Great Ideas Discussed at the Reston for a Lifetime Meeting

On Wednesday, Aug. 10 over 50 people attended the monthly Reston for a Lifetime meeting at the .

Those in attendance included and representatives from several key government and non-profit organizations.  The energy surrounding this grassroots initiative continues to be very high after our successful .

The agenda and discussion centered on our four key areas of focus: Neighborhood Networks, Advocacy, Projects and Sustainability. 

Neighborhood Networks

In Phase I we recognized that one of the key components to remaining in a community for a lifetime is connectedness to our neighbors.  Not only does this provide friendship, but it can also facilitate sharing resources like rides or lawn equipment, referring trusted vendors, looking out after each other, safer neighborhoods and much more. 

As we began to set up pilot projects we discovered that the “system” we were creating was very similar to system in place for Neighborhood Watch.  We invited a special guest speaker to the meeting, Fairfax County Police Officer Katy Defoe, who shared what is involved in setting up a Neighborhood Watch.

Officer Defoe shared how Neighborhood Watches that are set up in response to crime generally don’t have the longevity or success of those that are set up to connect the community. We were  encouraged by the concept of helping expand Neighborhood Watch as a component to build our Neighborhood Networks.

Advocacy

Our first step in advocating for change is to educate residents on key issues that might compromise living a lifetime in Reston.  In Phase I, it was determined that these centered primarily around housing, transportation, and how to afford to remain in the community.

Brent DeRobertis, shared plans to hold a educational seminar in partnership with BFAC (Building For All Committee), Fairfax County, Reston Community Center and Team SeniorAbode titled “Calculating How I can live in Reston for a Lifetime." Attendees supported the program which will be held in October at RCC, more details to follow here and on the Reston for a Lifetime website.

Eileen Boone from Reston Community Center extended the opportunity to attendees to suggest topics and programming for their Spring Program Guide, which needs to be finalized in the next few weeks.

There were many suggestions ranging from a "Cooking for One" class and music lessons to understanding retirement finances.  She also reminded us about the upcoming “How to Ride the Bus” session on Sept. 1 (page 84 of the Fall catalog).  Another great development has been the creation of a carpooling system for senior-focused events at RCC.

During the lively discussion about different programs at RCC, it was suggested that a class devoted to making the transition from working to retirement might be helpful.  Several attendees shared that the Positive Aging Coalition will be holding a session on that topic in Reston in the near future.

Reston Community Center has been exceptionally supportive of Reston for a Lifetime initiative and we even brainstormed the concept that the annual Older Americans Month Celebration in May 2012 at RCC could potentially be a Reston for a Lifetime Expo!

Projects

Reston for a Lifetime is focusing on several projects that were discussed in Phase I.

Helpline – We discussed creating a system of volunteers helping answer our Reston for a Lifetime phone line and email.  In an effort to remain objective and not refer specific vendors or services we are seeking a partner(s) that could assist with more medically sensitive questions and requests.

Transportation Projects – Bonnie Whyte discussed exciting developments the medical ride project with the Shepherd Center and how FISH and are able to accept and support transportation. 

Playground for a Lifetime – Following the lead of European and Asian communities creating elder playgrounds, Reston for a Lifetime is working on a similar project.  Reston Association is doing research on site locations and we will be securing cost estimates and preparing fundraising efforts.

One attendee commented that we should make sure this is really a playground and not just an outdoor fitness center, she stated. “I want to have fun!”

Senior Housing Engagement Project – The goal of this project is to engage the community to view the seven senior living communities has homes and not “facilities”.  We are planning to convene a meeting with leadership of all communities and develop a plan to better connect residents to the surrounding neighborhoods.

Accessible Home Tour – In the spirit of traditional home tours this project will seek to showcase Reston homes that have made improvements for accessibility so their residents can live a lifetime in Reston.

Sustainability

The last segment of the meeting discussed ways that we can insure that the Reston for a Lifetime initative continues.  Continuing to engage in a dialogue with organizations like RA, RCC, Fairfax County and others will be a primary focus.   

Attendees engaged in a lively discussion on density and affordable housing that extended beyond our allotted time.

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held on Sept. 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Reston Community Center - Hunters Woods.  RSVPs are encouraged to insure that we have adequete seating to aginginreston@gmail.com or 703-672-1116.