Department of Family Services – Older Adults

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
703-324-7948 TTY 711
12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 708
Fairfax, VA 22035
Trina Mayhan-Webb
Director

Golden Gazette - 2023 April


Golden Gazette newsletter banner graphic

2023 April

Featured Articles


Photo of Mark O'Meara standing behind the concessions desk at Cinema Arts TheatreMark O’Meara: Bringing Art and Entertainment to Fairfax for Over 30 Years   
If you have gone to the movies at University Mall Theatres or Cinema Arts Theatre, you may be familiar with Mark O’Meara. As owner of both theaters, O’Meara is not one to stay out of sight in the back office. Instead, he relishes being out front, chatting with customers, selling concessions, and being part of the action. O’Meara’s larger than life personality, along with his involvement and service in the community, have made him a popular figure in Fairfax. Learn more about O’Meara’s life and work. Read more.


Photos of Sam Lee and Hannah Van HookApril is Volunteer Appreciation Month!
Join us as we celebrate volunteers this April, including Sam Lee and Hannah Van Hook, two recipients of 2023 Star Awards from Volunteer Solutions. Learn about the many ways Sam and Hannah have served others in the community and why they choose to volunteer. Read more.


Photo of Danielle BadraCelebrate National Poetry Month with Fairfax Poet Laureate Danielle Badra
Meet 2022-2024 Fairfax Poet Laureate Danielle Badra. As Fairfax Poet Laureate, she will serve as a poetry ambassador and promote the appreciation of literary arts throughout the county, region and state. Badra invites members of the public to discover and engage with poetry through “Poetry in the Parks,” a community engagement project she is developing in partnership with Fairfax County Park Authority. Read more.


Photo of Rebuilding Together-AFF volunteers installing a handrail outside the home of an older adult.Do You Need Help with Home Repairs and Modifications?
Rebuilding Together Arlington/Fairfax/Falls Church (Rebuilding Together-AFF) is a nonprofit organization that helps low-income homeowners live in homes that are safe and healthy by making repairs and upgrades at no charge to the homeowner. The work is performed by skilled volunteers with priority given to older adults, people with disabilities, families with children, and veterans. Read more.

More Articles

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 16 or 1016 (depending on your service provider) 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 Angela Folly Morlu, Department of Family Services)

Graphic showing a grandfather with his grandson along with the words "Your Time Matters to Your Kids" and "April is Child Abuse Prevention Month." Dr. Anthony P. Witham once said that “Children spell love… T-I-M-E.” With the hustle and bustle of our lives, you might find that your time with the children in your life is precious and short. 

Despite your best intentions, the realities of life can easily derail plans to spend time with your littlest loved ones. Competing schedules over work, commuting, afterschool, evening, and weekend activities can make it seem like it’s impossible to make time to see your grandkids or other children important in your life. 

During Child Abuse Prevention Month the Parenting Education Programs’ staff is taking time to assure you that it’s possible to make quality time with a child a part of your routine, because we all know that having multiple people in a child’s life who support them and love on them is important to their self-worth. 

Focusing just a few minutes of uninterrupted time and attention with each child one-on-one can make a huge difference in their lives, their behavior, and your relationship with them.

Still not convinced that your time matters? Here are some reasons to prioritize time with a child. 

  1. Little moments add up. Spending time with each child makes positive memories and develops a shared history. It’s in those everyday unscripted moments that the magic happens in relationships. The spontaneous fun, the belly laughs, and the small bonding moments often happen when you are focused on each other. 
  2. Let the child take the lead. It can be valuable to step into a child’s world and spend time how they would like. Open-ended, creative, or imaginative activities can allow a child to assert their developing personalities. You can learn a lot about them if you just enjoy your time with them and don’t try to correct or teach them during this time.
  3. Engage your child in what you do. Other times, it’s good to bring your child into doing an activity you enjoy or even something you do out of necessity. It can help your child to better understand you and what you value. It creates opportunities for conversation and sharing memories. Supporting you can also boost their self-esteem. Helping you make a grocery list, sort socks and fold laundry, or chop veggies for the salad are all simple ways a child can spend time supporting you. 
  4. It can be just a few minutes. Keep it simple. Take short breaks during your day to spend time with a child. Call them on the phone to chat or text them during the day if you live apart. If you are together, set a timer to help everyone know when the break is ending. Give your grandchild a two-minute warning when the time is winding down to ease the transition.
  5. Plan for the occasional longer activity. As often as you’re able, have adventures together. Work on a longer project together or go someplace fun. Make it just the two of you if you can arrange it. If you are married, give your spouse time to do this as well.  

