Department of Family Services Alert:
Alan Cole: The Joys of Being a Band Geek
Alan Cole proudly calls himself a “band geek.” He’s someone who loves playing music, being part of a band, and sharing his passion with other musicians. While he never became a professional musician, Cole has played in bands for most of his life. For more than 50 years, he has been a member of the City of Fairfax Band, a community band composed of musicians of all skill levels dedicated to sharing the excitement and joy of live music with their community. Read more.
Home Repair Programs Serving People in Need
Older homeowners in Fairfax County who live on a fixed income may find it difficult to afford even minor home repairs. The good news is that there are programs to help these homeowners, ensuring that they are living in homes that are safe and healthy. Read more.
Making a Difference: Volunteering with GrandInvolve in Title I Classrooms
For over ten years, older adults in Fairfax County have been discovering a powerful way to give back to their communities – by stepping into classrooms through GrandInvolve, a county program that connects volunteers with Title I elementary schools in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). Title 1 schools receive grant funding from the Title 1 federal grant program because they have the highest number of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Read more.
Resources for People with Hoarding Disorder and Their Families
People with hoarding disorder have a hard time letting go of things, even if they don’t need them or the items don’t have much value. Over time, their belongings pile up, making their home difficult to use and even unsafe to live in. The first step to getting better is for the person to recognize the problem and ask for help. Here are some helpful resources and services to support them on their journey. Read more.
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:
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 Courtney Arroyo, Department of Emergency Management and Security)
As storm season approaches, it’s essential to be prepared for lightning, one of nature’s most dangerous phenomena. Lightning can cause fatalities, injuries, and significant damage, but staying informed can help reduce risk.
Follow the 30-30 rule:
If someone is struck, call 911 immediately and start CPR if needed. Lightning victims don’t carry a charge, so it’s safe to help.
Keep up with weather updates by signing up for Fairfax Alerts bit.ly/FFXAlerts. Stay prepared and safe during storms to protect your family from lightning dangers.
(by Karen Goff, Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services)
Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) is pleased to announce a new center with dedicated programming for older adults in the Burke-Springfield area of Fairfax County.
The Burke-Springfield Center for Active Adults will be opening its doors on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. The new space at Huntsman Square in Springfield offers an exciting opportunity for the former Burke-Springfield Center Without Walls to transition to a brick-and-mortar facility.
The new space, located at 7541 Huntsman Blvd., Springfield, is more than 8,000 square feet located in a retail center. There are multipurpose rooms for recreational programming and community activities, including classroom and technology spaces.
From October 2023 to April 2025, NCS held several community engagement sessions to share programming opportunities and gather feedback on programs and activities.
“We are very excited about the new space and opportunity to bring our engaging programming to older adults in a permanent space in Springfield,” said NCS Division Director Chris Scales. “We listened to the community and gained valuable insight into the types of programming participants are seeking.”
Membership for the new center will be free for Fairfax County residents and $150 for non-county residents. The program will continue to hold instructor led activities that will have a nominal fee of $5-$10 for a term of 8-10 weeks.
View the activity calendar for the BSCAA to see the programs and activities being offered in August.
(by Camden Doran, Long-Term Care Ombudsman)
A person who lives in a long-term care (LTC) facility maintains all the same rights as an individual living in the community. A person living in a LTC facility gains additional rights as a resident, one of which is the right to raise formal grievances. A resident can present their grievances at any time to facility staff or any other person without fear of discrimination or retaliation. The facility must act promptly to help resolve the grievance, and provide a written decision to the resident, if requested. The resident also has the right to file a complaint with their local state licensing agency or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.
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 advocate for their rights to protect dignity, choices, and self-determination. The NVLTCOP is a resident-directed program that is available to assist with concerns about quality of care, and to educate the community about long-term care services. For more information about residents’ rights or other nursing facility and assisted living concerns, please call the NVLTCOP at 703-324-5861, or contact the Ombudsman Program by email at NVLTCOP@fairfaxcounty.gov.
(by Katherine Hall, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)
As an option to support their loved ones’ unique needs, family caregivers may opt for in-home care. In-home care can encompass a wide range of personalized services that help people remain in their homes such as bathing, meal preparation, grocery shopping, and housekeeping. The Department of Family Services (DFS) provides several potential opportunities for in-home care services. The Adult Services unit provides services that are available on the basis of eligibility after an assessment by a DFS social worker. Inova ElderLink, through the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, provides services that are available on a sliding scale basis depending on income. Call 703-324-7948, TTY 711 for help in determining if these programs are right for your loved one. In addition, the Home Care Registry is a list of private providers that are not affiliated with an agency, and who have been screened by the DFS Adult and Aging Division. The screening includes interviews, reference checks, criminal history checks, and a tuberculosis test. The screening does not include observation of direct caregiving skills. The list is available for pick up or can be viewed online by visiting FairfaxCounty.gov/OlderAdults, then selecting "In-Home Care" under "Older Adults."
