Department of Family Services

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
703-324-7500 TTY 711
12011 Government Center Parkway, Pennino Building
Fairfax, VA 22035
Michael A. Becketts
Director

Golden Gazette


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2024 July

Featured Articles

Collage of images showing NVSO athletes and the NVSO logoConnect, Compete and Have Fun at the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics!
The Northern Virginia Senior Olympics (NVSO) were founded in 1982, created by a coalition of local Northern Virginia parks and recreation departments and other agencies. The mission of the NVSO is to promote health, fitness and the psychological well-being of older adults by providing opportunities for participation, competition, self-improvement and fellowship through various athletic and recreational events. The NVSO has enjoyed continuous success over the 40-plus years it has taken place, with the number of participants growing each year. According to the NVSO, over half of the participants (59%) who competed in the 2023 games had participated in previous games. What motivates participants to return each year and why should you consider joining them? Read more.

Photo of a smiling older woman sitting in a coffee shop holding a smartphone.Never Stop Learning Campaign Educates Older Adults About Protecting Their Money 
Last year, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy (OIEA) introduced Never Stop Learning, a public service campaign designed to educate older adults about how they can protect their money and actions they can take to ensure that they are prepared financially for the future. Read more.

Photo of an older woman outdoors on a hot day wearing a hat and holding a fan while wiping her forehead.Kidney Health in Hot Weather
Our kidneys are vital for maintaining overall health and well-being. They work like a filter, removing waste and extra fluid from the bloodstream. They also help control blood pressure and maintain the balance of electrolytes and fluid. Kidneys contribute to the activation of vitamin D, essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Read more.

Photo of Advik Atyam holding the plaque he received as winner of the 2024 Shark Tank Challenge.ScamCops: Working to Educate Older Adults About Scams
Victims of scams are often thought to be older adults, assumed to be more trusting and less tech-savvy than younger generations. However, the truth is that anyone can fall victim to a scam, regardless of age. Read more.

More Articles

(by Kathleen Thomas, Department of Family Services)

Photo of 2024 Shark Tank winners, judges and Fairfax County officials.
(L-R) David Hibbitts, Korey Singleton, Amanda Smedley, Principal Georgina Aye, Advik Atyam, David Nam, Yousif Al Atbi, Nathan Kim, Supervisor Walter Alcorn, Pete Lamont, and Robert O’Quinn.

On May 21, the Fairfax Area 50+ Technology Committee, the Department of Family Services, and the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services announced the winners of the Fairfax Area Student Shark Tank Technology Challenge. 

Students from the Fairfax area were challenged to develop an innovative device or app that will have a positive impact in the lives of older adults, adults with disabilities, or caregivers. The event challenges students to develop innovative technological solutions that can help people live independently and make the world more user-friendly. Winners received cash prizes donated by INTEGRITYOne Partners, proud event sponsor for the ninth year.

“This year the students tackled some of the top concerns of older adults, those with disabilities and actually many people in general,” said Cathy Cole, Chair of the Fairfax Area Commission on Aging. “The topics they addressed were ripped from the headlines: avoiding scams, wheelchair accessibility, fear of falling, managing diabetes, managing isolation. They are all currently in the news and these students were paying attention. May is Older Americans Month, and the theme is "Powered by Connection." These projects addressed the ability to be, and stay, connected.”

1st Place: ScamCops

Advik Atyam, David Nam, Nathan Kim, and Yousif Al Atbi
Fairfax High School

ScamCops, a platform developed to help educate and empower people about scams, was awarded first place in the technology challenge. Developed by students from Fairfax High School, ScamCops offers educational resources, real-time scam alerts, and a collaborative community to share experiences and insights. ScamCops uses a team of knowledgeable “Cops” who are trained to educate the community about scams. The platform leverages artificial intelligence which ensures instant responses through its dynamic network of dedicated individuals.

