Events - Month View

Member Sonia Wilder is again organizing an outing to a matinee at the Kennedy Center. Excellent orchestra seat tickets will be $250, inclusive of fees and must be reserved with Sonia NO LATER than Monday, August 18. She will make the purchase and be reimbursed individually. She will also be able to drive three attendees in her car and park at the Kennedy Center. Contact Sonia for more details or to reserve a seat by August 18.

This month the SIG will enjoy the fall colors and weather by taking a day trip to Windridge Wineries in Darnestown, MD, a 35 minute drive. Enjoy their beautiful vineyard and views of the Shenandoah mountains from the covered porch and outdoor patios as well as food truck options onsite. Food and nonalcoholic beverages can be brought from home - wine tastings are $15 and individual glasses of wine are $12-18. A table has been reserved at 3:30 pm so registration is required. Contact Amy Young to RSVP and for carpooling information. Cars will leave Bethesda at 2:30/45 pm.

Teams from BMAV volunteer the first Monday of each month to make lunches for unhoused in our community. Please only sign up if you know you can make it, as Bethesda Cares counts on us being there. IF you find you can no longer make it, reach out to the Helping Hands SIG to find a replacement. Note that the activity involves standing for most of the hour. There is no dedicated parking lot, but county spaces can be found on the street or other lots. Contact SIG lead Andy Brown for more information.

Join this program to learn computer basics with the Walt Whitman Highschool Coding Club to learn more about technology. In this class you will learn the basics of using a computer or smartphone with various programs. We‘ll teach computer terminology as well as beginner level applications. Feel free to bring your personal Laptop or Smartphone with you. This program will take place in the Connie Morella Meeting Room the first and third Monday of every month.

BMAV‘s Helping Hands group will be making soup together for Kindworks. Teams make homemade soup, following Kindworks recipe and joining others on Zoom if so desired, then donate it to local causes.

On this date, up to 3 people can join Andy in her kitchen to make soup, then package it for delivery to Bethesda Cares. More groups can also meet at other homes or you can even make soup individually and join in by Zoom. Signup on the website if you would like to attend at Andy‘s home.

If you can host a group in your kitchen on this or a future date, or would like to make the delivery to Bethesda Cares, contact Elizabeth. This event takes place every Monday at 5 pm so there are endless future opportunities if there is interest.

Read more about Kindworks and their soup program here. https://dokindworks.org/get-involved/kindsoup/

Meet up with Nancy Balz for a 50-minute walk starting at at the Farm Women’s Market at the front door, 7155 Wisconsin Ave., between Willow & Leland Streets. There are quiet shady streets nearby, good for walking in that area and parking in the lot behind the market. Tuesdays the market is closed. Email or text Nancy if you would like to be added to her list or to let her know to look for you.

BMAV Walkie Talkies meets unless it is predicted this morning to be raining or under 45 degrees, in which case the walk is cancelled for the week.

The walks are open to BMAV members and volunteers. Friends and family of members are welcome to attend as well to help members participate.

Join in to discuss what you are working on or perhaps be encouraged to start a project. Open to all BMAV members. The first week of the month we meet at the Battery Park Clubhouse.

Bethesda Metro Area Village and Chevy Chase At Home members and friends are invited to weekly Tai Chi classes with internationally recognized Master Nick Gracenin teaching. Nick brings 45 years of experience from China and North America. Study the essentials and forms of traditional Tai Chi, and improve balance, circulation, strength and relaxation. With a diverse repertoire, Nick tailors each class to the participants, allowing him to focus on their specific goals. The classes can be adapted to accommodate all levels of mobility and health.
Classes will meet from 10 - 10:55 am, Wednesdays, at the Town of Chevy Chase hall, 4301 Willow Lane, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, weekly October 15 - November 19. The drop-in rate is $20 and the six-week session is $95. Chairs and reference materials will be available. Beginners through advanced practitioners are welcome. Register through your village and payment at the class via cash, check, mobile payment or credit card.

