February 10, 2006

Number 84

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

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By Dorothy Reinhold
Note: I'm busy working this week, so I've asked frequent Orange Cat contributor and regular reader Dorothy Reinhold to fill in for me in this space. She writes about a "lousy" problem that many of your children have probably encountered, or will soon. Thanks for your excellent research and great attitude, Dorothy! - Karen

If you have a preschool or elementary-age child and

have not yet had a head lice scare at your school, count yourself lucky. Even so, just bide your time, because head lice may visit your world in some form or another at least once during your child's school career, and the better prepared you are for it, the more effectively and calmly you will respond.

Some 25 kids at our 450-student elementary school were recently afflicted, and the rumors, innuendo and craziness swept through the school community like a small tornado.

It started innocently enough, in a scene that was no doubt repeated in many kitchens that day. "Some kids have something called lice," my 8-year-old announced as she strode through the door

one afternoon. She dumped her stuff and went on her merry way to see what snacks were available and where her brother was. Meanwhile, I was plowing through her backpack to find something - anything! - from the school. A note? A photocopy of some memo confirming this or telling me what to do? Nada. And of course, third-graders are notorious for being bad reporters of fact. So I grabbed her head and began looking at her scalp in earnest, searching for something - what? Nits? What did they even look like? How would I know if she had them?

Soon, the muttering and whispering began in earnest at the bus stop. Which kids had lice? And, tsk, tsk, well, THAT one is no surprise, is it? "Did you hear that J---- has lice? I'm worried because my kid had a play date with her the other day," said one bus stop mom. "What am I supposed to do about it if we get them?" wailed another harried mom. "Why don't we all just wash our children's hair with that special shampoo and then we won't have to worry about it at all," said another.

"Don't touch anyone else's hair, don't play with anyone's scarf or hat, and for goodness' sake, please don't borrow anyone else's hairbrush," I found myself counseling my daughter. But I knew that for 8-year-old girls, activities like hair braiding and sharing scrunchies are as natural as skipping, dotting your I's with hearts, and karaoke-ing to Kelly Clarkson.

Here are the high points of the lice drill, should you need them. Take a deep breath, and do a bit of research so you are informed and won't inadvertently contribute to the inaccuracies and rumors that swirl around. A good place to start is the non-profit National Pediculosis Association, Inc. Another good overall resource is the Harvard School of Public Health. A browse through its informative Web page should answer most, if not all, of your questions. A third helpful site is the University of Kentucky Entomology site.

Head lice are human (not pet or animal) parasites and require human blood to survive, so they generally can't survive more than 24 hours off the "host." They can be spread through direct contact of the head or hair with an infested person, and through the sharing of personal articles like hats, towels, brushes, helmets, hair ties, pillows, headrests or similar items. Thankfully, they have no hind legs or wings, and cannot jump or fly, so merely being in a classroom with or standing next to someone who has head lice won't infest you.

Lice bite and make your head itch, and it is usually after noticing a child scratching furiously that a parent, teacher or other adult takes a closer look. Head lice are about the size of a sesame seed, and can be difficult to see because they skitter away when you part the hair looking for them. Their eggs, or nits, are most often the telltale sign of an infestation. The nits are small, yellowish-white, oval-shaped eggs that are glued to the side of a hair shaft at an angle. Nits are laid by live lice, so you can't "catch nits" from someone else. Once laid, it takes 7-10 days for a nit to hatch, and another 7-10 days for the female to mature and begin laying her own eggs. She can lay up to 100 nits in her 30-day lifespan. When the nit hatches, out comes a nymph, which is clear in color until it begins feeding (on blood); then it turns a reddish-brown color, naturally.

Are you grossed out yet? After the indignities and rigors of childbirth, and the many leaking orifices of babies and toddlers, it can take a lot to gross out a parent. But I'm willing to try! Click here to see the difference between a little nit and other natural hair debris that might be mistaken for nits. There are often misdiagnoses because dandruff, hair casts and other natural conditions are mistaken for nits. Click here to see a louse, a 2-day-old nit, a nit one day before hatching, a dead nit and a fake nit. Click here to see a veritable family photo album of Mr. and Mrs. Louse and their progeny.

