Community Update (6/15/24)
Sun Design Building Outside Ramps for Community Support
Sun Design, a generous sponsor of our 10-Year Anniversary party, is excited to offer a custom-built outside ramp or similar home accessibility to a person or family in need. If you or someone you know requires an outside ramp, please check the posting and contact us by emailing charitydrive@sundesigninc.com with a cc: to Office@ANVarlington.org. Submissions are due by June 21, and one winner will be selected to receive this valuable support.
Juneteenth
The ANV Office will be closed on Wednesday, June 19 in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.
Antique and Classic Car Show
The Green Valley Civic Association is hosting their annual Antique and Classic Car Show on Saturday, June 22 at the Charles R. Drew Elementary School. Details below.
Navigating Senior Housing Options
Virginia Hospital Center (VHC) is hosting a Senior Housing Fair on Friday, June 28 from 10:00am – noon at the Lubber Run Community Center. Where we live plays a role in how well we age. If you feel overwhelmed with understanding the choices and wondering what is best for you, come to the VHC Senior Housing Fair which will showcase a variety of housing options, as well as resources to assist with a big move or to aid in making your home safer. Details below.
Outcome Survey for 55+ Program
Please take a few minutes and share your feedback with the 55+ Program. it’s a simple survey, no need to create an account or share your name.
Roosevelt Island Walk
ANV’s summer walk will take place on Saturday, June 29 at 10am. Details below.
Save the Date
ANV’s annual Picnic will be on Saturday, September 7 at the Bluemont Picnic Shelter. Please mark the date on your calendars.
Welcome
New Members
- Ann Donohue
- Michael Gallagher
- Mary Elizabeth Graziani
- Susan McBride
- Mary McCutcheon
- Patti Nary
- Margie Rowzie
- Denise Surratt
New Volunteers
- Hannah Brandon
- Mia Glatter
- Sarah LaMorey
- Maggie McCoy
- Mary McCutcheon
- Sophia Nordell
- Melissa Tabach
- Crystal Vitagliano
- Sabrina Wooster
In Memoriam
Please hold Gloria Liberatore 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
- June 19: Arlington’s Black Heritage Museum
- June 26: VHC Outpatient Pavilion
- July 3: ANV’s Pen Pal Program
- July 10: AI and Misinformation in Media
- July 17: Area Agency on Aging Update
- July 24: The Murder of Andrew Johnson
Special Events
Weekly Groups
- Tai Chi
- Bocce and Boules
- Happy Hour
- Board Games
Monthly Groups
- Men’s Lunch Bunch
- Ladies Lunch
- 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, June 19: Scott Taylor, Director, Arlington’s Black Heritage Museum. Under Scott’s leadership, the Museum went from being an online museum to an actual “bricks-and-mortar” destination. Scott will talk about the origins of the museum and his vision for its future. Scott Taylor is a third generation Arlingtonian, raised in the historic Halls Hill neighborhood. In addition to being the director of the Arlington Black Heritage Museum, Scott is a nationally and internationally recognized musician and author.
Wednesday, June 26: Join us to learn about the wealth of services provided at VHC’s new Outpatient Pavilion and the latest medical alert mobile technology offered through the Senior Health Department. Robin Adams, VP Business Development and Cathy Turner, Director Health Promotion & Senior Health will also provide updates to what else VHC has in store for the future.
Wednesday, July 3: Pen Pals. Did you know that ANV has a pen pal program where members write to local fourth and fifth graders? In September, we will begin our fourth year running this fun, engaging project. ANV members write to students throughout the school year, helping to build intergenerational relationships, improve student writing and communication skills, and build friendships across generations. Come to this coffee and conversation and hear Noël Durman (coordinator of the project) and ANV pen pals talk about the positive impact of this program. Plus, find out if YOU are interested in joining us next school year!
Wednesday, July 10: AI and Misinformation in Media. Every day we are bombarded with information in the form of text, images and graphics. But how do we know what is real, and what is a fabrication? Associated Press reporter, and ANV volunteer David Klepper will discuss AI and misinformation in the press, and the effect it has on our communities, society and government.
