March 2015

SIERRA MADRE ART FAIR FEATURED ARTIST SELECTED

The Friends of the Sierra Madre Library are proud to announce that the featured artist for the 53rd Annual Sierra Madre Art Fair is Frank Yee. When Frank first walked into a Bonsai (“bone sigh”) class at a Los Angeles Community College forty-five years ago, he felt an instant affinity for this ancient art form. As a dental technician and math instructor, he could see how proportion, ratio, and shape played a part in forming these live miniature trees. Growing miniature landscapes in trays (“Penjing”) had its beginnings in China. Introduced to Japan about a thousand years ago, these creations went through refinement changes and became known as “Bonsai,” or “tree in a pot.”Frank’s featured Juniper Bonsai started as a cutting forty-four years ago. Throughout its training period, he followed the advice of John Naka, known as the Father of American Bonsai: “Listen to the tree, it tells you where it wants to go.” This Bonsai-in-training revealed its future form early on.As a living piece of art, a Bonsai is never finished. While Frank continues to work on this Juniper, another John Naka quote comes to mind, “The object is not to make a tree look like a Bonsai, but to make the bonsai look like a tree.” With its classic shape, the Juniper Bonsai is probably the most recognizable and popular of this ancient art form. Frank gets his inspiration from many local sources. In San Marino, the Huntington Japanese Garden has a permanent display of magnificent Bonsai, a few are several hundred years old. Here, you see creations by Bonsai masters, some as part of the collection from The Golden State Bonsai Federation. The Santa Anita Bonsai Society holds monthly meetings at The Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia. This group hosts a spring show during the Memorial Day weekend in May. At this event several years ago, Frank gave a demonstration creating a Ginkgo forest. A winter show is put on by another Bonsai club.Years ago Frank taught “The Art of Bonsai” for the Los Angeles Board of Education Adult Division. Now his teaching and teeth-carving days are over, but creating Bonsai will always be a major part of is life. His Juniper Bonsai will appear on all post cards, posters, flyers, and other promotional materials. This year’s Art Fair is being held in Memorial Park on Saturday, May 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday, May 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Be sure to stop by Frank’s booth (#44) to admire and purchase his inspiring creations.

President’s MessageEach year it gets better and better. Our 45th Wine and Cuisine Tasting Benefit started out with a bang at our Premier Event with Johnny Stange, Sommelier, who featured wines from the Treasury Wine Estates, each one outstanding on its own. We also had fabulous appe-tizers from Claud Beltran of Claud and Company Pasadena. It was a special treat to be able to experience this year’s Premier Event which was sold out as it has been since its inception in 2010. Our Main Event was equally exciting with 17 local restaurants catering to our every taste, and 20 wine represen-tatives, pouring several different labels of wine plus an interesting selection of beer. Our event was enlightened by our two local magicians Steve Silverman and Steve Rockwell from the Magic Cas-tle back by popular demand. New last year and back for the enjoyment of the guests was classical guitarist Almer Imamovic of Sierra Madre Music. All this would not have been possible except for the planning and time spent by the hard working committee. Thank you to: Robert Newton, Chair, and committee members Carol Handley, Jane Zamanzadeh, Fran Garbaccio, Connie Wortham, Sharon Murphy, Marlene Enmark, Bill Sullivan, Patty Murphy, Susan Gallagher, Jerry Carl-ton, Pat Alcorn, and Darlene Crook.The Wine Tasting committee was sup-ported by a large group of dedicated volunteers who show their support of our Library in a real tangible way. Thank you all.Pat Alcorn

ART AND ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS TO BE RECOGNIZED

Students in grades K-8 who won the Library’s Art and Essay Contest will be honored at a ceremony on Thursday, March 26, at 4:00 p.m. in the Library. This year’s theme was “Read, Discover, Connect @ Sierra Madre Public Library.”Thank you to the local organizations who supported the Contest with funding for the cash prizes: the Friends of the Sierra Madre Library, Sierra Madre Rotary Club, the Spero Foundation, Sierra Madre Kiwanis, the Sierra Madre Community Foundation, and the Sierra Madre Civic Club.

The Long Goodbye, by Raymond Chandler, Sierra Madre Public Library’s 2015 One Book One City selection, inspired a month of exciting events celebrating Chandler and the LA Noir genre.Sybil Anne Davis, a long-time Sierra Madre resident, kicked off the month-long program on Saturday, January 31, with a talk entitled “Just call me Ray: personal reflections on my life with Raymond Chandler.” More than 100 people attended this very popular event.Following Davis’s talk, the Library’s Teen History Docents gave virtual tours of the Red Line on our digital storyboard. Their presentation included descriptions of transportation in Sierra Madre and the Los Angeles area during the times when Chandler’s novels took place.On Thursday, February 5, more than 45 people attended a lively panel discussion on Chandler, LA Noir, and Los Angeles in the 1940s. Led by historian Tom Tomlinson, panelists were: Denise Hamilton, Judith Freeman, and Jervey Tervalon. The Scotch Tasting event, on Friday, February 13, was sponsored by Bill Sullivan and the Bottle Shop. It featured 6 different tastings of Glenlivet Scotch paired with cheese, anise cookies and chocolate. Representative Richard Varga gave details about how each was made. The festive event was attended by a capacity crowd of 50.

