Department of Family Services Alert:
NOVA United: Golden Friendships and Hoops
Does the prospect of playing a new sport sound exciting or daunting? For many of us, the idea of taking up a new sport, especially competitively, is overwhelming. Fears of injury, exhaustion and humiliation can effectively end the endeavor before it even begins. Not so for the members of NOVA United Senior Women’s Basketball Association. Read more.
Taking Time to Connect Benefits Family Caregivers and Their Loved Ones
Many family caregivers dedicate a large amount of time caring for their loved ones but they may still feel a social disconnection between themselves and the person they care for. Disconnection can happen when their time together is monopolized by caregiving tasks and duties. The good news is that connection can be reestablished and intentionally putting aside time to connect will benefit both parties. Social connection has been proven to produce health benefits for both caregivers and care receivers. Harvard Medical School has found that social connections are healthful because they “relieve harmful levels of stress, which can adversely affect coronary arteries, gut function, insulin regulation, and the immune system.” Read more.
Protect your Health in Variable Weather
While normal body temperature does not change much with aging, it becomes harder for your body to maintain optimal body temperature as you get older. A consequence of variable weather patterns are extreme weather events such as heat waves and freezes. Such extreme weather events make us more prone to weather-related illnesses. As we approach seasonal changes, it is important to become aware of the most common health-risks. Read more.
What is a Death Café?
A Death Café is where people gather to discuss death, often while eating cake and drinking tea. The objective is "to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives." Death Cafés are led by a facilitator, but the discussion that takes place is directed by the group, with no agenda, objectives, or themes. A Death Café is a discussion group, not a grief support group or a counseling session. Read more.
Many people continue to fall victim to scams, and seniors are often a desirable target for scammers. Melissa Smarr is a Code Specialist with Fairfax County Government Land Development Services and a facilitator with Fairfax County Silver Shield Anti-Scam Campaign, and she reveals how we can protect ourselves and our assets. Producer Fran Guastadisegni talks with MPO Anthony L. Capizzi, a Crime Prevention Specialist with the Fairfax County Police Department. He describes actual scams that people have fallen prey to and offers tips on how to avoid them. We close out our discussion with Trudy Marotta, the Volunteer Community Ambassador with AARP, Virginia, and a member of the Silver Shield Task Force. Trudy is also a spokesperson for the Fraud Watch Network for Fairfax County, and she shares valuable resources we can all use to stay safe.
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 Karen Kelly, Disability Rights and Resources)
March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recent U.S. estimates show that about one in six children aged 3-17 years have one or more developmental disabilities such as autism or cerebral palsy. Developmental disabilities occur among all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.
Each year, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors proclaims March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month; a time to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all areas of community life, and to celebrate and showcase the excellent work that is being done around the country to improve the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The County also offers resources, information and an e-newsletter, Access Fairfax, for people with developmental and other disabilities. Visit the following websites:
The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities encourages everyone to participate in National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. To find ideas on how you can participate, visit nacdd.org.
(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)
March is Social Work Month – a time to recognize, appreciate, and celebrate the important work of social workers. Every day, social workers employed with the Department of Family Services Adult and Aging division provide invaluable services to the community.
Here are a few examples of the work they do on behalf of older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers:
To learn more about the programs and services offered by the Adult and Aging division, please visit FairfaxCounty.gov/familyservices/older-adults.
(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 Board of Supervisors and the City Councils of the City of Fairfax and the City of Falls Church.
At the February 15 COA meeting, One Fairfax staff led discussion about One Fairfax and the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan.
COA Meeting, Wednesday, March 15, 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/89534902972
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 Carly Mullinax, Department of Emergency Management and Security)
Did you know that flooding is one of Fairfax County's most common hazards? Over the years, great improvements have been made to the infrastructure in place to prevent flooding, however, heavy rains are still the leading cause of flooding and can cause damage to homes and businesses that aren’t prepared. Depending on its depth and velocity, flooding can be a nuisance or a disaster. Be prepared for flooding no matter where you live, but particularly if you are in a low-lying area, near a body of water, downstream from a dam, or in other areas known to flood in previous storms. To stay safe during a flood, follow these steps:
Are you interested in learning more about floodplains and watersheds in your area? Visit Fairfax County’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services’ webpage for more information: FairfaxCounty.gov/publicworks/stormwater/flood-information.
The nonprofit Rebuilding Together helps homeowners on limited incomes live safely in their homes. Their skilled volunteers and staff make home modifications and repairs at no cost for homeowners who qualify. Modifications include:
Call 703-528-1999 to learn more or to request an application.
