Department of Family Services

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
703-324-7500 TTY 711
12011 Government Center Parkway, Pennino Building
Fairfax, VA 22035
Michael A. Becketts
Director

Golden Gazette


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2025 September

Featured Articles

Fidelita Levy seated in her home. Displayed on the table next to her is her Golden Eagle Award.Fidelita Levy: A Life of Care and Compassion 
Fidelita Levy came to the United States in 1962 to help meet the country’s need for nurses. After marrying her husband, she became a U.S. citizen and raised a family. For many years, Levy worked in communities all over the country, taking care of sick and injured people and teaching the next generation of nurses. At her last job with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Inspector General, she investigated healthcare issues to make sure veterans got the best possible care. One of her final investigations even led to the discovery of a serial killer. Read more.

Up close photo of an older woman's eyes.Feeding Your Vision: Nutrients for Optimal Eye Health 
This September, we observe Healthy Aging Month as an opportunity to highlight aging well. What does it look like to age well? Let’s begin with our eyes. While getting older brings about physical changes, it doesn’t have to diminish our vision. A nutritious diet supports optimal eye health, helping to preserve vision and reduce the risk of age-related eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. Read more.

A younger woman helps an older woman seated on the floor after suffering a fall.How You Can Reduce Your Risk of Falling 
According to the National Institute on Aging, one in four older adults aged 65 or older falls every year. Falls can be caused by a simple accident, like losing your footing, but there are other factors that increase the risk of falling. These include health conditions, medications, and even poor lighting. After a fall, some older adults develop a fear of falling and begin limiting their activity. However, decreasing physical activity actually increases the risk of falls. The good news is that many falls are preventable. Read more.

Photos from Celebrate Communication 2024 including a table display of assistive devices and the Yellow Dog mascot posing with an attendee.Connecting the Community: Celebrate Communication Returns This September! 
Nearly 200,000 people in Fairfax County are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Maybe you’re one of them, or love someone who is. Either way, you won’t want to miss Celebrate Communication 2025 – Northern Virginia’s premier accessibility and inclusion event, designed just for you. Read more.

More Articles

(by Kathleen Thomas, Department of Family Services)

AAA and ElderLink staff pose together with their USAging Achievement Award.
AAA and ElderLink staff accepting their USAging award. Photo courtesy USAging.

The Fairfax Area Agency on Aging and Inova ElderLink received a 2025 USAging Achievement Award for their virtual reality program, Exploring the Dimensions of Aging. Presented at USAging’s Annual Conference in Chicago, the award recognizes the most contemporary, effective and replicable programs offered by Area Agencies on Aging that help older adults, people with disabilities and family caregivers live with independence and dignity in their homes and communities. 

Exploring the Dimensions of Aging, developed by Embodied Labs, allows participants to experience life from the perspective of older adults. It highlights challenges such as social isolation, caregiver burnout, and the progression of conditions like Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia.

“We are honored to partner with Inova ElderLink on this innovative program to help caregivers better connect with and support older adults,” said Tara Turner, director of the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging. “We are grateful to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the Department of Family Services leadership for championing this effort to educate and empower caregivers and advocates.” 

Register for Exploring the Dimensions of Aging at tinyurl.com/exploring-aging. Learn more about ElderLink at FairfaxCounty.gov/familyservices/older-adults/elderlink.

(by Abby Suchoski and Stefanos Tyrovolas, George Mason University)

Sarcopenia is the combined loss of skeletal muscle mass and function. Many studies have identified sarcopenia as a major risk factor for loss of independence and mobility among older adults.The Pathway Development of an Integrated

Sarcopenia Assessment Medical Device for Older Adults Study, SARCMED, is looking for volunteers to help us compare traditional sarcopenia detection tools to newer versions, using smart sensors. This will lead to the construction of a smart sarcopenia screening device. 

Requirements to Volunteer: 

  • Be at least 65 years of age 
  • Live in the DMV area 
  • Be fluent in English 
  • Not at increased risk of falls

You cannot participate if you have been diagnosed with cognitive impairment, dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, acute or chronic diseases like renal failure, rheumatologic disease, cardiac arrhythmia, neoplasms or other terminal disease. You must not be receiving hospice services. You must not be diagnosed with a neuromuscular or neurological condition affecting somatosensory or motor function or control such as hemiplegia, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, Parkinson’s disease, myasthenia gravis, ataxia, apraxia, post-polio syndrome, mitochondrial myopathy, or an end-stage congestive heart failure. Finally, you cannot participate if you are currently using, are planning to use, or previously used drugs known to influence muscle mass or performance, such as anabolic steroids, IGF-1, GH, replacement androgen therapy, or anti-androgen therapy.

