Department of Family Services Alert:
Marcy Stennes is Always Willing to Help
Marcy Stennes approaches the world with an attitude that is rare – genuine care for others and a willingness to help. Her career allowed her to work in a variety of places, providing engaging activities for members of the armed forces and their families. She spent much of her free time volunteering. After retiring, her volunteer work only grew. From tutoring children to feeding and sheltering people experiencing homelessness, Marcy has made a genuine impact on the lives of people in her community. Read more.
Start Fresh! Simple Swaps to Boost Nutrition in the New Year
A new year brings opportunities for a fresh start, and proper nutrition is key to aging well, boosting energy, and maintaining overall health. Fortunately, improving your diet doesn’t require a complete overhaul – small changes can make a big difference to your overall well-being. Read more.
Pause. Question. Protect. Fairfax County’s New Approach to Stopping Scams
Scam artists have become more sophisticated, using phone calls, emails, text messages, and social media outreach to create a sense of urgency and trick people into sharing personal information or sending money. To help residents stay ahead of these schemes, the Fairfax County Consumer Protection Commission has launched a new initiative called “Pause. Question. Protect.” It’s a simple, memorable reminder that you have more power than you think when faced with a suspicious request. Read more.
What Happens (to Your Body) After You Die?
Many people are uncomfortable talking or even thinking about their death. This includes deciding what to do with your body after you’ve died. Because of this, families are often left to decide what to do with their loved one’s body, with little guidance from the deceased. There are many options to consider, and the decisions you make are influenced by factors such as your religious faith, cultural customs, personal values, and expense. Whatever you decide, remember that it is a final gift to your loved ones to make your wishes known in advance. To help you decide, here are a few options to consider. Read more.
(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 one year of service, and who can devote at least four hours per week 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 Ashley-Ann Waaldijk, Disability Rights and Resources)
On Monday, Dec. 8, the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board (FA-DSB) presented Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Awards to Julie Paradiso, Ryan Hill, and the Access Services Branch of the Fairfax County Public Library. This annual award honors individuals, self-advocates, and organizations that exemplify a commitment to promoting equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in the Fairfax area.
The FA-DSB hosted the event along with Disability Rights and Resources staff. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Kathy Smith, Vice Chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The awards recognized outstanding contributions in three categories: Individual, Self-Advocate, and Organization.
Individual Category Winner: Julie Paradiso
Julie Paradiso, a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), works tirelessly to promote inclusion for people with disabilities. She helps students explore careers, gain work experience, and succeed in jobs, creating opportunities for independence.
Self-Advocate Category Winner: Ryan Hill
Ryan Hill is a powerful advocate for people with disabilities, promoting their full inclusion in the community. After attending Camp Arc2Independence in 2024, Ryan gained confidence and new skills. He got a job through Best Buddies in his dream field and now uses LinkedIn and additional social media channels to advocate for people with disabilities.
Organization Category Winner: Access Services, Fairfax County Public Library
Access Services, a branch of the Fairfax County Public Library, is dedicated to removing barriers for people with disabilities. Through programs like Talking Books and Home Delivery, they provide free access to print, braille, and audiobooks for patrons ages 6 to 106. Their staff builds personal connections, offering reading suggestions and emotional support.
The Fairfax Area Disability Services Board congratulates the 2025 award recipients and thanks everyone who continues to support people with disabilities in all aspects of community life, helping to build a more inclusive Fairfax for all.
(by Kristin Martin, ElderLink)
ElderLink Virtual Support Call for Family Caregivers of Older Adults, via Microsoft Teams.
Tuesday, Jan. 13, 7-8 p.m.
Topic: Dimensions of Caregiver Wellness. In the caregiving journey, it can be difficult to prioritize and navigate how to take care of yourself when you are so focused on caring for someone else. To keep providing the best care to others, caregivers need to start taking the best care of themselves. Join us in our January support call to learn more about the different dimensions of wellness and how to support yourself while caregiving. 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 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 Victoria Nevel-Babla, DSVS, Department of Family Services)
Suddenly, there seems to be so much news about human trafficking, right?!
