Community Update (10/15/26)
Your Voices Matter!
As ANV undertakes the development of a new strategic plan in 2027, input from our recent Member Survey, Volunteer Survey and All Hands meeting will be used to help shape our future programs, services and priorities. A big “Thank You” to those who participated and shared feedback that will help guide our work. There is always an opportunity to share feedback and ideas with ANV. Just email us at Office@ANVArlington.org
ANV is rated Four Stars by Charity Navigator
We’re excited to share the great news that ANV has earned a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator, the highest rank from the nation’s largest charity evaluator.
This recognition reflects ANV’s effectiveness and reliability—and our dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults in our community. We’re proud to earn this distinction and grateful to everyone who makes our work possible!
Medicare Open Enrollment Period
Medicare Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs from October 15, 2026, through December 7, 2026, with any changes taking effect on January 1, 2027. Your needs and plans and prescription drug coverage changes annually. Make sure to review your coverage. You can compare plans using the official Medicare Plan Finder or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). You can also get free, unbiased counseling from VICAP (Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program.) See information below.
Save the Date
ANV’s annual Thanksgiving Dinner will be Friday, November 20. Save the date on your calendar. More information will be available in the November newsletter.
Education and Wellness events
There are several education and wellness events included in the newsletter this issue. Please see details below.
Congratulations!
Sally Mahoney, the ANV volunteer who leads our weekly Tai Chi practice, won silver medals in Yang Style Tai Chi form and Yang Style Tai Chi sword at the 5th Pan American Kung Fu Taiji Competition. There were 17 countries from North, Central, and South America represented, held from 5 – 9 October.
Welcome
New Members
- Sarah Babazadeh
- Janet Burns
- Cornelius and Joyce Heppner
New Volunteers
- Alexandra Crockett
In Memoriam
Please join us in fondly remembering Stan Lou.
Activities
ANV Events are posted on our online calendar at www.ANVarlington.org/events including the Zoom links for virtual events.
Coffee and Conversation on Wednesdays at 10 am
- October 21: Arlington Public Library
- October 28: Geriatrics
- November 4: Self-Driving Cars
- November 11: Should I use AI for that?
Special Events
- Making the Most out of Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period
Weekly Groups
- Tai Chi
- Bocce and Boules
- Happy Hour
- Board Games
- Bowling
- Billiards
Monthly Groups
- Men’s Lunch Bunch
- Ladies Lunch
- Crafts Group
- Low Vision Group
- Pop Up Picnic (no October gathering)
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, October 21: Arlington Public Library. As any library patron knows, Arlington Public Library is much more than a place to borrow books. It combines the resources and innovation of a sophisticated urban library system with the accessibility and community spirit of neighborhood libraries. From its Library of Things and makerspaces to its preservation of Arlington’s history, sustainability initiatives, and wide-ranging educational programs, Arlington Public Library has embraced an expansive vision of what a modern public library can be. Join Victoria Dale, Adult Outreach Librarian, for an inside look at what’s new, what you may not know about, and what’s ahead at Arlington Public Library.
Wednesday, October 28: Geriatrics. A geriatrician is a doctor who specializes in caring for older adults. They focus on managing multiple health conditions, medications, mobility, memory, and overall quality of life, while helping patients maintain independence and age as healthfully as possible. Dr. Michelle Lee, a geriatrician from VHC Health in Alexandria, will join us to share more about this medical specialty as well as common conditions she treats.
Wednesday, November 4: Self-Driving Cars: A Firsthand Experience. What’s it really like to own and use a self-driving car as an older driver? Senior and proud Tesla owner Mary Kemmer will provide a firsthand look at how this rapidly evolving technology works in everyday life. Learn how features such as automated driving, parking assistance, lane changing, and highway navigation can reduce driving stress and help older adults maintain mobility and independence. The talk will also cover the technology’s limitations, safety considerations, and situations where the driver still needs to take control.
Wednesday, November 11: Should I use AI for that? AI can help with everything from planning a trip and comparing products to writing emails, researching a topic, or learning something new—but it isn’t the right tool for every situation. Barbara Fillip of Fillip Consulting will explore when AI is useful, when it isn’t, and how to use it wisely. Through everyday examples, you’ll learn how AI can save time, generate ideas, simplify complicated information, and help you get things done – while also learning when to double-check its answers or turn to a more reliable source. (Description written by ChatGPT!)
