Department of Family Services Alert:
Cap Oliver: A Lifetime of Faith and Service
Cap Oliver has been guided by his Christian faith since he was a boy. After becoming a doctor, he chose to pursue missionary work overseas. He served in Nigeria for 10 years, treating thousands of patients with leprosy. After returning to the United States, he became deeply involved in his church, reading and discussing scripture with fellow congregants. He also founded a medical practice where he and his partners sought to establish meaningful relationships with their patients. Now, at age 97, Cap credits his faith for his long and productive life. Read more.
It’s Never too Late to Quit Using Tobacco
Quitting tobacco is one of the most impactful decisions you can make for your health—no matter your age. The benefits of quitting extend far beyond adding years to your life; they also improve the quality of those years. Even if you’ve used tobacco for decades, quitting now can reduce your risk of chronic diseases, boost your energy, and enhance your overall well-being. Here are five tips to help older adults quit tobacco this year. Read more.
JCA Employment Programs: The Virtual 50+Employment Expos and The Career Gateway
The Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA) has two exciting programs designed for people 50 and better who are looking for employment. The Virtual 50+ Employment Expos and The Career Gateway help the 50+ community retool, recharge, and reinvent themselves for today's amazing job market. Both programs offer the 50+ jobseeker opportunities to learn and develop critical job-seeking skills to find meaningful employment. Read more.
Downsize and Declutter: What to Do with Your Unwanted Stuff
If you’ve lived in the same home for any length of time, you’ve probably accumulated a lot of stuff. We buy things we need or want, receive gifts from friends and family, and bring home freebies from work, church, and community events. All of this adds up to a lot of items – many that are no longer wanted or needed – but the idea of sorting through and getting rid of them can feel overwhelming. Read more.
(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)
At the end of November 2024, ArtsFairfax announced that Angelique Palmer had been selected to serve as Fairfax County’s Poet Laureate through 2027. Ms. Palmer is a performance poet, kindergarten teacher, and Spoken Word instructor at Wilkes University Maslow Family Creative Writing Graduate Program. She has been a resident of Fairfax County since 2017.
The Fairfax County Poet Laureate serves as a literary arts ambassador, promoting poetry as an art form in the county, region, and state. During their tenure, the Poet Laureate encourages writing and reading of poetry and all types of literature through a community service project designed for County residents. For her project, Ms. Palmer hopes to explore and celebrate the intersection of poetry with various artistic mediums.
Ms. Palmer has published two books of poetry – “The Chambermaid’s Style Guide” on Sargent Press in 2016 and “Also Dark” on Etruscan Press in 2021. Her work has appeared in various anthologies and magazines as well as online.
To learn more about Angelique Palmer and the Fairfax County Poet Laureate program, visit ArtsFairfax.org/Poetry.
(by Katherine Hall, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)
As we step into January 2025, the New Year offers a fresh opportunity for family caregivers to reflect on their journey and set meaningful goals for the months ahead. Caregiving, while deeply rewarding, often presents significant challenges that can strain emotional, physical, and mental well-being. This year, caregivers in Fairfax County can enhance their caregiving experience by prioritizing self-care and leveraging valuable local resources. Incorporating daily activities that promote relaxation and joy, such as yoga, reading, or nature walks, can help caregivers maintain the energy and resilience needed for effective caregiving.
The Fairfax Area Agency on Aging offers a wealth of support services specifically designed to assist caregivers. These resources include respite care options that provide much-needed breaks, allowing caregivers to recharge and avoid burnout, and educational workshops that equip caregivers with essential skills and knowledge, helping them manage their responsibilities more effectively. By enhancing family communication through open conversations about caregiving roles and expectations, setting realistic goals, and practicing gratitude, caregivers can create more balanced and fulfilling experiences. Utilizing these local resources and adopting these strategies will ensure that caregivers in Fairfax County can thrive in their roles throughout 2025. If you wish to learn more about caregiving resources, call our Aging, Disability, and Caregiving Resources Line at 703-324-7948 or visit FairfaxCounty.gov/OlderAdults.
Fairfax Caregiver Alert Notifications!
If we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you. Now, family caregivers can receive email or text notifications of Fairfax County caregiver services and programs. These programs include case management, in-home respite, caregiver support and webinars, wellness workshops, and much more. Visit FairfaxCounty.gov/alerts to create or sign into your Fairfax Alerts account and then select Area Agency on Aging/Caregivers.
