With the longer days and warmer weather of June, our neighborhoods become centers of activity. Now is a great time to get out, have some fun, and connect with friends. Besides being enjoyable in its own right, interacting with others is good for your health and the health of our shared community. As US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said last month, “Social connection is as fundamental to our mental and physical health as food, water, and sleep.” (Watch his short video or read the full report on loneliness and isolation, which highlights the various health risks that can come from a loss of social connection.) This is one more reason Villages are of value and one more reason to become an active part of ERCV.
East Rock Creek Village is kicking off the summer season with a live jazz program on Sunday, June 4th. From 4 to 6pm, the Arts Plaza at The Parks at Walter Reed will come alive with the timeless sounds of Duke Ellington, Thelonius Monk, Wayne Shorter, and others, performed by a new generation of talented musicians from the Washington Jazz Arts Institute. Come join the fun by registering online or calling the office at 202-656-7322; and ERCV members, please let us know if you need a ride to the event. I hope to see you there.
On the following Sunday, June 11th, we are inviting our dedicated volunteers to a special Volunteer Appreciation from 3 to 5pm at the home of Margie Odle and Carl Bergman. As you know, ERCV is a volunteer-led organization. It’s our volunteers’ commitment and concern for others that enable us to create the kind of community we all want to be a part of: where neighbors help neighbors live at home with dignity among proven friends.
On Monday, June 12th, ERCV members and friends will take the metro down to the National Gallery of Art to join the 11:00am tour. This is the first of what I hope will be a series of field trips to area museums. My thanks to new volunteer leader Cathy Mascelli for helping make this happen. Please check the newsletter for more details.
ERCV will also be hosting an online Open House on Thursday, June 15th. On the following Thursday, June 22nd, our Lunch Bunch will meet at the Olive Lounge in Takoma Park. I certainly hope you can join us.
As always, ERCV’s mission is to help our members live healthy, happy, fulfilling lives. We want to help keep you healthy in every way. Even though the public health emergency has ended, we are still getting reports of COVID-19 and other infections circulating in our community. Please read our COVID update to find out how to get a COVID-19 booster at home or at neighborhood pharmacies if you are over age 65 or immunocompromised, and what other precautions you can take to help stay well.
Together, we will continue to build a community where our friendships flourish and no one feels isolated or alone. I wish everyone a safe and happy Pride Month and Juneteenth holiday, and of course a happy Father’s Day to all who celebrate, including my beloved father Benjamin. Let’s all have a wonderful summer!
–David Mackoff