Events - Month View

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.

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 raining or over 85 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. Open to all BMAV members. The first week of the month we meet at the Battery Park Clubhouse.

Learn to tell your story with ease! Discover how to shape a memory into a story and become an inspiration for others. Unlock your potential as a storyteller and build the confidence to share your truth! This interactive online workshop guides you through the step-by-step process of crafting and delivering compelling narratives from your life experiences. Open to all experience levels, and everyone from the beginner to the seasoned storyteller will benefit from Noa’s hands-on approach to discovering and developing your own unique voice. Online Course via ZOOM: FOUR TUESDAYS: JUNE 3, 10, 17, 24 2025 TIME: 7-9 PM EST USA Course fee: OPTION A: $160 entire course (8 hours) OPTION B: $220 - entire course (8 hours) + one hour private coaching session (scheduled individually following the course) Register here https://www.noabaum.com/items-1/storytelling-yes-you-can

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 June 4 - July 9 and July 16 - Aug 27 (no class Aug 20). 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.

Commander Amy Daum of the MCPD 2nd District will provide practical tools and strategies to help protect yourself from crime. Topics will include preventing identity theft, fraud, and burglary. Held at OASIS office at Westfield Montgomery Mall or can be attended virtually. Register here https://washington-metro.oasiseverywhere.org/product/empower-yourself/

The group chooses movies to watch ahead of time, and then gather to discuss. This month we are discussing musicals - "Chicago," "King and I," and "Funny Girl"
All are welcome. Hosted by Diana Kitt.

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.

Have you ever considered the connection between your hearing and brain health? Jennifer Deal, M.H.S., Ph.D. , epidemiologist with the Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research at Johns Hopkins Center on Aging and Health, will provide insights on the links between hearing loss and dementia risk. Dr. Deal will share valuable lessons from her role in the Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders (ACHIEVE) study, which looked at the long-term effects of hearing intervention on brain health and the role and mechanism of hearing impairment in dementia and cognitive decline. Register with Suburban here https://achievejune2025.events.suburbanhospital.org/

While Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) is still not legal in Maryland, it is slowly gaining momentum nationally. With Chris Palmer as your guide, learn: What MAID involves Provisions included in MAID designed to ensure it is carried out ethically Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED) Complications that arise for those with dementia A skilled presenter, Palmer is an end-of-life activist, author, educator, and a trained hospice volunteer. He serves on the boards of a number of organizations focusing on end-of-life issues, including Montgomery Hospice. He has written ten books — the latest, is Achieving a Good Death: A Practical Guide to the End of Life (Bloomsbury, October 2024). Register at: www.littlefallsvillage.org/MAID

Round House Theatre is again providing free tickets to BMAV as part of its program to partner with nonprofit community organizations. We must use at least 10 tickets to continue to be offered tickets in the future - please only RSVP if you are sure you can join.

King James, by Rajiv Joseph. Directed by Rob Ruggiero. At first glance, Shawn and Matt couldn’t be more different. However, when they discover they are both diehard Cleveland Cavaliers fans, they quickly form a close bond over their shared love of basketball—and the breathtaking talents of NBA star LeBron James. Over the course of many years, their relationship ebbs and flows with the fortunes of their beloved team. This witty and energetic comedy is a “wonderfully daring, imaginative, and compassionate” (The New York Times) celebration of the enduring power of sports fandom and unexpected friendships, written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Rajiv Joseph (Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo). Presented in partnership with TheaterWorks Hartford and Barrington Stage Company.

Paid parking is available at a flat rate of $6 for Round House patrons entering after 6 pm - underneath the theatre at 7501 Wisconsin Ave. 12 tickets are available and RSVP is required by June 2, first come first served.

Members of BMAV‘s Helping Hands SIG will join in a monthly cleanup at The Bethesda Meeting House, (the church that named Bethesda), 9400 Rockville Pike. Tasks available include yard cleanup, but also things like dusting or sweeping indoors. There is dedicated parking at the facility. If you are interested in carpooling, or in attending in future months (the second Sunday of each month) contact lead Andy Brown. All members are invited to opportunities this new SIG finds for our members to join in volunteering together to help our community.

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 meeting at Ann Bennet‘s home and reading The Color of Water by James McBride. The book is a poignant memoir that explores the author‘s complex relationship with his mother, Ruth Zylska, a white woman who married a black man. In this book McBride delves into his mother‘s past, her struggles with identity, and her decision to abandon her Jewish heritage to raise twelve black children in a racially divided America. The memoir is a powerful reflection on race, family, and the search for identity. 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.

Photojournalist Christy Bowe and Connie Morella will discuss Christy’s new book “History in the Making: A Focus on Five U.S. Presidents.” Morella wrote the foreword to the book. The book pulls back the curtain to reveal the eloquently captured presidencies of Joseph R. Biden, Donald J. Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. History in the Making depicts the shifting human experience of each president, all of whom have responded quite differently to national challenges, triumphs and disasters. The program consists of a presentation of pictures set to music followed by Q & A and a conversation with Christy and Connie about the ever changing relationship between the press and politicians.