If you feel like this is a new thing you’re hearing about, you aren’t losing it. In fact, the first comprehensive federal law addressing human trafficking was passed only in 2000, and Virginia did not legally define and criminalize sex trafficking until 2015.
So, while human trafficking has been happening throughout known human history, we finally have the language to talk about it, the laws to intervene, and the cases to discuss in the media. This crime is defined as the commercial exploitation of a person for sex or labor against their will using force, fraud, or coercion. There are many types of labor violations, and the important question is what happens if you say no? When threats, debt bondage, or withholding documentation are used to make workers comply, it’s illegal. In short, human trafficking is when abuse turns a profit.
And it happens closer than we think. According to 2023 Virginia State Police data, Fairfax County identified the second highest number of human trafficking offenses out of all jurisdictions across the state. It has happened to people of all backgrounds, including adults and children, men and women, and U.S. citizens and foreign-born residents. And traffickers are more likely to be family members or someone victims trust than strangers in dark alleys or shopping center parking lots.
Fortunately, Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services division partners with many local organizations, including SafeSpot, Trauma and Hope, Tahirih, Ayuda, Shelter House, Northern Virginia Family Service, and Legal Services of Northern Virginia to provide comprehensive services to victims.
Of course, the language and laws are still relatively new and most of us still have a lot to learn – from responders, community members, and even victims themselves. We’re proud to be part of the team working toward the goal of supporting survivors of human trafficking here in Fairfax County, and we can all make a difference. We’d love to have you join us at the proclamation at the Government Center (check bit.ly/DFS-DSVS for the date), on social media by posting a picture for Wear Blue Day on Sunday, Jan. 11, or at the Annual Human Trafficking Training led by key experts on Thursday, Jan. 15.
(by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services)
Did you know that in the United States, someone needs blood every two seconds? In hospitals, blood is used in many ways, including treating trauma patients, cancer treatments, surgeries, chronic illnesses, and blood disorders. Human blood has no substitute, and it can only be obtained from donors.
More blood donor are needed. According to a 2024 guide from America’s Blood Centers and the Association for Blood Donor Professionals, 62% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate, but only about 3% do. There is also a need for diverse donors, since the treatment of certain diseases like Sickle Cell requires blood transfusions that match blood type and ethnic background.
A single blood donation is significant since it can be separated into red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, helping multiple people. If helping others is important to you, consider donating.
Who Can Donate Blood?
To donate blood, you must meet certain criteria, such as being 17 years or older, weighing at least 110 pounds, and feeling well on the day of donation. Some medications, medical conditions, travel, and personal histories may affect your eligibility. Contact a local blood center, such as American Red Cross Blood Serivces (redcrossblood.org) or Inova Blood Donor Services (inovablood.org) to learn more. On the day of your appointment, your temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and iron level will be checked, and you will be asked to complete a questionnaire to determine eligibility before donating.
Eligible adults can donate whole blood every 56 days. Donating takes about an hour of your time, including registration and health screening at the beginning and recovery time afterwards. Your actual donation time takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
Health Benefits of Donating Blood
In addition to the good feeling that comes with helping others, regular blood donation may provide other health benefits, according to doctors with NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Centers. They include reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer, helping maintain healthy iron levels, and getting free health screenings when you donate.
Blood Donation Tips
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 Lucy Caldwell, Fairfax County Health Department)
Winter is a time for cozy cups of hot chocolate by the fireplace and quality time with loved ones, not for illnesses and injuries. Protect your health from winter hazards like extreme cold, slippery surfaces, power outages, and more, by taking steps to prepare now.
Avoid Slips, Trips, and Falls
Rain, snow, and ice make surfaces slippery. Limit walking in these conditions and wear shoes with good traction when walking outdoors. Utilize handrails and assistive devices to help you stay steady.
