November 3, 2006

Number 102

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

The Back Fence

Upcoming Events

Our Sponsors

...................................................

........................................................................................................

.....................................................

By Karen E. Klein

We get mail! Yes, we do! And much of it provides excellent follow-up and further information on something that's appeared here already. With no further ado,

I'll pass along some additional things to think about regarding college planning:

Brad, my partner in crime, addressed the GoldenState Scholarshare program, a 529 college savings plan I mentioned last time: "Did you know you can pick a 529 plan from any state? Utah has a particularly good one - or at least it did when we signed up - so we've got one from there."

Brad makes a good point. You don't have to live in the state where a 529 plan is offered in order to participate in it. The danger (and it doesn't apply to us Californians) is that some states give special tax breaks for their own state plans, so those who sign up for an out-of-state plan risk losing those local tax benefits. Since, as I said, California doesn't give tax credits for its 529 plan (more's the pity!), there's no harm in investigating college savings plans elsewhere and choosing the best one you can find. The key here: Start saving something, even if it's a very small amount, early on and you'll have a good chance of accumulating some real bucks by the time your little one isn't so little anymore.

I also heard from Holly Duncan, a "former admission officer at one of those US News and World Report colleges" and currently an alumni relations director at Pomona College. Here's just some of the insider tips she offered:

"Don't freak about any price tags. What you see printed may or may not have any bearing on what you actually pay. For instance, when I was working at one of those $40,000 colleges (which includes room and board by the way) a LOT of kids, even some whose families made six figures, had financial aid. We also discovered that for most kids it was actually CHEAPER to attend a 4 year

private college because in the UC system it was taking longer than four years to graduate and the financial aid relied more heavily on loans v. grants. So ask about the average debt a student has when he or she graduates to get a better idea of the real cost. You might be very surprised."

"I do have a bias towards the smaller schools, and this is why. Smaller schools tend to specialize in undergraduates. Without graduate students around, your child is the priority... If you don't show up for class at a small school don't be surprised if the professor calls or emails to check on you! At a large school, undergraduates have to seek out opportunities. At a small school the opportunities are so abundant you have to choose because you can't do them all."

"Don't spend the money on private consultants, and run from anyone who wants you to pay them to find scholarships! It is an intimidating process, but there are so many resources out there to help you through it. Start with the internet. High school counselors and teachers are great resources for proof reading, ideas about which colleges to apply to, and encouragement, and any college admission office worth a darn will gladly answer questions about the application. And use the common application! It will save you tremendous time and, I promise, the colleges do not give it any more or less weight than their own application."

"Here is a harsh reality that no one wants to admit, but definitely happens. Deserving kids, kids who have done all the right things and essentially earned the right to attend these highly competitive schools, don't always get in everywhere they apply. It is a scary thought. Prepare yourself and your child for this. During interviews I would sometimes ask myself, `Has this kid ever heard the word "no" before?' There was a sense of entitlement that blew me away."

"Finally (though I could go on and on and would be glad to talk to anyone who has questions!), here is a little recognized fact about financial aid. It is not always to your advantage to have money in the student's name. Their assets are much less protected than yours... Now I am not saying go out and blow your money on a vacation, you may very well need it to avoid taking out a loan. I would simply talk to a knowledgeable financial aid person (call your local community college even) and ask about different scenarios. And remember, it is usually the last year's tax returns they are looking at in the financial aid process, so this almost requires you to take action in the sophomore year of high school."

Wow - thanks so much, Holly! That's some really interesting and valuable advice. I had never heard about the common application, but you can be sure we'll be taking advantage of it next year when the time comes. Since she was generous enough to make herself available to answer questions from Cat readers, please feel free to get in touch with Holly through me if you'd like to follow up with her.

Here's another example of Internet synergy at work: My friend Susan Carrier emailed me about an upcoming local event that will address college planning: The YWCA GirlTalk series is doing a special "Road Map to Success" program on Nov. 11 (see our calendar for more details). "In the Pasadena area, it's easy for parents to get caught up in the straight and narrow path to success that starts with the right preschool and continues to building the perfect resume for college acceptance," Susan writes. "There's nothing wrong with this route, but, the truth is that most of us zig and zag our ways to fulfillment in life. One of our goals is to remind both parents and girls that there are many routes to success, not just one straight and narrow path." Words of wisdom, Susan. Thanks for letting us know about the seminar. (It's free, by the way, and includes some great take-away goodies for participants.)

