January 2026

A New Adventure at Any Age

Last year, I had an opportunity to be a part of making a film at Villa Gardens, where I live. The film is named “Familiar Touch,” and being part of the creation of this film was a great and unexpected adventure. I had a small role in the film and got to sit in on many shooting sessions. Watching the crew work intensely at jobs they knew how to do well to create this production was fascinating. The film has gone on to great success, winning multiple awards at vintage film festivals and being utilized as promotion within the older retirement community for places like Front Porch, which owns Villa Gardens where I live, and other organizations focused on serving the elderly. Every announcement about an opening of this film or review continues the thrill of having been involved in it. My latest surprise is this short video posted on Instagram. I remember doing the interview after the film had won awards but had no idea that it was being used anywhere. What fun it is!

The point of this story is to illustrate the fact that even in an “advanced age,” it is possible to have fun in new and exciting ways. Never in my life did I anticipate that I would become a “movie star.” While this adventure was related to the place I live rather than Pasadena Village, where most of my activity is, it is not unrelated to my experience as a villager. As a villager, I find that I am in the most dynamic environment that I have ever experienced. The Village, with its great diversity and variety of villagers and experiences, is a constant and continuing nourishment of new opportunities to explore and experience life. Being a villager helps me stay alive and engaged.