November 17, 2006

Number 103

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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 Kay Haugaard
Guest Columnist

Since I was a little girl I have wanted to make a gingerbread house. Now that I’m a grandmother it occurred to me again and I said to myself, "Why not make a gingerbread house? It will be fun, not just for you, but for the grandkids too."

Grandkids are a great excuse to do things you missed out on as a child or would just like to do again - like re-read Charlotte's Web or The Phantom Tollbooth. Or decorate Christmas cookies, or make a gingerbread house.

I have seen some pretty cute, but very simple little gingerbread houses made out of walls of graham crackers with white frosting snow and decorated with small colored candies. Sure, the kids would enjoy that just fine. But I never seem to be able to do things the easy way. One day, while looking through "The Cooking of Germany" (a beautiful cookbook that was one of a series put out by Time magazine on the cuisine of different countries) I saw a gorgeous gingerbread house. And to my utter amazement, there was a pattern for the house right in the book. My devious mind started working and this is how it all played out.

I approached my usually frantically busy architect husband seated at the monitor of his Autodesk AutoCad 12. The screen displayed arcane, multi-colored luminous lines. I could tell he was doing the architectural equivalent of organizing his sock drawer: Updating his library of standard details. I could practically see cobwebs from his nose to the monitor. It was a good time to approach him with the big architectural project I had in mind.

"Here." I held out the book. "Could you do working drawings on this house for me?"

"Working drawings?" His eyes widened eagerly. He looked at the cover of "The Cooking of Germany." There was the gingerbread house, frosting icicles dripping from its steeply pitched, cookie-shingled roof.

"Wouldn't it be fun for the grandkids?" I said, playing shamelessly to sentiment.

"I don't do derivative architecture," he sneered proudly.

Playing hardball! Ha! I knew how slow the building industry was at the time. I was betting he'd go for it.

"I realize you usually do multi-million-dollar shopping centers, multi-story office buildings, condominiums and upscale residences. I guess you aren't interested in modest domestic architecture ..."

"What scale do you want?"

"No scale! I want full-sized working drawings. The book's plans are based on an 11-by-18-inch pan. Could your AutoCad adapt the size of the pieces to my 10-by-15-inch pans?"

"It doesn't do it all by itself," the master builder responded loftily. "This requires sophisticated calculations. My fee will be proportionately higher."

"Absolutely! High-quality design work should be rewarded."

"Would this evening be soon enough for the finished drawings?" he asked.

That evening, he handed the drawings to me; finely dimensioned and meticulously printed by the well-tuned ink jets of his plotter.

Slathering the backs of the drawings with Elmer's Glue All, I pressed them onto some cardboard from one of last year's Christmas boxes. Next day I cut them out, a bit wrinkled, but what the heck.

Now for the gingerbread! To make it strong, I found that the recipe included almost no shortening. The only liquid involved was honey and sugar heated to liquefaction. Fresh from the oven, I cut out the pieces with a paring knife. Then, before our two grandkids showed up, I examined the pieces. Whoa! I hadn't cut the doors and windows out when the dough was warm and soft. Cutting it now that it was hardened would shatter it. What to do?

Well, what are architects for if not to resolve such building crises?

"Uh-huh," the architect sighed knowingly. "These owner/builders think they can handle everything themselves. A problem with fenestration, hmm?" Taking the two gingerbread gable ends, he went into his shop to return shortly with windows and doors precisely cut out and a deep respect for my product.

"I think you’re on to something," he said. "Structural strength gingerbread. It's great; porous, rigid, workable. I used the drill press to start the windows then used the band saw. You know this will cost you extra - right?"

Next day we had the house-raising party with 4-year-old Kirsten’s and 2-year-old Mark's assistance. I felt a bit apprehensive about trusting the building to unproven workmen. Fortunately, I had on-site architectural supervision.

I whipped up an egg-white-and-powdered- sugar frosting for mortar, covered the dining room table with an old plastic shower curtain I had run through the washer and put all the construction materials on top.

Kirsten ate every third gumdrop while sticking red and green gumdrop "tiles" around one gable end. Markie, a very independent contractor, pushed hard on a boulder-like candy to attach it directly to the hard, dry surface.

"He's just a little boy, grandma," said his older, wiser sister as I directed his pudgy fingers to the frosting mortar. His more traditional architect grandfather cringed noticeably as Markie covered the entire gable, creating a postmodern effect.

The tilting up of the pre-cast, pre-fab walls went smoothly with the kids holding them up. Their thickness, our architect informed us, gave a broad and solid footing. The mortar had not sufficiently cured, however. Markie's red, yellow and green flower-centered candy tiles began slithering down.

"Poor workmanship!" announced the architect. "Not following specifications!" He hefted a roof section. "These pieces are too thick and heavy," he informed us. "Gravity will induce lateral and downward movement along the slanted gable before the mortar sets."

My heart sank as I saw how the baking powder had blown them up. I turned trustingly to the architect. "Can you split them horizontally so they'll be half as thick?"

"What choice do we have?" he responded.

"What's the matter, grandma? What's the matter?" Kirsten sounded frightened.

"Don't worry, honey," I tried to calm the children. "Grandpa can fix it."

The professional was calm under pressure. He walked silently into his shop. We all followed. I reassured the children: "Grandpa can do it. I know he can."

The room filled with silent tension. There was a roar of the band saw. Brrrrrr -eeeeow! One roof slab divided into two. Brrrrrrrr-eeeeeow! Two sides into four. Ah, the trained hand and eye of a precision craftsman. And there were two extra sheets of gingerbread.

