 Paul Spring's Holiday Market Vendor OpportunityJoin us as we kick off the holiday season by supporting local businesses! Bring your handcrafted goods or showcase your services for residents, families, and the surrounding Alexandria area. Event Details:
 Landmarks across Virginia, including the Wells Fargo Tower and the Silverline Center, together with more than 1,500 buildings and landmarks around the world, will be lighting up teal on November 3 to raise Alzheimer’s awareness as part of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s (AFA) Light the World in Teal program. Light the World in Teal 2025 is the world’s largest-ever organized collective light-up for a single cause.
The annual program, held in November as part of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, aims to literally shine a spotlight on Alzheimer’s disease and show support for the millions of people affected by it. Teal is AFA’s Alzheimer’s awareness color. Participating Virginia landmarks include:
The Virginia landmarks are among more than 1,500 sites in all 50 states and 13 other countries/territories “going teal” for Alzheimer’s awareness on November 3. This is the 12th year of AFA’s Light the World in Teal campaign. Individuals can also participate in raising Alzheimer’s awareness by “going teal” on their own November 3. You can wear teal or even use social media to raise awareness. Nearly 7 million Americans, including 164,000 Virginia residents, are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease. The number of people with Alzheimer’s is projected to double by 2060, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more information about AFA’s Light the World in Teal program, including a list of participating landmarks, visit www.lighttheworldinteal.com. Families looking for additional information about Alzheimer’s disease or support services can contact AFA at 866-232-8484 or www.alzfdn.org.  Under the bright lights of the Worldgate Athletic Club & Spa, the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia (SCNOVA) turned up the fun and philanthropy on September 16, 2025, with its fourth annual Pickleball & Golf Festival Fundraiser. From 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., a lively crowd of guests, sponsors, and local dignitaries gathered at 13037 Worldgate Drive for an afternoon packed with athletic action, community spirit, and heartwarming causes.
What started as a novel way to blend two of America's fastest-growing sports has evolved into a beloved tradition for SCNOVA, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering older adults in Northern Virginia. Attendees dove into the excitement on 10 pristine pickleball courts, where competitive spirits shone in a spirited tournament. For those preferring a more relaxed swing, the golf simulation lounge offered virtual rounds on iconic courses like Pebble Beach and Augusta National. The energy didn't stop there—guests savored gourmet treats, struck poses at a whimsical photo booth, and rummaged through swag bags brimming with goodies. The real thrills came from the raffle, stocked with themed baskets; player prizes for top scorers; and a silent auction boasting everything from luxury getaways to unique local experiences. "We couldn't have asked for a better day," said Carolyn Pennington, SCNOVA's Executive Director. "Seeing our community come together like this—laughing, competing, and supporting one another—reminds us why we do what we do." The event proved a resounding triumph, surpassing its fundraising goals through the generosity of sponsors, partners, and attendees. These funds will fuel SCNOVA's vital programs, ensuring older adults continue to thrive through independence, lifelong learning, and meaningful social connections. In a region where aging in place is a priority, SCNOVA's initiatives help seniors maintain active, fulfilling lives amid everyday challenges. Special shoutouts went to the media sponsor, The Golden Gazette, for amplifying the buzz pre-event. Local leaders, including Delegate Holly Seibold, Delegate Karen Keys-Gamarra, Supervisor James Bierman Jr., and Mayor Linda Colbert, lent their presence and endorsement, underscoring the festival's role in community building. Leading the charge was title sponsor Len Adler of The Adler Foundation, alongside a dedicated team of staff, development committee members, and volunteers who orchestrated every detail with seamless enthusiasm. For those who couldn't make it this year, mark your calendars: The 2025 festival's successor is already in the works for 2026. Registration details will drop on www.scnova.org in August—don't miss your chance to paddle, putt, and give back. At its core, SCNOVA is more than an event host; it's a lifeline for Northern Virginia's seniors. Through hundreds of trained volunteers, the organization provides essential services like transportation, friendly check-ins, home repairs via "handy helpers," and enriching classes that spark curiosity at any age. "Our goal is simple: Help our senior neighbors live full, productive lives right where they are," Pennington added. Ready to get involved? Follow SCNOVA on Facebook (The Shepherd's Center of Northern Virginia), Instagram (@Shepherds_Center_Nova), and LinkedIn for updates, stories, and ways to join the fun. Whether you're volunteering as a driver, donor, or lifelong learner, your support makes a world of difference. Visit www.scnova.org or call 703-281-0538 to learn more. As the paddles quiet and the golf sims power down, one thing's clear: SCNOVA's festival isn't just a game—it's a winning strategy for stronger communities.  On September 7, 2025, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the formation of the Nursing Home Oversight and Accountability Advisory Board, established under Executive Order 52. This new initiative aims to enhance the quality, safety, and transparency of Virginia’s nearly 300 licensed nursing homes, which serve approximately 33,000 residents. The Board comprises a diverse group of experts, including healthcare providers, geriatricians, advocates, and legal professionals, all committed to improving long-term care for Virginia’s seniors.
