May 18, 2007

Number 115

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

The Back Fence

Upcoming Events

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By Dorothy Reinhold
Guest Columnist

Many of us baby boomers who enthusiastically celebrated the very first Earth Day on April 22, 1970 have a

long history of caring for the planet. When I got my driver’s license two years later, I took note that careful, calm driving would not only help me avoid tickets, but would use less fuel - a twofer! I rode my bike for the first two years of college. When I finally bought a car, it was gas-wise. I planted trees. I grew my own veggies. I reused things. I wore Earth Shoes, for goodness sake!

These last two decades, I’ve been a dedicated recycler and can proudly say that my family of four successfully recycles so much that we don’t even halfway fill a trash barrel once a week. Long ago when I bought my house, I planted a xeriscape garden to avoid two sins - the overuse of water and the standard over-fertilization that lawns seem to need.

Heck, we’re so geeky these days we even wash out plastic bags so we can reuse them, and, ahem, we don’t flush the toilet every single time (I’ll spare you the full explanation).

When Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth became available on Netflix, I watched it with horror, and my 30-year passion for cleaning up the earth was renewed. But as interesting as the movie is, and as alarming a picture as it paints, it doesn’t do a great job of giving solutions. It heightens awareness and concern, but doesn’t give people a lot of practical advice on how to channel that newfound fire for conservation in their bellies.

So that got me thinking. What can families do, easily, every single day, to make a difference? Here are 52 suggestions to consider. Perhaps trying to incorporate one new change a week will be do-able for your family. Even if you adopt only a few of these ideas, it will help.

1. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth. (If you brush for 1 minute, that is about 5 gallons of fresh water down the drain.)
2. Set the timer to remind you to take a short shower.
3. Turn off lights when you leave the room. Appoint a child to be the family’s "light monitor" and empower him or her to turn lights off if others forget.
4. Turn off the radio/TV/computer when you are not using them.
5. Let your kids ride their bikes to friends’ houses if they’re old enough to do so.
6. Plant a tree in your yard.
7. Use a lunchbox instead of a paper bag.
8. Use a thermos or cup instead of buying throw-away juices or small plastic bottles.
9. Buy previously owned books, DVDs, videos, and rent movies instead of buying them.
10. Buy music online and download it instead of buying a disc.
11. Instead of buying wrapping paper, wrap gifts in newspaper comics pages.
12. Recycle cans and bottles; allow children to keep the redemption money if they help.
13. Say "no thank you" if a store clerk offers you a bag and you are only buying an item or two.

14. Print on both sides of the paper and reuse printed paper for scraps and notes.
15. Take digital photos and only print the pictures you want.
16. When you have outgrown a toy or game but it is still in good condition, give it to a younger friend or donate it to a charity so someone else may use it.
17. Use rechargeable batteries for your toys, games and flashlights. If you don’t use rechargeables, label a shoebox that you keep in the garage for used batteries. Once or twice a year, take them to a recycling facility. (Never throw spent batteries in the trash because they contain mercury, a hazardous substance that will leak into groundwater or be burned and released into the air.)
18. Return empty printer cartridges to the manufacturer - Staples, Office Depot. Often there is a mailing bag included when you buy a refill cartridge.
19. Use cloth napkins or small hand towels instead of paper napkins. If you’re careful, you can use cloth napkins for several meals before they need to be washed. Leave them neatly folded at each person’s place, or use a distinctive color for each person to keep them separate.
20. Buy locally produced items, reducing the carbon costs of transporting items long distances. Vacation locally for the same reason.
21. If you’re not vegetarian, try a vegetarian dinner once a week. (Raising animals for food consumes vast quantities of natural resources, including water, land, and oil; destroys habitats; and generates a tremendous amount of water and air pollution.)
22. Bring your own reusable or recycled bags to the supermarket.
23. Buy organically grown food and drink coffee made with organically grown beans.
24. Shop at farmers’ markets and buy food grown locally.
25. Install a water filter instead of buying bottled water.
26. Buy paper products made from recycled paper.
27. Buy in bulk instead of individually wrapped products.
28. Use reusable plastic containers instead of zipper-top plastic bags.
29. Keep your car tires properly inflated and get better gas mileage.
30. Make sure the gas filter and air filter on your car are clean and keep your car tuned up.
31. Remove heavy items from your car so you don’t waste gas hauling around useless pounds of stuff.
32. Plan car trips efficiently and combine errands.
33. Drive 5 to 10 miles per hour slower than you normally would.
34. Roll to red lights vs. using the gas and braking (it will save your brakes as well), and at any opportunity, use cruise control.
35. Run full loads for your washer, dryer and dishwasher.
36. Wash clothing in warm instead of hot, and cold instead of warm water.
37. When you need a replace an appliance, buy an "Energy Star" model.
38. Turn down the heat on your hot water heater a couple of degrees. If you see no difference after a week, crank it down another couple of degrees.
39. Turn your hot water heater down low when you leave the house on vacation; leave yourself a note on the bathroom mirror so you’ll remember to turn it back up when you return.
40. If you can’t plant any more trees in your own yard, donate trees.
41. To celebrate an occasion (birth, birthday, anniversary, or perhaps in memory of someone who died), consider giving trees.
42. Shop online and reduce global warming by using less gasoline. You can also make a contribution so that a percentage of your online purchases from more than 700 participating retailers (including Walmart.com and The Gap), will be contributed for green energy credits automatically.
43. Fix or mend instead of replacing. Reuse as many things as possible and recycle everything you can! (When you recycle, you send less trash to the landfill and you help save natural resources, like trees, oil, and elements such as aluminum.)
44. Send electronic checks instead of paying bills by mail.
45. Turn off heating and air conditioning units when you’re not home; better yet, use a programmable thermostat to do this for you. While you are setting the thermostat, put it 3 or 4 degrees lower and set your air conditioner 3 or 4 degrees higher.
46. Have your paycheck deposited directly to your account and save a trip to the bank.
47. Use propane or natural gas for barbeques and camping instead of wood or charcoal.
48. Replace light bulbs with energy efficient CFL bulbs (compact florescent), and ask businesses that you frequent to change to energy efficient bulbs.
49. Activate the energy saving feature on your computers and printers.
50. If you don’t currently car pool, make plans to share a ride one or two days a month. If that works, increase it to one day a week.
51. If you don’t currently work from home, ask your employer to let you try it once or twice a month. If it is successful, try it once a week.
52. Make your next car at least 35% more fuel efficient than your current one.