Meet up with Barbara Diamant 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 Barbara to let her know to look for you. BMAV Walkie Talkies meets unless it is raining or over 85 degrees, in which case the walk is cancelled for the week.

Glencairn, built between 1928 and 1939 in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania, was once the home of Raymond and Mildred (Glenn) Pitcairn and their children. The building now serves as a not-for- profit museum of religious art and history. Collections include ancient Egyptian, ancient Greek and Roman, medieval Christian, Islamic, Asian, and American Indian Art. Registration is required. Register here https://www.fhneighbors.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=635669&item_id=2619679

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

In June we will visit the eastern Mediterranean via a restaurant called ala (in the former Positano space across from Bistro Provence). It offers "Levantine cuisine with a modern twist," which "melds the flavors of Turkey, Syria, Israel, Lebanon and beyond (known as the Levant region), an area of the world that has both a long history and a colorful past.”

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 June 4 - July 9 and July 16 - Aug 27 (no class Aug 20). 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.

Every year, one out of three adults aged 65 and over experiences an unexpected fall. In most cases, falls can be prevented. A Suburban Hospital physical therapist will share practical and useful changes that can be made a home and while on the move to prevent the incidence of preventable falls. Takes place Friendship Heights Village Center, 4433 South Park Avenue Chevy Chase, MD 20815 Register with Suburban here https://fall-prevention.events.suburbanhospital.org/

BMAV‘s Aging Solo group will continue small group meetups to encourage completing tasks and support each other. Led by Susan Gorman. Contact Elizabeth for details.

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.

Medicare and Medicaid are government-run health insurance programs. They assist different groups of people and there are different eligibility requirements. Millions of people across the United States rely on both programs. Erica Noble, Maryland Sales Manager, Johns Hopkins Health Plans, will explain the difference between Medicare and Medicaid and help us understand when it’s best to apply, depending upon our needs and resources. Learn who’s qualified for each program. There will be plenty of time for Q&A. Register at: https://smh.memberclicks.net/SSAMedicareMaryland62025

We will be meeting at Guapo‘s restaurant, 8130 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda. Experience Tex-Mex food including their homemade guacamole (guapomole) and a great atmosphere.

RSVP required on website or to Barbara Brown by noon on Thursday, June 12 so she can make a reservation.

Ridge Line to Red Line -- 200 Years in the Life of downtown Bethesda. Wondering how much of Bethesda‘s history survives amidst the high rises that line Wisconsin Avenue? The answer is more than you probably think, and we‘ll uncover much of it as we explore how and why Bethesda came to be where and what it is today and talk about what it went through along the way. And yes, there will be lots of pictures.

Due to traffic and safety concerns, attendance is limited to 15. RSVP on the website or to director@bmavillage.org

We will be covering about 1 1/2 miles, so wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather [e.g., sunscreen if it‘s a sunny day]. There will be an indoor snack and bathroom break midway through the tour.

This tour is sponsored by the Bethesda Historical Society and led by BMAV member, and Bethesda Meeting House board member, Hank Levine. Learn more about BHS here https://bethesdahistoricalsociety.org/membership-form/.

We start near the Bethesda Metro stop and end near Anthropologie on Bethesda Avenue. Details will be sent to confirmed participants.

This month we are tasting wines from France‘s Rhône River valley- reasonably priced grenache/syrah/etc blends of the southern Rhône like Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône, Tavel, Lirac or Costières de Nîmes. Grapes from this area are made into white, red or rosé wines. $15 donation offsets the cost of the wine and accompanying cheese. Register on the website or by contacting Amy Young. If you can‘t attend but would like to be added to the group‘s email list to learn about future meetups, contact Amy.

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.

Meet up with Nancy Balz for a 50-minute walk starting 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 raining or over 85 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. This week we are meeting at Hanne Caraher‘s home.

This month we will hike the Valley hike, which starts near Old Angler‘s Inn off the Berma Road. This is the upper trail that overlooks Wide Water and the towpath - nice and wooded and shady. If it is predicted to be hot, we will meet at 9 am. RSVP required to Ann.

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 June 4 - July 9 and July 16 - Aug 27 (no class Aug 20). 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.

The dementia journey is unmarked territory – where individuals may face similar challenges, yet their experiences remain unique. Knowledge and education empower caregivers, helping them recognize concerns and enable them to take proactive steps. Part of a National Family Caregiving Support Program presented by Aging & Disability Services Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Zoom registration: https://us06web. zoom.us/j/84407907637?pwd= NRZeeZZUUD2gR18FYUrSKPrD

Can you recognize potential financial scams? FBI field agent Sarah Lewis will provide expert insights on the latest scams and ways to protect yourself from financial abuse. This is a hybrid event and will be held in person at Charles E. Smith Life Communities and via zoom. When you register please register for “in-person” or “virtual” Lunch and complimentary self-parking will be available for in-person registrants.

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

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.

Hosted by Bob Metzler and Reid Detchon. Themed discussions are held the second half of the lunch; the first half is for catching up. We are meeting this month at City Lights of China on Bethesda Avenue.

