Community Update (10/1/25)
ANV Annual All Hands Meeting, October 18
Please join us to share your feedback and to hear about the state of our village on Saturday, October 18 from 10:00am – noon. This is our annual All Hands meeting. We will gather at St. Andrew’s at 4000 Lorcom Lane. Doors to the Undercroft will open at 9:15 am for networking; we will have coffee and pastries to give you energy! Free parking on site. For those not able to join in person, please join via Zoom. See below for details. Please RSVP to Office@ANVarlington.org or call 703-509-8057.
Seeking ANV Board Members
Do you have a passion for providing seniors the option of aging in place? Are you willing to commit your time, talents and resources to ensuring the success of our village? If so, please consider applying to join our Board of Directors in one of the three spots that will become vacant in January. Here is the recruitment announcement. Interested candidates should submit the required information by October 15 to President@ANVarlington.org.
Shout Out to Arlington Parks and Rec Department
Arlington County’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has won the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Parks and Recreation Management. This win celebrates not only DPR’s dedication and innovation, but also the staff, partners, and community members who make Arlington’s parks a place where everyone can thrive. Arlington won Gold in Class II, the category for communities with populations between 150,001–400,000.
ANV Office Closed October 13
The Office is closed on Monday October 13 in observance of the Holiday.
Medicare Open Enrollment October 15 – December 7
Medicare health and drug plans can make changes each year—things like cost, coverage, and what providers and pharmacies are in their networks. October 15 to December 7 is open enrollment when all people with Medicare can change their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year to better meet their needs. Virginia’s VICAP Program can provide you with FREE, unbiased, confidential and personal assistance. See more information below.
National Estate Planning Awareness Week is October 20 – 26. In honor of the event, WMPT invites you to join estate planning expert Elsa W. Smith for a discussion of the importance of estate planning and the tools necessary to get started. See below for details.
Early Voting
Early Voting for the November 4, 2025 General Election begins this month in Virginia. All Arlington voters are eligible to vote early at Courthouse Plaza beginning on September 19. Reminder: Arlington will be using Ranked Choice Voting for the office of County Board. For more information visit: https://vote.arlingtonva.gov/Elections and for locations and hours, visit: https://vote.arlingtonva.gov/Early-Voting
Welcome
New Members
- Ratna Bagamane
- Karen Cassady
- Sherry and David Cook
- Kieu Giao
- Gail Van Buren
- Sherry Vukasin
New Volunteers
- Hannah Dellinger
- John Edwards
- Walter Jacob
- Lisa Klein
- Rosamunda Ozgo
- Brittany North
- Elizabeth Roberson
- Caitlyn Schnure
- Meghan Stevens
- Sophie Titlebaum
In Memoriam
Please join us in remembering Ann Hitt.
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 1: Guide Dog Foundation
- October 8: Guardianships
- October 15: Music Therapy
- October 22: Arlington County Sheriff
- October 29: Intuitive Eating & the Holidays
Special Events
Weekly Groups
- Tai Chi
- Bocce and Boules
- Happy Hour
- Board Games
- Bowling
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, October 1: Guide Dog Foundation. From guiding the blind, to bomb sniffing, to rescuing people trapped in disaster zones, service dogs bring great benefits to their human companions. Christine Gardner from the Guide Dog Foundation will explain how service dogs are trained, the benefits service dogs bring to the community, and how seniors can volunteer to be puppy raisers and help ensure that service dogs will be available to everyone who needs them.
Wednesday, October 8: Guardianships. Erica F. Wood will look at the basics of adult guardianship, and how it may relate to you, your family, and your future. Her talk will cover: (1) the nature of guardianship; (2) the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of guardianship; (3) who the guardians are and what they do; (4) the guardianship process; and most importantly, (5) alternatives to guardianship. Ms. Wood has had a distinguished career in the law and aging field. She served as assistant director of the American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging until her retirement in 2020. She continues to work on Elder law issues, especially adult guardianship.
Wednesday, October 15: Music Therapy. We’ve all heard the cliché about how music can tame the savage soul, but did you know that music therapy can help alleviate anxiety, pain and depression, as well as some symptoms associated with chronic illnesses? Leanne Belasco, Director of Music Therapy at the Levine School of Music, will discuss the ways seniors can benefit from music therapy.
Wednesday, October 22: Arlington County Sheriff Jose Quiroz will give an overview of the many functions of the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office. He will highlight his three key initiatives: maintaining a safe and progressive jail, fostering community engagement, and promoting staff wellness and professional development. Additionally, Sheriff Quiroz will address recruitment and staffing efforts, the department’s medical transition, and ongoing rehabilitation programs. A lifelong Arlingtonian, Sheriff Quiroz’s career in public service is rooted in his deep commitment to the community he calls home. He joined the Sheriff’s Department a day before the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon, and he rose through the ranks to become Arlington’s first Latino sheriff.
