Jazz & Swing from A to Z: The Story of America's Music

Six Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
beginning January 30, 2014

The USC Emeriti Center cordially invites you to participate in this free six-session class, Jazz & Swing from A to Z: The Story of America's Music taught by DR. THOM DAVID MASON, the Founder of the Jazz Studies Department at the Thornton School of Music at USC. The weekly sessions will cover:

January 30: The Early Days of Swing
February 6: Adventures in the Kingdom of Swing
February 13: A Duke Named Ellington
February 20: Sing a Song of Ella
February 27: Jazz and Swing on the West Coast
March 6: Jazz and Swing Today

Thom Mason was chairman of the department of jazz studies at the USC Thornton School of Music from 1983 to 1996. During that period he created the bachelor of music, master’s of music and doctor of musical arts programs in jazz studies. Currently he teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses and serves as academic advisor for all jazz studies DMA students. Dr. Mason has appeared as a soloist at jazz concerts throughout the world. As a sideman he has played with such notable artists as Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Shelly Berg, Steve Houghton, Jack Sheldon, Louis Bellson, Ndugu Chancler and Ernie Watts. He is a saxophone, clarinet and flute specialist. He has recorded four jazz albums under his own name and has appeared as a sideman on several other jazz and pop music albums. In 1996 he received the Jazz Educator of the Year Award from the Los Angeles Jazz Society.
Dr. Mason's multimedia presentations are filled with musical examples, rare photos, film clips, humorous stories and live demonstrations that stimulate, educate and entertain. And it's all free at Crowell Library! But registration is required so please call the library to reserve your seat: (626) 300-0777. The class will take place in the Library's Barth Community Room.

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Tea-One Tasting!

Wednesday January 29th, 7:00 p.m.

Begin your lunar new year celebration a little early and taste some fabulous teas from Taiwan while learning all about tea preparation. THOMAS SHU, the Ambassador of Taiwan Tea, will demonstrate tea basics in this hands-on workshop at Crowell Public Library Wednesday, January 29th at 7:00 p.m. Volunteers will be selected from the audience to prepare four different teas in six steps. Everyone will witness "The Agony of Leaves" live and in color, and learn to savor and appreciate teas like fine wines. Come and explore the aromas of an array of teas that can soothe or stimulate, but always tantalize your taste buds and elevate your well being.

Thomas Shu has presented tea workshops for almost every university in California and other institutions, such as Princeton, Duke and Harvard. He is a third-generation tea specialist from Taiwan, where his family has been conducting tea business for more than sixty years. He works with many major tea companies and importers from Asia, Europe, and the United States. In 2007, Mr. Shu received an honorary title, “Ambassador of Taiwan Tea,” from Taiwan Tea Manufacturers Association in recognizing his dedication and contributions for the industry. He is one of the founding members and board directors of American Premium Tea Institute, now known as Specialty Tea Institute.

Thomas Shu and his wife, Josephine Pan, are founders of Taiwan Tea Institute in Los Angeles, Taiwan Oolongs Study Tour, as well as hosts for Azusa Tea Club, a monthly tea meet up.

Start the new year off on a refreshing note!

LA Opera Talk: Britten’s Billy Budd

Sunday, January 19, 2:00 p.m.

A powerful tale of innocence and betrayal on the high seas based on Herman Melville’s classic American novella, Billy Budd tells the story of a young sailor whose unwitting actions compel his captain to make a fateful decision. At the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, baritone Liam Bonner will lead an all male cast as Billy Budd, with tenor Richard Croft as Captain Vere. The presentation is part of the celebration of the Benjamin Britten centenary. Paul Griffiths of the Los Angeles Times has said of Britten:

“Here was a composer who produced almost a hundred major works, 11 of them full-length operas, and who ranged in his central concerns all the way from pacifism ("War Requiem") to the pleasures of childhood, who enjoyed writing not only for international virtuosos (Rostropovich in his cello suites) but also for the choral groups of his hometown, and who could respond in his operas to the social comedy of an English village ("Albert Herring") or the stark tragedy of a Japanese Noh play ("Curlew River").”*

If you can’t make it to the Music Center or you’d like to broaden your understanding of Britten and his music, come to Crowell Library on January 19, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. for this special LA Opera Talk. Community Educator LARRY VERDUGO, who presented our LA Opera Program on Britten’s Turn of the Screw back in 2011, will reveal some fascinating facts in a multi-media presentation in the Library’s Barth Community Room. The program is free and open to all opera aficionados and first timers.
Opera is not just magnificent music, dance and theater with astounding sets on a beautiful stage; 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 which has something for everyone.
Mark this date on the social calendar as Crowell Library celebrates LA Opera’s 2013/2014 season. Light refreshments will be served.
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*http://articles.latimes.com/2013/mar/08/entertainment/la-ca-et-cm-benjamin-britten-100-20130310

Dolce Melodie: chamber music

Thursday, January 23, 7:00 p.m.

Enjoy a fine evening of chamber music featuring such composers as Mozart, Schumann, and Ravel, as well as more contemporary numbers on Thursday, January 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the Library’s Barth Community Room. This special performance is part of the Library’s new series of free quarterly concerts, featuring a range of musical styles and instruments, brought to one and all by the Friends of the Crowell Public Library and the San Marino Music Center. Dolce Melodie features founder Elizabeth Walker on flute, Desiree Hazley on violin, Jonathan Wang on clarinet and Susanna Sujin Kwon on cello.

Elizabeth Walker has traveled through the U.S., the Bahamas, and Australia playing flute. She graduated from Azusa Pacific University with the Bachelors in Music Flute Performance and was a member of the Symphony Orchestra. Since graduation she has performed throughout Southern California and has been a part of the Inland Valley Symphony, Orange County Wind Symphony as well as Dolce Melodie. She has been teaching for many years.

Desiree Hazley graduated with a Bachelors of Music in Violin Performance at Azusa Pacific University. In 2012, she had the opportunity to study music with the concertmaster of the Heidelberg Philharmonic for three months in Heidelberg, Germany. Desiree has worked on many projects with artists including: Stevie Nicks, Dave Stewart and she is the violinist of the gypsy jazz band, Aux Amis. She teaches violin and plays in the Claremont Symphony and Riverside Philharmonic.

Jonathan Wang started his music career at Citrus College where he was the lead alto sax in the Blue Note Jazz Orchestra, and lead clarinet in the Sierra Wind Symphony. Jonathan has performed throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii and is also a graduate of Azusa Pacific University and plans to pursue his teaching credential. Performance groups include University Choir and Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble & Wind Ensemble and Bodhi Rock.

Susanna Sujin Kwon has been a cellist in the hit show Glee and is currently the main cello instructor at San Marino Music Center. She is pursuing her Bachelor's degree at Azusa Pacific University in cello performance, studying with Marek Szpakiewicz, as well as a Bachelor's in sports psychology. She plans to continue studying for her Master's in both fields, and a Doctorate's in psychology.

You won’t want to miss this blissful evening of free music at Crowell Library. Light refreshments will be served. For more information on the San Marino Music Center, visit: http://www.sanmarinomusiccenter.com/index.html.

coming to Crowell Library: Dakim Brain Fitness

Trial Use for the Month of January 2014

Everyone’s heard the old adage, “If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it,” and that is not only true of our muscles, but our brains. They need exercise too. Dakim is a computer based program designed to provide a fun, comprehensive brain workout in just 20 minutes a day. It features vivid graphics, music, humor, movie clips, stories, and trivia to keep the program interesting, engaging, and fun. The touch screen environment makes it easy, even if the user hasn’t used computers in the past. No keyboard, no mouse are used. The user just listens, watches, and touches the screen to select a response.

Dakim can help people stay mentally engaged and improve memory skills. Recent retirees or seniors may find Dakim to be a great way to spend part of the day while giving their brains a little workout. There are five different levels, so users can find the one that suits them best. People who have already experienced some memory and cognitive loss may find that participating in the Dakim program improves their ability to focus.

