January 2026

Small Group Gathering - Conversations & Support

By Buff Gontier
Posted: 12/18/2025

The Corner Bakery on Foothill Boulevard was the festively decorated site of the Small Group gathering for December.  While the group of about fifteen gathered to enjoy its goal of conversation and support, some enjoyed a full meal as others only indulged in coffee. They chatted while waiting for promised insight from Wayne April, Vice President of the Board of Directors. 

At the appropriate moment, Julie Sorenson who, along with Michelle Kuczma, is a chairperson of the group, introduced Wayne to give his outline about the Village. He began by announcing that he had not prepared a speech but was happy to speak spontaneously and answer questions. The first subject seemed naturally to be the use of the money that came to the Village for fire relief. He related that it was mainly spent on gift cards for fire victims and also for replacement of the many items that were lost. He said a majority of the money has come from the California Community Foundation and has a March deadline for distribution. It has helped “plug holes” left by lack of insurance. Wayne related the matter of some minor controversy regarding fire relief taking away from general Village goals, but he felt strongly that the fire’s effect on twenty members justified its use and also added that some of the funds had been approved for purchase of the new Village van. 

Wayne then approached the matter of Board of Directors positions, wanting to tempt members to apply. He mentioned that June 2026 will bring some Board changes as some terms will be up. Meetings are on the third Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m. and the next one will be January 20 at Villa Gardens followed by a reception. He encouraged attendance, adding that anyone may attend the meetings to observe but not interrupt or contribute. 

Some spontaneous conversation followed Wayne’s remarks, including Jim Hendrick’s expected grandchild in April and also his newest idea for a short story. Norma Shammas was asked about her artistic scarf making, which she described as very time consuming but rewarding. Michelle and Julie, our chairpersons, wanted to explore ideas to facilitate future gatherings, hoping to increase future attendance. One idea was to introduce a topic, follow it initially, and let it develop and expand. Other ideas offered were (1) inviting another Village organizer, (2) possibly meeting in the office or other local spot, and (3) meeting later in the day. All remain to be considered, as all agreed they felt informed and enriched by the gathering.