To learn more about available resources, call the Aging, Disability, and Caregiver Resources Line at 703-324-7948 or visit FairfaxCounty.gov/OlderAdults.
Virtual Dementia Friendly Information Session
Wednesday, August 13, Noon-1:15 p.m.
Join this virtual presentation and learn how to become a dementia friend. Turn your new understanding of dementia into practical action that can help someone living in your community. Presented by Allegra Joffe, Supervisor with Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, and Diane Watson, Dementia Friends Champion Volunteer. Register online at bit.ly/DementiaFriendlyFairfax or call 571-407-6961.
Centering the Voices of African American Dementia Caregivers: Decision-Making, Well-Being, and Self-Care
Friday, August 15, Noon-1 p.m.
In this virtual webinar presentation, hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, Dr. Kalisha Bonds Johnson will open the presentation by exploring the lived experiences of African American adult daughters caring for a parent with cognitive decline or dementia. She will highlight key factors that shape both their well-being and their confidence in making healthcare decisions – for themselves and their loved ones. Dr. Shanae Rhodes will follow with powerful quotes from African American women caregivers, offering insight into their journeys. The presentation will conclude with practical self-care strategies and core takeaways designed to support African American care partners of all genders. Register online at bit.ly/FFXDementiaSeries or call 571-407-6961.
Brain Health: What Caregivers Need to Know
Wednesday, August 20, Noon-1 p.m.
In this virtual webinar presentation, hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, George Worthington, Dementia Services Director for Virginia's Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) will present on brain health for the caregiver and their loved one. Rapid developments in knowledge about brain health in recent years have helped focus efforts on slowing or preventing cognitive changes through lifestyle interventions. This webinar will focus on what caregivers can do to help maintain their own and their loved one's brain health. It will also review the foundations of brain health and talk about several specific risk factors for dementia such as heart health, sleep, stress, and social isolation. Trying to create new habits or make big changes can seem impossible, especially for caregivers. This presentation will discuss small changes that can add up to a larger impact. Register online at bit.ly/CAREWEB1 or call 571-407-6961.
(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.
At the July 16 COA meeting, the COA continued discussion of 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. The COA also heard a presentation on Wise Cities. The COA will be on recess in August.
(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)
The Virginia Fairfax Intrinsic Capacity for Older People (VFICOPE) Study is looking for volunteers living in Fairfax County to help us understand how aging affects physical and mental abilities. To participate, you must be:
Participants will take part in a one-hour health assessment. The study will also collect information about participants’ diet, self-care abilities, and social interactions. Participation is voluntarily and participants can withdraw at any stage.
The results from this study may provide useful information to local and regional public health authorities regarding older adult’s intrinsic capacity status (i.e. mental and physical ability) and related risk factors so they can enhance long-term healthcare intervention and prevention planning in Virginia and the rest of the U.S. To learn more or volunteer for the study, please email Stefanos Tyrovolas, PhD, at styrovol@gmu.edu or Bri Schuh at bschuh@gmu.edu.
(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)
Join the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia (SCNOVA) for their biggest annual fundraising event on Tuesday, September 16, at the Worldgate Health Club & Spa, located at 13037 Worldgate Drive, Herndon. The event will take place from 4-7 p.m. and offers 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.
Last year’s event raised $73,000, with all proceeds funding SCNOVA’s programs, services, and free transportation for adults over 50 living in Vienna, Oakton, Great Falls, Dunn Loring, Merrifield, Reston, and Herndon plus some areas of Fairfax.
SCNOVA is a nonprofit group that helps older adults live better lives through various support programs, classes, and volunteer activities. These services help people stay active and live independently in their homes by providing services such as a caregiver support group, friendly caller and visitor programs, health and wellness classes, minor home repair, medical and companion transportation, and social events.
In 2024, SCNOVA and its 250+ volunteers did the following:
To learn more about SCNOVA or to volunteer, visit their website at scnova.org.
Are you a fan of the Olympics? Come support the 2025 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics (NVSO) as a volunteer from September 13-30! Volunteers are vital to the success of NVSO and are needed to support approximately 76 events at 27 venues. Go to NVSO.US for more information.