Crowell Public Library will have a one month trial period in January allowing patrons to come to the Library, try the program and give their feedback to help decide whether the Library should offer Dakin Brain Fitness on an ongoing basis. Patron participation is crucial in this process. The Library is now setting appointments for those wishing to try the program through January 31. Patrons are welcome to come in for multiple sessions as the makers of Dakim recommend its use three to five times a week for 20 minutes. If enough patrons like using it, the Library hopes to subscribe to the service.

The Library will offer brief orientations in the computer lab to demonstrate Dakim. Call (626) 300-0777 and ask for the Reference Desk to sign up. After the initial visit, patrons can sign up for more sessions.

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Rose Pruning Workshop

Saturday, January 18th, 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Former City Parks Division Manager, RON SERVEN is now with San Marino’s Planning Department, but his expertise with roses is still visible throughout the city, particularly at Lacy Park. Ron has conducted this workshop at Crowell Library on a yearly basis for many years and many rose lovers have benefited and attended repeat performances.

Ron will demonstrate optimum rose pruning techniques and answer questions from the audience, such as what to do in cold weather, and dealing with other special conditions such as irregular rainfall. Those who attend will be ready to go out into their own yards the very same day to get the job done. Ron will give everyone a better sense of how Mother Nature works. You’ll soon be spending some enjoyable time in your home garden, armed with the knowledge to keep it thriving and beautiful.

This workshop is free and reservations are not required, but if you have questions, please call the library (626) 300-0777, extension 579.

Three Local Authors, One Special Evening!

Monday, January 13, 7:00 p.m.

Three local authors will discuss the writing process and read excerpts from their latest bestsellers, when Crowell Public Library presents, Three Local Authors, One Special Evening, on Monday, January 13 at 7:00 p.m. The evening will be an escape into fantasy, mystery and comedy…

DESIREE ZAMORANO's mystery, Human Cargo, is set mostly in Glendale and Altadena and stars a smart, Latina detective named Inez Leon. A skilled private investigator with a tortilla chip on her shoulder, Inez lives for truth, justice and the Mexican-American way. In Human Cargo, Inez gains access to Pasadena's Russian community in order to find a missing family. She uncovers a culture of underground nightclubs and virtual slavery, as well the high price of a passage into this country. A playwright, Pushcart Prize nominee, and novelist with a deep understanding of and affection for Pasadena and Los Angeles, Desiree Zamorano is also a fan of krav maga and vodka, but not at the same time. She lives in Altadena and teaches at Occidental College.
MARGARET FINNEGAN's The Goddess Lounge, set in Altadena and Los Angeles, is a hilarious story about a divorced mother coming to the edge. Margaret Finnegan's work has appeared in Salon, LA Times, FamilyFun and other publications. She lives with her husband, her two children and her dog, Scout, in South Pasadena, California. She is partial to all of them, but must admit that the dog gives her the least grief, for which she is grateful. Margaret teaches writing at Cal State LA.
PETREA BURCHARD’s Camelot & Vine, begins in Hollywood and continues in Dark Ages in Britain. It's about a failing Hollywood actress who loses everything, flies through a gap in time and saves King Arthur's life. Petrea Burchard studied writing and acting at the University of Illinois where she received with a Bachelors Degree in Rhetoric and a double minor in Theater and French. As an actress she has performed in the National Touring Company of Second City, a plethora of plays, television shows, feature films, commercials and voice over work. Her writing took off in 2004 when she began writing a column in NowCasting.com’s newsletter, ActorsInk.
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CROWELL PUBLIC LIBRARY REOPENS ON FRIDAYS -- AT LAST! Starting January 3, 2014

After two and a half years, Crowell Public Library is thrilled to announce the San Marino City Council has voted to reinstate the Library’s hours on Fridays. Starting January 3, 2014, the Library will be open each and every Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Back in July of 2011, all San Marino City Departments were asked to make budget cuts and the Library responded with the Friday closure. But a recent community survey revealed that having the Library reopen on Fridays was a top priority for the citizens of San Marino. Since the City’s economic outlook has improved, the citizens got their wish.

San Marinans know Crowell Library is the place to come for books in many forms and languages (Chinese, Japanese and Spanish), for movies, music and programs of all descriptions, for young and old and everyone in between. It’s a friendly place to learn about technology, to get a passport, to have a test proctored, to have a meeting, to learn a new language, to exercise your brain and to view the work of local artists. They know the Friends of the Library’s Book Shoppe offers a great place to start your holiday shopping, and the Book Shoppe hours will be expanding with the Library’s. The Friends are always accepting volunteers!

Even though the Library was closed on Fridays, it kept the electronic “fires” burning on its website http://www.crowellpubliclibrary.org/ where anyone could and still can search for books, CDs and DVDs and library cardholders can put their selections on hold. Library cards are always free to one and all at Crowell Library. By clicking on the “Online Reference resources” link on the home page, cardholders can access a multitude of databases including Value Line, Scholarships, Fellowships & Loans, Tuition Funding Sources, Rocket Languages, NoveList, Testing & Education Prep and as well as magazine and newspaper articles. The Library’s home page also lists the many upcoming programs for adults, teens and children as well as procedures for getting a test proctored, getting a passport or renting a meeting room.

On Friday, January 3rd from 10:00a to 12:00 noon, please come to Crowell Library for a “First Friday” coffee reception and help welcome a very happy new year!

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1890 Huntington Drive, San Marino, CA 91108-2595 ● Phone: (626) 300-0777 ● Fax: (626) 300-0121
www.CrowellPublicLibrary.org

Little Dramas and Untold Tales in the Writing of San Marino History

Monday November 25, 7:00 p.m.

San Gabriel Valley residents far and wide will learn many fascinating facts about their community when the San Marino Historical Society presents ELIZABETH POMEROY, author of San Marino: A Centennial History on Monday, November 25th at Crowell Public Library. After months of research, many thickets of information were carefully pared into the award-winning centennial tome, but who and what was left behind in the final shaping? What voices went unheard and characters unmet? Come find out as we look for back-stories and little gems of San Marino history.

Ms. Pomeroy spoke at the library last September and outlined her story of researching and writing San Marino: A Centennial History which, since then, has sold thousands of copies and received state and national awards. Members of the Centennial Book Committee generated thousands of pages of research which Elizabeth was able to distill down into a wonderfully readable history of San Marino. What we do not know is what she left out. Please join us to hear her tell the tales.

San Marino: A Centennial History traces the history of the first century of the city through words and images. The reader will follow the transition from the area's rich agricultural ranches to the establishment of San Marino as a city. Copies of the book will also be available for purchase just in time for holiday gift-giving.

Elizabeth Pomeroy, a California native, graduated from Stanford University and holds a Ph.D. in English from UCLA. She served on the staff of the Huntington Library for ten years, and has taught English at Pasadena City College for a decade, and at UCLA, UC Irvine, and California State University Los Angeles. She has contributed a weekly column on historic places entitled “Lost and Found,” for the Pasadena Star-News and San abriel Valley Tribune. In the year 2000 she established Many Moons Press, which publishes books on Southern California history and nature.

For information on the San Marino Historical Society call (626) 304-9375 or email smhistorical@earthlink.net

Looking for Life on Mars… and other places

On Monday, November 18th at 7pm, Crowell Library will be honored to present Professor MAX COLEMAN, Senior Research Scientist from NASA/Cal Tech with a lecture on how the agency is searching for life on other planets. It is likely that the Earth's surface was habitable shortly after its formation just over 4.5 billion years ago. Microbial life dominated the Earth until just over half a billion years ago and signs of microbial activity are the prime targets of exploration for life on Mars. Amazingly, exhaled “breath” of microorganisms is one of the best signs of life, preserved in minerals and recognized by its composition. Until samples can be return to Earth, instruments must fly to Mars for analysis. Examples will be shown of how laboratory analytical instruments are miniaturized spectacularly (by factors of a thousand) and adapted for flight to Mars. Professor Coleman’s presentation will involve practical demonstrations as well as audiovisual material.

