Events - Month View

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.

Mark Bradford is internationally renowned for his paper-based art pieces reflecting socio-political issues. Born in Los Angeles and virtually unknown until he was 40, he has wowed the art world with his large, vividly colored art pieces – all of which make emphatic statements about the world today.

“Pickett’s Charge” is one of his largest works to date, spanning nearly 400 linear feet to encircle the walls of a Hirshhorn Museum floor. The work is built upon enlarged photos of French artist Paul Philippoteaux’s 19th Century cyclo-rama, currently on view in Gettysburg National Military Park.

Bradford has cut, torn and scraped through layers of colored paper that he has overlaid on the photos to reveal hidden textures and complexities lurking just beneath the surface. The resulting work weaves together past and present, illusion and abstraction, inviting a rethinking of how narratives about American history are shaped and contested.

For more than two decades, Bradford has expanded the language of abstraction by incorporating personal experience and historical significance into his works. In 2009, he was awarded the MacArthur Genius Grant. In 2016, he was awarded the US Department of State’s national Medal of Arts. He was the US representative for the 57th Venice Biennale in 2017.

Hosting Village: North Bethesda Village
Registration: RSVP to park21217@aol.com for Zoom meeting link

We will be meeting at Silver on their outdoor patio. RSVP required to Susan Gorman by November 30 so she can make a reservation.

BMAV members and volunteers are invited to free online chess classes, taught by high school chess expert and tutor, Uday. Students will pair off and play practice games live on screen while Uday gives direction. Uday will also delve deeper into chess theory and explain openings. All are welcome even if you did not attend earlier Beginning Chess classes. Plan to attend for multiple classes. Please RSVP so Elizabeth can get you setup on chess.com. Owning a chess board is not required.

In Capitol Hill Village’s latest Dementia 101 session we will hear from the Alzheimer’s Association about the latest research providing insights into how to make lifestyle choices that may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age. The Alzheimer’s Association focuses on global research on Alzheimer’s and all other types of dementia. Their goal is to improve people’s quality of care and support systems and detect dementia early. Join your community as we better inform ourselves about dementia and the resources available to us. Register here
https://capitolhill.helpfulvillage.com/events/9489

Two groups of varying skill levels meet regularly for online bridge. Contact Marilyn if you would like to find out how to join.

Join in to discuss what you are working on or perhaps be encouraged to start a project. All are welcome.

Notable author and professor Michael Mezey describes our current political environment as charactered by extreme partisan polarization, election denialism, and ongoing culture wars. Is this environment calling into question the stability of the American Constitutional system? Explore this topic and more with Mezey, who is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at DePaul University in Chicago. He has published extensively in the areas of American politics, legislative politics, and comparative legislative behavior. In recent years, Mezey coedited Legislative Decline in the 21st Century (New York: Routledge, 2020). He also authored Selecting the President: The Perils of Democracy (New York: Routledge, 2018), among four other books.

This event was organized by Friendship Heights Neighbors Network.

Register at: www.littlefallsvillage.org/Democracy. Note that LFV will add you to their mailing list.

Join us for the educational presentation by the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter If you or someone you know is facing Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or another chronic illness, it’s never too early to put financial plans in place. Join us to learn tips for managing someone else’s finances, how to prepare for future care costs and the benefits of early planning


Join our event here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85038672386

Or Dial In:?301 715 8592; Meeting ID: 850 3867 2386

Solutions for Hometown Connections (SHC) works with refugees and immigrants in the Washington DC Metro area, providing a network of mentors, tutors, and community connections. SHC founder Merritt Groeschel will tell us about the issues facing refugees as they try to navigate life in the US and how neighbors can help. Sandra Foote, a Bethesda Metro Area Village member, will tell us about her experience spearheading a community effort to sponsor one Afghan family in Bethesda and how others can learn from the obstacles this family overcame.
Merritt Groeschel is the Founder and Executive Director of Solutions in Hometown Connections, a nonprofit organization that engages with refugees and immigrants to connect newcomer families to our community. SHC has been recognized by the Catalogue for Philanthropy for the impact of its programs including English language classes for newly arrived mothers focusing on preliterate learners, early childhood education, citizenship preparation, and promoting community engagement. SHC is also the newest partner organization of the Maryland Office of Refugees and Asylees (MORA), contracted to provide the innovative SHC Family Education Program for adult learners and their children. Passionate about working with newly arrived members of the community, Merritt spearheaded her church‘s effort to resettle a Syrian family in 2015; which led to her leadership of the Refugee Sponsors Group consisting of representatives from over 55 diverse faith groups and secular organizations in the greater Washington area; exchanging resources and experience in sponsorship of families who are newcomers to our area. She holds a J.D. from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law; and an M.A. in International Development Studies from The George Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs.

