Department of Family Services Alert:
Romuald Lipinski: A Survivor Whose Perseverance was Fueled by Optimism
At age 98, Romuald Lipinski spends a lot of his time reflecting on the past. Much of his youth was devoted to simply surviving. His perseverance allowed him to escape Siberia, survive combat during World War II, and get an education. He credits his innate optimism with helping him overcome the many obstacles he encountered, allowing him to finally enjoy a happy and fulfilling life. Read more.
Artificial Intelligence: Taking the Grandparent Scam to the Next Level
By now, you’ve probably heard of the grandparent scam. If not, it goes like this: the phone rings and you pick up, only to hear the voice of a person you believe is your grandchild. They explain that they have been in an accident, or arrested, or kidnapped, and are begging you to immediately send money to help them. This scam relies on emotional manipulation, creating a panic response that causes you to abandon all rational thought and simply react. Read more.
These New Year’s Resolutions are Keepers
Making a New Year's resolution is easy. Keeping the resolution is the difficult part. Often the issue is that we identify the goal but not the steps and resources needed to achieve it. To help you make a resolution you will keep, here are a few suggestions and helpful resources to get you started. Read more.
Looking for Employment Opportunities and Job Search Skills? JCA has Two Terrific Employment Programs to Help 50+ Jobseekers!
The Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA) has two exciting programs designed for people 50 and better who are looking for employment. The Virtual 50+ Employment Expos and The Career Gateway help the 50+ community retool, recharge, and reinvent themselves for today's amazing job market. Both programs offer the 50+ jobseeker opportunities to learn and develop critical job-seeking skills to find meaningful employment. Read more.
(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)
On Dec. 11, the Fairfax Area-Disability Services Board presented Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Awards to Cheryl Johnson, Jeremy Smith, and University Mall Theatres and Cinema Arts Theatre. This annual award recognizes people, businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and other organizations that excel in demonstrating a commitment to promoting equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in the Fairfax area and highlight how people with disabilities have significantly benefited from their efforts.
Penelope A. Gross, Vice Chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, provided opening remarks at the ceremony, which was hosted by the Fairfax Area-Disability Services Board and Disability Rights and Resources staff. The award recognizes people in three categories –Individual, Self-Advocate, and Group.
The individual category recognizes people whose work has benefited the lives of those with disabilities in the Fairfax area. Cheryl Johnson has been devoted to the disability services field for over 25 years. Since 2006, she has worked at The Arc of Northern Virginia, always with a person-centered focus. Her passion and work continue to lead to more equitable services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Specifically, her work led to an expansion of access to dental care. Since 1998, Cheryl has also served as a companion for an individual with a disability living in a group home.
The Self-Advocate category recognizes an individual who has been a strong self-advocate or worked to better the lives of people with disabilities in the Fairfax area. Jeremy Smith is fulfilling his lifelong goal of being a role model and supportive advocate for himself and others with disabilities. In 2016, he graduated from Gallaudet University with a degree in Communication Studies, and he uses social media platforms to build communities. Jeremy serves on the Board of Directors at the Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons and is active with the ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia. He is currently working on a website with his Deaf Plus Advocate mission, which he is planning to launch in early 2024.
The group category recognizes a business, non-profit, or organization that has worked to benefit the lives of people with disabilities in the Fairfax area. University Mall Theatres and Cinema Arts Theatre, both owned by Mark O’Meara and managed by Dan Collins, foster an environment where high school students and adults with special needs thrive. They provide students with learning and leadership opportunities, and hire individuals with disabilities as theatre staff. The theatres also provide equitable accessible seating, food, and access for community groups, such as group homes and assisted living facilities.
The Fairfax Area-Disability Services Board congratulates these winners and thanks everyone who is continuing to support people with disabilities in all aspects of community life!
(by the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination)
Is your homeowners’ association, nonprofit organization, or place of worship looking to make your buildings and grounds more energy efficient and resilient to climate change? The Energy Conservation Assistance Program may be able to help.