That's a lot of ideas, I realize. Talk them over with your kids; convene a family meeting and vote on them. As Gore says, "It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless. But we need to resist that response, because this crisis will get resolved only if we as individuals take responsibility." When I look at my children’s faces, I see the future. I’d like to think it’s going to be as bright, wonderful and beautiful as my world has been.

Dorothy Reinhold, DReinhold@aol.com, reduces, reuses and recycles in Malibu, with her crunchy-granola-tree-hugger husband and two earth-loving children.

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

Friday, May 18, 2007

Family Theater: Parsons Nose Productions 7 p.m. One-hour adaptations of theater classics presented for families with young children. Also Saturday, May 19 at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 20 at 7 p.m. Adults $15, kids $10. Tickets: 626-403-7667. 1507 El Centro Ave., South Pasadena.

Saturday, May 19, 2007

Family Day: Norton Simon Museum 1 p.m. Explore the variety of grasses, flowers, plants and trees in the sculpture garden, then design your own special green space complete with a bronze paper sculpture. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Book Sale: Altadena Public Library 10 a.m. Friends of the Altadena library are having a book sale to raise funds for the children's non-fiction section. 600 E. Mariposa Ave., Altadena.

Self-Portrait: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children create self-portraits that are sure to become a keepsake. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Henry Winkler: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 12 p.m. Author (also actor) Henry Winkler will be visiting Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore. His Hank Zipzer books for children follow the exploits of young Hank, who’s learning differences make him a mirror image of Mr. Winkler’s boyhood. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Open House: Jet Propulsion Laboratory 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Celebrate JPL’s accomplishments with exhibits and demonstrations about the lab’s ongoing research and space exploration. Many of the lab’s scientists and engineers will be on hand to answer questions about how spacecraft are sent to other planets, how scientists and engineers explore earth, and how researchers are now searching for planets beyond our known solar system. Visitors will see exhibits, displays, demonstrations and presentations about new technologies, solar system exploration, spacecraft communication and hands-on activities designed for kids. Food and beverages will be available, along with space souvenirs and NASA and JPL merchandise. No backpacks or ice chests are allowed, with the exception of small purses and diaper bags. Information: 818-354-0112. Also May 20, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 4800 Oak Grove Dr., Pasadena.

Monrovia Day: Monrovia Community Center 6-9 a.m. Carden of the Foothills School will host a pancake breakfast as part of the annual Monrovia Day festivities. Students, staff, teachers and parents will be preparing and serving the breakfast of pancakes and sausage. Tickets available at the door: $4, kids under 3 free. 119 Lime Ave., Monrovia.

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Kidsfest 2007: Foothill Academy of Vocal Arts 4 p.m. Concert for families with elementary and pre-school age children is presented by The Master's Chorale. Event features live, interactive performances of favorite songs from animated movies. Pritchard Hall, Sierra Madre Congregational Church, Sierra Madre.

