Community Update (8/15/25)
Dine Around at Loving Hut, August 19
Join us on Tuesday, August 19 at 6:00pm for dinner at Loving Hut, a Vietnamese style vegan restaurant in Falls Church (many of the entrees include soy). See details below.
Arlington County Fair, August 13-17
The County Fair runs Wednesday August 13 through Sunday August 17 at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 2nd Street South. The inside Exhibit Hall opens Friday evening August 15 at 4:00 pm and runs through Sunday. ANV and other organizations will have booths in the exhibit hall so we encourage you to attend. Visit the website to learn more about activities, hours and transportation options on how to get to the Fair.
55+ Program, Fall Schedule
Registration for the 55+ Program begins at noon on Tuesday, August 19. The Fall catalogue is now available.
Low Vision Group, Monday August 18
This month, Scott Marshall, ANV member, will demonstrate how he uses his Meta glasses to help him navigate. Join the ANV Low-vision Group that meets on Monday, August 18 from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm in the ANV Conference Room. Details below.
Special Classes
Classes on scams, solo aging, Encore Learning and Medigap policies are included in the Education and Wellness sections below.
ANV Office Closed, Monday, September 1
It’s hard to believe, but the summer is drawing to a close. The ANV Office is closed on Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day.
What to Watch
We are starting a new column sharing TV shows and movies that our members and volunteers enjoy. Please share your favorite shows by emailing Office@ANVarlington.org and we’ll include them in future newsletters.
Welcome
New Members
- Nii Akuetteh
- Julie Brodie
- Frank Gilligan
- Ann Hitt
- Joanne Jones
- James Longerbeam
- Paul Marseglia
- Florence Steinman
- Bob Stine
New Volunteers
- Joseph Curatola
- Kirsten Flowers
- Anne Griffith
- Timur Khojayev
- Ramah Kudaimi
- Perrine Punwani
- Hannah Stopnicki
In Memoriam
Please join us in remembering Norma Oroszi who passed away August 2.
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
- August 20: Virginia Election Protection Project
- August 27: Vaccines
- September 3: Medicare’s Open Enrollment
- September 10: Challenges of Aging Facing LGBT+ Adults
- September 17: Navigating Senior Living – Understanding Your Options
- September 24: Falls Prevention Awareness Week
Special Events
Weekly Groups
- Tai Chi
- Bocce and Boules
- Happy Hour
- Board Games
- Bowling (new!)
Monthly Groups
- Men’s Lunch Bunch
- Ladies Lunch
- Low Vision Group
- 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, August 20: Virginia Election Protection is a dedicated coalition of organizations and volunteers that make up the largest nonpartisan voter protection effort in the Commonwealth. Miles Kelekian, the Election Protection Manager, will provide an overview of the extent of threats to voting rights in Virginia, what the coalition is doing to increase accessibility and combat anti-voting efforts and will describe senior friendly volunteer opportunities.
Wednesday, August 27: Vaccines: Updates and Current Recommendations. Vaccines are crucial for older adults because their immune systems naturally weaken with age, making them more susceptible to serious complications from preventable diseases like the flu, pneumonia, and shingles. Staying up-to-date on recommended vaccinations, including booster shots, is vital for maintaining health and preventing severe illness. Mary C. Bergmann, ACNP, VHC Primary Care.
Wednesday, September 3: Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period is 2 Months Away! Concerned about your medication and prescription costs? Have your health needs changed? Do you want to hear about Medicare/Medicaid highlights within the 2025 Reconciliation Bill? Join Michelle Thomas, VICAP’s Program Coordinator and Olivia Umoren, USAging’s Director of Public Policy and Advocacy to hear insights into the different types of Medicare plans (Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D and Medigap), Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period (October 15th – December 7th), changes beneficiaries can make during Open Enrollment, and key Medicare/ Medicaid updates in the 2025 Reconciliation Bill.
Wednesday, September 10: Challenges of Aging Facing LGBT+ Adults. Lack of family support, financial concerns, isolation, access to health care, and declining health are all things seniors worry about as they age. But for LGBT+ adults these fears are compounded by discrimination and social stigma, unequal laws, and limited access to appropriate healthcare services. SC Nealy, LPC, NCC, CCMHC, Clinical Director, and Roland Scheppske, LPC, NCC, Counselor with LGBT+ Counseling Collaborative, Inc. will talk to us about the challenges queer and trans-identifying people face. They will also provide guidance on how to better understand and support our LGBT+ family and friends.
Wednesday, September 17: Navigating Senior Living – Understanding Your Options. Did you know that in the DC-metro area alone, there are more than 100 independent living, assisted living, and memory care facilities? This makes choosing the right community for you or a loved one a daunting and overwhelming task. Ginger Noce and Kristy Kennedy, co-founders of Silver Bridges Consulting, will help us understand the pros and cons of these options, their rate and fee structure, payment options, as well as how regulation and oversight are provided to ensure your safety or the safety of a loved one.