For more information, visit rebuildingtogether-aff.org, email info@rebuildingtogether-aff.org or call 703-528-1999.
(by the Public Assistance and Employment Services 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, 2023.
Households can apply for one or more of the following:
Households can apply for either program in the following ways:
(by Camden Doran, Long-Term Care Ombudsman)
A person receiving long-term care services has the right to receive individualized care. Services and activities should strive to attain or maintain a person’s highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being. Often this can be addressed in a person’s initial assessment and plan of care (POC). As each individual is assessed for services, many things should be taken into account, including their life history, strengths, functional abilities, and nutritional status. Preferences regarding food, communication, and daily routines should also be honored to enhance quality of life. Staff, family members, and the person receiving the services should work together in creating the POC to ensure all medical and non-medical issues are discussed and agreed upon. A POC can be updated at any time as an individual’s preferences or condition changes.
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 in order to ensure quality of care and quality of life. For more information about care planning, or other nursing facility and assisted living concerns, please call the NVLTCOP at 703-324-5861, or contact by email at NVLTCOP@fairfaxcounty.gov.
(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)
Congratulations to Dr. Heisung Lee, the 2022 recipient of the Andrus Award for Community Service. The Andrus Award is the AARP’s highest volunteer award, recognizing individuals 50 and older who have devoted their time, skills and talents to enriching the lives of others.
On December 13, 2022, Jim Dau, AARP Virginia state director, presented the award to Dr. Lee at the Korean Central Senior Center in Centreville.
Lee was recognized for her years of service to improve the lives of Korean older adults in her community. Her accomplishments include founding and leading the Central Senior Center, which has served Korean-speaking older adults for almost 30 years; creating a Korean Meals on Wheels program; and developing a nurse aide training program for the Korean and Hispanic communities, which has resulted in the training of over 1,000 personal care aides and certified nurse aids.
In accepting the award, Lee credited the many volunteers she has worked with over the years and encouraged others to seek out volunteering opportunities, saying “volunteering not only helps others but gives you inner joy and a way to experience God’s blessings. Start early in your life and volunteer a small amount of your time with your talent and do not wait until you have time to volunteer. Encourage and bring your family, friends, and the young and old to volunteer with you for church, community, school and our country. It may be a small amount of your time, but many small acts of volunteerism can result in big changes that help make our community a place better to live, especially for older adults.”
If you would like to learn more about Dr. Lee’s life and work, read the full profile in the August 2022 issue of the Golden Gazette: bit.ly/3SfDEK9.
Interested in finding opportunities to volunteer in your community? Check out Fairfax County Volunteer Solutions: bit.ly/FXVSVOL.
Tuesdays, March 21-April 25, 1-3 p.m. Free. Take control of your health and your happiness. Fairfax County's Diabetes Self-Management Program is 6-week group interactive workshop series for individuals interested in learning how to live better by effectively managing their Pre-Diabetes or Diabetes. Held in-person at Falls Church Community Center: 223 Little Falls St. Space is limited, and preregistration is required. Caregivers welcome! For more information or to register, please visit tinyurl.com/DSMP123 or call Kristin Martin at 703-324-7577, TTY 711, or email Kristin.Martin@fairfaxcounty.gov.
(by Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions Recruitment Coordinator)
Here are a few of the many ways to provide support as a volunteer in our community. Check out bit.ly/FFXVOLUNTEER for many more.
Volunteer Solutions offers opportunities to provide support to older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers in one-on-one or group settings. Do you have a skill to share? Fairfax County Senior Centers need leaders and instructors in line dancing, fitness, languages, cooking, art, crafts, pottery, music, and more! The following roles are also needed: drivers (for medical appointments, errands, grocery shopping), social visitors, household organizers, and more. To learn more and register go to bit.ly/FXVSVOL, email VolunteerSolutions@FairfaxCounty.gov, or call 703-324-5406.
GrandInvolve volunteers are needed to help in Title I elementary schools as mentors, tutors, classroom assistants, and more. Older adults 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. If you’re patient, encouraging, dependable, and interested, email volunteer@grandinvolve.org. For more information go to Grandinvolve.org.
The Department of Family Services’ Body Safety Program needs volunteer classroom instructors to help empower elementary students with the tools they need to prevent or interrupt child abuse and exploitation. Bilingual facilitators are also needed. Visit bit.ly/BodySafetyProgram or contact Francesca Lovitt at Francesca.Lovitt@FairfaxCounty.gov, or 703-324-7459.
