Blog archive
March 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
VALERIE JONES - Beyond the Village
By Blog MasterPosted: 05/31/2022
BEYOND THE VILLAGE – Valerie Jones
Valerie Jones first learned about the Pasadena Village several years ago when she went to the annual Assistance League craft fair and stopped by the Pasadena Village table. At that time she signed up to be put on our mailing list. Later, she attended a Christmas party for volunteers of Planned Parenthood of San Gabriel Valley and talked with a few Village members who were there. Fast forward a few years to find Valerie working with Village member Toni Cavanaugh on a League of Women Voters Policing Practices subcommittee. Valerie had read about Toni in one of the Village newsletters and knew she had recently joined the Village. Toni invited Valerie to join the Urban Walkers on a Friday walk where she met some of the other members.
In this way Valerie added Pasadena Village to her long list of volunteer activities. Why did such a busy person join in to yet another activity? Valerie explains: “I like being active. One thing I like about the Village is that if I want some company to go somewhere, I can find someone who would want to join me. Or if I need a plumber, I can ask other members for suggestions. It's a great resource to me.”
Valerie has had a long and rewarding career as an occupational therapist, retiring in 2015. A former resident of Queens, New York, Valerie moved to California in 1978 and settled into her home in Altadena in the 1980’s. She joined a small church in Altadena where she is an usher, lector, and counter and the chairperson for the Worship Arts and Music. “It’s my church. It’s just like the Pasadena Village. You need to pitch in and keep it going.” She is also a member of WELCA (Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of California).
While she was still working, Valerie began to attend the League of Women Voters events, attracted by both their speakers and the subjects of their talks. Upon retiring in 2015, she became more active in the League, prompted in part by the events surrounding the 2016 election. “I saw what was happening and I knew we had to be pro-active to get people to vote. We need educated voters, and the League provides non-partisan education on important issues.” Today Valerie represents the Social Justice Committee on the Board of Directors.
Valerie has also served as a volunteer for Planned Parenthood of San Gabriel Valley. During her time there, Valerie has seen many women from many backgrounds come for different kinds of care. Valerie volunteers as an advocate. “When a woman comes in to have an abortion, I sit next to her, holding her hand, coaching her in her breathing, saying words of encouragement, and trying to distract her from any discomfort she might be experiencing.”
In addition to these activities, Valerie has ushered for the Pasadena Playhouse for the past four years. She is happy to be back at her duties as the Playhouse resumes live performances after the pandemic closure. “It’s a great volunteer opportunity. I get to see the plays and make new friends as well.”
Valerie also finds time to make use of community services such as the Pasadena Senior Center, where she is currently taking two classes. She enjoys the Body Mechanics class, which offers exercises and strategies to strengthen your core muscles. She takes a 10-week “I-device” class, which shows you how to make the most of your I-phone. Of the latter, she says “This is my second time taking the class. The instructor is so friendly and patient with all of us. I learn a bit more each time.”
Valerie is an example of a person who understands and values the importance of community. Through her volunteer work, she gives back to her community, while also making good friends and connecting with various helpful resources.
The Village has become an important part of Valerie's life. “Pasadena Village is exactly the place for active seniors. We look after and assist each other when needed. The Village offers a multitude of opportunities in education, travel, socialization, healthy exercise, entertainment, and various support groups, all designed for people in my age group. I am glad I joined.”
The Village is glad Valerie joined, too. We are fortunate to have her as a member.