Events

Past Events

April 8

Decluttering & Downsizing

Having too much stuff can impede relocation or getting home health care

AARP Virginia volunteer Lynn Ray will join us to share a fun interactive AARP program that will explore why stuff is so important for some people and will provide practical, easy-to-follow tips on downsizing and decluttering.

Cleaning our houses while we can is a gift to us and our families!  

Like us, our guest speaker is a retiree. Lynn retired with broad experience in the medical device, biopharmaceutical, and financial technology industries. During her career, she led teams in identifying marketing initiatives, innovation, and new product development. She began her career as a research consultant in the healthcare industry and as an academic research scientist studying hormones and reproduction.

Lynn holds a degree in Biology and an MBA from the University of Delaware. She and her husband reside in Arlington. She is excited to volunteer for AARP Virginia, Arlington Cemetery, and the Arlington 2050 Initiative.

With the reminder for this program, Ellen will include a link to a 70-page PDF of AARP Downsizing the Family Home: A Workbook by Marni Jameson.  An excerpt is here: https://carepartnersofcookcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/AARP-Handout-Downsizing-the-Family-Home-Workbook-AARP.pdf

You will be able to download it to your computer or iPad and use it to guide your downsizing. It is an addition to the presentation, not integral to it. New and used spiral-bound and paperback copies can be found online for a range of prices. Securing one this way might be a good option!

Plan to attend this informational workshop to receive motivation to begin making needed changes in your home and life!  Feel free to invite your friends and family to this informative and useful program.

We gather at 12:30 for our 1 p.m. program at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Boulevard.

MARCH 11, 2026 

RICHARD DERBYSHIRE, MASTER GARDENER

Richard Derbyshire, Extension Master Gardener will help us usher in spring!  A master gardener is a volunteer educator who loves gardening, protecting our environment and sharing what they have learned with our community. Plan to join us for tips on making your plot, large or small, a beauty.

Richard began gardening at a young age by helping his mother Elizabeth turn soil in her vegetable garden each spring in Swansea, MA.  Although his main career was heading the Washington office of a New York-based technology firm, throughout his life he has committed many hours to planning, digging, planting, weeding the soil to transform his lawn into multiple garden beds for flowers, shrubs and some vegetables.

Retired in 2021, he earned his Master Gardener certificate the following spring and has since committed his time furthering garden projects in a variety of schools, education facilities, and public lands.

Richard leads gardening programs at Williamsburg MS, Arlington Traditional ES and The Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center, while supporting garden club programs at Carlin Springs ES, Barcroft ES, Drew ES, and occasionally Fleet ES.

He is a team leader with MGNV’s Youth Education Program, which received the Governors’ Award for Community and Volunteer Service in 2024. He is currently on the MGNV Board serving as Treasurer, and is pursuing certification as a Master Naturalist. 

Richard’s program begins at 1 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 4444 Arlington Blvd., Arlington 22204. Come early to socialize beginning at 12:30.

January 14, 2026

Lunch at Goodwin House

In January 2025, winter weather cancelled our lunch at Goodwin House, saddening our sizable ARTA group.  Plan to join us this January to visit and lunch with our ARTA friends who reside there.

Mark your calendars to join us on Wednesday, January 14 before noon at Goodwin House, 3440 S. Jefferson Street, Falls Church. Parking is available on site or in the nearby Giant parking lot.

After signing in at the front desk, proceed to the main dining room to purchase a full, sit-down lunch. The cost for the new year has not been set, but plan on around $25-30. Cash or credit cards are accepted.

Prior to lunch, the ARTA Executive Board will meet in the Smith Study from 9:30 to 11:45 a.m.

Please email Nancy King @nw_king@yahoo.com no later than Monday, January 12 to let her know that you will be joining us. You may also call or text her at 703-408-9369.

Goodwin House host Lynn Juhl must let the dining staff know by end of the day January 12 how many to expect. Closer to the 12th, Nancy will contact those attending to share a more accurate cost of the lunch.

We hope that many of our ARTA friends living at Goodwin House will join us! 

December 10

Help ARTA Bring Holiday Cheer

As the holidays approach, we will again be gifting needed items to The Mary Marshall Assisted Living Residence here in Arlington. This year, fifty-seven residents will enjoy our yearly gifts.

