Department of Family Services Alert:
Steve Lebo: Unexpected Events Led to an Interesting Life
Steve Lebo’s life could have followed a simple, straightforward path, but unexpected events, unique chances, and tough decisions changed everything. While those moments weren’t always easy, they gave him amazing experiences – traveling to interesting places, creating new technology, and stepping in to support his family when it mattered most. Read more.
Experiences Make the Best Holiday Gifts
It’s that time of year when we start buying gifts for those we love. Maybe another sweater, another toy, or expensive electronics. As our children and grandchildren get older, it becomes more difficult to know what they want or already have. So instead of giving them more “stuff,” why not give them something to DO? Something they’ll always remember and appreciate. Read more.
Make 2026 Your Year of Learning
As the end of 2025 draws near, you may already be looking forward to the new year – making resolutions to try new activities, make new friends, and learn something new. Studies have shown that lifelong learning can help lower the risk of dementia by keeping your brain active and engaged. In Fairfax, older adults are fortunate to have many choices when it comes to learning opportunities. Depending on your level of interest and budget, there is something for everyone. Read more.
Sustainable Holidays: Low Waste, Low Cost, Low Stress Strategies
Holidays do not have to be wasteful, stressful and expensive at the time when we need to be more aware of the world around us. We repeat these wasteful habits because we are in a hurry and feeling overwhelmed by everything that must get done, but that does not have to be our holiday. We can be more mindful about how we do holidays. All it takes is wanting to make a change. Read more.
Driving a car provides freedom and independence, but it also comes with the responsibility of following traffic laws and practicing safe driving. For older drivers, age-related changes like slower reflexes or reduced vision and hearing can make driving more challenging. Fortunately, there are valuable resources to help. In the latest episode of Mature Living, Kathy Blevins, Recreation Program Coordinator for Mature Adults with the Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation, introduces the popular CarFit program, which promotes safe driving for older adults. Local resident Irene Coyne shares her personal experience with CarFit, while Nancy Lo, Coordinator for Virginia GrandDriver, offers practical safety tips and insights into how modern car technology is enhancing driver safety for older adults.
Mature Living can be seen on Channel 16 or 1016 (depending on your service provider) on the following days and times:
Mature Living replays on Channel 16 may be preempted by Board of Supervisors, Board of Zoning Appeals, or Planning Commission meetings. Mature Living can also be seen On-Demand any time – visit: 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 Fairfax County, an ordinance went into effect on January 1, 2023, that requires property owners to contain running bamboo on their property and stop it from spreading onto neighboring property. Running bamboo is an invasive, fast-growing plant that is very hard to get rid of. It grows in dense stands and blocks other plants from growing, which harms native plants and animals.
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) must also comply with the ordinance, and with 420 parks located on more than 23,000 acres, they have a lot of land to monitor. In 2024, the FCPA board created a new position and allocated funding to prioritize bamboo management as a part of their Invasive Plant Management Program.
Patricia Greenberg, an ecologist, leads the program. So far, her team has found about 270 distinct patches of bamboo in parks, covering 60 acres in total. However, removing bamboo is very challenging. It spreads quickly and its strong roots can go as deep as four feet, burrowing under trails and damaging buildings. Since much of FCPA's property is forested, digging up the bamboo isn’t an option because it could harm tree roots. Instead, contractors cut down the bamboo. The stumps are treated with herbicide and monitored for up to five years to make sure the bamboo doesn’t grow back.
Last year, an unexpected partner joined FCPA’s effort to remove bamboo from park property. Staff from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo saw a large stand of bamboo at Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria and contacted Greenberg, asking if they could harvest it to feed animals at the zoo. “I said, that’s really cool, and it would be so much fun if we could support animals in the zoo – not just pandas, but other animals like elephants, apes and giraffes,” says Greenberg. Zoo staff applied for and received a permit, returning often to harvest bamboo. Greenberg was told that the pandas weren’t very interested in the bamboo over the winter, but by spring and summer, they started to enjoy it.
