The Pasadena Village

CAREGIVERS AND THE VILLAGE Sometimes it creeps up slowly. Other times, it is a traumatic life changing event. Whatever the cause, when one partner in a relationship becomes increasingly dependent upon the other because of long term and often progressive physical or mental health problems, life changes for both partners. As one partner struggles with health issues and often decreasing capacity to function, the other takes on the role of Caregiving. This new role is different... from parenting and other kinds of dependent relationships because of the history of the couple. It is the history, often very long, that supports the bond; it is the historical behaviors that require reshaping in the present to fit the shifting needs. Caregivers begin to absorb responsibilities that are no longer shared. And sometimes they are forced to take on responsibilities that were never previously shared the partner had always taken care of them but, for whatever reason, no longer can. Over time, these responsibilities can become overwhelming. Caregivers experience changes in life style. They grapple with questions of decision making and who is in charge. They struggle with internal messaging pressuring them to stay strong. Fighting issues of isolation and fatigue become commonplace. Those fortunate enough to have the resources may hire help to provide limited respite and assistance with caregiving needs, yet another layer of things that must be managed. Two significant things occurred during the past four months affecting the Caregivers who are Village members - the creation of a Caregiver support group and the arrival of the Coronavirus. In January, at the request of the Village Support Assessment Team, a group of Caregivers came together, drew up plans for a Caregiver support group with guidelines for participation and a schedule of regular meetings. The group began meeting in early February. And then, Coronavirus struck. Social Distancing orders were issued for the entire state. It became clear that the risk to Caregivers and their partners was heightened by having outside help come into the home. The services designed to reduce the demands on the Caregiver were stopped. Even contact by family members was limited. The sense of Caregiver isolation, loss and fatigue were increased. However, a place where members with these common issues could come together and share and support one another had already been created. For the Caregivers the group offers a place to gather, now on Zoom, to share experiences and resources, to relieve some of the stress of the job they hold and make a human connection. For the Village this has been one additional way of giving and improving the community life of our members. ..Esther Gillies

VIBRANT NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS AT THE PASADENA VILLAGE Neighborhood groups have been tying Pasadena Villagers together for several years and are now successfully transitioning to Zoom gatherings with lots of help: Dave is hosting our meeting because he’s our techie.... Belinda’s patient computer tutoring got us set up. One of us went to Autumn’s really helpful tutorial for Zoom. The Wild West Group, originally called 91103, changed its name when other zip codes joined them. Over the years they have had some meetings on special topics such as earthquake preparedness, but usually have just enjoyed conversation and getting together. Their first Zoom meeting followed a similar pattern with everyone having a chance to speak. In the past, the Easterners Group, covering the east side of Pasadena, has gathered in people’s homes for potlucks or at friendly restaurants. Food is good, said one of its organizers. Our largest, most successful gatherings occur when there’s food. Besides visiting and catching up, meetings often include local issues such as a proposed multi-use complex planned for toxic land on Foothill Blvd. The Altadena Foothill Group, 91001 has been comprised originally of long-time Altadenans, but has now been strengthened by newer residents as well as La Canada area Village members. Pre pandemic, they had tried various meeting venues from local eateries to people’s homes, but then discovered the little Altadena Golf Course café that has indoor space for inclement weather and a wonderful patio dining area before "sheltering in place" was introduced in to our lives. The 91106, 91108 and 91030 Group, encompassing the southern part of Pasadena plus San Marino and South Pasadena, has met every few months for enjoyable times getting to know each other since their paths tend not to cross. They had met in people’s homes, learning about the host’s special interests and talking and talking. As Covid-19 was taking over, they still continue to meet via Zoom. Most of the groups have about three members who share the leadership and find that meeting monthly at regular times helps, although one meets every few months and then emails and calls members between meetings. They all have systems for checking on their entire membership, with the leaders of one group meeting weekly to check on everyone. The East Pasadena group has a large number without internet who are called regularly. Zoom has presented challenges, but thanks to skilled helpers it has also provided new opportunities. Participants have found that it helps give everyone a chance to talk and be heard. Until we can relax our social distancing, the groups will rely on regular Zoom get-togethers in addition to telephone and emails to keep in touch.

ZOOM BIRTHDAY PARTY @ The Pasadena Village On Friday, April 24, we celebrated members who had birthdays in March and April with the Village's first ever Zoom Birthday Party. A total of 41 screens attended the Zoom party. Villagers had fun learning a little history about the birthday members; where they were born and how they came to be in Pasadena. Fritzie Culick led us in singing Happy Birthday and a great time was had by all.

OUT OF PRECAUTION FOR THE ONGOING AND CHANGING COVID-19, PASADENA VILLAGE HAS POSTPONED ALL IN PERSON EVENTS. THE VILLAGE COMMUNITY CONTINUES TO ACTIVELY ENGAGE VIA ZOOM FOR ALL EVENTS, MAINTAINING A SAFE SOCIAL DISTANCING FOR OUR MEMBERS TO BE ABLE TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH ONE ANOTHER.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO COME LEARN MORE ABOUT WAYS TO GETTING AROUND WITHOUT DRIVING!

The latest art exhibit in Pasadena Village Community room features the photographs of Village member Howard Ruffner. Howard is best known for his photographs of the 1970 Kent State shootings which he took while working as a photographer for the Kent State University student newspaper and yearbook. Several of his photographs, including one that appeared on the cover of Life, are etched into our collective consciousness when we think about civil unrest and the latter half of t...he 20th century. After years working in the photo journalism field, Howard began exploring photography from a fine arts perspective. He focused on capturing images in nature and honed his skills at printing and framing a scene. The images on display at the Village reveal Howard’s broad range of interests and ability to convey a mood, or feeling, through visual imagery. Howard’s love of photography continues to this day. I am still looking at new ways to see the world. Everyone is invited to view Howard’s art at the Pasadena Village during normal business hours. See more

Pasadena Village Members had a wonderful tour of KPCC So Cal Public Radio, led by Doug Gerry, KPCC Manager, Broadcast Media Operations. The Villagers learned about the history of KPCC, and were led through the studios, Green Room, Technical Operations Center, and News Room Departments. They also had an opportunity to watch Larry Mantle at work during his "Air Talk" hour.

Parson's Nose Theater January 4 at 7:57 PM The Pasadena Villagers had a great Saturday afternoon at PNT. Pasadena Village Players, led by Bill Jennings in the title role, reads CBS Radio's "Hamlet". A wonderful look at Shakespeare's most popular, yet seldom seen play. The one hour reading was capped by Jean and Claire's excellent rendition of Abbott and Costello's "Who's on First".

EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO COME TO THIS CO-PRESENTATION BY THE PASADENA VILLAGE AND THE PASADENA JEWISH TEMPLE AND CENTER RABBI LAURA GELLER, Founder of Chai Village, Los Angeles, will discuss and sign her book Getting Good at Getting Older. Skizuko Akasaki, President of the Board of DirectorS for The Pasadena Village,... will be giving a brief introduction about the Pasadena Village. See more

AARP SMART DRIVER TEK WORKSHOP Tuesday, October 29, 2019 10:00am - 11:30am Pasadena Village Office Complex Room 117 236 W. Mountain St., #104, Pasadena 91103... This very informative workshop, presented by a retired CHP officer, will be offering an interactive way to stay up-to-date with the latest technology in your current or future car. Learn all about blind-spot detection systems, front-collision warning systems, and more....and it's free! This event, brought to you from the Pasadena Village Education Committee, is a collaboration between AARP and the Pasadena Village. If you are interested in attending this workshop, please contact the Pasadena Village Office 626-765-6037