Through the program, qualifying organizations in Fairfax County can now apply for up to $15,000 each year in reimbursement grants for conducting energy audits, improving building energy efficiency, installing solar panels, along with many other improvements.
The Energy Conservation Assistance Program is managed by the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) with support from the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD).
Organizations eligible for assistance include common-interest communities, such as homeowners or condominium owners’ associations, nonprofit organizations, and charitable institutions or associations, including places of worship in Fairfax County.
Projects that qualify for matching reimbursement grants include energy audits, LED lighting replacements, weatherization projects, smart thermostats, window replacements, ENERGYSTAR® appliance upgrades, solar panels, and cool roofs, among others.
Applications can be submitted any time of year and projects will be accepted as long as they meet eligibility requirements and funding is available.
Visit the Energy Conservation Assistance Program page at FairfaxCounty.gov/environment-energy-coordination/energy-conservation-assistance-program to see if your organization is eligible to receive financial support to make energy efficiency and resiliency upgrades!
(by Allegra Joffe, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)
Family caregiving brings a complex combination of positive and negative emotions. Guilt is one emotion many caregivers face. There are numerous reasons why a caregiver may feel guilt, including:
Feelings of guilt can impact a caregiver’s mental health negatively and should be addressed. Identify your guilt by writing down what makes you feel guilty. Talk to a trusted person or professional about your feelings. Join a caregiver support group and learn how others overcome caregiving guilt. If you wish to learn more about caregiving resources, call our Aging, Disability, and Caregiver Resources Line at 703-324-7948 or visit FairfaxCounty.gov/OlderAdults.
Fridays from 1 to 2 p.m.
Are you caring for a loved one who is a stroke survivor? The Helping Hands Stroke Club hosts support groups for stroke survivors and caregivers. The group focuses on understanding stroke and its impact, reducing risk, adjusting to life after stroke, and much more. To receive location details and register, email Erica Wrenn at Erica.Wrenn@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-246-7151.
Friday, January 12, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
The Fairfax Health Department offers a caregiver support stroke group that provides a safe place for caregivers to honestly talk about challenges regarding a beloved stroke survivor.
To receive location details and register, email Erica Wrenn at Erica.Wrenn@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-246-7151.
Between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Need an in-depth conversation with a social worker about the caregiving needs of a loved one? Free one-hour consultations are available through ElderLink. Call 703-324-5374, TTY 711, and ask for a caregiver consultation.
January through April 2024 on Sundays from 1-2 p.m.
Fairfax County Public Library is hosting free Tai Chi classes in-person at the Sherwood Regional Library. This style is also known as the Chen Short Form or the Yang Short Form. While this style has its roots in martial arts, the form is taught as a method of meditation and relaxation. The form emphasizes posture, relaxation, and smooth continuous motion. This is a beginner class, appropriate for students with little or no experience in Tai Chi. Learn more and register at bit.ly/FFXTaiChi.
Messiah United Methodist Church, 6215 Rolling Rd, Springfield 22152
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 and 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! 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.
(by the Public Assistance and Employment Services Division of DFS)
Are you facing a “no heat” situation? The Crisis Assistance Program helps households overcome energy emergencies that cannot be met by other resources. An energy emergency is determined when a household has no heat or is in imminent danger of being without heat. The open application period for the Crisis Assistance Program closes on March 15, 2024. Learn more and apply for the Crisis Assistance Program at CommonHelp.Virginia.gov or by calling 1-833-522-5582.
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 Emily Swenson, Volunteer Solutions)
The Fairfax County Department of Family Services’ Adult & Aging (A&A) annual holiday project provides an opportunity for community partners and A&A staff to sponsor and bring holiday cheer to older adults and adults with disabilities in the Fairfax area who have limited or no social supports. Each sponsored adult receives a gift bag made up of donations from local organizations and individuals. The donations vary from year to year, but in recent years have included some combination of the following items: handcrafted holiday crafts, comfort care kits, toys for their pet, and emergency kits. This year we held a new blanket drive with individuals, civic groups and businesses donating 200+ warm cozy blankets that helped to “wrap” our clients in warmth this holiday season.
