Department of Family Services Alert:
The Golden Gazette is a free monthly community newsletter that covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County.

A Caring Home, An Empowered Life: Rubina and Catherine’s Journey with CARES
Caring for others has always been at the center of Rubina Jawiad’s life. She believes that when someone is in need, you reach out, because one day you may need a hand. That lesson was planted in her childhood by her father, a physician who treated the poor with dignity and often reminded his children to share what they had – even their toys – with sick children. To Rubina, caregiving is not a profession or a duty; it is a calling of the heart. Read more.
Share Joy with Others This Holiday Season
The holiday season is often a whirlwind of shopping, family gatherings, and celebrations. But for many, it is also a time to help others by donating to worthy causes. If this is part of your holiday tradition, consider supporting these programs and organizations whose work directly benefits your community. Read more.
Safeguard Your Lung Health
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month – a perfect time to learn about lung health, recognize warning signs of lung disease, and take steps to protect your lungs. Did you know that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women in the United States? Read more.
Avoid Holiday Scams This Season
The holiday season is a time for spreading joy and generosity. Unfortunately, it’s also a popular time of year for scammers to exploit your goodwill and steal your money, gifts, or personal information. Staying alert and informed can help you protect yourself from falling victim to these schemes. 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 Tori Gwilliam, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)
As the season grows cooler, it may seem harder to find fresh, vibrant – and seasonal – vegetables to accompany our meals. However, there are a variety of colorful and delicious vegetables that grow underground and are a perfect addition to your diet during these winter months.
Root vegetables are, as the name suggests, vegetables where the edible portion is the root. Some root vegetables are staples in many diets, such as potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, and ginger. However, there are plenty of others worth exploring, like beets, parsnips, rutabagas, turnips, celery root, radishes, and jicama. Carrots, potatoes, beets, and turnips are available in a variety of colors – such as orange, red, purple, yellow, and white – that add a pop of color to your plate and a variety of micronutrients to your diet.
So, how can these root vegetables benefit your health and provide essential nutrition during the winter months? First, these vegetables are rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates, which help you feel fuller for longer. Fiber plays an important role in gastrointestinal health, heart health, and blood sugar regulation. Second, root vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals to your diet. Different varieties and colors contain distinct vitamin and mineral compositions, which may include vitamins A and C, B-vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and iron, making it worth exploring the wide diversity of options. Finally, the varying colors offer an array of phytochemicals – also known as antioxidants for their ability to protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation.
Root vegetables can be prepared similarly to one another and in a variety of ways, including stewing, sautéing, roasting, and mashing. In these forms, they can provide an excellent side dish, or they can be the star of a meal when served in soups or salads.
For more information, nutrition facts, and recipes for these and other winter vegetables, check out: snaped.fns.usda.gov/resources/nutrition-education-materials/seasonal-produce-guide/winter.
Ingredients
Directions
In a large pot, heat canola oil on medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, salt, and pepper; cook 1 minute. Add root vegetables, broth, and water. Bring to boil, reduce heat to simmer for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in the butter and let sit uncovered for 5 minutes. Using an immersion blender, puree soup until smooth. If soup is too thick, add small amounts of water slowly until reaching desired consistency.
Recipe adapted from MyPlate.gov.
(by Katherine Hall, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)
November is recognized as National Family Caregivers Month, a time to honor individuals who support and care for their loved ones. It also serves as a call to raise awareness about caregiving issues and increase support for family caregivers.
A recent 2025 report from AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving reveals that one in four adults serves as a caregiver, and 29% are sandwich caregivers – individuals who support both children and adults. The report also highlights that caregivers continue to face ongoing challenges, as one in five caregivers report poor health and half report a negative financial impact due to caregiving.
As we observe National Family Caregivers Month, let's ensure caregivers feel appreciated and supported. The Fairfax Area Agency on Aging offers numerous resources to support family caregivers, this month and throughout the year, including education workshops, respite care options, and one-on-one consultations to help caregivers manage their responsibilities more effectively. Resources are designed to provide practical assistance, emotional support, and valuable information, helping caregivers maintain their own health and well-being while fulfilling their caregiving roles. If you would like to learn about these resources and more, please call our Aging, Disability, and Caregiving Resource Line at 703-324-7948 or visit FairfaxCounty.gov/OlderAdults.
Caregiver Burnout
Wednesday, Nov. 19, Noon-1 p.m.