“ScamCops' winning solution exemplifies the spirit of innovation and compassion we encourage through this competition,” said Pete Lamont from INTEGRITYOne Partners. “We are immensely proud of all the students for their compassion and willingness to improve the lives of others. Their projects not only showcased their technical skills but also their deep empathy and desire to make a meaningful difference in the community.”

2nd Place: Odyssey

Mayu Zuniga and Logan Lee, Woodson High School
Second place was awarded to the team who developed Odyssey, a mobile app that finds venues with wheelchair-accessible entrances. More than 65 million people worldwide use wheelchairs, and the mobile app provides comprehensive information about the accessibility of the places nearest to the user’s location.

3rd Place: Gaitway

Jasmine Ma, Jaiden Saran, and Sophie Zhang
McLean High School and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Third place winners developed Gaitway, a virtual reality (VR) app that simulates a three-dimensional environment that can help address common mobility issues. Gaitway imports VR videos and scenes from daily life, cities, and home activities to simulate walking. Multiple levels are embedded into the app to create the feeling of the rehabilitation process, becoming a game. It presents users with small mobility tasks before extended walking simulations. 

Honorable Mentions

Rujvi Thakkar and Dhaya Kumaresan from Langley High School received an Honorable Mention for DiaBuddy, a comprehensive digital companion for individuals living with diabetes. The user-friendly platform aims to streamline diabetes management by providing medication reminders and community support, while integrating with continuous glucose monitoring devices.

Empowerment Hub, designed by Soham Rajeshirke and Sahas Rajeshirke from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, also received an Honorable Mention. Empowerment Hub helps older adults and adults with disabilities access a clickable list of resources they may need along with the ability to call emergency services. A second phase of the app will leverage artificial intelligence to understand personal needs.

(by Melissa Smarr and Allison Clifford, Silver Shield Anti-Scam Campaign)

Image showing the scam flyer that will be included in Fairfax County 2024 personal property tax bills.Scams have been in the local, national, and international news recently. Unfortunately, scams are not going away, so we all need to be vigilant in protecting our personal information. Scams can happen to people of any age, so it is important to help protect your loved ones as well. 

In July 2024, personal property tax bills will be mailed to Fairfax County residents. To help educate residents about scams, this year a two-sided flyer with information about scams will be included with your tax bill. One side of the flyer has tips on how to protect yourself against scams. Please be sure to read the flyer and share this information with family members and friends. 

The other side of the flyer includes information about services offered by Fairfax County's Adult and Aging Division. If you have questions about the services provided, please contact the Aging, Disability and Caregiver Resources line at 703-324-7948 or visit FairfaxCounty.gov/OlderAdults

If you have been a victim of a scam and lost money, please contact the Fairfax County Police Department’s Non-Emergency phone number at 703-691-2131 or file a complaint online at FairfaxCounty.gov/police/HowDoI/FinancialCrimes.  

If you have questions about your tax bill, please call 703-222-8234

(by Ann Kim, Disability Rights and Resources, and Elizabeth Margetta, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)

The Fairfax Area Commission on Aging (COA) and the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board (FA-DSB) are collaborating to host community forums seeking input to increase support for Fairfax County’s residents aged 50 and older with disabilities. The purpose of the forums is to identify systemic gaps in service and/or barriers faced by Fairfax County residents with disabilities. The community forums serve as an initiative of the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan, whose goal is to guide Fairfax County and community-based organizations in evaluating and meeting the needs of older residents, adults with disabilities, and caregivers, now and in future years. 

Two virtual community forums will be held via Zoom:

  • Wednesday, July 31, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., for family caregivers. 
  • Friday, August 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., for adults with disabilities aged 50 and over. 

Space is limited. To attend, register by visiting bit.ly/45jGcOt

Registrants will receive an email with access instructions. To request reasonable ADA accommodations, call Ann Kim at 703-324-7486/TTY 711, or email Ann.Kim@fairfaxcounty.gov.

