Department of Family Services Alert:
Susan Voss is a Role Model for Aging Well
In November 2023, the Golden Gazette received an email from a 13-year-old named Jonathan D’Cruz. He wrote to recommend that I feature his neighbor, 91-year-old Susan Voss, in the Golden Gazette. Citing her as his role model for when he gets older, Jonathan shared that Susan lived a busy and happy life while making a positive impact on the lives of those around her. Interest piqued, I wanted to meet the woman who inspired this unusual introduction. Read more.
Celebrate Older Americans Month in May
Every year, May is recognized as Older Americans Month (OAM), a time to honor the contributions of older adults and address the issues impacting them. The theme of OAM this year is Powered by Connection, which highlights the impact social connections have on our health and overall well-being. In Fairfax County, many resources are available to encourage connections and reduce social isolation among older adults. Read more.
Spring Screening
May is Older Americans Month, a time to celebrate the health and well-being of our senior citizens. It's also a time to recognize the importance of screening for aging-related diseases. Rates of chronic conditions (like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol, Type-2 diabetes, and cancer) have continued to rise, underscoring notable disparities in early screening and detection. Therefore, screening is an essential step towards maintaining good health and a healthy community. Read more.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Nearly 1 in 5 people experience a mental health concern each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). More than 1 in 20 adults experience serious mental illness that interferes with or limits major life activities. Mental illness, including depression, substance use disorders, anxiety, or psychosis can happen to anyone. By talking about mental health this May, you can help shine a light on the presence of mental health issues and eliminate stigma surrounding mental illness. Read more.
Staying healthy and active is necessary for any stage of life, but it’s especially important for older adults. Physical activity can help to prevent the onset of diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer's disease and can also provide a big boost to our mental and emotional well-being.
Host Anne Hall begins the conversation with Julie Frederickson, the Fitness & Wellness Section Manager with the Fairfax County Park Authority, to explore how the resources in the county can help us achieve our fitness goals for little or no cost.
Two representatives from the Fairfax County Health Department add their expertise to this discussion. Monali Malaveetil, an Immunization Specialist, and Magda Garcia Narvaez, a Public Health Nutritionist, offer information on the importance of immunizations and healthy eating, and how these contribute to a healthy lifestyle. This episode also includes personal stories from two active seniors who share how staying active helps them with their overall good health and well-being.
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 Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)
In FY 2023, 3,525 reports of adult abuse, neglect or exploitation were received in Fairfax County.
Fairfax County Adult Protective Services (APS) receives and investigates reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an adult who is 60 years or older or is 18 years and older and incapacitated. APS staff assess for risk and work alongside the adult whenever possible to determine whether they need protective services. The adult is connected with helpful resources and may be provided case management services to address risk factors.
You can report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the Adult Protective Services hotline, and if you make a report, your identity will be kept strictly confidential.
If you suspect that someone you know is the victim of abuse, neglect, self-neglect or exploitation, please report it by calling 703-324-7450, TTY 711.
To learn more, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/familyservices/older-adults/adult-protective-services.
(by Allegra Joffe, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)
As a caregiver, do you have the legal documents you need if your loved one experiences a medical emergency? Do you know what your loved one’s wishes are if they are no longer able to communicate or if they pass away?
When families experience a crisis, many realize too late that they do not have the legal documents they need. Some documents family members should consider having in place include a Health Care Power of Attorney, a Durable Financial Power of Attorney, and a Living Will. Caregivers should speak with a professional to seek advice and guidance on the legal documents that are in place for their loved ones and others that are recommended. 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.
A Health & Wellness Vision Board Journey
Friday, May 3, Noon-1 p.m.
During this workshop, Julia Kay, Certified Life Coach and Certified Health & Wellness Coach, will provide step-by-step instructions, tips, and inspiration to help you craft a vision board. Through a series of interactive exercises and discussions, you'll gain clarity on your goals and create a visual representation of your dreams. Whether you want to excel in your caregiver duties, reduce your stress, improve relationships, or enhance your overall well-being, this workshop will empower you to take inspired action. A list of recommended supplies will be sent to registrants in advance prior to the workshop. Register online at bit.ly/StayingWell-123 or call 571-407-6961.