T. J. Alston, Coordinator of Resident Activities, has suggested we consider the following:

• bath towel sets with washcloths and hand towels;
• full size flat & fitted sheets and pillowcase sets;
• full size comforters; or
• $5 or $10 Target or 7-11 gift cards.

Bring your unwrapped gifts to our December program on December 10 (details below). Beginning at 12:15 p.m., car trunks will be open to receive your gifts for the Mary Marshall residents. If trunks are closed or full, just bring them inside, and we’ll get them loaded after the program. The gifts will be delivered to the residence after the meeting.

If you would like to order something online, gifts can be sent to The Mary Marshall Residence, 2000 5th Street South, Arlington VA 22204.

The residents of this wonderful organization are so appreciative, and the ARTA Board sends each of you a grateful “Thank You” for participating in our yearly holiday giving project. Look for pix of happy smiles in our next newsletter!

Direct questions to Nancy King via message to nw_king@yahoo.com or 703-408-9369.

Potomac Harmony Chorus 

Join us at the Arlington Unitarian Universalist Church, 4444 Arlington Blvd. for an entertaining and joyful program of holiday music!

Please bring unwrapped gifts / gift cards for residents of the Mary Marshall Assisted Living Residence beginning at 12:15 p.m. (See above) We’ll socialize from 12:15; the program begins at 1 pm.

Potomac Harmony Chorus is a chapter of Sweet Adelines, International (SAI), a non-profit musical education and performance organization of approximately 30,000 members.  We belong to SAI’s Heart of the Blue Ridge Region #14. 

October 8, 2025, noon

FIELD TRIP – MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART ARLINGTON

The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington at 3550 Wilson Blvd. is one of the largest non-federal venues for contemporary art in the DC area. Its exhibition program presents solo and group exhibits featuring artwork from local, national and international artists. Originality of vision and artwork by a diverse range of artists are priorities with the goal of connecting communities in Arlington and beyond to innovative and boundary-pushing art. 

October exhibits include Hedieh Javanshir Ilchi: Here the waving flag. Here the other world., Global Spotlight: Tactics for Remembering, as i look towards what could have been mine, Joey Enríquez’s elegiac ode to the desert of the American Southwest, and Can I See?, a solo exhibition by MFA Candidate Hiromi Isobe.

We’ll meet at the museum at noon and receive a quick preview from staff at 12:15. There is no charge, but donations to this nonprofit museum will certainly be appreciated. Parking is available in the lot and on the street.

The museum is one block south of Metro’s Virginia Square/GMU Station (orange & silver lines). Metrobus Line 24 and ART Line 41 stop directly in front. Visit WMATA.com for additional public transportation information.

To give us a ballpark number, let Cindy Wilson know if you plan to join us and/or if you need a ride. Cindy can be reached via email cwwilson5947@yahoo.com or text @ 571-245-9092. If you’re not sure now, you can still show up on October 8 at noon!

To learn more about the museum housed in the former Clarendon School (and Maury at one time), go to mocaarlington.org   You will be amazed at the breadth of the museum’s permanent and revolving exhibits and the many programs, classes and resources available to the community

APS RETIREE HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM

Wednesday, 1 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd. 22204, and live-streamed via a link to be sent closer to the date.

Worries about our APS health insurance benefits and continuing coverage have
surfaced in recent months. Questions remain about how our health coverage is funded, the plans we have, when they will be renewed, what process and schedule will be followed, and how ARTA will be involved.

To share updates with us, we will welcome Corey Dotson, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Danielle Godfrey, Procurement Director. Nancy King, Randy McKnight, and Judith Knight worked with our guests in August to design a program we feel will answer questions and provide new information. Topics that we defined to be of interest include:

–the termination dates for the present two Medicare Advantage plans (United
Healthcare and Kaiser) and the Blue Cross Blue Shield plan for present employees and
under 65 retirees;

–the results of the June Healthcare surveys received from retirees;

—how retirees, under 65 and 65+ will be informed of the schedules and/or
included in the process to select new health insurance coverage;

–what actions, if any, have resulted from the January 2025 consultant Baker Tilly
recommendations to the School Board to discontinue health insurance for 65+ retirees
when they become eligible for Medicare; and

–that an OPEB (Other Post-Employee Benefits) trust fund exists is unknown by
many, so some background on the Trust, how funds are added and invested to include
the amount of the usual yearly contributions and the ramifications of no $1.6 million
transfer in this year’s budget.

