Holiday Luncheon for Seniors Was Packed with Good Food and Cheer

Resident Kimberly Bloom was one of the volunteers serving lunch today at the American Legion Hall.

The Palisades Long-Term Recovery Group (PLTG) hosted a festive luncheon today, December 16 at the American Legion for the town’s seniors. Food was catered by Vittorios and the delicious little garlic “knob” rolls, lasagna and Caesar Salad were much appreciated. The about 150 guests had a choice for desert of either apple, pumpkin or pecan pie.

When guests arrived, they were given either a long-stem pink or red rose and allowed to select from several colorful glass Christmas ornaments. At each place setting was a bag filled with toiletries, such JeJu Volanic Lava nose strips, small bottle of shampoo, a Farm X Vegan skin care trial kit, a Harry’s Razor and A Big Bitchstix face sunscreen.

Those attending the event today were allowed to select tree ornaments to take home. “Elf” Rosanne helped with little shopping bags for those that needed them.

Seniors were treated to an unusual barbershop quartet –two married couples– generally quartets are all male. Participants were invited to sing along on “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” and everyone did their best to warble in tune.

Audience members were treated to a barbershop quartet.

The was legal, emotional and financial (SBA) help available if a senior wanted to seek it out. Additionally, three “younger” students volunteers were available to help seniors sign up for future notifications on cell phones – or any other cell-phone tech issues, they might need answered.

After the event, CTN asked LTRG Executive Director Jessica Rogers about how many seniors planned to return to Pacific Palisades. Rogers said that after the trauma and shock of the fire which for some was overwhelming, the answer she receives most is “I don’t know yet.”

For many people, housing assistance through insurance is about to run out and Rogers was asked if that factored into the thinking.

She said that many had not considered that and she had received a few panicked calls in the past few weeks because housing was about to run out. Through the Long-Term Group, housing assistance is available.

Anyone who thinks they may need help with housing should first make sure they are signed up under disaster assistance at click here. “If the need is immediate, a person can contact info@paliltrg.org,” Rogers said.

Rogers also said that to provide more opportunity for people to gather, a Coffee Lounge, sponsored by LTRG will be held most Mondays and Fridays at 10 a.m. at the Ronald Reagan American Legion Post 283, 15247 La Cruz Drive. The first meeting will be this Friday, December 19. It is free and all are welcome to stop by.

About 150 people attended the senior luncheon.