The Medicare Election Period is October 15-December 7. This is the time to review current Medicare health and drug plans. The plans can change costs and coverage, and providers and pharmacies covered by the plan. Attend one of the county's Medicare 101 events to make the best choices for 2020.

Many parents want their children to experience the wonder of the holiday season, and then worry that they are not doing enough. Helping children to set realistic expectations during the holidays can go a long way toward reducing the stress of the season for the entire family. Check out a few tips from DFS Parenting Education Programs’ staff for how to help children know what to expect during the holidays.

Are you raising a child for a family member or friend? If you answered “yes,” you are a kinship caregiver. The Kinship Family Institute (KFI) connects kinship families to supportive services and offers seminars, trainings and workshops to help build a community network of kinship caregivers. Check out upcoming events.

County residents share how much fun they’re having competing in softball, pickleball, track and field, and even horseshoes. "It keeps you active, it keeps you social and it gives you a feeling of belonging.” Parks Authority president, Bill Bouie, talks about the growing popularity of competitive sports among older adults.

The Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC) now offers advocacy services at the Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center. Services, available Fridays from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., are free and will include an onsite, bilingual (English and Spanish) victim advocate. As with all DVAC sites countywide, walk-ins, appointments and call-ins are welcome.

In the recent GG, read about a 94-year-old veteran and retired Fairfax County math teacher who learned a childhood lesson that helped him survive World War II; how to find a free caregiver consultation; upcoming Medicare 101 trainings; preventing dryer vent fires; and a delicious recipe for Budapest Chicken Paprikash.