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President's Message
The tagline on our new logo says, “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.” What does that mean to you? Through our Time Bank we’ve seen members exchanging favors, such as loaning tools, watering plants, taking care of pets, making friendly visits, giving rides to the airport and picking up groceries. That’s certainly neighbors helping neighbors. Through Social Connections, members are asking for advice on home improvements, sharing valuable information on various topics and offering shared social experiences. That’s neighbors helping neighbors. Most recently, members recovering from surgery have needed help with meals. I’d like to thank those who have stepped up to help to make or pick up a meal for someone. Thank you for your compassion and acts of kindness! Once we get our extended Member Services Plan running, we will have additional nonmember help providing special services to our members as we age in place. In the meantime, let’s continue to build a culture of volunteering--taking time to help one another, especially in times of need. Let’s shine a light on our tagline: Neighbors helping Neighbors!
One of our ongoing goals in our Strategic Plan is to continue to develop relationships with professionals who will educate and support our members as needed. Our Business Manager, Cassandra Hanrahan, has done an amazing job putting together our Supporting Partners Program and is now in the process of organizing our Summer Speaker Series. The first one is scheduled for June 12. Karen Brothers will share solutions for organizing your home and life. On June 26, the Senior Advisory Council (SAC) will provide a panel of experts that offer services for seniors and their families. Last year, Thom and I attended their presentation and came home with three important contact numbers. 0ne helped us plan our cremation and take the burden off our daughters. Another was to evaluate our life insurance plan. The third brought us over $1900 from Unclaimed Property in California. We’re signed up to attend their presentation in June. I encourage you to join us.
As former educators, summer had always been a happy and relaxing time of year. Currently, it’s a time that Thom and I get to spend more time with our grandkids–-both the college grandkids and the 7- and 10-year-olds. Summer is supposed to be a time to slow down! Not for the Village! We continue to have a pack-filled calendar! I suggest you print the calendar you see in this newsletter, mark what interests you and sign up on the Website calendar!
Ginny VanBenthuysen
TVSD Board President |  | | The Village to Village Network and Rutgers University recently released findings from the 2025 National Census of Villages, providing the most comprehensive look at the Village Movement since 2016. The results offer an encouraging picture of a growing movement that is helping older adults remain connected, engaged, and independent in communities across the country.
The census included 245 Villages in 37 states and achieved an impressive 88% response rate. Together, these organizations represent more than 50,000 Village members nationwide. One particularly encouraging finding is that after a slowdown during the pandemic, new Villages are once again being established, a sign that communities continue to embrace the Village model as a way to support aging in place.
One of the key messages from the report is that Villages are about much more than providing services. They create opportunities for connection, friendship, and belonging.
Across the country, Villages are helping members stay engaged through:
Social events (68% of Villages)
Educational and cultural programs (66%)
Wellness and health activities (59%)
At the same time, many Villages provide practical support that helps members remain independent:
Friendly visits (87%)
Technology assistance (87%)
Rides (86%)
Help with errands (84%)
The census also confirms what many of us already know: volunteers are the heart of the Village model. Every Village providing services relies on volunteers, and 60% provide member services exclusively through volunteers. In addition, nearly three-quarters of Village board members are Village members themselves, demonstrating how member involvement helps shape and sustain these organizations.
Another interesting finding is that most Villages operate with relatively modest resources. Nearly half (45%) have annual budgets under $50,000. The average annual membership fee is $337, and 86% of Villages offer reduced-fee or sliding-scale memberships to ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation.
Villages also work closely with other organizations in their communities. On average, each Village reports six community partnerships. Common partners include senior centers, Area Agencies on Aging, healthcare organizations, home health agencies, and age-friendly community initiatives.
For Tierrasanta Village, these findings are a reminder that we are part of something much larger than our local organization. We are one of hundreds of Villages across the country working toward a shared goal: helping older adults remain in their homes and communities while maintaining independence, purpose, and meaningful connections.
Perhaps the most important takeaway from the census is that Villages are creating what the report calls an "infrastructure for belonging." While services such as rides, errands, and technology support are valuable, the real strength of the Village model is the relationships it helps build. By bringing people together through activities, volunteerism, learning opportunities, and mutual support, Villages are helping combat social isolation and creating communities where people feel connected and valued.
|  | | FRIDAY FIESTA
THANK YOU TO ALL who attended the FRIDAY FIESTA EVENT in May and a special shout out to the Planning Team and Dessert Bakers. The food was well received, Mark’s playlist made it truly festive and the Pinata brought many smiles! | Summer Speaker Series
Our Summer Speaker Series brings together local experts to share practical guidance for living well, staying informed, and planning ahead.