In this webinar presentation, hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, participants will join Deborah Ross, LPC, Certified Journal Therapist, for a user-friendly exploration of what happens in our brains when we're feeling burned out. Burnout is often defined either as a workplace issue or as compassion fatigue, but research has shown that, from the brain’s perspective, it’s not limited to this definition. Participants will gain strategies and practices that go beyond our usual self-care toolbox to lower stress and support wellbeing while engaged in the vital work of caregiving. Register online at bit.ly/CAREWEB1 or call 571-407-6961.
Northern Virginia Dementia Caregivers Consortium’s 39th Annual Conference
Saturday, Nov. 22, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Northern Virginia Dementia Caregivers Consortium’s 39th annual conference, Putting the Pieces Together in Dementia Caregiving, will take place at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. Join us for the largest dementia conference in the region, designed for family caregivers, volunteers, and professionals in aging services. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your caregiving skills and network with others in the community. Learn more and register here: nvdcc.org.
(by Kristin Martin, ElderLink)
ElderLink Virtual Support Call for Family Caregivers of Older Adults, via Microsoft Teams
Tuesday, Nov. 11, 7-8 p.m.
Topic: Financial Planning Considerations in the Caregiver Journey: When we step into a caregiving role, it’s important to consider the financial implications this can have. Financial planning can include both short-term and long-term planning. Join us for our November support call to discuss financial planning considerations during the caregiving journey. 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.
Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop
Mondays, Nov. 3-Dec. 8, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls Street Falls Church
Take control of your health and happiness! Don't let ongoing health problems stop you from living the life you enjoy. Fairfax County's Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is a free six-week group interactive workshop series for individuals who are interested in learning how to live better by effectively managing their ongoing health conditions. Learn positive strategies for better overall health, such as managing pain and fatigue, sleeping and eating better, increasing physical activity and so much more! Connect with others managing similar concerns. Space is limited, and preregistration is required. Caregivers welcome! Register at tinyurl.com/CDSMP123.
(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 October 15 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. Additionally, the COA heard a presentation on the Adult Protective Services program. At the November 19 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 Katie Patterson, Long-Term Care Ombudsman)
Families of nursing home residents have the right to form and hold regular organized group meetings called a family council. These councils provide families an opportunity to meet privately with other families to discuss and consolidate common concerns about their loved ones, come up with ideas on how to address issues, and present their concerns and ideas to facility staff. Each nursing facility must provide the family council with space to meet privately and must provide a designated staff person responsible for helping and responding to written requests that result from the family council meetings.
Virginia law does not provide specific rights to family councils in assisted living facilities. However, regulations for assisted living facilities do state that a resident council may extend its membership to family members, advocates, friends, and others. If your loved one’s assisted living facility does not have a family council, you could talk to the facility staff about starting one. You can find more information about family councils at the National Consumer Voice website, theconsumervoice.org/issues/family/family-council-center.
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. For more information about family councils, or other nursing facility and assisted living concerns, please call the NVLTCOP at 703-324-5861, TTY 711, or email NVLTCOP@fairfaxcounty.gov.
(by the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office)
The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office is warning community members about a recent rise in scam phone calls targeting residents. In these cases, callers falsely identify themselves as deputies or other representatives of the Sheriff’s Office. The scammer claims there is a warrant for the person’s arrest and demands payment to resolve the matter.
“These calls are designed to frighten people into acting quickly,” said Sheriff Stacey Kincaid. “No one from the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office will ever call and demand money, gift cards, or electronic payment to clear a warrant. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and report it.”
The Sheriff’s Office reminds residents:
Anyone who has received one of these calls or fallen victim to the scam is encouraged to email the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office at SHF-Sheriff@fairfaxcounty.gov.
“The best defense is awareness,” Sheriff Kincaid said. “By sharing information, sharing your stories with family, friends, and neighbors, we can help prevent more people from being victimized.”
For more information about ongoing scams and how to protect yourself, please visit the Fairfax County Scams webpage, FairfaxCounty.gov/topics/scams, or visit the Silver Shield Anti-Scam Program: FairfaxCounty.gov/familyservices/older-adults/fairfax-county-silver-shield-anti-scam-campaign.
(by the Fairfax County Health Department)
Now that fall has arrived, flu season is here and the number of people getting sick with a respiratory illness is expected to increase. Although germs will be prevalent for the next few months, there are still numerous ways to stay healthy and protect yourself from flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Here are five simple strategies you can use to protect yourself and those around you from flu. Most of these suggestions also apply to avoiding other respiratory illnesses as well.
