by Kathleen Thomas, Department of Family Services

Good-byes are never easy, but it is bittersweet for everyone in the Department of Family Services that we bid a fond farewell to Golden Gazette Editor Mary Jane Dye.

The Fairfax County native has been the editor of the popular Golden Gazette for the past 6 years and has made the decision to pursue new opportunities and spend more time with her family, especially her grandkids.

As the editor, Mary Jane says her favorite part of working on the Golden Gazette was writing the feature articles that highlight older adults. “Everyone has a story to tell and wisdom to share," she says. “It was such an honor to interview those who make a difference in the community or whose life story provides insight into the past.” She says stories about veterans really stood out for her because they sacrificed so much for our country. 

She says there were many people she enjoyed getting to know, including, “Herman "Smitty" Smith, the barber who I interviewed while sitting in his barber chair. I also liked meeting Charles Williams, the opera singer, who sang to me my favorite song from Finanian's Rainbow.” 

Many of her interview subjects made lasting impressions. Mary Jane recalls meeting Anne Renninger, one of the Snappy Tappers, who “showed me some dance steps and is an inspiration that at age 82, you can look beautiful and be fit. Caroline Banks, whose dedication to her parents' park and memory, impressed me as commendable. Mercedes Dash who taught me about courage when she left Cuba during Operation Peter Pan.  I could go on and on.”

Mary Jane recalls one of her most intense interviews was with attorney Phillip Hirschkop, who represented Mildred Loving in Loving v Virginia, the landmark civil rights decision by the Supreme Court which struck down all state laws banning interracial marriage. “He played an important role in history and the interview was all done over the phone.” 

“Fairfax County, as large as it is, is still a community of caring people. Everyone is linked together,” says Mary Jane. 
We will miss Mary Jane’s sense of humor. When we asked if she had a favorite feature story from among the dozens she has written, Mary Jane says her last feature story was always her favorite!

We have no doubt Mary Jane will fill the days ahead with family, friends, and fun. “I like working and keeping busy. I believe a door will open for me somewhere. In the meantime, I will spend more time with family---especially grandkids, and my youngest daughter is getting married in the fall. So much to do . . .” 

When asked what she will miss most about the Golden Gazette, Mary Jane replied, “Meeting so many wonderful people and having the opportunity to really help them. Having a purpose and passion with a job is so important.”

We will miss Mary Jane and wish her all the best in her next adventure!

Adapted from the Virginia Department of Health Website
 

COVID-19 treatments can help prevent severe illness in high-risk patients to help them get out of the hospital.

What qualifies as high risk for severe illness?

People at higher risk for more severe illness from COVID-19 include adults over the age of 65, people with certain chronic health conditions (of any age), and people who live in congregate settings. Severe illness from COVID-19 means that you may need to be hospitalized, may need intensive care, may need a ventilator to help you breathe, or that you may die as a result of the infection.
People who have weakened immune systems may particularly benefit from authorized treatments if they are exposed to COVID-19 or develop a COVID-19 infection, even if they are fully vaccinated.

If you think you may be at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19, and you have a positive COVID-19 test or have recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should talk with your healthcare provider about your situation and seek their medical recommendation for treatment. If you are advised that medication is needed, these medicines require a prescription.

Monoclonal Antibody Treatments

You have likely heard about monoclonal antibody treatment, which can block the virus that causes COVID-19 from entering cells in your body, and limit the amount of the virus within your body. This means you may have milder symptoms and may decrease the likelihood of you needing to stay in the hospital. If you are advised to receive monoclonal antibody therapy, you can search the VDH monoclonal antibody locator to find the nearest treatment site: VDH.Virginia.gov/mabs/covid-19-treatment-locator/ 
More information about COVID-19 treatments can be found on the VDH website: VDH.Virginia.gov/ 
If you have questions about treatments, please reach out to your healthcare provider.

(Article from the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)

Fairfax County, together with the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church, wants to learn more about the aging experience in our area to plan for a more aging-friendly community. The new SHAPE the Future of Aging Survey, known officially as the Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults (CASOA), will be sent to a scientifically random sample of adults ages 50 and older in February. Selected recipients will receive an advance postcard to notify them that a letter and the survey will soon arrive. 

