Department of Family Services Alert:
Winifred Evans is a Living Legend
Winifred Evans has lived a long and meaningful life, much of it in service to her country and to others. While admired by family, friends, and colleagues, 105-year-old Evans recently achieved wider recognition when she was honored with a Living Legend proclamation from the Military Women’s Memorial. While this designation was bestowed for her years of service with the U.S. Air Force, it has also brought attention to her many other accomplishments, including service with the Peace Corps and Red Cross, authoring several books, and serving as a charter member of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial. Read more.
Help Veterans in Our Community by Becoming a Medical Foster Home Caregiver
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) seeks caregivers to join the Medical Foster Home Program. A Medical Foster Home is a private, residential home that provides veterans an alternative to nursing home care. In a Medical Foster Home, a live-in caregiver provides 24-hour supervision and personal assistance for one to three veterans who require nursing home level of care. The care provided includes medical and mental health care, food preparation, spiritual support, and recreational activities. Read more.
Winter Weather Health and Safety
As leaves fall and temperatures drop, it is a good time to prepare for winter weather storms that can quickly become dangerous. Weather conditions can change multiple times a day, and even a slight change in temperature can determine if you’ll see rain, sleet, or snow. Consider these important health and safety guidelines to prepare for winter weather. Read more.
Let the Library Come to You
Do you, or someone you know, struggle to visit a library or read library books? The Access Services Library, part of the Fairfax County Public Library system and situated at the Government Center, offers two services for residents of Fairfax County who cannot physically visit the library or cannot read a book due to a disability. Read more.
(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 their October 18 meeting, the COA continued discussion of the implementation of the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan and Initiative Development Committees. SHAPE Initiative Development Committee meetings will be ongoing through the duration of the plan.
COA Meeting, Wednesday, November 15, 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.
Congratulations to the players of NOVA United, who celebrated their 20th anniversary in September! To recognize their many accomplishments and contributions to our community, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors honored NOVA United with a proclamation at their September 26 meeting.
(by Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority)
In an effort to provide more opportunities for Fairfax County older adults to affordably age in place, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA), together with development partner Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH), celebrate the grand opening of Oakwood Meadow Senior Residences. Located in the Kingstowne neighborhood of Alexandria, Oakwood Meadow offers 150 one- and two-bedroom apartments to qualifying adults aged 62 and older.
“During the past few years, we opened or began development on more than 400 affordable homes for Fairfax County’s older adults,” said Lenore Stanton, Chair, Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority. “Each unit enables another older adult to age in place affordably, and to continue to contribute to the community they built.”
“Our SHAPE the Future of Aging study cited affordable housing as a barrier for older adults wishing to live in Fairfax County post-retirement. All residents deserve the opportunity to remain in their community of choice, and Oakwood Meadow is the latest example of a successful public-private partnership to boost the housing stock for this growing population,” said Rodney Lusk, Supervisor, Franconia District.
“Oakwood Meadow shows that underutilized, vacant public property can be transformed into something beautiful that serves the people of our community,” said Jeffrey C. McKay, Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. “It also is an example of how affordable housing is – and can be – everywhere across Fairfax County.”
Location: 5815 South Van Dorn Street, Alexandria, 22310.
Size: 150 units of affordable older adult housing serving residents at or below 60 percent of Area Median Income (AMI).
Funding and Partnerships: Oakwood Meadow Senior Residences is made possible by a public-private partnership with APAH. In 2018, the FCRHA awarded APAH the rights to redevelop an underutilized stormwater retention area owned by the County into affordable apartments for independent seniors. In addition to the contribution of public land, Fairfax County and the FCRHA invested $5.25 million in local Housing Blueprint funding, nearly $12.6 million in revenue bond financing, and awarded eight federal project-based vouchers for the development. Additional financing for the development includes both four and nine percent Low-Income Housing Tax Credits awarded by Virginia Housing, funding through the Virginia Housing Trust Fund administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, and nearly $30 million in equity investments from Bank of America.
Property Ownership and Management: Oakwood Meadow is owned by APAH.
How to apply: Qualified individuals can apply via the Oakwood Meadow website: OakwoodMeadowSenior.com.