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
Making the Most out of Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period
Monday, October 26, 10:00 am to noon
Walter Reed Community Center and hybrid
Join a hybrid presentation at the Walter Reed Community Center, 2909 16th Street South and virtually about making the most out of Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period (Oct. 15–Dec. 7). Join Arlington VICAP to learn how to compare options, maximize savings, and make confident Medicare decisions.
Agenda:
- Overview of annual enrollment period and available options
- Choosing between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
- Policy updates for 2027
- Practical tips for choosing your coverage
Register in one of three easy ways:
- Call 703-228-1725
- Email MedicareHelp@arlingtonva.us
- Register online
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 5:15 pm
Bocce and boules are played every Monday afternoon on the courts at the corner of N. Randolph St & N. Glebe Rd (behind the Ballston Quarter parking garage, and across from Harris Teeter). No prior bocce experience necessary, all are welcome and everyone gets to play. Contact John Thomas for more information at thomas-johnr@comcast.net.
ANV Board Games Day: Thursday, October 15 and October 29, at 2:00pm
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.
Bowling, Tuesdays, October 27 and November 10, at 3:00 pm
ANV will bowl at Lucky Strike in Falls Church,140 S Maple Ave, every other Tuesday at 3:00pm. Free parking. No leagues, just fun and recreation. All levels of skill and experience are welcome. Bowl one, two or as many games as you like for $5.99 per game or choose the three-game special for a discounted price of $22, including shoe rental. Contact John Thomas at thomas-johnr@comcast.net for more information.
Billiards, Thursday, October 22 and November 5, at 11:00 am
Billiards is back! We play every other Thursday at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 S. 2nd Street. ANV members and volunteers are enjoying an indoor recreational activity that is a lot of fun and easy to learn. Billiards is a fantastic social game for seniors because it keeps you moving, improves hand-eye coordination, and requires a good bit of strategy without being physically taxing. Contact John Thomas at thomas-johnr@comcast.net for more information.
Happy Hour: Thursdays, 5–7pm
Join the ANV Happy Hour Group. A trio of regular Happy Hour volunteers facilitates this popular get-together: Gary Eiserman, Linda Reck, and Roslyn Rubin. They will send the traditional weekly email on Thursday mornings to let participants know the location for that evening’s Happy Hour. For more information and/or to be added to the email distribution, contact Roslyn at roslynva@gmail.com. If you don’t use email, contact ANV Office at 703-509-8057 and request a call back from Roslyn. The Happy Hour group meets at restaurants around Arlington.
Monthly Events
Men’s Lunch, November 13 at noon
The Men’s lunch group will be meeting at SER, 1110 North Glebe Road. It is a restaurant in the Ballston area which serves authentic comfort foods from Spain in a casual and friendly environment. There is underground parking directly below SER’s building. The entrance to parking is on Glebe Road, behind the restaurant, not 11th Street. Parking is $4 with validation up to 3 hours in duration. (The Restaurant strongly advises not to park in the City Bank or Sola Salon parking spaces across the street, you will get TOWED.) There is limited pay parking on Wakefield Street between the Restaurant and Fairfax Drive. (Wakefield Street is one block west of Glebe Road—it’s off to the left when facing the Restaurant.) Attendees pay for their own meals by separate check, using cash or credit card. Please RSVP to Jim Springer at jamespringer@gmail.com so we may have an accurate count. If you don’t use email, please call the ANV Office and request a call-back.
Ladies Lunch, November 13 at noon
The Ladies lunch will be at the Istanbul Grill, 4617 Wilson Boulevard. Join us for authentic Turkish food at one of our favorite restaurants. The extensive menu includes hot and cold mezze platters along with wraps and skewers. The complete menu can be found at https://istanbulgrillvirginia.com. 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 roslynva@gmail.com so we may have an accurate count. If you don’t use email, please call the ANV Office and request a call-back from Roslyn.
