Mount Vernon Supervisor Dan Storck speaking at Senior Safety Summit last week at the Senior Center in Lorton.
  

Dedicated, beautiful 55+ communities like Spring Hill, The Fairfax, Gum Springs Glen and the new North Hill make the Mount Vernon District a great place to age in place. Not only do we have these dedicated communities where seniors can grow and thrive, we also have many senior centers where older residents can learn, recreate and engage. I was pleased to host my 5th Senior Safety Summit last week to bring hundreds of older adults together with information, education and resources, as well as to answer questions about aging and living in our area. The event at our newest Senior Center in Lorton included presentations by me, Police Crime Prevention Officer Sean Corcoran, Fire and Rescue Life Safety Specialist Wyleng Liew and USA Pickleball District Ambassador Helen White. The resource-rich exhibit hall was a hit, featuring over 30 County agencies and local organizations. Thank you to all who attended!

The new Lorton Community Center, Library and Park are a wonderful addition to our County services, including bright, airy rooms, modern amenities and new programming. Activities and programs include bingo, book club, discussion groups, painting, yoga, belly dancing, rummikub and so much more. The campus includes an open gym, fitness room, fitness/walking trail and computer labs. Seniors can bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the park, watch excited children on the playground and grab a book from the library to read in the sun. 

COVID helped us all realize the importance of interacting with others, making senior centers a perfect place to connect. Mount Vernon fortunately has senior centers at Lorton, Hollin Hall, Kingstowne and Original MVHS. There is also an option for those who prefer to engage from their own homes, the Virtual Center for Active Adults. Visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/virtual-center-active-adults to discover live events, on-demand programs, resources and self-directed activities.

The County also offers Adult Day Health Care, Meals on Wheels, congregate meals, transportation, therapeutic recreation services, technology education and a variety of other services. Learn more here: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/older-adults. You can also learn about a myriad of activities, events and services in the County’s Golden Gazette publication (https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/older-adults/golden-gazette)! Community based organizations also support this age group with programs like neighbors helping neighbors, free transportation and bi-lingual Spanish support lines, including Mount Vernon at Home, Shepherd’s Center Fairfax-Burke and NV Rides. Please contact our office at mtvernon@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-780-7518 if you think there are other ways we can improve our community for all who live here.

See you around the neighborhood!