Community Services Happenings

Last updated Wednesday, May 9.

2012 Monrovia Older American of the Year Award

Mark Still received the 2012 Monrovia Older American of the Year Award during the Senior Spring Recognition Luncheon, held on Thursday, April 19, at the Community Center.  Mr. Still is the Monrovia Historical Museum volunteer curator who actively works with committee members to plan quarterly City-wide museum special events, including a Civil War re-encampment, and Cultural Diversity Events. The Monrovia City Council proclaimed May as Older American Month, at the Tuesday, May 1, City Council meeting and recognized Mr. Still for his volunteer contributions to the City of Monrovia.

TAB Sleepover at the Library

The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) members, who have volunteered 20 or more hours during the past year, were rewarded with a sleepover at the Monrovia Public Library. The fun filled night began on Friday, April 27 at 8 p.m. and ended on Saturday, April 28 at 8 a.m.  The 22 teens, ranging from sixth to eleventh grade, enjoyed a night filled with activities including: creating superhero costumes, watching the movie Hocus Pocus, munching on pizza, a Library scavenger hunt and listening to scary stories. This program was sponsored by The Friends of the Monrovia Public Library.  For additional information, regarding TAB please contact the Library at (626) 256-8274.

World Book Night

A Monrovia Public Library Volunteer Coordinator participated in the first World Book Night on Monday, April 23.  This event is to empower volunteers to head out into their local communities and put great books into the hands of people who might not otherwise have access.  This program was sponsored by the publishing industry; which donates the specially produced books, and the authors who waive their royalties.  The event gave the thousands of volunteers the opportunity to distribute more than 500,000 free books throughout the United States, with an additional 1,000,000 volumes distributed in Great Britain.  Each volunteer was given 20 copies of one of 30 titles to distribute free of charge to individuals who are unlikely readers.  The Library’s Staff distributed Sherman Alexie’s young adult novel, Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, to an enthusiastic group of middle school and high school aged students, at the Monrovia Boys and Girls Club.

Library Staff Webinar

The Library’s Youth Services Staff hosted a webinar on Healing Reads: Bibliotherapy for the 21st Century, on Thursday, April 19.  The popularity of bibliotherapy has experienced resurgence in the last few years, with an emphasis on increasing individual well-being rather than simply focusing on self-help.  This program was sponsored by InfoPeople and the Library Services and Technology Act.

Fountain to the Falls Run/Walk

The Fountain to the Falls Run/Walk is a 7 mile race from the Library Park Fountain to the Canyon Park Waterfall and back.  The race will be held on Saturday, May 19, at 7 a.m. as part of the Monrovia Day celebration.  First through third place awards will be given for each age category.  The race is limited to 400 participants and advance registration is required.  No race day registration will be accepted.  The $30 entry fee (a registration fee of $3 is added to each entry) includes a t-shirt.  Registration will only be accepted on-line at www.active.com. No late starts or unregistered participants will be permitted.  Registration will be accepted through Thursday, May 17, or until filled.  Any reprint of this information is not official race information.  For additional information, please contact the Department of Community Services at (626) 256-8246.

MonroviaOpoly and Commemorative Calendar

Purchase the limited edition game board and the 125th commemorative calendar created in celebration of Monrovia’s 125th birthday.  MonroviaOpoly features properties with Monrovia businesses printed right on the board.  Pick them both up at the Community Center before they’re gone!  The cost for both items is $30.  For additional information, please contact the Department of Community Services at (626) 256-8246.

Youth Sports Program

Information regarding the Youth Sports Program is now available online at monroviayouthsports.blogspot.com.  You can look up current team standings and game results, stay informed on program schedules and cancellations and get helpful tips to improve your child's performance.

Youth Sports Soccer Games

Soccer games were cancelled on Wednesday, April 25 due to inclement weather.

The Youth Sports Spring Soccer Program held the second week of soccer games on Wednesday, April 18, at Recreation Park.  The 2 p.m. game featured the Bradoaks Bobcats against the Mayflower Mariners.  Bradoaks took an early 2-1 lead, but it was all Mayflower after that.  Mayflower came out strong in the second half to take control of the game and eventually the win, 5-3.  The 3:15 p.m. game featured the Monroe Lions against the new league team from the Boys and Girls Club, the Shamrock Falcons.  This was the first time the Boys and Girls Club was featured in a regular season game.  The Boys & Girls Club came out strong by scoring twice and taking an early lead 2-0.  Monroe was held scoreless in the first half which helped the Boys & Girls Club win the game by a score of 5-2. The addition of the Boys & Girls Club team is an outstanding way to make a positive impact in the lives of more children in the community.  Practices are held on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday with games on Wednesday.  Game schedules are available at the Community Center.  For additional information regarding the Youth Sports Program, please contact the Department of Community Services at (626) 256-8246.

Senior Movies and Munchies at the Library

Seniors have another great reason to visit the Monrovia Public Library.  Monthly afternoon movies and munchies are offered on the last Friday of each month at 12 p.m. in the Library's Community Room.  This month's movie will be screened on Friday, May 25, featuring and epic war film about the journey of courage and friendship in rural England and Europe during the First World War; starring Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson and David Thewlis, in a Steven Spielberg film, can you guess the movie?  This program is free and open to Monrovia seniors 50 years and older.  For additional information, please contact the Department of Community Services at (626) 256-8246.

Senior Blood Pressure Screenings

The Department of Community Services invites seniors, 50 years and older, to attend a monthly blood pressure screening. The free program is hosted by Methodist Hospital, and is offered on the second Tuesday of the month, from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m., at the Community Center.  The program is designed to detect high blood pressure.  For additional information, please contact the Department of Community Services at (626) 256-8246.