September 8, 2006

Number 98

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

The Back Fence

Upcoming Events

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By Dorothy Reinhold

With school back in session, parents across the land are faced with the same dilemma each morning (or

every night, if you are particularly well organized): What the heck do I pack in the lunchbox?

Can your son or daughter possibly eat peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches each and every day of the school year? And if so, is that good nutrition? Can YOU possibly stand to pack a pb&j each and every blessed day of the school year without going insane?

Yes, some children seem to need pb&js like fish need water, like school principals need bad ties and like mommies need wine and chocolate. But is it good nutrition? I'll leave that for you to figure out, since a child's diet is probably best evaluated on a weekly or even longer basis, not by measuring any single meal or snack. Is mini-me getting a variety of foods throughout the week or over the course of several weeks? You make the call.

But I can predict assuredly that you will be a certifiable nut case (more so than you already are as a parent) if you don't branch out from pb&js. You will be loony and loopy and goony and goofy by the third week in September if you don't escape from pb&j Hades.

Here to the rescue are a couple of quick ideas for lunches we have seen, eaten and loved:

Anything you can make an ordinary sandwich out of, you can wrap up in a tortilla, and it miraculously seems a million times more appealing! Same with pita bread, or a bagel or flatbread.

Since we're talking about tortillas, how about any kind of a quesadilla? A recent favorite is an apple pie quesadilla, with Jack (or cheddar) cheese, a sprinkling of cinnamon or cinnamon sugar, and thinly sliced apples. Or a quesadilla with melted brie and a few toasted walnuts and some dried cranberries thrown in? A traditional quesadilla can be amped up with any kinds of shredded veggies you can spot in the fridge (zucchini, carrots, spinach, etc.), or you could roll it all up and make a burrito instead of a quesadilla. When I put a quesadilla in a lunch, I make it in the morning, slice it in wedges and pack it away warm. It is ready to eat at room temperature when lunchtime rolls around.

Try using hummus instead of mayo as the binder in a simple egg salad. Whirl 1 rinsed and drained 15-ounce can of chickpeas in a food processor with a couple of tablespoons of tahini (sesame seed paste), the juice of half a lemon, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt and 1 or 2 minced garlic cloves. If you don't have tahini, that's OK; just toss in a splash of olive oil, or a tablespoon or more of plain nonfat yogurt. Blend it until it is very pasty (add a sprinkle of water if it's too thick) and voila! Now simply chop a hard-boiled egg or two and stir in a tablespoon or two of hummus instead of the usual mayonnaise. Spread it on bread or a tortilla.

You know that hummus you made? If you have a child who loves hummus (and doesn't grind his lunchbox into the asphalt on the way to school), put a healthy dollop in the bottom of a small Tupperware-style container and stand carrot, celery and jicama sticks in the hummus. Put the lid on. When your child opens the container, she finds the dip and the dippers, all together.

Do your kids munch all the edamame on the table at sushi restaurants? They will be delighted to see edamame in their lunch boxes, and you will be delighted to know that it has 11 grams of protein for every one-half cup of soybeans. Some call edamame the wonder vegetable because it is the only one that contains all nine essential amino acids. This makes it a complete protein source, similar to meat or eggs. It is also very low in cholesterol, and a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, thiamin, folate, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and manganese. Beat that, Frito-Lay!

Always pack some easy-to-munch fruit: Slices of apple, pear, and kiwi, chunks of cantaloupe, watermelon, mango or pineapple, plums, grapes. Make fruit at every meal a habit, and you will thank yourself later on. Even a pre-packed mandarin orange cup, or applesauce cup is great. I knew I had won that battle when my 4-year-old son plopped his empty lunchbox on the counter one afternoon and said in all seriousness, "Mom, instead of slicing my kiwi, can you just cut the kiwi in half for me? I like to eat a big piece!" Okie dokie, little man...that's no problem!

