(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 October 19 COA meeting, Health Management Associates (HMA), the consultant for the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan, met with the COA to hear commissioner input on the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan. 

COA Meeting Wednesday, November 16, 1 p.m.

Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android via Zoom: us06web.zoom.us/j/88285630379 
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.

(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)

The holiday season is a time for family, celebration and giving thanks. Many also use this season of giving to donate to organizations and causes that help people in need. To ensure that your donation directly helps people in your community, consider giving to one of these donation drives. 

TOYS FOR TOTS

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department is participating in the Annual TOYS FOR TOTS campaign. Donations of new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at any Fairfax County fire station through mid-December. To find a fire station near you, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/fire-ems/fslocator.

Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program

The Adopt-a-Family Program was developed to help children and families who need clothing, food and toys for the holidays. The program takes donations to support families who are working with Fairfax County Department of Family Services, Children, Youth and Families Division. The program matches generous donors with identified families to make their holidays more joyful. 

If your family, business, company, organization or faith-based group is interested in helping to support a family experiencing difficult times during the holidays, consider participating in Adopt-a-Family. To get involved, please email Emily Swenson at dfsadoptafamily@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-6898. To learn more, visit FairfaxCounty.gov and search for “adopt-a-family.”

Fairfax County Police Department’s Victim Services Division 9th Annual Holiday Gift Card Drive 

In 2021, Victim Services worked more than 300 cases involving families with children involved in domestic and sexual violence. Many of these families face the reality of not being able to celebrate the holidays due to the financial burden that comes with being a victim of crime. Victim Services asks you to help brighten the holidays for these courageous children by donating gift cards. The gift cards will also allow parents to be active participants in purchasing gifts for their sons and daughters. Suggested gift card retailers include Target, Walmart, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Amazon, or local restaurants and grocery stores. Gift cards are being accepted now through December 16, 2022.

Gift cards can be dropped off or mailed to:
Saly Fayez, Director, Victim Services Division
Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters
12099 Government Center Parkway,Fairfax, VA 22035
For more information, please contact Saly Fayez at 703-246-2141 or saly.fayez@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Survivors of Domestic Violence

Domestic and Sexual Violence Services division appreciates gift card donations in $25 increments to grocery stores, gas stations and big retail stores, as well as Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards to support their Adopt a Family Holiday program. Mail cards by Monday, Dec. 5, 2022, to Cecelia Herrera at the Domestic Violence Action Center, 4000 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 2702, Fairfax, VA 22030, or Gulira Alieva at Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, 12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 738, Fairfax, VA, 22035. 

Winter Warming Project

Fairfax County Senior Centers are collecting new, homemade, or purchased donations of adult and youth hats, scarves, mittens, and gloves as part of their Winter Warming Project. Donations can be dropped off at any Fairfax County Senior Center. Look for the collection box at the center labeled “Winter Warming Project.”

The donations will go to the local nonprofits Cornerstones, Shelter House, and HumanKind Foster Care. Donations can be made now through January 6, 2023. To locate a senior center near you, visit FairfaxCounty.gov and search for “Senior Centers.” For questions, email Kathy Fries at Kathleen.fries@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-734-3338.

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.

Tuesday, November 1, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., In-person
Mary Riley Styles Public Library
120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church, VA 22046
bit.ly/MedSession1 or 703-248-5030

Tuesday, November 1, 3-4:30 p.m., In-person
City of Fairfax Regional Library, 10360 North St., Fairfax, VA 22030
bit.ly/MedSession2 or 703-293-6227

Friday, November 4, Noon-1:30 p.m., Virtual
Sherwood Regional Library, Alexandria, VA 22306
bit.ly/MedSession11 

Monday, November 7, 3:30-5 p.m., In-person
Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce Street, Springfield, VA,22150
bit.ly/MedSession3 or 703-451-8055

Monday, November 14, 3-4:30 p.m., Virtual
Burke Centre Library, Burke, VA, 22015 
bit.ly/MedSession4 or 703-249-1520

Wednesday, November 16, 5-6:30 p.m., In-person
Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 Stringfellow Rd., Chantilly, VA 20151
703-502-3883

Friday, November 18, 2-3:30 p.m., In-person
Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA, 22066
bit.ly/MedSession13 or 703-757-8560.

