May is Older Americans Month.  Every Friday in the month of May, NNV is featuring photos and stories of members and volunteers who are living well and aging well in our community.  I hope you enjoy their experiences and are inspired by their stories.

“Older women can catch wild trout on a dry fly!” – Ann Garfinkle

NNV member Ann Garfinkle celebrated her 79th birthday with her family on a float fishing trip in northern Montana. The guide assumed her son was the experienced fly fisherman and was surprised to discover that Ann was the one with experience. Ann shares, “The fishing guide was sure I could not fly cast, I did. He was sure I couldn’t catch anything, I did.” For over 20 years, Ann has been making an annual trip to Montana to go fly fishing.  She hopes to do it again this year. We hope so, too!

Having a Ball

Earlier this year, NNV board member Judie Fien-Helfman was a ballkid at the Miami Open.  She is entering her 8th year being a ballkid at the Citi Open in DC this summer. The job requires concentration so you know where to throw the ball, alertness to prevent being hit by a 130 mph serve, some physical ability in terms of running and throwing, and a good sense of humor. Judie shares, “hanging out and keeping up with other ballkids, who mostly range in age from 14-24, is a great way to stay on your toes, model good behavior, and best of all, be on the front lines of great tennis.  Besides being up close and personal on the court with amazing players, you get a great uniform to keep.”

Next week we will feature neighbors who are working hard to make their community a better place.