Department of Family Services Alert:
Betty Graves is Enjoying Her Life One Day at a Time
Betty Graves is a charismatic and joyful person, bringing a smile to the face of everyone she meets. After raising three children and a long, satisfying career as a special education teacher, the 86-year-old is spending her retirement years giving back, engaging with her community, trying new things, and doing what she loves. Read more.
Everyone Can Help Combat the Opioid Crisis
In Fairfax County, more people die from drug overdoses than car accidents. Many fatal overdoses in Fairfax involve opioids, which are a class of drugs that include synthetic opioids such as fentanyl; pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, and morphine; the illegal drug heroin; and many others. Use of opioids, either by themselves or in combination with other drugs, is a major driver of the national drug overdose crisis. Like communities across the nation, in recent years, the vast majority of overdose deaths in Fairfax County have involved illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Read more.
Using Virtual Reality to Explore Elder Safety & Well-Being in Older Adults
Older adults experience challenges and frustrations that can be difficult to understand, even if you work with older people, or are a caregiver, family member, neighbor, or friend. Hoping to change that, a new training series is being offered and facilitated by ElderLink, a partnership program between the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging and Inova. Called Exploring the Dimensions of Aging through Virtual Reality, this initiative allows participants to “see through the eyes” of older adults to better understand what it is like for them to encounter various challenges in daily life. Read more.
Resources to Help with Grief and Loss
August 30 is National Grief Awareness Day; an annual recognition highlighting the wide-ranging experience and impacts of grief. Symptoms of grief may be physical, emotional, and behavioral. While each of us experience grief differently, you don’t have to go through it alone. If you have experienced a loss and are struggling to cope with your grief, there are resources available to help, including one-on-one counseling and grief support groups. Read more.
(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)
Congratulations to the Golden Girls Senior Softball Association for 35 years of fun, athletics and friendship! Founded in 1989, the Golden Girls League is a recreational slow pitch softball league for women over 40 that prioritizes sportsmanship and skill building.
In addition to offering fun recreational opportunities for women, the league gives back to the community by donating to food drives, providing help to women’s shelters, and assisting other charitable organizations.
To celebrate their anniversary, the Golden Girls honored their founding members at a Golden Girls Homecoming on Saturday, June 29, at Southside Park in Vienna following their Saturday morning doubleheader. The founding members are Rosemarie Barber, Linda Baziluik, Pat Blackmon*, Betty de la Cruz, Lani Etherton*, Edie Goeller, Helen Goetzke, Elaine Gunther*, Beth Hersey, Elaine Joy*, Margaret Keys, Donna Packard, Katy Page, Bev Raudenbush, Rita Ritter and Janet Week.
To learn more about the Golden Girls and join the fun, visit goldengirls.org.
* Denotes that the member is deceased.
(by Allegra Joffe, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)
The role of a caregiver can vary greatly depending on the individual and their family circumstances. For some, this role involves providing support from a distance when a caregiver lives far away from the person who needs care. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to effectively care for a loved one even if you're not nearby.
The National Institute on Aging offers practical advice for long-distance caregiving. You can provide emotional support and social companionship through phone calls or virtual meetings, manage finances, order necessary supplies and medications, and coordinate medical appointments, including participating in telehealth visits. If your loved one resides in an assisted living facility or nursing home, you can engage remotely in meetings with the staff to stay informed and contribute to care decisions.
For those loved ones who have a family member or friend nearby handling daily caregiving tasks, you can still play an active supportive role. Keep in regular contact to ensure they don't feel isolated, offer emotional support, and help arrange respite care through volunteers, aides, or adult day programs. If possible, visit your loved one to give the primary caregiver a much-needed break. Remember, whether you're near or far, your care and involvement are incredibly valuable. If you wish to learn more about caregiving resources, call our Aging, Disability, and Caregiving Resources Line at 703-324-7948 or visit FairfaxCounty.gov/OlderAdults.
Virtual Dementia Friendly Information Session
Wednesday, August 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, Supervisor with the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, and Diane Watson, Dementia Friends Champion Volunteer. Register online at bit.ly/DementiaFriendlyFairfax or call 571-407-6961.
Supporting Loved Ones with Hoarding
Wednesday, August 21, Noon-1 p.m.
