Department of Family Services – Older Adults

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
703-324-7948 TTY 711
12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 708
Fairfax, VA 22035
Trina Mayhan-Webb
Director

Golden Gazette


Golden Gazette newsletter banner graphic

2024 March

Featured Articles

Photo of Gail Ruf delivering bags of arts and craft supplies to a shelter.Gail Ruf: Bringing Joy to Children Experiencing Homelessness
Gail Ruf is full of boundless energy. After raising three children while enjoying a successful career in television, she retired from work but didn’t slow down. She has filled her retirement years with pursuits she is passionate about, devoting hours volunteering at Fairfax Public Access, using her experience and expertise to help others create TV shows from scratch. However, the bulk of her time is spent concepting, shopping for, assembling, and delivering customized bags full of arts and crafts supplies to children living in family shelters throughout the region. This project is purely her own, born out of a lifetime love of arts and crafts and the knowledge that creative expression can bring joy and relieve some of the stress experienced by children who are homeless. Read more.

Photo of a woman attempting to comfort a weeping older man by gently resting her hand on his arm.Celebrate the Life-Changing Work of Social Workers in March
Every day, social workers in Fairfax County help improve the lives of the most vulnerable members of our community. In the Adult and Aging Division of the Department of Family Services, social services specialists ensure that older adults and adults with disabilities are protected from abuse, exploitation, and neglect. They also work to assess the needs of older adults, work in partnership with adults and families to create care plans, and support adults and families to carry out those plans. Through compassion, collaboration and problem solving, these dedicated workers help to achieve favorable outcomes for the people they serve. Here are a few stories of their life-changing work. Read more.

Photo of a computer screen where deepfake technology is being used to swap out one person's face for another.Artificial Intelligence and Deepfake Videos: What You Need to Know  
Until recently, it was difficult to create a fake video that was convincing without considerable time and expertise. With the evolving capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI), that is no longer the case. AI generated videos, called deepfakes, are challenging our ability to tell what is real and what is fake, empowering bad actors to spread misinformation. Deepfakes are also being used by scammers to steal money and personal information. Read more.

Photo of an older couple smiling while walking outdoors together.Emergency Preparedness for People with Lung Disease
Preparing for emergencies looks different if you live with or care for someone with lung disease. Here are five key steps you can take to prevent worsening of symptoms, and prepare to manage lung disease during an emergency. Read more.

More Articles

Volunteerism helps build strong communities and increases socialization. Volunteering can also improve physical health and longevity in those who volunteer.

Host Anne Hall talks with representatives of two volunteer organizations in Fairfax County. Emily Swenson, Supervisor of Volunteer Solutions with the Area Agency on Aging, reveals how this team has evolved over the years. Emily shares tips on how to connect to this volunteer resource for individuals who need assistance, as well as those who want to assist others.

Volunteer Fairfax’s CEO, Jennifer Williamson and Board Member Donna Patchett talk about their organization, and the variety of opportunities for people of all ages who want to help in their community.

episode also includes personal stories from two volunteers, Maria Romain, a S.A.I.L. instructor, and Jeff Rogers, an IT On-Call volunteer. They explain how they got involved in volunteering, and the benefit they gain from their experience.

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 5:30 p.m.
  • Monday at 5 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday at 4 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
  • Thursday at 8:30 a.m., 4 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
  • Friday at 9:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
  • Saturday at 9:30 a.m., 4 p.m. and 11 p.m.

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 the Department of Tax Administration)

Photo of a 1040 tax form with a pencil and a pair of glasses resting on it.Staff from the Department of Tax Administration will be at the locations listed below to assist with completing the 2024 tax relief application form, as well as answering questions. To ensure that we are assisting individuals in a timely manner, all workshops will be utilizing appointment scheduling.

To request an appointment with our office at a designated workshop, please call 703-324-3747 or email TaxRelief@FairfaxCounty.gov.

