Let’s face it, change is coming at us from every which way.  Accordingly, we felt it apropos to choose the theme, TRANSITIONS, for our first newsletter of 2025.  From the White House, as we hold our collective breath to see what the next four years will bring; to our individual homes, where each of us is experiencing some sort of life shift. And, quite frankly, shift can suck!  

For me personally, I’ve been digging my festive-socked toes and heels into the couch, not wanting to transition from the warm glow of the holidays to the potentially cold reality of the New Year. As you can see, both me and my kitty Grace were quite content to keep on hitting the 2025 snooze button. 
But this past Sunday, I decided to shift my perspective from angst and gnashing of teeth to peace and hope through baby-step forward movement.  As I boxed up Christmas and moved ‘Faith’ my blue spruce tree back outside to thrive until next year, I decided that right action in a changing world is key. I also remembered that I’m not alone, and neither are you. We’re all connected in community.
As David Bowie waxed so poetically, “Time may change me, but I can’t trace time.”  
Let’s embrace this transition of life together SLO Village!

The other morning, I noticed a single white hair among the golden blonde layers of my locks. Curious, I plucked it, checking to make sure it wasn’t just a highlight. While I usually see white and grey hairs as symbols of wisdom and transition, I instantly regretted removing it.
As the youngest of five, I’ve watched my parents embrace their salt-and-pepper look in retirement, a reflection of decades of life’s changes. 

Transitions surround us—externally and internally—bringing both joy and grief. While grief can be challenging, it’s often softened by connection.

A beautiful poem, The Layers by Stanley Kunitz (1905–2006), captures the complexity of grief and the changes that come with transitions. Here are a few lines that spoke to me:

...before I can gather strength
to proceed on my journey,
I see the milestones dwindling
toward the horizon.

Oh, I have made myself a tribe
out of my true affections,
and my tribe is scattered!...

“Live in the layers,
not on the litter.”
...no doubt the next chapter
in my book of transformations
is already written.
I am not done with my changes.

Remember, white and greying hairs are not just individual experiences—they are shared markers of life’s beautiful transitions.

 As I launch into my tenure this month as president of the SLO Village Board of Directors, I want to begin by recognizing outgoing president, Dave Kuykendall, for his service and loyalty to SLO Village. Dave continues to serve on the Board, lending his stellar tech expertise and serving as interim secretary. Thank you, Dave! And to Meg Kuykendall, retiring as Board Treasurer 

after many years of service, her expertise will be sorely missed, but we’ll thankfully continue to engage with Meg as she remains a volunteer. Thank you, Meg, we know you’ll enjoy spending your extra time as Mom and Grandma! And finally, I’m thrilled to welcome two new fabulous members to our Board: Sue Roberts and Will Triplett (see their Bios below).

We have big plans for 2025, including growing our membership, increasing the number of volunteers, and exploring new social activities, field trips and other opportunities to gather in community. Please let Tami or me know if you have any ideas for new activities. 

The Board is committed to supporting Tami Newcomb, Village Executive Director, and all our volunteers in providing, sustaining and expanding services to our members. Our goal is to help older adults in San Luis Obispo County to successfully live at home as they age. 

“I am not old, she said. I am rare. I am the standing ovation at the end of the play….”

(Thanks to Poetess Samantha Reynolds). 
Nicki Edwards President, SLO Village Board of Directors

SLO Village Year-End Campaign Results

Our 2024 SLO Village Year-End Fundraising Campaign was a smashing success! We exceeded our goal and raised $40,676 to date! It does indeed take a village to sustain and grow our village.  A rousing round of applause and heart-felt gratitude to each of our Board of Directors, members, volunteers, friends and neighbors who so generously contributed through donations, time, energy and love!

This new year brings new and exciting changes to our SLO Village Board!  Meg Kuykendall, who has served tirelessly as our Treasurer (and chief, cook and bottle washer) is retiring to devote more joyful grandma time, and we’re thankful that Meg will continue her substantial SLO Village volunteer efforts!  Dave Kuykendall has passed the gavel to Nicki Edwards as President of the Board but will continue to serve on the Board as interim secretary (and continued chief, cook and bottle washer).  We welcome two new members to the Board: Sue Roberts (member at large) and Will Triplett (treasurer).  Both Sue and Will bring fresh perspectives, talent and energy to SLO Village and are committed to helping us grow our beloved community.  See new Bios below or click here to see All Bios!

