April 6, 2007

Number 112

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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 Karen E. Klein

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in 150 newborns will eventually be diagnosed with autism. The rate of autism diagnoses has increased steadily since the 1980s and the root causes of the disease are only beginning to be explored.

While I certainly don't want to scare anyone - particularly nervous new moms - it is important that parents be on the lookout for early signs of autism, says Dr. Regina Granados, an autism specialist with an Alhambra-based treatment center, CBC Education, Inc..

While signs and symptoms of autisms always originate before age 3, she says, some pediatricians may not recognize that toddlers as young as 18 months are exhibiting early signs of autism. And if those signs are overlooked, the crucial window of early diagnoses and treatment may be missed. Oftentimes, autism diagnoses are not made until a child reaches school age and teachers begin to notice their behavior is different from the behavior of their peers.

"Most pediatricians ask the right questions, but many parents want to give the 'right' answers. First-time parents may be especially vulnerable to providing their pediatrician with misinformation by slightly embellishing their answers," Granados says. If parents are not completely forthcoming about their child's development, pediatricians may accept the answers and provide no additional follow-up or testing.

I remember a friend of mine whose daughter was born few months after my younger son. My friend's mother was a seasoned foster mom, having cared for hundreds of foster babies over many years. She started helping to care for her new granddaughter and within a few months had spotted behaviors that seemed slightly "off."

At that time, autism diagnoses were increasing but few people had even dreamed that autistic behaviors could manifest before age one. Grandma persisted, however, in noticing small differences in her granddaughter's development and writing them down. When my friend took her daughter to the doctor and presented grandma's findings, sure enough her daughter was diagnosed with mild autism. Because the diagnosis had been made so early, treatment was very successful and her outlook was considered excellent.

The problem today is that although most parents have heard of autism, they aren't well-versed in what the early symptoms are. "Ask a pregnant woman if she's familiar with birth defects, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or Down's Syndrome and she's likely to respond 'yes,'" Granados says. "Ask a pregnant woman if she's familiar with autism and the number of 'yes' respondents will sharply decrease. This signals that something is wrong with they way we prepare new parents to be responsible for their infant's development."

More information about autism is available at Autism Speaks, and ICAN.

Well, tax time is upon us and I've spent many hours going through files of receipts, checks and other documents from 2006. Thankfully, everything has been added up, checked, and double-checked and dumped gratefully on my accountant's desk. All that remains now is to wait for the bad news.

Speaking of bad news, I had an old pet peeve rear its ugly head last year: The elusive customer rebate on an electronic item. Boy, what a racket that is!

I was prepared for the old runaround when I bought a new computer last summer that came with the promise of a $150 rebate. And, true to expectations, I got it. I've learned the hard way that you if you want to get the rebate, you have to follow the instructions absolutely to the letter, or you're in big trouble. Then you have to make copies of everything you send in. Still, the company will tell you something's wrong with your rebate submission.

In my case, I got a postcard about six weeks after filing for my rebate saying that my receipt was incorrect and some mysterious "additional information" needed to be resubmitted. The deadline listed for receipt of the information was - you guessed it - the very date on which the innocuous-looking postcard arrived. (If I hadn't been specifically on the lookout for it, I would no doubt have tossed it.) Since my mail arrives late in the afternoon, I had to scramble to call the telephone number on the card (printed in miniscule type, of course) immediately.

I got through a long round of recorded messages and explained the situation to an operator. When I asked what additional information he needed, he put me on hold for a few minutes, than came back on the line to tell me he was marking me "paid." Obviously, that made no sense, since I had paid for the computer weeks earlier, as the receipt I'd attached showed.

At that moment, however, I wasn't about to argue. The mysterious process got me on track for the real rebate, and I only had to wait about another three months before an innocuous envelope arrived with my check in it. I can only presume that if I hadn't been looking for a postcard, and hadn't made the effort to call right away, I would never have gotten the promised rebate.

So here's my advice: Forget about the rebate and buy the best product for the money, because getting the rebate is by no means guaranteed. When you submit your rebate follow the instructions to the letter - go over them with the clerk at the store a couple times to make sure - then make two copies of your documents and keep one so you can back up any claims you have to submit.

After you send off your rebate, look out for nondescript letters and postcards. They are purposely made to look like junk mail, and often they tell you that your rebate request is being rejected unless you take additional steps. If you get a notice like that, follow up immediately and aggressively. Keep your fingers crossed, and you may have a hope of actually getting that promised rebate after about four months.