COA and FA-DSB members will facilitate the community forums around the SHAPE topics of Services for Older Adults and Family Caregivers, Housing and Neighborhood Supports, Access to Mobility Options, Personal Well-being, and Economic Stability and Planning. 

Feedback collected at the forums will be used by the FA-DSB to inform the Board of Supervisors as to the issues faced by the community. Information collected might additionally be used to help develop future FA-DSB initiatives. 

The SHAPE the Future of Aging strategic plan supports continuing efforts to make the Fairfax area an excellent place to age well. It is aligned with the Fairfax Countywide Strategic Plan and One Fairfax. It also supports the purpose of the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, which includes providing information about services for aging, disability, and caregiving in Fairfax County to enable older residents to age in place with dignity and safety. 

Advocating for Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities

The COA and the FA-DSB are composed of community volunteers appointed by the elected officials of Fairfax County and the cities of Falls Church and Fairfax. The COA advocates for the needs of older adults and taps their potential to enrich the community by advising the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging on developing and coordinating community services, policies, programs, and actions affecting older adults in the Fairfax area. 

The FA-DSB advocates to include people with physical and sensory disabilities into mainstream community life by identifying, communicating, and advocating their diverse capabilities and needs to state and local governments and the private sector; and to help and provide resources to meet their needs.

(by Ashley-Ann Waaldijk, Disability Rights and Resources)

ADA Anniversary graphic which includes the words ADA 34, 1990-2024The Fairfax County Department of Family Services is honored to celebrate the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Signed into law on July 26, 1990, the ADA ensures that persons with disabilities are afforded the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. It does so by prohibiting discrimination within the context of employment, telecommunications, and places of public accommodations, such as restaurants and movie theatres.  

In Fairfax County, 8% of residents report living with a disability. That’s approximately 92,000 individuals. This number is even higher at the national level. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that up to 1 in 4 adult Americans have a disability. Fairfax County recognizes the importance of this monumental law and is committed to ensuring that its programs and services are delivered in the most accessible and integrated manner possible.

The National ADA Anniversary Celebration takes place on July 26, 2024. You can participate by visiting the ADA anniversary webpage: adaanniversary.org. There you can learn more about this important law, celebrate the anniversary, and share information.

(by Kristin Martin, ElderLink)

Exploring the Dimensions of Aging through Virtual Reality
Mondays, July 8, 15, and 22, Times vary. Free.

Join Inova ElderLink in partnership with the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging for virtual training sessions to benefit family and professional caregivers. Through the use of an immersive training platform, Embodied Labs, you will “see through the eyes” of older adults who are facing real-life challenges to their well-being. Engage in a unique experience to gain greater perspective and insight into working with older adults and caregivers, and help to promote greater empathy, inclusivity and equity to all. Following the training, participants will receive a license to access the Embodied Labs platform on demand, providing the opportunity for continued learning. For the best user experience, training sessions will be limited to 12 participants. Register online at tinyurl.com/exploring-aging.

ElderLink Virtual Support Call for Family Caregivers of Older Adults
Tuesday, July 9, 7-8 p.m. Free.

Topic: Compassionate Care for Alzheimer’s Disease. Alzheimer’s Disease has an acute effect on daily life, impacting processing and cognition, social relationships and emotional well-being. Join us as we use an immersive training platform to gain greater insight and perspective into learning how Alzheimer’s Disease affects communication in the brain and recognizing how changes in auditory and visual processing can impact the ability to complete activities of daily living. Conducted via MS Teams. Register online at tinyurl.com/CaregiverTSG or call the ElderLink Intake Line at 703-324-5374

Caregiver Training – Caring for You, Caring for Me
Thursdays, July 11-Aug 8, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. 

