Dulles South Senior Center

24950 Riding Center Drive

South Riding, VA 20152

571-258-3883

https://www.loudoun.gov/seniors-dulles

Part of the Area Agency

on Aging, a Division of

Manager:

Patricia Mock

Assistant Manager:

Sarah Yates

Café Supervisor:

Zhengfei Wan

Recreation Programmer:

Jay LaCapra

Customer Service Assistant:

Juanita Johnson

Vehicle Operators:

Deborah Detwiler

David Brenner

Center Hours:

Open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Monday through Friday for limited programming and

Meal Service

Dulles South Senior Center

Weekly E–Newsletter Jan 22nd

January Recap and Beyond

It’s been a busy year so far. Lots of members have been stopping

in to renew their membership or sending us their forms along

with their payment.

Vaccinations for the 65+ group are in motion and we are happy to

hear every time one of our members has gotten vaccinated. One

step closer to “normal”. See page 2 for info from the county on

getting your Covid-19 vaccine.

Meanwhile, the staff is still here, planning programs for now and

the future. In February, we are celebrating Black History Month

as well as Lunar New Year. The theme for Black History Month

this year is: The Black Family: Representation, Identify, and

Diversity. On page 11 in this newsletter, you can read about the

upcoming program “The Black Family in Art” which will be held

on Zoom on Wednesday, February 3rd. We encourage all

members to join us on Zoom for this special Guest Presentation.

Stay tuned for this and many other upcoming events.

Coming in February!

We have a new class called Smartphone Tips (view page 12 for

more details).

Lunar New Year Celebration on February 11th (stay tuned for

details in the upcoming e-newsletters)

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COVID-19 Vaccination Registration

Update: Limited Vaccine Supply;

Limited Appointments Available

During the first week of the expansion of vaccination efforts into Phase 1b of Virginia’s vaccination priorities, the

Loudoun County Health Department has received more than 50,000 inquiries regarding appointments for vaccination. At

this time, all currently available vaccine doses in Loudoun are allocated to individuals who are included in the Phase 1a or

Phase 1b priority groups, and vaccination continues on a daily basis. As a result, there will be a delay in making additional

appointments for those who have completed the pre-screening survey until more vaccine arrives in Loudoun.

“The Health Department receives weekly shipments of vaccine. Right now, it is unclear how much vaccine we will receive

from week to week,” said Loudoun County Health Director Dr. David Goodfriend. “Health districts throughout Virginia are

impacted by this unexpected slowdown in vaccine shipments, so we must all be patient as we continue to work through

the backlog of requests for vaccination appointments.”

Based on current vaccination deliveries, the Health Department anticipates it may take eight weeks or more to vaccinate

most of the people in Loudoun who are in the Phase 1b priority group with both doses.

What You Need to Know if You Already Submitted Your Information

The Health Department has received tens of thousands of pre-screening surveys from people who are eligible for vac-

cination in Phase 1a or Phase 1b. There are currently many more people who have signed up to receive a vaccine than

there are doses of vaccine available in Loudoun. As a result, thousands of individuals are currently waiting to be contact-

ed by the Health Department when vaccination appointments become available, which is dependent on the arrival of ad-

ditional shipments of COVID-19 vaccine.

If you have already submitted your pre-screening survey, you do not need to contact the Health Department again to

verify whether you are on our list. The survey does not provide a confirmation email indicating you are registered;

however, submitting your contact information online or by phone completes the first step for getting a vaccination ap-

pointment.

After submitting your information to the Health Department, you must be patient. At this time, it will likely be several

weeks before you are contacted by the Health Department for a vaccination appointment. There is no need to resub-

mit your information through the pre-screening survey or to call the Health Department to verify whether you are reg-

istered. The Health Department is unable to verify that a survey has been completed by phone. When more vaccine ar-

rives, more appointments will become available, and the Health Department will contact you. If you submitted an email

address, you will be contacted by email. If you submitted only a phone number, you will be contacted by phone to

schedule an appointment.

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Time for Your Second Dose?

If you already received your first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and you are approaching the time for your second dose, you should seek

vaccine appointments from the same source of your first dose, if possible. If you made your own appointment through the Vaccine

Administration Management System (VAMS), you should log in to VAMS and make your second appointment. You do not need to

submit additional information to the Health Department. If you made an appointment by phone, the Health Department will contact

you regarding an appointment for your second dose.