We hope you’ll join us!
Your Life Well Organized
Friday, June 12, 2026 | 2:00–3:30 PM
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Imagine a home that truly supports the life you want to live, one that’s easier to maintain, less stressful, and filled with more room for what matters most.
Professional organizer Karen Brothers will share practical strategies for understanding clutter, creating systems that work, and transforming your home into a calm, functional space. You’ll walk away with simple, realistic ideas you can start using right away, plus inspiration for creating more freedom, creativity, and connection in your daily life.
Karen is the founder of Karen Brothers & Co., a preferred in-home organizer for The Container Store in San Diego, and a certified FreedomFiler® consultant with more than a decade of experience helping clients simplify and organize their homes and lives.
Registration is requested.
This presentation will also be available via Zoom.
AARP Scam Jam
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | 2:00–3:00 PM
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Scammers are becoming more sophisticated every day, but knowledge is one of the best defenses.
Join presenters from the County of San Diego Scam and Fraud Education Support Team and the AARP Fraud Watch Network for an interactive session focused on recognizing and resisting today’s most common scams. Learn how scammers create urgency and trust, the warning signs to watch for, and practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.
You’ll leave with valuable tools, resources, and greater confidence in spotting fraud before it happens.
Registration is available through the https://events.aarp.org/event/SDScamJam061626/summary.
This presentation will also be available via Zoom.
Senior Advisory Council: Ask the Experts
Friday, June 26, 2026 | 2:00–3:30 PM
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Planning ahead can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
The Senior Advisory Council (SAC) brings together experienced San Diego County professionals dedicated to helping older adults and their families age well. Their expertise includes aging in place, long-term planning, asset preservation, and end-of-life planning.
This interactive event offers the opportunity to ask questions, gain practical guidance, and connect directly with trusted professionals who can help you plan ahead with confidence.
Please register and visit senioradvisorycouncil.com for additional information.
This presentation will also be available via Zoom.
We encourage you to invite friends and neighbors who may benefit from these valuable presentations. All events take place at the Seventh-day Adventist Church (11260 Clairemont Mesa Blvd).
We look forward to seeing you there!
| Cornhole & Pizza Night
Here's the next fun event from the Village Social Committee!
-All members are welcome to the Cornhole & Pizza Night. You do not need to take part in the tournament in order to attend.
-The Event starts at 4 pm.
-Members who want to play Corn Hole must arrive and sign in at the registration table by 4:15 pm.
-You can be a “single” Corn Hole player or a two-person team player. Single Corn Hole players will be paired up by the Corn Hole Captain (aka Mark Lasky).
-Tournament format will be double elimination to crown an overall champion as well as a “loser’s bracket” runner up. All games will be timed and each round will start and end on a signal from the Corn Hole Captain. Each team will play the same number of games and receive their next court assignment between rounds. Full rules will be distributed at the event and also available on the event webpage prior to June 19.
-All Corn Hole players must contact Georgia Sparkman via email, text or phone call by Monday June 16th @ 5pm to confirm they will be playing Corn Hole.
Note: It’s imperative we have a firm headcount of the number of players a few days in advance in order to prepare and print the Master Tournament Bracket Board that will be displayed at the event.
Bottled water, ice, and dessert will be provided.
Registration closes on June 16, 2026 @ 5:00 pm.
Cost per person is $ 14.00 for Members and $15.00 for Non-Members
Registration required - thank you!
Georgia Sparkman’s Info:
georgiasparkman@yahoo.com
cell phone – 619-871-2928 | June Member Meeting
Monday, June 1 @ 3PM
At the June Member Meeting join us for a sneak preview and brief introduction to Helpful Village, the software platform we’ll be migrating to over the next few months. Member Mark Lasky will present our new homepage along with a glimpse of some of the most commonly used website features.
Please bring your name badges and non-perishable food items for the Seventh-day Adventist ongoing Food Drive - thank you!
This is a hybrid meeting so members are welcome to attend in person or online via Zoom. Thank you for registering. | Daytime Bunko
Thursday, June 18, 2026, 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM
Village Clubhouse
Were you waitlisted for the last evening Bunko session? Do you prefer a daytime activity? Here’s the opportunity you’ve been waiting for to join 15 other like-minded gamers for this fun and silly game!
Bring your own beverage. Light snacks provided. $5 per player — collected at the event. Please bring cash. Money collected will be distributed as prizes at the end of the event.
Don’t wait, these spots go fast. Register now! | Care Committee Corner
Walkers—Which One Is The Best?
