Community Update (5/01/24)
See you on May 2 at the ANV 10 Year Anniversary Celebration
We look forward to seeing everyone on Thursday, May 2 as ANV celebrates its 10 Year Anniversary. The party starts at 5:30pm and our program will start at 6:30pm. We have a wonderful program planned, light refreshments, and great company – you! We are gathering at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, 4301 Wilson Blvd. There is free parking in the building after 5pm; the garage entrance is on North Taylor Street. If you park in the garage after 5pm, please get your ticket validated at the reception desk. You might also find parking on the street or in the Ballston Quarter garage. If you have your ANV name badge from previous events, please wear it. We will have adhesive name tags for others.
Thank you to our Sponsors
We have had a wonderful response from our community in support of ANV’s 10 Year anniversary. Donors are listed on our Giving Wall and several corporate partners are supporting ANV. Please be sure to express your appreciation when you see them on Thursday. Platinum level sponsors are Assisting Hands Home Care, Goodwin Living and Awareness Home Healthcare.
Outdoor Weekly Bocce Returns May 6
With the return of good weather, Bocce and Boules is back, starting May 6. See below for details.
Mother’s Day is May 12
Is there a Mother or dear one who served as a Mother-figure in your life, whom you could honor with a special remembrance and/or phone call?
ANV is selected for County RACE grant award
On April 24, the Arlington County Board awarded grants totaling $2.39 million to 22 nonprofits serving Arlington, including ANV! This funding was awarded as part of the RACE to Rebuilding Trust & Community Grant, a pilot competitive process to fund local nonprofits focused on human and community services. ANV’s grant will support our organizational capacity to provide financial aid, direct services, and social support to older adults in Arlington. You can read about the other organizations receiving grants here.
Arlington Chamber of Commerce Best Business Awards nominations
ANV is a finalist in the Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s “Best of” awards program in the non-profit category. We are in the very good company of ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia and Doorways for Women and Families. The winner will be announced at the 38th Annual Best Business Awards Ceremony at the Army Navy Country Club on the evening of Tuesday, May 14. Fingers crossed!
Village Voices
Introducing Village Voices (see below), 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. Submissions are preferred by email; those without access to email should send submissions through the regular mail to ANV Office with ‘Village Voices’ noted on the front of the envelope.
Welcome
New Members
- Robin Evans
- John & Sandy Halverson
- Douglas Pattillo
- Jeannette Turrell
- Janet Utman
New Volunteers
- Caitlin Anderson
- Mary Hanula
- Avery Kean
- Katherine Novak
In Memoriam
We fondly remember Ivy South and Eleanor Williams.
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
- May 1: Life with Cancer
- May 8: Road Scholar
- May 15: Savvy Ladies
- May 22: Accounting for our Vietnam Vets
- May 29: National Health & Fitness Day Fair
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, May 1: Life with Cancer. As anyone with cancer can tell you, cancer is a family affair. That’s where Life with Cancer comes in. This organization provides a wide range of educational, counseling, nutrition, and fitness services to support the whole family on its cancer journey. Marie Calle, MEd, Pediatric Behavioral Health Therapist 1, Oncology will introduce us to this unique resource and the services it provides to cancer patients and their families.
Wednesday, May 8: Road Scholar. Not-for-profit Road Scholar is the world’s largest and most innovative creator of experiential learning opportunities, offering thousands of learning adventures in more than 100 countries and throughout the United States. Kelly Espy, a Road Scholar Ambassador, will talk about its unique programs and inspire you to get out and see the world! This is a don’t miss presentation for those planning their next vacation.
Wednesday, May 15: Savvy Ladies. Savvy Ladies is a unique volunteer organization that provides financial education to women to help them build the knowledge and confidence they need to thrive and develop a financially stable future. Tracie Wheeler, Director of Operations and Client Experience, and Chris Blakely, CFP, ChFC will introduce us to Savvy Ladies, and address some of the financial challenges seniors may face as we age, regardless of your gender!
