Dr. Elliot Engel -Courtesy Photo
The San Marino Guild of Huntington Memorial Hospital announces the 44th season of entertainment with its 2012 San Marino Celebrity Series. The popular Dr. Elliot Engel opens the lineup of events with “Happy 200th Birthday Charles Dickens” on Sunday, February 12 at 4:00 at the San Marino Center, 1800 Huntington Drive, San Marino.
Returning for his 19th season and back by popular demand, this favorite professor, author, scholar and lecturer always delights his audiences as he entertains and educates using anecdotes and humor to illustrate new insights into the lives of his subjects. Dr. Engel will explore the world of Dickens, his unique imagination, and why he is recognized as the greatest novelist in the English language. Engel’s mini-lecture series on Dickens appeared on PBS-TV stations across the country. He is a gifted speaker who enjoys chatting with his audience after the presentation.
Elliot Engel earned his B.A. at Indiana University and his M.A. and Ph.D. as a Woodrow Wilson Fellow at UCLA, where he won the Outstanding Teacher Award. He has written ten books, and lectured all over the world. For over 30 years Dr. Engel has been President of the Dickens Fellowship of North Carolina. His promotion of Charles Dickens during this period has led to his recent induction into the Royal Society of Arts in England.
The Celebrity Series continues with the 2nd event, “Touched by an Angel’s Inspiration” presented by Martha Williamson, the executive producer and head writer of the TV show, “Touched by an Angel.” Her uplifting talk will illustrate the power of positive strength and encouragement. This program will be held on Sunday, March 18th at 4:00 at the San Marino Center.
San Marino’s own Margie Lowe-Francis of Margie’s Apparel will present her “Dazzling Designs” at a fashion show and luncheon on Thursday, April 19th at the San Gabriel Country Club. Margie’s boutique is a popular shop for unique, eye-catching outfits.
The final program of the Celebrity Series will be a one-woman play presented by Lissa Layng of the Fremont Center Theater in South Pasadena. After enjoying afternoon tea, guests will be treated to Lissa’s performance of “A Woman of Independent Means” on Saturday, May 12 at 2:00. The story depicts the triumphs and trials in the life of Bess, a woman of the 1900s with an indomitable spirit.
Season tickets for the four events are $125. Single tickets are $30 each for Engle and Williamson (or both for $50) and $50 each for the fashion show or play. For ticket information or a brochure, call 626.441.1465 or 626.793.1333 or email sanmarinocelebrityseries@gmail.com.
The San Marino Celebrity Series is the primary fundraiser of the San Marino Guild. According to President Mimi Gerhardt, all proceeds will benefit the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of the Huntington Hospital.