Silence, the Universal Medicine In a world growing louder, faster and more fractured, author Pico Iyer makes the case for a radical act of repair. Explore why tapping into silence may be the best medicine you can give yourself, and everyone around you. Click here.

Mashed Potatoes Recipe This simple homemade mashed potatoes recipe is rich, creamy, and full of flavor! It’s an easy to make classic side dish that goes with everything and comes together in a snap. You’ll love the garlic flavor and creamy, light texture. Click here.       SilverSneakers: Getting Up and Down From the Floor Safely Check out this short video with tips on getting up and down from the floor. Click here.     Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream Speech” In honor of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal holiday earlier this week, here is a video of his I Have a Dream speech. Click here.

Upcoming Events

Downsizing: Moving to a Smaller Home – Is it the right move for you?
Friday, January 23: 11:00am – 12:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library – Large Meeting Room

Thinking about downsizing your living space but don’t know where to begin. Join us for an in depth conversation about how to start the process of relocating to a new home.
Click here.

American Revolution – Episode 1 watch party –
Wednesday, January 28: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library – Meeting Room – free

Join us at the Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library for Episode 1 of Ken Burn’s newest documentary, The American Revolution.
Click here.

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A Night of Celebration Ahead: SSA’s 2026 Annual Gala

Senior Services of Alexandria is delighted to announce our 2026 Annual Gala, taking place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 6:00–10:00 p.m. at the Westin Alexandria Old Town. We look forward to an unforgettable evening as city officials, community partners, and supporters from across the region come together once again to celebrate SSA’s mission and the remarkable impact we continue to make in the lives of older adults.

This year’s Gala will feature an elegant dinner, lively entertainment, a dynamic raffle, and a beautifully curated silent auction , all in support of the essential programs that help Alexandria seniors thrive.

A highlight of the evening will be a special tribute to the extraordinary individuals whose leadership, service, and compassion have strengthened our community. We are honored to recognize:

Gala 2026 honorees:

Community Leadership Award:
Allen Lomax
Donna Shaw

Community Service Award:
Deacon Albert & Beverly Anderson

Community Spirit Award:
Gayle Reuter

whose dedication and service continue to uplift seniors and support those most in need.

SSA is grateful for the ongoing support of our sponsors, partners, and attendees who help make this celebration possible. Your generosity fuels the programs that provide meals, companionship, education, and trusted resources to seniors throughout Alexandria.

Mark your calendars and stay tuned additional details, ticket information, and opportunities to support the event will be shared soon. We look forward to celebrating with you at the 2026 Gala, a night that promises to be inspiring, joyful, and truly one to remember.

Click here to purchase tickets or your sponsorship!

PRESENTING SPONSOR

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

Assisting Hands Home Care
Leona & Lynnwood Campbell
Thomas J. Fannon and Sons, Inc.
Friedman, Grimes, Meinken & Leischner. PLLC
Donita Greene & Greene Funeral Home
KWC, CPA
The Landing/The Riviera
SYNERGY HomeCare

SILVER SPONSORS

Barbara Brenman
Corcoran-McEnearney
Hughes & Leighton, PLLC
Inova
Retirement Unlimited, Inc.

BRONZE SPONSORS

AARP
Griswold Home Care
Mary & Jim Hanagan
Jeanne Jacob & Gerry Frank
John Marshall Bank
Claudia Kostel
LionHeart Eldercare & Consulting
Beth & Erik Milito
Dr. Thomas & Norma Roberts
Tilden Memory Care & Assisted Living
VHC Health- Senior Health Department

View the 2025 Gala photos here!

The post 2026 Annual Gala appeared first on Senior Services of Alexandria.

Senior Services of Alexandria and At Home in Alexandria are hosting a Speaker Series event “Exploring Horizons: Senior Education and Travel” on Wednesday, February 18 at Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke Street, 10 – 11:30 am. This event will feature expert speakers talking about continuing education opportunities for older adults in the Washington, DC region,  as well traveling – both locally and beyond. We hope you will join us for this informative and fun event!

Click for the flyer

Please RSVP by email at events@seniorservicesalex.org or call (703) 836 4414 EXT. 110.

