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August 6, 2004 |
Number 46 |
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The Orange Cat |
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Calendar, Advice & Tips for Busy Families in the San Gabriel Valley | |||||||||||||||
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By Karen E. Klein At what age do you start letting your kids stay home alone or do things without constant supervision? I was babysitting at night for my younger sister and brother (and even other peoples' kids) by age 11 and holding down the fort alone at home during the day long before that. Still, that was a different time. The "when-do-you-leave-them-alone" question is one of the big ones for parents today. Unfortunately, there's no hard-and-fast rule. Even if there were, I don't think I'd dare to quote it here. Unforeseen dangers can crop up too easily and if responsible adults aren't there to supervise, disaster is all-too-ready to strike. A friend told me a horror story about her sister-in-law, who left her kids, a boy and a girl in their early teens, home for several hours while she and her husband attended a wedding. They should have been old enough to take care of themselves, but the pair apparently did not get along well and neither of them had good impulse control. When a fight broke out between them, things got physical and the girl got scratched. Instead of just bandaging it, she decided to get revenge on her brother by calling 9-1-1. By the time mom and dad got home, paramedics and the police were at the house, questioning the kids about why they'd been left alone and where their parents were. Yikes! I think it all comes down to knowing your kids and being able to judge their readiness. My kids tend to be on the level-headed, responsible and cautious side and they probably get along better than most brothers do. By the time they were upper-grade-school level, I knew that if they were absorbed in a favorite movie or game they would sit still for long stretches of time. This enabled me to run to the grocery store on short trips and leave them home with my cell phone number and strict instructions not to answer the telephone (unless my voice came on the answering machine) or door. I never was gone more than 30 or 45 minutes, and they were always fine when I returned. If you're tuned in to your kids, you'll know it when they can manage by themselves, and you'll also know it when they cannot. Start with short stretches and only leave them for longer times as they prove themselves responsible and get older and more mature. The idea of letting them go off by themselves, on foot or on bikes, worried me more than leaving them home alone. Again, I know I was riding around my neighborhood and walking to the local drugstore for ice cream before I turned 10. My mom, raised in Portland, OR during the Great Depression, walked a long ways to school from the time she was in Kindergarten and assumed that it was in kids' natures to roam around unsupervised during the summer. But when we take family bike rides, it seems to me that my kids are more interested in outracing each other than in watching the road. Would they look both ways at stop signs if I weren't there to yell it out and remind them? What if someone jumped out of a car and threw them inside? It has only been since my older one became a teenager that I stopped worrying when they rode off by themselves. At some point, your kids have to become independent. It may be closer to when they leave for college than when they enter junior high school. Everybody wants to know what other moms and dads are doing, but trust your own judgment and don't be pressured into going along with the crowd. This is an issue where extra caution is never going to hurt. Update from America's Sports Mom: It's not too late to catch some of the West and Northwest regional tournament games currently being played in San Bernardino. The best Little League teams from a dozen states, including Alaska, Idaho, California and Hawaii, are playing for a trip to Williamsport, PA and a shot at the Little League World Series. Watching 11- and 12-year-olds who are this good is loads of fun, and though it's a long drive, the games and parking are free. Your tykes can munch on popcorn, hot dogs or pizza (available at reasonable prices at the park), trade Little League pins with other kids in the outfield and enjoy great baseball in the stands. The finals will be broadcast live next week on ESPN2. Watch out for emails that ask you to update your personal information for familiar sites, like PayPal, your credit cards or even your bank. I've been getting a lot of these lately and although they look authentic, they are often scams. For instance, I ordered a DVD online the other day and within a couple of hours got an email saying they were "having trouble" processing my credit card and needed me to click a link and enter another card number in order to complete my order. The message looked kosher, but I was wary enough to check with the company's customer service department. Sure enough, the helpful rep I spoke to told me that