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

Fuel Assistance Program

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 closes on Monday, November 14. 

Crisis Assistance Program

Are 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 begins on November 1, 2022 and closes on March 15, 2023.

Households can apply for one or more of the following:

• Repair of inoperable or unsafe heating equipment (11/1/22-3/15/23)
• Replacement of heating equipment for homeowners only (when repair is not possible) (11/1/22-3/15/23)
• Provision of supplemental heating equipment/maintenance (11/1/22-3/15/23)
• Payment of security deposits for primary heat utility when a deposit is needed to establish service or prevent a disconnection (11/1/22-3/15/23)
• Payment of primary heat source utility bills (1/2/23-3/15/23)
• Purchase of primary home heating fuel when the fuel supply is low (1/2/23-3/15/23)

How to Apply

Households can apply for either program in the following ways:

• Online: at CommonHelp.Virginia.gov
• Phone: call the Enterprise Call Center at 1-833-522-5582
• Paper Application: call our main number at 703-324-7500 to request an application be mailed to you
• Fax: fax a completed application to 703-653-1355
• In Person: applications are available at these Department of Family Services locations: 
  Annandale - Heritage Center, West Wing, 7611 Little River Turnpike, 5th Floor, Annandale 
  Fairfax - Pennino Building, 12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 232, Fairfax 
  Reston - Lake Anne Office Building, 11484 Washington Plaza West, 4th floor, Reston 
  Richmond Highway/Alexandria - South County Center, 8350 Richmond Hwy. (Route 1), 4th floor, Alexandria.

(by Camden Doran, Long-Term Care Ombudsman)

Theft or loss of belongings, money or other property is a significant concern for many residents of nursing and assisted living facilities. Residents have the right to use personal belongings and have the right to be free from exploitation or misappropriation of their property. Misappropriation of resident property means deliberately using the resident's property without permission. Exploitation means taking advantage of a resident for personal gain through threats, intimidation, or coercion. All long-term care facilities must take reasonable steps to ensure that a resident's property is kept safe from theft and loss. They must have policies and procedures for preventing and responding to theft, misappropriation, and exploitation.

Take steps to prevent your belongings from getting lost or stolen by:

• Marking all personal items and taking pictures of valuables,
• Keeping a copy of the inventory list created by staff and update it as needed,
• Asking the facility about their policies for protecting personal belongings,
• Ask the facility for a secure place to lock up valuables.
• If you or your loved one is a victim of theft or loss, report the loss immediately to appropriate staff at the facility and notify local law enforcement. 

As a mandated program under the Older Americans Act, the Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program 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 theft and loss of a resident’s personal belongings, or other nursing facility and assisted living concerns, please call the NVLTCOP at 703-324-5861, TTY 711, or contact by email at NVLTCOP@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The transition into retirement is an exciting time that offers individuals the opportunity to pursue hobbies and interests they may not have had time to enjoy during their working career. Being aware of healthcare costs and taking steps to ensure financial security can help individuals (and their families) as they transition to a new chapter of their lives.

Mature Living host Anne Hall talks with Bill Vaughan, a Volunteer Counselor with the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP), about healthcare options and costs, as well as how to navigate resources like Medicare. Denise Pitts, an attorney with Legal Services of Northern Virginia, shares information on the importance of estate planning, and Mature Living Producer Fran talks with Carolyn Armstead who shares her experience as a recent retiree, and how she prepared for the new phase of her life.

Mature Living can be seen on Channel 1016 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 Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions Recruitment Coordinator)

Volunteer Solutions (under the Department of Family Services) offers meaningful opportunities to provide support to older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers. The following roles are needed: drivers for medical appointments and grocery shopping, social visitors, household organizers, and more. If you prefer group settings, senior centers have various needs for activity leaders, skilled instructors, entertainers, and assistants. Bilingual volunteers are needed, too! To learn more and register go to bit.ly/FXVSVOL, email VolunteerSolutions@FairfaxCounty.gov, or call 703-324-5406. 

Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) needs friendly volunteers in different roles, at various locations. If you’re organized, bilingual in Spanish and English, comfortable greeting people, answering phones, and providing administrative support, you’re needed in one of two front offices. NVFS is also seeking classroom assistants for Head Start programs, who enjoy interacting with young children. Thrift Shop Ambassadors are needed to sort and organize donations, tag items for sale, replenish items on the sales floor, process donations, greet customers, and more. Visit NVFS.org for more information or contact Samara Weinstein at sweinstein@nvfs.org or 571-748-2876.

Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) provides volunteer advocates to children who have experienced abuse and neglect and been referred by the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Volunteers must commit to their assigned children throughout the life of the case (an average of 2 years) and visit them twice per month. The CASA volunteer is often the only consistent adult in that child’s life. If interested, please plan to attend one of the upcoming Virtual Information Sessions: November 15 at 7 p.m., or November 29 at 1 p.m. Email volunteer@casafairfax.org to reserve your spot. Visit fairfaxcasa.org for more information.

Mount Vernon at Home is a non-profit organization serving older adults in the Alexandria region of Fairfax County. They need volunteers for grocery shopping, minor home repairs/assistance, and computer and technical support. Licensed and insured drivers (who have their own cars) are especially needed to transport people to medical and other appointments. Mount Vernon at Home can provide a donation receipt for mileage. Schedules are flexible. Please contact them at info@mountvernonathome.org, or 703-303-4060. 

If you wish to advertise volunteer opportunities, email Tanya at Tanya.Erway@FairfaxCounty.gov. 

Interested in volunteering? Attend the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ (DSVS) winter 2023 orientation for prospective volunteers to learn about DSVS, who they serve and how you can help! There are several orientation dates; choose the one that’s most convenient for you.

• Tuesday, January 10, 8:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, January 11, 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 17, 9 a.m.
• Wednesday, January 18, 6 p.m.
• Friday, January 20, Noon
• Monday, January 23, 6 p.m.
• Wednesday, January 25, 6 p.m.

For more information, contact Tanisha Cox at tanisha.cox@fairfaxcounty.gov.

(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)

Have you been in this situation? You are relating an anecdote to someone, perhaps your adult child or grandchild. At some point in your storytelling, they gently interrupt you, saying “Grandpa, people don’t use that word anymore.” It can be embarrassing, especially if you thought you were using current terminology. Before you blame the situation on “political correctness,” remember that, like many things in our society, language is constantly evolving. It can be challenging to keep up. 

When discussing disability, it is generally acceptable to use “People-First Language.” The intent being that one’s disability does not define the whole person. An example is, “Joe is a person with a disability” rather than “Joe is handicapped.” Another example is “Gina is a person who uses a wheelchair,” instead of “Gina is wheelchair bound.” 

Word choice is also important. Many terms once considered acceptable are now considered outmoded or offensive. The Northwest ADA Center put together a helpful guide (see below).

We all want to be treated with dignity and respect. The words we choose to use are an important way to show others that same courtesy. 

(by Courtney Arroyo, Department of Emergency Management and Security)

The kitchen is the heart of the home, especially at Thanksgiving. Kids love to be involved in holiday preparations. Safety in the kitchen is important, especially on Thanksgiving Day when there is a lot of activity and people are home. Thanksgiving Day is the busiest day of the year in the United States for home fires involving cooking equipment. It is a very important day to have a fire extinguisher on hand and know how to use it properly. Always stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop, and make sure children stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns. 

Cooking Safety Information: 
nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Top-fire-causes/Cooking. 

(by Kayla May, Department of Family Services)

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax preparation to qualified individuals and families in Northern Virginia. The Fairfax County Department of Family Services is recruiting volunteers to act as greeters, interpreters (including ASL), screeners, tax preparers, online tax coaches, social media outreach, and IT support. No experience is necessary, but volunteers must be 18 and older. Free training (classroom and on-line) is available for screeners and tax preparers. No tax training is needed for greeters and interpreters.  

Opportunities are available throughout Fairfax and Prince Williams counties. Hours are flexible, including evenings and weekends. For more information about the VITA program, go to nvacash.org. 

The Department of Family Services will continue to consult with the IRS Stakeholder Partnerships, Education and Communication (SPEC) Officers and monitor state, local, and national guidelines when administering the VITA and TCE programs for Tax Year 2022. Volunteer training begins in late November and volunteers are needed through mid-April. More information will be available in the upcoming months regarding Tax Year 2022 specific training schedule and VITA site operations. 

