As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, we find ourselves in a season of transition and reflection. Autumn’s arrival is a reminder that change is inevitable and can be beautiful: it’s a chance to embrace new beginnings and reimagine what’s possible. With the November elections and global conflicts on the minds of many, we are living in a time of uncertainty but also one of hope. Participating in the electoral process is an essential way to shape the future we all share, and ERCV is here to support you with important voter registration and early voting information in this newsletter.
Village Movement
Last week, with fellow ERCV Board members, I attended the Village to Village Network’s National Village Gathering via Zoom and the DC Villages Collaborative’s Celebratory Kickoff hosted by Georgetown Village. On October 15th, the Washington Area Village Exchange (WAVE) will hold its annual conference in Silver Spring. These events are reminders that ERCV is part of a larger movement that is substantially improving the lives of older adults across the country. Both here and abroad, Villages are challenging ideas about what growing older should mean – and demonstrating how all of us can stay connected and engaged. Together, we’re building strong, supportive communities where people can thrive at every stage of life.
October Fun
This month, I invite you to join us for a variety of fun and engaging activities. On Thursday, October 10th, come enjoy Motorkat’s Happy Hour, where you can relax, enjoy good conversation, and connect with neighbors over drinks and a bite to eat. The following week, on Wednesday, October 16th, we’ll have the third meeting of our Poetry Salon & Lunch series. The first two were enjoyable and quite inspiring, and I hope you’ll be able to come to this one. On Thursday, October 24th, get ready for some Fall Fun & Spooky Bingo online, a lively way to celebrate the season with a bit of friendly competition. Finally, on the 31st, just in time for Halloween, don’t miss the chance to join professional organizer Judy Tiger for a special session on “Decluttering Scary Places”– to help you to tackle those areas in your home that have been haunting you for too long!
I also want to take a moment to thank the volunteers whose time, enthusiasm, and dedication helped make our September Members’ Picnic a success. All our volunteers are appreciated, and all are an important part of what makes ERCV so special.
Looking Forward
As we continue through this season of color, change, and challenge, I encourage all of you to think about how you can help your neighbors and contribute to ERCV. Whether by becoming a trained volunteer, joining a planning committee, renewing your membership, or simply trying out a new ERCV offering, there’s always a way to get involved. If you know someone who might enjoy being part of our Village, bring them along! Being part of a community where neighbors help neighbors is a wonderful way to stay active, engaged, and connected—and that benefits us all.
To those in our community celebrating the Jewish New Year, shanah tovah v’shanah shel shalom l’kulam: May it be a good year and a year of peace for all.