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For those in attendance at the South Pasadena Senior Center Christmas and Holiday Luncheon inside the War Memorial Building in town, it was time to rejoice the return of some long-awaited traditional fun.
It’s cancellation on account of COVID a year ago saddened many, but there were nothing but smiles as it was back Thursday thanks in large part to the South Pasadena Police Officers’ Association, which sponsored the event.
Talking notice was the city’s mayor, Michael Cacciotti, who was among a large group serving meals, joining members of the local police department, Councilmember Diana Mahmud, and board members of the Senior Citizens Foundation of South Pasadena, including Bill Cullinane, Cindi Knight, Mark Langill, and Richard Helgeson.
“This was very important to our seniors because it has been two years since our last senior holiday luncheon,” said Cacciotti. “In speaking with a few of the seniors, they were so happy to be attending a special holiday event in person and seeing old friends and staff in person. Whatever age we are, I think this pandemic has really highlighted the importance and need we all have for human contact and socialization.”
More than 85 seniors dined on roasted turkey with mushroom gravy, pasta, steamed spinach and cauliflower, salad, and apple and peach crumble for dessert. The Old Fashioned Carolers provided entertainment, singing an array of holiday favorites.
Melissa Snyder, the Senior Center community services supervisor, was grateful for the support from the South Pasadena Police Officers’ Association in making the luncheon possible.
“This was the first time in over 21 months the Senior Center was able to host in-person congregate meals and the first major event since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said in an email.