To register as a volunteer for VITA please visit volunteer.fairfaxcounty.gov and search for “Volunteer Income Tax Assistance.” Please note that volunteers must be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus and submit proof of vaccination prior to reporting for service. Email proof of vaccination to Loulit Tadesse, VITA Coordinator at loulit.tadesse@fairfaxcounty.gov.

(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)

Scammers are relentless and will use any means available to scam you out of your money or personal information. Familiarize yourself with these warning signs and precautions you can take to protect yourself from being a victim.

Signs It’s a Scam:

• You are told that you won something or are getting something for free. Remember the adage – if something sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
• You are contacted about a purchase, delivery, or transaction that you don’t remember.
• You are contacted out of the blue and didn’t initiate the communication. 
• You are asked to pay using nontraditional methods (gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, Cash App, PayPal or Zelle.)
• You are asked to donate to a cause related to something that has been in the news recently, such as a natural disaster.
• You are contacted by someone claiming to be from a federal agency. Federal agencies will not call you. They will only communicate via the U.S. Mail.

Safety Precautions You Can Take:

• Treat all texts, emails, direct messages, and phone calls with skepticism.
• Don’t pick up calls from unknown numbers.
• Don’t click on links in texts, emails, or other messages.
• Don’t answer the door to people you don’t know.
• Assume people and companies aren’t who they say.
• Reach out through a secondary contact to verify that a person or company are who they say and that they contacted you.
• Ask a trusted friend or family member about suspicious messages.
• Take your time to make a decision. Do not allow anyone to pressure you into making a purchase, signing a contract, or donating if you feel unsure. 
• If you sign a contract in your home, there are federal and state laws to provide consumers a three-day cooling off period to cancel the contract.

Protect Yourself During the Holidays:

• Make a list and a budget and stick to it.
• Do your research before you shop.
• Look for the best deals before making a purchase.
• Keep track of your purchases.

If you are unsure about what you are being told, contact:

• Fairfax County Consumer Affairs at 703-222-8435.
• For non-emergency crime reporting, contact the Fairfax County Police Department at 703-691-2131. 

LLI/NOVA November Forum
Wednesday, November 2, 9:30-11 a.m.
Little River United Church of Christ, 8410 Little River Turnpike, Annandale
Guest speaker Ms. Ellen Crosby, local author of the Virginia Wine Country Mysteries, sets many of her books in the heart of horse and hunt country in the fictitious village of Atoka, Virginia. What links the series together is a present-day mystery that always intersects with an event from Virginia’s rich, fascinating history. All are welcome. For more information go to llinova.org

36th Annual Caregiver's Conference: Caregiving with Hope and Inspiration
Virtual sessions: Wednesday, November 9, to Friday, November 11, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Hosted by the Northern Virginia Dementia Care Consortium.
Become better prepared to provide care and support at home or in a facility, learn new ways to engage individuals with dementia, and visit with exhibitors who offer supportive services. Topics include Unmasking Alzheimer’s: Evaluation, Treatment, and Clinical Trials; Communicating with a Loved One with Dementia; Meaningful Music; and Celebrating Creativity in Elder Care. To learn more and register, visit nvdcc.com or call 703-204-4664 ext. 131.

Fairfax County HomeWise Event
Thursday, November 17, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 
Herndon Fortnightly Library, 768 Center St., Herndon
HomeWise volunteers will give away free home efficiency kits to the first 100 event attendees. Kits contains energy efficient LED lightbulbs, low-flow faucet aerators, socket sealers for outlets and switch plates, weather stripping for windows and doors, and more! Learn how to use these items and talk with volunteers about home energy and water efficiency or conservation. Free event, no registration is required. 

Senior Planet by AARP Free Technology Classes
Wellness Center for Older Adults
4027B Olley Lane, Fairfax

Thursday, November 10, 9:15-10:30 a.m. 
Getting Started with Zoom
Learn Zoom basics, including how to sign up for an account, schedule a meeting, and more. RSVP at events.aarp.org/SPzoom or call 1-877-926-8300.

Tuesday, November 29, 1:15-2:30 p.m. 
Causes Website and App
Causes allows you to identify and contact your representatives in Congress. Learn its main features and how to sign up for a free account. RSVP at events.aarp.org/SPcauses or call 1-877-926-8300.

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.