Due to the hard work and dedication of community members, businesses, and the A&A employees, the annual holiday project served 200 older adults and adults with disabilities in December 2023.
Our sincerest thanks to the members of the following organizations for their kindness, generosity, and support.
We greatly appreciate our compassionate, dedicated community partners and donors who help us remind isolated older adults that others care.
(by Fairfax County Public Schools Office of Communications)
At White Oaks Elementary School in Burke, one of their most beloved volunteers is a 91-year-old Navy veteran. Captain Harley Stuntz, known to everyone in the building simply as “Captain,” has volunteered at the school for 25 years. Before that, he had a storied career in the Navy, which started when he enrolled in the United States Naval Academy in 1951. Before his retirement in 1978, Stuntz spent 20 years as a Naval Airman, going on six tours in Vietnam.
Looking back on his time serving, Stuntz said, “I enjoyed it. To me, it was an adventure.”
Stuntz recalled when he played a role in an adventure for all humankind. On July 24, 1969, the aircraft carrier USS Hornet recovered the Apollo 11 command module after it splashed down in the Pacific Ocean. Inside the capsule were astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins, back on Earth after making history as the first men to land on the Moon.
Stuntz was the retrieval officer aboard the Hornet, stationed at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.
“That was exciting,” said Stuntz. “President Nixon came aboard with his entourage and watched the retrieval of the capsule. That was probably the highlight of my career.”
White Oaks Elementary was a brand-new school when Captain began volunteering in a classroom. Today, he’s in the workroom two days a week, running the copy and laminating machines. Stuntz has logged at least 7,500 volunteer hours at White Oaks since he started in 1998, and both the teachers and the students are thankful for every minute of it.
“His dedication to our school is unbelievable,” said Principal Ryan Richardson, “He's a cornerstone here. When he's not here, people notice. And let me tell you, he’s missed very few days in the 10 years I've been here.”
(by Katie Patterson, 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. For more information about NVLTCOP’s volunteer program, or other nursing facility and assisted living concerns, please call the NVLTCOP at 703-324-5861, TTY 711, or contact Claire Yeomans by email at Claire.Yeomans@FairfaxCounty.gov.
(by Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions Recruitment Coordinator)
It’s a new year and a great time to consider how you might serve your community as a volunteer. Below are two organizations to check out. If these don’t fit your current interests, there are many opportunities at bit.ly/FFXVOLUNTEER.
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program - Northern Virginia (RSVP-NV) is one of the core programs of AmeriCorps Seniors and is sponsored by Volunteer Fairfax. RSVP-NV’s mission is to mobilize the skills and experience of its volunteers, aged 55+, to help meet community needs in Arlington County, Fairfax County, and the cities of Fairfax, Falls Church, and Alexandria. The program focuses on matching volunteers within the specific framework that is required through the AmeriCorps Seniors federal grant that funds the program. The different types of volunteer activities currently range from community food support, education success, transportation assistance for seniors, workforce preparation, and emergency preparedness.
Volunteers connect to opportunities that best match their interest, location preferences, and preferred time commitment. Volunteers can serve directly with one of the program’s 40 community partners, comprised of non-profit and public agencies, and/or participate in group service projects that are coordinated by the RSVP staff. Some benefits of joining RSVP-NV include personalized volunteer experiences, recognition events, optional mileage reimbursements, and supplemental volunteer insurance.
RSVP-NV volunteers through AmeriCorps Seniors make a tangible impact on the community through regular volunteer and service projects to assist nonprofit organizations and initiatives across the region. Join other RSVP members and consider serving in the local RSVP-NV program to support causes you care about.
Go to bit.ly/RSVPNova to learn more and register. You can also reach out to Karen Coon for more information at kcoon@volunteerfairfax.org or 703-403-5360.