Register in advance for this meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYkd-GtqzwsHNHaeYfWwL8i7yx0ko4Smxim

Sexual and gender minority adults "of a certain age" are invited to join for conversation, education, and community-building in a safe and friendly environment the first and third Tuesdays of each month, 4:00 - 5:00 pm. This new group led by Silver Spring Village and Village of Takoma Park usually meets by Zoom, but sometimes also in person. Members from all Montgomery County villages are welcome. For details, email Doug.Gaddis@SilverSpringVillage.org

Bethesda Metro Area Village, Bradley Hills Village and Chevy Chase At Home members 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 - 11 am, Wednesdays, at the Town of Chevy Chase hall, 4301 Willow Lane,Chevy Chase, MD 20815, weekly November 9 - December 21. (No class November 23). Participants may drop-in for a fee of $15 a class or pay for the full 6-weeks at the discounted rate of $75. Max 15. 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.

Presented by Greater Stonegate Village

In our visual media saturated age, it is sometimes difficult to remember that the way most Americans received their view of the world was through the pages of general-interest magazines such as Look, The Saturday Evening Post, and especially Life magazine. Through its legendary photographers, Life enabled America “to see life; to see the world; to eyewitness great events...to see and be amazed; to see and be instructed…” For the 36 years that marked its golden age, the US weekly informed the country’s views on politics, war, race and national identity through images. With its cohort of star photographers such as Gordon Parks, Margaret Bourke-White and Alfred Eisenstadt, Life helped pioneer US photojournalism. Many of the photographs became iconic works of art in their own right, helping to shape our global collective memory of the 20th Century. The magazine acted as the nation’s mirror, reflecting both myth and reality. In this presentation, we will look at some of the most iconic images in all of photography and Life’s impact on our view of the 20th century. We hope you can join us for this informative and entertaining presentation!

Register by Dec 5 to attend - Zoom information will be sent out the day before the event. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdt46oWWBs2sMqZmR2J4a2eT6w353kEp1gedEVOvv4Tu4fpnQ/viewform

Elder Financial Abuse: What Do We Need to Know?

Elder financial abuse is considered one of the fastest growing crimes of this century. Learn more about the impact of financial abuse, the importance of community education and strategies to protect you, your family and your finances. Our speaker, Barbara C. Mulitz, Esq, MMsc, is an attorney working at Sandy Spring Trust where she currently serves as a Vice President and Senior Trust Officer. Ms. Mulitz is an active advocate for elder financial abuse prevention and advocated for the successful passage of legislation in the Maryland General Assembly. Hosted by Chevy Chase At Home.

Please register in advance on the CC@H event page for the Zoom link.https://www.chevychaseathome.org/content.aspx?page_id=4008&club_id=559717&item_id=1783897

Join hosts Paul Thorn and Barbara Reese for a new series of TED Talks, once a month on Wednesdays. This month we will be watching talks on memory loss and absentmindedness. After watching together, we will discuss our reactions and the most important takeaways. Come for what is sure to be an enriching conversation with other BMAV members.

BMAV members are invited to virtual coffee talk. Hosted by Naomi Collins and Ann Labriola. Contact them or Elizabeth for the link to participate by phone or by your computer screen.

