Department of Family Services Alert:
Corazon Sandoval Foley: Documenting the Past While Looking to the Future
Corazon Sandoval Foley believes in honoring history. She has written several books about the history of her hometown of Burke, VA, conducting careful research to accurately depict the people and events that shaped the community. She has also worked to document the many contributions of Asian-Americans and Pacific-Islanders to Virginia history, a population not often acknowledged in books about Virginia history. While examining the past, Foley has also turned her eyes to the future, working to create the Burke/West Springfield Senior Center Without Walls to serve older adults. She has also been a tireless advocate for a permanent senior center in the Springfield district. While her work has been at times both exciting and exhausting, she is committed to always speaking out for what she believes in. Read more.
Rx Resolution: Make A Prescription Plan
Approximately a third of people over age 60 are on more than five prescription medications at any given time, a term referred to as polypharmacy. As we age, it is very likely that doctors prescribe medications for chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, hypertension, or heart disease. This new year, the Fairfax County Health Department’s Division of Emergency Preparedness and Response urges you to consider medication preparedness. Learn why medication preparedness is an important part of any emergency plan or kit. Read more.
Looking for a Meaningful Second Career? Consider Becoming a Substitute Teacher
If you are a retiree interested in embarking on a “second act,” consider substitute teaching. It is a wonderful opportunity to earn income while giving back to your community, sharing your knowledge, and connecting with the youngest generation. You may even learn a thing or two from the kids! Read more.
Guard Your Wallet (and Heart) Against Romance Scams
Many people are looking for love or just a companion after the loss of a spouse or partner. Adding to this already nerve-wracking process is the danger of getting scammed. Scammers are lurking on dating websites, hiding behind their computer screens, knowing that they can find very trusting people to send them money. Learn how you can protect yourself against romance scams. Read more.
(by Carly Mullinax, Department of Emergency Management and Security)
The new year traditionally brings thoughts of new beginnings and resolutions for self-improvement in the year to come. This year, the Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management and Security (DEMS) would like to encourage you to make a resolution that could empower you to effect important change in your life and the lives of your family members.
A mindset of preparedness is one which is ready for “when,” not “if,” disaster strikes for you and your family. Though thinking about the worst-case scenario can be stressful, taking concrete steps to prepare for an emergency provides a sense of empowerment and wellbeing. Planning for an emergency does not have to be overwhelming as there are many resources available to assist you. The following steps outline how you can begin to prepare for emergencies and resources to stay informed in the event of a disaster.
(by Karen Kelly, Department of Family Services)
On December 12, 2022, Fairfax County recognized Stephanie Davidson and Marian Homes, Inc. at the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board’s (FA-DSB) Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Awards Ceremony. The awards are presented annually to recognize people, businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and other organizations that excel in demonstrating a commitment to promoting equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in the Fairfax area and highlight how people with disabilities have significantly benefitted from their efforts.
Stephanie Davidson is Director of Residential Services at Langley Residential Support Services (LRSS). Mrs. Davidson has dedicated 30 years at LRSS fiercely defending the rights of people with developmental disabilities, treating each individual like family, and has ensured LRSS community members voices are listened to and valued. Her everyday work and creative solutions to challenges have been shown to improve the inclusion, equality and outcomes of hundreds of LRSS residents and program participants.
Marian Homes, Inc. is a non-profit that owns, remodels and maintains houses which are used as group homes for people with intellectual disabilities in the Fairfax area. Marian Homes has successfully bought and remodeled seven homes in Fairfax County. These homes enable adults with intellectual disabilities to live independently with others once their parents can no longer care for them. It also provides aging parents with peace of mind about their children’s futures. Around 40 individuals with intellectual disabilities have benefitted from the group housing offered through Marian Homes. These individuals are able to continue to live independent, productive lives, working and contributing to society.
The FA-DSB congratulates our winners and thanks everyone who is continuing to support people with disabilities in all aspects of community life!
(by Giuliana Valencia, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)
For many individuals, becoming a family caregiver is not only taking on a new job but also taking on a new identity. It is not uncommon for the caregiver to focus solely on their loved ones’ needs and waits to the point that they may end up losing their own identity. Being a family caregiver is going to impact how a person thinks and feels about themselves. Therefore, it is important to set aside some protected time separate from caregiving and recognize that one’s ability to do that will depend on the caregivers’ responsibilities, as well as the help and support they receive from their family and others, including accessing supportive services available in the community.
Remember that as your loved one’s condition changes, your tasks and responsibilities may gradually increase and lead you to experience stress and frustration. Knowing whether you are losing your sense of identity may not be obvious to you but becoming familiar with the following warning signs will help you prevent it on time.
