January 21, 2005

Number 57

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Calendar, Advice & Tips for Busy Families in the San Gabriel Valley

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By Karen E. Klein
I'm starting to think my younger son may grow up to be a sociologist. I say this because he's taken to analyzing the social scene at his junior high school. Who's popular, who's not, and why? These are topics that seem to fascinate him.

I had lots of good friends and was on the drill team in high school, but being part of the popular crowd (we called them "socials") was never one of my goals as a kid. Andy says he feels the same way. "There are only about 30 kids in the whole school who are really popular, and they're not much fun to hang out with," he reports. Why? "They are cool, and they have the best hair and clothes, and they joke around in class and they're on ASB, but if you're friends with them, you never know if they're going to betray you," he says.

Sounds about right. The popular kids consistently have good hair days but if they're more concerned about popularity than friendship, it's not surprising that they're backstabbers. Where does Andy fit in? "I'm in the top middle," he says, explaining that most of the students rank around the middle on the social ladder. Because he's on the basketball team and has pretty cool hair, he figures he's closer to the top rung than to the bottom.

But what of that bottom group? It seems that groups of teens almost inevitably relegate certain kids to social pariah status. It's those unpopular kids who interest me, from a parenting standpoint. "What is it about some kids that makes them unpopular?" I asked, wondering if he could figure out why some kids are rejected by the preteen crowd.

Andy thought hard, then began telling me about the kid who is considered the "campus nerd." I'll call him Johnny. Andy and his friends don't make fun of Johnny, but there are mean kids who laugh at him, Andy says. Whether or not they are overtly cruel to Johnny, it seems that his low social standing is easily recognized by everybody on campus. (Everybody who pays attention, that is. I find that at this age a lot of kids - especially boys - are still clueless socially.)

From his description of Johnny, I was expecting The Nutty Professor, Jr. when I chaperoned a junior high field trip last month. Instead, I saw a nice-looking kid who seemed intelligent and friendly. He wasn't dirty or weird and he didn't seem lacking in basic social skills. "That's Johnny!?" I whispered to Andy. "What's so bad about him?" "MOM!" My son rolled his eyes: "He tucks in his shirts and wears that dumb vest and those short shorts!"

Amazing. Could it be that something as minor as a neatly tucked shirttail spells the difference between acceptable and beyond the pale? While most parents don't really care if their kids win popularity contests at school (at least I don't) I had to wonder: Is fashion all-important when it comes to kids being accepted by their peers?

I thought about it, then remembered the scorn my fellow high schoolers felt for students who wore straight-legged jeans when bell-bottoms were in. And then there was Joy, a girl whose mother sewed all her clothes - down to the homemade underwear and bras. While no one made fun of her - this was high school - with the rest of us garbed in polyester-striped tops and Levis, poor Joy and her plain cotton jumpers and white blouses never really fit in.

Maybe the crux of the matter is just that - fitting in. In a word: conformity. As adults, we celebrate individuality, but for teens it's all-important to blend in with the crowd. The Johnny's of the world - kids who are more comfortable with their shirts tucked in, who don't care if their shorts are "too short" - are destined to be singled out just because they look or act different.

Personally, I'm not a big fan of conformity. I certainly wouldn't want my kids to do everything that other kids are doing - including destructive or cruel behavior - just to be popular. And I think that often, the most creative adults are those who didn't fit in back in high school and junior high.

But on the other hand, real lifelong scars result when kids are truly on the outs with their peer group. And all parents want their children to have friends and feel like they belong. So, what do you do? Here's a no-brainer: Don't dress your kid funny. I laugh when I go to buy pants for my boys, remembering that when I was growing up, Bermuda shorts were the absolute height of uncool - fit only for grandpas, who inevitably wore them with shiny white shoes. Oh - the horror!

Nowadays, my kids freak out when they watch old Lakers games and see that the players' uniform shorts were only a little longer than briefs. When we were Christmas shopping, my husband kept picking out shorts in the boys' actual sizes and I kept rejecting pair after pair. Not until he found shorts big enough to droop at least to their knees did I agree to buy them. At their school, exposed kneecaps means exposing them to ridicule. Oh, the horror!