Participating in the Study

Volunteers accepted into the study will undergo an assessment that will take about 20 minutes and will be completed in a single visit. We will begin by collecting sociodemographic information. Then we will assess your body weight, height, walking pace, and grip strength using various tools. At the end of your assessment, we will inform you if you have been identified as someone who may have sarcopenia. *This is not a formal diagnosis, as we are not medical professions. Please follow up with your doctor following your assessment, if needed.* Volunteers are welcome to withhold information or refuse to participate in an activity if you do not feel comfortable. 

How the Study May Benefit Older Adults

Sarcopenia can be detected by evaluating combined physical tests on muscle strength and gait speed (walking speed). While tools exist to conduct these physical tests, they are costly and are often not used until someone is in later stages of the disease. In addition, they are not commonly used in primary care practice, mostly because healthcare personnel lack time to perform two different tests. This study will be the first in the US and globally to compare traditional sarcopenia detection tools with newer sensor tools, leading to the creation of a one-stop, cost-effective, and easy to use screening device. Our expected results will educate local and regional public health authorities about easy to use and low cost technologies for sarcopenia detection for people over 65 years old. This will enhance long-term healthcare intervention and prevention planning in the DMV area and the U.S.

Contact Information:

If you are interested in taking part in our research, want more information, or have questions about participating, please contact: 

  • Abby Suchoski, trained graduate research assistant and graduate student; Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, George Mason University; asuchosk@gmu.edu
  • Stefanos Tyrovolas, PhD, Associate Professor; Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, George Mason University; styrovol@gmu.edu.

George Mason University’s (GMU) Forensic Science Research and Training Laboratory is conducting a short survey to learn more about public perspectives on body donation, forensic research, and science education. 

GMU’s goal is to build outreach programs that engage diverse communities, so their science reflects everyone’s experiences and values. Understanding community perspectives ensures that forensic research and education, especially work involving human donors, are conducted with respect, transparency, and inclusivity.

The survey is anonymous, takes about 10 minutes, and is open to all adults. Take the survey by following this link: bit.ly/4kIfULC.

(by Katherine Hall, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)

An older man with a walker walks down a road with a younger man and a boy. In the background is brilliant fall foliage.As we transition to autumn, September marks a milestone for family caregivers of older adults and people with disabilities, signaling the need to embrace change. As the leaves begin to change, so too, should strategies for caregiving. 

Assessing the home environment is a good place to start. Autumn brings slippery leaves and shorter daytime hours, creating safety risks, so it is essential to have a plan in place to ensure the home environment is safe. This season is also an ideal time to eliminate clutter and check for adequate lighting inside and outside the home to prevent falls. The Northern Virginia Falls Prevention Alliance is another resource for falls prevention programs, classes, and education. Visit their website at novafallsprevention.com

To learn more about available resources for caregivers and other fall presentation resources, call the Aging, Disability, and Caregiver Resources Line at 703-324-7948 or visit FairfaxCounty.gov/OlderAdults.

Family Caregiver Learning Opportunities Hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging

Culturally Sensitive Pain Management for Latino Communities-Presented in Spanish
Friday, Sept. 5, Noon-1 p.m.

In this virtual webinar, Oscar Seda will educate caregivers of older adults and individuals with disabilities by deepening their understanding of pain management within the Latino/Hispanic community. We’ll explore common pain conditions disproportionately affecting Latino patients and provide a balanced overview of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. We'll also discuss how socioeconomic factors influence treatment outcomes and offer practical solutions to help caregivers advocate for culturally competent care. Register at bit.ly/CharlasEducativas or call 571-407-6961.

How Latino Caregivers Can Support Older Adults with Diabetes-Presented in Spanish 
Friday, Sept. 12, Noon-1 p.m.

This virtual webinar, presented by Janine Suarez, MD and Sylvia Rosas, M.D., will increase awareness within the Latino community about caregiving for individuals living with diabetes and/or chronic kidney disease. Learn valuable prevention and management strategies and receive practical guidance on lifestyle modifications, early detection, and available treatment options. Learn about the importance of early screening for diabetes, its complications, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches to improve outcomes. Register at bit.ly/CharlasEducativas or call 571-407-6961.

