August 3, 2007

Number 120

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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 Brad Haugaard
Guest Columnist

Hi, I'm Brad. If you're new, I'm Karen's partner. No, not that kind of partner. Karen and I are happily married but not to one another; we're just business partners on the Orange Cat. But don't feel

bad; it's a common mistake. Anyway, Karen is fighting off a flotilla of alligators right now so she asked if I could do the column for this issue. I had mentioned to her that I am between jobs so she may have guessed that I have a bit of free time.

And she's right; I do have a bit of time, and it is quite a novel feeling! I've been working pretty much steadily for the past 20 or so years, only taking off a week here and there for a quick vacation. My company was always good and never pressed me to keep my vacations short, but, well, I've always felt just a bit, umm, "irresponsible," if I took too many days off. I kept thinking that someone else was having to do my work as well as their own work, or that the work was just piling up for me to do when I got back. So when I was actually on vacation, I felt I had to "hurry up and relax," which meant, of course, that I couldn't relax.

If you can avoid that feeling while you hold a regular job, you're a better man (or woman) than I am. But anyway, for the moment, the whole stress dynamic has changed. I've been off work for a couple weeks now and I must admit that I'm not anxious to get back to a regular job, though I'm going to face the music eventually. But in the meantime, I've been able to really relax. Wow! It's pretty cool. I go mountain biking and swimming in the little pool we set up in the back yard for the kids and have coffee with my dad, and generally fiddle around.

Right now my big project is fixing a wooden bench with scrolly metalwork at either end. I'm learning all about red oak and drilling holes in wood, and nuts and bolts and stuff. My dad knows about that sort of thing so I've spent a bit more time with him, which is nice. Before, if someone (hi, Patti!) had asked me to fix a bench, I would have been annoyed because it would have cut into my very limited free time. But now I have the time and it is fun, even though I don't really know what I'm doing.

When I left my job, I had a couple people ask me if I was retiring. (Yikes! Do I look that old?) No, I'm certainly not retiring. The very word sends a chill through my body. My father, though past what most people would consider retirement age, continues to work. He said several of his friends who did retire were very unhappy about their decision and he doesn't intend to repeat their mistake.

Nor do I. I don't ever want to retire unless I'm incapable of working. But on the other hand, I think that needs to be balanced with the realization that you can turn your life into a drudgery of constant work if you're not careful.

Which brings me to a non-drudgy wild idea I had late last year: I decided I would take a painting class.

I know that doesn't sound too wild to you, but my wife and kids kinda said, "Whaaat?" And this was a very logical reaction on their part because I had never had the slightest interest in painting. My previous painting experience was in second grade, and that was with my fingers.

My decision to take an art class was not really thought out; it was more of an urge. But in retrospect I think it was an attempt to insert a bit more creativity into my life. So anyway, I signed up for an oil/acrylic painting class at the Creative Arts Group in Sierra Madre, and somewhat to my own surprise, I found that I love it!

With the success of the art class, I've been thinking of other ways I might be creative. For instance, I've long wondered what activity Patti and I could do just to be together and get a bit of exercise. Then, on a little cruise to Ensenada I got a clue.

The cruise ship had a number of activities, including line dancing lessons. My daughter wanted to go, so Patti, Kirsten and I went to learn how to line dance. I quickly got my feet tangled and sat on the sidelines, but I watched the smile on Patti's face as she practiced the steps, and I thought, "She's really enjoying this." (She said later she was smiling at how badly she was doing, but I know a smile of enjoyment when I see it.)

So anyway, last week I took her on a surprise (also cheap) date to the Paseo in Pasadena, where there are free swing dance lessons Fridays at 6:30 p.m. through August 24. Well, these were group lessons, so I got to dance with Patti for about 25 seconds before we changed partners, and my feet again refused to cooperate. But I'm not discouraged. We ordered a swing dance video from Amazon and plan to practice at home a bit. And then, watch out!

Now, like painting, this dance thing is a bit of a stretch for me. I think the last time I danced was in fifth grade, and I hated it because, yuck!, you had to do it with girls. I outgrew my aversion to girls and even married one, but probably because I just never gave it any thought, I never outgrew my aversion to dancing. It's like the time my mother gave me a liverwurst sandwich not knowing I was sick to my stomach. After that I couldn't face liverwurst for 25 years, until it finally occurred to me that liverwurst and I had simply met under very unfavorable circumstances. So I gave it another try and can now say that I can tolerate liverwurst if I must.

