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President's Message
Today marks a significant milestone not only in my life, but in the journey of our Village. I am filled with gratitude and excitement as I assume the presidency of our Board of Directors.
First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our past presidents and all those who have served on the board. Your dedication and hard work have laid a strong foundation for us to build upon. Together, we have accomplished so much in the 18 years since our inception, and I am honored to continue this legacy.
I approach this role with enthusiasm and a touch of nervousness. While my past experience as a business owner has prepared me for leadership, guiding Tierrasanta Village is a unique challenge that I embrace wholeheartedly. I may be there as President of the Board of Directors, but realize it is your whole board that decides on our procedures. So, talk to a member of the Board of Directors to make your voice heard. All of us are there to listen, learn your preferences, and move to meet your needs in the best ways possible.
As we look to the future, we have big things on the horizon. I am thrilled to announce the launch of our new software system, Helpful Village. This platform will revolutionize the way we access services, making it easier for each of you to live comfortably and healthily in your own homes.
Based on your feedback from last year’s survey, we know that transportation is a top priority for our members. We are committed to implementing a system that allows you to request a ride through our system, connecting you with a driver who will take you where you want to go. This is just the beginning! Once we establish this service, we will move forward with friendly visits—another highly requested service that will foster connection and community among us. More details will emerge as this year progresses. So, please attend member meetings and read your Vibes so you will know what’s going on to meet your requested needs.
I am excited to share that we will be attending the state convention near Pasadena on September 17th and 18th, followed by participation in the National Village to Village conference online. These events will provide us with invaluable insights and connections to further our mission.
Together, let us embrace this new chapter with open hearts and minds. Let us work hand in hand to create a vibrant, supportive community where everyone can thrive. I am here to listen, to learn, and to lead with you.
Thank you for your trust and support. Let’s make the next chapter of Tierrasanta Village our best one yet!
Sincerely,
Bradlyn Mulvey, Ph.D., President of Tierrasanta Village Board of Directors | Village Donations Make a Difference
Our Village community came together to help local families prepare for the new school year and your generosity made a real difference!
Thanks to donations from Village members, we provided 20 backpacks filled with school supplies to Jewish Family Service of San Diego, along with a $450 contribution to help purchase additional backpacks. Jewish Family Service was able to use the contribution to purchase another 100 backpacks and is working toward collecting 700 total to distribute to children and families in need.
Thank You, Tierrasanta Village!
A special thank you to everyone who donated backpacks and funds, and to all the volunteers who helped assemble and prepare the backpacks for delivery. We are especially grateful to Sheila Weiner and Marilyn Bente, who took the lead in organizing this project and bringing our Village community together to help.
We’re proud of what our members accomplished—and grateful to everyone who played a part in making a difference for local families. |  | |
Concerts in the Park
Village members enjoyed fantastic performances in the Concerts in the Park series this summer.
Everyone is already looking forward to next year! | | | Getting to Know Uber – Free Workshops
Join Tierrasanta Village Movement and Senior Tech Connect for a free two-part webinar and discover how Uber can make transportation easier for older adults and their families.
Session 1
Wednesday, August 19 2:00–3:00 PM
Learn how to download the Uber app, create an account, and complete the basic setup process.
Session 2
Wednesday, August 26 2:00–3:00 PM
Learn how to use the Uber app to request a ride, explore its key features, and discover tips for getting the most out of this convenient transportation option.
You'll get the most benefit from attending both workshops, but you're welcome to attend just one if that's what your schedule allows.
Please share this opportunity with friends, family members, or neighbors who may benefit. | | Learning Together
Thank you to Karen Brothers & Co., one of our Supporting Partners, for sharing her expertise as a professional organizer during our recent Chaos to Clarity: Paper Management & Decluttering Workshop. Members learned practical tips and strategies for managing paper clutter, staying organized, and creating systems that make everyday life a little easier. We’re grateful to Karen for sharing her knowledge with our members!
| | | Social Committee Updates
Coming Up August 14th!
Boot Scootin' BBQ
Friday 8/14 - 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Mosey on over to the Tierrasanta Lutheran Church for our second annual chuck wagon BBQ provided by Phil's BBQ! Vittles will include chicken, ribs and all the fixins! The waterin' hole includes strawberry lemonade and water. Bring anything else you would like to wet your whistle. Kick up some dust, line dancing lead by our own Lesley Norris! Cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Space is limited to 60, register now!
Registration deadline is August 7th. Unfortunately, we cannot add registrants after this date due to the need to finalize the catering order. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
Planning Small Group Events:
The Planning Small Social Events meeting with The Creative Collaboration Event held on July 24th was a great success with many members sharing their interests and providing information on future events and activities.