The survey will ask for information about the lifestyles of these older adults, including opportunities to work, socialize and volunteer, as well as issues they face, such as retirement, housing, and caregiving, and their use of community services like public transportation and Senior Centers. 

The survey will be available in Arabic, English, Korean, Spanish and Vietnamese. Information collected will be used to inform the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan, a strategic plan for aging services. Those who receive the survey are encouraged to participate.
Those who don’t receive a survey will have a chance to contribute additional insight and feedback during community forums and focus groups scheduled in fall 2022. 

The previous CASOA was distributed in 2019 as part of the 50+ Community Action plan. The final report of that survey was presented to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 2019 and contributed to development of the Fairfax Countywide Strategic Plan.

(by Jacquie Woodruff, Legislative and Policy Supervisor)

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 Board of Supervisors and the City Councils of the City of Fairfax and the City of Falls Church.

 At the January 19th COA meeting, Adult & Aging Division/Dept. of Family Services staff presented about Adult Protective Services and Guardianship. Tavna Limage, LCSW, Assistant Program Manager/Adult Protective Services, shared expert insights about Adult Protective Services. Lori Jones, Paralegal, Adult Protective Services/Guardianships, provided an overview of the purpose and scope of the Pre-Guardianship Panel. 

The COA continued discussion about their SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis to support the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan development.

Next COA Meeting, Wednesday, Feb. 16, 1 p.m.
The COA continues to meet virtually this month. 

Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85219111244

Access Code: COA-m1234!

For live audio dial, 888-270-9936 or call 
602-333-0032; Conference Code: 231525 

For ADA accommodations, contact:
Hilda Naranjo, 703-324-7496 or 
Hilda.Naranjo@FairfaxCounty.gov; 
TTY services available via 711. 

For meeting updates, visit:
https://bit.ly/DFS-BAC-COA-Meetings

(Article from the DFS Division of Public Assistance and Employment Services)

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is accepting applications from eligible job seekers age 55 and older! SCSEP places mature workers in part-time, temporary paid community service training to prepare them for permanent employment outside the program. SCSEP participants receive a stipend for $11 hourly while participating in worksite or job readiness training.

Mr. H (68 years old) found recent success in developing his skills and obtaining gainful employment. Mr. H came to SCSEP after being laid off from his cashier job due to the COVID pandemic. He had a difficult time finding employment due to a language barrier and the uncertain climate during the pandemic and was introduced to SCSEP.  He participated in job readiness workshops through virtual training given by the Virginia Career Works Northern Center in Annandale. Mr. H was interested in working with the Vietnamese community and was assigned to train with a Vietnamese non-profit in Fairfax County, where he performed administrative duties and learned about the agency’s program areas. 

Less than a year after he started as a trainee, Mr. H was offered employment as a project coordinator at his training site. Mr. H is earning $17.70 hourly and is excited and proud to be a member of the organization.

To learn more about SCSEP, visit our website at FairfaxCounty.gov/FamilyServices/employment-and-training/employment-services-for-mature-workers or call 703-488-8196. 

(Article from the Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program)

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 survey 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.

(Article from the The Fairfax County Office of Public Affairs)

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has approved expanding the real estate tax relief program for seniors and people with disabilities. The expanded program allows people with higher incomes and net worth to qualify, and will later add a new 75% tax relief bracket and offer an option to defer tax payments. These changes are the first to the program in more than 15 years.

Changes to Income and Net Worth Limits

Under the program’s newly expanded qualifications, the maximum income and net worth limits to qualify for tax relief were raised, effective as of Jan. 1. Now, the maximum gross income to qualify for tax relief has been raised to $90,000. Similarly, the limit on net worth increased to $400,000. Additionally, the expanded program now lets homeowners exclude up to five acres of land that cannot be subdivided from the net worth calculation for homes.

Additional Changes in 2023

In addition to the higher income and net worth limits, the program will add a new 75% relief bracket, a cap on the total taxes relieved and an option to defer tax payments, effective on Jan. 1, 2023. The new 75% relief bracket will be available to households with a total combined income between $60,001 to $70,000, and the amount of tax relief for all tax relief brackets would be capped at 125% of the mean assessed value of Fairfax County homes.

Residents will also have the option to defer paying real estate taxes, subject to interest. To qualify, households may have up to a total combined income of $100,000 and net worth of $500,000. Any deferred taxes would be subject to interest at the Wall Street Journal prime rate, plus 1% per year, subject to a maximum rate of 8% per year.

