Celebrates Virginia Village Day
​In January 2017, the Virginia General Assembly unanimously approved a Resolution to observe February 13 each year as “Virginia Village Day” recognizing aging-in place/aging-in community.
 
The Village Movement began with Beacon Hill Village in Boston, MA, 16 years ago and is now a burgeoning, worldwide movement that champions an alternative approach for adults, as they grow older. Today there are over 200 open Villages and more than 150 in development in 45 states and the District of Columbia, 18 in Virginia, including Reston for a Lifetime.  A thank-you to Delegate Ken Plum for his leadership on the Resolution

​Reston for a Lifetime Teams up with Reston Association: Committee is Recruiting
Approved by the Reston Association (RA) Board in December 2017, the RA 55+ Advisory Committee will collaborate with Reston for a Lifetime to encourage aging-in-place/aging-in community.  We are very excited about this collaboration and look forward to helping more Reston neighborhoods adopt Neighbors Helping Neighbors and other tools to support one another.
 
As part of this collaboration, the RA 55+ Advisory Committee is seeking new members.  Responsibilities include advocacy on behalf of and for 55+.  Advice/advocacy regarding development, for example, has implications across the age spectrum. 
 
Revamping the RA 55+ Advisory Committee also reflects Reston’s ’s 55+ active and diverse population, a fact confirmed by results of several focus groups held in 2017.  Some in this age group are still working full or part time, while others are exploring new adventures. Meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month from 7-8:30 p.m. at RA. To be eligible for appointment to the Committee, one must be a Reston Association member (pay the yearly assessment) and be 55+. Representatives from Reston-based organizations serving the 55+ communities are also encouraged to join.
 
To learn more about the committee’s activities, go here, and to submit your application, click here. 

​Neighbors Helping Neighbors (N2N) in Reston
In a January 2016 forum, Reston For a Lifetime  introduced Neighbors Helping Neighbors (N2N), a volunteer model adopted from Fairfax County’s 50+ 2014 Community Action Plan.  N2N begins with a survey to determine needed services and volunteers. Those receiving help and providing help can be both in some instances. N2N is envisioned as multigenerational, consistent with Reston's vision as a place for all ages. 
 
To learn more about N2N and how it can work in your neighborhood, contact Sharon Canner, Reston for a Lifetime – sharon.canner8@gmail.com


​More Ideas to Support Aging-in-Place
While growing N2N, there are existing tools already in place to encourage neighbors to work with one anther to address service needs. For more than 40 years, the Useful Service's Exchange (U.S.E.)  has operated in Reston. U.S.E. is a time-trading barter system that facilitates the exchange of services without monetary cost. One recent example includes a young mother (U.S.E. spans all ages) who bartered tax assistance and received baby-sitting credit.  Digital recordkeeping now makes U.S.E. even easier to use.
 
Yet another resource is NextDoor.Com, a digital social network that is connecting more than 60 neighborhoods in Reston.  Registered users are provided a list of neighbors who have also registered (real names required).  The network is a way to connect and talk with neighbors about concerns such as local events, recommended vendors, items for sale/give-away, crime-watch/alerts. Responding to concerns about public safety and security, the Fairfax County Police Department recently announced its intent to use NextDoor for updates and bulletins. 

Resources Outside of Reston
Not a resident of Reston (Small Tax District 5)? Various community-based organizations across the County--Herndon Village Network, Shepard’s Centers (4 locations), Mount Vernon at Home, etc.--offer rides for 55+.  Click on the map to display the desired area. A phone number will pop up.

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Rides! Rides! for 55+

• Reston - RCC
• Outside Reston 

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​What is RCC Rides?
 In case you haven’t heard, there is a FREE door-to-door transportation service for those ages 55 years and older who are no longer comfortable with driving.
 
The senior adult population in Northern Virginia is growing at twice the rate of the rest of the population. At the top of the list of emerging needs for older adults is transportation.
 
RCC rides was developed in association with NV Rides, a network of service providers currently operating volunteer driver transportation programs for non-driving older adults.

What: Volunteer drivers provide door-to-door rides for essential needs such as medical or dental appointments, shopping, personal care, banking and more. Rides are not for non-essential needs such as getting to and from the airport.

Where: The service area covers residents in the Small Tax District 5 boundaries of Reston, Virginia. Currently there is no limitation on driving distance. Please know, though, that some rides may not be able to be accommodated. Volunteers self-select ride requests and may choose not to drive farther distances. 

Learn more click here, or call 703-390-6198

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