In the wake of January's fires and winds, Pasadena and its surrounding area, most especially Altadena, have needed help badly. Pasadena Village, with its nearly 250 members, has proven to be up to the challenge, providing services of all kinds, not only for Villagers, but also to surrounding neighborhoods.

How timely it was for the Village's annual volunteer luncheon to fall so soon after January's disaster. The purpose of this annual luncheon is to recognize the Village's many volunteers and express appreciation for them. About 50 Villagers and community volunteers gathered at Pasadena's Elks Club Lodge on Wednesday, April 23 for a lovely lunch and program generously hosted by the Rotary Club of Altadena, catered by the Elk’s Club and organized by the Village's Volunteer Team and staff.

In her opening remarks, Pasadena Village Executive Director Katie Brandon expressed her gratitude to the Village's volunteer groups. She also provided for a moment of silence for all those impacted by the fires. Katie then introduced President Dick Myers who stressed the idea that all Villagers are volunteers closing with this Louisiana phrase, Laissez les bons temps rouler (Excuse my French!)

Nathan Wolford, Pasadena Village Volunteer Coordinator, expressed his gratitude for all the caring he has seen from Villagers toward other Villagers and the community as a whole. He then highlighted each group within the Village. Wayne April, a Village Board Director, gave a brief fire recovery report. We learned that at least 20 Villagers lost their homes, also citing several Villagers who helped with fire relief.

Katie then introduced Village intern and staff member Tino Melchor. She read a message of appreciation from his mentor, Shad Cruz a Village Board Director, who was unable to attend. (Was that a tear or two in Tino's eyes?) Katie also recognized the rest of the Village's staff for their efforts, who are no less than amazing.

Eighteen live plant centerpieces were given to those with winning raffle tickets. The beautiful Kusamono arrangments were assembled by a group of Villagers consisting of Ed Mervine, Paula Rau, Lorrie Gray, and Barbara Madden. A few recipients, who were afraid of killing the plants, opted for gift cards.

As the proceedings ended, Villager Holly Thiercof expressed her reaction to the brunch, “This was the first Volunteer Appreciation Lunch I have attended since joining the Village a couple months ago. I was so impressed with the warm welcome from the members, the thoughtful presentations recognizing the volunteers’ support throughout the year, especially during the Eaton Fire Disaster, and the length of the program. The venue was so interesting. I had always been curious about the Elks Lodge and the wonderful parking available.”

The over-the-top caring expressed by so many Villagers in response to January's losses permeated the atmosphere throughout the festivities. The Village has, indeed, reached a new plateau of love and caring within our community.

View photos from the 2025 Volunteer Appreciation Lunch here.

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