Blog archive
October 2024
Betty Kilby, A Family History
10/01/2024
Betty Kilby, A Family History
10/01/2024
Betty Kilby, A Family History
10/01/2024
September 2024
Connecting with Village Connections
09/30/2024
Betty Kilby, A Family History
09/27/2024
Reflection on Life
09/20/2024
Expanding the Possibilities
09/19/2024
Need a Ride? No Problem!
09/17/2024
Security When Aging (Especially If You Are Single)
09/17/2024
The Bridge Begins at Thanksgiving
09/17/2024
The Power of Collective Service: Putting the Village First
09/17/2024
Tino Melchor - A Mentor for Young Teens in the Making
09/17/2024
Village Party Bus Delivers FUN
09/17/2024
We Don’t Know What We Don’t Know: That’s Why We Have Educational Programs
09/17/2024
On Rereading Tolle by Ed Rinderle
09/10/2024
Autumn Leaves
09/09/2024
August 2024
1619 Wide Ranging Interests
08/19/2024
1619 Wide Ranging Interests
08/19/2024
First Anniversary
08/19/2024
Alexandra Leaving by Leonard Cohen
08/16/2024
Muse des Beaux Arts by W. H. Auden
08/16/2024
The God Abandons Antony by Constantinos P. Cavafy
08/16/2024
Ch – Ch – Ch –Changes
08/15/2024
Cultural Activities Team offers an ‘embarrassment of riches’
08/15/2024
Engaging in Pasadena Village
08/15/2024
Future Housing Options
08/15/2024
Message from the President
08/15/2024
There Are Authors Among Us
08/15/2024
Villagers Welcome New Members at the Tournament Park Picnic
08/15/2024
Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night by Dylan Thomas
08/14/2024
A narrow Fellow in the Grass by Emily Dickinson
08/13/2024
Haikus
08/13/2024
One Art by Elizabeth Bishop
08/13/2024
Poem 20 by Pablo Neruda
08/13/2024
Still I Rise by Maya Angelou
08/13/2024
Trees by Joyce Kilmer
08/13/2024
July 2024
Alma Stokes, The Struggle in Pasadena
07/25/2024
A Poetry Gathering: Liberating Experiences Available
07/19/2024
Civil Rights Movement Series
07/19/2024
Happy Hours in Pasadena: A Villager’s Perspective
07/19/2024
Pasadena Village and the National Dialogue on Villages and Healthy Aging Research
07/19/2024
President's Message
07/19/2024
The Kern River Rafting Caper
07/19/2024
The Village Artists Group creates creative camaraderie
07/19/2024
An Example of Inherent Racism
07/14/2024
Current, Upcoming Events
07/04/2024
June 2024
No Real Recourse For Discrimination
06/30/2024
A Personal Statement of Strength and Well-Being
06/25/2024
Juneteenth Reflections
06/24/2024
Reflections on 2023-2025
06/21/2024
Reactions and Reflections Re: Juneteenth
06/19/2024
As Our Organization Grows, Villagers Recall Personal Highlights
06/17/2024
From the Outgoing President
06/17/2024
Letter from the Incoming President: Beginning Our ‘Lagniappe’ Year
06/17/2024
The Editorial Team Looks Back: Creating the Voice of the Village
06/17/2024
This Year's Resource Fair was the Most Successful Ever
06/17/2024
Telling the Whole Story
06/12/2024
Nashville
06/10/2024
May 2024
Emergency Preparedness: Are You Ready?
05/28/2024
Farewell from the 2023/24 Social Work Interns
05/28/2024
Gina on the Horizon
05/28/2024
Mark Your Calendars for the Healthy Aging Research California Virtual Summit
05/28/2024
Meet Our New Development Associate
05/28/2024
Putting the Strategic Plan into Practice
05/28/2024
Washington Park: Pasadena’s Rediscovered Gem
05/28/2024
Introducing Civil Rights Discussions
05/22/2024
Rumor of Humor #2416
05/14/2024
Rumor of Humor #2417
05/14/2024
Rumor of Humor #2417
05/14/2024
Rumor of Humor #2418
05/14/2024
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
The Power of Collective Service: Putting the Village First
By Richard MyersPosted: 09/17/2024
In a thriving community like Pasadena Village, volunteering often starts with a question: What am I interested in, and can I find others who share that interest? This mindset fuels the creation of special interest groups, bringing people together to explore shared passions. Whether it's a book club, a walking group, or a gardening circle, Villagers are drawn to engage with others who mirror their interests. This model fosters a sense of belonging and joy as Villagers pursue activities they genuinely love.
Beyond special interest groups, many Villagers also find themselves drawn to specific committees, such as the Education Committee, Cultural Committee, or Volunteer Engagement Team. “I am interested in that. I will participate,” is the mantra that moves them to action. This is a natural and effective way to engage volunteers in meaningful work, connecting personal interests to collective needs. When people feel passionate about their involvement, they are more likely to remain committed and energized.
I want to propose a third, equally important way of thinking about volunteering in the Village. Rather than focusing on personal interests alone, what if we began by asking: “What does the Village need to continue functioning effectively, and how can I contribute to that effort?” This slight shift in mindset, from focusing on personal interests to putting the Village’s needs first, could make a significant difference in the community's long-term success.
It’s essential to acknowledge that not every task that keeps the Village running is glamorous. Some activities—administrative work, organizing events, or managing communications—may not align with personal passions. But these behind-the-scenes roles are vital to keeping the Village thriving. Without volunteers willing to step up and perform these necessary tasks, the Village’s efficiency and success would falter. It’s not always about following your passions; sometimes it’s about doing what needs to be done to support the community you believe in and value.
As a member-driven and member-run organization, Pasadena Village relies on the willingness of Villagers to step forward and perform these mundane but critical tasks. This is the essence of what it means to be part of a Village: we all share responsibility for its continued success. When we adopt this mindset—prioritizing the needs of the organization over our own—we ensure that the Village functions smoothly and continues to serve its members in the best way possible.
We have designated this year, 2024–2025, as a “lagniappe” year—a time when everyone is encouraged to do just a little bit more. In Cajun culture, “lagniappe” means a little something extra, a small gift or bonus that wasn’t expected but is appreciated. This mindset could transform our Village. If each Villager contributes just a bit more time or effort, even in areas that might not immediately excite them, the Village could operate more efficiently, effectively, and with greater impact. The cumulative effect of small contributions could lead to significant improvements.
Villagers participate at different levels. Some focus solely on activities, while others contribute more deeply to the operational side of things. Still, there are those who dedicate themselves to the day-to-day tasks necessary for the Village’s success. Even those who only occasionally attend events or pay their dues are essential, as they are part of the greater whole. Each Villager’s contribution, no matter how small, plays a role in sustaining Village life.
As our nation faces a demographic shift toward an aging population, organizations like Pasadena Village are crucial in meeting the needs of seniors. Villages play an important role in ensuring that aging adults remain active, connected, and engaged. Pasadena Village is not only benefiting its members locally but is also actively involved in broader efforts such as the Village Movement California, the Village to Village Network, and national research studies.
As a Villager, you can take pride in knowing that your participation, no matter the level, contributes to a greater cause. When we focus on what the Village needs rather than what we want, we strengthen the community as a whole. That, in itself, is a meaningful legacy to leave for the future of Pasadena Village and beyond.
And as always, remember that while we are doing the good work for our community, we continue to enjoy our good fortune of being Villagers.
Laissez les bon temps rouler!