April 24, 2024

Neighbors,

As chair of the Board of Supervisors Older Adults Committee, I’m focused on making sure we can help seniors enjoy a healthy, safe, active and vibrant life here in Fairfax County.

Unfortunately, fraud and scams that exploit seniors are a real problem — so much so that preventing them is a key initiative in the county’s 50+ Community Action Plan.

To help educate seniors, AARP Virginia and Fairfax County held its seventh annual fraud prevention event called Scam Jam, and I was invited to speak (watch my remarks).

While it may surprise you, younger adults report losing money more often to scams than older adults, according to the Federal Trade Commission. When older adults lose money, however, they lose the most.

At Scam Jam, I heard a distressing story about an older resident who lost $900,000 through a series of frauds by a scammer who began by offering to trim trees.

This is why the work of our Silver Shield Anti-Scam Campaign is so important. If you missed last week’s event, watch the video and check out the Silver Shield’s other educational resources, including videos, podcasts and more.

Regards,

Walter

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The market will open this Saturday, and I’ll be there at 8 a.m. to ring the bell to officially kickoff the 2024 season. The market is located in the Lake Anne of Reston Condominium Association’s (LARCA) parking lot, and it will be open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon until Dec. 7. You’ll find local fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers and seafood. With 34 vendors — including four newcomers this year — our market ties with Burke’s as the largest farmers market in the county! See the vendor list.

We need you! We’re looking for Hunter Mill District representatives to serve on the following boards and commission:



• Continuum of Care Board of the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Partnership
• Advisory Social Services Board, Department of Family Services
• Civil Service Commission

If you are interested in serving, want to know more about these groups, or learn what you’ll do, please email Gwendolyn Minton or call 703-478-0283, TTY 711.

Get outside on Saturday for Arbor Day. Join a community tree planting at East Creek Trail when volunteers will plant 75 native trees and shrubs. Learn more and sign up to volunteer.

Or buy beautiful handmade pottery from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at the Bowman House Arts and Crafts Center, 211 Center Street South, Vienna.

Find a deal at the Reston Association Yard Sale on Saturday

Reston Association is holding its twice-a-year Community Yard Sale this Saturday, April 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Due to construction at RA headquarters, the sale will take place at the Farm at Halley Rise, 12010 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston (across from the Wegmans). Over 90 families are participating with home décor and furniture, clothing, toys and more on sale!

Drug Take Back Day is Saturday

Safely dispose of your unused or expired medications on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drop them off at the Reston Hospital Center, 1850 Town Center Parkway, Reston (outside Pavilion 1, across from Parking Garage B). Items accepted include prescription and non-prescription pills, e-cigarettes and vaping devices, medications for pets and more. Learn more.

Register for Tour de Hunter Mill on May 5

The fourth annual Tour de Hunter Mill is Sunday, May 5. It’s a community bike ride for bicyclists of all abilities, including families and children. E-bikes are also welcome. Come discover the scenic trails and bike-friendly avenues in our district. Register now.