Department of Family Services Alert:
Learn to Recognize and Speak Out Against Ageism
October 7 is Ageism Awareness Day, an opportunity to reflect on ageism and its impact. To help us better recognize ageism, understand its wide-ranging and negative impacts, and learn strategies to combat it, we spoke to Dr. Tracey Gendron, Chair of the Department of Gerontology at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Gendron is a leading authority on the issues of age bias and discrimination and the toll they take on both individuals and society. She explores these issues, along with the history of age bias, in her book “Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End it.” Read more.
50+Expos Return this Fall in Virginia and Maryland
The Beacon newspaper is pleased to announce the return of its in-person 50+Expos this October. Thousands of older adults and their families are expected to attend the free annual events, featuring a range of valuable resources, informative speakers, health screenings, volunteer opportunities and entertaining activities tailored to their interests and needs. Read more.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Aids in Reducing Opioid Overdoses
You can participate in helping reduce the number of opioid overdoses on October 28. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a nationwide event aimed at reducing the number of expired, unused, or unwanted medications available to vulnerable individuals who may seek to misuse or abuse these substances. As opioid overdoses continue to impact individuals of all ages and backgrounds, one way to reduce access to these substances is to properly dispose of prescription medications. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, prescription drugs thrown in the trash can be retrieved to be abused or illegally sold, and drugs flushed down toilets contaminate the water supply. Read more.
How to Show Support for the LGBTQ+ Community
The LGBTQ+ community is diverse, and many people make the choice to come out or keep their identity private for different reasons. Some people may choose to come out because of their life circumstances, such as a transgender person who wants to go by a different name and pronouns or a gay person who starts dating someone of the same gender. But many LGBTQ+ people who choose to come out do so because they want to share who they are, either with their loved ones or with everyone in their life. Read more.
(by Karen Kelly, Department of Family Services)
Every October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) aims to recognize the essential role people with disabilities play in our nation’s economic success through employment. This year’s theme is "Advancing Access and Equity.” According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, 21.3 percent of persons with a disability were employed in 2022, up from 19.1 percent in 2021.
Fairfax County Department of Family Services is proud to participate in NDEAM each year. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recognizes the contributions of workers with disabilities and introduces a proclamation to celebrate Disability Employment Awareness Month. Chairman Jeff McKay presents the proclamation on behalf of the board to acknowledge the importance of supportive, inclusive policies that benefit all employees and to help educate the public about disability employment issues. Fairfax County Government values the contributions of all people, including those of individuals with disabilities and celebrates in their accomplishments.
(by the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program)
Medicare 101 Workshops, led by the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP), are for individuals and their care partners who will soon be eligible for Medicare or have Medicare and would like to learn more about it. In-person workshops have limited seating. Registration is required. Registration for library events begins 30 days prior to the presentation date. Register online or call VICAP at 703-324-5851, TTY 711.
Monday, October 2, 2-3:30 p.m., In-Person
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Avenue, Falls Church
Visit mrspl.org/Medicare101 or call Marshall Webster at 703-248-5141.
Tuesday, October 3, Noon-1:30 p.m., In-Person
Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Road, Reston
Visit bit.ly/3rVQ5Co or call 703-476-4500.
Tuesday, October 10, 6-7:30 p.m., In-Person and Virtual
Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church
Visit librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/10726995 or call 703-790-8088.
Monday, October 16, 1-2:30 p.m., In-Person
Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton
Visit librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/10751811 or call 703-339-7385.
Thursday, October 19, 10-11:30 a.m., In-Person
Providence Community Center, 3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax
Call 703-865-0520.
Monday, October 23, 7-8:30 p.m., In-Person
Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Ln, Alexandria
Visit librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/10667605 or call 703-765-3645.
Friday, October 27, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., In-Person
Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria
Visit librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/10641294 or call 703-339-4610.
Wednesday, November 1, 2-3:30 p.m., In-Person
Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke
Visit librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/10655374 or call 703-978-5600.
Monday, November 6, 5-6:30 p.m., Virtual
Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston
Visit bit.ly/3YnEHLL or call 703-476-4500.
Wednesday, November 8, 2-3:30 p.m., In-Person and Virtual
Thomas Jefferson Library, 7415 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church
Visit librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/10708875 or call 703-573-1060.
