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Blog archive

September 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

June 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

March 2024

February 2024

January 2024

Engaging in Pasadena Village

By Jim Hendrick
Posted: 08/15/2024
Tags: jim hendrick

Pasadena Village fosters a vibrant community where members can grow, connect and engage. Some folks get involved in the Village because of a personal invitation. Katy Townsend, a new member, was introduced to the Village by her friend (Villager) Lora Harrington-Pride. "I went to a TGI Thursday at the George restaurant. It was a huge success to me," she recalls. 

 

Some people join after thorough research, while others seek to expand their social circles. Jane Hufnagel says, "I wanted to expand my circle of friends." For Norma Shammas, the Village provided a much-needed sense of community after relocating. "I moved from another state and was looking to get involved here. I wanted to be part of the community and not a spectator from the outside," she says.

 

Pasadena Village offers a plethora of engagement opportunities, with 84 events on the June calendar alone. Board member Jo Yeargin found personal fulfillment through activities like memoir writing, even achieving publication. "Participating in activities at the Village is rewarding, socially, intellectually, and culturally," echoes Norma Shammas. Katy Townsend appreciates the immediate sense of belonging, noting, "The conversations are remarkable."

 

Connections are often formed during these sponsored activities. Ed Mervine joined seeking social engagement. "I needed a sense of connection. I had plenty of mental stimulation, but far less social and civic engagement. Conversations with Barbara Madden and Paula Rao suggested the Village might fill my void," he explains. Jeff Gutstadt, chair of the Villager Engagement Team, emphasizes the value of volunteering and committee work. "Through volunteering and working on committees, I've made friends and enjoyed the company of caring people," he says.

 

Getting involved in Pasadena Village is straightforward. The event calendar is accessible online, although navigating the website may require some practice. However, the calendar is full of opportunities for personal growth. Each Villager is encouraged to explore the wealth of activities available and take advantage of all that Pasadena Village has to offer. 

 

Through its diverse activities and welcoming community, Pasadena Village stands as a testament to the power of engagement and the richness of shared experiences.

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