Bethesda Metro Area Village is a community of over one hundred neighbors who share social, educational, and other engaging activities and who volunteer to help one another remain in their own homes as the years go by. From our first public meeting in 2014, the interest and involvement of local citizens grew. The responses to a survey we conducted showed strong support for building an organization to foster a sense of community among our neighbors aged 50 and over. The Bethesda Metro Area Village was incorporated as a nonprofit organization 501(c)(3) in the State of Maryland in 2014. The village was launched formally with a group of 80 Pioneer Members in 2016.
BMAV is part of the nationwide village movement and a member of the Village to Village network. We are directed by a volunteer board that meets regularly to oversee financial, legal, program, and other issues, and from 2016 we have been fortunate to have Elizabeth Haile as our professional Executive Director advancing our communication, programs, volunteers, administration, and other aspects of managing our organization.
We provide a full calendar of social and education events (in person and on Zoom), including book talks, socials, happy hours, morning coffee, men’s and women’s lunches, speakers, and shared interest groups - including Aging Well, Arts, Armchair Travelers, Birding, Book Club, Bridge, Film Fans, Gardening, Hardy Hikers, Spanish conversation, and Knitting and Needlework.
Volunteering is an essential part of our community. Both members and nonmembers may volunteer to help fulfill the requests of Full Service members, who in addition to participating the above program, also can request volunteers to help with rides, friendly visits, or tasks in the home. Other members volunteer to work on programs and events, serve on the board, and assist in other ways to keep the village going and growing.
Membership is open to anyone over 50 years old. Full Service membership is available to those within our geographic boundaries and Social membership is available to anyone who would like to join. We provide reduced fee membership plans whenever appropriate.
Board of Directors