Understanding Parkinsons Disease 
Wednesday, Sept. 17, Noon-1 p.m.

In this virtual webinar, Mick B. Reedy, MD, a specialty care physician board certified in neurology and a fellowship-trained movement disorders specialist at Inova, will educate caregivers about the basics of Parkinson's disease, including its symptoms, stages, and potential progression. Learn what to expect at different stages of the disease and how to adapt caregiving strategies accordingly. Register at bit.ly/CAREWEB1 or call 571-407-6961.

Present! A Latino History of the United States-Presented in Spanish 
Friday, Sept. 19, Noon-1 p.m.

The Molina Family Latino Gallery is the first Smithsonian gallery dedicated to the contributions of Latinos in the United States. Learn about the inaugural exhibition, Present! A Latino history of the United States, which presents foundational concepts, moments, and biographies that shed light on the historical and cultural legacy of Latinas and Latinos in the United States. Presented by Natalia Febo, National Museum of the American Latino. Register at bit.ly/CharlasEducativas or call 571-407-6961.

Investment Fraud for Caregiver Webinar-Presented in Spanish 
Friday, Sept. 26, Noon-1 p.m.

In this virtual webinar, Carmen Clifford, principal training and outreach coordinator of the Virginia State Corporation Commission Division of Securities and Retail Franchising, will present information on investment fraud for family caregivers of older adults and people with disabilities. Older adults are the most targeted demographic, so awareness and research are key to preventing investment fraud. Learn about securities regulation in Virginia, tips to conduct research before investing, and an overview of the red flags of investment fraud. Register at bit.ly/CharlasEducativas or call 571-407-6961.
 

(by Kristin Martin, ElderLink)

ElderLink Virtual Support Call for Family Caregivers of Older Adults, via Microsoft Teams 
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 7-8 p.m.  

Topic: Emergency Preparedness for Caregivers. Join us for a brief presentation and discussion facilitated by the Department of Emergency Management and Security (DEMS) on the topic of Emergency Preparedness. The presentation will include safety and planning considerations, proactive action steps that you can take, and education about resources available to assist. Register at tinyurl.com/CaregiverTSG or call the ElderLink Intake Line at 703-324-5374.

Exploring the Dimensions of Aging, via Microsoft Teams
Online training sessions for family and professional caregivers. Using a training platform called Embodied Labs, you will see what it’s like to be an older adult facing real-life challenges, helping you to better understand and support older adults and caregivers. After the training, you will receive a license to use the platform. Register at tinyurl.com/exploring-aging.

  • Elder Safety and Well-Being Lab: Preserving Physical & Psychological Health; Tuesday, Sept. 16, Noon-1:15 p.m. 
    Through three unique scenarios, you will embody older adults and care partners who are experiencing challenges related to caregiver burnout, intervention and de-escalation, and trauma-informed care.
  • The Frank Lab: Social Isolation; Tuesday, Sept. 23, 10-11:15 a.m.
    Embody Frank as he experiences the impacts of social isolation and how it can overlap with loneliness, poor family relationships, and health.
  • The Dima Lab: Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson's Disease; Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2-3:15 p.m.
    Embody Dima as she begins experiencing visual disturbances and changes in motor functions due to the progression of her Lewy Body Dementia, and how she and her family navigate her symptoms. 

A Matter of Balance
This award-winning, eight-week evidence-based workshop is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. Learn fall prevention strategies through discussion and activities, as well as gentle exercise to strengthen balance, flexibility, and coordination. For more information, call Kathy Akindemowo at 703-324-9814, TTY 711. Register at tinyurl.com/AMOB123. Upcoming in-person sessions:

  • Mondays, Sept. 8-Nov. 3, 10 a.m.-Noon, Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls Street Falls Church (no class October 13)
  • Wednesdays, Sept. 10-Oct. 29, 1-3 p.m., 2740 Prosperity Avenue Fairfax

Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop
Fridays, Sept. 12-Oct. 17, 10 a.m.-Noon

Held in-person at McLean Community Center,1234 Ingleside Avenue McLean
Fairfax County's Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is a six-week group interactive workshop series for individuals who are interested in learning how to live better by effectively managing their ongoing health conditions. Learn positive strategies for better overall health, such as managing pain and fatigue, sleeping and eating better, increasing physical activity and more. Connect with others managing similar concerns. Space is limited, and preregistration is required. Caregivers welcome! To register, contact Erin Bieger at McLean Community Center, 703-744-9351.