Try veering away from the main dish/side dish/dessert ritual, and mix it up a bit. Who's to say there is anything wrong with packing a breakfast cookie or bar in a lunchbox? I have made these Oatmeal Breakfast Bars and my husband loved them as much as the kids did. In a mixing bowl, combine 4 cups quick-cooking oats, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts and 1 cup flaked coconut. Stir in 3/4 cup melted butter or margarine, 3/4 cup orange marmalade and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pat the dough into a greased 15- by 10-inch baking pan and bake at 425 degrees for 15-17 minutes, or until golden. Cool on a wire rack and cut into about 30 rectangles. Add one into the lunchbox with some fruit, whatever veggie you have on hand, one of those yogurt sticks (packed frozen in the lunchbox in the morning) and maybe a cheese stick. You'll have a lunch other kids will envy. And envy is good at lunchtime!

Don't forget leftovers. A slice of frittata or pizza, some spaghetti or mac and cheese, some stir-fry... anything you can figure out how to pack is fair game.

Every kid I know loves pasta. How about making a sort of pizza pasta salad? Next time you make penne or other short and sturdy pasta for dinner (my favorite is Barilla-brand pipettes), boil some extra and the next day toss the extra cooked pasta with chopped tomatoes (or halved cherry tomatoes), chopped hard salami or pepperoni (or even ham or turkey lunch meat), diced mozzarella or fresh tiny mozzarella balls, a dusting of grated Parmesan and a splash of bottled Italian dressing. If you child is adventurous, toss in some shredded fresh basil, or whatever pizza ingredients your child craves - sliced mushrooms or olives? Bell pepper or pineapple chunks? Customize or simplify, depending on your mood and the contents of your fridge.

I used to joke that NPR was the source of all knowledge in the universe. Now, of course, we know that it isn't NPR, but the Internet that claims the title. So, last but certainly not least, consult the Internet. Start at this site to see some very cool Americanized bento boxes that will allow you to pack the hippest, most happenin' lunch in reusable containers and save the Earth while nourishing your child. They also have a few buttons to click on for lunch ideas, so surf around.

Next, go to this blog and marvel at this mother's incredible ingenuity in packing lunch after lunch after lunch (all lovingly photographed) of unending fabulosity. You don't have to be a vegan to soak up her bright ideas.

After all that, if your child still wants pb&js, well, it ain't for lack of trying! Maybe stir some wheat germ or ground flax into the peanut butter for a higher-octane boost, or try almond butter or cashew butter for variety. And who's to say consistency isn't a good thing, anyway? The truth is, I make pb&js (or pb&honeys, or pb&apple butters), cut them in half and freeze the halves in individual sandwich bags. When the morning comes when you don't even have two minutes to assemble a moderately thoughtful lunch, that frozen sammie (which will thaw nicely by lunchtime) is a parental lifesaver.

Freelance writer Dorothy Reinhold lives in Malibu with her husband and two lunch-loving children. She 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.

Friday, Sept. 8, 2006

The Incredibles: Pasadena Central Library 3:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. See the movie, The Incredibles: A family of undercover superheroes, while trying to live the quiet suburban life, are forced into action to save the world. Children's Room, Central Library. 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena.

Craft Stick Puzzle Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kids design fun, four-piece puzzles, then take them apart and piece them together again, 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

The Incredibles: Pasadena Central Library 3:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. The Incredibles. A family of undercover superheroes, while trying to live the quiet suburban life, are forced into action to save the world. In library auditorium. 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena.

Saturday, Sept. 9, 2006

Stick Puzzle: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kids design fun, four-piece stick puzzles, then take them apart and piece them together again. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Book Reading and Signing: Vromans Bookstore 4 p.m. Danny Ruderman discusses and signs "The Ultimate College Acceptance System." 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Sunday, Sept. 10, 2006

Grandparents Day: Kidspace Children's Museum Grandchildren and grandparents can work together on projects in honor of National Grandparents' Day. Grandparents accompanied by a grandchild will receive $2 off on admission this day. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Monday, Sept. 11, 2006

A Little Magic: Hastings Branch Library 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. See a little magic happen before your eyes with our very own Hastings Branch magician, Richard. Richard will perform several magic tricks and teach children a magic trick of their own. 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena.

Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2006

Open House MOMS Club of Pasadena-North 10 a.m. We will be holding an open house for all members. Please attend this meeting if you can, because we will be discussing upcoming events. For more information please contact Brandy Mayer, Membership Vice President, at 626-580-8514. Trinity Lutheran Church, 997 E. Walnut St., Pasadena.

Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2006

Fitness for Moms MOMS Club of the Foothills: 10 a.m. Monthly meeting of this support group for stay-at-home moms in the Crescenta Valley area. Fitness expert David Bernstein from "Take the Baby and Run" will speak on fitness for moms. Information: 323-496-0844. St. Luke's Church, 2563 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta.

Thursday, Sept. 14, 2006

Book Reading and Signing: Vromans Bookstore 7 p.m. Stephenie Meyer discusses and signs "New Moon." 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

School Resources: Allendale Branch Library 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. The Pasadena Public Library subscribes to numerous useful websites such as Tutor.com Live Homework Help, ABC-CLIO Social Studies Suite and Learning Express Library (specializing in online Test and Course Resources). See how to use these resources. Snacks provided. 1130 S. Marengo Ave., Pasadena.

Saturday, Sept. 16, 2006

Family Day: Norton Simon Museum 1 p.m. Scour the galleries to learn how artists use books in their paintings, and then create and decorate your own handmade book from recycled materials. Free with museum admission of $8 adults, free under 18. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Fancy Photo Holder: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kids make a personalized photo holder as a gift or keepsake. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Flea Market: Kidspace Children's Museum 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kids share their talents and sell their wares at the back-to-school Flea Market, a community market and fair just for kids. Children can create, package, or sell items they have made or collected to other children. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Sunday, Sept. 17, 2006

Little Gym Party: La Canada Little Gym 3 p.m. The Little Gym of La Canada will be celebrating its birthday with all The Little Gyms nationwide. Bring your children for tumbling, games, activities, cake, refreshments, raffles and more. 2196A Foothill Boulevard, La Canada, 91011.

Sundaes on Sunday: Pasadena Museum of History 2 to 4:30 p.m. Free family day features make-your-own ice cream sundaes, stories, tour of the Fenyes Mansion kitchen and "House Beautiful" exhibit. Free; reservations suggested: 626-577-1660, ext. 10. 470 W. Walnut St., Pasadena.

Monday, Sept. 18, 2006

Evaluating Schools: Pasadena Education Network 7-9 p.m. Mikala L. Rahn, president of Public Works Inc., discusses the quality of Pasadena Unified School District schools and gives tips for parents evaluating schools for their children. Information: 866-216-7334. Baxter Lecture Hall, Caltech, Pasadena.

Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2006

Ice Cream Social: La Pintoresca Branch Library 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Back to school ice cream social. Who wants peppermint pencil, yellow school bus or playground dirt ice cream? Make your own wacky back-to-school ice cream concoction. For ages 8 and up. Reservations required. (626) 744-7268. 1355 N. Raymond Ave., Pasdena.

Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2006

Mislabeled Child: Pasadena Central Library 7-9 p.m. Authors Brock and Fernette Eide speak on "Finding the True Sources and Solutions for Children's Learning Challenges." Donald Wright Auditorium, 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena.

Thursday, Sept. 21, 2006

Snow Cone Social: Lamanda Park Branch Library 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. Take a break from the heat for snow cones and "cool" summer stories! 140 S. Altadena Dr., Pasadena.

Saturday, Sept. 23, 2006

Back to School Bash: Creators Touch 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bounce house, face painting and art projects along with refreshments and caricaturist. Information: 909-297-3368. 1445 Foothill Blvd., La Verne.

