The Gift of Caring

This is an updated version of a post that originally appeared in November.

By Pat Scolaro

on november 16, board member Pat Scolaro hosted a gathering for neighbors interested in learning more about the Village, its services,  programs, and volunteer opportunities.

This month Georgetown Village is celebrating its 5th anniversary. An expanding community of about 200 members, Georgetown Village provides services and programs so that people 55 years and over can remain in their homes and stay connected, informed, and engaged in our neighborhood.

As part of its anniversary celebration, the Village is having a Membership Drive, offering any new members who join between now and the end of the year a $100 discount on the cost of their first year’s membership fee. As the holidays approach you may want to consider giving a membership to a parent, spouse, neighbor, friend, or yourself.

The Village offers two types of membership. Annual memberships, which cover volunteer services and participation in activities and programs, cost $600 for an individual and $900 for a household. For the same price, a social membership is available for members who do not require services but wish to enjoy social and cultural activities with members (e.g., trips to the movies and restaurants, outings to local museums and cultural events, book group, and more.). All but $100 of social membership dues are tax deductible. If a social member wishes to receive services, he or she can convert to regular membership with one call to the office. Subsidized memberships are also available for those with limited finances.

Bob, our favorite checker, greets longtime friends on Fridays at Safeway.

Volunteers are the heart of Georgetown Village. One call to the office connects members to volunteers ready to assist with their requests. These requests could be to change a light bulb or smoke detector battery, drive a member to a doctor’s appointment, take a member grocery shopping, demystify computers, cell phones and other electronics, and much more. In addition, there are regular social events such as trips to the movies and dinners, trips to local museums and cultural events, a book group, and other activities the members find interesting.

Georgetown Village has also begun training volunteers to provide health-care related services to its members. These specially trained volunteers will accompany members to the doctor’s office, take notes at medical appointments, or serve as a friendly companion when members are hospitalized, receiving treatments in the doctor’s office, or in the emergency room. When members have returned home, the volunteers can help with whatever is needed, such as providing meals, picking up prescriptions or groceries, or even walking the dog!

To join, donate, or volunteer, please contact Lynn Golub-Rofrano at (202) 999-8988 or Lynn@georgetown-village.org.