So, you're telling me your kids aren't quite ready to think about college just yet? That's okay. Here's another resource for students of all ages: The Pasadena Public Library's online Live Homework Help program. All you need is a library card and access to the Internet to get free, expert assistance for your kids with their homework and reports.

"Stuck on a math problem? A biology question? An English assignment? If you are a 4th through 12th grader click on the "Live Homework Help" button on the homepage or on the Kids Page or in Teen Scene and you will be connected to a live tutor that specializes in the subject you need help in. Pasadena students are using it and giving the help they get a 95% approval rate," librarians say.

The library also provides a site where kids can practice for standardized tests like the high school placement exams or the SAT. Go to the Teen Scene page, click on "Virtual Study Hall" and then and click on "Learning Express." And finally, here's a resource my family could have used more than once: "Need a book, but the library is closed and you don't want to buy it? You can download an e-book by going to the library home page, clicking on the "Library Catalog" tab and then clicking on the "Digital Music and Books" tab at the top of the screen. You can choose popular reading, classics, books to help you do a science fair project or books for a report that's due tomorrow."

Great stuff! Isn't online communication wonderful? Let us know you care by joining the Orange Cat Club (one year or two year) and sending us your low-cost, high-value subscription fee. And let me know what's on your mind anytime at Karen@theorangecat.org.

Dates and times subject to change; activities free unless noted; phone numbers provided if reservations are requested; please note age ranges on some activities. Also, see our special printable calendar, especially for readers of The Orange Cat.

Friday, Nov. 3, 2006

Buckamoo: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore Ellen Kelley, the author of Buckamoo Girls, will be visit the store. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Dinosaur Movies: Linda Vista Branch Library 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Watch dinosaur movies each week in November to celebrate Children's Book Month. 1281 Bryant St., Pasadena.

Weird Nature: CalTech Beckman Auditorium 10 a.m. Film and discussion on animals and the strange, built-in equipment they use to catch their prey. $5. Grades 3-12 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena.

Saturday, Nov. 4, 2006

Christmas Boutique: First Lutheran Church of Temple City 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Handmade quilts, skirts, aprons and many other items for sale. Information: Pat Becker, 626-446-9366. Also Sunday, Nov. 5, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Parish Hall, 9123 Broadway, Temple City.

Handprint Keepsake: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. A personalized handprint project that's sure to become a keepsake. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Dino-mite: Pasadena Central Library 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Storytime for preschoolers ages 3-5 with some "dino"-mite stories, and a free paperback book. Also, at 3-4 p.m., more dino-mite fun with the movie, Ice Age, a free paperback book, and dino snacks. Children's Room. 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena.

Hansel and Gretel: Haugh Performing Arts Center, Citrus College 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Two curious children discover the friendly creatures of the forest, and a peculiar old woman who loves little children so much that she could just gobble them up! Puppeteers from Jim Gamble Productions retell this tale, set to the melodies of Engelbert Humperdinck. $6. Grades K-3. 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora.

Japanese Garden Festival: Descanso Gardens 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The gardens will be filled with the beauty, grace, music and artistry of the Japanese-American culture during this annual festival, featuring tea ceremony, dancers, origami and Taiko drummers. Also Sunday, Nov. 5. 1418 Descanso Dr, La Canada Flintridge.

Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006

Author Event: Vromans Bookstore 4 p.m. Ronald Dietel discusses and signs "Get Smart! Nine Sure Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in School." Using the latest education research, Dietel shows parents how to help their children become better students by sharing "tricks of the trade" from some of the most respected researches in the field, including Marilyn Cochran-Smith, Robert Glaser, and Hilda Borko, as well as advice from parents themselves. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Natural Dyes: Kidspace Museum Nov. 5-10. In honor of National Native American Month, children will be exploring the colorful properties of plants. Native Americans have been using flora as a source of dye and paint for hundreds of years. This week at Harvest Corner, children will use these natural dyes to create a masterpiece on cloth. In addition, take home an extension activity sheet where you can learn to tie-dye with your child using plant materials. 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Monday, Nov. 6, 2006

Open Enrollment: Pasadena Education Network 7-9 p.m. Get information about the open enrollment process for the Pasadena Unified School District and ask questions of district officials. Information: 866-216-7334. Baxter Lecture Hall, Caltech, Pasadena.