Similarly, I have allowed them to jettison (read: donate to charity) items of clothing they've received from well-meaning relatives as birthday and Christmas gifts. If a shirt with a goofy logo or picture on it is going to make them the laughing stocks of their classes, they don't have to wear it. Other items of boy clothing that are "uncool," according to Andy, are ankle socks (socks should end just at the shoe line) and briefs (AKA "tighty-whiteys"). But how do the other kids know whether a boy is wearing boxers or briefs? I asked. A) The locker room and B) when you get "pantsed" in the hallways. Ah, yes.

I've read that often the kids who have the most difficulty socializing are those who are truly different. Mild autism, for example, isn't always diagnosed but can cause kids to commit social blunders, like "close-talking," that they don't even realize. Other kids - insecure kids whose own ego-building scheme involves putting someone else down - pick up on small social mistakes immediately, however, and ostracize the kids who commit them. Thankfully, schools are instituting awareness training on topics like bullying and acceptance of those who are different. I think parents need to stress these values at home as well.

What else can you do to ensure that your child finds a happy medium, socially? Be aware and involved in their lives. Know what's going on with them socially and who their friends are. Be savvy, hang around school as often as possible (gives you a feel for the social milieu there) and ask questions. (Sometimes I ask too many questions and my kids get impatient with me. That's okay.)

I think the other thing that's important is to make sure that your kids find something to do that they love, something that becomes a passion for them - hopefully something that involves physical activity and getting outdoors. Whether it's the marching band or running track or organized team sports, don't make your kids into your image but help them figure out what they love and then facilitate that. When they find their niche, they will fit in and it won't matter any longer how popular or unpopular they are with the "in-crowd." They'll have friends with common interests and common goals - the best kinds of friends to have.

A public service announcement: Huntington Hospital in Pasadena is experiencing a severe blood shortage, particularly for Type O-negative blood. Seems there was a 25% drop in donations recently and the trauma center is in trouble. If you are healthy, 17 to 75 years of age and weigh at least 110 pounds, please call the donor center and help out: 626-397-5422.

A recipe: Here's an easy chili from our friend Dorothy Reinhold, who says her two kids - ages 7 and 2 - gobble it up served over curly pasta. Brown 1 lb. ground beef with 1 chopped onion, 1 T. ground cumin and 1 T. chili powder (go easy on this if your kids are sensitive to spicy food). When beef is thoroughly cooked, add 1 8-oz can tomato sauce, 1 15-oz can diced tomatoes in juice, 1 15-oz can of kidney or pinto beans and ½ t. salt. Simmer uncovered on low heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally.

A recommendation: When you're due for your next mammogram (can we say, "ouch!"?) get it done at the Hill Breast Center in Pasadena (it's in the Cotton Medical Building off of Fair Oaks). I was there recently and have to commend the staff for making a less-than-pleasant procedure a positive experience. What a difference it makes when you get an enthusiastic, personal greeting at the reception desk (I can't remember the last time a medical receptionist actually smiled and made a joke or friendly comment to every person who came in) and a patient and encouraging explanation during the mammogram itself. I also appreciated the discreet dressing area and interior waiting rooms where patients could pull the curtains shut, instead of having to hang out in a hallway with lots of staff bustling by. The whole experience was a reminder that every interaction we have during our day can make a big difference in someone else's day. And it's not much harder to be positive and caring than it is to be brusque and dour.

Of course, our Orange Cat has always got on a smiley face and we do care - about you! Enjoy all the fun events in our calendar this time and let us know if we're missing something wonderful for next time. See you next month! 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. Also, see special printable [coupons] exclusively for readers of The Orange Cat.

Saturday, Jan. 22, 2005

Saturday Craft: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Make a colorful Hawaiian lei for some tropical fun. Ages 3 and up. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Pancake Breakfast: Monrovia High School Booster Club 8 to 10:30 a.m. Fundraiser sponsored by Big M Booster Club will support scholar-athletes of Monrovia High School. $4. Monrovia High School, cafeteria, Monrovia.

