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The Golden Years

Top 5 Fun Things to Do with a Senior this Fall

The Late Summer/Fall seasons herald the kickoff of pleasurable and entertaining events with family and friends. Who doesn’t look forward to picnics in the park, outdoor family reunions and weekends at the lake, river, or the beach?

If you’re a family caregiver, this season of increased activity isn’t always good news, especially since a loved one might be apprehensive about going out. If you’re an older adult tired of being cooped up, you might have a different view. Getting back in action could be higher on your priority list.

A little pre-planning can help make it easier for an older adult to take part in fall festivities, even if health, mobility, and stamina threaten the fun. However, if you or a loved one isn’t up to more robust activities, check out this list of fun things to do. If you’re planning activities together, make sure loved ones participating are not ill or experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.

A Day of Painting or Coloring
With the popularity of adult coloring books, you can enjoy this pleasing pastime with all the generations. If your family is particularly artistic, you might even want to try your hand at watercolors and paint self-portraits to share with the entire family.

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Annandale Real Estate
IS YOUR WILL AND/OR TRUST UP-TO-DATE?

Forget New England, the Fall Foliage is Glorious in Virginia As Realtors we frequently are advising our clients, prior to getting ready to market their real estate, to make sure their legal documents are in order.

Sometimes we encounter papers that have been drawn many years earlier and when the heirs need to sell the property there are errors that require remediation. I was involved in such a case where several powers-of-attorney for the family had the wrong name in one of the forms. The husband, still living but with dementia, could not sign the corrected powers-of-attorney. I referred the client to a local attorney who was able to work with the wife to correct this oopsie!

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VIEW ON NATURE: Master of Concealment

Gray Treefrog in tucked-in, immobile, camouflage position, Luray, Virginia - Photo Credit: Stephen L. Wendt
As I opened the shudders of our mountain cabin near Skyline drive, I noticed what appeared to be a clump of lichen on the windowsill. But upon closer inspection, the ‘lichen’ turned out to be a chalky grey frog like no other. The frog was in 100% “camouflage mode”, both in in appearance and behavior. Its mottled, powdery skin coloring and pattern looked exactly like lichen on the ashen sill. Its legs were oddly tucked under its cupped, flattened body, as it surprisingly remained completely immobile in its puckered position, even after I gently moved it off the sill! That’s when I realized I was looking at the Master of Concealment -- the gray tree frog.

It was unusual to encounter this treetop arboreal species down on earth. These mostly solitary, nocturnal creatures commonly found in forests seldom venture down from the tree canopies other than for breeding or occasional meals of insects near porch lights and windows. They mostly forage on moth, butterfly and beetle larvae amongst the treetop foliage, and easily traverse any surface with their highly adaptable suction cups toes.

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George Mason Regional Library
There's a lot going on!

Tuesday, October 12 Elections and Voting in America

7:00pm - 8:15pm, hosted online by George Mason Regional Library.

Learn more about the current state of affairs in U.S. elections.

Presented by Jennifer Nicoll Victor, Associate Professor of Political Science at GMU’s Schar School of Policy and Government. Adults. Register online.

Tuesday, October 19
Day of the Dead / Día de Los Muertos: Sugar Skull Craft Activity
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm at George Mason Regional Library

Make and decorate your own sugar skull. During this craft activity, we will make sugar skulls and decorate them to honor beloved family members and friends. Ages 10-19. Register at 703-256-3800 or online.

Sunday, October 21 – Family Storytime
11:00am - 11:30am at George Mason Regional Library.

Enjoy a family storytime that encourages your child's love of reading. Ages 0-5. Register at 703-256-3800 or online.

Don’t know what to read? Let us give you some ideas. Fairfax County Public Library has a new personal book selection service: Library to Go. Fill out the form and we’ll pick out some titles just for you.

In these times: The library continues to offer curbside services and online programming so you can benefit from our services without even coming in our door (although we’d really like to see you).

Beyond books: We loan a lot of things, including thermal cameras so you can winter-proof your home and a small number of laptop computers as part of a pilot program for lending laptops.

Please feel free to contact the George Mason Regional Library Information Desk if you have any questions: 703-256-3800

EVENTS IN OCTOBER

Consumer Alert

Beware of Calls from 703-324-1000

Calls from 703-324-1000 claiming that your Fairfax County data has been compromised are not true; it's a scam, and just one more annoyance.

