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MonteCedro > New Neighbor Club > September Newsletter Archive

This month at MonteCedro.

Fall is around the corner, and so are a wealth of activities at MonteCedro.

We’d love to see you at one of our upcoming events. Take a look at some of what’s happening in September, 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].

An elderly man does a plank exercise indoors while two goats, each wearing orange bands on their legs, stand on his back. Other people watch and smile in the background.

Yoga is better with goats!

Calendar of events

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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

    August 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 plated dessert featuring a grilled peach half on cake, garnished with crushed nuts, caramel drizzle, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a yellow edible flower on a speckled ceramic plate.

    At MonteCedro

    Re-opening of Marcell’s

    MonteCedro’s fine dining restaurant “Marcell’s” opened for the first time since the Eaton Fire. With wonderful past favorites on the menu, the food looked as good as it tasted. The evening was a special experience for all the residents fortunate enough to attend opening night.

     

    A man gives a presentation to a seated group of older adults in a conference room. A projection screen displays a talk titled New Era Radio Astronomy – A Presentation for the Public. An American flag is in the background.

    Lectures and presentations

    Looking towards the stars

    Lifelong Learning is a cornerstone of life at MonteCedro. We organize several lectures or classes a month, to provide residents with opportunities to explore a variety of topics. Dr. Sander Weinreb, from Cal Tech, delivered a lecture to the community entitled, “New Era Astronomy.” The captivating talk prompted an extended period of questions and conversation. After the event, Dr. Weinreb enjoyed lunch with several residents, continuing the discussion inspired by his lecture.

    An elderly woman with short gray hair and glasses smiles warmly as she gently holds the face of a golden retriever, looking into the dogs eyes. The background shows a trash can and another person partially visible.

    Lectures and presentations

    Renowned therapy dog visit

    “Beacon” is a renowned therapy dog that works with the US Gymnastics team. Beacon and his Mom/handler Tracey visited MonteCedro to demonstrate the stress reduction that Beacon brings.

     

     

    A group of elderly people sits at round tables, watching a woman in a cowboy hat sing and play keyboard, accompanied by a small band with guitar and drums in a sunlit room with large windows and beige curtains.

    Performances

    Jazz Happy Hour

    Once a month we offer a Jazz Happy Hour. This past happy hour featured a resident, Carla and her jazz band. It was so popular, we had to move it from MonteCedro’s bar Station 8, to Marcell’s, our larger fine dining restaurant to accommodate the crowd. The band is wonderful and often invites other residents to come up and sing a song or two with them. It was a special time for everyone.

    A group of people seated in chairs face a woman speaking at the front of a room with beige curtains, an American flag, and electronic equipment. The audience appears to be mostly older adults.

    Performances

    Karaoke anyone?

    This fun evening invited residents to get up and sing a favorite tune. The full house in the Auditorium cheered on everyone who shared their love of music at our Karaoke evening.

    • Two elderly men are standing close together, each holding a microphone and singing. One wears a blue polo shirt, the other a beige patterned shirt. Beige curtains hang in the background.
    • An older woman speaks into a microphone while standing beside a monitor and small speaker, addressing an audience in a room with beige curtains. A man with gray hair sits facing her in the foreground.
    • An older woman stands at a microphone in front of a monitor, speaking to a seated audience of seniors in a room with beige curtains.
    • An older man in a black shirt holds a microphone and stands beside a computer monitor on a table, speaking in front of beige curtains.
    A pianist performs on a grand piano in front of an audience. Three people, including one in a wheelchair, watch. An American flag stands in the background, and light-colored curtains cover the wall behind the piano.

    Performances

    Classical Piano

    Professor Carlos Gardels joined us for a Classical Piano Concert and Lecture. He presented beautiful works by Scarlatti, Bach, Scriabin, Debussy, and Chopin. Prof. Gardels also performed his own original music and discussed the process of composition. He performs internationally, and we are fortunate to have enjoyed a preview of his upcoming 2026 tour.

