Department of Family Services Alert:
Alan Rems’ Adventures in Retirement
Retirement can be daunting for some. After the busyness of adulthood – relationships, family, and career – you may wonder “will retirement be boring?” For Alan Rems, the answer is a resounding “No.” Not only does Alan thoroughly enjoy his retirement, but he fills his hours with engaging and meaningful pursuits, has discovered new interests and talents, uses his expertise to help others, and has been recognized for his accomplishments. Read more.
Medicare Open Enrollment: Information and Resources
Are you caring for someone on Medicare? October is open enrollment. If you are caring for a loved one who is a Medicare beneficiary, it is important for you to know what to expect. Understanding what is covered under Medicare and finding the right coverage for your loved one is often challenging. Luckily, there are some great resources available. Read more.
Resources for LGBTQ+ Older Adults
Despite experiencing increased acceptance and inclusion in society, some LGBTQ+ older adults fear how they will fare in their later years. The good news is that there are organizations providing information and resources to help support LGBTQ+ adults as they age. Some of these organizations also offer inclusion training to aging network providers and caregivers to ensure that LGBTQ+ older adults are treated with respect and compassion. Read more.
Five Tips for a Healthy Winter
Fall is here, which means it’s time to start planning for the colder months ahead. As you break out the gloves, hats, scarves, and jackets, consider adding these five health tips to your winter prep routine. Read more.
COVID-19 has impacted all of us on so many levels and significantly altered the way we connect to one another. In this episode, representatives from three county agencies share how COVID affected their services, and what adjustments they have made to their programs now that we are slowly emerging from the pandemic.
Mature Living host Anne Hall talks with Dianne Duke, Social Work Case Manager with ElderLink, about how her clients have adjusted, and what the future looks like for her agency’s programs and services. Rabinder Singh, Adult Programming Assistant with the Fairfax County Public Library, reveals how library programs have been affected, and reveals plans for future programs. Lynne Lott, Director of the Sully Senior Center, tells Mature Living producer Fran about how the county’s senior centers – how clients and staff have coped during the pandemic, and what they are planning for both in person and virtual programs in the future.
Mature Living can be seen on Channel 1016 on the following days and times:
This program can also be seen on your computer: FairfaxCounty.gov/cableconsumer/channel-16/mature-living
You can find information on services for older adults at FairfaxCounty.gov/OlderAdults or call 703-324-7948, TTY 711, Monday-Friday.
(by DFS Public Assistance and Employment and Training Division)
Are you worried about heating bills this winter? The Fuel Assistance Program offsets the cost of primary heating expenses for eligible households. If approved, payments begin in January 2023. The open application period for the Fuel Assistance Program begins on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, and closes on Monday, November 14.
Households can apply in the following ways:
(by Jacquie Woodruff, 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 September 21 COA meeting, the Department of Family Services data analytics unit staff presented survey results from the Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults. Health Management Associates, the SHAPE the Future of Aging consultant, discussed their overall project plan and the community input phase of the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan development.
COA Meeting Wednesday, October 19, 1 p.m.
Pennino Building - Room 200 & 206, 12011 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA
or Virtual Opt-in via Zoom: us06web.zoom.us/j/86126795026
Access Code: COA-m1234!
Live audio of the meeting may be accessed by dialing 888-270-9936 (US Toll Free) or 602-333-0032; conference code: 231525.
For ADA accommodations, contact Ana Valdivia, 571-407-6960 or Ana.Valdivia@fairfaxcounty.gov; TTY services available via 711.
October 11-November 15, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Fairfax County's Virtual Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is a free six-week group interactive workshop series for individuals who are interested in learning how to live better by effectively managing their ongoing health conditions. For more information, call Dianne Duke at 703-324-7721, TTY 711. Register at tinyurl.com/CDSMP123
Medicare 101 Workshops, led by the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP), provide current information on Medicare options. In-person workshops have limited seating. Registration for library events begins 30 days prior to the presentation date. To register, contact the library or call VICAP at 703-324-5851, TTY 711.
Monday, October 3, 2-3:30 p.m.
Virtual and In-Person
Thomas Jefferson Library, 7415 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, VA 22042
bit.ly/MedSession6 or 703-573-1060
Tuesday, October 11, 6-7:30 p.m.