Thursday, November 9, 2-3:30 p.m., In-Person
Centreville Regional Library, 14200 Saint Germain Drive, Centreville
Visit librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/11037110 or call 703-830-2223.
Monday, November 13, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Virtual
Virtual Center for Active Adults (VCAA)
Visit bit.ly/vcaaVICAP23 or 703-324-4600.
Thursday, November 16, 3:30-5 p.m., In-Person
Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly
Visit librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/10836193 or call 703-502-3883.
Friday, November 17, Noon-1 p.m., Virtual
Visit bit.ly/47BCxwj or call Hilda Naranjo at 703-324-5851.
(by the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination)
Is your homeowners or condominium owners association interested in installing electric vehicle charging stations but not sure where to start?
With more and more electric vehicles on the road, Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination is launching the Charge Up Fairfax pilot program to make installing shared charging stations easier and more affordable in multi-family condo, cluster and townhome communities.
Electric vehicles, or EVs, are better for the environment and less expensive to fuel and maintain than gas-powered vehicles. Rebate and incentive programs for the purchase of EVs – including federal tax credits of up to $7,500 – are reducing the cost and driving up demand.
Electric vehicles are the fastest-growing segment of the auto industry, with record sales of 300,000 in the second quarter of 2023, a 48% increase from a year earlier. And EV sales in the U.S. are forecasted to reach 40 to 50% of total passenger car sales by 2030.
The convenience of at-home charging makes EV ownership more practical, but that can be a barrier for residents of HOAs and COAs who may not have access to power near their parking space. Community associations that offer green amenities like EV charging stations are more attractive to homeowners and renters.
HOA communities that apply and are accepted into the Charge Up Fairfax pilot program will receive a site visit and assessment from an engineering firm, paid for by the county. If the HOA decides to proceed with the purchase and installation of Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations, they’ll hire a contractor to perform the necessary permitting, electrical upgrades, installation of equipment, and final inspection.
Following installation, HOAs participating in the program can seek reimbursement for some of the costs. All HOAs will be eligible for one-third of eligible expenses, up to $5,000. HOA communities classified as having high or very high vulnerability in the Fairfax County Vulnerability Index or classified as disadvantaged in the Federal Government’s Justice40 Initiative, will be eligible for up to $10,000.
The application period for the Charge Up Fairfax pilot program will close on November 12, 2023.
More information about the Charge Up Fairfax pilot program and how to apply can be found on the OEEC website at FairfaxCounty.gov/environment-energy-coordination/charge-up-fairfax.
(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)
October 12 is National Ombudsman Day, a day of recognition highlighting the valuable services provided by ombudsmen nationwide. In our community, the Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (NVLTCOP) assists residents and consumers to ensure quality of care and quality of life. These ombudsmen fulfill many roles – advocating for quality care for people receiving long-term care services, resolving complaints against long-term care providers, educating the public about long-term care issues, and providing training to long-term care staff. The Fairfax County Department of Family Services commends NVLTCOP staff and volunteers for their hard work and advocacy to ensure the health and safety of long-term care residents in our community. For more information, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/FamilyServices/older-adults/long-term-care-ombudsman-program.
(by the Office of Elections)
Early voting for the Nov. 7 general election is underway, and you can cast your ballot now through Nov. 4, the last day to vote early.
Currently, three locations are available for early voting on weekdays:
Starting Thursday, Oct. 26, however, an additional 13 early voting sites will be offered on weekdays from 1 to 7 p.m.
Early voting will also be offered on two Saturdays: Oct. 28 and Nov. 4 with every site open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Once again, early voting will be offered on a Sunday: Oct. 29 with all sites open from 1 to 7 p.m.
Before you go to vote, please double check voting hours and find the complete list of locations at FairfaxCounty.gov/Elections/early-voting.
Local and state races are on the ballot:
Find a sample ballot online at FairfaxCounty.gov/Elections/sample-ballots.
On Election Day – Tuesday, Nov. 7 – every polling place will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For more information or questions, contact the Fairfax County Office of Elections at 703-222-0776, TTY 711, on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(by Camden Doran, Long-Term Care Ombudsman)
Residents’ Rights Month is celebrated every October to honor residents in long-term care (LTC) facilities, such as nursing and assisted living facilities, and for consumers receiving LTC services in the community. Residents’ Rights Month is an opportunity to focus on and celebrate the dignity and rights of every individual receiving long-term services and supports. Residents’ rights are guaranteed by federal and state laws and are critical components of quality care and of life for all residents.
