January 27, 2006

Number 83

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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
My, my: So much feedback to comment on, so many important events to highlight, so much advice to dole out, so many questions to pose. It's a busy week here at The Orange Cat, where we're always working hard for you! Let's just jump right in, shall we?

I got loads of responses to our discussion last time about kids and movies. Obviously I struck a nerve with that topic. Many of you wrote in to share horror stories. And then, just a couple days later, movie-buddy Stephanie and I experienced a horror of our own: Listening to a baby fuss and cry nearly nonstop through a sold-out weekend showing of "Brokeback Mountain." It got so bad that another exasperated patron (I swear it wasn't me) finally yelled, "Take that baby out of here!" What are people thinking? Sigh.

Orange Cat mom Gaelle referred me to her favorite movie review site, The Movie Mom. "Nell Minnow ... does a fantastic job of identifying movies that are and aren't appropriate for children of all ages, including assessments of whether/how the movie handles issues like diversity, alcohol, sex," Gaelle writes. "I won't take my daughters (ages 11 and 8.5) to any movie without checking her first." Sounds like a good resource. Thanks, Gaelle!

Speaking of Stephanie, she took her preschool-aged son to see "Hoodwinked" and highly recommends it. "Kids enjoy an updated re-telling of Little Red Riding Hood and adults can enjoy the Rashoman-like story from the perspectives of Red, Granny, the wolf and the woodsman," she wrote. Even my teenagers were interested in this one, and it sounds like fun. Thanks for the endorsement, Stephanie!

Here's another tip, this one coming via Brad from a parent with kids in the Pasadena Unified School District. Let me say up front that I don't know anything about the ins or outs of that district and its plans, so I can't endorse this recommendation. However, I thought it might be helpful to some Orange Cat readers if I passed it along. The parent writes: "If you want to be one of the select few to receive the inside scoop on what is really happening inside the Pasadena Unified School District, then you need to join the largest Internet discussion group dedicated to revealing what is really going on behind the scenes." He advises interested parties to sign up for this Yahoo group.

Moving on ... . One of my New Year's thoughts (please don't call them "resolutions") was about becoming the type of person one wants to be simply by translating qualities (like kindness, courage, fairness) into actions. To become a kinder person, for instance, practice acts of kindness. To that end, I rejoined an Internet group I discovered about a year ago. It's called freecycle, and its motto is "Think globally, recycle locally." The refreshing premise of the group is to establish Yahoo groups whose members give (and get) things for free. I joined the group when it was Los Angeles-wide about a year ago and quickly got overwhelmed by messages. But now a San Gabriel Valley splinter group has formed with about 1,000 members and the message traffic is far more manageable.

The idea is a generous one, and participating in it has already made me a kinder person. You see, I have a hyperactive lemon tree that produces hundreds of delicious Meyer lemons twice a year. When my boys were younger, they would pick all the lemons, squeeze the juice and mix up huge batches of lemonade that they sold on our street corner on hot summer afternoons. As they've outgrown the lemonade stand, however, the lemons have started to accumulate on the ground beyond my ability to use them or give them away to friends and neighbors. So I offered to pick the lemons and make them available to SGV Freecyclers. More than a dozen of them have shared in the citrus bonanza. "I love the smell, and just looking at your lemons on my counter makes my house sunny," one of the recipients wrote me. "I can't wait to make that lemon pound cake!" Wow. For a tiny bit of effort, I made someone's house sunny and contributed to homemade pound cake. Now that's a nice feeling.

In our last issue, Orange Cat mom Mitzi wrote asking for recommendations to cheerleading programs for her daughter. Many referrals came in, including one from Patti, Brad's wife, for Victory Cheer Company, at 55 E. Walnut (near Raymond) in Pasadena. "This is a private cheer squad for kids ages 4-18. There are weekly classes and they go to competitions," said Patti, whose daughter is a high school varsity cheerleader. That sounds like it will fit the bill for Mitzi - thanks to all who responded.

Every year, I get lots of questions in May and June from frantic parents looking for summer activities for kids. Many of us know the feeling of the long, hot summer stretching out before us as we wonder how we'll keep our children busy for many hours each day while school is out. Before you start panicking, make a note to attend the Summer Opportunities Fair at Westridge School next weekend (see our calendar for details). Westridge hosts this event every year around this time. It's really wonderful to have so many summer camps, daycamps, exchange programs, adventure camps and even local recreation departments all in one venue. You can talk to representatives, pick up literature, play some games and have lunch all in one stop. Check it out.

A couple of parents have recently written me looking for recommendations: Letty is hoping to find an academic summer program that meets three to five days a week for her 7-year-old. "We are not heartless parents trying to take all the fun out of our son's summer vacation ... we want to help him maintain what he has learned and to enjoy doing it," she writes. Although she's not looking necessarily for a summer program, Lily is hoping to enroll her 10-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter in a good writing class. She lives in La Verne. Can anyone help Letty or Lily?