Intentionally giving a child this regular attention will help them feel seen, heard, connected, and valued. This supports their overall development and reduces disruptive, attention-seeking behaviors. 

If you need help thinking of things to do with your grandchild, look on our website at bit.ly/3yjg1Yx for a list of ways to integrate short bursts of together time into your daily schedule, as well as some activities that require more time or planning. During Child Abuse Prevention Month this April, take time to start incorporating these activities into your day.

(by Allegra Joffe, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)

Photo of an older woman sitting with her hand on the shoulder of an older man in a wheelchair.While it may be unpleasant to think about, it is important to recognize that a family caregiver may pass away before their loved one. To ensure that you consider and plan appropriately for this scenario, consider the following questions:

  • Who is going to take care of their loved one’s medical needs? 
  • Who will manage their finances and pay bills? 
  • Where will their loved one live if they were living together in the same house? 
  • Will they have enough funding to pay for in-home care or other housing options, such as assisted living? 
  • Are family or friends willing to immediately step in to help the person in need of care? 

Family caregivers may not have planned what they would do in this situation, but it is important to have a plan in place in case an emergency happens, such as a fatal heart attack or car crash. Having a plan can provide peace of mind and reduce stress for the caregiver, family members and the loved one. Caregivers can start by processing the questions mentioned above and speaking with trusted family and friends to come up with a plan. Next steps could also include working with professional advisors, such as an attorney, legal aid, and/or financial advisors. 

In addition, family caregivers can reach out to the Aging, Disability, and Caregiver Resources Line at 703-324-7948 and request a caregiver consultation to explore the different options available to them. 

The Top Ten Legal “Facts” that Family Caregivers Need to Know, but Probably Don’t - Caregiver Webinar 
Wednesday, April 19, Noon to 1 p.m. 

In this presentation, Rory Clark, Elder Law attorney, Founder of GuideWISE Family Caregiver Support Network, and managing partner and founder of the Legacy Elder Law Center, will demystify the law and identify common mistakes that can be devastating to family caregivers and their loved ones. Topics covered will include critical misconceptions about Medicare and how it pays for skilled nursing care, must-know truths about court appointed guardianships/conservatorships, essential legal planning documents, government long-term care benefits, and the new trend toward interdisciplinary life care planning for older adults. Online registration: bit.ly/CAREWEB1

Virtual Dementia Friends Information Session
Wednesday, April 12, Noon to 1:15 p.m.

Join this presentation and learn how to become a dementia friend and turn your new understanding of dementia into a practical action that can help someone living in your community. Online registration: bit.ly/DementiaFriendlyFairfax  

Maintaining Balance as a Caregiver with Mindfulness and Self-Compassion
Friday, April 7, Noon to 1 p.m.

Caregivers are naturally adept at caring for others, sometimes at their own expense. Both mindfulness and self-compassion can help the caregivers take care of their own needs, so they can provide in turn the best care possible. In this presentation, Alfred Wishart, LPC, LCDC, CRC at the Dallas Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, will include a mixture of lecture and brief meditation practices that can be incorporated in everyday life. Online registration: bit.ly/StayingWell-123  

The Role of Food and the Wellness of the Heart-Caring for Your Heart & Preventing Heart Disease
Friday, April 14, Noon to 1 p.m. 