We have all either used a walker, or know someone who has used one. Whether you need one full-time, or for temporary use after surgery, there are several types for you to consider. Let’s look at the various types, and the benefits of each.
Standard Walker: These have either no wheels (hence the tennis balls you see that are added) or two front wheels only, and no seat. They must be lifted with every step taken. The benefits of a standard walker are:
• Maximum Stability: Four stable feet and no wheels means it will stay put for people needing help with balance and support.
• Simplicity: Very little learning curve due to lack of wheels and brakes.
• Lightweight: Usually made of aluminum. Easy to lift and transport.
Rollator: These are mobility aids with either three wheels—one in front, two in back—or four wheels, adjustable handlebars, and a built-in seat. They are made to roll continuously without lifting, have hand brakes to slow them, and wheel locking mechanisms so they don’t roll when you stop to sit. There is a backrest, and most also have a storage pouch. Benefits? They are:
• Enables A More Active Lifestyle: Wheels allow faster movement. A seat allows for rest when needed, and the user can keep going.
Upright Walker (also known as a Stand-Up Walker or Stand-Up Rollator: These are wheeled mobility devices designed to help users walk in an erect position, rather than bent over, as with many standard walkers and rollators. They feature all of the standard rollator features, and elevated, padded armrests that let you bear weight on your forearms. Benefits? They are:
• Upright Posture: Upright use posture eliminates the back strain and wrist pressure often found with standard rollator use.
• Safety and Balance: Centers your gravity directly over the wheels, reducing tipping risk. It also allows you to focus forward, rather than looking down.
Hybrid Rollator/Transport Chair: This is a mobility aid that transitions from a standard rolling walker, or rollator, to a wheelchair by reversing the rollator backrest and flipping down the integrated footrests. The main benefits of this mobility aid are convenience. You don’t have to take along a walker and a wheelchair. You have the option of using either one.
All of this information came from using a Google search, and the responses to my questions about various types of walkers were A.I.-generated. Please do your own research and consult with your physician prior to purchasing and using any walker. Every Villager is unique, and you know your own unique needs.
As a reminder, don’t forget our lending library for medical equipment is available at Bradlyn Mulvey’s garage. If you need something, call Bradlyn and, if we have it, you can borrow it.
Joan McGeachy
TVSD Care Committee
| Message from Supervisor Joel Anderson
Dear Friends,
We are so lucky to live in a beautiful region with so many natural wonders. Families, friends, and neighbors have amazing outdoor spaces they can explore together across our County.
Our incredible County Parks staff and team members protect, maintain, and sustain 157 park facilities and 389 miles of trails across 58,000 acres of land each year!
But did you know that seniors (age 62 and up) can receive a FREE parking pass for County Parks?
Seniors age 62 and older can enjoy our beautiful County parks without the day-use parking fees! The County Parks Senior Parking Pass is FREE for San Diego County senior residents age 62 and older.
You can pick up a physical pass at one of 15 County Parks or at Parks and Recreation Headquarters in Kearny Mesa. Make sure to bring a photo ID (driver's license or passport) to show proof of age and address.
For more County news, resources, and community updates, you can subscribe to Supervisor Anderson's Newsletter. | More Social Committee Updates
Casual Conversation
Monday, June 29, 2026, 2:00 PM until 3:30 PM
This is an informal gathering aimed at building social connections. One of the topics we will share this month is: iPhone Applications. What are your favorites and why? Are there other you never use? From there, maybe we could talk Summer – What do you remember about your childhood summers? Any plans this summer? Or the conversation could steer elsewhere. It’s a relaxed discussion with no strict agenda. Tangents are welcome! Please register.
Farmers Market and Trolley Ride to Little Italy
Wednesday, July 8, 2026, 9:30 AM until 1:30 PM
Let’s explore Little Italy’s Farmers Market, experience riding the trolley, and enjoy lunch at one of Little Italy’s wonderful restaurants.
Join us by meeting at the Mission Valley Center Trolley Stop (1604 Camino de la Reina) at 9:30 AM and taking the Green Line to Little Italy.
Trolley fare for seniors is $1.25 one way ($2.50 round trip). We will have members at the trolley to help those who are unfamiliar with riding it.
We will walk from the trolley stop to the Farmers Market, about three blocks on an uphill grade to West Date Street. After shopping the Farmers Market, we will gather for lunch. Following lunch, we’ll walk back to the trolley stop for our ride back to Mission Valley. Register today!