What if your child actually gets lice? You will no doubt need to take a series of steps to eradicate the lice and the nits over the course of a week or two. You start by mechanically removing them with a special comb. Watch this informative, helpful video from the University of Nebraska that shows the procedure for painstakingly combing lice and nits out of your child's hair. It's a several-hour job that requires lots of patience and probably at least one engaging video on the telly. Since most, if not all, schools require a child to be nit-free before readmittance, you will have to do this combing drill repeatedly.

You may choose to use one of the over-the-counter or prescription shampoos that are designed to kill lice. As with all chemicals, though, there is a variety of opinion out there about the safety of these serious pesticides, so you'll need to decide for yourself, perhaps in consultation with your child's doctor. Be certain to consult the doctor if your child suffers from any pre-existing illness such as asthma, epilepsy, brain tumors, cancer or AIDS, among others. Because these products seem to have limited egg-killing activity, a second treatment is often necessary about 10 days later to target lice that hatch after the first treatment; not every child's immune system can withstand multiple treatments. Ask your doctor to be sure. You may seek one or more alternative treatments such as tea tree oil, mayonnaise, Vaseline or olive oil. Although they are "natural" treatments, they are untested, and their effectiveness has not been proven. They also may be quite hard to get out of a child's hair. Suit yourself in trying them. You might want to make an appointment at Hair Fairies, a Los Angeles full-service hair salon that specializes in removing head lice safely, effectively and in a kid-friendly environment. They use patented combs, non-toxic shampoos and rinses over a period of several treatments to removal nits and lice. In business since 1999, they have treated thousands of "lousy" customers.

Finally, you must wash all the clothing, bedding and toys that came in contact with your child, and vacuum all upholstery, carpet and areas in the house that may have come in contact with lice. Since lice can't live away from a human host, vacuuming usually suffices. It isn't necessary to create a toxic household environment to control them.

Having lice on your child is no bowl o' cherries, and will take patience and dedication to the protocol to eradicate the critters. But that's not to say parents shouldn't try to maintain a sense of humor about the situation. Being able to laugh about it will help ease everyone's distemper. Try these antidotes when you just need a laugh: The NPA site has a bunch of games for kids. Try "Hair Force One" or "Jail Louse Rock." Go here to listen and sing along to "Send in the Comb," sung to the tune of "Send in the Clowns." View this animation called "Pickin' out the Nits," set to "Puttin' on the Ritz." For younger kids, print out this coloring book page.

Please, whatever you do, resist the blame game. Don't blame other parents, don't blame the school. Head lice are equal opportunity parasites - they don't respect socio-economic class distinctions and having them doesn't mean you or your house are dirty. Put your own emotions and efforts into getting rid of them safely and effectively. Then put the whole lousy episode behind you, because you are a master nit-picker. Dorothy Reinhold can be reached at DReinhold@aol.com

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, Feb. 11, 2006

Barks and Books: Pasadena Central Library 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Boys and girls ages 6 and older are invited to share a story with a furry canine friend. Children's Room. 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena.

Valentine's Day Stories: Pasadena Central Library 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Stories about love at this special Family Storytime for preschoolers ages 3-5 and their families, Storyhour Room. 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena.

African Cultures: Hastings Branch Library 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Celebrate African cultures with folktales, a video, craft and refreshments. 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena.

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.

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2006

Roses are Red: Lamanda Park Branch Library 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. Roses are red, violets are blue, rhyming valentines are just for you. Create valentines for the special people in your life and give each one a special rhyme. 140 S. Altadena Dr., Pasadena.

Hearts and Hugs: San Rafael Branch Library 3:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. Celebrate Valentine's Day with stories, snacks, and a chance to make your own Valentine's Day card. Stoires suitable for preschoolers, but all are welcome. 1240 Nithsdale Road, Pasadena.