This year’s theme for Residents’ Rights Month is “Amplify Our Voices.” As residents’ voices are the most important at the decision-making table, this year’s theme emphasizes communities of LTC residents coming together to make their voices heard and to share their experiences. To learn more information about and to participate in activities related to Residents’ Rights Month, visit National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care’s website at National Consumer Voice (theconsumervoice.org).
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. For more information about residents’ rights, or other nursing facility and assisted living concerns, please call the NVLTCOP at 703-324-5861, TTY 711, or email NVLTCOP@fairfaxcounty.gov.
(by Angela Folly Morlu, Department of Family Services)
When you first meet Gina Marquez-Rey and Antoinette Robilliard D'Onofrio, the first thing that strikes you is their shared warmth and open personalities. These Latina women have a lot of love to share with others around them and it shows particularly in the way they care for their young son Alejandro.
You see, Alejandro – or “Ale” as his moms affectionately call him – is only 2 years old, and he has been through more struggles in those two years than many people experience in a lifetime. His mothers, Antoinette and Gina relish in every accomplishment and milestone that he achieves. At 50 and 58 years old, the time when many are winding down their parenting journey, these two are just embarking on the journey of a lifetime.
The couple decided to become foster parents and started the process in March 2017. Gina is a social worker by profession and while she did an internship in Child Protective Services, she was deeply impacted by the cases she encountered. Gina shared some stories with Antoinette about the children and families she met through her work. Antoinette was so moved by learning of the hundreds of children who had been abused or neglected and who needed support that she wanted to do something, to be a foster parent to help make a difference for the children and families.
Gina has two grown children from a previous marriage, but for Antoinette, parenting would be a new experience. Two years after they wedded, Antoinette told Gina, “There are so many kids out there who are already in need.” Gina warned Antoinette that it would be hard, and probably temporary, but that’s when they decided to help and be a part of this group of people that provide foster care.
“In Peru, where we both come from, too often you find out about these cases after something fatal happens and it’s in the news,” said Antoinette. Both were eager to get involved here, so “We looked around and found Fairfax County social services, then we started the application process,” said Antoinette. Ultimately through the training process, they heard again and again that it would be hard, but they knew, “It’s not about us, it’s about giving a little bit of hope and a better life to these kids for at least six months, four months, two months or so,” said Antoinette.
Once they were certified, they quickly got their first placement, a little boy. For six months they cared for him from the age of 18 months, and as Gina said, “It’s one thing to be a social worker, or working in the system and be on one side of the table, and another thing when you are on the other side as a foster parent.” He went home to his biological mother, and a few months later he was back in foster care with a baby brother who Gina and Antoinette took in as well. It was such a beautiful time for them to care for a newborn, and the older child they had grown to love.
However, it was a disappointing experience for them, too. At the time Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption was seeking a long-term placement for the boys, and Gina and Antoinette did not want to get their hopes up, so they wanted to wait for the judge to decide if the brothers would be legally adoptable. The children were ultimately placed with other families, and while they are able to still keep in touch, it was a difficult loss for them, and it took some time to heal and be open to another placement.
They started back tentatively by answering the call to go daily to hold and comfort a baby boy in the hospital NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). The child, Alejandro, had been born substance exposed, and he required a lot of specialized care. Antoinette and Gina visited him every day in the NICU for the first three months of his life until he was discharged in November 2021 and came home with them. For almost a year, they cared for him while his biological father tried to get himself to a place that he could be responsible for Alejandro.
Tragically, just a few weeks before going to court, the father passed away due to an overdose, and at that time the biological mother signed away her parental rights. Antoinette and Gina were asked to consider adopting Alejandro. They were at a crossroads. Gina’s grown daughters had made them grandparents twice over in 2020 and they wanted time to dote on those babies. They knew adoption would be difficult and require a lot of them, because Alejandro had significant developmental delays requiring treatments and therapies to help him learn to walk, talk, and eat. Antoinette and Gina were afraid, but they were committed to giving Alejandro the best life possible.
They compromised by taking him everywhere and raising him alongside those grandbabies. In the process, Alejandro has accomplished things the doctors doubted he could. They were told that he would never walk if he hadn’t started by age 2, but he is still making strides. He is sitting up, standing on his own, and getting stronger every day.