not only had my order been successfully processed, it was already queued up for shipping! I can only assume that if I had followed the instructions in that email, I would have served up my credit card number on a platter to a bunch of crooks. "Caveat emptor" seems just as relevant in this high-tech age as it ever was. Orange Cat reader Janna wrote to tell us about a new event sponsored by Pacific Theatres called Monday Morning Mommy Movies. I love it! You can't get out to the movies on the weekend because of the baby, but if you're not working you can take the baby with you to see a movie at Paseo Colorado in Pasadena on a Monday morning. "It isn't free, but it's nice in that you don't have to hush your baby or worry [if she fusses]," Janna wrote. I have heard through the grapevine that other theater chains are doing similar weekday-morning screenings for people with young children. Ask your local theater manager if they are participating. We're always happy to help publicize a good cause, and giving blood is one of the best. The City of Hope and Duarte Lions Club are sponsoring a blood drive during the month of August. Donors get thank-you T-shirts and ice cream. To make your appointment, call 626-471-7171. The group is also sponsoring a lunch at the Old Spaghetti Factory in Duarte on Aug. 26, featuring a bone marrow transplant survivor and information about the national marrow donor program. Lunch is $13.50 and you can call Michele at the Lion's Club, 626-806-4735, to make a reservation. Speaking about reservations, make yours now for fall Parent Education classes at Pasadena City College. Students who were enrolled last spring can register over the phone on Aug. 11 and 12. Walk-in registration for new and returning students starts Aug. 13 at the PCC Communication Education Center, room 100, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. New students must submit applications 24 hours before they register. Questions? Call 626-585-3038. I've spoken fondly in this space about PCC's Parent Ed program, which I participated in for five years. The weekly classes are a wonderful way to spend time really getting to know what makes your child tick, having fun playtimes together, getting support and encouragement from teachers and making friends with other moms and dads. Parents, grandparents and full-time caregivers of infants through pre-K children can attend basic classes again this year. PCC is also offering two classes especially for fathers: One Tuesday evenings in Temple City and one Wednesday evenings in Sierra Madre. Susanne Spandau and her husband, Doug Edwards, will also teach a seven-week S.T.E.P. (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting) class for parents of school-aged children starting Nov. 1. Child care will be provided for this evening class, Susanne says. "We taught the S.T.E.P. early childhood class in the spring with full enrollment and a waiting list, and it was very well received," she says. "Play groups and an on-going parent support group evolved from it." Sounds great! Thanks, Susanne. August tends to be the "dog days of summer" month: Summer school is over, camp programs have ended, family vacations are done. Use the rare respite in your busy schedule to slow down and spend more time together before school, sports and other activities gear up again in the fall. We've been catching up on the movies in our Netflix queue. I really love this service, for a lot of reasons, and highly recommend it if you are movie lovers but can't get out to see the new releases, or old-movie buffs who hate sitting through the ridiculous commercial interruptions on cable movie channels. Another way to take advantage of the lazy days of August is to sit down to more family meals. When I was a kid (back in the Dark Ages), my family gathered at the kitchen table for dinner every night like clockwork. We might argue, spill our milk or laugh until we choked - but we spent that time together regularly. In my family today, with practices, classes and everybody on different schedules, we often wind up eating on the fly or in shifts. It's worth it to try and reverse that trend: Health studies show that kids who sat down to evening meals with their parents consumed more fruits, vegetables and dairy foods and were less likely to skip breakfast than children who didn't. The studies also show that children with no regular family dinner eat sweets and fast foods more often than those with regular family dinnertimes. Makes sense. Our family vacation is still awaiting us, so I'll be putting the Orange Cat in Brad's capable hands for the next issue. I know he'll take good care of our fine feline, and all of you. One nice milestone to celebrate before I hit the road: We now have more than 2,000 subscribers! Thanks to all of you who tell your friends about us, refer advertisers and generally talk up the kitty near and far. We could not do it without you! Karen@theorangecat.org. |