Do you want to build a community that values people of all ages? Are you interested in helping your older neighbors? Would you like to donate your time or expertise to help a local nonprofit? If so, become a volunteer for Bethesda Metro Area Village. BMAV is a volunteer-driven local nonprofit dedicated to providing services and community support that allow people to remain in their homes as they age. In this orientation, Executive Director Elizabeth Haile will go over the services offered (rides, deliveries, friendly visits, in-home assistance with technology or light repairs, vacation checks, snow shoveling and garbage can placement), how requests are made and filled, and answer questions about common scenarios. Open to all friends and neighbors interested in learning about the village and the services our volunteers provide. RSVP and application required. Zoom link will be sent to registrants.

Many current members are also volunteers - if you are a new member with the ability to volunteer on any of the types of tasks, we encourage you to apply.

Current volunteers who would like a refresher are also welcome.

Check out our website or contact director@bmavillage.org for more information.

Weather permitting, BMAV members will meet in-person at Bethesda Lane the first Thursday of each month - the benches near Luke‘s Lobster, which is in the pedestrian paved area between Elm St and Bethesda Ave off Arlington Rd. Maman, Hawkers and Dolcezza Gelato are other establishments located in that area.

BYO coffee. RSVPs are not required. Hosted by Diane Goldman and Hanne Caraher.

If the weather is uncertain, we will send out an email by 9am on the day of the event to those on our email list to confirm or cancel the official coffee hour. People are certainly welcome to meet informally on their own if weather conditions improve after that time.

Hosted by Bob Metzler and Reid Detchon. Themed discussions are held the first half of the lunch and the second half is for catching up.

This program is a joint presentation by Potomac Community Village and the Potomac Library. On the night of June 27, 1863, Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart crossed the Potomac River with 5,000 horsemen including artillery at “Rowser’s Ford” and proceeded to ransack Montgomery County. Stuart’s actions proved a catastrophe for the Confederacy because he should have been with Robert E. Lee’s army in Pennsylvania. Moving blindly without his cavalry, Lee stumbled into the huge Union army at a place called Gettysburg where he was soundly defeated. To deflect criticism, Stuart wrote a report glorifying his crossing at Rowser’s Ford as a heroic, superhuman effort. Jim Johnston unravels the historical mystery.

Join hosts Paul Thorn and Barbara Reese for a series of curated TED Talks. After watching videos together, we will discuss our reactions and the most important takeaways. This month‘s topic is climate disasters. We‘ll continue that conversation next month on the politics of climate change. Come for what is always an enriching conversation with other BMAV members.

Seabury Resources for Aging® is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to provide personalized, affordable services and housing options to help older adults in the greater Washington, DC area live with independence and dignity. It was founded in 1924 as the Episcopal Church Home and is now 100+. This presentation will provide an overview and update you on Seabury‘s programs and communities. It will include a summary of Seabury‘s programs that impact Village members and their families including the Seabury communities, Seabury Connector, and the Path Ahead: Spirituality & Purpose in Later Life (a national program). The presentation will cover the services Seabury Care Management offers with regard to Care Management and Life Enrichment Services. There will be time for questions at the end. Registration Link: https://www.fhneighbors.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=635669&item_id=2744042

Technology is changing the way we drive. The Smart DriverTEK workshop, developed jointly by AARP Driver Safety and The Hartford, will keep you up to date about the latest high-tech safety features in your current or future car. Learn all about Blind-Spot Warning Systems, Forward Collision Warnings, Smart Headlights and more. The 90-minute workshop includes an overview of top vehicle safety technologies, a step-by-step guide of how these technologies work, and how they can make driving safer and more enjoyable. You’ll also receive a vehicle technology checklist, which offers guidance on what technologies you may need when shopping for a new car or what features may already be in your car. The workshop is open to drivers of all ages and is FREE. Accessibility: Tenley-Friendship Library is accessible. Host Village: Northwest Neighbors Village Limited to 75. Registration is required by November 6 here https://nwnv.helpfulvillage.com/events/4868