Valentine Stories, Crafts: Santa Catalina Library 3:30 p.m. Stories and a special craft for Valentine's Day. Keep it for yourself or give it to someone special. 999 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena.

Valentine's Day Crafts: Allendale Branch Library 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. School-age children can make their sweethearts something special. 1130 S. Marengo Ave., Pasadena.

Support Group: MOMS Club of Pasadena-North 10 a.m. Our guest speaker will be a pediatric dietician. Children are welcome and babysitting is provided. Information: 626-580-8514 or e-mail membershipnorth@pasadenamomsclub.com. Group has no religious affiliation. Trinity Lutheran Church, 997 E. Walnut St., Pasadena.

Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006

Parenting Tips: Mothers and More Pasadena 7 p.m. This meeting will either be a guest speaker on “Calmer, Easier, Happier Parenting” or a Parenting Book Review, where members can bring their favorite parenting books to share tips. Either way, come and join a lively discussion and get some good advice that’s been tested by real moms. Polytechnic School, Boswell Library, 1030 E. California Blvd, Pasadena.

Barks and Books: Hill Avenue Branch Library 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. Be a special reading buddy to a real dog! Elementary school-age children can read a book to a gentle dog. 55 S. Hill Ave., Pasadena.

Homework Help: Monrovia Public Library 3:30 p.m. Short, descriptive workshop for teens interested in writing essays. Educator and librarian Rebecca Diaz will cover the basic steps of the research process, including keys to organizing and tips for writing reports. Participants are encouraged to bring current assignments or topics that need to be researched and written. Alvord Room, 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia.

Friday, Feb. 17, 2006

Classical Music: First Lutheran Church Music Series 7:30 p.m. Renowned instrumental music concert features violin, sax and piano artists performing Bach, Mendelssohn and other composers. Suggested $5 donation. 9123 E. Broadway, Temple City.

Saturday, Feb. 18, 2006

Mt. Kidmore: Kidspace Children's Museum 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Through February 20. Aspire to become president and have your face added to Kidspace's Mt. Kidmore in this parent/child activity. For children ages 5 and up. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Washington and Edison: Kidspace Children's Museum 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. History comes alive in Peter Small's interactive presentation. Learn about George Washington in the 11 a.m. show, just in time for President's Day. The 1 p.m. show introduces children to Thomas Edison's amazing inventions. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Hubert Invents the Wheel: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. Meet Claire and Monte Montgomery, authors of "Hubert Invents the Wheel." The Montgomerys will give a presentation on the history of the wheel and will autograph their new book, written for children ages 7 to 12. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Fishbowl: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children create their own play fishbowl using collage materials. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Meet a Hindu Goddess: Norton Simon Museum 1 p.m. Learn all about the Hindu Goddess Durga and then dive into tales of other brave female figures in this program for children and families. Free with museum admission of $8 adults; free under 18. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Chinese New Year Festival: Huntington Library 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Celebrate the Year of the Dog during a day-long cultural festival, featuring lion dancers, Chinese music, martial arts demonstrations, children’s activities, and a traditional flower market with breathtaking blooms for sale. Free with general admission of $15 adults; $10 ages 12-18; $6 ages 5-11; free under 5. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino.

Sunday, Feb. 19, 2006

Black History Parade and Festival: Pasadena Division of Cultural Affairs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This 23rd annual event begins at 10 a.m. with parade, which steps off in Altadena from North Fair Oaks and Ventura avenues. Parade ends at Mountain and Fair Oaks and festival follows from noon to 4 p.m. Information: 626-744-7300. Robinson Park. 1081 North Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena.

Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2006

Beyond Pluto: CalTech Beckman Auditorium 8 p.m. Planetary astronomy professor Michael E. Brown discusses the story of his discovery of 2003 UB313, the first object larger than Pluto, and the first that might be called a new planet. In addition to a new avalanche of scientific questions, this discovery drives home the need to answer a question that astronomers have been unwilling to answer for years: "What is a planet?" 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena.