Wednesday, July 17: Arlington Agency on Aging. Missed the recent Community Engagement Forum? Helen King, MSW, Director of the Arlington Agency on Agency, will share with us what was discussed, and how that information is being used to inform the Agency’s planning process.
Wednesday, July 24: The Murder of Andrew Johnson. Andrew Johnson was sworn in as president after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Widely regarded as one of the worst U.S. presidents, Johnson died 10 years later of natural causes. But what if he was actually murdered? Burt Solomon, Arlington resident and author, will talk about his new book, “The Murder of Andrew Johnson,” and introduce us to his protagonist, John Hay and the John Hay mystery series.
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
Green Valley Civic Association Annual Antique and Classic Car Show
Saturday, June 22, noon – 5:00pm
Charles R. Drew Elementary School
The Green Valley Civic Association is hosting their annual Antique and Classic Car Show on Saturday, June 22 at the Charles R. Drew Elementary School, 3500 23 Street South. The event will be held from noon to 5:00 pm. People’s Choice awards for 1st and 2nd Place. Free Admission, Fish Fry, BBQ and live music. The major sponsor for the event will highlight “Stopping the Violence”. Questions, email greenvalleyciv@gmail.com.
Explore Housing Options and Find Services to Enhance Your Home
Friday, June 28, 10am-noon
Lubber Run Community Center, 300 N. Park Drive
Whether you love where you currently live or looking to make a change, one of the biggest challenges of aging is finding a home that is safe, comfortable and suitable for the long-term. VHC Senior Health will be hosting a free Senior Housing Fair showcasing a variety of housing options, as well as resources to assist with a big move or to aid in making your home safer. The fair will feature experts on senior living from organizations throughout the area. Participants can collect information and ask questions. Raffle Prize Drawings! No registration necessary. Free parking up to four hours.
Roosevelt Island Walk
The summer seasonal walk at Theodore Roosevelt Island takes place at 10am on Saturday, June 29. This easy community walk takes about one hour. You, your family, friends and nice dogs on leash are invited and RSVP is not needed. The 10am meeting point is at the landward end of the footbridge to the island. Access by auto to the island parking lot is only from the northbound George Washington Parkway. In addition, paid parking is available in Rosslyn on the street and in garages. The meeting point is a 15-minute walk from the Rosslyn Metro and bus stop. If the group is amenable, there may be a stop for coffee in Rosslyn afterwards. This is a rain-or-shine event; no rain date. Questions, call David Christian at 703-785-3434 or email daveycc910@gmail.com after Wednesday, June 26.
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 6pm, except for June 17, as noted below
Join weekly Bocce and Boules on Monday afternoons; games last approximately one hour. Bocce is played every Monday at the courts on the corner of N. Randolph St. & N. Glebe Road, weather permitting. Parking is available in the Ballston Quarter parking garage for $1. All levels of bocce skills and experience are welcome. Everyone gets to play. Exception to 6pm start: Every third Monday of the month will be Bocce-Pizza Happy Hour. On these days, Bocce will start at 5pm, followed by Happy Hour for $5 pizza at the Harris Teeter Wine Bar across the street. Bocce-Pizza Happy Hour for June will be on June 17. 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, June 27 and July 11 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.
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, July 12 at noon
Join the men’s lunch group on Friday, July 12. The restaurant will be announced in the July 1 newsletter. 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 ANV Office and request a call-back from Tim.
Ladies Lunch, July 12 at noon
The Ladies Lunch spot will be announced in the July 1 newsletter. Attendees pay for their own meals by separate check, using cash or credit card. Please RSVP to Roslyn Rubin at Roslynva@gmail.com by July 10 so we may have an accurate count. If you don’t use email, please call ANV Office and request a call-back from Roslyn.
Page Turners, June 27, 11am on Zoom
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 group is hosted by Donna Pastore and Beverly Cannizzaro. Please see the book list from the May meeting below.
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) June 28 at noon!