Be Prepared for Power Outages
If you rely on power for electric medical equipment, identify alternative power sources you can use during an outage.
To stay warm, layer your clothing and stay under blankets; also close any doors to unused rooms and use towels to block any air from getting in under the doorways. These steps will help you preserve warmth. Do NOT use any unsafe heating methods, including gas stovetops or ovens, and grills, camp stoves or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal burning devices. Generators and grills should only be used outdoors and away from windows, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
If the power goes out, food is safe as long as the fridge stays below 40°F.
Limit Cold Weather Exposure
Stay indoors to limit your risk for hypothermia and frostbite. When outside, limit your time outdoors to that which is only necessary, and make sure you bundle up in layers with a hat, gloves, warm socks, and weather-appropriate coat. Wear shoes with good traction.
Shovel Safely
Avoid overexerting yourself when shoveling snow, as this overexertion can potentially lead to heart attack. If needed, recruit the help of loved ones and neighbors to help you shovel driveways and walkways.
Stay Off Roads
Avoid driving during winter storms, as conditions can change quickly; roads may become slippery and visibility may be reduced. If you must drive, keep an emergency kit with first aid supplies in your car.
Stay In-the-Know with County Resources
Pay attention to emergency information and alerts so that you always have the most up-to-date information. Sign up for no-cost Fairfax Alerts at bit.ly/FFXAlerts.
To learn more about how to protect your health with emergency preparedness, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/health/emergency.
(by Crystal Goodwin, Department of Emergency Management and Security)
Start the new year by getting connected with Fairfax County’s emergency response resources to better protect yourself and your household. In addition to calling or texting 9-1-1, residents can use three helpful tools that support first responders: Community Connect, the Emergency Health Profile, and the File of Life.
Fairfax Alerts allows residents of Fairfax County to sign up for free emergency alerts to be sent directly to their phone via text message or email. Residents who sign up for Fairfax Alerts will receive alerts and warnings if there is an emergency or potential for a public safety emergency around one of the addresses they register in the system. Alerts can be customized to include traffic, weather, and community updates. Sign up at FairfaxCounty.gov/topics/alerts-and-emails.
Community Connect is a free and secure platform where residents and business owners can share important details, such as home layout, utility shutoff locations, household members, access or functional needs, and pet information. This information is only visible to first responders when they are dispatched to your registered address. Sign up at FairfaxCounty.gov/topics/alerts-and-emails.
The Emergency Health Profile lets you voluntarily upload key medical details like allergies, mental health information, disabilities, and emergency contacts. When you call 9-1-1 from a registered phone number, this information automatically appears for dispatchers, helping them guide first responders. Create a profile at: FairfaxCounty.gov/911/emergency-health-profile.
The File of Life, provided by the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, is a physical form you keep on your refrigerator with essential medical and emergency contact information, ready for responders if you can’t communicate. To request one, contact fire.ESW@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-246-3801.
(by Katherine Hall, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)
As we enter January 2026, the New Year offers opportunities for family caregivers to reflect and set intentions for the months ahead. The beginning of the year is a powerful time to reflect on the past by identifying successes and challenges: what were the most rewarding parts and what were the toughest parts of the past year’s caregiving journey? Take a moment to consider these questions and how they can help guide decisions, realistic goal setting, and strategies for the coming year. This reflection is helpful for understanding your needs and those of your care recipient.
Prioritizing self-care and leveraging valuable local resources are key components to attaining success. For example, this year, family caregivers can enhance their caregiving experience by incorporating daily activities that promote relaxation and joy into their schedules, such as journaling, meditation, or breathing exercises. Additionally, utilizing local resources, such as caregiver consultation calls, support groups, and educational programs provided through the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging will help caregivers ensure they can thrive in their roles throughout 2026.
If you wish to learn more about caregiving resources, call our Aging, Disability, and Caregiver Resource Line at 703-324-7948 or visit FairfaxCounty.gov/OlderAdults.
