Community Update (3/15/26)
ANV’s new Chief Development Officer
Join us in welcoming Caroline Wertz, our new Chief Development Officer. Caroline will be working on partnership development, fundraising, and communication strategies. Since 2000, Caroline has worked in nonprofit fundraising, grantmaking, and organizational development. Most recently, she was a grants consultant with Peak Impact Partners and Sr. Director of Programs at the Scheidel Foundation. She has been involved with Arlington Neighborhood Village for several years as a member of our Board of Directors (2017-2019), and as its Fundraising Committee Co-Chair since 2020. Caroline has a Master’s of Public Administration and Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Alabama-Birmingham.
Community Engagement Forum on Aging, March 16
Monday, March 16, is the annual Arlington County Community Forum on Aging, from 9:30am – 12:30pm. This year’s theme is Your Journey Matters – safe reliable and accessible transportation. Learn about different ways to get around Arlington and share your ideas on how to make transportation better in our community. This is a hybrid event, online, and in person at Lubber Run Community Center and Macedonia Baptist Church. See details below.
Seasonal Walk
Carlin Springs Park, Thursday, March 19 at 11:00am
ANV’s seasonal strolls are a good way to enjoy nature in company with neighbors, family, and friends. The next stroll will be on Thursday, March 19, at 11:00am at Carlin Springs Park in South Arlington. We are taking a brief vacation from our usual walks at Teddy Roosevelt Island due to expected traffic delays there while the nearby highway bridge is being repaired. See details below.
Finding Happiness & Purpose in a Stressful & Uncertain Era
Thursday, March 19, 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Mason Square
Could it be as simple as finding one’s purpose? Or as simple as to stop trying to be happy and instead, make others happy? This panel hosted by George Mason University will expand upon a column by Washington Post writer Dana Milbank and explore research findings from Cornell and George Mason University. Learn about how others have found happiness through purpose. Mason Square (Van Metre Auditorium Room 134) is conveniently located between two Metro stops: Virginia Square and Clarendon. Street parking is often available. There is paid parking available in Van Metre Hall (hourly rate). ANV will host a resource table. This event is free with registration!
Early Voting for Constitutional Amendment
Early Voting for the April 21 Special Election for a Proposed Constitutional Amendment started March 6 at Courthouse Plaza, 2100 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 320. At Courthouse, Early Voting will be open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Other early voting locations are at Walter Reed Community Center and Madison Community Center (check hours and additional informatin). All registered voters in Arlington are eligible to vote in this special election.
Calling all Crafters – Monday April 13 from 1:00 – 2:00
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 – beginners and experienced, alike. Join the conversation and share your projects. No need to register, just show up. Contact Mencit Thomas at mencit@comcast.net for more information.
New Billiards Group
ANV is starting a billiards (or “Pool”) group for members and volunteers who want to enjoy an indoor recreational activity that is a lot of fun and easy to learn. Games will be played at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 S. 2nd Street, every other Thursday. See details below.
Welcome
New Members
- Judith Collins and Allen Norton
- Morgan Cundiff
- Dianne Hasselman
- Marie Kernan
- Kathy Witkowski-Jacobs
- Shelly Quiah
New Volunteers
- Bianca Correa
- Jack Landy
- Karen (Kay) Olivas
- Christine Reich
- Alainie Stamatopoulos
- Kristen VanHaaren
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
- March 18: Medical Cannabis
- March 25: Estate Planning 101
- April 1: Aging Life Care Management
- April 8: End of Life Doula
Special Events
- Community Engagement Forum
- Seasonal Walk
Weekly Groups
- Tai Chi
- Bocce and Boules on winter hiatus
- Happy Hour
- Board Games
- Bowling
- Billiards (new)
Monthly Groups
- Men’s Lunch Bunch
- Ladies Lunch
- Crafts Group (new)
- Low Vision Group
- Pop Up Picnic (winter hiatus)
- 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, March 18: The Do’s and Don’ts of Medical Cannabis. Whether it’s from cancer, a fall, osteoarthritis, or neuropathy, many senior citizens live with pain. Over-the-counter pain medications are often ineffective, and prescription medications may carry a risk of addiction and other side effects. Dr. Leah Sera, Associate Professor in the Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, will introduce us to medical cannabis and what you need to know before talking to your doctor.
