Roy and Alice Balling recently moved here from California. They didn't know what services were available to them as senior citizens, so they stopped by the Community Family Day 2003. An idea developed by Julie Ellis, director of the Senior Center, the day was held at the Hollin Hall Senior Center over the weekend.
The Ballings and about 120 other visitors left with plenty of information.
They left with flyers from the Therapeutic Recreation center; the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging; Inova/Mt. Vernon Health Services; Gum Springs Community Center and Mount Vernon Adult Day Health Care.
They also spoke to representatives from FASTRAN who were there with information about the transport service available to residents of Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church. A person from "Seniors on the Go!" was there to talk about the taxicab program which seniors in Fairfax County are eligible for.
Martha Mathis greeted everybody with a smile and the offer of a shopping bag to hold all the pamphlets, brochures and giveaways available at the different tables. Sheila Melville was also on hand to welcome visitors to the center.
THERE WAS INFORMATION on volunteer opportunities at the center. One of the women manning that table was Carla Convery. She started teaching Italian classes at the center many years ago before switching to teaching fitness. Now 82-years young, she continues to teach classes at the center and at other locations. She's preparing for yet another visit to the Senior Olympics, where she will compete in several different areas.
Representatives from Fairfax County Recreation Specialist Athletic Services answered questions about the availability of public athletic fields. The League of Women Voters came armed with flyers and information about getting the vote out. The Red Cross Blood Drive accepted potential blood donors, who relaxed while they enjoyed refreshments and listened to music provided by a local student.
Antoinette Clark had plenty of information about Gum Springs Community Center. From the teen center to the senior center, Gum Springs has plenty to offer.
In reflecting on the day, Ellis said, "I thought it was successful. Our goal was to have representation by other agencies, which we did. There were a lot of things that people didn't know about. And then Supervisor Gerry Hyland came and answered questions—that was the icing on the cake."