MOTA Day: Museums of the Arroyo 11 a.m. Celebrate the 18th annual free day at various museums located in the Arroyo Seco. Events include family-friendly activities, storytime, music in the gardens and a chance to try traditional African-American games and jumprope. Pasadena Museum of History, 470 W. Walnut St., Pasadena.

Flea Market: Kidspace Museum 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Children can shop, sell, or barter for treasures and talents at the Flea Market. Sell your gently used toys, homemade treasures, or share a talent such as face painting, or a puppet show. Register early (see website for details) to participate as a vendor. Recommended for children ages 4-12. [Note: event date changed from May 19.] Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Animal Playground Tour: Kidspace Museum 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Putumayo Kids present the Animal Playground Tour, featuring Asheba, with special guest Rhythm Child. An evening of music and family fun at the outdoor Stone Hollow Amphitheater. Purchase tickets ($15) on-line or at the Busy Bee Learning Store. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Pirate Party: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 4 p.m. Ahoy Matey! Join Margo for Pirate stories, crafts and games. Please call to reserve space - (909) 392-1503 . Aargh! $2 supply fee. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Model Magic Bugs: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children make colorful bugs with Model Magic and imagination. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Printing Museum On Wheels: Huntington Library 1 to 3:30 p.m. The mobile exhibit from the International Printing Museum is back, bringing history to life with a working printing shop and antique presses. Curator Mark Barbour will tell stories of the history of printing and visitors will have an opportunity to set printer’s type and print their own keepsakes. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino.

National Pickle Day: Arcadia Public Library 2:30 p.m. Stories, songs and a video celebrate the pickled vegetable that has been around since the days of the American colonists. Children under 8 must be accompanied by adult. 20 W. Duarte Rd., Arcadia.

Sunday, May 27, 2007

Stories in the Afternoon: Norton Simon Museum 2 p.m. Delight in stories featuring plants and flowers, then compose your own fabulous floral arrangement with art materials in front of Jean-Desire-Gustave Courbet's Vase of Lilacs, Roses and Tulips, 1863. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Music Storytime: San Rafael Branch Library 10:30 a.m. Sandra Henderson will help young ones create and enjoy music with hand clapping, knee slapping, and using simple instruments. 1240 Nithsdale Road, Pasadena.

Thursday, May 31, 2007

Kathleen Krull: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 10 a.m. Ms. Krull has written more than 50 books. Her biographies are especially popular. Her latest, Pocahantas, is a picture book biography about the New World’s first female Native American figure. Ages 6 to 11. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Friday, June 1, 2007

Jason Lethcoe: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 3 p.m. Mr. Lethcoe will present his new series, The Mis-Adventures of Benjamin Bartholamew Piff, followed by a signing. On his eleventh birthday, sad, orphaned Benjamin Bartholomew Piff follows all of the wishing rules — wishing for limitless wishes. Unfortunately, this begins a chain of events that destroys the balance between wishes and curses. Ages 8 to 12. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Saturday, June 2, 2007

Beach Bag: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children will love going to the beach with colorful goodie bags that they design themselves. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Pendragon: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 1 p.m. Mr. D.J. MacHale, author of the Pendragon series, will give a short talk, followed by a book signing. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Register Early

Saturday, May 19, 2007

Tot Olympics: West Covina Civic Center 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration: 626-919-6966. Palm View Park, 1340 Puente Ave., West Covina.

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Twilight Stories in the Garden: Pasadena Museum of History 6 p.m. Children ages 4-8 are invited to wear their own fairy garb and come to our third annual Fairy Party. Admission (per child with accompanying adult): $12. Reservations: 626-577-1660, ext. 10. 470 W. Walnut St., Pasadena. 470 W. Walnut St., Pasadena.

Friday, May 25, 2007

Nightwalk: Descanso Gardens 7:15 p.m. Walk with docent Jim Jackson into the nightlife enjoyed by Descanso’s nocturnal animals and insects. Jackson will also share the Gardens’ history. Participants must be at least 12 years old and should wear sensible shoes and bring a jacket and flashlight. $15. Registration: 818-949-7980. 1418 Descanso Dr, La Canada Flintridge.

Saturday, June 2, 2007

Movie Night and Desert Fiesta: Huntington Library 6-9 p.m. Celebrate the centennial of the desert garden with a festive evening of Mexican munchies enjoyed outdoors in the garden, then head inside for popcorn and a screening of the 1953 Academy Award-winning documentary The Living Desert, courtesy of the Walt Disney Company. $28 adult, $18 child. Registration: 626-405-2128. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino.

Flower Lab: Huntington Library 9 to 11:30 a.m. Step into the botany lab to examine plants through microscopes and learn how to dissect flowers with instructor Tara Gomez. Kids will also learn about Swedish scientist Carl Linnaeus and his clever system for classifying plants. 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.

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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