You may know Daryl Davis as a talented musician, but he is also renowned for his decades-long work engaging and transforming members of the Ku Klux Klan—work that began with a chance conversation in a country music bar. In his newly revised book, The Klan Whisperer, Daryl shares powerful stories and lessons from these encounters. Join us to meet Daryl, hear about his book, and ask your questions. Register here to attend this in-person event at Oasis at Macys Home Store 7125 Democracy Blvd. https://washington-metro.oasiseverywhere.org/product/the-klan-whisperer-book-event-with-daryl-davis/

We will be meeting again at Kusshi Bethesda, 7820 Norfolk Ave. RSVP required on website or to Marilyn Pike by Thursday, November 6 so she can finalize the reservation.

They have good HH prices and menu: maki rolls, dumplings, wings, fried spicy rock shrimp, more. $5-8. Wine and beer are $5, drinks $8. There is metered street parking, the Woodmont Corner Garage or Capital Crescent garage as well as others.

Are AI systems conscious? Do they have independent agency? And if so, shouldn’t we protect their rights, interests, and welfare? As today’s AI systems become increasingly capable, AI ethicists and even some AI companies are taking these questions seriously. And so will we in this talk on AI ethics and policy. We’ll also address the existential risks that might be posed by highly capable AI systems. Science fiction movies have accustomed us to expect that AI systems will seek to destroy or enslave their human creators. But serious scientists are warning that today’s highly capable AI systems are on the verge of matching or surpassing human intelligence, even while AI developers have failed to align their conduct and output with human values and interests. They want a moratorium on attempts to develop superintelligent AI systems - until we learn how to control them. Come and learn about some of the important ethical and policy challenges posed by today’s hottest new technology! There will be time for questions. FHNN‘s speaker is Mark MacCarthy, adjunct faculty member in the Graduate School at Georgetown University. He is a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Technology Law and Policy at Georgetown Law and a Senior Policy Fellow at the Center for Business and Public Policy at Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business. He is a senior fellow at the Future of Privacy Forum, where works on AI and data privacy projects. He holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from Indiana University and an MA in economics from the University of Notre Dame. He is the author of Regulating Digital Industries: How Public Oversight Can Encourage Competition, Protect Privacy, and Ensure Free Speech (Brookings 2023). Register for Zoom link here https://www.fhneighbors.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=635669&item_id=2745575

BMAV‘s newest SIG reads fiction and nonfiction and discusses them in a social, informal setting. The host and moderator switches each month. This month we are reading Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. Frozen River is a 2023 historical fiction thriller that follows Martha, an 18th century midwife in Maine, as she leverages her standing as a medical professional to investigate two crimes, a murder and a rape. Themes include puritan shame, culture and gender oppression, the courtroom as a theatrical spectacle, and familial loyalty in the face of suspicion. We will meet in Barbara Diamant‘s building on Hampden Lane. Please only RSVP if you plan to read the books and attend as space is limited. From 4-5 pm the focus will be on the book, and from 5-5:30, socializing. Sign up early as space is limited. If you can‘t make it, contact SIG lead Andy Brown to be added to the group‘s email list and learn about the location and selection next month.

Meet up with Nancy Balz for a 50-minute walk starting at 10 at the benches on the Edgemoor Triangle, Edgemoor and Hampden Lanes. We will be walking on sidewalks of Edgemoor, one of the pedestrian friendliest neighborhoods in the Village area. Email or text Nancy if you would like to be added to her list or to let her know to look for you. BMAV Walkie Talkies meets unless it is predicted this morning to be raining or under 45 degrees, in which case the walk is cancelled for the week. The walks are open to BMAV members and volunteers. Friends and family of members are welcome to attend as well to help members participate.