COVID-19 vaccines significantly lower the risk of getting sick, being hospitalized or dying from the virus. Here is the latest on vaccine availability.
Currently, pharmacists may administer the vaccine to Virginians 65 years of age and older and those between the ages of 18 and 64 with at least one underlying medical condition without a prescription. If you meet this criteria, you can get your COVID-19 vaccine now at most local pharmacies.
On Sept. 19, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) made recommendations regarding the use of the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccination. ACIP recommendations go to the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) who may accept or modify those recommendations before they become official policy. Once those recommendations are finalized, local health departments and providers can begin ordering and administering vaccine. When more information is available, it will be posted on the Health Department's COVID-19 webpage: FairfaxCounty.gov/health/novel-coronavirus
Once available, Health Department clinics anticipate a limited vaccine supply and will only provide COVID-19 vaccine to individuals who are uninsured or covered by Medicaid.
RSV is a common respiratory virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages. It usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms and is very contagious.
The CDC has updated its recommendation for the use of RSV vaccines in people ages 50 and older. It now recommends the following groups get the RSV vaccine:
This recommendation is for adults who did not get an RSV vaccine last year. The RSV vaccine is not currently an annual vaccine. Eligible adults can get an RSV vaccine at any time, but the best time to get vaccinated is in late summer and early fall.
For more information about respiratory illnesses, including symptoms of common viruses and other prevention techniques, visit the Health Department's webpage: FairfaxCounty.gov/health/respiratory-illnesses.
(by Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions Recruitment Coordinator)
As the season of giving thanks approaches, it's a meaningful time to reflect – and to give back. Volunteering is a powerful way to show gratitude, lend a hand, and spend time doing something that matters. Explore the opportunities listed below or discover more ways to get involved at bit.ly/FFXVOLUNTEER.
Volunteer Fairfax will host its 30th annual VolunteerFest on Monday, November 3, with two volunteer shifts available: 9-11 a.m. and 12-2 p.m., at Pozez JCC (8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax).
This year’s project will bring together hundreds of community members to pack 75,000 nutritious meals for food pantries serving residents across the Greater Washington region. According to the Capital Area Food Bank, more than one million people in our area face food insecurity – including one in ten children.
In addition, attendees can visit the community fair featuring local nonprofits and government agencies sharing volunteer opportunities in family services, hunger relief, environmental stewardship, animal welfare, and more. You do not have to participate in meal packing to attend the community fair. However, registration is required for both; no walk-ins permitted.
Attendees are encouraged to fundraise to help cover the cost of meal supplies and bring a non-perishable food donation to help Jam the Trolley with supplies for Food for Others. Go to bit.ly/VOLFXFEST for details and registration. If you’re unable to attend this event and wish to help address food insecurity, go to FoodForOthers.org.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) provides free tax preparation to qualified individuals and families in Northern Virginia. The Fairfax County Department of Family Services is recruiting volunteers to act as greeters, interpreters, screeners, and tax preparers. No tax training is needed for greeters and interpreters. No prior experience is necessary. Free in-person training is available for screeners and tax preparers. Opportunities are available throughout Fairfax County. Hours are flexible, including evenings and weekends.
Volunteer training begins in early December and volunteers are needed through mid-April. More information will be available in the upcoming months regarding the Tax Year 2025 specific training schedule and VITA site operations. To register, visit bit.ly/FFXVITAvol.
Want to help ease isolation and make meaningful connections? Volunteer Solutions is looking for caring individuals to serve as drivers, grocery shoppers, social visitors, and activity instructors at Fairfax County senior centers. Your time can make a big difference in someone’s day.
Learn more at bit.ly/FXVSVOL, email VolunteerSolutions@FairfaxCounty.gov, or call 703-324-5406 with questions.
If you would like to advertise a volunteer opportunity in a future edition, email Tanya.Erway@FairfaxCounty.gov.
(by the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program)
Medicare 101 Workshops, led by the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP), are for individuals and their care partners who will soon be eligible for Medicare or have Medicare and would like to learn more about it. Workshops are offered in-person or virtually. In-person workshops have limited seating. Registration is required. Registration for library events begins 30 days prior to the presentation date. Register online or call VICAP at 703-324-5851, TTY 711.
Wednesday, November 5, 2-3:30 p.m., In-Person
Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke
For more information, contact Emily Swain at 703-978-5600. Register online at librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/14376506.
Friday, November 7, 2-3:30 p.m., In-Person
Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton
For more information, contact Kathy Richardson at 703-339-7385. Register online at librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/14423252.
