Blog archive
June 2023
Communications Project with Cal State LA
06/02/2023
Creative Aging
06/01/2023
May 2023
One Villager's Story
05/31/2023
Pasadena Area Literary Arts Center
05/31/2023
Pasadena Village Responds to Rainbow Flag Burning at Pasadena Buddhist Temple
05/31/2023
Plan Ahead - And Be Prepared
05/31/2023
Tuesday, May 23 Pasadena Celebrated Older Americans
05/31/2023
Rumor of Humor #15
05/28/2023
Reparations, Social Justice Activity
05/24/2023
Rumor of Humor #14
05/19/2023
Rumor of Humor #13
05/12/2023
Issue #12
05/09/2023
Science Monday - Review of Meeting on April 10, 2023
05/09/2023
Conversations Re African American Artists Before 1920
05/08/2023
Beyond the Village – Suzi and Phil Hoge
05/01/2023
Congratulations Wayne April! Honored at UNH
05/01/2023
Table Topics
05/01/2023
Volunteer Appreciation at the Village
05/01/2023
“ACCIDENTAL HOST—The Story of Rat Lungworm Disease”
05/01/2023
April 2023
Jumbo Joy
04/24/2023
Pasadenans Recent Experience With Racism
04/23/2023
Recent Events Reflecting Racism
04/23/2023
Fig and Goat Cheese Bruschetta
04/18/2023
Photography for Social Justice
04/11/2023
Issue #8
04/07/2023
BEYOND THE VILLAGE - Catherine Deely
04/06/2023
Creative Writing in Older Adults
04/06/2023
Gifts of Love
04/06/2023
March 2023
Issue #7
03/31/2023
Issue #6
03/26/2023
Great Decisions update
03/14/2023
Dominion Lawsuit, South Africa and 710 Stub
03/08/2023
February 2023
2023 DEI Progress
02/27/2023
BEYOND THE VILLAGE - Doug Colliflower
02/26/2023
CONVERSATIONS WITH ART
02/26/2023
GREAT DECISIONS
02/26/2023
OLDER ADULTS RESOURCE FAIR
02/26/2023
The Important, Influential Books in our Lives - Revisited
02/26/2023
History, Resolution of the 710 Freeway
02/19/2023
Eminent Domain, 710 Highway
02/13/2023
Bernard Garrett, 710 Freeway
02/06/2023
Men's Times Gatherings
02/03/2023
January 2023
Pasadena's Senior Commission
01/30/2023
BEYOND THE VILLAGE - JIM HENDRICK
01/27/2023
GRATITUDE - IT'S GOOD FOR YOU!
01/27/2023
JEFF GUTSTADT - FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST
01/27/2023
Bernard Garrett, Incredible Black Entrepreneur
01/17/2023
What is the "Spirit Talk" Group About?
01/16/2023
Same Ol’ New Year, Brand New Me
01/12/2023
Review of 2022, Consideration of 2023
01/06/2023
BEYOND THE VILLAGE - PATTI LA MARR
01/03/2023
FROM THE CHAIR
01/03/2023
WALK WITH EASE
01/03/2023
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.