Community Update (3/15/2023)
Arlington Community Forum on Aging, March 20
On Monday, March 20, from 9:30am – 12:30pm, you have a chance to offer your opinion on aging services in Arlington either at an in-person event or online via Zoom. For those attending in person, the Forum is at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 4444 Arlington Blvd. Registration is required. See below for more information.
Planetarium Tour, March 15
A special program for ANV members and volunteers will be held today, Wednesday, March 15 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the David M. Brown Planetarium, 1426 N. Quincy Street. See below for more details.
Roosevelt Island Walk, Thursday, March 16
The next seasonal walk at Theodore Roosevelt Island will take place at 11:00 am on Thursday, March 16. Please note: Walks this year will be on Thursday, not Saturday. Details below.
Welcome
New Members
- Mary Benn
- François Lachelier
- Thomas Matthews
- Thomas Phipps
- Eleanor and Stephen Williams
New Volunteers
- Wanda Fralick
- Christine van Reenen
- Juliet Remi
- Anne Stutts
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 Conversations on Wednesdays at 10 am
- March 15: Lost Dog
- March 22: Colorectal Cancer Awareness
- March 29: The Women of the Suffragist Movement
- April 5: Arlington Sister Cities Association
- April 12: Arlington County Aging and Disability Services
- April 19: Virginia Native Plants
Special Events
Weekly Groups
- Tai Chi
- Bocce
- 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
Coffee and Conversation occurs on Wednesdays, 10–11 am. 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, March 15: Lost Dog & Cat Rescue. Thinking about bringing a furry friend into your home? Wondering how to incorporate a pet into your life without making a long-term commitment? Dawn Wallace, Executive Director and Johanna Ishani, Manager, Dog Foster Group from the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation will join us to talk about their mission to help homeless animals find loving homes.
Wednesday, March 22: Colorectal Cancer Awareness. We don’t like to talk about it, and we hate getting screened for it, but colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the United States, affecting 1 out of every 24 people. Dr. Cynthia Yoshinda, a gastroenterologist and medical lead for the University of Virginia Cancer Center CRC Screening program and co-chair of the Virginia Colorectal Cancer Roundtable will talk to us about what we need to know about colon cancer and the importance of getting screened.
Wednesday, March 29: The Women of the Suffragist Movement. Historic re-enactor Lynne Garvey Hodge will bring to life the story of Mrs. Robert Walker, a suffragist from Baltimore who was instrumental in the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution giving women the right to vote. She will describe the indignities women endured in their fight, her arrest at the White House, and her incarceration at the Occoquan Workhouse.
Wednesday, April 5: Arlington Sister Cities Association has been building international relationships for thirty years. Libby Schollaert, President of the Reims (France) Committee, will give an overview of ASCA and its five sister cities in Germany, Mexico, France, El Salvador, and Ukraine. Sophia Tailor, Chair of the Ivano-Frankivsk (Ukraine) program, will tell us about the unique challenges faced by residents of Ivano-Frankivsk while the Ukraine sustains continued Russian attacks.
Wednesday, April 12: Was it only yesterday? ANV celebrates its ninth year of operation and its partnership with Arlington County. Rachel Coates, MA., Bureau Director, Arlington County Aging and Disability Services, will join ANV leaders to reflect on the years of working together to promote positive aging in Arlington. We will hear how we’ve grown as community, celebrate progress and consider ongoing challenges in a broad support network for older residents. The presentation will also include highlights from the 2023 Community Engagement Forum on Aging Issues and current County initiatives that may impact older adults.
Wednesday, April 19: It’s almost Earth Day and what is better than learning about Virginia Native Plants? Joanne Hutton, Master Naturalist, will talk with us about Plant NOVA Trees, just one initiative of the Plant NOVA Natives program. This collective effort of hundreds of individuals and organizations works to reverse the decline of native plants and wildlife in Northern Virginia.
ANV’s YouTube channel
If you miss a Coffee and Conversation speaker, be sure to check out ANV’s YouTube channel where we are posting some of our Coffee and Conversation speakers and other special events. Sit back and enjoy!
Special Events
ANV’s Own Star Trek at the Arlington Planetarium, March 15
A special program for ANV members and volunteers will be held Wednesday, March 15 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the David M. Brown Planetarium, 1426 N. Quincy Street, Arlington VA 22207. We will meet Mary Clendenning, Planetarium Specialist for Arlington Public Schools, to learn about how our newly renovated planetarium continues to provide a special learning experience for students of all ages. Dr. Jennifer Bartlett, President, Friends of Arlington’s David M. Brown Planetarium, will take us on an armchair journey through “March Skies” using the new, state-of-the-art Digistar 7 projector.
