We asked Kris McLaughlin, our Special Events Committee Chair, to tell us a little about herself and her work on our behalf. Kris writes:

Kris's Long and Winding Road to Encore Learning

 

In 2010, I retired after a 35-year career in corporate communications with companies such as General Dynamics, General Electric and IBM. I did strategic communications for internal and external audiences (planning, implementing, evaluating), change management, and executive coaching.

 

The talks at the library, advertised in the  Sun Gazette, caught my attention. A friend Merle Decker, who retired a month earlier than I did, joined me at lecture after lecture. At some point I noticed a course catalog and decided to learn more about the organization.

Kris McLaughlin (left) with librarians Genelle Schuler  and Sarah Campany works on her "Maker" project during our jointly sponsored program "The Maker Movement Explained: Hands-on Demonstration of 21st Century Arts" in November 2017. Photo provided by Barbara Spangler.

I joined and took Karl van Newkirk's course: The History of Arlington. Joan Bertrand was the primary class aide, and I was secondary. She told me about committees and other internal workings in the organization.

 

Then, I spoke with Marjorie Varner. We met coincidentally at a George Mason event, and I asked about becoming involved (in addition to being a class aide). She introduced me via email to  Earle Young , who ran special events.  Helen Esserian coached me, offering much-needed guidance when I was a newbie.

 

After Earle stepped down, I agreed to chair the committee. Current members -  Andrea Vojtko, Bill Peters, Dave Tate, George Hobart, Helen Esserian, Joanne Jones, Louise Kenny, Michelle Trahan,  and  Priscilla Becker  - offer you about three or four special events each month. We coordinate with Barbara Spangler , who leads the Academic Programs Committee that offers your fall and spring courses.

 

We welcome tour venue/exhibition and library program suggestions. Your ideas help make special events happen. Please share them by emailing the office.

 

In addition to serving as the Special Events Committee Chair for Encore Learning, I volunteer for a variety of nonprofit organizations, including serving as Social Justice Media Relations advisor for Arlington's Unitarian Church; Community Relations liaison for Bowen McCauley Dance; and past president of Arlington Gay & Lesbian Alliance. I am a member of WETA's Community Advisory Council.

 

I co-chair the Arlington County Democratic Committee's kitchen crew (mission: help elect Democratic nominees to represent Arlingtonians by providing food for candidate and committee fundraisers). I have worked on campaigns for a dozen Democratic candidates in Arlington.

 

I continue my volunteer work with Encore Learning because it's fun to see people learning at library lectures and socializing on fascinating tours in our area. And our Special Events Committee members have fun while volunteering time for other members. You are welcome to join by contacting the Encore Learning office.

News and Photos

Dr. Chip Beck: Soldier, Sailor, Artist, Spy

New Tech Hobbyist Club off to a Great Start

Looking forward to her Encore Learning Presents lecture on January 14, 2019, author Elise Bean donated  her book,  Financial Exposure: Carl Levin's Senate Investigations into Finance and Tax Abuse to Arlington County Public Library. You might want to get on the hold list now.

Librarian Michelle Fernandez (L) gratefully accepts Author  Elise   Bean 's donation of her book at Arlington's Central Library. Photo courtesy Michelle Fernandez.

Exploring Earth and Space on NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Tour

Encore Learning members touring NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in November. Photo courtesy of volunteer event coordinator David Tate.

Instructor Celebrates Milestone Birthday by Teaching Course

Instructor John Barclay Burns    teaching his Jesus to God course  on the occasion of his 75th birthday .  Photo by Marilyn Marton.

Membership Committee Holiday Party

The Membership Committee gathered for their annual holiday party at Co-Chair Carol Cochran's home. Also included were President Art Gosling, former President John Sprott and Executive Director Marjorie Varner. Art offered his sincere thanks to the committee for all their work this year. Huzzah!

Anne Werner joins Pat Chatten and Priscilla Becker in admiring the holiday decor.  Photo by Marjorie Varner.

Co-Chair and Host Carol Cochran taking beverage orders as Co-Chair  Kathy LaPier waits her turn and  Ron Wise chats with John Sprott. Photo by Marjorie Varner.

John Sprott and Priscilla Becker listen as Ed Rader delivers the punch line.  Photo by Marjorie Varner.

Committee members not pictured:  Ann Wolfe ,  Margie Teed,  Marjorie Hobart,  Paula Kaufman ,  and   Ron Wise .

Staff Corner

Bring friends to our  "Encore Learning Presents" series at Arlington Central Library. These events are open to the public and a great way for prospective members to learn more about us.

Anyone can do it! When you simply like our Facebook page or share our Facebook posts and events to your social network, it's a huge help.

Announcements

Welcome New Members

In November 2018, the following new members joined Encore Learning. Please be sure to give these folks a warm welcome.

Joan Blake

Jane Comings
Anne Depenbrock
John Depenbrock
Mary Doherty
Paula Ruszkiewicz
Allan Willey
Sadi Yarti

Don't Want to Wait for the Next Edition of The Inside Scoop?

 

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 Beth Dowd: [email protected] .