Boardgames: Pasadena Central Library 3 p.m. Various board games are offered for team or individual play. Teen Central, 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena.

Family Arts Festival: The Armory Center for the Arts 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Third annual festival features art workshops such as printmaking, mixed-media sculptures, felt landscapes and chalk drawing. There will also be performances by Folklorico Nahuatzen (noon), Repercussion (1 p.m.), Robert Hilton with Charles Carter and Paul Morehouse (2 p.m.) and Lineage Dance (3 p.m.). Exhibitions and tours will be open to the public along with interactive art experiences within the Armory galleries. Information: 626-792-5101 x122. 145 North Raymond Ave., Pasadena.

Sunday, Jan. 23, 2005

Hike to the Falls: Eaton Canyon Nature Center 9 a.m. to noon. Hike 3.5 miles to the waterfall at a moderate pace; boulder-hopping and stream-crossing required. Bring hiking boots or sturdy shoes, sunscreen, water and a hat. Information: 626-398-5420. 1750 N. Altadena Dr., Pasadena.

Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2005

Show Your Stuff: Santa Catalina Branch Library 3:30 p.m. Come in and show off! Are you a teen who sings or dances? Are you a writer, an artist or an athlete? We want you to share what you love to do. Learn something you never knew about your friends! Light refreshments will be served. 999 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena.

Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2005

Board Game Mania: Allendale Branch Library 3 p.m. Come to the library for a fun-filled afternoon of board game fun. We will play all kinds of games like Monopoly, Checkers, Chess, Cranium, Risk, Scrabble and more. 1130 S. Marengo Ave., Pasadena.

Saturday, Jan. 29, 2005

Lazer Vaudeville: Caltech 2-4 p.m. Brilliant laser beams cast a spell of visual wonder, spotlighting juggling, acrobatics, magic tricks and black light rope spinning. Featuring Alfonso, the colorful dragon emcee, this performance is for adults and children 6 and up. Adults $12, youth $7. Information and tickets: 626-395-4652. Beckman Auditorium, 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena.

Saturday Craft: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids can create unique personalized nameplates out of modeling clay, beads and more. Perfect to hang on bedroom doors, closets or anywhere that’s all their own. Ages 3 and up. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2005

From the Heart: Norton Simon Museum 4 p.m. A cave boy, a puppy - and even two figures in a painting! - find affection among their friends and family in this story hour conducted alongside a Dutch family portrait by Nicolaes Maes. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Friday, Feb. 4, 2005

Wild Weather: Caltech 10 a.m. High-definition film takes a ride with the rains from the wettest place in Europe (the Norwegian town of Bergen where it rains 265 days a year) to the driest place in the U.S. Post-screening discussion will be led by Tomtor Varutbangkul, of Caltech's Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. Event designed for school groups, grades 3-12. $5. Information: 626-395-6059. Beckman Auditorium, 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena.

Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005

Musical Circus: Pasadena Symphony 8:30 to 10 a.m. Jazz pianist Derrick Finch and bassist Ryan Cross perform for and introduce children to the world of music. Concert is preceeded by musical "petting zoo," where kids can hold and "play" orchestral instruments. Information: 626-793-7172. Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena.

Saturday Craft: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Let the sun shine in with charming window ornaments that children make themselves. Ages 3 and up. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Register Early

Barks and Books: Pasadena Humane Society Be a special reading buddy to a real live dog! Elementary school-aged children can read a book about dogs to a gentle dog. This program is held several times a month; check website for times and reservations. Various Pasdena branch libraries.

Junior Master Gardeners: The Huntington Library. Who lives in a garden? Birds, butterflies, worms, insects and, of course, plants. Jan. 29 workshop for young gardeners (ages 8 - 11) will teach ways to make the garden a better home for all its inhabitants, starting with a homemade birdhouse. 9 a.m. to noon. $35. Registration mandatory: 626-405-3586 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino.

Make a Family Calendar: La Pintoresca Branch Library Make a family calendar using the computer. Bring six of your favorite pictures and the library will provide the supplies on Tuesday, Jan. 25 at 3:30 p.m. All ages are welcome. Reservations required: 626-744-7268. 1355 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena.