If you are struggling with this, try reaching out to our Aging, Disability, Caregiver Resource Line at 703-324-7948 to learn about respite options or simply to request a caregiver consultation.
Stroke Support Group, Helping Hands Stroke Club
Are you caring for a loved one who is a stroke survivor? Helping Hands Stroke Club is hosting support groups for stroke survivors and caregivers on Fridays from 1 to 2 p.m. The group focuses on understanding stroke and its impact, reducing risk, adjusting to life after stroke, and much more.
To receive location details and register, email Erica Wrenn at Erica.Wrenn@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-246-7151.
Group Speech Therapy Sessions
These therapy sessions are offered by the Fairfax County Health Department and are for stroke survivors only. They meet every second and fourth Friday of each month. The next speech group session will be on Friday, January 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
To receive location details and to register, email Erica Wrenn at Erica.Wrenn@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-246-7151.
Virtual Kinship Café-Support and Encouragement for Caregivers
Are you raising a child for a family member or friend? If you answered “yes,” you are a kinship caregiver. We offer support to kinship families through Virtual Kinship Cafés that help build a community network among kinship caregivers. This is a relaxed, casual support setting, and it is virtual. Our topic for January is Open Forum. If you are interested in attending, join us on Thursday, January 19, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
To register, email BuildingStrongerFamilies@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-324-7720.
Death Café
Death Cafés are an opportunity to demystify the death experience. We offer an open, safe environment for discussing thoughts and feelings about all manner of death and dying. At a Death café, people drink tea and discuss death. Our aim is to increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their (finite) lives. This Death Café will be hosted by Hannah, a librarian who has been hosting Death Cafés since 2018. Please note: Death Cafés are not meant to act as support groups or grief counseling.
This program will be hosted on Saturday, January 7, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Pohick Regional Library. To learn more and register, visit: bit.ly/DeathCafe-Library.
(by the Public Assistance and Employment and Training Division of DFS)
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 closes on March 15. Learn more and apply for the Crisis Assistance program at CommonHelp.Virginia.gov or by calling 1-833-522-5582.
(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 December 21 COA meeting, Louis Nuzzo, Assistant County Attorney, presented about the Virginia Freedom of Information legislative changes relevant to Boards, Authorities, and Commissions.
COA Meeting Wednesday, January 18, 1 p.m.
The meeting will be held electronically due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Join from PC,
Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: us06web.zoom.us/j/81007441572.
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.
*Note: Meeting will be held virtually unless otherwise impacted by Fairfax County's State of Emergency Status due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Check website for meeting location updates: FairfaxCounty.gov/FamilyServices/Older-Adults/Fairfax-Area-Commission-on-Aging/Meetings.
(by John Crownover, Domestic and Sexual Violence Services)
January is National Stalking Awareness Month (NSAM). Though millions of men and women are stalked every year in the United States, the crime is often misunderstood, minimized, or ignored. Stalking is a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that causes fear. Many stalking victims experience being followed, approached, or threatened – including through technology. Stalking is a terrifying and psychologically harmful crime in its own right, but it is also a predictor of potentially lethal violence: 1 in 5 stalkers use weapons to threaten or harm victims, and stalking triples the risk of intimate partner homicide.
Stalking can also be a form of elder abuse. According to the National Council on Aging, approximately 1 in 10 older Americans (age 60 and older) have experienced some form of elder abuse. A recent report found some estimates range as high as 5 million older adults are abused each year. Another study estimated that only 1 in 24 cases of abuse are reported to authorities.
The Stalking Prevention and Awareness Resource Center (SPARC) and National Clearing House on Abuse in Later Life (NCALL) noted in 2021 that stalking is underreported. The 1 in 24 statistic is striking since it includes only older adults who have the economic, physical, and psychological resources to report the abuse inflicted upon them (i.e., a phone, the ability to pick up the phone or talk to a safe person, and knowledge that they needed to reach out for help). The statistic does not include older adults living in residential facilities, which is a significant number of people.
What can bystanders do for someone they know if that person has disclosed being abused or stalked? In honor of National Stalking Awareness Month, know the crime, name it, and stop it following these tips:
For more information on safety planning in Fairfax County, seek assistance from Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS) through its Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273 or Adult Protective Services at 703-324-7450. If the danger is immediate, call 9-1-1 for law enforcement help.