Do you have a skill you’d like to share with older adults at a Fairfax County senior center? The centers need volunteer instructors in fitness, dance, art, music, languages and more. They’re always looking for entertainers, too. Go to bit.ly/SeniorCtrOpps for the current list and bit.ly/FXVSVOL to learn more about Volunteer Solutions, a partnership between the Department of Family Services and Neighborhood and Community Services. Email VolunteerSolutions@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-324-5406 with questions.
If you wish to submit volunteer opportunities, email Tanya Erway at VolunteerSolutionsRecruitment@FairfaxCounty.gov.
(by Moriah Kitaeff, Department of Emergency Management and Security)
When winter weather is in the forecast, the safest thing you can do is stay inside. That said, if you must go outside in icy or snowy conditions, there are precautions you should take:
Power outages are another concern with winter weather, as ice and snow can cause trees to fall and damage power lines. When this happens, it makes sense to want to look for ways to warm your home, but it must always be done in a safe manner:
To learn more about winter weather safety, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/emergency/readyfairfax/winterweather.
(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 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 meeting on Dec. 20, 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.
In Person:
Pennino Building, 12011 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax, VA 22035 – Room 200 & 206
To obtain meeting materials, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/FamilyServices/Older-Adults/Fairfax-Area-Commission-on-Aging/Meetings or contact 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.
Love to Sing? Join the Encore Chorale of Fairfax or Fairfax ROCKS
Encore Creativity for Older Adults ensembles are non-auditioned choirs for adults 55+ with no experience required. The Encore Chorale of Fairfax, singing everything from choral classics to Broadway hits, meets Tuesdays starting Jan. 9 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at St. George’s United Methodist Church. Fairfax ROCKS, singing choral arrangements of rock 'n' roll hits, meets Fridays starting Jan. 11 from 10:30 a.m.-noon at Church of the Good Shepherd in Vienna. For additional information, including registration fees, and to register, visit encorecreativity.org/register.
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. If you are interested in selling your crafts or merchandise, spaces are $45 each. 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.
Brain Gym
Fridays, Jan. 5, Feb. 2, 2-3 p.m.
George Mason Regional Library, 7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale
Improve your brain health with fun exercises like sudoku, word puzzles, memorization games, and more. Come to one or all the sessions. No registration. For older adults. For more information, call 703-256-3800.
Elder Fraud Prevention
Wednesday, January 10, 1-2:30 p.m.
Virtual and in-person at Insight Memory Care Center - Fairfax, 3953 Pender Drive Suite 100, Fairfax
Worried about your loved ones falling victim to fraud? We will discuss the connection between elder fraud and other schemes. Learn about social engineering scams, how to avoid falling victim to fraud, and steps to take if you are a victim of fraud. This class will be held both virtually and in-person. Select your attendance type when you register at InsightMCC.org/events.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Presents: In Our Own Voices
Tuesday, January 23, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
The presentation provides a personal perspective of mental health conditions, as leaders with lived experience talk openly about what it's like to have a mental health condition. 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
Arts for the Aging Presents: Movement w/ Sandra Roachford
Wednesday, January 31, 1-2 p.m.
Participants will explore seasonal flowers through movement, music and sound. Feel free to bring something you can dance with such as a scarf or cloth to enhance the movement experience. 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
Dementia Man: An Existential Journey - Live Performance
Wednesday, January 31, 7-8 p.m.
Insight Memory Care Center – Fairfax, 3953 Pender Drive Suite 100, Fairfax
Join us for the autobiographical story of a man who faces his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease by actor and playwright Samuel A. Simon. In this full-length theatrical piece, Simon takes the stage as a man facing his cognitive decline and asks the hard questions of what to do next in the face of what he calls “an existential journey.” It is a peek into the head and heart of the struggle with a broken medical system and a personal and family challenge. Register online at InsightMCC.org/events.
Aging Smartly Class
Saturday, February 24, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 8304 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield
Experts in their fields will cover various topics including estate planning, living arrangements, downsizing, aged driving, preparing for death, funeral prep, what to do after the death of a loved one, and more. Fee of $20 (prepaid) which includes lunch. For more information, call 703-451-5855 or visit www.poplc.org/care.
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.