Roosevelt Island Walk, Thursday, March 16
The next seasonal walk at Theodore Roosevelt Island will take place at 11:00am on Thursday, March 16. Please note that the walks this year will be on Thursday’s not Saturday. 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 11am 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. As usual this is a rain-or-shine event; no rain date. Questions, call David Christian at 703-785-3434 or email daveycc910@gmail.com.
Arlington Community Forum on Aging, March 20
Join key County staff, Commission on Aging members and community partners for the 2023 Community Engagement Forum on Aging Issues on Monday, March 20 from 9:30am to 12:30pm. You have a chance to offer your opinion on aging services in Arlington either at an in-person event or online via Zoom This event will feature an interactive discussion on what matters most to older Arlingtonians, including:
- Keynote Speaker: Susan Ryan, Senior Director, The Green House Project
- Update on Age Friendly Arlington initiatives
- Opportunities to share what matters to you!
The in-person Forum will take place at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 4444 Arlington Blvd or you can join via Zoom. Either way, Registration is required. You can learn more at 2023 Community Engagement Forum on Aging Issues.
Weekly Events
Zoom Practice Session
If you need some extra help getting familiar with ZOOM, just call or email office@arlnvil.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.
Bocce, Friday, March 17
This may be the last indoor Bocce at Pinstripes in Georgetown at 1064 Wisconsin Avenue NW before warmer weather sets in and weekly outdoor bocce on Monday’s resumes in Ballston. Pinstripes is offering ANV bocce for free – a $7 per person value – provided the group stays for lunch. For most players, getting there is easiest when taking the 38B Metro Bus from Ballston, departing at 11:30. 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, March 23 and April 6 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 Scrabble, Mexican Train Dominoes, Cribbage, 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
Men’s Lunch Bunch: Friday, April 14 at noon
The Men’s Lunch Bunch will get together on Friday, April 14 at noon at Me Jana located at 2300 Wilson Boulevard (corner of Clarendon Blvd & Adams Street.) Me Jana is a Lebanese restaurant serving all of your Mediterranean favorites including kebobs, grape leaves, spinach pie and salads. Metered parking is available on Clarendon Blvd. and on Adams Street. FYI – the official address for the restaurant is Wilson Boulevard although the restaurant is located on Clarendon Blvd across from the County Building.
Please RSVP to Gary Eiserman at geiserman1@verizon.net or by calling him at 703-405-0798.
Ladies Lunch: Friday, April 14 at noon
Join us on April 14 at the Bamian Restaurant 5634 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA. Bamian, features Afghani specialties like kebobs & aushaks (plus vegetarian options). Please rsvp to Roslyn at roslynva@gmail.com so she may have an accurate count. The Ladies Lunch meets the second Friday of the month.
Page Turners March 23 at 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 – Special Event April 28
Expanded Silver Line Excursions
ANV members and volunteers will travel together to explore exciting new (and old) destinations along the Metro Silver Line extension. The first destination on Friday, April 28 will be to Perch & Putt at the McLean stop where putt-putt golf, bocce, and food is served on the Capital One Center rooftop. There is a Wegman’s on the ground floor where you can pick up food items before returning to Arlington. Meet on the Ballston Metro platform at 11:00am for the first trip. Questions? Email Thomas-johnr@comcast.net.
Educational Activities
Arlington Public Library Programs
The Library has several events planned for February; please visit their website to see the calendar of events. The Library staff have curated events from the 55+ Program, Encore Learning and elsewhere to make it easy to find something that will pique your E
Special Photography Exhibit Celebrating Arlington Volunteers
Acclaimed local photographer Mac Cosgrove-Davies employed the historic wet plate collodion (or tintype) photography technique to create one-of-a-kind portraits featuring scores of Arlington volunteers. Representing over 30 local organizations and causes, this exhibit spotlights in a creative and unique way Arlington’s rich collection of experienced and dedicated volunteers. The exhibit opening at the Central Library 1015 N. Quincy Street, is scheduled for Tuesday April 4 from 5:30-7pm. Enjoy a musical serenade from featured volunteers from the Arlington Philharmonic. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP for an event reminder.
