NEWS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Charmaine Nelson
(626) 344-4325
FREE MAY EVENTS HOSTED BY PASADENA SENIOR CENTER
Members and nonmembers of the Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly St., are invited to free events and activities for anyone 50 and older throughout May. Residency in Pasadena is not required to attend.
Registration for Zoom activities and most onsite events is required. Registration links can be found at www.PasadenaSeniorCenter.org. Everyone who registers for Zoom events will receive an email link for joining each activity online.
Monthly Food Bank Distribution — Friday, May 1 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the parking lot at Pasadena Senior Center. Low-income adults 60 and older receive one free box of food and couples receive two. Preregistration for the program with proof of income and California ID are required for first-time recipients; the Food Bank is currently not accepting new enrollments. Seniors not currently enrolled in the program will be put on a waiting list and informed of other available food sources. Opening boxes on the premises is prohibited. For more information, visit www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org and click on Resources, then Food Distribution Programs or call (626) 685-6732.
Word Search Challenge! & Giveaway – Friday, May 1 to Friday, May 29, onsite at Pasadena Senior Center, Sponsored by Social Services. Start the month with a fun, brain-boosting activity! Pick up your word search at the Welcome Desk, complete it, and return it by the deadline to be entered into our raffle. Questions? Contact Social Services at (626) 685-6733.
Movie Matinees – Fridays, May 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, at 1 p.m. onsite at Pasadena Senior Center. Each PSC member who registers may bring one nonmember guest. May 1: “Double Happiness” (1994, PG-13) starring Sanda Oh and Callum Rennie. An independent young Chinese-Canadian woman grapples with living the life she wants while trying not to disappoint her traditional parents. May 8: “Antonia’s Line” (1995, R) starring Willeke van Ammelrooy and Els Dottermans. A Dutch matron establishes and, for several generations, oversees a close-knit, matriarchal community where feminism and liberalism thrive. May 15: “Hold Back the Dawn" (1941, NR) starring Olivia de Havilland and Charles Boyer. Stopped in Mexico by U.S. Immigration, Georges Iscovescu hopes to get into the country by marrying a citizen. In spite of his ruse, love begins to bloom. May 22: “Crooklyn" (1994, PG-13) starring Alfre Woodard and Delroy Lindo. Spike Lee's vibrant semi-autobiographical portrait of a school teacher, her stubborn jazz musician husband and their five kids living in Brooklyn in 1973. May 29: “So Proudly We Hail" (1943, NR) starring Claudette Colbert and Paulette Goddard. A group of nurses returning from the war in the Philippines recall their experiences in combat and in love. To register for any or all these films or for more information, visit www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org and click on Activities & Events, then Friday Movie Matinee or call (626) 795-4331.
Cycling for Health and Community – Saturday, May 2, at 1:30 p.m. onsite at Pasadena Senior Center, Presented by Dorothy Wong. Did you bicycle as a kid? Do you still bike? Dorothy Wong is a cycling advocate, competitive cycling official, and member of the Altadena Town Council; she knows first-hand how cycling can foster community, promote health and wellness, and help the environment. Dorothy will share stories, tips, and resources for fun and safe cycling that she’s learned from her decades of involvement in the community. It doesn’t matter whether you haven’t been on a bike in 40 years or regularly race in tournaments, Dorothy will engage and inspire you! Registration is suggested. To register, visit www.PasadenaSeniorCenter.org and click on “Special Events” under the “Activities & Events” menu.
Turning Pages, Finding Peace Book Club – Mondays and Thursdays, May 4 to July 9, at 9 a.m. onsite at Pasadena Senior Center, Presented by the Social Services Team. This book club will be held both in English (Mondays) and Spanish (Thursdays). When thinking about your wellbeing, have you considered the connection between the mind and body? Traumatic experiences are not just emotional or mental experiences they are physical too. When looking at fields such as neuroscience or psychology, it is important to understand how different experiences can physically change our brain. If you are interested in understanding this biological progression, process your own experiences, or see how your body is holding the stress this book group is for you! Registration is required. Please call Anil at (626) 685-6785 or Mariana at (626) 685-6733.
Guided Tours of Pasadena Senior Center – Mondays, May 4, 11, 18, and 25, at noon and Thursdays, May 7, 14, 21, and 28, at 10 a.m. onsite at Pasadena Senior Center. Take a guided tour with a PSC ambassador and learn how the center can enhance your life. Peek in on various activities at the center, such as an art class, dance lessons, computer lab and dozens more, and learn everything else about this first- ever accredited senior center in California. To schedule a tour or for more information, visit www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org and click on About Us, then About the Facility or call (626) 795-4331.