Facilitated by Inova ElderLink, Caring for You, Caring for Me is an interactive workshop series offering a blend of support and education for family caregivers, focusing on advocacy and care for both the caregiver and care recipient. This signature program of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers was created to support caregivers, helping them cultivate relationships and develop skills that research has demonstrated to be most beneficial to them and the care recipient. Participants report increased confidence and competence when caregiving. Class offered virtually via MS Teams. Contact Julie Mezainis at 571-407-6584 or visit tinyurl.com/CFYCFM4U to register.

Walk with Ease
Thursdays, August 22-Sept 26, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. 

Facilitated by Inova ElderLink, this program created by the Arthritis Foundation, allows you to walk at your own pace three times a week. We will meet weekly to discuss successes, challenges, encourage one another, and learn information to stay healthy. Receive a free guidebook and access to online resources. Class offered via MS Teams. Contact Kristin Martin at 703-324-7577 or visit tinyurl.com/ElderLinkWWE to register.

Diabetes Self-Management Program
Thursdays, July 11-August 15, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. 

The Wellness Center for Older Adults at Braddock Glen, 4027B Olley Lane, Fairfax. 
Facilitated by Inova ElderLink, the Diabetes Self-Management Program is a free six-week group interactive workshop series for individuals interested in learning how to live better by effectively managing their pre-diabetes or diabetes. Space is limited, and preregistration is required. Caregivers welcome! Register online at tinyurl.com/DSMP123. For more information, call 703-324-9814, TTY 711, or email katherine.akindemowo2@fairfaxcounty.gov.

(by Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions Recruitment Coordinator)

Photo of a man helping a young boy riding a bike.People often say they’re busy, but if you really stop to consider how you use your time, you might realize you could spare an hour or two a week, or a month, to make a difference as a volunteer. Please check out this list of the various options found on bit.ly/FFXVOLUNTEER.

Brain Injury Services needs volunteers for PALS (Providing a Link for Survivors), their one-to-one friendship program for survivors of brain injury. It provides opportunities for survivors to connect with people and socialize in the community. PALS see one another one-on-one at least once a month and communicate weekly by phone, email, or text. Training is provided. For more information, go to braininjurysvcs.org, and contact Michelle Thyen at 703-451-8881, Ext 232, or mthyen@braininjurysvcs.org.

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 or provide entertainment. Social visitors, grocery shoppers, and drivers are also needed in the community, during the week 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.

Are you available on the weekends? Would you like to make a difference in the life of a young child? The Department of Family Services’ BeFriend-A-Child program may be the opportunity for you. You can work around your schedule of availability to spend time with your mentee. Build social skills and increase a child’s self-esteem while preventing child abuse and neglect through fun activities. Their next training will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024. Go to bit.ly/DFSBAC or call for more information.

Are you available during weekdays and enjoy working with kids? The Department of Family Services’ Body Safety Program needs volunteer classroom instructors to help empower elementary students with the tools they need to prevent or interrupt child abuse and exploitation. Visit bit.ly/BodySafeVol or contact the Body Safety staff at DFSBodySafety@FairfaxCounty.gov, or 703-324-7459. Spanish speakers are also needed. Their next training will be on August 16, 2024. 

If you wish to submit volunteer opportunities for a future column, contact Tanya Erway at VolunteerSolutionsRecruitment@FairfaxCounty.gov.

(by Allegra Joffe, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)

Photo of a doctor having a virtual appointment with a patient.As technology continues to develop and evolve, many family caregivers have found various technology platforms that help their overall wellness as caregivers. There are apps, devices, virtual support, and more, that contribute to maintaining a healthier balance as a caregiver. 

One example of the positive impact of technology for caregivers is medication management. There are popular reminder apps to help manage medication schedules, dosages, refill reminders, potential interactions, and more. In addition, medication devices have been developed, such as smart pill dispensers that can automatically sort and dispense medication, which can increase accuracy. Another example of the benefit of technology includes telehealth appointments, which can be a great tool for caregivers that helps save time while they receive timely medical advice. Virtual support groups are also beneficial, allowing caregivers to connect with others from their homes or on-the-go to receive caregiving advice, resources, and information, and share their own experiences. As technology continues to expand, caregivers are encouraged to find ways to utilize technology to support themselves and their loved ones. 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

Family Caregiver Learning Opportunities

Dimensions of Caregiver Wellness
Wednesday, July 17, Noon-1 p.m.

