Community Update (11/1/24)
RSVP for ANV’s Thanksgiving Celebration Dinner
Friday, November 22, 5:00-7:00pm
ANV members, volunteers and supporters are invited to join us for our Thanksgiving celebration dinner on Friday, November 22, at 5:00pm at St. Andrew’s, 4000 Lorcom Lane. The meal will be catered but we welcome your sharing your favorite appetizer or dessert item. Dinner will be at 5pm; doors open at 4:00pm so please join us early to enjoy good cheer and thanksgiving wishes. Please register by calling the ANV office at 703-509-8057 or email office@ANVarlington.org. Details below.
Early Voting
Early Voting for the November 5 Presidential and General Election is available now. And you certainly can vote in person on November 5! All Arlington voters are eligible to vote early; locations and days/times are available at this website. Registered voters only need to bring an acceptable ID.
2024 ANV Recipe Book
If you have a favorite dessert recipe, please share it with NoelDurman@ANVarlington.org by November 20. Noel is putting together another ANV Recipe Book focused on winter holiday favorites, following on the heels of our very successful 2024 Desserts Cookbook. All types of recipes are welcome. We plan to create a printed version that we can share with attendees at the St. Mary’s Advent Market on December 8 and at ANV’s Holiday celebration on December 13.
ANV Office Closed
The ANV Office will be closed on Monday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day.
New Monthly Group on Low Vision
See information below on ANV’s newest special interest group: Low Vision.
Medicare Open Enrollment Season
Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7. Take some time to ensure that your Medicare Prescription Drug coverage is right for you. Your needs change and plan offerings change each year so it is important to do an annual “checkup.” Arlington offers free Medicare counseling from well-trained volunteers through VICAP (Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program). Learn how to use the Medicare Plan finder and other tools to maximize savings. Please sign up by visiting this website, emailing Medicarehelp@arlingtonva.us or calling 703-228-1725.
Welcome
New Members
- Alexandra Avakian
- Melissa Ennis
New Volunteers
- Sonya Alekseyer
- Emily Chiang
- Kent Kiser
- Jody Moses
- Jill Schroeder
- Marcela Siegrist (CAP)
Activities
ANV Events are posted on our online calendar at www.ANVarlington.org/events so you can always easily find the Zoom link for any scheduled event.
Coffee and Conversation on Wednesdays at 10 am
- November 6: Nazis on the Potomac
- November 13: Central Union Mission, NOVA
- November 20: Tax Savings Strategies
- November 27: Aging Matters Podcast and TV
Special Events
Weekly Groups
- Tai Chi
- Bocce and Boules
- Happy Hour
- Board Games
Monthly Groups
- Men’s Lunch Bunch
- Ladies Lunch
- Low Vision Group
- Pop Up Picnic
- Page Turners
Educational Activities
Wellness
Village Voices
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, November 6: Nazis on the Potomac. During WWII, the U.S. military established a complex in Fort Hunt, Virginia to collect vital information from the highest-level Nazi prisoners through interrogation and eavesdropping. Many of the U.S. servicemen responsible for this intelligence-gathering were Jews who had escaped Nazi Germany, and their background enabled them to develop and deploy a variety of tricks to gain information without use of corporal punishment. Author Robert K. Sutton, former chief historian of the National Park Service will discuss the fascinating story behind this facility and his book “Nazis on the Potomac.”
Wednesday, November 13: Central Union Mission: NOVA. After more than 140 years of serving people in need in the District of Columbia and Maryland, Central Union Mission has expanded into Northern Virginia. Working in collaboration with other ministries in the area, Central Union Mission will provide a wide range of services to those in need. Joe Mettimano, Mission President & CEO will talk to us about Central Union Mission and the services offered at their new location at Greenbrier Baptist Church in South Arlington.
Wednesday, November 20: Tax Savings Strategies. There is no doubt that tax season is one of the most stressful times of the year. Tax forms are complicated, time consuming, and the end result is often an unexpected tax bill. Isabel Barrow, Director of Financial Planning at Edelman Financial Engines will discuss tax savings strategies that you can implement now to minimize your tax bill including required minimum distributions, qualified charitable distributions, loss harvesting, benefits of municipal bonds and the additional standard deduction for seniors.
Wednesday, November 27: Aging Matters Podcast & TV. Launched in 2017, Aging Matters features interviews with individuals with expertise about a broad array of aging related topics. The program’s focus is to educate listeners and viewers and raise awareness about aging related issues that impact older adults, their care partners, and families. Producer and Aging Matters host Cheryl Beversdorf will offer an overview of how program topics are selected, guests are identified, and shows are produced. She will also provide a brief segment of a recent podcast and clip of a TV episode.
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
THANKSGIVING Celebration
Friday, November 22 at 5:00 – 7:00pm
How does a year go by so quickly? ANV Members, Volunteers and Supporters are invited to join us to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday on Friday, November 22 at 5:00pm at St. Andrew’s at 4000 Lorcom Lane. The meal will be catered, a traditional Thanksgiving feast. We welcome your bringing an appetizer or dessert item to share.
Doors will open at 4:00pm and dinner will be at 5:00pm; join us early to enjoy good cheer and thanksgiving wishes.
Call the ANV office to register at 703-509-8057 or email office@ANVarlington.org to let us know if you plan to attend and if you are bringing a dessert or appetizer. If you need a ride, let the Office know. Our celebration will be held in St Andrews’ Undercroft, which is wheelchair-accessible (ramp from the driveway, and restrooms on the same level).