A BIG THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO ATTENDED!
With the information from this meeting, the Social Leadership, along with member volunteers, will be scheduling some small events for the remainder of 2026.
SAVE THE DATE!
Happy Hour Bingo is coming on Tuesday, September 15, at 3:00 PM! Mark your calendar and get ready for an afternoon of fun, laughter, and great company. More details and registration information coming soon!
| August Member Meeting
Monday, August 3rd @ 3PM
Join us at the August 3rd Member Meeting for an informative presentation on Zone Zero, the ember-resistant area within the first five feet surrounding your home. Learn how simple landscaping and maintenance choices can help reduce wildfire risk and better protect your property from wind-driven embers, the leading cause of home ignitions during wildfires.
Our presenters will also share Prepare Tierrasanta and Tierrasanta Fire Safe Council initiatives, highlighting local efforts to strengthen neighborhood wildfire preparedness, improve community resilience, and provide resources for homeowners.
Also, one of the Village Supporting Partners, Michael Salamon of Reliable Builders, Inc., will stop by and share information about the services his company provides.
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. Please register.
| Honor Flight Card Writing Campaign
Our Village will again be supporting the Honor Flight Card and Letter Campaign on Friday, August 28, at 1:00, at the clubhouse. This will be the sixth time that we have participated in this community outreach activity to honor our country’s veterans. This program was brought to our attention three years ago by one of our members, Gunnar Schalin, who was an Honor Flight participant and who has encouraged our village to become involved in the letter writing campaign.
Here is a thank you letter from the organizers of Honor Flight for our past support:
Dear Honor Flight San Diego Friends & Supporters,
Thank you so much for your continued support for Honor Flight San Diego! Your Mail Call letters and cards are always one of the highlights for our Veterans on their Tour of Honor to Washington DC! We love all your cards – they are always super and such nice personal messages.
Our next flight is scheduled for September, 2026! We will be including 90 WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War Veterans on this flight.
Village Members: You can personally support this program by doing three things:
1.) Donate any thank you cards or blank cards that would be appropriate to write a note to a veteran. Marilyn Bente will be collecting them. You can drop them off at the clubhouse as well.
2.) Come to the clubhouse on Friday August 28, to join other Villagers in writing these notes of appreciation to the Honor Flight veterans. Cards, stationary, and pens will be provided. Please register on our Village calendar of activities.
3.) Write some appreciation notes on your own time and bring them to the clubhouse by August 30.
Thank you,
Marilyn Bente |  | | Steve Walsh |  | Joan Tedeschi | | |
 | | Karen Butler | | Jill Olsen (photo pending) | | |
Care Committee Corner
Bottled Water or Tap Water—Which Is Better?
I recently returned from a boating vacation. Each morning on the way to the lake, the group I was with would stop to fuel the boat, and to buy ice and water. The boating was fun, and the weather was hot, and I ended up drinking LOTS of bottled water to stay hydrated. I drink filtered tap water at home, and I got to thinking….which is better? You may have had the same conflicting thoughts that I had. Bottled water is convenient when you’re traveling. I’ve heard that it is more pure than tap water. But wait…we all drank tap water growing up, and we’re still here. And who didn’t drink out of the hose during those hot childhood summers?
An internet search for “which is better?” yielded answers from Google, and an article by the Natural Resources Defense Council*. Google’s A.I. information said that bottled water is generally not better for you than tap water, and that in most developed areas, tap water is strictly tested, highly regulated, and free of microplastics. Interestingly, both the Google inquiry and the article by the NRDC stated that many bottled water brands are processed tap water. Tap water is less expensive than bottled water, and single-use plastic water bottles add to our landfill waste if not recycled. It seems that there are pluses and minuses to both tap and bottled.
The NRDC article stated that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees tap water quality, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for ensuring the safety and truth in labeling of bottled water sold in the U.S. The quality of our local water system, including the infrastructure, can affect tap water. Plastic water bottles may leach microplastics. There are resources available to help you decide which water you think will be better for you. The California Water Resources Control Board website (waterboards.ca.gov) has contact information for laboratories to test your drinking water, and much more. The NRDC article also has a link to a list of water filters certified by the NSF (National Science Foundation) to reduce different types of contaminants. The EPA also has a Safe Drinking Water Hotline, (800) 426-4791. You will have to decide which type of water is better, but whatever you decide, remember to stay hydrated!
*Source: Natural Resources Defense Council, “Bottled Water vs. Tap Water”, October 24, 2025.