(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 December 17 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. In addition, Director, Dr. Michael Becketts presented an update on Department of Family Services programs. At the January 21 meeting, the COA will continue to work on the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan.
COA Meeting - Wednesday, Jan. 21, 1 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 Linda.Hernandez-Giblin@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-324-5859, TTY 711.
(by Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions Recruitment Coordinator)
Volunteering offers powerful benefits for both mental and physical well-being, especially as we age. Staying socially connected, engaging in meaningful activities, and sharing one’s skills can boost mood, reduce stress, and support cognitive health. Staying active through community service also helps maintain mobility and overall vitality. This region offers countless ways to get involved.
Volunteering can be fun! The Children’s Science Center Lab at Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax is an interactive museum where children, families, and school groups explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) concepts through engaging, hands-on exhibits and programs. Volunteers create a welcoming, curiosity-driven environment, helping visitors interact with exhibits, supporting special programs, and contributing to the center’s mission of inspiring a love of learning.
Volunteering with the Science Center offers a variety of ways to get involved, whether assisting during Family Science Nights, supporting lab activities, or helping at community outreach events. No background in science or technology is required, just enthusiasm, reliability, and a desire to support children’s learning. Volunteers receive an orientation to help them feel prepared. To learn more and register visit bit.ly/CSS-Vol or email volunteer@childsci.org.
As a local not-for-profit professional theatre, 1st Stage in Tysons demonstrates that great art and culture contribute to vibrant neighborhoods. It produces thought-provoking performances in an intimate setting that fosters a strong connection between audiences and artists. Volunteers play their own important roles by supporting this artistry.
Volunteer opportunities span many areas, including ushering at performances, assisting with marketing efforts, helping with office tasks, and supporting fundraising initiatives. Individuals can also lend their skills to production work, such as carpentry, sewing, painting, or electrical assistance, or contribute to building maintenance through renovation or organization projects. Additional help is welcomed in the theatre’s library, from cataloging and shelving books to maintaining its database. Go to 1ststage.org to learn more and register.
Have fun as a Volunteer Solutions by volunteering at one of our Fairfax County Senior Centers! If you have a passion for art, fitness, music, languages and more, go to bit.ly/SeniorCtrOpps to check out the list of engaging roles. Questions? Email VolunteerSolutions@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-324-5406.
To explore other opportunities that match your interests and availability, visit the Fairfax County volunteer site at bit.ly/FFXVOLUNTEER, where you’ll find a wide variety of ways to make a positive difference.
If you wish to submit volunteer opportunities to be highlighted in a future column, contact Tanya Erway at Tanya.Erway@FairfaxCounty.gov.
Become a Fairfax County Board of Equalization (BOE) Member
If you are interested in serving in this compensated role, please send your resume or letter of interest via email to the Board of Supervisors Chairman’s office at chairman@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Apply today!
(by Ann Happ, Jewish Council for the Aging)
The Jewish Council for the Aging‘s (JCA) Career Gateway, CareerTech, and Virtual 50+ Employment Expos provide coaching, training, and networking opportunities for older adult jobseekers.
Career Gateway, JCA’s award-winning job search training program, helps jobseekers aged 50 and over with intensive skills training and mentors who provide them with individualized support. Participants receive help refining and rewriting resumes, using LinkedIn and other social media in their job search, navigating online applications, and strengthening their interview skills, elevator pitches, and self-awareness. Each session provides five days of small group, live, online training with a skilled facilitator. There are four Career Gateway sessions scheduled for January through June 2026. The next session will be held Jan. 12, 14, 16, 21, and 22 on Zoom. Additional details and all session dates are available at accessjca.org/career-gateway.
Tuition for Career Gateway is only $99. Space is limited to 22 participants, and registration is first-come, first-served. To register, call 301-255-4215 or email Career.Gateway@AccessJCA.org.