Do NOT call the secondary number provided and give personal or county information.

Multiple residents are receiving calls from 703-324-1000 (our MyFairfax online portal help line) that claim their Fairfax County data has been compromised and they will need to call another number to set up fraud protection.

This is a scam, or better known as a phone spoofing scam.

Do not call any secondary number and give them personal or county information if you receive this or any similar call. This number is being spoofed, and below is some helpful information when dealing with phone spoofing. If you are supposed to receive a call from MyFairfax, once received, please hang up and call MyFairfax directly.

What Is Phone Spoofing?

Phone spoofing is when scammers show false information, such as local area codes or numbers that look familiar and will try to impersonate a vendor or government agency as the first step to interact with whoever answers the call. The below best practices can help you to identify, or at least avoid, spoofing scams:

Don't answer calls from unknown numbers.
If you receive an unexpected call do not assume it is legitimate. Hang up and call back using a number you can verify on a bill, statement, or official website.
Do not give out personal information, such as Social Security numbers or passwords.
Use extreme caution if pressured for a financial transaction.

If a caller asks you to hit a button to stop taking calls, just hang up.

Pupusas Express

In the Annandale Shopping Center on Columbia Pike at Gallows

Now Open in the Annandale Shopping Center is a much awaited new dining experience known as Pupusas Express. (7042 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003) Delicious, spotlessly clean and friendly, this eatery will delight the young and the young at heart. The menu reflects the traditional Salvadoran dishes offered at affordable prices certain to please every budget.

Known for their warm hospitality and exceptionally quick and courteous service, they have now expanded to four locations. If you are unfamiliar with Salvadoran cuisine, the staff will be happy to discuss ingredients and walk you through the menu offerings.

The traditional Salvadoran foods are a mix of Native American cuisines from indigenous groups and influences from European (Spanish) cuisine. Many of the dishes are made with maize (corn) in one form or another. There is also a heavy use of pork, chicken, and seafood.

El Salvador's most notable dish is the pupusa, a thick handmade corn flour or rice flour flatbread stuffed with cheese, cooked ground pork, chicken, refried beans, or vegetables.

Since most are only $2.40 each, you can afford to try a few combinations. Condiments accompanying the pupusas are pickled-cabbage (a cole slaw known as curitido) and tomato sauce.

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November Election Information

Complete information about how, when and where to vote can be found at the Fairfax County Office of Elections website.

In Virginia there are three different ways to vote:

1- In-Person Early voting

2- Mail-In Absentee voting

3- In-Person voting on November 2, 2021, at your local polling place.

1) In Person Early Voting

Fairfax County will be offering In-Person Early Voting at numerous locations starting September 17 (please see list below). Information about early voting dates, times and locations can be found on the Fairfax Office of Elections website.

What You Need to Know:

Any registered Fairfax County voter may vote early at any Fairfax County early voting location.

Early in-person absentee voting is available for the November 2021 General & Special Elections at the following three locations from September 17 through October 30:

Fairfax County Government Center - 12000 Government Center Pkwy, Conference Rooms 2/3, Fairfax 22035
Vernon Governmental Center - 2511 Parkers Ln, Alexandria 22306
North County Governmental Center - 1801 Cameron Glen Dr, Reston 20190

Thirteen additional early voting locations will be open daily from October 21 through October 30:

Burke Centre Library - 5935 Freds Oak Rd, Burke 22015
Centreville Regional Library - 14200 St. Germain Dr, Centreville 20121
Franconia Governmental Center - 6121 Franconia Rd, Alexandria 22310
Gerry Hyland Government Center - 8350 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria 22309
Great Falls Library - 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls 22066
Herndon Fortnightly Library - 768 Center St, Herndon 20170
Mason Governmental Center - 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale 22003
McLean Governmental Center - 1437 Balls Hill Rd, McLean 22101
Providence Community Center - 3001 Vaden Dr, Fairfax 22031
Sully Governmental Center - 4900 Stonecroft Blvd, Chantilly 20151
Thomas Jefferson Library - 7415 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church 22042
Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library - 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church 22043
West Springfield Governmental Center - 6140 Rolling Rd, Springfield 22152

Hours of operation for Early Voting Locations:

Weekdays
Fairfax County Government Center 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
All other locations 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Saturday (September 18)
Fairfax County Government Center, Mt. Vernon Governmental Center, and North County Governmental Center ONLY 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Saturday (October 23, and October 30)
All locations 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday (October 24)
All locations 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

2) Voting Absentee By Mail

Visit the Vote by Mail page at the Fairfax Office of Elections website for complete details.

