Flying Over the Hump in World War II

Monday February 27, 7:00 p.m.

In its speakers series at Crowell Public Library, the San Marino Historical Society presents quarterly history talks focusing on topics especially selected for residents of San Marino.  On February 27 at 7:00 p.m., all are welcome to experience World War II from one who was there.  Jeff Arnett will talk about his service in Asia including a three week flight form the United States to India, his service in Burma and China, and crossing the famous and dangerous “Hump.”  According to Wikipedia, the ‘hump’ was “…the name given by Allied pilots in the Second World War to the eastern end of the Himalayan mountains over which they flew military transport aircraft from India to China to resupply the Chinese war effort of Chiang Kai-shek and the units of the United States Army Air Forces based in China. Creating an airlift presented the USAAF a considerable challenge in 1942:  it had no units trained or equipped for moving cargo, and no airfields existed in the China Burma India Theater for basing the large number of transports that would be needed. Flying over the Himalayas was extremely dangerous and made more difficult by a lack of reliable charts, an absence of radio navigation aids, and a dearth of information about the weather.^”*

Jeff Arnett is retired from fifty years in the investment business, fifty years of private plane piloting and fifteen years as a docent at the Palm Springs Air Museum.  In recent years, he has returned to model railroading and a renewed focus on golf where he has managed to “shoot his age” four of the past five years.  He was born in Los Angeles and has resided in the Pasadena-San Marino area since 1930.  He graduated from South Pasadena High School in 1943, just one day before entering the Army Air Corps.  After serving as a transport pilot in Burma and China for three years, he returned from the service to graduate from USC.  Jeff last spoke to the Historical Society on the Pacific Electric Company and his experience riding the Red Cars.   On January 11th he celebrated his 92nd birthday.

                

Come to Crowell Public and hear about this fascinating part of World War II history from an original source.  No reservations are required.  For information on the San Marino Historical Society call (626) 304-9375 or email smhistorical@earthlink.net.

Helping Hands for Hand-Held Devices

Saturday February 25

2:00-4:00 pm

Electronically savvy and patient volunteers from the National Charity League will be available on Saturday February 25 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 pm at Crowell Public Library’s Barth Community 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 this event in the past 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.