Wednesday, May 22: Accounting for our Vietnam Vets. The war in Vietnam ended in 1973 but 50 years later more than 1,577 soldiers are still missing or unaccounted for. As we approach Memorial Day, Ms. Erin Harroun, Executive Director of the National League of Families of American Prisoners & Missing in Southeast Asia will join us to talk about the organization’s efforts to locate and bring home the remains of these missing heroes. She will also update us on her recent trip to Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia where she met with senior government officials to discuss paths for moving forward with the location and identification of those still missing.
Wednesday, May 29: In lieu of our online speaker, please join us to celebrate National Health & Fitness Day (hosted by ANV and others) on Wednesday, May 29 at 10:00am – 12:00 pm at the Lubber Run Community Center, 300 N. Park Drive. Attendees can be screened for: Blood Pressure, Vision, Hearing, Falls Risk and/or Cognitive Function There will be information about Home Care Resources, Senior Olympics, Vaccinations, Insurance Counseling and Assistance, Mobility Equipment, Community Services and Healthy Food Tastings. Everyone is welcome.
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
ANV 10 Year Anniversary Celebration
Thursday, May 2 as ANV celebrates its 10 Year Anniversary on Thursday, May 2. The party starts at 5:30 pm and our program will start at 6:30pm. We have a wonderful program planned, light refreshments, and great company – you! We are gathering at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, 4301 Wilson Blvd. There is free parking in the building after 5pm; the garage entrance is on North Taylor Street. If you park in the garage after 5pm, please get your ticket validated at the reception desk. You might also find parking on the street or in the Ballston Quarter garage. If you have your ANV name badge from previous events, please wear it. We will have adhesive name tags for others.
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 9:30 am
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 is Back on Monday, May 6 at 6pm!
Welcome back outdoor Bocce. 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. 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, May 16 and May 30 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, 5–7 pm
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, May 10 at noon
Our May lunch will be at the new Soul Thai Kitchen and Bar located at 6035 Wilson Boulevard across from Upton Hills Park. Soul Thai has taken the place of our old favorite, Meridian Pint and it offers all of our Thai favorites including a variety of curries, stir fries and noodle dishes. It looks like they have spruced up their outdoor patio so let’s hope for a nice day to enjoy the outdoor seating area. 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 ANV Office and request a call-back from John.
Ladies Lunch, May 10 at noon
The Ladies Lunch will be gathering at Istanbul Grill, 4617 Wilson Blvd. The Grill has a complete menu of hot and cold Turkish appetizers, kebobs, wraps, and salads. The restaurant has a nice outside patio and hopefully the weather will cooperate to enjoy the nice spring weather. Free parking is available in the lot next to the restaurant. Attendees pay for their own meals by separate check, using cash or credit card. Please RSVP to Roslyn Rubin at Roslynva@gmail.com by May 8 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 – May 23, 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.
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 May 31 at noon!
Join us at the May 31st Pop Up Picnic in the Park (PPP). PPPs are held every last Friday of the month at noon. The location for the May PPP will be announced in the May 15 Community Update. 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
The Joys and Pain of our Beloved Tree Canopy
Sneezing? Itchy eyes? Sleepiness? Stuffy nose? Yes, it is once again tree pollen season. Last fall we wrote about allergies to leaf mold, ragweed, and other fall plants that Arlington enjoys. So, the very same “climate change” culprit is now causing earlier and longer tree pollen showers! Just for review here are the statistics given in the Washington Post Metro section of March 15, 2024, which reported a high daily peak of 1,171 pollen grains per cubic meter of air measured. For reference, a pollen count of at least 15 grains per cubic meter of air is “considered moderate”; high “starts at 90 grains”. And, the pollen count here is expected to swell to highs of over 4,000! The Post article quotes the expert, Susan Kosisky, director of aerobiological reporting and evaluation at the U.S. Army Centralized Allergen Extract Lab.
The pollen count gets much higher, then tends to drop off by May, so perhaps more comfortable days are coming soon. Of course, by then the grass pollen count will peak! In the meantime, it behooves us to recognize that the pollen count gets earlier, gets heavier and lasts longer each year, brought on by warmer weather in the winter, and increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels. In Washington, our average temperature has risen by 0.3 degrees per decade since 1900. A study reported in 2020 “found that pollen season has expanded by several weeks and increased by double-digit percentages” since late 1900s in North America.