In this presentation, Dr. Akil Taher will talk about heart disease, which has become the leading cause of death for both men and women for 104 years in a row. In addition, he will discuss the importance of whole food plant-based diet (WFPBD) and lifestyle changes in the prevention and reversal of heart disease, which will be backed by science as well as his own personal story. Online registration: bit.ly/StayingWell-123

RAFT Dementia Support Program
The RAFT Dementia Support Program is a new initiative in Northern Virginia that is part of the Regional Older Adult Facilities Mental Health Support Team (RAFT). This RAFT Dementia Support Program fulfills a vital community need for individuals with dementia and their caregivers to prevent psychiatric hospitalizations, and to provide comprehensive education and planning to improve caregiver resilience while improving safety and stability in community placement. In this free program, trained dementia specialists will work one-on-one with families to provide education, connect to services, and offer new strategies for managing challenging behaviors. Anyone can make a referral to the program. For more information, please visit bit.ly/RAFTdementiaProgram or call 571-357-0274.

(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 March 15 COA meeting, Land Development Services staff led a discussion about Parking Reimagined, an initiative to review Article 6 of the Zoning Ordinance which regulates off-street parking and loading. The goal of this effort is modernization of parking and loading requirements, creating greater flexibility in the provision of parking for current and future land uses.

COA Meeting, Wednesday, April 19, 1 p.m.

In Person: Pennino Building, 12011 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax, VA 22035
Room 200 and 206

Please note: As of March 15, 2023, the COA meeting location was changed from the Fairfax County Government Center to the Pennino Building.

To obtain meeting materials, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/familyservices/older-adults/fairfax-area-commission-on-aging/meetings or contact Jacquie.Woodruff@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-5403. For ADA accommodations, contact Ana.Valdivia@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 571-407-6960 TTY: VA Relay 711

Thursdays, April 13-May 18, 10 a.m.-Noon. 

Don’t let ongoing health problems stop you from living the life you enjoy. 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 better live by effectively managing their ongoing health conditions. Learn positive strategies for better overall health, such as managing pain and fatigue, sleeping, and eating better, increasing physical activity, & much more! Connect with others managing similar concerns. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information, please contact Kathy Akindemowo, 703-324-9814, TTY 711 or Katherine.Akindemowo2@fairfaxcounty.gov or register at tinyurl.com/CDSMP123.

(by Carly Mullinax, Department of Emergency Management and Security)

Lots of people participate in the ritual of spring cleaning to keep their homes safe and clean, but when was the last time you gave your home some TLC by reviewing your insurance policies? Whether you rent or own your home, it’s important to make sure you reevaluate your insurance policy from time to time to ensure you are prepared for a disaster and understand what your policy does and does not cover. 

The first step to beginning your insurance check-up is to evaluate what types of hazards may impact your area and understand how they could affect you. For more information on the types of hazards that may impact the residents of Fairfax County, visit bit.ly/3Sj5fL3 to watch the Department of Emergency Management and Security’s webinar on “What Hazards Could Affect Fairfax County.” 

Another great resource for those who are unsure of what type of flood insurance they need is the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services’ Flood Plain Viewer. This interactive map will allow you to look at your area and see if it falls in one of Fairfax County’s historic flood plain areas: FairfaxCounty.gov/publicworks/stormwater/flood-information.

The second step is documenting any valuables or important property you own (including medical equipment) by taking pictures and storing them in a safe place. This may help you prove the value of your belongings and speed up the claim process in the event of a disaster. 

Lastly, speak with an insurance professional about the types of hazards you may be affected by and review what would be covered for each scenario. It’s important to ask them to differentiate between natural and human-caused disasters as these may be covered differently under your policy. For example, a flood from a broken pipe may be covered, but flooding from heavy rains in your area may not be.

(by Camden Doran, Long-Term Care Ombudsman)

All long-term care facilities are inspected or “surveyed” on a regular basis to ensure they are complying with regulations and standards of care. These inspection reports are available to consumers online, and each facility is required by law to make the latest state inspection report available for examination in a place readily accessible to everyone. These reports provide valuable information about a facility’s deficiency citations in particular areas, and what actions they took to resolve the deficiencies. This information can also be useful for anyone researching a specific facility if they are considering long-term care options for themselves or a loved one.

