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September 3, 2004 |
Number 48 |
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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 There are entire books devoted to the personality differences between dog people and cat people, and much debate about what the preference says about one's psyche. I don't know whether there's truth to any of it. What I am persuaded of, however, is that the privilege of sharing our lives with animals is an enriching experience - perhaps especially so for kids. I always feel sorry for children whose parents won't let them have a pet, though I understand that some people just don't like animals. My mom fell into that category, and although we adopted a string of stray dogs and cats when I was a kid, she never warmed up to any of them. Looking back, it's not hard for me to understand why: Our cats were independent wanderers who came to the back door for food and then turned tail, and our dogs were undisciplined yappers who never learned to heel or respect the furniture. There's a world of difference between a pet that fits happily into a family's routine and home and one that doesn't. In my experience, generally it's both the two-legged and the four-legged animals that have to adapt in order to make the collaboration successful. Once an animal truly becomes part of the family, however, it adds joy, humor and love. For children, taking care of a pet is both an outlet for affection and great training for the eventual challenge of caring for their own kids (or their aging parents). Our two cats celebrated their fifth birthdays this summer. We got them when my boys were seven and nine - at ages and maturity levels where I thought they could handle the responsibility. We saw a newspaper ad for free kittens and drove up to a sprawling property in Altadena that was more menagerie than suburban home. The owners had puppies, kittens, goats, chickens, a llama and probably many more animals we didn't see. We found mama cat and seven tiny kittens penned in what looked like a dirty rabbit hutch. The mother was a slim, pretty black feline who immediately reminded me of Jenny Linsky, the heroine of a series of kids' books about a shy black cat who wore a rakish red scarf and lived with a sea captain in Greenwich Village. Having been a big fan of Jenny's as a kid, I was hooked. My oldest son, after scrutinizing the litter, pointed decisively to a little black-and-white "tuxedo cat" with bewitching green eyes whom he promptly named "Emerald." My younger son, always more cautious, wasn't so sure about the kitten thing. But having dealt with a neurotic, needy "only child" cat before I had kids, I leaned toward getting two - they would keep each other company while the boys were at school, I reasoned, and at a time of intense sibling rivalry there'd be one less thing to fight over if each boy had his own pet. Andy demurred, but when I reached into the pen and pulled out the runt of the litter, a gray-and-white with a pretty face and delicate pink nose who immediately sunk her tiny claws into his shirt, he decided maybe a kitten wouldn't be so bad. On the drive home, with each boy clutching a caterwalling newborn on his lap, Andy came up with a fitting name: "Baby." I can't begin to add up the time we've spent over the past five years happily fascinated by the antics of the two adorable sisters we brought home that day. Their intrepid explorations of new territory, their habit of curling up together into one round ball as they cat-nap, their thorough grooming of each other's face and ears, their morning wrestling matches - all of it brings us pleasure. Working at home by myself all day, the cats keep me from getting lonely. As my boys grow up and get increasingly macho, I'm glad they still find it acceptable to express their softer sides when cuddling with their cats. And because the affection one lavishes on cats isn't automatically returned, it's all the sweeter when Baby and Emmy jump up onto their laps and curl up for the evening. Who knows how much felines are capable of understanding? As a horse lover, I've learned that our tendency to clap human motivations and emotions onto animals is usually not only unfair but also dead wrong. But I will say that from the beginning Baby seemed to know she was Andy's cat and Emerald always gravitated toward Matt. Each automatically started sleeping on the bunk of "her" boy at night. The cats even developed personality traits that mirrored their owners': Emmy is the intrepid adventurer who climbs trees, chases squirrels and deigns to be petted only when she's in the mood ; Baby is the sweet, loyal homebody who sprawls out to have her belly scratched anytime you stop to say hi. One of the nice things about cats is that they're generally low-maintenance. The boys have handled feedings well, but it wasn't always