Caring for You, Caring for Me
Wednesdays, Sept. 17-Oct. 22, 10 a.m.-Noon

Held in-person at Insight Memory Care Center, 3953 Pender Drive #100, Fairfax
This program focuses on advocacy and care for both the caregiver and care recipient. Participants report increased feelings of confidence and competence in their caregiving role after attending this program. Respite services may be available on a sliding fee scale for caregivers who would like to attend but are unable to make arrangements for their loved one. Fairfax County residency is required and three weeks advanced notice if respite services are being requested. Space is limited and preregistration is required. Contact Holly Giovengo at 703-324-7642, TTY 711, or register at tinyurl.com/CFYCFM4U.

(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)

An older man smiles while looking at the screen of his phone.When there is an emergency in your home, every second matters. If you share information about your home and the people living there ahead of time, it can help firefighters and other emergency personnel respond more effectively. People living in Fairfax County are encouraged to use Community Connect, a free and secure platform, to share helpful details with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue. 

Community Connect is simple to use and the information you provide is completely optional – you can choose what you're comfortable sharing. To make it easier for you to know what types of information to include, the portal has sections where you can fill in different types of details, including: 

  • Information about your home. You can share things like the type of home you live in, whether you have fire sprinklers, or where your family’s meeting place is outside the home in case of an emergency. This helps emergency personnel respond quickly and make decisions during an emergency.
  • Who to contact in case of an emergency. This can help emergency personnel with everything from accessing your home, dealing with potential hazards, or locating occupants. Getting in touch helps emergency personnel better communicate at the time when it’s needed most.
  • Needs of people in the home. If someone in your home has special needs – like difficulty walking, hearing, or seeing – sharing this information can help emergency personnel prepare ahead of time so they can assist that person more easily.
  • Pets living in the home. If you have pets, you can let emergency personnel know so they can safely evacuate and care for them. You can even upload a photo of your pet so emergency personnel can identify them during an incident.

How to Sign Up for Community Connect

To create a free profile on Community Connect, visit communityconnect.io/info/va-fairfax-county. You’ll need to provide your email address, phone number and address. Add any details that can help emergency personnel assist you quickly and effectively. Make sure to update your account if anything changes in your household.

The information you share is stored securely and is only used during emergencies to help keep you and your family safe. Community Connect uses strong encryption, like banks do, and all accounts are password-protected. Your information is never used for anything else.

To learn more or get started, visit communityconnect.io/info/va-fairfax-county.

(by Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions Recruitment Coordinator)

A smiling dog lies on a sofa under a blanket with a toy between his front paws.
Photo courtesy Homeward Trails.

Volunteering is a meaningful way to connect with your community, build new relationships, and make a difference. Explore local opportunities that fit your interests and schedule – like those with Homeward Trails – or browse many others at bit.ly/FFXVOLUNTEER. You can also learn more in person at the upcoming Venture into Volunteering Fair on Sunday, October 5.

Homeward Trails has rescued thousands of animals with the help of a dedicated network of volunteers who take on various tasks to save the lives of dogs and cats in need. Volunteers are essential to their mission and support many vital programs, including the Tails Out and Peace Room programs, both of which are currently seeking support.

The Tails Out Program needs volunteers to take dogs on fun outings such as field trips, hikes, car rides, or even overnight stays. These breaks from the adoption center not only give the dogs a much-needed change of scenery but also help volunteers learn more about their behavior – insights that are valuable in finding them the right adoptive home. If you're not looking to adopt but want to give a dog a short getaway, email tailsout@homewardtrails.org to get involved.

The Peace Room Program offers volunteers a chance to spend quality one-on-one time with select dogs in a peaceful, home-like environment. Volunteers are matched with a dog and assigned a cozy space where they can cuddle, relax, and bond. The rooms are stocked with enrichment tools and toys to help the dogs feel safe, calm, and loved. To learn more or sign up, email peaceout@homewardtrails.org. Go to HomewardTrails.org to learn more about this organization.

If you would like to advertise a volunteer opportunity in a future edition, email Tanya.Erway@FairfaxCounty.gov

Graphic promoting Venture into Volunteering on Sunday, Oct. 5, 12-4 p.m.