     

    A group of older women perform on stage, most dressed in matching sailor outfits, while two on the right wear black with colorful hats and props. Audience members are visible in the foreground, watching the lively performance.

    Performances

    The Tap Chicks

    Pam Kay and The Tap Chicks are a popular senior dance group who perform throughout the LA area. Their energy and spirit captivated the full house.

     

     

    An elderly man on all fours practices yoga indoors while a small goat stands on his back. Two older women watch the scene, seated in chairs nearby. Sunlight streams through large windows in the background.

    Activities

    The joy of goats

    Hello Critter Goat Yoga visited MonteCedro, bringing two baby goats to leap, jump, weave, and snuggle among the yoga participants. A few brave residents let the goats join them in downward facing dog pose and even jump on their back during a plank. The joy these four-legged friends bring to the class is seen on every face.

    • A small goat stands on the back of a person lying face down on a yoga mat in an indoor setting, with chairs visible in the background.
    • A person does a yoga pose indoors alongside two goats wearing small orange socks, while another person sits in the background watching.
    • A goat wearing orange and black booties stands indoors on a tiled floor, with an elderly person sitting in the background, watching the animal.
    • A small goat wearing orange booties and collar reaches for a bunch of leafy greens being offered by a person. Another goat and a seated person with red plaid clothing are also visible in the scene.
    • A small goat wearing an orange collar stands on a purple yoga mat next to a person in a plaid shirt doing a yoga pose, indoors with blurred people in the background.
    • A close-up of a black and white goat wearing a bright orange collar, with a soft-focus indoor background.
    • An elderly woman sitting and smiling joyfully as she interacts with two small goats, while another person assists nearby. The setting appears to be indoors with natural light coming through a window.
    • An elderly woman in a yoga pose has a small goat standing on her back. Another elderly woman sits nearby in a chair, watching the scene. The room is bright with large windows in the background.
    Four older adults stand together smiling on a sandy beach with the ocean and blue sky in the background. Three women wear sun hats and sunglasses, while the man wears a cap and sunglasses.

    Outings

    Laguna Beach

    Summer is made for light sea breezes and walks by the water. Recently, residents enjoyed a trip to Laguna Beach to visit the sand, shops, and wonderful restaurants of the area. We were blessed with beautiful weather and bright blue skies.

    • Five older adults sit around a small outdoor cafĂ© table, smiling and enjoying food and drinks. Three wear light-colored NAVY hats, and everyone appears relaxed and happy in the sunny setting.
    • Two older women walk on a sunny outdoor shopping street. One wears a yellow sweater, hat, and patterned pants; the other wears a pink hat and floral jacket. Both are smiling and carrying bags.
    • A display case filled with assorted fresh baguette sandwiches, wrapped in paper and packed with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and deli meats in a bakery or cafĂ© setting.
    • Two women wearing colorful hats and clothes walk down a brick sidewalk in a small town. Other people stroll ahead, and trees, shops, and street signs are visible in the background under a sunny sky.
    A courtyard with a central rectangular fountain, surrounded by four black statues, green plants, benches, and white columns. The backdrop features a doorway marked Kingdom of Pylos.

    Outings

    Getty Villa

    Residents visited The Getty Villa Museum. This remarkable destination houses Greek and Roman antiquities in a re-created Roman country home. On display are 4,000 years of ancient art, from the Stone Age to the final days of the Roman Empire. The Villa recently re-opened after surviving the Palisades Fire earlier this year. Following a visit to the collection, residents enjoyed lunch at The Villa.

    • A man in a light yellow shirt and gray cap takes a photo of a black marble bust in an outdoor museum courtyard with columns, statues, and greenery.
    • Two older adults, one in a yellow shirt and the other in black, stand closely together looking at an ancient stone relief displayed on a museum wall. Another carved artifact is visible on a pedestal nearby.
    • An older man in a suit stands with his back to the camera, closely viewing ancient fresco fragments displayed on a gray museum wall.
    • An elderly person in a blue textured jacket views an ancient marble statue displayed on a pedestal in a museum gallery. The statue is missing its head and arms.

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