You can request a mail-in absentee ballot online or submit a paper Absentee Ballot Application. After the request is submitted, an Absentee Ballot will be mailed to the address you specify.

Online: Use the request form at the Virginia Department of Elections website,

Paper:

Download, print, and complete--including your handwritten signature--a vote-by-mail application

-- OR --

Pick up a preprinted paper application at:

Fairfax County governmental centers
Fairfax County library branches (including the Braddock Supervisor’s Office at 9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke, VA 22015)

Submit your completed paper application using one of these methods:

Scan, then email: AbsenteeBallot@fairfaxcounty.gov
Mail:Fairfax County Office of Elections P.O. Box 10161, Fairfax, VA 22038
Fax: 703-324-3725
Hand deliver:Fairfax County Office of Elections, 12000 Government Center Pkwy, Suite 323, Fairfax, VA 22035

Returning your Absentee Ballot

Visit the Vote by Mail page at the Fairfax Office of Elections website for complete details. Ballots can be returned by mail, by commercial delivery, or at Drop Boxes.

Ballot Drop-Off Boxes

November 2, 2021, General and Special Elections: Ballot drop-off boxes are available at all early voting locations when locations are open for voting. The drop boxes are for voted ballots which are secured in the envelope provided to the voter. All instructions in the absentee ballot must be followed.

Voted ballots may be dropped off outside the Government Center at an attended drop box during business hours. An accessible, secure drop box is installed outside the building, permitting voters to drop off their ballots 24/7.

Voted ballots may also be dropped off at any early voting site during hours of operation.

On Election Day, ballots may be brought to your regular polling place when the polls are open.

3) Voting on Election Day at Your Regular Polling Place

November 2, 2021, General and Special Elections:

All registered voters may vote in this election. Not sure if you are registered? Please visit the Virginia Department of Elections website

Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. If you are line by 7:00 p.m., you will be able to vote.

Preparing to Vote

Before you vote, check your registration status
Find your polling place

• Make sure you bring an acceptable form of identification

UnCovered: 100 Years of Voting Machines

1890 Gillespie Voting Machine Over the decades Virginia has utilized a number of voting methods. First there was the voice vote, then the paper ballot, later an electronic machine with a handle pulled much like a slot machine which locked in your vote. For a short time flat screens were used but were either too confusing for some or required more finger pressure for others in order to be certain their choice was clear. Now, we are back to paper ballots that remind one of a SAT test warning the voter to completely fill in the desired oval next to the candidate’s name. All have properly recorded votes cast yet the more things change the more they stay the same.

Recently, the Fairfax County Park Authority printed this story about a wood ballot box used 100 years ago. “When America was founded, there was no expectation of privacy in voting. The voter’s choice, along with their name and address, were recorded into polling books as they voted by voice.

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Pictured: 1890 Gillespie Voting Machine

Temporary Change to Separate Yard Waste Collection Requirements

The Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program advises residents and collectors that the requirement for separate collection of yard waste on a weekly basis is temporarily modified for approximately two months, effective Tuesday, August 31, 2021.

As of the effective date, collectors may collect yard waste with refuse (mixed collections) without enforcement consequences. The temporary change is in response to national labor shortages adversely affecting the region. This shortage has had an impact on municipal and private-sector solid waste collectors, who provide the critical services necessary to promote clean streets and good sanitation.

During this temporary change, recyclables must continue to be collected separately every week. The requirement to separately collect yard waste for recycling will be reassessed in mid-October.

Questions or concerns regarding this temporary change may be directed to Charles Forbes, chief, Recycling, Compliance and Planning, Solid Waste Management Program at 703-324-5226, TTY 711 or email Charles.Forbes@FairfaxCounty.gov.

Will my yard waste be collected after August 31, 2021?

Yes, your yard waste should be collected. It may be collected with the trash if your service provider is experiencing a resource shortage. If your yard waste is not collected, please provide your contact information and a compliance specialist will contact you.

Why was this decision made?

This change is intended to ensure that trash, recyclables, and yard waste are collected in a timely manner. Ongoing labor shortages have hampered municipal and private-sector solid waste collectors who are providing the critical services necessary to promote clean streets and good sanitation.

