Blog archive
April 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
Villagers Creating Community
By Karen BagnardPosted: 01/24/2024
Individual Villagers are often the ones who create some of the most meaningful gatherings. These are people who simply have an idea and want to include others. Here are some examples:
Just before Christmas, Peter Lamendola, one of our newer members, who is an avid hiker and a volunteer driver, put out a message in the weekly Bulletin. He shared that he enjoys driving around and looking at all the amazing Christmas lights and decorations in our local communities. He offered to pick up any other Villagers who might like to join him.
I was one of those Villagers who responded with a most definite “YES!” As someone who does not drive, this was a rare and lovely treat. Peter knew all the great places to see spectacular decorations. In the comfort of his cozy car with his permission to bring along a hot drink, I had the pleasure of getting to know two Villagers I did not know before, and it was special, indeed. I suggested he do this again next year.
During the Thanksgiving holiday, Wayne April and Jeff Gutstadt decided to stay home for Thanksgiving rather than deal with traffic to get to a family gathering. They decided to invite other Villagers to enjoy dinner in their home, and called it the “Ain’t Got Nowhere to Go” Thanksgiving dinner.
Wayne, a fabulous cook, roasted a turkey and others brought side dishes. The guest list consisted of 13 Villagers, many who had not met each other before. We can only hope that Wayne and Jeff will do this again next year!
I’m an early bird and have always enjoyed the quiet beauty of early mornings with a good cup of coffee. Several months ago I started “Early Bird Coffee” at my home so that I could enjoy this time with Village friends. While not everyone is clamoring to get up early and join me, it’s a lovely small group of those who do enjoy getting up early. I also enjoy making something good to eat to go with the coffee and others often bring something to share, as well. We gather in my patio on warm days and in my living room or dining room on cold mornings. This has become a monthly gathering for anyone interested.
Recently, a newer member, Jane Hufnagel, decided she wanted to participate in the ArroyoFest walk on the Pasadena Freeway.e She thought it would be a fun activity to do with other Villagers and offered it up. A few joined her and enjoyed it immensely.
The Village offers all of us opportunities to bring good company into our lives to share pastimes we enjoy. We are always grateful for that engagement and the initiative taken by our friends.