Department of Family Services Alert:
Jay Corwin: Driven to Help Others
Many of us are spurred to help after learning of a specific need in our community. We may contribute to a food drive to fill the depleted shelves of a local food pantry or organize a neighborhood clean up to remove litter from a nearby stream. Then there are helpers like Jay Corwin, whose innate desire to help others is known to everyone who knows him. Corwin’s love of helping others has led him to pursue careers in public service – first as a firefighter and now as a school bus driver. His desire to help has also resulted in him mentoring a young boy, becoming a trusted adult in the child’s life. Corwin’s ability to recognize needs both big and small and his willingness to help in whatever way he can serves as inspiration to us all. Read more.
Robotic Pets Bring Joy to Owners
What are furry, bark and meow, and don't require training to bring joy and companionship to older adults? Robotic pets are the answer! These cute animals bring all the love of pet ownership without any of the pet care responsibilities to their owners. Cats and dogs are finding their fur-ever homes with older adults and adults with disabilities through Volunteer Solutions’ Companion Pet program. Read more.
Immunizations Key to Staying Healthy in Adulthood
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, an annual observance that highlights the importance of getting recommended vaccines throughout your life. Although immunizations are often associated with children, it is important to keep up with needed immunizations throughout adulthood. Immunizations protect not only us, but our family and friends too. Read more.
Preserve the Past with Fairfax County Public Library
Life is full of moments that we want to be able to remember, even after years have passed. With the development of different technologies, there have been many ways people capture moments for posterity. From photographs to VHS tapes to floppy disks, each format brought new capabilities to relive memories more fully. To help people convert outdated or fragile media formats into files that can easily be stored on a phone or computer, several branches of Fairfax County Public Library have Memory Depots, do-it-yourself stations with equipment that can aid users in digitizing older materials. Read more.
Animals – especially dogs – are an integral part of our lives, and the roles they fill are varied. They can guide a blind person, serve on a search and rescue mission, work with police departments, or can simply calm an anxious person.
Host Anne Hall is joined by Wendy Mayer, Director of Communications for Fairfax Pets on Wheels, and Leslie Horton, owner of Most Fine Canine. They explore the difference between service and therapy dogs, and discuss how visits from animals benefit those in senior centers, hospitals, etc. The Channel 16 crew also visited the Fairfax County Animal Shelter and met with Director Reasa Currier. She reveals the many opportunities for people of all ages to bond with the animals. Finally, Jodi Smith with Fairfax County’s Volunteer Solutions discusses the increasing popularity of robotic pets and the joy they bring their owners.
Mature Living can be seen on Channel 16 or 1016 (depending on your service provider) 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 Allegra Joffe, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)
A new diagnosis could be the reason why family caregiving may begin or caregiving duties increase. Often, a new diagnosis could result in new symptoms to manage, new treatments to navigate, and can change future planning. Concerns may arise about how to afford care, where your loved one is going to live safely long term, and balancing family and work obligations. This can result in feeling overwhelmed, anxious, shocked, sad, and angry.
Being able to educate oneself about a diagnosis can provide some comfort in understanding what to expect in the future and the best treatment and caregiving options. In addition, sharing feelings and being open about concerns with a friend, family, or a trusted person is important to help with emotional wellbeing. Attending caregiving support groups that are diagnosis specific can also be a space to vent, share, and learn from other caregivers who are going through similar situations. Lastly, consulting with a caregiving professional or disease specific organization could also help families navigate and provide valuable resources.
If you wish to learn more about caregiving resources, call our Aging, Disability, and Caregiving Resources Line at 703-324-7948 or visit FairfaxCounty.gov/OlderAdults.
Wednesday, August 9, Noon-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. Presented by Allegra Joffe and Diane Watson. Online registration: bit.ly/DementiaFriendlyFairfax or call 703-324-2019.
Wednesday, August 16, Noon-1 p.m.
In this webinar, Jessica Johns, M.D., neurologist from VCU Department of Neurology, will educate caregivers on understanding brain injury and its effects on their loved one, as well as how to cope with a sudden and sometimes life altering injury where caregiving is unexpected and can affect their relationships, finances, living environment and overall wellness. Online registration: bit.ly/CAREWEB1 or call 703-324-2019.
Friday, August 25, 2-3 p.m.
While many family caregivers find purpose and meaning in their journey, they often experience isolation and feelings of stress and burnout. In this panel conversation, we will explore the importance of creating and finding systems of support that will help them in the journey. In addition, we will learn about the different resources available to them. Panelists include Erica Wrenn, M.S., CCC-SLP, with Fairfax County Health Department; Jack Tarr, support group facilitator, The Shepherd’s Center of Fairfax/Burke; Richard Faircloth, Ph.D., support group facilitator, Well Spouse Association; and Gordon Dean, support group facilitator, NAMI. Online registration: bit.ly/AAAPanel or call 703-324-2019.
