Menu

Community Update (4/1/25)

Advance Arlington Conversation on Aging, April 9 at 7pm

Join an open discussion about what aging in Arlington really looks like today and in the future. Advance Arlington is hosting a panel (in person at Lubber Run and on Zoom) with local experts who will explore the challenges, opportunities, and resources needed to ensure we can age comfortably, independently, and with dignity in the place we call home. See below for details.

An Afternoon at the Theater: April 20 at 3pm  

We again have a generous offer from The Arlington Players for six complimentary tickets to an entertaining afternoon of local theater on April 20 at 3pm! Through our partnership with The Arlington Players, ANV members and volunteers can get a limited number of free tickets to enjoy a performance of the hit “Legally Blonde.” See below for details.

Hearing Device Demonstration, Thursday, April 24

ANV welcomes the Northern Virginia Hearing Resource Center to offer a showcase on assistive technology for the home and on the go on April 24 at 11:00am, in person at our Office at 4000 Lorcom Lane. Technologies have changed so much in the past 20 years, giving Deaf and Hard of Hearing consumers better access to the world around them than ever before. See details below.

Planet Word Museum Visit, May 23 at 10am

Are you interested in visiting this interactive museum – the only one of its type dedicated to renewing and inspiring a love of words and language? Planet Word opened in 2020 and is located in the historic Franklin School at the corner of 13 and K Streets NW in downtown D.C. It is an immersive language experience with interactive galleries and exhibits bringing words and language to life in all sorts of fun ways. The deadline for sign-up has passed, but there may still be spaces available; see details below. 

Springtime is Here!

With the return of warmer weather, our popular outdoor Bocce and Boules and Pop Up Picnics return. See details below.

Welcome

New Members

  • Julie Aerni
  • Dreama and John Frisk
  • Miriam Heyer
  • Ruby Ledbetter
  • Horacio Marin and Araceli Vergara Reyes
  • Karen Melick
  • Judy Rumreich
  • Blanca Celina Zapata

New Volunteers

  • Mhdey Alhayek
  • Dorian Bakogiannis
  • Aisha Freeman
  • Suzana Gebremichael
  • Alison Rosa (CAP Ambassador)

In Memoriam

Please remember Mary Carmen Nichols and Kathleen Swihart 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

  • April 2: Author Talk
  • April 9: Arlington Public Library
  • April 16: Healthcare Scams
  • April 23: Advocating for Kindness
  • April 30: Aloha

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, April 2: Charlotte Malerich uses supernatural fiction to explore the intersection of liberation and justice. Her published works include two novels, The Factory Witches of Lowell (2020) and Fire & Locket (2019), as well as works in magazines and anthologies and some fabulous comic books! Her interests include folklore, cultural studies, and public health. When she’s not writing, Charlotte works at Arlington Public Library.

Wednesday, April 9: You can borrow more than books at the Arlington Public Library. Did you know you can check out tools, thermal imaging cameras, camping equipment, games, puzzles, and more? Librarian Jennifer Rothschild will tell us about Arlington Public Library’s Library of Things.

Wednesday, April 16: Avoiding Common Healthcare Scams. Seniors are targeted for a variety of scams, many of them associated with their insurance or healthcare accounts. This session is designed to teach seniors how to prevent, detect, and report those scams so they can keep their benefits, identity, and finances safe. Shawn Smith, State Director, Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol, will update us on the latest healthcare scams, discuss ways to manage scam phone calls, identify scammer tactics, and understand various marketing ploys scammers use to trap seniors. He will also discuss the free resources that are available to assist you should you become a victim of healthcare fraud.

Wednesday, April 23, 2025: Advocating for Kindness. Learn about the powerful role kindness can play in our community and in our world. Susan Thompson-Gaines’ mission as a “kindness activist” began a decade ago with the realization that “kindness shared, inspires kindness”. Sharing stories of kindness creates a ripple effect; they inspire people to be kind. Susan used this epiphany to create a hyper-local charity and a global kindness initiative.

Wednesday, April 30, 2025: The Arlington Longitudinal Optimal Healthy Aging Study (ALOHA) has started! Led by health experts at the Marymount University Center for Optimal Aging, this study provides a comprehensive academic-to-community health and wellness program designed to enhance and support the health and well-being of older adults in Northern Virginia and the DMV. The goal is to create a personalized Health Passport tool that provides tailored guidance for proactive well-being. Study team members Erin Staker, B.S., Research Coordinator and Mahederemariam Bayleyegn Dagne, MSc., Research Assistant, will explain this important regional initiative.

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

Advance Arlington Conversation on Aging, April 9 at 7pm

Advance Arlington is hosting an open discussion about what aging in Arlington really looks like today and in the future on Wednesday, April 9 at 7pm. Panel members include Maimoona Bah, Christine Dolan, Marta Hill Gray, Mitch Opalski and Wendy Zenker. The panel will meet in person at Lubber Run Community Center, 300 Park Rd, and on Zoom. The panel will explore the challenges, opportunities, and resources needed to ensure we can age comfortably, independently, and with dignity in the place we call home. RSVP for in-person (cost $10) or via Zoom (free).

