August 5, 2005

Number 71

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

The Back Fence

Upcoming Events

Our Sponsors

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By Karen E. Klein
A study done not long ago on motherhood and well-being drew some surprised reactions from the experts. The controversy arose when young women filling out a survey were asked to rank their favorite and least favorite everyday activities. "Taking care of children" wound up way down on the list - somewhere near "doing housework" - while "watching television" ranked up near the top.

I can't imagine why anyone was shocked at this result. Have the experts actually spent 12 or 14 (or more) hours a day, seven days a week, taking care of children? Similar to housework, there's a whole lot of drudgery involved. (Notice that the survey didn't ask about reading to children, or playing with children, or cuddling children. Any mother worth her salt would rank those activities high on the list.) It asked about taking care of children, which in my book means shopping for them, cooking for them, cleaning up after them, dressing them, nursing them through illnesses, bathing them, persuading them to do what you need them to, cleaning their clothes, breaking up their fights and keeping them safely occupied while they are awake.

Mary Poppins made it look easy, and I've no doubt that super-Moms exist who thoroughly enjoy their child-caring routines. They probably make games out of their chores and get their kids to pitch in and have fun, too. For the rest of us mortals, however, every day mothering involves an exhausting number of dull, repetitive tasks, emotional angst and not a lot of personal reward. In contrast, catching a favorite TV show after the kids are asleep and the last load of laundry has been folded seems like heaven.

Any time I am beaten down by the everyday cycle of child-rearing, or depressed about the sameness of normal life, however, I think about Kathy, my best friend from third grade. The main thing Kathy and I had in common was that we both loved babies. We played with dolls and with the real baby who lived across the street from Kathy's house. For about a year, we were inseparable. Then I hit fourth grade and grew out of my baby fixation, moving on to other interests and other friends. But Kathy never did. She wanted nothing more out of life than to be a happy wife and mother.

Over the years, Kathy and I stayed in touch. She got married fairly young to a man quite a bit older than she and they quickly had children. I saw her at a mutual friend's wedding in the late 1980s and was pleased to see her glowing - a baby in her arms and two preschoolers happily running around nearby. She wanted one more, she told me, and then she and her husband would feel that their family was complete.

The next time I heard about Kathy was the news that she'd been diagnosed with cancer. Her Christmas card that year featured a photo of her entire family, all of them grinning and wearing goofy hats. She'd lost her hair after chemotherapy treatment and her husband and kids had decided they would support her with head-coverings of their own.

Although Kathy's prognosis initially was good, and she went into a brief remission, she died in 1991, within 18 months of that initial diagnosis. Her funeral was heartbreaking: Her parents had lost their son, Kathy's younger brother, in an accident about two years earlier and Kathy's premature death seemed so terribly unfair. I sat in the back of the church with my newborn and my toddler (I couldn't get a babysitter in the middle of the day) and listened in tears as her sisters and friends took turns talking about what a sweet, loving woman Kathy had been.

The eulogy that has stayed with me, however, came from one of her doctors, a young cancer specialist who had clearly bonded with Kathy during her treatment. He talked about how brave and patient she had been and how confidently and even cheerfully she'd fought for her life. But one day, he said, when he came into Kathy's hospital room to check on her, he found her crying quietly. "Are you in pain?" he'd asked. "Tell me what's wrong."

"I just want everything to be normal again," Kathy told him, gesturing helplessly at her hospital bed and the machines hooked up to her body. "I just want my old life back."

Man, did that hit home! My normal life at that point consisted of a whole lot of drudgery and very little sleep. It wasn't exactly thrilling. But how precious it seemed when I got home that night: healthy children, financial security (not riches, but security), a loving husband and good friends, a wonderful community filled with helpful resources and a safe neighborhood to live in. How could I ever complain again?

Kathy's long gone now. Not long after her death, her husband married a woman around his own age who'd never had children of her own, but adored his and was thrilled about being a step-mom. I've lost other friends since 1991, but none of them come to mind as often as Kathy does. I wonder, sometimes, whether she'd be surprised to know what a big impact she's had on my life. I hope, somehow, that it would have make her glad.

By the way, that motherhood and well-being survey reached some interesting conclusions. There were only two things that significantly lowered contentedness for women from all walks of life: Not getting enough sleep and being under a lot of pressure at work. And unless they were battling poverty, women's happiness didn't have anything to do with their income levels.

