MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

September is often a nostalgic time for me. I remember sending the kids back to school right after the last Labor Day cookout of the summer. There was always a sense that one season was ending and another was beginning. In many ways, September has always been a month of endings and beginnings for so many of us.

Now, as a Villager, September still feels different from other months. We welcomed new Board Directors in July, attended our first Concert in the Park in August, shared conversation and laughter at our annual Summer Picnic, and now, as we look for the weather to cool, we turn our attention to the many fall events and activities ahead.

Endings and beginnings.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about all the opportunities we have to be involved in our Village. For some of us, that might mean getting involved a little more…joining an activity, attending an event, volunteering, or simply getting to know a few more of our Villagers. For others, it might mean giving ourselves permission to be a little less involved and simply enjoy the community at our own pace.

That’s one of the wonderful things about being a Villager: there is no one right way to participate. There are countless opportunities to connect, contribute, celebrate, or simply enjoy the season.

As we move into September and look toward fall, perhaps it’s a good time for each of us to think about what we want the next few months to look like. What would bring you joy? What would you like to try? Where might you want to lend a hand—or perhaps step back and make a little more room for others or for yourself?

Every new season gives us the opportunity to begin again.