Wednesday, October 29: Intuitive Eating & the Holidays. With the holidays approaching, now is a great time to think about your nutrition, food choices, and the impact on your body image. Arlington’s Agency on Aging Registered Dietitian, Elana Sullivan, will address the many challenges of living in our diet culture, the dangers of negative “self-talk,” the ever-present food noise around us, and strategies for how to eat mindfully by introducing the Intuitive Eating approach. In this presentation, we will review principles of intuitive eating, learn how to use the hunger fullness scale during mealtimes, and discuss nutrition tips for the holidays!
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 All Hands Meeting
Saturday, October 18, 10:00am – noon
St. Andrew’s Church, Undercroft
Join us on Saturday, October 18 from 10:00am – noon to share your feedback and to hear about the state of our village. This is our annual All Hands meeting. We will gather at St. Andrew’s at 4000 Lorcom Lane. Doors to the Undercroft will open at 9:15 am for networking and we will have coffee and pastries to give you energy! Free parking on site. Please RSVP to Office@ANVarlington.org or call 703-509-8057.
If you chose to participate via Zoom, here is the link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89617058290?pwd=iel8BeELf0mCl92HM1v8wEHImnefiR.1
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 1705 8290 and the passcode is 867937.
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 5:00 pm (note new start time)
Bocce and boules are played every Monday afternoon at 5pm 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 Teeter 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. October 20 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, October 2 and October 16, 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, October 1 and October 15, at 3:00 pm
ANV is starting a new activity for members and volunteers. Every other Wednesday at 3:00 pm, we will bowl at Bowl America in Falls Church,140 S Maple Ave, Falls Church. Free parking. No leagues, just fun and recreation. All levels of skill and experience are welcome. Bowl 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.
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
Mens Lunch, Friday, October 10 at noon
The Men’s Lunch Group will get together at Soul Thai Kitchen and Bar. Soul Thai Kitchen is located across from Upton Park at 6035 Wilson Boulevard. The restaurant offers a variety of Thai dishes including appetizers such as satays, larbs and rolls and entrees including rice and noodle dishes and curries. Lunch specials are also available.
Free parking is available in the parking lot in front of the restaurant. 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, October 10 at noon
Let’s venture into Del Ray to RT’s Restaurant, 3804 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Alexandria. RT’s is a long-established restaurant specializing in New Orleans style classics for more than 30 years. Free parking is available across the street in between Sherwin Williams and Dollar Tree. A parking slip is required. Customers can pick one up from the restaurant before parking. 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.
Low-vision Group: Monday, October 20 from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
ANV Office conference room
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, October 23 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. Please see list of discussed books at end of newsletter.
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, October 31 at noon
The October Pop-up Picnic will be at Oakland Park, located at 3705 Wilson Blvd. Metered parking is available next to the park. Tables and chairs are just steps from the curb. With colder weather approaching, the October PPP is likely to be our last for 2025. 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.
Webinar presented by WMPT (PBS Station)
Tuesday, October 21 at 6:00pm
Virtual event via Zoom
National Estate Planning Awareness Week is October 20 – 26. In honor of the event, WMPT invites you to join estate planning expert Elsa W. Smith for a discussion of the importance of estate planning and the tools necessary to get started. On Tuesday, October 21, at 6:00 pm, you’ll learn about essential documents needed for estate planning, how to protect your assets, actionable steps to start or update your estate plan, and how estate planning can help build and secure your financial well-being. Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_22IZse64QuWf_zl_0ofMDA#/registration
Wellness
Medicare Open Enrollment October 15 – December 7
Medicare health and drug plans can make changes each year—things like cost, coverage, and what providers and pharmacies are in their networks. October 15 to December 7 is open enrollment when all people with Medicare can change their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year to better meet their needs. Virginia’s VICAP Program can provide you with FREE, unbiased, confidential and personal assistance. You will speak to a trained counselor who will walk you through the steps to maximize your benefits. To get in touch with a VICAP counselor in your area, call 703-228-1725 or email: MedicareHelp@arlingtonva.us.
Medigap “Birthday Rule” Changes in Virginia
In Virginia, starting July 1, 2025, insurers must offer Medigap policyholders an annual Open Enrollment Period (OEP) beginning on the individual’s birthday and ending 60 days after. During this OEP, you can purchase any policy made available by any insurer in Virginia that offers the same benefits as the current coverage. You can learn more about this in the September 3 Coffee and Conversation that is available on ANV’s YouTube channel. And also by visiting ANV’s website where you will find presentations by the Virginia State Corporation Commission Bureau of Insurance.
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!
Still Alice (Netflix)
The Queens Gambit (Netflix)
Please share your recommendations with us for the next issue by sending an email to Office@ANVarlington.org.
Books Discussed at the September Page Turners Meeting
First Frost by Craig Johnson (Fiction/Walt Longmire Mystery)
A Family of Strangers by Emily Richards (Fiction/Drama)
We Should All Be Birds by Brian Buckbee (Non-fiction Memoir)
The First Gentleman: A Thriller by Bill Clinton and James Patterson (Fiction/Mystery/Thriller)
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.
