Weekly Village News for July 3, 2026

From Frank...It seems unfathomable to me that we are celebrating the 250th anniversary as a nation. Wasn't it just a few years ago that we were celebrating the Bicentennial? It reminds me of the saying about being a parent – the days are long, but the years are short. I was on the National Mall in 1976, not quite ten years old yet. Now, I'm facing 60 in a few weeks, and it's hard to comprehend how 50 years have passed!

I wish then I could have realized that it's worth soaking in the love of those that wouldn't be in my life forever. But I was like most kids and lived in the present. For me, that bicentennial day wasn't about freedom or democracy, but rather, a picnic lunch, popsicles, watermelon, and fireworks. I remember Johnny Cash was the Grand Marshal of the parade, but only because I detested the song, A Boy Named Sue, which was unfortunately, a favorite in my house. I could never quite buy into the narcissistic reasoning of the father offered in the ballad.

Today, on the eve of the 250th anniversary of our nation, I'm choosing to focus on a different type of immediate needs. That is, how we show up for one another. I know I don't have another 50 years, but how I show up for others in whatever time remaining is what's most important to me. Our Village epitomizes this value of being there for others. After explaining the concept to a prospective member, I got an email thanking me for the meeting, expressing gratitude for the services and social opportunities we provide, and expressing hope for the future.

In the spirit of showing up for others, we are collecting eyeglasses and hearing aids at the Village Square. We provide these to the Palisades Georgetown Lions Club who repurposes them for those in need. Next month, we'll be having a presentation by a representative from Bikes for the World and will subsequently be collecting bicycles for the group. So, look through your storage area, basement, shed, garage, etc. to find those old bikes. Through these endeavors, I hope that we show our values and make life a bit easier for others.

Happy Fourth! Everyone please stay safe and hydrated.

— Frank Finamore, Executive Director