Community Update (2/15/24)
Lunar New Year Celebration
Please join us to celebrate Lunar New Year. Based on popular demand, we will be returning to Mark’s Duck House, 6184 Arlington Blvd., Wednesday, February 21 from 5:00-7:30pm. The fixed priced menu has been specially curated for ANV. See details below on cost and RSVP instructions. We need your RSVP by February 16.
Open House at New ANV Offices
Our office has moved to new space at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church at 4000 Lorcom Lane. We are in the lower level Renehan Center with a suite of offices accessible on the ground floor – no more stairs — and we have a small meeting room that we can use for ANV events. We’d love for you to get to know our new space and see the office operations. You are invited to stop by during one of our Open Houses:
- Thursday, February 15, 1:00-3:00 pm
- Tuesday, February 20, 12:00-2:00 pm
Check out this map to find the ANV entrance and on-site parking. No need to RSVP.
Office Closed
The ANV Office will be closed on Monday, February 19 in observance of President’s Day.
55+ Program Spring Guide and Registration
The new Spring Guide is available and registration for programs opens February 21 at 10:00am.
AARP Tax Help at the Library
Low and middle income filers can find help preparing their taxes at the Central and Columbia Pike branches of the Library. Presented in partnership with AARP Foundation, the Tax-Aide Program provides free tax assistance services for low- and middle-income taxpayers, with special attention given to those 50 and over. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.
Community Engagement Forum on Aging
Join key County staff, Commission on Aging members, and community partners for an interactive discussion on what matters most to older Arlingtonians. The program will focus on livable communities, and will include small group discussions on the next Age-
Friendly Arlington 5-year plan. The Forum is March 18 from 10am – noon, in person at Lubber Run or on Zoom. Registration requested.
Welcome
New Members
- Betty & Jerry de la Cruz
- Judy Eberling
- Rose-Marie Gugliotta
- Melanie Guitreaux
- Mic Minneman
- Parvati & Rao Potru
New Volunteers
- Bob Johnson
- Caroline Koenig
- Mic Minneman
- Hayley Pienton
- Kathleen Rubinger
- Ramona Sandoval
- Patricia Tara Sears
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 21: Local History
- February 28: Current Aneurysm Treatments
- March 6: History of St. Andrew’s
- March 13: Encore Creativity
- March 20: European Welfare Traditions
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
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 21: Local historian Paula Tarnapol Whitacre will talk about why local history matters, easy-to-access local history resources and how your family collections can benefit the historians of the future. Ms. Whitacre is the author of A Civil Life in an Uncivil Time: Julia Wilbur’s Struggle for Purpose, the biography of a Civil War-era abolitionist, and is currently writing a book about Alexandria during the Civil War and Reconstruction.
Wednesday, February 28: Current Aneurysm Treatments. Dr. Benny Kim will provide an overview of cerebral aneurysms, including surgical and endovascular treatment. Attendees will have a better understanding of the risks and treatment options of cerebral aneurysms at the completion of the talk. Dr. Kim is a Neurointerventional Surgeon and Vascular Neurologist as well as a founding member of the VHC Health Physicians – Neurology department. Clinically, Dr. Kim is interested in managing the most complex or critically ill cerebrovascular patients. Prior to joining VHC Health, Dr. Kim was employed by the George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates to provide Neurointerventional and Neurology services. Since joining VHC Health, Dr. Kim has been voted as a Top Doctor by his peers in both Washingtonian and Northern Virginia Magazines several times.
Wednesday, March 6: History of St. Andrews. In January, ANV moved its office to the Renehan Center at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Lloyd Starnes and Jane Massant, longtime members of St. Andrew’s, will share information on the church’s 73-year history and the impact that it has had on the community. Through additional discussion of ongoing ministries and outreach, they hope to explore ways in which this new partnership with ANV can develop
Wednesday, March 13: Encore Creativity. Did you sing in your high school or church choir? Are you the one who sings your college cheer songs the loudest at alumni football games? Are you looking for an outlet to share your singing voice? Then Encore Creativity might be for you. Encore is the nation’s largest choral arts organization for adults over 55, with multiple choirs in the DC area. Josh Vickery, Chief Executive Officer will talk about the benefits of participating in a professionally-led choral arts program, and how you can get involved. Spoiler alert: you don’t have to audition!