The program will be live-streamed from the sanctuary of the Church. This meeting is open to all APS retirees, with invitations also being sent to retired administrators (ASAA) and members of AEA-R, many of whom are also members of ARTA.

Please invite retirees from other groups that you may know.

Please plan to arrive early to park, sign in, and socialize. Since we are meeting in
the sanctuary, no snacks will be served. Carpooling is advised.

May 21, 2025

ARTA member and community hero Dr. Emma Violand-Sanchez presents her new memoir:  Dreams and Shadows: An Immigrant’s Journey in which she explores times throughout her journey as a Bolivian immigrant, her fight for justice and bilingual education, and her dedication to empowering immigrant youth where she witnessed and channeled the power of solidarity. Learn more here: https://www.emmaviolandsanchez.com/

Dr. Violand-Sanchez became the first Latina elected to the Arlington Public Schools Board. In 2012, she became Chair of the Board.

She founded the Dream Project in 2011, a non-profit organization providing immigrant and refugee students with mentorship, advocacy, scholarships, and assistance enrolling into and graduating from Virginia universities and colleges.

Join us 11:30 – 2:30. Your prepaid reservation must be received NLT May 13. For access to Fort Myer, see directions below. .

Instructions to get onto Ft. Myer Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall:

People who have a DoD-issued ID or a Military/Military Dependent ID do not need a pass. Just show your photo ID.

Everyone else must request a 24-hour Base access pass at: https://pass.aie.army.mil/jbmhh/

–  Online access request applications are for a 24-hour pass only.

–  Request online no more than 14 days ahead (May 7) but at least three days prior to our luncheon on May 21. (May 7-18)

–  One email address can be linked to one active request at a time.

–  gmail’s advanced security settings may have a reply sent to spam or be blocked entirely, so watch for that if you sign up with a @gmail address.

 –  If you do not receive an email response within 24 to 72 hours, check your spam folder.

–  Active requests begin when you enter your information online and ends when the pass expires.

–  If approved, you will receive your pass via email.

A PRINTED COPY OF THE PASS AND your Driver’s license, Walker’s License, or Passport IS NEEDED when you come to the installation gate.

–  If you do not get an email response within 24 to 72 hours, or you get a denial, or have any questions, call 703-696-0186/0189 for assistance during regular business hours.

Any questions, contact Michele Milden at mbmilden@aol.com or  703-244-5151.

April 9, 2025

We heard from and chatted with Diana Parsell, author of Eliza Scidmore: The Trailblazing Journalist Behind Washington’s Cherry Trees. 

Diana Parsell is a writer, editor and former journalist, and a 45-year area resident.

Living and working in Indonesia led to her first book through an 1897 travelogue on Java. Diana’s biography of its little-known author, Eliza Scidmore: The Trailblazing Journalist Behind Washington’s Cherry Trees, was published in 2023 by Oxford University Press. The Society of Midland Authors named the book a finalist for its 2024 Bernard J. Brommel Award for Biography & Memoir.

During her career she worked for a range of publications, including National Geographic and The Washington Post, and for several major science organizations in Washington and Southeast Asia. Her reporting on education, science, medical research, history and cultural topics has appeared in many print and online outlets.

Diana has long been active in the local literary community, as both an instructor and a continuing student of the craft of nonfiction writing. In 2011 she helped launch the online Washington Independent Review of Books. In an outgrowth of her book research, she shares her love of the Library of Congress with the public as a volunteer docent.

Her honors include fellowships from Rotary International and the Council for the Advancement of Science Writing; a residency at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts; and a Mayborn Fellowship in Biography and the 2017 Hazel Rowley Prize from Biographers International (BIO).

Diana lives with her husband in Falls Church. She will bring books for sale and signing. Visit her website at http://www.dianaparsel.com.

Diana will present at 1 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Boulevard, Arlington. Please join us early to socialize!

March 12, 2025

Preventing falls; living more safely in our home and community.

Carrie Smiley will be discussing the importance of falls prevention. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations and deaths among older adults.  Falls can have short-term and long-term health affects as well as an increase in social isolation, leading to a decrease in quality of life. 