Wednesday, November 12, 12-1:30 p.m., In-Person
Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston
For more information, contact Cassie Lebron at 703-476-4500.
Monday, November 17, 1:30-3 p.m., In-Person
Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church
For more information, contact Alicia Korker at 703-790-8088.
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.
Fairfax Lions Club Fruit Sale
Support the Fairfax Lions Club by purchasing citrus fruit and Whitley’s Virginia peanuts. Sign up for email announcements with details at fairfaxlions.org/citrus-sale-notification. Pick up orders Nov. 20-22, Dec. 18-20, and March 5-7, 2026.
Culmore Library Ongoing Book Sale
6101 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church
Support library programs and services by shopping the Friends of the Culmore Library’s ongoing book sale. For more information, including library hours, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/library/branches/culmore.
Movies That Move
The Leila Gordon Theatre, 2310 Colts Neck Rd., Reston
Free movies presented by Reston Community Center: “Hamilton,” Tuesday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m. and Noon; “No Other Land,” Wednesday, Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m.; “The Sound of Music,” Wednesday, Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m. For more information, call Paul Michnewicz at 703-390-6167.
Nova ScriptsCentral Presentation on Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness
Tuesday, Nov. 4, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Wellness Center for Older Adults, 4027B Olley Lane, Fairfax
This workshop will cover diagnosis, progression of the disease, causes and the impact Alzheimer’s has on people. Call 703-970-3601 to reserve a seat.
CarFit
Wednesday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m.-12:20 p.m. (by appointment only)
Reston Hospital Center, Main Entrance Loop, 1850 Town Center Parkway, Reston
CarFit is a program that ensures you have the proper fit inside of your vehicle. During your appointment, you will receive information from trained experts on how to enhance your safety in the driver's seat and learn how to enhance comfort, safety and fit within your vehicle. For questions and appointments, email jamie.weaver@hcahealthcare.com.
Brain Gym
Friday, Nov. 7, 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. For more information, call 703-256-3800.
Navigating the Holidays
Saturday, November 8, 2-4 p.m.
Haven of Northern Virginia, 4606 Ravensworth Road, Annandale
Free workshop for people dealing with grief during holidays. Space is limited and registration is required. For more information and to register, call 703-941-7000 or email havenofnova@verizon.net.
Fairfax Village in the City’s Friday Morning Speaker Series
Friday, Nov. 14, 9:30 a.m. coffee; 9:45 a.m. presentation
Stacey C. Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Blenheim Boulevard, Fairfax
Join Heather Suri, founder & CEO of Pathways in Aging, for “Preparing for a Health Crisis." For more information, call 703-385-5738 or email village@fairfaxva.gov.
Friends of the Centreville Regional Library Fall Book Sale
Friday, Nov. 14, 1-5 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 16, 1-4 p.m.
Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. Germain Dr., Centreville
Shop fiction and nonfiction for all ages, DVDs, audiobooks, and more! Bag sale on Sunday – $10/bag. No electronic scanners allowed.
Memory Screenings
Monday, Nov. 17, 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.
Friends of Richard Byrd Library Book Sale
Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2-5 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 20-22, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 23, Noon-2 p.m.
Richard Byrd Community Library, 7250 Commerce Street, Springfield
Browse a wide variety of used books, CDs, DVDs, puzzles, and more. Preview sale on Wednesday with entry fee of $10/adult. Bag sale on Sunday – $5/bag. Revenue supports library programming. For more details or to volunteer, email rbfriends@gmail.com.
Lunch N’ Life Shepherd’s Center of Fairfax-Burke
Thursday, Nov. 20, Noon-2 p.m.
Jubilee Christian Center, 4650 Shirley Gate Rd., Fairfax
Enjoy barbershop harmony at its finest with 6ft3, an A Cappella Quartet. Fee is $15/person and includes lunch. The deadline for reservations is Nov. 14. For reservations and more information, visit scfbva.org or call 703-323-4788.
Luther Jackson High School Alumni Association Annual Scholarship Luncheon
Saturday, Nov. 29, Noon-4 p.m.
Fairfax Hilton, 12777 Fair Lakes Circle, Fairfax
Luther Jackson High School served as Fairfax County’s Black high school from 1954–1965. Each year, the Luther Jackson Alumni Association gathers for our annual luncheon to honor this legacy and raise scholarship funds for students who are descendants of our alumni. To purchase tickets, please contact Brenda Duncan at 703-618-4155 or Robert Pearson at 703-437-0672.
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.
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.