Max Coleman's training combined chemistry, geology and isotope geochemistry at London and Leeds Universities, but he found that he needed to encompass microbiology too when studying sedimentary rocks. He has applied multidisciplinary fundamental scientific research to elicit solutions to practical problems in petroleum exploration and production, environmental pollution, radioactive waste storage and forensic science. He now uses the same approaches to search for life on other planets. For ten years he ran a national isotope analysis facility at the British Geological Survey. In 2003, Professor Coleman was enticed to join the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab, Caltech, and became Director of the Center for Life Detection and Leader of the Astrobiology Research Group.
Light refreshments will be served. Please join us for this free program, courtesy of our friends at NASA/Cal Tech.
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ONE FABULOUS BOOK SALE 20% off everything

Saturday, November 16th
10:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Bargains will abound in the Book Shoppe at Crowell Public Library when the Friends of the Library present their bi-annual book sale on Saturday, November 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Now is the perfect time to gobble up the fiber by the bagful. And all proceeds go to the library. Without the Friends, Crowell Library would have few children’s books or children’s programs. There would be no teen programs and Crowell’s new concert series with the San Marino Music Center would be just a dream… life without Friends would truly be pitiful and boring!

The Friends’ Book Shoppe at Crowell is famous for its high quality, gently used history titles, cookbooks (some beautiful new French cookbooks just in), travel, business, children’s and all kinds of fiction in an amazing array of formats: hardbacks, paperbacks, coffee table books, CDs, DVDs and more!

Get a jump on your holiday shopping while giving to a great cause. The Friends are waiting to help one and all find the perfect gift for everyone on every list.

LA Opera Talk: Mozart’s The Magic Flute

Sunday, November 17, 2:00 p.m.

Packed with familiar melodies, stage magic and fantastical creatures, The Magic Flute has enchanted young and old alike for over two centuries. Mixing high comedy and serious drama, Mozart’s final operatic masterpiece extols the virtues of love, reason and human kinship. At the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, an impressive cast of world-class young singers, under the masterful baton of James Conlon, will transport audiences into an enchanted world where good battles evil and light vanquishes darkness. A charming fairy tale that hints at deeper mysteries, The Magic Flute is a triumphant celebration of true love conquering all. It was first performed September 30, 1791, in Vienna.
A community educator from LA Opera will have even more fascinating facts and musical excerpts on Sunday, November 17 at 2:00 p.m. in the Library’s Barth Community Room. The program is free and open to all opera aficionados and first timers. Opera is not just magnificent music, dance and theater with astounding sets on a beautiful stage; 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 which has something for everyone.
Mark this date on the social calendar as Crowell Library welcomes LA Opera’s 2013/2014 season on a high note. Light refreshments will be served.

Hidden Founders of San Marino

Monday, October 28, 7:00 p.m.

While most San Marino residents are familiar with the historic names of Patton and Huntington, there were other families living in the area before San Marino became a chartered city. Come hear stories of some of those lesser known individuals who made up the 500 citizens of San Marino: Edward J.C. Kewen, George Stoneman, James deBarth Shorb to name a few. See photographs from the era, and perhaps learn a little bit more about this centenarian city.

This program will feature JENNIFER ALLAN GOLDMAN, the Institutional Archivist and a Curator of Manuscripts at the Huntington Library in San Marino, California. She is responsible for the Huntington Institutional Archives, as well as all manuscript collections related to Henry Huntington, his family and his business interests. In addition, Jennifer oversees collections in transportation, modern Southern California corporations, and 20th century American history.

This program is free and open to the public. It will take place in the Library’s Barth Community Room. Seating is limited and attendance to these monthly programs has been to capacity so please arrive early.

Relax and Feel Better with Hypnosis

Monday, October 21, 7 p.m.

The Mayo Clinic writes that hypnosis, “can be effective in helping people cope with pain, stress and anxiety. It may also be effective as part of a comprehensive program for quitting smoking or losing weight.” Hypnosis has been used to treat low self esteem and help with relaxation. “It’s not clear how hypnosis works. However, it appears to affect how your brain communicates with your body through nerve impulses, hormones and body chemicals such as neuropeptides. Hypnotherapists say that hypnosis creates a state of deep relaxation and quiets the mind. When you’re hypnotized, you can concentrate intensely on a specific thought, memory, feeling or sensation while blocking out distractions. You’re more open than usual to suggestions, and this can be used to improve your health and well-being.”*

Hypnotherapy has the potential to help relieve the symptoms of a wide variety of illnesses and conditions. It can be used independently or along with other treatments. Daniel Handel, a physician at the National Institutes of Health and director of the Palliative and Hospice Medicine Fellowship, describes hypnosis as feeling similar to reading a good book or watching a movie that causes you to lose track of time. “You are in an altered state of consciousness,” he says. “You are deeply absorbed but responsive to suggestions.”**
Learn more about hypnosis and enjoy a mind-relaxing hypnotic induction with Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist JANELL CARL-JORDA. Janell studied at the California Academy of the Healing Arts. She led the very successful Laughter Yoga workshop at Crowell Library in 2011. This intriguing introduction to hypnotherapy is free and light refreshments will be served.

*http://www.gohypnotherapy.com/hypnosis-information/hypnosis-articles-essays-on-hypnotherapy-written-by-hypnotherapists/mayo-clinic-staff-on-hypnosis/

** http://www.washingtonian.com/articles/health/the-health-benefits-of-hypnosis/
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LA Opera Talk: Verdi’s Falstaff

Sunday, October 20, 2:00 p.m.

In honor of Verdi’s 200th birthday, LA Opera will present the crowning glory of the composer’s magnificent career, his comic masterpiece Falstaff. James Conlon, praised for his mastery of Verdi, conducts an unabashed celebration of Merrie Olde England’s lusty days and bawdy nights at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. When Shakespeare’s portly knight of Windsor hatches a plot to improve his love life by courting two different married women, he launches a flood of comic chaos and romantic misadventure. The libretto is by Arrigo Boito, based on William Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor. The world premiere was in 1893 at Teatro alla Scala, Milan. This opera will be performed in Italian with English supertitles at the Dorothy Chandler.

At Crowell Library, on Sunday, October 20th, an LA Opera Community Educator ED LIEB will present the background and important facts as well as the great moments about this classic opera. There will be a slide presentation with music, and a very funny DVD. Falstaff was Verdi’s last opera, following a life of amazing output.
Opera is not just magnificent music, dance and theater with astounding sets on a beautiful stage; 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 which has something for everyone.

This introduction to opera is absolutely free. Mark this date on the social calendar as Crowell Library welcomes LA Opera’s 2013/2014 season on a high note. Light refreshments will be served.

One World Music Concert

Sunday, October 13, 3:00 p.m.

Hear the music and learn about the cultures of China, Japan, the Middle East, Mexico and India when Crowell Library presents the first of what hopefully will be many One World Music concerts on Sunday, October 13th at 3:00 p.m. You will experience traditional music from China, Japan, India, and Mexico in addition to world fusion that melds music from a variety of genres. This versatile ensemble will also discuss the instruments to help the audience understand and appreciate the different cultures of origin.

Playing the pipa since she was five, JIE MA (Chinese Pipa and Ruan) received her Bachelor of Music degree from Tianjin Conservatory of Music and has performed numerous classical works for pipa and western orchestras, ensembles, and choirs. Jie has worked extensively with jazz, rock, bluegrass, and world musicians on experimental and improvisational projects. YUNHE LIANG (Chinese Erhu) began his erhu training at the age of eight. He graduated from Hebei Teachers College and Central Conservatory of Music. He has made several recordings for movies and music CDs, and has performed in venues such as the Los Angeles Music Center, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and the Hollywood Bowl.