Braddock District
Hosted by Supervisor James Walkinshaw 
March 12 and March 26, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 
Braddock Hall
9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke

Dranesville District
Hosted by Supervisor Jimmy Bierman 
March 19 and April 2, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
McLean Governmental Center
1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean

Franconia District
Hosted by Supervisor Rodney Lusk
March 21 and April 5, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 
Franconia Governmental Center
6121 Franconia Road, Alexandria

Hunter Mill District
Hosted by Supervisor Walter Alcorn
March 11 and March 25, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
North County Governmental Center
1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston

Mason District
Hosted by Supervisor Andres Jimenez
March 7 and March 8, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 
April 19, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Mason District Governmental Center 
6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale

Mount Vernon District 
Hosted by Supervisor Dan Storck
March 13 and March 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
Mount Vernon Governmental Center
2511 Parkers Lane, Mt. Vernon

Providence District
Hosted by Supervisor Dalia Palchik
March 15 and March 29, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 
Providence Community Center
3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax

Springfield District
Hosted by Supervisor Pat Herrity
March 14 and March 28, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 
West Springfield Governmental Center
6140 Rolling Road, Springfield

Sully District
Hosted by Supervisor Kathy Smith 
March 20 and April 3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
Sully District Governmental Center 
4900 Stonecroft Boulevard, Chantilly

(by the Public Assistance and Employment Services Division of DFS)

Photo of a thermostat set to 63 degreesAre you facing a “no heat” situation? The Crisis Assistance Program helps households overcome energy emergencies that cannot be met by other resources. An energy emergency is determined when a household has no heat or is in imminent danger of being without heat. The open application period for the Crisis Assistance Program closes on March 15, 2024. Learn more and apply for the Crisis Assistance Program at CommonHelp.Virginia.gov or by calling 1-833-522-5582.

(by Ann Kim, Disability Rights and Resources)

Graphic for Developmental Disability Awareness Month showing colorful abstract people.March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recent U.S. estimates show that about one in six children aged 3-17 years have one or more developmental disabilities such as autism or cerebral palsy. Developmental disabilities occur among all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.

Each year, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors proclaims March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month; a time to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all areas of community life, and to celebrate and showcase the excellent work that is being done around the country to improve the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The County also offers resources, information and an e-newsletter, Access Fairfax, for people with developmental and other disabilities. Visit the following websites: 

The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities encourages everyone to participate in National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. To find ideas on how you can participate, visit nacdd.org.

(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 February 21 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 from the Office of the County Attorney, on the Freedom of Information Act.

COA Meeting, Wednesday, March 20, 1 p.m.

In Person: 
Pennino Building, 12011 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax, VA 22035 – Room 200 & 206 

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 Ana.Valdivia@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 571-407-6960 TTY: VA Relay 711.
 

(by Allegra Joffe, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)

Photo of a stressed-out looking woman talking to a friend while seated in a coffee shop. For some family caregivers, simply getting through the day is a challenge. Caregivers may struggle with a lack of time to complete tasks, feeling emotionally drained and grieving from seeing a loved one’s health deteriorate, financial stress due to increasing costs of care, and lack of overall support. The number of stressors a caregiver has to sort through on a daily basis can be overwhelming and emotionally taxing. 

Some tips for family caregivers who are struggling with getting through each day include: 

  • Practice self-compassion. Be kind and understanding with yourself and take moments to care for yourself.
  • Make a list of priorities each day and instead of focusing on failures, celebrate the successes, even if it is just one item on your list that was completed.  
  • Adjust your expectations. Ask yourself if your daily expectations are attainable. If they are not, readjust and make new expectations.
  • Have at least one person or community support in your life you can share your struggles with. This could be a trusted friend, family member, mental health provider, warm lines/peer support lines, and/or a family caregiver support group. 
  • Practice being present. Be engaged and focused in the moment. Don’t worry about your next task.                                  

If you are struggling to get through the day as a family caregiver, you are not alone. Family caregiving can be one of the most complex journeys an individual will go through. Seek support and resources to help manage your day-to-day life. If you wish to learn more about caregiving resources, call our Aging, Disability, and Caregiver Resources Line at 703-324-7948 or visit FairfaxCounty.gov/OlderAdults.  

