December 2, 2005

Number 79

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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
I don't know where the last few months have gone. About three days ago, it was August and we were all waiting for school to start. At least, that's the way it feels.

But there's no denying the calendar. The Christmas wreath and tinsel showed up in the stores back in October and by now, the continuous "Jingle Bells - Away in the Manger - First Noel" Muzak loop is already playing over and over again at the mall. We're well into the 2005 holiday season.

I always loved December as a kid (not least because my birthday's this month) and even as a grownup, but after I had children I grew to dread the 12th month. Somehow, I got the idea into my head that I had to create The Perfect Christmas for my family every year, and I always fell short of that goal. I'm not a shopper, so I dreaded the chore and felt guilty when friends boasted that their purchases were all made and their gifts all wrapped by Nov. 30. The other pressures of the holidays - cooking, cleaning, decorating, card-mailing, entertaining - became overwhelming when combined with working and taking care of a house and two active boys. The stress wound up making me pretty miserable.

Then one year, I decided to chuck it all. Not that we wouldn't celebrate Christmas and New Year's, but that we could do it just fine even if I didn't have time to make cookies, send cards or pick the perfect gift for every aunt, uncle and cousin. What wound up happening was that the holiday season became primarily about having fun as a family. If we couldn't get to everything we traditionally did, that was okay. I became a lot less cranky and actually started enjoying myself, no matter what we did or didn't do.

I had worried about letting my kids down if things weren't perfect. I shouldn't have. They didn't care about ticking off all the crucial elements on the list of The Perfect Christmas - they just wanted us all to be together, drink hot chocolate and play board games in front of the fire.

Things have been a lot better since that year. When I turned the calendar page to December this week and realized that I haven't decorated, purchased cards, or even started Christmas shopping yet, I'll admit I had a moment or two of anxiety. And then I reminded myself that everything would get done in good time, one way or another. I hope that you will find time for family happiness and togetherness this season. For goodness sake, don't let someone else's expectations for the holidays stress you out. Make up your own celebration - the easy kind - and have fun.

One thing we still try to do every year is find at least one way to help others, whether that involves dishing out Thanksgiving dinner at a homeless shelter or purchasing gifts for children whose parents are incarcerated. I posed a question in our last issue from a reader looking for ways to involve her preschoolers in helping the poor during the holidays, and listed a few thoughts of my own. I also asked you to chime in with your ideas.

Orange Cat reader Sylvia responded to say she and her kids give food to the homeless people at red lights. She doesn't give out money, she emphasized, and she doesn't confine her food handouts just to December, she spreads the bounty all year long. She also has her children help her make and donate food to Union Station's free Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners in Central Park. "This is super easy, even with little kids, because they have a drive-through donation line set up. The catch is that dinner is served at 12 noon, so if you are going to give them some turkey you have to get up pretty early to start cooking it," she notes.

Helping out doesn't have to be confined to strangers, by the way. Sylvia mentioned that one year her family made Christmas dinner for a friend whose husband was ill, and then watched that friend's children for the day so she could visit him in the hospital. "So far, it's all been about food. Now that my kids are older we are talking about building houses for Habitat for Humanity," she said. "I'll let you know how that works out." I hope you will, Sylvia. I'd love to hear about it.

Jill agreed with my assessment that it's probably unrealistic to expect a high level of philanthropy from preschoolers. She has a 6-year-old and a 10-year-old, both of whom have participated in canned food drives at school. "The 10-year-old has been going through my cabinets, requesting to bring food daily. [With] my six-year-old, I filled the bag, carried the bag to school, and gave the bag to the teacher," she related. "As Piaget stated, the preschooler is preoperational and lives in an egocentric world." True enough. So, set a good example for really young children, but be understanding if they don't catch on right away.

Speaking of things to do this month, our calendar is chock-full of holiday events, so check it out carefully. Here's one that's outside the scope of our regular calendar, but still sounds like a lot of fun and isn't too far away. The Los Angeles International Children's Film Festival is scheduled to be held from Dec. 9 to 11 at the Autry National Center in Griffith Park. There are several programs for kids and teens and it's a non-profit event. You can order tickets online via the Web site.

Are you having problems either getting the Orange Cat in your in-box, or signing up yourself or your friends for our mailing list? Obviously, if you're reading this, you're not having too many problems. But we do hear occasionally from frustrated would-be readers who can't seem to get onto our mailing list, or can't seem to get the Cat delivered to their email box even if they're on our list.