Will is a 41-year resident of San Luis Obispo. After growing up in Southern California and graduating from USC with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA with a finance emphasis, he spent 10 years in manufacturing as an engineer and eventually evolved into managing warehouses and logistics facilities. He also spent two years as a consultant with an international accounting firm.

Seeking a less complicated life and better environment in which to raise his two sons, he and his family moved to San Luis Obispo where for 30 years he ran his own mechanical service, design, and installation business. He is currently retired and serves on the board of his HOA. He loves to be outdoors and enjoys listening to his collection of jazz-based vinyl records. 

Sue has been a SLO resident since 1991, moving here to attend Cal Poly SLO. She graduated with a major in Nutrition and a minor in Gerontology, and soon after received  her Registered Dietitian license to work locally. She has been an active participant in the community working in the healthcare field for 25 years as a Pharmaceutical Sales professional and a Physician Relationship Manager for Tenet Health Care. 

She now acts as the Community Engagement manager for SESLOC Credit Union on the Central Coast. She is a single mom of two adult daughters (18 and 20) and has the pleasure of her 85-year-young mom living with her. She has a very happy and full life with her wonderful family. She is a graduate of Leadership San Luis Obispo Class 22, a SLO Chamber Ambassador of 14 years, a past board member of both the SLO United Way and Alliance for Pharmaceutical Access and currently acts as the incoming Board President for The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum for 2025. In her free time, she loves spending time with her friends, family, her sweet and patient boyfriend. She loves to hike, cook and be social!

A critical component to growing our SLO Village community is our volunteer base.  Accordingly, we’re committed to expanding our volunteer outreach, so we launched a campaign in the January 9th issue of New Times.  Please help us in this effort by reaching out to your friends, family and neighbors to encourage them to join us as a SLO Village volunteer...

Support and Spotlight of Pasadena Village

This month, we’re highlighting our neighbors at Pasadena Village in Los Angeles County. Their community exemplifies the power of older adults coming together to foster connection, engagement, and independence through member-led programs, social events, and wellness initiatives.

Our hearts are with Pasadena and surrounding areas affected by the recent wildfires. In challenging times, Pasadena Village demonstrates the strength of neighbors supporting each other. If you'd like to contribute to their relief efforts, please visit the link below for more details.

Their inspiring work reminds us how villages can provide support and enrich lives, especially during tough moments.

Learn more about Pasadena Village: www.pasadenavillage.org

Strengthening Community Resilience:

Joan Marett on Wildfire Preparedness

Considering the challenges faced by Pasadena and surrounding communities, we were fortunate to have Joan Marett join us for this month’s Coffee Chat. Joan, a San Luis Obispo resident with extensive experience on the Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team, shared her valuable insights on emergency preparedness, including resources for dealing with wildfires.

Joan walked us through helpful information on how to stay informed during wildfire seasons. One key resource she discussed was Ready SLO, which offers critical information for residents to prepare for emergencies.

We appreciate Joan's expertise and are grateful for the opportunity to learn from her firsthand experiences in wildfire preparedness!

Coffee Chat – Connect with Friends & Neighbors ☕

📅 When: First and Third Wednesdays of the Month
🕙 Time: 10:00–11:15 AM
📍 Where: 11245 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

Upcoming Dates:

Wednesday, February 5, 2025 – ❤️ Invite a Friend or Neighbor Day!

Bring someone new to share in the casual conversations and warm connections that make SLO Village so special.

Wednesday, February 19, 2025 – ❤️ Guest Speaker Session!

Stay tuned for details on an insightful talk about topics that matter to our community.

Whether catching up with familiar faces or introducing a guest, Coffee Chat is the perfect way to start your day. We look forward to seeing you there! ❤️

Lunch Bunch at IHOP 🍴

📅 When: Monday, February 10, 2025
🕦 Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Where: IHOP, 212 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

Join us for a delicious meal and great company! IHOP offers a wide variety of options, including an over-55 menu with smaller portions and prices. To make things easy, individual checks will be provided.

Register here in advance. We look forward to sharing good food and conversation with you!

☀️ Don’t miss out—come be part of these fun and welcoming events! ❤️