Community Update (11/1/25)
ANV’s Thanksgiving Dinner, Friday November 21
It’s hard to realize that another year is rolling by. ANV’s popular, traditional Thanksgiving Dinner will be held on Friday, November 21. ANV members, volunteers and supporters are invited to join us for our Thanksgiving celebration dinner on Friday, November 21, at 5:00pm at St. Andrew’s, 4000 Lorcom Lane. The meal will be catered but we welcome your sharing your favorite appetizer or dessert item. Dinner will be at 5pm; doors open at 4:00pm so please join us early to enjoy good cheer and thanksgiving wishes. Please RSVP by November 14 by calling the ANV office at 703-509-8057 or email office@ANVarlington.org. Details below.
Voting
Remember to vote on November 4, 2025 for the General Election for offices in the Commonwealth and Arlington County. Reminder: Arlington will be using Ranked Choice Voting for the office of County Board. For more information visit: https://vote.arlingtonva.gov/Elections.
ANV Office Closed
The ANV Office will be closed on Tuesday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day.
Thank You
Thank you to the 60 members and volunteers that joined us for ANV’s All Hands meeting on October 18. We received great feedback; we are reviewing the notes and will share the compilation in the near future.
Stress Relief Wellness Session
Do the approaching holidays have you feeling anxious? Do you struggle to relax?
You’re not alone! Join Arlington Public Library and VHC Health Senior Health on Friday, November 14 for an interactive presentation designed to help you recognize the signs and sources of stress and learn effective stress management techniques tailored specifically for older adults. See details below.
Dominion Guild’s Merry Market, November 19
The Dominion Guild’s Annual Fundraiser, The Merry Market, is November 19 at Knights of Columbus, 5115 Little Falls Road, Arlington. Merry Market is a Holiday Bazaar that is a great way to kick off the season. A portion of the proceeds from the sales provide grants to local organizations doing great things in our community, including Arlington Neighborhood Village! For tickets and information, visit www.thedominionguild.org.
Billiards anyone?
Some members have expressed interest in playing billiards as a way to enjoy doing something indoors with friends during the cold winter months. There are billiards tables in Arlington at some restaurants and community centers that we could check out. If interested, contact John Thomas at thomas-johnr@comcast.net.
Welcome
New Members
- Valerie Bethea
- Iris Bond
- Nuris Contreras
- Sarojini Grigsby
- Britanya Rapp
- Lecia Stock
New Volunteers
- Adam Brochu
- Stan Dobson
- David Killian
- David Lawler
- Emran Reshid
- Jamie Song
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
- November 5: Virginia Department of Emergency Management
- November 12: Planning Your Own Funeral
- November 19: Avoiding Loneliness over the Holidays
- November 26: Taxes
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 on Winter Hiatus
- Page Turners on Holiday Hiatus
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, November 5: Virginia Department of Emergency Management. In 1973, just months after Hurricane Agnes caused record-breaking flooding in Virginia, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management was established to work with local, state, and Federal agencies to provide resources to protect Virginia citizens during natural and man-made disasters. Mr. Jason Elmore, EPIO, CPC-PIO, Deputy Director of Strategic Communications and Chief Agency Spokesperson, will discuss VDEM’s mission and the programs and resources they have to prevent, prepare for, respond to, recover from and mitigate threats to the Commonwealth.
Wednesday, November 12: Planning Your Own Funeral. Planning your own funeral gives you the peace of mind that your life and death will be honored the way you want them to be. Many senior citizens consider planning their own funeral but are unsure where to start. Gregg Faulkner, Sr., President of the Virginia Funeral Directors Association and owner of Faulkner Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, will walk us through what you need to know to plan your own funeral so you are remembered and celebrated as you wish. He will be joined by James Ruggerio of Lakeland Preneed Planning.
Wednesday, November 19: Avoiding Loneliness over the Holidays: It is common for some older adults to experience loneliness during the holidays. This is especially true for people who have lost loved ones or live far away from friends and family. Join Juan Couto, Clinical Program Manager, Senior Adult Mental Health with Arlington’s Aging and Disability Services, to learn strategies to mitigate loneliness and available local resources in our community (including Senior Adult Mental Health).
Wednesday, November 26: Taxes. The holidays are just around the corner…and so is the 2026 tax season. The Big Beautiful Bill includes many changes that could affect you, including new deductions for older adults, changes to State and Local tax deductions, and new charitable deductions for non-itemizers. Carol Phillips, EA, with Greenfield Tax Strategies, will walk us through what we need to know about these changes so you can be prepared for the upcoming tax season.