Dementia is Stressful

Wednesday, March 20, Noon-1 p.m.

In this virtual presentation, Jennifer Pauldurai, MD, MS, with Cognitive Neurology Inova Neurosciences Inova Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center (IPMDC) will educate caregivers on how neurodegenerative disease can be a very stressful time for the brain. When the brain experiences stress, it can manifest as depression, anxiety, insomnia, hallucinations, or delusions. Understanding why someone might be experiencing these behavioral changes can help family caregivers better help them. Register online at bit.ly/CAREWEB1 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 calling 703-324-5406.

Inova Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center (IPMDC) 

Care partners play an important role in caring for the person with Parkinson’s at home and in the community. This monthly series for care partners is geared towards brainstorming practical ways to best deal with functional issues regarding caring for someone with Parkinson’s. The series addresses limitations in gait, transfers, fine-motor, daily living activities, communication, swallowing, and more. Each session includes an explanation of the underlying difficulty and practical details on how to manage it. To register for this program or to view recordings of the series to date, please visit bit.ly/IPMDCcarepartners.

(by Katie Patterson, Long-Term Care Ombudsman)

A person receiving long-term care services has the right to receive individualized care. Services and activities should strive to attain or maintain a person’s highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being. Often this can be addressed in a person’s initial assessment and plan of care (POC). As each individual is assessed for services, many things should be taken into account, to include their life history, strengths, functional abilities, and nutritional status. Preferences regarding food, communication, and daily routines should also be honored to enhance quality of life. Staff, family members, and the person receiving the services should work together in creating the POC to ensure all medical and non-medical issues are discussed and agreed upon. A POC can be updated at any time as an individual’s preferences or condition changes.  

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 in order to ensure quality of care and quality of life. For more information about care planning, or other nursing facility and assisted living concerns, please call the NVLTCOP at 703-324-5861, or contact by email at NVLTCOP@FairfaxCounty.gov.

(by Sabrina Anwah, McLean Community Center)

Logo for McLean Community Center's Seniors in Action programThe McLean Community Center’s (MCC) Seniors in Action (SIA) Program is a recreation program with a yearly membership designed for independent adults age 50+. Membership is $100 per year/$48 for MCC district residents. Participate in a variety of programs designed to keep you healthy, active and having fun! Build relationships and foster a sense of community while enjoying fitness classes, games, speakers and social activities. Seniors in Action Program Coordinator Samah Habayeb will help make your time at the MCC fulfilling and fun! Learn more at McleanCenter.org/seniors-in-action.

Upcoming SIA Special Event

SIA special events and speakers’ series typically occur on Wednesdays. SIA Program members receive weekly and monthly updates with detailed information, which also includes registration links for activities that require advance sign-up and where space may be limited. The following special event is open to the community.

“Saving Claire” Documentary. Presented in Partnership with Marymount University Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 11 a.m.–noon at the McLean Community Center’s Alden Theatre. “Saving Claire” is an innovative new tool for fall prevention that tells the story of denying gravity. “Saving Claire” works. It is tested, repeatable and a scalable model. There will be a panel discussion following the documentary viewing. Learn more at McleanCenter.org/seniors-in-action.

(by Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions Recruitment Coordinator)

Are you feeling tired of the same old routine? Consider volunteering! Check out the volunteer opportunities below, or the various options found on bit.ly/FFXVOLUNTEER.

Volunteer Solutions is searching for skilled volunteers to share their talents with older adults at Fairfax County senior centers. The centers need weekday volunteers who are available to lead groups in fitness, dance, art, sewing, gardening, piano, languages (including ASL, Spanish, French, Italian, ESOL), and more. If you have some free time during daytime hours, consider sharing your passion with others. Entertainers (all types) and piano tuners are needed, too. Volunteer Solutions is a partnership between the Fairfax County Department of Family Services and Neighborhood and Community Services. There are one-on-one opportunities, as well. For more information, go to bit.ly/FXVSVOL, or contact VolunteerSolutions@FairfaxCounty.gov, or call 703-324-5406.