easy to get them to do litter-box duty. Things got much easier when we had a cat door installed and the girls could do their business outside. Because they were indoor cats until they hit puberty and started going stir crazy, neither cat has ever strayed far from our back yard - so we don't worry about them getting lost or crossing a busy street. We've had our share of vet bills - spaying costs and cleanups from fights with neighbors' cats chief among them. But by keeping their shots current and dosing them with Revolution regularly (a chemical flea control agent I happen to regard as one of the great scientific breakthroughs of the 20th century), we've had few health problems. When we go on vacation, it's not hard to get friends to stop by and feed them. There are reasons to buy pedigreed dogs and cats, but if you're looking for a good family pet and aren't terribly picky, think about adopting from one of the local animal shelters. Most are adoption-oriented and will do what they can to help you find the right addition to your family, though I once knew a family that was turned down by the Pasadena Humane Society simply because their daughter was two at the time! If you really want a particular breed of dog or cat, be smart and read up on the traits and needs of that breed before you fall in love with it based on looks. It's cruel to put a shy, jumpy breed of cat in a large, noisy family or strand a highly physical, gregarious dog in an empty, cramped apartment all day. Another rule: Unless you're running the Iditarod or herding sheep, you don't need four dogs. We have relatives that own four stinky, ill-mannered, annoying dogs and believe me, four is too many. Even one dog or cat who rules the roost and makes life miserable for its family is one too many, in my book. Domestic animals are eminently trainable and with some time and effort they can be taught to behave in a manner that makes life comfortable for everybody. Speaking of discomfort, imagine my own when I got an email from Pasadena City College teacher Susanne Spandau last month, informing me that a previous column had erroneously linked her up matrimonially with her Parent Ed co-instructor, Doug Edwards. Doug is a licensed family therapist, a former pastor and currently director of development for Westminster Gardens in Duarte - but he's not Susanne's husband! "We would appreciate a correction so as not to totally confuse our PCC students," Susanne wrote. ["Gee teacher, a lot must have happened over the summer, hmm?!"] Thankfully, Susanne and Doug were both good-natured about the error and I'm thankful they've accepted my apology. By the way, Doug and Susanne teach Parent Ed classes specifically for fathers and their kids ages 18 months to pre-Kindergarten. The evening classes begin next week and there's still time to register. Call 626-585-3038 for more info. Next Wednesday, NASA's Genesis mission is returning to earth, bearing samples of the sun in the form of solar wind. In a heavily-rehearsed midair maneuver, a helicopter will attempt to hook the spacecraft's return capsule and bring it gently down to the ground. The hook up, which takes place in the skies over Utah, sounds pretty exciting. Fortunately for budding scientists and their parents, it will be broadcast live on NASA TV and on a NASA Webcast. In third grade, I remember our class voting to name a new school mascot in an exercise designed to mirror the hotly contested 1968 Nixon-Humphrey presidential election. Since I've been old enough to vote, however, I've never experienced an election season as riveting and hard-fought as the one currently in progress. If you feel the need for some non-partisan information and essential facts on the upcoming election - or you know a young or first-time voter who could use some - the Sierra Madre Library is offering free copies of the Voter's Self-Defense Manual. The manual provides easy access to facts such as biographies, issue positions, voting records, campaign finances and interest-group ratings on the candidates. If you want to get a copy, or need more information, call the library at 626-355-7186. Speaking of libraries, I should remind you that September is National Library Card signup month. If you haven't been to one with your kids lately, you should know that today's libraries offer far more than books. At the Arcadia library, for instance, you can learn to knit, get tips on running your business, learn to speak another language, make an armchair journey to a distant land, listen to classical music or cook a feast! With your free library card, not only can you can check out books, magazines, videos, CDs and DVDs, you can also access electronic databases from home. You might like to know that over the summer, the MOMS Club of Pasadena - a support group for stay-at-home mothers - divided into two chapters. The new chapter, MOMS Club of