Wednesday, March 20: European Welfare Traditions. Author Thomas McStay Adams’ new book, Europe’s Welfare Tradition Since 1500, traces the history of welfare back to Europe in 1500, when many city governments adopted a model that collected citizen’s contributions in a common chest and allocated this fund according to household need. He tells the story through a “mosaic of microhistories” that highlight an evolving response to need. Tom will provide an overview of Europe’s welfare tradition and invite discussion about what we in the U.S. might learn from European experience as we face our own challenges of providing for essential human needs.
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, Wednesday, February 21, 5:00-7:30 pm
Join us for dinner to celebrate the Lunar New Year at Mark’s Duck House 6184 Arlington Blvd. There’s plenty of parking, is wheelchair/handicap friendly, and a special menu has been curated just for ANV. We are returning to an ANV favorite with a spectacular menu.
The cost of the meal is $40.00 including tax and gratuity. Beer and wine by the glass may be purchased separately with dinner, or you can bring your own bottle of wine for a $15.00 corking fee. To pay for your meal, please bring cash in an envelope with your name on it. Please do not pay for your meal using credit card (this allows us to keep the cost at $40 per person). However, you can pay for any beer or wine purchase with a credit card.
RSVP by Friday, February 16 by emailing Office@ANVarlington.org or by calling the office at 703-509-8057. Be sure to include the name of each attendee with their email and/or phone number and let us know if you need a ride.
We are responsible for the number of diners in our group, so you also have until Friday February 16 to cancel your reservation. Otherwise, we will plan on your joining us for dinner and you will be responsible for the cost of dinner. Members, volunteers and friends are welcome. We hope to see you to celebrate the Lunar New Year as we return to a well-loved restaurant.
How to Forgive Yourself
Wednesday, March 6, 3-4:30 pm
Little Falls Village has an engaging topic on “How to Forgive Yourself” with Dr. Fred Luskin. Everyone makes mistakes, but learning from them and letting go self-resentment is beneficial for mental and physical health. Learn steps you can take to forgive yourself and grow from Dr. Fred Luskin, one of the world’s leading researchers and teachers on the subject of forgiveness. Dr. Luskin is the Director of the Stanford University Forgiveness Projects, a series of research projects that have validated his forgiveness methods. His national bestselling books include Forgive for Good and Forgive for Love. Dr. Luskin holds a Ph.D. in Counseling and Health Psychology from Stanford University. His work has been featured in world-wide media, including the New York Times, O Magazine, and Time magazine. Registration required.
Weekly Events
Zoom Practice Session
If you need some extra help getting familiar with ZOOM, just call or email office@ANVarlington.org and we will set you up with a volunteer who can help you.
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.
Indoor Bocce at Pinstripes, Thursday, February 15 and February 29
Winter indoor bocce returns! Join us at Pinstripes on alternate Thursdays, at noon for bocce and lunch. As with previous years, Pinstripes is offering free bocce provided we stay for lunch at their popular Bistro (lunch menu). For those who may enjoy a handcrafted cocktail, Pinstripes offers them at half price all day Thursday. Pinstripes is located at 1064 Wisconsin Ave, NW in Georgetown.
The easiest way to get there is by Metro Bus #38B towards Farragut Square, leaving from the Ballston Station at 11:30am. Parking in Georgetown is limited and pricey, so it’s best to leave your car at the Ballston Quarter garage and walk one block to the Ballston Metro Bus terminal on Stuart St. in front of Starbucks. This year we will play at Pinstripes every other Thursday until the weather turns warm. Pinstripes requires reservations for lunch so please let John Thomas (thomas-johnr@comcast.net) know by the preceding Wednesday at 9:00 am if you are coming. We will play bocce from roughly noon to 1:00, then lunch from 1:00 to 2:00.
ANV Board Games Day, Thursday, February 22 and March 7 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 parking garage 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
Combined Ladies and Men’s Lunch, March 8 at noon
The ladies and men’s combined lunch returns to one of our favorites, The Celtic House. Join us on Friday, March 8 at noon to celebrate an early St. Patrick’s Day. The Celtic House features classic Irish fare and is located at 2500 Columbia Pike in Arlington. Parking is available in their private lot as well as free street parking. Celtic House is wheelchair accessible. Please RSVP to roslynva@gmail.com so we may have an accurate count..