Award-winning journalist and global traveler, Peter Breslow will share his experiences working around the country and the world for National Public Radio (NPR). Breslow is the recipient of two coveted Peabody Awards, which honor the most powerful and enlightening stories told across TV, radio, and digital media. Learn about some of Breslow’s most exciting and fun experiences in the field, while viewing his photos and live video. During his 40-year career as a news producer, Breslow traveled from the highest point on earth (Mt. Everest) to the lowest (the Dead Sea) to the ends of the earth (the South Pole). He covered military conflicts in a half dozen countries, had his microphone splattered with rattlesnake venom, played hockey underwater, covered the Ebola epidemic in Africa, and much more.

Breslow retired a year ago after having served as a senior producer for NPR’s Weekend Edition since 1992. Prior to that, he was a producer for NPR's All Things Considered. In addition to the Peabody Awards, Breslow won three Overseas Press Club awards.

Register at: www.littlefallsvillage.org/Breslow. Note that LFV will add you to their mailing list.

We are delighted to again welcome Betsy Holleman Burke upon the publication of her third book of poetry, Reclamation. A year ago we enjoyed a Zoom reading of All That Remains and discussion with fellow poet, Judith Bowles. We look forward to sharing her new collection. Betsy will read poems and answer questions about her creative process.


Betsy began studying and writing poetry after the untimely death of her husband, Vernon, and the daily arrival of a hummingbird. She enjoys a thirteen-year association with American University Professor David Keplinger and the Surrey Street Poets. Her chapbook, Searching for Hummingbirds, was published in 2014, shortly before her marriage to an old friend. In 2020, Cherry Grove Press published All That Remains about the destruction of her family home, one hundred years old at its death. She finds it astonishing that she has published three books of poetry in her eighth decade.


The poems in Reclamation go to the heart of pain and loss. Betsy teaches us to process suffering as she looks back and reclaims the love and joy of every relationship. She explores the intersection between creativity and spirituality in her capacity as a floral designer at Washington National Cathedral. A student of synchronicity, she will share this magic she first encountered with the hummingbird.


Betsy’s work has appeared in numerous journals and anthologies. She graduated from National Cathedral School in Washington, DC, and Hollins University in Virginia. She is a floral designer at the Washington National Cathedral and Hillwood Museum. Her website is www.searchingforhummingbirds.com.

Speaker: Sarah Pokempner

The Avalon Theatre is the oldest operating movie theater in Washington, DC and the city’s only nonprofit cinema house. Over the years it has remained a highly valued institution in the Chevy Chase neighborhood and the entire metropolitan area. As the theater approaches its centennial year and the 20th anniversary as a nonprofit, there are many fascinating stories to be told about its history, its architecture, and its unique programming. Learn more about the past, present and future of this cultural landmark, including exciting plans for the celebration of the centennial.

Sarah Pokempner is the Director of Development at the Avalon Theatre. Until recently she also served as the Director of Education. Sarah began working at the Avalon in 2006 as Capital Campaign Manager where she managed the Avalon Legacy Campaign. Subsequently, while continuing to perform various development functions, she began focusing on starting a film education program which led to the launch of the theater’s leading film education program, Cinema Classroom at the Avalon.

Register for this Zoom event with NNV here https://nwnv.helpfulvillage.com/events/3302-virtual-speaker-series---the-avalon-theatre:-then--now/event_participations/new

Ever wondered how (and why) Bethesda came to be where and what it is today? Bethesda Historical Society Secretary and Tour Chair Hank Levine will take us through how, between 1750 and 1920, a fall line, a ridge line, a turnpike, a trolley line, rail lines, the coming of the automobile, and Chevy Chase set the stage for the development of Bethesda into the affluent suburb and urban center it is today. We’ll hear (and see) stories of early churches, stores, and real estate moguls; the decades Bethesda was bypassed and almost died; the experimental animal farm that struck many as less than heaven scent; and the founding of the town’s first neighborhoods.

Register for free with Montgomery History https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pYgSTuxYQNGsM9Oi-PveEg

Join village members to talk about your book recommendations in this discussion led by Jane Boynton. To see book recommendations the group has discussed at past meetings, check out the forum. Contact us for the zoom link.

Bring in your cellphone, smartphone, Ipad, Kindle or laptop and get your questions answered by tech-savvy students.

