Department of Family Services Alert:
Edwin B. Henderson II: Shedding Light on the History of Civil Rights
Edwin B. Henderson II is descended from people who made a genuine impact on this world. His grandfather, Dr. E.B. Henderson, who founded the first rural branch of the NAACP, also introduced basketball to the African American community in Washington, D.C., leading to him receiving the posthumous title of “The Grandfather of Black Basketball.” Henderson’s father, Dr. James H.M. Henderson, was an accomplished scientist who made significant contributions to the research of tissue culture through his work with HeLa cells. Following in their footsteps, Henderson is also making an impact. He is the founder of the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation, whose mission is to document and preserve the history of civil rights in our region. Through his work, the thoughts, actions, and names of those who fought injustice and discrimination will be recognized, recorded, and appreciated by future generations. Read more.
Who Will Care for Your Pet When You’re Gone?
For many of us, our pets are family, providing companionship, affection, and a sense of purpose. As much as we dote on our animal companions, many of us have not given serious thought to what will happen to them if we became incapacitated or die suddenly, and fewer have made arrangements to ensure that they will be cared for after we’re gone. Read more.
Tax Preparation Assistance Now Available
April 15 is right around the corner! If you need help preparing your tax return, there are free resources available to assist you. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program both provide tax preparation assistance to income-eligible taxpayers. Read more.
Emergency Preparedness for People with Cancer
Emergencies affect individuals managing health conditions such as cancer very differently. Therefore, being prepared for emergencies is especially important. Preparedness for people with cancer includes taking measures to ensure your routine treatment is not interrupted. Here are a few tips to help you prepare and ensure your health and medical needs are met during emergencies. Read more.
(by the Fairfax County Office of Public Affairs)
James N. “Jimmy” Bierman, Jr. was born and raised in McLean, Virginia. His love for the Dranesville community started at an early age when he was first learning to swim at the Spring Hill Rec Center and checking out books at the Dolley Madison Library. After earning degrees at Williams College and Stanford Law School, Supervisor Bierman knew he wanted to return to McLean to raise his own family and ensure they were afforded the same opportunities that he was.
He has been an active community leader and has done work to shape policy at the local, state, and national levels. After working on healthcare reform advocacy at Families USA, clerking for a federal judge, and a career as a litigator in private practice, he joined the Federal Government as an Attorney Advisor at the Department of Homeland Security during the Biden-Harris Administration.
Before joining the government, his pro bono work included representing advocacy organizations and direct service providers, individuals with disabilities, undocumented immigrants, and indigent defendants. Supervisor Bierman also served as an Associate Trustee of the Washington Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs.
In addition to this work, Supervisor Bierman spent three and a half years on the Fairfax County Police Civilian Review Panel, providing oversight of the police department and strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the community it serves. From March 2021 through February 2022, he chaired the panel, focusing on increasing transparency and accountability and promoting a safer community.
Supervisor Bierman, his wife, and their son live in McLean.
Andres F. Jimenez was born in Bogota, Colombia and raised in West Virginia. He moved to the Mason District 12 years ago with his wife, Shanna. They have since raised two daughters and numerous adopted pets in Mason. Supervisor Jimenez looks forward to serving his community as the first immigrant and Latino Mason District Board Supervisor.
He has a long history of public service including years as a Democratic staffer on Capitol Hill, working on federal affairs for the City of New York, and in leadership across a number of environmental nonprofits including Citizens’ Climate Lobby and the Ocean Conservancy. Supervisor Jimenez is currently the Executive Director of Green 2.0, where he works to elevate communities both under-represented and disproportionately impacted by climate change and environmental catastrophes.
He is on the board of the Culmore Clinic in Falls Church and served as the at-large Fairfax County Planning Commissioner from 2020 to September 2023. A strategic thinker and relationship builder, he looks forward to continuing to serve his community as the Mason District Board Supervisor.
(by Allegra Joffe, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)
Family caregivers are often stretched for time during the day caring for themselves, a loved one, or multiple loved ones. Making time to exercise may feel like an overwhelming task to someone who is very busy, but research shows that family caregivers who exercise will be able to stay healthier physically, emotionally, and mentally. Exercise can be a healthy outlet for caregivers and help decrease caregiver stress.