Thanks so much for your exchange of ideas, good referrals and wise counsel. Keep those cards and letters coming! 'Til next time, I'm at 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.

Friday, Jan. 27, 2006

Mini Iron Chef: Kidspace Children's Museum 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Children create a rice bowl to celebrate Chinese New Year during the first of this year's series of Mini Iron Challenges that explore traditional foods around the world. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Board Game Fun: Villa Parke Community Center Library 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Board Games are on tables for everyone to play with. All ages welcomed. 363 E. Villa Street, Pasadena.

Madagascar: Alhambra Public Library 3:30 p.m. Kid's Afternoon Movie Day, featuring "Madagascar" - Sign ups begin at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 17. For more information, call (626) 570-3215. 410 W.Main Street, Alhambra.

Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006

Mini Iron Chef: Kidspace Children's Museum 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Children create a rice bowl to celebrate Chinese New Year during the first of this year's series of Mini Iron Challenges that explore traditional foods around the world. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Scrapbook: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kids can keep their mementos in this scrapbook that they make and decorate themselves. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006

Stories in the Afternoon: Norton Simon Museum 2 p.m. Celebrate the New Year in this story hour held in front of Murillo's "The Birth of St. John the Baptist." Free with museum admission of $8 adults, under 18 free. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Monday, Jan. 30, 2006

Monday Movie-Time: Allendale Branch Library 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Join us for a family video, suitable for school-age children. 1130 S. Marengo Ave., Pasadena.

Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2006

Winter Crafts: Allendale Branch Library 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. A fun craft program for after-school children. All materials will be provided and snacks will be served. 1130 S. Marengo Ave., Pasadena.

Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2006

Stories in the Afternoon: Norton Simon Museum 4 p.m. Listen to tales of affection and devotion in this story hour for children and families held in the galleries. Free with museum admission of $8 adults; free under 18. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Thursday, Feb. 2, 2006

Second Child: Mothers and More Pasadena 7 p.m. As if just having the first baby wasn’t hard enough, the second one can really set things on end. Come to a discussion meeting about how a second (or third or fourth) child changes family dynamics, work expectations, and our notions of what makes up an ideal family. Adults only; nonmembers welcome. Polytechnic School, Hixon Bldg room 503, 1030 E. California Blvd, Pasadena.

Kids Book Chat: Vromans Bookstore 7 p.m. Teachers, parents and book enthusiasts will enjoy this seminar presented by the children’s staff to help you make the best decisions in choosing a book for any age group. Join us for an evening of good books and great company. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Friday, Feb. 3, 2006

The Art of Song: Norton Simon Museum 7 p.m. The Los Angeles Children's Chorus will be performing. Free with museum admission of $8 adults; free under 18. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Saturday, Feb. 4, 2006

Love Bug Card: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Celebrate Valentine's Day with a handmade card that kids create themselves! 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

The Rainbow Fish: Haugh Performing Arts Center, Citrus College 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. With his lovely coloring and special shimmering scales, The Rainbow Fish is used to being the most beautiful creature in the ocean. So, when the other fish ask him for some silver scales, he refuses. How can he sacrifice the one thing that makes him unique? This musical adaptation of Marcus Pfister's book is part of a theater series especially designed for preschoolers through third-graders and their parents. $6. 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora.

Summer Opportunities Fair: Westridge School 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Find out about more than 100 opportunities that exist this summer for your child. Not only do specialty summer camps exhibit, but many of the San Gabriel Valley recreation departments and local day camps attend also. Food, games and family fun are featured. 324 Madeline Dr., Pasadena.

Happy New Year: Pacific Asia Museum 1-4 p.m. Bring family and friends to hear the sounds, see the art, and taste the food that makes New Year a special event for Asian and Pacific Island cultures. Festival is free with museum admission of $7 adults, free for children under 12. 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena.

Musical Circus: Pasadena Civic Auditorium 8:30 a.m. Children can hold and "play" kid-sized orchestral instruments then hear renowned composer and pianist Paul Romero, who has composed over 50 scores for movies, documentaries, television commercials and computer games. He'll be joined by musical wunderkind Marc Yu, a 6-year-old pianist who plans to follow in Romero’s footsteps, in a family-friendly concert. 300 E. Green St., Pasadena.

Monday, Feb. 6, 2006

Heart Health Week: Kidspace Children's Museum Celebrate Heart Health Week at Kidspace. February 6 -14. Dress like a doctor and explore your circulatory system aboard the Boo-Boo Buggy, build a super heart, and decorate a Valentine cookie. Featuring public service stations with interactive materials from Camp Del Corazon, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, and the American Heart Association. Don't miss the the Harlem Globetrotters, who will share fun ways to stay healthy through exercise in a morning demonstration on February 8! Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Dozing Doggies: Monrovia Public Library 7:15 p.m. This pajama storytime will feature all kinds of stories, a film, fun songs and interactive play about dogs of all shapes and sizes. Children are encouraged to wear their favorite pajamas; snacks will be served. Alvord Room, 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia.