Haven of Northern Virginia is committed to offering support, compassion, information, and resources to the bereaved and seriously ill. Volunteers provide individual and group support to those experiencing a loss. Volunteers complete 30 hours of training over a two-week period and are expected to commit to a weekly shift of 2.5 hours for the first year. Contact Haven at 703-941-7000 or havenofnova@verizon.net. Learn more at HavenofNova.org.

Do you enjoy thrifting? Inova Fair Oaks Hospital Thrift Shop, (9683 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, 22031), needs volunteers. Volunteers help with receiving, sorting, pricing and merchandising donations, along with customer service such as cashiering and bagging. They are open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. They ask volunteers for at least 4 hours, one day a week and many choose to do more. Contact Jessie Johnston at jessamyn.johnston@inova.org or call 703-273-3519 and speak to Jessie or Veronica.

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital Gift Shop, (3600 Joseph Siewick Dr., Fairfax), also needs volunteers. Shifts are during weekdays, between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thrift shop and gift shop proceeds are donated to Inova Fair Oaks Hospital and used for purchasing equipment and funding hospital projects. If interested, contact Jessie Johnston at jessamyn.johnston@inova.org.

ACCA provides day care, food, rental assistance, furniture, and other services to low-income families in the Annandale and Bailey’s Crossroads region. Individual volunteers perform nearly all of ACCA’s work and are always needed. Schedules are flexible. Many tasks can be done from home. All recipients of these services are screened and referred to ACCA by social service agencies. Learn more about opportunities at accacares.org/volunteering or email volunteers@accacares.org.

If you wish to submit volunteer opportunities for a future column, contact Tanya Erway at Tanya.Erway@FairfaxCounty.gov.

Photo of a man talking and smiling with a boy.The Department of Family Services’ Father Engagement Unit promotes positive parenting and fathering skills by offering 13-week Dads Parenting Groups for Fairfax County fathers and father figures. Bilingual volunteer facilitators (English/Spanish) are needed to help lead these Dads Parenting Groups. If you are a father or father figure who is available one evening a week for three months, we would love to hear from you. Learn more about the program and how to get involved on our website at FairfaxCounty.gov/familyservices/children-youth/volunteer-partner-services/father-engagement, email Samantha Carrico at Samantha.Carrico@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-324-7576.

Photo of a Body Safety Program volunteering teaching in front of a class of grade-school-age children.Help facilitate pre-K through sixth grade classes in Fairfax County Public Schools during the school day. We will train you to teach children how to recognize and prevent abuse.

Volunteers must:

  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Have your own transportation to locations across Fairfax County
  • Be available during school hours
  • Commit to teach 4-6 classes a month for one school year

Our next training is Friday, August 16 but get started with onboarding and observations now! Bilingual (Spanish/English) volunteers are encouraged.  

Call 703-324-7459, email DFSBodySafety@FairfaxCounty.gov, or visit bit.ly/DFS-VPS-BS-V.

(by Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Division)

Logo for Fairfax County Consumer Affairs DivisionJoin Fairfax County Consumer Affairs in celebrating National Consumer Protection Week from March 3 to 9. Consumer Affairs is committed to ensuring that Fairfax County consumers have the tools and resources they need to understand their consumer rights, navigate the marketplace, and make informed decisions. 

Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Day will be held on Thursday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. 

Join us in the Board Auditorium for presentations on these topics: 

  • 9-9:30 a.m. - Welcome and Consumer 101
  • 9:30-10 a.m. - Tenants and Landlords: Understanding Lease Agreements
  • 10-11 a.m. - Tenants and Landlords: Dealing with Maintenance Issues
  • 11-11:30 a.m. - Vehicle Purchase and Maintenance issues
  • 11:30 a.m.-noon – Scams

You can also visit exhibit booths in the lobby from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. as well as the Virginia Department of Treasury, Unclaimed Property Booth from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This is a free event, but registration is requested. Please call 703-222-8435, TTY 711 or email consumer@FairfaxCounty.gov. For more information, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/cableconsumer/csd.

