December 30, 2005

Number 81

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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 gave up making New Year's resolutions many years ago. Not only did I find them ineffective, I found them a source of unnecessary feelings of guilt and failure by the time February rolled around.

So, instead of giving you some 2006 "resolutions," I'll just throw out some advice that you may - or may not - want to think about during the New Year:

Practice kindness and teach your kids how great it feels to do the same. Recently, I listed on Half.com some mint-condition DVDs that my kids don't watch anymore. When I got the "You've made a sale!" email, I noticed the buyer came from a public library in Muncie, Indiana. Sell something to a library?! No way. I offered to donate the DVDs in question, as well qs a bunch of others we thinned out from our collection and the boys felt they could part with. It was a small thing, but it overjoyed the grateful librarian, who told me he purchases books, videos and DVDs through Half.com all the time but had never before gotten an offer of a donation. .

Tell your kids (and yourself) that if they're unhappy with themselves or some aspect of their lives, the best way to remedy that dissatisfaction is to start acting more like the people they wish they were. Aristotle probably said it best: "We become just by the practice of just actions, self-controlled by exercising self-control, and courageous by performing acts of courage." Want to be a better person? Start acting like one, and you'll get there pretty quick.

Do some kind of exercise every day. It doesn't have to be an hour-long Pilates workout at a gym; it could be as simple as a brisk walk around the block. I work with horses twice a week, and my very own horse whisperer (my teacher, Gudrun) always emphasizes how much these wonderful animals need exercise, not only to keep their muscles, joints and digestion in working order, but also for their mental well-being. It is so sad to see horses standing around in their stalls, bored all day because their owners don't devote the time to care for them properly. We're really not all that different from horses (okay, there's the four-legged thing, but...); our bodies are designed to work. And I'm not talking about moving our mouths on the telephone or our fingers on the keyboard. Since I had surgery and my activities have been restricted for the past couple of months, I've taken to doing a short bike ride or stroll around my neighborhood every afternoon (okay, almost every afternoon). With the early sunsets and the still, cool winter air surrounding me, these little jaunts have truly become highlights of my daily routine. There's nothing like exercise to stimulate the mind and renew the spirit.

Make things easy on yourself. Raising young children is difficult and exhausting. Give your kids as much time as you can, but take short cuts where you can find them on things like cooking, house cleaning, and laundry. I don't get extra revenue for mentioning this (honest, I don't!) but in this regard I've found Dream Dinners to be a godsend. You go in once a month or so (I find that every six weeks is about right for my family) and make 12 main courses that you take home, freeze and use when needed. Options exist for making fewer entrees as well. I have been using Dream Dinners most of this year and they have really saved me a ton of time and money. Not only do we eat out less often, but I spend less time and money at the grocery store because I'm not buying meat every week. The best part is shedding the mental chore of trying to decide what to fix for dinner every night!

Don't be overly critical. Kids can be stubborn, inconvenient, and hard to deal with, let's face it. They're immature and they don't do things as well as adults. It's easy for me to lose patience with my kids and spend a lot of time pointing out their faults. But I plan to try and go easier on them this year. That doesn't mean I'm going to rubber stamp everything they do, or let them off the hook when it comes to chores and good grades. It just means that I'm going to try and remember - when they are late, clumsy, lazy or just plain incompetent - that they are just kids, and kids are people too. I'm lazy a lot of the time, myself, not to mention incompetent and clumsy. And boy, am I late! Just ask my husband.

Use the time you would have spent criticizing to praise your kids. Find something good that they do, and tell them about it. Even if it's something small that most people wouldn't notice. I listened to a radio interview with Gene Wilder, the actor, recently and he recalled the joy he got as a child out of making his mother laugh. "When your mother gives you confidence about anything you do, it stays with you," he said. Good point. Tell your kids that they are good at something. Children look up to their parents (for a few years anyway) and if you praise them, they'll believe it.

What else? Oh - have a Happy New Year! See you back here in 2006. 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 our special printable calendar, especially for readers of The Orange Cat.

Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006

Stories in the Afternoon: Norton Simon Museum 4 p.m. Celebrate the new year in this story hour for children and families held in front of Murillo's 'The Birth of Saint John the Baptist.' Free with admission of $8 adults; free under 18. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006

Support Group: Mothers and More Pasadena 7:30 p.m. What do you want and need from 2006? How do you want this year to look with your family and life? We’ll do a fun collage exercise to help us visualize what we want for our lives in 2006 with respect to family, work, and personal interests. Then we’ll brainstorm some concrete ways to make it real. Guests are welcome to attend up to three meetings prior to becoming a member. Polytechnic School, Boswell Library, 1030 E. California Blvd, Pasadena.

Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006

Masterpiece: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Little ones create their own merry masterpieces, using colorful cutouts and lots of collage materials. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Monday, Jan. 9, 2006

Zoo Snoozing: Monrovia Public Library 7:15 p.m. Budding zookeepers of all ages are going on a literary trip to the zoo! A special evening pajama storytime will feature songs and stories about zoo animals of all shapes and sizes. Kids can wear their pajamas and bring a stuffed buddy. 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia.

Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006

Support Group: MOMS Club of Pasadena-North 10 a.m. Our topic will be preschool information, with speakers from various types of preschools and a parent forum. Children are welcome; babysitting provided. MOMS Club has no religious affiliation. Information: 626-580-8514 or e-mail membershipnorth@pasadenamomsclub.com. Trinity Lutheran Church, 997 E. Walnut St., Pasadena.

Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006

Rudy's Radical Science: Alhambra Public Library 7 p.m. Rudy's Radical Science Show. Rudy Gonzales takes science out of the textbooks and demonstrates chemical reactions with mystifying results. Sign-ups start January 3 at noon. 410 W.Main Street, Alhambra.

Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006

Create-A-Face: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children use buttons, yarn, and more to create an happy face that's sure to bring a smile! 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Gizmo Guys: Haugh Performing Arts Center, Citrus College 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Allan Jacobs and Barret Felker are talented, world-class jugglers and zany, polished comedians. Their wise-cracking mayhem is the most fun in person. Show for kids of all ages; tickets $6. 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora.

Register Early

Dance and Musical Fun: Miss Claire's Music and Dance Class Register now for upcoming sessions of Musical Fun for Tots, for children ages 1 to 2.5, and dance classes, for children ages 2 to 12. Classes are held beginning in January at various local community centers. Information and pricing: 626-403-3828. South Pasadena, San Marino and San Gabriel.

Flights of Fancy: Huntington Library In celebration of Benjamin Franklin's 300th birthday, let your imagination take flight! On Saturday, Jan. 14 from 9-11:30 a.m. kids will spend the morning making kites and investigating other high-flying contraptions. Ages 7 and up. $15 (includes one accompanying adult). Registration: 626-405-2128. 1151 Oxford Road, 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.

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. Family Adventures program is held on the first Saturday of the month, 2 p.m. under the big oak tree in front of Ayres Hall. All ages learn, make and take crafts, enjoy a nature walk. $20 per family. Iformation: 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.

Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore: Art classes with Gloria Aluzas provide an opportunity to complete a piece a child can be proud of! Call or visit the store for details. Ages 6-10: Mondays at 4 p.m. Kindergartners: Thursdays at 4 p.m. Information: 909-599-4558. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

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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