How will yard waste be collected?

Beginning August 31, collectors will be permitted to collect yard waste with refuse (i.e. mixed collections) without enforcement action. During this temporary allowance, refuse and recycling must be collected separately.

Is my collector going to mix yard waste and trash?

If your collection provider is experiencing a labor shortage, they may mix trash and yard waste beginning August 31.

Does this change apply to private haulers or just county collection customers?

This temporary allowance can be used by both private haulers and county collection service providers if they choose based on their staff resources.

Will recyclables be mixed with trash?

No, there are currently no plans to allow trash and recyclables to be collected together.

Will this change in collection methods be revisited?

The Solid Waste Management Program will reevaluate this operational change in mid-October to evaluate any other changes that may be needed to support timely collection of residential waste.

Does this change only apply to residential yard waste?

Yes, the temporary change is only for residential yard waste collection.

Can residents self-haul yard waste to the I-95 landfill complex and the I-66 transfer station?

Yes, residents can bring their yard waste to county facilities. Normal fees apply.

How can I manage my yard waste?

Residents have several options, including:

Managing yard waste on-site. Leave grass clippings on your lawn to fertilize grass and conserve water.
Mulch leaves and add to compost.
Backyard composting is a good option.
Defer landscaping until service resumes.
Place yard waste at the curb with your trash. It will be collected as trash.

What is mulching?

Mulching (or grass cycling) means leaving grass clippings on the lawn to promote a greener, healthier lawn. Any lawnmower can be used, but mulching lawnmowers cut the grass into smaller pieces and filter them back into the lawn, reducing clippings from clumping together or being tracked into a home or business. For details, see Composting Organic Waste.

Beer, Food, & Fall Fun
Great American Restaurants Celebrate “Octoberfest” ALL Month

Great American Restaurants Octoberfest

Sweetwater Beers win Gold at the Virginia Craft Beer Cup

With the sunsets coming sooner and visions of crisp evenings ahead, nothing quite fits the harvest season like an equally refreshing, chilled ale in shades of golden amber and browns. Great American Restaurants [GAR] is ushering in the ultimate season for sipping with special “Octoberfest” celebrations featuring award-winning brews, having just medaled in gold and bronze at the esteemed 2021 Virginia Beer Cup. The festivities kick off on Saturday September 11, 2021 from 1PM -5PM at Patsy’s American, with additional hopped-up fêtes following at Sweetwater Tavern Centreville on September 18, 2021; Sweetwater Sterling on September 25, 2021; and Sweetwater Merrifield on October 2, 2021. So, come make the most of Octoberfest, before October, and without ever having to leave town - Lederhosen optional!

Each Octoberfest event will feature live music, and an all-you-can-eat menu with two bold brews to match - all for only $30, presale. [Adult tickets are $35 at the door, on the day-of the event. Tickets for kids under 12: $15.] Scarf down some tried and true savory signatures including Soft Pretzels with Mustard and traditional Bratwurst with all the fixins’. Full-on favorites hop in at center stage - from Texas Style Smoked Brisket and BBQ Pulled Pork - and a whole lot more! Raise a glass with award-winning ales and festive lagers like the Great American Restaurants Octoberfest - rich and malty, balancing bready notes with a hint of hops.

Other standouts include recently medaled winners in the esteemed 2021 Virginia Craft Beer Cup, the largest state-wide competition in the country. Sweetwater Tavern was recognized with a gold medal for its flagship beer, the GAR Pale Ale in the Amber Ale Category - a copper-colored medium-bodied ale with a malty backbone and a fruity, dry-hopped finish - as well as for the Sidewinder Bock in the Bock Category. And, it was awarded a bronze medal for the High Desert Imperial Stout in the Stout Category. Over the past three years, GAR has been awarded a total of 4 gold medals, 2 silver medals, and 1 bronze medal at the competition. And to that, let's simply say, "Prost!”

Tickets may be purchased online HERE, or in restaurant at any participating location. Tickets may also be purchased at the door, the day-of the event. The event will be held outdoors, rain or shine with no refunds. Tickets are non-transferable.

