This week we had a gathering for volunteers, sponsored by Bill and Danny Ince, to convey our appreciation for their amazing contributions to the Village. It was great to see both longtime volunteers and those who have recently joined. These folks provide their time and talent to help their neighbors. Some drive Members Plus to medical appointments, boxing classes, singing groups, grocery shopping, etc. Other help us plan events, such as the upcoming trip to the Ford's Theatre. Still others help with fixing things around the house, or just calling, visiting, and spending a little time with neighbors. The Village model wouldn't work without our volunteers being so willing to be help others. Our volunteers also get so much out of the interactions with our members. As one volunteer, who is interviewing members for our oral history project, mentioned to me at the event, she was thrilled to get to know someone who is her neighbor in the community. I've mentioned this before, but Claire, Dan, and I are privileged to be able to witness these interactions and hear about connections and friendships that are made through the Village. Through the support of our volunteers, we're able to offer a wide variety of opportunities to connect. We have a few spots remaining for the first Sunday Supper, a free meal in partnership with All Souls Episcopal in Woodley Park. Other relatively new programs in October worth highlighting are the Games Group, an outing to Zinnia (on the grounds of the Historic Mrs. K's Tollhouse) for Oktoberfest, the Thursday Woodley Walking Group, and rescheduled outdoor concert at Rosedale Conservancy with Fizzy Lifting Drinks, a band of NIH directors named after the iconic scene from Willy Wonka, performing classic hits and some originals. I hope you'll join us for one or more events! If you're interested in volunteering, our next virtual information session will be on Tuesday, October 3rd at noon. It's just an opportunity to learn more about how volunteering with us works so you can determine if it's a fit for you. A reminder that members can also serve as volunteers, although it's certainly not a requirement. Note that the Village office is closed on all federal holidays; in October, we will observe Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday, October 9th.
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