Residents May Continue to Submit a COVID-19 Pre-Screening Survey Online

If you are eligible for vaccine in the Phase 1a or Phase 1b priority groups and you have not already been contacted by your employer,

or you have not already submitted the online pre-screening survey, you may submit the survey to register for vaccination with the

Health Department. Please note that going forward many employers of essential workers in the Phase 1a and Phase 1b groups will

have the opportunity to facilitate vaccination at employer-based clinics. You are encouraged to contact your employer about vac-

cination if you have not already done so.

Residents over the age of 65, and adults with high-risk medical conditions, and other essential workers in the Phase 1a and Phase 1b

groups who are not receiving vaccine through their employers, may submit the online pre-screen survey.

Submit an online pre-screening survey.The fastest and most efficient method to obtain an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine is to

submit the online form. This form verifies your eligibility and provides your contact information. Please submit one form and use one

unique email address for each individual who needs a vaccine (do not use the same email address for multiple people). You will not

receive a confirmation email after submitting the survey; however, you will be registered in our system. After submitting the form, it

may be several weeks before you receive a response because vaccine supplies are limited. Please be patient; once you submit an

online pre-screening survey, there is no need to call the Health Department as survey status cannot be verified by phone. Eventually,

you will be contacted by email to schedule an appointment.

• If you do not have access to the internet, you may call Loudoun County’s COVID-19 information line at 703-737-8300 between

9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Due to significant call volume, there may be a delay in reaching an operator.

Future Expansion of Vaccination Opportunities

We anticipate that vaccine supplies will increase in the coming months. As a result, vaccination opportunities in the community will

also increase. The Health Department will continue to offer vaccination appointments as long as necessary; however, you may begin

to find opportunities to receive a vaccine from your doctor or local pharmacy. You should continue to monitor for the availability of

COVID-19 vaccine and seek vaccine from the most convenient source available according to the vaccination priorities set by the Vir-

ginia Department of Health.

Lessons learned while at the Vaccination POD (Points of Dispensing)

• An email address can only be used for one person’s vaccination. If your son

or daughter uses their email to sign you up, they will need to use a DIFFER-

ENT email when they go to sign up your spouse or themselves.

4

2021 Tax Relief forms will be available by March 1, 2021.

On December 15, 2020, the Board of Supervisors requested staff to review the household income crite-ria for the Tax Relief Program for the Elderly and Disabled for Real Property. Any change approved by the Board would require an ordinance amendment and would become effective for Tax Year 2022.

Real Property Tax Exemption: Elderly & Disabled

Qualified applicants may be exempt from paying real property taxes on their home and lot, up to three acres. Land in excess of three acres and any additional lots or structures are ineligible for re-lief. Manufactured homes (mobile homes) may qualify for tax relief.

Personal Property Alternative Tax Rate: Elderly & Disabled

Each qualified applicant is taxed at the alternative tax rate on one vehicle. The alternative rate is set annually by the Board of Supervisors and has historically been $2.10, which is 50% of the regular per-sonal property tax rate.

Tax Relief must be requested by filing a form annually with the Commissioner of the Reve-nue. Loudoun County utilizes a triennial application procedure. First-time applicants must file an appli-cation and provide supporting documentation, such as social security statements, bank statements and income tax returns. The same is required every three years. For the two years following each applica-tion year, a one page certification must be filed.

Filing deadlines for 2021 tax year applications and certifications are:

• April 1, 2021 for all applicants who filed previously

• September 1, 2021 for first-time personal property tax relief

• January 3, 2022 for first-time real property tax relief

For more information, email trcor@loudoun.gov or go to www.loudoun.gov/taxrelief

Tax Relief brochure is also available at the Senior Center

Real Property & Personal Property

Tax Relief for the Elderly & Disabled

5

Round Table Discussion for this Monday

For Monday, January 25th , we will discuss the following:

• Recap of the Lohri Event

• We’ll discuss Deborah's Riddle (page 9)

• Covid-19 Vaccination Experience Discussion

• What health topics are you interested in hearing about in 2021 at the Senior

Center?

Come join us for this and more during our lively Zoom Round Table Discussion. If

you are new and want to join Round Table, please call 571-258-3883 to obtain

the Zoom ID and Password.

Tuesday, January 26th @ 1:00 p.m.

Movie: DOLITTLE

Description: Dr. John Dolittle spends his days as an ordi-

nary veterinarian, attending to the health of all of England's

creatures. One day, however, something unusual happens

when he discovers that he can speak to the animals. The

doctor and his rag-tag gang of furry friends then embark on

an adventure when trouble is afoot in

the streets of London

Popcorn and drinks will be

served!

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Meal Service Options Available at the Senior Center

To view the rest of this month’s menu, click here:

https://www.loudoun.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/10478

Daily Schedule

11:00 to 11:30 a.m. —Curbside Lunch Pickup

12:00 p.m.—Dine In Meal Service

As always, you must call ahead to reserve your lunch: call (703) 771-5874 at least 24 hours in advance.

