Community Update (7/15/26)
Coffee and Conversation Ideas
Help shape the future of Coffee & Conversations! We invite you to join a lively brainstorming session to help identify topics, ideas, and potential speakers for upcoming programs. What issues are you curious about? What conversations would inspire, inform, or engage our ANV community? Whether you have a single idea or a long wish list, your perspective can help create a dynamic and meaningful series for the months ahead. Join us on Tuesday, July 21, at 10:00 am in the ANV Office at 4000 Lorcom Lane as we collaborate to plan the next six months of Coffee & Conversations. We look forward to hearing your ideas and building an exciting lineup together! We are also looking for another volunteer to work with Carolyn Johnson to book our speakers. Questions? Come to the meeting or email Office@ANVarlington.org .
USA Birthday Celebration, Saturday, July 18,
Arlington Public Library is hosting an all-ages celebration at the Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street) to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary. Experience multiple back-to-back musical and spoken word performances, a large LEGO sculpture of the U.S. Constitution, DIY arts and crafts activities, singing story times about America, genealogy and digitization workshops, and cultural and historical demonstrations. More information is available on the library’s website.
Nationals Baseball: ANV outing to Nationals Park, Sept 2 at 1:05pm.
Sign up for baseball at Nationals Park where the Washington Nationals will take on the Atlanta Braves in a matinee game on September 2 at 1:05pm. Tickets in the Gallery Section behind Home Plate will cost between $35-$45 where we can sit in the shade with an expansive view of the ballfield. Call the ANV Office at 703-509-8057 or send an email to Office@anvarlington.org before July 31 to indicate your interest. If there is sufficient interest, ANV will provide bus transportation to and from Nationals Park for up to 14 ANV members, volunteers and friends. You are responsible for paying for game tickets. Sign up now if you are interested. Further details will be provided to those who reply by July 31.
Welcome
New Members
- Helen Cassidy
- Mona Heath
- Judy Lynn
New Volunteers
- Lagyl Aidos
- Beth Click
- Rebecca Lee
- Diana Sanchez
- Sheri Wheelock
- Al Wong
- Rita Wong
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
- July 15: Caregiver Support Services
- July 22: Cherry Blossom Pace
- July 29: Living Well
- August 5: Eating Well on a Budget
- August 12: Gambling Addiction
Special Events
- End of Life Planning 101
- Legacy Letter (aka Ethical Will)
Weekly Groups
- Tai Chi
- Bocce and Boules
- Happy Hour
- Board Games
- Bowling
- Billiards (summer hiatus)
Monthly Groups
- Men’s Lunch Bunch
- Ladies Lunch
- Crafts Group
- Low Vision Group
- Pop Up Picnic
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, July 15: Caregiver Support Services. At some point in life, most of us will find ourselves caring for someone we love. While caregiving can be one of the most rewarding roles we take on, it often comes with significant emotional, physical, and financial challenges. Gelareh Bassiry from Arlington’s Aging and Disability Services Department will discuss the many resources and support services available to help caregivers stay informed, connected, and supported, ensuring they can care for themselves while caring for others.
Wednesday, July 22: Cherry Blossom Pace. From their facility in Alexandria, VA, Cherry Blossom Pace provides a wide range of medical, emotional and support services to meet the needs of seniors with complex health needs. Cynthia Shannon, Director of Business Development, will introduce us to their care model; and provide an overview of the services they provide including primary and specialty physician services, adult day care, and family caregiver support.
Wednesday, July 29: Living Well: Aligning Health Care with What Matters Most to You. Kizzy Hernandez-Bigos, Research Associate & Associate Coordinator, Yale University School of Medicine, Internal Medicine/Geriatrics introduces My Health Priorities, a free online tool that helps people identify what matters most to them and use those priorities to guide health care decisions. You’ll learn how to clarify your values, set meaningful health goals, identify symptoms or challenges that interfere with those goals, and communicate effectively with your health care team. The webinar also demonstrates how to create and share a personalized Health Priorities Summary to support conversations with doctors, caregivers, and other health professionals, helping ensure that your care aligns with what is most important to you.