Collage Mirror: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kids create a mirror that they can set up anywhere using craft materials like glitter, yarn, and collage shapes. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Hoot: Pasadena Central Library 3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. The film, Hoot, based on the Newberry Honor Book by Carl Hiaasen. Three smart, brave kids save some very small owls from a big pancake restaurant chain. In library auditorium. 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena.

Health Fair: Kidspace Children's Museum 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Explore wholesome foods at Harvest Corner and try the kids' fitness challenge. Children will jump with Hoppy the Grasshopper, get their hearts pumping with the American Heart Association, and learn about wellness from the Pasadena Health Department. Become a paramedic, doctor, or surgeon in Kidspace's mobile first aid station, the 'Boo Boo Buggy.' Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Register Early

Night Walk: Descanso Gardens 7:15 p.m. Docent Jim Jackson will lead a night time tour of Descanso Gardens and share its history on Friday, Sept. 15. Participants must be at least 12 years old, should wear sensible shoes, and bring a jacket and flashlight. Space is limited; registration: 818-949-7980. $15. 1418 Descanso Dr, La Canada Flintridge.

Discovering Nature's Alphabet: Descanso Gardens Nature finds the simplest ways to flourish, and that reality helped inspire the alphabet we have today. Krystina Castella and Brian Boyl, authors of "Discovering Nature's Alphabet," give a class for the entire family on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $20. Reservations: 818-949-7980. 1418 Descanso Dr, La Canada Flintridge.

Plants in Chinese Art: Huntington Library 9 a.m. Children will learn the hidden meanings of plants in Chinese art as they explore the exhibition "Chrysanthemums on the Eastern Hedge" and pay a visit to the Chinese garden lake. Saturday, Sept. 16, 9 to 11:30 a.m. Ages 7 and up, $25 with accompanying adult. Registration: 626-405-2128. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino.

Soups On: Huntington Library 9 a.m. Young cooks will stir up some soups in a workshop with Chef Lisa Fontanesi on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. First stop is the herb garden to stock up on some sensational fresh flavors, then it's back to the kitchen for some culinary fun. Ages 7 and up, $25 with accompanying adult. Registration: 626-405-2128. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino.

Flea Market Vendors: Kidspace Children's Museum For your child to participate as a vendor at the Kidspace Flea Market on Sept. 16, please download a Reservation Request Form at the Kidspace Website and submit by Thursday, September 14. Recommended ages for participation as a vendor are 4-12. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Family Story Night: Huntington Library 6:30 p.m. Join us for our fourth annual evening of thrills and chills as the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Edward Gorey come to life in candle-lit performances by the Guild of St. George. Saturday, Oct. 21, 6:30 to 10 p.m. Ages 10 and up. Adult: $30; child $25. Registration: 626-405-2128. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino.

Parenting Techniques: Kids Klub Sunday Sept. 24, 12:30-5:30 p.m. British parenting expert Noel Janis-Norton will teach skills that can help children cooperate and gain self-confidence and family harmony. Couples are encouraged to attend the event together. $125 for one; $199 for two. Register online or call 866-897-2451 for more information. 380 W. Raymond Ave. Pasadena.

Continuing Activities

Sunday

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.

Hill Avenue Branch Library 10 a.m. Literacy Program in Spanish for Spanish speaking preschoolers and elementary school children. (Programa de alfabelzacion en espanol para ninos.)The Educa Group meets every Sunday except the first Sunday of each month. 55 S. Hill Ave., Pasadena.

Hill Avenue Branch Library: 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. This Spanish playgroup meets every Sunday and provides Spanish literacy for Spanish-speaking children. 55 S. Hill Ave., Pasadena.

