June 1, 2007

Number 116

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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 Steve Scauzillo
Guest Columnist

The sign hung from the 210 Freeway overpass in Pasadena: KIDS FILM CAMP, followed by a phone number. "Film Camp?" I thought, as I drove on into the friendly rows of suburban homes off Michillinda Avenue.

I was instantly reminded of something actress, novelist and screenwriter Carrie Fisher (who 30 years ago played Princess Leia in "Star Wars") said about L.A. being a company town dominated by Hollywood.

Both Fisher's remark and the sign bothered me. I tried to let them roll off my back but couldn't stop thinking about it. Film camp? Hollywood town? I live in the bucolic San Gabriel Valley, far from the studio gates of Melrose Avenue and away from the maddening Hollywood crowd. "Kids should be going to science camp or adventure camp where they launch balsa wood rockets or swim in mountain lakes," I muttered, not shouting "action" and mimicking an archetypal vacuous Hollywood director.

Okay, okay. I live in L.A. - well, Southern California - but I don't share Hollywood's values and neither do my impressionable children. Then, as I parked my car and entered my home, I had to acknowledge reality. My two teenaged sons were sitting at their computer, watching YouTube videos and laughing. The short parodies they favor are created by kids their ages, or slightly older, and uploaded onto the amazingly popular video-sharing Website.

Later that day, they played video games on their computer and on handheld devices. My 15-year-old slides his multi-media phone onto "music" and listens to sometimes- shocking rap lyrics.

I am a member of the media myself. I've been a print journalist all my life and so has my wife, Karen. So I'm hardly blind to its influences. Yet, like so many other parents here in L.A., we think we are above those forces. We think we've built a force field around our children that can block the media's influence.

Wrong. We aren't - and we didn't. And the only force fields that "exist" are between the USS Enterprise and a Klingon warship on "Star Trek."

It took a while for me to get real with this topic - and forgive me if I still sound mid-process. Perhaps you, too, need a gut check when it comes to how the media influences your children. While I'm writing about older children in this column, even parents with younger children need to wrap their arms around this topic. It is the 600-pound elephant in the living room.

There are parents who choose to limit screen time. That's right: They count the time their children spend in front of the TV, the computer, PSP or PlayStation and set a limit per day or per week. My high school buddy has four children. He and his wife actually employ a video clock that automatically turns off the device (computer, PlayStation, TV) when the time is up. That can lead to a lot of arguments and tearful time-outs.

We tried a different approach. As Karen has written before in this space, we didn't introduce the video babysitting devices till later on in the lives of our two boys, who are now 15 and 17. Before that, we did what all good parents do: We read to our children, we took them to museums of history, science and art, we encouraged them to play and to write and to study and to learn. We thought we were the biggest influencers in their lives.

And I believe we were. Errr ... are. It's just that the media is a close second.

Today, children are raised on a steady died of visual images, from TV to MTV, from video games to computer games, from advertising images to Web graphic design, from print ads in teen magazines featuring skinny models to ads promising "cool stuff" on plastic cups of Coke at McDonalds.

They live and breathe much more visual oxygen than we ever did. Reading is down, newspaper reading is way down, and book buying is down. Video clips are up; especially short ones like those on YouTube.com, which range from a 4-year-old playing the drums to a Panda bear sneezing.

You may have heard about MySpace.com and Facebook.com, social networking sites in which teens put personal information about themselves and "meet" other teens with like interests in cyberspace. These have come under criticism because some posts contain obscenities and some even pornography. While the porn sites are eventually taken down by Webmasters, one can't help but suspect that some slip by long enough to attract the sexual predators who lurk in the cyber world for victims.

For these and other reasons, I believe it is not a good idea to install a computer in a child's bedroom. Better to allow the child limited access to a computer in plain sight - say in a family room, den or kitchen. This way, you can see and hear what media images emanate from this new media tool.

Second, it is always good to allow your children to have friends visit at your house, rather than having them spend a lot of time at other kids' homes, where there may or may not be a parent present and aware of what cyber-activity is taking place. Again, keeping them under your watchful eye - without being too onerous about it - is a good thing.

But today, parents must go beyond these simple steps to help their children navigate the sensually rich and alluring media world. They must help their children become media literate. Because the better they understand the media, the faster they learn that what's on it is not real.

Shocked? You think your child understands that what they see on TV is not real? Think again. Don't underestimate the draw of advertising images that say a skinnier body type for a girl is best.

Kimberly L. Bissell, a researcher with the University of Alabama, and Paul Messaris, a media researcher formerly with the Annenberg School of Journalism at USC, write that media images have convinced girls with non-skinny body types that they are inadequate. Only through media literacy can pre-adolescent girls (and some boys, too) begin deconstructing this media myth, they wrote.

Elizabeth Thoman, a researcher with the Center for Media Literacy, wrote in a 1992 article that parents and young adults must attack the media paradigm like a balding man in a mid-life crisis. First with rejection, then by applying truth to the identity crisis it creates. "We'll never stop living in a world of images," wrote Thoman, "but we can recognize and deal with the image culture's actual state."

So, media awareness is the antidote to its poison spell. Start by recognizing media's influences. Ask yourself and your children: How do media shape your world view? Your deepest thoughts? Your feelings?

