City of Fairfax, VA
Home MenuFairfax Village in the City
Fairfax Village in the City is a city-supported, volunteer-driven program developed to support Fairfax City residents aged 55 and older, as well as Fairfax City adults with disabilities, who wish to stay independent while remaining in their homes. The Village does not replace existing supports and services currently available to city residents through Fairfax County and local nonprofits. Rather, when appropriate, the Village can facilitate access to these services and resources.
At the same time, the Village recruits and schedules vetted city-based volunteers to provide personal services like check-in calls and visits, basic and seasonal yard assistance, technology assistance, and transportation to appointments. The goal of the Village is to support healthy aging by sharing useful information, strengthening personal connections between neighbors, and providing opportunities for social interaction.
Info: email, 703-385-5738
Home for Life 2024 Expo
Join Village members and volunteers on Friday, April 12 to consider the challenges of your current living situation, learn how to adapt for safe and successful aging, and meet local agencies and providers who can help us do just that — or find desirable alternatives.
The free expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 12 at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center.
Event Program
10:30am: Welcome Remarks
Anita Light, Fairfax Village Advisory Board
Mayor Catherine S. Read
John Iver, Chief Operating Officer, Premium Care, USA
11:00am: “Social Connection: A Matter of Life and Health,”
Caroly Cukierman, Principal, CONSULTCLC, and Chair, CCAAD Social Connections Committee
11:45am: “Staying Safe at Home,”
Patti Klein, Executive Director, Rebuilding Together Arlington/Fairfax/Falls Church
12:30pm: “Declutter Today, Thrive Tomorrow,”
Mary Ann Gallotta, Professional organizer, Spark Joy Mary Ann
1:15pm: “Dementia 101: It Takes a Village,”
Jennifer Denk, Director, Community Education, Insight Memory Care Center, and Member, Village Advisory Board
List of Exhibitors
AARP Virginia
Access Services - Fairfax County Public Library
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
Arlington Virginia Human Services – No. Virginia RAFT
Assisted Living Locators
Bright View Senior Living
BrightStar Care
The Bryk Law Firm
City of Fairfax, Communications and Marketing
City of Fairfax Fire Department and Community Response Team
City of Fairfax, Office of Emergency Management
City of Fairfax Regional Library
City of Fairfax, Young at Heart Senior Center
ComforCare Home Care
Demaine Funeral Home
Evolve Organizing + Design
Fairfax County Emergency Management
Fairfax County Department of Family Services, Adult & Aging Division
Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood & Community Services
Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home
Fairfax Village in the City
HB Home Services
Health Markets
Independent You
Insight Memory Care
Inova Medical House Calls
The Key
Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern VA (LLI/NOVA)
National Alliance on Mental Health, Northern Virginia (NAMI)
NV Rides
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University
Premium Care USA
Rebuilding Together
Seniors Helping Seniors West Fairfax
Spark Joy Mary Ann
Synergy Home Care
Woodbine – Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center
Click here to download the event flyer.
The mission of the Village is to help Fairfax City residents aged 55 and up, and Fairfax City adults with disabilities, to age in place within our community. The Village works to build personal connections between and among neighbors, share useful information, and facilitate access to area resources.
The program is a city-supported, volunteer-driven program. All of our volunteers are vetted prior to participating in the Village. The Village will not replace existing support and services currently available to City residents through Fairfax County and non-profits. Where appropriate, the Village may facilitate access to services and resources.
The Village provides the following services listed below. Please note that all Village requests are dependent on the availability of our Village volunteers.
- Transportation: drivers transport members to and from appointments, grocery stores, and social gatherings, and to pick up prescriptions (Our drivers are not equipped to transport wheelchairs at this time).
- Personal connections (check-in calls, friendly visits, reading aloud).
- Yard & garden: Raking leaves, shoveling snow, or clearing branches after a storm. Assisting with planting flowers and light gardening. Not a replacement for regular landscaping/yard maintenance.
- Simple home repairs: Changing lightbulbs, moving furniture, hanging pictures, changing filters, etc.
- Technology support: wifi, network connectivity, tablets, iphones, and computers.
- Emergency pet care/walking.
Click here for the Fairfax Village in the City Member Application.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of our Village! Not only do our volunteers provide the benefits and services to members that keep them connected, involved and safe in their own home, but volunteers ensure our Village remains a successful and viable organization capable of meeting the needs of its members.