Are you caring for a family member or friend who has Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia? Feeling uneasy, underinformed or overwhelmed? Has the landscape of rapid change or job loss made things more challenging? Join Sibley Memorial Hospital to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease from three speakers, how to be a better care partner and the importance of self-care. Meet other care partners to learn and share new ways of coping and caring for yourself and your loved one. Light refreshments will be served. Door prizes will be awarded during the conference to family care partners. Learn more and register here https://smh.memberclicks.net/2025journeytohopessa or call 202-364-7602 or email pnunez3@jhmi.edu

Join us for a live & interactive discussions to discover how journaling can be a transformative tool for individuals and caregivers navigating dementia symptoms and changes. Laura Wayman, author of A Loving Approach to Dementia Care and internationally recognized as "The Dementia Whisperer" Register here https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vl01pao3RcO4_LMUqLfQeA#/registration

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 password management. 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 password management.

Gain an understanding of the types of senior living options available, how senior living is regulated and what oversight is provided. You’ll learn about rates and fee structures, and options to pay for senior living. This class is sponsored by Silver Bridges Consulting. Register with OASIS here https://washington-metro.oasiseverywhere.org/product/navigating-senior-living-understanding-the-options/

The experiences of LGBTQ+ caregivers are often missing from caregiving conversations. In this session, Maddy Alvarez from SAGE will highlight topics such as unique challenges LGBTQ+ caregivers face, aging in place, and caregiver stress in a time of uncertainty. Join Alzheimer’s Association and SAGE to learn about resources, insights, and support strategies to help navigate the journey with confidence. Register at bit.ly/ATE062425 or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline - 800.272.3900.

Brain Health Breakthroughs Sunday Health, located in Vienna, specializes in preventing, diagnosing and treating mild cognitive impairment and dementia. By blending cutting-edge, evidence-based science with experienced and compassionate care, they provide valuable support to individuals and families at any stage of neurocognitive disease. https://www.sundayhealth.com/ Arlington Neighborhood Village invites other village members and volunteers to join their Speaker Series each Wednesday on 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.

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 June 4 - July 9 and July 16 - Aug 27 (no class Aug 20). 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 us for lunch at Passage to India, on Cordell Avenue directly across the street from the Cordell-St. Elmo parking garage. RSVP required online or by contacting Lynn Barclay.

Join Positive Aging Community for a discussion with Rachel Donnelly, author of Late To Your Own Funeral. After experiencing multiple family losses, Rachel realized that mourners need guidance through death‘s bureaucracy, not just condolences. As an after loss consultant, she helps navigate estate complexities, acting as a "wedding coordinator—but for death." Register here https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aZAVgBd-QLu1uSwDV9LzNQ#/registration

AI is everywhere — from the apps on our phones to the headlines in our news. But what exactly is AI, and how can it help us in our daily lives? In this introductory talk with speaker Victor Rezmovic, we’ll break down some basic AI terminology and take a non-technical look at how AI works. Using the analogy of having Einstein in your basement, we’ll explore practical examples of AI tools that can help make sense of the overwhelming amount of information we encounter every day. We’ll also introduce popular chatbots and discuss specific applications that can simplify tasks, spark creativity, and provide valuable insights — all designed for the average user. About our speaker: Victor Rezmovic, PhD, is a technology educator who has spent the last 30 years in academic, corporate, and government settings. Since taking apart his first PC in the mid-80s, he has followed the technology revolution as email, the Internet, digital music, Netflix, and the iPhone have become part of our everyday lives. He was a faculty member at the University of Illinois and he trained network administrators at the Department of Justice. He currently teaches in the Information Technology Institute at Montgomery College. All are welcome to attend this free program presented by Potomac Community Village

Good sleep is essential for overall well-being, yet many of us struggle to get the rest we need. Join us for an educational and informative webinar from Leni Barry, MA, BSN, RN-BC, CDCES, where we will dive into the importance of Sleep Hygiene and explore practical strategies to improve your sleep quality. As an expert in nursing and health promotion counseling, Leni will guide you through key principles that can transform your sleep habits, enhance your physical and mental well-being, and help you wake up feeling refreshed. Register for zoom link with Suburban Hospital here https://sleep-hygiene.events.suburbanhospital.org/registration/form

BMAV member David Moulton has just returned from a birding trip to Alaska. Join him for a stroll around Edgemoor to take a census of resident bird species and to identify the bird songs that make up the soundtrack of our summer mornings. We will gather at 8:30 AM at the intersection of Elm and Exfair. Bring your eyes, ears and binoculars. Rain or shine.

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

Join us as we return to Silver restaurant, 7150 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda. We will be meeting inside (outside weather permitting) RSVP required on website or to Stephanie Sutton by noon on Thursday, June 26 so she can make a reservation.

Please bring CASH.

Come by and say hello to fellow BMAV members who will be spreading the word about BMAV at a table during the market. Do some shopping and tell everyone how much you enjoy membership or volunteering!

New members as well as longtime members are invited to meet, greet, and socialize over light refreshments at member Lynn Barclay‘s home. Given the current temperature forecast for the day of the event -- 90 or above -- the social will be held inside Lynn‘s air conditioned house. RSVP required and attendance limited.