Plan to Attend One of Many Free April Events at the Pasadena Senior Center

Tai Chi is one of the many activities offered by the Pasadena Senior Center. – Courtesy photo / Facebook, @PasadenaSeniorCenter

Located at 85 E. Holly St., there is something for everyone in April at the Pasadena Senior Center. You do not have to be a member to attend any of their events; however, some events require advance reservations. Regardless, Pasadena Senior Center welcomes you to participate in the following upcoming events:

Diabetes Workshop – Mondays, April 2 to April 15, from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

If you or someone you care about is diabetic or pre-diabetic, this series encourage you to make lifestyle changes while learning more about your diabetes and how it affects your health. Registration is required. Call (626) 685-6732.

Screening Mimis Film Discussion Group – Tuesdays, April 2 and 16, at 1:30 p.m.

Diehard film fans are invited to watch a movie the first and third Tuesday of every month, preceded by a presentation about the film’s hidden history and followed by lively discussion. Popcorn will be provided. April 2: “Angels & Insects” (1995, R) starring Mark Rylance and Kristin Scott Thomas. In the 1800s a naturalist marries into a family of British country gentry. April 16: “Scotty & the Secret History of Hollywood” (2017, unrated) starring Scotty Bowers and Lois Bowers. A portrait of unsung Hollywood legend Scotty Bowers, whose bestselling memoir chronicled his decades spent as sexual procurer to the stars.

Scenic Walkers Club – Wednesdays, April 3 to 24, at 9 a.m.

Join this new group for a series of leisurely walks to enjoy the great outdoors and get some exercise. Alan Colville will give you a list of items to bring, let you know what to expect, provide detailed itineraries and arrange transportation. For more information or to sign up, email alancolville@charter.net.

Pain, the Universal Disorder – Thursday, April 4 at 10 a.m.

Learn about the causes of pain, the importance of treating it, and fears and complications surrounding treatment. This presentation will explore some ways to manage pain with traditional as well as complementary medicine. This event is presented by Kathy Eastwood, R.N., Huntington Hospital.

“This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism,” Author Ashton Applewhite Talks About Ageism – Friday, April 5 at 6 p.m.

Do not miss this rare opportunity to meet author and TED Talk speaker Ashton Applewhite discuss her book This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism. A dynamic and entertaining speaker, Ms. Applewhite urges us all to dismantle the dread and mobilize against ageism – the last socially acceptable prejudice.  Reservations can be made online at PasadenaSeniorCenter.org, or at the Welcome Desk, or by calling (626) 795 – 4331.

Friday Movie Matinees – Fridays, April 5, 12, 19 and 26, at 1 p.m.

Everyone enjoys movies and the pleasures they bring. On April 5, “A Star is Born” (2018,R) starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper will be showing as the month’s first matinee. A musician helps a young singer find fame, even as age and alcoholism send his own career into a downward spiral. On April 12, “Bohemian Rhapsody” (2018, PG-13) starring Rami Malek and Lucy Boynton is up next. The story of the legendary rock band Queen and lead singer Freddie Mercury, leading up to their famous performance at Live Aid (1985). The film is based on true events. On, April 19, “Free Solo” (2018, PG) starring Dierdre Wolownick and Tommy Caldwell hits the big screen. Follow Alex Honnold as he becomes the first person to ever free solo climb Yosemite’s 3,000 ft high El Capitan wall. With no ropes or safety gear, he completed arguably the greatest feat in rock climbing history. The film is based on true events. On April 26, “The Green Book” (2018, PG-13) starring Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali closes out the month. A working-class Italian-American bouncer becomes the driver of an African-American classical pianist on a tour of venues through the 1960s American South.

Sample Classes for Spring – Monday and Tuesday, April 8 and 9, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Whether you’re interested in taking a fitness course, learning a new language or pursuing a new hobby, come to Class Tasting events, meet the instructors and sit in on free mini-versions of fee-based spring courses.  Each sample class lasts 30 minutes; regular classes begin April 15.

Cultural Thursday: Great American Songwriters – Thursday, April 11, at 2 p.m.

The six-part Great American Songwriters series continues with a focus on Dorothy Fields and other women who wrote hit songs by including “Lovely to Look At,” “ On the Sunny Side of the Street,” “ A Fine Romance,” and “You Ought to Be in Pictures,” and many more. Join pianist Bob Lipson and commentator/performer Saul H. Jacobs for this fun, interactive program.

Safe Senior Driving – Thursday, April 11 at 10 a.m.

The DMV has established the Senior Driver Ombudsmen Program for the expressed purpose of helping all drivers maintain their driving independence for as long as they can do so safely. You will hear about resources that are available and valuable information for Seniors Safe Driving. Questions and Answers will follow the lecture. This event is presented by Tressa Thompson, Ombudsman.

LA Opera Talk: “El Gato Montes: The Wild Cat” – Monday, April 15, at 1 p.m.

An LA Opera community educator will take participants through Gluck’s groundbreaking masterpiece, which bridges the musical worlds of Handel and Mozart with its ornate vocal lines and flowing melodies.

All About Allergies Thursday, April 18 at 10 a.m.

An allergy is a chronic condition involving an abnormal reaction to an ordinarily harmless substance called an allergen. Allergens can include aeroallergens, such as dust mites, mold, and tree, weed, and grass pollen, as well as food allergens such as milk, egg, soy, wheat, nut or fish proteins. Come to this lecture to learn more about allergies, and ways to treat them. Presented by Anthem Blue Cross

Take Care of Your Feet! – Thursday, April 25 at 10 a.m.

Foot problems are especially common in older people, for a variety of reasons. Feet lose cushioning as they age. Learn more about foot problems and happy feet. This event is presented by Veronica Banta, M.D., Health Partners.

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