Fairfax Caregiver YouTube Playlist
View Caregiver Webinar videos produced by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging on YouTube. Choose different topics, interests, and workshops to view on demand. Visit bit.ly/PlayListCaregiverWebinars or call 571-407-6961.
Virtual Social Visitor Program
Family caregivers are invited to sign up for the virtual social visitor program, provided by the Department of Family Services Volunteer Solutions Program. Our vetted volunteers provide support through regular phone calls made to family caregivers, many of whom are or have been caregivers themselves. A few benefits from this program include alleviation of loneliness and isolation and an opportunity to chat with a volunteer about lighthearted topics and share journeys and stories. Sign up today by sending an email to VolunteerSolutions@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-324-5406.
(by Ashley-Ann Waaldijk, Disability Rights and Resources)
The 2024 Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Awards Ceremony was held on December 9 in recognition of Patricia Beech and Brain Injury Services. This prestigious award honors people, businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and other organizations that exemplify a commitment to promoting equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in the Fairfax area.
The Fairfax Area Disability Services Board hosted the event along with Disability Rights and Resources staff. Jeffrey C. McKay, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, delivered welcoming remarks, and David Simon, Chairman of the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board, presented the awards and congratulated the winners.
Patricia Beech is a lifelong champion of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, whose advocacy led to the founding of the Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons in 1988. Patricia currently teaches sign language and serves as a historian and photographer, preserving the vibrant culture and experiences of the Deaf community.
Brain Injury Services advances inclusion and equality for individuals with brain injuries through adaptive tools, resources, and partnerships with local businesses, schools, and service providers. Their programs help clients secure employment, housing, and transportation, engage in political advocacy, and expand their network, contributing to their independence, financial stability, and personal growth.
The Fairfax Area Disability Services Board commends the achievements of this year’s awardees and is grateful to all who contribute to creating a community of inclusion and equality where everyone can thrive!
(by Courtney Arroyo, Department of Emergency Management and Security)
Looking for a New Year's Resolution? The Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management and Security has a resolution for you – and it is easier than you think! Disasters can occur to anyone, anytime, anywhere, so it is vital that you prepare for them. One of the easiest and most beneficial ways to prepare is creating an emergency plan! Emergency plans are the backbone of emergency preparation, as they serve as the blueprint of what to do before, during, and after an incident.
To complete one, all you need is a pen, some paper, and a conversation. Basic emergency plans usually consist of information such as meeting spots and local and out-of-state contacts. However, taking the time to create a full emergency plan is highly suggested. By taking time to think through a plan, you can think of various situations and how you would have to adapt your needs to work around the disaster. For example, if you have medical equipment that needs power, do you have a plan if the power goes out? Critically thinking through scenarios such as this allows you to cover a wide range of situations and gives you the opportunity to talk to your family members and caregivers about how to find solutions.
Use the Community Emergency Response Guide to look at some of the hazards that can affect Fairfax County and use the emergency plan template to begin putting together your emergency plan. Link: FairfaxCounty.gov/emergencymanagement/cerg.
(by Katie Patterson, Long-Term Care Ombudsman)
Many residents in long-term care (LTC) facilities can sometimes feel alone, isolated, and powerless. As a mandated program under the Older Americans Act, the Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (NVLTCOP) is often called on to assist residents and consumers to advocate for their rights to ensure quality of care and quality of life. The NVLTCOP needs volunteers who can advocate for the rights of residents in LTC facilities and help them with concerns that they are unable to resolve alone. If you possess skills in listening, communicating, problem solving and empathy and wish to help residents, please consider becoming a Volunteer Ombudsman. We seek those who are willing to complete a comprehensive initial three-day training, commit to a minimum one year of service, and who can devote at least four hours per week assisting residents at assigned facilities close to home or work. In addition, each volunteer will be required to participate in ongoing training opportunities throughout their tenure with the NVLTCOP. For more information about NVLTCOP’s volunteer program, or other nursing facility and assisted living concerns, please call the NVLTCOP at 703-324-5861, TTY 711, or contact Claire Yeomans by email at Claire.Yeomans@fairfaxcounty.gov.
(by Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions Recruitment Coordinator)
Are you looking forward to creating new memories in 2025? Did you make a resolution to give back to your community? Forming social connections, helping others, and feeling productive can do wonders for your well-being. Consider engaging in one or more of the meaningful volunteer opportunities listed below. If you’d like to explore even more options, go to bit.ly/FFXVOLUNTEER to check out the many ways to volunteer in Fairfax County.