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 a limited number of free tickets to enjoy a performance of the hit “Legally Blonde” – a musical with huge cast of 32, singing, dancing, live orchestra, and colorful costumes (and a real dog).

Event Details

Date: April 20 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, so RSVP soon if you are interested.

RSVP by April 14 to Office@ANVarlington.org or call 703-509-8057

Special thanks to Jean Hacken for coordinating this opportunity.

Hearing Device Demonstration, Thursday, April 24 at 11:00 am

On April 24 at 11:00 am, ANV welcomes the Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Persons to offer a showcase on assistive technology for the home and on the go, in person at our Office at 4000 Lorcom Lane. Technologies have changed so much in the past 20 years, giving Deaf and Hard of Hearing consumers better access to the world around them than ever before. From telephones for the home to flashing signal systems, and listening devices to apps for a tablet or smartphone, join Debbie Jones, NVRC’s Technology Manager, as she discusses assistive technologies that you can take advantage of at home or on the go. Please RSVP so we can get a good count of participants by emailing Office@ANVarlington.org or calling 703-509-8057.

Planet Word Museum Tour, May 23

Are you interested in visiting this interactive museum, the only one of its type dedicated to renewing and inspiring a love of words and language? ANV is planning an excursion to the Museum on Friday, May 23 at 10am. ANV is requesting passes for up to 15 members and volunteers. Entry passes are free, but a $15 donation is strongly encouraged and can be made in cash at the door. The deadline to RSVP has passed, but there may still be a few spaces available. Call or email the ANV Office (703-509-8057 or Office@ANVarlington.org) if you are interested. Passes become available Tuesday, April 1 for the month of May, thus the need for early planning. Individuals can also request passes on their own by going to the Planet Word website.

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, Outdoor Bocce Returns April 7!

Bocce and Boules will resume outdoors in Ballston on Monday, April 7 at 4:00pm. 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). All are welcome and everyone gets to play. Each third Monday of the month, players are invited to go across the street to Harris Teeters for Bocce-Pizza Happy Hour. Whole pizzas are available for $5 (if you willing to wait). Otherwise, there are many hot and cold options at the food bar. Contact John Thomas for more information at thomas-johnr@comcast.net. If you don’t use email, please call the ANV Office at 703-509-8057 and request a call-back from John.

ANV Board Games Day: April 3 and April 17

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

Ladies Lunch, April 11 at noon

The Ladies Lunch will be at Padeek, South Arlington, a cozy, casual spot featuring traditional cooking of Thai and Laotian cuisine. Ample parking available. 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.

Mens Lunch, April 11 at noon

Join the men’s lunch group at the Istanbul Grill, 4617 Wilson Boulevard. Join us for authentic Turkish food at one of our favorite restaurants. The extensive menu includes hot and cold mezze platters along with wraps and skewers. The complete menu can be found at https://istanbulgrillvirginia.com. 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 . If you don’t use email, please call the ANV Office and request a call-back from Tim.

Low-vision Group: Monday, April 21 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, April 24 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. The list of recently discussed books can be found at the end 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) – Returns April 25!

The first PPP for this year will be at Oakland Park, located at 3705 Wilson Blvd. Metered parking is available next to the park. Tables and chairs are just steps from the curb. Bring your lunch and something to drink. PPPs are always held at noon on the last Friday of the month. These popular events are a chance to enjoy fresh air and light conversation and to discover a different Arlington neighborhood park. 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.

Houseplants 101

Interested in bringing your gardening hobby indoors or looking to add a little green to your space? On April 4 from 10:00am – 11:30am, join Extension Master Gardeners Evin Morrison and Rebecca Secula to learn about getting plants to thrive in your home. Evin and Rebecca cover a variety of topics including ideal lighting conditions, potting soil recipes, and how to deal with pests. This presentation is geared toward the beginner houseplant owner but will be a great refresher for anyone looking to make their houseplant ventures more successful. FREE. RSVP online to receive the link to participate.

Wellness

Planning the Final Chapter: Giving a Life’s Story It’s Perfect Ending 

April 2, 2025 at 11:00 am

VHC Health offers this webinar as a part of its Healthy Aging Lecture series. While legal, cultural, and religious dimensions traditionally guide funerals and burial services, personalized elements are an important part of being remembered and providing comfort to loved ones. Join Kathleen Garces-Foley, professor of Religious Studies at Marymount University, to learn about options to plan a funeral or memorial service from start to finish, including burial alternatives such as green burials and alkaline hydrolysis.  New trends related to celebration of life and themed funerals will also be discussed. Questions? Contact Senior Health at 703-558-6859. 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.

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 discussed by Page Turners

James by Percival Everett

The Empress of the Nile by Lynne Olson.

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

The Only Woman in The Room by Heather Terrell

The Sirens Call: How Attention Became the World’s Most Endangered Resource by Chris Hayes

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.

Related Posts