LA Opera Talk: Ring Cycle

SUNDAY, MAY 16th 2:00 p.m. This summer, LA Opera unveils the first complete performances of Richard Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen ever presented in Los Angeles. Conducted by James Conlon and staged by theatrical wizard Achim Freyer, this Ring has been hailed as “a singular and daring act of artistic imagination” (Financial Times) featuring “dazzling, whimsical and affecting imagery” (New York Times). At Crowell Library, LA Opera’s STEVE KOHN will present “The Men of the Ring of the Nibelung.” Richard Wagner never knew his father, Schopenhauer, but he, King Ludwig and other men were influences throughout Wagner’s life -- philosophically, spiritually, personally and creatively. Mr. Kohn will connect these influences to the characters that Wagner created in his monumental "Ring Cycle.” This discussion of will be highlighted with the music associated with the characters from the opera. Whether you’re a hardcore opera aficionado or a curious novice, you’ll be delightfully entertained, and encouraged to ask questions and offer comments. You might even be inspired to make a trip to the L.A. Music Center for the full production conducted by James Conlon. Join us for an unforgettable, history-making journey into Wagner’s epic masterpiece. Make Crowell Library your LA Opera gateway!

author T. Jefferson Parker in person!

ONE BOOK, ONE CITY: IRON RIVER author T. Jefferson Parker in person SUNDAY APRIL 18TH 2:00 p.m. Meet the author of San Marino’s ONE BOOK, ONE CITY selection for 2010, T. JEFFERSON PARKER, in the library’s Barth Community Room this Sunday, April 18th at 2:00 p.m. Parker is consistently compared to Michael Connelly, Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett by critics who also consider him “the best of today’s crime fiction” (Washington Post). He’s a three-time Edgar Award-winner and a former journalist who lives in Southern California. Iron River immerses Parker’s most beloved series character, Charlie Hood, along the U.S.-Mexican border, where a group of lawmen try to stem the flow of illegal weapons feeding the drug cartel wars. In doing so, Parker gives us a window into the current problems law enforcement face every day. Deputy sheriff Charlie Hood is sent to join the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms task force “Operation Blowdown” -- a mission to try to curtail the constant flow of money and guns across the U.S.-Mexican border. When a stakeout goes wrong and the son of the head of a powerful Mexican cartel ends up dead, cartel soldiers cross the border to take revenge on Hood and his team. The lengths they go to and the innocent lives at stake are shocking, even to Hood. Fast-paced and wholly original, Iron River simultaneously spotlights Parker’s talents as a vivid story teller and brilliant crime writer, and the complex and dangerous gun trafficking industry, a crucial issue of our day.

Get Organized! With Tracy McCubbin

MONDAY MAY 17TH - 7:00 P.M. San Marino, CA, April 13, 2010 -- A clean environment aids concentration and increases productivity. Don’t let accumulated household clutter stress you out. Join us for this free workshop in the Barth Community Room and get a plethora of tips for effective organizing and de-cluttering from a renowned expert. TRACY McCUBBIN is blessed with an ability to see through a seemingly impossible mess and envision a space that is free of clutter and chaos. She has used this skill often in her many years as a personal assistant, accountant and bookkeeper. Tracy has that real practical knowledge that everyone can use to better organize their lives. She grew up in a family of hoarders, leading her to understand the effects of extreme disorganization go far beyond living amongst the accumulation of too many possessions. A disorganized home can be both stressful and difficult to manage for everybody involved. Tracy believes that organization is one of the cornerstones of a happy home, be it an apartment or an estate. After two successful years in business and hundreds of pounds of shredded paper, she brings her unique skill set to Crowell Public Library. Take control of your physical space! Phone: (626) 300-0777 Book your next corporate workshop at the beautiful Barth Community Room at Crowell Library. For details visit our website at http://www.CrowellPublicLibrary.org.

Teen Henna Painting (Mehndi)

Barth Room/Patio
May 14th at 3:30 p.m.

Ah, May—the weather is getting warmer and sleeves are getting shorter-- time to show off beautiful henna designs! The Crowell Public Library presents an opportunity for San Gabriel valley teens ages 12-18 to learn the art of mendhi on May 14th at 3:30pm.

