The Legend of PANCHO BARNES

Celebrate Women’s History Month! THURSDAY, MARCH 10TH,7:00 P.M. A charismatic figure immortalized in Tom Wolfe's book The Right Stuff, FLORENCE “PANCHO” BARNES was one of the most important women in 20th Century aviation. A tough and fearless pilot, Pancho flew on Amelia Earhart's wingtip, performed as a barnstormer throughout California, and made a name for herself as Hollywood's first female stunt pilot in the 1920's and 30's. Just before WWII she opened a ranch near Edwards Air Force Base that became a famous -- some would say notorious -- hangout for test pilots and movie stars. Known as the 'Happy Bottom Riding Club,' it became the epicenter of the aviation world during the early jet age. Chuck Yeager celebrated breaking the sound barrier there in 1947, and Howard Hughes and Jimmy Doolittle caroused in the bar. Pancho has become a fascinating yet enigmatic icon whose swagger is often celebrated, but whose story is largely unknown. Until now. After the screening of the film, producer NICK SPARK will be on hand to answer questions and enhance your appreciation of this dynamic aviation pioneer named Pancho. A filmmaker and writer with a keen interest in history, Nick is a former contributing editor to Wings, a bi-monthly aviation history magazine with national circulation. His articles have appeared in Naval History, the Annals of Improbable Research, the U.S. Naval Institute’s Proceedings and Naval History. He has appeared on National Public Radio and other media outlets domestic and abroad concerning his historical research. In 2005 the American Aviation Historical Society presented him with its Author’s Award for his article, “Secrets of the Spirit.” Seats are limited and reservations are strongly urged: (626) 300-0777 ext. 579.

Comedy Writer BOB MILLS

Tuesday, March 8, 2011, 7 p.m. BOB MILLS, one of Bob Hope’s long time writers, will be presenting a program of fond memories and video clips at Crowell Public Library on Tuesday, March 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the Barth Community Room. Author of The Laugh Makers: A Tribute to Bob Hope’s Incredible Gag Writers published in 2009, Bob’s book was named one of Leonard Maltin’s “Top 20 Year-End Picks.” Bob will show clips from the many television shows he helped write for Hope and others and deliver those behind-the-scenes stories that will have you rolling in the aisles. A native of San Francisco, Bob Mills worked on the Dinah Shore Show, the Steve Allen Show and the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts before joining Bob Hope as a staff writer in 1977. He traveled the world with Hope for the next seventeen years. From 1992 to 1996, he co-wrote a daily topical humor column for the Los Angeles Times called Laugh Lines. In 1999, he became an enrichment lecturer for Crystal Cruises and for the next five years performed shows based on his experiences with Hope.

ONE BOOK ONE CITY 2011: The Ragtime Kid

On Thursday, January 27, 2011 at 7:00 p.m., the Friends of the Crowell Public Library, led by President MARYANN SEDUSKI, announced their One Book, One City selection for 2011: The Ragtime Kid by Larry Karp. A mystery set in the late 1800s in Sedalia, Missouri, The Ragtime Kid weaves the story of a white teenage pianist who implicates his idol, Scott Joplin, in a crime. Naturally most of The Ragtime Kid related events will be musical in nature, such as Thursday night’s lively performance by the Middle School Jazz Band. Other upcoming festivities celebrating The Ragtime Kid will include: Thursday, February 24, 10:00 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Screening of the 1973 film, The Sting, with Robert Redford & Paul Newman. Thursday, March 3, 7:00 p.m. Pianist Gil Gunderson Thursday, March 17, 7:00 p.m. Ragtime Music II, TBA Thursday, March 31, 7:00 p.m. Pianist Doug Haise Thursday, April 14, 7:00 p.m. Crown City Dixeland Band The concept of One Book, One City originated in Seattle back in 1998 as an entertaining strategy to build community – imagining a huge book group consisting of friends and neighbors, discussing plots and characters, while promoting literacy. Past selections for San Marino’s One Book, One City event have included Iron River by T. Jefferson Parker, Flower Confidential by Amy Stewart, and Samurai’s Garden, by Gail Tsukiyama. More details on the One Book, One City program will be announced in upcoming weeks, including a special bus trip, so readers are urged to check the Crowell Public Library website frequently: http://www.CrowellPublicLibrary.org

LA Opera TALK: Turn of the Screw

SUNDAY, February 20th 2:00 p.m. – LARRY VERDUGO, one of L.A. Opera’s dynamic community educators, will present a free audio-visual presentation on Benjamin Britten’s Turn of the Screw, part of the very popular OPERA TALK series at Crowell Public Library. Background on Britten and his times will be presented, and excerpts will entice one and all into experiencing the full production at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion downtown, where Britten's mesmerizing score brings an unforgettable Henry James classic to the opera stage. This compelling production perfectly captures the work's supernatural atmosphere and features soprano Patricia Racette as the Governess, who is determined to protect two small children from menacing spirits. Tenor William Burden and mezzo-soprano Ann Murray makes their Company debuts, respectively as the ghostly Peter Quint and the housekeeper, Mrs. Grose. Whether a hardcore opera aficionado or a curious novice, attendees will be delightfully entertained and encouraged to ask questions and offer comments. Make Crowell Library your LA Opera gateway!

FIND YOUR VALENTINE BY THE NUMBERS!

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH 7:00 P.M. GLYNIS McCANTS has your number! Come hear the celebrity numerologist explain how to find your match or reignite those staid relationships. She has studied numerology for over 21 years and has performed more than 20,000 readings. She has her own program on CBS Radio (New Sky Radio) and has appeared on over 40 television programs dispensing her wisdom. Glynis has given readings for private clients from Olympia Dukakis and Leeza Gibbons to Cybil Shepard. She is the author of Love By the Numbers: How to Find Great Love or Reignite the Love You Have Through the Power of Numerology (2010) and Glynis Has Your Number: Discover What Life Has in Store for You Through the Power of Numerology! (2005). "Glynis knows so much about numbers, she makes the Yellow Pages seem obsolete." --Caroline Rhea "What impresses me most about Glynis is her boundless hope and optimism about the world we live in today. She uses the ancient science of Numerology as her guide, but her insight and wisdom are invaluable...” --Olympia Dukakis Can love be calculated? Is your valentine just a digit away? Don’t miss this special evening and hear what Glynis and the Numbers have in store for you. The more the merrier! Share this event on Facebook & Twitter.

Introduction to Email

Part 1: Tuesday, February 1st; Part 2: Tuesday, February 8th; 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.

Laughter Yoga!

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH 7:00 P.M.Why not add a little laughter to your workout routine? You might find yourself looking forward to it, rather than dreading it. Laughter Yoga is a combination of simple, tension-releasing exercises combined with gentle yoga breathing techniques which help bring more oxygen to the brain. These are exercises that anybody can do and no special equipment is required. U.S. News & World Report (Angela Haupt; Sept. 24, 2010) says: “Laughter yoga blends attempts to provoke laughter via eye contact and childlike playfulness with breathing exercises. ‘The idea is that if you're laughing on the outside—even if, initially, you're faking it—it will create an effect on the inside that brings joy and releases endorphins,’ says Mary-Laurence Bevington, director of Movement Climbing & Fitness in Boulder, Colo... Laughter yoga has been introduced into senior centers, cancer wards, corporations, and prisons.” Do you really need a reason to laugh? Come join this free session lead by Certified Laughter Yoga Leader JANELL JORDA of Glen Ivy Day Spa in Brea.