Weekly Village News for Nov. 6, 2026

From Frank...Just recently while I was in South America, one of my sisters sent me a picture of two of my other sisters, Peggy and Gloria,  pictured above in my father's 1970 Fiat 500.  It was like finding gold!  The conversation started because I sent my sisters a photo of a classic car in Montevideo.  I am a vintage car buff so, of course, I noticed and loved all the classic cars I saw while traveling.  

What's terrific about receiving the picture is that I don't recall ever seeing it before and it reminded me of some wonderful times with sisters. We would take our father's car for a ride while he was watching the Redskins.  The Fiat was tiny and a manual shift. We'd put it in neutral, push it up the nearby street which was a hill, hop in, and pop the clutch to get it started! Then Peggy drove us through the neighborhood, always making sure to park it where it had been previously.

It's a favorite memory with my three youngest sisters and thinking of it brings back such funny and happy memories. Now that both of my parents are gone, I find my spirits buoyed by such memories. Who couldn't smile when looking at my sisters' smiles in the picture?!

I have to consciously remind myself that it's not too late (at sixty) to make new memories.  Admittedly, it's not always as easy to make new friends later in life.

I hope that the Village makes that a little easier for some.  A gentle reminder that we can each make a special effort to make everyone in our community feel welcome.  Some ideas to do this are:

• Take the initiative to meet someone new.  For example, sit next to someone that you haven't spoken to yet.

• Share a little about yourself but also remember to ask questions about others.

• Chat back with those that initiate a conversation with you.

• Practice good listening skills and be inquisitive without being intrusive.

• Invite someone that is standing or sitting alone to join you.

These are just some ideas, but I am sure that you have more tricks and techniques. Collectively, let's make an effort to ensure that we have a welcoming community!

Have a great weekend. Read everything we have to offer at this November calendar right here.

Frank Finamore, Executive Director

P.S. Is anyone interested in a German conversation group?  We have one new member who would like such a group.  Please send an email to info@cwpv.org and we'll organize the group!