Harry and the Tyrannosaurus: (multiple dates) Pasadena Libraries A play, by Swazzle Puppets, featuring Harry, a young mammal, enlists the help of friendly dinosaurs such as Ankylosaurus, Triceratops, and Pteranodon to chase away a tyrannosaurus rex. Nov. 6: 3:30-4:30 p.m. at San Rafael Branch; Nov. 9: 3:30-4 p.m. at Linda Vista Branch; Nov. 11: 10-10:45 a.m. at Central Library; Nov. 13: 4 p.m. at Allendale Branch and 7-8 p.m. at Hastings Branch Library; Nov. 16: 11 a.m.-noon. at Hill Avenue Branch and 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Villa Parke .

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2006

Grimly: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 4 p.m. Gris Grimly, illustrator of Boris and Bella, and the newest Santa Claws, will visit the bookstore. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Thursday, Nov. 9, 2006

Oh California: Monrovia Public Library 3:35 p.m. Musician Craig Newton will present a musical journey through California state history. 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia.

Illustrator Brooks: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 10 a.m. Illustrator Erik Brooks, who has written Boo's Dinosaur and Octavius Bloom, will visit the bookstore. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Saturday, Nov. 11, 2006

Author Event: Vromans Bookstore 2 p.m. Moms, dads and kids are invited to discover the wisdom in their own backyard with "Zen Stories from the Neighborhood," an author discussion and storytelling event. The event includes tandem readings for parents and children by Sierra Madre author Karen Maezen Miller and local children's storyteller Sally Roberts. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Road Map to Success: YWCA Pasadena 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The GirlTalk series for girls and their mothers or mentors will feature a panel discussion and workshops about goal setting, career planning and college admissions. Girls will receive a free binder with information about college planning, financial aid and local resources. Reservations: 626-296-8433. 1200 N. Fair Oaks, Pasadena.

Treasure Chest: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children make a colorful treasure chest, a perfect place for little ones to stash a few of their favorite things. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Monday, Nov. 13, 2006

Native American Music: Kidspace Museum Nov. 12-18. Children will create a symphony by shaking the rattle gourd, flipping the rain stick and experimenting with other musical instruments utilized by the Native Americans. 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Monday, Nov. 13, 2006

You Bead It: Monrovia Public Library 6:30 p.m. Young adults ages 13 to 18 will be provided materials to express their creativity and make bead necklaces and bracelets. The event will last approximately two hours and light snacks will be served. Information: Shawn Thrasher, 626-256-8254 or email: sthrasher@ci.monovia.ca.us. 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia.

Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2006

Gifted Children: South Pasadena Unified School District 7 p.m. Elizabeth Jones Stork, director of the Institute for Educational Advancement, speaks on "The social and emotional needs of gifted children; what parents and teachers should know." South Pasaden High School, auditorium, 1401 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena.

Thursday, Nov. 16, 2006

Board Games: Alhambra Public Library 3:30 p.m. Children's Board Game Day. 410 W.Main Street, Alhambra.

Friday, Nov. 17, 2006

Book Reading and Signing: The Dinosaur Farm 7 p.m. Author Alison Bell signs "Zibby Payne & the Wonderful, Terrible Tomboy Experiment." 1510 Mission St., South Pasadena.

Saturday, Nov. 18, 2006

Science Saturday: CalTech Beckman Auditorium 2 p.m. "Polar Bears On Thin Ice," a high-definition film, will be presented with Jillian Dempsey of Caltech's chemistry department introducing the film and leading a post-screening discussion. Meet the polar bears of Churchill, Manitoba, and find out how climate change and human encroachment on their habitat impact their quest for food and survival. $5. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena.

The Emperor's New Clothes: Haugh Performing Arts Center, Citrus College 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. This fairy-tale comedy is about a foolish Emperor who is so vain that two weavers convince him they can create cloth so fine that the foolish cannot see it. The whole empire is taken in, until a small child observes the obvious - the Emperor has no clothes! $6. Grades K-6. 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora.

Puppet Variety Show: San Marino Public Library 2 p.m. Celebrate children's book week with Franklin Haynes' marionettes, presenting "Frankie's Toy Box," a family-friendly show. Information: 626-300-0777. 1800 Huntington Dr., San Marino.

