Weekly Village News for April 11, 2025

From Frank...

We Are Your Neighbors

I know it’s only April 11th, but I’m so excited that I’m already going to start talking about May, which is Older Americans Month! The theme for this year’s celebration is “Flip the Script on Aging.” This year we will have a very special exhibition, “We Are Your Neighbors,” at the Cleveland Park Library throughout the month which invites us all to rethink how we view aging. the project shares the lives of eight longtime residents – all Village members -- through powerful portraits, personal stories, and audio in their own words.

I am inviting you to register for our opening reception at the library on Thursday, May 1. We will have light refreshments at 4:30 and then the formal program will kick off at 5pm with welcome by Mayor Bowser. Please register soon as space is limited.

The oral histories of our members and this subsequent exhibit based upon those histories were made possible due to funding by Humanities DC. There is a subsequent grant that we may qualify for to obtain additional oral histories of our members. So, if you’d like to potentially participate in our future project, please send me an email or call the Village office at 202-615-5853. Knowing that we have community support for this project strengthens our grant application, also due on May 1, for the follow-up project.

A couple of years ago when we applied for our initial grant to take oral histories, I could have never imagined where the grant would lead us. In just a few short weeks, you’ll see and experience the dramatic exhibit at the library (and I’m purposely being vague to not give away too many details.)

However, I will elaborate on just how moved I’ve personally been by hearing the stories of the eight members that shared their life stories.

When I came on board as Executive Director just before the pandemic 5 years ago, I found a slew of buttons in the office which say, “Seniors Matter.” Seeing these buttons really moved me. Because of my experiences with my grandmother living with my family growing up, and volunteering to call Bingo at the local senior living residence as a teenager, I learned at an early age that “seniors matter.” This also implies an understanding (if we need to wear a button) that seniors, or older adults as many use as a preferred term, are often overlooked. I’ll add that those with memory loss or a physical disability are even more overlooked.

For these reasons, our exhibit, “We Are Your Neighbors” is so important and powerful. This was only made possible because of the eight members who were willing to share their amazing journeys. We also had several interviewers, trained by our member Judy Waxman and Assistant Director Claire Thompson, who we should thank for their incredible participation in capturing the oral histories. By sharing who we are, our contributions, and sometimes our struggles, we’re giving others insight into our experience, perspective, and value in our community.To those who celebrate, I wish you a sweet Passover.

Read all the Village news and more at this link.

— Frank Finamore, Executive Director

P.S. Please don’t forget to register for the May 1 event and to let me know if you’re interested in participating in our next (potential) round of oral interviews. Our work is only possible with your support!