Creative Collaboration – Planning Small Group Social Events
Friday, July 24th, 2026
The Social Team tries to plan at least one major social event each month, but…perhaps you have other ideas. The goal of this collaborative session is to see what else might be fun to add to this year’s calendar. Would you like to help plan a small group event such as a theatre outing, a Day Tripper bus trip, an Oasis event or Social Fundraiser (other than a restaurant)? If so, please join us on Friday July 24th. Stay tuned, time yet to be determined.
Save the Date:
Boot Scootin' BBQ
Friday, August 14th
More details coming soon!
| FINANCIAL FOCUS®
Four estate planning myths that could cost your family
Many people think that estate planning is just for wealthy people, but that's a myth. An estate plan is for anyone of any means who has assets to distribute. They could include a house, investment accounts or family heirlooms.
An estate plan lets you decide who gets what and who's in charge of making decisions – both during your life and after your death. It saves confusion and conflict among your heirs.
Without one, state laws decide everything, and you may not like the outcome.
Another myth is that a will is enough. However, a will doesn't protect you if you become incapacitated.
Myth No. 3 is that equal distribution is always fair, but truthfully, every child's situation differs.
And the final myth is that you can set it and forget it. Instead, you should review your plan every few years or as major life events occur.
Estate planning can help ensure your voice is heard and your loved ones are cared for, no matter what happens.
This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Robert Farwell, CFP®, RICP®, your Edward Jones financial advisor at 6050 Santo Rd, Ste 140, San Diego, CA 92124. Phone: 858-514-8876. Member SIPC. Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation. | Medicare Fraud Prevention Week
June 1st – 5th
Medicare Fraud Prevention Week focuses on the actions everyone can take to prevent Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse. Learn how you can protect yourself and your loved ones from Medicare fraud by joining our partner Senior Medical Patrol (SMP) June 1-5 to celebrate the week! Learn more at https://smpresource.org/mfpw. | Concerts in the Park Facing Funding Shortfall
Tierrasanta's Concerts in the Park have long been a cherished summer tradition, bringing neighbors together to enjoy live music, connect with friends, and celebrate our community.
This year, however, funding for the concert series has been significantly reduced. At present, available funding may support only two or three concerts, with each event costing approximately $4,200 to produce.
Community members interested in helping preserve this popular tradition can contribute through Kiwanis member Sheila Weiner, who is coordinating donations on behalf of the Tierrasanta Kiwanis Club. The Kiwanis Club is one of several organizations providing financial support to the Tierrasanta Community Council, which organizes the concert series.
Please note that Tierrasanta Village is not collecting donations for this effort. Contributions may be made directly to Sheila (SheilaWeiner@att.net). All donations received will be combined and submitted to the Kiwanis Club in support of the concert series.
| TVSD BY THE NUMBERS
In case you were curious ….
6 Number of Neighborhood Groups
9 Opportunities to exercise each week (free as a member)
9 Number of members on our Board of Directors
18 Age of our Village (founded in 2008)
27 Number of services offered in the Time Bank
39 Number of volunteers who enjoyed a yogurt at the volunteer appreciation event
72 Number of individual events and activities listed on the May calendar (How many did you attend?)
144 Number of members as of May 22, 2026
151 Thank you cards written for the veterans of Honor Flight
154 Dollars raised at the Rubio’s fundraiser
466 Highest member number (each new member is assigned a number in chronological order; 466 people have participated in our membership since 2008)
780 Dollars raised through Raise Right program thus far in 2026
Hope this satisfied your curiosity!
Researched and submitted by Marilyn Bente
| | Tuesday Lunch Bunch
Troy's Greek
June 16th, 11:30 a.m. | | ROMEO
Troy's Greek
June 11th, 11:30 a.m. | | |
(SNAP) Singles Network
Wood Ranch BBQ
June 20th, 11:30 a.m.
| |
June 2026 Village Events
Check out the Event Calendar for all of the upcoming events, classes, and activities!
| | | | Filippi's Fundraiser June 30th
Filippi's Pizza Grotto Kearny Mesa will give back 20% of sales to TVSD on Tuesday, June 30th 4-9PM. Please show this flyer at time of order. Thank you for supporting Tierrasanta Village! | Friends of Tierrasanta Library | |
Thinking about joining Tierrasanta Village Movement?
Attend the next Informational Happy Hour! This event is an excellent way to meet our members and learn about the Village Movement.
Every 3rd Wednesday 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Let us know you'll be there with a Call/Text to 858-569-9119 or email tierrasantavlg@gmail.com. | | | Tierrasanta Village Movement
Clubhouse Address:
5275 Rimpark Lane
San Diego, CA 92124
858-569-9119
www.tierrasantavillage.org
Mailing Address:
10601 Tierrasanta Boulevard, G-405
San Diego, CA 92124 | |