Community Update (5/15/26)
National LGBT Elders Day
National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day is celebrated annually on May 16. It recognizes the trailblazing older adults in the LGBTQIA+ community who paved the way for modern civil rights, healthcare, and social acceptance.
Member Survey Coming: May 20 – June 5
ANV is participating in an important effort to strengthen the village network in Virginia. As a part of this work, we will be asking our members to participate in a survey. The online survey will be issued on Wednesday, May 20 and we are asking for your confidential response by June 5. Please keep an eye on your inbox! And thank you in advance for your help.
55+ Program Registration, May 19
Explore the Summer 55+ Guide for three months of exciting activities! There are plenty of programs to keep you active and engaged, including art classes, fitness programs, social events and more. Registration begins on Tuesday, May 19 at 12pm for Arlington County participants. Programs begin in June, but check the 55+ Guide for specific start dates.
Health Fair, May 20, 11:00am-1:00pm
Please join us to celebrate National Health & Fitness Day on Wednesday, May 20 at 11:00am – 1:00pm at the Lubber Run Community Center, 300 N. Park Drive. Mini presentations on a variety of topics and information and screenings for: Blood Pressure, Vision, Hearing, Falls Risk, Cognitive Screening, Home Care Resources, Fitness Class Demonstrations, Senior Olympics, Insurance Counseling and Assistance, Mobility Equipment and Community Services. Free parking. Everyone is welcome.
Seasonal Walk, Thursday June 18
The next seasonal walk will be at Carlin Springs Park on Thursday, June 18, at 11:00am. See details below.
ANV Picnic, June 20
ANV’s annual lunch picnic is Saturday, June 20 at the Bluemont Picnic Shelter from 11:30am – 1:30pm. Members, volunteers, family and friends are welcome. Join us to celebrate the beginning of summer with an outdoor cookout. ANV will provide beverages, hamburgers, veggie burgers, hotdogs and all the fixin’s. You are welcome to make this a pot luck and bring a dish to share. Please RSVP so we have a good count of attendees. See details below.
Save the Date, Smithsonian Tour, June 22
Save the date for a private guided tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art: Monday, June 22, at 11:00am. The one-hour tour will include objects from India, the Islamic World, Japan, China, and the famous Peacock Room. Details to come in the June 1 Community Update.
Bocce and PopUp Picnics
These two Summer time favorites have returned. See details below.
Office Closed
The ANV Office is closed for the Memorial Day Holiday on Monday, May 27.
Welcome
New Members
- Arlene Atherton
- Bernice Burton
- Dorothy Kagehiro
- Teresita Villa
New Volunteers
- D. Bernard
- Rita Grieco
- Sara Romic
- Ronald Teeter
Activities
ANV Events are posted on our online calendar at www.ANVarlington.org/events including the Zoom links for virtual events.
Coffee and Conversation on Wednesdays at 10 am
- May 20: In-person Health Fair
- May 27: Legal Basics Every Senior Should Know
- June 3: Qualified Charitable Distributions
Special Events
- Nationals Baseball Game
- Seasonal Walk
- ANV Picnic
Weekly Groups
- Tai Chi
- Bocce and Boules (It’s Back!)
- Happy Hour
- Board Games
- Bowling
- Billiards
Monthly Groups
- Men’s Lunch Bunch
- Ladies Lunch
- Crafts Group (new)
- Low Vision Group
- Pop Up Picnic (It’s Back!)
- Page Turners (Discontinued)
Educational Activities
Wellness
Also of Interest
ANV Activities
Coffee and Conversation: Wednesdays at 10 am
This ANV Speaker Series is held each Wednesday from 10:00 – 11:00am. Join our weekly conversations via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88948577106?pwd=eW0rN1RTTU5ITmJ5NnF2QXZINmdUQT09
You also have the option to dial in by phone to participate without video. For that, dial: 929-205-6099. The meeting ID is 889 4857 7106 and the passcode is 872327.
