Community Update (9/15/26)
Database System Transition; Office Closed September 25-28
We are excited to announce that we are upgrading to a new database system. The transition will take place over the weekend of September 26–27. To accommodate the scheduled data migration, our office will be closed Friday, September 25 through Monday, September 28. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we move to our new system!
All Hands Meeting, September 19
Please join us to share your feedback and to hear about the state of our village on Saturday, September 19 from 10:00am – noon. This is our annual All Hands meeting. We will gather at St. Andrew’s at 4000 Lorcom Lane. Doors to the Undercroft will open at 9:15 am for networking; we will have coffee and pastries to give you energy! Free parking on site. For those not able to join in person, we will record the presentation and share it on our YouTube channel. Please RSVP at Office@ANVarlington.org or call 703-509-8057.
Fall Prevention Fair, September 22
In partnership with the Northern Virginia Falls Prevention Alliance and Arlington County, join us for the annual Fall Prevention Fair on Tuesday, September 22 at 10:00 am – noon at the Lubber Run Community Center, 300 N. Park Drive. Parking available on site. No registration needed. See details below.
Special Author Talk on the 1924 Washington Senators, September 22
Local author and historian Gary Sarnoff recounts the uplifting story of a team that surpassed all expectations and gave Washington fans a season to remember. One hundred years later, it’s still a story that is sure to inspire all generations of baseball fans. At the Arlington Central Library Auditorium. See details below.
Pride and Care: Navigating Dementia in the LGBTQ+ Community, September 23
In this Wednesday, September 23, noon-1:00 pm webinar presentation, hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, Dawn Jefferson, Education and Support Coordinator with Insight Memory Care Center will present on navigating dementia in the LGBTQ+ community. See details below.
Thinking about applying for Arlington’s Housing Grants Program? Don’t wait.
If you’re eligible for Arlington’s Housing Grants Program, now is the time to apply. Direct applications are currently being accepted, but beginning in October, new applicants will need to join a waitlist and be selected through a lottery process. Learn what the changes mean, who may qualify, and important upcoming deadlines in this recent ARLnow article: Applying for Arlington’s Housing Grants Program? Now’s the time. Or call Arlington Housing Office at 703-228-1350.
Speak Up! Help Virginia Age Better!
The Virginia Center on Aging is conducting a needs assessment survey to inform the development of the next Virginia State Plan for Aging Services. They want to hear from us: adults age 60+, caregivers, and advocates. Your responses to this survey are completely anonymous. The survey will take approximately 15-20 minutes and is best completed all at one time. Except for a few eligibility questions, all questions are optional. The survey will be open until September 25, 2026.
Welcome
New Members
- Timothy Brown
- Sandy Oliveira
- Judith Treesberg
New Volunteers
- Arumugavel (Velu) Angusamy
- Shihui Brennan
- Julia Dimino
- Kristen George
- Maria (Laura) Sanchez Puerta
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
- September 16: Virginia Distilled
- September 23: Beware! Scams and Frauds
- September 30: Maximizing Safety in the Home
- October 7: Election Security and Administration
- October 14: MemoryBanc
Special Events
- All Hands Meeting
- Fall Prevention Fair
Weekly Groups
- Tai Chi
- Bocce and Boules
- Happy Hour
- Board Games
- Bowling
- Billiards
Monthly Groups
- Men’s Lunch Bunch
- Ladies Lunch
- Crafts Group
- Low Vision Group
- Pop Up Picnic
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, September 16: Virginia Distilled: Four Centuries of Drinking in the Old Dominion. From the first batch of “corn beere” brewed by colonist George Thorpe at Berkeley Plantation in 1620 to George Washington’s sprawling distillery at Mount Vernon, Virginia has been at the heart of America’s drinking history. But the Commonwealth’s story doesn’t end there. As one of the first states to embrace Prohibition, Virginia became a hotbed of bootlegging, moonshining, and the high-speed pursuits that would eventually evolve into NASCAR. Join award-winning food journalist, author, and chef Patrick Evans-Hylton (www.VirginiaEatsAndDrinks.com) as he explores the remarkable history of Virginia’s spirited past through his book, Virginia Distilled: Four Centuries of Drinking in Virginia. Journey across four centuries of fascinating stories about the people, places, and traditions that shaped alcohol production and consumption in the Commonwealth—from the earliest colonial brews to today’s thriving craft beverage scene.
Wednesday, September 23: Beware! Frauds and Scams. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated every day, and older adults are among their favorite targets. From phone and email schemes to text message scams and identity theft, fraudsters use increasingly convincing tactics to steal money and personal information. Join Corporal Cassandra Skelton of the Arlington County Police Department for a presentation on the latest frauds and scams affecting seniors in the Arlington area. Learn how these scams work, recognize the warning signs, and discover practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Wednesday, September 30: Aging in Place and Maximizing Safety in the Home.
Physical and Occupational Therapists are our friends! Both have the expertise to help us recover from injury, keep ourselves fit and strong, and suggest practical solutions we can implement to keep us safe at home. In this session, Jack Bal, PT, DPT, with Bal Therapy, LLC will review simple and practical changes you can make to your home to minimize the risk of falls and maximize your functional mobility. He will review not only items to place (including lighting and smart devices) but also easy-to-accomplish activities you can do on a daily basis.
Wednesday, October 7: Election Security and Administration. Confidence in our elections depends on more than preventing voter fraud; it requires ensuring that eligible voters can cast their ballots, votes are accurately counted, election systems are secure, and results are protected from interference. From voter registration and ballot security to cybersecurity, misinformation, election administration, and public understanding, elections involve a wide range of considerations. A representative from the Arlington County Office of Voter Registration & Elections will discuss the safeguards used to administer elections, the challenges election officials address, and how voters can distinguish legitimate concerns from unsupported claims about election security.
