Weekly Village News for December 5, 2025

From Frank...

As we approach the end of the year, I can’t help but remember the author and newspaper columnist, Dave Barry, and his humorous “Year in Review.” For me, he always evoked a laugh and perhaps, much-needed perspective. I’ll refrain from trying to imitate his style, but will take this opportunity to share a bit of the Village’s year from my vantage point. 

First the highs. Our exhibit “We Are Your Neighbors” at the Cleveland Park Library and Maret school was spectacular and captured the attention of many passersby. We challenged the stereotype of aging and put a spotlight on eight brave members that were willing to share both their successes and challenges with the greater community. The Village, through our staff and dedicated volunteers, helped over a hundred people stay living independently in their home with practical assistance. In fact, we provided over 2,500 acts of kindness, including errands, grocery and prescription deliveries, rides, and tech support.

We also sponsored nearly 400 programs, including such things as stretching classes, games groups, walking clubs, cultural outings, concerts, suppers, etc. At our Sunday Suppers at All Souls Episcopal Church, I saw the camaraderie and socialization that occurred over meals from local restaurants. Or the community concerts, each attended by about 100 people coming together to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the neighborhood at such places as Tregaron, the Omni Shoreham, and McLean Gardens. And, of course, the Tuesday Talk speaker series, offered at the library in partnership with Cleveland Park Mainstreet. These are all activities and programs that convene members of our community through a shared interest. 

For me, the lows are always the people that we lost through the year. This year, for me personally, it’s the loss of my own mother that I feel so dramatically, but there were others from the Village community that I truly miss as well. I was honored to speak at the memorial service for a longtime member. She was brave and quite feisty to say the least and I surely miss her presence. Or that man that always had a cheerful smile, despite some physical challenges. And others moved outside of the neighborhood to be closer to family or where they can receive additional, needed care. For me, it’s always sad to lose anyone from our community, but I try to focus on how privileged I was to know them, sometimes only briefly, and what I can learn from my experience of them, to hopefully create an even more impactful and helpful Village.

These highs and lows fuel me to look forward with excitement and passion for what we can do in the new year. Our board of directors and I met late last month and charted a course for the coming year. We have great ideas to increase the number of older adults that we serve and new programs and services that will be of interest. More details to follow about plans for 2026.

This past week, we had a very successful Giving Tuesday fundraising effort. Two individuals (one from Cleveland Park and another from Woodley Park) each offered $5,000 in challenge grants. Forty-seven individuals gave a combined $11,354. In total, we were able to raise $21,354! Thank you!

Also this week, we launched our year-end annual appeal. Soon in your mailbox, you’ll receive an invitation from us to support the important work of the Village. If you are able, we’d greatly appreciate your support by making a tax-deductible contribution to the Village.

Read all the Village news and events right here.

— Frank Finamore, Executive Director