Wednesday, May 20: In Person Health Fair. Please join us to celebrate National Health & Fitness Day on Wednesday, May 20 at 11:00am – 1:00pm at the Lubber Run Community Center, 300 N. Park Drive. Mini presentations on a variety of topics and information and screenings for: Blood Pressure, Vision, Hearing, Falls Risk, Cognitive Screening, Home Care Resources, Fitness Class Demonstrations, Senior Olympics, Insurance Counseling and Assistance, Mobility Equipment and Community Services. Free parking. Everyone is welcome.
Wednesday, May 27: Legal Basics Every Senior Should Know. Navigating the legal landscape becomes increasingly important as we grow older. Having a solid grasp of the basics can make all the difference in protecting your rights, your wishes, and your peace of mind. From housing to elder law and consumer law issues, Benjamin Apt, Esq., Staff Attorney with Legal Services of Northern Virginia, will help us understand the basics so we can make confident choices that protect our independence, well being and peace of mind.
Wednesday, June 3: Qualified Charitable Distributions. Isabel Barrow, Director of Financial Planning at Edelman Financial Engines, explains how Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) work, who can use them, and how they can be a smart, tax-efficient way to give. A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a simple way for people age 70½ and older to support the organizations they value while potentially lowering their tax bill and managing required minimum distributions.
ANV’s YouTube channel
If you miss a Coffee and Conversation speaker, be sure to check out ANV’s YouTube channel where we post some of our Coffee and Conversation speakers and other special events. Sit back and enjoy!
Special Events
Take me out to the Ballgame
ANV outing to Nationals Park on May 21. Nats vs New York Mets
Twenty-four ANV’ers will enjoy a Nats game on May 21. The group will gather at 2:00pm at the ANV Office at 4000 Lorcom Lane for bus transportation. John Thomas is communicating directly with attendees on how to pay for tickets and transportation plans. Any questions, email thomas-johnr@comcast.net or Office@ANVarlington.org.
Seasonal Walk, Thursday June 18 at 11:00am
ANV’s seasonal strolls are a good way to enjoy nature in company with neighbors, family, and friends. The next stroll will be on Thursday, June 18, at 11:00am at Carlin Springs Park in South Arlington. We are taking a brief vacation from our usual walks at Teddy Roosevelt Island due to expected traffic delays there while the nearby highway bridge is being repaired. Our meeting place is at the Long Branch Nature Center, which shares a road entry with the Northern Virginia Medical Center at 611 South Carlin Springs Road. Long Branch stream flows through the woods, past two ponds full of frogs and turtles. Long Branch’s wooded stream valley is home to a diverse population of wildlife including raccoons, foxes, flying squirrels, salamanders and more. The Nature Center itself boasts an ornamental garden, as well as indoor interpretive exhibits, including reptile and amphibian terrariums. This is a rain-or-shine event–there is no rain date. Point of Contact: Allan Williams at allanwilliams@anvarlington.org
ANV’s Annual Picnic, Saturday, June 20
ANV’s annual lunch picnic is Saturday, June 20 at the Bluemont Picnic Shelter from 11:30am – 1:30pm. The Picnic Shelter is a short walk from the end of North Manchester Street where it meets 4th Street North and adjacent to the Reeves farmhouse. Members, volunteers, family and friends are welcome. Join us to celebrate the beginning of summer with an outdoor cookout. ANV will provide beverages, hamburgers, veggie burgers, hotdogs and all the fixin’s. You are welcome to make this a pot luck and bring a dish to share. For planning purposes, please RSVP to Office@ANVarlington.org or call 703-509-8057 to let us know if you plan to attend and how many people will join you. If you plan to bring a side dish, please also tell what you will bring.
How to get to Bluemont Picnic Shelter:
By car: The easiest way to get to Bluemont Park when driving is to take Route 50 heading West past Carlin Springs Road and turn right at the light at North Manchester Street. Manchester Street will dead-end into the Reeves farmhouse. Turn right into the large parking lot on the right. The picnic shelter and field are located across Four Mile Run stream. You may park your car in the lot and access the shelter via the stone step walkway and bridge. You may also drive on the causeway across the stream to drop off passengers and supplies. Cars should be parked in the parking lot.