Insight Memory Care Center is a nonprofit providing specialized care, support, and education for individuals in all stages of memory or cognitive impairment, their care partners, and the community. Volunteer assignment at their early-stage Reconnections programs or Adult Day Center may include helping participants with brain fitness activities, setting up for activities, and more. Times are flexible and sites are in Fairfax and Sterling, Virginia. Visit bit.ly/InsightMCC or contact Jessica Peters at Jessica.Peters@Insightmcc.org or 703-204-4664 ext. 120.
Shepherd Centers need volunteers to drive adults 50 and older to medical appointments and non-medical errands (e.g. grocery shopping). Contact the Shepherd Center in your area for more information:
If you wish to submit volunteer opportunities, email Tanya Erway at VolunteerSolutionsRecruitment@FairfaxCounty.gov.
(by Carrie Conley, McLean Community Center)
Come be a part of the Seniors in Action (SIA) Program! Participate in a variety of programs designed to keep you healthy, active and having fun. Build relationships and foster a sense of community while enjoying fitness classes, games, speakers, and social activities. Seniors in Action Program Manager Carrie Conley will help make your time at the McLean Community Center fulfilling and fun.
SIA Memberships: $100 per year/$48 MCC district residents.
Register in-person at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean, VA 22101 or over the phone at 703-790-0123, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. You can also register online anytime using this link.
For more information, visit mcleancenter.org/events/seniors-in-action/ or reach out to Carrie Conley by phone at 703-744-9376 or email at Caroline.Conley@fairfaxcounty.gov.
(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)
If you are a fan of the performing arts but ticket prices have put many professional productions out of reach, consider attending one of the many theatrical productions offered at Fairfax County high and middle schools. The most popular months for theatrical performances are April and May, and schools offer a wide range of productions – from musicals to dramas, classics to modern works. By attending these performances, you will also help support arts programs in the schools and the young artists they nurture.
For a full list of upcoming performances, go to fcps.edu, then from the “Full Menu” dropdown, select “Calendars,” then “Fine and Performing Arts Events.” You can also learn about upcoming performances from signs displayed outside of schools or by calling the front office of your local high or middle school. Tickets for most performances can be purchased online and at the door. Prices vary, but most tickets cost less than $15 and some schools offer a senior discount.
(by Amy Carlini, Department of Family Services)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Government passed a law to temporarily increase SNAP benefits to support families.
Recently, the federal government changed the law and the temporary increase to the SNAP benefits will end February 16, 2023. Beginning in March, all SNAP benefits will return to normal amounts, without the added supplement.
The Virginia Department of Social Services has created a temporary information line. Please call: 1-855-635-4370
If you need food now, call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning: 703-222-0880
For more food resources, visit the Human Service Resource Guide online at FairfaxCounty.gov/HSRG, and search “food.”
If you receive SNAP you may also be eligible for Medicaid, TANF, Energy Assistance, Child Care Assistance and more. Apply at CommonHelp.Virginia.gov/access or apply by phone at 1-833-5-CALL-VA (1-833-522-5582).
(from Neighborhood and Community Services and ServiceSource, Inc.)
Since 2020, the Virtual Center for Active Adults (VCAA) has been working to reduce social isolation by creating opportunities for social interaction among older adults and people with disabilities through a variety of virtual programs, classes, and events.
Older adults and people with disabilities are invited to join the VCAA to participate virtually and make connections. Mixed Media Mondays is hosted weekly at 2 p.m. by volunteer artist Sharon Fishel from the McLean Projects for the Arts. People of varying abilities are welcome to join Sharon’s lessons, which she hosts from her home. Participants are encouraged to share their work with others in the group. Another VCAA partnership with Arts for the Aging showcases interactive online performers who engage the audience through singing, dancing and movement.
Other interactive programs offered on the VCAA include:
In 2022, the VCAA expanded the virtual community they serve by partnering with Arlington County, Prince William County, and the Town of Vienna to provide in a wider variety of programs and instructors. View the VCAA’s full schedule of programs, classes, and events at bit.ly/NCSvcaa.
Follow this link to join any of the VCAA classes on a computer, smartphone, or tablet: bit.ly/VCAAzoom2.
(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)
For the fourth year in a row, Fairfax County senior centers collected new, homemade or purchased adult and youth hats, scarves, mittens and gloves for their Winter Warming Service Project. Over 2,500 items were collected this year, exceeding last year’s total of just over 2,000 items.
Donated items were collected at all 14 Fairfax County senior centers and many of the donations were knit or crocheted by senior center staff and participants. Other big donors include ServiceSource, Inc., the Shawl Ministry at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, the Mt. Vernon Adult Social Club and the Therapeutic Recreation Services division of Neighborhood and Community Services. Two individuals also contributed generously – Tammy Chinyavong and Kathy Fries, formerly the Assistant Director at Pimmit Hills Senior Center.