Filling My Cup: Gratitude Journaling for Self-Care
Friday, May 10, Noon-1 p.m.
In this gratitude journaling workshop, Alina Liao, founder of Zenit, will teach caregivers how to use journaling as a tool to proactively support self-care in their daily lives. Alina guides you through journaling focused on practicing gratitude to support self-care and mental wellness. This workshop is an inclusive, affirming space for caregivers to slow down, process their thoughts and feelings, and get grounded again. Participants leave the workshop with concrete tools, practices, and inspiration to continue with gratitude journaling and using this tool for self-care in their daily lives. Register online at bit.ly/StayingWell-123 or call 571-407-6961.
Legal Considerations for Family Caregivers
Wednesday, May 15, Noon-1 p.m.
In this presentation, Elizabeth L. Gray, Esq., CELA and Virgina C. Haizlip, Esq., will educate family caregivers on what legal considerations they should consider in their caregiving role. They will discuss special needs trusts, when is it appropriate to use a special needs trust, and other tools for caregivers of loved ones with disabilities. They will discuss the difference between guardianship and power of attorney and how to decide the best option for your family. In addition, they will share what legal documents are necessary for family caregivers to be able to provide the most effective assistance to their aging and disabled loved ones, including powers of attorney, advance medical directives, revocable living trusts, wills, and special needs trusts. Register online at bit.ly/CAREWEB1 or call 571-407-6961.
Resistance Training for Caregivers
Friday, May 17, Noon-1 p.m.
In this workshop, Shannon Royce, NAFC Certified Personal Trainer, Functional Aging Specialist, and Certified Training the Older Adult Specialist, will provide caregivers with exercises, stretches, and breathing techniques to help strengthen the muscles in their legs, back, and hips. This will assist with maintaining a more upright posture and longer gait steps. Shannon will discuss the purpose of strength training and talk about its importance in overcoming or slowing down conditions that primarily affect adults as they age, such as sarcopenia (muscle loss), osteopenia (bone loss), and obesity. Register online at bit.ly/StayingWell-123 or call 571-407-6961.
Transformation by Affirmation
Friday, May 31, Noon-1 p.m.
This workshop is taught by Stephan Goldberg, founder and president of Optimus Performance, who will inform and provide practical exercises to utilize affirmations as a tool to achieve personal goals and to affect a change in attitude and perspective. The workshop will focus on the purpose of affirmations, the benefits, and how to write and use affirmations to achieve desired outcomes. Participants will be able to ask questions and practice writing affirmations as the workshop progresses. Register online at bit.ly/StayingWell-123 or call 571-407-6961.
(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 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 April 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)
A person who lives in a long-term care (LTC) facility maintains all the same rights as an individual living in the community. A person living in a LTC facility gains additional rights as a resident, one of which is the right to raise formal grievances. A resident can present their grievances at any time to facility staff or any other person without fear of discrimination or retaliation. The facility must act promptly to help resolve the grievance, and provide a written decision to the resident, if requested. The resident also has the right to file a complaint with their local state licensing agency or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.
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 advocate for their rights to protect dignity, choices, and self-determination. The NVLTCOP is a resident-directed program that is available to assist with concerns about quality of care, and to educate the community about long-term care services. For more information about residents’ rights or other nursing facility and assisted living concerns, please call the NVLTCOP at 703-324-5861, or contact the Ombudsman Program by email at NVLTCOP@fairfaxcounty.gov.
(by Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions Recruitment Coordinator)
Spring is a time of new growth. Are you ready to try something new? Consider volunteering! Check out the volunteer opportunities below, or the various options found on bit.ly/FFXVOLUNTEER.
Bring healthy, fresh food to your neighborhood by volunteering with the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) Farmers Markets. The FCPA is searching for volunteers to ensure their ten farmers markets run smoothly this season. Responsibilities include setting out signs and cones, setting up and staffing the market information tent, directing vendors to their assigned spots, enforcing market rules, and answering questions from customers. This is a great opportunity for people who enjoy spending time outdoors, engaging with their community, and helping support local farms and small businesses. Depending on location, there are weekday and weekend opportunities available in Annandale, Burke, Herndon, Kingstowne, Lorton, Mount Vernon, McLean, Oakton, and Reston. Contact Elizabeth.Moore@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-642-0128 for more information.