(by Mary Mulrenan, Land Development Services)
Permits are required for several types of home renovation projects. We may decide to make modifications to our home to help us age in place, or perhaps we’ll renovate to enhance our enjoyment of it, installing pools, spas, decks or enclosed porches. Building or land disturbance permits are required for many home improvement projects. So, how do you start the permit process?
Land Development Services (LDS) recommends you start at the new permit library, which can be found at FairfaxCounty.gov/landdevelopment/permit-library. The library helps residents discover whether a permit is required, which permit is needed, what documents are required, how long the process may take, and more.
Within the permit library, customers will find a page devoted to each record type. Popular residential “record types” include the following:
(All applications are now submitted through the Planning and Land Use System – PLUS at
plus.fairfaxcounty.gov/CitizenAccess/Welcome.aspx.)
Each page in the permit library is formatted in a similar way to provide consistency and quick reference across each record type:
You can find the permit library link on the left side of the LDS home page at FairfaxCounty.gov/landdevelopment.
If you have questions during the permitting process and prefer to speak to staff, you can call 703-222-0801. LDS also offers in-person and virtual customer support.
Herrity Building, 12055 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, Suite 324
Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and
Friday, 9:15 a.m.-4 p.m. (Visitors may not be added to in-person queues past 3:45 p.m.)
For virtual support, call to schedule an appointment or sign up online via the Meet with Staff page FairfaxCounty.gov/landdevelopment/meet-staff.
Planning a project that requires a Fairfax County permit? Attend our Building Permits 101 program on Wednesday, November 29, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Room 106 of the Herrity Building, 12055 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax.
Register online or call 703-324-2743.
(by the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board)
Each year, 1 in 5 people are likely to encounter a mental health challenge. If you, or anyone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis, the Regional Crisis Call Center is just a call or text away. Operating 24/7 around the clock, you can talk or text with empathetic and trained professionals who will offer immediate assistance, such as referrals for community services and guidance on behavioral health services. Simply dial the call center directly at 703-527-4077, or text 85511.
Through Marcus Alert Legislation, the Fairfax County Department of Public Safety (9-1-1) is coordinating with the Regional Crisis Call Center to connect people to mental health or behavioral health assistance in non-emergency situations. The Regional Crisis Call Center, required in the Marcus Alert law, serves as a hub connecting people with non-emergency behavioral health needs to phone support and resources, and regional mobile crisis teams to people desiring in-person support.
In Fairfax County, Marcus Alert protocols integrate seamlessly with existing initiatives, including Diversion First, and the Co-Responder Program, an existing partnership between Fairfax County Police Department and the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board. Crisis Intervention Teams are trained law enforcement paired with trained clinical staff responding to behavioral health related emergency and non-emergency calls in the community. First responders in the county are coordinating with behavioral health clinicians whenever feasible.
Help 9-1-1 and first responders by entering your health information on the Emergency Health Profile by visiting FairfaxCounty.gov/911/emergency-health-profile. When calling 9-1-1 during an emergency or behavioral health crisis, your vital health information is made available to the dispatcher. By setting up an Emergency Health Profile that is unique to you, essential health information can assist first responders in providing better care to you in an emergency.
Remember, you are not alone, and help is just a call or text away.
(by Allegra Joffe, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)
Every November we celebrate National Family Caregivers Month. This month is dedicated to honoring and recognizing family caregivers, as well as raising awareness and providing education about caregiving issues.
Each year, an estimated 53 million adults in the United States provide care to an older adult, or an adult with a disability, according to the AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving’s 2020 Report. The Rosalynn Carter Institute defines a family caregiver this way: “A family caregiver can be a friend, a spouse, a partner, a neighbor, an adult child, or any family member who provides care and assistance to a loved one as part of an ongoing relationship and as an expression of love and concern for that person. There is generally no financial or material gain.” Family caregivers have become the backbone of our caregiver infrastructure, and often, they do not self-identify. They describe themselves as wife, daughter, son, or neighbor. In doing so, they are not accessing vital supportive services for themselves and their loved ones.