Other national resources for information include:
(by Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions Recruitment Coordinator)
It’s a new year, filled with possibilities. Did you make a resolution to be healthier? Forming social connections, helping others, and feeling productive can be an important part of that plan. Consider engaging in one or more of these volunteer opportunities:
Volunteers are needed for the 2023 Tax Season! The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program needs greeters, interpreters (including ASL), screeners and tax preparers. No tax training is needed for greeters and interpreters. Free training is available for screeners and tax preparers. Opportunities are available throughout Fairfax County, with flexible schedules. For more information go to nvacash.org. The VITA program offers free income tax preparation and filing services to individuals and families who earned less than $60,000 in 2022.
Volunteer Solutions offers opportunities to provide support to older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers. The following roles are needed: drivers (for medical appointments, errands, grocery shopping), social visitors, household organizers, and more. Do you have a skill to share? Senior centers need skilled activity leaders. Bilingual volunteers are in high demand, too! To learn more and register go to bit.ly/FXVSVOL, email VolunteerSolutions@FairfaxCounty.gov, or call 703-324-5406.
FACETS is a non-profit organization whose mission is, “Opening doors for people in need.” Their volunteers support families and individuals in various ways, including afterschool homework help, food distribution, administrative support, and much more. Go to FacetsCares.org or contact Suzanne Hough at shough@facetscares.org or 703-352-5090.
GrandInvolve is looking for older adult volunteers to help in Title I elementary schools as mentors, tutors, classroom assistants, and more. The volunteers help students achieve and maintain grade-level skills in reading and math, and build confidence. This program fosters intergenerational relationships which are beneficial to all involved. For more information, go to Grandinvolve.org or email volunteer@grandinvolve.org.
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. Please contact Haven at 703-941-7000 or havenofnova@verizon.net.
If you wish to submit volunteer opportunities, email Tanya Erway at VolunteerSolutionsRecruitment@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.
For more information, contact Tanisha Cox at Tanisha.Cox@FairfaxCounty.gov.
(by Camden Doran, Long-Term Care Ombudsman)
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 wish to help residents, please consider becoming a Volunteer Ombudsman. We seek those 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. For more information about NVLTCOP’s volunteer program, or other nursing facility and assisted living concerns, please call the NVLTCOP at 703-324-5861, TTY 711, or contact Camden Doran by email at Camden.Doran@FairfaxCounty.gov.
(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)
Have you made any resolutions for the new year? If you want to do something that will have a real impact on your life and the lives of those you love, make 2023 the year you tackle your estate plan.
To prepare an estate plan, three legal documents are recommended for nearly everyone – a general durable power of attorney, a last will and testament, and a health care directive (or living will).
A General Durable Power of Attorney is used in situations where you may become incapacitated and can no longer handle your personal or business affairs. When this happens, your designated agent can step in immediately to take care of your affairs – including tasks such as paying bills and taxes to applying for financial assistance or public benefits on your behalf.
A power of attorney must be created before you become incapacitated and when you have the legal capacity to sign the document. After you become incapacitated, it is too late. In those instances, your loved ones may need to petition the court to have a guardian and/or conservator appointed to handle your personal business affairs, a process that can be slow and costly.
Signing a power of attorney does not mean that you will lose the right to make decisions for yourself. If you have capacity, your designated agent can only perform duties if directed by you to do so. If you are incapacitated, your designated agent is required to do what is in your best interest.
A Last Will and Testament is a written statement that specifies how you want your property to be distributed after you die. In your will, you can name an executor to manage your estate after your death. If you have minor or disabled children, you can nominate a guardian for them in your will.
A simple way to get started is to walk through your home and make a list of your property and assets. Although it can be a difficult topic, talk to your loved ones and ask if there are certain items that they want (or don’t want) after you are gone.
A Health Care Directive (or living will) is a legally binding document that gives voice to your medical wishes – informing doctors and health care professionals what your preferences are regarding medical care at the end of your life. The directive will specify what, if any, life-prolonging procedures can be administered when there is no likelihood of you surviving. It may also include your palliative care wishes or organ/tissue donation decisions.
A living will ensures that your wishes will be fulfilled. It also alleviates having your loved ones be burdened with making those decisions and prevents conflict among family members who may disagree over healthcare decisions.
To get started, it is recommended that you consult with an attorney who specializes in elder law. Their expertise will help you address your specific needs as well as any state laws, rules, and regulations. One option is Legal Services of Northern Virginia (LSNV), the largest legal aid organization in Virginia. LSNV includes an Elder Law Practice Group providing services and advice to clients 60 years of age and older. To learn more, visit lsnv.org or call 703-778-6800.
(by Allison Geringer, Communications Manager, ServiceSource Inc.)