Volunteer Solutions is searching for skilled volunteers to share their talents with older adults at Fairfax County senior centers. The centers need weekday volunteers who are available to lead groups in fitness, dance, art, gardening, piano, languages (including ASL, Spanish, French, ESOL), and more. If you have some free time during daytime hours, consider sharing your passion with others. Do you play an instrument, sing, or have another talent? Entertainers of all types are needed, too. Social visitors and grocery shoppers are also needed for one-on-one volunteer assistance (especially in the Alexandria region). For more information, go to bit.ly/FXVSVOL, or contact VolunteerSolutions@FairfaxCounty.gov, or call 703-324-5406. Volunteer Solutions is a partnership between the Fairfax County Department of Family Services and Neighborhood and Community Services.
If you wish to submit volunteer opportunities for a future column, contact Tanya Erway at VolunteerSolutionsRecruitment@FairfaxCounty.gov.
Sign up to learn about DSVS, the services the division provides and the population it serves. Discover how volunteers can contribute to the DSVS mission and the application process. Orientation is free but registration is required. Multiple dates, starting Wednesday, May 1, 2024, are available. Choose the one that works best for you: volunteer.fairfaxcounty.gov/custom/1380/opp_details/189202.
The Fairfax County Office of Elections is looking for community members to serve as election officers for the Tuesday, June 18, 2024 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.
(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)
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.
Shepherd's Centers need volunteers! If you are interested in making a difference in the life of an older adult by providing a ride to the doctor, dentist, or grocery store, please contact the center near you:
(by Moriah Kitaeff, Department of Emergency Management and Security)
Did you know that next month marks the beginning of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season? The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins Saturday, June 1, and goes all the way until Saturday, November 30. This means that this month is the time to hunker down and prepare. Key terms that are important to know for hurricane season are:
Threats from hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, and tornadoes. That does not mean that all of these threats have to take place for something to be categorized as a hurricane.
To prepare for hurricane season, make sure that your home emergency kit is up to date, and contains items to help your household be self-sustaining during a power outage at home for up to 72 hours. For more information on what to have in your home emergency kit, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/emergency/readyfairfax/makeanemergencykit.
There are also things you can do to strengthen your home to prepare for an upcoming hurricane:
For more information on what you can do before, during, and after a hurricane, visit the hurricane and tropical storm page of the Fairfax County Community Emergency Response Guide: FairfaxCounty.gov/emergencymanagement/cerg.
(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)
On Thursday, March 7, 2024, the United States Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions held a hearing entitled “The Older Americans Act: Supporting Efforts to Meet the Needs of Seniors.” The purpose of the hearing was to gather input from stakeholders on policies the committee should consider during the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA). The OAA was first enacted in 1965 to provide a broad range of services and programs for older adults. It was last reauthorized in 2020 and will expire on September 30, 2024.
Several experts who work in the field of older adult services testified before the committee, including Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO of the National Council on Aging, Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America, Martha (Marti) Y. Kubik, PhD, RN, FAAN, Professor of Nursing, College of Public Health, George Mason University, and Michelle Branham, Secretary, Florida Department of Elder Affairs. They testified to the positive impact of the OAA and advocated for expansion of the program to meet increasing demand. Panelists also agreed that programs and services funded by the OAA save lives as well as money by keeping seniors healthier and safer. One example cited was that it costs less to feed a senior home delivered meals for a whole year than for them to spend one night in a hospital.
Also invited to testify was Dorothy Hutchins, a 93-year-old resident of Alexandria, VA. Joining the hearing virtually from her home, she shared that she lived alone but was blessed with a large supportive family. A widow since 1973, Hutchins first experienced the benefits of the OAA in the early 1990s when she began attending two local Fairfax County senior centers – Lincolnia and Bailey’s. At the centers, she enjoyed playing bridge, taking exercise classes, and participating in special events. At the centers, she also participated in their Congregate Meals program.
Hutchins stopped attending the centers during the COVID-19 pandemic and hasn’t returned. However, during the pandemic, she learned that she qualified for the Home Delivered Meals program and began receiving a weekly supply of meals, delivered to her home every Thursday.