The June PPP will be at Penrose Park, located at 2200 Sixth St. South. Penrose Park has picnic tables and shade. Meet on the S. Wayne St side of the park. Free street parking is available only steps from the picnic area. ANV members and volunteers enjoy PPPs to meet for casual conversation, get fresh air, and discover a new neighborhood park in Arlington. Just bring your lunch and something to drink. 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
How Am I Doing? Or, the Annual Physical by Joan Smith
As I am about to make my appointment for my annual physical exam, I am somewhat ambivalent. If I feel ok, then why do I need this exam? And if not, then I have probably seen my health care provider over the year already, so again, do I need this? The answer is a resounding YES! And we already really know why, don’t we? Because during this exam, our provider will not be distracted by our ongoing conditions per se, but focus on our all-over body and mental functioning. The problems get attention at another appointment. Medicare provides for this exam, and we do ourselves a big service to take advantage of this opportunity.
I have learned over time that it is a good idea to do some preparation prior to the exam date. That includes, for example, doing my own body “review”, noting any changes or decrease in function. This helps me to communicate more effectively with my provider as he/she does the exam.
I start by looking in the mirror at my naked body. Yes, don’t dim the lights; we all know that aging does render changes we cannot control. Those wrinkles, the loose skin on our thighs and upper arms and neck, the keloid bumps and skin tags we somehow acquire happen to everyone. But we need to check on our posture, breathing, weight, mobility, hair (loss), and changes to our joints (fingers toes, ankles, neck, back, etc) and be able to describe how we experience this. Bob Brody in the Washington Post (June 11, 2024) says as much in his description of an “annual review”. He cites Paul O’Rourke of Johns Hopkins University who recommends doing a quick review as frequently as weekly, to keep oneself aware of the body we have used (and perhaps abused) for so many years. He points out that this awareness helps one to take charge and better inform one of health-care decisions. But if you are experiencing anxiety, it would be wise to discuss the idea of a review process with your health care provider, who can suggest the best process for you.
I notice changes in my strength, when I have difficulty picking up my grandson (of course, he is growing as I write this, so more of a challenge!). I try to make notes of any changes (and date this to keep for my own record) and take them to my annual exam. One week prior, I get lab tests done (blood and urine) which may also indicate changes that my provider will discuss with me. If I record many changes, I draw a rough body outline and flag the places with the change noted, including any dermatological changes as well as swelling, decreased mobility, and pain. My provider appreciates this preview I bring, as it avoids neglecting an area or change that may not be swollen/hurting/itchy at the time of the exam. Of course, we review my medication regime and activity and life style behaviors as well, and flag any changes that I need to make.
Mr. Brody ends his humorous article with a quote from Aristotle, who said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom;” Mr. Brody applies this as much to the body as to the heart, mind, and soul.
So, I made the appointment. Now for my own personal review.
Mr. Brody ends his humorous article with a quote from Aristotle, who said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom;” Mr. Brody applies this as much to the body as to the heart, mind, and soul.
So, I made the appointment. Now for my own personal review.
Village Voices
Introducing Village Voices, a new feature in the ANV Community Update. 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. Anything that made you happy and that might brighten someone’s day. Submissions are welcome at any time by sending an email to Office@ANVarlington.org (subject line, “Village Voices”). Those without access to email may send submissions through the regular mail to ANV Office with ‘Village Voices’ noted on the front of the envelope. Contributions should be short and readable. Sorry, no photos or artwork.
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.
Shared Area Village Events Calendar
The Washington Area Villages are sharing their speaker series for all of us to enjoy. Please visit their calendar to see what’s available.
Page Turners List of Suggested Readings
The Women by Kristen Hanna
The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and The Last Fateful Voyage of Captain James Cook by Hampton Sides
The Benevolent Society of Ill-mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman
The Secret: A Jack Reacher Novel by Lee Childs
The Armour of Light by Ken Follet
Tom Lake by Anne Patchett
Dark Matter and Dark Energy. The Hidden 95% of the Universe by Brian Clegg
Reading the Constitution: Why I Choose Pragmatism Not Textualism by Stephen Breyer
The Three Body Problem by Liu Cixin
Everyone in My Family has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson
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 at Spring Guide.
ANV Events are posted on our online calendar so you can always easily find the Zoom link for any scheduled event.