Wednesday, March 25: Estate Planning 101. This presentation by Christopher T. Leighton, Partner, Hughes & Leighton PLLC, focused on older adults, will provide a clear, practical overview of the basics of estate planning. Participants will learn the purpose and key components of essential documents, including a will, durable power of attorney, advance healthcare directive, revocable living trust, and beneficiary designations. The session will explain how these tools help protect assets, ensure healthcare wishes are honored, and reduce stress for loved ones. Common misconceptions, the importance of keeping documents updated, and steps for getting started will also be discussed. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of how thoughtful estate planning supports independence, dignity, and peace of mind for themselves and their families.
Wednesday, April 1: Aging Life Care Management. Heather Suri, BSN RN CMC is the CEO and founder of Pathways in Aging, an Aging Life Care Management practice in Northern Virginia. In this talk, we will learn how Aging Life Care Managers help older adults and their families navigate complex health, care, and life transitions by assessing needs, creating care plans, coordinating services and serving as professional advocates.
Wednesday, April 8: End-of-Life Doulas provide non-medical care that works in tandem with a dying person’s loved ones and medical team to ensure that the dying person’s needs are seen, heard, and honored. End-of-Life Doulas help clients understand care options, navigate the healthcare system, and adapt their homes for safety and comfort. The doulas strive to support the emotional and spiritual well-being of clients and their families. In this presentation, End of Life Doula Jane Euler, Co-Founder of Present for You LLC, will explain the services End-of-Life Doulas provide and how they complement and differ from hospice care.
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
Community Engagement Forum on Aging
Monday, March 16 at 9:30am – 12:30pm
The annual Arlington County Community Forum on Aging is Monday, March 16 from 9:30am – 12:30pm. This year’s theme is Your Journey Matters – safe reliable and accessible transportation. Learn about different ways to get around Arlington and share your ideas on how to make transportation better in our community. Explore tools and connect with transportation providers. This is a hybrid event, online via Teams, and in person at Lubber Run Community Center (300 N. Park Drive) and Macedonia Baptist Church (3412 22 Street South). Free parking at both locations. Registration requested.
Seasonal Walk
Carlin Springs Park, Thursday, March 19 at 11:00am
ANV’s seasonal strolls are a good way to enjoy nature in company with neighbors, family, and friends. The next stroll will be on Thursday, March 19, at 11:00am at Carlin Springs Park in South Arlington. We are taking a brief vacation from our usual walks at Teddy Roosevelt Island due to expected traffic delays there while the nearby highway bridge is being repaired.
Our meeting place is at the Long Branch Nature Center at 625 South Carlin Springs Road, which shares a road entry with the Northern Virginia Medical Center at 611 South Carlin Springs Road. Long Branch provides the advantages of centralized location, easy (though somewhat limited) parking, and several pathways for our walk, after which participants are free to visit the Nature Center. “Long Branch stream flows through the woods, past two ponds full of frogs and turtles. Long Branch’s wooded stream valley is home to a diverse population of wildlife including raccoons, foxes, flying squirrels, salamanders and more.” The Nature Center itself boasts an ornamental garden, as well as indoor interpretive exhibits, including reptile and amphibian terrariums.
This is a rain-or-shine event–there is no rain date. RSVP is requested on this occasion for those joining the seasonal walks for the first time. We ask this solely to ensure adequate parking at this new location. Carpooling, if possible, is appreciated by the Nature Center staff. RSVP to Allan Williams at allanwilliams@anvarlington.org .
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, Winter Hiatus
ANV bocce and boules is on winter hiatus and will return in the Spring. The Bocce group will plan a few indoor winter events over the next few months so keep your eye on the bi-weekly newsletter as events unfold.
