June 15, 2007

Number 117

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

The Back Fence

Upcoming Events

Our Sponsors

...................................................

........................................................................................................

.....................................................

By Karen E. Klein

A couple weeks ago, I went to my 30-year high school reunion. Okay, it wasn't exactly my reunion - that happens next year. But since

most of my close friends were a year ahead of me in school, I attended the class of '77 reunion with a recently-divorced friend who wasn't wild about the idea of going sans "date."

It was an interesting experience, not unlike what you've probably heard about reunions. The loud, bossy student government types had turned out to be loud, obnoxious adults. The former captain of the football team now owns a chain of fitness centers in Idaho and uses Grecian Formula. Lots and lots of people were divorced or on their second marriages. A few brought pictures of their grandkids!

There were half a dozen pictures posted on the "In Memoriam" board - classmates who had already passed away, including one of my good friends who died last year of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Those who attended swapped news about those they had kept up with who couldn't make it. The current school cheerleaders who appeared in uniform to greet us at the door and host the buffet looked like they couldn't possibly be older than 12.

For the most part, the women I had known tended to look pretty much the same. A few wrinkles here, a little hair touch-up there, but overall I would have known them anywhere. The men, on the other hand, were a different story. Even with guys I had known very well, it took some mental scrambling to put the name on the nametag together with the face I was looking at. I don't know whether women are more looks-conscious, or whether time is just less kind to men, but between the balding, the graying and the weight gain, it wasn't a pretty scene. One dear friend admitted he had put on 120 pounds since high school, and many others weren't far behind.

The best thing about the reunion was getting back in touch with some close chums whom I had lost track of 10 or 15 years ago. We had a tight-knit group and stayed friends throughout college and into our late ‘20s. But as we'd had children and settled into jobs, most of us had moved away from Orange County, where it was too expensive to buy starter homes. Though many stayed in Southern California, we got involved in our own communities and relegated our friendships to the Christmas card list, or worse.

Spending the evening with a handful of old buddies was a blast, and I found all of them just as fun, goofy, sweet and friendly as ever. We plan to spend time together more often now that we've got each others' email addresses and cell phone numbers (two things we never had when we were back in high school).

I know what you're thinking: Famous last words, right? I'm optimistic, though. First of all, I'm pretty good at organizing things when I'm motivated. And second, we're at the right age to renew old ties: Our kids are growing up and we're realizing that we need all the friends in life that we can get.

It's especially wonderful to have old friends, friends who knew you when and still love you today. New friends are good, too, but old friends have a depth of experience with you - and you with them - that just can't be duplicated.

Coincidentally, I've also been in touch via email with a group of girls I went to elementary school with and we're talking about a get-together this summer. That will really be a trip down memory lane! At least, since they're all women, I hope to have a fairly good chance of recognizing them.

Some lives spool out over the decades, and others seem to be over before they begin. That's the case in a sad situation that occurred in our town recently. There was a stabbing that seemed to be racially motivated. We don't have many violent crimes in our neighborhood, and we've never had a hate crime, so we were quite startled to hear about it.

But we were even more startled to hear that a high school student we'd known for years was arrested on suspicion of the crime. This kid was in Little League with my younger son about half a dozen years ago. He was a tough 11-year-old who'd obviously had a hard-knock life already. The few brief conversations I had with his single mom - who rarely showed up for games - told me that things weren't easy at home.

Still, he turned out to be a talented athlete and our team's loudest and most enthusiastic player. He cheered his teammates on from the dugout, he cheered them from the catcher's box, he cheered getting up to bat and he cheered walking away - even if he'd struck out. I was really touched to see how this tough, surly guy turned into a gung-ho player and true friend that year.

I sometimes wonder if that baseball season wasn't just about the highlight of his young life. Things seemed to go downhill for him after that, and my boys lost track of him as he started hanging out with a rough crowd, getting into fights and eventually being transferred to the local continuation school. He was back at the local high school last fall when he was involved in a hallway scuffle that rumor said was tied to a drug deal gone sour. Apparently the stabbing was in retaliation for that.

It makes me sad to think of that smiling, happy kid in his catcher's gear locked up as an adult for attempted murder, but it looks like that's what might happen. I think with most kids, there's a window of opportunity where they could turn things around in their lives. If they are lucky, they have someone who cares enough about them to intervene: A relative, a teacher, a coach, a friend. If they're not, who knows what they are capable of?

