Monday, November 3, 2025
The growing variety of seniors age 55+ now residing in the Georgetown area, their increasing energy, interests and needs—from help with computer technology and transportation to a fun place to gather for social events, discussion groups and exercise activities—is driving the growth of the Georgetown Village, according to President Judith Burnell. She spoke to the Georgetowner in the “Village Square” at the Georgetown Village headquarters at 1801 35th St. NW.
The mission of the national village movement has been changing, Burnell noted. From an emphasis on “aging in place” (presumably in one’s home) to now that plus a growing new focus on addressing loneliness. Georgetown Village now not only encourages, but even provides their members with unique opportunities to actively engage in a variety of activities. This is reflected in the Village Square space that includes areas for having coffee, watching television, monthly movie nights, reading, card games and more. There is even a place for listening to Georgetown Village’s many phonograph records and tapes.
“Georgetown Village has been recruiting some highly engaged Georgetowners with intergenerational connections,” Burnell said. “Elizabeth Miller, the former Georgetown, Burleith and Hillandale Advisory Neighborhood Commission chair, who is very active in Georgetown development issues, is our new Community Outreach Chair; and Sue Hamilton a well-known active community resident will be our Events Chair.”
“We have added social memberships and volunteer opportunities for the younger Georgetown community as well as Out-Of-Boundary members,” she added. “In addition to our twice-weekly exercise class, which is open to the community, we are also now offering a weekly meditation session and continuing our monthly movie nights, social hours and excursions.”
The Navigating Aging” presentations with Georgetown Village Board President Carol Kelly and Dr. Fred Rikles include programs on transitions of care, suggested questions for interviewing home healthcare providers and agencies, and Georgetown Village Director Lynn Golub-Rofrano’s “Peace of Mind” planner.
Volunteers are needed especially for transportation services for members to doctor’s appointments, the pharmacy and to grocery stores. Medical equipment donations are always needed for the Durable Medical Equipment Lending closet to the community and financial contributions are also welcome.
“We look forward to hearing from our members and volunteers with their ideas for future Village programs and projects,” Rofrano said.
Georgetown Village’s annual Town Hall meeting is scheduled for Jan. 26, 2026.