Keep Calm and Color On
Aug. 13, 1-2 p.m.
Get in touch with a childhood pastime and discover the therapeutic merits of coloring. Whether you color inside the lines or out, artistic expression like this is a great way to relieve stress and still have fun. // Aurora Hills Community & Senior Center: 735 18th St. S, Arlington
Numismatist
Aug. 14, 10 a.m.
Ever wonder about the unexplored past behind all that change in your wallet? Learn all there is to know about coins (and the history behind them) from a guest numismatist, one who studies and collects currency. // Wakefield Senior Center: 8100 Braddock Road, Annandale
Tissue Paper Trees and Flowers
Aug. 14, 1-2 p.m.
Take a look around at the foliage and vegetation at its peak to gain inspiration for this art project. In just four easy steps, you can make your own unique trees and flowers that mimic the late summer landscape. Grandkids are more than welcome to participate. // Lee Community & Senior Center and Park: 5722 Lee Highway, Arlington
Downsizing: Make a Plan
Aug. 20, 1-2 p.m.
Weichert Sales Manager Nia Bagley will help seniors prioritize and declutter their homes, especially those who are planning on a big move. In addition to organization skills, attendees will also learn about determining and maximizing the value of one’s home. // Lee Community & Senior Center and Park: 5722 Lee Highway, Arlington
Writing Family History
Aug. 20, 2-3:30 p.m.
Interested in documenting your family’s rich history, but unsure where to start? This workshop will encourage participants to get out their ideas and creativity on paper, and share their work with others to seek ways for improvement. Recording family history can be challenging, but it is also undoubtedly a satisfying and rewarding experience. // Hollin Hall: 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria
Adventure Camp for Seniors
Aug. 21-24, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
The second iteration of this “summer camp for seniors” includes access to the nature preserve’s miles of scenic hiking trails and an educational run-down of the vibrant wildlife, from the predators in the skies to the insects scurrying on the ground. The cost is $110 per person for three days of provided lunch and exhilarating excursions in the outdoors. // Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve: 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg
Luau
Aug. 21, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
No better way to enjoy the warm weather than with a spirited community luau. There will be hula dance performances, delectable refreshments and Hawaiian and beach-themed music that capture the light, breezy, carefree feel of a lazy summer afternoon. // The Dulles South Senior Center: 24950 Riding Center Drive, South Riding
Senior Transportation Options in Arlington
Aug. 22, 11 a.m.-noon
A member of the county’s Transportation Committee will give insight into navigating the transportation system for the average senior citizen. From transit discounts and ride services to eligibility requirements, seniors will come away feeling more secure and confident in their ability to get around. // Langston-Brown Community & Senior Center and Park: 2121 N. Culpeper St., Arlington
New to Medicare Presentation
Aug. 22, 2-3:30 p.m.
Are you a newcomer to the Medicare system, or simply need some clarification regarding the program? The Medicare counselors from the Division of Aging and Adult Services are here to help, and will discuss the basics of Medicare coverage and options. // Beatley Central Library: 5005 Duke St., Alexandria
Discount Travel Online
Aug. 23, 1-2 p.m.
There is a daunting amount of discount travel websites out there, and figuring out which one offers the best deal can be even more overwhelming. With the guidance of avid traveler and staff member Shettima Abdulmalik, debunk all the myths and acquire only the most essential knowledge for booking your next vacation. // Arlington Mill Community & Senior Center: 909 S. Dinwiddie St., Arlington
Wellness Clinic & Physical Therapist Exercise Presentation
Aug. 24, 10:15 a.m.
Now is the chance to ask medical experts all your health-related questions. They will also show various ways to remain active and healthy as the body ages. // Little River Glen Senior Center: 4001 Barker Court, Fairfax
Cognac Jazz Band
Aug. 24, 1 p.m.
Capable of churning out the smoothest of styles or blaring, swinging beats, this D.C.-based jazz band is set to perform at the Herndon Senior Center. The Cognac Jazz Band has done both live performances and studio sessions, and can be booked for special events, too. // Herndon Senior Center: 873 Grace St., Herndon
Senior Scams and Fraud Prevention
Aug. 27, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Arm yourself against some of the most common scams that impact the senior demographic. This event is hosted by AARP. // Manassas Senior Center: 9320 Mosby St., Manassas
Monthly Movie
Aug. 28, 1 p.m.
Don’t miss this film screening series held especially for seniors. This month’s showing is the hilarious black comedy Game Night, about a friendly murder-mystery game night gone horribly wrong. Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams star. // The Dulles South Senior Center: 24950 Riding Center Drive, South Riding
Jeopardy!
Aug. 29, 1-2:15 p.m.
Experience the long-running game show right from the comfort of the community center. Work with a team to come up with the answers to the questions the host will pose. This is also a great way to keep your mind active and your reflexes sharp. // Aurora Hills Community & Senior Center: 735 18th St. S., Arlington
Got Milk Alternatives?
Aug. 29, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
If dairy milk is no longer sufficient, or you’d like to diversify your palate, there remains an entire world of milks to satisfy your daily calcium demands. Sample milk from almonds, cashews, coconuts and even oats to see which one you like best. // Arlington Mill Community & Senior Center: 909 S. Dinwiddie St., Arlington
Bingo
Aug. 31, 10:45 a.m.
Join friends and the local community to try your luck at a round (or more) of Bingo. You may even get to take away a prize. // Bailey’s Senior Center: 5920 Summers Lane, Falls Church
Be on the lookout for the upcoming Northern Virginia Senior Olympics from Sept. 15-26, where activities range from physical to strategic. Registration deadlines are in mid-August.
Upcoming Senior Trips
Arlington County senior centers still have slots open for many of their out-of-state trips, including the Princeton Walking Tour on Aug. 20, a day trip to Annapolis on Aug. 23, one to Atlantic City on Aug. 30 and yet another to Solomon’s Island on Aug. 31. For those who’d prefer to stay in the area, there are also a few D.C. museum visits as well as a trip to the VMFA in Richmond on Aug. 28. On Sept. 1 in Baltimore, step onto a restored Liberty ship and into the ’40s, with themed music, entertainment and even a fly-by of a vintage World War II aircraft.
Fairfax County’s upcoming senior trips include a trip to D.C. on Aug. 15 to the Museum of the Bible, a 430,000-square foot space containing the fascinating and extensive history of the world’s most published book. On Aug. 29, seniors can visit the Baltimore Inner Harbor and the adjacent National Aquarium. The following month also has a share of must-see trips, but be sure to sign up soon, since registration opened on Aug. 6. There will be a special excursion up to Delaware on Sept. 12, where visitors can choose to hit the beach at Rehoboth or explore the historic downtown area of Lewes. Trips occurring later that month include Cobbler Mountain Cellars on Sept. 19, and a tour of the covered bridges of Maryland on Sept. 26 (with lunch included).
As the summer passes by, so do Loudoun’s summer day trips. Coming up are a couple of visits to D.C.’s National Museum of Women in the Arts (Aug. 13) and a showing of the musical comedy Dave at Arena Stage (Aug. 18). On Aug. 29, seniors will get the chance to watch another classic musical, this time the Tony Award-winning A Chorus Line. They will also get the chance to hit the slots and tables at Hollywood Casino in Charles Town, West Virginia on Aug. 30.