About the Tax Relief Program

Fairfax County provides tax relief on real estate and personal property if certain qualifications are met. There are exemptions available for:

• Disabled veterans and their surviving spouses
• Surviving spouses of a member of the armed forces killed in action
• Surviving spouses of a first responder killed in the line of duty

Additional circumstances may also allow for tax reduction. For more information about tax relief and qualifications, contact the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration at 703-222-8324, TTY 711 or visit FairfaxCounty.gov/taxes.

Real Estate Tax Relief Workshops

Staff will be available at the times and locations below to answer questions and assist with filling out the 2022 tax relief application form. Due to COVID-19, these in-person workshops are limited to appointments only. Call the number listed below to make your appointment.

March 16 and April 5, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
703-324-2550
9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke

March 29 and April 12, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
703-324-2550
1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean

March 28 and April 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
703-324-2550
1801 Cameron Glenn Drive, Reston

April 13 and 14, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 
703-324-2550
6121 Franconia Road, Alexandria

March 17 and, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
703-256-7717
6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale

March 23 and April 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
703-324-2550
2511 Parkers Lane, Mt. Vernon

March 31 and April 1, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 
703-324-2550
3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax

April 7 and 8, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 
703-324-2550
6140 Rolling Road, Springfield

April 19 and 20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
703-324-2550
4900 Stonecroft Boulevard, Chantilly
 

(Article from the DFS Public Assistance and Employment Services Division)

The Fairfax County Crisis Assistance Program is accepting applications through Tuesday, March 15.

Crisis Assistance includes:

• Payment of primary heat source utility bills that currently have a past due amount.
• Payment of security deposits for primary heat utility when no service exists or bill is past due. 
• Purchase of primary home heating fuel when the fuel supply is low.
• Repair of broken or unsafe heating equipment.
• Replacement of heating equipment for homeowners only (when repair is not possible).
• Provision of supplemental heating equipment/maintenance.

Submit your application: 

• Online—CommonHelp.Virginia.gov
• Phone—Call the Enterprise Call Center at
• 1-855-635-4370
• Paper Application—Call our main number at 703-324-4328 (HEAT) to request an application be mailed to you
• Fax completed application to 703-653-1355.
• Email completed application to DFSSSEnergy@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

(Article from Giuliana Valencia, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)

We often rely on family and friends to provide caregiving support when loved ones are no longer able to function independently. The caregiving role is constantly changing, influenced by hospitalizations, new illnesses, decreased ability to self-care, and end-of-life. 

According to The Caregiver Helpbook (Legacy Caregiver Services, 2006, Perseus Books, L.L.C.), before making a decision, it is important to: 

• Understand how your feelings, attitudes, and motives will influence your ability to make decisions. 
• Seek help from friends, family, and others who are experiencing similar situations. 
• Assess your loved one’s needs and identify areas where help is needed. For example, is your loved one able to manage medications, personal care, prepare meals? Are there any mobility issues? Make sure to assess any home safety issues, health care, companionship, etc. 
• Involve your loved one in the decision-making process. Talk to your loved one about wishes and priorities and incorporate them based on their skill-level to fulfill them.
• Recognize your loved one’s right to take risks. If your loved one has the capacity to make decisions, meaning that there are no cognitive impairments affecting their ability to make, understand pros and cons, communicate, or carry out a decision concerning his or her well-being, one must respect and recognize their right to make choices as long as they are not putting themselves or others at risk. 

Finally, contact our DFS Aging, Disability, and Caregiver Resource Line if you have any concerns or want to learn more about our caregiver programs at 703-324-7948. 

Our Journey: Lived Experiences of Multicultural Family Caregivers

In this webinar, Lily Liu will share her lived experience as a family caregiver for her mother who has Parkinson's Disease and dementia. Her perspective will give caregivers, health care professionals and community partners a greater understanding of the unique issues that multicultural, immigrant family caregivers face. Lily's journey from "The Dragging Daughter" to "The Dragon Daughter" highlights the importance of family caregivers seeking out information and resources to be empowered as they provide care. 

Lily Liu is a former AARP historian and archivist. Lily’s articles and blogs about her experiences as a family caregiver have been published in the United States and in the United Kingdom.

