January 2026

A Day to Celebrate, Connect, and Empower: Older Americans Month at Victory Park

By Jim Hendrick
Posted: 05/30/2025

A brilliant spring morning greeted over 500 attendees as Pasadena’s Victory Park came alive on Wednesday, May 21, for the City’s fourth annual celebration of Older Americans Month. From the moment the first guests arrived around 9:30 a.m., the energy was unmistakable. A sea of smiling faces, helpful volunteers, and eager attendees transformed the park into a bustling hub of wellness, education, and joy. Organized by the City of Pasadena’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, Senior Commission, and Pasadena Village—with the support of key sponsors such as Home Instead-Pasadena, UCLA Health, and Villa Gardens—this year’s celebration was by all accounts the largest and most engaging to date.

At the heart of the event was a shared mission: to celebrate the vitality, resilience, and contributions of older adults in our community. The 2025 event schedule was packed with informative presentations, dynamic performances, and opportunities for health screenings, all tailored specifically for older adults. As Pasadena Village Board President Dick Myers put it, “The energy at this event is overwhelming.” And he was right—every corner of the park buzzed with activity and meaningful interaction.

- The festivities kicked off at 10:00 a.m. with opening statements from Pasadena City Council members and dignitaries at the main stage. Their remarks underscored the importance of honoring and empowering older adults in every corner of the city. Simultaneously, a range of “Ask the Expert” sessions began across sponsor tents.

- Pasadena Senior Center hosted physical therapist Chrystal Yen, who spoke to guests about regaining fitness after medical care. Her thoughtful, individualized advice underscored the event’s theme of healthy aging. 

- At the UCLA Health tent, pulmonologist Dr. Tamas Dolinay engaged in meaningful conversations about lung health, screening options, and the impact of local air quality. 

- Huntington Health’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Services team provided valuable fall risk screenings, as well as diabetes and hypertension checks. I took part myself, and while my blood pressure was a little elevated, community outreach nurse Patty Nogueda gently reassured me and shared details about Huntington Health’s “Noon Hour Series”—virtual wellness presentations that are now firmly on my calendar.

- At 11:00, the Hummingbird Project led a therapeutic dance and movement session. 

- This was followed by a high-energy Senior Zumba class led by the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center. 

- At noon, the Pasadena Conservatory of Music’s Adult Ensemble delivered a beautiful performance. 

- The day’s grand finale was a spirited line dancing session led by the Pasadena Senior Center. 

Beyond the stage, information and assistance flowed freely from dozens of booths. Wise and Healthy Aging, based in Santa Monica, presented their Elder Justice Resource Guide, a vital collection of contacts and literature on topics ranging from legal aid to avoiding investment fraud. Of particular note were pamphlets on fall prevention, consumer rights, and community wellness classes.

Pasadena Village’s presence was strong and deeply felt. Volunteers and staff proudly wore the new Pasadena Village polo shirts. Hannah, Nathan and Pablo, from our staff team, stood out not just for their helpfulness but for their contagious enthusiasm. Younger volunteers Elle, Kieran and Jack were so helpful gently answering questions and moving things about. New Voice of the Village copy editor Judith Ray was indispensable showing providers to their tables. Villager Dan Guerrero registered attendees with a warm smile, handing out beautifully assembled gift bags.

Board member and Villager Doug Colliflower offered his expertise to those with real estate questions. “Sometimes the biggest gift we can offer is clarity,” he said, pausing to help a guest navigate downsizing options. His quiet confidence made many feel at ease.

It was also a day of reunion and new connections. Lorrie Gray observed, “There are so many people here I’ve never seen before,” as she greeted new faces with the ease of a natural community builder. Kayla Partridge noted, “There are so many more resources this year,” reflecting the growing support for Pasadena’s older adults. And Marcella Murphy, eyes wide and beaming, simply exclaimed, “What a huge crowd!”

Throughout the day, laughter echoed, meaningful conversations unfolded, and a sense of belonging permeated the air. Betty Ann Jansson, looking around at the thriving gathering, summed it up best: “I think we really did it this time.”

Pasadena Celebrates Older Americans Month at Victory Park was more than a celebration—it was a powerful reminder that aging is not just about the passing of time, but about embracing life. With the collective efforts of the City, Pasadena Village, and countless dedicated individuals and organizations, this year’s event showcased the very best of what our community has to offer.

When it  was time to head home, many did so with new information, new friendships, and a renewed sense of purpose. And for all of us at Pasadena Village, it was a day that reaffirmed why we do what we do—supporting one another, celebrating together, and building a better future for older adults in Pasadena.

Check out all the photos from the event here.