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August 20, 2004 |
Number 47 |
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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 Brad Haugaard But in writing a family column I start with a natural handicap, which I think may be best expressed by Dave Barry: "If a woman has to choose between catching a fly ball and saving an infant's life, she will choose to save the infant's life without even considering if there are men on base." That may, perhaps, be a tad strong - since I'm not really into baseball - but I think it illustrates that the importance of family may, uh, on occasion, get short shrift with a lot of us guys. But in getting in touch with some old friends recently, and seeing how they have strengthened their relationships with their spouses, I recognized that all too often I come home from work and play on the computer. Because of that realization I'm trying to do more with my wife, like help in the kitchen. Why, you'll scarcely believe it, but just the other day Patti let me cut up a squash and stir fry it! "Today squash," she said, "tomorrow Beef Wellington." So there have been these little adventures in the kitchen, plus we cleaned out the rain gutters together, and we goof around in the garden a bit, and take walks around the block at sunset. Just stuff to spend time together. Which leads me - now that it's Saturday - to tell you what I really did on Friday. I woke up early and sneaked (snuck?) out of the house and got a tall decaf latte and an LA Times at Starbucks, then came home, had breakfast, and Patti and I took our daughter to her cheerleading class (Oops! That's "Cheer," not "Cheerleading." My daughter has reprimanded me for this before.) Speaking of which, never again will I imagine that cheerle... uh, "cheer" is something girls do to get out of PE class. It is a wonder to me that dozens of high schoolers across the nation don't break their necks every day doing these flippedy-flippedy things in mid air. It looks like serious gymnastics to me, and pretty exhausting, too. The other day our daughter came home absolutely drained and sacked out on the couch, dead to the world. Then a friend called, she instantly revived, and was out the door. When I first started spending time with Patti by joining her on some of these around-the-town errands, such as shuttling to cheer, our daughter asked, "Why did both of you have to come?" I think she wanted to ride shotgun. Next, when we got home our son told me that our barber, who lives next door, wanted me to come get my hair cut... Now! Yes, he told me to come, and he told me to come now. You have to understand... this barber is a wonderful guy, but, he's, well... German. (I'm part German so I can say that.) After my haircut, Patti and I went out to lunch, then to CostCo where we didn't buy anything because they didn't have the right printer cartridges. Then we went to a used bookstore and traded in some books to get credit that we couldn't use because we didn't trade in the right kind of books, then we came home, took a nap, then went to pick up our daughter. In picking her up, we tried to present a low profile because we wouldn't want to embarrass her in front of her friends by too-obviously existing. (It has been suggested to me when I watched the cheer team practice that I might want to go sit in the car.) As we were driving home she saw a friend and told me to "catch up with that car," which I did, but nothing she could do would attract the attention of her friend, who simply wouldn't look over. Also on the way home we saw a car with a license plate holder that said, "Happiness is being Robert's Woman," or something like that. Patti said she'd never want a license plate holder like that. I agreed. "You'd want it to say, 'Happiness is being Brad's Woman,' right?" I think I only escaped bodily injury because she was afraid I'd run into someone. Then - skipping ahead to today - we went to a hazardous waste round-up at Santa Anita Racetrack. To get there, Patti suggested I go west on Colorado, but I thought I'd go west on Huntington. I passed Colorado and realized that would have been best, so I moved into a lane where I could loop back to catch it, then I realized I was almost to Huntington anyway, so I switched back. "Pretty indecisive today, aren't you?" Patti said. "I'm just getting in touch with my feminine side," I replied. "I'm going to get in touch with my masculine side and hit you," she said. So why exactly am I telling you all this? Well, yes, of course, Karen did tell me I gotta fill up some space, but I mean aside from that? I think the reason is that I used to think it was pretty inefficient for Patti and I to both do something that could easily be done by one person. But I've come around to thinking that sometimes efficiency just needs to take a long vacation. What we're doing is spending time together, doing things together, talking, kidding each other, sitting together over a cup of coffee or tea, and - I hope - strengthening our relationship. Much as I admire efficiency, sometimes it just needs to climb in the back seat and keep its mouth shut. Okay, enough of the sermonette. Here are a couple of tips. The first one is a bit self-serving, since this is a project my company is working on, but I still think it is cool. First tip: My company, Idealab, has developed a free Web service called InsiderPages. Here's how it works: You sign up, then enter some of your favorite businesses in the San Gabriel Valley, then invite your friends to sign up and do the same. Then, if you want a plumber, for example, you can go to InsiderPages and search for plumbers and hopefully get one that one of your friends has recommended. Or, you can widen your search to include recommendations by friends of your friends, or by everybody. Second tip: E. Waldo Ward & Son. How many of you knew there is a jam and jelly factory that's been hiding right on a residential street in Sierra Madre since the 1890s? I promise you can drive right by and never know it's there, but if you stop at 273 E. Highland Ave., follow the dirt driveway to the back and go to the office, they've got a nice selection of gourmet jams and jellies and stuff. Except for the electronic cash register, it's like stepping into the past. Anybody for some gooseberry preserves? If you want to tell Karen that while the cat's been away the mice have been ruining her column, you can send her an email at karen@theorangecat.org. If, for some obscure reason, you want to contact me, I'm at brad@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. 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. Monday, Aug. 23, 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. 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena. Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2004 Summer Central Chat: Pasadena Central Library 4-5 p.m. Book discussion group for teens. 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena. Thursday, Aug. 26, 2004 Anime 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. 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena. Saturday, Aug. 28, 2004 Board Game Afternoon: Pasadena Central Library 3-4 p.m. Attention games-men and games-women! Stop by the library for an afternoon of chess, checkers, Monopoly, marbles, dominoes, Risk and other games. Challenge friends and strangers to different games. Snacks and sodas will be served. 