Dates and times subject to change; activities free unless noted; phone numbers provided if reservations are requested; please note age ranges on some activities. Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004 Saturday Craft: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. We’ve got everything kids need to make wacky pencil toppers that’ll keep them smiling. Ages 3 and up. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Yoga and You: La Pintoresca Branch Library 11 a.m. Introductory workshop explores what yoga is and how practicing it can get your body fit and your mind focused and clear. Learn basic postures and breathing techniques from a qualified instructor. Light refreshments will be served. Please wear clothes you can move in and bring a yoga mat or towel to sit on. Ages 13 and up. 1355 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena. Monday, Aug. 9, 2004 Human Board Game: Pasadena Central Library 7 to 8:30 p.m. Learn some exciting new games that use yourself and your friends as the pieces on a giant game board! Snacks will be served. Also held Aug. 23. 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena. Puppet Show: San Rafael Branch Library 10:30 a.m. Swazzle Puppets Presents, "Prairie Dog Pete and the Magic Buffalo." Prairie Dog Pete is a down-on-his-luck gold miner who has no food and no money. He decides to pack his bags and go back home, until he meets Jack Rabbit who gives him some magic animals that have special powers. This show is also being presented today at Hastings Branch and tomorrow, Aug. 10, at Lamanda Park branch. Check website for details on additional showings. 1240 Nithsdale Road, Pasadena. Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2004 Terrific Tuesdays: South Pasadena Public Library 2 p.m. Presented by Brother Yusef, Blues for Beginners is an energetic introduction to this musical style. Through dancing, singing and audience participation, children and adults discover the many expressions of the blues, including the early history of instrument-making, vocal styles such as call and response and musical styles such as spirituals, work songs and songs just for fun. He also talks about the influence blues has in contemporary music. 1100 Oxley St., South Pasadena. Summer Party: City of West Covina 6-8 p.m. Awards, games, prizes and food are featured at summer party. Civic Center Courtyard, 1444 W. Garvey Ave., West Covina. Baloonamania: Santa Catalina Branch Library 10:30 a.m. Balloon fun for all includes balloon magic, balloon stories and a chance to learn how to make a balloon character of your own. 999 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena. Summer Central Chat: Pasadena Central Library 4-5 p.m. Book discussion group for teens meets today and Aug. 24. 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena. Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004 Things From the Past: Norton Simon Museum 1-2 p.m. Children join museum educators for lively discussions in the galleries on the topic of myths, stories and history. Discussion followed by fun hands-on activities. Recommended for ages 5 and older. Free with admission of $6 adults; ages 18 and under admitted free. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Reading Picnic: Monrovia Public Library 5:30 to 8 p.m. 19th Annual Summer Reading Club Awards Picnic honors 2,441 readers who read over 40,000 books in summer reading club. Entertainment provided by juggler David Cousin. Bring picnic dinner or buy pizza sold on site. Band Shell, Library Park, 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia. Hair and Skin Care Secrets: La Pintoresca Branch Library 11 a.m. Malika Hendry is a renowned Pasadena cosmetologist, nurse and entrepreneur. By popular demand, she is back this summer to share secrets to great skin and hair care that will leave you looking and feeling your best. Gentlemen are encouraged to attend! Light refreshments will be served. Ages 13 and up. 1355 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena. Crafty Crafts: Hill Avenue Branch Library 11 a.m. Special program features a Western craft and Western stories. 55 S. Hill Ave., Pasadena. Animé Afternoons: Pasadena Central Library 1-3 p.m. Calling all teen lovers of Japanese animation! We'll be showing movies and episodes from popular television shows and reviewing them in Donald R. Wright Auditorium. Snacks and soda will be served. Also being held on Aug. 26. 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena. Saturday, Aug. 14, 2004 "A Midsummer Night’s Dream": La Salle Performing Arts Academy 8 p.m. Theater production featuring professional actors and students will run Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, tonight through Sept. 4. Tickets: $18 adult, $9 student, 626-398-6522. La Salle High School amphitheatre, 3880 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena. My Own Chalkboard: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The creativity never ends with a personal chalkboard kids make themselves. Peel & Stick collage frames and chalkboard contact paper are all it takes! Ages 3 and up. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Magic The Gathering: Pasadena Central Library 3-5 p.m. Gather and play the exciting, spirited, multifaceted game of dueling wizards, fierce elves, fantastic creatures and magical lands. Beginning players are welcome! Decks of magic cards will be available for play. Snacks will be served. 