Community Update (4/15/24)
RSVP for the 10 Year Anniversary Celebration
ANV is celebrating its 10 Year Anniversary on Thursday, May 2 at 5:30-7:30 pm at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, 4301 Wilson Blvd. The event is free and we hope everyone can join us. Please register by emailing the Office or calling 703-509-8057. Details below.
See Top Quality College-Level Baseball in Nearby Tysons
The Capital One Baseball Park is now open. Mark your calendars for an ANV family-friendly outing to see the Georgetown Hoyas play the University of Connecticut Huskies on Sunday, April 21st at 1:00pm. Capital One Park is located in Tysons Corner, only a 4-minute walk from the McLean Metro stop on the Silver Line. Admission is free for children under 12 and seniors over 65. Parking is also available adjacent to the ballpark for $5. Standard ballpark fare (hot dogs, nachos, burgers, chips, peanuts, beer & sodas, etc.) are available to purchase. The plan is the meet at the Ballston Metro platform at 12:15pm and ride out together on the Silver Line, or meet at the ball park if not going by Metro. Contact John Thomas (thomas-johnr@comcast.net) for more info.
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. Season kickoff is Saturday, April 6 at 9:00 am (rain date – Sunday 7 April at 11:30 am). Details below.
Outdoor Weekly Bocce Returns May 6
With the return of good weather, Bocce and Boules is back, starting May 6. See below for details.
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.
Welcome
New Members
- Marcia Basler
- Rachel D’sa
- James Payne
- Hanh Pham
- Rachel Reynolds
- Bo Rix
New Volunteers
- Kemi Abdul
- Abby Jacobs
- Diane Heim
- Thomas Oommen
- Mahmoud Ouf
- Roger Overton
- Jim Stanfield
In Memoriam
We fondly remember John Colvin.
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 17: Using a Personal Trainer
- April 24: Navigating Your Healthcare Journey
- May 1: Life with Cancer
- May 8: Road Scholar
- May 15: Savvy Ladies
- May 22: TBD
- 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, April 17: Using a Personal Trainer. Jon Darnes, PT and IIN Health Coach, will share his perspective on the importance of exercise: (1) Physical ability – are you able to participate in daily activities without aid; (2) Cardio vascular health – can you participate in activities for over 30 minutes; and (3) Mental health – the confidence to be able to participate and communicate without aid. These benefits together improve an individual’s quality of life as they age. Not just living longer, but better.
Wednesday, April 24: Navigating Your Healthcare Journey. Our U.S. healthcare system can be complicated, fragmented, and difficult to navigate for even the savviest of individuals. The authors of their 2023 book–Charlene Rothkopf and Z. Colette Edwards, MD–encourage us to be self-advocates to get the healthcare we need and deserve. Their presentation provides practical tips on a variety of topics, including preventing a serious health condition, communicating with your physician, coordinating your care, maintaining your emotional health, and medical gaslighting.
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. They provide a wide range of educational, counseling, nutrition, and fitness services to support the whole family on their cancer journey. Marie Calle, MEd, Pediatric Behavioral Health Therapist 1, Oncology will introduce us to this unique resource and the services they provide to both 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 their 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 sex!
Wednesday, May 22: TBD.
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. Information and screenings for: Blood Pressure, Vision, Hearing, Falls Risk, Cognitive Screening, Home Care Resources, Fitness Class Demonstrations, 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’s 10 Year Anniversary Celebration!
We are celebrating 10 Years on Thursday, May 2 at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, 4301 Wilson Blvd, from 5:30-7:30pm. We have a wonderful program planned, light refreshments, and great company – you! Please RSVP to the Office at Office@ANVarlington.org or call 703-509-8057.
The party is free as is the parking after 5pm in the building’s garage. Don’t pull into garage any earlier than 5pm. The garage entrance is on N. Taylor Street. If you have your name tag from previous ANV 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!
Welcome back outdoor Bocce. Join weekly Bocce and Boules on Monday afternoons; games last approximately one hour. We will let you know the start time in the May 1 newsletter. Bocce is played every Monday at the courts on the corner of 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.
ANV Board Games Day, Thursday, April 18 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, except there will be no games on May 2 due to the ANV party. Parking is available in the Ballston Quarter for $1. Contact John Thomas for more information at thomas-johnr@comcast.net.
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.
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.
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.
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 Returns April 26 at noon!
Join us at the April 26 Pop Up Picnic (PPP) at Oakland Park at 3705 Wilson Blvd. 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.
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
What is that ringing in my ears?
Many of us experience some ringing, buzzing, or whooshing sounds that are not heard by others. In fact, more than 25 million (10% of adults) report this experience, called tinnitus. The American Tinnitus Association defines tinnitus as those sounds that “no one else can hear; the perception of sound when no external noise is present.” This may be occasional or persistent, temporary or permanent, slightly annoying or debilitating. Some sounds may be traced to physiological conditions, such as high blood pressure, or TMJ dysfunction; once these conditions are remedied, the sound may decrease or disappear.
There are two types of tinnitus: subjective, in which only the individual perceives the noise (usually traceable to auditory and neurological reactions to hearing loss); and objective, in which the sounds are audible to other people as well (usually produced by internal functions such as blood flow or musculoskeletal systems). More than 99% of cases are subjective.
There are several tests that audiologists (and other specialists) use to measure the tinnitus and its effects on the person’s ability to function. Cures however are not yet available. Some lifestyle and behavioral treatments may decrease the degree to which tinnitus interferes with one’s daily life.
Breaking News!! There are now some new treatments on the horizon that prove promising for tinnitus sufferers! As described in the Washington Post on 2/20/2024, new technology offers great hope. Following is a look at what this article by Amanda Morris and Aaron Steckelberg lays out for us (WAPO, 2/20/24).
The newer research explains that the sensory system relating to touch is connected with the auditory system (Shore, U. Michigan). By studying guinea pigs with tinnitus, researchers found that cells deep in the ear fired much more than usual; they “trick the rest of the brain into thinking that there’s a sound there, and generate the tinnitus sound. So, they have the person wear an earbud playing sounds similar to the person’s tinnitus while electrodes on the neck and jaw give tiny shocks. The goal of this is to reduce the brain’s sensitivity to the tinnitus sound. In human trials, many people reported a reduction in symptoms.
Other cutting-edge treatments are based on bimodal neuromodulation, which teaches the brain which sounds are real. One such method uses a vibrating wristband (called the Duo) that plays tones at various pitches as it vibrates. In a study of 45 participants they found this combination showed a clinical significant reduction in the tinnitus severity scores.
Another treatment, using a Lenire device, aims to increase the brain’s sensitivity to other sounds besides the tinnitus. It stimulates the tongue, whose nerves are thought to be more associated with the brain’s ability to change. A device is attached to the tongue, and earphones are used to play the other sounds.
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 the ANV Office (subject line, “Village Voices”). 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.
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. Season kickoff is Saturday, April 6 April at 9:00 am (rain date – Sunday 7 April at 11:30 am). This first week the plan is to clean up a few spring weeds and plant Kale and Collards. 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.
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.
