LA Opera Talk -- Gianni Schicchi and Pagliacci

Sunday, August 30th, 2:00 p.m.

For more than six years, LA Opera has visited Crowell Public Library with its Opera Talk series where volunteer community educators present fascinating facts and musical excerpts from the operas that are playing downtown at the Music Center. LA Opera’s 30th Anniversary Season will open in September with the double bill of Puccini’s comedic masterpiece Gianni Schicchi and Leoncavallo’s thrilling drama Pagliacci. Opera superstar Plácido Domingo will perform a rare stunt by singing the lead role in the first opera and conducting the orchestra in the second! Join Community Educator Ray Busmann for an engaging and informative talk about these two gems of the Italian repertoire and learn about LA Opera’s stunning stage productions by Woody Allen and Franco Zeffirelli.

This free presentation will include plenty of video excerpts from both operas. Funny and witty like a prime-time sitcom, Gianni Schicchi is the story of a greedy family trying desperately to rewrite the will of their deceased patriarch for their own benefit. And in the heart-wrenching Pagliacci, an explosive mix of jealousy, lust and hate leads to a shocking and murderous conclusion.

Ray Busmann, a former classical music radio announcer in his native Germany, has loved opera ever since he was five years old and enjoys sharing his passion for the art form with audiences of all ages. He has worked as an artist and educator for over 30 years and he freelances as a translator and voice-over artist for Hollywood movies. This is his third season as a volunteer Community Educator for LA Opera.

Opera has something for everyone. An opera can sweep you away to foreign lands, take you back in time, dazzle you with pageantry and bring history to life. It is literature, social studies, cultural diversity, multiple languages and most of all, it is exciting! Come explore the world of opera through LA Opera’s education programs. Learn all about this sensational season opener at the LA Opera on Sunday, August 30th at 2:00 p.m. at Crowell Public Library.

Medicare 101: Thursday, September 3 – 7:00 p.m.

Whether you’re approaching age 65 or are already receiving Medicare benefits, you’ll want to attend this free educational seminar at Crowell Public Library, Thursday, September 3 at 7:00 p.m. An independent broker working in Pasadena, John Dickey will present an audio-visual program on the many aspects of Medicare and will answer all your questions. He will serve as your free resource and advocate, now and at any time in the future, to help you find the Medicare information you need. John’s consultations and advocacy work are always free and available to seniors for any Medicare questions they may have. His guidance, and advocacy on behalf of seniors is always totally independent of any insurance company and is governed by CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services).

Since the enrollment period for Medicare runs from 10/15 to 12/7, this workshop is timely to say the least. And when the time comes to choose a Medicare plan, reviewing all of your options can be overwhelming. This "Medicare Made Clear" meeting will offer tools and resources that make it easier to understand and apply all of the basic rules of Medicare, plus attendees will receive a free Medicare Clarity guide book to keep for future reference. Learn the rules of Medicare, the available elections and options, how to avoid penalties, and what Parts A, B, C, D,and E are.

John Dickey has given numerous presentations throughout San Gabriel Valley on Medicare, including Arcadia, Altadena and Monrovia. He frequently attends insurance training seminars and classes to stay current on all government regulations and available plan options. He is a fully licensed certified Health Insurance Planner, has an MBA, and has lived in San Gabriel Valley for 20 years. Don’t miss this opportunity to get all your questions on Medicare answered.

The Impact of Feng Shui on Our Lives

Saturday, July 25, 2015, 2:00 p.m.

Feng Shui is centuries old systematic knowledge and wisdom from Chinese ancestors. From the definition given by H.H. Grandmaster Lin Yun: “Mankind use the knowledge available to them at the time to choose, to build, to create a most suitable environment to live for their better survival, that knowledge is called Feng Shui.” Regardless whether one believes in it or knows about it, the impacts of Feng Shui exist objectively. Feng Shui affects many different aspects of our lives, career, relationships, education, travel, wealth, family, marriage, children, and health. Bad Feng Shui causes problems in our daily life, but on the other hand, we can benefit from having good Feng Shui. We also can improve our lives through Feng Shui adjustments and enhancements.

Feng Shui is getting more and more popular in the Western world and in this insightful lecture, attendees will gain an overview of Feng Shui, learn what it can do, and bring home a couple Feng Shui tips. Crystal Chu is a spiritual teacher, meditation master, author, international speaker, and an international Feng Shui educator and consultant. She is also an Adjunct Professor at the School of Arts and Letters at San Diego State University, the CEO of Yun Lin Temple, and the Chairman of Taipei Lin Yun Foundation. Crystal Chu holds a B.A. in Sociology from National Taiwan University, and an MBA from University of Georgia. In 1998, Crystal Chu was recognized and consecrated by His Holiness Lungtok Tenpai Nyima, the supreme leader of Tibetan Bon tradition, and honored with the title of Khadro Rinpoche which represents the highest female religious position and a precious spiritual teacher in Tibetan Buddhism.

Don’t miss this enlightening afternoon at Crowell Public Library, Saturday, July 25 at 2:00 p.m.

The Honey-Lulus in Concert!

Sunday, June 14, 2015, 3:30 p.m.