ANV Board Games Day: Thursday, March 19 and April 2, 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, March 17 and March 31 at 3:00 pm
Please note the new day and time – switching from Mondays to Tuesdays and from 4:00 to 3:00pm. ANV will bowl at Bowl America 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 (new), Thursday, March 26 and April 9, at 11:00 am
ANV is starting a billiards (or “Pool”) group every other Thursday at Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 S. 2nd Street, for members and volunteers who want to enjoy 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
Ladies Lunch, April 10 at noon
The Ladies lunch will be at Yayla Bistro, 2201 North Westmoreland Street, located just off of Langston Blvd. between Arlington and Falls Church. Free parking is available in the garage next to the restaurant on Westmoreland Street or metered parking is available on the street. Walking distance to East Falls Church Metro – Orange and Silver Lines. The lunch menu includes Turkish specialties such as skewers, spinach pie, flatbreads and wraps. 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.
Men’s Lunch, April 10 at noon
The location of the Mens lunch will be announced in the April 1 newsletter.
Crafts Group (new), Monday, April 13 at 1:00 – 2:00 pm
ANV now has a new affinity group for members and volunteers who like to work on crafts. Whatever your craft and experience, you are invited to meet on the second Monday of each month in the ANV Conference room, 4000 Lorcom Lane. Bring whatever you are working on – needlework, knitting, coloring, mending, etc. and enjoy the company of others. Join the conversation and share your projects. Crafting is thirsty work. You are welcome to bring your own coffee, tea, juice or whatever. No need to register, just show up. Contact Mencit Thomas at mencit@comcast.net for more information.
Low-vision Group, Monday, March 16, at 1:00pm
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.
Page Turners, March 26 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. See the list of books at the last meeting below.
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.
Paying for Care Services: The In-Home Care vs. Move Debate
Tuesday, March 24, 7 pm, on Zoom
As we age, one of the most important and emotional financial decisions is whether to remain at home with support or move to a senior living community. Silver Bridges Consulting is hosting this presentation that explores the real costs, trade-offs, and planning considerations behind both options, including home care expenses, community entrance fees, Medicare and Medicaid realities, and the long-term impact on cash flow and legacy goals. Rather than waiting for a health crisis to force a rushed decision, this discussion focuses on proactive, healthcare-driven financial planning that helps families evaluate their choices with clarity, confidence, and a clear understanding of what each path truly requires. Featuring Arvette Reid, Healthcare Planning Strategist at Signature Estate and Investment Advisors. Registration required.
Wellness
Move Better, Feel Better: Understanding Arthritis and Joint Health
March 20, 12 PM – 1 PM, online
Are your hips or knees slowing you down? Join Dr. Kurtis Carlock, MD, an experienced orthopedic surgeon with Nirschl Orthopedic Center, for an informative talk about arthritis and joint health. Dr. Carlock will discuss: what causes arthritis and how to recognize the symptoms; simple, non-surgical ways to ease pain and keep moving; and when hip or knee replacement might be the next step. Whether you’re already managing arthritis or simply want to keep your joints healthy for years to come, this presentation will prepare you to take charge of your mobility and comfort. Registration required.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
The annual Medicare Advantage (MA) Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 through March 31 each year. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan as of January 1st may switch to another MA plan with or without drug coverage. Alternatively, the beneficiary may drop their MA plan and return to Original Medicare by enrolling in a Part D prescription drug plan.
Click here to view Arlington VICAP’s website to learn more and obtain help with Medicare plan options
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.
Tax Aide
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program is the nation’s largest free, volunteer-run tax preparation service. Volunteers are trained on tax law and are IRS certified at an advanced level. The program focus is on low and moderate income taxpayers, and seniors. The national program helped over 1.7 million taxpayers in Tax Year 2024, with over 28,000 volunteers at over 3,300 sites. In Arlington, tax aide help is available at the Central and Columbia Pike Libraries. Please review these websites for more information on appointments and needed paperwork. Appointments take priority but walk-in service is available.
What to Watch
Here are TV shows or movies recommended by ANV members and volunteers. Enjoy!
Bridgerton (Netflix)
Origin (Netflix)
Please share your recommendations with us for the next issue by sending an email to Office@ANVarlington.org.
Book Suggestions from Page Turners
The Art Thief by Michael Finkel (Nonfiction)
The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny (Fiction – Detective)
Superbloom by Nicholas Carr (Nonfiction)
Coming up Short: a memoir of my America by Robert B Reich (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.