Some health factors that increase falls are muscle weakness, poor vision and hearing, previous falls, and medications.  Home hazards can also increase our risk of falling.  Clutter, poor lighting and shoe choice can lead to a fall. Luckily, these are all factors that can be changed.

By taking precautionary steps,  we can decrease our risk and prevent falls at any age.  Begin thinking about your risk factors and make a plan to address these. For example, increase your physical activity by walking or taking a fitness class.  Look through your home to make it safer.  Talk with your doctor and have your hearing and sight checked.  Just a few changes will make a major positive impact. 

Carrie Smiley is the Regional Training Coordinator for the Northern Virginia Falls Prevention Alliance.  She supports the coaches and leaders who teach evidence-based programs for falls prevention. She began her career as an elementary school teacher in Fairfax County. After 8 years she decided to switch careers and become a personal trainer, with the dream of owning her own small business.  Carrie has run Lowes Island Fitness out of her home since 2017.  She wanted to extend her passion for helping others and joined the NFPA this summer.

Carrie will present at 1 pm, but please come early and socialize. Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22204

January 8, 2025  

CANCELLED – Goodwin House luncheon

Due to predicted heavy snow accumulation, we sadly are cancelling this luncheon. Original post: Plan to join us for a delicious lunch and socializing with our ARTA friends who reside at Goodwin House, 3440 S. Jefferson Street, Falls Church. We’ll meet before noon. Parking is available on site or in the nearby Giant parking lot. Sign in at the front desk, then proceed to the dining area to purchase a full, sit-down lunch. Plan on around $21 – $22. Cash or credit cards are accepted.

Our Goodwin House host Lynn Juhl needs to let the dining staff know how many guests to expect, so please let Nancy King know if you’re joining us NLT January 6, 2025. Call or text her at 703-408-9369, or email her at nw_king@yahoo.com. We hope that many ARTA members / Goodwin House residents will eat with us.

EDIT: The ARTA Executive Board will meet at 9:00 a.m. on Zoom.

December 11, 2024

Potomac Harmony Chorus

Join us at the Arlington Unitarian Universalist Church, 4444 Arlington Blvd. for an entertaining program of holiday music.

Potomac Harmony Chorus is a chapter of Sweet Adelines, International (SAI), a non-profit musical education and performance organization of approximately 30,000 members.  We belong to SAI’s Heart of the Blue Ridge Region #14. 

November 15, 2024

Marty Swaim Receives William T. Newman, Jr. Spirit of Community Award

We were pleased to receive the Arlington Community Foundation’s exciting news that  member Martha “Marty” Swaim will be presented the William T. Newman, Jr. Spirit of Community Award at its annual luncheon celebration on Friday, November 15 at the Renaissance Arlington Capitol View.

Marty was honored for her work as the co-founder twenty years ago of Challenging Racism (CR), “a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering, inspiring, and giving individuals the tools to disrupt systemic racism.” Marty retired as CR’s unpaid director in 2020.

ARTA celebrates Marty’s well-deserved honor! We are also proud of other members who have received the Spirit of Community Award over its 31 years of existence: The Honorable L. Karen Darner in 2009; Meg Tuccillo in 2012; and The Honorable Dr. Emma Violand-Sanchez in 2018.

ARTA is an event sponsor and is hosted a table for ten. For more information about the award and celebration luncheon visit arlcf.org.

October 23, 2024

Join us for an exploration field trip on Wednesday, October 23 from 9:30 – 2:30 to Amazon HQ2 and its Metropolitan Park Art and Gardens. Amazon’s second headquarters is the heart of National Landing (the rebranded Pentagon City / Crystal City). HQ2’s interactive displays and the surrounding 2.75-acre Metropolitan Park (built on top of their extensive parking garages) invite exploration! ARTA will check it all out.Join us for an exploration field trip on Wednesday, October 23 from 9:30 – 2:30 to Amazon HQ2 and its Metropolitan Park Art and Gardens. Amazon’s second headquarters is the heart of National Landing (the rebranded Pentagon City / Crystal City). HQ2’s interactive displays and the surrounding 2.75-acre Metropolitan Park (built on top of their extensive parking garages) invite exploration! ARTA will check it all out.

