(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)

Older Americans Month (OAM) was established in 1963 as a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions and achievements of older Americans. This year’s theme, Aging Unbound, encourages older adults to explore a wide range of experiences and fulfilling activities while enjoying their independence. Here are a few ways to participate in OAM:

• Embrace the opportunity to change. Find a new passion, go on an adventure, and break out of your comfort zone. Invite creativity and purpose into your life by trying new activities in your community to experience growth, joy, and energy.  
• Explore the rewards of growing older. With age comes knowledge, which provides insight and confidence to understand and experience the world more deeply. Continue to grow that knowledge through reading, listening, classes, and creative activities.
• Stay engaged in your community. We all benefit when everyone is connected and involved. Stay active by volunteering, working, mentoring, joining a club, and taking part in activities at your local senior center or elsewhere in the community.
• Form relationships. Relationships can enhance your quality of life by introducing new ideas and unique perspectives. Spending quality time with people will lead to deeper connections with family, friends, and community members.

This episode explores disability resources for both older adults and adults with disabilities, as well as those who care for them. Joining Host Anne Hall is Claudia Vila, Manager of Disability Rights and Resources in the Department of Family Services. She provides a great overview on this topic, and discusses resources available for adults with disabilities, older adults, and caregivers. The Channel 16 crew visited the Wellness Center for Older Adults. It’s the first of its kind in Fairfax County and offers both virtual and in-person services for older adults and individuals with developmental disabilities. Rose Robinson, Division Manager, Long Term and Community Integration Services, as well as current clients talk about the benefit of this important resource. We round out the program with a conversation with Susan Shaw, Transportation Options, Programs, and Services Program Manager, better known as TOPS – a valuable Fairfax County resource.

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 Rose Robinson, ServiceSource, Inc.)

ServiceSource is honored to celebrate the Wellness Center’s first anniversary. The Wellness Center for Older Adults (WCOA) is a first-of-its-kind center supporting preventative health by offering free and easy access to programs and resources for older adults and adults with disabilities in Fairfax County, including recreation activities, technology access, assistive technology, and health screenings for community members, together with a day program for people with disabilities. We have several partners committed to offering programs, presentations, and services at the WCOA to assist in meeting the needs of the populations we serve. 

The anniversary celebration will occur on Friday, May 19, at the WCOA, located at 4027B Olley Lane, Fairfax. There will be an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Breakfast will be available at 10 a.m., and tours will occur throughout the day. Individuals can also visit the WCOA’s webpage at www.ServiceSource.org/Virginia-wcoa/. There you can learn more about our new Wellness Center program. 

Older adults and adults with disabilities can face barriers to accessing health screenings, assistive technology and recreation opportunities. The Wellness Center is proud to support the engagement of meaningful activities and strives to promote accessibility and full inclusion for all participants.

(by Camden Doran, Long-Term Care Ombudsman)

A person who lives in a long-term care (LTC) facility maintains all the same rights as an individual living in the community. A person living in a LTC facility gains additional rights as a resident, one of which is the right to raise formal grievances. A resident can present their grievances at any time to facility staff or any other person without fear of discrimination or retaliation. The facility must act promptly to help resolve the grievance, and provide a written decision to the resident, if requested. The resident also has the right to file a complaint with their local state licensing agency or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. 

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 advocate for their rights to protect dignity, choices, and self-determination. The NVLTCOP is a resident-directed program that is available to assist with concerns about quality of care, and to educate the community about long-term care services. For more information about residents’ rights or other nursing facility and assisted living concerns, please call the NVLTCOP at 703-324-5861, or contact the Ombudsman Program by email at NVLTCOP@FairfaxCounty.gov.