The post Upcoming Speaker Series on February 18th: Senior Education and Travel appeared first on Senior Services of Alexandria.

Why Friendship Can be Just as Meaningful as Romantic Love We tend to consider romantic partners and family ties to be our most important relationships, but deep friendships can be just as meaningful. In a perspective-shifting talk, author Rhaina Cohen introduces us to the people unsettling norms by choosing a friend as a life partner — and shows why we’re all better off recognizing there’s more than one kind of significant other. Click here.

Best Beef Stew Check out the Preppy Kitchen’s recipe for a delicious beef stew. Click here.       5 Exercises to Help Sciatica Pain This video offers simple exercises to help with sciatica pain. Click here.     London’s National Gallery Art Talk This short video gives an explanation of why the Great Masters and other artists sign their works of art. Click here.

Upcoming Events

Senior Services of Alexandria’s January 21st Speaker Series:
Resilience and Renewal: Caregiver Workshop
Wednesday, January 21 – Beatley Library – 5005 Duke Street

Caring for a loved one is a rewarding but often challenging journey. Join Senior Services of Alexandria for a special event designed to help family caregivers with practical tools, expert advice and local resources. A panel of experts will guide you through essential strategies for maintaining your own well-being while providing the best care for others. It is a free event, but please register at events@seniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414, ext. 110.

Banned Book Club – Explore and Unpack Challenged and Banned Books
Tuesday, January 20: 6:00pm – 7:00pm – Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library – Small Conference Room

The book club will promote freedom of expression and support authors whose books have been banned or challenged.
Click here.

America250 commemoration Kickoff – Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
201 S. Washington Street – Monday, January 26 – 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Historic Alexandria will officially launch its America250 commemoration with a public kick-off event on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the The Lyceum. The evening will feature guest speakers exploring the significance of America’s 250th anniversary and Virginia’s role in telling a fuller, more inclusive American story. It is a free event.
To register click here.

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The post SSA in the Gazette! appeared first on Senior Services of Alexandria.

The spiritual wisdom we need for a planet in crisis As cascading climate challenges reshape our world, the most resilient systems are ones we often overlook. Ecological futurist Tariq Al-Olaimy has seen this firsthand in disaster-stricken communities, where church basements, mosque yards and temple networks form a “spiritual infrastructure” that sustains people long before formal aid arrives. Click here.

Baked Eggplant Parmesan Check out the Stay-at-Home Chef’s recipe for delicious baked eggplant parmesan with crispy coated eggplant slices smothered in cheese and marinara. Click here.       The Quick Core Workout for Older Adults Keep your core strong with this bodyweight workout you can do anywhere. Click here.     Colored Rosemont Historic Marker Click on the short video to learn the history of the Colored Rosemont historic neighborhood. Click here.

Upcoming Events

Let’s Talk Books – “You Will Never Be Me” by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Monday, January 12: 7:00pm – 7:55pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library -Barrett Virtual Room

Please join Let’s Talk Books to read and discuss “You Will Never Be Me” by Jesse Q. Sutanto!
Click here.

Gadbys Tavern Games Night: Bicentennial Mania – Friday, January 23
6 – 9:30 p.m – 134 N. Royal Street

Join us for our Game Night series. Each Friday evening features tavern games, with a brief themed presentation and pub trivia around 7:30 p.m. Cash bar available during the event.
Click here.

Senior Services of Alexandria’s January 21st Speaker Series:
Resilience and Renewal: Caregiver Workshop
Wednesday, January 21 – Beatley Library – 5005 Duke Street

Caring for a loved one is a rewarding but often challenging journey. Join Senior Services of Alexandria for a special event designed to help family caregivers with practical tools, expert advice and local resources. A panel of experts will guide you through essential strategies for maintaining your own well-being while providing the best care for others. It is a free event, but please register at events@seniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414, ext. 110.

The post SSA Connection – January 8th! appeared first on Senior Services of Alexandria.