Wednesday, August 5: Eating Well on a Budget. Did you know that food prices have increased by nearly 20% over the past five years? For many older adults, this increase is making it harder to maintain a healthy diet, forcing some to choose less expensive, less nutritious foods over fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy products. Join Renee Afryka, MS, RDN, LD, nutritionist at Giant Food and author of the book “Affordable Healthy Food”, for an informative presentation on how to eat well without overspending. Leslie will share smart shopping strategies, budget-friendly meal planning tips, and healthy food choices that can help seniors stretch their dollars while supporting their health and well-being.
Wednesday, August 12: Gambling Addiction. For many seniors, gambling is more than just a game—it’s a chance to socialize, stay active, and enjoy a sense of community through activities like church bingo and casino outings. Yet beneath the excitement, gambling can also lead to serious consequences, including financial hardship, emotional distress, and strained family relationships. Join Heather Eshleman, Director of Operations at the University of Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, for an informative presentation on making decisions about gambling. She will discuss how to recognize warning signs of problem gambling, strategies for reducing risk, and resources available for individuals and families seeking support.
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
Kristen Patterson of Sacred Journey is offering ANV members and volunteers a discount for two workshops planned for this summer:
Legacy Letter (aka Ethical Will)
What is it, and how do I write one? An online, 90-minute workshop on Monday, July 27 or Tuesday, August 25 from 7:00-8:30 pm on Zoom. Join Arlington-based death doula Kristen Patterson to craft a letter to share your memories, values, and hopes with the people you love. Normally, this class costs $25, but Kristen is offering a discount to ANV members and volunteers: use the ANVLEGACY coupon code when registering for $15 off. Registration and payment information.
End-of-Life Planning 101
Curious about what end-of-life planning entails? An online, 60-minute workshop on Tuesday, August 4 from 7:30-8:30 pm on Zoom. Join Arlington-based death doula Kristen Patterson to discuss the documents, conversations, and decisions to help you and your loved ones feel prepared now and avoid chaotic decisions later. Normally, this class costs $20, but Kristen is offering a discount to ANV members and volunteers; use the ANVEOLP coupon code when registering for $10 off. Registration and payment information.
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 5:15 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, July 23 and August 6, 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, July 21 and August 4 at 3:00 pm
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, Thursday, Summer Hiatus
Billiards will be on a summer hiatus in July and August since the Thomas Jefferson Community Center is reserved for summer camps. Look for billiards to return in September.
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, August 14 at noon
The Men’s lunch group will be meeting for our monthly lunch at the Maya Bistro. The restaurant serves Turkish and Mediterranean food and is located at 5649 Langston Blvd. There are 8 parking spaces in a small lot in front of the Restaurant and there is street parking on N. Kensington Street. 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 from Jim.
Ladies Lunch, August 14 at noon
The location of the Ladies Lunch will be announced in the August 1 newsletter.
Calling All Crafters, Monday, August 10 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, July 20, at 1:00 pm
Amber Pontorno, vocational rehabilitation counselor with the VA Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired, had to cancel her June visit because of illness, but now she will come to our July 20 meeting to discuss services and assistance her office provides. Please join us!
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), July 31, at noon
The July PPP will be at Jennie Dean Park, located at 3630 27th St. South. The entrance to the park, where there is plenty of free parking, is at the corner of 27th St. South & Shirlington Rd. There is a picnic shelter with picnic tables and a restroom. The park entrance is next to Weenie Beenie where you can pick up your lunch if desired. Plan to join us and bring your own lunch for an outdoor picnic. PPPs are a chance to enjoy fresh air and light conversation and to discover a different Arlington neighborhood park. PPPs are scheduled every last Friday of the month, weather permitting. 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
VHC: Feet Facts: Top Five Common Causes of Foot & Ankle Pain
Friday, July 17, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Walk into summer with expert advice on good foot and ankle health. Join orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brian Gallagher as he discusses the top five common causes of foot and ankle pain, treatment options to help relieve discomfort, and practical approaches to prevent future injuries. Whether you’re dealing with ongoing pain or simply want to keep your feet healthy for the long-term, this session will provide valuable strategies to keep you active on your feet. Registration required. Questions? 703.558.6859 or seniorhealth@vhchealth.org.
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 Kennedys and the Windsors by Caroline Hallemann
The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff (Family Saga)
Someone Else’s Husband by Kimberly McCreight (Suspense)
TV
Project Hail Mary (Amazon Prime)
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.