In January 2021, Hutchins suffered a fall in her home that required surgery and rehab. A year later, she fell again, requiring another round of surgery and rehab. Since then, she has been very cautious, no longer drives and wears a life alert device. Hutchins shared that she sometimes feels lonely but tries to stay busy and continue to learn.
Crediting her family and the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging for making it possible for her to continue to live independently in her home, Hutchins concluded her testimony with these words, “Everyone deserves the chance to live where they choose, and for most of us we want to remain in our homes and communities. The services provided under the Older Americans Act make that possible for me and many other seniors. I hope that Congress will continue to support this important work.”
To watch a recording of the hearing, including Dorothy Hutchins’ testimony, visit youtube.com/watch?v=pHlze8GJOIM.
Learn more about services and resources for older adults, including:
Call the Aging, Disability & Caregiver Resources Line at 703-324-7948, TTY 711, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
(by Myles Niedstadt, Communication and Technology Committee Chair, Coordinating Council on Aging and Adult with Disabilities)
Embracing and using everyday technology can be daunting. The Fairfax Area Coordinating Council on Aging and Adults with Disabilities (CCAAD) is here to help.
CCAAD has published a new guide to the many Fairfax-area community resources that can help people, particularly older people, better understand and utilize a wide variety of technology, including assistive technologies.
The guide can be accessed online or downloaded in a printable PDF format at tinyurl.com/ffxtechguide. To encourage organizations to make use of the guide, it may be printed and reproduced without restrictions.
The guide is organized by the type of technology. For example, if an older adult or an adult with a disability needs help making a video call using a cell phone or tablet, a community resource for them is Fairfax County’s IT On-Call Program at 703-324-5406 or 703-324-7948 or email volunteersolutions@fairfaxcounty.gov. A program volunteer could assist over the phone or in person.
Another example, if one is seeking more information about using assistive smartphones with voice recognition or adaptive equipment or computer access for hearing, vision, and sensory needs, the ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia offers in-person classes. They could also visit the Hearing Assistive Technology Demonstration Center at Northern Virginia Resource Center and obtain an initial consultation to discuss possible government or insurance coverage for additional services.
Please note, the guide is designed to assist readers find resources for tech help but is not intended to be inclusive of all providers – either locally or nationally - who might offer similar services. The providers have not been vetted by CCAAD, and there is no guarantee that they are suitable for everyone’s situation or needs.
The listed providers offer tech help for older adults and adults with disabilities for technology and some with a focus on assistive technology. However, neither may completely solve all accessibility issues. CCAAD’s expectation is that all providers could address the accessibility and useability needs of each individual seeking assistance.
(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)
Want to meet new people, enjoy recreational activities, pursue hobbies and fitness goals, and engage with your community? Join a senior center! In Fairfax, senior centers are both affordable and abundant. Check out the following list to find one near you.
Fairfax County operates 15 senior centers. Membership is available to adults 50 and older and membership is $24-$48/year for county residents and $100/year for non-residents. Operating hours of all senior centers are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., unless noted otherwise. Learn more at FairfaxCounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/senior-centers.
Bailey's Senior Center
5920 Summers Lane, Falls Church
703-820-2131, TTY 711
Herndon Senior Center
873 Grace Street, Herndon
703-464-6200, TTY 711
Hollin Hall Senior Center
1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria
703-765-4573, TTY 711
Huntington Senior Center
5751 Liberty Drive, Alexandria
703-960-1917, TTY 711
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Saturday, Noon-8 p.m.