Virtual and In-Person
Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA, 22043
bit.ly/MedSession7 or 703-790-8088, x4
Friday, October 14, 2-3:30 p.m., In-person
John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Dr., Alexandria, VA 22310
bit.ly/MedSession8 or 703-971-0010
Thursday, October 20, 3-4:30 p.m., In-person
Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, VA, 20190
bit.ly/MedSession9 or 703-689-2700
Monday, October 24, 2-3:30 p.m., Virtual
Centreville Regional Library, Centreville, VA 20121
bit.ly/MedTraining10 or 703-830-2223
Tuesday, October 25, 6-7:30 p.m., In-person
Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria, VA, 22315
bit.ly/MedSession14 or 703-339-4610.
(by Kendra Lee, Department of Family Services)
In October we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month, or DVAM, where we acknowledge domestic violence survivors and lift our voices for its victims. Domestic violence is a family, community, and public health issue with widespread ripple effects that impact all parts of our community. Sometimes lost in the walks, wear purple days, and other events that mark the month, is this alarming fact: Abuse doesn’t discriminate against age; an unsettling number of older adults are in abusive relationships that either begin in or persist into later life.
Myriad reasons can be behind late-onset domestic violence, including disability, stress from retirement, shifting roles for family members, and sexual changes. Older adults are also at increased risk of domestic violence if a long-term relationship ends, and they re-enter the dating pool.
Victims in their golden years are more likely to keep silent about the abuse. Retirement and illness may affect an older adult's finances, causing them to fear losing health insurance or becoming homeless if they report intimate partner violence. If the abuser is an older adult’s caretaker, they may think they have few options if they leave the relationship.
Older adults in abusive relationships might have known symptoms of domestic abuse – physical injuries and possessive or controlling behavior – as well as frequent and more severe injuries, confusion, and disassociation. Social workers, law enforcement, and medical professionals find these elder-specific indicators difficult to diagnose because these symptoms can occur when there’s no domestic violence.
When organizations mark DVAM, they tend to focus on people between 18 and 45 years of age, paying little attention to late-onset domestic violence and limiting assistance to older adults. If abuse is suspected, no matter the victim’s age, race, gender, sexual preference, religion, or education level, concerned residents in Fairfax County should call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273.
(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)
National Ombudsman Day serves to raise awareness about the role of an Ombudsman and the valuable services they provide. The Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (NVLTCOP) advocates for the rights of residents of nursing and assisted living facilities and other long-term care entities. Services include:
For more information about the Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, please call the NVLTCOP at 703-324-5861, TTY 711, or email NVLTCOP@fairfaxcounty.gov.
(by Karen Kelly, Disability Rights and Resources)
Fairfax County Department of Family Services is proud to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Held each October, NDEAM aims to recognize the essential role people with disabilities play in our nation’s economic success through employment. This year’s theme, "Disability: Part of the Equity Equation," recognizes the vital role people with disabilities play in making the nation's workforce diverse and inclusive. According to the U.S. Census Bureau for the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 19.1 percent of persons with a disability were employed in 2021; 9.6 percent were self-employed.*
Each October, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors proudly introduces a proclamation to celebrate Disability Employment Awareness Month. Chairman Jeff McKay presented the proclamation in 2021 on behalf of the board to recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities and to help educate the public about disability employment issues. Fairfax County Government values the contributions of all people, including those of individuals with disabilities and celebrates in their accomplishments.
Fairfax County’s Disability Rights and Resources (DRR) unit hosts an annual Disability Mentoring Day event every October. We partner with Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) to educate high school students about employment opportunities and requirements and celebrate the many contributions of America's workers with disabilities.
Last year during our mentoring day event, Virginia Career Works presented on The Virtual Employment Experience and answered students’ questions about how to succeed in remote jobs. Moriah Kitaeff, one of our past John Hudson Interns, shared her internship experience and answered students’ questions. There was a fun break for students with the Fairfax County Employee Fitness Center leading a movement activity. Students also heard firsthand about Information Technology, Telework, Child Care, Emergency Management and Healthcare positions. Students engaged in the activities and DRR received positive feedback from students, teachers and employees.
*The statistics on employment are based on annual average nationwide data obtained from the Current Population Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau for the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
(by Camden Doran, Long-Term Care Ombudsman)
Residents’ Rights Month is celebrated every October to honor residents in long-term care (LTC) facilities, such as nursing and assisted living facilities, and for consumers receiving LTC services in the community. Residents’ Rights Month is an opportunity to focus on and celebrate the dignity and rights of every individual receiving long-term services and supports. Residents’ rights are guaranteed by federal and state laws and are critical components of quality care and of life for all residents. This year’s theme for Residents’ Rights Month is “Inspiring Unity within Our Community” and emphasizes the importance of fostering meaningful community within the facility and encouraging residents’ connection to their local community. For more information, and to participate in activities related to Residents’ Rights Month, visit the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care’s website at theconsumervoice.org.