Join us for an exploration field trip on Wednesday, October 23 from 9:30 – 2:30 to Amazon HQ2 and its Metropolitan Park Art and Gardens. Amazon’s second headquarters is the heart of National Landing (the rebranded Pentagon City / Crystal City). HQ2’s interactive displays and the surrounding 2.75-acre Metropolitan Park (built on top of their extensive parking garages) invite exploration! ARTA will check it all out.

We’ll meet at 9:30 a.m. at a location TBD and carpool to HQ2’s parking garage. Nancy King and Lynne Lilly will use Amazon’s online information regarding Met Park and its many-faceted and historical art and plant installations to chart an exploration outline for the day.

Anchoring the extensive gardens is Nekisha Durrett’s Queen City, which confronts the 1941 seizure of Black-owned land by the federal government for the construction of the Pentagon. The piece features a stunning 35-foot-tall brick tower and 903 ceramic vessels in the shapes and colors of a water drops that represent each resident of Queen City.

Costs will include a portion of the parking and any treats purchased at the HQ2 café.

Check out aboutamazon.com for photos and information about the interactive displays at HQ2 and the thoughtful art and plant installations at Metropolitan Park.

September 11, 2024

Elizabeth Cottrell presents “The Powerful Connection Tool You May Be Overlooking.” Elizabeth is a speaker, blogger, business leader, and award-winning author of HEARTSPOKEN: How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire. Above all, she is a connector and encourager whose passion for note writing has launched a #HeartspokenMovement to help readers uncover their own heartspoken voice and learn to harness their own note-writing superpower. Her message about the vital role of connection resonates with anyone seeking to build and nurture both personal and professional relationships.

Elizabeth will begin her presentation at 1 pm and have books for sale. Please join us at Arlington Unitarian Universalist Church, 4444 Arlington Blvd., 22204.

Connect with Elizabeth:

May 17, 2024

Annual Spring Luncheon

We are pleased to hold our in-person, annual Spring luncheon at the beautiful Army Navy Country Club in Fairfax, VA. Please arrive at 11:30 a.m. so we can catch up in with friends. Lunch will be served at 12:00 Noon.

We are so excited to have as our Luncheon Speaker, Barbara Favola, one of our local Virginia State Senators. Barbara will give us an overview of what was accomplished at this year’s General Assembly and what challenges remain. As a new member of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, Senator Favola worked to improve teacher pay and fully fund the Standards of Quality. She has worked to create a safety net for low-income families, workforce training, mental health and public safety. We welcome Barbara and look forward to her presentation.

We’ll be in the 2nd floor Terrace Room. An elevator is available at the back of the entrance hall to your left. We will have a choice of two plated meals:  Cider-Glazed Chicken Breast with pecan brown emulsion served with rice and vegetables, or Grilled Atlantic Salmon with creamy dill beurre blanc, blistered tomatoes served with rice pilaf and chef’s vegetables. The meal will be served with a spinach salad, hot rolls and butter. Water, iced tea, lemonade, and regular or decaffeinated coffee and dessert are included. We’ll have an honor’s bar for those who prefer a $4 soft drink or an $8 a glass of white or red wine.

The cost is $38.00, checks payable to ARTA. Mail to Cathy Eckbreth , 5409 N 36^th Road, Arlington, VA 22207-1310, to arrive no later than Friday, May 10, 2024.                                   

April 10, 2024

Hillwood Estate Museum and Gardens

We have an exciting day at Hillwood planned from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.  ARTA has reserved an 11:30 a.m. museum/home tour for 16 people. Reserve your spot no later than April 1.

Beyond our private Museum/home tour, we’ll be able to take a self-guided garden tour. There will be ample time to view the orientation film, visit the special exhibition in the Dacha, Marjorie Merriwether Post’s Paris, eat lunch and shop at Hillwood’s lovely gift shop.  

Admission cost is $15; Hillwood members (bring your card) are free, of course, but we must include you in the head count. We’ll have lunch on our own at either the Merriweather Café or the Merriweather “To Go” self-serve dining option.

Please RSVP by April 1, as final numbers are due to Hillwood by April 3. This will also allow us to plan via email for carpooling and the details of our visit.

Contact Nancy if you’re joining us and let her know if you can drive. nw_king@yahoo.com or 703-408-9369 (text messages/calls).