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena. Open House Art Center College of Design 11 a.m. to noon and 3-4 p.m. Kids can come with their parents and see what's going on in the classrooms at Art Center's north and south campuses. Along with class tours, the Pasadena Humane Society will be bringing its mobile humane education van to the south campus parking lot to teach kids about humane education and how to care for animals. North Campus, 1700 Lida St., Pasadena. South Campus, 950 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena. Sunday, Aug. 15, 2004 Bird Walk: Eaton Canyon Nature Center 7-9 a.m. Meet at the building for a bird walk. Bring binoculars, shade hat, water. Please no dogs. Information: 626-398-5420. 1750 N. Altadena Dr., Pasadena. Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2004 Magic Show: Santa Catalina Branch Library 10:30 a.m. Magician Tony Daniels performs for patrons of all ages. His magic is filled with humor and audience participation. 999 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena. Thursday, Aug. 19, 2004 Things Unseen: Norton Simon Museum 1-2 p.m. Children join museum educators for lively discussions in the galleries on the topic of imagination, feelings and dreams. Discussion followed by fun hands-on activities. Recommended for ages 5 and older. Free with admission of $6 adults; ages 18 and under admitted free. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Saturday, Aug. 21, 2004 Zoo Art: Norton Simon Museum 2 p.m. Guided tour for children and families shows off the museum's collection of cheetahs, lions and monkeys. Recommended for ages 5 and older. Free with admission of $6 adults; ages 18 and under admitted free. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Make-A-Face: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids make the faces, we provide the materials! Join us as children use Make-A-Face Sheets, wiggly eyes and more to make their very own puppets. Ages 3 and up. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Register Early Bonsai Workshop: Huntington Library Think small! Learn the ancient art of growing miniature trees in a hands-on workshop led by members of the Golden State Bonsai Federation. Workshop for children ages 7 and up is offered Sept. 11 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. $15. Registration: 626-405-2128. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. Wings & Things: Pasadena Central Library Make origami that actually flies and discover the art of folded paper with origami teacher Barbara Turner. Workshop to be held Aug. 17 from 1-3 p.m. Reservations mandatory: 626-744-4766. 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena. Gebo the Clown: Alhambra Public Library Each child will leave this program with a special gift, as Gebo the Clown wraps up our summer reading program with balloon sculptures and live animals on Aug. 14 Two shows offered, at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Reservations mandatory: 626-570-3215. 410 W. Main St., Alhambra. Teen Book on SATs: Monrovia Public Library Teen reading group picks up "Vampire Dreams" on Aug. 18 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. James Weston's novel is about a young Brit sampling the nightlife in Manhattan who just happens to be a vampire. "Vampire Dreams" showcases more than 1,000 vocabulary words frequently included on the SAT. Brief definitions appear on the same page so that readers can quickly access and digest the meanings as they read along. All participants receive a free book. Reservations: 626-256-8263. 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia. Summer Art Workshops: Soleil Luna Studio Celebrate creativity and diversity with small workshops in tranquil artistic environment. Your child will create two- and three-dimensional art based on designs and techniques from many world cultures using clay, mosaic tiles, paper mache, printmaking techniques and other materials. Weekday morning workshops offered in July and August. Information, registration: 626-793-8513; $50 discount for Orange Cat readers. 80 N. Euclid Ave., Suite 102, Pasadena. Night Under the Stars: Pasadena Central Library Volunteers from the Los Angeles Astronomical Society will lead a program on Aug. 25 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. with telescopes pointing to interesting things in the night sky. Jet Propulsion Lab representatives will be on hand with models of some of the things that orbit in the night sky. And, you can try your hand at making a craft. Stars and moons and crater dip punch will also be served. A fun night for all kids ages 5-12 and their parents. Space limited; call 626-744-4045 to make reservations. 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena. Recycled Materials Mosaic Workshop: La Pintoresca Branch Library Create a beautiful work of mosaic art from recycled tiles for your home or garden. A special presentation from Pasadena's Department of Public Works to be held Aug. 17 at 10 a.m. Wear old clothes and be prepared for a great time! Ages 7 and up. Registration: 626-744-7268. 