Nearly 30 people joined the February 19 Third Thursday Book Group to discuss The Long Goodbye.Richard Bellikoff won the “Write Like Chandler” contest. His entry, which appeared in the Mountain View News, is also posted in the Library and on the Library’s website. He won dinner for two at a local restaurant. (Richard also writes some of our Book Reviews for the newsletter).The Scavenger Hunt concluded on Saturday, February 28.Bloody Oranges! a murder mystery readers’ theater farce by Phoebe Conn, thrilled guests on Saturday, February 28. More than 50 people signed up for the event.

SIERRA MADRE ART FAIR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

An easy and fun way to get involved with the Friends of the Sierra Madre Library is to volunteer for a shift at the annual Art Fair. Not only do you help the Friends, but you get to see and chat with your Sierra Madre neighbors who visit the Fair. This year’s Art Fair is being held in Memorial Park on Saturday, May 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday, May 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Volunteers are needed to act as hosts and hostesses, serve at the Friends Booth and the Friends Food Booth, and to help with the Silent Auction and Wine & Beer Garden.Volunteer shifts are short and since there are so many people coming through, the time passes quickly. Hosts and hostesses are assigned an area and are responsible for visiting the artists in that area to see if they need anything and to sit at their booth if they need to take a break. At the Friends’ Booth people can get information about our organization and the Library and buy Friends’ memorabilia. Our popular sweet breads are sold at the Friends’ Food Booth. You’ll be very busy there! We’re having a Silent Auction and Wine & Beer Garden again this year, and volunteers are needed to make sure things run smoothly. Does volunteering at the Art Fair sound like something that you would like to do? Contact Fran Garbaccio at 355-6536 or by email at fgarbaccio@aol.com.

ONE BOOK ONE CITY IN FEBRUARY

TEEN HISTORY DOCENTSTeens 12 and older can sign up now to become a Teen History Docent. Spring training will be held on Tuesday afternoons from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on March 17, 24, 31, and April 7 & 14. Teens will learn public speaking and local history, and can earn service hours, while representing the Library and the Historical Society.Contact Christine Smart, Youth Services Librarian, at csmart@cityofsierramadre.com for more information or stop by the Library for sign up for this training session.

Look at the turnout we had for the book discussion group on Thursday, February 19!

LIBRARY’S FREE PARENT/CHILD WORKSHOPS SLATED FOR MARCH

Sign-ups are happening now for the Sierra Madre Public Library’s latest five-week Parent/Child Workshop for families with children ages three and younger. Sessions will take place on consecutive Tuesday mornings: March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 from 10:00 to 11:15 a.m. Each workshop session will feature a different aspect of parenting, including: early literacy, speech, hearing and language development, child development, nutrition, music, play, and health. Sessions allow parents to spend time having fun with their young children, develop a network of other parents, and interact with specialists in child development. Sessions are interactive and include toys, crafts, books, and play, in addition to discussions of parenting issues and concerns. Enrollment is free, but in-person pre-registration at the Library is required to ensure a spot in the program.

The February Best Used Book “Vintage” Sale was a great success for the Friends. We sold a great number of older books, including some in not very good condition. Friday’s sales totaled $1,980.40, the highest total we’ve seen. Saturday’s sales were $672.35 for combined sales of $2,652.75. Together with pre-sales from December and January, we earned $3,483.20 for the two-month period.Thanks to everyone who participated on those busy days, and, as always, we appreciate your donated, gently used books. We are working in the basement on Monday and Thursday mornings from 8:00 a.m. to noon and will be happy to take your donations then. Or, if you wish, you can leave them in the stairwell to the basement at any time.We’re looking forward to the Spring Best Used Book Sale which will feature gardening and home decorating and repair books. It will be held on Friday, April 3, from 3:00-7:00 p.m., and Saturday, April 4, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. See you then.

LIBRARY DISPLAY CASE “That’s What Friends Are For”…… the display case for March will feature information about what the Friends do for the Library including funding the recent purchases of 3 art works by local artist Robert Van Buskirk and a watercolor by Gene Shrewsbury of the Library from the 1950s.