Page Turners – February 22, 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 (PPP)
PPPs are on hiatus for the winter months. We hope to see you again as soon as the weather warms up.
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.
Using your Arlington Public Library card, you can now access Kanopy—a new-to-Arlington streaming service offering an extensive collection of narrative and documentary films, TV series, kids content and digital courses.
Wellness
A Matter of Heart!
February, the month when one thinks of hearts. And maybe candy, and flowers, and an expensive dinner out! But, February is also the month when we need to think of our OWN hearts, checking in to see that our entire cardio-vascular system is on the healthy track.
While last month gave us a pause from holiday excesses and a chance to return to “normal” life (whatever that is), this month offers us the opportunity to go forward in good (heart) health. While we know that includes reviewing all our medications regarding how they affect the heart, it also means doing screenings of other body systems, as they all interconnect with heart health.
The Jan. 9, 2024 Washington Post gives a comprehensive overview of screenings we might attend to this month; while the list pertains to all ages, most screenings definitely pertain to older aged persons. Make sure these screens are included in your annual Physical Exam (free with Medicare). So, here is a quick list:
Blood pressure (BP) – regular checkups should show your BP to be at or below 120/80 mm of mercury. If your BP varies, get advice on buying and use of a home BP machine. Your health provider may suggest daily (or weekly) BP checks. And record them, including date and time.
Cholesterol – catching a high cholesterol early gives the opportunity to correct/lower this, and thus lower your risk of heart disease. Aim for an LDL of less than 100 mg/dL.
Type 2 Diabetes – get screened for a hemoglobin A1C. If you have family history of diabetes, or are overweight or have high BP, you may need more frequent screenings.
Depression – symptoms such as feeling low, hopeless, low energy can all be symptoms of depression, and a quick screen by your health provider can help determine this. Some medications may have a side effect of depression, and chemicals, such as alcohol, are direct nervous system depressants. So, this is very important to sort out.
Skin Cancer – doing your own observational screening is a start, searching for any skin lesions, moles or spots of any kind that may have changed. An annual Dermatologist screen is often advised for older people; it is educational regarding what to look for, as well as reassuring to learn that some “aging” spots are nothing to worry about.
Hearing loss – this can sneak up on us without our really paying attention to it, but we know that loss/decline in hearing can affect our socialization and our cognition. So, it is good to keep abreast of where your hearing (or hearing aid) health is and correct it when possible.
Osteoporosis – especially important for women, as we lose up to 20% of our bone mineral density after menopause. Both men and women who are using steroids are more at risk. You should discuss the test results and any recommended treatments with your health provider.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm – especially important screening for men and women who have ever smoked in their lives. Done at least once after age 65.
Memory tests – if you have questions or concerns about your memory failing, consult your health care provider for cognitive screening.
Medication review – do this with your health care provider on a regular basis. As older people may be on multiple medications, it is important to watch for side effects, which may include feeling depressed, cognitive changes, body aches, sleep disturbances. Knowing this will lead to perhaps a medication change or other solutions.
Dental care – continue twice-yearly dental visits. The dentist can check for any oral changes (including oral cancer), dry mouth, and other conditions that may lead to tooth/gum disease.
Eye exams – after age 65, make sure you get an eye exam every year or two. As one ages, many age-related conditions such as diabetes or high BP can affect eye health. Other disorders that may come with aging include macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye, glaucoma and retinal detachment. Many of these are quite manageable, especially if detected early.
Cancer screenings – colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer are all screenings that you need to ask your health care provider about; a good conversation will include education of what the various symptoms may be, allowing you to monitor your own body for any of these. As with all cancers, early detection is very important to a good outcome.
STDs – As the Post article points out, “age doesn’t protect your from sexually transmitted disease.” So, if you are sexually active with new partners, have periodic checks. STDs among adults over 65 more than doubled from 2007 and 2017. Use protection (condoms) to decrease your risk of STDs.
Vaccines – as we have many times repeated in this newsletter, the importance of keeping your vaccines up to date is critical. Flu, Pneumococcal, RSV, Covid, Shingles and Tdap vaccines are your best investment in preventing severe disease.
Phew!! A long list indeed!! Feel free to take this list with you for your annual physical exam, and make that appointment now!! Remember, it is all a Matter of Heart.
Happy Heart Month!!
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.
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.