If you know a family caregiver, celebrate them by thanking them for the care they provide for their loved ones. Family caregivers may feel stressed, overwhelmed, and undervalued. Some ways to support a family caregiver could be to offer a meal, provide a listening ear, stay with their loved one to give them a break, and ask them about the ways that you can best support them.
If you are a family caregiver, thank you for all you do to provide care for your loved ones while balancing life’s other demands. If you want to learn more about caregiving resources, call our Aging, Disability, and Caregiver Resource Line at 703-324-7948 or visit FairfaxCounty.gov/OlderAdults.
Wednesday, November 15, Noon-1 p.m.
This webinar is presented by Karyn Walsh, LCSW, NoVa Older Adult Counseling. Karyn will provide a clinical overview of the diagnosis and treatment for anxiety, depression, bipolar and hoarding conditions. We hope persons affected by mental illness, including caregivers, will learn information and strategies to better cope with these challenges. Register online at bit.ly/CAREWEB1 or call 571-407-6961.
Friday, November 17, Noon-1 p.m.
This is a Spanish language virtual presentation for family caregivers whose loved ones are Medicare beneficiaries or 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/CharlasEducativas.
Friday, December 1, 2-3 p.m.
In this panel conversation, we will discuss the topic of end-of-life care, which can be overwhelming, and caregivers and loved ones may not be prepared for it. Through this conversation, we are going to explore what end-of-life care is, what supports are available for you and your family members, and how to manage emotions and needs during the journey. Panelists include Dr. Marjorie Burris, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN, Adult Day Health Care Program Manager, Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, Leora Raskas, Dementia Specialist, Northern VA RAFT, Melissa Long, Director of Education and Support, Insight Memory Care Center, Marcie Campbell, Vice President of Marketing & Intake, Cherry Blossom PACE. 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 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, VA 20121. To learn more about this conference, each session, speakers, and registration, visit nvdcc.com or call 703-578-7431.
(by Camden Doran, Long-Term Care Ombudsman)
Families of nursing home residents have the right to form and hold regular organized group meetings called a family council. These councils provide families an opportunity to meet privately with other families to discuss and consolidate common concerns about their loved ones, come up with ideas on how to address issues, and present their concerns and ideas to facility staff. Each nursing facility must provide the family council with space to meet privately and must provide a designated staff person responsible for helping and responding to written requests that result from the family council meetings.
Virginia law does not provide specific rights to family councils in assisted living facilities. However, regulations for assisted living facilities do state that a resident council may extend its membership to family members, advocates, friends, and others. If your loved one’s assisted living facility does not have a family council, you could talk to the facility staff about starting one. You can find more information about family councils at the National Consumer Voice website, TheConsumerVoice.org/issues/family/family-council-center.
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 family councils, or other nursing facility and assisted living concerns, please call the NVLTCOP at 703-324-5861, TTY 711, or email NVLTCOP@fairfaxcounty.gov.
(by Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions Recruitment Coordinator)
Would you like to make a meaningful difference in others’ lives? Below are a few of the many ways to help as a volunteer, or check out bit.ly/FFXVOLUNTEER for more opportunities in Fairfax County.
The Honor Flight Ground Crew at Reagan National Airport needs volunteers. Honor Flight brings WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War Veterans to D.C. to see their memorials (all expenses paid). When the flights arrive at the airport, the Honor Flight Ground Crew volunteers help escort the veterans from the plane to the buses, and when they return, they escort them back to their plane. Honor Flight season is typically between mid-March through the end of June, and then September through early November. Volunteers can sign up to support arrival or departure flights that work in their schedule. Typical time commitment is 1 ½ to 2 hours. Contact dcacoordinator@honorflight.org for additional information.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistant Program (VITA) provides free tax preparation to qualified individuals and families in Northern Virginia. The Fairfax County Department of Family Services is recruiting volunteers to act as greeters, interpreters (including ASL), screeners, tax preparers, online tax coaches, social media outreach, and IT support. No experience or tax training is needed for greeters and interpreters. Free training (classroom and on-line) is available for screeners and tax preparers. Opportunities are available throughout Fairfax County, with flexible schedules, including evenings and weekends. Volunteers are needed through mid-April. For more information go to nvacash.org.