(by Allegra Joffe, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)

The Fairfax Area Agency on Aging is pleased to announce that its Fairfax Caregiver Alert Notifications Program (FCANP) received an Honorable Mention in the 2023 Best Practices Awards Program sponsored by the Commonwealth Council on Aging program. The Best Practices Awards recognize and encourage the replication of model programs, particularly those that foster aging in place, livable communities and home and community-based services. The FCANP enables family caregivers to remain informed, receive education, and access programs and services offered by the Area Agency on Aging and other Fairfax County departments via text messages, emails and/or voice communication. Since 2019, the FCANP has sent out 360 notifications through texts, emails, and voice communication messages to 1,150 people about educational programs, support calls, consultations, and other resources. 

To subscribe to the FCANP and receive information about existing and upcoming workshops, webinars, and other supportive services, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/Alerts and create or sign into your Fairfax Alerts account. Next, select Area Agency on Aging/Caregivers. “It’s simple, if we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you.” 

Advances in Our Understanding of Chronic Pain - Caregiver Webinar 
Wednesday, May 17, Noon-1 p.m. 

In this presentation, Daniel Clauw, M.D., Professor, Anesthesiology at the University of Michigan, and Director of the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, University of Michigan, will discuss advances in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. He will emphasize that some pain is not a problem in the area of the body someone is experiencing pain but instead comes from the brain and nervous system. This type of pain is called centralized pain and does not respond to drug (e.g. opioids) or non-drug (surgery) therapies that often work well for pain that is due to a problem in that area of the body. He will also discuss a number of self-management options. Online registration: bit.ly/CAREWEB1 or call 703-324-2019.    

Intergenerational Exploratory Ballet Class
Friday, May 26, 11 a.m.-Noon

Join Leanne Mizzoni, instructor from Virginia Ballet Company and School, for an exploratory ballet class for the whole family. Develop an awareness of the art of ballet. We will be exploring the different positions of the feet, body, and arms, as well as correct alignment. You will have a fun time learning the secrets behind becoming a ballerina! Online registration: bit.ly/StayingWell-123 or call 703-324-2019.  

Intergenerational Crafts for the Family  
Friday, June 2, Noon-1 p.m. 

Join Dr. Cate, Dementia Coach, as she provides an intergenerational workshop geared for the entire family who may have a loved one living with memory loss. Dr. Cate will guide your family through hands on craft projects that all ages and abilities can enjoy together. A supply list will be given to participants prior to the workshop and will be items you can find at home. Online registration: bit.ly/StayingWell-123 or call 703-324-2019.    

International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum offers specialized programming for individuals living with dementia and their care partners. Join SPY with Me for an interactive virtual program that uses music and artifacts to explore some of their favorite spy stories. Programs last one hour and are held virtually through Zoom. Every month the same program is offered on two dates. In May, the dates are Tuesday, May 23, and Thursday, May 25, at 2 p.m. 

To register, please email soltmans@spymuseum.org. Space is limited.

May 10-July 14, 1-2 p.m., Free. We meet two times a week on Wednesdays and Fridays. Bingocize® is a program that combines the game of bingo with fall prevention exercises (seated or standing). Come play bingo, win prizes, and meet new people while learning about techniques to reduce falls and increase activity. Classes offered in person at George Mason Regional Library, 7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale 22003. For more information, please contact Kathy Akindemowo, 703-324-9814, TTY 711 or Katherine.Akindemowo2@FairfaxCounty.gov or register at: tinyurl.com/Bingocize123.

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

May is National Mobility Awareness Month! This month is about raising awareness of the challenges faced by those with mobility disabilities as well as celebrating innovative ways mobility independence can be achieved and maintained. The Department of Emergency Management and Security (DEMS) is celebrating by reminding readers that if you or a loved one rely on a device such as a wheelchair, walker, scooter, or cane, it is important to incorporate them into your emergency preparedness plan. This will help ensure that you can maintain safety and independence in the event of a disaster. Here are some points for you to take into consideration when drafting your emergency plan or making an emergency kit: 

• You may need to include some additional items in a “go-bag” which will help you maintain and repair your mobility device in the event you have to evacuate your home. Disasters often leave debris in their wake. Glass, metal, or other sharp objects could puncture a tire on a wheelchair and standing water may cause electrical circuits to malfunction. Plan for the worst-case scenario so that you will be ready for anything.  
• If you buy or receive a replacement for an old piece of equipment, think twice before throwing the old one away. If it is still in working condition, it may be a good idea to keep it as an emergency back-up. 
• Think about the equipment in your life or the lives of your loved ones which would be difficult to do without. You will want to have a plan to replace these items as quickly as possible if they are ever damaged or destroyed. Writing down the make, model, and serial numbers of your devices, as well as taking pictures of them, will make it easier to file an insurance claim and replace them if needed. 

