Article by Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions Recruitment Coordinator
(Posted 2025 April)
Volunteer Appreciation Month is an opportunity to recognize and honor the efforts of volunteers who strengthen and build resilient communities. This time also serves as a reminder that volunteerism is at the heart of many impactful causes, offering enrichment and fulfillment to those who serve.
One such dedicated volunteer is George Bishop, an accomplished artist and long-time contributor to Volunteer Solutions. When asked what he enjoys most about volunteering, he responded, “Meeting and helping people. It keeps you busy, feeling young, and provides a sense of worth.”
George’s background is as colorful as his art. In the 1960s, he joined the United States Air Force to pursue a career in Information Technology, working with punch card automation, circuit board programming, and machine automation. He served two terms with the Strategic Air Command, contributing to the development of the first real-time computer system, early warning satellite, and automated airborne command post. In the ‘70s, he was transferred to the Pentagon and later worked with Computer Sciences Corporation on government contracts.
George has balanced his logical side with a passion for art since his youth. As a teen, he designed and painted model cars and continued his artistic journey by taking art classes in college. While living in Germany for work in the late ‘60s, he studied under master artists, further fueling his passion. Primarily working with acrylics, George paints daily and enjoys all art forms, from still life to contemporary. His painting Paramecium won third place at the 2024 Young at Art Reston Art Show. In addition to his paintings, he also creates unique birdhouses and has sold many of his artistic pieces over the years.
Fortunately for our community, George generously shares his love of art with senior center participants. For nearly three years, he taught art at two Fairfax County senior centers. He currently teaches at Little River Glen (LRG) with two back-to-back sessions, twice a month. LRG Director Ronja Roberts shares that his class became so popular, George expanded to two sessions to meet the demand. “Participants love him, and he’s had a positive impact,” she notes. George shares that he enjoys watching his students’ progress, offering guidance, and seeing them develop their own unique artistic styles.
In addition to teaching art, George has volunteered with Volunteer Solutions for over 12 years, taking on roles such as transporting older adults on errands and to medical appointments, handling special delivery projects, and much more. We deeply appreciate the time and dedication he has committed to improving the lives of others in our community! George is just one example of many who take their time, talents and passion to serve others in our community through volunteering. April is a time to pause and reflect on how much volunteers enrich our community and say ‘THANKS!’
To learn more about Volunteer Solutions go to bit.ly/DFS-VS.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).