To observe the new Dulles South Senior Center dining and restroom procedures, please view the video

below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfflcdIRO5k

7

Mon. 1/25 Tues. 1/26 Wed. 1/27 Thurs. 1/28 Fri. 1/29

Knit &

Crochet

11:00 a.m.

Movie Day

DOLITTLE

1:00 p.m.

*Popcorn &

Drinks Treats

will be served*

Beginning

Line Dance

(DVD)

10:00 a.m.

DSSC Program Schedule (Indoors, Outdoors, Hybrid, and Zoom Programs)

12 p.m. 12 p.m.

12 p.m.

Judy’s Dance

Fitness (DVD)

11:15 a.m.

Tech Help w/

Chris

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Yoga w/

Sudarshana

(DVD)

10:30 a.m.

Roundtable

Discussion

1 p.m.

Art Drawing

w/ Krisha

4:20 p.m.

Yoga with Jaya

10:30 a.m.

Yoga with

Jaya

10:30 a.m.

(Hybrid Class,

Zoom or in-person)

Hot Hula w/

Josefina

10:30 a.m.

Yoga w/

Sudarshana

(DVD)

10:45 a.m.

Sun. 1/31

Gujarat Club

w/ Ramesh

11:00 a.m.

Yoga w/

Sudarshana

(DVD)

10:30 a.m.

English w/

Naseema

(on Zoom)

1:00 p.m.

12 p.m.

Book Club

with David

10:30 a.m.

12 p.m.

Judy’s Dance

Fitness

(Outdoors, weather

permitted)

11:00 a.m.

Fitness w/

Jay

1:00 p.m.

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Hybrid—Highlighted in green. Participants can either take the class on Zoom at home or in-person at the

Dulles South Senior Center. Availability is limited for in person classes based on room and type of activity

Indoor Class– Highlighted in red. These classes will be held indoors at the Senior Center. Indoor Exercise

classes (dance and yoga, etc. are limited to a maximum of 8 people with 10 foot distance between each

person.

Outdoor Class- Highlighted in orange. Weather permitting, these classes will be held outside near the

entrance of the Senior Center. 6 ft distance must be kept between each individual. These classes will

move indoors when weather requires.

Zoom/Online Class—Highlighted in blue. These classes are held online or on Zoom only. No class size

restrictions.

*Don’t leave your laptop plugged in*

It may seem counterintuitive to unplug your laptop before it’s

fully charged, but leaving your laptop plugged in all day, every

day can actually wear your battery down faster than unplugging

it when it’s between 40% and 80% and then use it, letting the

battery drain naturally over time.

Tech Help with Chris

Having problems with your phone, computer, email or

other technological issues? No worries, come schedule

an appointment with the Senior Center for Tech Help

with Chris! He’s able to help via Online (Zoom or In-

person)

9

Lohri Event Recap

Thanks to all who participated in the Dulles South Indian Community’s Lohri celebration on Zoom on

Monday, January 18th. It was an international event with members here in the United States as well as

viewers in India, Dubai, Canada, and Australia! The coordination committee would like to thank all the

viewers as well as the performers who sang, danced, or recited poems and other readings. They would

also like to acknowledge special appreciation to Tanu Shrivastav for her tech support of the program.

Member News & Accomplishments

I am feeling proud in sharing that my experiences and journey as a poet was aired

on 4th Jan. on FOX 5 PLUS in a program of Life Experiences of Mrs. Shashi Chopra.

Manju Srivastava

Find the recording of the episode at:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ius607lpPmc&feature=youtu.be

India Republic Day

By Indu Maitra

Let the conch shells be sounded.

India made a tryst with destiny.

It was a new dawn of freedom

In ecstasy of pain came

The final stroke of victory.

Jan. 26, 1950 was the day when India made the final tryst with destiny. Though India was declared Independent on 15 Aug. 1947, by British Raj its constitution, drafted by Dr BR Ambedkar, came into effect only on 26th Jan 1950. On that day Dr Rajendra Prasad took over his office as the first President of India. On this very day, the process of transition was complet-ed and India became a sovereign republic.

On Jan. 26, every year The Republic Day celebration is marked by a grand ceremonial Parade that takes place at Rajpath, New Delhi. The bands of nine to twelve different regiments of the Indian Army in addition to the Navy and Air Force march past in all their finery and official decorations. The President takes the salute. Twelve contingents of various para-military forces of India and police forces take part in this parade.

