Sandy and Arthur Becker keep learning and exploring. They are grateful to the Potomac Community Village for connecting them to so many interesting people and are delighted to recommend the group to Avenel neighbors. 

Sandy and Arthur, who moved to Avenel 23 years ago after raising three daughters in Bethesda, connected with Potomac Community Village during the pandemic. Their move to Avenel came as they wanted a smaller property where they could have a perfect balance of community and privacy. They have eight grandchildren (two are married) and two great-grandchildren, the youngest of whom was born two days before this interview, which happened to also be Sandy’s birthday. Their phone kept ringing with happy news and wishes from family and friends.

After 67 years of marriage, they are both retired. Sandy retired in 2019 after 41 years at Westat, an employee-owned local company that provides research services to the government and other businesses. She says it was the perfect job for her, offering scheduling flexibility and intellectually interesting work with a good team of colleagues. Arthur retired at age 81 in 2018, after decades of private practice as an Ob/Gyn in Washington and Bethesda. He had stopped delivering babies in 1998 and eventually shifted to part-time as he prepared for retirement.  

At first, they enjoyed their independent living after retirement, but when the pandemic hit, they found that despite their routines, they were feeling isolated. Since they were both home in 2020 and wanted something new, Sandy looked into the Potomac Community Village and discovered that they were holding outdoor events that followed pandemic health guidelines. Curious, they wanted to see for themselves whether it would be a good fit for them. The first event the Beckers attended was an outside lunch at Normandy Farm, and what Sandy appreciated the most was that people were friendly and engaging. They decided to join, but the plan was to “give it one year.” 

Now, almost five years later, they keep coming back. “These people are accomplished!” Arthur says. “Everybody has done something interesting in their lives. There are so many fascinating people to talk to. This has proven to be the mainstay of why we are enjoying the group so much.”

Sandy adds that she also appreciates that the group is not overwhelming. “Everybody respects everybody, and you can do as much or as little as you want. Some people are shy, some people hold back…” (Arthur interjects, “Sandy’s not one of them.”) Sandy laughs and continues, “But it’s important that everyone is respectful of each other’s privacy.”

When the Beckers joined Potomac Community Village, activities were limited by public health restrictions. Some of those events, such as outdoor walking groups and coffee and conversation meetups, have continued and grown. As pandemic restrictions were lifted, Potomac Village has added many more options — book groups, board game get togethers, virtual museum tours and monthly “international” luncheons at local restaurants featuring cuisines from around the world. There is a “Green Group” that holds programs to educate about the climate and holds nature hikes. The Solo Aging Group offers connections for single people who are aging in place. Another group gets together monthly for a matinee movie and a meal. The book group recently read The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki. 

No matter what your interest, there is something for you in the Potomac Community Village. “You can do as much or as little as you want,” Sandy says. Arthur adds that the happy hour event even draws people who don’t drink. “People like to be together,” he says. 

Sandy explains that the Village has truly become a community. Arthur signed up to drive people who may need a lift. When Sandy had hip surgery, others from the Village reached out to see what she needed. When another member seemed to stop attending, Sandy called her and learned that the woman had broken her arm and couldn’t drive. Though she was fine and had all the help she needed, she appreciated Sandy checking on her and making sure they stayed connected.

The Potomac Community Village as an organization has invaluable resources and contacts available for those who are aging in place. 

Sandy and Arthur also want to give credit to Lynette Ciervo, Potomac Community Village’s director of engagement. “She is very responsible for our organization growing,” Arthur says. Sandy adds, “she has given an energy to this organization. She has wonderful ideas, and she herself is an engaging, warm, lovely woman. We are lucky to have her.”

Since the end of covid, there has been a 56% increase in the Potomac Community Village programming and membership has increased similarly. New groups are continually forming, such as a women's group that met for the first time March 21st. At the first meeting, which was held at the Potomac Library, Lynette says the attendees dispersed into four groups to talk about what goals they had for the group to design the programming going forward. 

The Beckers may have planned to join Potomac Community Village for just one year, but they are now committed members. Arthur has been on the board for two years and has enjoyed finding innovative ways to help the Village grow. Sandy adds that she values how diverse the group is, from racial and ethnic backgrounds to life experience. 

“Being so engaged,” Sandy says, “I think you don’t feel as old. You’re still involved and feeling vibrant.” 

Potomac Community Village (PVC) is a volunteer-driven organization that works to enhance the quality of life for older Potomac residents. It's mission is to create meaningful connections that reduce social isolation, and provide educational and cultural programs that enable members to continue living in their own homes safely and independently.
PVC volunteers provide assistance with practical needs, such as transportation, computer and smart phone problem-solving, simple home chores, errand running, pet care, plant care, and friendly phone calls and visits. Members also have access to PVC's members-suggested contractor list and to Washington Consumers' Checkbook.

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