Talking to your doctor can feel overwhelming — especially when time is short or medical terms are confusing. This engaging panel is designed to help you feel more confident and prepared during medical visits, whether for yourself or on behalf of a partner or loved one. Hear from both doctors and patients as they share practical tips, real-life stories, and strategies for: Asking the right questions; Expressing concerns clearly; Understanding care plans; Speaking up and feeling heard. Whether you’re managing your own health or supporting someone else, this session will help you take a more active role in healthcare conversations. This class is sponsored by Sunrise of Bethesda. Held online or in person at OASIS Montgomery Mall. Register here Hybrid - At Oasis and Online

Join village members to talk about your book recommendations in this discussion led by Jane Boynton on Zoom. Unlike most book clubs where everybody reads the same book, this group encourages participants to share whatever they are currently reading or have enjoyed in the recent past. Members are also invited to come and just listen to get new ideas for books. To see book recommendations the group has discussed at past meetings, check out the forum.

It‘s getting dark early and colder outside, so it‘s time for comfort food from a friendly neighborhood Italian restaurant. Trattoria Sorrento has been in Bethesda since 1991, but for some of us it will be our first visit!

Once a month we pick a restaurant and descend en masse – partly for a fun meal out, partly to sample new places (or new choices from old places!), and partly to get to know each other better.

We start early to go easy on the restaurant and get a little extra attention before the place fills up. Come at 5:30 for a Happy Half-Hour! We’ll have name tags for all. RSVP is required! Please click on the button on this page or send an email to the co-leads, Reid and Janet, the earlier the better.

Bethesda Metro Area Village and Chevy Chase At Home members and friends are invited to weekly Tai Chi classes with internationally recognized Master Nick Gracenin teaching. Nick brings 45 years of experience from China and North America. Study the essentials and forms of traditional Tai Chi, and improve balance, circulation, strength and relaxation. With a diverse repertoire, Nick tailors each class to the participants, allowing him to focus on their specific goals. The classes can be adapted to accommodate all levels of mobility and health.
Classes will meet from 10 - 10:55 am, Wednesdays, at the Town of Chevy Chase hall, 4301 Willow Lane, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, weekly October 15 - November 19. The drop-in rate is $20 and the six-week session is $95. Chairs and reference materials will be available. Beginners through advanced practitioners are welcome. Register through your village and payment at the class via cash, check, mobile payment or credit card.

If you have drug coverage through Medicare Part D and have not yet chosen your options for next year, register to have Gail Shearer and Francie de Peyster walk you through it. Many find they can save hundreds (even thousands) of dollars by switching plans. This workshop will be in-person at Gail’s house or on Zoom. After the workshop, Gail can follow-up with individual questions. Open to BMAV members and volunteers only and registration required.

Join Silver Spring Village to connect with ancient wisdom and timeless values in this special spoken word performance where personal and traditional stories connect in unexpected ways. With delightful drama and daring, internationally acclaimed storyteller and author Noa Baum offers us gems from her trove of family stories and rich Jewish heritage. About Noa Baum: Storytelling is the intersection of my work as a performance artist, author, and educator. I focus on the transformative power of storytelling both as performance art and an applicable tool to heal across differences and build bridges of understanding, compassion and peace. My art form can be described as Performance Storytelling – borrowing from principles of traditional storytelling as well as using tools from theater through the mixing of narration and characterization to evoke a story in the audiences’ imagination. I love connecting with people of all ages and backgrounds through stories. I enjoy telling stories from cultures around the world as well as my Jewish heritage. I use stories to promote appreciation of differences, foster collaboration, and spark innovation. I love witnessing the shift in attitude and smiles as workshop participants experience the transformative power of story. But most rewarding is when people come up after a presentation to share their story with me: “That reminded me of a story …”, then I know my work has reached the most important place – their heart. SPARKLE programs are open to the public. Registration is encouraged. Non Village members may register by emailing operations@silverspringvillage.org or calling 240-833-5580 x 6.

