Fountain to the Falls Run/Walk 2013

The Fountain to the Falls Run/Walk is a 7 mile out and back course beginning at the Fountain in Library Park to the Water Fall in Canyon Park and back.  The race will be held on Saturday, May 18, at 7 a.m. 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 $35 entry fee per person (registration fee is added to each entry) includes a t-shirt.  Registration will only be accepted on-line only through www.active.com. No late starts or unregistered participants will be permitted. Participants are required to present identification at race check-in.  Registration is being accepted through Thursday, May 16, 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.

2013 Monrovia Older American of the Year Award

Cajsa Larsson received the 2013 Monrovia Older American of the Year Award at the Senior Spring Recognition Luncheon, held on Thursday, April 18, at the Community Center.  Mrs. Larsson’s volunteer efforts totaled more than 7,500 hours in Canyon Park including trail and facility maintenance, park programming, and removal of invasive plants. The Monrovia City Council will proclaim May as Older American Month, at the Tuesday, May 7, City Council meeting and will recognize Mrs. Larsson for her volunteer contributions to the City of Monrovia.

Summer Extravaganza Program

Summer Extravaganza is an eight week day camp program which includes active and passive games, educational activities, crafts, excursions, cultural diversity programs, exercise, basic sports and nutrition. Participants earn incentive points for positive behavior which determines eligibility for excursions. Due to budget reductions in Federal funding through the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), only the traditional program (no sports camp) will be offered, and registration is limited to the first 200 participants whose families meet the household income and resident criteria. For additional information, please contact the Department of Community Services at (626) 256-824

Preschool Storytime

Visit the Library for Preschool Storytime on Tuesdays, at 10:45 a.m. in the Storytime Room.  The stories and songs are designed for two to five year olds who are accompanied by an adult.  Siblings are always welcome.  No registration required.  For additional information, please contact the Monrovia Public Library at (626) 256-8274.

Library 123 Play with Me Storytime

The Library is introducing a new program for parents and caregivers with infant children through four years of age on Wednesdays, at 10:30 a.m., in the Storytime Room and the Youth Services Area.  This playtime is created just for parents/caregivers to have “one-on-one” time with their little ones.  The program features the five practices that help children to get ready to read through playing, singing, talking, writing, and reading.  The one hour program includes circle time and lap-sit time after playtime.  Adult participation is required.  For additional information, please contact the Monrovia Public Library at (626) 256-8274.

Youth Sports Program

The Youth Sports soccer games were held on Wednesday, May  at Recreation Park. The 2 p.m. game featured the the Monroe Lions and the Mayflower Mariners. Mayflower jumped to an early 6-0 lead in the first half and eventually won the game, 7-2. The second game featured the Wild Rose Bears and the Boys and Girls Club Shamrock Falcons. Wild Rose scored two quick goals in the first half but the Shamrock Falcons stormed back with six unanswered goals to win the game, 6-2. For additional information regarding the Youth Sports Program, please contact the Department of Community Services at (626) 256-8246.

Senior Driving Program

The Department of Community Services will host an AARP 55 - Alive Mature Driving Course on Thursday, July 11 and Friday, July 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Community Center. The two-day course will focus on current driving laws and provide participants with helpful hints to improve their driving skills. The class fee is $12 for an AARP member and $14 for a non-member; payable by check only to AARP. Reservations must be made in advance, and payments are to be given to the instructor on the first day of the class. For additional information and reservations, please contact the Department of Community Services at (626) 256-8246.

Senior Stretch and Excercise

The Department of Community Services invites seniors to attend a weekly senior stretching and exercise class.  The class will now be held at a new time; every Monday at 2 p.m., at the Community Center.  The class fee is $2 per class and meets for approximately one hour and uses stretching techniques geared toward seniors over 50; however the class is great for anyone in need of a good stretching routine.  The class focuses on stretching exercises performed in a chair, stretching while standing and wall exercises.  All three techniques are easy on the joints and are geared to prevent potential falls.  Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and to bring a towel and bottle of water.  Join in on the fun and meet the new Recreation Leader Class Instructor.   For additional information, please contact the Department of Community Services at (626) 256-8246.

Active Adult and Senior Stompers Class

The Department of Community Services invites all active adults and seniors to attend a weekly stretching/walking  class. The class is held every Friday at 9 a.m., at the Community Center, and is $2 per class.  The class meets for approximately one hour and begins with stretching followed by a walk around Old Town Monrovia.  Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing, have a towel and a bottle of water handy.  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.

Senior Weekly Crafts

The Department of Community Services invites Monrovia seniors, 50 years and older, to attend a weekly social crafter’s class.  The program is free and is held every Wednesday, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the Community Center.  This program is designed to foster friendships and provide social opportunities while crocheting or knitting.  The “Friendly Crafters” have donated approximately 1,000 handmade beanies to the Evelyn Grace Foundation, a local non-profit organization, supporting children battling infant or childhood leukemia and other forms of childhood cancer.  Thank you for all your hard work Crafters!  For additional information, 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 31, featuring a stage musical based on Victor Hugo's classic novel set in 19th-century France, in which a paroled prisoner named Jean Valjean seeks redemption; starring Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway. This program is free and open to Monrovia seniors 50 years and older. For additional information and movie title, please contact the Department of Community Services at (626) 256-8246.