Inova Fair Oaks Hospital Thrift Shop, located at 9683 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, is looking for volunteers to help with receiving, sorting, pricing, and merchandising donations, along with customer service, like cashiering and bagging. The store is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Volunteer shifts are four hours, one day a week, and many choose to do more. The thrift shop proceeds are donated to Fair Oaks Hospital, where they put the money to good use – purchasing equipment and funding hospital projects. Contact Jessie Johnston at jessamyn.johnston@inova.org or call 703-273-3519 and speak to Jessie or Veronica.
The Assistance League of Northern Virginia (ALNVA) helps children in need and their families. Volunteer opportunities include supporting their literacy program by providing weekly help to students at elementary schools so they can improve their reading comprehension skills. Members also help with other ‘hands-on’ programs that provide weekend food bags, new clothing, sneakers, books, toiletries, and comfort pillows to elementary school students. They also need help with many behind-the-scenes tasks like publicity, marketing, tech support, graphic design, etc. Go to alnv.org to learn more. The membership form is under the ‘Become a Member’ tab. Contact membership@alnv.org with questions.
If you wish to submit volunteer opportunities, email Tanya Erway at VolunteerSolutionsRecruitment@FairfaxCounty.gov.
Fairfax County’s aging population is increasing. In 2019, 1 in 7 county residents were aged 65 and older and that number is expected to grow to 1 in 5 residents by 2035! To meet that demand, Fairfax County is working on the SHAPE the Future of Aging initiative to continue to improve Fairfax County’s ability to be a place to age well, and for older adults to live safely, independently and with dignity.
Tara Turner, Director of the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging joins host Anne Hall to discuss SHAPE:
Channel 16 also spoke with Cathy Cole, Chair of the Fairfax Area Commission on Aging. She shared her experience on the commission, and the important work she and the other volunteers do on behalf of our older residents.
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 the Department of Emergency Management and Security)
Fairfax County has launched the 2023 Emergency Preparedness Survey to assess the culture of personal disaster preparedness and resilience in Fairfax County. How prepared are you? Here is your chance to tell us! The survey is multiple choice and should not take more than 10 minutes to complete.
Take the Survey: bit.ly/48z9tpC.
(by Fairfax County Public Schools Office of Communications)
Last spring, Fairfax County Public Schools began hiring for a new kind of tutoring position.
In response to pandemic-related learning loss, the Office of School Support and Tutoring Services analyzed the needs of students across the division, pinpointing the schools where there were the largest gaps between what students were achieving and the goals they should be reaching. Starting with the schools with the greatest needs, they began to match tutors to small groups of students.
Cheryl Temple, an adjunct instructor at George Mason University, saw an ad for the position and was interested in the opportunity to help students. She had worked as an intervention teacher and was interested in a similar position. She also appreciated the flexible schedule the role offered.
“The most fulfilling part of tutoring is working with students and watching their growth,” Temple said. “All the students I worked with were receptive to receiving extra help and that made the experience very gratifying.”
After tutoring for about 6 weeks last year, Temple, a retired educator, was excited to get started again and make a larger impact this year.
“Tutoring is a great way to work with students and stay connected to the field of education,” she said. “Another benefit is you don’t need to take work home, so when you leave you are done. And the school personnel were very welcoming and provided everything that I needed.”
FCPS needs qualified tutors to provide in-person academic support to small groups of students. Tutors provide targeted instruction for K-12 students in language arts/reading and math based on qualifications and competencies. Tutoring sessions take place in-person and on-site under the supervision of school administration, with most sessions taking place during the school day.
To qualify for a tutoring position, candidates must meet at least one of the following:
Tutors will be paid hourly at a rate of $48.58. The position is flexible, and the amount you work and where you work will be based on your availability, qualifications, and the needs presented throughout FCPS. Tutors must be able to work at least 12 hours a week with a maximum of 29 hours a week, for 3-5 days per week. Email tutor@fcps.edu for more information.
(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)
The holiday season is almost here! During this time of year, many of us look forward to attending holiday craft shows. These events are a great place to shop for unique handcrafted holiday gifts and decorations while supporting local artists. Fortunately, we have plenty to choose from in our community. Please note that dates and times of these events are subject to change. Check the website to confirm before you head out the door.
