Blog archive
April 2024
Stimulated by "Caste"
04/22/2024
Tulsa reparations, Religion and Politics
04/09/2024
March 2024
Trumps War with Black Women
03/31/2024
Addressing The Needs of Older Adults Through Pasadena Village
03/25/2024
Coming Soon: More Resources for Older Americans, Online and in Person
03/25/2024
Community Building Locally and Nationally
03/25/2024
Preparing for the Future with Ready or Not
03/25/2024
Volunteering is at The Heart of the Village
03/25/2024
Women's Liberation: Then and Now
03/25/2024
Writing Memoirs Together
03/25/2024
Current Views on Current Events
03/20/2024
Unchained
03/18/2024
Rumr of Humor issue # 2409
03/10/2024
Blacks Portrayed by European Artists
03/03/2024
Rumor of Humor #2408
03/03/2024
February 2024
Caring for Ourselves and Each Other
02/27/2024
Doug Colliflower Honored
02/27/2024
Great Decisions Connects Us to the Worldwide Community
02/27/2024
Letter from the President
02/27/2024
Pasadena Village's Impact
02/27/2024
The Power of Touch
02/27/2024
Villages as a New Approach to Aging
02/27/2024
Addressing Gang Violence in Pasadena-Altadena
02/21/2024
Rumor of Humor Issue 2407
02/19/2024
Thank You For Caring.
02/12/2024
Rumor of Humor 2405
02/11/2024
Curve Balls
02/10/2024
Sylvan Lane
02/10/2024
Rumor of Humor 2404
02/09/2024
Larry Duplechan, Blacks in Film
02/03/2024
January 2024
Pasadena Village Joins Community Partners in Vaccination Campaign
01/29/2024
Rumor of Humor #2403
01/28/2024
Pasadena Village Joins Two Healthy Aging Resource Projects
01/25/2024
Decluttering: Do It Now
01/24/2024
Village Volunteers Contribute to the Huntington Magic
01/24/2024
Villagers Creating Community
01/24/2024
Villagers Reflect on Black History Month
01/24/2024
Walk With Ease, 2024
01/24/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2402
01/21/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2401
01/15/2024
Re- Entry Programs, a Personal Experience
01/08/2024
A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR
By Blog MasterPosted: 08/22/2022
A MESSAGE FROM THE SUE KUJAWA, BOARD CHAIR
There is a saying that goes something like this: “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will do”. This saying reminds me of an experience “on the road” many years ago.
One time, many years ago, I was travelling alone through the Southwest. I had a little guidebook that described some hikes off the Burr Trail, a road that is now part of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Park. I picked out a canyon I thought would be nice to explore, and, as a safety measure, I left a note in my room stating where I was going. I figured that if I didn’t come back someone would eventually go into my room and know where to look for me.
So off I went with my little guidebook up the spectacular Burr Trail until I came to a little parking spot near a canyon with a little stream. With two liters of water and my guidebook, I headed up the canyon. It was unbelievably beautiful. I was particularly taken by a cluster of sandstone cliffs, some of which looked like frozen sand dunes. A little farther along, I stopped paying attention to the guidebook. I wandered all day, never seeing another person. I enjoyed a lovely little lunch, and when I had drunk one liter of water I turned around and headed back.
Imagine my surprise when I found out that I had not been on my intended trail, not even close to it. So my little safety measure would have been no help at all!
I sometimes recall this little adventure when I think about Pasadena Village and its journey.
I was fortunate enough to participate with a small group in bringing the Village to life some ten years ago. Back then the nationwide Village concept was pretty new - there really wasn’t any road map to guide us. So, working on our own, we designed Pasadena Village to respond to the needs and interests of its members. Over the years, we have made much progress. The Village has successfully adapted to changing environments (e.g., Covid) along the way. And we have learned so much!
Now the Village has a newly adopted Strategic Plan that will serve as our road map for the next three years. I’m excited to serve as the Board chair as we embark on this new path. As part of a national Village movement we will transform the way older adults navigate the opportunities and realities of aging. Our community is healthier, stronger and more diverse when we support the older adults who live here. Knowing this, our Strategic Plan will guide us as we become recognized as a leader in helping older adults age-in-place. We will become a valuable community resource for older adults who want to age with self-determination while remaining active and integrated in the place they call home.
I enjoyed my little Burr Trail adventure and other roads I've taken solo throughout the West. Through these journeys, I've learned that it helps if you know where you are and where you are going. I've also learned that there are times when it’s not so good to go it alone!
With our Strategic Plan in place, we now have a good idea of where we are going, and the road looks exciting. With the participation of our members, volunteers, donors, and community partners, we know we are on the right path.
What a great time to be part of Pasadena Village! Thank you for joining us on this amazing adventure.