December 15, 2006

Number 105

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

The Back Fence

Upcoming Events

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By Dorothy Reinhold
Guest Columnist

For all of us as parents, it bears remembering and repeating that sometimes the simplest things work the best. Case in point: getting our kids to eat healthy snacks.

My husband came up with this one, on his own, and I am the first to say I love the idea and it worked like a charm. Maybe you can take a page from his playbook and try it with your own little snackers.

Disturbed at the number of times he found our kids crunchy munching on this and that in front of the TV, he instituted an impromptu rule: No snacking in front of the tube unless you are eating fruits or vegetables. Put another way, if you are watching TV and your tummy is grumbling and you need a snack because dinner is a long way off, you are welcome to get some fruit or vegetables and continue watching TV.

You should have heard the wailing when he first slapped down that little rule. Whaaa? Dad, you are soooooo unfair! I want Goldfish crackers! We want popcorn! What about pretzels, you said those were healthy! How about any kind of crackers? (They know better than to ask for chips, so they didn't even attempt it.) And what about something from the treat bowl?

Nope, he said (with no anger or annoyance in his voice at all), it's vegetables or fruit - that simple.

He accompanied the kids into the kitchen to pick their poison, and true to form at our house there was an embarrassment of riches in the fruit bowl - mangos, bananas, apples, peaches, oranges and watermelon. The vegetable drawer yielded munchable baby carrots, celery, jicama, radishes and cucumbers.

As they petulantly rejected delicious fruit after delicious vegetable, he had another brainstorm. He invited them to have some of the "special" frozen fruit he had cut up and stashed for himself in the freezer. He advised them that frozen banana slices were particularly tasty, but this was his fruit and if they chose it, well, they needed to know it was special.

More wailing and gnashing and flinging themselves around the room ensued - as if they had been stabbed with said frozen banana or perhaps a celery stick - but finally each kid agreed to a bowl of frozen fruit.

Of course, as soon as they had popped those frozen bananas into their little pie holes, the bickering started... hey, he has more banana slices than you gave me! No, she has more, and hers are bigger!

But after a few minutes, they each came up to my husband, empty bowl in hand, to find out whether he had more frozen fruit for them. It turned out it was rockin' good to their little complaining mouths! You see, freezing concentrates the sugar (in the bananas in particular), and if you close your eyes, you might even think you are eating a bite of banana ice cream.

Within three days, the fruit-and-veggie rule was so entrenched at our house you'd think we'd always done it that way. Let me share a few lessons we've learned since we instituted this idea.

Fruits that work especially well include peeled, ripe sliced bananas, individual seedless grapes and fresh pineapple that's been skinned and cut into bite-sized chunks. Strawberries are not so great because they aren't sweet enough and are too dense when frozen. Ripe melons pick up an odd, musty flavor when frozen.

The trick is to prepare your fruit slices and place them on a plastic plate in the freezer. You want to initially freeze them relatively separately, without the pieces touching, so they don't clump into a big mass. Once they are individually frozen, you can safely transfer them into a zipper-top freezer bag for easy storage. Put them all in the same bag and grab handfuls of the frozen fruit salad as you need them.

Kids being kids (and invariably more wily than you are) they may quickly come up with a variation on the rule, like my kids did: "Well, since you said we can eat fruit or veggies while watching TV, then every time I'm eating fruit or veggies, I get to watch TV! You said so!"

Well, actually, we didn't say so. But I give them points for cleverness.

So, the next rule we established was this: Before you even ask whether you can watch TV, you must take a walk through the kitchen and living room, picking up all the assorted shoes and detritus from your day, and put it away (where it belongs, not just flung into your room). Then, also before you ask me whether you may watch TV, you must take a gander into your room and see if anything needs picking up off the floor, such as the jacket you dumped there after school, or the lanyard kit with plastic strings twisted around the chair leg, or the cootie catchers sitting on every available surface.

Once all their things are picked up and the chores are done, they are welcome to find out whether TV is okay.

Before you conclude that my husband and I are Mr. and Mrs. Shrek - ogres just hoping to make life miserable for our darling children - let me assure you that the shoes dance into the room practically by themselves when my son anticipates he might be able to watch "Power Rangers." And all those open, half-read books my daughter leaves in every room? They quickly attract bookmarks and find themselves a home in a neat stack when "Saddle Club" is on. It's a flippin' miracle!