1355 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena. Mommy 'N Me: Paint 'N Play Classes for preschoolers and Moms (or Dads) will include painting, statuary, ceramics, clay hand building and more. Meets every other Tuesday at 11 a.m. $20 to $25 per class includes materials. Registration: 626-256-4848, ask for Lisa Barrios. 418 Myrtle Ave., Monrovia. Family Adventures: L.A. County Arboretum Afternoon nature program for the entire family is held on the first Saturday of every month at 2 p.m. A short story or talk, a walk and take-home nature craft are included. $20 per family. Aug. 7: I Spy investigates a secret spot and includes a nature hunt. Sept. 4 History hunters travel back in time to when natives lived here. Registration: 626-821-4623. 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. Stars in Your Eyes: Pasadena Central Library Pajama storytimes on Aug. 16 and 23 from 7 to 8 p.m. feature star-studded stories, NASA @ your library exhibit, face-painting and four-star treats! Ages 5 through 7. Reservations mandatory: 626-744-4045. 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena. Rockets & Robots: Pasadena Central Library Children ages 5 through 12 can try their hands at building a robot with the help of Kidspace Museum on Aug. 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bob Redmond will have the answers to questions about robots and kids can hear how NASA touches their everyday lives and get a chance to interact with the NASA @ your Library exhibit. Light refreshments will be served. Reservations mandatory: 626-744-4045. 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena. Music Auditions: Pasadena Conservatory of Music Youth and adults performing at an upper-intermediate to advanced level are eligible to participate in chamber music program. Groups are offered for string players, wind players and advanced pianists. Auditions will be held Sept. 1 and 2 from 3 to 8 p.m. Applications and audition appointments should be made by Aug. 13 through the PCM office. $20 application fee. Information: 626-683-3355. 100 N. Hill Ave., Pasadena. Kids Craft Month: Vroman's Bookstore At 4 p.m. each Wednesday in August, we'll be conducting craft sessions for kids ages 6-10. Aug. 11: Picasso paints day; Aug. 18: Art of bookmaking; Aug. 25: Nutty inventor. Space limited; sign up early at 626-449-5320. Each session is $12/child and lasts about 90 minutes. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Family Nature Walk: Children's Nature Institute Nature walk specifically planned for families with young children will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 18. Leader Alison Morgan. Space limited; reservations mandatory at 310-998-1151 or via e-mail to: naturewalks@childrensnatureinstitute.org Millard Canyon, Altadena. Continuing Activities Roadhouse Coffee Stop Storytime for toddlers to eight-year-olds will be held every Thursday from 4:30 to 5 p.m. with Doug Edwards, a parent education instructor for Pasadena City College. 5725 Rosemead Blvd., Temple City. Lamanda Park Branch library Summer stories and crafts for kids will be held Thursdays at 11 a.m. 140 S. Altadena Dr., Pasadena. Montrose Harvest Market: Weekly farmer's market includes giant slide, obstacle course bouncer and 25-foot portable rock climbing wall. Sundays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information: 818-957-3809. Montrose Shopping Park, Honolulu Ave. and Ocean View Blvd, Montrose. Alhambra Summer Jubilee: Street fair will be held every Saturday through September from 6 to 10 p.m. Second Street, Alhambra. Lamanda Park Branch Library Summer stories and crafts for kids will be offered on Thursdays at 11 a.m. 140 S. Altadena Dr., Pasadena. Monrovia Public Library "Time for Twos" is an introductory storytime for toddlers and their parents held Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:15 a.m. Activities include stories, songs, flannel tales and a small creative project. "Munchkin Storytime" is offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11:15 a.m. for children 3-5. The half-hour program includes stories, songs, flannel tales and incentive stickers. On alternating weeks Munchkin Storytime is followed by a short craft program. "Great Adventurers" is a reading group for students entering second through fifth grade; meets Wednesdays at 3:15 p.m. and includes read-alouds, storytelling, crafts and games. 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia. Sierra Madre Public Library: Two Preschool story hours are held each week in the Children's Room. Mondays at 10 a.m., and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Cathy Ryne, children's librarian, tells stories, sings songs, and organizes craft projects. 626-355-7186. 