WISA Solutions

Is Your Home in Need of a Makeover? WISA Solutions, Home Improvement Inside and Out

Exterior Improvements include Roofing & Siding

The Chamber would like to introduce Waris Mojaddidi and WISA Solutions, his family run business to the Annandale Community. Waris was born and raised in Springfield attending West Springfield High School. He went onto Coastal Carolina University playing Division 1 Soccer and graduating with a Business Management Degree in 2010. A year later he and his father drew together a busin Waterford Weavers at The Craft Gallery of Artisans United, Annandale, VA ess plan and opened WISA Solutions.

WISA is a full service home improvement company that specializes in mid to major interior design build renovations (kitchens, bathrooms, basements, additions) along with roof, siding and gutter replacement. They can make your home renovations easier by hiring one contractor to take care of your many needs.

Need more space? Have your basement renovated into a home theatre, home office, playroom, and study space.

Need a new roof? WISA can provide an accurate view of your roof with drone technology and then show you a range of roofing materials including the longest wearing materials on the market today.

Want to reduce your home insurance premiums? Replacing your roof, especially before the harsh winds and heavy winter storms, may be the single best home investment you can make.

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The Craft Gallery at Artisans United

Sept. - Oct. Show

Though perhaps not quite up to autumn’s spectacular leaf shows, our artists have produced many beautiful pieces that are a close second, and they will last for many years. Stop by and browse the new fabric pieces, silk and crochet, innovative paper, glass and other jewelry, fused glass, pottery, wooden toys and boxes, photography, soft toys, painted objects (you’ll see) and so many other works in our September – October show. You are sure to find something wonderful to give as a gift or for yourself

The Craft Gallery of Artisans United
4022 Hummer Road
Annandale, VA 22003
703.941.0202 . www.augallery.org
Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

SEE MORE ON ARTISANS UNITED

Fairfax and NoVa Health Districts Recommend Indoor Masking to Prevent COVID-19 Spread

Masks On Indoors
Based on updated guidance released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last week, today the Fairfax County Health Department joined other NoVa health districts (Arlington, Alexandria, Loudon and Prince William) in recommending that everyone, including individuals fully vaccinated against COVID-19, wear a mask in public indoor settings. As the number of COVID-19 cases has continued to increase with the spread of the Delta variant, this recommendation is based on the Fairfax Health District moving from moderate level of COVID-19 transmission to substantial transmission. Indoor masking is an important approach to prevent further spread of COVID-19 and should be combined with other strategies or “layers of prevention.”

In addition to masking, residents should:

Get vaccinated if they have not done so already. Despite some breakthrough cases, vaccination remains the most important approach to prevent COVID-19 and particularly to prevent more severe infection. No appointments are needed and walk-ins are available. Vaccinations are free.
Stay home when you’re ill except to get tested or see a healthcare provider.
Maintain 6 feet physical distancing from others.
Practice good handwashing.
Get tested if symptomatic or if you spent time with some who is sick or tested positive for COVID-19.
Adhere to health department recommendations for isolation and quarantine if you are infected or are a close contact of an infected person.
Stay in touch with the most current information in Fairfax County.

MEET THE ARTISAN: Marilu Del Carpio
Work displayed for sale at The Craft Gallery of Artisans United

I am originally from Peru and now I am a US citizen living in the Washington DC Metro area having moved here in 1966.

WEEKLY VACCINATION CLINIC

United Methodist Church
7901 Heritage Dr. Annandale, VA
(Near H-Mart and Heritage Shop Center)

Weekly walk-in vaccination clinics every Thursday from 4:00 p.m. through 7:30 p.m. No I.D. or health insurance is required.

The current virus transmission level in the Fairfax Health District is Substantial.

MEET THE ARTISAN: Marilu Del CarpioWork displayed for sale at The Craft Gallery of Artisans United

I am originally from Peru and now I am a US citizen living in the Washington DC Metro area having moved here in 1966.

WEEKLY VACCINATION CLINIC

United Methodist Church7901 Heritage Dr. Annandale, VA(Near H-Mart and Heritage Shop Center)

Weekly walk-in vaccination clinics every Thursday from 4:00 p.m. through 7:30 p.m. No I.D. or health insurance is required.

The current virus transmission level in the Fairfax Health District is Substantial.

MEET THE ARTISAN: Marilu Del Carpio
Work displayed for sale at The Craft Gallery of Artisans United

United Methodist Church
7901 Heritage Dr. Annandale, VA
(Near H-Mart and Heritage Shop Center)