Thursday, Feb. 9, 2006

Kids Concert: Monrovia Public Library 3:30 p.m. The Brian Waite Band will be in concert. The group consists of Brian Waite, Todd Gray, and Cliff Swiggett, three dads who love kids and music. Their concerts are perfect family fare, combining crowd participation, props, and hilarious antics with great tunes. Monrovia Community Center, Kay Dalton Room, 119 W. Palm Ave., Monrovia.

Saturday, Feb. 11, 2006

Be My Valentine: Monrovia Public Library 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Children in grades K-5 will enjoy Valentine stories, a holiday movie and a snack. They will also be making a Valetine craft to share with a loved one. Alvord Room, 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia.

Valentine Centerpiece: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Everything kids need to create a Valentine's Day centerpiece. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Register Early

Write Talk: YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley What does it mean to be female? What does it mean to be family? What does it mean to be a friend? This writer’s workshop for teens and their mothers or mentors will explore these questions during a four-week interactive program designed for girls 12 to 18. The workshop will meet on four Saturdays, from Jan. 28-Feb. 18 from 10-11:30 a.m. $25 per mother-daughter pair. (Aunts, grandmothers or mentors may participate.) Reservations: Shonnda Smith, 626-296-8433 or ssmith@ywca-pasadena.org. 1200 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena.

Children's Concert: Shumei Hall Violin and piano will collaborate on "Celebrating Vivaldi's Seasons - Hot and Cold Classical." This concert designed for home-schooled children will be held Friday, March 3 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Reservations: 626-584-8841. 2430 E. Colorado Avd., Pasadena.

Theater Auditions: Pasadena Junior Theatre Come be part of the magic! Audition for "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe," C.S. Lewis's timeless tale of good versus evil, and our place in between. Mandatory audition meeting will be held Jan. 28; auditions begin Feb. 11; performances in April and May. Information: 626-577-5922. 75 N. Marengo Ave., Pasadena.

Aesop's Fables: CalTech Beckman Auditorium Puppeteer and storyteller Jim West presents Aesop's fables of wit and wisdom, including The Stag at the Pool, The Tortoise and the Hare, The Fox and the Grapes, The Wind and the Sun, and The Lion and the Mouse. This play will be performed on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. and at noon. Tickets for individuals and school groups: 800-497-5007. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena.

Continuing Activities

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.

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.

Family Films: Villa Parke Community Center Library 4:30 p.m. G and PG rated films shown on Thursdays. 363 E. Villa Street, Pasadena.

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. .

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. .

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. Grandparents and Books Read-Alouds are scheduled for Thursday afternoons from 3–5 p.m. 1100 Oxley St., South Pasadena.

Villa Parke Community Center Library 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Fridays. Board Games are placed out on tables for everyone to play with. For all ages. 363 E. Villa Street, 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.

Claremont University Stone Center for Children's Books: Saturday Storytimes are held from 10-11 a.m. each week. 740 N. College Ave., Claremont.

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. .

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.

Pasadena Central Library 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Preschool films. A 30-minute program with picture book stories on the big screen for ages 3-5. Weekly on Friday. 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena.

Santa Catalina Library 3 p.m. Elementary school-age children can read a book to a gentle dog every second and fourth Thursday. 999 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena.

Monday Movie-Time: Allendale Branch Library 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Family videos, suitable for school-age children. Mondays. 1130 S. Marengo Ave., Pasadena.

Barks & Books: Santa Catalina Library 3 p.m. Elementary age children can read a book to a gentle dog every second and fourth Thursday. 999 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena.

Pasadena Museum of History "Doodles, Drafts, and Designs" is a traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution that spotlights two centuries of American ingenuity and industry, from inventor's hand to investor's boardroom, from patent office to factory floor. The exhibit will be on display from Jan. 21 through March 19. Exhibit hours are noon to 5 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays. Adults $5; children under 12 free. Special events include Doodles Day, on Friday, Jan. 27, when 10,000 napkins, imprinted with exhibit/museum information, will be distributed at 50 participating restaurants in Pasadena and neighboring communities. The public will be invited to doodle their original inventions on these napkins and return them to the museum for free admission. On Sunday, Jan. 29, the public is invited to enjoy free guided tours of the Doodles exhibit and join artist-in-residence Jon Pearson in a participatory art demonstration that shows how doodling can unlock your own creativity. 470 W. Walnut St., Pasadena.

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.

L.A. County Arboretum: Arboretum Bookworms, for ages 3-8, meets on the third Sunday of every month from 2-3 p.m. Children explore the arboretum and its library, enjoy plant and nature tales and make and take crafts. Meet at the main entrance. Free with admission of $7 adults; $2.50 children 5-12; free children 4 and under. Information: 626-821-4623. 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia.

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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