September 22, 2006

Number 99

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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

During our long and luxurious summer break (ha!), I found myself with about two minutes of free time. My thoughts, uncharacteristically, turned to crafting.

To understand how unusual this is, you need some background: I'm not at all crafty (at least not in the arts-and-crafts sense). My husband and children are not crafty. In fact, my kids are so art-challenged they've become notorious amongst their peers for their pathetic attempts at fulfilling drawing, painting and ceramics assignments. Their stick figures and outside-the-lines coloring were about the only things they ever got teased for in elementary school. I feel their pain, because I vividly remember being teased about the very same things myself.

I trace the familial handicap back to a genetic defect that undoubtedly arose somewhere in my mother's background. She and both her brothers were just terrible with their hands (their sister, my aunt, somehow escaped the curse). My mom used to tell

the traumatic story of her attempts to pass her high school sewing course. She valiantly stitched together a simple skirt that was apparently so bungled that the teacher picked it up, denounced it loudly and tore it in half before hurling it into the trash can in front of the entire class. Thank goodness home economics wasn't mandatory by the time I got to high school.

Poor mom. She told the story with a laugh, but there's no doubt the memory smarted. The only consolation she had was that she was in good company. None of my ancestors (and I've researched back a lot of generations) were craftsmen, and it's a good thing - they would have starved.

So you can see that my impulse to spend a few hours doing something creative (other than writing) was curious indeed. I thought about it for a while, and I realized something else. Even though my mother was crafts- challenged, she was always attempting to pull off one family art project or other. (This strange behavior sure says a lot about those times and what was - and wasn't - acceptable for women to spend their time on.)

But the long series of botched and half-finished craft projects that built up in our service porch (remember those?) closets also represent something else: Fond memories from my childhood.

My parents had a stormy marriage and they divorced when I was a young teen, so I can't say I have tons of fond memories. Yet some of the best family times I recall involve all us of working earnestly on gumdrop-and-styrofoam Christmas trees, apple head dolls and collages.

Here's my point: Arts and crafts projects are a great way to bring your family together around something other than the television set or the chow line. If you're really good at picking them out and completing them, wonderful! You'll no doubt turn out some beautiful creations that will become family heirlooms. And even if you're really bad at it - don't automatically reject the activity. If nothing else, you'll be spending time together on a shared goal, and you'll have lots of inside jokes to laugh about when your kids grow up.

We've recently had a number of craft and yarn stores advertising here, some of them new to the San Gabriel Valley area. I don't have anything more than anecdotal evidence, but it seems to me that homespun pursuits are enjoying a resurgence in popularity these days. I'd encourage you to check some out with your kids.

A few months back, we discussed feminism in this space, prompted by some comments I got from Orange Cat reader Sheila. Well, I heard from Sheila again, and she is dismayed that her Virginia women's college is considering going co-ed: "I always tell people I would not have done well at a co-educational institution, since I needed encouragement and needed to focus on my studies. I certainly never would have run a student government or participated in college media ... I believe I was given opportunities at a women's college to acquire knowledge and experience beyond that which would have been available or accessible to me elsewhere," she said.

Sheila's concern is well-founded, according to the New York Times. The story notes that women's colleges have shrunk from about 300 in the 1960s to fewer than 60 today, mostly due to economic pressures. While top female institutions, like Wellesley and Bryn Mawr, are thriving, smaller liberal arts colleges that admit only women are disappearing.

I didn't attend a women-only college. But if you did, and can take a few moments to tell me about the pros and cons, Sheila's looking for anecdotes that can help her alumni association. Go ahead and send me your stories. I'll forward them to Sheila and probably post a selection here in the near future.

Hard to believe it's been a year already, but it's true: Banned Books Week rolls around again starting tomorrow. As a strong First Amendment advocate, I join the libraries, publishers and booksellers who have raised awareness for the past 22 years about the dangers of censorship and celebrated the freedom to read. As Vroman's puts it: "It's hard to believe that in this day and age, people would still feel the need to not only tell someone they can't read a particular title, but go even further and have it physically removed from a school or library premises, or even worse, burned. Sadly enough, it's still as true today as it was 50 years ago." What to do? Buy a book, read a story, visit your library and join a book club!

