Weekly Village News for April 24, 2026

From Frank...

This week I had the pleasure of going to a conference sponsored by Leading Age DC, an association of mission-driven aging services providers dedicated to making the District a great place to age well. It was great to interact with other leaders of various aging organizations, exchange ideas, and look for new ways to partner. For me personally, however, the keynote speaker, Jack York, of Tale Gate, inspired me and grounded me in what I already knew, but often forget: people are amazing, their stories are both touching and impactful, and those with dementia also have stories to tell. Jack travels around the country in a mini-van and records the stories of older adults using a dashcam video. He says, “Seniors have the best stories. Tale Gate’s mission is to find those stories and make sure they are told.”

Of course, I laughed and cried, especially thinking about my mother, and all the people who have mentored or inspired me. I feel so lucky to get to know so many older adults in the Village and I know my life is richer as a result. In March, we finished our second collection of oral histories. That too was an incredible opportunity to learn more about some of our members and a few longtime residents of the neighborhood. Reflecting on those oral histories, I must agree with Jack York that seniors have the best stories!

As we close out Volunteer Appreciation Month, I thought I’d share another anonymous story about a volunteer who went above and beyond. We had a member who had to have outpatient surgery, but the facility was less than forthcoming about the timing and requirements for someone to accompany them. Our volunteer was happy to help. When they arrived, they were told by the medical facility that the volunteer needed to stay for the entire time that the procedure would take place. Our volunteer had signed up to drive the member there and another volunteer was to take the member home. That scenario wasn’t possible and our volunteer rearranged her schedule, stayed with the member, made sure they made it home, and even check in on the member the next day. To me, this is more than dedication, it’s showing others that they matter.

Please join me in thanking our incredible team of caring volunteers. We couldn’t exist without such a dedicated, competent, and loving volunteer corps!

Read all the Village news, events, and programs for April and May right here!

— Frank Finamore, Executive Director