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Blog archive

September 2026

August 2026

Triumph Over Tragedy
08/31/2026

Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained/Lost
08/30/2026

A Gallery of Neighbors: The Village Art Group’s Group Show
08/28/2026

A New and Improved Way to Stay Safer Online
08/28/2026

A Trip to The Geffen Galleries
08/28/2026

Barrier Free Living - A Path to Living a More Independent Lifestyle
08/28/2026

Conversations with Art
08/28/2026

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
08/28/2026

Member Connections with Music Conductor Bill Bing
08/28/2026

Pasadena Heritage Walking Tour
08/28/2026

In Their Hands
08/23/2026

Ease of Being: Managing the stuff of everyday life
08/20/2026

A Tribute to Fire Debris Remediators and Their Super-Sized Dump Trucks
08/18/2026

Really Irene?
08/15/2026

There Is A Risk
08/09/2026

2026 Year in Review
08/03/2026

A Message From Your Newly Elected President
08/03/2026

Neighborhoods Within the Village
08/03/2026

Reflection from PUSD Intern Isabella "Izzy" Roberts
08/03/2026

Reflection on Service & Joy from 2025/26 President Dick Myers
08/03/2026

The Villager Engagement Team Welcomed 54 New Villagers
08/03/2026

Treasurer’s Report
08/03/2026

What Activity! The Cultural Activities Team Report
08/03/2026

An Even Exchange
08/01/2026

July 2026

June 2026

May 2026

April 2026

March 2026

February 2026

January 2026

Engaging in Pasadena Village

By Jim Hendrick
Posted: 08/15/2024
Tags: suzi hoge

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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