W.T. Woodson High School Craft Show
Saturday, Nov. 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
W.T. Woodson High School, 9525 Main St, Fairfax
This juried show hosted by the W.T. Woodson Crew Boosters features handmade products created by dozens of local artists. Proceeds benefit the crew team. Free admission. WTWCrew.org/craft-show
Centreville United Women in Faith Bazaar and Craft Fair
Saturday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Centreville United Methodist Church, 6400 Old Centreville Road, Centreville
Shop this holiday bazaar for holiday crafts, gifts and goodies. Centreville-umc.org/connect/women/umw-bazaar-craft-fair
30th Northern Virginia Christmas Market
Friday, Nov. 10, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dulles Expo Center, South Hall, 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly
Christmas market featuring 225 fine artisans from more than 30 states plus food vendors offering gourmet fare. Admission is $8 for adults. Children 12 and under are free. DullesExpo.com/event/30th-annual-northern-virginia-christmas-craft-market
Icelandic Association of Washington, D.C. 2023 Christmas Bazaar
Saturday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
American Legion Post 177, 3939 Oak Street, Fairfax
Vendors from across the region will be selling Scandinavian themed Christmas products.
IcelandDC.com/topics/Christmas
Fairfax City 2023 Holiday Craft Show
Saturday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Fairfax High School, 3501 Lion Run, Fairfax
Browse a variety of vendors who specialize in gourmet foods, jewelry, fragrances, home decor, woodworking, and more. Free shuttle bus will be available on Saturday. Admission is $5/one-day or $8/two-day. Age 18 and younger are free. FairfaxVa.gov/government/parks-recreation/special-events/holiday-craft-show
Mosaic Holiday Market
Saturday, Nov. 18, and Sunday, Nov. 19, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Mosaic District, 2905 District Ave., Fairfax
Shop for unique items at this upscale, handmade and vintage market. UrbnMarket.com/mosaicholidaynovembermarket2023
Northern Virginia Handcrafters Guild Thanksgiving Art & Craft Show
Friday, Nov. 24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 26, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna
Browse over 50 juried artists and crafters showcasing and selling a variety of original, handmade items. Admission is $3. Children 12 and under are free. nvhg.org/shows-1/nvhg-thanksgiving-art-%26-craft-show
City of Fairfax Holiday Market
Friday, Dec. 1, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 2, Noon-6 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 3, Noon-5 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 8, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 9, Noon-6 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 10, Noon-5 p.m.
Old Town Square, 10415 North St., Fairfax
Support local artists and do your holiday shopping. The market will feature a variety of craft vendors, live music, dance, and more. FairfaxVa.gov/government/parks-recreation/special-events/holiday-market
McLean Holiday Art & Crafts Festival
Friday, Dec. 1, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean
Visit this juried show featuring approximately 80 regional artisans. Admission is $5 for all three days. Admission is free for children 12 and younger. McleanCenter.org/events/mclean-holiday-art-crafts-festival/
Nova Labs Holiday Maker Market
Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd., Fairfax
Shop for items offered by our talented artisans and entrepreneurs, created using our makerspace tools. Watch demos and get a tour of Nova Labs maker space. Attendance is free. nova-labs.org/calendar
18th Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show
Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
South County High School, 8501 Silverbrook Rd., Lorton
Shop this juried show featuring 180 local crafters and vendors, entertainment, food trucks, and more. facebook.com/events/s/18th-annual-lorton-holiday-ext/843078330020398/
Falls Church Holiday Gift and Craft Show
Saturday, Dec. 2, Gift and Craft Show 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Children's Holiday Shoppe 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 3, Gift and Craft Show 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church
Shop crafters selling unique handmade items, baked goods, and more. Event includes live entertainment and raffles. Kids can shop for inexpensive gifts at the Children's Holiday Shoppe. Hosted by the Friends of Cherry Hill Farmhouse. Admission is $1 for both days. FallsChurchVa.gov/643/Holiday-Gift-and-Craft-Show
Holiday Artisan Market
Saturday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
River Mill Park, 458 Mill St., Occoquan
Artisans will offer a range of original, handmade works, including bath and body products, candles, gourmet food, home décor, fine art, and jewelry. Free shuttle service available. VisitOccoquanVa.com/holiday
Town of Herndon Holiday Arts and Crafts Show
Sunday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon
Over 70 artisans will sell their work at this annual arts and crafts show sponsored by the Town of Herndon Department of Parks and Recreation. Free admission and parking. herndon-va.gov/departments/recreation/special-events/holiday-arts-and-crafts-show
Winter Capital Art and Craft Festival
Friday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Dulles Expo Center, North and South Hall, 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly
Featuring the work of over 200 juried artists working in a wide variety of mediums. Admission is $12 for adults. Children 12 and under are free. DullesExpo.com/event/winter-capital-art-and-craft-festival-2
Herndon WinterMarkt 2023
Saturday, Dec. 9, Noon-7 p.m.