CHRISTOPHER GARCIA (Indian percussion) has made a career performing and composing for the drum set, percussion of India and percussion of ancient Mexico in a variety of musical settings with artists from jazz, rock, indigenous, classical and world music settings, throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. Striving to encourage the appreciation of North Indian Classical music, JOHN STEPHENS (Indian Sitar) has performed across the United States and in India. He holds a degree in jazz composition from Berklee College of Music and a MFA in sitar performance from CalArts. SABA ALIZADEH (Persian Kamancheh) has an extensive record of discography mainly in film music. He has toured Europe and North America with various ensembles playing in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and Royce Hall with the Hamavayan ensemble .

The goal of the One World Music is to enrich the community through intercultural communication, awareness and understanding. Don’t miss this stimulating afternoon of free world music in the Barth Community Room at Crowell Public Library.

Contributions Made to Astronomy by San Marino Resident, Edwin Hubble

Monday, September 23, 7:00 p.m.

The San Marino Historical Society kicks off its fall programming with a talk on Edwin Hubble, an American astronomer who played a crucial role in establishing the field of extragalactic astronomy. He is generally regarded as one of the most important observational cosmologists of the 20th century. Hubble is known for showing that the recessional velocity of a galaxy increases with its distance from the earth, implying the universe is expanding. He lived in San Marino from 1925 until he died in 1953, and the house remained in the Hubble family until approximately 1973. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976 and is the only house in San Marino so designated.

DR. JUNA KOLLMEIER is currently an Astronomer at the Observatories of the Carnegie Institution of Washington in Pasadena. Her personal focus is theoretical astrophysics concerning the growth of cosmic structure on all scales. She received a B.S. (physics), 2000, from California Institute of Technology; and a Ph.D (astronomy), 2006, from The Ohio State University. She is both a Carnegie-Princeton Fellow and Hubble Fellow.

This program is free and open to the public. It will take place in the Library’s Barth Community Room. Seating is limited and attendance to these monthly programs has been to capacity so arrive early. At 6:00 pm San Marino Centennial books will available for purchase.

Classical Guitar Duets

Thursday, September 26, 7:00 p.m.

Two outstanding guitarists will present a fine evening of classical music featuring such composers as Bach, Mozart and Stravinsky on Thursday, September 26 at 7:00 p.m. in the Library’s Barth Community Room. This special performance kicks off the Library’s new series of free quarterly concerts, featuring a range of musical styles and instruments, brought to you by the Friends of the Crowell Public Library and the San Marino Music Center. This guitar duo will be comprised of John Axume and Patrick Shiroishi.

John studied classical guitar under the direction of Peter Yates at Cal Poly Pomona. While there, John helped found a guitar trio known as the Classical Guitar Project which performed extensively throughout Los Angeles, making appearances at USC, UCLA, Cal State San Bernardino, Guittara California at Cuesta College (San Luis Obispo), as well as for the LA Philharmonic Society. John then turned his attention to jazz and studied under the late, great LA guitarist Ronald Muldrow. John went onto perform as a jazz guitarist at such venues as Steamers in Fullerton, The Hip Kitty in Claremont, and as a featured artist for KJazz Summer Concert Series at Century City Plaza. Last year, John opened the San Marino Music Center where he teaches guitar full time. Patrick Shiroishi earned a Bachelor of Music in Classical Guitar Performance under the instruction of Jeff Cogan at the Hall-Musco Conservatory of Music at Chapman University. While at Chapman, he actively performed in the Conservatory Guitar Quartet and Duo, which in 2008 took first place in a nationwide competition in Brownsville, Texas. He was also given the Guitarist of the Year Award in 2009. Patrick currently teaches guitar and saxophone at San Marino Music Center.

You won’t want to miss this blissful evening of free classical music at Crowell Library. Light refreshments will be served. For more information on the San Marino Music Center, visit: http://www.sanmarinomusiccenter.com/index.html.

History of Southern California and Los Angeles, 1880-1932

The USC Emeriti Center College in collaboration with the San Marino Historical Society, cordially invites you to participate in this six-session class, Health, Wealth and Intellect: John Randolph Haynes, USC and the Making of Los Angeles, 1880-1932 which will be taught by DR. JOHN G. (TOM) TOMLINSON. Dr. Tomlinson is the former Associate Dean of the Gould School of Law and has served as an administrator, instructor, and researcher of USC and southern California history for the past 32 years. The class will take place in the Library’s Barth Community on the following six Thursdays from 10:30 am to 12:00 noon: September 26, October 3, October 10, October 31, and November 7 and November 14.

Using the life of John R. Haynes (1853-1937) L.A. physician-millionaire-philanthropist and the development of USC, these lectures track the growth of Los Angeles from a dusty town of 12,000 in 1880 to an international metropolis approaching 2,000,000 in 1932 when the city hosted the Olympic Games. Participants will explore Los Angeles as a place of tuberculosis sanatoria, citrus orchards, oil fields, aqueducts, film sets, airports, with a diverse and international peoples. An avid student of Los Angeles history, Dr. Tomlinson will present cameos of the people who built this great city. He will share original publications that contain their visions of the future for the vast southern California region. He also will share an extensive collection of photographs and postcards.

The fee for the class is $60. Reservations are required, so please contact: ecrsvp@usc.edu or call (213) 740-7122. Mail your check payable to USC Emeriti Center College, and mail to 3715 McClintock Ave., 220, L.A., CA 90089-0191. For further Information, contact: Jerome B. Walker, Ph.D., Director, jbwalker@usc.edu or Judith C. Diaz, Assistant Director, judydiaz@usc.eduUSC Emeriti Center College, emeriticollege.usc.edu, (213) 740-8841.

TWO FREE TECHNOLOGY CLASSES

Tuesday, September 24 - 7:00 pm
& Sunday, October 20 - 3:30 p.m.

What good is that electronic gadget you’re carrying around if you can’t make it work? Do you own an iPhone, iPad, iPod, or android device that baffles and aggravates you? Help is on the way at Crowell Library! An eager group of tech-savvy students from San Marino High School has volunteered to meet with people to try to help them figure these gadgets out. The sessions are unstructured and the students will try to democratically divide their time in helping attendees overcome obstacles with these devices. Time may be limited on your particular question, depending on the number of people who attend.

The class is well suited for seniors or anyone who needs help. Be sure to bring your device and go to the Thornton Conference Room upstairs at the Library.

Brain Aerobics Returns to Crowell Library -- Lip Reading Made Fun with Francine Katz

Mondays & Tuesdays starting September 23

Challenge your memory, improve your language skills, and ease the burden of hearing loss by learning to lip read. In these fun and stimulating classes, students will enhance their verbal skills by analyzing how language looks and sounds. Instructor FRANCINE KATZ challenges the class to memorize sentences, play word games and focus on lip-reading skills. She has taught this class at various locations for over 45 years and students rave how their mental agility has improved after participating.

Francine Katz, MA, SLP, CCC, is a graduate of Northwestern University and a licensed speech-language pathologist and lip reading specialist. Mrs. Katz was with Pasadena City College for over twelve years. She was “Teacher of the Year” at PCC in 2005. She was also listed in “Who’s Who in America,” Western Section.

Get your brain in shape with a free weekly two-hour workout in the Barth Community Room at Crowell Library in a relaxed atmosphere with rewarding results. Choose either Mondays from 12:30p or Tuesday mornings at 9:30a. No obligation visits are also welcome.

Boosting your brain power can only help you age with grace!

HEALING COLORS with Jeanette Chasworth

Monday, September 16, 7:00 p.m.