That's just the beginning. Lately, my son Matt has begun making his own home movies and posting them on YouTube. He and his brother and their buddies act out parodies which they've written, filmed and edited on their computer. Some of them are pretty good; they show creativity, demonstrate teamwork and perseverance. They are getting a hands-on lesson in media matters. Instead of my children being bamboozled by Hollywood's sleight of hand, they get the trick. By taking to the other side of the camera, they are the manipulators, not the manipulated.

Encouraging video classes at your city or your kids' junior high and high schools can be a positive, media- learning experience that accelerates media literacy. Taking classes at a community college yourself would do the same. English teacher Bill Walsh helps students produce a morning news program at Billerica High. "What the students are learning is much more than just video production. They are learning responsibility, how to take pride in their efforts and how to work together. Independently. Confidently," he wrote.

The lesson is, don't ignore the media's influence in your family's life or in your life. Understand it. As Princess Leia would remind us Angelenos, we live in a Hollywood "company town" - and the media forces are always with us.

Steve Scauzillo is a part-time journalism professor at Cal State Fullerton, where he uses The Orange Cat as an example of new media. He's married to Orange Cat editor Karen E. Klein and can be reached at stevescauzillo@pacbell.net.

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, 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.

Pro Football Camp: Nogales High School 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nogales High School will host a free football camp. Open to boys and girls, 8 to 18. Information: Tracy Adkins, 951-768-0801 or Jodi Stewart, 909-286-1562. 401 Nogales Street, La Puente, CA 91744.

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

I Spy Party: La Pintoresca Branch Library 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. I spy a mystery party! Puzzles, riddles, games, and more. Make and play your own I Spy game, solve a cool puzzle, decorate a mystery box, and take home a puzzle book. Call (626)744-7268 for reservations, as space is limited. 1355 N. Raymond Ave., Pasdena.

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Stories in the Afternoon: Norton Simon Museum 4 p.m. Travel to distant lands through books, then craft and pen a postcard to a friend in front of Joli's "A View of Paestum." Also Sunday, June 24, 2 p.m. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Thursday, June 7, 2007

Concerts on the Frog: Kidspace Museum 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Peter Himmelman will be performing on the frog-shaped stage of the Kidspace Stone Hollow Amphitheater. Peter Himmelman is an Emmy-winning composer and acclaimed creator of children's music with such CDs as My Lemonade Stand, and newly released My Green Kite. $15 per ticket. Purchase tickets on-line or at the Busy Bee Learning Store. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Saturday, June 9, 2007

Fantastic Fathers Day Celebration: Arcadia Public Library 2:30 p.m. Every year in June, we celebrate our wonderful Fathers. Spend an afternoon at the library with your Dad, listening to stories, songs, and a short video, in honor of these men in our lives. Event open to all ages. 20 W. Duarte Rd., Arcadia.

Puppet Show: Kidspace Museum 11 a.m. Join us for an interactive puppet show with songs, musical instruments, and more. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Calico Critter Party: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 1 p.m. At the Calico Critter tea party we will be making fun crafts and having "tea party" refreshments. Children ages 3 and older are welcome. Space is limited, so sign up soon. $2 supply fee. 909-865-8550 or email mrsnelsons@mrsnelsons.com. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Tropical Leis: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children create colorful Hawaiian Leis. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Register Early

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.

Painted Fish and Fish Painting: Los Angeles County Arboretum 2 p.m. Let’s venture out to the ponds near the Zen Deck to visit, feed, and learn about the colorful Koi Fish. Bring a T-shirt and make yourself a painted fish-shirt. Event costs $20 per family. In the event of rain, the program is cancelled. 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia.

Thursday, June 7, 2007

FasTrack Signing Classes: FasTracKids 4:30 p.m. Sign language classes for parents with babies and toddlers up to 24 months. Reservations recommended: 626-254-8500, or e-mail busybeeindustries@yahoo.com 1010 South Baldwin Ave..

Friday, June 15, 2007

Night Walk: Descanso Gardens 7:15 p.m. Docent Jim Jackson will lead this evening tour of Descanso and share its history. Participants must be at least 12 years old and should wear sensible shoes, and bring a jacket and flashlight. Space is limited so early registration is recommended. Event costs $15. To register call, 818-949-7980. 1418 Descanso Dr, La Canada Flintridge.

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Parent Night Out: GymnastiKids: 6 p.m. Gymnastics and movement games. Ages 3 and up, cost $35.00, siblings $25.00. For more information or to sign up call 626-796-KIDS 2237 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena CA, 91107.

Saturday, July 7, 2007

Make a Patriotic Garden: Los Angeles County Arboretum 2 p.m. Come and hike through the many theme gardens at The Arboretum - like the water garden, herb garden, and rosemary maze. Make your very own family theme garden to take home - a patriotic theme garden of red, white, and blue. Event costs $20 per family. In the event of rain, the program is cancelled. 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia.

Saturday, Aug. 4, 2007

Nature Printing: Los Angeles County Arboretum 2 p.m. Take a stroll through The Arboretum gathering pieces of nature like leaves, seeds, and stems to print on a piece of clothing. Bring a colored T-shirt or piece of clothing and create your own nature design to print. Event costs $20 per family. In the event of rain, the program is cancelled. 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia.

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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