Monthly Village News for September 2026

From Frank...

I am so excited to announce that we have several new programs planned at the Square starting in September, which is unbelievably next week already! I love new experiences and/or challenges. Earlier this week, I was out to dinner for Restaurant Week with leaders of other Villages and we talked about family vacations. I recounted the only family vacation that I remembered we ever took, which certainly was a fond memory of a new experience for me as a kid.

My mother, who was single at that point and raising seven of us alone, wanted to take us to Hershey, Pennsylvania for the day. We all piled in the 1972 Pinto (and don’t ask me how we all fit, but I do remember lying across my sisters’ laps in the back!) and made our way North. I remember touring the chocolate factory and despite being someone who doesn’t crave chocolate, I loved everything about that new experience. The best part was staying in a hotel for the first time. I can remember my sister, Gloria, just three years my senior, jumping on the bed with me from the excitement of being away together as a family.

Unfortunately, it's rare these days that I have new experiences that give me those feelings of excitement. I’ll admit, however, that opening the Village Square has been a source of joy (and pride, if I’m being really honest!) Having new programs and seeing people congregate and interact has me figuratively jumping up and down. It’s the smiles, connections, and sense of belonging that is heartwarming to witness.

So, here are some details on some new activities that we’re undertaking which I hope will get even more of you to the Village Square. And if you’ve not been previously, know that we have detailed instruction to find us online at www.cwpv.org/moved. 

• The Village is offering three evening Mahjong lessons on September 8, 15, and 29, at 5:30 pm, taught by an instructor from Mix Mingle Mahj. After the initial set of three classes, the group will then decide on a regular (non-evening) meeting time that works for everyone. Special thanks to Margot Wilson and Sabrina Paige from Washington Fine Properties for sponsoring this activity and providing instructors. We’re here weekdays from 9am to 5pm, and some evenings and weekends for special events.

  • Line dancing will now be every Thursday from 4 to 4:45pm with Dega Schembri from Foundation Fitness. You can click here to read an abstract of the research on the health benefits to line dancing (which is part of the reason why we’re offering this! Besides, it’s fun and who doesn’t like the Electric Slide?

    
    

  • On Fridays at 2:30pm, we’ll have Friday Afternoon Crafters. You’re welcome to bring whatever project you might already be undertaking or you can learn to knit! We’re making scarves, hats, and toys for The Brooks, the short-term family housing facility near the Cathedral Commons.

    
    

  • We have a monthly birthday bash for all members and volunteers who have a birthday during the month. Look for an email invitation from us for the birthday party which will be on September 30th at 3pm. (Note that unfortunately, we don’t have record of many volunteers’ birthdays so if you’re a volunteer with a September birthday, please feel free to register and join the party, even if you don’t get a personalized email! Also, please update your profile in our software and include your birthday, please.)

    
    

  Finally, I hope to see many of you at this Sunday’s concert at Tregaron Conservancy. We have a big crowd registered, but there’s plenty of room. If you haven’t registered, please do so by using the link above. Also, if you are attending and need a chair provided, you MUST indicate that in the comment section when you register. We have a limited number of chairs and want those that need them to have one available. Please review all of our wonderful programs and events going on at the Village Square right here.

  
  

  — Frank Finamore, Executive Director

  
  

  P.S. Wouldn’t it be fun to jump on a bed again? I’m not recommending actually doing it, but am just inviting you to join me in remembering how it felt!