Nursing facility surveys can be found through the ‘Care Compare’ tool located on Medicare’s website at medicare.gov/care-compare, as well as through the state survey agency, Virginia Department of Health Office of Licensure and Certification. Assisted living facilities inspection reports can be found on the Virginia Department of Social Services website, dss.virginia.gov/facility/search/alf.cgi. The Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (NVLTCOP) can also assist consumers in interpreting inspection reports and can provide aggregate complaint data for specific facilities located in the City of Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, and Loudoun County.  

As a mandated program under the Older Americans Act, the 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 inspection reports and complaint data, 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.

(From the Department of Tax Administration)

Staff from the Department of Tax Administration will be at the locations listed below to assist with filling out the 2023 tax relief application form, as well as answering questions. To ensure that we are assisting individuals in a timely manner, all workshops will be utilizing appointment scheduling. Please use the contact information listed below to make an appointment with our office.

Braddock District
Hosted by Supervisor James Walkinshaw
April 4, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Contact 703-324-2550 to schedule an appointment.
Braddock Hall
9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke

Dranesville District
Hosted by Supervisor John Foust
April 11, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Contact 703-324-2550 to schedule an appointment.
McLean Governmental Center
1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean

Hunter Mill District
Hosted by Supervisor Walter Alcorn
April 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Contact 703-324-2550 to schedule an appointment.
North County Governmental Center
1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston

Franconia District
Hosted by Supervisor Rodney Lusk
April 13, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Contact 703-324-2550 to schedule an appointment.
Franconia Governmental Center
6121 Franconia Road, Alexandria

Mason District
Hosted by Supervisor Penelope Gross
April 20, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Contact Chris Delta at 703-256-7717 or by email at Mason@FairfaxCounty.gov to schedule an appointment.
Mason District Governmental Center
6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale

Mount Vernon District
Hosted by Supervisor Dan Storck
April 12, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Contact 703-324-2550 to schedule an appointment.
Mount Vernon Governmental Center
2511 Parkers Lane, Mt. Vernon

Providence District
Hosted by Supervisor Dalia Palchik
April 14, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Contact 703-324-2550 to schedule an appointment.
Providence Community Center
3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax

Springfield District
Hosted by Supervisor Pat Herrity
April 6, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Contact 703-324-2550 to schedule an appointment.
West Springfield Governmental Center
6140 Rolling Road, Springfield

Sully District
Hosted by Supervisor Kathy Smith
April 5, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Contact 703-324-2550 to schedule an appointment.
Sully District Governmental Center
4900 Stonecroft Boulevard, Chantilly 

Reminder: The Deadline for Filing Your Tax Return is April 18, 2023

The filing deadline to submit 2022 tax returns or an extension to file and pay tax owed is Tuesday, April 18, 2023, for most taxpayers. By law, Washington, D.C., holidays impact tax deadlines for everyone in the same way as federal holidays. The due date is April 18, instead of April 15, because of the weekend and the District of Columbia's Emancipation Day holiday, which falls on Monday, April 17.

Taxpayers requesting an extension will have until Monday, October 16, 2023, to file.

Visit irs.gov for more information.

(by Amy Carlini, Department of Family Services)

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicaid members have been able to keep their health coverage even if their eligibility status changed. Due to the passage of the federal 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, Virginia and all other states will now begin re-evaluating eligibility for Medicaid members. 

Coverage for members will not be canceled or reduced without first asking for updated information, but we need to be able to contact you.  

What Medicaid Members Can Do: 

  • Update your contact information online at commonhelp.virginia.gov.
  • Call Cover Virginia at 1-855-242-8282.
  • Call the DFS Customer Call Center at 703-324-7500 or email DFSMyCase@FairfaxCounty.gov.
  • Respond to notices/renewals to confirm that you are eligible.

Visit CoverVA.org for more information.

If you receive Medicaid you may also be eligible for SNAP, 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).

