Just to say "hello" to existing neighbors or meet new ones", please join "Neighborhood Knock" on 7-8 November -- It's about connecting to help one another. Sponsored by Fairfax 50+ initiative Neighbor to Neighbor

Flyer for the Code Compliance Community Forum

• WHO: Department of Code Compliance, Police Department, Department of Neighborhood and Community Services
• WHEN: Thursday, May 22, 2014 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• WHERE: Annandale United Methodist Church, 6935 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003
• WHY SHOULD I ATTEND? Code compliance and enforcement addresses a wide range of property issuesóenvironment, health, safety, and property valuesóthat impact residents and businesses in Annandale.
• OUR GOAL! We will create a safe environment where people will feel free to ask questions. A special focus of this forum will be common community norms related to safety and quality of life issues.
• Hosted in partnership with the Annandale Roundtable, Korean American Association of VA, Legal Aid Justice Center, and VA Coalition of Latino Organizations.
• Contact Tel: 703-533-5701 Email: Jackeline.ElMrini @ fairfaxcounty.gov

The Safety in our Community -- Preventing the 911 Call" health and safety seminar will be held on Monday, May 12, 10 a.m. ñ Noon. Presentations will include fire and injury/fall prevention, home and personal safety, Project Lifesaver (keeping at-risk residents safer and reducing care giver anxiety), and how to defend yourself from scams and other frauds.

The Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteer advocates for residents in assisted living and nursing facilities throughout the area. Volunteers can work in facilities close to where they live. Training is provided. Call 703-324-5861, TTY 711 or email Lisa.Callahan @ fairfaxcounty.gov. Find more information on becoming a long-term care ombudsman volunteer at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/ltcombudsman/vol_ombud_program.htm.

• The federal government's Open Season for federal employees and retirees to change their health plans runs from November 11 to December 9.
• Congressman Connolly's Open Season Workshop will take place at the Fairfax County Government Center on Saturday, November 23, 2013 from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. The Government Center is located at 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035.
• This year's event will once again feature FEHBP expert Walt Francis, author of CHECKBOOKS's Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees, along with presentations by other FEHB experts. Representatives of the Office of Personnel Management, the various FEHB plans and Medicare will be available to answer questions discuss their programs with participants.
• "Most FEHB plans have benefit and rate changes for 2014 so it is important that federal employees and retirees know the details on how their current plans are changing and whether or not there is another option that better suits their needs," Connolly said. "With these possible changes, it is important that every federal employee and retiree review the status of their current coverage."
• Connolly urged every federal employee and retiree, as well as survivor and former spouse annuitants to make sure they review their FEHB plan coverage and other benefits before Open Season ends on December9. "Federal employees, retirees, and annuitants who have questions or want to make sure that they have the coverage they need are welcome to attend my Open Season Workshop on November 23rd " he said.
• Congressman Connolly's Open Season workshop will feature:
  • 10:00 am - 11:00 am in the Government Center Board Room
    Panel Discussion featuring experts on FEHB programs and available health plan options, including FEHBP expert Walt Francis, author of CHECKBOOKS's Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees
  • 11:00 am - 1:00 pm in adjoining conference rooms
    Representatives of various FEHB health plans and Medicare will be available to provide information and answer questions concerning plan offerings for 2014
  • 11:00 am - 1:00 pm in adjoining conference room.
    Flu Shots will be provided by the Fairfax County Health Department. The cost is $25 and Medicare Part B is accepted.
    To ensure adequate supply of vaccines available, please register with Connolly's District Office at (703)256-3071
• Federal employees seeking further information about FEHB plans can visit OPM's FEHB Open Season website at: http://www.opm.gov/insure/openseason.
• The OPM website contains detailed information about FEHB plans, dental insurance, vision insurance, and flexible spending accounts for federal employees and dependents. The site also provides links to frequently asked questions and other information that federal employees and retirees might need to help them make decisions about their current and future coverage.
• Federal employees, retirees, or annuitants seeking more information about the Open Season workshop can call Connolly's District Office at 703-256-3071.
• Congressman Connolly has held an Open Season event each year since he took office in January 2009.

