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This month at MonteCedro.

October is filled with activities and Halloween-inspired events at MonteCedro.

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].

Two older adults wearing virtual reality headsets stand side by side in front of a wall with abstract black and white geometric patterns. They appear focused on their VR experience.

Residents visit “Titanic: A Voyage Through Time

Calendar of events

  • 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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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!

    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.

    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.

    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.

  • 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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    September 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.

    Three easels display artworks: one with vibrant abstract colors and figures, one with a surreal blue-green design, and one with a framed sketch of a face. A projector screen and curtains are in the background.

    Lecture

    Art Speaks

    The art committee regularly discusses resident favorites in the extensive MonteCedro collection of art. The background of the artists and their inspiration provide even greater appreciation of the works in the community.


    Two men performing on stage with a microphone and guitar.

    Performances

    The Eldermen

    Raspin Stuwart, Kim Margolis and Robin Hild are The Eldermen, a musical group of wise elder men whose music transcends the boundaries of traditional genres. They believe that music is a conduit for the divine order of things — a way to spread love, peace, and harmony, stage by stage and song by song. In addition to embodying light and consciousness, The Eldermen bring humor and light heartedness to their performances.

    The Eldermen for the ageless band played our first “Afterhours” event, complete with dessert and coffee. With all original songs, wonderful vocals and fabulous instrumentals, everyone was singing along.


    An older man with gray hair and glasses speaks into a microphone while addressing an audience of seniors seated in a room.

    Performances

    Fritz Coleman

    Fritz Coleman is a 5-time Emmy Award Winning Stand-Up Comedian and former NBC Weathercaster. He’s opened all over the United States for entertainment icons like Ray Charles, Debbie Reynolds, Jay Leno, and George Benson. He’s made appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Jay Leno. He spent 40 years as the main weathercaster for NBC Los Angeles until he retired in 2020.

    This amazing and hilarious man performed last month for a packed audience. Weaving his storytelling with his stand-up comedy, he inspired laughter, joy and togetherness.


    A person wearing a red cape plays a grand piano in front of an audience, with a Superman: The Movie image projected on the screen behind them.

    Performances

    Classical Piano

    Dr. Kelly Anderson presented The Music of John Williams. With his captivating combination of lecture and concert, he always inspires and entertains. This month, he donned a cape while sharing the memorable music of Superman.


    Two musicians perform on stage; one plays a mandolin and wears a flat cap, while the other plays an acoustic guitar and wears a wide-brimmed hat. Both stand in front of microphones and a curtain backdrop.

    Performances

    The Dennis Witcher Band

    This popular bluegrass band joined us in September. The group includes guitar, bass, mandolin, and fiddle. Their toe-tapping songs delighted the audience and their energy and spirit captivated the full house.


    A seated man plays tabla drums while another man stands and plays a cello in front of an audience, with a projection screen and beige curtains in the background.

    Performances

    Sierra Madre Playhouse

    The Sierra Padre Playhouse is a new Creative Living Partner, so we were delighted to welcome their Executive Director, Matt Cook. The afternoon was an opportunity to learn more about the range of performances at the Playhouse. Matt discussed the upcoming season, holiday shows and the extensive history of the performing arts venue. As an added treat, he brought along two amazing musicians to perform some classical Indian music. It was a memorable afternoon.


    Two older adults wearing virtual reality headsets stand side by side in front of a wall with abstract black and white geometric patterns. They appear focused on their VR experience.

    Outings

    Titanic: A Voyage Through Time

    In late August, residents visited this exhibit at The Beverly Center. This immersive experience brings the Titanic’s history to life.

    After being fitted with Virtual Reality goggles, residents were able to watch the historic sinking of this “unsinkable” ship. They were able to relive the Titanic’s unforgettable journey as if they were one of its passengers. From the grand departure to the final fateful moments, they could experience walking the decks, exploring the luxurious rooms, and experiencing the ship’s opulence, all through immersive Virtual Reality. It was an unforgettable outing.


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