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MonteCedro > New Neighbor Club > December Newsletter Archive

This month at MonteCedro.

December is a time of celebration at MonteCedro, and our calendar is filled with activities and events.

We’d love to see you soon. Take a look at some of what’s happening and RSVP by clicking the link to let us know you can attend.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at (626) 788-4924 or email Caroline Davis at: [email protected].

A group of twelve older adults pose and smile in front of the historic ocean liner Queen Mary, docked at a pier on a sunny day.

Lunch on board the Queen Mary

Calendar of events

Events Search and Views Navigation

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Today

    • Tue 5
    May 5 8:30AM – 9:30AM Marcell’s

    Men’s Breakfast

    Pull up a chair and enjoy breakfast and conversation with the gentlemen of MonteCedro. Please register early as seating is limited.

    RSVP
    Tue 5
    May 5 4:00PM – 5:00PM Auditorium

    Cinco de Mayo Celebration

    Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican Army’s unlikely victory over France at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Although it is a minor holiday in Mexico, it is a cultural celebration in the United States. Join us for festive beverages, music, and appetizers that capture the spirit and fun of this annual event.

    RSVP
    Wed 6
    Close-up of a person playing a violin, with their hand on the fingerboard and a bow in motion, set against a dark background with blurred sheet music visible.
    May 6 11:00AM – 12:00PM Auditorium

    Romance Music

    Join Paul and Stephanie as they take us on a wonderful musical journey, touching on some of the world’s most beloved composers and the music that made them famous. Works will include classics from Dvorak to the exquisite Estrellita by Ponce, Moszkowski’s Guitarre, and pieces by Bach and Kreisler.

    RSVP
    Thu 7
    May 7 7:00PM – 8:00PM Auditorium

    Spanish Piano with Pianist Junko Garrett

    Junko Ueno Garrett is an exceptionally talented Japanese pianist loved by audiences globally. She has toured and performed around the world, and now brings her unique musical interpretation to MonteCedro.

    RSVP
    Thu 14
    A vivid image of the Orion Nebula in deep space, displaying swirling clouds of purple and pink gas, bright stars scattered throughout, and a radiant star glowing at the bottom edge.
    May 14 11:00AM – 12:00PM Auditorium

    Star Myths Written in the Nighttime Sky

    Join Toby Hooper as he explores the stories for which the constellations of the Zodiac are named, and other stories of celestial stars and planets. This event will be a multi-part presentation on Thursday, May 14, Thursday, May 21 and Thursday, May 28, and will extend into June.

    RSVP
    Fri 15
    A person with long brown hair, wearing a striped sweater and jeans, stands in front of a colorful abstract painting with swirling pink, red, and orange patterns in an art gallery.
    May 15 11:00AM – 12:00PM Auditorium

    Art Speaks: Art Works That Make You Wonder

    Why does some art draw you in? Every other month, the MonteCedro Art Committee offers an opportunity to explore our varied responses to the art in our collection. In May, we will look at pieces in the Art Collection that are mysterious. We will discuss why an artist might pick this subject or what made the artist depict this abstract. What do our own responses suggest as meanings? Come and join a lively conversation.

    RSVP
    Tue 19
    A buffet table with stacked plates, tongs, glasses, and a variety of pastries, cakes, and desserts arranged on tiered stands, ready for guests to serve themselves.
    May 19 8:30AM – 9:30AM Marcell’s

    Women’s Breakfast: Marcell’s

    The popular gathering of the ladies of MonteCedro is an ideal opportunity to get to know your future neighbors. Please RSVP early for this event as seating is limited.

    RSVP
    Thu 21
    A vivid image of the Orion Nebula in deep space, displaying swirling clouds of purple and pink gas, bright stars scattered throughout, and a radiant star glowing at the bottom edge.
    May 21 11:00AM – 12:00PM Auditorium

    Star Myths Written in the Nighttime Sky

    Join Toby Hooper as he explores the stories for which the constellations of the Zodiac are named, and other stories of celestial stars and planets. This event will be a multi-part presentation on Thursday, May 14, Thursday, May 21 and Thursday, May 28, and will extend into June.

    RSVP
    Fri 22
    Close-up of a person’s hands playing a piano, with their fingers pressing the keys and a reflection of their hands visible on the glossy piano surface. The scene is softly lit, creating a calm atmosphere.
    May 22 11:00AM – 12:00PM Auditorium

    The Oscars!

    Renowned pianist, Dr. Kelly Anderson joins us this month to perform and discuss Oscar-winning music. An instructor at Pasadena City College, Dr. Anderson records for various media including documentaries, and brings his storytelling to every performance.

    RSVP
    Tue 26
    Close-up of an old, hand-drawn map showing curved roads, a small house, scattered trees, and a section of land with a grid pattern, all in black ink on aged paper.
    May 26 3:30PM – 4:30PM Auditorium

    The Five Stans & Western China

    Join resident Douglas Noble as he takes us to the lands of steppes, desert, and mountains, cross-crossed by centuries of invasion yet also the historic Silk Route trading corridors between the West and China. Douglas will share insights from his 2006 trip to Kashgar and its old city and animal market in Western China, then on to all five “Stans” (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan). He’ll share his experiences with a variety of peoples, architectural highlights, colorful markets, diverse countryside, and at least one local ruler who memorialized himself in a gold statue. Not to be missed!