The Children’s Science Center Lab invites volunteers to support exciting, weekday-morning, elementary school field trips. Help inspire and guide young minds as they explore hands-on science and interactive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) activities in Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax. It’s a wonderful opportunity to engage with children, share your knowledge, and make a difference in their educational journey. No prior experience required – just a passion for learning and a love for teaching. Go to childsci.org for more information and register for Field Trip Volunteer orientation by emailing Volunteer@ChildSci.org.
The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton is a vibrant arts community housed in the historic buildings of the old prison. They are looking for volunteers to be Volunteer Artist Building Reps (VABRs), which are essentially greeters, in the six artist buildings on campus – perfect for art lovers looking for low-key volunteer opportunities. If you are a history buff looking to be a bit more active, the Lucy Burns Museum, on their campus, is recruiting docents to lead museum tours and tell visitors about the 91-year history of the prison. Email Volunteer@WorkhouseArts.org for more information.
Music for Life needs volunteers to help them expand their capacity to provide music education programs to at-promise youth; youth without the resources and support necessary for them to reach their potential. Music education programs have been proven to improve their academics, social skills and emotional well-being, but limitations in school music budgets result in fewer of these youth having access to their school’s programs. Volunteers are needed to support social media outreach, research fundraising opportunities, and liaison with class locations. Skilled musicians are needed to teach. Contact them at info@MusicforLife.org to learn more.
Do you have a passion and skill you’d like to share with older adults in your community? Volunteer Solutions – in the Department of Family Services, and in partnership with Neighborhood and Community services – seeks volunteers to help support Fairfax County senior centers in various ways. Volunteers lead fitness, line dance, arts and crafts, gardening, language, and music classes, among other fun activities. Entertainers and game-playing companions are needed, too. Check out the list of engaging roles at bit.ly/SeniorCtrOpps and sign up there. Learn more about Volunteer Solutions at bit.ly/FXVSVOL, and email VolunteerSolutions@FairfaxCounty.gov, or call 703-324-5406 with questions.
If you wish to submit volunteer opportunities to be highlighted in a future column, contact Tanya Erway at VolunteerSolutionsRecruitment@FairfaxCounty.gov.
(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)
The non-profit Shepherd's Centers are sponsored by local area congregations, corporate partners, community groups, and individuals to serve adults 50 and older. The centers offer free transportation for medical appointments and non-medical needs (e.g. grocery shopping) for adults 50+ who live in their center’s service area and are able to independently get in and out of a car.
Shepherd's Centers need volunteers! Drivers are needed and can accept ride requests that work with their schedule. There are also other ways you can help. Contact the Shepherd’s Center near you to learn more about volunteer opportunities:
Protecting your money and investments is very important, but scammers are constantly refining their techniques to trick unsuspecting victims into parting with their hard-earned cash.
Lori Schock, Director of the Office of Investor Education and Advocacy with the Securities and Exchange Commission, shares important information on ways you can protect your money. Second Lt. Richard Barron, Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Squad in the Fairfax County Police Department speaks about how the Fairfax County’s Police Department is addressing the issue of scams, and the work this agency does to protect residents. A county resident shares her story of being scammed and offers advice on lessons learned from that experience.
Mature Living can be seen on Channel 16 or 1016 (depending on your service provider) on the following days and times:
This program can also be seen on your computer: 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 Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)
The holiday season, often called “the most wonderful time of the year,” is quickly followed by what many consider to be the least wonderful time of the year – tax season. If completing your tax return is a struggle, you may consider hiring someone to do the work for you. However, before you hand over your personal and financial information, make sure that you are hiring someone who is qualified, competent and trustworthy.
Before hiring any tax preparer, do your research. Some questions to consider are:
The IRS has an online directory to help you search for qualified tax return preparers. It can be viewed at irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf. You can also research tax preparers by visiting the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org/us/va.
Keep in mind that only attorneys, CPAs, and enrolled agents have unlimited representation rights, meaning they can represent you before the IRS in all matters, including audits, collections and appeals. Preparers without credentials have limited representation rights and can only represent you in limited situations. They can prepare your tax return but cannot represent you with the IRS if there are problems after your return is filed.
The IRS also offers these tips when choosing a tax return preparer:
Remember that you are ultimately responsible for the accuracy of every item reported on your return so it’s critical that you hire a preparer who is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and available to answer questions.
