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The South Pasadena Senior Center held their festive annual Holiday Luncheon this past Tuesday with a full house of senior members of the community celebrating at the War Memorial Building. The hall was decked out like Whoville on Christmas morning replete with Grinch and Whoville decorations on several large holiday trees and a giant Grinch who danced and played the famous Grinch song.
Seniors were welcomed through a giant Whoville arch by Senior Center staff as well as former South Pasadena Mayor, Bob Joe, who is always ready with a warm smile. The seniors were also joined by Assemblyman Mike Fong, a longtime friend of Joe’s, who now represents South Pasadena. Senior Center supervisor, Melissa Snyder, welcomed everyone and thanked the South Pasadena Police Officer Association for sponsoring the event, SPPD Chief Solinksy, Lieutenant Robledo and several SPPD officers who were on hand to assist in serving the lunch, and the Lewis Family, who generously donated $750 that went towards buying all the raffle prizes (of which there were many!)
Chief Solinsky thanked the crowd for “allowing the police department to celebrate with you. As we go through the holiday season, it’s always a good reminder for us for what we’re thankful for and certainly we are thankful for our relationships with all of you. From the police department, we wish you all a wonderful and safe and happy holidays!”
Assemblymember Mike Fong had this to say to the gathering, “so good to see each and every one of you. With redistricting, the 49th district now includes the City of South Pasadena so I am grateful for the honor to work with all of you in our California State Legislature. Thank you to the South Pasadena Police Department for hosting today’s luncheon and to the City of South Pasadena for hosting such a wonderful event here today. I had a chance to meet so many of you and I’m grateful for the chance to celebrate the holidays with you. What a wonderful celebration and I hope you and yours have a wonderful, blessed holiday season. And thank you to my friend Bob Joe, who I’ve known for a very long time and to the City of South Pasadena and City Council for all they do to uplift this great community.”
Bill Cullinane, the president of the South Pasadena Senior Citizen Foundation, was also in attendance as well as Mary Jerejian and Tiara Solorzano from the City Manager, Arminé Chaparyan’s office.
Over a hundred local seniors enjoyed the delicious food while singing holiday songs along with smooth crooner, Clarence Ulrich, a member of the second generation of “The World Famous Drifters”. After the entertainment, revelers participated in a lively raffle with at least a couple dozen leaving as very happy winners. Guests mingled and took photos with the Grinch and in Santa’s chair as they exchanged stories and holiday cheer. No one wanted to leave.
Congratulations to the senior center for another beautiful holiday event for these very special members of our community.
