Helping Hands for Hand-Held Devices

Saturday September 17

2:00-4:00 pm

Electronically savvy and patient volunteers from San Marino High school and the National Charity League will be available on Saturday September 17 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 pm at Crowell Public Library’s Thornton Room to help frustrated people figure out how to use their hand-held devices.  Many people have iPods, Androids, tablets, iPhones, and other gadgets, but can’t figure out all of the features.  The young volunteers are familiar with many of the concepts behind these devices, so even if they haven’t used a particular gadget, they may be able to help a person figure out what to do.   

This program was initiated by San Marino High School student Chunbill “Billy” Liu who grew up surrounded by gadgets, but noticed there was a technology gap with people who did not have that advantage.  Billy approached Librarian Rex Mayreis about closing this gap, while getting in some community services hours for himself and his friends, but the program has continued because there is such a need.  The Los Angeles Times covered a session last year and posted a video about it at http://lat.ms/1sODdVg.  

If you are frustrated with online and telephone support options, come to Crowell Library and work with a living, breathing techie that will help you “bond” with your device.  There’s nothing like one-on-one assistance to help solve problems and tackle sticky widgets.

Registration is required for this program.  To reserve your spot, please call 626-300-0777, extension 579 as soon as possible.  There are a limited number of volunteers, so slots will fill quickly.

Fall Prevention & Tips for Seniors

Friday, September 16, 11:00 am

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-third of Americans aged 65 and older falls each year: every 20 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall; falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults; falls result in more than 2.5 million injuries treated in emergency departments annually, including over 734,000 hospitalizations and more than 21,700 deaths.  If that doesn’t impress, the financial toll for older adults falling is expected to increase as the population ages, and may reach $67.7 billion by 2020.  With or without injury, falls also carry a heavy quality of life impact. A growing number of older adults fear falling and, as a result, limit their activities and social engagements. This can result in further physical decline, depression, social isolation, and feelings of helplessness.
 

On Friday, September 16 at 11:00 a.m., Crowell Public Library will present “Fall Prevention & Tips for Seniors,” a program that will demonstrate how many falls are caused by common hazards in the home and how easy they are to fix.  With a few modifications, seniors are able to avoid the potential life-altering impact a fall can cause.  If you think you are immune to a fall, think again.  Whether one currently enjoys good health, has a medical condition or takes four or more medications, everyone is at risk.   This program will be led by a Certified Geriatric Care Manager, and Continuing Education Instructor.

Come to the Barth Community Room at Crowell Library and learn some easy safety tips for health and well-being.

NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness -- In Our Own Voice

Tuesday, September 13, 6:30 pm

National Alliance on Mental Illness’ In Our Own Voice is a free presentation designed to shatter negative stereotypes of people with mental illness.  Two trained speakers share their compelling personal stories of living with mental health challenges, from the dark days of a mental health crisis to the successes, hopes and dreams they are now experiencing in recovery.  Depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder and other brain disorders are discussed.  While audiences benefit from the inspirational stories of the speakers, presenters increase their confidence and develop leadership skills while helping to inspire and motivate others. 

NAMI In Our Own Voice demonstrates that recovery is possible.  It allows audience members to connect on a personal level with the presenters via question and answer sessions and provides an opportunity for audience members to gain insight into the experience of life with mental illness, while encouraged to share their own experiences. This exchange helps combat the stigma and misinformation which surrounds these illnesses.  The presentation also features a DVD with eight other individuals from diverse backgrounds sharing the impact of and recovery from the trials of mental illness.

NAMI California is a grassroots organization of families and individuals whose lives have been affected by serious mental illness. They advocate for lives of quality and respect, without discrimination and stigma, for all constituents. They provide leadership in advocacy, legislation, policy development, education and support throughout California.  Presenter Emily Wu Truong is an award-winning advocate for mental health awareness and alumna of the San Marino Unified School District.  She serves on the Board of Directors of National Alliance on Mental Illness San Gabriel Valley and is Chair of the Asian Coalition & spokesperson for the California Mental Health Movement, Each Mind Matters.  While sharing her own journey from depression to self-actualization, Emily encourages others to find meaning in their own life struggles. 

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.  Don’t miss this important opportunity to learn about mental illness from those who have recovered, Tuesday September 13^th at 6:30 p.m. in the Library’s Barth Community Room.