Brad tells me that overzealous spam filters are often at the root of delivery problems. If you've tried subscribing and still aren't getting our emails regularly, you may need to specifically instruct your spam filter to let the Cat in (electronically, that is), list our email addresses in your Address Book, or reduce the security level on your filter. Bothersome, isn't it? But I've found that with a little attention, I've been able to "train" my filtering system to keep out the most annoying recurring spam, while not blocking messages that I want. Anyway, if you are struggling with the system, or know someone who is, would you email Brad@theorangecat.org? He'll help sort things out.

Finally, I'd like to remind you that we're still encouraging our regular readers to subscribe to The Orange Cat Club and send in payment for their one-year or two-year subscription. The price, as we've noted before, is ridiculously low for the stellar value you get here, week in and week out. And the funds we collect will help us continue to provide the twice-monthly calendar, the tips and the advice in 2006. If you've already sent in your subscription fee, thank you dearly. If you haven't gotten around to it - now's the time! We'd like to get everyone on the books by the end of the year. You can use the above links to PayPal your money painlessly, or you can write a check to KBN Publishing Inc. and send it to me at: 5645 Heleo Ave., Temple City, CA 91780. PLEASE write your email address in the memo section of your check, so we can account for your payment and mark you "paid."

I wish you a very relaxed and happy December. If you have holiday traditions, philanthrophy suggestions, or complaints, please email me at Karen@theorangecat.org and I'll get back to you promptly.

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.

Friday, Dec. 2, 2005

Linda's Wondrous Violin: Shumei Hall 12:30 p.m. Linda Wang is a violinist who made her solo debut with the New York Philharmonic under Zubin Mehta when she was nine. She will present a celebration of violin music from the 17th century to the present, while talking about the history of the violin and its wondrous capabilities. Information/reservations: 626-584-8841. 2430 E. Colorado Avd., Pasadena.

Tree Lighting: Paseo Colorado 6-9 p.m. Join Mayor Bill Bogard, a singing Santa, the Pasadena Jazz Institute and the Hollywood Master Chorale for the lighting of the city's Christmas tree. Colorado Boulevard and Garfield Avenue, Pasadena.

Oliver!: Pasadena Junior Theatre 7 p.m. Children's theater troupe presents the Dickens classic over this weekend and next at various performance times. For specific and ticket details, call 626-577-5922 or email: tickets@pasadenajuniortheatre.org. First Baptist Church of Pasadena, 75 N. Marengo Ave., Pasadena.

It's A Wonderful Life: Pasadena Playhouse 8 p.m. Celebrity cast changes weekly for this play, based on the 1947 Lux Radio Theatre holiday classic and story "The Greatest Gift," by Phillip Van Doren Stern. Running time is 70 minutes, with no intermission. Play presented tonight through Jan. 1, 2006. Family pack $120, includes four tickets plus coffee and cookies. Tickets: 626-356-PLAY. 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena.

Saturday, Dec. 3, 2005

Build a Snowman Place Card Holder: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Every child can find his or her place at the table with a snowman that doubles as a place card holder. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Holiday Show: Citrus Little Theatre 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Original Christmas mystery features super-sleuth kids who set out to solve the theft of Santa's Christmas list. Two performances by the Citrus Theatre Arts Department. $5. 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora.

Family Adventures: Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden 2-4 p.m. Family wreath-making class is fun for families and kids of all ages. $20 per family; rain cancels. Information: 626-821-4623. 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia.

Holiday Bazaar Fundraiser: MOMS Club of Pasadena 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Some 30 home-based businesses will offer specialty items for sale, with proceeds going to provide school uniforms for students in need at San Rafael Elementary School in Pasadena. Operation School Bell, an Assistance League of Pasadena program, will outfit the children with money raised. Information: 626-577-9001. Hamilton Elementary School, 2089 Rose Villa, Pasadena.

Hansel & Gretel: Intimate Opera Company 2 p.m. The Intimate Opera Company of Arcadia will present multiple San Gabriel Valley performances of Humperdinck’s version of the classic fairy tale. This holiday production is suitable for the entire family. Tickets: $20, $12, $10; 800-888-7287. Additional performances will be held in Claremont and Monrovia this month. Email TheWENDELL@aol.com for exact dates, times and locations. Packard Hall, Westminster Gardens, 1420 Santo Domingo Ave., Duarte.

Holiday Festival: Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit with Santa Claus from noon to 2 p.m., have a book signed by author Marianne D. Wallace, take a mini-tram tour, make a kids' craft and shop in our store with complimentary gift-wrap. 1500 N. College Ave., Claremont.