We are most grateful for your interest in our Village! Volunteer opportunities are listed below. If there is a service that you would like to offer that is not listed below, please let us know. Once the application process is completed, we will invite you to an orientation and answer all of your questions.
Please note that our volunteers receive a criminal background check and a driver background check (for volunteer drivers only). The background checks are free and are conducted by Sterling Volunteers. You will receive a secure direct link via email from Sterling Volunteers. It is a simple 4 step process that takes less than 5 minutes; the background check is completed in as little as 12 hours.
Volunteer opportunities:
- Checking in with other members by phone and /or home visits.
- Volunteer Driver: Drivers take members to and from appointments, the grocery store, and social gatherings, and to pick up prescriptions. (Our drivers do not transport wheelchairs).
- Yard & Garden work: Raking leaves, shoveling snow, or clearing branches after a storm. Assisting with planting flowers & light gardening. Not replacement for regular landscaping/yard maintenance.
- Simple home repairs: Changing lightbulbs, moving furniture, hanging pictures, changing filters, etc.
- Technology support: wifi, network connectivity, tablets, iphones, and computers.
- Emergency pet care/walking.
- Administrative and office support.
Membership
The Village Advisory Board is composed of 9 to 15 City residents representing key stakeholder groups, as well as three at-large resident members appointed by the City Council for three year terms. Administrative support is provided by the Village coordinator, Jason Scadron, under the direction of the Human Services Director, Lesley Abashian.
Residency
One must be a registered voter and resident of the City of Fairfax for at least one year prior to application for membership, and remain a city resident during tenure on the Board.
Term
The term of membership is three (3) years. One may seek reappointment to additional terms. Some applicants are appointed to finish the term of another member who leaves the Board prior to term's end.
Date and Time of Meetings
The Advisory Board regularly meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the Work Session Room 110/111, at Fairfax City Hall. The Advisory Board recesses during the months of August and December.
Officers
The officers of the Fairfax Village in the City Advisory Board include: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. The term of office is typically two years.
City Staff Support
Jason Scadron serves as the staff liaison for the Fairfax Village in the City Advisory Board. The Human Services Office maintains the Advisory Board’s roster, distributes the agenda and minutes of each meeting. The Human Services maintains an office at City Hall and can be reached either by telephone at: (703) 385-5738.
More Information for Serving on Boards and Commissions
Anita Light, Chair. Mrs. Light is the City representative to the Fairfax Long Term Coordinating Council. Anita was appointed by the Village Advisory Board in April 2022. Ms. Light is the former Deputy Executive Director of the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) – the national association of human services executives responsible for all social services programs serving children, adults, and families. She held several roles and led several initiatives at APHSA to improve policy and practice in the human services arena - particularly in child welfare and services integration of data systems. Currently, she is Vice President and Sr. Advisor of Light Leadership Group where she consults with leaders in both profit and non-profit organizations helping them with strategic planning, organizational assessment and capacity-building planning and implementation. Prior to working at the national level for 20 years, Ms. Light previously worked in local government for over 25 years as a social worker, volunteer coordinator and leadership development coach. Light has a bachelor's degree in Sociology/Social Work from Longwood University and her master's degree in education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Carolyn Sutterfield, Vice Chair. Mrs. Sutterfield was appointed by the Village Advisory Board in April 2022 and appointed by the City Council as an At-Large Member in April 2024. Carolyn moved to the City of Fairfax from California in 1988. After earning her A.B. from Harvard University, she worked as a researcher and cataloguer for rare book dealers, an editor for book publishers, and a managing editor of two consumer magazines. It was in her last job as editor for the Association of Science-Technology Centers, an international consortium of museums, that she first learned about “village” programs to help older adults age successfully in their communities. Helping others negotiate the challenges of aging would become the focus of her volunteer efforts after retirement. Earlier volunteer work included coordinating an after-school enrichment program and teaching English to recent immigrants. Since 2014, Carolyn has represented Fairfax City on the Fairfax Area Commission on Aging, serving for three years as Chair. She was one of two city residents to receive the Commission for Women’s “Woman of Influence Award” in 2022.
Martha Armstrong, At-Large Member. Martha was appointed by the City Council in March 2022. Ms. Armstrong earned a B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation and Community Services from Virginia Commonwealth University. She retired from Fairfax County Health Department in 2019 after 39 years of service working in adult day health care and volunteer services. She volunteered as the City Representative on the Fairfax County Long Term Care Committee from 2009 to 2011. Martha and her husband, Tom, moved to Fairfax City in 1992 where they enjoyed raising their two sons and hope to "age in place" with help from the Village.
