September was filled with community connections, meaningful celebrations, and reminders to appreciate the moments that matter most. From joining families and first responders at the LAPD Mission Division Car Show and LAFD Safety Fair to learning more about emergency preparedness and community resources, Penny Lane staff and families continued to connect with the communities around us.
This month’s Past Events also reminds us of the importance of slowing down and making time for family, wellness, and the people we love. Whether celebrating birthdays, enjoying time in nature, connecting with community partners, or simply sharing a little fun together, September showed us that some of the best moments happen when we are fully present. As we welcome fall, we’re carrying those connections, memories, and moments of gratitude with us into the new season.
The LAPD Mission Division Car Show rolled into the community last Saturday for a fun-filled day of classic cars, specialty vehicles, family activities, and community connection. The event brought together residents of all ages to admire an impressive collection of vehicles while enjoying an afternoon designed to strengthen relationships between local families and law enforcement.
From beautifully restored classic cars to unique specialty vehicles, there was plenty for automobile enthusiasts to explore. Beyond the cars, attendees had the opportunity to learn more about community outreach programs and local resources, participate in family-friendly activities, and connect directly with LAPD officers and other community partners in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Events like this provide an opportunity for community members and law enforcement to interact outside of emergency situations and get to know one another through conversation and shared experiences. Families were able to ask questions, learn about available programs, and simply enjoy spending time together while connecting with those who serve their neighborhoods.
Overall, the LAPD Mission Division Car Show was a wonderful day of cars, community, and connection. Thank you to everyone who helped organize the event and to the families and community members who came out to participate. Great cars may have brought everyone together, but the connections made throughout the day were what truly drove the event’s success!
Check out some more photos below!
As summer comes to an end and the pace of life begins to shift into fall, I find myself wanting to slow down and appreciate the people and moments that matter most. In mid-September, my partner and I had the opportunity to spend some special time with family in Southern Oregon, where we celebrated a unique dual birthday for my stepson and daughter-in-law. And here’s the fun part, they were actually born in the same hospital on the same day! It made an already special family celebration even more memorable.
Our time together wasn’t about an elaborate vacation or a packed itinerary. It was about being present. We celebrated birthdays, shared meals and laughter, and enjoyed peaceful walks surrounded by the beauty of nature. Stepping away from the usual routines and responsibilities gave me an opportunity to reconnect with the people I love, recharge, and make space for my own mental health and overall wellness. Sometimes simply changing our surroundings and slowing down long enough to appreciate what is around us can provide exactly the reset we need.
There is something especially meaningful about gathering to celebrate another year of someone’s life while also recognizing just how precious our time together really is. Life moves quickly, and it can be easy to assume there will always be another weekend, another birthday, or another opportunity to get together. This trip reminded me that we don’t have to wait for a major holiday or milestone to tell the people in our lives how much they mean to us. Creating memories can happen in the simplest moments, a walk together, a shared meal, a good conversation, or an afternoon filled with laughter.
With the holiday season just around the corner and the usual busyness that comes with it, I wanted to make a conscious effort to celebrate the people I love now. To be present. To appreciate the beauty around me. To laugh a little more, slow down a little longer, and make sure the people who matter most know just how important they are to me.
As summer gives way to fall, I encourage all of us to find a little time to do the same. Call someone you’ve been meaning to call, plan that family dinner, take a walk with someone you love, or simply put down your phone and be fully present with the people around you. Life is made up of these moments, and sometimes the greatest gift we can give ourselves, and one another, is simply the time to enjoy them.
Before the calendar fills up and another season passes, slow down, look around, and celebrate the people who make your life a little brighter.
Check out some more photos below!
It was a wonderful day of learning, connection, and community at the LAFD Safety Fair! Penny Lane families joined community members for a fun and informative event focused on emergency preparedness, public safety, and the resources available to help keep individuals and families safe.
Throughout the day, families had the opportunity to explore a variety of safety displays, meet first responders and community partners, and learn more about what to do when an emergency occurs. Of course, there were also plenty of free goodies and giveaways for attendees to take home, adding a little extra fun to an already exciting day.
A couple of Penny Lane’s UMCR crisis team members also attended the event and had the opportunity to check out emergency preparedness equipment and resources available through CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). Seeing the equipment firsthand and learning more about the tools and resources available during emergencies was a great opportunity to expand knowledge that can be valuable both professionally and personally.
Events like the LAFD Safety Fair remind us that preparedness is a community effort. The more we know about available resources, emergency procedures, and the people and organizations ready to help, the better equipped we are to respond when unexpected situations arise.
Thank you to the Los Angeles Fire Department, CERT, and all of the participating community partners for creating an engaging and educational experience for our families and staff. And no LAFD event would be complete without a special appearance from their mascot, check out the photo below! It was a great day of learning, connecting, and making safety a little more fun for everyone.
Check out some more photos below!