Board Game Mania: Allendale Branch Library 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. An afternoon of board game fun: Monopoly, Checkers, Chess, Cranium, Risk, Scrabble and more. 1130 S. Marengo Ave., Pasadena.

Friday, Feb. 24, 2006

Children of Uganda: CalTech Beckman Auditorium 8 p.m. Through dance and song, these exuberant and powerful performers tell the stories and history, the legends and beliefs of East Africa. Wearing colorful traditional dress, these young performers represent the abundant vitality of East African performing arts. Ranging in age from 8 to 18, the performers in the 20-member group have all been orphaned by AIDS. Adults $25, $21, $17; $10 youth. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena.

Zak: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Zak is an unusual boy with fantastic talents. Because he can talk to animals, he has two great friends, Sh’Krump and Laloune. Bridget Belgrave, author of "Zak," will bring Sh’krump and Laloune to visit. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Saturday, Feb. 25, 2006

MatheMagic: CalTech Beckman Auditorium 2 p.m. An exciting show that's all about ... math! Bradley Fields is one of the most acclaimed magicians in the world, and he's been focusing all his magical talent and theatrical experience on making math fun. The show incorporates bits of history, language and philosophy. Ages 6 and up. Adults $12; youth $7. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena.

Open House: The Little Gym of La Canada 3-6 p.m. Children between the ages of 4 months and 12 years old are invited to explore our curriculum in non-competitive and age-appropriate gymnastics, sports skills and karate programs. Our goal is to provide a strong foundation in motor skill development and boost self-confidence. Stop by for music, fun, movement challenges, games, refreshments, raffles and prizes. Information: 818-249-4496. 2196A Foothill Blvd., La Canada.

Kiddle Karoo Puppets: Kidspace Children's Museum 11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Kiddle Karoo is a show where puppets and friends take the audience on an imaginary adventure to the world of Kalakazoo. The show is a blend of original music, dancing, magic, and comic antics, enjoyable for children of all ages but especially for those age 4 and younger. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Dinosaurs: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. With dinosaur and insect puppets kids can put on all sorts of shows. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Register Early

Junior Master Gardeners: Huntington Library When science and literature come together, the result is something fierce at this workshop held on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 9 a.m. to noon. A reading of Jerdine Nolen’s hilarious book Plantzilla will be a prelude to an investigation of carnivorous plants, plant growth, and flower anatomy through scientific explorations connected to the story. Ages 8 to 11. $35. Registration: 626-405-2128. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino.

Bonsai Basics: Huntington Library Kids can discover the ancient art of bonsai in this hands-on workshop, offered on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 9–11:30 a.m. Participants will learn how to shape their own miniature trees to enjoy at home. Ages 7 and up. $15, plus $10 materials fee, includes accompanying adult. Registration: 626-405-2128. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino.

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.

Winter Bird Festival: Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden Families, friends and neighbors from the community are invited to learn how to identify birds and discover the fascinating lives and habits of common resident and visiting migrant bird species. This Sunday, Feb. 19 event features learning activities, games, crafts and bird-viewing stations. Participate in our "citizen science" project and help tally birds and contribute to the national Great Backyard Bird Count. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., $5 per person, maximum $20 per family. Information and registration: 909-625-8767 x224. 1500 N. College Ave., Claremont.

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

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.

Villa Parke Community Center Library 4:30 p.m. Family films, rated G and PG, are 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. .

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.

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.

Allendale Branch Library Family videos, suitable for school-age children, are shown on Mondays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. 1130 S. Marengo Ave., Pasadena.

Santa Catalina Library Elementary age children can read a book to a gentle dog every second and fourth Thursday at 3 p.m. through the Barks and Books program. Also at the Hastings Branch Library (3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena) every second Tuesday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. 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. 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.

Pasadena Laughter Club: Free group meets each Friday from 6-7 p.m. Families invited, no age restriction. The only condition for participation is the willingness to laugh for no reason. Information: info@laughteryoga.us or 626-755-5999. Yoga Kingdom Sanctuary, 553 S. Lake Ave., 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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