Are you looking to add new and enriching activities to your life? Want a purposeful way to spend your free time and make meaningful connections?

Come to the Venture into Volunteering Fair on Sunday, October 5, from 12-4 p.m. at the Springfield Town Center (upper level)! Meet representatives from local organizations offering a wide variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the region. Whether you're just getting started or looking for your next adventure, there's something for everyone. Visit bit.ly/VOLFAIR for more details.

Venture into Volunteering is once again partnering with the Beacon 50+ Expo – an engaging event offering a broad range of local resources for older adults, along with health screenings, vaccines, and more. There will be giveaways and door prizes! Admission is free – don't miss it! Go to bit.ly/BeaconExpo for more information. 

(by Stuart Rosenthal, Publisher, Beacon Newspaper)

The Beacon Newspaper is excited to announce its Northern Virginia 50+Expo, a free community event for older adults and their families, taking place Sunday, October 5, from noon to 4 p.m. at Springfield Town Center.

Attendees can enjoy a wide range of services and resources, including:

  • Free health screenings for blood pressure, glaucoma, blood glucose and cholesterol.
  • Flu shots (regular and high-dose), plus COVID, RSV, shingles, pneumonia and tetanus vaccines.
  • Information on local programs and services for older adults.
  • Exhibits from government agencies, nonprofits and local businesses, featuring resources on retirement living, financial planning, healthcare, fitness, home remodeling, travel and more.
  • Giveaways and door prizes.

Plus, in partnership with Fairfax County’s Venture into Volunteering Fair, attendees can explore over 35 volunteer opportunities in the community.

Special Note: To receive any vaccines at the event, please bring your Medicare and insurance cards.

A similar 50+ Expo will take place Sunday, September 28, at the Silver Spring Civic Building in downtown Silver Spring, Md.

The Beacon 50+Expos are made possible by Gold Sponsors: AARP Virginia and Giant Food; Silver Sponsors: Adventist HealthCare, Pepco and Johns Hopkins Health Plans; Bronze Sponsors: Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, Virginia Relay, Maryland Relay, Trinity Health PACE and Xfinity.

For more details – or to sponsor, exhibit, or volunteer – call 301-949-9766 or visit Beacon50Expo.com

The Fairfax County Public Library has something for people of all ages. Resources that are especially helpful to older adults and those with disabilities are large format documents, the Talking Book Program, and the Home Delivery Program. Jennifer Tchida, Branch Manager; and Ginger Hawkins, Library Outreach Manager, both with Library Access Services, discuss these and many other resources available through the library system. Suzanne Lapierre, Virginia Room Librarian, shares information about this special branch of the library system, and two county residents talk about their experience with the library’s Talking Book and Home Delivery Programs.

Mature Living can be seen on Channel 16 or 1016 (depending on your service provider) on the following days and times:

  • Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 8 p.m.
  • Monday at 5 p.m.
  • Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday at 11 a.m. and 9:30 p.m.
  • Thursday at 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m.
  • Friday at 3:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
  • Saturday at 11 a.m., 4 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Mature Living replays on Channel 16 may be pre-empted by Board of Supervisors, Board of Zoning Appeals, or Planning Commission meetings. Mature Living can also be seen On-Demand any time – visit: FairfaxCounty.gov/cableconsumer/channel-16/mature-living.

You can find information on services for older adults at FairfaxCounty.gov/OlderAdults or call 703-324-7948, TTY 711, Monday-Friday. 

(by the Department of Family Services' Children, Youth and Families Division)

DFS staff stand next to two cards filled with housewarming baskets, while other baskets are arranged on the floor in front of them.
Staff from the Department of Family Services' Children, Youth and Families division prepare to distribute foster care housewarming baskets donated by generous individuals and organizations in our community. 

Housewarming baskets are a thoughtful way to make sure that older youth in foster care have the necessities they need to start living independently. It’s a huge challenge to outfit a first apartment from scratch and purchase basic household goods, cleaning supplies, and kitchen items with little to no income and no family support. Generous individuals or organizations can make a real difference.

Donating these everyday household goods can help young adults in foster care get off to a better start in life. Receiving a gift of everyday essentials can help a foster youth overcome many of the challenges that often lead to housing instability and food insecurity and focus on higher education and elevating themselves. 

