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Aging Like a Fine Wine: Pasadena Village’s Vintage Celebration

On Wednesday, November 5, more than one hundred Pasadena Villagers and supporters filled the historic Woman’s Club of South Pasadena for the 3rd annual Vintage Celebration - an evening that felt less like a fundraiser and more like a family reunion. For many, it was a reminder of why Pasadena Village matters: because aging-in-place is richer, easier, and far more joyful when we do it together.

Guests stepped into the warm glow of the 1913 clubhouse as laughter, piano music, and the aroma of Chef Onil Chibas’ inventive hors d’oeuvres drifted through the room. The crowd was lively, the conversation effortless, and the atmosphere, as Villager Barbara Madden observed, “Feels like the Village at its very best.” The piano duo from Art Deco Entertainment added a nostalgic sparkle that transformed the historic building into something between a jazz lounge and a cherished community living room. This year’s theme of “Vintage: Aging in Place Like a Fine Wine” resonated throughout the night. Aging was celebrated not as something to endure, but something to savor - layered with experience, humor, connection, and resilience. 

The Village recognized its Vintage VIPs, members and friends whose added generosity keeps programs thriving year-round: Bruce Christensen, Toni Johnson, Dick Myers, Wayne April & Jeff Gutstadt, Barbara Madden, Betty Ann & Bruce Jansson, Ron Stoffers, Dan Guerrero, Paula Rao, Bob Niemack, Sally Asmundson, Gary Smith & Anne Regan-Smith, and Lisa Bricker. 

The Show: Poignancy and Promise

One of the most loved traditions of the Vintage Celebration is its Art Show featuring commissioned works by Villagers for Villagers. The proceeds from the commissions are donated 100% to Pasadena Village. This year’s Acts of Art Show, coordinated by Kären Bagnard, paired artists with patrons who commissioned works at a donation level of their choosing with 100% benefiting Pasadena Village. “Village artists donated their time, talents and materials to create unique works of art commissioned by Villagers and our community supporters,” Bagnard shared. Artist and Villager Bill Wishner stepped forward with a $2,000 donation, matching the commissions raised through Acts of Art. His gift helped push the night’s total over $10,000, providing critical support for Village programs in the coming year. “Thanks to each and every one of you, artists and organizers,” from Board President Dick Myers. 

The art table was buzzing all evening. Thirty-three works were unveiled, each one made specifically for a Villager or Village supporter. Seeing patrons discover their commissioned pieces – some with wide smiles, others with quiet emotion – became one of the evening’s most memorable scenes.

Executive Director Katie Brandon captured the night beautifully: “Unveiling the newly commissioned works made by and for older adults was heartfelt and inspiring. I especially enjoyed seeing the patrons’ reactions… and hearing the artists share their inspirations.”

Participating artists included Maureen Kellen-Taylor, Gina Frierman-Hunt, Jim Hendrick, Virgi Merriam, and Kären Bagnard, with several multi-artist collaborations. Bagnard contributed a range of mixed-media pieces, and photo realism computer-generated work by Gary Smith brought Paula Rao’s backyard landscape to life. 

Maureen Kellen-Taylor completed tender pet portraits. 

Commissioned pieces included:

Phatmustard by Jim Hendrick for Dick Myers

Morning Sun and Gazebo Art by Kären Bagnard for Wayne April & Jeff Gutstadt

Wind Beneath the Wings by Bagnard for Bob Niemack

Survivor by Maureen Kellen-Taylor for Jane Brackman

Here’s Looking at You by Kellen-Taylor for Jocelyn Keene

Casa de la Paz by Gary Smith for Dan Guerrero

It Was Beautiful by Smith for Paula Rao

Bagnard summed up the collective feeling: “It was pure pleasure and an act of love for each artist and each patron.”

This year, the project carried a special poignancy. Several Village members and artists lost their homes in the Eaton Fire. Supporting their creative work—and giving back through art—became one of the night’s emotional anchors. As Executive Director Katie Brandon noted, “We uplifted their work and the critical role of artists in community healing.”

The Raffle: Cheers, Laughter, and Lucky Winners

If any corner of the room rivaled the art table for excitement, it was the raffle. The table featured prizes, from cultural outings to handcrafted art to once-in-a-lifetime experiences. People circled, strategized, dropped tickets, and returned to drop a few more.

Raffle highlights included:

A private showing with film producer and Villager Bob Niemack, including his Signs of Life adventure at Griffith Observatory for ten guests

Tickets to A Noise Within Theatre, Pasadena POPS, Pasadena Playhouse, and the Distinguished Speakers Series featuring Dr. Laurie Santos and Bob Costas

Fused glass art by Sally Asmundson

Felt art by Karla Field

Two hours of Party Host Helpers

And a generous selection of wine and champagne donated by Villagers John and Virgi Merriam

Pasadena Village Development Associate Samantha Gallasch had this to say: "After a year and a half with the organization and two Vintage Celebrations under my belt, I look back on the third annual iteration of the event very fondly. The music, the food, the centerpieces, and the Acts of Art exhibition all came together as an amazing backdrop for a night of community and connection."

As guests stepped out into the cool South Pasadena evening, one thing was clear: the Village is growing older together - not quietly, not alone - but with purpose, creativity, and joy. If aging is akin to a fine wine, this community is aging beautifully.