Community Update (1/15/25)
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 9:45 am at Washington-Liberty High School.
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.
Save the Date
Plan to join ANV for our annual Chinese New Year celebration on Wednesday, February 19 at 5pm. We will be returning to Mama Chang’s in Fairfax for a 15-course meal! We will share details and instructions for signing up in the February 1 newsletter. The meal will cost $45.00 (including tax and tip) and we are limited to 40 attendees.
Welcome
New Members
- Laura Litz
New Volunteers
- Emily Curran
- Shelley Hendren
- Johnathan Nguyen
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 15: CarePatrol
- January 22: Art Against Ageism
- January 29: Acupuncture
- February 5: To Be Announced
- February 12: Exploring Generative AI
- February 19: From One Hand To Another Gallery
- February 26: Dental Health
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 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.
Wednesday, February 5: To Be Announced
Wednesday, February 12: Exploring Generative AI: Opportunities and Considerations. Knowledge management professional and educator, Barbara Fillip offers an accessible introduction to Generative Artificial Intelligence, also known as GenAI, highlighting its practical uses, addressing key concerns like privacy and misinformation, and encouraging curiosity and safe engagement with these transformative tools. Her focus is on empowering individuals to understand and leverage emerging technologies for learning, creativity, and informed decision-making.
Wednesday, February 19: Felecia Brice McFail owns the From One Hand To Another® – FOHTA® Gallery in Arlington’s Green Valley. The Gallery is home to her calligraphy as well as works from other local artists. In her presentation, Ms. McFail will explain how she made her gallery, located in the basement of her home, into a vibrant community space. She will also speak about her book, The DJ Lovely Story: From Basement DJ to Music Executive, which tells how her daughter created a podcast in the FOHTA space that became the springboard for a successful career in the music industry. Felecia currently serves as an Arts Commissioner for Arlington County, Virginia.
Wednesday, February 26: Dental Health As We Age. The demographic of older adults over age 65 is growing and likely to be an increasingly large part of dental practice in the coming years. Diseases and conditions of the mouth are common and poor oral health may influence general health and quality of life. Emona Kraja, DDS and Randeep Sidhu, DDS, Primary Dental Care Providers, will talk about dental conditions associated with aging, dental insurance coverage, and improving oral health.
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.
Goodwin Living at Home
Goodwin Living at Home is hosting an educational presentation on their program on January 23, 1:30 – 2:30pm at the Central Library, Bluemont Room. Goodwin Living At Home gives you the safety and security to stay at home. They offer two unique options to support aging in place: a financial plan with insurance-like coverage for care costs and a care coordination plan to support aging safely and comfortably at home. RSVP by calling 571-568-8224, visiting www.GoodwinLiving.org/Events or emailing AtHome@GoodwinLiving.org.
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.
Indoor Bocce and Lunch, Friday, January 31, at noon
Bocce is moving indoors for the winter at Pinstripes in Georgetown (1064 Wisconsin Ave, NW). Play a game of bocce, followed by lunch in the Pinstripes Bistro. Bocce can be played for free (a $9 value) when combined with lunch. Getting there is convenient when taking the 38B Metro Bus from Ballston. Players who want to skip the lunch must pay for their bocce separately. 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 23 and February 6
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, February 14 at noon
The Men’s Lunch will be at Soul Thai Kitchen and Bar located at 6035 Wilson Boulevard across from Upton Hills Park. Soul Thai offers all of our Thai favorites including a variety of curries, stir fries and noodle dishes. Free parking is available in the adjacent lot. 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, February 14 at noon
The location of the Ladies Lunch will be announced in the February 1 newsletter. 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, February 10 at 1 pm
Do you experience low vision or want to learn more about it? Join us 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.