A great day and a very good looking group! From the first row: President Lynne Lilly, Nancy King, Althea Johnston, Karen Sherman, Rosemary Donaldson, Jeanine Brundage, Terry Bratt, Judith Knight, Linda Allen, Lynn Juhl

March 13, 2024

Author E.A. Coe 

Author E.A. Coe (F. Coe Sherrard) will join us – with books! – at 1 pm at Arlington Unitarian Universalist Church, 4444 Arlington Blvd. 22204.

Coe is the award-winning author of five novels: Full Count, The Road Not Taken, The Other Side of Good, Pedaling West, and Survive the Day, which will be available April 15.   

Coe’s books are described as “stories with heart.”

Coe is a former United States Naval aviator and career business executive who is retired in the Shenandoah Valley. A graduate of Western Maryland College (now called McDaniel College), Coe flew logistical support aircraft on active duty and Airborne Early Warning aircraft in the reserves, retiring as a commander in 1991. 

Coe was one of the founding partners of Norfolk-based Spirit Cruises, and later worked for Herschend Family Entertainment where he was the General Manager of the Dollywood Theme Park. 

After leaving Tennessee, Coe and his wife Jean opened the Woodstock Café and Shoppes, and operated it until 2019. Married to Jean since 1971, they have three children and six grandchildren.  They live on the beautiful Shenandoah River in Edinburg, Virginia. 

Learn more about Coe and his writing at https://eacoe.online/  On Instagram, @authoreacoe

February 14, 2024

Black History Month with Dr. Scott Taylor  

To commemorate Black History month, we are delighted to welcome back Scott Edwin Taylor, PhD for an in-person visit with us at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Arlington, our new meeting venue. Dr. Taylor is excited to bring us up to date on the ongoing mission of the Black Heritage Museum, its work with the community, and news of new and ongoing exhibits. He will also share the success of the museum’s collaboration with the Arlington Historical Society’s Enslavement Project and how the museum became involved.

A third generation Arlington native, Dr. Taylor joined us via Zoom in February 2022 for a well-attended, exciting, and informative presentation. Expertly, he shared “Arlington’s Black History,” from President Washington and slavery to the 21^st Century. He gave emphasis to some of Arlington’s unsung African American heroes. The following October, we joined him at the museum where he welcomed us for a memorable exploration of the exhibits. For more information about the museum visit:  www.arlingtonblackheritage.org.  

Plan to join us at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 4444 Arlington Blvd., Arlington, VA 22204.  Arrive early at 12:30 p.m. for some time to gather and catch up with other members and our most special guest. Dr. Taylor will begin his presentation at 1 p.m.

https://open.substack.com/pub/blackvirginianews/p/a-bhm-look-inside-the-black-heritage

January 10, 2024

Noon lunch at Goodwin House  

Please join us to visit and lunch with our ARTA friends at Goodwin House, 3440 S. Jefferson Street, Falls Church. Parking is available on site or the nearby Giant.  The cost is just under $20, payable with cash or credit card.

Please arrive no later than 11:45, and upon arrival, sign in at the front desk.  You’ll then be directed to where you’ll pay before our full, sit-down lunch in the main dining room.  

In order to provide our Goodwin House host Lynn Juhl an accurate head count for the dining room staff, respond to Nancy King at nw_king@yahoo.com or or 703-408-9369 (call or text) no later than Monday, January 8. 

Nancy will contact attendees with an accurate cost of the lunch before the 10th. Prior to lunch, the ARTA Executive Board will meet from 8:30 – 11 a.m. in the Smith Study.

We look forward to this lovely post-holidays event!

December 13, 2023

Holiday Music with Arlington’s own W-L graduates Brian Cruse and Zack Cross, accompanied by vocalist Reyna Pannell. Join us on Zoom at 1 pm!

Coming back for a second year will be two former W-L music students to entertain us for our traditional holiday music program. 

Brian Cruse, son of ARTA member Cindy Wilson, grew up in Arlington and first began playing the bass at the age of 13. At 14, he began studying electric bass, guitar & music theory with John McCain. Brian was a drum major in the W-L marching band and member of the Concert & Jazz Bands under the direction of Alex Robinson. While pursuing his degree at Virginia Commonwealth University, Brian studied classical and jazz double bass under the direction of Kelly Ali and Victor Dvoskin. Also studying under Doug Richards & Skip Gailes, Brian graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor’s degree in Bass Performance with a concentration in Jazz Studies. While the musical setting around him frequently varies, as a versatile bassist Brian provides a solid harmonic & rhythmic foundation through his contributions in a diverse range of ensembles.  While leading his own ensemble, B-Snaptet, Brian is also currently an active member of nine Richmond area bands and has realized his lifelong dream of opening his own private music studio, Bassline Music, where students of all ages can take music lessons on upright and electric bass, guitar, piano, drums along with many other instruments and music theory lessons.

