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MonteCedro > New Neighbor Club > January Newsletter Archive

This month at MonteCedro.

As we begin 2026, we do so with a calendar filled with activities and events.

We’d love to see you soon at MonteCedro. Take a look at some of what’s happening, and RSVP by clicking the link and completing the form 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].

Four elderly people sit on a bench facing a large, ornate-framed painting of four winged, mythological figures floating in the sky, displayed in a museum setting.

Montecedro residents visiting the Norton Simon Museum

Calendar of events

Events Search and Views Navigation

Event Views Navigation

Today

    • 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

    December Events

    The Holiday Season is always extra-special at MonteCedro, a time for friends and family, giving and receiving, and joy and gratitude. In 2025, MonteCedro had its fair share of trying times, which has made this year’s festive celebrations especially poignant and special.

    Three women smile and pose together at a social event. The woman in the center wears a red sweater and reindeer antler headband. All appear cheerful in a festive indoor setting.

    Celebrations

    Christmas Time is Here

    December got off to a twinkling start with our annual “Light the Holidays” event. The night began with carolers filling the auditorium with holiday cheer before leading the residents to the main Christmas tree in the lobby, for the tree lighting. After beautiful words by Chaplain Liz and a warm welcome to the season by Executive Director Adam Peña, the tree was illuminated in twinkling lights. Everyone then moved into Station 8 for “Festive Hour” to enjoy beverages, sweets, and warm appetizers. It was the perfect kickoff to the holiday season.

    Later in December, the world renowned Vieness Piano Duo – Eva Schaumkell and Vijay Venkatesh – performed a spectacular Christmas concert for residents. With four hands flying across the piano keys, the duo played all of the movements from “The Nutcracker” and many other seasonal favorites. They received a well-deserved standing ovation.

    • A group of elderly people sit in chairs and wheelchairs, watching a pianist perform on a grand piano in a brightly lit room with beige walls and curtains.
    • A large banquet hall filled with people seated at round tables with red tablecloths, festive decorations, and floral centerpieces. Large screens display holiday scenes, and the room is brightly lit with elegant chandeliers.
    • A group of people in formal attire sit and stand around decorated tables at a festive indoor event. Some are watching and reacting to something out of frame, while others are engaged in conversation. Red and white decor is visible.
    • Two people dressed in black suits, white shirts, and patterned bow ties are smiling while seated indoors against a white curtain background.
    • A woman in a black top and striped pants smiles while holding a drink and purse, as a man in a suit with a microphone and paper stands beside her. People are seated and watching in a decorated event hall.
    • Four people sit at a red-decorated table, smiling and enjoying drinks at a festive indoor gathering with a Christmas tree and lights visible in the background. White plates and glasses are on the table.
    • Four people sit around a red tablecloth at a restaurant, smiling at the camera. Plates with leftover food, glasses, and a floral centerpiece are on the table. Other guests are visible in the background.
    • Three men sitting at a table with plates of food and drinks, smiling at the camera in a warmly lit indoor setting. The table has a red tablecloth and the background includes dark curtains and other diners.
    • A festive indoor event with people seated at tables, enjoying food and drinks. A large digital backdrop shows a decorated Christmas tree and a fireplace. Some guests stand and interact near the front of the room.
    • A man wearing glasses and a blue shirt sits closely beside a woman with long brown hair and a black top. They are both smiling at the camera in a warmly lit indoor setting.
    • Four people sit at a red-covered table, smiling and enjoying a meal together at a festive indoor gathering. Plates of food and drinks are on the table, with more people and decorations in the background.
    • Three people sit at a table covered with a red tablecloth, enjoying food and drinks. They are smiling and wearing glasses. The setting appears to be a formal or festive gathering.
    • Two men are standing side by side against a plain light-colored wall. The man on the left is smiling, wearing a maroon sweater, and the man on the right is wearing glasses and a light pink shirt, also smiling.
    • Three adults sit together at a table decorated with red and white flowers, smiling and posing for a photo during what appears to be a festive meal or celebration. Plates of food and drinks are in front of them.
    • A group of people sit and stand around a round table covered with a red tablecloth, enjoying a meal. They are smiling and posing for the photo in a festive setting with floral centerpieces and draped curtains.
    A man in a dress shirt and tie shakes hands with an elderly woman seated among a group of seniors at a lively indoor event. Other attendees and staff are smiling and interacting in the background.