In this virtual webinar presentation, hosted by the Fairfax County Area Agency on Aging, Julie Mezainis and Demetra Warner will educate family caregivers on the various dimensions of caregiver wellness. As a participant, you will learn practical tips and strategies to support you taking better care of your whole self, while recognizing the common challenges caregivers face, such as loneliness and isolation. Together, we will explore the many dimensions of caregiving – mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, to support you with continuing to provide the best care to your loved one. Register online at bit.ly/CAREWEB1 or call 571-407-6961.

Modern & Contemporary Family Dance Class
Friday, July 12, Noon-12:45 p.m.

During this virtual intergenerational workshop for family caregivers and their family members of all ages, Fairfax County Area Agency on Aging will host Addy Norman, dance instructor with Virginia Ballet Company and School, who will introduce the basics of modern dance with a low- stakes, lively class designed for all ages. Modern dance is a more free-flowing dance inspired by ballet. Dancers should wear comfortable clothing that they can move in and bare feet; ensure that they have an open space big enough for them to lay out on the floor; and have a full range of motion. As always, rule number one is to let loose and have fun! Register online at bit.ly/StayingWell-123 or call 571-407-6961.

Sticky Fingers Cooking Class
Friday, July 19, Noon-1 p.m.

During this virtual intergenerational workshop for family caregivers and their family members of all ages, Fairfax County Area Agency on Aging will host a “Cool'inary Curiosity Class," presented by the Director of Online Classes, Chef Jennifer, at Sticky Fingers Cooking. Sticky Fingers Cooking strives to inspire, educate and celebrate the essential role that real foods, cooking and nutrition play in promoting health and wellness. Sticky Fingers Cooking provides simple and adaptive cooking skills, as well as nutrition education, which positively impacts youth and their families in our community. A recipe with a shopping list, equipment checklist, food allergy guide, and video collection are included for participating families. We hope to see you in the kitchen! Register online at bit.ly/StayingWell-123 or call 571-407-6961.

Family Yoga: Bonding Through Balance
Friday, July 26, Noon-12:45 p.m.

During this virtual intergenerational workshop for family caregivers, Fairfax County Area Agency on Aging will host Priti D’Silva, yoga teacher and mindfulness life coach with Relish Move. Have the whole family join on the mat for a heartwarming session of "Family Yoga." From 5-year-olds to older adults, all are welcome to join in this inclusive experience. Together, we'll explore gentle poses, breathing exercises and playful movements that promote connection and unity. Regardless of skill level, our class offers a space for everyone to relax, have fun and deepen their relationships. Come share laughter, support and tranquility as we balance mind, body and spirit as one family on the yoga mat. Register online at bit.ly/StayingWell-123 or call 571-407-6961.

(by Katie Patterson, Long-Term Care Ombudsman)

Many residents in long-term care (LTC) facilities can sometimes feel alone, isolated, and powerless. 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 to advocate for their rights to ensure quality of care and quality of life. The NVLTCOP needs volunteers who can advocate for the rights of residents in LTC facilities and help them with concerns that they are unable to resolve alone. If you possess skills in listening, communicating, problem solving, empathy and wish to help residents, please consider becoming a Volunteer Ombudsman. We seek those who are willing to complete a comprehensive initial three-day training, commit to a minimum of one year of service, and who can devote at least four hours per week to assisting residents at assigned facilities close to home or work. In addition, each volunteer will be required to participate in ongoing training opportunities throughout their tenure with the NVLTCOP. 