• Fairfax County Meals on Wheels urgently needs drivers in the Annandale, Franconia/Kingstowne, Reston, Mount Vernon and McLean areas. Call 703-324-5406, TTY 711. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and link to Volunteer Solutions or email at VolunteerSolutions @ fairfaxcounty.gov .
• Fairfax County needs Somali-speaking volunteers to provide rides to an older adult in the Lorton area. Call 703-324-5406, TTY 711, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and link to Volunteer Solutions or email at VolunteerSolutions @ fairfaxcounty.gov.
• Fairfax County's Adult Day Health Care Centers need outreach volunteers for 4 hours/week. Requires travel around the county. Marketing experience preferred. Call 703-324-5406, TTY 711, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and link to Volunteer Solutions or email at VolunteerSolutions@fairfaxcounty.gov.
• Lorton Senior Center needs a computer instructor to teach seniors on weekdays. Call 703-324-5406, TTY 711. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and link to Volunteer Solutions or email at VolunteerSolutions @ fairfaxcounty.gov.
• Herndon Senior Center seeks a knitting enthusiast to teach basic procedures. Class meets Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to noon and musicians to play soothing music on weekend mornings. Call 703-324-5406, TTY 711. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and link to Volunteer Solutions or email at VolunteerSolutions @ fairfaxcounty.gov..
• Bailey's Crossroads Senior Center in Annandale needs a friendly quilting teacher to teach older adults. Group meets Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Call 703-324-5406, TTY 711. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and link to Volunteer Solutions or email at VolunteerSolutions @ fairfaxcounty.gov..

Fairfax County is offering free Medicare Open Season workshops at the following locations. Find more information and register at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/vicap.htm or call the numbers below.

• Tuesday, October 15, 2013, 10:30 a.m., Lincolnia Senior Center, 4710 North Chambliss Street, Alexandria, VA 22312, 703-914-0223, TTY 711.
• Wednesday, October 16, 2013, 11 a.m., South County Senior Center, 8350 Richmond Highway, Suite 325, Alexandria, VA 22309, (Registration not required.)
• Thursday, October 17, 2013, 12:45 p.m., Lorton Senior Center, 7722 Gunston Plaza, Lorton, VA 22079, 703-550-7195, TTY 711.

Fairfax County is offering Medicare 101 ñ a two-three hour program on Medicare basics. Find more information and register at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/vicap.htm or call the numbers below.

• Wednesday, October 9, 3- to 4:30 p.m., Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly, VA 20151, Register online or call 703-324-5205, TTY 711.
• Thursday, October 10, 2013, 10 a.m.- noon, Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA 22124, 703-281-0538, TTY 711.

Fairfax County's free Family Caregiver Telephone Support Group meets by phone on Tuesday, October 8, 7. - 8 p.m. Register beforehand at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/caregiver.htm. Call 703-324-5484, TTY 711.

Fairfax County's Independent Living Project

Join Fairfax County's Independent Living Project, a free seminar series along with exercise classes for strength and balance that help older adults remain independent. The program also offers professional home safety reviews. The next series is scheduled on Thursdays, October 17-November 21, 1-3 p.m., Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Register at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/independent.htm, call 703-324-7210, TTY 711 or email Jennifer.Edge@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Fairfax County is offering free Family Caregiver Seminars throughout October and November at the following locations. To register, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/OlderAdults and link to Register Now for Caregiver Seminars, or call 703-324-5205, TTY 711.