Open Houses: Cottage Co-op Nursery School Information nights for prospective parents will be held Jan. 25, Feb. 8 and March 2 at 6:30 p.m for fall enrollment. Cottage Co-op is a parent-owned nursery school that follows the "whole child" approach to learning and development, emphasizing learning through play for children ages 2 (potty training not required) to 5. Reservations: 626-799-0387 or online. 169 West Arlington Dr., Pasadena.

Toddler Program: Art & Nature The Huntington Library With paintbrush and magnifying glass in hand, youngsters 3 to 5 will explore The Huntington in search of art and nature in the gardens and galleries, and through stories, crafts, and songs. Program will be held Thursdays from Feb. 3 to 24, 10:30 a.m. to noon. $65 registration includes one parent or guardian. (Please, no younger siblings.) Registration: 626-405-2128. 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino.

Continuing Activities

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.

Monrovia Public Library "Time for Twos" is an introductory storytime for toddlers and their parents held Tuesdays and Fridays, 10:45 to 11:15 a.m. Activities include stories, songs, flannel tales and a small creative project. "Munchkin Storytime" is offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. for children 3-5. The half-hour program includes stories, songs, flannel tales and incentive stickers. 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 .

Jungle Gym Rock Climbing: Toddler and children's climbing classes, homeschool groups, competitive climbing and winter adventure camp offered at gym designed for kids 14 months to 14 years. Birthday parties and family nights also available. Information: 626-446-5014. 305 N. Santa Anita Blvd., Arcadia.

Adventuring Preschool Playgroup: We are moms of preschoolers in the San Gabriel Valley, exploring different free museums, parks and taking field trips together. We meet Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call Michelle for information: 626-335-3042 or email: butlig@integrity.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. Grandparents Read-Aloud: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3 to 5 p.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.

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.

Arcadia Public Library: Grandparents and Kids reading hour is held Mondays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., from Oct. 4 through Dec. 20. This is a drop-in program, no registration required, for children of all ages to hear stories read by experienced, caring seniors. 20 W. Duarte Rd., Arcadia.

Sierra Madre Public Library: Items and artifacts commemorating J.R.R. Tolkien’s famous trilogy, "The Lord of the Rings," are displayed at the library during January. The occasion is the 50th anniversary of the publication of the books. The pieces are from the collection of Sierra Madrean Katrelya Angus, who designed the display. Library hours: Monday through Wednesday, noon to 9 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 440 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre.

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.

Kidspace Children's Museum: Where else can kids dig, learn about fossils and the evolution of earthquakes, ride trikes and climb 40 feet into the air? Museum exhibits highlight the arts, sciences and humanities in a manner that promotes exploration, investigation and expression. Open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day. Admission: $8 for adults and children; under 1 free. 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Hastings Branch Library "Where in the World Am I?" Children’s series on Thursdays in January at 4 p.m. Join us as we travel the world to discover folktale stories, crafts and family life in cultures around the world. Visit India, Brazil, Russia and China and learn about faraway lands. 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena.

La Canada Farmer's Market: Held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Beulan Street at Foothill Boulevard., La Canada.

Lamanda Park Branch Library Animé movie screenings will be held Mondays in January at 6 p.m. Come watch the latest animé movies in our new teen center. Popcorn will be served during intermission in the meeting room. 140 S. Altadena Dr., Pasadena.

Kids Island Parenting classes, infant play area, arts and crafts, music and dance studios, open play times and children's parties are offered at this indoor center for children six months to six years. Call for information/admission prices: 626-447-8003. 1313 S. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia.

Follow The Rainbow: 3,000-square-foot indoor playground has things to climb on, bounce on, dig in and play with. A safe, fun environment for young children with quieter room for reading or board and card games provided for older children. Parents can play with their kids, stand back and guide them or sit and relax in view of all the action. Open 7 days, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily admission: $7, monthly $30, annual pass $105. Birthday parties start at $300. 626-794-0925. 2525 N. Lake Ave., Altadena.

Alhambra Farmer's Market: Certified Farmers' Market is held 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Sunday. Monterey Street, Alhambra.

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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