Wednesday, September 24: Falls Prevention Awareness Week! Staying Independent and Strong: Tips from a Physical Therapist. Staying active becomes more important as we age. Regular exercise and physical activity can help to improve muscle strength and endurance, bone density, cardiovascular fitness, everyday functional capacity, and help to prevent falls. Tiffani Hastings, a local physical therapist, will discuss how to reduce the risk of falls, fall recovery, exercises to improve function and mobility, and how to stay active and engaged in the community
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
Dine Around, Loving Hut, Tuesday, August 19
Join us on Tuesday, August 19 at 6:00pm for dinner at Loving Hut, a Vietnamese style vegan restaurant in Falls Church. Loving Hut is located at 2840 Rogers Drive, Falls Church. The cost of the family style meal is $40 per person, including tax and tip; drinks are extra. The family-style meal includes rice paper spring roll, golden spring roll, Loving Hut salad, kale stir fry, drunken noodle, eggplant tofu, and blissful fried rice. Many of the entrees include soy. Please register by emailing Office@ANVarlington.org or calling 703-509-8057 so we have a good count of attendees. Please bring cash to pay for your meal.
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 warm 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 6:00 pm
Bocce and boules are played every Monday afternoon at 6pm on the courts at the corner of N. Randolph St & N. Glebe Rd (behind the Ballston Quarter parking garage, and across from Harris Teeter). All are welcome and everyone gets to play. Each third Monday of the month, players are invited to go across the street to Harris Teeters for Bocce-Pizza Happy Hour. Whole pizzas are available for $5 (if you are willing to wait for it). There are also many hot and cold options at the food bar. August 18 will be the next Bocce-Pizza Happy Hour. Contact John Thomas for more information at thomas-johnr@comcast.net. If you don’t use email, please call the ANV Office at 703-509-8057 and request a call-back from John.
ANV Board Games Day: Thursdays, August 21 and September 4, 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: Wednesdays, August 20 and September 3, at 1:30pm
ANV is starting a new activity for members and volunteers. Every other Wednesday at 1:30 pm, we will bowl at Bowl America in Falls Church,140 S Maple Ave, Falls Church. No leagues, just fun and recreation. All levels of skill and experience are welcome. Bowl three games, including shoe rental, for a discounted price of $22. 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 newly-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
Mens Lunch, Friday, September 10 at noon
Please join the Men’s Lunch at Westover Market Beer Garden, 5863 Washington Boulevard. The Beer Garden offers a variety of sandwiches, burgers and small plates. Free parking is available in the parking lot behind the Beer Garden and also on the street. Attendees pay for their own meals by separate check, using cash or credit card. Please RSVP to Tim Burns at tfxb23@yahoo.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 Tim.
Ladies Lunch, Friday, September 10 at noon
The Ladies Lunch is at the newly opened Himalayan Wild Yak Restaurant, 1010 North Glebe Road. The restaurant specializes in traditional Nepalese dishes. There is a parking garage on Glebe Road or limited street parking. 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.
Low-vision Group: Monday, August 18 from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
ANV Office conference room
Special guest this month is Scott Marshall, ANV member, who will demonstrate how he uses his Meta glasses to help him navigate.
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 or 703-241-8686.
Page Turners, August 28 at 11:00am
Please join us to 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.
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) – Friday, August 29 at noon
The August Pop-up Picnic will be at Lacey Woods Park, located at 1200 N. George Mason Dr. This popular neighborhood park, located at the corner with Washington Blvd, has picnic tables, restrooms, hiking trails, and free parking along George Mason Dr. There is also a covered pavilion for shelter and plenty of tall trees for shade. Bring your lunch and something to drink. PPPs are always held at noon on the last Friday of the month. These popular events 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
Monday, August 18 at 6:30-7:30 pm
Glencarlyn Library
Curious about senior living? 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. 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
Please register for this library event.
Exploiting Trust, Exposing Scams that Impact Older Adults
Monday, August 18, 1:00-3:00 pm
Join representatives from Arlington County VICAP, Arlington County’s Adult Protective Services, Virginia’s Senior Medicare Patrol Program and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to learn about financial exploitation, Ponzi schemes and Healthcare Fraud that impacts older adults. To register, call 703-228-1725, or email medicarehelp@arlingtonva.us or register online.
Encore Learning
Encore Learning has a fantastic fall lineup of 41 courses including 31 new courses. Select from 24 in-person courses, 11 virtual courses, as well as 7 hybrid courses available for both in-person and virtual participation simultaneously. There are courses in history, literature, art, science, and so much more. Registration opens Monday, September 8 at 10:00am and fall classes begin September 29. You can view all of the classes online or join the Fall Course Preview via Zoom where you can learn more about Fall courses and hear directly from the instructors on Thursday, September 4 at 9:30am. No need to register for the Course Preview; just join via zoom.
Wellness
Key Facts About Medigap Policies (aka Medicare Supplement Insurance)
Wednesday, August 20, 11:00am – 12:30pm (online)
Join representatives from Arlington County VICAP and the Virginia Bureau of Insurance to learn about Medigap, also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance, a private health insurance that helps fill the “gaps” in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).
About the Program:
- Introduction to Medigap
- Buying a Medigap Policy
- Medigap Premium Finder
- Medigap Rights and Protections
- Legislative Updates
There are three ways to register: call 703-228-1725; email medicarehelp@arlingtonva.us or online.
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
Here are TV shows or movies recommended by ANV members and volunteers. Enjoy!
Pride and Prejudice (WETA)
Running Point (sports comedy, Netflix)
Red Eye (psychological thriller, Netflix)
Please share your recommendations 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.
ANV Events are posted on our online calendar including the Zoom links for virtual events.