Finally, let me take care of a little housekeeping. My thanks to Dorothy Reinhold, who gave us myriad creative and delicious school lunch ideas in our last issue. You'll be hearing more from Dorothy in future, as well as a few other guest columnists we've got lined up.

Also, Brad and I would like to remind all our readers about The Orange Cat Club, a voluntary subscription program for those who would like to support our efforts here at the Cat. We put in many, many hours each month to bring you the best advice and the most complete information possible about family activities in the San Gabriel Valley. If you can afford to pay .50-cents per issue (and I think most of you can, looking at our reader demographics) for this email publication, we ask you to do so. For those who cannot shell out $1 a month, we won't stop sending you The Orange Cat, don't worry.

If you paid for a one-year subscription last fall, you need to renew either via PayPal (one year or two year) or by sending us a check. Please make out the check to KBN Publishing, Inc. and include the email address where you get our newsletters in the memo line, so we can credit you for the payment. Mail your check to 5645 Heleo Ave., Temple City, CA 91780. Thanks!

This year, we're trying something new: A one-year subscription will be $12.50, and we'll donate .50 cents from each subscriber to Hillsides, a Pasadena-based residential and community treatment center for children suffering from abuse and mental illness. The nonprofit organization has been around since 1913 and they do terrific work, so we're very happy to support them! You can pay for a two-year subscription by sending in $23, which will include a $1 donation to Hillsides that we'll make on your behalf.

Well, that's it for now. As usual, you can send me gripes, questions, comments and suggestions by emailing 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.

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.

Sunday, Sept. 24, 2006

Hispanic Heritage: Sugarbutterbex 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Celebrate Hispanic heritage by participating in a series of free workshops, including face painting, sugar skull decorating, yarn drawing and more. Adults and kids of all ages welcome. Information: 323-255-0021. 5110 York Blvd. Highland Park.

Stories in the Afternoon: Norton Simon Museum 2 p.m. Listen to tales of protective cats, bears and other animals next to the 12th-century Cambodian sculpture Guardian Lion. Free with general museum admission. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Casting Call: First Lutheran Church of Temple City 3 p.m. Adults and children with a passion for singing, dancing and acting are encouraged to try out for lead roles or the chorus of "Scrooge the Musical." Information: 626-287-0968. 9123 Broadway, Temple City.

Monday, Sept. 25, 2006

Teddy Bear Tea: San Rafael Branch Library 3:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. Teddy Bears of all shapes and sizes invite preschoolers to enjoy bear stories, special snacks, and a cute craft. Bring your own teddy bear or favorite stuffed animal if you like. 1240 Nithsdale Road, Pasadena.

Juggling Show: Hastings Branch Library 7 p.m. David Cousin, a world record holding juggler, shares his talent in a special juggling show for people of all ages. 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena.

Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2006

Book Reading and Signing: Vromans Bookstore 7 p.m. Meg Cabot discusses and signs "How to Be Popular." 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2006

Endymion Spring: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 1 p.m. Matthew Skelton, author of "Endymion Spring," will pay Mrs. Nelson's a visit. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Apple Dumpling Gang: Pasadena Central Library 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. In the movie, The Apple Dumpling Gang, a gambler inherits three unwanted children. Through a twist of fate, the children become wealthy. Now, not only does he want them, but so does everyone else in town. In Library auditorium. 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena.

Thursday, Sept. 28, 2006

Halloween Costumes: Monrovia Public Library 3:45 p.m. Author Holly Cleland will be talking about her book "Glue and Go Costumes for Kids" and explaining how kids and adults can make their own unique, oversize, eye-catching costumes with basic supplies likes scissors and glue-guns. Includes hands-on demonstration. Ages second through sixth grade. 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia.

Saturday, Sept. 30, 2006

Coin Collector: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children stash their coins in personalized banks they make with collage beads and shapes. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Sunday, Oct. 1, 2006

Train Festival Huntington Library 10:30 a.m. Celebrate trains, and Henry Huntington’s connection to the transcontinental and interurban railroads, in an all-day event for the whole family. Free with admission of $15 adults, $10 students 12-18, $6 ages 5-11, free under 5. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino.

