Spangler, John Morton, Kevin Connors, John Sprott, Marjorie Varner, Joan Carter, David Rhoad, Millie Lawson, Art Gosling and Carol Cochran. Not Pictured: Tom Adams, Kris McLaughlin, Jill Neuville, and Steve Spangler.

Art gave a brief update on the organization, and then we saluted Marjorie Varner for her 15 years of service.

First, former President John Sprott spoke. John said, " Marjorie is seen within this community not just as the Executive Director but as a community asset, especially to all of our affiliates:  GMU, Arlington County and Arlington Public Schools, Marymount."

Then Art spoke. Art touched on Marjorie's passion for excellence, her ability to connect and form relationships that benefited the organization, her leadership in moving us into the age of technology and the way she has always put Encore Learning first in everything she has done. Art said, " If there is even a chance Marjorie can talk to someone to promote Encore Learning, she takes it!" Art presented Marjorie with a few farewell gifts from Encore Learning.

Finally, Marjorie addressed the crowd, thanking her staff, the board, and the membership for their support and guidance over the years. She closed by saying, "It's been a privilege to work for a nonprofit for 15 years - not everyone has that luxury. I'm enamored of Encore Learning's mission and wish it every success." 

The entire Encore Learning family sends Marjorie off with a fond farewell and best wishes for every success in her future endeavors. And we enjoyed some delicious cake!

News and Photos

Beginning on May 28, we switch to summer office hours and will staff the office on Tuesdays  from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. through Labor Day. Details are listed on our calendar . Please contact us ahead of time if you require a face to face meeting.  To reach us, call 703-228-2144 or send an email to info@encorelearning.net.

-- Marjorie Varner, Executive Director

Connecting Friends with Encore Learning

We're often referred to as the "best kept secret in Arlington." New members join mostly because they hear about Encore Learning from a friend.  When joining online, new members may enter a "Referred by" name. We look forward to thanking you here in the newsletter - see below.

• Volunteers are always needed. If you'd like to get more involved, please email us.

• List of upcoming Special Events

• Check our calendar for Special Events, Club meetings, and office holiday closures.

• How to use your Smart Phone to Hear Better in Class - short video by our Instructor and IT Committee Co-chair Marty Suydam

Donations are Always Welcome

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  or to our  Arlington Youth Scholarship .

Review of Encore Financial Policies and Procedures

Bernard M. Gordon, a certified Public Accountant and Consultant, was engaged to review our existing financial policies and procedures. Mr. Gordon found that the process for preparing Encore Learning's annual budget is sound. He made some recommendations to strengthen the budget process and other financial controls, as well as how to manage some compliance details. Mr. Gordon submitted a written report of his findings in February and discussed his recommendations with the Executive Committee of the Board in March. We are taking steps to implement most of Mr. Gordon's recommendations.