My happiness is often marred by nasty biting insects that invade my life during the summer: fleas and mosquitos. Our cats recently suffered flea infestations before I could get the Revolution on them again. And then I slept with the windows open and spent an entire sleepless night getting repeatedly bitten by a hungry 'skeeter. Bites don't just annoy me, they drive me insane. I must be allergic or something, because once I'm bitten the bites swell up and cause me grief for weeks. I used to use something called After-Bite lotion that greatly reduced the itching if you rolled it on within a few hours of the insect's visit. However, I haven't been able to find that lotion for several years.

I remembered, sometime during that sleepless night, that After-Bite lotion smelled a lot like ammonia. And I also remembered that I had some cleaning ammonia in my broom closet. About 2:30 in the morning, in desperation, I diluted a little ammonia - about a tablespoon - in a glass of tap water and dabbed it onto the red, itchy welts that had sprung up all over my back. Sure enough, by the next morning, the welts were gone and the bites were neutralized! What's more, they never itched or bothered me again.

Never rub straight ammonia on your skin, or leave it out where your kids could accidentally get into it - it's a harsh chemical. And I wouldn't suggest you use my home remedy on children's sensitive skin. But I'll tell you, if you suffer with bites like I do - try a little diluted ammonia and see if it works for you. Maybe we can patent a cure.

Are you interested in introducing your kids to foreign culture, but can't imagine traveling with them? A 55-year-old group called AFS (formerly American Field Service) has asked me to pass along a request for exchange student host families in the San Gabriel Valley. My sister-in-law and brother-in-law hosted girls from Italy, Norway, Japan and other faraway places while their own children were in elementary school and their kids wound up with great friendships all over the world. More than 11,000 families host exchange students every year nationally and there are always more who want to come here to learn. Any kind of family - married, single, parents or non-parents - can qualify to host one of these students. For information, call Brett Walker, 800-876-2377 x1574.

Another public service announcement: Volunteers are needed to work with visitors to the new Rose Hills Foundation Conservatory for Botanical Science, which opens Oct. 7 at the Huntington Library in San Marino. The conservatory will be a hands-on science center for children and their families. The volunteers will orient visitors, facilitate activities and organize the learning materials. Some volunteers may work in the nursery, propagating rare plant specimens for exhibits. If you're interested in becoming a volunteer, you don't have to have any previous experience but you should count on a two-hour minimum time commitment per week. An orientation for new volunteers will take place Saturday, Aug. 13 at 9 a.m. Additional training sessions will be held Aug. 27, Sept. 10, Sept. 24 and Oct. 1. To sign up for the orientation meeting and get a volunteer application form, call Mikki Heydorff, 626-405-2126.

Well, I am the last one who should be talking about routine right now, as I'm getting ready to take off for a week in Oahu. Of course, preparing the family, packing for the kids, wrapping up work and settling the house before we go has a stress factor all its own. Boy, am I ready for vacation! I hope that you get some time away from the daily grind soon and that you appreciate your "normal" life as well. You can write me at Karen@theorangecat.org but please be patient if I don't reply immediately. I'll be in touch as soon as I get back to the office. Aloha!

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 our special printable calendar, especially for readers of The Orange Cat.

Saturday, Aug. 6, 2005

Fanciful Fan: Lakeshore Learning Store 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children work on a feathered fan that's a breeze to make! 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Ricky Raccoon: Pasadena Central Library 10 a.m. Ricky Raccoon has just cleaned the park for the festival when Rat Man dumps litter everywhere and carries Bandit, Ricky's little brother, off to his lair. Ricky must use his Recycling Ray to save Bandit and clean the park. In the Donald R. Wright Auditorium. Also at branch libraries; go to Web site for details. 285 East Walnut Street.

Monday, Aug. 8, 2005

Human Board Game: Pasadena Central Library 7 p.m. Humans are the playing pieces for various board games. For teens. 285 East Walnut Street.

Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2005

Support Group: MOMS Club of Pasadena-North 10 a.m. General meeting features Officer Vince Bell of the California Highway Patrol, who will speak on the proper installation and use of child car seats and booster seats. Information: 626-580-8514 or email: membershipnorth@pasadenamomsclub.com. Group has no religious affiliation. Trinity Lutheran Church, 997 E. Walnut St., Pasadena..

Visit With Police: Mrs. Nelson's Toy and Book Shop 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Children can visit with the La Verne policemen and take a police car tour. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Live Chess: Pasadena Central Library 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. You and your friends play the parts of king, queen, rook, knight, bishop and pawn. Come prepared to dress the part. For teens. 285 East Walnut Street.