Encore Learning Spring 2025 semester
The Encore Learning Spring 2025 semester offers a dynamic range of 37 courses designed to inspire, educate, and connect lifelong learners. Some highlights include explorations of theater appreciation, Arlington’s development history, contemporary global issues, the science of electric vehicles, and writing personal memoirs. With formats that include in-person, virtual, hybrid, and recorded options, the semester provides flexible learning opportunities. Whether you’re passionate about creative expression, curious about world events, or eager to deepen your knowledge, there’s something for everyone in this thoughtfully curated selection. Explore, learn and connect with other adults over 50 with Encore Learning. Learn more by:
- Browsing the course catalog online
- Attending the Spring 2025 Course Preview on Thursday, January 30 at 9:30 AM on Zoom
- Signing up for a class once registration opens on February 3
For more information, email info@encorelearning.net or call 703-228-2144.
Wellness
Starting the New Year in a Good Direction by Joan Smith
Happy New Year! These words that get thrust upon us when the year changes may convey hope and aspiration for positive change. We all want health, wealth or reward, and happiness in our lives for the foreseeable future. However, the beginning of a new year also may bring pressures on us, usually from within, to do better for ourselves. Hence, New Year’s Resolutions are generated, perhaps with good intentions, but still pressure to change habits and to create better ones. And as we all know, change does not come easily in most cases.
I was drawn to an article in the Washington Post, Tuesday December 17, 2024, that addressed our difficulties with making positive change. “Let routine be your road map through hard times” by Susan Shapiro lays out her recommendations, gleaned from her recovery program, that seemed possible to follow. The idea of “routine,” or having a firm structure is helpful to us when we are struggling, anxious or worried. Having a firm structure, “a regular plan of action with specific directions to follow can be empowering” says the author. I resonated to this as I recall learning a sound lesson from an old friend, that making your bed as soon as you get up in the morning can enhance feelings of competency, organization and of accomplishment. Since I have been doing that now for 50 years (I did say an OLD friend), I can attest to the rewards of this simple routine.
Shapiro outlines specific actions, which I summarize here and embellish with my own ideas and suggestions.
To start, write down your weekly schedule, including appointments, eating, sleeping and exercise plans, and stick to it. Schedule to do your most important tasks early in the day, to reap your rewards of accomplishment. Check off each action as it is completed. Shapiro herself includes some easy items such as “eat lunch” or “zoom a friend” to enhance the “accomplishment” reward to the psyche!
She stresses not to cancel based on your mood (unless you feel unsafe), just because you no longer feel like going, as you risk becoming an inconsistent person whose emotions control your life. (Gulp, such as when I skip exercise class!). Pushing yourself to keep the dates you have made “encourages you to be a person of your word who leads with your brain and not to be a slave to erratic impulses.” Challenging yourself builds resilience, and the experience can be more rewarding as you have overcome emotional obstacles.
The suggestion to be “a mover and a shaker” refers to moving and exercise, getting outside daily even if it is just a walk around the block. We know this eases tensions and increases the flow of endorphins. And setting a routine of movement can be self-perpetuating, in that anything you do, you are more likely to continue doing. However, being sedentary for a couple of weeks can invite inertia to set in (I think of holiday times when we skip the gym and forego walks, etc). But don’t give up if you skip, just start the routine over again, and keep going.
Break big goals into small tasks. When it seems like there is “so much to do I don’t know where to start”, pick a beginning task for a small, designated time, and stick to it. Then you can go on to step number 2, and on. This works whether you are doing health insurance paperwork, assembling documents for tax season, sorting out closets, or any big job. Once you have accomplished your one small task (such as organize paperwork in calendar order), acknowledge what you have completed, and thank yourself. Then check it off your list!
Look to your relationships, and determine which ones are genuine, mutual and rewarding, and which ones seem toxic and pull you down. Then “clean house” and find a way to not spend time with negative people, with “let me get back to you”, or “sorry, that doesn’t work for me” types of responses to requests for your company. Seek out “leaders”, perhaps by joining a committee whose manager is a positive role model, and observing/learning some of their methods of positivity.
Keep expectations realistic, knowing that when you try a new thing, it might not work out for you. If so, you won’t be blind-sided by that but can then tell yourself to seek something that may be a better fit for you.
These recommendations seem pretty down to earth, and possible to do, and I suggest you begin with one of them, and add “habits” as you progress.
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.