Current Announcements
(April 23, 2025) Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
As a volunteer-led organization, the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia (also known as SCNOVA) dedicates itself to improving the quality of life through supportive programs and services, personal enrichment, and volunteer engagement. On April 23rd, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Reston, Virginia.
Reverend Alyssa Densham of Provision Church graciously donated the delicious lunch, and we were entertained by skilled actress Mary Ann Jung of History Alive! Mary Ann Jung performed a fitting interpretation of Sally Ride, the first American female astronaut. The theme for this event was SCNOVA Volunteers are Out of This World, and SCNOVA is known for giving free rides, thus the play on words.
We at SCNOVA were especially thrilled to welcome local Representatives: Jimmy Bierman, Dranesville District Supervisor; Walter Alcorn, Hunter Mill District Supervisor; Fatima Malik, Deputy Director of Outreach for the office of Gerry Connolly; and Karen Keys Gamarra, Virginia State Delegate. Year after year, these representatives show up with kind words of encouragement and support for our deserving volunteers. Their presence is always greatly appreciated.
The Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia volunteers are known for going above and beyond with their service. The following volunteers were presented with awards for exemplary service in the following categories:
Town of Vienna Awardees – Jack Roney, Joseph Stone, Sam Ghanaim, Michelle Barrett Shea (awarded at the Town of Vienna Volunteer Awards as well as the SCNOVA Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon)
400 + Hours Awardees – Jean Bastien, Wolf Scherer, Jayne Young, and Doug White
New Board Member – Marcia Komandt
Ed Lowry Award – W. Scott Schroth
(March 25, 2025) New Walking Club with Casey Tarr
Casey Tarr is accepting new members for her walking club!
Would you like to socialize with new friends while enjoying low impact exercise outside in nature? Incorporating walking into daily routines can lead to a healthier, more active lifestyle for seniors, promoting both physical and mental well-being. Regular walks, even short ones, can make a significant difference in overall health and quality of life. The walking club meets every Tuesday at 2:00 pm EST, at the main, front entrance of Vienna Baptist Church (541 Marshall Rd. SW 22180).
*This is a free club. Please call 703-281-0538 to register today.
The following are some examples of how walking improves the lives and health of older adults:
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Helps with Weight Management
Improves Joint Health
Enhances Mental Well-Being
Boosts Immune System
Increases Stamina and Energy Levels
Increases Social Interaction and Independence
(February 19, 2025) SCNOVA Welcomes New Volunteer & Operations Manager – Nikita Mutter Riverson
Nikita joins SCNOVA with over 8 years of experience in operations and sales in the senior living and home care industry. Nikita carries a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy, Nonprofit and Public Administration from the University of Delaware and a Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Management & Communication from the University of Maryland. She has served as the Chair of the Gamma Sigma Sigma White Rose Foundation Board of Directors and served as a member at large for over five years. Nikita is passionate about helping others, especially seniors and she is eager to work hand-in-hand with SCNOVA participants, partners, and volunteers. Nikita is excited to bring her experience and education in nonprofit management and healthcare to the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia!
When she is not working, Nikita enjoys traveling, reading, photography, and writing. Having been raised in a military family who traveled frequently, Nikita enjoys exploring new places with her husband.
(January 25, 2025) Active Aging Wellness Via Zoom Begins
We plan to start the next 6-week session of the SCNOVA Active Aging Wellness class via Zoom on Wednesday, 1/25, from 10:45 am to 11:45am, ending on Wednesday, 3/5/25. It will focus on low impact exercises, balance, coordination and stretching, and cost $50 for the 6-week session.
Please confirm to, meileentarr1@gmail.com, that you want to attend the next session! After you are registered, directions on how to pay online or by check will be sent and we will provide an invitation link to connect to the Zoom virtual class.
(11/18/24) Caregivers Support Group
The group meets via Zoom 10 – 11:30 AM, the first and third Tuesday of the month.
Contact Jack Tarr – jtarr5@verizon.net
(Nov 17, 2022) SCNOVA Volunteer Nationally Recognized
One of our own, Jayne Young, was awarded the Smith Volunteer Leadership Award by the national Shepherd’s Centers of America organization. This award recognizes exceptional volunteers with the SCA Network for their service in helping older adults lead meaningful lives through connection with each other and their community. This is the only national volunteer award recognizing older adults in service to communities to help older adults age with dignity, meaning, and purpose.
The Press Release from Shepherd’s Centers of America can be viewed here: Jayne Young_SCNOVA DOS Award Honoree.
Our exceptional team of volunteers are extremely important to SCNOVA’s ability to provide our services to seniors. Jayne exemplifies the selfless and compassionate service rendered by all our SCNOVA volunteers and affirms the worth of the work we do for those we serve. We are proud that she earned this recognition. We encourage you to send your congratulations to her as well.
(Oct 2022) In Memory of Bill Kirby
Bill Kirby served our Shepherd’s Center Board of Directors for nearly 15 years. During his tenure, he helped advance many programs and services for our community. He also was the point person for assisting many neighboring Shepherd’s Centers to get started. He served as chair of Development and many other committees. Bill served as Vice Chair of the SCOV Board of Directors and used his experience as a foreign service officer as well as his personal skills to make many improvements in Shepherd’s Center operations and to serve as a coach to individual members. A number of people considered him their personal mentor. In addition, Bill served as the Vice Chair of the national Shepherd Centers of America for 5 years providing them with his wisdom and wise counsel. Bill will certainly be remembered and missed by many in our community for his tireless dedication to the SCOV, its volunteers and clients. We will miss him dearly.
(Sep 2022) Please welcome Marianne Monek as our new
Volunteer/Operations Manager. Marianne Monek is very excited to join our team at the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia as Operations/Volunteer Manager. Marianne’s experience ranges from teacher/principal over the years and was very active on the volunteer boards of her daughters’ schools. She previously served as the Director of Volunteers and Patient Relations for 15 years at Sibley Memorial Hospital. In her position, she supervised recruiting, orienting, coordinating and implementing all volunteer activities. One of her achievements was the creation of the Patient and Family Advisory Council which included all patient volunteers with the goal of improving patient and family centered care. Her belief is that volunteers play a very important role in our communities giving service to enhance the lives of our neighbors and creating an environment for volunteers to have a positive and productive experience. She is very committed to SCNOVA and the mission of “Supporting Aging in Place.”
Marianne grew up in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. She graduated from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, being one of the first women to attend the former all-male school. She studied at the University of Dijon, France and did graduate work at George Mason University and Trinity University in Washington, DC. She currently lives in McLean, Virginia and is the mother to two daughters, Kristin and Caroline. Although they are both adults, they continue to be the light of her life. She looks forward to working with everyone to continue to provide meaningful service in the community.
COVID policy and procedures. Covering both our in-person services and in-person events. More information here