Monday

Arcadia Public Library Dates: Mondays, June 26 through July 31Time: 3:30 p.m. in the Imagination Theater Are you going into 3rd grade or older? Are you ready to move up in the world of reading? Then this fun club is just for you! Each week you will get to hear a story, explore a variety of interesting books, and play the Readopoly Challenge game. 20 W. Duarte Rd., Arcadia.

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.

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 Central Library 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Pasadena Education Network (PEN) meets regularly on the second Monday of the month. Learn more about Pasadena public schools from other parents. 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena.

Pacific Theatres: Moms, dads and caregivers, here's your chance to see a first run adult-themed movie...with your baby! No one will mind if your baby cries, everyone will have a baby and all babies cry. 11 a.m., film title changes weekly. Paseo Colorado, Pasadena.

Tuesday

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.

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. .

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.

Hastings Branch Library 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. The Summer Reading Club Animal Storytime and Craft is for school-aged children and features a different animal each week. 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena.

Regal Entertainment Group: On Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. throughout the summer, free family films are shown. All movies are rated G and PG and seating is first-come, first-served. Check Website for tickets and locations. .

Wednesday

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.

Alhambra Public Library Preschool Story Time 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Featuring stories, finger plays, songs and puppets. For kids, ages 3 to 5. Then, at 7 p.m., Pajama Story Time, for ages 3 to 10. Stories, finger plays, songs, films and crafts. 410 W.Main Street, Alhambra.

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.

Farmers Music and Dance San Dimas Farmers Market 4:30 p.m. Come and experience a night full of live music and dancing every wednesday night. 245 E. Bonita Ave. Civic Center Park.

Thursday

Villa Parke Community Center Library 4:30 p.m. Family films, rated G and PG, are shown on Thursdays. 363 E. Villa Street, 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. On hiatus for summer. Group also sponsors Moms' Nights Out, book club and playgroups. Information: mothersandmore@onebox.com, or 866-206-9068, x3921. Wild Oats Natural Marketplace, conference room, 603 S. Lake Ave. Pasadena.

Friday

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.

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.

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.

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.

Alhambra Public Library 10:30 a.m. Toddler Story Time, for ages 12 to 24 months. 410 W.Main Street, Alhambra.

Saturday

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.

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.

Alhambra Public Library 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., Saturdays. Story Time for children of all ages. Provided by volunteer story readers. 410 W.Main Street, Alhambra.

Other

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 the 210 Freeway. For more information please e-mail: membershipnorth@pasadenamomsclub.com .

South Pasadena Strings: Afterschool music, art and foreign language classes for preschoolers and kindergartners. For all ages, group and private lesson in violin, viola, cello, guitar, piano, voice. Award-winning youth orchestras. For more information, email stringsprogram@aol.com, or call 626/403-4611. South Pasadena.

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. .

Pasadena Central Library and its branches offer many storytimes each week, for infants through age 8. All programs are free, some require pre-registration. Check website for schedules. .

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.

Pasadena Central Library Gentle, affectionate dogs from the Pasadena Humane Society love it when children read to them. At the Central Library and various branch libraries. See library calendar for details. 285 East Walnut 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. Also, Saturday storytime is from 11 a.m. to noon. Register: 909-599-4558. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

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.

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.

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, parent's night out program, 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.

Pasadena Libraries Elementary age children can read a book to a gentle dog at various Pasadena library locations through the Barks and Books program. .

MOMS Club of the Foothills: Support group for at-home moms meets regularly for general meetings, speakers and mom's night out. Information: email foothillmommembership@hotmail.com or call 323-496-0844 .

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.

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.

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

Allendale Branch Library 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Board game mania is held monthly, featuring games of all kinds, like Monopoly, Checkers, Chess, Cranium, Risk, Scrabble and more. 1130 S. Marengo Ave., Pasadena.

MOMS Club of Monrovia Support group for stay-at-home moms meets regularly for park days, stroller walks, and all-member meetings. Serving Monrovia, Duarte, and Bradbury. For more information please e-mail: momsclubofmonrovia@yahoo.com. .

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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