Anyone can donate a housewarming basket, including:

  • Individuals or families. 
  • Corporate teams, church or youth groups, community organizations. 
  • Teens earning service hours for shopping, travel time, and assembling baskets.

Creating a basket is easy. Just follow these steps:

  1. Purchase new household goods. See the list of suggested housewarming supplies.
  2. Fill the basket. Fill a laundry basket, clothes hamper, storage bin, or large bag with supplies. 
  3. Deliver the completed housewarming baskets. Contact Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption at DFSIndependentLiving@fairfaxcounty.gov to coordinate shipping or delivery.

If you can’t fill a whole basket but still want to help, you can donate supplies at any time.

Suggested Housewarming Supplies:

  • Trash bags, trash can
  • Cleaning supplies (vacuum, broom, mop, dustpan, microfiber cloths, all-purpose cleaner, etc.)
  • Dishwasher/laundry detergent 
  • Shower curtains and towels
  • Sheets, blankets, and comforters
  • Toiletries (hand and bath soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, etc.)
  • Laundry basket, clothes hamper
  • Kitchen towels, dishcloths, sponges
  • Cooking utensils, pots and pans, silverware
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Storage containers, potholders
  • Paper products
  • Spices and pantry items

For more information, please email Fairfax County Fostering Futures Unit at DFSIndependentLiving@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-7639.

(by Allyson Pearce, Department of Housing and Community Development)

Fairfax County’s affordable homeownership program has the following properties available for purchase. All are part of a 55+ active adult community. One of the purchasers must be at least 55 years old and no household members may be under the age of 18.

For more information, call 703-246-5087 or email homeownership@fairfaxcounty.gov

The Lodge at Autumn Willow

The Lodge at Autumn Willow brings 150 independent living, affordable homes for older adults to the Fair Lakes area of Fairfax County. It is now accepting applications. Learn more and apply at lodgeatautumnwillow.com.

(by Linda Hernandez-Giblin, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)

The Fairfax Area Commission on Aging (COA) is an advisory board mandated by the Older Americans Act. Commissioners for the Fairfax Area Commission on Aging are appointed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the City Councils of the City of Fairfax and the City of Falls Church. The COA was in recess during the month of August. At the September 17 meeting, the COA will continue discussion on the implementation of the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan and Initiative Development Committees. SHAPE Initiative Development Committee meetings will be ongoing through the duration of the Plan.

COA Meeting - Wednesday, Sept. 17, 1 p.m.

In Person: Pennino Building, 12011 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax, VA 22035 – Room 505
To obtain meeting materials, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/familyservices/older-adults/fairfax-area-commission-on-aging/meetings or contact Linda.Hernandez-Giblin@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-324-5859. For ADA accommodations, contact Jazmin.Herring@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-704-6831 TTY: VA Relay 711. 

(by Camden Doran, Long-Term Care Ombudsman)

All nursing and assisted living facilities should have a comprehensive emergency plan in place, so that people can be protected and supported in times of crisis. A nursing home, by federal law, is required to have evacuation plans in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. Emergency preparedness plans should be tailored to a facility’s geographic location and should take into consideration the residents’ levels of care. Each facility must also review the evacuation plan with residents, train new employees in emergency procedures, and hold drills and periodic reviews with staff. Assisted living facilities are required by the state to have a similar emergency preparedness plan in place as well. Residents and families should inquire with their specific facility about their plans and ask questions if needed.

As a mandated program under the Older Americans Act, the Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is often called on to assist residents and consumers to advocate for their rights to ensure quality of care and quality of life. For more information about long-term care facilities emergency preparedness requirements, or other nursing facility and assisted living concerns, please call the NVLTCOP at 703-324-5861, TTY 711, or contact by email at NVLTCOP@fairfaxcounty.gov.

To submit an event for the Community Calendar, email DFSGoldenGazette@FairfaxCounty.gov. All events must be received by the first day of the month prior to the issue month. 

Nova ScriptsCentral Presentation on "Cholesterol Awareness Month"
Tuesday, Sept. 2, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Wellness Center for Older Adults, 4027B Olley Lane, Fairfax
This free workshop will cover the impact of high cholesterol on heart health and share practical steps to manage and reduce cholesterol levels. Call 703-970-3601 to reserve a seat. 