Say aloha to the Honey-Lulus: Christina Linhardt, Kate Friedricks and Justeen Ward, three charming and talented ladies who will perform vintage songs of the islands and dance like the swaying palms, live and in color at Crowell Public Library, Sunday, June 14th. They promise to make your summer with their ukuleles and vocal harmonies that conjure up warm breezes, happy hukilaus and sunny shores – the perfect summer entertainment extravaganza!

Kate Friedricks has created new arrangements with a vintage feel for Hawaiian and tropical music that was popular in early and mid-twentieth century America. Christina Linhardt and Justeen Ward bring their years of experience as variety entertainers all over the world to create this eclectic show. Audience members may be invited to learn the hula and will definitely be wowed with this fast-paced musical trip to an imaginary Tiki Island.

Kate Friedricks has performed at Disneyland, Universal Studios and the Renaissance Pleasure Faire and is known for her entertaining arrangements and facility with many different instruments. Christina Linhardt is well known for melding vaudeville and opera in a combination that has made her popular in Europe as well as the United States. Justeen Ward is the queen of singing telegrams in the Los Angeles area. She has spent years designing and performing celebrity impersonations and doing comedy for children and adults. She has also traveled to Europe and Japan singing and doing comedy improv.

Take a little vacation at Crowell Library where you can almost “feel” the ocean spray!

Read to the Rhythm! June 8 – July 18, 2015

Shake, rattle and roll to the library for Read to the Rhythm! This summer at Crowell Public Library, the kids aren’t the only ones having fun. Adults 18 years and up can register for the Adult Summer Reading Club, which has the theme Read to the Rhythm this year. Register at the Adult Reference Desk where you can get the lowdown on all upcoming concerts, prizes and movies:

A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC ON THE PATIO: Summer Family Concerts
Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the Library’s Schow Patio

June 10: Chocholaty Rose Duo (flute and harp)
June 17: Bluesman Brother Yusef
June 24: Paul Stein (violin)
July 1: John Mclean Allan (bagpipes)
July 8: Joseph Peck (Caribbean drums)
July 15: the Tea Trio (jazz)

MOVIE MUSICALS!
THURSDAY, June 18, 12:30 P.M. “Chicago,” 2002. Winner of six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress for Catherine Zeta-Jones.
THURSDAY, July 16, 12:30 P.M. “Singin’ in the Rain,” 1952. Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds star in what critic Roger Ebert called “the greatest Hollywood musical ever made.”

REGISTER, READ AND WIN!
Beginning June 8th, readers aged 18 and up can register for the program at the Adult Reference Desk. Receive a goody bag and learn how to be eligible for weekly prizes.

Don’t miss all the summer fun and music at Crowell Public Library beginning June 8th.

Where Are My Keys? Separating Facts from Fear About Memory Loss

Wednesday May 20th 7:00 p.m.

Did you know that if you live to be 85 years old you have a 50% chance of having dementia? So what is dementia and how is it different from Alzheimer’s disease? When it comes to memory and aging, what’s normal and what’s not? How do family members and caregivers adjust when someone they love is diagnosed with dementia? Learn the answers to these questions and many more in a relaxed, friendly, interactive presentation facilitated by Silverado – The Huntington, and The Alzheimer’s Association, California Southland Chapter.

Dementia is not a specific disease. It's an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities. Did you know there are reversible dementias as well as irreversible dementias? What are the most common types of dementia? What are the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s Disease? How is someone diagnosed and how long does it take? How do the symptoms of dementia affect family members and caregivers? While there is currently no cure for most progressive forms of dementia, it doesn't mean we're powerless against them. Mounting research is building an understanding that there may be ways to slow the progression and change the pathologies of many common dementias, giving those afflicted with them and their families the possibility of more precious, fulfilling moments together.

Susan Howland is Director of Education for the Alzheimer’s Association, Southland Chapter and Theresa Adams, Community Ambassador at Silverado – The Huntington, will work together to help separate fact from fear about memory loss and aging. In addition, Liz Perrigue, Certified Senior Advisor from Visiting Angels will give a brief overview on the difference between home health and home care.

Bring your questions, your curiosity and a friend. All are welcome, refreshments and giveaways will be provided.

Your Retirement Checklist

According to a survey of recent retirees conducted in 2005 by Fidelity Investment, over half (57%) of recent retirees look back on the years before leaving the workplace and they wish they had done more retirement planning before they retired.* We need to know what to do ahead of time, because age 65 comes upon us before we know it. The rules, regulations, deadlines and formulas associated with Medicare, Social Security, IRAs and 401(k)s can be confusing. Simply checking off the wrong box could irrevocably trigger taxes and penalties that could have been avoided. After working this hard to climb the mountain, one doesn’t want to stumble just when planting the flag. Attend this free seminar to learn about all the basics, and to see what’s required of that retirement plan.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,** the average duration of retirement has increased from 8.1 years in 1950 to 20 years in 2007, with the average retirement age being 65, but many people will live considerably longer than that. Will your money last as long as you do? This free program will help you better prepare for all those “golden years” in the future.
Presenter ALAN KONDO, a specialist in retirement and estate planning, is a Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Life Underwriter, and a business columnist for the Rafu Shimpo. He is an independent Registered Investment Advisor offering securities and investment advisory services through Charles Schwab.

Come to Crowell Public Library on Saturday, May 9th at 10:30 a.m. and learn what should be on that very important retirement checklist.
*http://seniorliving.about.com/od/manageyourmoney/a/retiresurvey.htm
** http://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2001/10/art2full.pdf

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