Corner of Lynn and Station Streets in Historic Herndon
Old world holiday market featuring holiday food, drinks, gifts, decorations, and arts and crafts. HerndonWintermarkt.com
Old Town Alexandria Christmas Fair and Holiday Craft Show
Saturday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria
Shop for unique arts and crafts, food, and holiday gifts from more than 110 local artisans and vendors. VisitAlexandria.com/events/old-town-alexandria-christmas-fair-and-holiday-craft-show-2
Fairfax Memorial Food Drive
Donations accepted through Friday, November 17
Lend a hand to local families by donating non-perishable food items to Fairfax Memorial’s food drive. Drop off your donations at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home or Cemetery Office, 9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax.
Vendors Needed! Young at Heart Senior Center Advisory Council Craft and Vendor Market
The market will take place on Saturday, March 9, 2024, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Blenheim Boulevard, Fairfax. If you are interested in selling your crafts or merchandise, spaces are available for $45 each. Each space comes with a rectangular table and two chairs. For information and/or a Vendor Registration form, please call Mary Fazio at 571-623-4979, email CRAFTV2024@gmail.com, or call the Green Acres Senior Center at 703-273-6090.
All Souls Day Mass in the Park
Thursday, November 2, 11 p.m.
Fairfax Memorial Park Cemetery, 9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax
Led by Bishop Burbidge with refreshments afterwards.
Computer Literacy Series
Fridays in November, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Hosted by the Virtual Center for Active Adults
Nov. 3-Using Telehealth: Setting up an account, downloading an app, scheduling an appointment, meeting with a health professional, tips for using telehealth.
Nov. 17-Your Digital Footprint: What is a digital footprint, unintentional digital footprints, managing your online identity, consequences of a digital footprint.
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
Memory Screenings at the Wellness Center for Older Adults
Monday, November 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Wellness Center for Older Adults, 4027B Olley Lane, Fairfax
Insight Memory Care Center will offer 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. Register for a 30-minute time slot by calling 703-970-3601.
Dealing with Difficult Behaviors
Wednesday, November 8, 1-2:30 p.m.
Insight Memory Care Center, 3955 Pender Drive, Suite 100, Fairfax
During this free hybrid (virtual and in-person) event, we will look at practical strategies and medications for dealing with the troubling behavior problems and communication difficulties often encountered when caring for a person with dementia. Register at Insightmcc.org/get-involved/events/event_calendar.html
Glen Campbell - I'll Be Me: Film Screening and Q&A
Thursday, November 9, 6-8 p.m.
The Virginian, 9229 Arlington Blvd, Fairfax
This film documents musician Glen Campbell’s farewell tour after he is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, sharing how he and his family navigate the unpredictable nature of the disease through love, laughter and music. Join us for a special viewing of the film, followed by a Q&A afterwards with the Alzheimer’s Foundation. This event is offered in partnership with AARP Virginia. Register at Insightmcc.org/get-involved/events/event_calendar.html
Burke Historical Society Meeting
Sunday November 26, 3-4 p.m.
Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Rd, Burke
In 1957, the Gee Gee Food Corporation opened the first McDonald’s in Virginia on Route 1 in Alexandria. Chris Barbuschak, manager of the Virginia Room, will describe how they built the
largest single franchise operation of the McDonalds chain in the nation until Ray Kroc bought them out in 1967. No registration required. For more information, visit BurkeHistoricalSociety.org.
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.