The Village Movement is Celebrating its First Anniversary in Silver Spring
The Silver Spring Village, Inc. will celebrate its first anniversary on Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Building.
The event will include remarks from state and county officials, and exhibits from community organizations. The village is a community-based nonprofit and neighborhood network where volunteers help residents age in place.
Photos: courtesy of Silver Spring Village, Inc.
“The overall purpose [of the village] is to help people live in their own home,” said Claire Maklan, president at the Silver Spring Village, Inc.
Residents can become members of the village and have access to a variety of services such as home repairs, transportation to appointments, grocery help, dog walking, and more. For full membership, an individual must pay $350 for individuals and $450 for couples a year. It gives them access to a variety of things such as neighbors check-ins, transportation to appointments, or just changing a light bulb.
Another option is to become an associated member, where an individual must pay $150 or $250 for couples per year giving them a chance to participate in social and educational events. Both memberships give access in the Washington Consumer Checkbook, a website where individuals can find information about doctors, electricians, plumbers, and more.
Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett, Montgomery County Councilmember Cherri Branson, Maryland State Delegate Tom Hucker, Reemberto Rodriguez, Silver Spring Regional Center director, Claire Maklan, Silver Spring Village president, and Pazit Aviv, village coordinator for Montgomery County will speak at the event.
The village officially opened for membership on Sept. 29, 2013. At the time, the program started with 25 members. A year later, and the village has 70 members and approximately 60 volunteers helping residents staying in their own homes.
“The village is growing, which is encouraging … We are really proud to be part of a growing movement across the country … It is an alternative for people want to in their home,” said Jana Goldman, Silver Spring Village media adviser.
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