The colors around us affect how we feel, think, and what we do. There are many places that health is being affected by the colors in the environment. Some colors help with emotions or the physical body. Find out how to use the colors in the home to increase good health. This program will demonstrate how color can improve sleep, decrease depression, fight overeating and much more. JEANETTE CHASWORTH has been an interior designer in the San Gabriel Valley for 17 years. She is past-president of the Pasadena chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), and is a fully certified interior designer both by ASID and CID. She has taught interior design at Citrus College, Mount San Antonio College, and UC Riverside.

Jeanette speaks to people who love their homes and seek to improve their lives. Her program is recommended for those interested in interior design trends, psychology, art and the healing arts. She has spoken for an array of diverse audiences including professional and student designers (FIDM, ASID Northern California chapter), community organizations such as the South Pasadena Kiwanis and Pasadena Women's City Club, and has prepared special programs in color for many groups and organizations, as well as several internet radio shows.

Color is a powerful tool that is often overlooked. Learn how to make the power of color work for you and improve your quality of life during this free program. Light refreshments will be served.

LA Opera Talk: Georges Bizet’s Carmen

Sunday, September 15, 2:00 p.m.

No man can resist Carmen’s gypsy charms, but when she’s ready to move on, watch out! A riveting drama of love and jealousy, filled with famously alluring melodies and captivating dances, Carmen is one of the world’s most popular operas. With dazzling bursts of color, the thrilling production brings the sights and sounds of Seville to life, from the dusty town center to the clamor of the bullring. Bizet’s immortal score overflows with one delight after another, a music lover’s hit parade of opera’s most intoxicating melodies.

LA Opera Community Educator GEOFF KUENNING will present the background and important facts about this classic opera and then, as a special treat, attendees will hear opera singer ADRIEN RAYNIER sing a few selections from Carmen. Ms. Raynier has performed numerous times with LA Opera as well as the Santa Monica Symphony, the Orange County Master Chorale, the Ventura Symphony and many others. You won’t want to miss this Opera Talk with a live singer that will demonstrate the passion and excitement of Bizet’s famous work.
Opera is not just magnificent music, dance and theater with astounding sets on a beautiful stage; 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 which has something for everyone.
This introduction to opera with a live performance is absolutely free. Mark this date on the social calendar as Crowell Library welcomes LA Opera’s 2013/2014 season on a high note. Light refreshments will be served.

Lumps, Bumps & Spots: Harmless or skin cancer?

Thursday, September 12 - 7:00 p.m.

Most brown spots, rough bumps and persistent lumps on the skin are not skin cancer. Some are related to sun exposure and some merely represent normal skin aging. Education regarding signs and symptoms of skin cancers can help people identify suspicious skin lesions. DR. PHILLIP LEE will discuss the typical features of skin cancers and features of the most common types of harmless spots, bumps, and growths. He will also discuss the various options available for treatment of these skin lesions.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. It is estimated that over 3.5 million non-melanoma cases are diagnosed every year.* The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer, and melanoma. While melanoma is the least common of the three, it is the most deadly. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 76,000 new melanomas will be diagnosed and over 9000 people are expected to die of melanoma in 2013. Diligent sun protection can help prevent skin cancers and screening for skin cancers can help diagnose skin cancers at their earliest stages.

Phillip H. A. Lee, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. Nominated by his local peers, he received the Pasadena Magazine Top Doctors Award in Dermatology. Born in Glendale and raised in Pasadena, Dr. Lee earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame, graduating summa cum laude in biology. He earned his medical degree at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. He received a laboratory research fellowship at the VA Medical Center in La Jolla, CA after which he went on to complete dermatology residency at the UC San Diego Medical Center. He served as chief resident during his final year of residency. Dr. Lee is part of the volunteer faculty of University of Southern California, Department of Dermatology. For his teaching, the dermatology residents awarded him the Outstanding Teaching Award in Medical Dermatology. In addition to English, Dr. Lee, who happens to be half Chilean, also speaks fluent Spanish.

Light refreshments will be served.
* http://www.cancer.org/research/index

What are Colleges Looking for?

Sunday, September 8, 3:00 p.m.

As students work their way through a tough high school curriculum, they often feel unsure about where to start the college process. PATTI BRUGMAN and JOYCE SALTER will go over each of the attributes that are most valued by college admissions officers on Sunday, September 8 at 3:00pm when they present this special program at Crowell Library. Learn how to measure what colleges want for the future freshmen classes against what is desired from a college. Learn the differences between an average applicant and an extraordinary one, and why there is a “Perfect Fit” college for everyone. This talk will give an outline of what it takes, beyond great classroom performance, to be a successful applicant to the colleges of preference.

Patti Brugman has a B.A. in English from Occidental College and an M.A. from Claremont Graduate University. She helps her clients find the "perfect fit" college, a major area of study, and life goal. Her mission is to help students discover their passion through writing, study, and the college process. In her own writing, she has presented academic essays for conferences in New York and Liverpool and continues to teach writing privately. As a member of the Board of Governors at Occidental College, she helps with admissions committee and career networking events. Patti is a member of WACAC, The Western Association of College and Admission Counselors.

Joyce Salter is a detail-oriented editor, always reading for content, tone and grammar. Her rapport with students is often what inspires them to do their best writing. She has years of experience as a writer/researcher for film and television with produced credits. She is also a member of the Writers Guild of America and the Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, with an extensive background in children's library programming. Joyce is also a member of WACAC.

Whether starting early or late, Patti and Joyce help students submit the best application to their own Perfect U. Light refreshments will be served.

Crowell Public Library Gets New Wifi

According to a 2011 Harris Poll created for the American Library Association, public computer and wifi use increased at more than 70 percent of U.S. libraries than the previous year.* When libraries can’t afford to upgrade their computers or increase their numbers, wifi access becomes even more critical. When the new Crowell Library opened in January 2008, it had a whopping 16 public access computers, up from the meager six if offered at the old library, but the wifi remained the same, six year-old Blue Socket technology that was pathetically slow and constantly going down, much to the dismay of the staff and patrons.

A city-wide service satisfaction survey conducted earlier this year complained about the library’s unreliable wireless service. But before the survey was even published, a generous donation from the Hal Suetsugu Family, the Montelongo Family, Robert and Grace Karkafi, Dr. Albert Cho and Dr. Della Fong, Raymond Woo and Kristina Fu Woo, solved the problem with new Zone Director wifi. As a result, Crowell Library has increased patron accessibility a whopping 245%. With the old wifi, the library averaged 47 logins per day and now the average is 115.

News of this gift was proclaimed on the consent calendar of the San Marino City Council on May 8, 2013: http://www.cityofsanmarino.org/downloads/CC5813.pdf. In addition, Crowell Library acknowledged the $5,000 donation with lettering on the entrance door to the building: “Wireless service provided by generous donations from…” which will be seen by the nearly 120,000 people who stream through those doors every year.

Thanks to these munificent benefactors, the Library can continue to proudly abide by its motto: “The 21st century Crowell Public Library provides a gathering place, an information center, a technology hub, and a book and media collection to serve the educational, cultural, and recreational interests of people of all ages.”