Zack Cross started his classical piano training at age 6 and quickly discovered a deep passion for music. Zack has devoted himself to music both as an art form and as a means of personal growth. After discovering a love for jazz in his middle and high school years at W-L under the instruction of Alex Robinson, Zack went on to earn a Bachelor of Music degree from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. It was during this time that Zack started to both teach and perform professionally throughout the Midwest, leading his own groups and playing piano for the David Baker Jazz Ensemble. As a piano teacher, Zack takes an organic approach to each new student and tailors the learning experience to a student’s specific musical interests, while also teaching the technique and discipline required to build foundational piano skills. 

Joining Zack and Brian this year will be a third performer, vocalist/violinist Reyna Pannell, who was trained in classical violin and is a self-taught singer. She has performed in many quartets in the Richmond/DMV area and also as a solo vocalist. 

November 8, 2023

Co-meeting on Zoom with Alexandria Retired Teachers

Jane King and Bob Eiffert: Making our homes safe and comfortable for older adults and people of all ages

Jane King, an AARP Community Ambassador and expert on “aging in place.”  Jane is currently on the board [and former chair] of At Home in Alexandria, a nonprofit organization that provides practical, social and emotional support to Alexandria residents ages 55+, and she serves on the Cooperative Extension Leadership Council in Northern Virginia. [AHA is a membership organization based on the “village” concept, which helps older adults age in place.] During her career, Jane was involved in developing livable communities that support the ability of their senior residents to stay in their communities as they age. On retirement, Jane was encouraged to join Alexandria’s Commission on Aging and later was recognized for her contributions to the City of Alexandria with the Commission on Aging’s Excellence in Aging Award for Lifetime Achievement.  She has been designated a Living Legend of Alexandria.

In the many years of her volunteer role for AARP, she has led discussions on Medicare and health care reform and is currently presenting AARP’s Home Fit program. The AARP Home Fit Workshop provides information to you on how to decide what type of home modifications are needed to stay in your home as you age.  It also provides ideas and inspiration on making those modifications.  The goal of the presentation is to educate you on home updates that can make it easier for you to go about your daily activities while staying comfortable, independent, and injury-free in your home.  

https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/housing/info-2020/homefit-guide.html

October 11, 2023

Arlington County Detention Facility Tour, 11:00 a.m.

The Arlington County Detention Facility is located at 1435 North Courthouse Road, Arlington, VA It is the first urban high-rise jail in Virginia and “one of the most technically advanced direct supervision facilities in the country,” according to the Sheriff’s Office. It was built in 1994 and 200 employees manage an average of 300 inmates daily.

Due to high security, the tour is limited to only 20 members (two tours of 10 each) with security clearances. No one will be allowed to pass through the front lobby without pre-clearance.

This will be ARTA’s first time visiting this facility, and it should be most interesting. Don’t wait too long to RSVP!

1. Dress code is business casual.
2. No weapons are permitted inside of the building.
3. Cell phones, glass containers/bottles, sharp objects, purses, and/or bags are not permitted inside of the secure perimeter and must be placed in a locker or left in your vehicle.
4. Masks are not required, but are permitted.            

For those who would like to take a tour from home, search Arlington County Detention Facility and click on Tour Video.png.

September 13, 2023

Our first program of the 2023-24 year sees the return of a wonderful program, “Appraisal Roadshow” at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22204 (corner of S. George Mason Drive and Arlington Boulevard).  The room is very spacious and has a new air filtration system. The acoustics are also very good for people who may have hearing issues. 

Paradigm Experts President Steve Gouterman and co-host Daniel Sanders will bring this wonderful show to us without any charge. Catch a sample of the show at paradigmexperts.com. Scroll down to  “AS SEEN ON APPRAISAL ROADSHOW,” then click “VIEW CHANNEL.” 

Appraisal-Roadshow-ARTA