I'm glad to say that my kids have been able to "turn around" a couple of friends who might have wound up differently if they hadn't known us, and hadn't had our house as a safe haven to hang out in after school. Every time I get frustrated with the gaggle of teenaged friends playing ping pong or watching YouTube videos while I'm trying to work, or I get banished to the TV set in my room because the living room has been invaded by kids playing videogames, I stifle my complaints.

As I tell my husband, I'd much rather have them here annoying us, than off somewhere unsupervised and doing who-knows-what. Keep that in mind when you have teenagers. I always have cold sodas and a tub of cookie dough in my refrigerator as a kind of hospitality lure. I want to make our house as inviting and friendly for our kids and their friends as possible.

Well, our calendar is stuffed this time and we didn't even have room to include all the summer reading clubs, library craft programs, essay contests, book clubs and summer concerts that are in the works. If we had, The Orange Cat would have gone on forever! If you're looking for things to do, be aware that there's plenty to take advantage of. Visit your local library, which acts as a nerve center for your community, and you'll find lots of information about what's going on in your town and others close by.

Don't forget also that some summer camps are still taking late signups. Our friend Brian, at GymnastiKids tells me he's got openings for daily and weekly campers, ages 4 through 13. Many local music groups, theater groups, sports groups and art clubs sponsor summer day camps also, so check them out.

If you don't need a full-time camp program, you can find weekly workshops and concerts for kids in all sorts of places, too. The Armory Center for the Arts is teaming up with One Colorado in Pasadena for "Kids in the Courtyard," a weekly performance and craft session. The program takes place every Thursday in July at 11 a.m., starting July 5 and children of all ages are welcome.

Got a budding philanthropist at home? Our good friend Dorothy Reinhold let me know about Sunkist's "Take a Stand" program, which is giving away 10,000 free lemonade stands to kids ages 7 to 12 interested in raising money for the charities of their choice. To receive a complimentary stand, the kids and their parents must submit their "Take a Stand" pledges online. Details and order forms are available at the Sunkist website. Stands are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.

We had some hilarious responses to Dorothy's recent column about parents who send their kids to school sick. A few of you could relate to those heartless people, or to those kids like me who faked illness and got away with it! But since this column is getting too long already, we'll have to wait until next time to share the stories from the hall of shame.

Speaking of next time, we won't be publishing again until July 6, due to the fifth Friday in June. So we'll see you after the fireworks and well into the summer. Have a great holiday! 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, June 16, 2007

The Pasadena Chalk Festival: Paseo Colorado 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 600 artists from across Southern California will use 25,000 sticks of pastel chalk to create spectacular murals on pavement the size of two city blocks. Benefits the community arts programs of the Light Bringer Project, a Pasadena-based nonprofit arts organization. Also Sunday, June 17. 280 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena.

Family Day: Norton Simon Museum 1 p.m. Create special binoculars, then be on the lookout for creatures big and small in paintings and in the garden. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Father's Day: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Celebrate Dad's special day with a Father's Day card that kids create themselves. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Happy Father's Day: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 1 p.m. Celebrate Father's Day by reading stories about dear-old dad, making him a special car photo frame, and snacking on tasty refreshments. Bring your own photo to paste inside your special frame. Children ages 3 and up are welcome. $2 supply fee. Reservations: 909-599-4558. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Bob Baker Marionettes: Kidspace Museum 11 a.m. Celebrate Father's Day with the father of marionettes, Bob Baker. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Father's Day Luau Descanso Gardens 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Family day filled with barbeque, trick roping, crafts and the toe-tapping tunes of the Kahuna Cowboys Jug Band. Everything but food is free with admission; BBQ $2 to $7.50 1418 Descanso Dr, La Canada Flintridge.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Make a Marionette: Arroyo Arts Collective 3:30 p.m. Amaze your friends with cool puppets made from toilet paper tubes and other recycled materials. 6145 N. Figueroa St.., Los Angeles.

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Pen Holder: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. Kids create a cute little pen holder that's sure to brighten any desk. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Under the Sea: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 1 p.m. Celebrate summer with a fun day Under the Sea. Fish for prizes, make a fish tank, and eat. Children ages 3 and older are welcome. $2 supply fee. Reservations: 909-599-4558. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Ice Cream Social: Arcadia Historical Museum 12-2 p.m. Join us for an old-fashioned ice cream social and make your own homemade ice cream. Entire family welcome. 240 West Huntington Dr., Arcadia.

Author Event: Vromans Bookstore 10:30 a.m. Author David Horvath, creator of the Uglydolls, discusses and signs Bossy Bear, his picture book debut. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Open House: FasTracKids 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free trial classes including the FasTracKids Core program, FasTrack Music and Me, and FasTrack Baby Signing will be available for children ages 6 months to 8 years old. 1010 South Baldwin Ave., Arcadia.