No, it isn't rocket science, but it does make me shake my head in wonder at how a simple idea can save the day.

Let's get back to fruits and veggies for a minute. Here's an idea that might make it easier for you to make sure your kids (and you!) get the recommended number of servings per day.

We start breakfast with fresh fruit every single day. During the wonderful summer months, it might be fresh cut mango or peaches eaten out of hand, or ripe melon. The point is, the day starts with fruit along with whatever else we're eating: Cereal, some cottage cheese on a waffle, maybe some cheese and a muffin. A veggie and a fruit goes into the lunch boxes, and at least one veggie and some fruit goes onto the dinner plate.

I have found that not only do fruits make the dinner plate more naturally beautiful and enticing, but if you put the strawberries or melon chunks or sliced bananas on the dinner plate beside the grilled chicken and rice and green beans, they are all eaten effortlessly.

The kids have even discovered that some fruit goes very well with many entrees, and it encourages them to broaden their palates. It's another simple miracle, and as parents, we take those where we can get them, don't we?

Freelance writer Dorothy Reinhold lives in Malibu with her husband and two fruit-loving children. She can be reached at DReinhold@aol.com. Season's Greetings to all our readers and Happy New Year from The Orange Cat. We'll be back in your in box on Jan. 12, 2007! 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, Dec. 15, 2006

Upper Hastings Ranch: 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Through Dec. 31. Each block of Upper Hastings Ranch competes as the entire neighborhood is transformed into a winter wonderland. Bordered by Michillinda Avenue, Sierra Madre Boulevard, and Riviera Drive. .

Saturday, Dec. 16, 2006

Getting into the Spirit: Arcadia Public Library 2:30 p.m. What can you do to make another's day a little brighter? Come and share in stories, songs and an extra special craft that emphasize giving something extra. Ages 5 and up; children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult helper. 20 W. Duarte Rd., Arcadia.

Snow Stories: Pasadena Central Library 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Bundle up for stories about winter and snow. In the Children's Room. 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena.

Say Cheese: Norton Simon Museum 2 p.m. Snap a photo of family and friends and then design a special holiday greeting card in this program for children and families. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

The Nutcracker: San Gabriel Civic Auditorium 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. A full-scale production, with lavish sets and costumes and a more than seventy dancers. Call 626.308.2868 for tickets. Also, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. 320 S. Mission Dr., San Gabriel, 91776.

Ornaments: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children will use beads, buttons, pipe stems, and more to create wintertime ornaments. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Sunday, Dec. 17, 2006

Fairy Tales: Fremont Centre Theatre 7 p.m. Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen. Parson's Nose Family Theater presents a retelling of The Ugly Duckling, The Fir Tree, and The Emperor's New Clothes. 1000 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena.

Dancing: Kidspace Children's Museum 11 a.m. - noon and 1 - 2 p.m. Explore Lineage dance in workshops that are open to all members of the community. No dance training is necessary. Recommended for ages five and up. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2006

Winter Concert: South Pasadena Public Library 7:15 From Brazil to Ireland and Scotland to China, a wide variety of musical styles will be celebrated at this concert. Library community room, 1115 El Centro St., South Pasadena.

Winter Magic: Lamanda Park Branch Library 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Winter Magic Preschool Storytime, for children ages 0 to 5. Featuring hear fun stories, special treats and a craft. 140 S. Altadena Dr., Pasadena.

Holiday Party: La Pintoresca Branch Library 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Make fanciful holiday ornaments, watch a cool holiday movie, and enjoy yummy holiday snacks. This program is designed for ages 6 to 12 years. Reservations for the program are required as space is limited. (626) 744-7268. 1355 N. Raymond Ave., Pasdena.

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2006

Holiday Singalong: Monrovia Public Library 3:45 p.m. Pianist and choral conductor Scott Farthing presents this holiday program for all ages. Come join in to sing some of your favorite tunes from the holidays. 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia.