The United Spinal Association’s program, Ready to Roll, has lots of great tips on emergency preparedness for those with mobility disabilities. To learn more about the unique challenges a mobility disability may present when planning for an emergency, and how to overcome them, visit their website at UnitedSpinal.org/ready-to-roll. 

(by Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions Recruitment Coordinator)

Are you looking for new ways to help your community? Check out the opportunities below or go to bit.ly/FFXVOLUNTEER for many more.

Assistance League of Northern Virginia (ALNV) needs volunteers who want to help children by supporting the food, clothing, and literacy programs it offers at several Title 1 elementary schools. ALNV will be starting an additional reading program at a school in Reston. As a member, you can participate in hands-on events, such as packing weekend food bags, toiletries, and “Hugs” pillows, weekly reading programs, and book fairs at the schools. Members also help by drafting grant applications, news releases, and letters to supporters. Skills in technology, writing, graphic design, or photography are also needed. Dues are required to become a participating member. To learn more, go to alnv.org or email membership@alnv.org.   

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital Thrift Shop needs volunteers to help with receiving, sorting, pricing, and merchandising donations, and in customer service as cashiers and baggers. It’s located in the Fairfax Circle shopping center, at 9683 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax VA 22031. The shop is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Volunteers are asked to work a minimum of 4 hours, one day per week. Shop proceeds get donated to Inova Fair Oaks Hospital for purchasing equipment and funding hospital projects. Contact Jessie Johnston at jessamyn.johnston@inova.org, or call 703-273-3519 and ask for Jessie or Veronica.

Fairfax County Park Authority is looking for volunteers to help at the Twin Lakes Golf Course in Clifton. Duties include assisting golfers, coordinating the pace of play as the course marshal, and managing the tee sheet. A driver’s license is required. The time commitment is one day a week (6-hour shift), between sunrise and sunset, during their regular season from March to December. For more information, contact John Mandell at John.Mandell@FairfaxCounty.gov.

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 activity leaders and instructors for 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, and household organizers. To learn more and register go to bit.ly/FXVSVOL, email VolunteerSolutions@FairfaxCounty.gov, or call 703-324-5406.

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

(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 April 19 COA meeting, Irv Katz, Mason District Commissioner on the COA, presented on “From Intergenerational Programs to Intergenerational Community.”

COA Meeting, Wednesday, May 17, 1 p.m.

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

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.

(by Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department)

Did you know: Because of synthetic materials, furniture and construction, fire spreads faster than ever before.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department reminds residents how important it is to have working smoke alarms, escape plans, and a designated meeting place in case of a fire. Closing your doors is also important for your safety. Closed doors can reduce fire growth, limit damage to your home, keep temperatures down, and can even save your life if you become trapped.

If there is a fire in your home and you can implement your home escape plan to get out – get out! But if you can’t, a closed door could make a life-saving difference.

(by Mary Mulrenan, Land Development Services)

Spring is the time of year when Fairfax County highlights building safety. International building codes and state building codes exist to ensure the integrity and safety of all building occupants in the county, for those in residences such as single-family homes to everyone frequenting commercial buildings such as offices and restaurants.

According to the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, its purpose is “to protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia, provided that buildings and structures should be permitted to be constructed at the least possible cost consistent with recognized standards of health, safety, energy conservation and water conservation, including provisions necessary to prevent overcrowding, rodent or insect infestation, and garbage accumulation; and barrier-free provisions for the physically handicapped and aged.”