According to Gina, “Now we are at a point in our lives that we love to travel and go everywhere, and he's part of it. Alejandro's the reason, he's not an excuse not to do things. He enjoys the trips as much as we do, and the therapists and doctors have commented that Ale comes back from vacations in a much better mood, more relaxed and willing to learn or practice more exercises.”
The adoption was finalized on July 25, 2023, and it was a very emotional ceremony. The couple is excited to legally call him their son. Gina said, “The foster care workers assigned to this placement have been amazing. Each of them has helped us during all the process, making our journey, especially Alejandro’s, smoother and easier.” He is just a part of the family now. Gina’s adult daughters, Aurora (35), and Claudia (33), have been a great support group, present in every step of Alejandro’s development. “They have also given us three wonderful grandsons who love Alejandro very much and are always going to be part of Ale’s life,” she said.
These ladies truly feel that age is just a number, and that they are blessed to have the opportunity to care for Alejandro. Antoinette has put her catering business on hold to be Alejandro’s primary caregiver. She said, “We think that with love everything is possible! Every time we were informed about any issue or possible challenge that Alejandro could experience during his life, it made us more sure that God has brought Alejandro in our lives to live and take care of him, and make sure he has all the tools he needs to have the best life, be always loved by us and our extended family, and always be happy.”
“You know, you don't have to be blood related if you really care, and I think he, even though he's struggling … you know he's thriving because of his environment,” said Gina.
The family just celebrated Alejandro’s second birthday. Relatives including Antoinette’s mother, sister, and nephew all came to visit from Peru for the adoption and birthday celebrations. The entire family including grandmother, aunts, uncles, and cousins speak Spanish to Alejandro to keep him grounded in his heritage. (He understands English through his various therapies.) His biological dad was of Columbian descent and really wanted Alejandro to be raised by a Latin American family.
They have taken him to Peru twice as well, and Gina and Antoinette go out of their way to help him understand aspects of Latin culture, religion, language, and heritage. They can tell that he understands more and more, because he now makes eye contact, grabs the hands of those caring for him, gives hugs and kisses. These are milestones that doctors were not sure he would reach. Gina summed it up well, “It’s amazing to see what love can do.”
Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption is always looking for families with room in their hearts and homes to become foster parents. To learn more visit bit.ly/DFS-FCA or email BeAFosterParent@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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)
Reflecting on the rewards of caregiving can be helpful for family caregivers during difficult times. Family caregiving can be overwhelming and stressful at times and caregivers can sometimes find it difficult to see the positive and rewarding aspects of caregiving.
Rewards in caregiving may include:
Consider taking time each day to practice gratefulness by reflecting on the rewards. Consider making a list of what you find rewarding. Journal, meditate, and share what you find rewarding with trusted friends or a support group. It can be helpful to your emotional wellbeing to bring the rewards to the forefront of your mind each day. If you wish to learn more about caregiving resources, call our Aging, Disability, and Caregiver Resource Line at 703-324-7948 or visit FairfaxCounty.gov/OlderAdults.
Wednesday, October 4, Noon-1 p.m.
This webinar is presented by Bill Vaughan, volunteer, Virginia Insurance Counseling & Assistance Program (VICAP). This training is for individuals who will be eligible for Medicare and want to learn about their options. The session will provide an overview of the many components of Medicare: Part A (inpatient hospitalization/skilled nursing), Part B (outpatient hospital/doctors/labs/radiology), Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans), and Part D (prescription drugs), as well as how to cover the gaps in Medicare benefits through Medicare Supplement Plans. Register online at bit.ly/CAREWEB1 or call 571-407-6961.
Wednesday, October 11, 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, social services specialist with Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, and Diane Watson, Dementia Friends champion volunteer. Register online at bit.ly/FFXDementiaSeries or call 571-407-6961.
Friday, October 18, Noon-1 p.m.
This training is for individuals who are interested in learning more about Medicare coverage. The session will provide an overview of advanced Medicare details, such as the Medicare.gov website, the latest regulatory changes and key legislative proposals, as well as provide individuals an opportunity to ask more complex questions. Register online at bit.ly/CAREWEB1 or call 571-407-6961.
Friday, October 20, Noon-1 p.m.
