February 23, 2007

Number 109

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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

It was a pretty good first act of "Cinderella." I liked the modernized fairy godmother, who wore brown combat boots beneath her wire-framed, yellow gauze wings and tutu.

There I was, enjoying the play with my 4-year-old grandson, thinking how there are hardly any plays for little boys. Girls outnumbered boys in the audience by 20-to-1, at least. We sat in an absolute ocean of little girls, dressed in their pastel Cinderella attire, some replete with sparkly, Barbie-type tiaras.

At intermission, my squirming munchkin in his "Buzz Light Year" T-shirt said, "I want to go potty, grandma." "Sure, honey," I replied. "Let's go!"

But my heart sank as we approached the long staircase that led up to the ladies room. There, ahead of us, was a sea of little girls lined up with their mothers. There was no line at the men's room, but my grandson (we'll call him "Davey" to protect the innocent) was too young to go into the men's room by himself - or even to protest the indignity of being taken to the ladies' room.

He was also too young to be expected to "hold it" for a long time. I nervously wondered if an embarrassing accident was about to occur.

"Where's the potty, Grandma?" "It's up the stairs there, honey. All the little girls in that line -and lots of their mamas - want to go potty too, so we have to wait in the line and take our turn."

But Davey, already bored by my social theorizing, had boldly decided to take practical action: He started walking quickly toward the stairs. "Hey, wait up, sweetie!" I called, futilely. Davey, either ignorant or disdainful of ladies' room etiquette, was scrambling up the carpeted stairs past the Mary Jane slippers with ruffled anklets, past the pink Cinderella dresses, past sandals and shorts. No one said a word.

My cheeks, however, were hot with embarrassment. I stepped up the stairs after him as quickly as my high heels allowed, all the while grasping for his rapidly receding shirt. "No, Davey! We have to wait."

But it was too late: He had gained the landing. I followed close behind, nodding, smiling and murmuring apologetically to the mothers we were passing up rapidly. I expected one of the burlier ones would step out of line at any minute and confront me with strong words tinged with ethical indignation: Who was I to think my boy could go to the head of the line while their girls politely waited their turns?

Would I be set upon by a pack of mamas and their little girls - all with distended bladders - and torn to bits?

I speeded up my trotting and reached Davey as he pushed past the crowd at the door of the restroom. He had stopped and was looking around with purposeful and urgent intent.

"Honey, honey, we have to wait!" As interlopers, I pictured us huddling in a corner, compelled to wait until the entire line had vanished and intermission was long over. I wondered if Davey could wait that long. I wondered how I would bear the shame.

Feeling helpless, I smiled and turned toward the lady standing at the front of the line with her Alice-in- Wonderland-costumed daughter "The stalls here are all full, I suppose," I blurted out, ridiculously.

Davey was still standing ahead of me, unobservant of protocol. As I looked at the line of giggling little girls, Davey trotted off down the row of stalls, glancing underneath the doors for tell-tale feet. At the last stall he got down on all fours and peered in under the door as I hurried up behind him. "Oh, honey, no! Let's not do that," I said, as I ran up beside him. But glancing down, I saw there were no feet on the floor.

Turning back to the woman at the front of the line I said, "There isn't anyone in the last one." "That one doesn't work," she informed me, frowning. I had Davey by the shoulder now, but clearly he'd identified his target and was ready to proceed. Well, I thought, so what if it didn't work? How much more harm can a 4-year-old do?

Keeping my eyes straight ahead, I opened the door. Davey scurried in and in a couple of seconds the deed was done. (Male plumbing is so convenient.) The toilet looked fine to me. I flushed it - and it worked!

We emerged from the stall, triumphantly facing the barely diminished line, and worked our way carefully down the stairs. We were soon in our seats, happily awaiting the second half of the show.

Despite my embarrassment, I realized that Davey had handled the situation with direct and commendable action. It gave me a good feeling to see how cool, level-headed and focused he'd been during an emergency. In a world where women are increasingly in charge, I think he's going to do fine.

And besides, by the time he understood the necessity of taking turns, he'd been promoted to the men's room. Where - as we all know - there are never any lines.

[Editor's note: Orange Cat grandma and regular Back Fence contributor Kay brings up a good discussion topic in her humorous column today: Public bathroom etiquette. At what age should you start allowing your boys to use the men's room by themselves? Did you ever send them in with another dad? How about girls - when can they go to the ladies' room by themselves? Have you ever made a run on an empty men's room at an event where the line for the ladies' room stretches out the door and down the hall? Send me your thoughts and I'll publish them in an upcoming issue of The Orange Cat. Karen@theorangecat.org.]