Racing Stripes: West Covina Civic Center 7:45 p.m. Movies in the Park presents the children's movie, Racing Stripes. Presented by the West Covina Community Services Department. 1444 W. Garvey Ave., West Covina.

Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2005

Harry Potter Show: Alhambra Public Library 4 p.m. Tony Daniels will perform comedy and show children that when you pick up a book and use your imagination, you can go anywhere, do anything, be anything. Daniels is a member and performer with "The Magic Castle." Call for reservations: (626) 570-3215. 410 W. Main St., Alhambra.

Slouch In The Couch: Levitt Pavilion 7 p.m. Inspired by the popular children's book series, the Slouch in the Couch, with the delightful Children's Corner Band - headed by "Slouch" author Stephen Hemenway - presents an evening of rock and roll with a kid's twist. Memorial Park, Walnut and Raymond, Pasadena.

Thursday, Aug. 11, 2005

Reading Club Awards Picnic: Monrovia Public Library 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Twentieth annual picnic honors more than 2,000 readers who read over 30,000 books in the library’s 2005 Summer Reading Club. Entertainment will be provided by singer Dave Kinnoin. Bring blankets, chairs and picnic dinner or buy pizza, drinks and salad on site. Library Park band shell, 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia.

Monopoly Tournament: Pasadena Central Library 10:30 a.m. Boardwalk and Park Place await. Juice and donuts at 10:30; counting money at 10:50; game starts at 11 sharp. Two 90 minute rounds; a pizza lunch will be served between rounds. Registration required: (626) 744-4766. 285 East Walnut Street.

Saturday, Aug. 13, 2005

Illusions by Allen: Arcadia Public Library 1 p.m. Super magician Allen Oshiro performs feats of dazzling illusions. Two showtimes offered. 20 W. Duarte Rd., Arcadia.

Self-Portrait: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children make self-portraits as special keepsakes. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Refrigerator Art: Mrs. Nelson's Toy and Book Shop 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Is your refrigerator bare? Create your own refrigerator art. Supply fee: $3. RSVP requested. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Anime Review: Pasadena Central Library 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Japanese anime. This film is Area 88, about a young Japanese pilot who has gotten dragged into a war in the Middle East. 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena.

Urban Wildlife: Eaton Canyon Nature Center 7-9 p.m. Learn more about indigenous wildlife and meet some of the animals who live in our San Gabriel Mountains in this educational program. No hiking. Fun hands-on and craft activities provided. $3 per person, children 2 and under free. 1750 N. Altadena Dr., Pasadena.

Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2005

Pool Party: Mrs. Nelson's Toy and Book Shop 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Enjoy pool fun with snacks, drinks, and of course, the pool. Don't forget your sunscreen and towel! 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

The Cat in the Hat: West Covina Civic Center 7:45 p.m. Movies in the Park presents the children's movie, Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat. Presented by the West Covina Community Services Department. 1444 W. Garvey Ave., West Covina.

Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2005

Create a Quilt Top: Mrs. Nelson's Toy and Book Shop 10 a.m. $45 for this two hour class includes fabric, supplies and the use of sewing machines. Child must be at least 9 with basic sewing experience. Classes at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. August 17, August 18. For further information, please e-mail xtinequilter@hotmail.com. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne..

Rock Hunt: Mrs. Nelson's Toy and Book Shop 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Search around the store and in the near vicinity to find rocks and learn important rock information. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Beethoven's Wig: Levitt Pavilion 7 p.m. Turn your kids on to classical music. Beethoven's Wig brings the timeless grandeur of Beethoven, Mozart and all the rest to life in a fun and humorous way. Creator Richard Perlmutter's blend of timeless music with zany lyrics won him a Grammy nomination. Memorial Park, Walnut and Raymond, Pasadena.

Family Craft Night: Glendora Public Library 7 p.m. Bring your family to the library for a special craft project following Family PJ Storytime. Parents must accompany and participate with their children. Children's Room, 140 S. Glendora Ave., Glendora.

Saturday, Aug. 20, 2005

Desk Caddy: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Keep kids' desks neat and organized with desk caddies made from all kinds of collage materials! 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Register Early

Evening Nature Walk: Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden Cool summer evenings under moonlight are great times to explore the garden’s night life: Bats, owls, frogs, and even an occasional coyote are a few of the animals that can be heard or seen. Walk will be held Wednesday, Aug. 17, from 7-9 p.m. Bring the family, a flashlight and a sense of adventure. $5 per person; children must be accompanied by adult. Space limited, register with Rachel Kau-Taylor, 909-625-8767 x224 or email Rachel.Kau-Taylor@cgu.edu. 1500 N. College Ave., Claremont.

