January 2025

President's Message

Dear Villagers and Friends,

As we close 2024 and step into a new year, we do so in the midst of unprecedented challenges, and it is only natural to feel apprehensive.

The year 2025 will undoubtedly test us, bringing challenges from many directions and in various forms. The entire world is changing.  While we can’t manage the world, we can manage how we deal with the changes that directly affect us. As members and friends of Pasadena Village, we have something profound to anchor us: our shared values. These values—diversity, inclusivity, and a commitment to community—are not just words; they are the guiding principles that have shaped us since our founding. 

Our mission calls us to serve a growing and increasingly vulnerable population... those of us who are aging. As we dedicate ourselves to better understanding our needs and experiences, and those among us who are even more vulnerable than some of us, we contribute to the collective understanding of this stage of life.

Pasadena Village’s Strategic Plan is our roadmap for action. It outlines how we live out our values through education, outreach, and the fostering of community participation. This plan is not static... it is dynamic and action-oriented, designed to adapt to the evolving needs of our community while staying true to our founding principles.

In these times of uncertainty, we must speak boldly about our values. It is vital to remind ourselves—and reassure others—that we are part of a community that stands for inclusivity, compassion, and mutual respect. By doing so, we reinforce the bonds that hold us together and inspire others to join us in building a more just and equitable society.

Our operations, programs, and community interactions are all designed to reflect and implement these values. From connecting members in meaningful ways to advocating for the dignity and rights of all, Pasadena Village is committed to being a beacon of hope and integrity. It is this unwavering commitment that ensures we remain the community we are proud to call home.

As we prepare for the year ahead, let us reaffirm our dedication to these values and to one another. In that spirit, a number of Villagers have expressed interest in forming a group who will work to communicate our values among the ongoing conversation that will be taking place in the country. If you are interested in being a part of this group and participating in that effort, please contact me by email so that I can notify you as we begin to organize this group. 

Together, we can meet any challenge with resilience and grace, knowing that we are united by a shared vision for a brighter future.

In solidarity and hope,

Dick Myers