By Alana Quarles, Branch Manager, Kings Park Library
Providing programming and activities for seniors in Fairfax County
Senior Centers Without Walls (SCWW) is a program coordinated by Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) that brings local government together with residents, businesses and houses of worship to provide programming and activities to older adults living in communities where no senior center is located. Currently, the SCWW program serves older adults in the Burke/West Springfield and Great Falls communities, hosting programming in partnership with many community organizations, including several Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) branches.
Lee Maguire is a service area manager for NCS and oversees Region 4, which covers the West Springfield, Burke, Fairfax Station and Fairfax areas, as well as the SCWW program, Mott Community Center and David R. Pinn Community Center. He recently sat down with us to share more about the SCWW program.
Can you tell us more about SCWW?
The Burke/West Springfield SCWW program is an innovative approach to community recreation. Originally established by a small group of older adults with a passion to enhance the lives of others in the Burke/West Springfield community, the group coordinates use of space in community centers, churches and libraries to offer recreational programming to seniors under the guidance of NCS staff. That group of community members have relished in seeing the program grow in the past decade to over 300 participants.
What sort of programs are offered at SCWW?
Activity offerings are created based on current participant interests as well as recreation and leisure trends within the older adult population. Current activity offerings within the program include Zumba, Pilates, yoga, pickleball, volleyball, instrument lessons and a variety of dance classes. Most programs have a fee of $5 or $10 for a 10-week session, but free classes are offered.
How can seniors get involved with SCWW?
The Burke/West Springfield SCWW offers four class sessions a year, with other special events, guest speakers and field trips scheduled occasionally. Seniors can get involved at any point during the year and can register online, by phone, by mail and in person.
Where can seniors find more information about registration and upcoming programs?
Interested individuals can find information online at bit.ly/FFC_SCWW as well as in the display case at Mott Community Center. Information is also available by calling Mott Community Center at (703) 278-8605.