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. For more information about residents’ rights, or other nursing facility and assisted living concerns, please call the NVLTCOP at 703-324-5861, TTY 711, or email NVLTCOP@fairfaxcounty.gov.
(by Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions)
“I love doing what I do,” shared Volunteer Solutions volunteer Maria Romain, referring to the Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) fitness program she teaches weekly at Wakefield Senior Center in Annandale, and as a substitute at another center. She first heard about this volunteer opportunity to lead SAIL classes through her neighbor, Diane Ditzler, a volunteer instructor. Inspired, Maria registered with Volunteer Solutions in October 2021. She took the SAIL course – covered by Fairfax County for those who commit to teaching it at senior centers – and completed the certification.
Maria, who was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Philadelphia, had never taught fitness to others, but has always prioritized being healthy and exercising. She and her husband have a personal gym set up in their home in Annandale, where they live with their adult son and daughter. Maria worked on government proposals as a contractor for much of her career and is now working part-time in Human Resources for a small company.
The SAIL fitness program incorporates warm-up, stretching, aerobics (without jumping) to raise the heartbeat, cool down, weights for muscle strengthening, balancing, and using obstacles, among other techniques. Each class is approximately 55 minutes long and has a co-instructor demonstrating the seated version of the exercises.
Maria enjoys choosing a variety of songs to appeal to class members. As she’s leading them, she’ll assess what the members are doing and adjust movements accordingly, slower, or faster. She reiterates to them to listen to their bodies and do what they can, without overdoing it. She appreciates the praise she gets from her loyal students and that they keep returning. She had one participant tell her, “It gives me just enough exercise where I’m not exhausted, but I felt like I got a good workout.”
Maria expressed her appreciation for volunteering as a fitness instructor with Volunteer Solutions and the centers, seeing it as a “win-win.” She forms social connections and stays active while helping others do the same. She is buoyed and motivated by witnessing the progress her students have made at the end of their 12-week session, through their fitness checks.
We are thankful to Maria, and all our volunteers, for sharing their talents with others!
If you’d like to learn more about the multitude of ways volunteers can assist in Fairfax County senior centers go to bit.ly/FXVSVOL.
Wednesday–Friday, October 12–14, 2022
10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
For the daily schedule and details go to bit.ly/VOLFAIR
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about local ways to make a difference in our community! Twenty-seven non-profit organizations and Fairfax County agencies will share how they incorporate volunteers into service, and all will be available to answer questions.
Join us on Zoom during any 30-minute presentation. No pre-registration necessary.
If you have questions regarding this event, contact VolunteerSolutionsRecruitment@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-324-5406.
(by Brian Worthy, Office of Public Affairs)
Vote early in the congressional midterm elections in Fairfax County. Any voter may cast their ballot early at any early voting site in the county until Nov. 5. Candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives for the 8th, 10th and 11th Districts are on the ballot.
Three locations will be open for early voting on weekdays:
These locations will be the only places available for early voting until Oct. 27 when an additional 13 sites will open. Find the full list of early voting locations and hours online at FairfaxCounty.gov/elections/early-voting.
Before going to vote, please double check the hours the sites are open because times vary by location.
Weekend Voting to be Offered
Every one of the county’s 16 early voting sites will be open on two Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.:
You’ll also be able to vote at any site on Sunday, Oct. 30 from 1 to 5 p.m.
Do You Know Your Congressional District?
As a result of redistricting, which is a legally required process to adjust election districts every 10 years, voters may find that their congressional district has changed. However, 96% of voters will continue to vote at their same polling place.
Double check your congressional district and polling place by looking at your voter information on the state’s online portal at vote.elections.virginia.gov. Or call the Fairfax County Office of Elections.
More Information
For more information or questions about early voting or identifying your congressional district or polling place, call the Office of Elections at 703-222-0776, TTY 711 or visit FairfaxCounty.gov/elections/early-voting.
(by Lauren Puckett, Department of Neighborhood and Community Services)
There’s a new community center in town! The Sully Community Center in Herndon opened its doors to the public with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening celebration on Sept. 17, 2022. The 36,000-square-foot facility is located on five acres at the intersection of Wall Road and Air and Space Museum Parkway and serves as a multi-generational facility for the surrounding communities. The center also serves as the home of the Sully Senior Center, which formerly operated in leased space in Chantilly.