For more information about NVLTCOP’s volunteer program, or other nursing facility and assisted living concerns, please call the NVLTCOP at 703-324-5861, TTY 711, or contact Claire Yeomans by email at Claire.Yeomans@fairfaxcounty.gov.

(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 June 12 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 Dr. Tracey Gendron, from Virginia Commonwealth University, on disrupting ageism. At the July 24 meeting, the COA will continue to work on the SHAPE Plan.

COA Meeting, Wednesday, July 24, 2 p.m.

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 Ana.Valdivia@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 571-407-6960 TTY: VA Relay 711.

(by Moriah Kitaeff, Department of Emergency Management and Security)

Photo of the blazing sunHeat does not affect everyone equally. As people get older, the body tends to not adjust as well to sudden temperature changes. This, combined with the fact that older adults are more likely to have chronic medical conditions that require prescription medicines that alter the body’s ability to control temperature or sweat, make older adults at an increased risk for heat-related illnesses during the summer months. 

Actions you can take to stay cool as an older adult in extreme heat:

  • Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to heat and sun.
  • Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day.
  • Drink water regularly, do not wait until you are thirsty to start drinking water.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing.

Important heat-related terms:

  • Heat index indicates how hot it feels, with relative humidity and sun exposure added to the absolute air temperature.
  • Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion.
  • Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid environment and body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Heat exhaustion must be treated with fluids and cooling of the skin, or it has a risk of turning into heat stroke.
  • Heat stroke, or sometimes referred to as sun stroke, is a life-threatening condition in which the victim’s temperature-control system, which produces sweat to cool the body, stops working. Heat stroke victims require immediate medical attention. 

For more information on extreme heat visit:

(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:

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:

  • Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
  • Monday at 5 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday at 4 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
  • Thursday at 8:30 a.m., 4 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
  • Friday at 9:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
  • Saturday at 9:30 a.m., 4 p.m. and 11 p.m.

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.

Register for the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics July 1- 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. For more information, including events, fees and locations, or to register, visit nvso.us

Love to Sing? 

Encore Creativity for Older Adults, the nation’s largest choral arts organization for adults 55+, launches its summer rehearsal season beginning the week of July 15. The six-week program brings together Encore singers for a community-building experience of friendship and singing. No auditions are required. The fee is $75 per program; Arts for Life ensembles are tuition-free for all participants and care partners. Scholarships are available for those needing financial assistance. Register on Encore Creativity’s website at encorecreativity.org/register, by emailing info@encorecreativity.org, or by calling 301-261-5747.

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

Brain Gym
Friday, July 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, memorization games, and more. Join us on Fridays from 2-3 p.m. on July 5, 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.

Fairfax Lions Club Dining for Dollars Fundraiser
Tuesday, July 9, 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, July 9, 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. Bring your used eyeglasses and hearing aids to donate. For more information, contact Lion Tom at golfertom1943@gmail.com.

Normal Aging vs. Dementia
Thursday, July 11, 1-2 p.m.

Wellness Center for Older Adults, 4027B Olley Lane, Fairfax
Join us for a discussion on changes that occur with age, warning signs of a memory problem, and what to do if someone you love is experiencing symptoms of dementia or memory impairment. Presented by the Insight Memory Care Team. For more information, email VAWellnessCenter@servicesource.org or call 703-970-3601.

Consumer Affairs Presents: Funeral Planning
Tuesday, July 16, 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 Memory Cafe
Wednesday, July 17, 4-5 p.m.

Insight Memory Care Center, 3955 Pender Drive, Suite 100, Fairfax
The café is an opportunity for caregivers and their loved ones with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or in the early to early mid-stage of their dementia journey to meet with others for support, companionship, and fun! The program provides structured activities to promote reminiscence, cognition, and engagement. The Fairfax Memory Cafe meets on the third Wednesday of the month. Please register at insightmcc.org/get-involved/events/event_calendar.html.

Insight Memory Care Presents: Importance of Socialization when Aging
Tuesday July 30, 1-2 p.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. 


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.


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