Family Day: Norton Simon Museum 1 p.m. What to cook? Get some quick ideas for a delicious holiday meal and then create a food collage inspired by artworks in this program for children and families. Free with museum admission. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Thanksgiving Placemat: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kids make their own Thanksgiving placemat. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Musical Circus: Pasadena Symphony 8:30 a.m. Kids can hold and "play" orchestra instruments and then hear a child-friendly concert by the ColorSound Percussion Trio. This group strikes, shakes and scrapes its way into the listener's imagination as they introduce the wonderful sounds of percussion, from the William Tell Overture to the Nutcracker ballet to a Cartoon Medley. Students are introduced to all the elements of classical music. Recommended for ages 10 and under. Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena.

Register Early

Saturday, Nov. 11, 2006

Tropical Plant Art: Huntington Library 11 a.m. On Nov. 11 from 9-11:30 a.m., children will explore the tropical wonders hidden inside paintings then create their own landscapes by drawing plants growing in the rain forest environment. Ages 7 and up, with accompanying adult. $25. Registration: 626-405-2128 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino.

Thursday, Nov. 16, 2006

Children's Concert Shumei Hall 12:10 p.m. "The Magical Birth of a New Piece" will be presented by Stephen Cohn, a four-time Emmy Award-winning composer and instructor of film music composition at UCLA. Mr. Cohn will show the children how a composer gets an idea and then develops it into a piece of music. He will demonstrate his composition techniques by having a trio comprised of flute, viola and cello perform his work. Free; reservations required: 626-584-8841. Third-graders and up. 2430 E. Colorado Avd., Pasadena.

Saturday, Nov. 18, 2006

Festival of Bands: Citrus College 4 p.m. Eighteen of the biggest and most accomplished bands from Southern California will demonstrate their skills in music and choreography as they compete for the field show championship. Tickets on sale now. Children under three are free. 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora.

Continuing Activities

Sunday

Rock Rose Art Gallery: Family drum circle is held 12:30-1:30 p.m. Donations requested. 4108 N. Figueroa St., Highland Park.

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 12-1:30 p.m., all welcome. The group also sponsors play groups, family parties and park dates. Serves residents of Sierra Madre and Temple City. We also are currently enrolling residents of Arcadia with the understanding that they will form their own chapter in June 2007. Information: email momsclubofsierramadre@yahoo.com. Sierra Madre Community Center, 611 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre.

Monrovia Public Library Best Books is a weekly program for elementary-aged youth, held Tuesdays in October and November from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Students will take a magical journey through an exciting book, with a librarian reading a chapter or two aloud, then offering a snack, followed by a bit more reading. Youth are invited to bring copies of their own books to read long. October's selection is The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. The program will not be meeting on Oct. 31. 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia.

Altadena MOMS Club: Support group for stay-at-home moms meets the third Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon. Our chapter offers playgroups, a hiking group, a book group, monthly meetings and a great network of moms that live in Altadena. Please contact Talin Dikranian at 626/844-7916 or altadenamomsclub@yahoo.com for more information. Farnsworth Park Community Center, Altadena.

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.

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

MOMS Club of Azusa: Support group for kids and stay-at-home moms in the city of Azusa. General and new-members meetings are held on the last Thursday of every month at 3:30 p.m. Information: e-mail momsclubofazusaca@yahoo.com. Library Auditorium, 729 N. Dalton Ave., Azusa.

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.

Rock Rose Art Gallery: MOTHEREAD/FATHEREAD, L.A. is held from 10-11:30 a.m. This is a 10-week family reading program based on a simple idea: When families read together, remarkable things happen. Family ties are strengthened. Parents become reading role models for their children. Children become better readers and better learners. Information: Rosamaria Marquez, 323-222-4740. 4108 N. Figueroa St., Highland Park.

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 12:30 p.m.; 2-year-olds Mondays at 10 a.m. Children of all ages are invited to practice their reading with the Barks and Books program on the third Saturday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Information and registration: 626-300-0777. 1800 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.

November Dinos: Pasadena Central Library More dinos than you can imagine at most Pasadena libraries during November. Check library calendar for dino storytimes, movies, snacks and free books. .

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@momsclubpasadena.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.

...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

| Visit us online |

© Copyright 2006, KBN Publishing Inc., 332 N. Magnolia Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016

...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................