If you have been financially impacted by a tax return preparer's misconduct or improper tax preparation practices, you can file a complaint with the IRS. You can also report a preparer for improper tax preparation practices. Learn more at irs.gov/tax-professionals/make-a-complaint-about-a-tax-return-preparer. Be aware that the IRS doesn’t have jurisdiction over how much a preparer charges, or any matters related to state or local taxes.
(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 COA are appointed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the City Councils of the City of Fairfax and the City of Falls Church.
At the December 18 COA meeting, the COA continued 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. At the January 15th meeting, the COA will continue to work on the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan. They will also have a presentation by the National Council on Aging on the topic of reframing aging.
In Person: Pennino Building, 12011 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax – Room 206/200
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 Linda.Hernandez-Giblin@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 571-407-6960 TTY: VA Relay 711.
To submit an event for the Community Calendar, email DFSGoldenGazette@FairfaxCounty.gov. All events are due on the first day of the month prior to the issue month.
New Series of Social Events
WISE Cities is collaborating with local businesses to host free social events for older adults in the community - if you're interested in staying in the loop, email contact@wisecities.us or call 571-354-6626!
Computer Skills Series
Fridays, Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Hosted by the Virtual Center for Active Adults. Topics: Jan. 3 - Internet Service Plans 101; Jan. 10 - Understanding Cloud; Jan. 17 - Technology Security Basics; Jan. 24 - Using Telehealth; Jan. 31- Gadgets and Newer Technology. For more information, visit bit.ly/novaVCAA; To join the virtual presentation on Zoom, visit bit.ly/VCAAzoom2; Meeting ID: 905 123 5932 Passcode: 3636
Brain Gym
Friday, January 3, 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. Attend one or all sessions on Fridays (2- 3 pm) Jan 3, Feb 14, Mar 14, Apr 11, May 9, Jun 6, Jul 18, Aug 1, and Sep 12. For more information, call 703-256-3800 or visit tinyurl.com/2s3kn8mr.
Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia Virtual Forum
Wednesday, January 8, 10-11:30 a.m.
David Tucker, Director of Development for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, will speak about efforts to protect the Bay and save its wildlife. The program is free and open to the public by registering on the LLI website www.llinova.org. This program is part of the LLI’s monthly Forum Series held the first Wednesday of each month. Any questions, please email LLI at admin@llinova.org.
Elder Fraud Prevention - Virtual Presentation
Thursday, January 16, 7-8 p.m.
Hosted by Insight Memory Care Center. Presenter Special Agent Gregory Settducati will discuss the connection between elder fraud and other schemes. The presentation will include examples of social engineering scams, how to avoid falling victim to fraud, and the steps someone should take if they have been victimized. Zoom link provided upon registration. Learn more and register at InsightMCC.org/events.
Consumer Affairs Presents: Tenant-Landlord - What They Need to Know
Tuesday, January 21, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
Have you ever rented an apartment? Decided to become a landlord? In the tenant-landlord relationship it is important for both parties to understand the lease agreement. Learn what is needed inside the lease agreement before you sign. Hosted by the Virtual Center for Active Adults. For more information, visit bit.ly/novaVCAA; To join the virtual presentation on Zoom, visit bit.ly/VCAAzoom2; Meeting ID: 905 123 5932 Passcode: 3636
Senior Movie Day: Nyad
Wednesday, January 22, 9 a.m.-Noon
LOOK Cinemas at Reston Town Center, 11940 Market Street, Reston
Reston Association presents Senior Movie Day for adults 55 and older. Coffee, donuts and OJ are provided, and door prizes are distributed prior to the movie. Park in either the Blue or Green garage for validated parking. Registration is not needed, just show up. Doors open at 9 a.m. and movie begins at 10 a.m. For more information, visit reston.org/calendar or call 703-435-6571.
Secret Lives of Famous Fakers
Thursday, January 30, 9-10 a.m.
In this exciting virtual class, participants will delve into the biographies of several well known forgers, how they created their works and how they were eventually caught in the act. Hosted by the Virtual Center for Active Adults. For more information, visit bit.ly/novaVCAA; To join the virtual presentation on Zoom, visit bit.ly/VCAAzoom2; Meeting ID: 905 123 5932 Passcode: 3636.
Please note that dates, prices, and times are correct at publishing. However, please confirm information by calling or checking using the phone numbers or websites provided.
Access the print version of this month's newsletter.*
Check out the past newsletters.
*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.