As spring unfolds around us, with cherry blossoms at their peak and the buds of countless other flowers emerging, our community is still reeling from a harsh winter. The past few months have brought stark reversals of alliances abroad, indiscriminate deportations, firings, and budget cuts at home, as well as persistent threats to our own city’s cherished home rule. Many of us are concerned about what might come next, including the possibility of cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, two vital programs that protect older adults and vulnerable residents.
MEET CRUELTY WITH COMPASSION
In these uncertain times, East Rock Creek Village will continue to meet cruelty with compassion. We provide practical support—rides to the doctor, help with transitions—and offer a wide range of health, wellness, educational, and social programs that are open, welcoming, and community-centered. Together, we cultivate connection, resilience, and hope.
POETRY ABOUNDS
On a lighter note, April is National Poetry Month, a time to celebrate the power of words to help us process, reflect, and heal. We are pleased to continue our series of Poetry Salons in partnership with Day Eight, a local literary nonprofit, starting with our first gathering on Wednesday, April 9th. We know how important creative expression can be, so we are excited to also offer a three-session poetry-writing workshop with poet Regie Cabico, who so impressed us at our salon last July.
BUILDING COMMUNITY
Celebrating DC Emancipation Day on Wednesday, April 16th, ERCV will join with the League of Women Voters DC for a Spring Community Clean-Up. Let’s work together to make our beautiful neighborhoods even more pleasant. The next day, April 17th, is Senior Cinema Thursday at the Avalon Theatre. While I don’t know what movie will be showing, I do know that ERCV will be hosting and that I’ll get to say a few words about our wonderful Village before the movie begins. I hope the film selected will be as interesting as all the others have been and, of course, I hope you’ll be there.
On April 24th we’ll continue to explore art and meaning with a field trip to the East Wing of the National Gallery of Art. We’ve scheduled a 1pm guided tour of the exhibit Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist. It promises to be an inspiring look at a powerful and purposeful career.
WILDFLOWER WALKS & MORE
To celebrate Spring and the beauty of our surroundings, I invite you to join our special morning and afternoonwildflower walks in Rock Creek Park on Monday April 7th. And, if you enjoy food, drink, and conversation, come to our Thursday, April 10th Happy Hour at Motorkat in Takoma Park, and our April 23rd Lunch Bunchgathering Wednesday at the Nile Restaurant in Silver Spring. See you there!
I hope you’ll take advantage of some of what East Rock Creek Village offers, that you’ll spread the word, and consider becoming a volunteer yourself. In a world that may feel increasingly unsteady and mean-spirited, ERCV remains rooted in kindness. Together we are building something strong, resilient, and beautiful: season by season, word by word, act by act.
