News and Information
November 12, 2019
PVI head coach Glen Farello and PVI basketball players show off donated shoes during last year’s event.
Registration Open for Sharing Shoes Basketball Clinic on December 1
For the second year, F.A.S.T., short for Fairfax Athletes Stand Together, is partnering with non-profit Sharing Shoes to collect new and gently used sneakers for local athletes. This campaign, culminating in a free basketball clinic on December 1, aligns with F.A.S.T.’s mission to provide those in need with quality-of-life essentials such as food and clothing.
F.A.S.T. is a collaborative network of county government, community nonprofits and athletic organizations that support underserved populations in Fairfax County. The group began partnering with Sharing Shoes in October 2018 and helped collect and distribute over 300 pairs of shoes last year.
“Shoes are a very important part of basketball and athletic activity. Our partnership vision is to provide every kid a chance to access athletic footwear to stay active,” said Chris Pulley, Community Outreach Specialist for NCS Athletic Services.
Registration is now open for the second annual Sharing Shoes Basketball Clinic, scheduled for December 1, 2019 at Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax from 10:30 am-12:30 pm. The free clinic is open to kids in third through eighth grades, and registration is required. New and gently used basketball shoes will be collected during the event.
In addition to helping collect the shoes, F.A.S.T. will work with the Chantilly Youth Association to distribute athletic footwear to Fairfax County athletes and those in need.
To register for the basketball clinic and/or donate sneakers at the event, visit sharingshoes.org/events.
November 1, 2019
Following a countywide design competition launched in July, the Fairfax Prevention Coalition has announced the winning design which will be used as a visual representation of the coalition. Created by 10th-grade student and Mott Community Center member Paolo Chavez, the design shows four interlocking hands under the words “Empowering, Strengthening, Communities.” The Department of Neighborhood and Community Services coordinated participation for the logo contest among rising first through ninth graders in the Technology Program offered at Fairfax County Community Centers. Altogether, 94 of the 117 contest submissions came from NCS Community Center youths.
Learn more about the winning design and the Fairfax Prevention Coalition in the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board's news article.
November 4, 2019
Older adults and technology don’t exactly go hand in hand – or do they? According to Jacqueline Rich, NCS Information Technology Educator, it’s a common misconception that seniors are afraid to use technology.
Rich, who teaches technology courses at the county’s 14 Senior Centers, recently discussed her thoughts with host Jim Person on Fairfax 50+, the county’s podcast series for residents 50 and over. “It’s really exciting to see how the seniors embrace technology and are always looking forward to what’s coming next,” she said.
Rich explained that very few older adults are intimidated by technology nowadays. In fact, since many seniors have their own devices – according to the Pew Research Center, 79 percent of adults ages 50-64 now own smartphones – the nature of the classes she teaches has changed.
“When I first started two years ago, they were very dedicated classes on specific topics,” Rich said. “But because more people have their own devices, the classes have gone to one-on-one drop-in sessions, where they can bring in the device they have and ask their questions.”
Rich’s technology classes are tailored to meet the needs and interests expressed by the community. According to Rich, the most requested topics include online security, digital photography, photo storage and creating videos. In addition to technology education, Senior Centers offer computer labs staffed by volunteers.
Listen to the full conversation in the Fairfax 50+ Podcast or find a Fairfax County Senior Center near you.
