Blog archive
April 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
Volunteer Appreciation at the Village
By Susan KujawaPosted: 05/01/2023
Recently, Pasadena Village celebrated Volunteer Appreciation Month with a lunch and awards program to honor the many volunteers that make our Village a supportive community. And, naturally, the event owed its success to – our volunteers!
With the support of Altadena Rotary, we secured the use of the historic Davies Building at Farnsworth Park. More than 60 Village members and volunteers gathered on a mild spring day to enjoy a delicious lunch of salads, roast beef from Stonefire Grill, and carrot cake for dessert. Altadena Rotary and Rotary volunteers donated the cost of the food and supplies. Rotary members Doug Colliflower and Tom Polenzani, who are also members of the Village, cheerfully served up heaping amounts of food to our hungry guests.
After lunch, Awards of Exceptional Service were given to volunteers who have gone above and beyond. The awards stated:
“You have embodied our mission and contributed to Pasadena Village's spirit of mutual support, enrichment and inclusiveness. Members of the village and the greater community have benefited immensely from your service, dedication, creativity, leadership, and compassion.”
They were presented to members Dick Myers, Paula Rao, Bruce Christensen, Jeff Gutstadt, and Nancy Goodell for their volunteer work in the areas of communication, website development, member recruitment and engagement. Awards of Exceptional Service were also bestowed on non-member volunteers JuliAnne DeChaine, Gabriel Pizzaro, and Veronica Jones for their help supporting members and the broader community.
One of our dedicated volunteers remarked “I think the concept and reality of Pasadena Village and the village movement is incredible and much needed. We can't age alone...we need each other!”
Sue Kujawa, President of the Board of Directors, shared her views on the rewards of getting involved through volunteer work with these closing remarks. “People who know me well have heard me say, many times, that 'we all have something to give, and we all have something we need.' It’s one of my core beliefs. And today’s event reinforces everything that I know about giving and receiving. All of you who volunteer, and all of you here DO volunteer – give so much to the Village, to its members, and to its very existence and ability to thrive. And each one of you also knows, I believe, that you also have received – in the very act of volunteering. You have my deep gratitude and appreciation for all that you do.”
One of our newer members shared what the Village has meant to her: “I have found joy in meeting the friendly members and staff of the Village. I appreciate the warmth with which I was received when I first joined the Village and in the many events and activities that I attended. I am looking forward to more opportunities where I can do my share to contribute to the Village mission.”
With members and friends like this, we know Pasadena Village is in good hands.