Classical Music Appreciation: Pasadena Conservatory of Music: Musicologist and pianist Priscilla Pawlicki teaches the fundamentals of classical music listening and explains how to enhance your concert-going experience. Class held Aug. 10 at 1 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. Reservations mandatory: 626-683-3355. 100 North Hill Ave., Pasadena.

Wet and Wild Pond Studies: Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden The garden ponds are magnets for kids curious about the strange creatures who live in this watery world. On Saturday, Aug. 13, 3-7 p.m., kids can learn methods for safely analyzing water samples to search and study micro-aquatic life. There will be several stations, each emphasizing critters from different areas, from bottom dwellers to surface feeders. $5 per person, children must be accompanied by adult. Bring a picnic dinner. Space limited, register with Rachel Kau-Taylor, 909-625-8767 x224 or email Rachel.Kau-Taylor@cgu.edu. 1500 N. College Ave., Claremont.

Family Evening: The Huntington Library Join us for some cool activities on a hot summer night, Saturday, Aug. 27 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Take a guided nature walk in the gardens before dusk, visit with some nocturnal bats, and then venture out under the night sky for some summer star-gazing with the Sidewalk Astronomers. Ages 3 and up. $18 adults, $15 children. Registration: 626-405-2128. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino.

Family Nature Walk: The Children's Nature Institute Nature walk especially designed for parents and young children will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 28, led by Alison Morgan. Registration mandatory: 310-860-9484 or email naturewalks@childrensnatureinstitute.org. Millard Canyon, Altadena.

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.

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.

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. .

Arcadia Public Library Storytimes will be drop-in programs for the summer, with no registration necessary. Bouncing Baby Tales is for ages 4 months to 1 year and is held Tuesdays June 28-Aug. 8 at 10:15 a.m. Terrific Toddler Tales is for ages 1-3 years and held Tuesdays, June 28-Aug. 9 at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays, June 29-Aug. 10 at 10:15 a.m. Super Hero Preschool Storytime is for ages 3-5 and is held Wednesdays, June 29-Aug. 10 at 6:30 p.m. 20 W. Duarte Rd., 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 .

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 membership@momsclubcovina.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 Story times for kids 3-5 are held Tuesdays and Wednesday, 10:30-11 a.m.; infants and toddlers Thursdays 10:30-10:45 a.m. 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 is offered Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.; Pajama and Preschool storytimes for ages 3-5, Wednesdays 7 p.m. and Thursdays 10:30 a.m.; Toddler storytime for ages 1-2, Fridays 10:30 a.m.; ages 2-3, Fridays 11 a.m. 1100 Oxley St., South Pasadena.

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.

Alhambra Public Library Preschool story time for ages 3 to 5 is held Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. from June 22-Aug. 10. Features stories, finger plays, songs and puppets. Toddler story time, Fridays at 10:30 a.m. from June 24-Aug. 12. Pajama story time for ages 3 to 10, Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Features stories, finger plays, songs, films and crafts. 410 W. Main St., Alhambra.

Terrific Twosomes Mothers of Multiples: San Gabriel Valley-based, non-profit support organization exists as a forum for parents of twins, triplets, quadruplets and higher multipes to come together to exchange everything from advice to outgrown baby clothing! We meet on the second Tuesday evening of each month; see website for details on meeting place and time. .

Healthy Eating Lifestyle Program: Ongoing, five-session nutritional and exercise workshop is designed to help families with kids who are at risk for being overweight. Classes include smart shopping tips, family meal planning advice, creating simple recipes, games, parties and activities for kids aged 5 to 12 and their entire families. Sessions held on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon, and Monday and Tuesday nights from 6 to 8 p.m. Families must register and complete medical screening in order to attend. Contact health educator Kam Miller at 626-397-3660 or via email: healthy.eating@huntingtonhospital.com Huntington Hospital, 100 W. California Blvd., Pasadena.

Orangewood Park: Free lunches served noon to 1 p.m. through Sept. 2. For children under 18 years old; first come, first served until food runs run out. 1615 W. Merced Ave., West Covina.

The Bunny Museum: See the world's largest collection of bunnies and bunny artifacts, with more than 20,000 items on display. Private home is open for tours by appointment every day of the year. No appointment needed on most holidays. Call for schedule: 626-798-8848. 1933 Jefferson Dr., Pasadena.

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. .

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. Call for information and location: 626-294-3211. .