Learn about other low-cost medical assistance resources: bit.ly/3JszbS7.

Did you know that Fairfax County operates a brush grinding operation which produces double-shredded wood mulch that is clean, good quality and free to residents? Mulch can be picked up at two locations: 

  • I-66 Transfer Station, 4618 West Ox Rd., Fairfax, VA 22030. Hours are Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.; Call 703-631-1179 for more information.
  • The I-95 Landfill Complex, 9850 Furnace Rd., Lorton, VA 22079. Hours are Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 703-690-1703 for more information.

Proof of Fairfax County residency may be required. Acceptable proof is a driver's license, state ID card, property tax bill or utility bill.

Hoppers are available for loading your vehicle but are sometimes out of service. When that occurs, residents have the option to self-load the mulch. Visit FairfaxCounty.gov/publicworks/recycling-trash/free-mulch or call the site to confirm the hopper is operational before you visit.

When quantities are sufficient, mulch is also distributed to various park sites for pick up. Call the Mulch InfoLine at 703-324-5995 for park locations.

(by Debra Miller and Abby Picard, Domestic and Sexual Violence Services)

Photo of an older woman holding hands with a teen girl while they talkHere’s an interesting fact: 1 in 4 Americans lives in a multigenerational household. According to the 2021 American Community survey, 16,668 grandparents in Fairfax County live with grandchildren under age 18, and 3,288 are their grandchildren’s primary caregivers.

Research on children’s identity development show most children understand their own gender between the ages of 2 to 3, but their understanding of what gender means is impacted by their experience of the world as they grow. Adults can often reflect their own ideas about gender through stereotypes we reinforce to children. 

When children are very young, boys with female friends may be called a “ladies' man” or girls may be called a “heartbreaker.” While meant as compliments, these are assumptions about the gender expression and sexuality of children long before they are old enough to date. Adults may also excuse aggressive behaviors of young boys toward girls with statements, like, “he only chases you around the playground because he likes you” or “he’s just teasing.” Sometimes called a “boys will be boys” attitude, this teaches girls they are responsible for how boys treat them and teaches boys they can break girls’ boundaries without consequences. 

Sexual violence and harassment are often seen as a normal part of adolescence and adult life. Teenage boys are often excused for making sexual comments about their female peers or insulting other boys using sexist or homophobic language. These peers are taught to accept bad behavior (think: wrestling, hitting, or pranks like pulling someone's pants down or stealing their clothing) as a joke, which violates their bodily autonomy. Teenage girls are often told they are responsible for the way they are treated sexually when adults tell them not to dress provocatively or to “just ignore” sexual comments about their bodies.

Gender Norms and Romantic Relationships

Nearly 40% of 8th, 10th, and 12th graders who responded to the Fairfax County Youth Behavior Survey dated someone in the last year. When teens start romantic relationships with others, the attitudes they have been exposed to will inform how they behave. Boys can feel pressure to prove their masculinity by having sex early and often, and girls can feel pressured into having sex to keep or satisfy boys they date. Youth with LGBTQ identities may have a particularly difficult time with gendered expectations because they often do not align with norms of their assumed gender. 

National statistics show 1 in 3 teens experiences physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from a dating partner and 1 in 2 teens experiences some form of sexual harassment at school. If a child experiences sexual assault or violence, their experiences can be impacted by their gender. Girls may not be believed or seen as overreacting, and boys may struggle with their identity, as masculinity is often depicted as dominance or strength. 

Practice the Appropriate Response

By teaching young people of all genders to respect their own and others’ bodily autonomy, adults can help them build skills in respecting their partners and recognizing their own experiences if they are sexually assaulted or abused. Healthy relationship behaviors can be practiced by asking permission before hugging them or by teaching them to ask before taking a toy away from someone else. By practicing these behaviors with the adults in their lives, children learn their bodies matter and it is important to be respectful of their peers’ bodies, too.