By bus: Metrobus 25B Mark Center via Southern Towers is one option; this bus departs from Ballston Station and stops at the intersection of N. Carlin Springs Rd/N Kensington St, which is about 200 feet (on a nature trail) from the picnic shelter.
If you are an ANV Full Member, you are also welcome to request ANV Transportation. The park is alcohol-free. Bathrooms are available next to the parking lot.
Weekly Events
For more information on an event or to request transportation for an activity/event, please email Office@ANVarlington.org or call the ANV Office at 703-509-8057.
Tai Chi: Tuesdays at 9:30am
ANV Tai Chi practice meets outdoors every week, weather permitting. Meet the group in the parking lot at Museum of Contemporary Art (formerly Arlington Arts Center) at 3550 Wilson Blvd. If the forecast is too cold or wet, we will meet indoors. If you are interested in joining this practice (not instruction), please contact Anita Wallgren at awallgren@gmail.com or (202) 674-5553 to get the weekly location email.
Bocce and Boules, Mondays at 4:30pm
ANV bocce and boules is restarting after a long winter hiatus. Bocce and boules are played every Monday afternoon on the courts at the corner of N. Randolph St & N. Glebe Rd (behind the Ballston Quarter parking garage, and across from Harris Teeter). All are welcome and everyone gets to play. Contact John Thomas for more information at thomas-johnr@comcast.net.
ANV Board Games Day: Thursday, May 28 and June 11, at 2:00pm
Do you like board games? Join ANV members and volunteers for Games Day at Ballston Quarter Food Hall (lower level). Look for players at the tables near the elevators. Play games like Rummikub, Mexican Train Dominoes, Ticket to Ride, Quiddler and more. We play every other Thursday at 2pm. Parking is available in the Ballston Quarter for $1. Contact John Thomas for more information at thomas-johnr@comcast.net. If you don’t use email, please call ANV Office and request a call-back from John.
Bowling, Tuesdays, May 26 and June 9 at 3:00 pm
ANV will bowl at Bowl America in Falls Church,140 S Maple Ave, every other Tuesday at 3:00pm. Free parking. No leagues, just fun and recreation. All levels of skill and experience are welcome. Bowl one, two or as many games as you like for $5.99 per game, or choose the three-game special for a discounted price of $22, including shoe rental. Contact John Thomas at thomas-johnr@comcast.net for more information.
Billiards, Thursday, May 21 and June 4, at 11:00 am
Billiards (or “Pool”) group meets every other Thursday at Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 S. 2nd Street. ANV members and volunteers are enjoying an indoor recreational activity that is a lot of fun and easy to learn. Billiards is a fantastic social game for seniors because it keeps you moving, improves hand-eye coordination, and requires a good bit of strategy without being physically taxing. Contact John Thomas at thomas-johnr@comcast.net for more information.
Happy Hour: Thursdays, 5–7pm
Join the ANV Happy Hour Group. A trio of regular Happy Hour volunteers facilitates this popular get-together: Gary Eiserman, Linda Reck, and Roslyn Rubin. They will send the traditional weekly email on Thursday mornings to let participants know the location for that evening’s Happy Hour. For more information and/or to be added to the email distribution, contact Roslyn at roslynva@gmail.com. If you don’t use email, contact ANV Office at 703-509-8057 and request a call back from Roslyn. The Happy Hour group meets at restaurants around Arlington.
Monthly Events
Ladies Lunch, June 12 at noon
The Ladies lunch will be at Claire and Don’s Beach Shack at 300 N. Washington Street in Falls Church. Free parking is available in the adjacent garage. Please use the second garage entrance (not the one marked Whole Foods). Attendees pay for their own meals by separate check, using cash or credit card. Please RSVP to roslynva@gmail.com so we may have an accurate count. If you don’t use email, please call the ANV Office and request a call-back from Roslyn.
