Hello Marta,

The holidays are approaching with all of the bustle and busy-ness of the season. Our calendar is quickly filling up with holiday festivities, community events, and giving days! As we prepare for the season of sharing, we want to thank all of YOU, our generous volunteers, partners and donors for your ongoing support. We also remind you that the holidays can be a lonely time of the year for some older adults who may not have family or friends nearby. We hope you will consider partnering with us to ensure every older adult can experience a bright and cheerful holiday. A few easy ways you can get involved include; volunteering to sing holiday carols, serving during our Thanksgiving brunch, donating an item from our Amazon Wish List or making a financial gift to sustain our work of caring for older adults in need. As always, we are grateful for your kindness and generosity as we enter the holiday season.

Thanks to a generous grant from Field to Table, Inc., Culpepper Garden is preparing to open our new Helping Hands Food Pantry. But first, we had a little fun with decorating as residents and staff embellished the pantry with their handprints. This lovely, colorful display serves as a reminder that we are all part of the village, whether lending or receiving a helping hand. In a time when many of our residents are experiencing food insecurity, the pantry will ensure that no older adult goes without enough food to eat. To learn more about how you, your church, or organization can support the pantry, please contact Laura Orihuela at 703-528-0162 or lorihuela@culpeppergarden.org.

Before you sit down for Thanksgiving turkey, stuffing and pie, lace up your walking shoes and join us for Arlington's favorite annual tradition. The Arlington Turkey Trot, held on November 23rd, benefits local charities and community organizations making a difference for our neighbors in need. Culpepper Garden is thrilled to be one of the beneficiaries again this year. We hope you will come out and support us in raising funds for older adults with limited means. Registration is $50 for adults, $25 for kids 6-17 and free for kids 5 and younger. Click HERE or scan the QR code on the flyer to register and select Team Culpepper Garden.

On Saturday, October 28th, Culpepper Garden held its First Responders Fall Planting Event. Special guests and volunteers included Delegate Patrick Hope, Police Chief Andy Penn, Director William Flagler, Jr, members of the Arlington County Fire and Police department and other community members. It was a lovely fall day with plenty of sunshine and many helping hands to assist with planting bulbs and fall perennials. We are so grateful to our First Responders and look forward to having them back again to see the fruits of their labor and enjoy our First Responders Garden in bloom next spring.

Save the date… Giving Tuesday is coming on November 28th! We are proud to be a part of this global celebration of giving, together with you. Please join us in making a difference for older adults in need during these 24 hours of giving by making a donation to Culpepper Garden. Until then, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/CulpepperGardenVA to stay updated.

Culpepper Garden is thrilled to announce that we have recognized by Virginia Living as one of their 2023 Virginia Living Top Retirement Communities. The editorial team has recognized 68 seniors living communities around the state who offer independent living and other care options for older adults. Virginia Living will be publishing its list of Virginia’s 2023 Top Retirement Communities in early November on VirginiaLiving.com and we are excited to be included.