As my board term limit comes to an end, this will be my final President’s Message to the Pasadena Village community. It is difficult to express fully what an honor and privilege it has been to serve as President of the Board during the two years that began on July 1, 2024. These years have been deeply meaningful to me, not only because of the work we have done together, but because of the extraordinary people who make this community what it is.

I count it as one of the great good fortunes of my life that I found Pasadena Village in 2019. From the moment I became involved, I recognized that this was something very special - a community built not simply on proximity or shared interests, but on generosity, compassion, wisdom, and mutual support. I remain profoundly grateful to those who had the vision and determination to create Pasadena Village long before I arrived. Their efforts laid the foundation for everything we enjoy today.

Many of those early builders are still here and continue to contribute actively to the life of the Village. Others have moved on, including some whom I never had the chance to know personally. Yet their presence is still felt in the culture, spirit, and traditions they helped establish. Every program, every welcoming gesture, every volunteer effort, and every act of kindness reflects the cumulative work of countless individuals over many years.

The success of Pasadena Village has never been the accomplishment of any one person or any one board. It is the result of the combined efforts of an entire community - members, volunteers, staff, donors, leaders, and friends - all contributing in ways both large and small. Looking back on my own six years on the Board, including the last two as President, I can only hope that I have added something meaningful to that continuing story and helped leave the Village stronger for those who will follow.

Although my formal board service is ending, my commitment to Pasadena Village is not. I intend to remain active for as long as I can, simply in a new and different role. One of the joys of the Village is that there are so many ways to contribute, connect, and remain engaged throughout every stage of life.

Over the years, Pasadena Village has grown and evolved in remarkable ways. We have faced challenges, adapted to change, and emerged stronger and more purposeful. What began primarily as an association of friends and neighbors has become something even more important: a vital institution that contributes meaningfully to the well-being of people navigating what many of us call our “third act” of life while still taking care of our Villagers.

Today, the Village stands not only as a source of friendship and support, but also as a model of what community can mean in a time when connection and belonging are more valuable than ever. We are demonstrating that aging can be accompanied by purpose, engagement, dignity, and joy.

With great confidence and optimism, I look forward to the continuing growth of Pasadena Village and the expanding contribution it will make in the years ahead - not only to its members, but to the larger community and world around us.

Thank you for the trust, support, friendship, and inspiration you have given me. Serving this community has been one of the great privileges of my life.

Dick Myers

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