Saturday, Dec. 23, 2006

Gingerbread Man: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children will us beads, spangles, and sequins help an adorable gingerbread man come to life. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2006

12 Days of Fun: Kidspace Children's Museum 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. For 12 days, Dec. 26, 2006 through Jan. 7. Guest performers, art projects, animals and magic. Have a snowball fight on Dec. 26; Mini Iron Chef Soup Challenge on Dec. 28; Magician Tony Daniels on Dec. 30, and a Noon Year's Eve Celebration with a sparkling cider and an afternoon of performances. A literary celebration on Jan. 2 includes seven separate story times. Plus John Valentine's Animal Show, art projects, scavenger hunts and more. closed New Year's Day. Click the link for the full list. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2006

Drop In Storytime: Arcadia Public Library 1 p.m. Come and celebrate stories with the entire family during winter break. We'll laugh, read, sing and rhyme. For kids of all ages. Also Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 1 p.m.! 20 W. Duarte Rd., Arcadia.

Thursday, Dec. 28, 2006

Cooking Contests: Kidspace Children's Museum 11 a.m. - noon and 1 p.m. Three holiday-themed Mini Iron Chef Challenges suited for children five and older. Sign up at the ticket booth when you arrive. Space limited. Members may pre-register by sending an email to membership@kidspacemuseum.org. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006

Magic: Kidspace Children's Museum 1 p.m. Five magic moments with Magician Tony Daniels. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Noisemaker: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kids will create an easy-to-make noisemaker to ring in the new year. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Sunday, Dec. 31, 2006

Six Artists: Kidspace Children's Museum 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 6 Artists at Work - At 10 a.m. create party hats; 11 a.m. Rhythm Child drum workshop; 11:30 a.m. Learn to make a juice fizzy, then enjoy a sparkling cider toast; at noon, Barbara Wong storytelling; 1 p.m. Gypsy Folk Ensemble international dance; 2 p.m. Martin Espino storyteller; 3 p.m.Leslie Perry storyteller. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2007

Animal Stories: Kidspace Children's Museum 10:30 a.m. Seven picture book storytimes with a special activity for each story. 10:30 a.m. Bear Snores On; 11 a.m. Dooby Dooby Moo; noon, Ella the Elegant Elephant; 1 p.m. Chimpanzees of Happytown; 1:30 p.m. Hooway for Wodney Wat; 2 p.m. Olivia Forms a Band; 3 p.m. Pigeon Play, based on "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus." Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2007

Animal Show: Kidspace Children's Museum 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Meet a huggable Wallaby and other furry and scaly creatures from John Valentine's Traveling Animal Show. Space is limited for the 30-minute animal sessions. Sign up at the ticket booth. Members may pre-register by sending an email to membership@kidspacemuseum.org. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Thursday, Jan. 4, 2007

You've Got Manners!: Arcadia Public Library 3:30 p.m. Every New Year is an opportunity for learning and self-improvement. Join children's author and personal image consultant Louise Elerding for a fun and interactive lesson in manners. This program is designed to keep children, ages 4 to 12, engaged and entertained as they learn proper manners. 20 W. Duarte Rd., Arcadia.

Sunday, Jan. 7, 2007

The Last Badge: Kidspace Children's Museum 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Author George McClements will read his book, The Last Badge, about a young scout who goes in search of the Horned Frog in order to earn his 12th badge. Then make your own badges. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Register Early

Saturday, Jan. 6, 2007

Family Day: Los Angeles County Arboretum 2-4 p.m. Come learn how to grow a family winter veggie garden and take home a small family garden in a pot. $20 per family. Meet under the big oak tree in front of Ayres Hall. Registration: 626-821-4623. Rain cancels. 301 N. Baldwin Ave, Arcadia.

Monday, Jan. 8, 2007

Dance and Music Classes: Local recreation centers Dance and music teacher Miss Claire offers classes for children ages 2 to 12 as well as classes for toddlers ages 1 1/2 to 12. Classes offered in San Gabriel, San Marino, South Pasadena and Sierra Madre. Winter sessions begin the week of Jan. 8 and run through Feb. 28, 2007. Registration and information: 626-403-3828. South Pasadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Sierra Madre.

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.

Lil' Critter Stroller Club: Barnes & Noble Bookstore 10:30 a.m. Lil' Critter Stroller Club storytime features ABCs, songs, and stories. For ages six months to two years. On Wednesdays and Fridays. 111 W Colorado Blvd., 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 6-7 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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