BMAV‘s Aging Solo group continues small group meetups to encourage completing tasks and support each other. This month we are meeting in person at Raku, 7240 Woodmont Ave. Led by Susan Gorman.

As we get older, health decision-making and end-of-life planning becomes inevitable. And at some level, everyone is aging solo as there is no guarantee partners or children will be here to help. Iona Senior Services created Aging Solo with the support of the AARP to help older adults be prepared and take charge of our aging. Contact Elizabeth for more information.

Join a Master Naturalist on the second Thursday of the month for an easy walk through the woods. Along the way, we’ll look for wildlife, wildflowers, and anything else of interest as the park transitions into autumn. This program is intended for participants 55+ but friends and family of all ages are welcome. Registration required here https://mdmontgomeryctyweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=454431509. Walk takes place on natural surface trails. Rain cancels the program.

Speaker: Hermon Johnson Jr. The Mound Bayou Museum of African American Culture and History in Mound Bayou, Mississippi is not a typical museum. It’s the first of its kind: an Exposeum, where history isn’t just displayed. It’s uncovered. It’s confronted. It’s honored, from the inside out. Rooted in the legacy of Mound Bayou, a town founded by formerly enslaved people in 1887, this museum is an active space for revealing the parts of Black history that have been hidden, distorted, or forgotten. What makes us different is that we’re not treating our history like it’s over. We are still in the process of discovering it, exposing it, and passing it on. This is a place where the stories are personal. From the civil rights work of local leaders to the economic brilliance of the town’s founders, every exhibit is designed to show that Black history is not tragedy with a beginning and end — it’s legacy, it’s resistance, it’s joy, and it’s still happening. Hermon Johnson Jr. is the founder and director of the The Mound Bayou Museum of African American Culture and History. Host Village: Northwest Neighbors Village Zoom link will be sent to registrants after registration here https://nwnv.helpfulvillage.com/events/4886

Over wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and appetizers, Little Falls Village‘s speaker will explore the essential medical, legal, and financial steps every adult should consider to support their future wellbeing. Medical perspective: Our physicians will share how to build a trusted care team, maintain wellness and independence as you age, and plan ahead for future needs—including managing chronic conditions, coordinating care across providers, and knowing when to consider additional support at home or in a senior living setting. Legal perspective: Paula will outline the essential legal documents every adult should have—an advance directive, a power of attorney, and a will—and explain how family mediation can help if these plans are not in place before a health issue arises. Whether you are planning for yourself or supporting a loved one, this interactive session will offer expert insights and practical guidance in a warm, welcoming setting. Space is Limited - Registration Required. https://www.littlefallsvillage.org/plan

Join us for an AARP course, led by a trained AARP volunteer instructor. This one-day class is designed to help drivers of all ages stay safe and confident on the road. Learn the latest proven techniques for defensive driving, how to adapt to changes in vehicles and road rules, and tips for managing today’s driving challenges. Location at Sibley Memorial Hospital (to be announced). $20 for AARP members, $25 for non-AARP members. Please make the check payable to AARP. To receive the AARP member discount, you must bring your AARP membership card to class. Register at https://smh.memberclicks.net/aarp--safe-driving-class

The more caregivers know about the disease, and what to expect, the more prepared they will be for future changes and care decisions. Learn why it’s important to plan for care changes, what types of resources and support services are available including respite care, long term care and end of life options. Register for Zoom link here https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/zefqyd9

Online/virtual "Four Energy Gates" self-care session with Cristina Abella Rackers, Holistic Health Consultant. The Four Energy Gates are specific acupressure points on the body that, through self-massage or tapping, can help release tension, improve energy flow and promote relaxation. Designed to enhance your well-being and vitality and bring balance back to your body and your life, this self-care practice is simple and is beneficial for individuals of all ages and varying health levels.

Free. Please log on using your computer, computer laptop, tablet or iPad. It might be difficult to see the points if you use your phone.