Friends of Tysons-Pimmit Library Book & Media Sale 
Thursday, Sept. 4-Sunday, Sept. 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church
Shop a large selection of books and media for all ages. Bag sale on Sunday – $10 for a full grocery sack or half price if less. For additional information, call 703-338-3307 or visit tysonslibraryfriends.org.

Vienna Town Council Forum
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 1 p.m. 

Community Room, Vienna Community Center (lower level), 120 Cherry St SE, Vienna
The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association Vienna-Oakton Chapter will host a forum for the candidates for Town Council and the Mayor of Vienna. For more information, please call 703-205-9041

Stop the Bleed 
Wednesday, Sept. 10, 9-10:30 a.m.

Reston Hospital Center, Pavilion II, 2nd Floor, Conf Rm A, 1850 Town Center Pkwy, Reston
This 90 minute, in-person course teaches the lifesaving skills needed to prevent the number one cause of death after an injury – bleeding. A formal presentation is followed by hands-on practice of applying direct pressure, packing a wound, and using a tourniquet to stop bleeding. Park in Parking Garage B and follow the walkway towards the Pavilion II entrance. Sign up at tinyurl.com/4bvhy23h.

Trip to Murder Mystery & Lunch
Wednesday, September 10, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Join the Reston Association for a bus trip to the Stagecoach Theatre in Ashburn to participate in a Murder Mystery & Lunch outing. Bus pick up is at RA Headquarters, 12001 Sunrise Valley Dr. Fee is $110/RA members, $122/non-members and includes your ticket, transportation, lunch and tolls. For more information or to register, visit reston.org/Calendar or call 703-435-6577.

Memory Screenings
Monday, Sept. 15, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Wellness Center for Older Adults, 4027B Olley Lane, Fairfax
Insight Memory Care Center offers free, in-person, confidential memory screenings for people with concerns about their memory or who want to check their memory now for future comparison. Call 703-970-3601 to reserve a 30-minute appointment.

Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia’s Fourth Annual Pickleball & Golf Festival
Tuesday, Sept. 16, 4-7 p.m.

Worldgate Health Club & Spa, 13037 Worldgate Drive, Herndon
Join SCNOVA for their biggest fundraising event of the year. The event includes ten indoor pickleball courts with on-site coaches and athletic professionals, a golf simulation lounge with famous golf courses to choose from, raffle prizes, a silent auction, tasty refreshments and a fun photo booth. Tickets cost $65. Learn more and register at scnova.org/event/pickleball-golf-festival-2025.

Lunch N’ Life Shepherd's Center of Fairfax-Burke
Thursday, Sept. 18, Noon-2 p.m.

Abiding Presence Lutheran Church, 6304 Lee Chapel Road, Burke
Musical program featuring singer and guitarist Tim Anderson. Fee is $15/person and includes lunch. The deadline for reservations is September 15. For reservations and more information, visit scfbva.org or call 703-323-4788

Brain Gym
Friday, Sept. 26, 2-3 p.m.

George Mason Regional Library, 7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale
Improve your brain health with fun exercises like sudoku, word puzzles, memorization games and more. No registration required. For more information, call 703-256-3800 or visit tinyurl.com/2s3kn8mr.

Scams and Fraud Event
Saturday, Sept. 27, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Rd, Burke
Fairfax County Silver Shield and AARP Virginia invite you to attend this free informational workshop, with featured presentations, information tables, and more. Learn more and register at librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/14731987.

LLI Forum: Animal Welfare League of Arlington
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 10-11 a.m.

Little River United Church of Christ, 8410 Little River Turnpike, Annandale
Join this free event hosted by the Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia, an educational group for adults over 50. Speaker Jennifer Toussaint, Chief of Animal Control at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, VA, specializes nationally in humane urban wildlife management practices and provides training on animal welfare topics. For more information, visit the LLI website at www.llinova.org or email LLI at admin@llinova.org

Fairfax Village in the City’s Friday Morning Speaker Series
Friday, Oct. 3, 9:30 a.m. coffee; 9:45 a.m. presentation 

Stacey C. Sherwood Community Center, 
3740 Blenheim Boulevard, Fairfax
Join the AARP for the presentation "Spotting Scams & Staying Safe." For more information, call 703-385-5738 or email village@fairfaxva.gov.

Dates, prices, and times are correct at publishing. However, please confirm information using the phone numbers or websites provided. 


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*Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. To request reasonable accommodations or to receive this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-7948 or TTY 711.


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