(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:
(by the Fairfax County Health Department)
When summer returns each year, so do mosquitoes and ticks – and with them, the risk of several serious illnesses. The Fairfax County Health Department joins other public health agencies in urging the public to take extra precautions this summer to avoid bites and protect themselves and their families from illnesses spread by ticks, mosquitoes and other pests.
Staff members from the Health Department’s Disease Carrying Insect program work year-round to educate the community about the precautions one can take to protect themselves from being bitten, and actions that can help reduce the insect populations. From exhibiting at community events to disseminating fun and informative educational materials, the central message is that it’s important to actively reduce the chances of contracting an illness from insect bites.
Mosquitoes are known carriers of diseases like West Nile virus (WNV), Zika virus, dengue and Chikungunya, while ticks can transmit Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Experts warn that as climate patterns shift, these pests are appearing earlier in the season and in greater numbers.
To minimize the risk of bites, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the following tips:
Staying vigilant and taking preventive measures can help ensure a safer and more enjoyable summer.
WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito. Not all mosquitoes can carry WNV and not all mosquitoes are infected.
See your health care provider if you have concerns about WNV. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for WNV infection. Medications can be used to reduce fever and relieve symptoms. In severe cases, people may be hospitalized to receive supportive care.
Lyme disease is the most commonly-reported tick-borne disease in our area. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection and if left untreated, can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system. Symptoms of Lyme disease include:
If you have symptoms of Lyme disease, see your doctor – even if you don’t remember being bitten by a tick. Most cases of Lyme or other tick-borne diseases can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics.
Fairfax County Health Department offers a free tick identification service to provide you with information about the type of tick that bit you. This service does not test ticks for disease-causing agents and staff do not provide medical advice. This identification can be useful should you need to speak to your medical provider. Learn more at FairfaxCounty.gov/health/fightthebite/tick-identification.
To learn more about the Health Department’s Disease Carrying Insect program and how to protect yourself and your family, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/health/fightthebite.
(by Fairfax County Police Department Public Affairs Bureau)
Whether you’re new to firearms or a longtime owner, the way you store your firearm matters. Safe handling and secure storage, especially when you’re on the go, are keys to responsible ownership.
In Fairfax County and across the region, firearms left in unattended vehicles can be stolen and misused. Taking steps to secure your firearm will help to keep our community safe.
Even if it’s just a quick stop, leaving a firearm unattended in your vehicle, especially in a glovebox or center console, dramatically increases the chance it will be stolen. If a gun is stolen from your car, it could later be used in robberies, assaults, or other violent acts.
If circumstances require you to leave your firearm in a vehicle, take every precaution:
Center consoles and gloveboxes, even when closed, are not secure storage options. When possible, bring your firearm inside and store it properly in a home safe or lockbox.
Virginia takes firearm safety seriously. Under Virginia Code § 18.2-56.2, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor to recklessly leave a loaded, unsecured firearm in a way that endangers a child under 14.
While the law is specific to children, the principle applies to everyone: unauthorized access to firearms can be deadly, and responsible gun ownership means taking proactive steps to prevent it.
Community safety is a shared responsibility. If you witness suspicious behavior, call the FCPD non-emergency line at 703-691-2131. For emergencies, call 911.
Let’s work together to ensure firearms stay out of the wrong hands and keep Fairfax County safe.
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.
New Series of Social Events
WISE Cities is collaborating with local businesses to host free social events for older adults in the community. To learn more, email contact@wisecities.us or call 571-354-6626.
Register for the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics Until August 28
Register to compete in the 2025 NVSO! The games will take place September 13-30. Participants must be 50 years of age or older and live in one of the participating jurisdictions. More than 70 events will be offered this year. The registration fee is $20 and athletes may enter as many events as they like. Volunteers are also needed for the games. Learn more and register at nvso.us.
Brain Gym
Friday, August 1, 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.
Sunday Art in the Park Series Hosted by the Reston Community Center
Sundays, 7-8 p.m.
Reston Town Square Park, 11900 Market St, Reston
Pack a picnic and join the renowned Shenandoah Conservatory on Sunday evenings this summer. August 3-Resonating Together: A Violin & Cello Duet: An Evening of Beautiful Music; August 10-Be Our Guest: A Disney Cabaret: Classic Disney Tunes for the Entire Family; August 17-Broadway Through the Ages: Your Favorite Broadway Tunes from the 1950s to Today; August 24-R2DUO: Saxophone and Piano Duets. For more information, call 703-390-6159 or visit restoncommunitycenter.com/tag/sunday-art-in-the-park-concerts. For concert status during inclement weather, call 703-476-4500.