Santa Party: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus return to listen to Christmas wishes, give hugs, and pose for photographs. All ages are welcome. Also, we'll read from Marla Frazee's newest picture book: "Santa Claus, The World's Number One Toy Expert" and other Christmas favorites. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Tons of Snow: West Covina Civic Center 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Winterfest, with 58 tons of snow, 80-foot sled run and play areas. Plus arts and crafts, food booths, and photos with Santa. 1444 W. Garvey Ave., West Covina.

Monday, Dec. 5, 2005

Night Rhymes: Monrovia Public Library 7:15 p.m. Children’s poetry will be the theme for storytime. Preschool children and their parents are invited to don pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed buddy. 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia.

Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2005

Kids in the Courtyard: Armory Center for the Arts 1 p.m. It's a clowny Christmas when Epoxie Unglued, from the Jumbo Shrimp Circus, and Aga-Boom celebrate the holidays, circus-style. Epoxie's skills combine to create an old-fashioned show filled with juggling, magic, music, and comedy. This series of performances and holiday gift-making workshops allows kids to make one-of-a-kind gifts using found trinkets, papers, unusual items, fabric, clay and everyday stuff. Art projects are staged in a semi-enclosed outdoor space, with tables and some seating for parents. All art materials provided. One Colorado Courtyard, Colorado Boulevard between Fair Oaks and DeLacey, Pasadena.

West African Drum Ensemble: University of LaVerne 8 p.m. Concert features special guest Asha's Baba, a Kora musician and storyteller. $5. The Dailey Theatre, 1950 Third St., La Verne.

Tree-Trimming Party: Santa Catalina Library 3 p.m. Make an ornament to decorate our Christmas tree. Everything you need will be provided. Refreshments will be served. 999 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena.

Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2005

Stories in the Afternoon: Norton Simon Museum 4 p.m. Welcome the holiday season with snowy scenes beside van Gogh's 'Parsonage Garden in the Snow (Winter)' in this story hour for children and families. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Tree Trimming: Hill Avenue Branch Library 3:30 p.m. Children make paper ornaments for the library's tree. 55 S. Hill Ave., Pasadena.

Thursday, Dec. 8, 2005

Holiday Show: Monrovia Public Library 3:45 p.m. Musical duo JP Nightingale presents a holiday show for kids of all ages, featuring stories, songs, rhymes and mimes from around the world. Alvord Room, 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia.

Holiday Parade: Old Town Monrovia 6 p.m. Come experience the small-town charm of Old Town Monrovia with a tree-lighting ceremony, holiday parade and store decoration contest. Library Park, Myrtle Avenue, Monrovia.

Barks and Books: La Pintoresca Branch Library 3 p.m. Be a reading buddy to a real dog! Elementary children read a book to a gentle dog. Made possible by volunteers from the Pasadena Humane Society. 1355 N. Raymond Ave., Pasdena.

Barks and Books: Santa Catalina Library 3 p.m. Be a reading buddy to a real dog! Elementary children read a book to a gentle dog. Made possible by volunteers from the Pasadena Humane Society. 999 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena.

Friday, Dec. 9, 2005

Holiday Festival: Descanso Gardens 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Opening night of holiday festival that continues through Sunday, Dec. 18, with music, festive shopping venues, two family nights, visits with Santa, a dinner party and a family holiday brunch. Free with gardens admission of $7 adults, $2 kids 5-12, free under 5. Fees of $2 for Enchanted Railroad rides, $5 photos with Santa apply. 1418 Descanso Dr, La Canada Flintridge.

Rockapella: CalTech Beckman Auditorium 8 p.m. Unique pop musical group takes the previously stodgy music genre of a cappella and brings it full-force into the 21st century. Adults $32, $28, $24; youth $10. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena.

Tree Lighting: La Pintoresca Branch Library 5:30 p.m. Sing carols, drink hot chocolate and light our community tree. 1355 N. Raymond Ave., Pasdena.

Tree Lighting: The Lakes 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Tree lighting, refreshments, entertainment, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. 1200 Lakes Drive, West Covina.

Saturday, Dec. 10, 2005

Musical Circus: Pasadena Symphony 8:30 a.m. Musical "petting zoo" allows kids to hold and "play" orchestral instruments. Event also includes a child-friendly concert by the Calico Winds quintet. Ages 10 and under. Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena.

Gingerbread Treat: Monrovia Public Library 11 a.m. Join Ms. Annette, extraordinary storytime lady, for holiday stories, songs and a snack. Children can make a Christmas Bead Fusion ornament to take home and hang on the tree. 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia.