Exercise does not need to be done in a regimented schedule or with a gym membership. Family caregivers can be creative with how they add exercise to their days with actions like parking farther away in the parking lot when running an errand, or, if able, taking the stairs instead of an elevator. At home, a caregiver can utilize free online workout videos or free local library virtual workouts with live instructors. If your loved one is able to exercise, find time to exercise together or take a walk. Research recommends 30 to 40 minutes of moderate exercise three times a week. It is important to speak with your health care provider before beginning a new exercise program. 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, February 14, Noon-1:15 p.m.
Join this presentation and learn how to become a dementia friend. Turn your new understanding of dementia into 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/DementiaFriendlyFairfax or call 571-407-6961.
Wednesday, February 21, Noon-1 p.m.
In this presentation, Melissa Smarr from the Silver Shield Anti-Scam Task Force will provide an overview of current popular scams that target loved ones of older adults and people with disabilities. Every day there are victims who are being financially and emotionally exploited by scammers. Learn how to protect, identify, and report these crimes to better protect yourself and your loved ones. Register online at bit.ly/CAREWEB1 or call 571-407-6961.
If we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you. Now, family caregivers can receive email or text notifications about Fairfax County caregiver services and programs. These programs include case management, in-home respite, caregiver support and webinars, wellness workshops, and much more. Visit FairfaxCounty.gov/alerts to create or sign into your Fairfax Alerts account and then select Area Agency on Aging/Caregivers.
View Caregiver Webinar videos produced by the Fairfax County Area Agency on Aging on demand on YouTube. Choose from a variety of topics, interests, and workshops. View videos at bit.ly/PlayListCaregiverWebinars.
Wednesdays, February 28-March 27, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free.
Caring for You, Caring for Me is a blend of interactive support and education for caregivers. Participants report increased feelings of confidence and competence in their caregiving role after attending this program. This workshop is facilitated by ElderLink and offered in-person at Insight Memory Care Center (3953 Pender Drive #100, Fairfax 22030). Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Contact Kristin Martin at 703-324-7577, TTY 711, or visit tinyurl.com/CFYCFM4U to register.
(by Linda Hernandez-Giblin, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)
The Fairfax Area Commission on Aging (COA) is an advisory board mandated by the Older Americans Act. Commissioners for the Fairfax Area Commission on Aging are appointed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the City Councils of the City of Fairfax and the City of Falls Church.
At the January 17 COA 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.
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 Linda.Hernandez-Giblin@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-324-5859. For ADA accommodations, contact Ana.Valdivia@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 571-407-6960 TTY: VA Relay 711.
(by Katie Patterson, Long-Term Care Ombudsman)
Human nature includes a need to engage in meaningful activities that are enjoyable and provide a sense of belonging. Therefore, long-term care (LTC) facilities are required to implement ongoing resident-centered activity programs, including facility-initiated, individual, and independent activities. Activity programs within LTC facilities must be run by a qualified therapeutic recreation specialist or an activity professional. All activities should incorporate residents’ interests, hobbies, and cultural preferences. Activities are integral to maintaining and improving a resident’s physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being and independence.
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 activity programs, or other nursing facility and assisted living concerns, please call the NVLTCOP at 703-324-5861, TTY 711, or email NVLTCOP@fairfaxcounty.gov.
(by Elizabeth Margetta, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)
The SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan is a five-year strategic plan which the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors officially approved on May 23, 2023. The plan supports continuing efforts to make the Fairfax Area an excellent place to age well.
SHAPE is an acronym with five domains that significantly impact the life of an older adult:
In preparation for the development of the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan, the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging (AAA) worked to solicit community input through both a nationally benchmarked survey, the “Community Assessment Survey of Older Adults” (CASOA), and a series of community gatherings and forums to inform community needs.
Following the CASOA survey, the Fairfax AAA contracted with a consultant, Health Management Associates (HMA), which assisted in gathering qualitative data from the community through town halls, community gatherings, focus groups and key informant interviews. Community input was intentionally driven by the fact that not all voices are always heard through a survey, and the AAA wanted to provide opportunities for all voices to be heard from our diverse community.
The SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan acts as a North Star, for county and community-based organizations to look to as we implement services for older adults in our community. It’s a guide not only for the Department of Family Services’ Adult and Aging division as we evaluate the needs of our older adult population and their caregivers, but also for the community-based organizations that serve and support the same population. We know the County government alone cannot meet all the needs that exist in our community, and we know that the work of community-based organizations is imperative to older adults, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers to being supported in a way that allows them to thrive in our community.
As part of the implementation of the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan, Initiative Development Committees have been formed for each SHAPE category and are being facilitated by Commissioners of the Fairfax Area Commission on Aging with support from the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging. The Initiative Development Committees were created to provide input on implementation strategies to operationalize the recommendations in the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan. These committees meet monthly to identify and operationalize initiatives. There will be annual SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan progress reports to the Board of Supervisors Older Adult Committee. The first annual report is scheduled for May 2024.
For more information about the CASOA and the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan, please visit FairfaxCounty.gov/topics/shape-future-aging.
(by Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions Recruitment Coordinator)
Would you like to assist community members who face food insecurity? There are several local nonprofits that collect and distribute food. Food pantries continue to experience an urgent need for donations and are also seeking volunteer support in other ways.
A Simple Gesture is a hunger relief organization that collects food from donors. The food is put into green reusable grocery bags that are collected by volunteers and distributed to food pantry partners.
In 2015, Reston resident Bob Schnapp brought A Simple Gesture to this region. Bob has been instrumental in building this program from 21 initial donors to more than 1500 donor families. Since its inception, A Simple Gesture Reston (ASG-R) has donated nearly one million pounds of groceries to four local pantries in Reston and Herndon. Schnapp shared, “Donors find our program easy and satisfying to be able to help their neighbors. Our motto is ‘You fill the bag; we do the rest’.”
Signing up to participate in ASG-R is especially convenient for those who work during weekdays and find it challenging to donate to food pantries during the times they are open. Volunteer drivers come to your home to collect the green bags the first Saturday of every other month and deliver the food to the pantries.
Bob Schnapp was recognized for his tireless efforts and awarded the 2023 Governor’s Volunteerism and Community Service Award as the Outstanding Senior Volunteer in the Commonwealth of VA. If you’d like to help him continue this important work, you can volunteer by donating food, picking up filled bags and delivering them to pantries, sorting food at pantries, or in an administrative capacity. You can learn more and sign up at CoolGreenBag.org/Signup.
If you’d like to find other ways to volunteer within the region, go to bit.ly/FFXVOLUNTEER.
If you wish to submit volunteer opportunities for a future column, please contact Tanya Erway at Tanya.Erway@FairfaxCounty.gov.
The Fairfax County Office of Elections is looking for community members to serve as election officers for the March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary election. In particular, we need bilingual officers who speak Korean and Vietnamese. This is a great opportunity to get to know your neighbors and help your community! You will receive $250 as a thank you for your service.
Learn more and apply at FairfaxCounty.gov/elections/officers/new-officers.
The non-profit Shepherd's Centers are sponsored by local area congregations, corporate partners, community groups, and individuals to serve adults 50 and older. The centers offer free transportation for medical appointments and non-medical needs (e.g. grocery shopping) for adults 50+ who live in their center’s service area and are able to independently get in and out of a car. Although this service is free to the client, and is not means qualified, an application is required. Once accepted, a request for a ride must be made at least five days in advance. Individual centers also offer additional programs and services. Visit the website or call the center in your area for more information.
Interested in volunteering at a Shepherd's Center? Contact a center to learn more:
Volunteerism helps build strong communities and increases socialization. Volunteering can also improve physical health and longevity in those who volunteer.
Host Anne Hall talks with representatives of two volunteer organizations in Fairfax County. Emily Swenson, Supervisor of Volunteer Solutions with the Area Agency on Aging, reveals how this team has evolved over the years. Emily shares tips on how to connect to this volunteer resource for individuals who need assistance, as well as those who want to assist others.
Volunteer Fairfax’s CEO, Jennifer Williamson and Board Member Donna Patchett talk about their organization, and the variety of opportunities for people of all ages who want to help in their community.