The parade showing the strength of Indian Defense is followed by the beautifully decorated floats of each state according to their culture and local talent. People braving severe winter walk a long distance. Even the best cadets of NCC, an auxilia-ry branch of college students participate in this parade. Small children, the Award Winners for bravery, ride on decorated elephants or camels. The parade is a magnificent pageant displaying India’s social and cultural wealth.

Soldiers, who perform outstanding deeds of bravery and selfless sacrifice are awarded the bravery and gallantry awards like Param Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra and Mahavir Chakra.

26th Jan. is a fine display of India’s oldest civilization with a kaleidoscopic variety and the very strong bond of unity in di-versity.

God Bless India

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#AnugoonjLiteratureFestival

ज़िन्दगी Life

बडी अजीब दास्तान है ज़िन्दगी की , इम्तहान लिए बबना बा़ि नह ीं आती ।

स्कूि छूट जात ेहैं, पर इम्तहान ख़त्म नह ीं होते । ज़िन्दगी के हर पडाव में एक नई चनुौती, नई ििकार, नई धमकी,

हमेशा िडाई के मदैान में तैनात, उससे िडना, उसमें कामयाब होने की इन्तहाीं कोलशश,

बस थक जात ेहैं इम्तहान देत ेदेत े, और गजुर जाती है उम्र ।

सफ़र आसाीं क्यों नह ीं होता ? क्या यह ननयनत है,

कीं धे पर क्रास रखकर मीिों मीि चिते ह रहना ।

Veena Kumar

WHAT IS A FAMILY?????? Family is sharing, & comparing, bonding & caring

Family is hugging & squeezing, talking & teasing

Family is praising & knowing ,belonging & growing

Family is working & playing, treating & praying

Family is occasional fights and often delight

Family is relaxing boring and most reassuring

Family is waiting, debating and fulfilling, elating

Family is needing, feeding and tactful conceding

Family is holding, nursing and worrying cursing

Family is loaning ,moaning helping and phoning

Family is bickering laughing bedding and bathing

Family is listening coping planning and hoping

Family is relying crying and a little while lying

Family is forgiving mending liking and depending

THAT IS WHAT MAKES A PERFECT FAMILY

Message from DSSC member

Mr. Bhurat Bhushan

11

Black History Month Special Presentation on Zoom

The Black Family in Art by Gertrude Evans

Wednesday, February 3 @ 1 PM

Biography on the Art Presenter:

Gertrude Ashton Evans is a native of Leesburg, VA. She is a self-taught artist who began drawing and painting in the early 1980’s as a form of ther-apy and release. Her paintings depict everyday life and familiar themes; her children and grandchildren, family life, friends, landscapes, church life, flow-

ers and scenes depicting African American culture, history, and current events.

She continues to share her work through cards and prints. She joyfully contributes her artwork to be used at fundraisers and has done many spe-cial requests. The artist uses acrylics, oils, watercolor, pastels, pencil and

charcoal.

The Artist currently has a permanent exhibit at Oatlands Plantation in the Smokehouse in their “Reclaim Your Story” exhibit.

Contact the Senior Center for Zoom ID and Password

12

Smartphone tips w/ Chris on Zoom

Coming in February, we will have a new Zoom class called Smartphone tips with Chris. In

this class, Chris will give a 15-20 minute presentation on tips on dealing with common

problems on your smartphone. He’ll discuss how to:

• Save Battery life

• Preserve Phone Charger

• Improve the speed of the phone

• Phone freezing

• Apps not working or downloading

• And more…

The lecture plans to start the first week of February. The exact date and time of the class

will be posted on the next E-Newsletter.

Deborah's Corner—SOLVE MY RIDDLE!

1. I am full of holes; I can hold water. What am I?

2. What gets wet when drying?

3. What are two things people never eat before breakfast?

4. What it is the more you take away the larger it becomes?

5. What has two hands and a face, but no arms and legs.

6. What can’t be used until it’s broken?

7. What has 4 legs and only one foot?

8. What has keys but can’t open any doors?

Try and solve my riddles. The answers are posted at the

bottom (don’t CHEAT) and on the Roundtable Discussion.

1.) Sponge 2.) Towel 3. Lunch & Dinner 4. Hole 5. Clock 6. Egg

7. Bed 8.Piano

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MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL:

It’s time to renew your membership for 2021. Find the

membership form at www.loudoun.gov/seniors-dulles or

stop in at the center to complete your membership

form and make your payment.

14

• Aerobics/Dance Room—Besides instructor, classes are limited to 8 people with a 10 ft distance

between each individual (Dance Fitness, Yoga, Jay’s Fitness Workout, Beginning Line Dance)

• Exercise Room—1 person at a time for 30 minute time limit. Please call and sign up for a time slot to

workout.

