Blog archive
May 2024
Springtime Visitors
05/07/2024
Freezing for a Good Cause – Credit, That Is
05/02/2024
No Discussion Meeting on May 3rd
05/02/2024
An Apparently Normal Person Author Presentation and Book-signing
05/01/2024
Flintridge Center: Pasadena Village’s Neighbor That Changes Lives
05/01/2024
Pasadena Celebrates Older Americans Month 2024
05/01/2024
The 2024 Pasadena Village Volunteer Appreciation Lunch
05/01/2024
Woman of the Year: Katy Townsend
05/01/2024
April 2024
Rumor of Humor #2410
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2411
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2412
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2413
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2414
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2415
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2416
04/28/2024
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
Bridget Brewster Discovers Village Benefits
By Bridget BrewsterPosted: 06/04/2023
Village Life: A New Villager’s Perspective
Bridget Brewster
I was invited several times to become a part of Pasadena Village . . . I politely declined. Why? Well, my thinking was this: I don’t think I want to be with a bunch of ‘old people’ who probably talk about the ‘good old days’ or the various aches and pains of aging. I want energetic conversations, not nostalgia.
Well, let me tell you, the day I finally attended a Meet Me at the Village session to learn a bit more, my erroneous assumptions flew out the window. I couldn’t have been more wrong in my unfounded judgement (my mama always told me to explore before judging). The people around the table were energetic, enthusiastic and forward-thinking individuals who are living life, not just getting through it.
The mission of the Pasadena Village (which, by the way, is a national movement) is to foster vital independent living in a spirit of mutual support, enrichment and inclusiveness. Well, friend, it’s not possible to do this alone or without commitment to create community.
I became a Villager in spite of the fact that I’m not a ‘joiner’. What I’ve discovered is that becoming a Villager, although there is an annual fee in order to support the important and necessary work, it is not a transactional commitment. Becoming a Villager is, at its core, becoming a part of a vital community of individuals who want to be part of my life and growth and be with me on this journey of aging.
As independent as I am at the age of 73, I’m smart enough to know that I may not always be so independent, but I won’t be alone for any part of this aging process. I will be supported and encouraged by Villagers with whom I participate in an astonishing number of activities. Oh, yes, I have family close by, but they’re my kids, not my peers. In every village, family has a role and the rest of the villagers have a role . . . they complement each other, but both are vital for a joyful, fulfilling journey.
I’m so grateful I overcame my reluctance to learn about Pasadena Village. My life is already richer, happier and busier than I could imagine. I hope you will take time to explore who we are and how you will be part of our ever growing and always exciting community.