According to the Weather Channel (online site), over 60 million people in the United States suffer from seasonal allergies each year. That site shows that as of April 25, 2024, the pollen count is “high” but forecast to be “very high” by April 28! And, now grass pollen is climbing into the high ranges as well. Many different varieties of trees shed their pollen at slightly different times, which increases the timeline of allergy symptoms.
Seasonal allergy symptoms may increase as we age. Since older people tend to have more chronic conditions, and our organs decline in function, these annoying symptoms may be felt more than when we were younger. So, what can we do to manage this seasonal curse?
The Weather Channel suggests the following actions to manage your seasonal allergy symptoms:
- shower after being outdoors, and change your clothes.
- check the weather/pollen forecast; if high pollen counts are expected, change your outdoor plans accordingly.
- minimize indoor pollen; keep windows closed and turn on your AC or HEPA purifier to filter allergens.
- know your allergy relief options; consult your health care provider before taking allergy medications (such as common over the counter meds like Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra or generics), or before taking natural remedies (e.g., Pycnogenol French Maritime Pine Bark Extract), or any nasal sprays. You want to know it is safe given your conditions and the current medications you are taking.
- consider your diet; certain foods such as sugar, gluten, and dairy can trigger inflammatory responses that make your seasonal allergies feel worse.
- stay hydrated.
Seasonal allergies may seem like just a heavy nuisance, however our responses to allergen can trigger very serious events, such as asthma attacks. So, heed the warnings of our local pollen reporters, and avoid “high” pollen days outdoors, reduce activities, purify indoor air, and otherwise enjoy the lush abundant tree canopy that we all love in Arlington!
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. Thank you to those who contributed for this issue of the Community Update.
Inspirational Quote, by Elvis Costello
Was it a millionaire who said, “Imagine no possessions”?
A Thought for the Day: Patience grows roses. (A Hungarian saying)
Riddle: How many bricks does it take to complete a building made of bricks? (Answer in May 15 Community Update)
Answer to last Community Update riddle: I am the first on earth and second in heaven, I appear twice in a week and once in a year. You can see me in the middle of sea. What am I? (Answer: the letter “e”)
Knock Knock Jokes:
Knock, Knock
Who’s there?
Spell
Spell who?
W H O
Knock, Knock
Who’s there?
I am
I am who?
You don’t know who you are?
Regional Travel Suggestion: An easy day’s drive from Arlington is Corning, NY – a charming small town in southern New York’s Finger Lakes is full of boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and two world-class museums. The Corning Museum of Glass has works of art, utilitarian glass, glass making demonstrations, innovation labs showing the history of glass and the evolution of its material and uses. If you liked Netflix’s Blown Away , a competition reality show on glassblowing, you’ll love their exhibit. Ten artworks from the season’s timed challenges are on display alongside never-before-seen artists’ insights about their finished work. The Rockwell Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, explores the evolving story of America through the eyes of artists. Both museums require entrance fees.
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.
Want to get your hands dirty at St. Andrew’s Garden of Hope
St. Andrew’s is inviting us to join them for another great year in St. Andrew’s Garden of Hope growing fresh vegetables for Arlington Food Banks. For planning purposes, volunteers are needed at the garden every Saturday morning through the season until late October unless it is raining. The garden is at the rear of St. Andrew’s in the upper parking lot behind the white house at 4000 Lorcom Lane.
Friday Morning Music Club
The Friday Morning Music Club will host its last program of its 2024 season at Saint George’s Church, 915 N. Oakland St., one block from Virginia Square Metro Station. This one-hour concert is Friday, May 3 at noon and will feature a cello suite by Reger; selected songs for tenor by Beethoven, Mozart, and Wagner; and the Chopin Fantasy in F minor for solo piano. 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 at Spring Guide.
ANV Events are posted on our online calendar so you can always easily find the Zoom link for any scheduled event.