*http://www.ala.org/news/mediapresscenter/americaslibraries/publiclibraries

Road Scholar: Adventures in Lifelong Learning

Thursday, July 11, 7:00 pm

If you love to travel, enjoy learning new things, like to explore interesting places and meet people who share a love of adventure, come and learn about Road Scholar, the group that offers more than 5,500 programs each year in 150 countries worldwide. Volunteer Road Scholar Ambassador JILL SWAIM will offer an insider's look at its adventures on July 11th at 7:00 p.m. in the Library’s Barth Community Room. Light refreshments will be served. Road Scholar Ambassadors are seasoned participants who volunteer their time to give informative and enthusiastic presentations about the educational travel adventures available through Road Scholar, formerly called Elderhostel, the not-for-profit world leader in lifelong learning since 1975.
Adventuresome, curious, fun... what else is there to know about Road Scholar participants? Their learning adventures engage expert instructors, provide extraordinary access, and stimulate discourse and friendship among people for whom learning is the journey of a lifetime. Since its inception, more than five million people have enrolled in its iconic educational adventures offered annually in countries around the world.
The Road Scholar program has made connections with educators and other local "insiders" all around the world, creating learning opportunities that show the world in a way that just can't be done alone or on a "tour." From expert-led lectures and field trips to comfortable lodgings and meals, all the details are handled, taking the worry out of the planning, so Scholars can focus on the learning experience.
Road Scholar is headquartered in Boston, Mass., with offices in the U.S. and the United Kingdom. To learn more please visit their website at www.roadscholar.org and bring your questions Thursday July 11 at 7:00pm to Crowell Library’s Barth Community Room.

Eating Healthy Is So Delicious!

Eating Healthy Is Sooo Delicious
Monday July 1, 7:00 pm

Food Garnishing Is Sooo Delicious
Sunday, July 14, 2:00 pm

On Monday, July 1 at 7:00 p.m., Registered Dietician VICTORIA BUXTON-PACHECO will present a fun program on food and nutrition as Crowell Public Library celebrates summer reading with programs, prizes and surprises. Victoria will discuss adapting your favorite comfort food recipes, portion control, healthy snacks, reading food labels and how it all relates to the USDA’s Choose My Plate program http://www.choosemyplate.gov. See how eating healthy can make your taste buds stand up and cheer!

Victoria comes to us from the Community Outreach Department at Methodist Hospital in Arcadia. She provides nutritional counseling for clients with gestational diabetes, cardiac disease, cancer and weight management issues. She graduated from Cal State Los Angeles and has both her Bachelors and Masters Degree in Nutrition. Victoria recently published a nutrition textbook and is on the faculty at Pasadena City College and Cal State Los Angeles.

And you won’t want to miss the free demonstration by BRYCE FUJII on transforming common fruits and vegetables into beautiful, edible decorations. With just a few basic tools, garnishes can enhance any meal, making it special without adding significant cost. When presented attractively, food not only looks pretty but also seems to taste better, too! Connect with your inner artist -- even you can be a Rodin with a radish!

Bryce Fujii has been an Independent Director and Trainer with The Pampered Chef for seven years. His lifelong passion for food led him to become a USPCA certified personal chef. While pursuing college degrees in business and fine arts, Bryce learned that with a little instruction, everyone has enough time and talent to prepare delicious and impressive home-cooked meals. Join us on Sunday, July 14th in the Barth Community Room and learn some basics of epicurean embellishments!

The City of Hope Centennial

Monday, June 24, 7:00 p.m.

In 1913, a dedicated group of men and women came together to form the Jewish Consumptive Relief Association of California. Launching a free, national and nonsectarian tuberculosis sanatorium outside of Los Angeles, they offered care to their brothers and sisters in need. By the mid-1940s, tuberculosis was on the decline in the United States. But the organization that became City of Hope rose to the challenge of each successive era, tackling the world's most catastrophic diseases while reaffirming its humanitarian vision that "health is a human right."

On Monday, June 24th at 7:00 p.m. DR. LINDA MALKAS will address the institution’s legacy, as well as its bright future. The City of Hope was founded in the same year as the City of San Marino was incorporated, and thus is celebrating its Centennial in 2013 along with San Marino. Over its history, the City of Hope has been a place of hope and discovery and anticipates continuing in the next century working on the future promise for the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer and diabetes, and the research that makes that possible.

Dr. Malkas is an expert in the areas of human cell DNA replication/repair, women’s cancers, as well as in cancer biomarker and therapeutic target discovery and development. She is currently an Associate Chairman and Profession in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Deputy Director for Basic Research of the City of Hope’s NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center as well as co-leader of the Molecular Oncology and Cancers Programs at the Cancer Center.

Seating is limited and attendance to this free monthly series has been to capacity so arrive early!

CROWELL PUBLIC LIBRARY LAUNCHES SUMMER READING CLUB

June 10 – July 20, 2013

Crowell Public Library launches its Reading Is So Delicious! Summer Reading Club on June 10, 2013. Over the next two months, the library will host a range of free activities for children, teens, and adults that encourage and support a love of reading. Participants also can win prizes for reaching their reading goals! Summer reading isn’t just fun, it’s great. Research has shown that reading over the summer prevents summer reading loss.*

Some of the programs include hilarious “Animal Cracker” tales from Ina Buckner Barnette, the Sunshine Storyteller, fantastic feature films for the whole family every week, “Feed Your Ears a Plateful of Music,” with Bob Harrison, and a visit from the animals of the Wildlife Learning Center. Many more surprises are in store!

The Summer Reading Club is open to ages three through adult. Registration begins on Monday, June 10, 2013 and runs through Saturday, July 20, 2013. The Summer Reading Club is sponsored by the Friends of the Crowell Public Library.

All programs are free to the public.
The more the merrier! Share this event on Facebook & Twitter.
https://www.facebook.com/CrowellPublicLibrarySanMarino
https://twitter.com/crowellpl
1890 Huntington Drive, San Marino, CA 91108-2595 ● Phone: (626) 300-0777
For more information, visit our website www.CrowellPublicLibrary.org

* Summer reading loss refers to the decline in children's reading development that can occur during summer vacation times when children are away from the classroom and not participating in formal literacy programs (Allington & McGill-Franzen, 2003). http://www.readingrockets.org/article/15218/

Reading Is Sooo Delicious!

June 10 – July 20, 2013

At Crowell Public Library, the kids aren’t the only ones having fun this summer. Adults 18 years and up can register for the Adult Summer Reading Club, which has the theme Reading Is Soooo Delicious this year. Registration is easy at the Adult Reference Desk where you’ll receive a Smart Cookie goodie bag and all the information you will need for upcoming contests, programs and movies:

Movie-Watching Is Soooo Delicious!
The food theme begins with a slate of movies to make your taste buds stand up and cheer!

MONDAY, JUNE 17, 6:30 P.M.
Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead (2010)
Joe Cross was at the end of his rope when he grabbed his juicer and hit the road. Overweight and loaded up on medications, he was suffering from a debilitating autoimmune disease. He decided to attack the cause while taking a 60 day tour of the United States. FREE JUICE SAMPLES after the movie.

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 10:00 A.M.
Eat, Drink, Man, Woman (1994)
Senior Master Chef Chu lives with his three grown daughters; the middle one finds her future plans affected by unexpected events and the changing lives of the other household members. Starring Sihung Lung, Yu-Wen Wang. Directed by Ang Lee.

MONDAY, JULY 15, 10:00 A.M.
Big Night (1996)
A failing Italian restaurant run by two brothers gambles on one special night to try to save the business; with Tony Shalhoub, Stanley Tucci, Isabella Rossellini, Minnie Driver.

Eating Healthy Is Sooo Delicious!
Monday July 1, 7:00pm
Registered Dietician VICTORIA BUXTON-PACHECO will present a fun program on food and nutrition. She will discuss adapting your favorite comfort food recipes, portion control, healthy snacks, reading food labels and how it all relates to the USDA’s Choose My Plate program.

Food Garnishing Is Soooo Delicious!

Sunday July 14, 2:00pm
In this free demonstration, BRYCE FUJII will show how, by using a few basic tools, anyone can transform common fruits and vegetables into beautiful, edible decorations. Become a Rodin with a radish!

All library patrons are welcome to enjoy the programs and movies this summer at Crowell Public Library, but “hungry” readers interested in prizes must register at the Adult Reference Desk.

a special concert by violinist PAUL STEIN

Monday, June 10, 2013, 7:00 p.m.