In this virtual webinar presentation, hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, Dr. Christiana Bratiotis, an Associate Professor at the School of Social Work at The University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, will offer guidance to family caregivers on effectively managing and supporting loved ones dealing with hoarding, organizing, and downsizing challenges. Dr. Bratiotis will delve into strategies for families to gain a deeper understanding of these issues and provide practical tools and advice to assist their loved ones in a compassionate and supportive manner. Register online at
bit.ly/CAREWEB1 or call 571-407-6961.
Fairfax Caregiver Alert Notifications!
If we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you. Family caregivers can receive email or text notifications of 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.
Improv at the Library
Saturday, August 10, 4-5 p.m.
Woodrow Wilson Library is hosting an in-person performance from a local improv group, the Home Improv Mints, a Northern VA/DC based improv troupe performing short-form comedy sketches. Improv is an unscripted adventure. Join us for a lively and entertaining performance. Enjoy a comedic journey that is sure to excite all audiences with spontaneous fun! Registration is required. Register online at bit.ly/FFXImprovShow.
(by Katie Patterson, Long-Term Care Ombudsman)
All nursing and assisted living facilities should have a comprehensive emergency plan in place, so that people can be protected and supported in times of crisis. A nursing home, by federal law, is required to have evacuation plans in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. Emergency preparedness plans should be tailored to a facility’s geographic location and should take into consideration the residents’ levels of care. Each facility must also review the evacuation plan with residents, train new employees in emergency procedures, and hold drills and periodic reviews with staff. Assisted living facilities are required by the state to have a similar emergency preparedness plan in place as well. Residents and families should inquire with their specific facility about their plans and ask questions if needed.
As a mandated program under the Older Americans Act, the Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program 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 long-term care facilities emergency preparedness requirements, or other nursing facility and assisted living concerns, please call the NVLTCOP at 703-324-5861, TTY 711, or contact by email at NVLTCOP@FairfaxCounty.gov.
Have you ever misplaced your keys or forgotten someone’s name? Incidents like these happen to many of us, but is it just a lapse in memory… or could it be something more serious?
The Alzheimer’s Association reports that “Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life.”
Having memory loss alone doesn't mean you have dementia. Memory loss can have different causes, and depending on the cause, some dementia symptoms might even be reversible. Dr. Jennifer Pauldurai from Inova Neurology gives an overview of this disease. Allegra Joffe, Supervisor of the Caregiver and Support Services Unit at the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, shares resources available in Fairfax County for those with dementia and their caregivers. In addition, a local family caregiver shares her personal experience with a family member with dementia and offers words of wisdom and encouragement.
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 Maria Loh, Congregate Nutrition & Transportation, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)
Eating a light, simple-to-prepare meal can be quite satisfying during the hottest days of summer, especially recipes that don’t require you to turn on your stove or cooktop. The following recipes fulfill all those requirements, while also being tasty and nutritious.
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(by Sarah Oberther, Fairfax County Park Authority)
National Farmers Market Week (NFMW) is fast approaching! From August 4-10, join the Fairfax County Park Authority Farmers Markets in celebrating the 25th anniversary of this special event. What started as a proclamation by the US Department of Agriculture has blossomed into a significant celebration, thanks to the efforts of the Farmers Market Coalition, market organizers and local food leaders. In 2023, the importance of farmers markets was officially recognized by a Congressional Resolution, highlighting the crucial role they play in our communities.
Fairfax County is home to 10 vibrant farmers markets, each brimming with fresh, locally-grown produce and unique artisanal goods. To show your support, simply visit any of these markets during the week. We will have exciting giveaways, including market baskets and insulated bags, plus a variety of food-related activities for everyone to enjoy.
Don’t miss out on the Virginia Senior Farmers Market Program, running until September 30. Eligible seniors can apply to receive $50 in vouchers for fresh produce. This program is a wonderful way to ensure that all community members have access to healthy, locally-grown food. For more information and eligibility requirements, call 855-827-3667 or visit the FreshFarm Virginia Senior FMNP page at freshfarm.org/virginia-senior-fmnp/apply.
Use your SNAP benefits at select Farmers Markets and get up to $40 dollars of additional fruits and vegetables for FREE. To apply for SNAP, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/familyservices/public-assistance-employment-services.