Whew! Is it worth all the trouble in the end? I doubt it, frankly.

There are a few worthwhile things I've gotten in the last couple of months and wanted to pass along. First, enthusiastic Orange Cat mom Shannon wrote, "These are things I love to do with my 9-month-old in Pasadena. Pasadena Conservatory infant/parent music classes are so, so, so great on Tuesdays at noon. RIE (pronounced RYH) classes at Pacific Oak Infant/Toddler facility right next to the Gamble Mansion on Saturdays at 1:30 again are great, great, great! Swimming classes at the Rose Bowl Aquatic Center and Stroller Strides. All of these things need to be signed up for, but they are all great!"

Wonderful, thanks Shannon! I'm so far removed from current baby activities - with two teenagers - that I really appreciate getting clued in from moms with younger children.

Another recommendation came from Orange Cat dad Ray Tam, who does restaurant reviews for fun and has compiled them at his website. "It's heavily skewed toward Chinese restaurants because I have some expertise in that area. I don't get paid by anyone (it's pretty obvious from reading it), but I thought it might help other parents deal with eating out, mainly because I like restaurants that are really cheap," Ray wrote.

He didn't rate restaurants on kid-friendliness, but he did rate them on formal versus non-formal ambience, so that might give you some clues on whether or not it's appropriate for young children. Next time you're looking for a new place to eat, check it out. Thanks, Ray!

We're going to the Midwest this week for spring break and a family reunion, so by the time you read this I'll be on vacation. Need to reach me to complain, ask a question, or make a suggestion? You can always find me here: 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, April 7, 2007

Spring Critter Craft: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children make a brightly colored animal pal. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Sunday, April 8, 2007

Egg Hunt: Kidspace Museum 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Scavenge for special eggs in this interactive egg hunt. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Monday, April 9, 2007

Fancy Nancy: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 2 p.m. Celebrate the release of "Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy," the sequel to the popular "Fancy Nancy" by Jane O'Connor. Dress in your finest. Activities will include making tiaras. Look for a live posh puppy to join us. Space is limited. Call (909) 599-4558 to register. $2 supply fee. Ages 3 and up. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Making It Pop: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 2 p.m. Learn to design and produceg a pop-up book. Each guest may make up to three pop-ups. Kids must be at least age 6. Space is limited, call (909) 599-4558 for reservations. Cost is $2. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Game Day: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 2 p.m. Play brand new games, and a few classics. Snacks will be served. $2 supply fee. Ages 4 and up. Call to register (909) 599-4558. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Tie Dye Day: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 2 p.m. Make your own tie-dye T-shirt. Bring one pre-washed white cotton shirt and watch it turn into a tie-dye masterpiece. Easy and fun. Ages 5 and up. $2 supply fee. Call to register. (909) 599-4558. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Friday, April 13, 2007

JIGU! Thunder Drums of China CalTech Beckman Auditorium Hailing from China's Shanxi province, this world-reknowned company of 28 drummers, percussionists and musicians astounds audiences with an ultra-sensory entertainment experience. $29, $25, $21 / $10 youth 320 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena.

Priscilla Play Day: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 2 p.m. Priscilla is a bright and shiny new star as she shows her talents on stage. Watch Priscilla try something new. An activity and refreshments will be provided. Cost 2$. Call (909) 599-4558 to register. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Musical Circus: Pasadena Symphony 8:30 a.m. This free program for families with young children welcomes back the Prelude Strings Orchestra for its final event of the season. The ensemble includes middle-school musicians from throughout Southern California. 8:30 a.m. instrumental petting zoo; 9 a.m. concert performance. Call 626-793-7172. Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena.

Space-Star Stuff CalTech Beckman Auditorium 2 p.m. Where did we all come from? In a journey that takes us from the creation of the universe to the world we see around us today, narrator Sam Neill explores the origins of life on earth. $5. 320 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena.

Saturday Series for Kids: Haugh Performing Arts Center 1:30 p.m. American Family Theatre presents Cinderella and her new friend Mortimer Mouse as they sing and dance their way from her stepmother's kitchen to Prince Charming's ball. Tickets: $6. For grades K-6. Performance also held today at 3:30 p.m. Citrus College, 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora.

Arboretum Treasure Hunt: L.A. County Arboretum 2-4 p.m. Go on a treasure hunt with your family! Meet at the Big Oak Tree, where the adventure will begin, then follow clues, learn fun facts and find a hidden treasure. $20 per family. Registration: 626-821-4623. 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia.

