The residents join in with the vocals
When Lisa Makosewski was looking for a new place to move from her home in Philadelphia, she looked for a spot that would be close to her nephew and niece, so the Woods at Fort Belvoir looked good on the map, but even better in person. “I walked in and felt immediately at home,” she said. That feeling expanded more when she started participating in all the activities including holiday events this month which added to her comfort. “It makes everybody feel festive,” she said.
The Fairfax Chorus was featured in early December and will be followed by a tree lighting ceremony, a Christmas Brunch and a New Year’s Eve gala. “A nice mix of things,” she said.
According to Jill K. G. Arvanitis, the Recreation and Activities Director, the social activities are a big reason why residents choose to live at The Fairfax. “We have many in-house activities as well as outings for a broad range of interests and abilities. Many residents jokingly comment that we are much like a cruise ship, except we do not set sail,” she said.
Additional activities for the holiday season include an Army-Navy Football Game tailgate party, a Hanukkah Celebration dinner partnering with a local temple, an art lecture focusing on several British artists, and a special health presentation on Holiday Harmony.
Expanding the social circle is a big factor for seniors, said AARP in a recent story about making friends. An activity in the 55+ communities is a good place to start. According to their survey "74% of all adults surveyed cited in-person socializing as being the key to their happiness," the AARP study summary stated.
The Fairfax is a continuing care retirement community and provides all levels of care. There are over 450 residents in specialties like Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing.
There are 15 different models of apartments available in a neighborhood setting just across Richmond Highway from Fort Belvoir. On one side, it is bordered by Telegraph Road for easy access to Springfield and Kingstowne. There is an indoor pool, library, fitness center and pickleball courts. These are all factors in their social initiatives.
In addition to the activities around the holiday season, The Fairfax has things going on all year.
“There’s always something,” Makosewski said.