Come to the library for a free hour of blissful, classical music and more! PAUL STEIN, a violinist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic for the last 30 years, will bring an all-new program to the Crowell Public Library on Monday, June 10, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Playing music by Bach, John Williams, Liszt and Henry Mancini, Paul Stein brings many sides of the violin to the San Marino Library. He has been a member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic for over 30 years, and has performed many family concerts with Chamber Music Express. The library concert is designed for families with children eight years and older.

The unaccompanied violin demonstrates many colors and melodic contours. Bach wrote some of his most profound music for it. The richness of Bach's harmonies will be on display at the June 10 concert, as well such popular music as the “Tango” from Scent of a Woman and “Moon River” from Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Paul Stein has been a featured soloist at the Hollywood Bowl and has worked with Zubin Mehta, Carlo Maria Giulini, Andre Previn, Esa-Pekka Salonen as well as Gustavo Dudamel. He was principal second violinist with the Colorado Symphony and performed with the Santa Fe Opera orchestra. Born in Dallas, Paul received a Bachelor of Music from Southern Methodist University and Master of Music from Yale University. He has moderated seminars and lectured at the Los Angeles Philharmonic Institute and conventions of the Music Teachers Association of California. He is a Certificate of Merit teacher of violin and viola, from beginning to advanced and is on the faculties of Pasadena City College and Glendale College.
Don’t miss this special, free night of music in San Marino!

Saving for Retirement

Thursday, May 23, 2013
7:00 pm

Of course it is important to understand the options and the consequences of any decisions related to retirement, but because Social Security is likely be the foundation of most people’s retirement income, understanding these benefits in particular is critical with so many Baby Boomers reaching retirement age. ROY TIRAKAYOS from Edward Jones will review the benefits of Social Security, and the factors one should consider before signing up, such as full retirement age, life expectancy, employment, as well as the benefits for spouses. Learn how the benefits are taxed and understand more about the relationship between Social Security and retirement planning at this free lecture, Thursday, May 23 at Crowell Public Library.

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. Retirement income is derived largely from four sources: Social Security, earnings, pensions and asset income. Social Security provides the largest share of income for Americans age 65 or older. Learn what’s in store before you retire.

Roy Tirakayos graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a B.A. in Business Administration. Joining him will be BRUNO ESQUIVEL-PAZ, a graduate of Cal State L.A. who majored in finance and minored in Economics. Bring your retirement questions for Roy and Bruno and enjoy some light refreshments in the Library’s Barth Community Room.


* http://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2001/10/art2full.pdf

The History of Mt. Wilson Observatory

Monday, May 20, 7:00 p.m.

Fueling the economic engine of scientific enterprise in Southern California, the Mount Wilson Observatory and its founder, George Ellery Hale, were the motivating forces that transformed the San Gabriel Valley into a major center of technological achievement, spawning institutions such as the California Institute of Technology, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and a host of other science-based organizations found here today. On Monday, May 20 at 7:00 p.m., DAVE JURASEVICH, the Superintendent at Mt. Wilson Observatory, will take the audience on a journey back in time, reliving the storied history of this greatest of American institutions. Walk in the footsteps of the finest astronomers of their age. Learn how they deciphered the code of the heavens, and marvel in their discoveries -- concepts that firmly put us in our place in the Universe and forever changed our view of the world in which we live.

As the world’s preeminent observatory during the first half of the twentieth century, Mount Wilson holds a unique place in the history of scientific endeavor. It was here that the great astronomer, Edwin Hubble, a San Marino resident, established the cornerstones of modern cosmology by unlocking the secrets of an expanding universe, paving the way for our understanding of the Big Bang and ultimate fate of the cosmos.

Dave Jurasevich attended the California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, California, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Retired from the chemical industry, he is currently engaged as Superintendent of the historic Mount Wilson Observatory where he is responsible for operation and maintenance of the historic venues of that facility, infrastructure oversight, engineering support and management of capital projects, as well as active participation in public outreach efforts.

Seating is limited and attendance to this free monthly series has been to capacity so arrive early!

TECH TUESDAYS @ Crowell Public Library

Tuesday, May 14: Twitter: What Is It Good For?
Tuesday, May 21: Music Streaming

Tech Tuesdays return in May to Crowell Public Library beginning Tuesday the 14th with Twitter: What Is It Good For? Attend this half-hour lecture to find out how to use this microblogging service to post short thoughts, follow your favorite teams or celebrities (even talk back to them!) and get the latest news. Twitter is a real-time information network that connects you to the latest stories, ideas, opinions and news. At the heart of Twitter are small bursts of information called Tweets. Each Tweet is 140 characters long. You can follow trends with hashtags, get customer service or just share your thoughts. Businesses use Twitter to quickly share information with people interested in their products and services, gather real-time market intelligence and feedback, and build relationships with customers, partners and influencers.
On Tuesday May 21st, find out how to listen to hours of music streaming over the internet through free services like Pandora and Spotify. Pandora gives people music they love anytime, anywhere, through connected devices. One can personalize stations with the input of a favorite artist, song or genre. Spotify is a music streaming service providing content from a range of major and independent record labels. Music can be browsed by artist, album, record label, genre or playlist as well as by direct searches.
Both programs begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Barth Community Room. Bring all your questions to these fun, judgment-free sessions created by the knowledgeable and e-savvy staff at Crowell Public Library.

Free Concert @ Crowell: San Marino Jazz Quartet

Thursday, May 9, 2013 7:00 pm

Come enjoy a wonderful evening of live music as the San Marino Jazz Quartet performs be-bop, blues, straight ahead and even some Latin jazz standards at Crowell Public Library. Led by saxophonist Amber Navran of the San Marino Music Center, the San Marino Jazz Ensemble also features fellow Music Center instructor Jeremy Stacey on drums with friends Jeffrey Stein on guitar and Alexis Soto on bass.

Amber Navran earned a Bachelor of Music from the USC’s prestigious Jazz Studies program and has been teaching students of all ages since high school. Jeremy Stacey has been teaching professionally since the age of 19 and when he is not teaching, he works as a composer/arranger for student films, singer/songwriters, high school drumlines, band programs and performs with his own jazz quartet.

Any way you cut it, this will be one swinging night! This event will help kick off what we hope will become a live music series, taking advantage of the great acoustics in the Barth Room. The show is sponsored by the San Marino Music Center and the Crowell Public Library.

All ages are welcome and no reservations are necessary for this free concert. Crowell Library is happy to feature these musicians from the San Marino Music Center, an all purpose music store run by music educators John and Sisilia Axume. The Center offers private and group lessons ranging from piano, guitar, violin, cello, saxophone, vocal, drums and much more. They also offer instrument sales, rentals, music books and music accessories. If you're looking to bring music to your child's life, stop by or visit http://sanmarinomusiccenter.com/

BETTER HEALTH THROUGH BETTER POSTURE

Tuesday, May 7, 2013, 7 p.m.

Did your mother ever tell you to stand up straight? Of course mothers don’t want any slouchers in their midst, but being the wise and superior beings they are, they also want you to be healthy, and good posture is an important part of one’s well-being according to BERNARDO PEREZ, D.C. Come to Crowell Library and learn what good posture looks like and what the effects of bad posture can do. Dr. Perez will discuss studies that have connected poor posture and poor health. He will demonstrate simple exercises that can help relieve aches and pains, reduce stress and fatigue, while increasing strength and balance. No expensive exercise equipment is required.

Bernardo Perez, D.C. is nationally board certified, California Board Certified and a member of the International Chiropractic Association. He has a private practice in the San Gabriel Valley. Dr. Perez was born and raised in southern California and lives in Arcadia. He is dedicated to helping people of all ages attain their optimal state of health and well being.

This program is free and designed to help you stay healthy and active. Join us and learn about important health topics from an expert.

If you are humped over your computer while reading this, you may want to straighten up now…

Opera-Kadabra!