The many stresses of daily life, including the rising cost of living and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, have left many people wondering if resources are available in the community that offer support. Fairfax County Supervisor James R. Walkinshaw (Braddock) sought to draw attention to an outstanding free resource available to Fairfax County residents when he visited the Wellness Center for Older Adults (WCOA) on November 29. "Times are tough for many people right now," said Walkinshaw. "Everyone needs to support each other and remain mindful of those prone to community isolation."
Nearly 3 million Virginians are 50 or older, and 22 percent of Virginia adults have a disability. The WCOA offers comprehensive virtual and in-person services for adults ages 50 and older and individuals with developmental disabilities through ServiceSource's Long-Term Community Integration Services (LTCIS) program. All visitors to the center and program participants may participate in activities at the location.
The WCOA offers a variety of activities and services for the Fairfax community, including preventative health screenings, music, dance, and art therapy, access to fitness room equipment, health and wellness education, and more. During his visit, Supervisor Walkinshaw observed a tech class offered by AARP's Senior Planet and interacted with the participants and community partners.
The WCOA is open weekdays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and is located at 4027B Olley Lane, Fairfax, VA 22032.
For more information about ServiceSource and the WCOA, please call 703-970-3601 or visit ServiceSource.org/virginia-wcoa/.
(by Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department)
Community Connect is a free, secure, and easy to use platform that allows residents and/or business owners to share critical information about their home or business that will aid FCFRD firefighters and paramedics during an emergency.
Stated Fire Chief John Butler: “We are always looking for ways to better serve the residents of Fairfax County. For this reason, we are rolling out a new program, Community Connect, to protect our residents and their property in the most effective way possible. By providing information about your household that you feel is important for us to know about at the time of an emergency, we can ensure you and everything you care about is protected to the best of our ability.”
Any information you provide through Community Connect is completely voluntary and based on what you are comfortable sharing. The platform has made it easy for you to know what may be important by organizing your secure portal into buckets of information you can enter.
Data that you provide Community Connect is secure and is used only for the purpose of better serving you during emergency situations. Your information is never used for any other purpose.
To learn more about Community Connect and register: CommunityConnect.io/info/va-fairfax-county.
(by Ashley Atkinson, Fairfax County Public Library)
It is well known that Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) 23 branches are excellent places for readers of all ages to find a good book, magazine or newspaper to read or, in the case of our wide collection of audiobooks, listen to. You may be surprised to learn, however, that FCPL branches offer more than just reading material.
The Library of Things, formerly known as Realia, is a collection of physical objects available for loan to FCPL cardholders. Cardholders can borrow these items, just like they would books, for a specific period of time to use outside of the library, whether that be in the comfort of their own homes or during a meeting of friends. FCPL’s Library of Things began in April of 2017 when they first started offering thermal cameras and nature backpacks to cardholders. Since then, the collection has grown significantly and now includes items that can be enjoyed by cardholders of all ages.
Library of Things items available* for checkout include:
In 2023, cardholders can expect even more items to become available through FCPL’s Library of Things. Next up is a variety of home improvement tools, which library users can expect to see available for loan this spring or summer. For the latest information about the Library of Things and the items in the collection, visit bit.ly/FCPL_LibraryOfThings.
*Availability of Library of Things items varies by branch.
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:
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.
Fairfax County's Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) Annual Public Comment Meeting
Wednesday, January 11, 7:15 p.m.
Fairfax County Government Center, Conference Room 9/10, 12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax
You are invited to attend EQAC’s public comment meeting to share your view on the state of the environment and to identify environmental issues of concern applicable to Fairfax County. EQAC welcomes in-person, written, and/or video testimony. Please limit comments to three minutes in length. For more information and instructions on how to submit testimony, please call 703-324-7136, TTY 711, email eqac@fairfaxcounty.gov, or visit bit.ly/eqacpubliccomment.
Burke Historical Society Meeting
Sunday, January 29, 3 p.m.
Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Rd, Burke, 703-644-7333, TTY 711
Kathleen Jablonski will share her research on (Old) Burke Village, originally known as the Marshall and Brown subdivision, a historic hidden treasure of Burke.
Young at Heart Senior Center Advisory Council Craft and Flea Market
Saturday, March 4, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax
Join us to shop, eat, and enjoy friendly company while supporting this Green Acres Senior Center fundraiser. If you are interested in selling your crafts or household items, spaces are available for $35. Each space comes with a rectangular table and two chairs. For information and applications, please contact Pat Zeiss at patzeiss3@gmail.com or call the Green Acres Senior Center at 703-273-6090.
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.