Register for zoom link with Cristina Abella Rackers here: https://www.abellarackers.com/four-energy-gates-self-care-practice

In September, Bethesda Historical Society Secretary Hank Levine took us through how, between 1750 and 1920, geography and advances in transportation set the stage for the development of modern Bethesda. Now Hank returns to tell the story of how in the century after the end of World War I Bethesda became the affluent suburb and urban center we know and (mostly) love today. Join us in person as we explore how the rise of the automobile brought new neighborhoods and a growing central business district; how the zoning and planning ‘wars’ of the 1960’s to 1990’s shaped our community; and how Metro jump-started the growth of a town into a city. Co-sponsored by BMAV and Connie Morella Library. Free and open to the public.

Discover unique treasures like handmade crafts, jewelry and more created by over 45 local artists! Find that special something for yourself, a gift for a colleague or a loved one in a range of prices. A great way to kickstart your holiday shopping too! Bring your friends and family to this one-day only event. Admission and parking (behind the clubhouse off Dunlop Street) is FREE! Raffle with proceeds going to Bare Necessities Foundation and The Betty Ann Krahnke Center (JSSA) Visit: https://wcccmaryland.org/artisan-market-2025

This month the Aging Well SIG warmly invites you to tour Reflection Park, a new natural green burial ground, near Silver Spring, on 40 acres of undeveloped land. 16621 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20905. Learn more at www.ReflectionPark.org. Chris will arrange reservations for BMAV members who would like to join him on a 2 pm tour. Carpooling can be arranged leaving at 1:30 pm. RSVP required to Chris.

Learn about age-related change and – The normal physical and psychological changes of aging – How aging affects the way the body responds to medication, infection and pain – Actions caregivers can take to respond to changes Maria Kaplan, RN, BSN, CHPN, is a certified hospice nurse and liaison who has been part of the JSSA Hospice team since 2015. Cooperative program of Bannockburn Neighbors Assisting Neighbors and Burning Tree Villages. Register here https://www.littlefallsvillage.org/aging

Join us on Monday to talk tech with BMAV volunteer Tony Mastria. He can answer your questions about computers, smartphones, anything tech-related. We discuss advice on universal problems. This month Tony will also address safe online shopping. Open to Full and Social members. You can drop in to as many sessions as you‘d like, but an RSVP by the day before with your question will be most helpful to give Tony time to prepare.

This month we will discuss safe online shopping.

Have you ever wondered if it’s too late to fix your smile or what can be done for your toothache? Join Dr. Varney to gain expert insights on: —Common dental problems in older adults —New dental technologies that make appointments easier and less painful —Cosmetic options for improving your natural smile —Adult orthodontics and Invisalign —Tooth replacements and types of implants —Dental solutions for sleep apnea and alternatives to CPAP machines Dr. Varney is a general dentist with expertise in family, cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry. His clinical interests include oral medicine and patients with complicated medical histories. Dr. Varney is on the medical staff and regularly sees patients at Sibley Memorial Hospital. Born and raised in Bethesda, he is a graduate of Georgetown University and the University of Maryland Dental School. Cooperative event of Little Falls Village, Little Falls Library and FHNN. Registration Link: www.littlefallsvillage.org/Dental

Join this program to learn computer basics with the Walt Whitman Highschool Coding Club to learn more about technology. In this class you will learn the basics of using a computer or smartphone with various programs. We‘ll teach computer terminology as well as beginner level applications. Feel free to bring your personal Laptop or Smartphone with you. This program will take place in the Connie Morella Meeting Room the first and third Monday of every month.

Members who have joined recently are invited to a dinner at the home of Andy Brown, Membership Committee Chair, to meet each other and Board members.

Online/virtual "Four Energy Gates" self-care session with Cristina Abella Rackers, Holistic Health Consultant. The Four Energy Gates are specific acupressure points on the body that, through self-massage or tapping, can help release tension, improve energy flow and promote relaxation. Designed to enhance your well-being and vitality and bring balance back to your body and your life, this self-care practice is simple and is beneficial for individuals of all ages and varying health levels.