Andrea Weiss Bryk, Local Business Community Representative. Andrea Weiss Bryk, Local Business Representative. Andrea Weiss Bryk is a trusts and estates lawyer with over 20 years experience in the Virginia legal profession. Mrs. Bryk lives in the City of Fairfax, having chosen it in 2012 as the locale to raise her family. As owner and founding attorney of The Bryk Law Firm, also located in the City of Fairfax, Mrs. Bryk focuses her practice on trust-based estate planning for working families. She is a 2003 graduate of the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University.
Michelle Coon, Faith-Based Representative. Michelle joined the Village Advisory Board in June 2022. Michelle is the Church Administrator for Fairfax Presbyterian Church, a community partner in many social service and outreach programs in the City of Fairfax. She holds a B.S. in both Psychology and Sociology from James Madison University; a Paralegal Degree from University of Maryland; and a Masters of Legal Administration from Marymount University. Her management background is in technology (internet and wireless) and in legal teams. She has worked in nonprofits, the Federal government at the Administration on Aging for 5 years, corporations and law firms utilizing her skills, education and experience in a variety of financial, legal and management roles. She is happiest with family, friends and her dogs (and other people's animals too).
Jennifer Denk, LMSW, CDP, CDSGF, LCSW Supervisee; Subject Matter Expert. Ms. Denk was appointed by the Village Advisory Board in July 2023. She is the Director of Community Engagement at Insight Memory Care Center. Jennifer graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Psychology from George Mason University in 2001 and returned to George Mason in 2018 to complete a master’s degree in social work. She is a certified dementia support group facilitator and has been affiliated with Insight Memory Care Center since 2019. Jennifer has worked with persons with dementia and their families in many different capacities, including therapeutic recreation and as the Social Services Coordinator at IMCC offering social services to IMCC participants and their families. She holds monthly support groups throughout the community and is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) supervisee, where she is working to complete 3,000 hours of supervised private counseling and support, specializing in older adults and dementia. Ms. Denk is also a Dementia Friends Champion, providing education to communities about people living with dementia.
Taylor Geaghan, Commission for Women Representative. Mrs. Geaghan joined the Fairfax Village in the City Advisory board in March 2023. Taylor earned a B.S. in Health Sciences from James Madison University and a Master of Health Administration from George Mason University. A lifelong Northern Virginia resident, Taylor grew up in Centreville and moved to the Westmore neighborhood in Fairfax City in 2020 with her husband and fur babies: dogs, Pooka and Paddy, and cat, Charlie. In her free time, she enjoys cheering on her beloved JMU Dukes and Baltimore Ravens, taking advantage of all the wonderful sights in Fairfax, baking delicious treats for her family and friends, and volunteering at several local charities and community events focused on women’s issues and animal welfare.
David Gundry, Faith-Based Representative. Mr. Gundry is a member of the Mission Pillar Team at Fairfax United Methodist Church and has been a resident of Fairfax City since 1979. He has served at FUMC in many roles including responding to visitors in need of financial or food support, assisting with Hypothermia overnight accommodations, and several work sessions in support of Rebuilding Together. Mr. Gundry is originally from Arizona, a BSE graduate of Arizona State and served as a staff officer in the Federal Government for over 35 years. This followed serving in the U.S. Navy concluding with 19 months in Viet Nam. Mr. Gundry is a charter member of the Optimist Club of Central Fairfax, from 1986. As a Club member he is currently the Chartered Organization Representative for Cub Scout Pack 882. Mr. Gundry noted, “As an aged person still maintaining our single family house and yard, I have great empathy for the target audience of this Advisory Board. I hope to effectively contribute input to the Board based on my unique experiences and perspectives.”
Manisha H. Maskay, Ph.D; Secretary. Dr. Maskay is the Fairfax Area Commission on Aging representative. Dr. Maskay has over 40 years of experience in public health, medical nutrition therapy, health education, and facilitation of positive change in health behaviors. She is devoted to promoting all forms of literacy to enable people to live their best lives. She has held leadership positions in health care, academic medicine and public health. She has also taught undergraduate, graduate, and medical students, and has provided direct patient care. She retired from her position as Chief Program Officer at Prism Health North Texas, Dallas in 2019. Prior to that she served as a Public Health Administrator at Columbus Public Health, Columbus, OH, and before then as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine and Director of Clinical Nutrition and Health Education Services at the University of Chicago. She has received commendations for her contributions to public health and academic medicine. She is currently involved in a variety of volunteer activities. Her diverse background, leadership and administrative skills, and collaborative abilities, have been key to the strategic development and growth of integrated service delivery and promotion of health equity by addressing social determinants of health and the whole person.