Book Reading and Signing: Vromans Bookstore Graeme Base discusses and signs "Unos Garden." 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2006

Halloween Shop N Play Amy's Playground 3 p.m. While children enjoy playground facilities, Spooky Storytime readings and Halloween Sing-a-Longs, parents can browse the boutique shop and PrissyPoofs Trunk Show - a line of Halloween tutu costumes. Complimentary refreshments free with admission of $8 kids 2 and up, $6 siblings and under 2. Information: 626-799-0304. (626) 799-0304 1115 Mission St., South Pasadena.

Free Night: Kidspace Children's Museum 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Free admission today, from 5 - 8 p.m., for the entire family. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2006

Munchy Mouse: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 10 a.m. - noon. Christina Das, author of "Munchy Mouse," will appear at Mrs. Nelson's. For ages preschool-7. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Bats Up Close: Pasadena Central Library 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Come see a real bat. Bat biologist Diana Simons will share the true story of one of nature's most misunderstood creatures. For children 6 and older. 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena.

Thursday, Oct. 5, 2006

Musical Pajama Party: Pasadena Conservatory of Music 6:45 p.m. Put on your jammies and come hear instructor Ilana Page, as she serenades children with music and a bedtime story. Ages newborn to 5 should come dressed for sleepytime and with their favorite blankie, teddy bear or silent toy. Information: 626-683-3355. Beverly Lafontaine Marketing Director Pasadena Conservatory of Music 626-683-3355 100 N. Hill Ave., Pasadena.

Saturday, Oct. 7, 2006

The Importance of Money: Vromans Bookstore 10:30 a.m. Snigglezoos Money Mammals teach children 2 - 6 about the value of money. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

School Open House: Oak Knoll Kinderhaus Montessori 12-3 p.m. Come visit our classrooms, for children 18 months through 12 years. Information: 626-345-0595. 1200 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena.

Fall Wreath: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children create a wreath in lots of fun fall colors. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Register Early

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.

Teacher Night: Vromans Bookstore An evening for librarians, educators of Pre-K through 12 and home school instructors will be held Thursday, Sept. 28. Mingle with fellow educators and meet children’s staff who will be discussing the latest in children’s literature, upcoming school events, educational services and more. Reservations: 626-449-5320. Specify which session you would like to attend: grades Pre-K through 5 will be held at 5 p.m.; grades 6 - 12 at 7 p.m. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

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.

Lemony Snicket: University of La Verne Women's Basketball Gym The University of La Verne and Mrs. Nelson's Toy and Book Shop are sponsoring a reading and book signing with Lemony Snicket and Brett Helquist on October 24 at 7:30 p.m. Includes a musical performance by The Gothic Archies. Tickets are required and are available with the purchase from Mrs. Nelson's of any book from "A Series of Unfortunate Events," including pre-orders of "The End" (Available Oct. 13). One ticket per person. Near the intersection of C Street and Second Street in La Verne. More information at Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore.

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.

Science Saturday: CalTech Beckman Auditorium A World in Motion is a high-definition film that looks at movement in the worlds of sports, arts, technology, and nature, starring athletes, dancers, musicians, machines, and an array of animals. To be held Oct. 14 at 2 p.m. Event includes performance by the contemporary improvisational ensemble "Continuum," along with members of the Caltech Dance Troupe. Gwyneth Card of Caltech's Bioengeering Department will introduce the film and guide the post-screening discussion. Tickets: $5; note that first 500 tickets requested will be issued free. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena.

TheatreWorks USA: CalTech Beckman Auditorium Laugh and sing along with Alexander's misadventures in this hilarious musical based on the book, "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day." Recommended for grades PreK-4. To be held Tuesday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. Reservations: 800-497-5007 332 S. Michigan 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. - 11:30 a.m. This Spanish playgroup meets every Sunday and provides Spanish literacy for Spanish-speaking children. 55 S. Hill Ave., Pasadena.

Monday

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.

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.

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.

Music and Dance: San Dimas Farmers Market 4:30 p.m. Come and experience a night full of live music and dancing every Wednesday. 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.

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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