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 4pm (note the new start time)
Join weekly Bocce and Boules on Monday afternoons; games last approximately one hour. Bocce is played every Monday, weather permitting, at the courts on the corner of N. Randolph St. & N. Glebe Road, across from Harris Teeter. Parking is available in the Ballston Quarter parking garage for $1. All levels of Bocce skills are welcome. Everyone gets to play. Bocce-Pizza Happy Hour at Harris Teeter (every 3rd Monday of the month) is November 18. On these days, players enjoy a refresher and time to socialize after the games.
The end of the outdoor bocce season is nearing. We will play until it gets too cold and/or the start time is too early due to darkness (daylight saving time ends on November 3). 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.
ANV Board Games Day, Thursday, November 14 at 2pm
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. Please note: no Board Games on Thursday November 28.
Happy Hour: Thursdays, 5–7pm
Join the ANV Happy Hour Group. The Happy Hour Group will try locations in the Ballston area. For more information and to know the weekly plan, contact Mike Murtha, Happy Hour Coordinator at dmmurtha@verizon.net. Mike will add you to his email list and let you know the weekly location on Thursday morning. If you don’t use email, please call ANV Office and request a call-back from Mike.
Monthly Events
Men’s Lunch, Friday November 8 at noon
Please join the Men’s Lunch at Ireland’s Four Courts, 2051 Wilson Blvd. The menu offers world class Irish food and drinks. Parking is available on the street or in the AMC theater parking lot; also convenient to the Courthouse Station Metro stop. Attendees pay for their own meals by separate check, using cash or credit card. Please RSVP to Tim Burns at tfxb23@yahoo.com so we may have an accurate count. If you don’t use email, please call ANV Office and request a call-back from Tim.
Ladies Lunch, Friday November 8 at noon
The women’s lunch group will meet at Texas Jack’s, 2761 Washington Blvd. Touted as the best BBQ in the DMV, with a warm atmosphere, friendly staff, and extensive lunch options. Parking is available in a small parking lot next to 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.
Low-vision Group: Monday, November 18 at 3 pm
Do you experience low vision or want to learn more about it? Join us on Monday, November 18 at 3:00 pm, in the conference room at the ANV Office (St. Andrew’s Church, 4000 Lorcom Lane). 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. Coffee and snacks will be served. If you need a ride, please call the ANV Office to place your request. To learn more, contact facilitator (and ANV member/volunteer) Susan Wallace at susanbwallace@gmail.com or 703-241-8686.
Page Turners, Holiday Hiatus
Page Turners will take a holiday hiatus in November and December due to the timing of the holidays. Please join us again in January to share a book that you have read, and you think would be interesting for other people to read. It can be something you are reading now, or a book you enjoyed in the past. Meet up with your fellow bibliophiles, share opinions, and learn about new books to add to your reading list. See the recent list of recommended books below.
Pop Up Picnic in the Park (PPP) November 29 at noon
Our November PPP will be held at Oakland Park, 3705 Wilson Blvd, near the Virginia Square Metro Station. This park has tables and chairs with metered parking within 20 feet of picnic areas. This is an opportunity for ANV members and volunteers to meet for casual conversation, get fresh air, and discover a new neighborhood park in Arlington. Just bring your lunch and something to drink. No need to RSVP. For more information, contact John Thomas at Thomas-johnr@comcast.net. If you don’t use email, please call ANV Office and request a call-back from John.
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
Vaccines and Covid-19 test
Please be alert to the need to get your vaccines; talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
Pelvic Fitness Workshop
This VHC Workshop will include education, as well as functional exercises to train the pelvic floor for strength, endurance, coordination and relaxation. Led by a VHC Health physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor. For all ages/genders:
- Tuesdays, 6:00-7:00 PM at VHC Health, Zone C, Classroom 1
- 2-week workshop meets 11/12 & 11/19
To register please visit: www.vhchealth.org/healthy or call the Health Promotion Department at 703-558-6740.
The Balance of Caregiving: Building Resilience through Self-Care
Friday, November 22, 11:00am – noon (VHC webinar)
Join Dementia Education and Outreach Coordinator Sydney Palinkas, LMSW, CDP for a discussion on self-care for caregivers. Sydney will discuss strategies that are beyond superficial self-care. She will move away from the myth that self-care is about “treating yourself.” Instead, Sydney will discuss developing a toolbox to allow individuals to stay resilient in the face of challenges. Please register via this link, or call Senior Health at 703-558-6859
Village Voices
Village Voices is a place for ANV members and volunteers to share a poem, a favorite quote, a recipe, a restaurant or movie review, a joke, or a riddle. Submissions are welcome at any time by sending an email to Office@ANVarlington.org.
Riddle 1: 8549176320 is a large number and unique for two reasons. First, it presents all numerical digits from 0 to 9 without repeating; what is the other reason?
Riddle 2: If one and a half boys can eat one and a half hamburgers in one and a half minutes, how many hamburgers can six boys eat in six minutes?
Answers in the next Community Update.
Also of Interest
Aging Matters Radio and TV
Aging Matters radio is a weekly program, 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 and Spotify 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.
Free Classical Music – FMMC
The Friday Morning Music Club (FMMC) invites everyone to live classical music concerts the first and second Fridays of the month at Saint George’s Church, 915 N. Oakland St., one block from Virginia Square Metro Station. You can see the musical program here. The one-hour concerts start at noon. Free, no ticket required.
Page Turners Book List
The Situation Room: The Inside Story of Presidents in Crisis by Geo. Stephanopoulos
Any Lifetime by Marc Guggenheim
North Woods by Daniel Mason
The Overstory by Richard Powers
The Saints of Swallow Hill: A Depression Era History by Donna Everhart
Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray
The Best American Short Stories 2024 by Lauren Groff
1/22/63 by Stephen King
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.
ANV Events are posted on our online calendar so you can always easily find the Zoom link for any scheduled event.