Pasadena-North, will serve the communities of Pasadena that fall north of the 210 freeway, along with Altadena. The original chapter, MOMS Club of Pasadena, will now serve Pasadena communities south of the 210, South Pasadena, San Marino and Alhambra. The reason for the split: The original chapter, founded in 1999, increased its membership by 60% over the last year and simply outgrew its mandate! We list meetings for both clubs in our calendar, but in case you are looking for more information on them, you can contact membership VP Louella Hanna, 626-580-8514, about Pasadena-North or Ana Lacayo, 626-459-5381, for Pasadena-South. It's back-to-school time, which means you need to get your kids vaccinated if you haven't already done so. The Pasadena Public Health Department child health clinic gives free or low-cost immunizations to those who qualify. You can call for information at 626-744-6136 or 626-568-4500. That's all for now! Hope that your transition back into school and all the busyness that comes with it is a smooth one. Stay healthy ... and give your cat a scratch behind the ears for me. 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, Sept. 4, 2004 Saturday Craft: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s not a collage or a puzzle - it’s both! Little artists will love creating their own adorable animal collage puzzles with sequins, spangles, wiggly eyes & more. Ages 3 and up. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Monday, Sept. 6, 2004 Labor Day Bar-B-Q: Descanso Gardens 4-8 p.m. Join a hayride and dance to the swinging sounds of a popular local group. Horse-drawn hayrides, from 4 to 6 p.m. will take families on a nostalgic ride for $3 per person. Bar-B-Q, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Main Lawn, will sell chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs and traditional side dishes. Admission $6 adults; $1.50 children 5 to 12, children 5 and younger free. 1418 Descanso Dr., La Canada Flintridge. Thursday, Sept. 9, 2004 Family Night: Arcadia Public Library 7 p.m. Fun professional performances geared toward the entire family. Seating is limited; no registration necessary. 20 W. Duarte Road, Arcadia. Saturday, Sept. 11, 2004 Miss Bindergarten Vroman's Bookstore 10:30 a.m. Come and celebrate your first day of school with Miss Bindergarten after 10 a.m. regular storytime. Our favorite canine teacher will be on hand for photo ops and we'll do a craft. Polaroids are available for $1.50 or you can bring your own camera. Ages 2-6. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Saturday Craft: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Write and Wipe Message Board. Kids can’t wait to post important messages on their very own message boards! We’ll make our boards with tagboard, Peel & Stick Collage Shapes and more. Ages 3 and up. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Central Chat: Pasadena Central Library 1-2 p.m. Book discussion group for ages 13-18. Love it or hate it, school starts in September. Bring two or three of your favorite books that take place at school and we'll discuss them. Snacks will be served; information: 626-744-4766. Teen Central, 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena. Magic the Gathering: Pasadena Central Library 3-5 p.m. Fun for beginners or experienced players! Enjoy the card game that started the whole collectible card game hobby. Teen Central, 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena. Sunday, Sept. 12, 2004 Author Event Vroman's Bookstore 2 p.m. Jamie Lee Curtis reads and signs,"It’s Hard to Be Five." Little ones will love this book which helps them know they're not alone in their desire to be big enough to do just exactly what they please. No memorabilia will be signed at this event -- books only. Priority given to customers who purchase at Vroman's, so bring your receipts. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2004 Taking Care of Ourselves MOMS Club of Pasadena-North 10 a.m. General meeting features a beauty expert, Tess Standley, owner and creative director of The Artistry Group and Elemental Skin Care. Standley will be talking about ways to take care of yourself while living the hectic lifestyle of a stay-at-home mom. Information: 626-580-8514 or email: membershipnorth@pasadenamomsclub.com. Group has no religious affiliation. Trinity Lutheran Church, 997 E. Walnut St., Pasadena. Writers Workshop Vroman's Bookstore 7 p.m. Young adult author Francesca Lia Block leads a creative writing workshop and signs her books. For teens and adults. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Saturday, Sept. 18, 2004 Step Into the Past Norton Simon Museum 2 p.m. Explore how people lived, worked and played in bygone times in this guided tour for children and families. An activity sheet provides for further exploration in the galleries and at home. Free with museum admission of $6 adults; under 18 free. Information 626-449-6840. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Saturday Craft: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children can really put on a show with people-shaped puppets they design themselves. We’ll provide tons of craft materials to make it happen. Ages 3 and up. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Evaluating Schools: Pasadena Education Network (PEN) 3-5 p.m. Mikala L. Rahn PhD., President of Public Works, Inc., speaks about how to evaluate test scores of public schools. What do the numbers really mean in terms of educational excellence? Learn how to evaluate public schools, what test scores really mean and much more. Dr. Rahn has extensive experience in school reform, curriculum and assessment, teacher retention, after-school programs, school-to-work transition and parent involvement. Her company has worked with both PUSD and LAUSD schools. Adults only; learn more about PEN and meet other parents interested in public education in Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre. Contact PEN via email: pasadenaednetwork@earthlink.net or toll-free: 866-216-7334. Pasadena Central Library, auditorium, 285 E. Walnut St., 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. 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. Storytimes: Arcadia Public Library Baby Tales uses books, rhymes and hand, foot and finger activities to introduce reading to babies four to 18 months. Class meets for 20 minutes on Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. from Sept. 16 to Oct. 21. Time for Twos and Threes meets Tuesdays 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. beginning Sept. 14. Preschool storytimes for ages 4 through 6 meets Wednesdays, 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sept. 15 to Oct. 20. Registration for all library storytimes begins Saturday, Sept. 11. Arcadia residents 10 a.m. to noon; all others noon forward. 20 W. Duarte Road, Arcadia. Pamper Yourself: La Pintoresca Branch Lbrary Special event held Sept. 7 at 3:30 p.m. is for young ladies who want their fingernails painted with something fun for the first day of school. Ages 8 to 12. Seating limited, reservations and parental permission required: 626-744-7268. 1355 N. Raymond 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. Night Walk: Descanso Gardens Nocturnal animals, birds and flowers bathed in moonlight are just a few of the sights that await those who join docent Jim Jackson on a night walk Friday, Sept. 17, 7:15 to 9 p.m. Ages 12 and up. Wear walking shoes and bring a jacket and flashlight. $13. Space limited, register by Sept. 15: 818-949-7980. 1418 Descanso Dr., La Canada Flintridge. 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. Family Nature Walk: Children's Nature Institute Nature walk specifically designed for families with young children will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 16. Event led by family team Debbie Hill and Dorthea. Registration mandatory; limited spaces fill up fast: 310-998-1151. Eaton Canyon, 1750 N. Altadena Dr., Pasadena. Latino Folktales: Alhambra Public Library In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, event on Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. will feature traditionl Latino folktales presented by the multi-ethnic story-acting troupe "We Tell Stories." Stories will be presented in both English and Spanish. Signups start Monday, Sept. 6 at the children's room or by phone: 626-570-3215. 410 W. Main St., Alhambra. 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. Toddler StoryTime: Alhambra Public Library Storytime for children ages 12 to 24 months begins on Sept. 17 and runs through Dec. 17. Program held Friday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Spaces limited; register at the children's reference desk or call 626-570-3215. 410 W. Main St., Alhambra. 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. 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 . Hurst Ranch: Living history ranch is open to the public on the second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Information: 626-813-0116. 1227 S. Orange Ave., West Covina. 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. West Covina Library: Homework help is offered on a walk-in basis, free of charge, Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Helpers assist youngsters in grades 1 through 8 with homework questions, homework strategies and study skills. Help is available in all subjects, including math. Tutoring is available on Saturdays by appointments. Storytimes are held Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. for the whole family and on Fridays at 10 a.m. for preschoolers. 1601 West Covina Parkway, West Covina. 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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