Mehndi is the process of painting intricate patterns on the skin with henna paste. The designs are traditionally on the hands and feet, although these designs can also be applied on arms and legs. Henna paste is all-natural and non-toxic. The designs can last between three days and 2 weeks; they are never permanent.

Teens will not only enjoy painting these designs, but they will also receive instruction on how to make home-made henna paste. A wide variety of designs can be created using henna—something as simple as a bracelet design or a mandala that covers your palms! Henna painting is a relaxing, creative experience you can enjoy with your friends. No experience is required and all supplies will be provided. This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Crowell Public Library.

Teen How-to-Draw Manga Workshop

Instructor: Stephanie Ellwood
Barth Room
May 8th at 2 p.m.

Teens ages 12-18 from the San Gabriel Valley are welcomed to the Crowell Public Library’s “How to Draw Manga” workshop help on Saturday, May 8th at 2pm in the Barth Community Room. This workshop is taught by talented local artist Stephanie Ellwood, an Art Institute of San Diego graduate, who will introduce teens to sketch and coloration techniques used in manga style art.

“Manga” is a Japanese word meaning “humorous pictures.” “Manga” also describes a type of book—Japanese comics. Manga has a rich variety of genres aside from comedy; manga artwork is not only comedic, but dramatic, imaginative, and complex. Manga style artwork became increasingly popular in mid-20th century in Japan and has exploded in popularity throughout many Western countries during the latter part of the 20th century, particularly here in the United States.

Registration and experience not required! Teens unfamiliar with manga are invited to come and learn a new art style. Sketch supplies will be provided, but teens may also bring their own art supplies and sketchbooks. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Crowell Public Library.

Medical Mondays: Macular Degeneration

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 50 years old in the developed world. It is estimated that more than 8 million Americans have this condition. Macular degeneration decreases our central vision, making the normal activities such as reading, watching TV and driving quite challenging. Learn what changes in the retina lead to a diagnosis and the difference between wet and dry macular degeneration. DR. RIZWAN BHATTI will review the different treatments for both wet and dry AMD and answer any questions you might have, such as -- do vitamins really help? Dr. Bhatti is the Director of the Retina Service of the Doheny Eye Institute satellite which serves the Coachella Valley in Southern California. He practices at the Doheny locations in Los Angeles, Arcadia, Pasadena as well as Rancho Mirage. He received his M.D. from the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo, OH in 2000 and completed his internship and residency at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan from 2001 – 2002. He completed a medical surgical fellowship at USC/Doheny Eye Institute and joined the faculty of USC/Doheny Eye Institute in July of 2007. A co-investigator for several clinical trials, he has presented at international meetings and published in ophthalmic journals. Dr. Bhatti has a special interest in age related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular disease and retinal detachments. Join us for a fascinating look at a condition that is affecting so many. This program is free and reservations are recommended by calling the library reference desk: (626) 300-0777 ext. 579.

Adult Connections: Tai Chi For Health

Thursday, April 15, 2010 10:00 a.m. Tai Chi is one of the only forms of exercise to have been proven in controlled trials to reduce falls and the incidence of hip fractures in older people. It is a non-competitive, self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching that emphasizes body awareness and improves balance. Originally developed in China as a martial art, it now has many different styles, with each style having its own subtle emphasis on various principles and methods. To do Tai Chi, a series of postures or movements are performed in a slow graceful manner, each posture flowing into the next without pause, ensuring the body is in constant motion. Tai Chi master SAM GUO will explain a bit about Tai Chi’s origins and variations. Then he will demonstrate some of the basic forms, and get us started on the road to greater flexibility, inner calm and enhanced coordination. Sam teaches Tai Chi classes in a number of different styles, including Hand Form and Sword Form, through the City of San Marino Recreation Department. Adult Connections is a new program being offered at the Crowell Public Library on the third Thursday of the month. Enjoy coffee, donuts and a new topic of interest to an adult audience each month. Upcoming “explorations” may include travel, exercise, digital cameras, de-cluttering, or any other topic of general interest.