In addition to the month-long exhibit and April 4 Opening, there are two related events planned: (i) Wet Plate Collodion Demonstration (April 8, Central Library, 10:30-12:00); and (ii) Shadowgram Sunprinting (April 15, Central Library, 10:30-12:00). Registration is required for both; limited seats.
Renwick Gallery “This Present Moment: Crafting a Better World.” In honor of the gallery’s 50th anniversary, this exhibit highlights overlooked histories and contributions of women, people of color and other marginalized groups.
Metropolitan Opera Saturday Matinee Broadcasts
Available every Saturday on our local radio station WETA, broadcast channel 90.9 FM at 1 PM. Find more information on broadcasts online.
March 18: 12 pm Wagner’s Lohengrin (New Production)
March 25: 12 pm Bellini’s Norma
April 1:12pm Verdi’s Falstaff
April 8: 12 pm Puccini’s Tosca
April 15: 12pm Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier
Wellness
COVID Booster shots and Flu Vaccine for Adults
Now is the time to get your COVID booster shot and flu vaccine. Opportunities to get COVID-19 vaccines and boosters and your flu shot are available in and around Arlington through pharmacies and other medical providers—visit vaccines.gov to find a location near you.
Celebrating the “Art of Dependence” by Joan Smith
We are born into this world being dependent on others for our survival, growth, and happiness. As we mature, we gain more independence, relying on ourselves more to achieve our potential and find happiness. But then something happens. As adults in this country, we are given the message that depending on others is weak, and self-sufficiency is strong; the goal of growing up.
But, in truth, going it alone has many drawbacks. We miss out on the joy of sharing our needs, and our thanks, with others. This often means we miss out on new relationships that may enrich our lives.
Alissa Quart, author, recently wrote in the New York Times (Opinion, March 12, 2023) about the sometimes strain of trying to be independent, such as when one is ill, or mobility challenged. Quart alludes to the “toxic myth of ‘pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps’ mentality.” And that some too quickly label our leaning on our friends as “co-dependence,” an inaccurate and de-valuing description.
Author Quart points out that it is “time to value another facet of life: the power and skill of being dependent.” She calls it “the art of being dependent,” and it means accepting aid with grace and, crucially, recognizing the importance of others. She says it takes “dignity and skill to lean on friends, loved ones and colleagues—and even on the state.” She acknowledges the effort, time and patience it so often takes to acquire those services for which we already qualify.
We need to reframe our understanding of dependence on others. We can learn to understand that our “helper” gains as much as we, since selfless acts contribute to the feelings of well-being and happiness in those who helped. Acknowledging the art of dependence also means we release ourselves from shame about our needs for others and expose the lie of being totally self-made. We can learn to acknowledge those who have helped us along the way, and those who will do so in the future, while acknowledging that our relationship with that person benefits them as well.
Such is the strength of ANV: Arlington Neighborhood Village works to help with the “Art of Dependence” while encouraging everyone to “give back” in their volunteer work, information sharing, skills, and engaging with others in the social fabric that knits us together.
Also of Interest
Tax Aide
AARP Tax Aide for low- and middle-income taxpayers is available at the Arlington Library now through April 15. Appointments are available at the Central Library and appointments and walk-in help is available in Spanish and English at the Columbia Pike Branch. Please visit the AARP website to learn more about what you need to do.
Real Estate Tax Relief
Arlington homeowners age 65 and older, and/or totally and permanently disabled homeowners, may qualify for Real Estate Tax Relief. There are additional eligibility requirements. The Department of Human Services, which manages the eligibility process, recommends that you submit your application as early as possible (applications for 2023 taxes are available now), so that your application status can be reflected on the first installment (June 15) Real Estate tax bill. Applications are still accepted, however, until the final deadline of November 15, 2023. You can call 703-228-1350 or visit the web page for more information.
Aging Matters Radio and TV
Aging Matters radio is a weekly program on Arlington’s community radio station WERA Arlington 96.7 FM. Every Tuesday at 2 pm and Friday at 2 pm, host Cheryl Beversdorf interviews experts on topics impacting the lives of older adults and their families. All Aging Matters broadcasts can be found on Apple and Spotify. 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.
Remember as an ANV member, you also receive membership in Arlington’s 55+ Program. During COVID, many programs are on-line, and the Guide is now published quarterly. The Spring Guide is available online.
ANV Events are posted on our online calendar so you can always easily find the Zoom link for any scheduled event.