A Commitment to Senior Care “Every Virginian deserves to know that their loved ones are safe, respected, and receiving the highest standard of care in our nursing homes,” said Governor Youngkin. “This Advisory Board will strengthen oversight, promote transparency, and deliver solutions that protect our most vulnerable seniors.” The Governor emphasized that supporting older adults is a top priority for his administration, with the Board tasked to address care deficiencies and improve access to quality care. The Advisory Board was created in response to Executive Order 52, which directs the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to convene a group to advise on policies and practices that enhance resident well-being. The Board’s responsibilities include recommending quality initiatives, budgetary measures, and legislative actions to strengthen nursing home oversight across the Commonwealth. Addressing Oversight Challenges Virginia’s nursing homes, most of which are certified to receive federal funding, are overseen by the VDH’s Office of Licensure and Certification (OLC). The OLC is responsible for inspecting facilities, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, and investigating complaints. However, the office currently faces a 42% vacancy rate among inspectors, leading to delays in addressing the increasing volume of complaints. To tackle these challenges, the Commonwealth has enacted legislation to fully fund inspector positions and grant the State Health Commissioner greater enforcement authority. The VDH is also launching a comprehensive plan to recruit and train inspectors, adopt new technologies to streamline complaint handling, and develop a public nursing home information portal to enhance transparency. A Diverse and Experienced Board The Advisory Board includes leaders with expertise in healthcare, advocacy, law, and community service. Notable members include:
A Step Toward Lasting Change “The establishment of this advisory board represents a significant commitment to improving long-term care in Virginia,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly. “In order to attain lasting success with these efforts, we must keep patient care at the center of our collective efforts.” State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton echoed this sentiment, stating, “Caring for and protecting our elderly population is a responsibility that we take seriously. We are committed to communities where every Virginian can receive care with dignity, safety, and respect.” The Advisory Board’s work will focus on creating well-rounded solutions to address caregiving challenges, ensuring that Virginia’s seniors are protected and supported. With a combination of legislative support, technological advancements, and expert guidance, the Commonwealth is taking significant steps to strengthen its long-term care system. For more information on Virginia’s nursing home oversight initiatives, visit https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2025/september/name-1057990-en.html  WheelCare.Health, a new nonprofit dedicated to providing affordable, onsite service for wheelchairs, power scooters, and other personal mobility devices, is excited to announce its launch in Virginia’s Fairfax and Loudoun Counties. Operating as a tax-exempt public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, WheelCare.Health is committed to enhancing mobility and independence for community members through low-cost repair and maintenance services.