With vertical supports in place and sides mortared against them, he raised the roof beam and held it while Kirsten and I slathered the roof with frosting snow. "Here are some Oreo and Nabisco shingles, kidlets." My eager little roofers teetered on chairs and stuck on the cookies with frosting-covered fingers. I added icicle drips along the facia and soffits.

"Beeyootiful!" I exulted, and ran for my camera. "Mr. Architect, pose with your clients. Closer to grandpa, Markie. Right there, Kirsten. Good." The roof started to slip off just as the shutter clicked.

"Lateral spread from the shingle weight. Needs buttressing until the mortar sets," the architect stated gravely.

He buttressed it under the eaves with a can of Carnation evaporated milk on one side and one of jellied Ocean Spray cranberry sauce on the other. Then he braced the whole thing with a sugar bowl lid.

With his final, stunning design of red-and-white and green-and-white peppermint drops, alternating with red and green gummy bears, along the roof ridge there was no question. Our creation had gotten the imprimatur of the master.

"That's terrific. Come on, guys. Grandpa has earned a handsome fee. Let's make him some cocoa and let him eat some nice frosted pieces of roof," I said.

Kay Haugaard can be reached at kayhaugaard@earthlink.net

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. 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.

Annual Elves' Faire: The Pasadena Waldorf School 11 a.m. The Elves’ Faire features handmade holiday gifts, amazing music, crafts and games. For more information about Pasadena Waldorf School, call 626-794-9564. .

Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2006

Peek-a-Boo Christmas: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 10 a.m. Marie Cimarusti, author of Peek-a-Boo Christmas, will be visiting. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Harry and the T-Rex: Santa Catalina Library 3:30 p.m. Harry, a young mammal, enlists the help of friendly dinosaurs, such as the Ankylosaurus, Triceratops, and Pteranodon, to chase away a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Presented by Swazzle Puppets. (Also today at Lamanda Park Library at 11 a.m.-noon.) 999 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena.

Saturday, Nov. 25, 2006

Gingerbread House: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children make a gingerbread house covered in collage and craft materials. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Here We Go: Kidspace Children's Museum 11:30 a.m. Clap, shake, laugh, and roll to Melissa's new children's CD "Here We Go". Each song is written by former pre-school teacher Melissa Szilagyi. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006

Stories in the Afternoon: Norton Simon Museum 2 p.m. Discover the imaginative way words can be used through books and activities, then craft your own alphabet creation inspired by the exhibition 'Ooo: Early Prints by Ed Ruscha.' Free with museum admission. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Thursday, Nov. 30, 2006

Holiday Boutique: Amys Playground 2-6 p.m. Holiday boutique shopping bazaar will bring together local artists and businesses with local parents. Shop on your way in or out of the playground, where admission fees are $8 kids 2 and up, $6 siblings and under 2. Fee includes all-day without a time limit (guests can leave and return within the same day without an additional charge). Information: 626-799-0304. 1115 Mission St., South Pasadena.

Saturday, Dec. 2, 2006

Galumpha Performs at Caltech CalTech Beckman Auditorium 2 p.m. Galumpha will present a family show that combines stunning acrobatics, striking visual effects, physical comedyand inventive choreography. Tickets to this performance are priced at $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for youth (high school age and younger). Tickets can be purchased at theCaltech Ticket Office. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena.

Nameplate: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children make a colorful nameplate they can hang on their bedroom door or wherever they like. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Winterfest: West Covina Civic Center 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Arts and crafts, food booths, photos with Santa, and 58 tons of snow, including the popular 80 foot sled run and two play areas. For more information call the West Covina Community Services Department at (626) 939-8430. 1444 W. Garvey Ave., West Covina.

Rosebud Parade: Kidspace Children's Museum At the Rosebud Parade - a pint-sized version of the annual Tournament of Roses Parade - children decorate their wheels, from scooters to bicycles, using flowers, pennants, and ribbons, then parade up and down South Lake Avenue. Register now and check back for details closer to December 2. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Register Early

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.

Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006

Acorn Festival: Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fall is a time of harvest and festivities for southern California Indians. The Tongva still gather, and you are invited to come and join in the celebration. $5 per person; $20 per family. Registration: call Rachel Kau-Taylor, 909-625-8767 x224. 1500 N. College Ave., Claremont.

Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2006

A World of Harmony Demonstration Shumei Hall 12:10 p.m. This concert is performed by the Los Angeles Chambers Singers. Event recommended for 3rd grade and up. Directed by Peter Rutenberg. Free admission. Call 626-584-8841 to reserve a seat. 2430 E. Colorado Avd., Pasadena.

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 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 along. 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. 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

Monrovia Farmers Market: 5-9 p.m. Street fair and certified farmer's market, with craft booths, kiddie rides, live music, food and family fun. Myrtle and Olive avenues, Monrovia.

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. .

MamaMia Fitness Variety of yoga and fitness classes are held outdoors for all fitness levels. Babies of all ages attend class and are incorporated into the workout. We also organize play dates, "Mommy's Morning Out" and field trips. Rose Bowl, Brookside Park, 360 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

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.

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 6-7 p.m. Also, Saturday storytime is from 11 a.m. to noon. Preschool Storytime and crafts is Tuesday 10-11 a.m. Register: 909-599-4558. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

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.

Arcadia Public Library: Storytimes for various age groups are offered throughout the week. Book Buddy program, where teen volunteers read to young children, and Barks and Books programs also offered. Pre-registration required; see librarian for details. 20 W. Duarte Rd., Arcadia.

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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