Want to be happier? Stay in the moment When are humans most happy? To gather data on this question, Matt Killingsworth built an app, Track Your Happiness, that let people report their feelings in real time. Among the surprising results: We’re often happiest when we’re lost in the moment. And the flip side: The more our mind wanders, the less happy we can be. Click here.

Easy Deviled Eggs When you need an appetizer that is guaranteed to please a crowd, you just can’t beat this classic deviled eggs recipe. All you need are some eggs, vinegar, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and paprika, along with salt and pepper, for delicious deviled eggs with the creamiest filling. Click here.         Lean and Mean 10-Minute Full-Body Pilates Workout With Denise Austin This 10-minute standing Pilates workout led by fitness guru Denise Austin is a total body workout that will help you build strength in all your major muscles. Click here.     History of Auld Lang Syne | National Geographic The soundtrack to the ball drop and midnight kisses, “Auld Lang Syne” is the quintessential New Years song. Learn how this Scottish poem became a holiday tradition, what the lyrics mean, and how the instantly recognizable melody has shifted over the years. Click here.

Upcoming Events

Craft Supply Swap and Handcraft Tuesday Weekend Edition
Saturday, January 3: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library – Story Room

Trade your old craft supplies for something new!
Click here.

Dawn of Justice & Hope-The 53rd Anniversary Community Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ’s Birthday
Thursday, January 15 – 6:30 – 8 pm
The George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Planning Committee invites the community to join in commemorating the 53rd Anniversary of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The 2026 program theme is “Dawn of Justice & Hope.” It is a free event.
To register click here.

Senior Services of Alexandria’s January 21st Speaker Series:
Resilience and Renewal: Caregiver Workshop
Wednesday, January 21 – Beatley Library – 5005 Duke Street

Caring for a loved one is a rewarding but often challenging journey. Join Senior Services of Alexandria for a special event designed to help family caregivers with practical tools, expert advice and local resources. A panel of experts will guide you through essential strategies for maintaining your own well-being while providing the best care for others. It is a free event, but please register at events@seniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414, ext. 110.

The post SSA Connection – January 1, 2026! Happy New Year! appeared first on Senior Services of Alexandria.

Where joy hides and how to find it Cherry blossoms and rainbows, bubbles and googly eyes: Why do some things seem to create such universal joy? In this captivating talk, Ingrid Fetell Lee reveals the surprisingly tangible roots of joy and shows how we all can find — and create — more of it in the world around us. Click here.

Easy to Make Chocolate Pie This Chocolate Pie is a classic dessert recipe that everyone will love. A tender, buttery homemade pie crust filled with a decadent chocolate filling, this pie is perfect for any get together as you can make it ahead of time as it has to set in the fridge. Click here.         Holiday Meditation to Melt Holiday Stress Take time for yourself with this short meditation. Click here.     White Christmas Listen to this rendition of White Christmas from the movie White Christmas. Click here.

Upcoming Events

First Night Alexandria, Wednesday, December 31

Join in the fun at First Night Alexandria. There is something for everyone!
To learn more and get tickets, click here.

Coffee & Conversation – Saturday, January 3 – 10:00am – 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library – Meeting Room

Join neighbors and other community members for conversation over a cup of coffee. The only thing better than a good cup of coffee is great conversation. Start your weekend by joining your neighbors and library staff for casual discussion over a hot cup of joe. Enjoy a cup on the Library or bring your own.
Click here.

Senior Services of Alexandria’s January 21st Speaker Series:
Resilience and Renewal: Caregiver Workshop
Wednesday, January 21 – Beatley Library – 5005 Duke Street

Caring for a loved one is a rewarding but often challenging journey. Join Senior Services of Alexandria for a special event designed to help family caregivers with practical tools, expert advice and local resources. A panel of experts will guide you through essential strategies for maintaining your own well-being while providing the best care for others. It is a free event, but please register at events@seniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414, ext. 110.

The post SSA Connection – December 25th! appeared first on Senior Services of Alexandria.

How to find laughter anywhere Why are some people really funny and others … not so much? Comedian Chris Duffy shows how you can sharpen your sense of humor and start laughing every day — by seeing the world like a kid. Click here.