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
THANKSGIVING Celebration
Friday, November 21 at 5:00 – 7:00 pm
How does a year go by so quickly? ANV Members, Volunteers and Supporters are invited to join us to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday on Friday, November 21 at 5:00 pm at St. Andrew’s at 4000 Lorcom Lane. The meal will be catered, a traditional Thanksgiving feast. We welcome your bringing an appetizer or dessert item to share.
Doors will open at 4:00pm and dinner will be at 5:00pm; join us early to enjoy good cheer and thanksgiving wishes.
Please RSVP by November 14 by calling the ANV Office at 703-509-8057 or email office@ANVarlington.org to let us know if you plan to attend and if you are bringing a dessert or appetizer. If you need a ride, let the Office know. Our celebration will be held in St Andrews’ Undercroft, which is wheelchair-accessible (ramp from the driveway, and restrooms on the same level).
Dominion Guild’s Merry Market, November 19
Mark your Calendar for The Dominion Guild’s Annual Fundraiser, The Merry Market, November 19 at Knights of Columbus, 5115 Little Falls Road, in Arlington. Merry Market is a Holiday Bazaar that is a great way to kick off the season. A portion of the proceeds from the sales provide grants to local organizations doing great things in our community, including Arlington Neighborhood Village! For tickets and information, visit www.thedominionguild.org
Turkey Trot, November 27
It’s here! Registration for the 20th Annual Arlington Turkey Trot is officially OPEN!
Don’t miss Arlington’s biggest Thanksgiving tradition — thousands of runners, tons of
community spirit, and support for ten great organizations making a difference right here at home. Grab your spot today and be part of the celebration! You don’t have to be a runner to enjoy this event; come out to cheer on others.
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 5:00 pm
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. November 17 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: Thursday, November 13, 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: NEW DAY – Friday, November 7 at 3:00pm
ANV is starting a new activity for members and volunteers. Every first and third Friday of the month 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 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.
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, November 14 at noon
Please join the Men’s Lunch at Padaek in Arlington Ridge at 2931 South Glebe Road. Padaek is a family owned restaurant featuring Lao and regional Thai cuisine. The menu features noodle and rice dishes along with a variety of curries and soups. Free parking is available in the adjacent parking lot. 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, November 14 at noon
Join us at Pines of Florence, 2109 North Pollard St, an Arlington classic serving Italian food. Parking is available in the strip mall. 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, November 17 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, On Hiatus in November and December
Page Turners will be taking a holiday break. Please plan to join us again in January 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. See the list of suggested readings at the end of the 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), Winter Hiatus
Pop Up Picnics will be on hiatus for the winter. Plan to join us again when warm weather returns. 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.
Wellness
Stress Relief Wellness Session
Friday, Nov. 14, 2:00 – 4:00 pm, Central Library, Quiet Study Room
Do the approaching holidays have you feeling anxious? Do you struggle to relax?
You’re not alone! Join Arlington Public Library and VHC Health Senior Health for an interactive presentation designed to help you recognize the signs and sources of stress and learn effective stress management techniques tailored specifically for older adults. This 30-minute presentation will be followed by a 30-minute interactive session focused on learning techniques to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Free. Please register.
Medicare Open Enrollment October 15 – December 7
Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is the one time each year when Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to the Medicare plan enrollment. The OEP is available between October 15-December 7, with plan changes taking effect January 1.
- Point 1: Plans may change their costs, the drugs they cover, or withdraw out of Medicare entirely each calendar year. When a plan stops covering a drug, it shifts the financial cost to the client, leaving the client responsible for the full cost of the drug, if they remain enrolled in the same plan.
- Point 2: During OEP, using the Medicare Plan Finder, beneficiaries can assess and make changes to their health insurance coverage, to include adding, dropping, or changing their Medicare Advantage or Part D Prescription Drug Plan. They can also assess Medigap policies.
- Point 3: The Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) can provide you with FREE, unbiased, confidential and personal assistance. You can speak to a trained counselor who will walk you through the steps to maximize your benefits Get in touch with VICAP 1 of 3 ways:
- By calling 703-228-1725
- By sending an email to MedicareHelp@arlingtonva.us
- By visiting https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Departments/DHS/Aging-Disability/Programs/VICAP
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!
Famous Last Words: Dr. Jane Goodall (Netflix)
The Marlowe Murder Club (PBS)
Queens of Mystery (PBS)
Please share your recommendations with us for the next issue by sending an email to Office@ANVarlington.org.
Suggested Reading
The First Gentleman by Bill Clinton and James Patterson (Fiction/Mystery)
The President is Missing by James Patterson and Bill Clinton (Fiction/Mystery)
First Frost by Craig Johnson (Fiction/Magical)
A Town with Half the Lights On by Page Getz (Fiction/Historical)
The Third Rule of Time Travel by Philip Fracassi (Science Fiction)
Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green (Nonfiction)
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.