    RSVP
    Wed 27
    A group of people walk together through a grassy field at sunset, with sunlight streaming through trees in the background. The figures are mostly in shadow, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
    May 27 10:00AM – 11:00AM Front Drive

    Move a Little…Live a Lot! Be the Champion of Your Own Fitness: Walk

    Join residents for this event celebrating the power of walking. Move at your own pace while enjoying music, connection, and a supportive atmosphere. The morning will include a guided warm-up, group kickoff, self-paced walk, and post-walk refreshments and healthy snacks. Medals will be awarded to all participants in celebration of their commitment to movement and well-being. All fitness levels are welcome.

    RSVP
    Wed 27
    Two people stand on stage, partially visible. One holds a microphone and has a hand on their chest. The background is dark and blurry, with indistinct lights and another person in the distance.
    May 27 7:00PM – 8:00PM Auditorium

    Arroyo Singers

    The Arroyo Singers is a nonprofit women’s choir founded in 1961 by a group of Caltech faculty wives. Today, they are a group of women from the Pasadena area and surrounding communities who share a love of singing and good fellowship.

    RSVP
    Thu 28
    A vivid image of the Orion Nebula in deep space, displaying swirling clouds of purple and pink gas, bright stars scattered throughout, and a radiant star glowing at the bottom edge.
    May 28 11:00AM – 12:00PM Auditorium

    Star Myths Written in the Nighttime Sky

    Join Toby Hooper as he explores the stories for which the constellations of the Zodiac are named, and other stories of celestial stars and planets. This event will be a multi-part presentation on Thursday, May 14, Thursday, May 21 and Thursday, May 28, and will extend into June.

    RSVP

    • Tue 2
    A breakfast scene with croissants, a cup of black coffee, a glass of orange juice, jars of jam and honey, and orange slices on a rustic wooden table.
    June 2 8:30AM – 9:30AM Marcell’s

    Men’s Breakfast

    Join the gentlemen of MonteCedro for breakfast and conversation at this monthly gathering. Please register early as seating is limited.

    RSVP
    Thu 4
    A sequence of six moons in various phases, transitioning from bright gray to dark red, set against a starry night sky, illustrating the progression of a lunar eclipse.
    June 4 11:00AM – 12:00PM Auditorium

    Star Myths Written in the Nighttime Sky

    This multi-part series continues, as guest Toby Hooper shares insights and stories about the constellations, and other stories of celestial stars and planets. If you’ve ever looked up at the night sky and pondered all that is overhead, you won’t want to miss these presentations.

    RSVP
    Thu 4
    Close-up of vintage sheet music with black musical notes and symbols printed on yellowed paper, arranged diagonally across the image.
    June 4 4:00PM – 5:00PM Auditorium

    Chad Edwards Band

    Pianist Chad Edwards has been active in the LA area jazz scene for more than four decades, performing in a wide range of musical settings. His first CD “Resolution” received critical acclaim, featuring a mix of original compositions and fresh arrangements of jazz standards. His album, “Wyoming Roads”, was released in May 2024, and is receiving enthusiastic reviews. Please join us for this exceptional afternoon of music.

    RSVP
    Fri 5
    A person wearing a black jacket with purple cuffs plays a grand piano, with their hands on the keys and reflections visible on the pianos glossy surface. Twinkling lights are in the blurred background.
    June 5 11:00AM – 12:00PM Auditorium

    Vieness Piano Duo

    The Vieness Piano Duo stands among the most electrifying and in-demand piano duos on the world stage today. Comprised of pianists Eva Schaumkell and Vijay Venkatesh, the pair is celebrated for their intuitive musical communication, technical brilliance, and powerful stage presence. Join us for a moving and memorable performance.

    RSVP

    November Events

    The past month was filled with fun and interesting events and outings at MonteCedro. Below are some of the activities that were enjoyed by residents.

    A man plays the violin and a woman plays the piano in front of an audience of elderly people seated in a room with beige walls and large windows covered by white curtains.

    At MonteCedro

    Musical Storytellers

    The wonderful and talented Paul and Stephanie presented their popular show “Classical Elegance and Good Old Fashioned American Wit” for residents. The beautiful evening was equal parts joyous, reflective and vibrant, infused with humorous stories and wonderful tidbits about the composers of the music being performed.

    Three adults stand together indoors, smiling at the camera. The man on the left wears glasses, a cap, and a Dodgers jersey. The woman in the center wears a World Series cap and jacket. The woman on the right wears a camouflage shirt.

    At MonteCedro

    Home Team Pride

    The MonteCedro team showed off their true colors and celebrated the Dodgers victory in the World Series. Wearing their favorite jerseys and caps of the home team, the MonteCedro community was filled with the energy and spirit of victory. So proud of the boys in blue. Three-peat anyone? Go Dodgers!!

