In early May, more than 250 members, volunteers, staff, board and supporters gathered to commemorate a decade of neighbors helping neighbors age in place by marking the 10th anniversary of Arlington Neighborhood Village.
Board president Larry Padberg was the caster of ceremonies; state Sen. Barbara Favola and Arlington County Board Chairman Libby Garvey brought greetings from the state and local levels; and organization founder Carol Paquette recounted its inspirational beginning and growth. At the end of the evening, the crowd enjoyed a performance from The Arlingtones’ a-capella group, No Note Left Behind.
“The evening was a true expression of ANV’s culture of caring and the human connection that fuels our village,” said Wendy Zenker, the organization’s executive director.
Arlington Neighborhood Village is a volunteer-driven, non-profit body dedicated to helping older residents of Arlington continue living in their own homes – safely, independently and with an enhanced quality of life.
Since 2014, Arlington Neighborhood Village has grown from an idea between friends to a thriving village with more than 400 members, the organization says. More than 285 active volunteers directly serve members.
It is one of about 350 “villages” that have started or are in the process of development since the first began in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston in 1999, helping neighbors age in place with transportation, simple home repairs and tasks, and offering friendly connections.
“Together, we are creating an Arlington where older residents of all abilities, races, cultures and means can age in place with dignity and autonomy with genuine connection and support,” Zenker said.
For information, see the Website at https://anvarlington.org. To view a 10th-anniversary video, see the Website at https://vimeo.com/944840414.
