January 12, 2007

Number 106

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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 Dorothy Reinhold
Guest Columnist

Even though I often visit with you in this space to share a tried and true recipe or encourage you to try some easy version of a family-friendly dish, today I

want to share an epiphany I had the other day about parties. It's about letting go of the need to control and be in charge of everything, recognizing when to say when, and practicing flexibility.

And, of course, it's about food.

My husband was turning 50 and wanted a big family birthday party - 16 people, including a few friends. My inner Martha Stewart revved into high gear once we decided this was the way we would celebrate.

How would I fit all those people in my small house? What entrée could I prepare that would be special enough for a "Big 0" birthday, yet easy enough so that I could actually pull it off? What sort of elegant appetizers would be appropriate, and then should I have champagne and sparkling apple juice? Should I serve white AND red wine with dinner? What size cake would I need to bake to feed all those people, and should it be a layer cake or a 13x9 or a 10x15 or a what-by-what? Could I get away with nice paper plates, or break out the wedding dishes? Wait a minute, I only have service for 12! Could the kids eat off something else? How should I decorate the house? Did I need party favors?

A million questions - yet few answers. You would think that after 40 years of cooking, 13 years of writing a newspaper food column, and years of professional recipe development, I would not be stumped.

I'd like to think that, but I was. And here's why: In my child-free days, I routinely threw dinner parties, spending days mulling the menu, weekends shopping for specialty ingredients, and evenings prepping things.

Now, with two children, my evenings are spent making, serving and cleaning up dinner for a family of four, supervising homework, baths and showers, reading bedtime stories and listening to several retellings of the day's events as they relate to a preschooler and a

fourth-grader. Weekends are spent at a soccer game, searching for pants to fit a fast-growing 4-year-old or tap shoes for a budding dancer, mountains of laundry and a hundred other tasks that didn't get done during the week. Sound familiar?

Everything is different with children. How was I going to pull this off? Who was going to tend to the needs of my children as I did all this prep work? My anxiety level rose, my nerves stretched and thinned, and my temper flared. What was wrong with this picture?

Ultimately, I did something I have never done before: I called in the reserves. I called my beloved sister-in-law whose bigger house can actually fit 16 people for dinner. Yes, she said, we could have the party there. I called a lady who makes cakes as a home-based business and ordered a decorated full-sheet cake. I called a neighborhood Italian restaurant and ordered dinner to be delivered. I got online and ordered custom-printed M&M candies for little party favors.

Guess what? The party was great! My s-i-l nudged her ping pong table up against the dinner table and voila, we could seat 16! She ran with my peacock theme and translated it to gold paper plates, vibrant blue disposable tablecloths, and peacock feathers decorating the center of the table. The array of appetizers from Trader Joe's was delectable, the champagne flowed, the Italian restaurant delivered a marinated antipasto platter, oregano-garlic rolls, chicken piccata over pasta and a pizza for the kids. I opened a few bags of pre-washed, pre-cut romaine lettuce, a box of parmesan croutons and threw together a Caesar salad with Cardini's Caesar dressing.

The citrus cake sported a stunning fondant peacock (that I found in a photo) on a white butter cream frosting. The M&Ms in blue and aqua (peacock colors) said "Andrew always" and "young at heart." Awww.

And I gave a toast that I had actually had time to think about, to write out, and to practice a time or two.

You've probably heard the old expression, "When Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." Well, it's true. This time, though, I was happy, I didn't stress out everyone around me, I wasn't so exhausted by the preparation that I couldn't enjoy the party, and I allowed myself to enjoy the occasion along with the guests.

Here's what I learned - though it took a lot of years to get this through my thick head - First: Anytime the party swells to more than 10 people, outsource. Second: It's not all about the food - and maybe it never has been! While I intensely appreciate really great food and wine, not everyone cares that much. I recall a friend 25 years ago who said, "Food is highly overrated. Food is simply fuel." My jaw dropped: "You have GOT to be kidding!" And he looked at me like I was some kind of maniac, which, of course, I am.

Third: It's fabulous to actually attend - and be emotionally present at - your own party and not have to rely on e-mailed reports the next day telling you that everything went well.

Fourth: It's a blessing not to have to apologize to your family for your short temper during the entire week leading up to the party.

Don't start amassing reasons why you can't take these lessons to heart. It doesn't matter if you love to cook, or want to make outlandishly decadent desserts that you need a big crowd to eat, or even if you are a control freak. SNAP OUT OF IT! You'll be so much happier with yourself, your party and your family if you let Martha be Martha as only she can, and learn to relax enough to get help when it simply isn't do-able alone.

One of my favorite singers, James Taylor, wrote, "The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time." Why yes, James, it is. Having hit that "Big 0" birthday myself, I know you are right.

The other secret of life is that it is just too short. So with the New Year beginning, may I suggest that we all resolve to relax, to loosen the reins we place on ourselves, to enjoy the family and friends we have grown, collected and nurtured over the years, and to simply ask for help when we need it.

Dorothy Reinhold lives in Malibu with her two children and her husband, the birthday boy. You can write to her at DReinhold@aol.com.

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

Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007

Silly Spyglass: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children make colorful play telescopes and peek through them. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Powerball: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 2 p.m. Children create their own PowerBalls in crazy shapes and colors. For kids ages 6 and older. Space is limited, so sign up now at (909) 599-4558. Supply fee is $2. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Sunday, Jan. 14, 2007

Chinese New Year: Lamanda Park Branch Library 3 p.m. Stories, crafts, special treats - celebrating the Year of the Pig! You'll be all ready for Chinese New Year on the 29th. 140 S. Altadena Dr., Pasadena.