Calling All Crafters, Monday, November 9 at 1:00 – 2:00 pm
ANV members and volunteers are invited to join our own ANV Crafts Group on the second Monday of each month in the ANV Conference room, 4000 Lorcom Lane. Whatever you are working on – needlework, knitting, coloring, mending, etc. – bring what you have and enjoy the company of others. All crafters are welcome. No need to register, just show up.
Low-vision Group, Monday, October 19, at 1:00 pm
Do you experience low vision or want to learn more about it? Please join us in the conference room at the ANV Office, St. Andrew’s Church, 4000 Lorcom Lane (lower level of the church, entrance off of Military Road). Participants are invited to share conversation, exchange experiences and useful tips, discuss helpful resources, recommend presentation/ speaker topics, and brainstorm future field trips. Please bring your ideas, experiences, and thoughts to share with others who experience low vision. If needed, call the ANV Office to request transportation. For location and other information, contact facilitator (and ANV member/volunteer) Susan Wallace at susanbwallace@gmail.com.
Pop Up Picnic in the Park (PPP), No October PPP
The next PPP will be on November 27, the day after Thanksgiving; a time for people who are still in town to eat leftovers. We are taking a chance on the weather, and if it is too cold, we will cancel. But we have had success in the past. PPPs are a chance to enjoy fresh air and light conversation and to discover a different Arlington neighborhood park. For 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.
Solo Aging: Strategies for Building a Supportive Future
Wednesday, November 4, at 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Glen Carlyn Library, 300 S. Kensington Street
As the number of older adults living without a partner, children, or close kin continues to grow, solo aging has become an important topic for individuals, families, and professionals alike. In this engaging and practical presentation, Steve Gurney – founder of the Positive Aging Community and a nationally recognized advocate for aging well -will share the unique challenges and opportunities facing solo agers. Whether you are navigating solo aging yourself or supporting a friend or loved one, this session will provide actionable tools and insights to help offer peace of mind and a focus on purposeful living. Registration requested, but not required. Drawing on decades of experience and real-world examples, Steve will guide participants through:
- Understanding what it means to be a solo ager and why this demographic is rapidly increasing
- Building a reliable support network and personal “village”
- Accessing resources and community connections tailored for solo agers
- Proactive planning for housing, healthcare, and decision-making
- Strategies and creative approaches
The Last Supper: Planning for the End of Life
Sundays, November 1 and 8, 12:15 pm – 2:00pm
This two-part workshop will be led by Rev. Caitlin Culp, pastor of the Church of the Covenant and Death Doula Kristen Patterson, MS, MPH. The group will gather over lunch for meaningful learning and compassionate discussion on preparing for the end of life. Topics covered: Virginia’s Advance Directive for Health Care; Exploring Burial Options; Planning Your Memorial Service; and Writing Legacy Letters. Lunch will be provided. Location: Fellowship Hall at Church of the Covenant, 2666 Military Rd, parking on site. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged but not required.
Wellness
Nourish Your Immune System This Fall
Central Library, November 5 at 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Discover how the delicious flavors of the autumn harvest can be transformed into nutritious meals that help support a healthy immune system and prepare your body for the winter months ahead. Join Arlington County dietitian Elana Sullivan as she discusses the role of nutrient-dense foods in maintaining immune health and overall wellness. The program will also feature a live cooking demonstration with simple, seasonal recipes and practical tips you can easily recreate at home. At the Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street, Auditorium. All welcome; registration requested, but not required.
Also of Interest
Aging Matters Radio and TV
Aging Matters radio is a weekly podcast, 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, Spotify and RedCircle 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.
What to Watch or Read
Here are TV shows, movies, or books recommended by ANV members and volunteers. Enjoy!
Books
The Librarians by Sherry Thomas (Fiction, Murder/Mystery)
Chip War: The fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology by Chris Miller (Nonfiction)
The Cyclist: A DS George Cross Mystery, by Tim Sullivan (Fiction – Murder Mystery)
TV
Legends (Netflix series)
Breadwinner (Netflix)
Biblio+. The Arlington Library has free and unlimited access to groundbreaking film and captivating television. All you need is a library card and you can stream on any device, including the Roku stick. Visit https://biblioplus.com/
Please share your recommendations for TV shows, films, or books with us for the next issue by sending an email to Office@ANVarlington.org.
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.