Join us on Wednesday, Feb. 9, from noon to 1 p.m. Register online at www.FairfaxCounty.gov/OlderAdults and scroll to the Free Events or call 703-324-5484.

How are you feeling? Take an online mental health/substance use screening.

Behavioral health – which includes mental health, substance use, and more – is a key part of your overall well-being. Brief screenings are the quickest way to determine if you or someone you care about should connect with a behavioral health professional. Think of these as a checkup from your neck up. This program is completely anonymous and confidential, and immediately following the brief questionnaire you will see your results, recommendations, and key resources. To access the screening: https://bit.ly/FFXCSB.

(Article from the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation and Fairfax County Land Development Services)

Hiring a contractor can sometimes be a very difficult process.  During the pandemic, many people decided to have construction projects completed on their homes as they were spending more time there.  As a result, people hired contractors to complete various projects such as additions and swimming pools.  Here are some tips to follow before you hire a contractor.  

• Consider obtaining three estimates from different contractors so you can gather as much information as possible.
• Hire a licensed contractor.  Research your contractor to confirm their license status with Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR): DPOR.Virginia.gov/LicenseLookup or call DPOR at 804-367-8511.
• Research their business status with the State Corporation Commission: https://CIS.SCC.Virginia.gov/EntitySearch/Index or call 804-371-9967.
• Research and determine whether building and/or trade permits are required for the planned construction project. FairfaxCounty.gov/LandDevelopment/when-permit-required or call Fairfax County’s Land Development Services at 703-222-0801.
• Obtain a written contract before any work begins to ensure a full scope of the construction project, approximate start and end times, and your rights and responsibilities as a consumer.
• Limit your initial deposit to 10 percent down or $1,000, whichever is less.  (Up to 30 percent of total contract value in case of custom-made Items.)
• Do not let the payments you make get ahead of the work.
• Never pay cash.  Either pay by check or an agreed upon electronic payment method.
• Do not pay the entire contract amount until all the work is completed.  This will also include all final inspections on permits if required.
• Keep a file of all payments and papers relating to your project (change orders, contract, warranties, etc.).

If you ever need to file a complaint against your contractor, you can file with the DPOR at DPOR.Virginia.gov/Report-Licensee. DPOR handles complaints related to whether a contractor has violated the regulations they must abide by.  The complaint must be written and can either be emailed, faxed, or emailed to DPOR. They will not be able to assist you if there are contractual disputes or disagreements related to financial issues.  

Fairfax County Land Development Services can assist if there are building code or permitting issues. Call 703-324-5175 or file a complaint online at FairfaxCounty.gov/Fido/Complaints/comp_submit.aspx.

Fairfax County Consumer Affairs can offer facilitation and mediation between homeowners and contractors. FairfaxCounty.gov/ConsumerComplaint. 

(Article by Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions Recruitment Coordinator, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging) 

We live in a world powered by technology which is rapidly evolving. Technology plays a vital role in helping people stay connected and can make lives easier in a multitude of ways. Volunteer Solutions (VS) has IT On-Call volunteers who are available to help people make the most of their online tools and devices.

Ragesh Ramesh Govind is an IT On-Call volunteer. He works as a Software Quality Assurance Manager for an IT firm based in Connecticut. He has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Software Engineering and a Master’s in Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Kerala, India. He lives in Herndon with his wife, Anu, and daughter, Prarthana. He doesn’t allow his busy schedule to deter him from helping others in his local community.

Volunteer Solutions created this free technology support service in 2014 under the guidance of the Fairfax 50+ Area Agency on Aging Plan. Ragesh enjoys volunteering because he uses his technology skills to, “help older adults increase their social life and connection to others…so they don’t feel as alone and isolated.” 

Volunteer Solutions recruits and manages tech-savvy volunteers, like Ragesh, who provide free technology assistance to Fairfax area residents, aged 60 or older and adults 18 and over with a disability. Volunteers assist individuals (at home or in senior centers) with minor technology issues or questions, including:

• Setting up computers, printers and email
• Learning how to search online, grocery shop and stream entertainment
• Learning video-calling capabilities using a smartphone
• Trouble shoot connectivity issues and malware
• Social media (WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Skype)
• Using an iPhone, tablet, Kindle Fire
• Applications- Excel, Google Docs, Windows

Ragesh recently became certified in the Tech Caregiver program, which teaches older adults basic security measures they can take to avoid online scams.
 
