November 14, 2022, Mayor's Column
We have so many truly innovative and unique organizations in the Village that deserve to be highlighted so I thought I would devote my column this week to one that totally fits this bill.
It is our own Gramatan Village.
It holds a special place in my heart as the incredible Villager John Cory, who left an indelible mark on our community with his kindness, vision and generosity, came to me to get my signature on a proposal to emulate an organization that was begun in Boston’s Beacon Hill. The mission was to keep seniors in the homes they love and not be forced to move by exigent living circumstances. He needed an affidavit municipal support which I was happy to do and as he left the office I thought, oh please let this come to fruition because at the same time I had two parents in the Albany area who needed the exact services that John was trying to create for our neighbors.
Gramatan Village opened its doors to seniors in 2008 and it is now a nonprofit organization that supports adults ages 55 and up who want to age in the home and the neighborhood they love.
Their mission is to support empowered aging in our community with a network of volunteers, experts, professional referrals and peer connections that enable members to stay independent, vital and engaged, as they grow older.
Gramatan Village members receive such services as transportation to local appointments, referrals to vetted community partners, technology support, home maintenance support, home safety checks, assistance in financial planning, help in navigating the Medicare/Medicaid process, advocacy, workshop and seminar offerings, priority consideration for skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, volunteer opportunities as well as incredible social and cultural outings.
Gramatan Village and its members are a part of the fabric of the life of the Village as they lend their time, experience and proven skill sets to so many worthy organizations, and they have fun while expanding their own horizons.
As example, they have a very active movie club and book club and they meet currently outdoors at BXBL coffeehouse near the train station, another newfound hub of Village energy. Given the life experiences of so many members of Gramatan Village, the recent book they read, The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis, was followed by a discussion led by Gramatan Village member Joan Golan who is a volunteer docent at the New York Public Library Main Branch. Joan later planned and hosted a private guided tour of the library for all book club members.
The movie club recently previewed and discussed “Nowhere in Africa” an Academy Award winner and before that watched and discussed “The Official Story”, the classic 1985 historical drama that won both Academy and Golden Globe picture awards depicting by using the history of Argentina to address the human and moral themes. Again drawing on the lifelong expertise of its members, Gramatan Village member, Marta Rowland, who is from Argentina, lent her personal insights to guide a very heartfelt conversation.
And just tonight Gramatan Village will be hosting a seminar on Alzheimer’s and dementia at The Bronxville School Auditorium at 7pm. The featured speaker is Kerry Mills Rutland, who has worked solely with people with cognitive impairment for over 20 years.
The talk will discuss treatment options, examine the stages of the disease and most importantly, help people with the disease and those who love them live their best lives. All are welcome to attend.
To keep such a truly visionary organization alive and well in Bronxville truly takes a Village. To learn about becoming a member or to volunteer with Gramatan Village in almost any capacity, please visit www.gramatanvillage.org or contact the office at 914-337-1338. It is a great way to intersect with a truly vibrant group of dedicated citizens.