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

Saturday, Feb. 24, 2007

Chinese New Year Festival: Huntington Library 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Celebrate the "Year of the Pig" with lion dancers, Chinese music and dance, children’s activities, martial arts demonstrations, informal talks, plus a traditional flower market with dozens of stalls with breathtaking blooms for sale. Free with general admission. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino.

Mardi Gras: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 2 p.m. Celebrate Mardi Gras! An event for children ages 5 and up. Call (909) 599-4558 to reserve space. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Military Recruitment: Talk About Parenting with Shirlee Smith 10 a.m. to noon. Panel discussion focuses on what families need to know about military recruitment. Moderated by the League of Women Voters, this is an informational opportunity to hear the facts, ask questions and get answers. Panelists include: military recruiters, parents, school administrators, JROTC, Coalition Against Militarism In Schools and L.A. County Juvenile Probation Office Directors. Information: 626-296-2777. Pasadena City College, 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Handprint: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children create a personalized handprint keepsake. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Movies and Fashion Show: Kidspace Children's Museum 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. A day of short animated films, classics and recent favorites, in honor of the 2007 Academy Awards. Then vote for your favorite animated short to win the Oscar. Children can take part in a theatrical role-play and a glamorous Red Carpet Fashion Show, followed by entertainment and the announcement of the Kidspace Family Animated Movie of the Year. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Open House: The Little Gym of La Canada/La Crescenta 3-6 p.m. Children and families are invited to join in the tumbling fun, stretching and movement challenges. Refreshments, raffles and prizes will be available. The Little Gym offers non-competitive gymnastics, dance, sports skills and karate programs to children age 4 months to 12 years. Parent/Child, Pre-school/ Kindergarten, and grade school programs are available. Information: 818-249-4496. 2196A Foothill Blvd., La Canada.

Preview Class: FasTracKids 9 a.m. FasTrack Signing preview class is offered for parents/caregivers and their children ages 6 to 24 months. Class method encourages early communication, reduces frustration and facilitates early conversations, intimacy, attachment and self-esteem. This 45-minute preview class is also offered several additional times in the next few weeks. Information: 626-254-8500. 1010 S. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia.

Sunday, Feb. 25, 2007

Stories in the Afternoon: Norton Simon Museum 2 p.m. Read stories about wintertime, then make snowflakes and icemen marionettes beside Sisley's Louveciennes in the Snow (1872). 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2007

Year of the Pig: San Rafael Branch Library 1:30 p.m. Mr. Chin, author of graphic novels and comic books, will share about his new book: "Year of the Pig", about the 2007 Chinese New Year. Refreshments will be served. 1240 Nithsdale Road, Pasadena.

Chinese New Year: Santa Catalina Library 3 p.m. A happy Chinese New Year celebration with dynamic storyteller Barbara Wong. There will be a surprise treat. 999 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena.

Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2007

Author Event: Vromans Bookstore 10:30 a.m. Oliver Chin presents and signs Year of the Pig: Tales from the Chinese Zodiac. Immediately follows storytime at 10 a.m. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Thursday, March 1, 2007

Meet An Author: Arcadia Public Library 4 p.m. If you read The Year of the Dog, you are in for a very special treat because author Oliver Chin is back with his latest book, The Year of the Pig: Tales from the Chinese Zodiac. All ages. 20 W. Duarte Rd., Arcadia.

Friday, March 2, 2007

Oliver Chin: Kidspace Children's Museum 11 a.m. In celebration of Chinese New Year, author Oliver Chin visits at the Kidspace Stone Hollow Amphiteater with his new book, Year of the Pig. Children will enjoy a coloring activity as Oliver reads his story. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Science Film: CalTech Beckman Auditorium 10 a.m. The last ice age ended only a few thousand years ago, but there were earlier periods when the entire world was frozen, periods now known as Snowball Earth. The film takes us back more than two billion years, to this first ice age that gripped the Earth for what scientists believe was millions of years. Grades 9-12. Joe Kirschvink of Caltech's Geology and Planetary Sciences Division will introduce the film and guide the post-screening discussion. $5. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena.

Beauty and the Beast: Haugh Performing Arts Center, Citrus College 8 p.m. Still playing on Broadway after more than 10 years, this Disney musical is one of the most popular of all time. Come and be our guest. Additional performances March 3, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and March 4, 2 p.m. Tickets: $17.50 adults, $16 students and seniors, $15, kids 16 and under.16 & under $15 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora.

Saturday, March 3, 2007

Family Adventures: Los Angeles County Arboretum 2-4 p.m. Hike through The Arboretum discovering the beauty of spring flowers. Make a "tussie mussie" - an old-fashioned bouquet - out of flowers to dry at home. $20 per family. 626-821-4623. 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia.

