Engaged, active seniors urged to join the Senior Citizens Council

The Senior Citizens Council meets at the Lincolnia Senior Center.

Anyone involved with any sort of group, club, or civic organization that involves senior citizens in the Annandale/Mason area is encouraged to join the Senior Citizens Council, Region 2. Individuals can participate, too.

The council generally meets on the last Friday in the month at the Lincolnia Senior Center, 4710 North Chambliss St., Alexandria. It is overseen by the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS).

The council offers a great opportunity for networking, community engagement, lifelong learning, and efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle, said Region 2 Community Developer Alejandra Caballero, who is based at the NCS office in Annandale.

There’s usually a guest speaker at the monthly meetings—recent topics include elder law, financial scams, and dementia—along with refreshments and a free raffle for a gift card.

Regulars on the Senior Council include representatives from the Annandale and Springfield chapters of National Active and Retired Federal Employees, NOVA United Senior Women’s Basketball, a women’s social group known as the Golden Ravens, the Shepherd Center of Annandale-Springfield, the Seven Corners-based Vietnamese Social Seniors, and the Social Seniors of Bailey’s Crossroads.

Instead of a regular meeting this month, the council will have a small Thanksgiving celebration Nov. 22. A location hasn’t been confirmed yet. On Dec. 13, the council will have its annual holiday luncheon, with entertainment and games, at American Legion Post 177 in Fairfax. The council is considering hosting an outing this spring.

Council members also volunteer in the community. They donated backpacks for the Annandale Pyramid Resource Fair and support the Annandale Christian Community for Action’s food drive. In May all the Fairfax County senior councils will get together for an awards luncheon honoring senior volunteers.

If you would like to join the Senior Citizens Council, or know of groups that might be interested, contact Alejandra Caballero, 703-531-4639.