In this presentation, Dr. Max Luna, M.D., associate professor of medicine at the University of Virginia, will talk about the importance of recognizing cardiovascular health needs and the most important causes of heart disease in Latinos. In addition, he will explore ways to reduce and prevent heart disease. This presentation will be in Spanish. Register online at bit.ly/CharlasEducativas or call 703-324-5484.
Friday, October 27, 2-3 p.m.
If you are raising a relative’s child, you are a Kinship Caregiver. Nearly three million children in the United States, about 70,000 children in Virginia, and close to 4,000 children in Fairfax are being raised in kinship care by grandparents, relatives, or close family friends when their parents are unable to do so. The 2020 American Community Survey indicates that over 3,800 grandparents are raising grandchildren in Fairfax County. Join this panel to discuss unique challenges and how rewarding kinship caregiving can be. Explore how to handle family dynamics and boundaries, and how to find support and resources. Panelists include Robyn Wind, GRAND Voices Support Coordinator, Generations United, Mary Elizabeth S. Fleming, MS, Parent Education Program Coordinator, Fairfax County Department of Family Services, Sarah Smalls, Kinship Family Consultant, Formed Families Forward. Register online at bit.ly/AAAPanel call 571-407-6961.
The Northern Virginia Dementia Care Consortium has been educating caregivers since 1986. This year’s conference keynote speaker is Dr. Aaron Blight, an international speaker and consultant on caregiving, aging and healthcare, and the founder of Caregiving Kinetics. Join us to become better prepared to provide care and support at home or in a facility, learn new ways to engage individuals with dementia, and visit with exhibitors who offer supportive services. Topics include Building Caregiver Resilience: A Framework for Care, Understanding Dementia for Caregivers, Practical Tips in Caregiving, From Confusion to Clarity: Demystifying Advance Care Planning & the Essential Documents for Advocacy, Caring for the Spirit of the Family Caregiver, Simple, Delicious & Nutritious, and A Patriotic Celebration Honoring our Veteran’s with the Sentimental Journey Singers.
The conference will be held in-person on Friday, November 10, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Korean Central Presbyterian Church, 15451 Lee Hwy, Centreville. To learn more about this conference, each day's sessions, speakers, and registration, visit nvdcc.com or call 703-578-7431.
(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 COA are appointed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the City Councils of the City of Fairfax and the City of Falls Church.
At the September 20 COA meeting, the COA continued discussion of the formation of the Initiative Development Committees as part of the implementation of the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan. Each SHAPE Committee team is facilitated by two Fairfax Area COA commissioners, or “COA Advocates,” and is comprised of citizens and representatives from community-based organizations. They have each met and reviewed SHAPE recommendations to determine short, medium, and long-term goals to complete as part of the five-year SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan. SHAPE Initiative Development Committee meetings will be ongoing through the duration of the plan.
COA Meeting, Wednesday, October 18, 1 p.m.
In Person: Pennino Building, 12011 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax, Room 200 & 206
To obtain meeting materials, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/FamilyServices/Older-Adults/Fairfax-Area-Commission-on-Aging/Meetings or contact Elizabeth.Margetta@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-324-5635. For ADA accommodations, contact Ana.Valdivia@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 571-407-6960 TTY: VA Relay 711.
(by Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions Recruitment Coordinator)
The annual Venture into Volunteering Fair is returning in-person in 2023 and you won’t want to miss it!
Have you been thinking about volunteering? Are you looking to add new and enriching activities to your life? Looking for a purposeful way to spend your free time and create new connections?
Come to the Venture into Volunteering Fair at the Springfield Town Center on the lower level, Sunday, October 15, 2023, noon-4 p.m.! Representatives from county and nonprofit organizations will be there to share information about a wide variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the region. There’s something for everyone! Whether you have an hour or two to give, or you’re looking for a bigger commitment, you’re likely to find an opportunity that works for you. Go to bit.ly/VOLFAIR for more details on this event.
This year, the volunteer fair will happen in conjunction with the Beacon 50+ Expo which will be on the upper level. The 50+ Expo offers a wide array of information on local resources for older adults, as well as health screenings, flu shots, and vaccines. Both events are free and there will be door prizes!