Wednesday, August 30, Noon-1 p.m.
The Public Health Emergency (PHE) placed a temporary “pause” on “normal” Medicaid requirements for Long Term Services & Supports (LTSS) - Medicaid recipients. Now that the PHE has ended, the flexibilities are over. “Normal” processes resume, such as the return of Medicaid renewals, on-going services, and month to month spenddowns. Join Joan Irwin, Fairfax County DFS Public Assistance and Employment Services LTSS Intake Supervisor, as she explains what happens next and how you can help your family member prepare for the new “normal.” This presentation will provide some clarity on why some adults may no longer qualify for Medicaid (or Medicaid services) now that the PHE has ended and explain what other resources exist for those who will no longer qualify for Medicaid or Medicaid services. Online registration: bit.ly/CAREWEB1 or call 703-324-2019.
When it’s time to renew your Medicaid coverage, you will receive a renewal packet in the mail. You can renew your coverage in any of these ways:
It’s very important that your contact information is correct or you will not receive a renewal packet. To update contact information:
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.
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: FairfaxCounty.gov/FamilyServices/public-assistance-employment-services/medical-care-for-children.
(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)
For many of us, our photos have become overwhelming. Framed photo collages fill our walls while albums crowd our bookshelves; never mind the boxes of loose photos and negatives taking up space in closets, attics, and garages. Add to those the photos, albums, and scrapbooks inherited from parents and grandparents.
Without knowing where to start, downsizing and organizing a photo collection can be overwhelming, often because of the emotion involved. However, with some initial planning and decision-making, getting your photo collection to a place where it is manageable, organized, easily searchable and properly preserved for future generations is possible.
Organizing your photo collection will require an investment on your part, but the form of the investment will vary. If you choose to tackle the project yourself, your investment will primarily be your time. If you have the means, you may choose to invest your money by hiring a professional photo organizer to tackle the project for you. Regardless of the route you choose, here are a few questions to consider before getting started:
After considering these questions, you should have a vision in mind of your final photo collection. If you plan to complete the work yourself, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time.
To get started, the first thing you’ll need to do is gather your photos and store them in a single location. Consider investing in a few plastic storage bins to house the collection in one place while you work on the project. Pull albums off shelves, retrieve bins and boxes of photos from the garage, collect framed photos from around your house, check drawers for loose photos, and strip photos off your fridge. When you are confident that you have every photo, you are ready to begin sorting and purging.
If you can, find a dedicated space where you can store your photos and work on the project. A spare bedroom or rarely used formal dining room table are good options.
One reason why people choose to hire a professional photo organizer to deal with their collections is this step. We tend to lose all track of time as we look through old photos and reminisce. Additionally, the thought of throwing away photos of loved ones can be gut-wrenching. If your albums are old and disintegrating, consider removing your photos but keep them together in batches for sorting. If your albums contain written information about the people pictured, copy it onto post-it notes or index cards to keep with the photos while you sort your collection. It’s also advisable to wear gloves and a mask if your albums or storage boxes are dusty or moldy.
Professionals suggest creating and applying clear criteria to what is kept and what is thrown away. Here are a few suggestions for what to keep and what to toss:
Throw away photos of sunrises, sunsets, landscapes, landmarks, and miscellaneous travel photos.
If you decide to digitize all or a portion of your collection, consider whether you want to scan your photos yourself or hire someone to do this for you. If you choose to hire someone, carefully research the vendor to ensure the scans are high quality and your privacy will be protected. Also ask what method they use to scan photos to ensure that it is appropriate for your collection. Some methods may not be safe for old, delicate photos. Also ask about any other services they offer. Some professional photo organizers who digitize collections will add metadata to scans to make the photos searchable.
If you decide to scan your collection yourself, here are a few tips:
Once you have digitized your photos, you can now store your downsized photo collection. To ensure that your photos are well-preserved, experts recommend storing photos in containers made from archival materials. Unlike plastic bins, archival boxes allow air to circulate, preventing mold from growing. Photos should no longer be stored in a garage, crawl space or attic. Instead, find a spot in your home where the temperature and humidity are consistent. For framed photos, professionals recommend that you frame a copy of the photo and store the original to preserve it.
If reading this article already makes you feel overwhelmed, you may want to consider hiring a professional photo organizer to handle some or all of your project. Ask yourself these questions:
For a deeper dive into organizing your collection, check out these titles available from Fairfax County Public Library.
(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, and 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.
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 NVLTCOP’s volunteer program, or other nursing facility and assisted living concerns, please call 703-324-5861, TTY 711, or contact us by email at NVLTCOP@FairfaxCounty.gov.