Sierra Madre Moms Club Support group for mothers and their kids meets every fourth Wednesday from noon to 1:30 p.m., all welcome. The group also sponsors play groups and park dates. Serves residents of Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Arcadia, Temple City and Duarte. Information: email Paulimorin@earthlink.net Sierra Madre Community Center, 611 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre.

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 .

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.

Stroller Strides: Summer exercise classes for parents and their babies are being held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Brookside, Lacy and Finkbiner parks. First class free, subsequent classes cost $3.75 to $10 each. Check website for schedule or call 888-250-1761or email susanlile@strollerstrides.net for more information. Pasadena, San Marino and Glendora..

Youth Science Center: Summer science camp is held weekly through August 12. Science, math and computer classes for grades K-8. Click for schedule and class fees or phone 626-854-9825. Los Altos Elementary School, 15565 Los Altos Drive in Hacienda Heights..

Norton Simon Museum: On select Thursdays throughout the summer, the museum will present "Stamp Your Passport," a program for children 5 and up and their families. Participants join museum educators between 1 and 2 p.m. for lively discussions in the galleries followed by fun hands-on activities. Sessions will be held July 7, 14, 21, Aug. 4, 11 and 18. Free with museum admission of $8 adults; under 18 free. Information: 626-449-6840. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., 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 eight 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.

Pasadena City College: Registration continues year-round for Parent Education courses, which feature parent-child interaction, playtime, crafts, songs and parenting advice and information from seasoned instructors. Classes available for infants through per-Kindergarten and their parents or caregivers. Some multiple-child classes and special Dad's evening courses available. Information: 626-585-3038. Classes held at various San Gabriel Valley locations.

West Covina Library Summer reading club runs June 27-Aug. 9. Special programs for kids and families held Wednesday evenings. Information: 626-962-3541; see web site for specific times and dates. 1601 West Covina Pkwy., West Covina.

Amy's Playground Indoor playground features 3,000-square-foot play area with maze, bouncer, infant area and free weekly crafts. Must wear socks to enter. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; call for weekend availability. Adults free; kids two and older $8; siblings and kids under 2, $6. 1115 Mission St., South Pasadena.

South Pasadena Public Library Super Saturdays is a special 2 p.m. weekly program for kids running through the summer on Saturdays, June 25, July 9, 16, 23, 30 and Aug 6 and 13. Art, music, science and storytelling will be featured. Information: 626-403-7358. 1100 Oxley St., South Pasadena.

South Pasadena Public Library: Super Reader craft days will be held June 27, July 2, 11, 25 and Aug. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Create costumes, action figures and do other craft projects at the library. 1100 Oxley St., South Pasadena.

Pasadena Laughter Club Group meets every Friday, 6-7 p.m. Laughter Yoga is a simple yet profound technique, physically-oriented and does not rely on the mind at all. As a result you don't need to be happy, have a sense of humor, or even have a reason in order to laugh. Laughter Yoga is non-religious, non-sectarian and non-political and is suitable for all ages; families welcome. Yoga Kingdom Sanctuary, 553 S Lake Ave, Pasadena.

Super Hero Movies: Lamanda Park Branch Library 11 a.m. Each Wednesday. Watch your favorite super heroes in the movies. Light refreshments will be served. Also at other Pasadena branch libraries. See Web site for details. 140 South Altadena Drive.

Altadena Public Library: Reading club, weekly musical shows, kids' workshops and activities are taking place over the summer. Check Web site for times, dates. 600 E. Mariposa Ave., Altadena.

Pasadena Conservatory of Music: Accepting enrollment for fall in music programs for students and adults, infants to senior citizens. Music for Young Children program includes parents and young children making music together and establishes the goundwork for music literacy and later instruction on an instrument. Classes also include young musician's program, recorder ensemble and world drumming for students Kindergarten to sixth grade. Individual instruction also available. Information and registration: 626-683-3355. 100 N. Hill Ave., Pasadena.

The Little Gym: Features non-competitive motor skill development sessions for fitness and fun. Summer classes include gymnastics, sports skills and karate, plus three-hour summer camps for toilet-independent children ages 3 to 10. Registration is flexible and can accomodate a busy summer schedule. Information: 818-249-4496. 2196 Foothill Blvd., La Canada.

Occidental College: "Little Red Frankenhood," and three adaptations of traditional folk tales, will be performed at 10 a.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday through Aug. 20. $9 adults, $6 children ages 2 to 12. Tickets: 323-259-2922. Hillside Theater, 1600 Campus Road, Eagle Rock.

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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