Spotlight: Anne Anderson - Greater Brookland Intergenerational Village

HomeSpotlight: Anne Anderson

GBIV is so very pleased to spotlight Anne who is a long time GBIV member and a community icon.
What brought you to the community you currently live in and what do you love about it?
I moved to Brookland because I liked the ways that the community supported their neighbors against the proposed I 95 highway scheduled to run through Brookland.
Can you share a memorable experience or moment you’ve had while living here?
Lots of experiences have been memorable since I moved here in 1971. Helping establish and coordinate the Orange Hats Coalition to get the drug dealers to move on during the crack epidemic of the 1980’s is one I remember. We were successful in clearing the corner of 12th and Franklin, and getting the telephone company to take out the 10 public phone booths on 12th St. NE, between Franklin and Monroe.
What does “aging in place” mean to you, and why is it important?
Having lived here since 1971, raised 3 children, organized a parent co-op daycare, been part of the Orange Hats Coalition, led and participated in the Christmas Bird Count for 30 years, where else would I want to live? I love this community and want to continue to value and support its kindness and solidarity.
How do you stay connected with others in the community, and what role does that play in your well-being?
I keep track of things by staying up to date on the Brookland group list, by being part of the various community organizations (GBIV, Greater Brookland Garden Club, Brookland Civic Association). I pay attention to how the schools are doing, what the ANC is doing and take part and attend events as I can. For the record, I am also on the Board of Trustees of the DC League of Women Voters and Chair the LWVDC Committee for Full Rights for DC Citizens.
What advice would you give to others looking to live independently as they age and how has the Village helped you maintain your independence?
There are many groups pursuing lots of different interests and activities. Keep connected with ways to pursue your interests. The Village has provided various supports for my ongoing independence, including transportation to doctor’s appointments, help with window-washing, and lots of help with winterizing my native plants garden.
What hobbies or activities do you enjoy, and how do you incorporate them into your daily routine?
I enjoy watching birds, gardening my native plant garden, and working for D.C. Statehood with the D.C. League of Women Voters. I usually spend some time every day out in my garden, feeding birds, weeding invasive plants, and probably 2-3 hours a day on various projects advocating and educating for D.C. Statehood.
What changes or improvements have you seen in yourself since joining the Village? How has the Village impacted your life?
I joined the Village during the first Open House the organizers of GBIV held because I knew the value of encouraging ongoing community connections. I have had fun being able to arrange birdwalks, hold community discussions, and attend informal social events.
How does being part of this Village help you stay connected to the community?
See above response.
What’s one thing you wish more people understood about aging and the experience of growing older?
I don’t know how to answer this question. I think everyone’s experience is different, based on family traditions and values, based on health issues, so I think that I mostly hope that folks will look at people who are demonstrably aging and continue to see them as individuals who have their own hopes and dreams, life experiences, and make no assumptions about who they are and how they think and feel.
What are your hopes or dreams for the future of the Village and the community you’re part of?
Continuing to be a functioning and effective community requires conscious effort. Like when we were going out to corners with the Orange Hats Coalition, we never went out unless our group represented our diverse community, Black, White, young, old, female, male, and we never stood around in a closed circle so people could not easily join us. It is all about being neighborly, being open and welcoming, being willing to hear what people are saying about themselves and how they experience the community. I love being able to walk down to the drug store and say hi to neighbors I know along the way, and at least nod pleasantly to others I don’t know yet.