(by Kat Williams, Volunteer Fairfax)
The Retired & Senior Volunteer Program of Northern Virginia (RSVP-NV) is part of AmeriCorps Seniors, which focuses on making public service a central part of the American experience. But what does that mean for the individual volunteer in our program? RSVP-NV recruits, orients, and places volunteers at community-based organizations in the Fairfax, Alexandria, and Arlington areas, creating a community of like-minded adults aged 55 and better.
Are you interested in serving your community in a way that suits your schedule, skills, and interests? Nationally, AmeriCorps RSVP programs pair thousands of Americans aged 55+ with organizations making change in their communities across the country, and RSVP-NV is ready to connect with and support you.
RSVP-NV volunteers choose how, where and when they want to donate their time, strengths, and efforts, with commitments ranging from a few hours a month to 40 hours per week with more than 40 local organizations. You can find opportunities with the many organizations that we work with that see service as a solution to local, regional, and national challenges. AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers report better health and longevity having served their community.
The strength of the RSVP-NV program is threefold:
Choose RSVP-NV and our team will get to know you personally and learn about your interests and how you’d like to use your time and skills in volunteer service. Information sessions are held twice monthly, both virtually via Zoom and in-person at the office of our sponsor, Volunteer Fairfax. Dates and registration for upcoming sessions are posted on our website, VolunteerFairfax.org/Programs/rsvp-nova.
RSVP-NV volunteers hold a special place in the hearts of our partner organizations for they are often the most reliable and eager volunteers. Like the honeybee that symbolizes RSVP-NV, our volunteers work their way into the nonprofit ecosystem and take a pivotal role in the chain of service. At the first immediate call for help, RSVP-NV volunteers swarm the community, find needs and gaps, and fill them in with their precious time. While one volunteer may not be able to provide all the assistance needed, our army of volunteers helps create bridges and ensure that resources get distributed to the most vulnerable populations. Entire communities become empowered.
As citizens, we all have the responsibility to take an active role in society and to consider the interests and concerns of others in our communities. RSVP-NV serves as a vital resource in pointing volunteers to food pantries, tutoring centers, or other locations in need of extra hands to achieve the goal of a stronger, more resilient community. Join RSVP-NV today and enjoy the benefits of mileage, meal reimbursement, and supplemental insurance as you connect and build relationships around meaningful and impactful service. Contact: kcoon@volunteerfairfax.org
(by Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions Recruitment Coordinator)
Are you looking for new ways to help your community? Check out the volunteer opportunities below or go to bit.ly/FFXVOLUNTEER for many more.
The 2023 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics (NVSO) will be held September 9-24. Volunteers are vital to its success and needed to support more than 70 events at 25 venues. Go to NVSO.US for more information.
GrandInvolve is looking for older adult volunteers to help in Title I elementary schools as mentors, tutors, classroom assistants, and more. They 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.
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.
ACCA provides day care, food, rental assistance, furniture, and other services to low-income families in the Annandale and Bailey’s Crossroads region. Individual volunteers perform nearly all of ACCA’s work. Schedules are flexible. Many tasks can be done from home. All recipients of these services are screened and referred to ACCA by social service agencies. Learn more about opportunities at accacares.org/volunteering or email volunteers@accacares.org.
Volunteer Solutions offers various opportunities to provide support to older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers, one-on-one, or in senior and adult day healthcare centers. Drivers, grocery shoppers, and social visitors are needed. Especially in the Alexandria and Annandale regions. Create new connections and help decrease social isolation. Skilled volunteers are needed across Fairfax County in senior centers. 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.
Do you or someone you know have room in your heart and home to support children in foster care? There are children in our community who need safe, stable, and loving homes. Fairfax County Department of Family Services is recruiting foster parents to care for medically fragile infants, teenagers (ages 13 and up), and large sibling groups (three or more). We need your help in spreading the word about the need for foster parents to support the 200 children in foster care in our community. For more information about this and other ways to support foster families, please visit our website bit.ly/DFS-FCA, email or call our foster parent recruiter at Maya.Mohindroo@FairfaxCounty.gov or 703-324-7480.
(by Carly Mullinax, Department of Emergency Management and Security)
A community’s strength can be measured by the commitment and abilities of those who live in it. Those who are willing to serve their community through volunteerism can act as the glue that holds it together, as well as a catalyst for growth. If you have a desire to serve others and empower them to be prepared and resilient in the face of disaster, the Emergency Management Volunteer Corps needs people like you to join!
Volunteering is a wonderful way to gain new skills and knowledge, as well as give back to the community you live in. Volunteers with the Emergency Management Volunteer Corps will learn about the County’s approach to preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters and emergencies, as well as mitigating the effects of future incidents. Volunteers will receive training to learn how the Department of Emergency Management and Security educates the public but will also have the opportunity to take trainings to learn skills such as CPR and bleeding control techniques. Our volunteers support our emergency managers and other public safety entities and are an invaluable partner in the mission of strengthening the resiliency of Fairfax County.
