Community Update (1/31/25)
Lunar New Year Dinner
Please RSVP and join ANV for our annual Lunar New Year celebration on Wednesday, February 19 at 5pm. We will be returning to Mama Chang’s in Fairfax for a 15-course meal! The meal will cost $45.00 (including tax and tip) and we are limited to 40 attendees. See below for details.
An Afternoon at the Theater: Complimentary Tickets
Join us for an entertaining afternoon of local theater on February 16 at 3pm! Through our partnership with The Arlington Players, ANV members and volunteers can get free tickets to enjoy a performance of the comedy hit “The Play That Goes Wrong.” See below for details.
Clothing Drive
The County’s Agency on Aging has mentioned that some visitors to their offices arrive with inadequate clothing for the cold weather we are experiencing. We’ve offered to help by hosting a small-scale coat/winter clothes (sweatshirts, sweatpants and socks) drive. If you have gently used and clean clothing that you would like to donate to this effort, please let us know. Clothes can be dropped off at the ANV Office at 4000 Lorcom Lane from 10am-3pm, Monday through Friday, of if you are unable to get to the office, we can ask a volunteer to pick it up from your home. Thank you.
Tax Aide
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program is the nation’s largest free, volunteer-run tax preparation service. Volunteers are trained on tax law and are IRS certified at advanced level. The program focus is on low and moderate income taxpayers, and seniors. The national program helped over 1.7 million taxpayers in Tax Year 2024, with over 28,000 volunteers at over 3,300 sites. In Arlington, tax aide help is available at the Central and Columbia Pike Libraries. Please review these websites for more information on appointments and needed paperwork. Appointments take priority but walk-in service is available
Presidents Day
The ANV Office will be closed on Monday February 17 in celebration of Presidents Day.
Welcome
New Members
- Josephine Laidlaw
- Ofelia Leonor
- Janet Posner
- Susan Wetter
New Volunteers
- Randall Mariger
- Eleanor Melamed
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
- February 5: Lighting as we Age
- 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
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, February 5: Home Lighting and the Aging Eye. Moira Quinn Leite, is president of M. Quinn Designs Inc., an award-winning, full-service interior design firm which specializes in home lighting that accommodates the aging eye. In her presentation, Moira will share best practices in home illumination for aging in place.
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
Lunar New Year Celebration
Back by popular demand, this year’s celebration will be on February 19 at Mama Chang in Fairfax (3251 Blenheim Blvd., Fairfax). The 15-course menu is a combination of Hunan, Szechuan, and Hubei home-style cooking and will include numerous dishes only prepared by chefs at Mama Chang. Due to the type of menu, we cannot accommodate any food allergies or vegetarian diets. If you were born in the year 1917, 1929, 1941, or 1953, the Snake is your Chinese Zodiac Sign.
The restaurant opens for dinner at 5:00pm so please arrive between 5:00pm and 5:30pm. Dinner will start at 5:45pm. The cost for dinner is $45 per person, cash only, with tax and tip included, payable upon arrival. Please place your cash in an envelope with your name(s) and the amount on the front of the envelope. Please have the exact amount. No credit cards will be accepted for the dinner payment. A cash bar will be available, and a credit card can be used for bar payment.
RSVP to the Office by email or call 703-509-8057. We are limited to 40 seats, so RSVP early. Registration for this event will close at the end of the business day, February 12, OR earlier, if the 40-seat capacity is reached prior to February 12. Likewise, if you are registered, but decide not to attend, please notify the office promptly so people on the wait list can be offered your spot.
There is ample parking and the restaurant is handicap accessible.
An Afternoon at the Theater: Free Tickets for ANV Members & Volunteers
Join us for an entertaining afternoon of local theater! Through our partnership with The Arlington Players, ANV members and volunteers can get free tickets to enjoy a performance of the comedy hit “The Play That Goes Wrong” – an award-winning farce that follows the hilariously disastrous opening night of a 1920s murder mystery.
Event Details
Date: February 16 at 3:00 pm
Location: Thomas Jefferson Theater, 125 S. Old Glebe Road
Accessibility: Orchestra seating; no stairs; accessible theater facilities
Parking: Free parking available at Fleet elementary school (115 S. Old Glebe Rd)
Drop-off: Convenient drop-off area in front of theater
Important Notes
Limited tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis
RSVP by February 10 to Office@ANVarlington.org or call 703-509-8057
Special thanks to Jean Hacken for coordinating this opportunity. Watch for another theater outing planned for April!
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, February 28, at noon
Bocce has moved 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: February 6 and February 20
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.
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 Hill 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 Ladies lunch will be held on Valentine’s Day, February 14th at noon at Carbonara, 3865 Wilson Blvd. This new Arlington restaurant features handmade pasta prepared in the tradition of old school Italian cooking. Metered street parking is available and Metro accessible. 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, February 27 at 11:00am
Please join us 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. Books discussed at the last meeting are listed at the back of this newsletter.
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.
The Shop Open House Saturday, February 22
Curious about the library’s makerspace offerings and equipment, but not sure how to get started? Explore the Library’s makerspace and discover what you can create at 1015 N. Quincy Street! Artist talks, workshops & more at The Shop Open House on February 22 from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Staff will host tours and demonstrations of maker equipment and tools in The Shop, Arlington Public Library’s makerspace.
Wellness
Here’s a Second Chance
We had 64 participants in the January 15 Coffee and Conversation on senior housing. If you missed it, you can still learn more by visiting our YouTube channel. CarePatrol’s presentation addressed 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, talked 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.
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.
Books that Page Turners have read:
Renegade by Adam Kinzinger
The Worlds I See by Dr. Fei-Fei Li
Imminent by Luis Elizondo
Mother Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon
This Strange Eventful History by Claire Messud
Chaos Patricia Cornwell
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Regan Stradal
The Accidental Housemate by Sal Thomas
Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten
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.