This can also show you are a safe person for them to come to if they experience sexual violence. If a child or teen discloses violence or harassment, it is important to:

  • Thank them for telling you. It can be difficult to share what happened, and by telling you, they are trusting you with this information.
  • Listen to and believe them. One of the reasons people do not come forward is because they are afraid they will not be believed. By believing and not interrupting them, you are reinforcing they did the right thing by telling you.
  • Ask them how you can help and support them in how they want to move forward. It is important to empower children and teens to make their own decisions (when possible) on what they want to do next. It can be easy to start making decisions on their behalf. Experiencing sexual violence is a situation where they were unable to make their own choices, and you can give that power back.
  • Seek resources. It can feel devastating when a loved one, especially a child, is hurt. Make sure to utilize resources available to you and the child for support. 

If you learn a child in your life has been violent in their relationships or harassed someone, you can:

  • Identify the harmful behaviors and let them know it is not OK to treat people that way. Whether they learned the behavior from their peers, media, or other adults, it is important to hold them accountable for their own actions.
  • Identify what healthy relationship behaviors look like. Reinforcing these behaviors helps reframe what is acceptable in their relationships.
  • Remind them they can control their own responses to anger, frustration, pain, and peer pressure. Reassure them change is possible and you believe they can do better.
  • Seek resources. Talk with counselors and other youth-serving professionals about options to understand their behavior and practice healthy coping strategies. These professionals can also help you seek your own support.

Being willing to talk to young people about hard things like gender stereotypes, relationships, and accountability for their actions can have a lifelong impact on their understanding of what respect from and toward a partner should look like. Preventing violence is not always possible, but as a trusted role model to your grandchildren, your actions can make a difference.

Want to learn more about these topics? Register for an upcoming, free “Unpacking Gender” workshop. Visit bit.ly/3tnRfBX for dates, times, locations and to register. 

Saturday, April 29, 9 a.m. to noon
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University
4210 Roberts Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032

Join AARP Virginia and Fairfax County’s Silver Shield Task Force for this free hybrid event (attend in-person or online.) Learn about the latest scams targeting older adults and how to protect yourself from scammers.

For updates and additional information, visit aarp.org/FairfaxScamJam.

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

Alzheimer’s Association Presents: A Caregivers Guide to Finance 
Tuesday April 11, 10:15-11:15 a.m. 

Hosted by the Virtual Center for Active Adults
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  

Northern Virginia (NOVA) Virtual 50+ Employment Expo 
Friday, April 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Jewish Council for the Aging’s free 50+ Expo connects jobseekers and employers. The expo will offer workshops to learn about current hiring trends and practices as well as the opportunity for jobseekers to network with employers. Register at virtualexpos.accessjca.org.

Memory Screenings
Monday, April 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Wellness Center for Older Adults, 4027B Olley Lane, Fairfax 
Insight Memory Care Center offers free confidential memory screenings and educational materials to people with concerns about their memory or who want to check their memory now for future comparison. Call to reserve a 30-minute appointment at 703-970-3601.

George Mason Friends Book Sale
Thursday, April 27-Sunday April 30, 10:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.
 
George Mason Regional Library, 7001 Little River Tnpk, Annandale 
Browse a wide variety of books, CDs, and DVDs. For more details, visit georgemasonfriends.blogspot.com or call 703-813-6616.

Friends of the Centreville Regional Library Spring Book Sale
Friday April 28, 1-5 p.m.; Saturday, April 29, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, April 30, 1-4 p.m. 

Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. Germain Dr, Centreville
Shop for fiction for all ages, a variety of nonfiction, and DVDs. Bag sale on Sunday. For more information, email FriendsofCRL@gmail.com.

Burke Historical Society Meeting
Sunday, April 30, 3 p.m.

Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Rd, Burke
Gee Gee and Speedee—The Historical Saga of McDonald’s in Fairfax County
In 1957, the Gee Gee Food Corporation opened the first McDonald's in Virginia on Route 1 in Alexandria. Learn how they built the largest single franchise operation of the McDonalds chain in the nation until Ray Kroc bought them out in 1967.

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.


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*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.


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