Free. Please log on using your computer, computer laptop, tablet or iPad. It might be difficult to see the points if you use your phone.

Register for zoom link with Cristina Abella Rackers here: https://www.abellarackers.com/four-energy-gates-self-care-practice

Meet up with Nancy Balz for a 50-minute walk starting at 10 at the benches in front of the Connie Morella Library.. Email or text Nancy if you would like to be added to her list or to let her know to look for you. BMAV Walkie Talkies meets unless it is predicted this morning to be raining or under 45 degrees, in which case the walk is cancelled for the week.

Join in to discuss what you are working on or perhaps be encouraged to start a project. All are welcome. Contact lead Sandi Ross for details.

The National Family Caregiver Support Program, the Commission on Aging, and The Arc Montgomery County present: National Caregivers Month Holistic Care, Arts, and more. Join us for a morning of relaxation, connection, and inspiration as we celebrate National Caregivers Month with a special in-person program dedicated to supporting caregivers‘ well-being. Hosted by the National Family Caregiver Support Program, the Commission on Aging, and The Arc Montgomery County, this event offers a variety of engaging activities designed to nurture mind, body, and spirit. More details and registration can be found here https://thearcmontgomerycounty.org/connect/agency-calendar/event-calendar.html/event/2025/11/19/national-caregivers-month/534804

We will be hiking the stream valley starting from the parking lot at Cabin John Local Park, 7401 Macarthur Blvd. The paths go up and down to the stream beds and there are lots of rocks and roots. Bring walking sticks. Contact Ann to RSVP and be added to her email list.

Bethesda Metro Area Village and Chevy Chase At Home members and friends are invited to weekly Tai Chi classes with internationally recognized Master Nick Gracenin teaching. Nick brings 45 years of experience from China and North America. Study the essentials and forms of traditional Tai Chi, and improve balance, circulation, strength and relaxation. With a diverse repertoire, Nick tailors each class to the participants, allowing him to focus on their specific goals. The classes can be adapted to accommodate all levels of mobility and health.
Classes will meet from 10 - 10:55 am, Wednesdays, at the Town of Chevy Chase hall, 4301 Willow Lane, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, weekly October 15 - November 19. The drop-in rate is $20 and the six-week session is $95. Chairs and reference materials will be available. Beginners through advanced practitioners are welcome. Register through your village and payment at the class via cash, check, mobile payment or credit card.

Join area villages for a seminar over Zoom with clinical staff from JSSA hospice on the myths and facts of hospice care and how to discuss your healthcare wishes with loved ones, 2-3 pm, Wednesday, November 19. • Find out who qualifies for hospice. Nonmember, register for Zoom link • When is the best time for your loved one to enter hospice. • What a hospice stay looks like for patients dealing with a chronic illness. • Inform yourself and debunk longstanding hospice myths to help your loved ones make better care choices. Speaker: Maria Kaplan, RN, BSN, CHPN, Clinical Liaison, JSSA Hospice. Maria is a registered nurse with a deep passion for hospice and palliative care. She’s been part of the JSSA Hospice team since 2015, working as a Clinical Liaison to help patients and families understand their options and feel supported during some of life’s most difficult moments. Maria earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Maryland and holds a certification in hospice and palliative nursing. In her current role, she works closely with patients, families, and healthcare professionals—answering questions, offering guidance, and helping people feel more comfortable with the idea of hospice. She’s passionate about educating the community on what hospice really is: not giving up, but focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life.