In addition to bamboo, Greenberg and her team are also working to remove other invasive plants, like the Tree of Heaven. This tree grows quickly and attracts the Spotted Lantern Fly, an invasive insect from Asia that is very harmful to native trees and crops. Getting rid of the Tree of Heaven would help reduce the Spotted Lantern Fly population. Other invasives include plants like the porcelain berry, a vine that grows in thick mats, climbs trees, and pushes out local plants.
The Invasive Management Area (IMA) Volunteer Program invites people to help remove invasive plants from parks. This program has been around for almost 20 years and engages thousands of volunteers every year. Currently, the program manages over 150 acres of park land with the help of 75 volunteer leaders. The public is welcome to volunteer for work events, which are held almost daily at various parks. To learn more, go to fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/invasive-management-area.
If you are over the age of 18, you can volunteer on your own schedule by joining IMA’s Tree Rescuer program. Volunteers are trained to safely remove harmful vines from trees and can work any time during regular park hours. Volunteers log the time they spend and the locations where they work. For more details, visit bit.ly/479uQO6.
To help stop invasive plants in your area, think twice about what you’re planting in your yard. Some plants sold in stores are actually invasive, even though they aren’t labeled that way. Before buying a plant, search its name online along with the word “invasive” to see if it might be harmful. Planting native plants instead helps local wildlife and prevents invasives from spreading. Also, you can encourage any groups you belong to, like neighborhood associations or places of worship, to remove invasive plants.
One local group, the Fairfax Invasive Removal Alliance (FIRA), works with neighborhood associations to get rid of invasive plants. Learn more about them at firaadvocacy.com.
(by Katherine Hall, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)
As the holiday season draws near, family caregivers of older adults can experience a mix of joy and sorrow as memories resurface, and traditions shift to make way for new caregiving needs. Amid the grief that sometimes accompanies the caregiving role, there is always room for support, hope, and celebration.
Navigating grief during the holiday season is a personal journey that everyone experiences in a unique way. Allowing yourself to feel the range of emotions, whether that’s happiness or sadness, and seeking support are helpful to ensure a more joyful holiday season.
The Fairfax Area Agency on Aging offers workshops and support groups that provide practical advice and emotional support, helping caregivers cope and manage their responsibilities. If you wish to learn more about caregiving resources, call our Aging, Disability, and Caregiver Resources Line at 703-324-7948 or visit FairfaxCounty.gov/OlderAdults.
Virtual Dementia Friends Information Session
Wednesday, Dec. 10, Noon-1:15 p.m.
Join this virtual 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 Jessica Frederikson, Director of Brain Health, and Diane Watson, Dementia Friends Champion Volunteer. Register online at bit.ly/DementiaFriendlyFairfax or call 571-407-6961.
(by Fairfax Circuit Court, Land Records Division)
Deed fraud is a simple identity theft scam in which criminals pose as the "owner" of a piece of property. Relying on email and text communications, they attempt to sell property under market value with an exceptionally quick escrow. Scammers can easily search public records of vacant lots that are free of mortgages or liens. They similarly search public records for landowner information.
Posing as the property owner, the scammer contacts a real estate agent to list the property for sale. All communications are done via email or texts, and sometimes phone calls. The imposter “seller” usually will agree to below current market value and request a quick cash sale. Imposters frequently say they do not want a “For Sale” sign on the property. Fake IDs are provided when requested. Paperwork is done via electronic signatures. Notary stamps may be forged OR imposters will meet with a real notary, usually in another state.
The Fairfax Circuit Court has procedures in place to verify the authenticity of documents submitted for recording. While this does not eliminate the possibility of fraud, it does add a layer of scrutiny.
Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself against deed fraud:
Monitor and Review Records: The Fairfax Circuit Court Land Records Division encourages property owners to regularly monitor and review their property records to ensure that no unauthorized changes have been made to their properties.
Stay Aware of Scams: Consult information and resources about current scams, including deed fraud, at FairfaxCounty.gov/topics/scams, or visit the Silver Shield Anti-Scam Program at bit.ly/DFS-OA-FCSS.
If you discover your property was listed for sale without your knowledge, contact the listing agent and demand the property be taken off the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) immediately.
Property owners are advised to consult with a real estate attorney or legal professional if they suspect deed fraud or need assistance with property related issues:
If property owners suspect fraud or notice any unauthorized activity on their property records, they should report it to the Fairfax Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Office and, if necessary, to local law enforcement.