Join us in celebrating NFMW and supporting the local vendors who bring fresh, delicious food to our tables. For more details about the Fairfax County Park Authority Farmers Markets and NFMW, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets.
(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)
Every summer, Fairfax County drivers are given a brief respite from traffic while school is out. This will end with the beginning of the new school year on August 19. Drivers will once again be required to share the road with a swarm of school buses, navigate busy school zones, and be on the alert for children walking and biking to school. Now is the perfect time to brush up on the rules regarding school buses, school zones, crossing guards and crosswalks.
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) runs more than 1,600 buses daily. If you drive, you will undoubtedly encounter FCPS and private school buses. The rules are simple if you encounter a school bus with flashing red lights. Drivers must stop in both directions, unless separated from the bus by a median. It is considered reckless driving – a criminal offense – if you pass a stopped school bus unloading children.
Pay attention to school zones, especially where they begin and end, and follow the speed limit when the lights are flashing. Some school zones include speed cameras, installed to improve pedestrian and road safety. The cameras are only active when the school zone is in effect. Drivers who exceed the speed limit by 10 mph or more will be fined based on an escalating fine structure that maxes out at $100.
A crossing guard’s job is to control traffic to ensure the safety of students to and from school. If you drive in a crossing guard zone, slow down and pay careful attention. By following the whistles and waves of the crossing guard, you will help ensure the safety of students as well as the crossing guard.
Virginia law requires drivers to stop (not just yield) to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks until the pedestrian has cleared the lane. This includes all lanes and both directions at clearly marked crosswalks; any regular pedestrian crossing (such as residential intersections) even if unmarked; or at any intersection where the maximum speed limit is not more than 35 miles per hour.
To learn more about pedestrian, bike, and traffic safety, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/topics/pedestrian-bike-traffic-safety.
(by Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions Recruitment Coordinator)
Capital Caring Health is a nonprofit hospice organization which was founded by a group of dedicated volunteers in 1977. Essential to their community services, compassionate volunteers visit patients of all ages in Northern Virginia and the DC area. Headquartered in Falls Church, they serve those with advanced illness through palliative and hospice care. Whether supporting Capital Caring Kids, their pediatric hospice and grief support program, or the adult population, the focus is on quality of days versus quantity of days. Would you consider joining them for six to ten hours a month to help make a difference in your community? Volunteers receive comprehensive training, earn an “End of Life Specialist” certificate, and form connections with patients, caregivers, and fellow volunteers.
There are many ways to help as a volunteer: companionship, respite for caregivers, bereavement, music (instrument and voice), pet therapy with your certified pet therapy animal, thrift store, veterans serving veterans, grief camps, and vigil (No One Dies Alone). Volunteers also collect and distribute holiday donations and provide support with professional skills in reiki, as an attorney, notary, hair stylist, and more.
To learn more or to become a Capital Caring volunteer, visit www.capitalcaring.org/volunteer.
Volunteer Solutions is searching for volunteers to share their skills with older adults at Fairfax County senior centers. The centers need weekday volunteers who are available to lead groups or provide entertainment. Do you enjoy creating art, leading fitness sessions, using technology, or playing an instrument? These skills and more are needed at the centers. Social visitors, grocery shoppers, household helpers, and drivers are also needed in the community, weekdays or weekends. Bilingual volunteers are needed, too. For more information, go to bit.ly/FXVSVOL, 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’d like to check out other volunteer opportunities, go to bit.ly/FFXVOLUNTEER.
If you wish to submit volunteer opportunities to be highlighted in a future column, contact Tanya Erway at VolunteerSolutionsRecruitment@FairfaxCounty.gov.
(by Moriah Kitaeff, Department of Emergency Management and Security)
Earthquakes aren’t common occurrences in our area, but that does not mean that they never happen here. If you are physically able, follow these steps when you feel shaking or receive an earthquake alert on your smart device:
1. DROP to your hands and knees where you are. This position helps prevent you from being knocked over and lowers the risk of being struck by falling objects.
2. COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand:
3. HOLD ON until the shaking stops:
For those using a cane: Drop, Cover, and Hold On, or sit on a chair, bed, etc., and cover your head and neck with both hands. Keep your cane close by to use once the shaking stops.