CareerTech offers classes in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint – tech skills many employers expect employees and candidates to know. CareerTech also offers a two-day LinkedIn “boot camp,” and a full day “Becoming a Cyber-Savvy Jobseeker” course that includes training on new technologies and tools necessary for jobseekers to succeed in today’s job market including artificial intelligence, automated tools, and telepresence.
JCA’s free Northern Virginia (NOVA) and Montgomery County Virtual 50+ Employment Expos connect employers with jobseekers aged 50 and over in an informative, online format. Each expo starts with two morning workshops about hiring practices and job search strategies. In the afternoon, employer networking sessions give participants the opportunity to meet eight to 12 age-friendly employers with current job openings.
The next NOVA Expo is Thursday, Feb. 12. The featured workshops are:
Visit virtualexpos.accessjca.org to see the 2026 schedule and to register. If you have any questions about the expos, you can email them to employmentexpos@accessjca.org or call 703-652-1518.
Employers in Fairfax County with three or more professional job openings are invited to sign up as Employer Presenters and connect with skilled, experienced candidates. Registration is complimentary at virtualexpos.accessjca.org. Register today.
In 2025, the Giant Community Bag Program selected the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging's Home Delivered Meals (HDM) Program to receive $1 for every Community Bag sold at the Giant Food at 12043 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway in Fairfax during the month of November. Sixty-nine bags were sold, resulting in a $69 donation to HDM! Thank you to everyone who purchased a bag! To learn more about the HDM Program, visit bit.ly/OA-HDM.
(by Amy Carlini, Department of Family Services)
If you’re struggling with the urgent need to pee, or you’re not able to completely control your bladder, you are not alone. According to the nonprofit National Association for Continence, incontinence affects more people than diabetes and heart disease combined. The NAFC’s “We Count” campaign finds that urinary incontinence affects nearly 80 million women in the U.S. (it also affects men but not as often) and 9 out of 10 patients feel isolated, depressed, or hopeless because of it.
Here are five things to know when you have to go:
To learn more about incontinence and download a guide for discussing your condition with your doctor, visit the National Association for Continence website: nafc.org/we-count.
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.
Love to Play Basketball? Join NOVA United!
NOVA United Senior Women’s Basketball Association seeks new players. Women age 50 and older welcome. Have fun, stay fit, and make friends while playing three-on-three half-court basketball. Weekly practice at James Lee Community Center in Falls Church. For more information, email NOVAUnitedSWB@gmail.com.
Socrates Café
Tuesday, Jan. 6, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Tysons Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church
A Socrates Cafe is a gathering where people from different backgrounds get together and exchange philosophical perspectives based on their experiences, using the cooperative dialogue of the Socratic Method. For more information and to register, visit librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/15568710.
Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia Virtual Forum
Wednesday, Jan. 7, 10-11:30 a.m.
Join LLI/NOVA for this free program. The speaker will be Mary Bauer, Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia. Register at llinova.org under Classes and Events tab. For more information, email admin@llinova.org.
Dementia Man: An Existential Journey
Saturday, January 17, 2-3:30 p.m.
Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 Stringfellow Rd, Chantilly
Dementia Man, An Existential Journey is the award-winning autobiographical story of a man who faces his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease by actor and playwright Samuel A. Simon. Seating is limited and is on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/14948569.
ChaptGPT and AI
Thursday, Jan. 29, 3-4 p.m.
Virtual program hosted by the Virtual Center for Active Adults. David Herlihy and Holly Hartell from Arlington County’s Department of Technology Services will give a 45-minute presentation on the purposes of AI and how to use it followed by a Q&A. For more information, visit bit.ly/novaVCAA; To join the program, visit bit.ly/VCAAzoom2; Meeting ID: 905 123 5932 Password: 3636.
Dates, prices, and times are correct at publishing. However, please confirm information using the phone numbers or websites provided.
Check out the past newsletters.
*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.