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena. Open Mic Poetry: Pasadena Central Library 1-2 p.m. Open your mind and free your soul through poetry. We'll write and read poetry of all sorts. Bring an original poem written by you. Bring a favorite poem written by someone else to share. Or just sit back and listen. Teen Central. 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena. Music Open House: Pasadena Conservatory of Music: 4 p.m. The public is invited to learn all about music study at the conservatory's open house. A brief presentation, question-and-answer session and tour will be given. The Pasadena Conservatory of Music offers a comprehensive music curriculum that begins with programs for the very young and extends through the school years to programs for adults of all ages that encourage life-long learning. Annually, 1,200 students enroll and instruction includes instrumental study, chamber music, music for young children, orff-schulwerk, world drumming and jazz band, among others. Information, reservations: 626-683-3355. 100 N. Hill Ave., Pasadena. Saturday Craft: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Little readers will never lose their place when they make their own back-to-school bookmark. We’ll supply everything kids need to get creative! Ages 3 and up. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadean. Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004 Chat in the Hat: Mothers & More Pasadena 7:30 p.m. Chapter meeting for visitors and members includes a moderated discussion of fun and informal topics designed to help mothers become better acquainted. Information: 866-206-9068, ext 3921 or email: mothersandmorela@onebox.com. Boswell Library, Polytechnic School, 1030 E. California Blvd., Pasadena. Register Early Junior Master Gardeners: The Huntington Library Youngsters in grades 3-5 can learn about ecology, botany and horticulture in this eight-week class that combines group and individual activities with community projects. Program runs on Saturdays from 9 to 11 a.m., beginning Sept. 18. Participants who complete the program can become certified as Junior Master Gardeners. $150. Registration: 626-405-3586. 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino. 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. Vision Workshop: Center for Vision Development Optometry Workshop for parents and teachers explains how visual problems in children can mimic or complicate attention deficit disorder. Learn to perform screening tests and get information and advice about your own child's inability to concentrate in class or do close-up work. Workshop will be held Aug. 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Reservations: 626-614-8303. 5546 Rosemead Blvd., Suite 207, Temple City. Art Studio Classes & Workshops: Soleil Luna Studio Register for Fall Session 2004, including "Mommy and Me Creative Art" class for 2-3 year olds; "Mini Matisse" class for 3- and 4-year-olds with a first introduction to fine art; "Art Studio" class for ages 5 through 12 and a creative art and journaling workshops for girls of all ages. Classes Wednesdays through Saturdays; small groups. Space limited; information 626-793-8513 or email Soleil_LunaStudio@earthlink.net 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. Scientific Sleepover The Huntington Library On Saturday, Sept. 25, kids and parents can enjoy a night of scientific discovery, from hands-on fun in the Children’s Garden exploring the elements of earth, air, light and water, to a nature walk at dusk and some cool experiments in the lab. After a good night’s sleep indoors, it’s back to nature once again to pick fresh oranges for breakfast. Program concludes Sunday, Sept. 26 at 9:30 a.m. Ages 7 and up; one parent or guardian required for every two children. $45. Registration: 626-405-2128. 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino. 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. Release of Souls Exhibit & Concert: South Pasadena Firefighters The U.S. debut of this 9/11 memorial event, a gift from Vancouver, kicks off a two-year North American tour. The event will take place on Sept. 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. and will include unveiling of an 18-foot sculpture and a concert showcasing military bands, soloists and honor guards. Tickets: $30 ($20 for emergency service and military personnel). Proceeds benefit Firefighters Quest for burn survivors and the FDNY Cross Country Bike Tour. Check website for purchase options. Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena. Jazz Ensemble: Pasadena Conservatory of Music Students in grades 7 to 12 can audition for a jazz ensemble group that will meet every Tuesday from 4:30 to 6 p.m., beginning Sept. 14. $240. Auditions will be held Aug. 31 at 4:30 and involve students playing a major scale and melody, as well as sight read. Reservations: 626-683-3355. 100 N. Hill Ave., Pasadena. 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. 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 storytime on Aug. 23 from 7 to 8 p.m. features 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. Beyond Books: The Huntington Library Books tell exciting stories, express our ideas and beliefs and open new worlds of discovery. They can also be beautiful works of art. Kids can explore the human relationship with books in a workshop to be held Sept. 18 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The workshop focuses on the exhibition, "The Bible and the People." A book-crafting workshop follows. Ages 7 and up. $15. Registration: 626-405-2128. 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino. 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. 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. Toddler Program: The Huntington Library "Adventures in Wonderland" is a four-week program of garden adventures, hands-on activities and storytelling for children ages 3-5 and their parents. Class will be held on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon beginning Sept. 15. $65. Registration: 626-405-2128. 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino. 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. 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. 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 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 . 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 10:30 a.m. on the last Tuesday of every month. Information: email JillVidal@hotmail.com Covina Library, 234 N. Second Ave., 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 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. 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. 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. MOMS Club of 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: sandimasmomsclub@yahoo.com. 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. Parents Without Partners Covina Valley chapter of single-parent group holds orientation meeting and dance on the second Friday of each month, 7:30 p.m. to midnight. Information: 626-294-3211. Pyramid Room, Covina Bowl, 1060 E. Rimsdale Ave., Covina. 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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