James Lee Senior Center
2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church
703-534-3387, TTY 711
Jim Scott (formerly Providence) Senior Center
3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax
703-865-0520, TTY 711
Kingstowne Center for Active Adults
6488 Landsdowne Center, Alexandria
703-339-7676, TTY 711
Lewinsville Senior Center
1613 Great Falls Street, McLean
703-442-9075, TTY 711
Lincolnia Senior Center
4710 North Chambliss Street, Alexandria
703-914-0330, TTY 711
Little River Glen Senior Center
4001 Barker Court, Fairfax
703-503-8703, TTY 711
Lorton Senior Center
9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton
703-550-7195, TTY 711
Pimmit Hills Senior Center
7510 Lisle Avenue, Falls Church
703-734-3338, TTY 711
South County Senior Center at the Original Mount Vernon High School
8333 Richmond Highway, Suite 325, Alexandria
703-704-6216, TTY 711
Sully Senior Center
13800 Wall Road, Herndon
703-322-4475, TTY 711
Wakefield Senior Center at Audrey Moore RECenter
8100 Braddock Road, Annandale
703-321-3000, TTY 711
The Young at Heart Senior Center
Green Acres Center
4401 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax
703-273-6090
Adults 55 and older are welcome to join. Membership is free for City of Fairfax residents and $50/year for non-residents. Operating hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-
5 p.m. Learn more at FairfaxVa.gov/government/parks-recreation/the-young-at-heart-senior-center.
City of Falls Church Senior Center
223 Little Falls St., Falls Church
703-248-5027 (TTY 711)
Adults 50 and older are welcome to join. Membership is free for Falls Church residents and $12/person for non-residents with membership running Sept. 1-Aug. 31. Operating hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Learn more at FallsChurchVa.gov/611/Senior-Center.
Seniors in Action
McLean Community Center
1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean
703-790-0123, TTY 711
MCC’s Seniors in Action is a recreation program for adults 50+. Membership is $100 per year/$48 for MCC district residents. Learn more at McleanCenter.org/seniors-in-action.
(by Doug Povich, Cable and Consumer Services)
Internet service, like telephone, water, and electricity, is essential to life in the 21st century. Its importance was brought to the fore during the COVID-19 pandemic when working adults and students needed better internet access for teleworking and online education.
As part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the federal government provided $14.2 billion to improve access to affordable internet services and tasked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with managing a program to offer eligible households discounts on their monthly internet bills and a one-time discount on the purchase of a laptop, desktop, or tablet.
Since December 2021, that program, known as the Affordable Connectivity Program or ACP, has provided nearly 23 million low-income households with up to a $30/month discount on internet service and up to $100 off the cost of a computer or tablet. Unfortunately, the initial funding was expected to run out in April 2024, and the FCC has started to wind down the program. As of February 8, 2024, the FCC stopped accepting new applications for the ACP. Internet service providers (ISPs) are required to notify ACP households about the end of the program.
There is some hope that Congress will allocate additional funding as part of the ongoing budget negotiations. Also, some U.S. Senators have introduced the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act, which would provide $7 billion to extend the ACP at least through the end of 2024.
So, what happens in the meantime if you’re an ACP participant? ACP participants who remain eligible are expected to receive the ACP discount through the end of April 2024 and perhaps part of May. You’ll receive notice from your ISP regarding the specific date your discount expires.
After the end of the program, in order to switch you to a non-discounted service, your ISP must establish your willingness and ability to pay for internet service. This requirement is met if you 1) previously consented to receiving internet service following the end of the ACP; 2) paid for internet service from the ISP before you started receiving the ACP discount; or 3) currently pay a fee for your ACP-supported service. If none of these requirements is met, an ACP provider must get an opt-in form from you before charging a rate higher than the ACP rate. You should contact your internet company to discuss your options.
In Fairfax County, those options include low-cost internet programs offered by Comcast, Cox and Verizon, whose eligibility requirements parallel those of the ACP. If you weren’t eligible for the ACP, you likely also won’t be eligible for these programs. They include Comcast’s Internet Essentials, Cox’s ConnectAssist and Connect2Compete, and Verizon’s Verizon Forward. If you’re eligible, the monthly charges for the programs range from $9.95 - $30 per month. You can contact the providers directly to see if you qualify.
Given the success of the ACP program, and the importance of affordable internet access to all Americans, many hope Congress will allocate funds to extend the program.
Curiosity Never Retires
Looking for a way to keep your mind active with a bonus of making new friends and finding new adventures? Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University (OLLI Mason) offers over 500 onsite and online courses every year, as well as regional outings, social events, and over 20 different clubs. Take as many classes as you want for one yearly fee. No homework, tests or papers, just the chance to rediscover what you love. For more information or to request a current course catalog, go to olli.gmu.edu or contact the OLLI Mason office at 703-503-3384.
Love to Play Softball?