This event will be available via live stream at FairfaxCounty.gov/cableconsumer/channel-16/stream and broadcast live on Fairfax County Channel 16 (Cox/Verizon/Comcast).

Logo of the Silver Shield Anti-Scam CampaignThe Fairfax County Silver Shield Anti-Scam Campaign and AARP Virginia will be hosting the 2024 Scam Jam on Friday, April 19, 2024, from 9 a.m.-noon at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. The focus will be on scams and how artificial intelligence is aiding in their evolution. 

The Department of Family Services Adult and Aging Division is hosting a table at Scam Jam 2024. Visit us to learn more about our programs and services and meet staff from the Golden Gazette, Adult Protective Services, and more.

(by Danielle Badra, Land Development Services)

Land Development Services (LDS) offers many customer service opportunities, both in-person and virtually. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any pertinent land development-related questions or concerns. We are happy to assist you!

If you prefer face-to-face interactions with staff, in-person customer service is available every day at the Herrity Building, 12055 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA. Here are the office locations, services and hours for in-person customer service:

Want to know what land development projects are possible on your property? Need to talk to someone about your plans?

  • Speak to the engineer of the day about building permits or site-related plans at the Customer Information Center in Suite 111.
    • Hours:  8 a.m.-4 p.m. (Mon-Thurs); 9:15 a.m.-4 p.m. (Fri)

Need help applying for a permit and navigating the Planning and Land Use System (PLUS)?

  • For questions about the building and site-related permitting process, head up to see the Customer Experience Team in Suite 324
    • Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (Mon-Thurs); 9:15 a.m.-4 p.m. (Fri)

Do you need to pay for LDS-related fees?

  • If you are depositing LDS checks, money orders or cash for LDS-related services, you can do so at the Cashier’s Office in Suite 636.
    • Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (Mon-Fri)

Please note that visitors may not be added to in-person queues past 3:45 p.m. Please plan to arrive before that time.

If you prefer the convenience of calling, emailing or meeting virtually from the comfort of your home or office, our virtual customer service options are detailed on our Meet With Staff web page: FairfaxCounty.gov/LandDevelopment/meet-staff.

(by Moriah Kitaeff, Department of Emergency Management and Security)

Graphic defining a flood watch versus a flood warning.To keep yourself safe during floods, it's crucial to know the difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning. A Flood Watch means conditions are right for flooding, while a Flood Warning means flooding is happening or about to start. If you are alerted that there is an active Flood Warning for your area, the time to act is NOW. 

It is not uncommon for places, whether homes or businesses, to lose power when a flood is taking place, as trees and other large objects can fall and create downed power lines. Because of this, it is important to include power outage supplies when preparing for a flood such as:

  • Flashlight 
  • Extra flashlight batteries
  • Shelf-stable food
  • Can opener – if your kit includes canned food
  • Extra batteries for any electric assistive devices

If you make the decision to evacuate before a flood, whether directed by emergency officials or by your judgement, there are important things to consider with driving when there is a flood risk:

  • Never drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
  • Never drive around barricades.
  • Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. 

Ensure that you have an emergency kit with you in your car in case you become stranded within your vehicle. To learn more about emergency kits, and what you should include in them, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/emergency/readyfairfax/makeanemergencykit.

(by Fairfax County’s Office of Public Affairs)

Photo of a road with a big pothole.Potholes are a way of life on the roads, especially as temperatures fluctuate, water causes damage or some asphalt simply ages. Please report potholes you encounter! Your car and fellow drivers will thank you.

Report Most Potholes to VDOT

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) maintains most primary and secondary roads in the county and fixes potholes. You can look up who maintains every road in the county at FairfaxCounty.gov/news/find-out-who-maintains-roads-fairfax-county.