     

    Five older adults sit around a circular table playing poker, with poker chips and cards spread out in front of them. They appear focused and engaged in the game.

    At MonteCedro

    Lady Luck

    We celebrated Halloween with “The Phantom’s Lair” Casino Night! With amazing food, festive drinks, spooky desserts, game play, and the Dodgers game on the big screen, it was a perfect night. Costumes were aplenty and spirits were high, as everyone enjoyed a night of Halloween festivities.

    • An older woman wearing a green and gold masquerade mask with a feather, dressed in a green patterned top, stands indoors holding a plate of snacks at a social event. Other people are visible in the background.
    • An older man in a black tuxedo with a white bow tie stands smiling beside an older woman in glasses and a light green jacket. They are indoors, with other people seated and talking in the background.
    • An older woman smiles while wearing a blue lace masquerade mask decorated with feathers and a flower, matching her blue shirt. She has red lipstick and is standing indoors near a wooden door.
    • A group of elderly people sit and stand around a poker table, some wearing decorative masks. The atmosphere appears festive and social, with attention focused on the game.
    • Two people standing indoors wear traditional Middle Eastern attire. The woman has a black embroidered dress and a black veil, while the man wears a red robe with gold embroidery and a red fez hat. Both are smiling for the camera.
    • An older woman with white hair smiles while wearing a decorative mask adorned with red roses and ribbons at a festive indoor event.
    A group of elderly people sit in chairs watching a person in a hat play a grand piano in a room with beige walls and closed white curtains.

    At MonteCedro

    Late Night Sing-a-long

    The wonderful John Fluker performed at our “After Hours” event with favorites from oldies and hymns to contemporary tunes. Several times during the show, the entire audience was singing along, which is something that happens regularly when performers like John drop by to share their music. These evenings remind us all how much the music of our youth stays with us our entire lives.

    An elderly woman wearing glasses and a light green sweater holds a small orange toy while two goats wearing colorful bandanas nuzzle her. Two people stand behind her, partially visible.

    At MonteCedro

    Haunted Goats?

    This year saw a most unusual (and hilarious) Halloween event that combined spooky themes, food, and goats! The amazing team from Hello Critter dropped by and invited residents to dance, take photos, and just be silly – because there is nothing but silliness when goats are involved. There was even some Goat Yoga. It was the perfect way to start the week of Halloween festivities at MonteCedro.

    A woman stands in front of an audience, speaking at a presentation on Chinese brush painting. Several paintings are displayed on easels, and a slide behind her reads Garden Beauty Chinese Brush Painting.

    At MonteCedro

    The Art of the Season

    MonteCedro’s Art Committee presented “Art Speaks: Falling into Fall.” Showcasing some gorgeous fall-themed paintings from the MonteCedro art collection, each piece included an accompanying display that highlighted the kinds of art supplies used in their creation. An interesting lecture by some of MonteCedro’s resident artists provided wonderful context and insight into the technique and inspirations behind the art.

    • Two framed paintings on wooden easels: the left one depicts trees and a stone bridge in bright colors, and the right one shows a pumpkin with green leaves. A curtain and part of a screen are visible in the background.
    • A table with watercolor paints, brushes, a palette, a plastic case with paint tubes, and several watercolor paintings featuring buildings, fruit, and a flower.
    • A framed artwork on an easel shows a person in dark clothing curled up upside down, with their face and hands visible, against a plain background. The picture is displayed indoors near a beige curtain.
    • A woman stands with a microphone and paper, presenting to an audience in a room. Three paintings on easels are displayed beside her and a projection screen is visible with text about an artist and their work.
    • A woman stands in front of an audience, speaking at a presentation on Chinese brush painting. Several paintings are displayed on easels, and a slide behind her reads Garden Beauty Chinese Brush Painting.
    A group of elderly people walk down a narrow, wood-paneled hallway with carpeted floors, some wearing hats and jackets. The corridor is warmly lit with wall lights, and an exit sign is visible at the far end.

    Outings

    Ghost Ship

    Halloween kicked off a few days early with a trip to the stunning Queen Mary in Long Beach for their “Haunted Tour.” The Queen Mary is a floating museum with a rich seafaring history, where past and present meet in a unique and captivating way. The residents had a wonderfully spooky time exploring the ship, taking in the incredible interior craftsmanship, and learning about the stories of paranormal activity aboard the vessel. Afterwards, the group enjoyed lunch on board.

    • An elderly woman wearing an orange jacket and holding a cane stands in an elegant room with polished wood floors, red chairs, and large windows with pink curtains. Other people are seen in the background.
    • Three older men stand in front of a large, polished wooden display case filled with various objects. Two hold cameras and appear to be taking photos, while the third looks at the display. The setting appears to be a museum or exhibit.
    • A framed painting of an ocean liner with two red and black smokestacks sailing on choppy waters under a cloudy sky, displayed against a red velvet background.
    • A group of people, mostly older adults, sit on chairs in a room, facing a large blank TV screen on the wall. The room has patterned carpet, overhead lights, and posters on the walls.
    • A group of twelve older adults pose and smile in front of the historic ocean liner Queen Mary, docked at a pier on a sunny day.

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