Six Holiday Dips that will Disappear Looking for holiday dips that will disappear before you can say “Merry Christmas”? In this video, you can make six festive, crowd-pleasing dips that are perfect for Christmas parties, holiday gatherings, family celebrations, or any winter get-together. Click here.           Standing Abs and Core Workout With Denise Austin Get moving with this 10-minute abs and core workout with fitness expert Denise Austin to strengthen your muscles and improve your posture. Click here.   History of the Holidays: Hanukkah History of the Holidays explores the traditions of Hanukkah. Click here.

Upcoming Events

Holiday Market – Sunday, December 21, 9 am – 2 pm
Montgomery Park – 902 N. Royal Street (Rescheduled from December 14)

Free, family friendly, pet friendly celebration of the holiday season with samples of holiday goodies, shopping with over 25 local vendors, live music, and activities for all ages. And who knows? A jolly man in a red suit might even pop by!
Click here.

Writers Group at Beatley – Sunday, December 21: 1:00pm – 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library – Small Conference Room

This is a twice-monthly forum for writers to work on drafts, network, and share moral support. Meets first and third Sundays. All are welcome!
Click here.

Share the Love Campaign – Blanket Drive for Meals on Wheels
Clients through January 2, 2026

Senior Services of Alexandria, along with Beyer Subaru of Alexandria, is collecting blankets for homebound seniors during the “Share the Love” campaign. Blankets can be dropped off at the Subaru dealership located at 7416 Richmond Highway or at SSA’s office at 206 N. Washington Street, Suite 301. To learn more about the “Share the Love Campaign, click here.

The post SSA Connection – December 18th! appeared first on Senior Services of Alexandria.

How I found resilience through artistry How did Misty Copeland break barriers and become one of the world’s most famous ballerinas? In this powerful talk, she charts her rise from childhood adversity to history-making dancer at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre — and gives a peek at what she plans to do next. Click here.

Preppy Kitchen’s Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe This Sugar Cookie Recipe makes beautiful and simple cookies that bake up perfectly every time. If you’re craving a smooth and buttery classic cookie or want to use that adorable cookie cutter you picked up, this easy sugar cookie recipe is for you. They are perfect for any occasion and make the perfect cutouts for Christmas cookies! Click here.           December Wake Up Workout with Denise Austin What a great way to start every morning in December – help to manage holiday stress, get the blood flowing, even burn some extra calories so you can enjoy those holidays treats! You will feel so good, and be ready to face the day! Click here.   A guide to ‘Saint Jerome in his Study’ by Antonello da Messina from the National Gallery in London Caroline Campbell, the National Gallery’s Director of Collections and Research, discusses the early Renaissance painter Antonello da Messina’s painting, ‘Saint Jerome in his Study’. Click here,

Upcoming Events

Colonial Handbell Ringers Concerts
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Sunday, December 14 – 2-3 p.m. and 4-5 p.m. – Free

The Colonial English Handbell Ringers bring peace to your world and joy to your hearts this holiday season as we proudly present our 2025 holiday concert “Tidings of Comfort and Joy.” This year‘s concert will feature several serene, beautiful, nostalgic winter pieces such as “Twas in the Moon of Wintertime” and “White Christmas,” fun, festive, original holiday selections “Ding Dong Medley” and “Away in a Jingle,” as well as the haunting, stirring “Arab Dance” from The Nutcracker Suite. These performances are FREE and appropriate for all ages, although donations are very much appreciated. Seating is first come first serve, so please arrive early.

Late Night Shopping – Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
201 S. Washington Street – Tuesday, December 16 – 6-9 p.m.

For last-minute stocking stuffers, visit The Lyceum for 10% off your purchase!

Share the Love Campaign
Blanket Drive for Meals on Wheels Clients through January 2, 2026

Senior Services of Alexandria, along with Beyer Subaru of Alexandria, is collecting blankets for homebound seniors during the “Share the Love” campaign. Blankets can be dropped off at the Subaru dealership located at 7416 Richmond Highway or at SSA’s office at 206 N. Washington Street, Suite 301.
To learn more about the “Share the Love Campaign, click here.

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