One of the key agencies involved with the implementation of building codes in the county is Land Development Services (LDS). If you have ever needed a building permit to make home improvements – adding a new deck or enclosed porch, for example – then you have experience with the Fairfax County permitting process.

We know it’s not the most fun part of improving your home; the fun comes when you invite your family and friends to enjoy the new addition. But the permit, plan review and inspection process ensure that all your loved ones you invite into your home are safe.

Safety is ensured by the hardworking professionals at LDS (and other county agencies) who continually train throughout their careers to learn the most up-to-date safety measures related to construction. Of course, building safety is also dependent on the registered designers and professional contractors who do the work on your home. Make sure you invest time in hiring contractors who will do quality work for you.

If you have not applied for construction permits recently, you may not have used the new Planning and Land Use System (PLUS) yet. We have some great introductory videos for you to get started. And if you are thinking about buying a new home in the area, make sure you do a search of the address to confirm there is no unpermitted work. Discovering unpermitted work can be costly and annoying. How can you be sure the work was done safely?

So, during this Building Safety Month, we thank construction workers, contractors, homeowners, building owners and county staff for working together toward safe buildings and safe communities.

Learn more about LDS and the permitting process at FairfaxCounty.gov/LandDevelopment. Search for “permit library” to see what permits will be needed for your project.

(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)

Do you remember the family automobile from your childhood? How about the first car you ever drove? Cars can be a great topic for storytelling and reminiscing. Perhaps you just enjoy marveling at the design of automobiles, old and new. Whatever your reason, car shows are a popular attraction and a fun activity for all ages. Here are some of the car shows taking place in our community this spring and summer. 

Deutsche Marque Concours d’Elegance Car Show
Sunday May 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Occoquan Regional Park, 9751 Ox Road, Lorton
This show features fine German collector vintage and modern cars. Cars are judged by guest judges and winners announced at the end of the show. The event is free to attend. For more information, visit dmconcours.com.

Antique Car Show
Saturday, May 20, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Fairfax City Hall, 10455 Armstrong Street, Fairfax
Check out an assortment of vehicles 25+ years old. Enjoy fire and safety activities, food and live music. The event is free to attend. For more information, visit FairfaxVa.gov/Government/Parks-Recreation/Special-Events/Antique-Car-Show.  

Old Town Festival of Speed & Style
Sunday, May 21, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
View dozens of rare and exotic cars, famous for their speed, performance and elegance. This festival includes other activities, including live music. The festival will take place in the 200-400 blocks of King Street, and the 100 blocks of North Royal and North Fairfax in Old Town Alexandria. The festival is free to attend. For more information, visit FestivalSpeedStyleAlex.com. 

AutoWorks Festival
Saturday, June 3, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton
The AutoWorks Festival, Celebrating the Art of the Automobile, will take place in the Workhouse Arts Center North Parking Lot. The event is free to attend. For more information, visit WorkHouseArts.org/calendar/auto-works-festival. 

Sully Antique Car Show 
Sunday, June 18, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Sully Historic Site, 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly 
Celebrate Father’s Day at the 48th Sully Antique Car Show presented by the George Washington Chapter of the Model A Ford Club of America and Fairfax County Park Authority. Enjoy antique cars, live music, food vendors, a flea market, and tours of the first floor of the historic house. Admission is $12/Adult, $10/Seniors (65+), $8/Children (5-15), Children 4 and under are free. Parking is free on the grounds at Sully. For more information, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/Parks/Sully-Historic-Site. 

24th Annual Labor Day Car Show
Monday, September 4, 8 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Old Town Fairfax, Adjacent to Fire Station 3, 4081 University Drive, Fairfax
See antiques, classics, foreign, custom, street rods, muscle cars, trucks, motorcycles and more at this annual Labor Day Car Show produced by the City of Fairfax and the Clifton Lions Club. All proceeds from the show are donated to local charitable service organizations including Life with Cancer and the Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program. The show is free of charge, but donations are encouraged. For more information, visit FairfaxVa.gov/Government/Parks-Recreation/Special-Events/Labor-Day-Car-Show. 