440 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. Excellence in Education Home school park day; bring lunch, toys, games, sports equipment. Mondays at noon. Eisenhower Park, Colorado Blvd at Second St., Arcadia.. Monrovia Reads: Hour-long story times include crafts, stories, songs and fingerplay. Ages 0-5 with parents or caretakers. Tuesdays 10 a.m., All Nations Church, 1948 S. Peck Road; Thursdays 10 a.m., Boys and Girls Club, 600 S. Shamrock Ave., Monrovia. MOMS Club of Pasadena-North Support group for stay-at-home moms meets regularly for all-member meetings, speakers, interest groups, playdates and much more. Serving Pasadena (north of 210 fwy) and Altadena. For more information please e-mail: membershipnorth@pasadenamomsclub.com . MOMS Club of LaVerne and San Dimas Support group meets regularly for play dates, park days, storytimes, coffees and field trips. Various locations; check online calendar for dates, times. Information: momsclublvsd@yahoo.com . Homework Help El Centro de Accion Social offers afterschool homework help and tutoring in English and Spanish several afternoons a week. Call 626-744-4052 to get times, locations. Various branch libraries, Pasadena. Mt. San Antonio College International marketplace is held every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., featuring arts and crafts, antiques and certified farmer's market. Parking and admission is free. Stadium parking lot, off Temple Avenue, just west of Cal Poly. Huntington Hospital: Perinatal Health Education department offers ongoing classes and support groups for new moms, including breastfeeding Thursdays 10 to 11:30 a.m.; Mommy & Me Tuesdays 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Postnatal Fitness Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 5:45 to 6 p.m.; Baby & Me; infant care; and infant/child CPR. Some classes involve fees. Information and registration: 626-397-8768. Monrovia Family Festival: 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays. Games, food, rides, shopping and farmer's market. Myrtle Ave south of Foothill Blvd, Monrovia. MOMS Club of Covina & West Covina Support group meets reularly for playdates, walking groups, parties for stay-at-home moms or part-time working moms seeking day time activities for children of all ages. Serves mothers in Covina, West Covina, Azusa and Irwindale. New member meetings held at Chuck E. Cheese at 10 a.m. on the last Tuesday of every month. Information: email JillVidal@hotmail.com Chuck E. Cheese, Covina. Vroman's Book Store: 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. Storytime with Mr. Steve features contemporary and classic tales read aloud. Ages 2 to 8. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Eaton Canyon Nature Center Family nature walk held every Saturday morning, weather permitting, 9 to 11 a.m. Walking shoes, sunscreen, water, hats are recommended for this guided walk geared toward families with small children. Meet in front of the building. 626-398-5420. 1750 N. Altadena Dr., Pasadena. Pasadena Central Library: Teen Advisory group meets third Saturday of each month from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Make decisions that affect teens in the library, earn volunteer hours, review books and videos, help make purchases. Pizza and soda lunch served. Teen Central Room, 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena. Temple City Public Library Preschool storytime, ages 3-5, held Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and Thursdays at 7 p.m. Toddler storytime, for ages 18 to 36 months, held Fridays 11:35 a.m. No registration required. 626-285-2136. Library Meeting Room, 5939 Golden West Ave., Temple City. Pasadena Central Library and its branches offer 15 storytimes each week, for infants through age 8. All programs are free, some require pre-registration. Check website for schedules. . Pasadena Central Library: Short preschool videos shown every Friday at 10 a.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium. Central Library, 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena. The Huntington Library Nature activities are scheduled on Saturdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Kids of all ages can explore the world of nature at hands-on plant discovery carts located at the Lily Ponds, Desert Garden and Japanese Garden. Older kids can examine plant cross-sections under a microscope, learn how plants and animals use camouflage, compare soil and water samples, or look for local wildlife using a field guide. Younger children can make leaf rubbings, examine seed pods, create origami, or experience "a bug’s life" through insect puppet play. On the first Saturday of each month, nature crafts are also offered near the entrance pavilion. No reservations required; free with museum admission. $15 adults, $12 seniors (65+), $10 students (ages 12-18 or with student I.D.), $6 for youth (ages 5-11), free for children under 5. Information: 626-405-2100. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. Glendora Public Library PJ family story time at 7 p.m. each Wednesday offers a half hour of magical stories, songs and fingerplays. A great alternative to TV! Information: 626-852-4891. Children's Room, 140 S. Glendora Ave., Glendora. South Pasadena Public Library: Family Storytime Tuesdays 7:30 to 8 p.m.; Pajama Storytime: For ages 3-5, Wednesdays 7 to 7:30 p.m.; Preschool Storytime: For ages 3-5, Thursdays 10:30 to 11 a.m.; Toddler Storytimes: For ages 1-2, Fridays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m.; For ages 2-3 Fridays 11 to 11:20 a.m. Register at 626-403-7358. 