Wednesday, October 14: MemoryBanc. Many seniors worry about what will happen to them when they can no longer manage their own finances and realize that auto-pay alone is not a practical solution to cover management of their bill pay. Add to that the ongoing and ever-changing threat of frauds and scams, and being capable of managing on your own can create unneeded stress. If you don’t have a close friend or family that you can trust to help you, or don’t have a Durable Power of Attorney with someone who can help you, Daily Money Managers are one of many options that can fill this gap. Join Kay Bransford, Founder and President of MemoryBanc, as she discusses the benefits of working with a Daily Money Manager, as well as other options to ensure someone has the ability to manage your daily finances even through a temporary incapacity.
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
All Hands Meeting, September 19
Please join us to share your feedback and to hear about the state of our village on Saturday, September 19 from 10:00am – noon. This is our annual All Hands meeting. We will gather at St. Andrew’s at 4000 Lorcom Lane. Doors to the Undercroft will open at 9:15 am for networking; we will have coffee and pastries to give you energy! Free parking on site. For those not able to join in person, we will record the presentation and share it on our YouTube channel. Please RSVP at Office@ANVarlington.org or call 703-509-8057.
Fall Prevention Fair, September 22
In partnership with the Northern Virginia Falls Prevention Alliance and Arlington County, join us for the annual Fall Prevention Fair on Tuesday, September 22 at 10:00 am – noon at the Lubber Run Community Center, 300 N. Park Drive. Parking is available on site. No registration needed. Free services and expert advice on:
- Fall risk & balance assessments
- Vision & blood pressure screening
- Grip strength test
- Medication review with a pharmacist
- Home modifications
- Chat with VHC Health geriatrician and therapists
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 warm 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 5:15 pm
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). No prior bocce experience necessary, all are welcome and everyone gets to play. Contact John Thomas for more information at thomas-johnr@comcast.net.
ANV Board Games Day: Thursday, September 17 and October 1, 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, September 15 and 29 at 3:00 pm
ANV will bowl at Lucky Strike 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, September 24 and October 8, at 11:00 am
Billiards returns after a summer hiatus. We play every other Thursday at the 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
Men’s Lunch, October 9 at noon
The Men’s lunch group will be meeting for our monthly lunch at Screwtop at 1025 North Fillmore St. in Clarendon. Although it is a wine bar, Screwtop describes itself as a full-service restaurant, having an extensive menu that can be described as generally American but with Tex-Mex influences. There is free retail parking on the P1 level of the garage immediately below the Restaurant—no gates or parking tickets to validate. Street parking is quite limited and for the most part zoned. Attendees pay for their own meals by separate check, using cash or credit card. Please RSVP to Jim Springer at jamespringer@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.
Ladies Lunch, October 9 at noon
The Ladies lunch will be at the Del Ray Café at 205 East Howell Avenue in Alexandria. The Del Ray Café is an innovative local eatery that melds the best of French country cuisine and American country products. Their concept is simple: they offer French style dishes prepared using the freshest ingredients available. Parking is available in the back of the restaurant. 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.
Calling All Crafters, Monday, October 12 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, September 21, at 1:00 pm
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), September 25, at noon
The PPP will be at the Crystal City Water Park, located at 1550 Crystal Dr, and easily accessible from the Crystal City Metro Station. The Water Park has a mix of grab-and-go food stalls with tasty menu items from around the world. PPPs are a chance to enjoy fresh air and light conversation and to discover a different Arlington neighborhood park. PPPs are scheduled every last Friday of the month, weather permitting. 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.
Gary Sarnoff, “Team of Destiny: Walter Johnson, Clark Griffith, Bucky Harris, and the 1924 Washington Senators”
Tuesday, September 22, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, Central Library
Local author and historian Gary Sarnoff recounts the uplifting story of a team that surpassed all expectations and gave Washington fans a season to remember. One hundred years later, it’s still a story that is sure to inspire all generations of baseball fans. The talk is at the Arlington Central Library Auditorium at 1015 N. Quincy Street. Learn in greater detail about the players who converged to form a winning team and a winning season in 1924. Presentation to be followed by an audience Q&A. Registration recommended.
Quincy Park Guided Tree Walk, September 19
Enjoy a walk around Quincy Park with a representative from the Tree Stewards of Arlington and Alexandria to learn about the native tree species in our area. Learn about the trees in Quincy Park and why they are suited to an urban environment. The walk begins at the Central Library plaza near the tennis courts at 10:30 until 11:30. Quincy Park is located at 1021 N Quincy St.
Wellness
Pride and Care: Navigating Dementia in the LGBTQ+ Community
Wednesday, September 2, noon-1:00 pm
In this webinar presentation, hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, Dawn Jefferson, Education and Support Coordinator with Insight Memory Care Center will present on navigating dementia in the LGBTQ+ community. Caring for a partner or loved one with dementia is hard enough — doing it while navigating a healthcare system that wasn’t built with LGBTQ+ families in mind adds another layer entirely. This session creates space for LGBTQ+ care partners to share what’s real: the fear of “re-closeting” a loved one in a new care setting, the legal gray areas around chosen family, and the exhaustion of educating providers again and again. Talk through practical tools, community resources, and ways to advocate for dignity and recognition at every stage of the dementia journey. 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, movies, or books recommended by ANV members and volunteers. Enjoy!