• Art & Crafts Room—Open for Knit N Stitch on Tuesdays

• Club Room– Open with seating for 9 people.

• Lobby Area—Open with seating for 6 people

• Computer Room—Space for 5 users with social distancing. Cleaning/Sanitizing procedures posted in

the room.

• Charlotte Nurge (Dining Room) Section A open for dining only; Section B & C open for Yoga

(Thursdays @ 10:30 AM), movie, and as further programs are planned.

Rooms Currently Closed:

*Ceramics Room *Health & Wellness Room *Conference Room *Billiards Room

Please note the following information regarding our operations during inclement weather: If Loudoun County Government is CLOSED, the Senior Center is also CLOSED.

If Loudoun County Government issues “Unscheduled Leave” for staff, the senior center is OPEN,

lunch is served at curbside and dine-in, but NO transportation. Call for possible program changes. If there are no changes to Loudoun County Government operations, then we are open for business

as usual.

We do not follow the Loudoun County Public Schools schedule for inclement weather, so please pay close attention to the guidance above.

Questions? You can always call the center at (571) 258-3883. If we are open, then we are here 8:30

to 5:00 to answer your phone calls!

Stay safe and warm!

15

January Birthday List

January 23rd: John Safarik and Mary Meyer

January 24th: Judy Brachi and Helen Cheung

January 27th: Rosalie White and Gil Ho Choi

January 28th: Dolores Aguilar

*Happy Birthday to everyone who’s celebrating a birthday this week!*

Dulles South Senior Center’s Facebook page

The Senior Center’s Facebook page is a great way to keep up with

updates, latest e-newsletters, lunch menu, re-opening statuses,

and many more important news.

Click the Link to the Senior page:

http://www.facebook.com/DullesSouthSeniorCenter

Online Pre-recorded DSSC Dancing and Yoga classes

Our pre-recorded dancing and yoga classes can be found here below:

• Judy’s Dance Fitness Class

• Sue’s Line Dancing Class

• Sudarshana’s Yoga Class <<—— ——Click the links to view the videos

• Rani’s Yoga class

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National Handwriting Day on January 23rd encourages us to put pen to paper and write

out our thoughts. According to the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association, it is a

chance for all to re-explore the purity and power of handwriting.

National Peanut Butter Day on January 24th recognizes an American staple in our pantries.

Whether creamy or chunky, with chocolate or with jelly, peanut butter gets the recognition it

deserves each year on this day.

National Irish Coffee Day kicks off January 25th each year with a mug of strong coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with a layer of cream. On a cold, wet day in 1942 weary travelers to the small Shannon Airport in southwest Ireland found their way to a restaurant and chef Joe Sheridan. To warm his guests, he served them hot coffee, spiked with whiskey and topped with whipped cream. The passengers asked if the beverage was Brazilian coffee. Sheridan re-sponded that it was Irish coffee.

The holidays may be over, but the New Year celebration and commitments to our resolu-tions persevere with National Green Juice Day on January 26th. The celebration was es-tablished in 2016 as a way to encourage people to stick to their health and wellness resolu-tions by drinking a green juice.

January 27th National Plan for Vacation Day, on the last Tuesday in January, reminds us to plan our vacation at the start of the year for the rest of the year. The early bird gets to pack their bags and fly away to a little fun and relaxation!

On January 28th, National Blueberry Pancake Day brinks the sweetness of blueberries to your pancake, flapjack or hotcake. The early pancakes consisted mostly of flour and milk and were more like biscuits. Later, eggs, milk, a leavening agent (such as baking powder) and fat were added creating the fluffier, lighter pancake we know today. Adding blueberries to the pancake batter when mixing up the ingredients may result in a bluish hue. To avoid this, add them right after dropping dollops of batter to the hot griddle. Blueberries add a freshness to pancakes and nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin C, manganese and copper.

Each year on January 29th, National Puzzle Day recognizes how exercising our brains with puzzles is just one of its many benefits. Whether it’s a crossword, jigsaw, trivia, word searches, brain teasers or Sudoku, puzzles put our minds to work. Studies have found that when we work on a jigsaw puzzle, we use both sides of the brain. And spending time daily working on puzzles improves memory, cognitive function, and

problem-solving skills. Word searches and crossword puzzles have the obvious benefit of increasing vo-cabulary and language skills. Sudoku, a puzzle sequencing a set of numbers on a grid, exercises the brain as well. By testing memory and logical thinking, this puzzle stimulates the brain and can improve number skills.