Participants report the volunteers are “…knowledgeable and patient and willing to help” and “…did her research prior to coming to see me” and “a super experience!” 

If you would like to receive free IT On-Call assistance, and are 60 or older, or an adult 18+ with a disability, please call 703-324-5406, or email questions to VolunteerSolutions@FairfaxCounty.gov. If you’re interested in becoming an IT On-Call volunteer, please contact them, too.

If you have volunteer opportunities you’d like to advertise, email Tanya Erway at Tanya.Erway@FairfaxCounty.gov. 

(Article by Camden Doren, Social Services Specialist, Ombudsman Program, Department of Family Services)

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, empathy, and want to help residents, please consider becoming a Volunteer Ombudsman.

We seek volunteers 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. The next training will be held in March.

For more information about long-term care services, or nursing facility and assisted living concerns, please call the NVLTCOP at 703-324-5861, TTY 711 or contact the Ombudsman Program by email.

(Article from ElderLink, Adult and Aging Services, Department of Family Services)

Live Well: Virtual Chronic Disease Self-Management, Jan. 24- March 7, (no session on Feb, 21, Presidents’ Day) 10:30 -12:30. Free.  
This program is for individuals interested in learning how to live better by effectively managing symptoms. Learn how to manage pain and fatigue, eat healthier, and remain active. Offered via Zoom. Registration is required online or call Dianne Duke at 703-324-7721.

ElderLink Monthly Virtual Support Call for Family Caregivers of Older Adults, Tuesday, Jan. 11, 7-8 p.m., Free. 
Join us to discuss Maintaining Relationships While Caregiving. Being a caregiver for an older adult can be a very demanding role. It can sometimes leave caregivers with little time or energy to maintain relationships with others who are also important in their lives. However, it is essential to keep these relationships healthy for many reasons, including the fact that friends and family can help in times of struggle by providing relief from the stresses of caregiving. Please join us for this invaluable and empowering caregiving discussion. Register online.

Virtual Diabetes Self-Management, Feb. 2-March 9, 10 a.m.-Noon. Free. 
This program is for individuals interested in learning how to effectively manage their diabetes. The program benefits those with diabetes and pre-diabetes. The class is offered via Zoom. To register, contact Dianne Duke at 703-324-7721 or online.

(Article by Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions Recruitment Coordinator, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)

Bob Dylan’s music may not be for everyone, but most people will agree with the current relevancy of his 1989 hit, “The Times They Are A-Changin.”

For Volunteer Solutions, fortunately, the mission hasn’t changed: To mobilize and connect volunteers with meaningful opportunities to improve the lives of older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers.

The issue of social isolation isn’t new. It has been a topic of concern for older adults prior to and during the pandemic. To help address this issue, Volunteer Solutions is offering new opportunities for volunteers to provide additional socialization for Meals on Wheels (MOW) recipients.

A mealtime visitor role was created. This position enables volunteers to share a meal, chat, and form connections with MOW recipients. The volunteer visitors bring their own snack or meal and spend time with MOW recipients. They meet once per week at a mealtime that is flexible and predetermined by the recipient and volunteer. According to Tara Turner, Director, Area Agency on Aging, “It’s a win-win that provides socialization for both parties.”

Volunteer Solutions also offers several additional volunteer opportunities targeted at decreasing social isolation among adults who have an assigned Fairfax County Adult and Aging case manager. Recruitment is currently underway for mealtime visitors, social visiting (in person or virtual), grocery shopping, medical and general transportation, or helping with basic household tasks. 
Bilingual volunteers are especially needed. If you’re interested in any of these opportunities, please go online to learn more or call 703-324-5406.

Inova Fair Oaks Thrift Shop

Volunteers are needed at Inova Fair Oaks Thrift Shop, 9683 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax, located near the Fairfax traffic circle. Help receive items, sort, price, place the items out, or, as a cashier. They need volunteers one day a week for four or more hours, Tuesday-Saturday between 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thrift Shop proceeds go to the purchase of equipment and to support ongoing hospital projects. Call or email Bonnie Rapson at 703-273-3519 or Bonnie.Rapson@inova.org.

If you’d like to advertise volunteer opportunities, send an email to Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions recruitment coordinator.

