Blog archive
February 2025
Status - Feb 20, 2025
02/20/2025
Bluebird by Charles Bukowski
02/17/2025
Dreams by Langston Hughes
02/17/2025
Haiku - Four by Fritzie
02/17/2025
Haikus - Nine by Virginia
02/17/2025
Wind and Fire
02/17/2025
Partnerships Amplify Relief Efforts
02/07/2025
Another Community Giving Back
02/05/2025
Diary of Disaster Response
02/05/2025
Eaton Fire: A Community United in Loss and Recovery
02/05/2025
Healing Powers of Creative Energy
02/05/2025
Living the Mission
02/05/2025
Message from the President: Honoring Black History Month
02/05/2025
Surviving and Thriving: Elder Health Considerations After the Fires
02/05/2025
Treasure Hunting in The Ashes
02/05/2025
Villager's Stories
02/05/2025
A Beginning of Healing
02/03/2025
Hectic Evacuation From Eaton Canyon Fire
02/02/2025
Hurricanes and Fires are Different Monsters
02/02/2025
January 2025
At Dawn by Ed Mervine
01/31/2025
Thank you for Relief Efforts
01/31/2025
Needs as of January 25, 2025
01/24/2025
Eaton Fire Information
01/23/2025
Fires in LA Occupy Our Attention
01/22/2025
Escape to San Diego
01/19/2025
Finding Courage Amid Tragedy
01/19/2025
Responses of Pasadena Village February 22, 2025
01/18/2025
A Tale of Three Fires
01/14/2025
Men's Time Brunch
By Edward A. RinderlePosted: 08/28/2023
On the second Tuesday of each month, a group of men from Pasadena Village meets at the scenic Brookside Country Club's restaurant for a monthly brunch. Around 11 am, they gather around a cluster of three or four tables, each seating up to six. The men are there both to dine and to enjoy one another's company. By meeting as early as 11, they can choose either breakfast or lunch from an extensive menu. The food is outstanding, with such sumptuous options as Eggs Benedict, Avocado Toast, Arroyo Seco Quesadillas, and Mushroom Goat Cheese Flatbread Pizza. Friendly servers take and deliver each order with a smile.
The brunches have no agenda; their purpose is just to enjoy great food and conversation together, and non-members are welcome to join them and learn more about the Village. Long-time Villager Pat Dawe describes the brunches this way: “Our brunches provide a great forum for us to get into depth in discussions with each other, over a good lunch. There is invariably good humor, free flowing viewpoints, and especially time for us to get into some depth with each other as we learn about each other’s life experiences and what we are doing now in our busy lives. Without agendas or fixed topics, we jump into whatever’s happening with us and go from there.”
As for myself, at a brunch soon after my wife died suddenly, several of the men rose in turn from their tables and came to me to express condolences. A bit later, Pat Dawe presented me with a sympathy card signed by the men. Since I had just recently started attended the brunches, I was surprised at the outpouring of care the men sent my way. I've kept the card on the mantel at home. It serves as a reminder of how special these guys are.
On a lighter note, member Wayne April adds: “Hey, it's the only time at the Village when only guys get together, and we’re a minority, and I’ve always gravitated towards minorities!”
Soon after noon, the groups begin to break up, each guest paying for his food. The men part, having fed their bodies, minds, and spirits through this time spent with friends.
Does this kind of outing appeal to you? Whether you are a member of the Village or a curious newcomer, you might consider dropping by. If you do, you can count on being greeted warmly. And chances are that you will find the experience refreshing.
If you are interested in Men's Time or Pasadena Village please contact the office at [email protected].