(by Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions Recruitment Coordinator)
Think about all the errands you have. What if you couldn’t drive to get these completed? If you own a car, your help is needed for local older adults who need rides to medical appointments, grocery shopping, food banks, and more. The non-profit Shepherd's Centers are sponsored by local area congregations, corporate partners, community groups, and individuals. They offer free transportation to community members (50 and older) who live in their center’s service area and can independently get in and out of a car. Volunteers are vital to this program's operations. Please consider helping to sustain these important programs by signing up to drive your neighbors. Schedules are flexible. Even a few hours per month can make a meaningful difference.
Contact the center in your area for more information:
Don't let ongoing health problems stop you from living the life you enjoy. Fairfax County's Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is a FREE six-week group interactive workshop series for individuals who are interested in learning how to live better by effectively managing their ongoing health conditions. Learn positive strategies for better overall health, such as managing pain & fatigue, sleeping and eating better, increasing physical activity and so much more! Connect with others managing similar concerns. Take control of your health and improve your overall happiness! Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., October 19-November 30 (no class on Nov. 23). Space is limited, and preregistration is required: tinyurl.com/CDSMP123. For more information, please call Kristin Martin, 703-324-7577, TTY 711, or email Kristin.Martin@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Love to Play Soccer?
Players 50+ are invited to join the Fairfax Over 50 Soccer League. We play outdoor, year-round, full-field, 11 vs. 11 with paid, licensed referees on Fairfax County fields. We play competitively while staying safe. We are also adding an Over 60 Division this season. We are members of USASA. Dues are required to join. For more information, visit leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=fo5sl
Computer Literacy Series
Fridays in October, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Hosted by the Virtual Center for Active Adults.
Oct. 6-Understanding and Using Email: Setting it up, sending and receiving email, managing email safely, email etiquette.
Oct. 13-Social Media Part 1: Making an account, understanding profiles and their impact, posting on the timelines.
Oct. 20-Social Media Part 2: Managing posts, sending private messages, sharing posts, staying safe.
Oct. 27-Information Literacy: Steps for online research, effective internet searches, analyzing and evaluating results, organizing research, using research to make informed decisions.
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
Medications and Older Adults
Wednesday, October 11, 1-2:30 p.m.
Free hybrid event will be held virtually and in-person at Insight Memory Care Center, 3955 Pender Drive, Suite 100, Fairfax
Mind your Meds educates and raises awareness around medication safety and drug abuse prevention. Medical errors are the eighth leading cause of death in the United States, and a critical subgroup of these errors is that of patients who are harmed by pharmaceuticals that are intended to help them. Some mistakes occur in a hospital or other facility, yet a significant number take place at home. Learn more and register at InsightMCC.org/events.
We Danced: Our Story of Love and Dementia
Thursday, October 12, 6-7:30 p.m.
Free hybrid event will be held virtually and in-person at The Kensington Falls Church, 700 W Broad Street, Falls Church
AARP Virginia and Insight Memory Care Center present this Author Spotlight with Scott Rose. “We Danced” is Rose’s loving and thoughtfully written tribute to his wife and their years together, including her journey with frontotemporal dementia and his experiences as a care partner. Join us for this free, open discussion to learn about the dementia journey from a care partner’s perspective. Register online at InsightMCC.org/author-spotlight.
Beacon 50+Expo
Sunday, October 15, noon-4 p.m.
Springfield Town Center, 6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield
Attend this free event for older adults featuring valuable resources, informative speakers, health screenings, and entertaining activities. Vaccines for Covid, RSV, the flu, shingles, pneumonia, and tetanus will be available. Learn about volunteer opportunities at the “Venture into Volunteering Fair,” featuring more than 35 government agencies and nonprofits offering exciting volunteer opportunities. For additional information, call 301-949-9766 or visit TheBeaconNewspapers.com/50expos.
George Mason Friends Book Sale
Thursday, October 19-Sunday, October 22, 10 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.
George Mason Regional Library, 7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale
Browse a wide variety of high-quality used books, CDs, and DVDs. For more details, visit georgemasonfriends.blogspot.com or call 703-813-6616.
Friends of the Centreville Regional Library Fall School Book Sale
Friday, October 20, 1-5 p.m.; Saturday, October 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, October 22, noon-4 p.m.
Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. Germain Drive, Centreville
Shop for fiction for all ages and a variety of nonfiction. For more details, visit facebook.com/centrevillefriends or email FriendsofCRL@gmail.com.
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.