Janice Miller, Yount at Heart Senior Center Representative. Mrs. Miller was appointed by the Village Advisory Board in April 2022. Miller served her first term on City Council from 1992-94, and was elected for her second term in 2014. Miller serves on numerous regional boards, including the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Human Services & Public Safety Policy Committee and the Virginia Municipal League Human Development and Education Committee.
D. Thomas "Tom" Ross, Councilmember. Tom Ross is serving his second term on City Council. He has been a member of the Fairfax City Citizens for Smarter Growth and has served on the Planning Commission (three years as chair), the Fairfax 2020 Commission, and the Charter Commission. He also chaired the city’s Electoral Board. Ross participated in various advisory studies, including the Van Dyck Master Plan. Read more about Councilmember Ross here.
Sigrid Schipper, Young at Heart Senior Center representative. Mrs. Schipper was appointed by the Village Advisory Board in April 2022.
Staff Liaison(s):
Jason Scadron, Village Coordinator.
Contact:
Email: Jason.Scadron@fairfaxva.gov
Phone: 703-385-5738
2024
Friday Morning Speaker Series: Coffee, Learning, Companionship
FREE EVENT
Register by contacting the Village at 703-385-5738
or email at village@fairfaxva.gov
Steve Gurney with Positive Aging Sourcebook
Topic: Solo Aging
February 23, 2024
9:30am Coffee
9:45am Presentation
Click here to download the presentation
HomeFit by AARP
June 14, 2024
9:30am Coffee
9:45am Presentation
Staying Safe and Spotting SCAMS Workshop by AARP
June 28, 2024
11:15am Coffee
11:30am to 1pm Presentation
VICAP Medicare 101 Workshop
November 1, 2024
9:30am Coffee
9:45am Presentation
Click here to download the flyer
City of Fairfax Community Response Team (CRT)
The Community Response Team (CRT) is a specialized, multi-disciplinary team created to provide real-time behavioral health crisis response along with targeted outreach, post-crisis follow-up and short-term case coordination. CRT’s targeted outreach efforts will include advocating for Village services and making referrals to City residents who can benefit by becoming a member of the Village.
NV Rides
8900 Little River Turnpike
Fairfax, VA 22031
703.537.3071
Home for Life 2023 Expo
Join Village members and volunteers on Friday, March 31 to consider the challenges of your current living situation, learn how to adapt for safe and successful aging, and meet local agencies and providers who can help us do just that — or find desirable alternatives.
The free expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 31 at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center.
Event Program Details
Talks
10:30 a.m.: Welcome Remarks — Fairfax City Mayor Catherine Read
10:45 a.m.: Connect and Stay Healthy — Orlene Grant, President and CEO of the Juanita C. Grant Foundation11:30 a.m.: Stay Strong and Flexible – Prevent Falls — Jane Summers, DPT, OCS
1 p.m.: Repair and Rebuild for Safety — Patti Klein, Executive Director of Rebuilding Together, AFF.
1:45 p.m.: Be a Safe and Savvy User of Technology — Anthony Nunez, CEO of INF Care – A Wellness Concierge
2:30 p.m.: Won’t You Be my Neighbor? Creating Community and Connection through Volunteer Transportation - Emily Braley, Manager of NV Rides
Exhibitors
Andrea Bryk, Estate Planning & Administration Attorney
Dark Horse Nutrition LLC
Rebuilding Together/Arlington/Fairfax/Falls Church, Inc.
Insight Memory Care Center
HealthMarkets
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - National Capital Area Chapter
AARP Virginia
Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia (LLI/NOVA)
Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home
City of Fairfax Fire Department
NV Rides
City of Fairfax Office of Emergency Management
Fairfax County Village Coordinator, Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services
INF Care
Inova Medical House Calls
ServiceSource Inc.
Honey Do Today
Long Term Care Coordinating Council – Technology, Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services
Fairfax County Department of Family Services’ Adult and Aging Division
Any Lab Test Now Fairfax
Young at Heart Senior Center
NAMI Northern Virginia
Evolve Organizing + Design
LionHeart Eldercare & Consulting
Click here to download the event flyer.
Questions: email, 703-385-5738