Community Update (1/1/25)
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
It’s been an exciting year at ANV. We celebrated 10 years since we first opened our doors and are looking forward to the coming 10 years and all that we can accomplish together. Thank you to all of our supporters who donated their time, talent, expertise and financial support to ANV. Our fall fundraising campaign exceeded our expectations, with gifts from individuals exceeding $64,000; we are so grateful for your support. As we look at our accomplishments in 2024, preliminary results show that we filled more than 4,200 requests and our volunteers drove more than 45,000 miles!
We hope that the New Year brings good health and peace to us all.
Thank You – Eyeglasses, Calendar and Pill Bottle donations
Our second annual holiday donation drive for Lions Club, Culpepper Garden and AWLA’s Pet Pharmacy was a great success! At our Holiday Lunch in December, ANV members, volunteers and other guests donated 31 pair of eyeglasses, 40 calendars and 85 empty pill bottles. We continue to collect these items throughout the year; you are welcome to drop them off at ANV Office any weekday between 10 am and 3 pm. Note that pill bottles must be empty and the outer surface clean/not sticky; if the label doesn’t peel off smoothly, please leave it adhered and black-out the personal information.
MLK Day
The ANV office will be closed on Monday, January 20 for the MLK Day holiday.
MLK Day of Service, Saturday, January 18
We are proud to partner with Volunteer Arlington for the 2025 MLK Day of Service on Saturday, January 18. This day of service helps strengthen and empower our community through hands-on volunteer opportunities; you can learn more and register to participate in the event at www.volunteerarlington.org/mlk. ANV will be doing a service project at 10:00am. If you would like to help with ANV’s service project that day, please contact Cindy.
MLK Day Tribute, January 19
The annual tribute to the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will take place on Sunday, January 19 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. at Wakefield High School. This year’s theme is Dreams, Faith, and Justice in Action, and will feature spoken word, music and movement to inspire and activate the community to embrace the Reverend Dr. King’s legacy of social justice, unity and equality. Learn more and RSVP
How to Write an Ethical Will, Thursday, January 16
Join us for a special presentation hosted by At Home in Alexandria. Chris Palmer will describe an ethical will (or legacy letter) that allows us to pass on our values, stories, and life lessons to our loved ones. See below for details.
Welcome
New Members
- Cindy Chiappa
- Mary Hays
New Volunteers
- Jane Baber
- Jennifer Owen
- Allie Farris
- Harman Martin
In Memoriam
We fondly remember Soumboun Thacher. Please hold her in your thoughts and prayers.
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
- January 1: Holiday Hiatus – Happy New Year!
- January 8: Arlington 55+ Program
- January 15: CarePatrol
- January 22: Art Against Ageism
- January 29: Acupuncture
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, January 1: No Coffee and Conversation on January 1. See you in 2025 as we look forward to another year of phenomenal guest speakers. Thanks to our Coffee and Conversation team for all the hard work that they do to present these events to our community (in alphabetical order): Cheryl Beversdorf, Mary Cusick, Gary Eisenberg, Carolyn Johnson, Liz Milner, Andrea Pendelton, Michael Raizen, and Christine Sutton and the Health and Wellness committee members.
Wednesday, January 8: Arlington 55+ Programs. It’s that time of year again! When we all make resolutions to get in shape, eat healthy, improve our minds and get control of our finances. And Arlington’s 55+ Programs will help us do just that. A representative from the Arlington County Parks and Recreation Department will talk to us about what’s new with the 55+ program, and provide an overview of current and upcoming classes.
Wednesday, January 15: CarePatrol. As we age it’s often difficult to know when it’s the right time to make changes in our living situations and what those changes should be. Too often we wind up needing to make changes as a result of a medical emergency. Robin Edwards, CSA, President of CarePatrol, will talk about the benefits and drawbacks of in-home services and care, independent living, assisted living, and memory care, as well as when we should consider making changes to ensure we keep living our best lives.
Wednesday, January 22: Art Against Ageism. Stereotypes about people over 60 abound in the media. In ads for anti-aging creams, to hearing aids, to reverse mortgages we are often portrayed as undesirable, unintelligent and irresponsible. These misconceptions are hurtful and damaging to almost everyone. Meg LaPorte and Jordan Evans, founders of Art Against Ageism will introduce us to their organization and their alliance of artists and activists committed to identifying, amplifying, and creating artistic endeavors that confront and address damaging stereotypes about art and aging.
Wednesday, January 29: Acupuncture is an ancient system of healthcare that has evolved over thousands of years to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. Older adults may consider using acupuncture for certain health conditions along with those recommended by their primary healthcare provider. Damon Iacovelli, MAcOM LAc, Acupuncturist and Herbalist, Alleva Acupuncture will talk about acupuncture therapy, how it affects the body, health conditions treated, and the therapy session experience.
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
How to Write an Ethical Will with Chris Palmer
Thursday, January 16, 10-11am, via Zoom
Many of us want to share what we’ve learned and what we hold dear with future generations. An ethical will (or legacy letter) allows us to pass on our values, stories, and life lessons to our loved ones. It’s a way to express our love and gratitude to those who will carry on after us. Chris Palmer, author of the new book Achieving a Good Death: A Practical Guide to the End of Life and a board member of the Bethesda Metro Area Village, will lead a workshop on writing an ethical will. This process is deeply rewarding, allowing you to preserve your memory and legacy. Your loved ones will find inspiration, comfort, and guidance in these documents, gaining a deeper understanding of who you are. Ethical wills are cherished ways to pass on your hopes and the personal insights you want future generations to know. Registration required: Please email aha@athomeinalexandria.org or call the AHA office at 703-231-0824 to register. AHA will send you the Zoom link.
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. Thank you to Anita Wallgren and David Christian for organizing this long-running ANV interest group. 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, December Hiatus
Outdoor bocce & boules will be on hiatus for the month of December. Indoor bocce at Pinstripes in Georgetown will start in January (date TBD). Details will be forthcoming in the January 15 Community Update. Special thanks to John Thomas and the many ANV members, volunteers and friends who came out to enjoy bocce & boules all spring, summer, and fall, including the popular monthly Bocce & $5 Pizza Happy Hour at Harris Teeter. 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: January 9 and January 23
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 December 26.
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, January 10 at noon
Please join the Men’s Lunch at Tupelo Honey, 1616 North Troy St. at the corner of Wilson Boulevard. Metered parking is available and there is also nearby garage parking. Tupelo Honey offers a wide variety of southern-inspired dishes including their famous fried chicken, chicken tenders and po’ boys. 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, January 10 at noon
The Ladies Lunch will meet at Panjshir, 114 E. Fairfax Street in Falls Church. Panjshir is known for its authentic, home-style Afghan cuisine. From kabobs grilled to perfection to dishes that reflect the simple, genuine flavors of Afghan cooking, Panjshir is a place where you can experience the tastes of a true family legacy. 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, January 13 at 1 pm
Do you experience low vision or want to learn more about it? Join us on Monday, January 13 from 1:00 pm – 2:30 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. Beverages 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, January 23 at 11:00am
Page Turners returns on Thursday, January 23 at 11:00am. 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.
Join the conversation via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89666785566?pwd=WFFpTlY2SkJMQlJjN0NWNEUraFhEQT09
You also have the option to dial in by phone to participate without video. For that, dial: 301-715-8592. The meeting ID is 896 6678 5566 and the passcode is 007241.
Pop Up Picnic in the Park (PPP)
Pop Up Picnics will be on a winter hiatus until the return of warm weather. Stay tuned for updates. 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
Let’s keep it simple – our New Year’s resolution should be to eat healthier and exercise/walk more!
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.
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.