Sully Community Center offers classes, activities and opportunities for people of all ages and abilities, including afterschool programs; facility rentals; fitness classes; gym sports such as basketball, volleyball, pickleball and badminton; meeting spaces for groups and organizations; Park Authority specialty camps; partnership garden plots; School Age Child Care (SACC); spring, summer and winter camps; and STEAM, technology and computer instruction.
The community center also features a 4,000-square-foot Healthcare Suite. Managed by HealthWorks for Northern Virginia, this suite provides comprehensive primary health care services with a focus on those who are underserved and have faced barriers to accessing healthcare.
Sully Community Center is located at 13800 Wall Road in Herndon. To learn more and view a calendar of events, visit FairfaxCounty.gov and search for "Sully Community Center." We hope you visit us soon!
(by Courtney Arroyo, Department of Emergency Management and Security)
Unlike physical threats that prompt immediate action, cyber threats and attacks are often difficult to identify or comprehend. Cybersecurity involves preventing, detecting, and responding to cyber incidents. Virtually all modern organizations – including governments, hospitals, corporations, banks, and utilities – rely on computer systems for their operations and data management and are therefore vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
How can you protect yourself from a cyber-attack? Here are a few steps you can do at home:
Join us on Wednesday, October 5 at 7 p.m. for a webinar on cybersecurity! Join via Zoom:
Join from a computer: us06web.zoom.us/j/86128568783
Or Telephone: 888-270-9936 (US Toll Free); Conference code: 952942
For more information on how to protect yourself against cyber threats, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/emergency/readyfairfax/cyberattack.
The Shepherd Centers are a nonprofit organization sponsored by local area congregations, community groups, and individuals to serve adults 50 years and older. The centers offer free transportation for medical appointments and companion trips (e.g. grocery shopping) for adults 50 and older who live in the center’s service area and are ambulatory. You must apply for this transportation service. Once accepted into the service, a request for a ride must be made four days in advance.
Individual centers also offer additional programs and services. Visit the website or call the center in your area for more information. Interested in volunteering at a Shepherd Center? Contact a center to learn more:
“Crime After Crime”
Tuesday, October 11, 6 p.m.
Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center
3740 Old Lee Highway Fairfax, VA
Domestic and Sexual Violence Services will host a free special screening of “Crime After Crime,” a documentary about incarcerated domestic violence survivor Debbie Peagler’s decades-long fight for her freedom. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion about the criminalization of survivors of intimate partner violence, and how they are often forced to defend themselves against the person who caused them harm as well as the justice system. Register at bit.ly/3OLGvrc or call 703-324-5730.
LLI/NOVA Forum
Wednesday, October 12, 9:30-11 a.m.
Ernst Cultural Center Forum Room - NOVA Annandale Campus
Dr. Jimmie McClellan, NOVA Dean of Liberal Arts and historian, will speak about the contributions that Native Americans made and continue to make to American culture. All are welcome. For more information visit llinova.org
George Mason Friends Book Sale
Thursday, October 20-Sunday, October 23, 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
George Mason Regional Library, 7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA
Browse a wide variety of books, CDs, and DVDs. For more details, visit georgemasonfriends.blogspot.com or call 701-813-8616.
The Fairfax Genealogical Society 2022 Fall Fair: Digging for Gems with Louisa Louise Cooke
Saturday, October 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., via Zoom
Three sessions: The Genealogist’s Google Search Methodology; How to Reopen and Work a Cold Case; 3 Cool Cold Cases Solved: Strategies for Identifying Photos. The lectures will not be recorded. Registration is $30/$20 for FxGS members: fxgs2022oct.eventbrite.com. For questions email marketing@fxgs.org.
Beacon 50+ Expo
Sunday, October 23, noon- 4 p.m.
Springfield Town Center, Springfield, VA
Older adults are invited to attend this free event, featuring informational speakers; health screenings; flu shots and other vaccines; and information on programs and resources for older adults. Visitors can visit dozens of exhibitors to learn about programs and services available to older adults. For more information, call 301-949-9766 or visit TheBeaconNewspapers.com/50expos.
Please note that dates, prices, and times are correct at publishing. However, please confirm information by calling or checking using the phone numbers or websites provided.
Access the print version of this month's newsletter.*
Check out the past newsletters.
*Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. To request reasonable accommodations or to receive this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-7948 or TTY 711.