Send notes to the Connection at south@connectionnewspapers.com or call 703-917-6459. Deadline is Friday. Dated announcements should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event.
The City of Fairfax Senior Center hosts "Easy Strength Training" classes on Wednesdays, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the center. The fee is $10 per month. Call 703-359-2487. The City of Fairfax Senior Center is located at 4401 Sideburn Road, Fairfax.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University welcomes new members. The opportunity to attend a free sample class is available to those interested. Call the Tallwood office at 703-503-3384 or online at www.olli.gmu.edu, e-mail olli@gmu.edu.
The JCA SeniorTech Computer Training Centers offer classes in digital photography, e-mail, basic computer, Internet search and more. SeniorTech Computer Center is located at Springfield Mall in Springfield. For more call Teresa Simmons at 240-395-0916 or e-mail tsimmons@jcagw.org.
Himmelfarb Mobile University, a program of JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency), provides college-like classes to residents of nursing and retirement homes, and participants in senior activity programs. The university offers classes covering a variety of subjects including: economics, cultural anthropology, languages and more. Activity directors and senior-oriented sites and programs can contact Rosa Weinstein at 301-816-2630 to discuss schedules, course offerings and other details.
The Senior+ program combines three distinct areas of proficiency to provide a successful inclusion program for seniors in recreation, health and mental health. Senior+ sites are:
* Little River Glen Senior Center, 4001 Barker Court, Fairfax. 703-503-8710, TTY 711
* Lincolnia Senior Center, 4710 N. Chambliss St., Alexandria. 703-914-0223, TTY 711
* Lorton Senior Center, 7722 Gunston Plaza, Lorton. 703-550-7195, TTY 711
Fairfax County has partnered with Senior Navigator to provide up-to-date health and aging information and resources for seniors, adults with disabilities and caregivers in Virginia. Features include online access to nearly 19,000 public and private services in Virginia, hundreds of articles on health and aging, and an "Ask the Expert" feature. Visit www.seniornavigator.org.
The Shepherd’s Center of Fairfax-Burke, organized by and for people over the age of 50, has a free medical transportation program. Volunteers take older adults within the SCFB boundaries in Central Fairfax, who are not able to drive, to medical, dental and therapy appointments. To use the service, to volunteer or to take phone requests, \call the SCFB office at 703-877-2280.
Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA) is a full-service agency for all seniors regardless of faith, race, or economic means. It offers a database of senior resources and services as well as certified specialists. Visit www.jcagw.org. Programs include:
* Rose Benté Lee Senior HelpLine, 703-425-0999. Free information about senior centers, support groups, homecare services, and nursing homes.
* SeniorNet offers affordable computer and Internet training programs developed by seniors for seniors at two Virginia locales, with new classes starting continuously. 240-395-0916.
* Active Living Every Day courses help improve health and well being by incorporating physical activity into the daily routine are available at several Northern Virginia locations. 301-255-4205.
* Connect-A-Ride gives complete information about available senior transportation services in Fairfax County and eligibility at 703-323-6494.
* The ElderBus program provides limited, low-cost bus transportation to grocery stores. JCA can arrange group transportation for low rates in wheelchair-accessible buses. 301-468-6280.
The 2008 The Northern Virginia Senior Olympics is Sept. 20-Oct. 2, with opening day 10:30 a.m. at The Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 S. 2nd St., Arlington. The competition for senior adults 50 years of age and over has events throughout the Fairfax County. Events include swimming, tennis, bowling, golf, pickleball, board games, card games, team line dancing, diving, ice skating, racquetball, scrabble and more. $10 registration, events $1. Register by Sept. 5 by visiting senior centers and senior residences or by calling 703-228-3600, ext. 9996.
Home Instead Senior Care offers pamphlets for seniors on how to prepare for disasters. The best protection for seniors and caregivers is to make a plan of action long before any emergency arises. To receive a free copy of "10 Ways to Help Seniors Prepare for Disaster," call Jason Sager at Home Instead Senior Care at 703-750-6644.
Fairfax Area Agency on Aging offers volunteer opportunities for seniors, including providing practical assistance and companionship to members of the community. Volunteers are needed to: grocery shop, provide transportation, light house keeping, seasonal yard work, write letters, organize cupboards/linen closets, friendly visits, telephone reassurance, and more. Benefits include flexibility, mileage reimbursement and membership to the Fairfax County Credit Union. For more information or to request ADA accommodations, contact Trina Mayhan-Webb at trina.mayhan-webb@fairfaxcounty.gov, 703-324-5184 or Michelle Miller on 703-324-5419, TTY 703-449-1186.
The City of Fairfax Senior Center needs seniors to volunteer for "Senior to Senior," a hotline for seniors to provide information about free resources that are available. Volunteers are needed to work the phones for two-hour shifts. Call 703-359-2487.
Mature Operator's Driver Improvement Program (MODIP) is an eight-hour class for Virginia residents 55 and older covers safe-driving information. The course is sanctioned by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and is presented by certified Fairfax County Auxiliary Police officers. Upon completion of this course, drivers are eligible for the Virginia state mandated insurance premium reduction (check with individual insurance carriers for the amount). Classes take place the second Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Franconia District Station, 6121 Franconia Road. $10 per person for books and materials. Call 703-924-6588.
Boat People SOS, Inc. and Fairfax County Department of Family Services’ Fairfax Area Agency on Aging launched a Vietnamese Senior Information Line, for Vietnamese-speaking seniors who seek information on county and community services. The line can be reached at 703-538-2190 Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.