Alma Nova in Concert

One Night Only: Don’t Miss… ALMA NOVA in Concert @ Crowell Wednesday, June 30th, 7:00 p.m. The award-winning ensemble, Alma Nova, an innovative flute and guitar duo, will be presenting an eclectic program of chamber music in the Barth Community Room of Crowell Public Library, Wednesday June 30th at 7:00 p.m. Flutist Jessica Pierce and guitarist Almer Imamovic are both masters of their instruments, elevating the flute and guitar to the highest level of virtuosity and artistry. Their live performances are filled with energy and passion, creating a “…graceful, intuitively choreographed display of seamless connection.” (Fresno Beehive). Alma Nova met in France while studying at the famed Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris. They continued their graduate work at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and the USC Thornton School of Music. Since then they have had the privilege to perform extensively throughout the world including recitals in Paris, London, Sarajevo, Stockholm, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Kansas City, and San Diego. Alma Nova’s recordings have been described as “…pure musical pleasure” (Flute Focus Magazine, 2009) and have received much critical acclaim. Their newest release, After Hours, explores the music of Macedonia through thoughtful arrangements and original compositions by Mr. Imamovic and Ms. Pierce. Learn more about this exciting duo and hear samples of their music by visiting their website http://www.almanova.us/ This free concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. and seating will be on a first come, first served basis. You won’t want to miss this evening of beautiful music!

Introduction to Email

Part 1: Tuesday, June 15* Part 2: Tuesday, June 22* *PLEASE NOTE REVISED DATES! Both sessions 1:00-2:30 p.m. Do you have limited experience with computers and are new to the world of e-mail? You have friends at Crowell Public Library! Join fellow novices in this two-session class and learn to send and receive messages on a free e-mail account. A very patient and personable instructor will help you set up the account and cover the basic concepts you’ll need to know. You must attend the first session in order to attend the second where there will be opportunities to ask questions, learn additional computer skills and practice. In no time at all you’ll be exchanging messages from relatives you never knew you had! If you’ve been too intimidated to take the plunge, the Crowell Computer Lab is the ideal place dive into action. Reservations are required so please call (626) 300-0777 ext. 579.

Creating an Attractive & Sustainable Home Garden

Tuesday, June 15th, 7:00 p.m. BOB PERRY, author, landscape architect, and Professor Emeritus from Cal Poly Pomona, will present a summary of planting ideas and guidelines that are suited for attractive and sustainable residential gardens for San Gabriel Valley communities. Garden design examples will be shown to illustrate the use of planting palettes that have distinctive aesthetic character and have compatible water and maintenance needs. He just published a landmark book, Landscape Plants for California Gardens, which the Los Angeles Times said was destined to be a classic. Those who wish may purchase the book at a discount and get it signed. Bob Perry is a recognized expert in areas of landscape plants and water conserving garden design. He is also a Fellow in the American Society of Landscape Architects, based upon his academic career and long-standing commitment to resource conservation and sustainable landscaping. This program is free and all are welcome.

Photo Preservation

Sunday, June 6th 2:00 p.m. Are you anxiously eyeing those family photos deteriorating in an old shoebox? Come to Crowell Public Library and learn how to take action to preserve those treasures. Photographer DAVID OSWALD’s slide presentation will cover photography’s early pioneers and demonstrate how, as photography’s popularity increased, the need for photo albums and scrapbooks also increased dramatically. He will show how photo preservation and restoration has changed from traditional techniques to modern computer technologies, with samples of the photo restoration work Oswald has performed. A question and answer segment will follow the program. David Oswald has worked as a photographer for over 30 years, specializing in landscapes, portraits, photo restoration and digital imaging. He has photographed numerous national parks since 1984 and in January 2009, published his first book, “A Journey Through Mukuntuweap: The History of Zion National Park.” This book will be available for purchase after the presentation. Join us for another free and informative program at Crowell Library!

Bilingual Chinese & English Story Time

Saturday May 22 @ 11:00 a.m. The newest addition to Crowell Public Library’s innovative programming for children, the Bilingual Chinese & English Story Time, now has a regular schedule: the fourth Saturdays of the month. For May, that will be Saturday the 22nd. The library’s amazing Youth Services Department has teamed up with several volunteers from the community to present this unique program. Stories, songs, and finger-plays are conducted in both Mandarin Chinese and English. In an effort to serve Chinese speakers, as well as educate non-Chinese about the culture and expose them to another language, these story times place an emphasis on increasing literacy in both languages. Everyone is invited to attend, regardless of what language(s) you speak. All ages are welcome, but the program is designed for ages 3 to 5. Come hear some of your favorite children’s stories and songs in two different languages, listen to some new ones, and make a fun craft! If your children are too old for story time, but you’d still like to get involved, the library is always looking for volunteer storytellers who are fluent in Mandarin. Crowell Public Library is currently the only public library in the San Gabriel Valley offering a Chinese-English Story Time. Come be a part of this fun and unique program!

Children’s Rhythm Workshop

Saturday, May 8, 2010, 2:00 p.m. Girl Scout ASTGHIK HAIRAPETIAN will be presenting a Children’s Rhythm Workshop at Crowell Public Library as part of her Gold Award Project. What is a Gold Award project? A sustainable contribution to the community, and Astghik will be raising money to buy CDs, CD players, and headphones for the children’s section of the library. This rhythm workshop will teach kids from two to ten the basics of music. No prior knowledge of music is required. Kids will learn basics of reading rhythms and working together to create interesting and layered beats. There will be different percussion instruments to encourage creativity. By the end of the workshop, they will have created their own song that includes all facets of rhythm. Participants will gain a new appreciation for music and its backbeat. Astghik believes that music is an important part of our lives and something we should teach kids about early on. The workshop is free, but participants are asked to bring gently used and new kids' CDs to help add to the children’s music section at the library.

The Doctor Is In: Type 2 Diabetes

Monday, May 24, 2010, 6 p.m. DR. GAMINI HETHUMUNI, a specialist in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology at San Gabriel Valley Medical Center, will talk about Type 2 Diabetes, including the risk factors for developing it, and the strategies for successful management of the disease. Type 2 Diabetes has become a tremendous problem in the United States, with at least 21 million people afflicted with the condition in which cells do not respond to insulin produced by the pancreas. Having Type 2 Diabetes increases the risk of a host of other health problems including loss of vision, heart attack, and stroke. Find out what you can do to protect yourself. There will be an opportunity to ask the doctor questions at the end of the talk, and light refreshments will be served. The program is FREE, but space is limited. Call (626) 300-0777 to reserve your space. This lecture is part of the ongoing THE DOCTOR IS IN! series of educational programs designed to help you stay healthy and active. The lectures by some of the communities most accomplished physicians are being presented at Crowell Public Library, in conjunction with the San Gabriel Valley Medical Center. Join us and learn about important health topics from the experts.