Charlotte's Web: Pasadena Central Library 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. A free preview of Pasadena Junior Theater's newest production of Charlotte's Web, starring local kids. (30 min.)In the Children's Room . 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena.

Planes, Trains, and Boats: Lakeshore Learning Store 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kids' imaginations get moving as they design colorful vehicle collages. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Dog Party: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 2 p.m. Dog stories, songs, activities, crafts, even a barking contest. Meet several guide dog puppies in training and their handlers. For all ages. Call (909) 599-4558 to register. $2 fee. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Forest Fairies: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 2 p.m. Make your own fairy, read a fairy story, and make a fairy book to take home. Ages 5 and up. $2. Call (909) 599-4558 to register. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Wacky Weird Science: La Pintoresca Branch Library 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. The wackiest and weirdest science fair of them all. Join the fun, but be careful of gooey slime, disappearing clothes, floating eggs, and more. Supplies will be provided. Reservations encouraged. (626) 744-7268. 1355 N. Raymond Ave., Pasdena.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Open House: Oak Knoll Kinderhaus Montessori 7-830 p.m. Do you feel like homework is running your family? Ever wondered what a Montessori education has to offer? Come discover our classroom without desks and meet our AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) certified elementary teacher, Sarah Prunier Law, along with some of the families from our community. 301 N. Orange Grove Blvd..

Saturday, April 21, 2007

Family Festival: Norton Simon Museum 1 p.m. Capture the spirit of Earth Day by looking at paintings by 20th-century artists, then create a Cubist-inspired collage using cast-off materials in a workshop led by the organization Trash 4 Teaching. Free with museum admission. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Jazz Festival: Caltech 2 p.m. The event will be held outdoors, in the Gates Library patio behind the Parsons-Gates Hall of Administration at Caltech. Tickets are not required. 320 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena.

Shakespeare Festival: Huntington Library 10:30 a.m. All the world really is a stage as actors from Shakespeare at Play and the Guild of St. George perform scenes from the Bards comedies and tragedies in different settings throughout the gardens. The day long festival will include key scenes from The Taming of the Shrew, Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Nights Dream, Hamlet, The Comedy of Errors, and many more. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino.

Butterfly Release: Kidspace Museum 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Celebrate the beauty of butterflies and nature as we release Painted Lady butterflies reared in our Nature Exchange Nursery into the gardens of Kidspace. The Grand Butterfly Release features Flutter-By the Butterfly, as she helps children create their own butterfly wings, teaches them the Pupa Freeze Dance, and How to Eat like a Caterpillar. This event culminates with the Butterfly Release at 2 p.m. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Dazzling Fish: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children "reel in" tons of fun as they make and decorate fishy friends. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Batter Up: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 2 p.m. Enjoy baseball stories and make a frame for a baseball picture or favorite baseball card. Ages 3 and up. $2. Call (909) 599-4558 to register. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Earth Day: West Covina Farmers Market 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Recycling products, booths, games, and activities for everyone. Fashion Parkway and West Covina Parkway.

Register Early

Saturday, April 7, 2007

Easter Hunt and Brunch: Descanso Gardens 9:30 a.m. Easter weekend is always special at Descanso with children's egg hunts every 45 minutes from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and family brunches from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Egg hunt tickets available for $5 on a first-come-first-served basis Saturday morning. Brunch prices, including gardens admission, are $42 adults, $15 children ages 4 to 12, and free for those 3 and younger. Brunch reservations required: call 818-790-3663 by Monday, April 2. Brunch also Sunday, April 8. 1418 Descanso Dr, La Canada Flintridge.

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Pack a Picnic Huntington Library 9 a.m. Chef Lisa Fontanesi brings another installment of food and family fun to the Huntington. Participants will prepare a complete picnic made of seasonal produce, gathering some fresh ideas along the way for healthy lunches on-the-go! Ages 7 and up, with one accompanying adult, $25. Registration: 626-405-2128. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino.

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

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.

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.

Stone Center for Children's Books Stories and crafts are open for kids of all ages most Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. Information: 909-607-3670. Claremont Graduate University, 740 N. College Ave., Claremont.

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.

Barks and Books: Santa Catalina Library Be a reading buddy to a real dog. Elementary school-age children can read a book to a gentle dog. Second and fourth Thursdays at Santa Catalina Branch. Also, at various other times and Pasadena Public Library locations. Santa Catalina Branch is at 999 E. Washington 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.

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 818-306-3655. .

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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