A Mission to Keep Our Neighbors Moving WheelCare.Health is debuting this summer with pilot programs focused on servicing non-powered wheelchairs, power scooters, and rolling walkers (rollators). By offering affordable maintenance and repair services, the organization aims to ensure that individuals can maintain their independence and mobility without financial strain. As a community-driven nonprofit, WheelCare.Health is also introducing a Pay-as-You-Can fee model to make services accessible to all, including no-cost options for those in need. “We believe mobility is a cornerstone of independence,” said Kirk Knestis, Executive Director of WheelCare.Health. “Our goal is to provide high-quality, affordable services to ensure that everyone in our community can keep rolling.” Innovative Programs and Community Engagement WheelCare.Health’s initial offerings include: Pilot Repair and Maintenance Programs: Supporting a variety of personal mobility devices, including manual wheelchairs, power scooters, and rollators. Mobility Device Recycling: Accepting donations of used wheelchairs and scooters for refurbishment or parts recycling, promoting sustainability and affordability. Pay-as-You-Can Fee Model: Designed to keep services accessible while maintaining the organization’s commitment to community support. Public Fundraising Campaign: Launching to subsidize costs for onsite maintenance and repair services, ensuring long-term affordability and sustainability. The organization is also exploring the potential to become an authorized Medicare provider, addressing the limited availability of Medicare-covered repair services for individually owned mobility scooters. While facing substantial challenges, this initiative could significantly benefit local residents who qualify for Medicare coverage under Part B for durable medical equipment (DME). Engaging the Community As a startup nonprofit, WheelCare.Health is eager to learn about the mobility needs of Fairfax and Loudoun County residents. The organization invites community members to follow its progress, participate in pilot programs, and contribute to its mission through donations, which are tax-deductible under its 501(c)(3) status. “We’re just getting started, and we want to hear from our neighbors,” said Knestis. “By engaging with our community, we can tailor our services to meet real needs and make a meaningful impact.” Looking Ahead WheelCare.Health’s roadmap includes implementing governance structures, analyzing pilot program data to inform future services, and expanding its reach to better serve the community. The organization is committed to transparency and collaboration as it grows. For more information about WheelCare.Health, to donate, or to get involved, visit wheelcare.health or contact Kirk Knestis PhD to join them in empowering affordable mobility and keeping our community rolling. About WheelCare.Health WheelCare.Health is a Fairfax, Virginia-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing affordable, onsite repair and maintenance services for personal mobility devices, including wheelchairs, power scooters, and rollators. With a mission to enhance independence and accessibility, WheelCare.Health serves Fairfax and Loudoun Counties through innovative programs and community-driven solutions.  Are you available on weekdays during school hours and enjoy working with kids? If so, this opportunity is for you! 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. Apply online at bit.ly/BodySafeVol or contact the Body Safety staff at [email protected] or 703-324-7459. We are continuously onboarding volunteers throughout the school year but help us reach our goal of 30 new volunteers! The next training is in person on Friday, August 8th.
 The Virginia Nurses Association (VNA) is thrilled to share that nine nurses from Virginia – eight of them VNA members – have been selected as Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing, including VNA’s Board Vice President, Dr. Jennifer Shepherd, DNP, MHA, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC. The Academy is a policy organization and an honorific society that recognizes nursing's most accomplished leaders in policy, research, practice, administration, and academia to advance equitable solutions to the nation’s most complex health care challenges. Academy Fellows hold a wide variety of influential roles in health care and induction into the Fellowship represents more than recognition of one's accomplishments within the nursing profession. Fellows contribute their collective expertise to the Academy, engaging with health leaders nationally and globally to improve health and achieve health equity by impacting policy through nursing leadership, innovation, and science. Congratulations to you all!
Virginia Inductees
The 2025 inductees will be recognized for their substantial, sustained, and significant contributions to health and healthcare at the Academy’s annual conference, in Washington, DC during the Induction Ceremony on the evening of October 18. About the Virginia Nurses Association The Virginia Nurses Association (VNA) is a professional organization furthering the interests of the more than 123,000 registered nurses throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, inclusive of all areas of specialization, clinical settings and work environments. In concert with their national partner, the American Nurses Association, VNA is dedicated to advancing nurses and the nursing profession through advocacy. Connect with VNA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. About the American Academy of Nursing The American Academy of Nursing serves the public by advancing health policy and practice through the generation, synthesis, and dissemination of nursing knowledge. Academy Fellows are inducted into the organization for their extraordinary contributions to improve health locally and globally. With more than 3,200 Fellows, the Academy represents nursing’s most accomplished leaders in policy, research, administration, practice, and academia.  A recent national survey by Choice Mutual highlights growing concerns across the U.S. about the emotional and financial demands of caring for aging parents—and Virginia ranks in the middle of the pack when it comes to caregiver preparedness.