This episode also includes personal stories from two volunteers, Maria Romain, a S.A.I.L. instructor, and Jeff Rogers, an IT On-Call volunteer. They explain how they got involved in volunteering, and the benefit they gain from their experience.
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 Public Assistance and Employment Services Division of DFS)
The Crisis Assistance Program is designed to help 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. Crisis Assistance offers assistance with one or more of the following:
Applications accepted through March 15 for heating equipment repair/purchase/maintenance, a onetime-only heat security deposit, purchase of home heating fuel and payment of a heat utility bill.
(by the Public Assistance and Employment Services Division of DFS)
PIPP (Percentage of Income Payment Program) helps Dominion Energy customers manage their electric bills year-round. The program is for people whose household income is below 150% of the poverty level. Your monthly bill amount, or “PIPP Amount,” is based on a percentage of your household income and primary heat source. For example, if your monthly income is $1,000 and your primary heat source is electric, your monthly PIPP payment would be capped at $100 (10% of your income).
Join the Lifetime Learning Institute
During its current "open season," area seniors and their friends are invited to consider joining the Lifetime Learning Institute (LLI) affiliated with Northern Virginia Community College. It is an organization centered on classes, activities and fellowship for retirees. The annual membership fee is $110. For additional information, please email Janice Viola at admin@llinova.org or Mary Alexander at mary@mkalexander.com.
Love to Play Basketball? Join NOVA United!
NOVA United Senior Women’s Basketball Association seeks new players 45+ to join the league. Have fun, stay fit and make new friends while playing three-on-three half-court basketball. The annual fee is $35 and practice takes place at the James Lee Community Center in Falls Church. For more information, email Marianne Simonton at Mrsimonton1@gmail.com.
Brain Gym
Friday, 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. No registration. For older adults. For more information, call 703-256-3800.
Nutrition Tips & Benefits by Virginia Cooperative Extension
Tuesday, February 13, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
Join Katie Strong, Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent and Registered Dietitian, to learn cooking tips and health benefits. 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
JCA’s Free Virtual 50+ Employment Expo
Thursday, February 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
If you are a 50+ job seeker, you won't want to miss this Expo! Join us from 10 to 11:45 a.m. for two workshops. First, learn about the Fairfax County hiring process - they are hiring! The second workshop will discuss Fairfax County employment services for county residents. At noon, hear from area employers who hire 50+ jobseekers! Register today at virtualexpos.accessjca.org.
Fairfax Village in the City’s Friday Morning Speaker Series
Friday, February 23, 9:30 a.m.
Sherwood Center, 3740 Blenheim Boulevard, Fairfax, VA 22030
Free event. The speaker will be Steve Gurney, the publisher of the Positive Aging Sourcebook, speaking on the topic of “Solo Aging.” 9:30 a.m. coffee and light fare; 9:45 a.m. presentation begins. Register by calling 703-385-5738 or emailing village@fairfaxva.gov.
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.
Burke Historical Society Meeting
Sunday, February 25, 3 p.m.
Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Rd, Burke
Join Fairfax County librarians Chris Barbuschak and Suzanne LaPierre as they recount the overlooked and little-known history of segregated library services in Northern Virginia. For more information, email Brian Slawski at slawski_brian@yahoo.com.
Memory Screenings at the Wellness Center for Older Adults
Monday, February 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
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 between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. by calling 703-970-3601.
Mental Health 101 for Older Adults
Tuesday, February 27, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
Learn about mental illnesses specific to older adults. The goal of this presentation is to help address the stigma associated with mental illness through education, support and advocacy. For more information, visit bit.ly/novaVCAA or join the virtual presentation at bit.ly/VCAAzoom2; Meeting ID: 905 123 5932; Passcode: 3636
Young at Heart Senior Center Advisory Council Craft and Vendor Market
Saturday, March 9, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Blenheim Boulevard, Fairfax
Shop and enjoy friendly company while supporting the Green Acres Senior Center annual fundraiser. Our vendors will provide a memorable shopping experience whether you are interested in art, crafts, food or jewelry. For more information, please call Diana Osinski at 703-889-0115, send an email to CRAFTV2024@gmail.com, or call the Green Acres Senior Center at 703-273-6090.
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.