Monday, Jan. 15, 2007

Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday: West Covina Civic Center 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. This Martin Luther King Jr. birthday celebration features entertainment, food, multicultural dance groups, choral and jazz music, arts and crafts and more. 1444 W. Garvey Ave., West Covina.

King Birthday Party: Kidspace Children's Museum 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. A cultural festival celebrating the words and ideas of Martin Luther King, Jr. Explore Dr. King's life through presentations on his life and on the time in which he lived, plus performing arts honoring Dr. King's legacy of tolerance, peace, and equality. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007

Junie B. Jones Party: La Pintoresca Branch Library 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 pm. A party honoring our favorite first grader--Junie B. Jones. There will be a little Junie B. Bingo, some Junie B. stories and some of her favorite treats. Registration is required. (626) 744-7268. 1355 N. Raymond Ave., Pasdena.

Saturday, Jan. 20, 2007

Wonderful Whale: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Undersea fun for kids as they create an underwater pal using craft materials. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Winter Festival : Hastings Branch Library 11 a.m. A special winter celebration and storytime. 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena.

Snowflakes Storytime: Lamanda Park Branch Library 3 p.m. - 3 p.m. Enjoy a snowy storytime with snowcones, the chance to make your own snowflake, and stories. 140 S. Altadena Dr., Pasadena.

Enchanted Castle Storytime: Arcadia Public Library 2:30 p.m. Have you ever dreamed of what life would be like living in a castle? Join us for stories, songs, a souvenir and a short video, all about a special fantasy world. Ages 4 and up. 20 W. Duarte Rd., Arcadia.

Family Day: Norton Simon Museum 1 p.m. Explore the world of sound and music in Hindu sculpture, then create your own special musical instrument. Free with museum admission. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Shark Business: CalTech Beckman Auditorium 2 p.m. This film unravels some of the mysteries surrounding sharks with controversial behaviorist Dr. Erich Ritter. You'll witness divers testing the limits of shark-human interaction outside of cages with dangerous sharks such as lemon, bull and even great white. Rachel Berquist of Caltech's Mechanical Engineering Deparment will introduce the film and guide the post-screening discussion. $5. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena.

Musical Circus: Pasadena Symphony 8:30 a.m. Children can hold and "play" orchestral instruments, then enjoy a concert for kids by "Homespun," featuring storyteller Leslie Perry, musician Robert Hilton and blues singer Brother Yusef. Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena.

A Kids Life: Haugh Performing Arts Center, Citrus College 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Meet Zach, a fun-loving 5-year-old and his big dog Starsky. They explore their hometown, make new friends, and learn lessons about life along the way in these two musical performances specifically designed for children in grades K-5. $6. 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora.

Monday, Jan. 22, 2007

Food Fest: San Rafael Branch Library 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Some long-time favorite food stories, a craft to take home, plus fun food while watching a movie with pasta. 1240 Nithsdale Road, Pasadena.

Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2007

Author Event: Vromans Bookstore 7 p.m. Deborah Tannen discusses and signs "You're Wearing That?: Understanding Mothers & Daughters in Conversation." The book tackles that loving, fragile and complicated connection between a mother and daughter, and gives mothers and daughters the key to improving their relationship by helping them learn to understand each other. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Thursday, Jan. 25, 2007

Magic Wayne: Monrovia Public Library 3:45 p.m. Wayne’s entertaining, kid-friendly show features interaction, comedy and magic tricks that captivate and astound children of all ages. 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia.

Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007

Hilarious Hat: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children will wear playful hats they create themselves. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Cat in the Hat Birthday: Vromans Bookstore 10 a.m. The 50th anniversary of the publication of The Cat in the Hat is this year. Help us celebrate after storytime with refreshments, games and the mischievous Cat in the Hat himself. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Register Early

Saturday, Jan. 20, 2007

Breakfast at The Huntington: Huntington Library 9 a.m. Start the day off right by learning to make a nutritious, family-friendly breakfast in this cooking workshop with chef Lisa Fontanesi. Fresh juice from oranges picked in the Huntington orchard completes the meal. Ages 7 and up, with one accompanying adult. $25. Registration: 626-405-2128. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino.

Monday, Jan. 22, 2007

Fancy Nancy Spectacular: Monrovia Public Library 7 p.m. Join us for an evening celebrating the book "Fancy Nancy." Included in the activities will be learning how to eat properly with pinkies extended, learning how to walk appropriately in a tiara and how to talk "fancy." Crafts and snacks will be served. Call to reserve a spot: 626-256-8274. 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia.

Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007

Family Evening: Huntington Library 6-8 p.m. Musicians from the House of Blues perform The Moving Blues Schoolhouse. This is a live musical presentation that offers lessons about American culture and social history through an exploration of blues and blues-inspired music. $7 child, $15 adults. Registration: 626-405-2128. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino.

Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2007

Teen Talent Show: Monrovia Public Library 6:30 p.m. Sixth through 12th graders are invited to compete for the title of Monrovia Idol. Teens can sing, lip sync, dance, recite poetry, play an instrument, perform a stand-up comedy routine or come up with a unique talent. Solos, duets and group performances (no more than four) welcome. Entrants, who need not be Monrovia residents, must register at the Youth Services Reference desk prior to the event. Information: Denise Neujahr, 626-256-8274 or email dneujahr@ci.monrovia.ca.us. 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia.

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 Winter Market: 5-8 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 stay-at-home moms meets regularly for all-member meetings, speakers, interest groups, playgroups, and much more. Serving La Canada, La Crescenta, Montrose, Sparr Heights, Tujunga, Sunland and Kagel Canyon. 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. New location now open in Monrovia, at 925 W. Foothill Blvd, one block east of Fifth Street. Information: 626-301-0100. La Canada location 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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