Gingerbread Man Wall Hanging: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children create a gingerbread man using colored sand and cool collage materials. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Monday, Dec. 12, 2005

Barks and Books: San Rafael Branch Library 2 p.m. Be a reading buddy to a real dog! Elementary children read a book to a gentle dog. Made possible by volunteers from the Pasadena Humane Society. 1240 Nithsdale Road, Pasadena.

Polar Express Movie: Lamanda Park Branch Library 3:30 p.m. A special holiday screening of The Polar Express. Fun, games, a holiday snack, and the movie. 140 S. Altadena Dr., Pasadena.

Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2005

Barks and Books: Hastings Branch Library 3:30 p.m. Elementary children read to a gentle dog from the Pasadena Humane Society. Call (626) 744-7262 to register. 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena.

Kids in the Courtyard: Armory Center for the Arts 1 p.m. Participatory storytime with Grace Lacques, her assistant Trish, and the mysterious Christmas skirt. This series of performances and holiday gift-making workshops allows kids to make one-of-a-kind gifts using found trinkets, papers, unusual items, fabric, clay and everyday stuff. Art projects are staged in a semi-enclosed outdoor space, with tables and some seating for parents. All art materials provided. One Colorado Courtyard, Colorado Boulevard between Fair Oaks and DeLacey, Pasadena.

Polar Express Pajama Story Time: Lamanda Park Branch Library 6:30 p.m. All aboard for a train ride on the magical Polar Express. Join us for a reading of The Polar Express, fun and games, a special holiday craft and Polar Chocolate Nougat treats. 140 S. Altadena Dr., Pasadena.

MOMS All Member Meeting: Trinity Lutheran Church, 10 a.m. MOMS Club of Pasadena-North December All Member Meeting. Annual holiday party for moms and kids, with refreshments and crafts. (MOMS Club has no religious affiliation). For more information call 626-580-8514 or e-mail membershipnorth@pasadenamomsclub.com. 997 East Walnut Street in Pasadena.

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2005

Holiday Circus Show: Lamanda Park Branch Library 12:30 p.m. Flights of Fantasy Story Theatre presents the rollicking winter show, "A Holiday Circus." Lorrie Oshatz and Theresa Amy bring the Sun, Santa and a woman with a tricky problem to life. A lively display of music, props and costumes. For kindergarteners to grandparents. 140 S. Altadena Dr., Pasadena.

A Holiday Circus: Linda Vista Branch Library 4 p.m. Flights of Fantasy Story Theatre presents the rollicking winter show, "A Holiday Circus." Lorrie Oshatz and Theresa Amy bring the Sun, Santa and a woman with a tricky problem to life. A lively display of music, props and costumes. For kindergarteners to grandparents. 1281 Bryant St., Pasadena.

Thursday, Dec. 15, 2005

Barks and Books: Hill Avenue Branch Library 3 p.m. Be a reading buddy to a real dog! Elementary children read a book to a gentle dog. Made possible by volunteers from the Pasadena Humane Society. 55 S. Hill Ave., Pasadena.

Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005

Author Event: Huntington Library 2:30 p.m. Join author and illustrator Marla Frazee as she reads and signs her new book, "Santa Claus, the World’s Number One Toy Expert." Free with admission of $15 adults, $10 students 12-19, $6 kids 5-11, free under 5. Friends Hall, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino.

Sparkle and Shine: Norton Simon Museum 1 p.m. Explore how artists achieve special effects, and then decorate a picture frame with your own designs. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

New Year's Noisemaker Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Shake it up! Kids will love using this easy-to-make noisemaker to ring in the New Year. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Stories and Cookie Sprinkles: Hastings Branch Library 11 a.m. Children are invited to hear sweet holiday stories and decorate sugar cookies with their favorite colorful sprinkles. All materials provided. 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena.

Register Early

Craft Day: Cafe Culture Make maracas with papier mache, watch "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" and enjoy punch and cookies on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 1:30 p.m. $15; bring your own smock or apron. Reservations: 626-398-8654 or email marcielle@dslextreme.com. 1359 Altadena Blvd., Pasadena.

Santa's New Sleigh: Alhambra Public Library A puppet show (Dec. 14, 7 p.m. ) featuring Santa's new sleigh, complete with headlights and taillights. Santa traded in his old sleigh for a new model. And he bought it off the Internet - Yuck! Is this the end of the old-fashioned Christmas? A surprise ending is in store. Sign-ups start Dec. 5 at 4 p.m. 410 W.Main Street, Alhambra.