The Emergency Management Volunteer Corps volunteers staff public events, give presentations, teach public trainings (Introduction to Preparedness and Until Help Arrives), and are provided with opportunities to offer disaster incident support through the Volunteer Emergency Team (VET).
If you are interested in learning more or signing up to volunteer with Fairfax County’s Department of Emergency Management and Security, visit Volunteer.FairfaxCounty.gov/custom/1380/opp_details/183256.
If you would like to learn more about what we do and see our volunteers in action, attend one of our virtual or in-person events and see how volunteers play a part in making our community resilient in the face of disaster. Find out what events and trainings coming up at FairfaxCounty.gov/Emergency/ReadyFairfax.
(by Beth Ann Margetta, 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 July 19 COA meeting, the COA elected officers and continued discussion of the implementation of the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan and initiative development committees. The COA is in recess in August and will reconvene in September.
The non-profit Shepherd's Centers are sponsored by local area congregations, corporate partners, community groups, and individuals to serve adults 50 and older. The centers offer free transportation for medical appointments and non-medical needs (e.g. grocery shopping) for adults 50+ who live in their center’s service area and are able to independently get in and out of a car. Although this service is free to the client, and is not means qualified, you must apply for it. Once accepted, a request for a ride must be made at least five days in advance. Individual centers also offer additional programs and services. Visit the website or call the center in your area for more information.
Interested in volunteering at a Shepherd's Center? Contact a center to learn more:
Northern Virginia Senior Olympics (NVSO)
Register now to compete in the NVSO, taking place September 9-24. Registration closes August 24. There is a $20 registration fee and participants can enter as many events as they like. The competition is open to people 50 and older who reside in Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, and Prince William counties, or the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax and Falls Church. For more information and to register, visit nvso.us.
John Weber Senior Bowling League (55+)
New and experienced bowlers, both men and women, are welcome to join this full handicap, noncompetitive senior bowling league. We bowl at the Falls Church Bowl America on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10 a.m. from Labor Day week to early May. Enjoy fellowship and recreation while you maintain an active lifestyle. For more information and to sign up, contact league president Jim Allison at 703-323-8132.
Virtual Memory Café
First Friday of Every Month at 1 p.m.
Please join Senior Helpers & Senior Life Enrichment for a virtual Memory Café. We host a once-a-month group for caregivers and their loved ones living with memory loss, mild cognitive impairment or dementia to meet with others for support, companionship and fun. It is a one hour Zoom meeting. You can attend virtually from zoom.com by clicking on Join and using the following meeting and passcode: Meeting ID: 863 0646 8210; Passcode: 448135. For any other questions or to be added to the reminders, please email bdesai@seniorhelpers.com.
Friends of the Centreville Regional Library Back to School Book Sale
August 4, 1-5 p.m.; August 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; August 6, 1-4 p.m. bag sale
Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. Germain Drive, Centreville
Discover fiction for all ages and a variety of nonfiction selections. Special discount for teachers with ID. For more information, email FriendsofCRL@gmail.com.
Brain Health and Exercise
Wednesday, August 9, 1-2:30 p.m.
Free Hybrid Event - virtual and in-person
When you think of fitness, you probably picture weights or running. But what about brain fitness? There are many activities and cognitive interventions that can help keep your brain sharp too! Learn more, including activities you can do to maintain brain fitness as you age. In-person attendance limited to 20 participants and will be held in the Mazawey Education and Support Center, 3955 Pender Drive, Suite 100, Fairfax. Virtual attendees will receive Zoom information prior to the class. Register at insightmcc.org/events.
Moving Stories with Sloka Iyengar
Tuesday August 15, 1-2 p.m.
Arts for the Aging event 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; Passcode: 3636
Tech Tuesday
August 15 and 29, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
Learn about privacy settings on your smart phone: Android devices on August 15 and Apple devices on August 29. 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; Passcode: 3636
Poetry Beneath the Stars
Saturday, August 19, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Turner Farm Park, 925 Springvale Road, Great Falls
Fairfax Poet Laureate Danielle Badra invites stargazers to contemplate the cosmos through poetic form. Attendees will read and write star-gazing poetry while staring up at the marvelous milky way. This event will include a telescope viewing in the Roll Top Observatory, weather permitting. More information at ArtsFairfax.org/poetry-in-the-parks.
LBGTQ+ Care Partner Support Group
Wednesday, August 23, 1-2 p.m.
Insight Memory Care Center, 3955 Pender Drive, Suite 100, Fairfax
This group is specifically designed for the unique needs, challenges and experiences of LGBTQ+ care partners for individuals living with dementia. Get to know others in a safe space and have the opportunity to share personal concerns and successes. Register at insightmcc.org/events.
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.