Men’s Lunch, May 8 at noon
Please join the Men’s Lunch at Sabores located at 2401 Columbia Pike. Sabores is a tapas bar featuring cuisine from Latin America and Spain. Free parking is available in the retail parking garage where Giant is also located – behind the restaurant. Attendees pay for their own meals by separate check, using cash or credit card. Please RSVP to Gary Eiserman at Geiserman1@verizon.net so we may have an accurate count. If you don’t use email, please call the ANV Office and request a call back.
Calling All Crafters, Monday, June 8 at 1:00 – 2:00 pm
ANV members and volunteers are invited to join our own ANV Crafts Group on the second Monday of each month in the ANV Conference room, 4000 Lorcom Lane. Whatever you are working on – needlework, knitting, coloring, mending, etc. – bring what you have and enjoy the company of others. All crafters are welcome. No need to register, just show up.
Low-vision Group, Monday, June 15, at 1:00pm
Do you experience low vision or want to learn more about it? Please join us in the conference room at the ANV Office, St. Andrew’s Church, 4000 Lorcom Lane (lower level of the church, entrance off of Military Road). Participants are invited to share conversation, exchange experiences and useful tips, discuss helpful resources, recommend presentation/ speaker topics, and brainstorm future field trips. Please bring your ideas, experiences, and thoughts to share with others who experience low vision. If needed, call the ANV Office to request transportation. For location and other information, contact facilitator (and ANV member/volunteer) Susan Wallace at susanbwallace@gmail.com.
Pop Up Picnic in the Park (PPP), May 29 at noon
Pop Up Picnics are back. PPPs are planned every last Friday of the month, weather permitting. The May PPP will be at Monroe Park, located at 1330 S. Monroe St in the Douglas Park neighborhood. This small, tree-shaded park has free street parking with two picnic tables close to the sidewalk. Plan to join us and bring your own lunch for an outdoor picnic. PPPs are a chance to enjoy fresh air and light conversation and to discover a different Arlington neighborhood park. For information, contact John Thomas at Thomas-johnr@comcast.net.
Educational Activities
Arlington Public Library Programs
The Library has curated events from the 55+ Program, Encore Learning and elsewhere to make it easy to find something that will pique your interest. There are craft programs, book clubs, and more. It’s worth 5 minutes of your time to click on the calendar of events and see what’s happening at your local branch of the library.
Wellness
A Trauma Surgeon’s Guide to Preventing Falls and Injuries
Friday, May 29, 11am-noon
Accidents—especially falls—are the leading cause of injury among older adults requiring emergency care. Join Dr. Dennis Wang, trauma surgeon and Medical Director at VHC Health, for an informative session on the most common conditions seen in trauma patients. Dr. Wang will discuss how these injuries are treated, as well as practical strategies to help prevent them. The session will also explore the important role of medication management and regular exercise in reducing the risk of injury and maintaining independence. Registration required.
Also of Interest
Aging Matters Radio and TV
Aging Matters radio is a weekly podcast, hosted by Cheryl Beversdorf, and features interviews with experts on topics impacting the lives of older adults, their care partners, and families. Every Tuesday at 3 pm, a new Aging Matters broadcast is posted on Apple, Spotify and RedCircle podcast sites. Aging Matters TV Show offers interviews with aging experts, including demonstrations of aging related subjects. Stories of Life programs feature interviews with older adults who have made a difference in their communities.
What to Watch or Read
Here are TV shows or movies recommended by ANV members and volunteers. Enjoy!
Incredibly Bright Creatures (Netflix)
Biblio+. The Arlington Library has free and unlimited access to groundbreaking film and captivating television. All you need is a library card and you can stream on any device, including the Roku stick. Visit https://biblioplus.com/
Please share your recommendations for TV shows, films, or books with us for the next issue by sending an email to Office@ANVarlington.org.
Complimentary membership in Arlington’s 55+ Program is available as an ANV membership benefit. If you haven’t yet opted-in and would like to do so, contact our Member Services Director at 703-509-8057. 55+ Program offerings are posted in the quarterly catalogue available online.