NOMINATING COMMITTEEThe Nominating Committee will be meeting in March to propose nominees to fill vacancies on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Sierra Madre Library for 2015-2016.Anyone having an interest in joining the Board or having questions, please contact me for information about positions to be filled.Thank you,Margaret QuigleyNominating Committee Chairperson626-355-5546

This month’s review is by Catherine Adde

Water for Elephantsby Sara Gruen

It’s wonderful when a movie based on a book is well done. In this case, I much preferred the book!This big, atmospheric tale is told by ninety-three year old Jacob Jankowski and flicks back and forth between the present day, where he resides in a convalescent home, to the depression era and his life with the circus he joined on impulse as a young man. The outrageous Benzinni Brothers (Traveling) Circus includes: villainous crooks as owners, hobos who ride the rails, the love of Jacob’s life - Marlena - a beautiful, sequined, star performer, and an elephant named Rosie that Marlena and Jacob grow protective of. These engaging characters, lovingly brought to life by this author, and their tale, is as finely crafted as a piece of art. The ending has a delicious surprise where one thinks: “Well, why not?” Ms. Gruen’s vision and talented writing, which was steeped in realistic descriptions of Jacob’s world (past and present), created tangible, bittersweet feelings that lingered long after I stopped reading. For those sensitive to the treatment of animals, a few passages in this story may cause dismay, however, it is redeeming to visit the author’s website where her work for endangered species is noted, as well as her support of independent booksellers and libraries.CALL # STATUS: LP FICTION

PARTNERS PROGRAMThanks to The Henderson Family - Debbie, Ronald, Maisie and Riley - and - to Barbara and James Watson for renewing their annual memberships for 2015 - 2016. Their gifts illustrate the remarkable generosity and involvement of our community of supporters. The Partners are making a difference!

BEST USED BOOK SALE

THIRD THURSDAY BOOK CLUB

On Thursday, March 19, at 11:00 a.m., read, discuss and enjoy this month’s book selection Home, by Toni Morrison.

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1/29/14 4:40 PM

LIBRARY STAFFINGPlease welcome Fiona Reimers, a new part-time Associate Librarian, who will be starting on Monday, February 23. She will be scheduled at the Circ/Ref Desk, have collection responsibilities for Mysteries and the 900s, and will be helping Jill Schofield with technology updates. Fiona will be working approximately 15 hours per week. She is currently working part-time at the South Pasadena Public Library as a circulation clerk and has recently completed her MLIS degree. We were all very impressed with Fiona and think you will be as well!

Editor: Sharon Murphy Contributing Writer: Alice KuoDesign/Set Up: Melissa SanchezPrinted By: Sir Speedy

Editor: Sharon Murphy Contributing Writer: Alice KuoDesign/Set Up: Melissa SanchezPrinted By: Sir Speedy

Editor: Sharon MurphyContributing Writer: Meegan Tosh Design/Set Up: Melissa SanchezPrinted by: Sir Speedy

Read, Discover, Connect @ Sierra Madre Public Library

MARCH3/2 10:00 a.m. Storytime3/3 10:00 a.m. Parent/Child Workshop3/4 4:00 p.m. Teen Book Club3/4 7:00 p.m. Storytime3/9 10:00 a.m. Storytime3/10 10:00 a.m. Parent/Child Workshop3/11 4:00 p.m. Teen Book Club3/11 7:00 p.m. Storytime3/12 3:30 p.m. Barks & Books3/16 10:00 a.m. Storytime3/17 10:00 a.m. Parent/Child Workshop3/17 4:00 p.m. Teen History Docent Training3/18 4:00 p.m. Teen Book Club3/18 7:00 p.m. Storytime3/18 7:00 p.m. Friends Board Meeting3/19 11:00 a.m. 3rd Thursday Book Club3/23 10:00 a.m. Storytime3/24 10:00 a.m. Parent/Child Workshop3/24 4:00 p.m. Teen History Docent Training3/25 4:00 p.m. Teen Book Club3/25 7:00 p.m. Storytime3/25 7:00 p.m. Library Trustees Meeting3/26 4:00 p.m. Art & Essay Contest Award Ceremony3/30 10:00 a.m. Storytime3/31 10:00 a.m. Parent/Child Workshop3/31 4:00 p.m. Teen History Docent Training

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME Join children, parents, and caregivers for stories, songs, puppets, and crafts on Mondays at 10:00 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.

BARKS AND BOOKS Children are invited to read to a gentle and friendly dog visitor the second Thursday of every month. Join us this month on March 12, from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

TEEN BOOK CLUB Youth in grades 6-8 will meet for the Teen Book Club on Wednesdays from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. March’s book is Breadcrumbs, by Anne Ursu.

SIERRA MADRE HISTORICAL ARCHIVES Explore local history in the Library archives, jointly owned and maintained by the Sierra Madre Historical Preservation Society and the Library. For research assistance, please call 626-355-7186.