MUSE/IQUE On the Road – Monday, May 4, at 1 p.m. onsite at Pasadena Senior Center. MUSE/IQUE On The Road is an informal hour of music and conversation highlighting the curation and music from MUSE/IQUE’s 2026 season. This month’s program features music and stories from MUSE/IQUE’s concert The Wonderful Wizard, highlighting how the journey to Oz and its band of characters have been reimagined time and time again, representing the underdog and radical hope in the face of fear. Registration is recommended. Visit www.PasadenaSeniorCenter.org and click on Special Events under the Activities & Events menu.
Legal Consultations – Thursday, May 7, from 10 a.m. to noon onsite at Pasadena Senior Center. Learn about wills and trusts, conservatorships, durable powers of attorney and estate planning. To schedule a required appointment, call (626) 795-4331.
Depression and Anxiety– Thursday, May 7, at 10 a.m. via Zoom, Presented by Los Angeles Department of Mental Health. Learn to recognize the symptoms of depression and anxiety in older adults. Find out what contributes to these problems and what needs to be done when you or someone you love suffers from depression or anxiety. Registration is required for this online lecture. Visit www.PasadenaSeniorCenter.org and click on Informational Lectures under the Lectures & Classes menu.
Making Your Money Grow in Retirement – Thursday, May 14, at 10 a.m. via Zoom, Presented by Foundation for Senior Services. Learn the ins and outs of retirement accounts—including IRAs and 401(k)s—as we break down the pros, cons, and common pitfalls to help you make informed decisions. This session will also explore how low-cost annuities can be used to create a reliable, guaranteed income stream in retirement, giving you greater confidence and financial security for the future. Registration is required for this online event. Visit www.PasadenaSeniorCenter.org and click on Informational Lectures under the Lectures & Classes menu.
Health Fair and Fresh Produce Distribution – Friday, May 15, from 9 to 11 a.m. onsite at Pasadena Senior Center. Kathy Eastwood from Huntington Hospital will be doing blood pressure and glucose testing. The Hear Center will be doing free hearing screenings. Insurance representatives will be on hand to show different Medicare Health Plans, and answer questions that you may have. Preassembled bags of fresh, nutritious vegetables will be distributed on the patio while supplies last, courtesy of Order of Malta Mobile Ministries. Everyone is encouraged to bring a bag or personal pull-behind cart to transport the produce home. Registration is not required. For more information call (626) 795-4331.
Tech Lab Lalapalooza – Monday through Friday, May 18 to 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. onsite at Pasadena Senior Center, Hosted by Mayfield Senior School Senior Students. Workshops are open to all! Get assistance and instruction on Android & Apple Smartphones; iPads & Laptops; Microsoft Office Suite; Social Media Applications. Appointments are recommended. To make an appointment call the Welcome Desk at (626) 795-4331. Walk-ins are also welcome!
Timeless Treasures Boutique Donation Drive – Monday through Friday, May 18 to 29, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. onsite at Pasadena Senior Center. Please support the Senior Center by donating gently used items to our Timeless Treasures boutique. We are currently accepting housewares, kitchen items, jewelry, collectibles, knick-knacks, small appliances, and purses. Donations can be dropped off on the patio through the patio gate. If you need help unloading, please call the Welcome Desk for assistance. Please note: we are unable to accept clothing, bedding, or shoes.
Mediation– Thursday, May 21, at 10 a.m. via Zoom, Presented by Loyola Center for Conflict Resolution (LCCR). During the lecture, we will discuss the types of conflicts that LCCR supports, including disputes between landlords and tenants, family members, neighbors, consumer/debt conflicts, and workplace/employment disputes. LCCR creates a safe environment, enabling participants to reach durable agreements by evaluating their options—both legal and non-legal—and determining what solutions best suit their needs. Registration is required for this online event. Visit www.PasadenaSeniorCenter.org and click on Informational Lectures under the Lectures & Classes menu.
Let's De-Stress –Fridays, May 15 at 9 a.m., May 22 at 1 p.m., and May 29 at 2 p.m. onsite at the Pasadena Senior Center, Presented by Independence at Home. Take a break, recharge, and join our Let’s De-Stress 3-part program designed to help you better understand and manage everyday stress. In this welcoming and supportive series, you’ll connect with others and learn practical techniques to reduce stress, build healthier habits, and boost your mood. Each session offers a unique experience—from stress management tips and goal-setting for a healthier lifestyle to the uplifting practice of Bollywood Laughter Yoga. We’ll also incorporate a calming gratitude meditation to help you leave feeling centered and refreshed. Registration is required. Please register by calling (626) 685-6732.