Many of the items collected were given to four local nonprofit organizations – HomeStretch, Cornerstones, Shelter House, and HumanKind Foster Care – for distribution to the communities they serve, including adults and families experiencing homelessness. Items were also donated to survivors of the devastating earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria on February 6. Items were also included in gift bags as part of the Christmas Hope project. For this project, senior center staff assembled and distributed holiday gift bags containing an assortment of useful items for winter months. The bags were given to residents placed in Tall Oaks Assisted Living Center and Dulles Health & Rehabilitation Center using county grants and had no family or other means to receive a Christmas gift.
Thank you to everyone who generously donated to the drive! Many Golden Gazette readers also donated yarn at senior centers, which participants put to good use knitting hats and scarves. Senior Centers continue to accept donations of new, clean yarn – any color, size or blend is welcome. To find a senior center near you, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/senior-centers.
Softball Players Needed!
The Golden Girls of Northern Virginia, a senior women’s softball league, is looking for players. Women over the age of 40 and all skill levels are welcome. We play most Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings in Vienna from May-July and September-October. For more information, visit goldengirls.org.
Players Needed for Northern Virginia Senior Softball
For fun, fitness, friendship, and to avoid dementia, join one of 24 slow-pitch softball teams! We welcome men 50+ and women 40+ of all skill levels. Our average age is 66, with many players in their 80s. No tryout, just an assessment for team-level assignment. Two games, each Tuesday and Thursday morning, April-July, and Fall Ball, September-October. For more information, call Dave at 703-663-7881.
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 Blenheim Blvd, Fairfax
Join us to shop, eat, and enjoy friendly company while supporting this Green Acres Senior Center fundraiser.
Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Day
Thursday, March 9, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax
Join Fairfax County’s Consumer Affairs for this free event dedicated to educating and protecting consumers. This event will include special presentations on topics such as Consumer 101, Tenant Landlord Rights and Responsibilities, Funeral Planning, and Scams. The event will also feature vendor exhibits that you can visit before and after the presentations. Please register by calling 703-222-8435, TTY 711 or email consumer@fairfaxcounty.gov. For more information, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/cableconsumer/csd.
Emergency Preparedness: Preparation for Spring & Summer Emergencies
Tuesday, March 14, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Join the Virtual Center for Active Adults for a virtual presentation about emergency preparedness. For more information, visit bit.ly/novaVCAA; To join the virtual presentation on Zoom, visit bit.ly/VCAAzoom2; Meeting ID: 905 123 5932; Password: 3636
“Investigating the Evidence” with Judy G. Russell, CG, CGL
Saturday, March 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sponsored by the Fairfax Genealogical Society (FxGS), this event will be both virtual via Zoom and in-person at the Dunn Loring Fire Hall, 2148 Gallows Road, Dunn Loring. The first session, “When Worlds Collide: Resolving Conflicts in Genealogical Research,” will be an interactive workshop. The second session, on negative evidence, will begin after lunch. Price is $35 for FxGS members, $40 for nonmembers, and $12 for lunch (provided by Jason’s Deli). Register at fxgs2023mar.eventbrite.com. Visit fxgs.org for more information.
Find Your Military Family at Mount Vernon Genealogy Society’s Annual Conference
Saturday, March 25, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Rd., Alexandria
Hear nationally renowned genealogists discuss how to track down records of your military family members and those who supported them. Speakers will share their thoughts on how this research contributes to a deeper understanding of our ancestors and a richer social history of our nation. Registration is $40. Register at mvgenealogy.org/cpage.php?pt=86. Find out more about the Mount Vernon Genealogical Society at mvgenealogy.org.
Home for Life 2023 EXPO
Friday, March 31, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Blenheim Blvd, Fairfax
Free event presented by Fairfax Village in the City. Join Village members and volunteers as we consider the challenges of our current living situations, learn how to adapt for safe and successful aging, and meet local agencies and providers who can help us do just that – or find desirable alternatives. For questions, email Jason.Scadron@fairfaxva.gov or call 703-385-5738.
Virtual National Theater Musical Performance featuring Steve Gellman
Friday, March 31, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Join the Virtual Center for Active Adults for a virtual musical performance. For more information, visit bit.ly/novaVCAA; To join the virtual presentation on Zoom, visit bit.ly/VCAAzoom2; Meeting ID: 905 123 5932; Password: 3636
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.