Saturday, May 4, 2013 2:00 pm

Opera and magic collide with spectacular results in this one-of-a-kind show as classic opera arias are artfully ornamented with visual magic. Baritone PATRICK BELL sings the beautiful arias that you all know and love – or will soon fall in love with -- and performs stunning magic that illustrates the character, affect of the music, and meaning of the text, in an entertaining and engaging art form. Each aria is introduced with a brief description of what is going on in the story, and the opera is sung live to a recorded orchestral track. Visual magic tricks are the vehicle that helps tell the stories.

Patrick Bell launched his career as a professional magician at the age of thirteen in Healdsburg, California. He earned both Bachelors of Music and Masters of Music degrees in Vocal Performance at UCLA, and has enjoyed several seasons with the Los Angeles Opera Chorus and the worldwide TV ministry Hour of Power Choir. He is currently the Parish Cantor at Sts. Simon & Jude Church in Huntington Beach, CA.

Patrick’s one-man show has delighted audiences through Southern California with magic and opera for all ages – children to seniors and everyone in between. Join us on Saturday, May 4th for an enchanting and captivating afternoon!

LA Opera Talk: Puccini’s Tosca

The LA Opera Talk series continues
@ Crowell Public Library

SUNDAY, April 21st 2:00 p.m.

Giancomo Puccini's Tosca closes out the Library's 2012/13 LA Opera Talk season: a fiery prima donna is forced to play a role she never imagined when she becomes trapped between her rebel lover and a scheming, treacherous police chief who will stop at nothing in his lust for her! This explosive triangle comes to a hair-raising conclusion in one of opera's bloodiest, most intense dramas. One of the most popular of all operas (could it be the lust and treachery?), the passionate tale that is Tosca is a set to some of Puccini's most openly beautiful music. This production will be conducted by Plácido Domingo at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in May.
A Community Educator from Los Angeles Opera will discuss this work, set in 19th century Italy, when Napoleon was emerging as a threat to the status quo and Rome was in chaos. The Opera Talk will feature audio excerpts and possibly video segments. The great performances you hear and the review of the opera's story will undoubtedly inspire you to go to LA Opera's production.
The Community Educators is a volunteer program of LA Opera, in collaboration with the Opera League of Los Angeles. LA Opera's team of trained experts addresses civic and social organizations, philanthropic groups, schools and library audiences throughout Southern California, free of charge.
Opera is not just magnificent music, dance and theater with astounding sets on a beautiful stage; 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 which has something for everyone.
This introduction to opera at Crowell Public Library is absolutely free.

The Robinson Gardens and Their Tie to San Marino

Monday, April 22, 7:00 p.m.
with Tim Lindsay & Marcella Ruble

What could be more appropriate for Earth Day than a talk on gardens! Heirs to the Robinson’s Department store, Harry and Virginia Robinson’s financial fortune allowed them to build the first estate and world class garden in Beverly Hills. This set the stage for Beverly Hills becoming one of the garden centers of the world. Henry Huntington, Dorothy Chandler and Leslie Brand were the Robinson's contemporaries in the early part of the twentieth century and collectively, they were a force that shaped the cultural landscape of Southern California.

This fascinating lecture will also provide the historical connection between the Robinson's and San Marino. For example, Mr. Robinson's two sisters married and lived in San Marino, one to W. L. Valentine, a founding father of San Marino and chairman of the Board of the Robinson’s Department Store.

TIM LINDSAY, currently in charge of the ongoing restoration, preservation and programming of the Virginia Robinson Gardens, is a well-known teacher, historian, lecturer and landscape restorer. His gardens and writings have appeared in various publications, including Sunset Magazine and other scientific and garden journals. Home and Garden television has featured his garden restoration work and subsequent design work on multiple programs.

Tim and his fellow speaker, MARCELLA RUBLE, recently authored the book, Beverly Hills' First Estate, The House and Garden of Virginia and Harry Robinson.

Seating is limited and attendance to this free monthly series has been to capacity so arrive early!
San Marino Centennial books will also be available for purchase at 6:00 p.m.

The more the merrier! Share this event on Facebook & Twitter.
1890 Huntington Drive, San Marino, CA 91108-2595 ● Phone: (626) 300-0777
For more information, visit our website www.CrowellPublicLibrary.org

Joyful Living/Happy Life - 「樂活人生」

The United Charity Foundation and Crowell Public Library present
Joyful Living/Happy Life - 「樂活人生」

New Speaker Series presented in Mandarin
Sundays from 2:00-4:30 p.m. -- April 14, April 28, May 19, June 23, June 30

Everyone encounters daily challenges that can result in either positive or negative stress. Coping with them gracefully, calmly and intelligently is the ultimate goal of this new Sunday series coming to Crowell Public Library beginning April 14. When talking about a joyful life, there many theories and principles to learn, but this series of workshops promises to be practical and workable. The workshops will offer tools to face the challenges of parenting, skills in emotional intelligence, communication, healthy eating, the ancient art of peaceful living, social etiquette, as well as problem solving skills. All participants will learn the know-how of a healthy lifestyle, achieving a happy, joyful and productive life.
Join us for this new series presented entirely in Mandarin! All workshops will take place in the Library’s Barth Community Room from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. There will be light refreshments and door prizes.
Sunday, April 14: Draw a Roadmap to Success for Your Child with Rosa Zee & Vivian Chan
Children are like passersby who stop to ask for directions. A parent's job is to offer them wise advice and guidance. This dynamic forum helps parents improve their understanding of children's behavior and shed light on the unique challenges facing Chinese American parents. Learn about the pathway to success for your child's education.
Sunday April 28: Healthy Living/Joyful Life with Dr. Shiuan Chen, Vivian Chan & Becky Lei
Keynote speaker, Dr. Shiuan Chen, Chair of the Department of Cancer Biology at the City of Hope will address the topic of “Super Food.”
Healthy Culinary with Vivian Chan will segue into…

The Art of Etiquette with Becky Lei

Will Rogers once said, “You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.” Since people tend to gravitate toward food, dining etiquette plays an important part in making a favorable impression. They are visible signals of the state of our manners and therefore are essential to professional and social success.

Sunday May 19: EQ / Happy 1 2 3: the Four Arts of Zestful Living, with Ivy Sun, Rosa Zee,
Becky Lei

The 1 2 3 of Happiness
Happiness can be as simple as 1 2 3. Ivy Sun will explain how happiness is within one thought, and how one can learn to think positively, and take control of the present.

The 4 Arts of Zestful Living
This analytical lecture by Rosa Zee will focus on life in a simpler way and provides an experience to re-examine and rejuvenate the inner spirit of ancient Chinese Song scholars' 4 Arts. Learn the secrets of living harmoniously and be happy!

Listening: Your Source of Happiness

Listening skills are essential in any interpersonal relationship. Some say good listening skills correlate with popularity. Active and empathetic listening skills are the foundation of effective communication which will benefit you with better understanding, a greater number of friends and social networks.
Sunday, June 23: Parenting Forum

The Leader in Me: Do the Right Thing Even When No One Is Watching
Ivy Sun will lead this workshop on training children from an early age to form good habits, make good choices for themselves, and lead themselves to a successful life.
How to Raise a Philanthropic Child and The Other S.A.T. – Social Achievement Task Force
Does parenting leave you frustrated and pulled in many directions? Ivy Sun and Vivian Chan will show how to become your child’s role model by living a life of mastery and wisdom, of “giving is receiving,” and building a solid parent-child relationship. Learn about improving communication, recognizing opportunities for optimizing development and emotional growth, listening to your inner child, how to motivate your child, to cultivate good habits, and many more.
Sunday, June 30: Absolutely Beautiful: the Art of Joyful Living and Wellness with expert local doctors.
“Beauty & the Breast” for the heart of a woman - local doctor talks about breast cancer and heart disease which are among the leading health problems for women. Topics covered include prevention, impact and survivorship.