BMAV members and volunteers are invited to free online chess classes, taught by high school chess expert and tutor, Uday. Students will pair off and play practice games live on screen while Uday gives direction. Uday will also delve deeper into chess theory and explain openings. All are welcome even if you did not attend earlier Beginning Chess classes. Plan to attend for multiple classes. Please RSVP so Elizabeth can get you setup on chess.com. Owning a chess board is not required.

Speaker: Ralph Buglass via Zoom. An illustrated presentation on the “Top 10” lesser-known spots in Montgomery County with historical importance, amazing natural beauty, or superlative in some other way. Learn about some famous residents’ homes and houses designed by famous architects, spots with connections to events of national significance, oases of natural beauty, museums every bit as good as those on the Mall, still-standing relics of our past, and more. Ralph Buglass is a frequent speaker for Montgomery History on a variety of local history topics and a volunteer researcher for Peerless Rockville, the nonprofit historic preservation organization for Montgomery County’s seat of government. In 2020, with Peerless Rockville, he co-authored Images of America: Rockville, a pictorial history of the city’s 250 years. He also teaches lifelong learning courses at American University, Johns Hopkins University, Montgomery College, and Frederick Community College. A Montgomery County native, he graduated from Winston Churchill High School, then earned a BA in American history from Cornell University and an MA in journalism from American University. Sponsored by Montgomery History and the Bethesda Metro Area Village. Free and open to the public. No registration required, join Zoom link here
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87571916419?pwd=Q2VjYkRXMTh6WHUvYjcxdHRLWVl0Zz09
Meeting ID: 875 7191 6419
Passcode: 367334

Two groups of varying skill levels meet regularly for online bridge. Contact Marilyn if you would like to find out how to join.

Bethesda Metro Area Village, Bradley Hills Village and Chevy Chase At Home members 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 - 11 am, Wednesdays, at the Town of Chevy Chase hall, 4301 Willow Lane,Chevy Chase, MD 20815, weekly November 9 - December 21. (No class November 23). Participants may drop-in for a fee of $15 a class or pay for the full 6-weeks at the discounted rate of $75. Max 15. 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.

This month we return to a neighborhood spot in Bethesda, Guardado's (at 4918 Del Ray), which offers "authentic, flavorful dishes from Spain and Latin America, in a casual and inviting atmosphere." According to the restaurant website, Chef Nicolas Guardado and his wife Reyna opened the restaurant in 2007 after he had risen to head chef at Jaleo. "Now, he is infusing that knowledge into his own restaurant, as well as adding some popular Latin American entrees and some traditional dishes from his native Salvadorean background. The menu ranges from robust entrees to tasty tapas to delectable desserts. Notable recommendations include Gambas al Ajillo, Papas Fritas, Pimientos del Piquillo, Tilapia y Camarones, and Paella Valenciana."

We will start as usual at 6 pm. Please respond to Janet if you can come - at janet.dante@yahoo.com. Janet particularly recommends the paella - and the restaurant assured me that we don't need to pre-order, because we are a large group. They have a private room that might help with the noise level at this lively restaurant.

For anyone on this list who has not yet joined our outings, as a reminder: 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 our neighbors better.

We will be meeting at a local restaurant for an in-person lunch this week. 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.

The group chooses movies to watch ahead of time, and then gather to discuss.All are welcome. This month we are discussing our our favorite historical movies - Becket and A Royal Affair. Hosted by Diana Kitt.

Dr. Neal Sikka will be presenting the first of Georgetown Village's Health Care & Programming Committee presentations. This inaugural program will discuss physician practice interactions including patient portals and how to navigate them, how to best use telehealth visits, accessing your records online, etc.

We are inviting you to join us online for this important program. Dr. Sikka is an excellent resource, and we are excited to be able to offer this to you all! Contact info@georgetown-village.org to register for Zoom link.

