The Connection

Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna plans to offer a new program, Adventures in Learning (AIL), fall classes Thursdays, Sept. 19-Nov. 7. An Open House/Registration is slated for Sept. 12 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton.

AIL’s fall schedule includes 40-plus classes with a wide range of subjects—from a Health and Wellness series to National and World Affairs to T’ai Chi or Contract/Beginners Bridge. T’ai Chi is being offered twice each week. Their Potpourri series includes Chocolate: Gift of the Gods (including samplings); Inside China Today, The Benefits of Immigration Reform, POW Interrogation in Combat; Foundation Training for Back Health; Medicare 101. These are but a few of the classes to choose from. Students may attend one or all of the AIL fall classes for a $40 fee and are encouraged to create their own schedule—attend classes all day or attend only one class. Not sure? Students are welcome to sample a class for free.

For a complete listing of classes or to register, visit http://www.scov.org/ail.htm or call their office at 703-281-0538. To register or learn more about Adventures in Learning or the Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna, students are encouraged to attend an Open House on Thursday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. Refreshments for the Open House are provided by Sunrise at Hunter Mill in Oakton. Golf cart transportation will be provided to assist students from the parking lot to classes. If a student no longer has the ability to drive, call the SCOV office at 703-281-0538 to see if transportation to the Open House and/or the classes can be provided.

Founded in 1997, SCOV is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to providing opportunities for adults (50-plus) to seek rewarding lives and to live independently in their homes for as long as possible. In 2012 SCOV provided services and programs to more than 3,000 older adults. In 2012 it was voted the Best Nonprofit of the Year by the Vienna Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce. Through the office of the U.S. Rep. Gerald E. Connolly (D-11), the Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna received a proclamation entered into the Congressional Record recognizing the agency and their dedicated volunteer core.

Each year more than 200 volunteers at SCOV serve as medical drivers, companion drivers, friendly callers and visitors, health and wellness counselors, fundraisers, and grant writers. These volunteers run programs such as Lunch n’ Life, Adventures in Learning, trips and outings, special events and caregivers’ support groups. Services are available to anyone age 50-plus who live in the Oakton and Vienna community. In addition, the agency also serves seniors in portions of Reston and Fairfax.

To learn more about SCOV visit their website at www.scov.org or call Michelle Scott, executive director at 703 281-5088, director@scov.org.