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
WHO AM I?
By Esther GilliesPosted: 02/01/2021
Who Am I?
- Esther Gillies -
I used to sit at the board table but now appear as a face on the zoom screen where we meet. I watch over the Village, help make policy decisions, ensure the smooth operation of our organization, access resources, and ensure fiscal accountability. I sit on the Pasadena Village Board of Directors. I am a volunteer…as are all other members of the Board of Directors.
I lead and support others in becoming involved in the array of activities found within the Village. I encourage new ideas, creativity, and enthusiasm for involvement in Village programs – from hiking groups to discussion groups, from support groups to educational activities, and in non-COVID-19 times, visits to museums, attendance at music and theater events. I am a volunteer…as are all of the chairs of the Village Committees and the leaders of our many affinity groups. We create community.
I reach out by phone to members to stay connected, and while learning new skills, help populate the Village website with accurate information. I contribute articles to the newsletter, provide members with transportation to doctor visits, grocery stores and Village events. I coordinate Neighborhood group meetings for Village members, check in to see that friends are doing ok. I help with special celebrations – the monthly birthday party, volunteer recognition events and more. I pick up and return books to the library for members who lack library access. I recruit volunteers and introduce new members to the Village. I am a member volunteer …as are many of the members of the Village.
I share my tech skills to keep the computers and electronic devices running, assist with transportation requests, and work on special assignments. I am a non-member volunteer for the Village.
Obviously, the “Who am I” of this article is really “Who are We?” We are volunteers. We are the backbone, the heart and soul of the Village community within which member sharing and caring can thrive.
Members and non-member volunteers alike are often surprised at the richness of the experience of giving time, energy and talent to the Village. What they learn is …when I give, I also receive. The giving intensifies the connection to the Village, providing opportunities for developing new friendships, utilizing old talents, and keeping us engaged in meaningful activity.
At this time, new and exciting volunteer opportunities are emerging – big and small. This is a great time to become involved. Additional information about specific volunteer opportunities will be available in upcoming newsletters and the Village Bulletin. Specific requests for information can be directed to the Village office for Natalie Cohen, Chair of the Volunteer Coordinating Committee.
Esther Gillies
1-30-21