This presentation will discuss immune responses to viruses and vaccines. It will provide some background on vaccine history, immune responses, and viruses, including how viruses change over time. Case studies will focus on two respiratory viruses causing major public health problems, influenza and COVID-19. These viruses change frequently, with new strains sometimes escaping immunity. Vaccination to protect against these diseases will be discussed. This talk is intended to provide an understanding of immunity to viruses, which is important in decisions about our health and the public health overall. Registration Please use the registration link here https://www.fhneighbors.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=635669&item_id=2738830. If you need help registering, email information.fhnn@gmail.com with Viruses in the subject line. Speaker Information Suzanne Epstein has a BA degree in chemistry and a PhD in biology. She did postdoctoral work at NIH and then joined the FDA where she worked for 38 years, mainly in the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. As a principal investigator she directed a research lab in immunology, which involved training and mentoring staff, students and postdocs, designing projects, and publishing results. Her lab did research on universal influenza vaccines that would not require strain-matching. She also performed regulatory review of applications to FDA for investigational products, developed regulatory policy, and played a role in research management. She retired in 2023.

BMAV members are invited to virtual coffee talk. Hosted by Diane Goldman. Note our new schedule where we meet in-person on the first Thursday of the month and on Zoom the third Thursday of the month.

Please join us for an always enjoyable ladies lunch, this time at the home of member Marj Stoller. She can accommodate up to 14, so if you‘d like to be part of the fun, register soon on the BMAV online calendar or let LLO lead Lynn Barclay know.

Bring your own lunch. Marj will provide drinks.

Hosted by Bob Metzler and Reid Detchon. Themed discussions are held the second half of the lunch; the first half is for catching up.

Join Potomac Community Village for this free and open-to-all special presentation with Linda Berg-Cross, PhD, and professor emerita in Psychology at Howard University, as she explains what is going on when we "think ourselves" healthier and happier, focusing on the nonsense, the scientific proof, and how to use positive thinking for the extra oomph! In-person at Potomac Community Library.

Featuring Lindsey Vajpeyi, Director of Early-Stage Programs at Insight Memory Care Center in northern Virginia Getting a diagnosis of dementia can be quite a shock – or, for some people, a sense of relief! And, if you’re a loved one of someone who has dementia, understanding how to plan ahead while also adjusting to the “new normal” is so important. In this presentation you will: · Understand the difference between normal aging and dementia · Learn the most common types of dementia · Discover practical next steps to take after a diagnosis About Lindsey: For twenty years Lindsey has had the honor of working with older adults who live with dementia and their care partners. Her certifications include Certified Dementia Practitioner®, Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer®, Activity Director Certification, and she is a Dementia Friends Champion. Lindsey is passionate about quality dementia care from professionals, support and education for care partners, and helping individuals living with dementia retain a sense of self and purpose throughout every stage of the disease. Register here https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_i7NttJ0iRBGoK-1lH_NcsQ

NEW HOURS!! We are moving up the start time to 4 pm for the winter months. We will be meeting inside at Black‘s Bar & Kitchen. RSVP required on website or to Kathy Wiggins by noon on Thursday, November 20 so she can make a reservation.

BMAV Board game nights are back. Small groups will be meeting from 4 to 5:30 on the 4th Monday of each month. Hosts will rotate and capacity - and game choice! - will be set by the host. Members will need to volunteer their homes for the group to be successful and have enough hosts.

If you would like to participate, email SIG co-lead Jane Boynton to be added to the email list. RSVP on the website here.

Bring your favorite game to play. Street parking available.

Meet up with Nancy Balz for a 50-minute walk starting at the Farm Women’s Market at the front door, 7155 Wisconsin Ave., between Willow & Leland Streets. Tuesdays the market is closed but parking is available in the lot behind. Email or text Nancy if you would like to be added to her list or to let her know to look for you. BMAV Walkie Talkies meets unless it is predicted this morning to be raining or under 45 degrees, in which case the walk is cancelled for the week.

Lynn Barclay and Ken Brown are hosting a potluck Thanksgiving. Members and volunteers who don‘t have other plans are invited to attend at Lynn‘s home and bring a side dish and/or dessert to share. RSVP is required by Nov 25.