Nova ScriptsCentral Presentation on "Lung Cancer Awareness"
Tuesday, August 5, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Wellness Center for Older Adults, 4027B Olley Lane, Fairfax
This session will raise awareness about lung cancer prevention, early detection, and the importance of regular screenings to reduce risk. Call 703-970-3601 to reserve a seat.
Stop the Bleed
Thursday, August 7, 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.
Dance for Brain Health
Thursdays, 11:15 a.m.-Noon
Wellness Center for Older Adults, 4027B Olley Lane, Fairfax
Research shows that exercise is good for the brain and dance has the added dimensions of rhythm, balance and music that enhance the benefits of simple movement – plus, it’s fun! This free class is appropriate for people living with dementia, their caregivers and anyone interested in preventing cognitive decline. Call 703-970-3601 to reserve a spot.
Take A Break Concert Series Hosted by the Reston Community Center
Thursdays, 7-8:30 p.m.
Halley Rise, 2025 Fulton Place, Reston
Join us for unforgettable summer evenings filled with vibrant music from talented artists. August 7-Elikeh: AfroPop; August 14-Mystic Warriors: World Music; August 21-Pebble 2 Pearl: Funkified Rock; August 28-Sean Heely Band: Celtic. For more information, call 703-390-6159 or visit restoncommunitycenter.com/tag/take-a-break-concerts. For concert status during inclement weather, call 703-476-4500.
Back to School Book Sale
Friday, Aug. 8, 1-5 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 10, 1-4 p.m.
Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. Germain Dr., Centreville
Shop fiction and nonfiction, DVDs, audiobooks, and more! Bag sale on Sunday – fill a grocery bag and pay $10. No electronic scanners allowed.
Memory Screenings
Monday, August 18, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Wellness Center for Older Adults, 4027B Olley Lane, Fairfax
As a part of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s National Memory Screening initiative, Insight Memory Care Center offers free, in-person, confidential memory screenings and educational materials to 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.
LBGTQ+ Care Partner Support Group
Wednesday, August 20, 7-8 p.m.
This group is specifically designed for the unique needs, challenges and experiences of LGBTQ+ care partners for individuals living with dementia. Get to know others in a safe space, and share personal concerns and successes. This free group is led by Rev. Dawn Jefferson and meets virtually on Zoom. Registration required. Learn more at insightmcc.org/get-involved/events.
Trip to See StageCoach Bandits Improv
Friday, August 22, 6:30-10:30 p.m.
Bus pick-up at RA Headquarters, 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston
Join Reston Association for a laughter-filled evening in Ashburn, VA, as StageCoach Theatre Company’s Improv Troupe – the StageCoach Bandits – brings the house down! Just like “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”, the Bandits perform short-form improv using suggestions from the audience. Fee is $65.00/RA members, $75.00/non-members includes your ticket, bus transportation, tolls and parking. All sales are final. Email questions to Events@reston.org or call 703-435-6571.
Drop-In Support Group for People Experiencing the Loss of a Spouse or Partner
Saturday, August 23, 10:30 a.m.-Noon
4606 Ravensworth Road, Annandale
Free, in-person drop-in support group hosted by Haven of Northern Virginia, a nonprofit, nonsectarian community organization of trained volunteers offering emotional support to the bereaved, the seriously ill, the dying and their families and friends. Led by a trained volunteer, the group will focus on understanding spousal grief, how to cope, how to take care of yourself and how to remember a special life. The group meets on the fourth Saturday of each month. Call 703-941-7000 or email havenofnova@verizon.net for more information.
Senior Movie Day Featuring Last Breath
Wednesday, August 27, Doors-9 a.m., Movie-10 a.m.
LOOK Cinemas at Reston Town Center, 11940 Market Street, Reston
Reston Association presents Senior Movie Day, free for people 55+. Free coffee, donuts, OJ, and door prizes. Registration is not required. For more information, visit reston.org/Calendar.
LLI Forum: American Mythology and the History of Arlington House
Wednesday. September 3, 10-11 a.m.
Little River United Church of Christ, 8410 Little River Turnpike, Annandale
Free event hosted by the Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia, an educational group for adults over 50. Speaker Daniel Blier, Park Ranger with the National Park Service at Fort Hunt Park, will focus his talk on American Mythology and the History of Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial. For more information, visit llinova.org or email LLI admin@llinova.org.
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.