For those using a walker or wheelchair: Lock your wheels if applicable. If using a walker, get as low as possible. Bend over and cover your head and neck with your arms, a book, or a pillow. Hold on until the shaking stops.
Earthquake safety measures may vary based on individual physical abilities. If you cannot follow the standard "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" advice, consider these precautions to enhance your safety:
These steps will not prevent an earthquake, but they may lessen the chance of something being able to fall and harm you and/or loved ones while the earthquake takes place. To learn more about earthquakes and earthquake safety, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/emergency/readyfairfax/earthquake.
(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 July 24 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. The COA also heard a presentation from Theresa Mandela and Ellie Pettoni from Goodwin Living. They highlighted the Stronger Memory program which is being piloted in Neighborhood and Community Service senior centers as an initiative of the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan. The COA will be on recess in August.
Register to Compete in the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics by August 29
The 2024 NVSO will take place September 14-29. To compete in the NVSO, participants must be age 50 and older and live in one of the sponsoring jurisdictions – the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax and Falls Church, or Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun or Prince William Counties. For more information, including events, fees and locations, or to register, visit nvso.us.
Register Now for Putting for Pets: Benefiting Homeless Pets at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter
Monday, September 23, 9 a.m.
Bull Run Golf Club, 15000 Bull Run Estates Dr., Haymarket
Golf tournament hosted by the Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. Cost is $180/golfer and includes 18 holes of golf; generous swag goodie bag; breakfast, snacks and dinner; one drink ticket during play; chances to win prizes for the raffle, longest drive, and closest to the pin. Singles and groups of fewer than four players are welcome. Early bird special: Register by Aug. 12 for $170. Registration closes Sept. 17. For more information, including sponsorship opportunities, or to register, visit ffcas.org/event/putting-for-pets-2024.
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, everything from literature and history to health and investing, 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: www.goldengirls.org.
Brain Gym
Friday, August 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. Join us on Fridays from 2-3 p.m. on Aug 2 and Sept 13. Come to one or all of the sessions. No registration. For more information, please contact George Mason Regional Library at 703-256-3800.
Back to School Book Sale
Friday, Aug 2, 1-5 p.m.; Saturday, Aug 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, Aug 4, 1-4 p.m.
Centreville Regional Library, 14200 Saint Germain Dr., Centreville
Shop fiction for all ages and a variety of nonfiction and DVDs. No electronic scanners permitted. Bag sale on Sunday – fill a grocery bag with books for $10!
Unpacking Gender: How to Talk to Kids and Teens
Tuesday, August 6, 3-4:30 p.m.
Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Ln., Alexandria
Participants will explore the messages we are taught about gender and how they can affect our relationships with ourselves, loved ones, and community. We will discuss the impact gender roles and stereotypes have on everyone and how this knowledge can help us prevent violence. This workshop is aimed at grandparents and older adult caregivers to children, teens, and young adults interested in learning how to talk about gender with the young people in their life. Parents and youth serving professionals also welcome. For more information, contact Zayne Reeves.
Healthy Eating by Virginia Cooperative Extension
Tuesday, August 13, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
Hosted by the Virtual Center for Active Adults. 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
Fairfax Lions Club Dining for Dollars Fundraiser
Tuesday, August 13, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Enjoy a delicious meal and support a worthy cause by dining at Foster’s Grille in Vienna on Tuesday August 13, and the second Tuesday of every month between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. Simply ask the cashier to put your receipt in the Lion's box, and Foster's will donate 20% of your purchase to Lions' youth, sight, hearing and community programs. If you have used eyeglasses and hearing aids, please bring them with you. For more information contact Lion Tom at golfertom1943@gmail.com.
Fairfax Poet Laureate: Poetry Beneath the Stars
Saturday, August 17, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Turner Farm Park Observatory, 925 Springvale Road, Great Falls
Write a poem while gazing at the night sky to see if you can find a shooting star. 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 at FairfaxCounty.gov/parks/turner-farm/poetry-beneath-stars/081724
AARP Presents: Online Relationship Scams
Tuesday August 27, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
Hosted by the Virtual Center for Active Adults. 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
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.