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Two big supporters of the town will be honored Monday, August 15, as the Senior Citizens’ Foundation of South Pasadena hosts a reception recognizing their many contributions over the years.
On the receiving end of the gratitude and praise will be Bob Joe and Granville Thurman, both longtime residents who will be thanked for their impact in the community during the 5-7 p.m. event at the city’s Senior Center, 1102 Oxley Street.
Joe has been highly active in city government, serving on numerous commissions, non-profits, and is a former City Council member, including two terms as mayor. He continues to lend a hand to a number of local organizations today.
Thurman touched the life of many throughout his illustrious career in education, both as a teacher and principal at the South Pasadena Middle School in the days when it was a junior high. He’s currently active with the Oneonta Club and its own foundation, which awards scholarships to deserving graduating South Pasadena High School seniors each year.
Along with honoring the two citizens, the organization’s president, Bill Cullinane, said the reception looks to raise awareness and profile of the Senior Citizens’ Foundation of South Pasadena, the fundraising arm of the Senior Center.
Volunteer driven, the Foundation ensures “that this vital community resource has the funds it needs to deliver the wide range of services and activities that help seniors in our community thrive,” according to its website.
“We want the community to attend the reception to show their support for these two outstanding gentlemen while learning about the Foundation and the support it provides to our seniors,” explained Cullinane.
Among those in attendance at Monday’s reception will be David and Diane Mgrublian, who have donated a sizable amount to the Foundation in recent years. A special endowment named after their parents – Harold and Alice – has been created to ensure that the South Pasadena Senior Center continues to strive, providing an abundance of programs and services.
David Mgrublian will speak briefly on what the Senior Center has meant to him and his sister, and their parents.
In addition, Dominick Correy, representing State Senator Anthony Portantino, whose 25th District represents South Pasadena, will present Joe and Granville with special certificates for their achievements.
Mark Langill, vice-president of the Foundation and best known as the Dodgers’ historian, will provide an overview of the Senior Center and talk about its importance to those it serves.
“This is a chance to honor two seniors who mean so much to our community,” he said of Thurman and Joe. “I had the pleasure of serving on the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission with Bob and watched his dedication to various groups within our city. Granville will always be ‘Mr. Thurman’ to me because he was my principal at the South Pasadena Junior High in the late 1970s.”
Guests will enjoy Italian sparkling wine and receive a charcuterie box from Pasadena’s Bacchus Restaurant, owned by Claud Beltran, along with dessert.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at www.spsenior.org or, by check. Simply follow the instructions at the website for either option.