Alzheimer's Association Series
In partnership with the Alzheimer's Association, the Fairfax County Public Library this spring is hosting an eight-part virtual series for those caring for patients with Alzheimer's and dementia. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/FCPL_Alzheimers.

Open House to Celebrate Older Americans Month
Wednesday, May 3, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Young at Heart Senior Center, 4401 Sideburn Rd., Fairfax
Join us at the Green Acres Senior Center to kick off and celebrate Older Americans Month!

Virginia Cooperative Extension Presentation: Healthy Nuts & Seeds 
Tuesday, May 9, 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   

Historic Fairfax City, Inc. Annual Meeting 
Wednesday, May 10, 7 p.m.
Historic Blenheim, 3610 Blenheim Blvd., Fairfax 
This meeting is open to the public. The featured speaker will be Dr. Lynn Rainville, Executive Director of Institutional History & Museums at Washington & Lee University. She will speak about "Virginia's Role in World War I," including the Red Cross, nurses, sailors, army combat troops, steelworkers, shipbuilders, food suppliers, pilots, stenographers, doctors and other civilian roles, as well as the 100,000 draftees, and 3,600 lives lost. Reservations are free and advised. For more information, email lindamb3510@yahoo.com. 

Guided Tour of the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial
Thursday, May 11, 10-11:30 a.m.
Occoquan Regional Park, 9751 Ox Road, Lorton
Join AARP Virginia for a guided tour of the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial, commemorating the millions of women who engaged in the suffragist movement. The tour will be conducted rain or shine. Parking is available next to the Memorial with easy access for wheelchairs. After the tour, join us for lunch – either bring your own or purchase a meal at the Brickmakers Café. This tour is free, but you must register at events.aarp.org/TP05112023. Email aarpva@aarp.org for more information.

Vienna’s Wellness & Safety Expo for Adults 55+
Friday, May 12, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St SE, Vienna
Join Vienna Parks and Recreation for a Wellness and Safety Expo. Older adults can benefit from medical screenings and educational opportunities from local vendors providing a wide range of resources to enhance physical and mental wellbeing. This event provides a wonderful environment to nurture personal interests, learn something new, foster friendships and gather vital information. For more information, call 703-255-7801 or visit ViennaVa.gov/Residents/Concerts-and-Events/Wellness-and-Safety-Expo. 

Mason District Station Open House 
Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 
6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale 
Learn about community and county resources provided by public safety personnel from the Office of Emergency Management, Fire & Rescue, Police, and Sheriff’s Office. For more information, call 703-256-7717.

Register now for Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia (LLI/NOVA) Classes 
and More Starting May 15 
LLI/NOVA invites you to be part of its exciting 2023 Summer Term (May 30-September 1) You can also participate in other activities, including monthly forums, day trips, classes, special interest groups and social activities. LLI/NOVA is located at the Northern Virginia Community College, 8333 Little River Tpke., Annandale. To learn more about programs, go to llinova.org.

Six Pillars of Brain Health
Wednesday, May 24, 1 p.m.
Wellness Center for Older Adults, 4027 Olley Lane, Fairfax
Hosted by AARP Virginia. Learn about the six pillars of a brain-healthy lifestyle, share your brain-boosting activities, and be inspired by others. This session is a good overview for anyone interested in improving their brain health and will provide you with actionable steps you can take along with resources to learn more. For more information, visit events.aarp.org/WCOA05242023.

Aging Unbound: In Recognition of Older Americans Month
Wednesday, May 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Abiding Presence Lutheran Church, 6304 Lee Chapel Rd, Burke
Join us this year as we focus on the positive aspects of growing older, why everyone has a role to play in combating ageism – and how we all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included in their communities. Join us for Frontal Temporal Dementia (FTD) information, PowerBraining, Covid vaccination/boosters on-site, door prizes, therapeutic art, community resources, and dementia simulations. Contact Ndidi Uzowihe- Nuzowihe@arlingtonva.us or Delores Clearfield-dathey@capitalcitynurses.com for details.

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.