For more information, visit the Fairfax Circuit Court’s Land Records Division at FairfaxCounty.gov/circuit/land-records/general-information.
Report incidents to federal and local law enforcement:
(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 November 19 COA meeting, the COA continued discussion on 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. At the December 17 meeting, the COA will continue to work on the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan.
In Person: Pennino Building, 12011 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax, VA 22035 – Room 505
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 Linda.Hernandez-Giblin@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-324-5859, TTY 711.
(by Kristin Martin, ElderLink)
ElderLink Virtual Support Call for Family Caregivers of Older Adults, via Microsoft Teams
Tuesday, Dec. 9, 7-8 p.m.
Topic: Terminal Illness: Caregiving While Managing Anticipatory Grief and Loss. The holidays are intended to be a time of celebrating and creating joyful memories with loved ones. However, when caring for someone whose health is declining or who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, it can be difficult to join in the holiday spirit. Join ElderLink’s December support call to engage in discussion on navigating grief and loss while caring for someone with a terminal illness and finding hope as we transition into the New Year. Register at tinyurl.com/CaregiverTSG or call the ElderLink Intake Line, 703-324-5374.
Exploring the Dimensions of Aging, via Microsoft Teams
Join Inova ElderLink and the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging for online training sessions to help family and professional caregivers. Using a training platform called Embodied Labs, you will see what it’s like to be an older adult facing real-life challenges. This unique experience will promote empathy and help you better understand and support older adults and caregivers. After the training, you will receive a license to use the Embodied Labs platform whenever you want, so you can keep learning. Register at tinyurl.com/exploring-aging.
(by Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions Recruitment Coordinator)
"One person might feel that their efforts can’t make a real difference in tackling an issue as large as food insecurity," said Karen Joseph, Founder and Executive Director of Food For Neighbors. "But every individual plays a crucial role in the bigger mission. The support and commitment from many in our community truly changes the lives of thousands who face hunger."
Many local organizations are dedicated to ensuring reliable access to food, and they depend on volunteers and donations to carry out their mission. A few examples are highlighted below, and you can find many more in the Human Services Resource Guide at bit.ly/AssistWithFood, (enter your city and/or ZIP code, and check “Accepting donations”), or search under bit.ly/FOODAccess for emergency food assistance locations.
Food For Neighbors helps schools establish in-house food pantries and mobilizes local communities to fill them with food and toiletries donated through the non-profit’s Red Bag Program. You can make a difference by registering as a Red Bag donor. The group will leave a “Red Bag” with the grocery list and collection dates on your doorstep, send a reminder when it’s time to shop, and pick up the donations from your home. You can join the effort by volunteering as a driver, sorter, or helping in other ways. Go to FoodForNeighbors.org to learn more and register.
United Community began in 1969 as a small Alexandria neighborhood initiative helping local families meet their most urgent needs. Over the years, it has grown into a nonprofit organization serving thousands of individuals and families across Northern Virginia. Visit bit.ly/UCAssist to learn about the many ways you can support their work, including contributing to their food pantry.
ACCA provides food and other services to low-income families in the Annandale and Bailey’s Crossroads region. Volunteers perform nearly all ACCA’s work. Schedules are flexible and many tasks can be done from home. There’s a need for drivers (with their own vehicles) to deliver groceries to local families and food captains to help organize efforts. Learn more at bit.ly/ACCACares or email volunteers@accacares.org.
Food for Others is a Fairfax nonprofit serving Northern Virginia, dedicated to distributing food to neighbors with the support of a generous community and committed volunteers. Community support is vital, whether through donations or volunteering to pick up, deliver, sort, pack, distribute food, or assist with warehouse and traffic operations. Learn more at bit.ly/FFOvol, email info@FoodforOthers.org or call 703-207-9173.
If you wish to submit volunteer opportunities to be highlighted in a future column, contact Tanya Erway at Tanya.Erway@FairfaxCounty.gov.