The Golden Girls of Northern Virginia, a senior women’s softball league, is looking for players. Any woman over the age of 40 is encouraged to join. All skill levels are welcome. We play most Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings in Vienna from May-July and September-October. For more information, please visit our website: goldengirls.org.
Poetry Beneath the Stars
Saturday, May 4, 7:30 p.m.
Turner Farm Park, 925 Springvale Road, Great Falls
During this program you will be asked to dig deep and contemplate the cosmos through poetic form. Examples of star-gazing poetry and writing prompts will be provided. This event will include telescope viewing in the Roll Top Observatory, weather permitting. Hosted by ArtsFairfax and the Fairfax Poet Laureate as part of the “Poetry in the Parks” series. Learn more and register at FairfaxCounty.gov/parks/event-highlights.
NOVA Symphony Orchestra Spring 2024 Classical Concert
Saturday, May 4, 8 p.m.
Schlesinger Concert Hall, 4915 E Campus Dr., Alexandria
NOVA Symphony Orchestra is celebrating our 30th anniversary! For our formal spring classical concert, we’ll perform music that we have played during the past thirty years but not recently. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit reunionmusicsociety.org.
Culturally Specific Care for Dementia
Wednesday, May 8, 1-2:30 p.m.
Virtual and in-person program at Insight Memory Care Center, 3955 Pender Drive, Suite 100, Fairfax
Free program. Dementia does not discriminate - it affects people of all cultures and backgrounds. People’s backgrounds and beliefs inform their sense of self, how they understand, feel about, and respond to other people and their environment - including diagnoses, health and care organizations and their staff. For more information and to register, visit insightmcc.org/get-involved/events.
Vienna Parks and Recreation Wellness & Safety Expo 2024
Friday, May 10, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
This event is for adults ages 55+ and features a wide variety of exhibitors, including government agencies, nonprofits and local businesses offering information and answering questions. For more information, call 703-255-7801 or visit viennava.gov/wellness.
Brain Gym
Friday, May 10, 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. Join us on Fridays from 2-3 p.m. on May 10, June 7, July 5, Aug. 2 and Sept. 13. Come to one or all of the sessions. No registration. For more information, call 703-256-3800.
Ayr Hill Garden Club Plant Sale
Saturday, May 11, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
The sale will take place next to the Freeman Store and Museum, 131 Church Sheet, NE, Vienna
Purchase plants for sun and/or shade, deer resistant plants, drought tolerant plants, native plants, and more. Watch special demonstrations and get gardening advice. Shop for Mother’s Day from crafts made by club members. Proceeds help Ayr Hill Garden Club maintain five public gardens in Vienna.
The Big Plant Sale at Green Spring Gardens
Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria
Shop for annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees. Get gardening tips and more from dozens of local vendors and master gardeners. Visit FairfaxCounty.gov/parks/greenspring for more information or call 703-642-5173.
Sibling Loss Workshop
Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
New workshop offered by Haven of Northern Virginia, Inc. Space is limited. For information, call 703-941-7000 or email havenofnova@verizon.net.
Department of Cable & Consumer Services Presents: Your Rights as a Cable TV Subscriber
Tuesday, May 21, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
Learn about federal and local customer service standards for cable TV operators, who oversees them, and how and when to get assistance. 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
Older Americans Month: Powered by Connection Resource Fair
Wednesday, May 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Inova Center for Personalized Health, 8100 Innovation Park Dr., Fairfax
Explore diverse aging experiences and learn how communities can combat stereotypes. The event will feature Frontal Temporal Dementia Info and Resources, PowerBraining, Covid Vaccination and Boosters, Door Prizes, Therapeutic Art, Community Resources, Dementia Simulation, and more. For more information, contact Ndidi Uzowihe at Nuzowihe@arlingtonva.us or Delores Clearfield dathey@capitalcitynurses.com.
Pride Month Poetry Reading
Saturday, June 1, 1-2:30 p.m.
Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria
Featuring some of the region’s most prominent LGBTQ+ poets, this reading honors the rich legacy and contributions of poets and poetry in the queer community. Poets include Danielle Badra, Gowri Koneswaran, and Brian Teare. For more information, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/parks/greenspring.
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.*
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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.