Volunteers Needed for the 2022 Filing Season

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program needs the following volunteers: greeters, interpreters (including ASL), screeners, and tax preparers. No tax training is needed for greeters and interpreters. Free training (classroom and online) is available for screeners and tax preparers.

The VITA program offers free income tax preparation and filing services to individuals and families who earned $58,000 or less in 2021. The program operates from late January until April 15. 
Opportunities are available throughout Fairfax and Prince William counties. Hours are flexible, including evenings and weekends. Sign up at nvaCash.org. Select the Volunteers tab.

Contact Mal Williams for more details by email or call 703-533-5702.

A medical appointment or trip to the pharmacy is a challenge if you no longer drive. Consider becoming a volunteer driver or office assistant/ride scheduler through one of these organizations.

Herndon Village Network
703-375-9439, HerndonVillageNetwork.org

Mount Vernon at Home
703-303-4060, MountVernonAtHome.org

Reston Community Center
703-390-6198, RestonCommunityCenter.com/About-Reston/RCC-Rides

The Shepherd Centers are a non-profit organization sponsored by local area congregations, community groups, and individuals to serve adults 50 years and older.

Its primary purpose is to assist older adults to live independently in their homes and to offer programs for enrichment and socialization. They also provide transportation service. You must apply for the transportation service. Once accepted into the service, a request for a ride must be five days in advance.

The centers are also seeking volunteers. Call or email specific sites for information on what is available.

• Annandale/Springfield 703-941-1419, ShepherdsCenter-Annandale.org
• Fairfax/Burke 703-323-4788, SCFBVA.org
• McLean/Arlington/Falls Church 703-506-2199, SCMAFC.org 
• Oakton/Vienna/Reston/Herndon/Great Falls 703-281-0538, SCNOVA.org
• South County 703-799-0505, email SCSC-Transport@verizon.net
• Western Fairfax County 703-246-5920, SCWFC.org

Tune in to Fairfax County’s Channel 16 for the latest edition of Mature Living. 

• Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
• Monday at 5 p.m. 
• Tuesday at 11:30 p.m.
• Wednesday at 4 a.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 a.m., 4 p.m. and 11 p.m.

This episode, which will run February through April, focuses on Food Inside and Outside of the Home. Maria Loh, Coordinator of the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging’s Congregate Nutrition and Transportation program, Theresa Brown, Supervisor of Volunteer Solutions, and Shannon Dodd, a Supervisor in the Nutrition Unit in the Area Agency on Aging, will talk about the resources available to help older adults and adults with disabilities eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet.

Caring for You, Caring for Me, Wednesdays, Feb. 9-Mar. 9, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free.  
This program is a blend of interactive support and education for caregivers. Participants report increased confidence and competence when caregiving. Class offered via Zoom. Contact Kristin Martin at 703-324-7577 or visit https://tinyurl.com/CFYCFM4U to register.

Mount Vernon Genealogy Society: Digging into the Details! Tuesday, Feb. 15, 1 to 3 p.m. Free.
Presenter: Angela Packer McGhie. Hollin Hall Senior Center and/or Zoom. Register via email at contact-us@MVGenealogy.org. Find out more at https://MVGenealogy.org/EventListings.php?nm=20#er534.

Retirement Planning from AARP, Saturday, Feb. 19, at 9 a.m. and Tuesday, Mar. 8, at 7 p.m. Free.
Retirement planning doesn’t have to be daunting. Learn tips for determining if you are on track and learn practical strategies to help you achieve retirement peace of mind. It’s never too late to take charge of your financial future. For more information contact Mirza Thomas at MirzaHThomas@gmail.com. 
February Registration:  https://aarp.cventevents.com/VARetire02192022                     
March Registration:  https://aarp.cventevents.com/VARetire03082022

Online Death Cafe, Saturday, Feb. 19, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Free.  
Join Fairfax County Library as we talk about death and dying in a safe and judgment-free space. If you have never been to a Death Cafe, now is the time! All are welcome! Registration is required. Register at  https://librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/8648710. For more information call 703-938-0405x4.

Senior Women's Softball League, games on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings in Vienna.
The Golden Girls of Northern Virginia is looking for players. All skill levels welcome. For more information call 571-261-9163 or visit GoldenGirls.org.

Please note that dates, prices, and times are correct at publishing. However, please confirm information by calling or checking provided phone numbers or websites.