• Diagnosis: Dementia...Now What?, Wednesday, October 2 ñ 7 to 8:30 p.m., Little River Glen Senior Center, 4001 Barker Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
• Financial Issues for Caregivers, Tuesday, October 8 ñ 7 to 8:30 p.m., Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke, VA 22015
• When Home is No Longer an Option, Thursday October 31 ñ 12 to 1 p.m., WEBINAR - Meet over your computer or telephone.
• Behavior as Communication in Alzheimer's Disease, Thursday, November 7 ñ 3 to 4:30 p.m., Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria, VA 22315
• Strategies for Difficult Conversations, Wednesday, November 13 ñ 7 to 8:30 p.m., Alzheimer's Association, National Capital Area Chapter, 3701 Pender Drive, Suite 400, Fairfax, VA 22030
• Legal Tools for Caregivers, Thursday, November 14 ñ 7 to 8:30 p.m., Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Avenue, McLean, VA 22101
• Legal Tools for Caregivers, Wednesday November 20 ñ 12 to 1 p.m., WEBINAR - Meet over your computer or telephone.
• Caregiving 101, Monday, November 18 ñ 7 to 8:30 p.m., Herndon Fortnightly Library, 768 Center Street, Herndon, VA 20170

Fairfax County is offering free Chronic Illness Management workshops. Topics include managing pain and emotions, using medication properly, communicating with health care providers, adopting exercise and nutrition goals and making informed medical decisions. Register and learn more at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/chronic-disease.htm or call 703-324-5489, TTY 711.

• Wednesdays, October 2-November 6, 2013, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., City of Fairfax Regional Library, 10360 North Street, Fairfax, VA 22030-2514
• Mondays, October 21-December 2, 2013, 1-3:30 p.m., Reston Community Center Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston, VA 20191
• Tuesday, October 22-November 26, 2013, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Bruen Chapel United Methodist Church, 3035 Cedar Lane, Fairfax, VA 22031
• Thursdays, October 24-December 5, 2013, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066
• Wednesdays, October 30-December 11, 2013, 1-3:30 p.m., Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306

• Introductions and overview of Human Services: Jesse Ellis, Office of the County Executive
• Parenting Programs: Cheryl Keiper, Department of Family Services
• Mental Health First Aid: Laura Yager, Community Services Board
• Community, Teen, and Senior Centers: Evan Braff, Department of Neighborhood and Community Services
• 100,000 Homes and Hypothermia Prevention Program: Tom Barnett, Office to Prevent and End Homelessness
• Athletic Services: Taylor Dixon, Department of Neighborhood and Community Services
• Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax: Sharon Arndt, Health Department/Department of Neighborhood and Community Services
• After the short overviews, each will †highlight some other relevant community programs within their agencies and talk about ways to get involved or participate in them.

May 2012 is recognized as Older Americans Month

Governor McDonnell has proclaimed May to be Older Virginians Month to coincide. Please visit this link for a list of activities that are going on all month long sponsored in many communities throughout the state: http://www.vda.virginia.gov/pdfdocs/2012-OVMoEvents.pdf

Although this tax program has been in place for a while, not many have taken advantage of The Virginia Livable Home Tax Credit (LHTC) program. The program is designed to improve accessibility and universal visitability in Virginiaís residential units by providing state tax credits for the purchase of new units or the retrofitting of existing housing units.

Tax credits are available for up to $5,000 for the purchase of a new accessible residence and up to 50 percent for the cost of retrofitting existing units, not to exceed $5,000. For more details and contact information please visit: http://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/HousingPreservationRehabilitation/Tax_credit_program.htm

A strong volunteer force within the community is critical and vital to human resources fulfillment. Emergency management tasks for natural or man-made disasters not covered by the town/city employees duties are important.

For emergencies we need to make sure the supplies are in place, and phone call trees and emergency numbers updated. This may seem like old news, but it is surprising how often we aren't prepared. We need to create or refresh lists of individuals and resources within the community, which in turn help individuals and families including seniors, the disabled, new to the community or from foreign lands, and those experiencing tough times. Updating volunteer lists to handle a variety of duties from snow shoveling, leaf removal, minor home maintenance, tools loans, refreshing emergency call lists, is a real need.