Monday, June 25, 2007

The Elephant Trunk: Santa Catalina Library 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Swazzle Puppets will help you puzzle out the mystery in The Case of the Elephant Trunk. Also 1-2 p.m., 3:30-4:30 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. at Hastings Branch Library. Then on June 26, at 11 a.m. to noon and 1-2 p.m. at La Pintoresca Branch Library, and 3-4 p.m. at San Rafael Branch Library; on June 27, 11-noon at Santa Catalina Branch Library and 2-3 p.m. at Allendale Branch Library; on June 28, at 11-noon at Hill Avenue Branch Library and 1-2 p.m. at Villa Parke Branch and 3-4 p.m. at Lamanda Park Branch Library; on June 29 from 3:30-4:25 p.m. at Linda Vista Branch Library; and on June 30 at 10-11 a.m. at the Central Library Auditorium. 999 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Folk Sing-Alongs: Duarte Library 3-4 p.m. The fun and high-energy folk duo 'Gigi & Mike' (Gigi Johnson and Mike Salas) perform family concerts aimed at bringing back folk sing-alongs. 1301 Buena Vista St., Duarte.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Parachute Express: Levitt Pavilion 7 p.m. Hear the music of Parachute Express, one of the premiere entertainers of children between the ages of 1-10. A blend of musical styles and an engaging stage show. Memorial Park, 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena.

Clue into Games: Arcadia Public Library 2-4 p.m. Bring your own board game or play one of ours. For children of all ages. 20 W. Duarte Rd., Arcadia.

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Raggs Band: Kidspace Museum 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Two peformances by The Raggs Band, star of the new KCET children's show "Raggs." Raggs and his colorful canine friends have put together an energetic ensemble that will rock and roll. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Princess Party: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 10 a.m. Join a fairy godmother for a princess party. Activities include stories, making princess hats, a magic mirror, lessons in princess behavior, and more. Plus, special refreshments. Ages 2 and up. $5 supply fee. (909) 599-4558 for reservations. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Sleeping Beauty in Outerspace: Arroyo Arts Collective 3:30 p.m. Michael Dowell's hand and rod puppets act out social themes like friendship and helping others. Audience members help generate an original script for this interactive show. 6145 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles.

Saturday, June 30, 2007

Flag Collage: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children get ready for the 4th of July with a red, white, and blue flag collage. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Fourth of July Parade: City of Sierra Madre 10 a.m. The Sierra Madre Fourth of July parade is a fun event for the whole family. Sierra Madre Boulevard, from Sunnyside to Rancho Road.

Festival of Balloons: City of South Pasadena 12 p.m. Family-friendly parade is a Fourth of July tradition in smalltown South Pasadena. Mission Street to Garfield Park.

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Jellydots: Kidspace Museum 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Doug Snyder, a full-time guitar instructor, started writing silly songs with his young guitar students to form The Jellydots. The Jellydots have been called "the future of kids' music." Tickets are $15 on-line or at the Busy Bee Learning Store. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Book 'em Reading Club: Arcadia Public Library 3 p.m. Read some fun mystery books, learn about some new ones, solve a mystery and make a craft. Grades 5-8. 20 W. Duarte Rd., Arcadia.

Saturday, July 7, 2007

Stinky Cheese Man: Pasadena Central Library 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. See a preview of the Pasadena Junior Theatre production of The Stinky Cheese Man, a twisted set of fairy tales written by Jon Scieszka. 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena.

Little Miss Liberty: Kidspace Museum 11:30 a.m. Enjoy a fun illustration lesson with Chris Robertson, author of Little Miss Liberty. Then learn a little history from Little Miss Liberty herself. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Animal Collage: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kids use shells, buttons, spangles and more to create adorable animal collages that will brighten any room. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Register Early

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Parent Night Out: GymnastiKids: 6 p.m. Gymnastics and movement games. $35 ages 3 and up; $25 siblings. Reservations: 626-796-KIDS. 2237 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena.

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.

Sunday, Aug. 12, 2007

Summer Family Basket: L.A. County Arboretum 2-4 p.m. Join us and learn a collaborative technique known variously as 'community basket', 'family basket' or 'people basket'. You will learn weaving and twining techniques, and will be using a plywood base, reed and whatever yarn you bring to the mix as well as grasses and recycled fibers, palm inflorescences and the surprises that people bring to the mix. Event costs $50. 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.

...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

| Visit us online |

© Copyright 2007, KBN Publishing Inc., 332 N. Magnolia Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016

...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................