Holiday Open House: Pasadena Museum of History An Edwardian Christmas will be celebrated at the Fenyes Mansion on Dec. 11 from 1-4 p.m. Event features yuletide decorations, costumed greeters, children's storytime and crafting fun, plus musical performances. Phoenix Decorating Co. will display elements from last year's Rose Parade floats throughout the gardens. Family photos will be available in a decorated convertible. $10. Reservations: 626-577-1660 x10. Fenyes Mansion, 470 W. Walnut St., Pasadena.

Festive Origami: Huntington Library Youngsters can explore the art of Japanese paper folding with a holiday twist, as origami expert Peggy Hasagawa shares some colorful ideas for creating unique handmade gifts, ornaments, and decorations. Program will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Ages 7 and up, with adult. $15. Registration: 626-405-2128. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino.

Polar Express Party: Arcadia Public Library Climb aboard for a holiday party, including games, crafts and storytime featuring "The Polar Express." To be held Saturday, Dec. 10, 2:30 p.m. for ages 5-10. Free tickets will be available beginning Dec. 3, Arcadia residents: 10 a.m. to noon, open registration noon forward. 20 W. Duarte Rd., Arcadia.

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. .

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 regularly for playdates, walking groups, parties for stay-at-home moms or part-time working moms seeking daytime activities for children of all ages. Serves mothers in Covina, West Covina. New member meetings held at 10:30 a.m. on the last Tuesday of every month. Information: email admin@momsclubcovina.com. Our club has no religious affiliations. Saint Louise de Marllac Catholic Church, at Covina Blvd. and Bonnie Cove, 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: Pajama 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 Pajama Story Time, for ages 3 to 10. Stories, finger plays, songs, films and crafts. Wednesdays at 7 p.m. 410 W.Main Street, 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. .

Fibromyalgia Support Group: A free support-and-information group for fibromyalgia sufferers and their families meets every third Friday of the month, 5-6:30 p.m. Reservations required. The group facilitator, Charles Yarborough, is a licensed acupuncturist specializing in pain syndromes. Information: 626-319-8725. 1028 N. Lake Ave. Suite 108 Pasadena.

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.

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 Tuesday 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 momsclubofsierramadre@yahoo.com. 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.

Mothers and More Pasadena: Support group meets regularly for moms-only coffees and lunches focused on career planning, transitions to paid work and challenges or opportunities with current employment. Chapter meetings occur first and third Thursdays of the month at 7:30 p.m. and are open to visitors. Group also sponsors Moms’ Nights Out, book club and playgroups. Information: mothersandmore@onebox.com, or 866-206-9068, x3921. Polytechnic School, Boswell Library, 1030 E. California Blvd, Pasadena.

Take the Baby and Run: Bring your baby and your stroller for a great one-hour workout. Held Monday through Friday at 9:30 a.m. Information: 818-517-3082. Mention The Orange Cat and get your first class free. Lacy Park, San Marino.

Child Care Information Service: Referrals to licensed child care providers are available to all families, regardless of income. Referrals are random, based on geographic area, ages of the children and availability of child care spaces. Cities served are Altadena, Arcadia, Duarte, La Canada, Monrovia, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, Pasadena and San Marino. .

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.

MOMS Club of Azusa: Meetings held monthly are open to all stay-at-home moms from Azusa. Children welcome at meetings, which are held on the last Wednesday of every month 11 a.m. Information: MOMSCLUB@aol.com or Summerlh@earthlink.net. Azusa City Library, auditorium, 729 N. Dalton Ave., Azusa.

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

Victory Park Community Center: "Single Mommy and Me" group meets on Mondays from 10 to 11 a.m. for fun and friendship. For information, email founder Dianne Duncan: webeduncans@charter.net. 2575 Paloma St., Pasadena.

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.

Los Angeles County Arboretum: Garden Sprouts program invites kids ages 5-8 to plant and tend a garden, play nature games and learn gardening crafts. This is a drop-off program held on the first Saturday of each month from October through June, 9-11 a.m. $30/quarter or $12 per Saturday. Information: email lisa.beach@arboretum.org or telephone 626-821-4623. 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia.

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.

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

GymnastiKids: Gymnastics classes for all ages in a non-competitive, fun-filled environment. Safe and fun classses are taught by energetic instructors. Free trial classes offered. Information: 626-796-KIDS. 2237 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

The Little Gym: Features non-competitive motor skill development sessions for fitness and fun. Information: 818-249-4496. 2196 Foothill Blvd., La Canada.

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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