(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! Drivers are needed and can accept ride requests that work with their schedule. There are also other ways you can help. Contact the Shepherd’s Center near you to learn more about volunteer opportunities:
(by Katie Patterson, Long-Term Care Ombudsman)
Do you or someone you know receive long-term care services in the community? The Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (NVLTCOP) can assist in resolving care concerns and provide information about community-based long-term care services such as home health, hospice, and adult day health care. Consumers can also search for information about these services on Medicare’s website, Medicare.gov. The website can help a consumer locate services near where they live, read the most recent survey results, and compare agencies, to make an informed decision about their long-term care services.
As a mandated program under the Older Americans Act, the NVLTCOP is often called on to assist residents and consumers to advocate for their rights to ensure quality of care and quality of life. The NVLTCOP is a resident-directed program that is available to assist with concerns and to educate the community about long-term care services. For more information about long-term care services in the community, or nursing facility and assisted living concerns, please call the NVLTCOP at 703-324-5861, TTY 711, or contact the Ombudsman Program by email at NVLTCOP@fairfaxcounty.gov.
To submit an event, email DFSGoldenGazette@FairfaxCounty.gov. All events must be received by the first day of the month prior to the issue month.
Curiosity Never Retires
Looking for a way to keep your mind active, make new friends and find 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.
Tysons Library Quarterly Book & Media Sale
Thursday, Dec. 4- Sunday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tysons Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church
Shop books and media for all ages and interests. Sunday is our bag sale - $10 for a full grocery sack or half price if less. For more information, visit tysonslibraryfriends.org or call 703-338-3307.
Brain Gym
Friday, December 5, 2-3 p.m.
George Mason Regional Library, 7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale
Improve your brain health with fun exercises like sudoku, word puzzles, and more. No registration required. For more information, call 703-256-3800 or visit tinyurl.com/2s3kn8mr.
Reston Town Center Holiday Performances
Saturdays in December, Noon-3 p.m.
Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St., Reston
Enjoy free holiday performances in the crisp, fresh air at Reston Town Center. Dec. 6 - The Holiday Carolers; Dec. 13 - Beltway Brass; Dec. 20 - The Holiday Carolers. Catch the spirit of the season while you shop. Presented by Reston Community Center and BXP. For more information, please contact Asjah Heiligh at 703-390-6159.
Living Nativity
Saturday, Dec. 6, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Saint Christopher's Episcopal Church, 6320 Hanover Ave. Springfield
All are welcome at this free event. Meet Baby Jesus and pet Delilah the Camel and other animals. Enjoy live music and refreshments. Donate a new toy to help families in Springfield. For more information visit saintchristophers.net.
Trip to the Holiday Music Concert at Constitution Hall
Sunday, Dec. 7, 1:15-5:45 p.m.
Join Reston Association for this annual holiday concert, performed by The U.S. Army Band, “Pershing’s Own.” Fee is $48/members and $56/non-members and includes your ticket, bus transportation, tolls and parking. Bus picks up at RA Headquarters, 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston. For questions, email Ashleigh@reston.org or call 703-435-6577.
ETAP presents The Christmas Wish: An Original Holiday Musical
Multiple performances, Dec. 13-14 and 19-21
Richard J. Ernst Theater, NOVA's Annandale Campus, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale
Encore Theatrical Arts Project presents its 30th original Broadway-style holiday show, “The Christmas Wish,” a magical musical adventure for all ages. Tickets range from $29-40 with senior and group pricing available. For more information, call 703-222-5511 or visit www.encore-tap.org.
Memory Screenings
Monday, December 15, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Wellness Center for Older Adults, 4027B Olley Lane, Fairfax
Insight Memory Care Center offers free, in-person, confidential memory screenings to people with concerns about their memory or who want to check their memory now for future comparison. Call 703-970-3601 to reserve a 30-minute appointment.
Burke Centre Book Club
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 1-2 p.m.
Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke
Join fellow book lovers to discuss “The Women” by Kristin Hannah. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/ywpwtbrm.
Classic Movie Matinee
Friday, December 19, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke
Come to Burke Centre Library for a monthly classic movie watch party. December's title is The Thin Man (1934) directed by W. S. Van Dyke staring William Powell and Myrna Loy. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/5fwfypdv.
Dates, prices, and times are correct at publishing. However, please confirm information 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.