DEPARTMENT of FAMILY SERVICES

January 2026

Marcy Stennes is Always Willing to Help

Marcy Stennes approaches the world with an attitude that is rare – genuine care for others and a willingness to help. Her career allowed her to work in a variety of places, providing engaging activities for members of the armed forces and their families. She spent much of her free time volunteering. After retiring, her volunteer work only grew. From tutoring children to feeding and sheltering people experiencing homelessness, Marcy has made a genuine impact on the lives of people in her community.

Start Fresh! Simple Swaps to Boost Nutrition in the New Year

A new year brings opportunities for a fresh start, and proper nutrition is key to aging well, boosting energy, and maintaining overall health. Fortunately, improving your diet doesn’t require a complete overhaul – small changes can make a big difference to your overall well-being.

Pause. Question. Protect. Fairfax County’s New Approach to Stopping Scams

Scam artists have become more sophisticated, using phone calls, emails, text messages, and social media outreach to create a sense of urgency and trick people into sharing personal information or sending money. To help residents stay ahead of these schemes, the Fairfax County Consumer Protection Commission has launched a new initiative called “Pause. Question. Protect.” It’s a simple, memorable reminder that you have more power than you think when faced with a suspicious request.

What Happens (to Your Body) After You Die?

Many people are uncomfortable talking or even thinking about their death. This includes deciding what to do with your body after you’ve died. Because of this, families are often left to decide what to do with their loved one’s body, with little guidance from the deceased. There are many options to consider, and the decisions you make are influenced by factors such as your religious faith, cultural customs, personal values, and expense. Whatever you decide, remember that it is a final gift to your loved ones to make your wishes known in advance. To help you decide, here are a few options to consider.

January 2026 Table of Contents

Read these additional articles online:

• Volunteer Advocates Needed!
• 2025 Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Award Recipients
• Free Classes Hosted by ElderLink
• New Attention to Human Trafficking, an Age-Old Crime
• Give the Gift of Life: Donate Blood
• Mature Living – Drive Smart, Stay Safe: Tips for Older Adult Drivers
• Warm Up to Emergency Preparedness This Winter
• January: News Years Resolution – Beyond Calling 9-1-1
• Family Caregiver Support: Reflect and Reset
• Fairfax Area Commission on Aging
• Volunteering: A Fun Path to Well-Being
• Make a difference in your community! Become a Board of Equalization (BOE) Member
• The Jewish Council for the Aging Helps Older Adults Prepare for Their Next Jobs
• Thank You to Giant Food and to Our Community!
• Accidents Happen. Don’t be Embarrassed.
• January Community Calendar

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