The study, titled “States Where People Are Least Ready to Care for Their Parents”, surveyed over 2,500 adults and ranked all 50 states based on how confident residents felt about stepping into caregiving roles. While states like Arkansas and Michigan topped the list with high preparedness, Virginia’s results reveal that many residents feel overwhelmed or unprepared for the challenges of elder care. Virginians Struggle with Caregiving Costs and Emotional ReadinessIn Virginia, just under 50% of respondents said they felt emotionally and logistically ready to care for an aging parent. Financial concerns loomed large—nearly two-thirds of Virginians surveyed expressed worry about how they would afford care-related expenses, such as home health aides, medical bills, or time off work. More than 40% of Virginians believed they might need to reduce work hours or leave their jobs entirely if a parent required full-time support. The stress of caregiving isn’t just financial—respondents also cited emotional strain, lack of guidance, and fear of making wrong decisions on behalf of a parent. Communication Gaps PersistDespite the looming responsibilities, only about a third of Virginians reported having discussed caregiving plans with their parents. This lack of communication leaves many families unprepared when a health crisis occurs. The report also found that only 1 in 4 Virginia respondents had researched long-term care options such as assisted living or insurance coverage. This gap in planning may further contribute to the anxiety caregivers experience when facing tough decisions. Virginia vs. the NationCompared to top-ranked states like Arkansas (66% prepared) and low-ranking Oregon (41%), Virginia’s preparedness level falls in the lower-middle range, signaling room for improvement. Interestingly, the study also found that residents in some Southern states—Virginia included—were more likely to express a strong emotional desire to care for parents personally, even if they weren’t logistically or financially ready. Women in Virginia, consistent with national trends, were far more likely to expect caregiving duties to fall on them. Millennials and Gen Xers expressed particular concern about balancing work, finances, and caregiving, often referred to as the challenges of the “sandwich generation.” What Virginians Can DoExperts recommend starting the conversation early. "Planning before a crisis gives families more options and less stress," said Anthony Martin, CEO of Choice Mutual. Virginians are encouraged to discuss care preferences, explore insurance options, and seek out community support resources well in advance. Explore the full report and see how Virginia compares to other states: https://choicemutual.com/blog/caring-for-parents-survey/  AARP announced eight organizations throughout Virginia will receive 2025 Community Challenge grants. The grants are part of AARP’s $4.2 million commitment to fund 383 quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on the needs of older adults. The funds will support efforts to improve public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and other key areas.
Now in its ninth year, the Challenge has awarded $472,915 through 44 grants in Virginia since 2017 to nonprofit organizations and local government entities across the state. Grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. “AARP Virginia is proud to partner with communities across the state to make them more livable for people of all ages,” said Jim Dau, AARP Virginia State Director. “These projects bring smart local ideas to life and create real on-the-ground improvements that make everyday life easier and safer, especially for older Virginians.” Here in Virginia, projects funded include:
“AARP Community Challenge projects may be quick to launch, but their impact is long-lasting,” said Nancy A. LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “We’re proud to support communities nationwide to advance solutions that make neighborhoods and towns of all sizes better places to live where everyone can thrive. And this year, we’re particularly proud to invest in projects benefiting often overlooked rural areas.” View the full list of grantees and their projects at aarp.org/communitychallenge. Learn more about AARP’s work to support livable communities at aarp.org/livable.  The Virginia Fairfax Intrinsic Capacity for Older People (VFICOPE) Study is looking for volunteers living in Fairfax County to help us understand how aging affects physical and mental abilities. ICOPE is a framework developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote healthy aging by preventing, slowing, or reversing declines in physical and mental capacity among older adults. It emphasizes person-centered, community-based care and is designed to support older adults in maintaining their independence and quality of life.
Requirements to Participate:
Why participate?We hope that the results from this study are going to provide useful information to the local and regional public health authorities regarding older adult’s intrinsic capacity status (i.e. mental and physical ability) and related risk factors so they can enhance long-term healthcare intervention and prevention planning in Virginia and the rest of the US states. The data collected will help build the first U.S. database on intrinsic capacity, contributing to better aging policies and interventions. Previous studies showed that intrinsic capacity impairment limited self-care, increased dependence, and increased hospitalization visits. However, how intrinsic capacity is connected with other factors like dietary habits and psychosocial well-being (such as loneliness or social engagement) remains unclear not only for the USA but on a global level. So, there is an urgent need to measure intrinsic capacity and its determinants among older adults, through studies like this. If you are interested in participating or would like further information, please contact:
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