    Celebrations

    A Special Thank You to Team Members

    The team members of MonteCedro are a special type of people – kind, dedicated, and always wanting to brighten everyone’s day. To show their appreciation, residents held their annual “Employee Appreciation” event to thank the MonteCedro team for their commitment and hard work during the past year. Team members were invited to attend and pick up a gift, before joining the residents for conversation and holiday treats. It is always a special day and means so much to everyone!

    A goat wearing a red and black plaid coat with a small Santa Claus doll riding on its back, standing indoors near a wheelchair.

    Celebrations

    Goat Yoga Returns!

    The best testimonial about the joy that goat yoga brings to residents is the fact that we bring them back several times a year. For the holidays, the good people at Hello Critter Care got creative by combining goats, caroling and chair yoga! Residents had so much fun, singing and exercising as the goats cheered them on with enthusiastic bleating.

    A group of older adults sit at round tables, smiling and conversing at an elegant event with wood-paneled walls and holiday decorations; a server stands in the background.

    Celebrations

    Holiday Luncheons

    MonteCedro invited future residents of the new luxury apartments to a festive celebration at the Athenaeum. They will begin moving into 40 brand new homes in the summer of 2026 and this was a wonderful opportunity to start building friendships with our soon-to-be neighbors.

    VIP members of our New Neighbor Club were also invited to share a holiday lunch at the Athenaeum. It was a delicious and delightful afternoon, meeting future neighbors and getting to know each other.

    • A woman and a man, both wearing name tags, stand smiling in front of a decorated Christmas tree with red and gold ornaments.
    • Three older women stand smiling in front of a decorated Christmas tree with red and gold ornaments. One wears a red dress, another a white blazer, and the third a green patterned jacket and glasses.
    • A festive table setting features glassware, plates, and silverware, with a nutcracker figurine and a gold ribbon as a centerpiece. A bouquet of red and white flowers decorates the table in the background.
    • Three older adults, two men and one woman, are smiling and talking together indoors. Behind them is a decorated Christmas tree and an ornate fireplace, giving a festive atmosphere.
    • A man stands and smiles while talking to a seated man at a festive gathering. Other people are seated at tables, and a decorated Christmas tree is visible in the background.
    • A group of people socializing at an indoor event. Two women in the foreground are smiling and talking; one holds a glass of red wine. Others mingle in the background in a warmly lit, wood-paneled room.
    Audience members sit in a theater facing a stage with colorful lighting and a scenic backdrop, waiting for a performance to begin. The seats are partially filled and the atmosphere is anticipatory.

    Outings

    A Christmas Carol

    Residents of The Courtyard (our memory care community) were treated to a wonderful performance of “A Christmas Carol,” at A Noise Within Theater in Pasadena. Live theater is always a special experience and everyone had a joyous time. Thank you to our Creative Living partners at “A Noise Within” for their talents and for making our residents feel so welcome.

    A diverse group of people, including seniors, walk together outdoors on a sunny day. Some wear purple shirts and name tags, and there are balloons and greenery in the background.

    Outings

    Walk For Alzheimer’s

    Residents, their families, and team members enjoyed a beautiful day as they came together for MonteCedro’s annual “Thankful for Friends” walk to end Alzheimer’s. After the walk, residents received a purple ribbon pin for Alzheimer’s awareness, and took in a lecture on fall prevention, while enjoying donuts and coffee. It was a day colored in purple and smiles. All the money raised was donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.

    A group of older adults gathers around a sculpture in an art museum, listening intently to a woman in a red sweater. Framed paintings hang on the light gray walls in the background.

    Outings

    Norton Simon Museum

    A group of residents visited the Norton Simon museum in Pasadena. They were hosted by Dr. Toby Hooper, who recently gave a series of talks on “Mythology at the Norton Simon” at MonteCedro. Dr. Hooper pointed out many of the pieces discussed in the series and answered questions. Then the residents spent time enjoying the vast collection of art in the museum.

    • A museum guide explains a bronze statue to a group of older adults gathered around, with framed paintings displayed on the beige walls behind them.
    • An older woman with white hair and a red polka-dot scarf views a colorful portrait of a man in a yellow hat, framed in ornate gold, hanging on a museum wall.
    • Two elderly people stand in a museum, observing large stone sculptures of Hindu deities displayed on pedestals. The background features another statue mounted on the wall.
    • A group of older adults gathers around a bronze statue in an art gallery, engaging in conversation and observing the artwork. Several people wear name tags, and framed paintings hang on the walls in the background.
    • A group of older adults gathers around a sculpture in an art museum, listening intently to a woman in a red sweater. Framed paintings hang on the light gray walls in the background.

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