VDOT’s online reporting tool makes it easier to pinpoint exactly where you see a pothole. You can report potholes directly from your mobile device and include images at my.vdot.virginia.gov

You also can call VDOT at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623) to report potholes or to ask who maintains a road.

Potholes on Roads VDOT Does Not Maintain

VDOT does not maintain all major roads in the area, however. If you see potholes on these roads:

  • Dulles Toll Road, contact the Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority mwaa.com.
  • GW Parkway, contact the National Park Service at nps.gov/gwmp/contacts.htm.
  • Many private roads are maintained by businesses, apartment/condo complexes, homeowner/civic associations or residents. If you know there’s a pothole on a road that’s privately maintained, contact your HOA or the business that’s responsible.

Softball Players Wanted
The Golden Girls of Northern Virginia, a senior women’s softball league, is looking for players. Any woman over the age of 40 is encouraged to join. All skill levels are welcome. We play most Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings in Vienna from May-July and September-October. For more information, please visit our website: goldengirls.org

Love to Play Basketball? Join NOVA United!
NOVA United Senior Women’s Basketball Association seeks new players 45+ to join the league. Have fun, stay fit and make new friends while playing three-on-three half-court basketball. The annual fee is $35 and practice takes place at the James Lee Community Center in Falls Church. For more information, email Marianne Simonton at Mrsimonton1@gmail.com

Join the Lifetime Learning Institute 
During its current "open season," area seniors and their friends are invited to consider joining the Lifetime Learning Institute (LLI) affiliated with Northern Virginia Community College. It is an organization centered on classes, activities and fellowship for retirees. The annual membership fee is $110. For additional information, please email Janice Viola at admin@llinova.org or Mary Alexander at mary@mkalexander.com.

Dementia Support Group
Monday, March 4, and April 1, 7-8 p.m.

This in-person group is held on the first Monday of the month at Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Hwy, Lorton. All are welcome to attend this support group for family and friends of those with dementia and other memory impairments. This group allows care partners to problem-solve, discuss issues, and connect with each other. This group will also include practical resources and guest speakers. Contact support@insightmcc.org for more information. 

Young at Heart Senior Center Advisory Council Craft and Vendor Market
Saturday, March 9, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Blenheim Boulevard, Fairfax
Shop and enjoy friendly company while supporting the Green Acres Senior Center annual fundraiser. Our vendors will provide a memorable shopping experience whether you are interested in art, crafts, food or jewelry. For more information, please call Diana Osinski at 703-889-0115, send an email to CRAFTV2024@gmail.com, or call the Green Acres Senior Center at 703-273-6090.  

Contributing to Dementia Research
Wednesday, March 13, 1-2:30 p.m.

This class will be held both virtually and in-person at Insight Memory Care Center – Fairfax, 3955 Pender Drive, Suite 100, Fairfax
By taking part in research, volunteers play a vital role in helping scientists understand more about the complex diseases that cause dementia. This means new ways to diagnose, prevent and treat these diseases can be developed and tested. Progress in dementia research just wouldn’t be made without the contributions volunteers make by participating in research. Learn more about the why and how of dementia research. Register online at InsightMCC.org/events.

Saving Claire: The Story of Denying Gravity
Thursday, March 19, 7 p.m. 

Insight Memory Care Center, 3955 Pender Drive, Suite 100, Fairfax
“Saving Claire” explores the complex nature of aging, resistance to change and all the relatable patterns that increase fall risk. The film explores Claire’s attitudes and actions, the spiral after her fall, and the dramatic events that follow. Join us for a screening of the movie and a discussion with the Northern Virginia Falls Prevention Alliance after the film. Register online at InsightMCC.org/events

Burke Historical Society: Author Joyana Peters
Sunday, March 24, 3 p.m.

Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke
In March, the Burke Historical Society will venture beyond strict historical facts. Our guest will be Joyana Peters, local author of the historical novels The Girl from Saint Petersburg and The Girl in the Triangle. She’ll discuss the genuine events and settings on which her works are based, her techniques for historical research, and her personal approach to inspiration and writing. For more information, visit burkehistoricalsociety.org

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.*

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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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