Joan McGeachy
TVSD Care Committee
| A Meaningful Gift for Your Heirs
Friday, September 11th
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Seventh-day Adventist Church
One of the most loving and meaningful gifts you can provide to your heir(s) is to pre-plan (and pre-pay) your funeral/burial expenses. There is a complex array of options to consider, including traditional burial options and alternative environmental options.
Kim Phillips from Dignity Memorial, a TVSD Supporting Partner, will discuss the traditional options, including cremation. After her presentation, Rachel Hensley, Inure Planning, will provide information on newer methods, including aquamation, natural organic reduction, and green burial.
Please register if you are able to attend. | FINANCIAL FOCUS®
Debunking five common Social Security myths
Social Security is often one of the most important income sources in retirement. Yet widespread myths about how it works can lead to confusion, unnecessary worry and poor planning decisions. Here's the truth behind five of the most common misconceptions.
Myth 1: Social Security is going broke. You've probably heard this one, but the full picture is more nuanced. According to the 2026 Social Security Board of Trustees Report, if Congress does nothing, the program would need to reduce benefits starting in 2032, paying roughly 78 cents for every dollar owed.
But that's just one scenario. Congress could raise the combined payroll tax from 12.4% to 16.65%, which the trustees estimate would secure full benefits through 2100. Other options include eliminating the earnings cap subject to payroll tax or adjusting retirement ages. Lawmakers have tools to address this.
Myth 2: Social Security will cover all your retirement needs. Think of Social Security as a financial foundation, not the full building. According to the Social Security Administration, benefits replace only about 40% of pre-retirement income for a median earner. That means you'll likely need to account for most of your retirement income yourself. Building a strong personal savings strategy now can help close that gap.
Myth 3: You lose benefits permanently if you keep working. Not true. Social Security does have an "earnings test" that can temporarily reduce benefits for people who claim early and keep working. If your earnings exceed a set annual cap – which changes each year – Social Security will withhold a portion of your benefits. But once you reach full retirement age, the Social Security Administration adjusts your monthly check higher to repay those withheld amounts over time.
Myth 4: An ex-spouse's benefits come out of your own. If you were married for at least 10 years and are currently unmarried, your former spouse may be eligible to collect on your earnings record, or you may be able to collect on theirs. Divorced spouse benefits can be up to 50% of the other person's full retirement benefit. But those payments don't affect yours. Your monthly benefit is not reduced by anything paid to an ex-spouse or even a current spouse.
Myth 5: Social Security benefits are no longer taxed. Recent legislation caused some confusion here. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act did not eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits. If your combined income exceeds certain thresholds, you'll still owe taxes on a portion of your benefits.
The law also created a temporary deduction (available through 2028) for people 65 and older. Eligible taxpayers can deduct $6,000 per qualifying filer if their modified adjusted gross income is $75,000 or less for singles or $150,000 for couples. The deduction phases out at $175,000 for singles and $250,000 for joint filers.
The more you understand Social Security, the more control you have over your retirement outcome. Grounding your decisions in facts rather than assumptions can make a meaningful difference in your long-term financial security.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Robert Farwell, CFP®, RICP®. 6050 Santo Rd, Ste 140, San Diego, CA 92124. 858-514-8876. Edward Jones and its financial advisors cannot provide tax advice. You should consult your qualified tax professional regarding your situation. Edward Jones, Member SIPC | | Tuesday Lunch Bunch
San Diego Yacht Club
August 18th, 11:30 a.m. | | ROMEO
Location TBD
August 13th, 11:30 a.m. | | | | (SNAP) Singles Network
Wood Ranch BBQ
August 15th, 11:30 a.m. | | Men's Java & Jive
Industrial Grind Coffee
August 24th, 8:00 a.m. | | | |
August 2026 Village Events
Check out the Event Calendar for all of the upcoming events, classes, and activities!
| | | Member Jinny Batterson at the Tierrasanta Library
We’re excited to celebrate one of our own! Tierrasanta Village member Jinny Batterson will be featured at the Tierrasanta Public Library on Saturday, September 19, from 1:30–3:00 PM, where she will share her book, Where the Great Wall Ends: A China Memoir.
Although Jinny’s early childhood attempts to dig through the earth to China were unsuccessful, about thirty years later, in 1980, she got her first chance to travel there. During nearly three years of living in, teaching in, and journeying through some of China’s less-frequented rural areas, she’s seen both western and eastern terminuses of China’s 5,500-mile wall. Her book is both memoir and travel narrative and has plenty of exciting reading.
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 1:30–3:00 PM
Tierrasanta Public Library
4985 La Cuenta Drive, San Diego, CA 92124
The event is sponsored by the Tierrasanta Friends of the Library. We hope you'll join them in supporting Jinny and celebrating her accomplishment!
|  | | 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 | |