Butterfly: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. -3 p.m. Children will create a brilliant butterfly using tissue paper, pom-poms, pipe stems and more. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Dr. Seuss Day: Kidspace Children's Museum 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! Put on your favorite hat, or wear read and white to honor Dr. Seuss and celebrate reading. Events include: Giant Foot Mural with the Cat in the Hat in the Central Courtyard at 11 a.m.; Story time with Busy Buzzy Bee in the Stone Hollow Amphiteater at 1 p.m.; Performance Arts with Flutter-By in Stone Hollow Amphiteater at 2 p.m. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Celebrate Dr. Suess: Lamanda Park Branch Library 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. Celebrate Dr Seuss' birthday and the fun of reading at this storytime party. There will be birthday cake, special guest readers, surprises, crafts and more. Bring your favorite books to share. 140 S. Altadena Dr., Pasadena.

Printing Museum On Wheels: Huntington Library 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The mobile exhibit from the International Printing Museum will roll in, bringing history to life with a working printing shop and antique presses. Curator Mark Barbour will be on hand to regale visitors with colorful stories of the history of printing and the early years of the Los Angeles Times. Visitors will have an opportunity to set printer’s type and print their own keepsake. Free with general admission. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino.

Monday, March 5, 2007

Guitar Hero: Allendale Branch Library 3:30 p.m. You say you rock? Come to the Allendale Library and prove it as the library hosts a session of Guitar Hero. If you want to be in the limelight, drop in for an afternoon that will leave your head spinning and your fingers tingling. 1130 S. Marengo Ave., Pasadena.

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Youth Panel Discussion: Day One Pasadena 6 p.m. The reality is that kids are using alcohol and drugs. Come hear from youth and watch an HBO documentary, "Addiction." Evening starts with dinner. Information: Sandra Espadas, 626-229-9750, email: sandra@dayonepasadena.com John Muir High School, 1905 N Lincoln Ave., Pasadena.

Thursday, March 8, 2007

Dance, Dance: Allendale Branch Library 3:30 p.m. Get togther with friends and show off your best dance moves, with Dance-Dance Revolution, at the library. 1130 S. Marengo Ave., Pasadena.

Saturday, March 10, 2007

L.A. Environmental Education Fair: Los Angeles County Arboretum 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 28th annual fair includes interactive displays, educational events, competitions, giveaways. Also Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Free with Arboretum admission. 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia.

Bouquet: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. -3 p.m. Children create a spring "bouquet" with spangles, sequins, and more. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Weird Nature: CalTech Beckman Auditorium 2 p.m. "Devious Defenses," a high-definition film, highlights animals astonishing natural defenses, such as camouflage, armor, smoke screens and even noxious sprays. Dressing crabs adorn themselves with treasures from the sea floor for camouflage. Fulmar chicks project vomit so foul it destroys the feather waterproofing of its predators. Hagfish smother their prey in a suffocating slime. Merrielle Spain of Caltech's Computation & Neural Systems Department will introduce the film and guide the post-screening discussion. $5. Information: 626-395-4652. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena.

Patricia Polacco: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 3 p.m. -5 p.m. Well-known author and illustrator Patricia Polacco will be visiting the store. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Open House: Oak Knoll Kinderhaus Montessori 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come visit our classrooms, meet some of our teachers and parents and learn about the Montessori method. Information: 626-345-9929. 1200 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena.

Register Early

Saturday, Feb. 24, 2007

Quilting Workshop for Children: Pasadena Museum of History 2 p.m. Children ages 4 through 10 are welcome to participate in a quilt-inspired workshop in celebration of Black History Month and learn about the traditions of African-American quilting. RSVP: 626.577.1660, ext. 10. 470 W. Walnut St..

Parents Night Out: GymnastiKids 6-9 p.m. Drop your child off for three hours of fun and fitness. Our energetic instructors will lead your child through obstacle courses, trampoline fun, foam pit games, parachute, fort buiilding, arts and crafts, movement games, popscicle breaks, rope swing, rock wall climbing and more. Ages 3 and up. Reservations: 626-796-5437. 2237 E. Colorado Blvd. 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 play groups, 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 membership@altadenamomsclub.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., Family 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.

Mocha Moms: The Pasadena Chapter of Mocha Moms is a nonprofit organization for mothers of color in the San Gabriel Valley. We meet weekly for playgroups, bi-weekly for "moms only" events and other planned activities. Chapter meetings are open to newcomers on the first Thursday of every month at 7:30 p.m. For more information and location, visit website or email: pasadenamocha@yahoo.com .

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.

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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