Neal Sikka, MD is a Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at George Washington University and a Board-Certified Emergency Physician at the George Washington University Hospital. He is also Chief of the Department’s Innovative Practice and Telehealth Section where he leads telehealth efforts like GW Maritime Medical Access, a fellowship in Telemedicine and Digital Health, and conducts research in areas of telehealth, augmented reality, and digital health literacy. Dr Sikka was the founding Chair of the American College of Emergency Physicians’ Emergency Telehealth Section, sits on the American Association of Medical Colleges Telehealth Committee, and is a member of the newly created Center of Excellence for Telehealth and Aging.

DMV neighbors and friends are invited to join together in an old-fashioned songfest (albeit via Zoom) to honor holidays occurring atround this time of year. Whether Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Diwali (though recently passed) or the New Year, we can lift voices together in mutual acknowledgement and enjoyment. Some may mark the songfest by sporting the worst holiday sweater or headgear imaginable, others may bring bells to add percussive accompaniment, still others may wave a partridge in a pear tree. Whatever your fancy or tonal quality, there is a place for you at our holiday Zoom songfest. Lyrics to old favorites as well as a few that may not be known to you will be displayed at the session, so no need to bone up on the words to be sung.

Heather Hommel, LPMT, MT-BC, CDP, of DC's Levine Music will lead us in song. The songfest is being sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association National Capital Area Chapter and organized by the North Bethesda Village.

Host Village: North Bethesda Village
Registration: To register, please RSVP to park21217@aol.com
Access: Zoom link will be sent to registrants

We'll be gathering by zoom to chat. Contact Elizabeth for the link to participate by phone or computer.

BMAV members and volunteers are invited to free online chess classes, taught by high school chess expert and tutor, Uday. Students will pair off and play practice games live on screen while Uday gives direction. Uday will also delve deeper into chess theory and explain openings. All are welcome even if you did not attend earlier Beginning Chess classes. Plan to attend for multiple classes. Please RSVP so Elizabeth can get you setup on chess.com. Owning a chess board is not required.

Joni Sylvia Winik on a trip to the National Gallery. RSVP to Sylvia required.
"I was never much of a lover of Sargent. No wow colors or subjects, no unusual handling of light and shadow, etc. But his numerous trips to Spain to paint, in watercolor and oil, unleashed such passion and excitement from Sargent that as I reviewed the photos of his work contained in this exhibit, and an ecstatic critic’s Washington Post review, I felt strongly that not only did I want to see the exhibit but I thought many of you might like it too."

Join us the second Tuesday of every month at noon 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. 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 Tony will also discuss private browsing/messaging apps.

Join in to discuss what you are working on or perhaps be encouraged to start a project. All are welcome.

Bethesda Metro Area Village, Bradley Hills Village and Chevy Chase At Home members 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 - 11 am, Wednesdays, at the Town of Chevy Chase hall, 4301 Willow Lane,Chevy Chase, MD 20815, weekly November 9 - December 21. (No class November 23). Participants may drop-in for a fee of $15 a class or pay for the full 6-weeks at the discounted rate of $75. Max 15. 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.

Learn more about your many new hearing aid options! As of October 2022, hearing aids are available to purchase without a prescription anywhere health devices are sold. Designed to treat mild to moderate hearing loss in adults, this new affordable option addresses two significant barriers: delaying care due to cost and perceptions that assistive devices are not helpful in treating hearing loss. During this session, Carrie Nieman, M.D., M.P.H. will discuss the pros and cons of the options available, the science behind the devices, and how to assess whether over-the-counter assistive devices are right for you.

Dr. Nieman is an associate professor of Otolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgery) at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and co-founder of Access HEARS, a nonprofit committed to the delivery of affordable, accessible hearing care.

Organized by Friendship Heights Neighbors Network in collaboration with Little Falls Village, and Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Register through Johns Hopkins Medicine:

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER?

Join BMAV members for a celebration of the Winter Solstice, "virtually!" This period can be a time of respite, regrouping, and slowing down. We can learn from people living in northern areas how to receive the winter solstice in a positive "light." Let's light candles, sip some good cheer, and toast each other this holiday season. Hosted by Barbara Reese.

Come join other BMAV members for an in-person lunch location TBD. RSVP required.

We will be meeting at Silver on their outdoor patio. RSVP required to Susan Gorman by December 29 so she can make a reservation.