1100 Oxley St., South Pasadena. Altadena Public Library: Preschool storytime Wednesdays 11 a.m. 626-798-0833. 600 E. Mariposa Ave., Altadena. Monrovia Canyon Park: Guided nature hike held 10 to 11:30 a.m. most Saturdays. Call 626-256-8282 to confirm. Monrovia Nature Center, 1200 N. Canyon Blvd., Monrovia. San Marino Public Library: Weekly preschool story time for 3- to 5-year-olds offered on Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; Tuesdays at 3:30 for 5- to 8-year-olds. Call 626-300-0777 to register. 1890 Huntington Dr., San Marino. Mrs. Nelson's Storytimes: Preschool storytime, for ages 2-5 and parents, Tuesdays 10 a.m. PJ Storytime Fridays at 6 p.m. All ages welcome Saturdays at 11 a.m. Register: 909-599-4558. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne. San Dimas Public Library: Preschool story time is held every Friday at 11 a.m. 145 N. Walnut Ave., San Dimas. Armory Center for the Arts "Comic Release" is an exhibit devoted to artists who use cartoon and comic imagery, graphic novelists and artists who make and distribute zines. On view through Aug. 15. Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; Friday, noon to 8 p.m. 145 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena. Pasadena Central Library Teens who want to learn to knit or already knit and want to be in a group can join together for "Knitting Wednesdays," 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, July 21 to Aug. 25. The plan is to knit a scarf by the end of the summer. Bring your own yarn and needles, if you have them. Snacks will be served. 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena. Stone Center for Children's Books Children’s storytime is held Saturdays from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Information: 909-607-3670. Stone Center, Claremont Graduate University, 740 N. College Ave., Claremont. Alhambra Public Library Special summer session preschool storytime will be held through Aug. 31 on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Ages 3-5; features stories, finger plays, songs and puppets. 410 W. Main St., Alhambra. Pasadena Central Library Wild Tale Wednesdays will be held for kids ages 5 to 9 in the story room every Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Story Room. Get wild about a new topic each week with lively stories and interesting facts. 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena. Southwest Museum: "Soaring Adventures" is an interactive preschool program that explores the West through storytime, movement exercises and hands-on exploration. Held from 3 to 4 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month. Kids ages 3-5 and their caregivers. Information: 323-667-2000 x276. 234 Museum Dr., Los Angeles. Allendale Branch Library "Wild Tales About... " program is held Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for the summer. Geared toward elementary school-age children, program features a different theme each week and is packed with loads of fun. There will be lots of "wild tales about" information, great stories and a special craft! 1130 S. Marengo Ave., Pasadena. Monrovia Arts Festival Assn. Plaza Art Walk of Monrovia is held on the last Saturday of each month. Fine art, food and live music are featured. Interact and buy directly from artists demonstrating their skills and selling their arts. 400 S. Myrtle Avenue, Monrovia. San Rafael Branch library Movie fun for children held Wednesdays at 3 p.m., starting July 7. Want to escape those long, hot summer afternoons? Enjoy our cool videos and special treats as you beat the heat. Most suitable for children 5 years and older. 1240 Nithsdale Rd., Pasadena. Blue Chair Children's Books Toddler storytime Tuesdays at 11 a.m.; afterschool storytime Thursdays, 3:30 p.m.; special events every Friday night, check website for details. 177 N. Glendora Ave., Glendora. Gymboree: Play, music and art classes offered on an ongoing basis. Free trial classes for new families. Information on classes: 626-445-1122; parties: 626-445-5161. 518 W. Huntington Dr., Monrovia. Sierra Madre Moms Club Support group for mothers and their kids meets weekly and sponsors play groups and park dates. Serves residents of Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Arcadia, Temple City and Duarte. Information: email Paulimorin@earthlink.net . MOMS Club of Pasadena Support group for stay-at-home moms meets regularly for all-member meetings, speakers, interest groups, playdates and much more. Serving Pasadena, South Pasadena, San Marino and Ahambra. For more information please e-mail: membershipvp@pasadenamomsclub.com. Pacific Theatres Monday Mom Movies are first-run film screenings specifically for mothers with babies. Check website for schedule. Paseo 14, Paseo Colorado, Pasadena. Are you aware of a great event or venue that we're not listing? If so, please let us know so we can include it in the next Orange Cat. Email: karen@theorangecat.org. |
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