What On Earth is a Climate Action Plan?

Tuesday, September 25^th, 7:00 p.m.

What do San Diego, Baltimore, Kalamazoo, Seattle, Cleveland and -- potentially -- San Marino have in common? Countless American communities large and small have begun enacting municipal Climate Action Plans to address the threats of global warming. Just what do these plans entail and how can they have an impact on such a monumental challenge? And what are the fiscal implications or benefits?  You'll learn everything you need to know in this compelling presentation, which will be led by Jordan Sollito, a member of the steering committee of the Pasadena Foothills Chapter of the Citizens Climate Lobby. 

A spate of shattered heat records this summer have served to underscore the urgency of our climate predicament and presage the challenges we will face going forward.  Countless American communities have already enacted municipal CAPS (Climate Action Plans).  What might be entailed were San Marino to follow suit?  This presentation will familiarize attendees with the myriad state laws, executive orders and deadlines driving widespread adoption of CAPs here in California.  It will explain the typical elements of a CAP, from water and waste management to energy consumption and renewable alternatives, recycling and transportation.  It will shed light on the financial implications – costs and savings – that often accrue when CAPs are undertaken.  It will preview the process by which we here in San Marino might explore implementation of our own CAP, including accessing state and county grants to offset expenses, providing forums and opportunities for community input and participation and much more.  You needn’t be well versed in the science nor the policy implications of climate change to understand and benefit from this presentation.  A climate specialist from the JPL will be on hand to help answer questions as needed.   

Jordan Sollitto sits on the steering committee of the Pasadena Chapter of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby.  Though neither a scientist nor policymaker, he excels at presenting complex matters related to climate in a manner that is eminently understandable to the layperson and has done so for both the San Marino City Council and Board of Education.  Mr. Sollitto spent 23 years at Warner Bros. Entertainment, overseeing marketing and operations for a variety of divisions there before retiring in 2016.  He lives in San Marino with his wife and two children. 

Come to Crowell Public Library Tuesday, September 25 at 7:00 p.m. for this important community event.

Digital Photography with George Simian

Make Better Portraits with Window Light

Saturday, September 15^th 2-4:00 p.m.

This live-demonstration class will help photographers make better portraits of loved ones, friends, and even new acquaintances, by using a window as the light source.

On Saturday, September 15^th, commercial photographer George Simian returns to Crowell Public Library for another fun and inspirational class on digital photography. George will lead a discussion on the best strategies for improving portraiture while attendees’ images are shown on a large screen.  Participants are urged to bring their favorite subjects, whether it’s Mom or a best friend, and snap away.

George Simian is a national advertising photographer and educator (UCLA Extension, Samy’s Camera), who has made portraits of everyone from Fortune 100 CEOs, to kids, to dancers, and emerging actors.  He shows his students how to master basic lighting concepts and skills, managing both the quality (hard vs. soft) and the direction (frontal vs. indirect) of light.  A longtime member of the American Photographic Artists, George started out as a photography teacher in 1973 at Cornell University, excited to "expose" newcomers to the wonders of the latent silver image, and its magical manifestation in the darkroom.

When his career moved on to commercial photography, George became a mentor to his assistants, as well as presenting one-day seminars for photographers' organizations, and for various manufacturers.  Relocating to Los Angeles, George continues to offer individual coaching, meeting with emerging photographers with varying interests, and at different experience levels.  He finds it amazing how much one can accomplish when working side-by-side, focused exclusively on the issue at hand. 

Don’t miss this free class from an expert on Saturday, September 15^th from 2 to 4 p.m. at Crowell Library.

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

Six Tuesdays 12:30-2:00 p.m. – beginning September 11

The wildly popular Dr. Thom Mason, USC Professor Emeritus of Jazz Studies at the Thornton School of Music, returns to Crowell Public Library with a new six-session course sponsored by the Friends of the Library.  Mason riffs off the popular classes that he taught over the last three years, savoring the stories of famous musicians from the past, and the jazz stars of today.

The series schedule this Fall will be:

September 11:                   Jazz & Swing From A to Z

September 18:                   The Story of the Blues

September 25:                   Nat “King” Cole

      October 2:                         The Duke of Ellington

October 9:                         Frank Sinatra & the Rat Pack

October 16:                       Jazz & 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, masters of music and doctor of musical arts programs in jazz studies. He is a saxophone, clarinet and flute specialist and has played with such notable artists as Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Jack Sheldon, Louis Bellson, and Ernie Watts.  His multimedia presentations are filled with music excerpts:  rare photos, film clips, humorous stories and live demonstrations that stimulate, educate and entertain.  They are not to be missed!  No reservations are required.

Thanks to the Friends of Crowell Public Library, the music keeps coming!

Chinese Club of San Marino Workshops

beginning September 5, 2018

 Crowell Public Library is excited to be partnering with the Chinese Club of San Marino to present free workshops on the first and second Wednesdays of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon, beginning September 5 and 12 with Mahjong.  Developed in China many years ago, Mahjong is a tile-based game that has become very popular all over the world and online.  But there is nothing like playing in person, making new friends and learning new strategies.   

In October, health will be the focus, starting with Western Medicine and Health Care on October 3, and the following Wednesday, October 10, with Traditional Herbal Medicine and Health Care.  November and December Wednesdays will explore the Chinese Arts of Paper Cutting, Dough Figurines, Handcrafted Knots and Calligraphy.  

Founded in 1979, the Chinese Club of San Marino is a social and service club that serves the entire community, promoting communication, understanding, respect and appreciation among all ethnic groups in San Marino.  Due to their generous support, Crowell Library has an outstanding Chinese language collection that is highly circulated.  The Club operates as a civic league to promote and support Chinese culture, arts, and education, and has sponsored the San Marino Chinese School since its inception.

These workshops are open to all, but registration is required.  Just call or visit the adult reference desk at the library.  Start your Fall with some fun and enlightenment at Crowell Public Library, courtesy of the San Marino Chinese Club.