Memorial Day Swing Band Concert and Dance – Monday, May 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. onsite at Pasadena Senior Center, Sponsored by the Pipia/Ma Welcome Home Fund. This event is free to attend thanks to the sponsorship of the Pipia/Ma Welcome Home Fund, supporting the self-care and well-being of veterans and military members. Bring your neighbors and friends to enjoy a Memorial Day concert and dance with the Great American Swing Band’s 14-piece Big Band. It’s a throwback to the vintage USO with popular dance tunes of the 1940s & 50s. It’ll red, white, and blue all the way as we observe this national holiday and pay tribute to our veterans. Light snacks will be available. Advance registration is suggested. Visit www.PasadenaSeniorCenter.org and click on Special Events under the Activities & Events menu.
Jigsaw Puzzle Completion Challenge – Tuesday, May 26, at 1:30 p.m. onsite at Pasadena Senior Center, presented by Social Services at PSC. Join us for a fun and friendly jigsaw puzzle challenge! All puzzles will be provided, just bring yourself and enjoy the fun. Teams of four are needed. If you have a group already, just register with Social Services. If not, we’ll match you with a team. All are welcome! Register by May 15 by calling (626) 685-6732.
How to Spot and Respond to Elder Abuse – Thursday, May 28, at 10 a.m. via Zoom, Presented by Foundation for Senior Services This talk will help you recognize the signs of elder abuse, understand reporting laws, and explore available community and protective service resources. We’ll also discuss current gaps in services and how you can play a role in supporting and protecting older adults. Registration is required for this online event. Visit PasadenaSeniorCenter.org and click on Informational Lectures under the Lectures & Classes menu.
Mediation and Dispute Resolution – Thursday, May 28, from 10 a.m. to noon onsite at Pasadena Senior Center. Learn how to resolve conflicts with the help of a trained mediator, including property ownership, landlord/tenant disputes, workplace/employment issues, family disagreements and more. Presented by Loyola Center for Conflict Resolution. To make an appointment, call 626-795-4331.
Acknowledging Loss After Disaster: Healing Begins when We Honor What is Gone — 1st Tuesday of the month at 3 p.m. onsite at Pasadena Senior Center, 2nd Wednesday of the month at 12 p.m. via Zoom, Presented in Partnership with Foundation for Senior Services. Loss isn’t just about what’s missing—it’s about what mattered. In a culture that rushes to “move on,” we often bypass the most essential parts of true healing and personal growth—to actively engage in the full range of our emotions and begin to honor the experience of grief and loss. This is not about fixing or forgetting—it’s about integrating memories in a way that brings peace, meaning, and wholeness to our lives. Join these discussion groups to share experiences and receive support from others in a compassionate, safe, and confidential space as we work through the healing journey. For more information contact the Welcome Desk at (626) 795-4331. To contact Foundation for Senior Services call (855) 836–0807 or via email at
Bilingual Tech Help Program – Mondays at 10 a.m. and Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m. onsite at Pasadena Senior Center, with Bilingual Instructor Mariana Porras. Learn how to navigate social media platforms, send texts, check voice mails, set alarms, and more. Whether you need assistance with your smartphone, tablet, or computer, this is a valuable chance to get those questions about your device answered. Let us help you make the most of your devices and explore the possibilities of the digital world.
Help with Handheld Devices – Saturdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. onsite at Pasadena Senior Center. Join us in our state-of-the-art Technology Lab on Saturdays where we will provide one-on-one assistance for those who need assistance with cell phones, iPads, and laptops. Get help with everyday technology questions in a friendly, supportive environment. No need to make a reservation. Just stop by!
Lunch Program – Ongoing weekdays at 11:30 a.m. onsite at Pasadena Senior Center. If you are 60 or older, enjoy a hot lunch every Monday through Friday on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration begins at 11 a.m. A donation of $3 is suggested but not required. For more information, call (626) 685-6742.
Home Tea Program – Ongoing monthly. Anyone 50 and older can sign up to receive tea and an inspirational card once a month. To participate in this program, call (626) 685-6732.
Food Pantry – Ongoing weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Don’t let financial hardship, being homebound or other issues prevent you from eating healthy food. Pasadena Senior Center volunteers deliver food and other supplies to your door. To request delivery, call (626) 685-6732 and leave a message. Someone will return your call as soon as possible.
Pasadena Senior Center’s mission is to improve the lives of older adults through caring service with opportunities for social interaction, fitness programs, basic support and needs services, education, volunteerism and community activism. With 10,000 Americans per day becoming older adults, the center is a leader in addressing issues of aging and provides innovative, cutting-edge, nationally recognized programs for this population group.
As a donor-supported nonprofit, the center operates without any local, state or federal funding and provides more services to older adults than any other organization in the San Gabriel Valley. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. To learn more visit www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org or call 626-795-4331.