I guess all I'm saying is that we need to insert a little variety - a little creativity - into our lives, and that maybe we should consider activities we have unconsiously formed an aversion to (and, no, I'm not talking about things that are illegal, immoral or fattening). You might surprise yourself. And if you can swing a sabattical, hey, I can recommend that as well.

So anyway, I'm enjoying my time off thanks to all the pay I got for vacation time I didn't take, and money from a little freelance work, investments, and yes, The Orange Cat. I think the Cat covers most of my Starbucks expenses.

By the way, if you need a lazy summertime book, and you like detective stories with a bit of cultural flavor, you might enjoy the series set in the Pasadena area by local author, Naomi Hirahara. Her detective, believe it or not, is an aging Japanese- American gardener who never wants to get involved but always does. Nicely written, nice local flavor, the characters are well developed, and the quality seems to get better with each book. I'm working on Snakeskin Shamisen, but the first in her series is Summer of the Big Bachi.

And one last item. Orange Cat reader Ranjeet is looking in the Pasadena area for good daycare for his 6-month-old daughter. If you know a daycare service for which you can give a glowing recommendation, send him a note at ranjeetc (at) gmail dot com. And send us a copy, too. That would be good to know.

Brad Haugaard is Editor Karen E. Klein's partner with The Orange Cat. He lives in Monrovia with his wife and two children and likes to go mountain biking and maybe dancing ... we'll see. You can reach him at Brad@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, Aug. 4, 2007

Chalk on the Walk: Kidspace Museum And August 5. See all that chalk can do with art and science projects. A two-day workshop for children ages 7 and older where they can watch street painters at work, and create their own chalk masterpiece. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Crowns: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children create crowns fit for royalty. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Monday, Aug. 6, 2007

One Clue, Two Clues: Pasadena libraries 1-2 p.m., 3:30-4:30 p.m., 7-8 p.m. Help Flights of Fantasy Story Theatre gather all the clues to solve the mystery of life as they search through stories from around the world for the answers. Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena. Also on Aug. 7, 11 a.m.-noon and 1-2 p.m. at La Pintoresca Library and from 3-4 p.m. at San Rafael Library; on Aug. 8, 11-noon at Santa Catalina Library and from 2-3 p.m. at Allendale Library; on Aug. 9, 11-noon at Hill Avenune Library and at 1-2 p.m. at Villa Parke Library and 3-4 p.m. at Lamanda Park Library; on Aug. 10, 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Linda Vista Library; Aug 11, 10-11 a.m. at Pasadena Central Library Auditorium. .

Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007

Scavenger Hunt: Hastings Branch Library 3 p.m. Solve puzzles and find items in the Library. Prizes will be awarded. 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena.

Over the Hedge: Civic Center Courtyard 8 p.m. Bring your blankets and spend a night under the stars to see the movie, Over the Hedge. Snacks will be available for purchase. 1444 W. Garvey Ave., West Covina.

Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007

Support Group: MOMS Club of the Foothills 10 a.m. We will be discussing starting a babysitting co-op. Visitors and children welcome; group has no religious affiliation. Information: 818-306-3655 or foothillmommembership@hotmail.com St. Lukes Church, 2563 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta.

Cars: Pasadena Central Library 1-3 p.m. Peel out with this revved-up animated adventure featuring classic automobiles, fender benders, guffaws and a Route 66 road trip with a crew that doesn't make pit stops. 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena.

Pixelblock Play Day: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 3 p.m. Pixelblocks are unique building toys. With Pixelblocks you can produce two- or three- dimensional works of art. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Thursday, Aug. 9, 2007

Harriet the Spy: Santa Catalina Library 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. See Harriet the Spy in the library's Mystery Movie series. See link for other Mystery Movie times. 999 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena.

Saturday, Aug. 11, 2007

Festival of the Arts: Kidspace Museum Spend a day filled with lots of special art workshops, from sculpture to body painting. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Necklace and Bracelet: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kids create jewelry using all sorts of fun beads, from fire trucks to animal shapes. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Bug Man: Vromans Bookstore 10 a.m. Bring the entire family down for an extra-special storytime with Kidspace's bug specialist, Andre Campbell. Kids will be able to interact live with actual insects and learn more about them in a fun, theatrical lesson immediately following Storytime with Mr. Steve. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Monday, Aug. 13, 2007

A Midsummer Day Camp: Kidspace Museum August 13-18. Inspire your kids (ages 5-8) with the whimsy and magic of Shakespeare. "A Noise Within" theater group in Glendale will lead this program, which culminates in a stage performance of fairies and spirits. Space is limited. See web site to register. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2007

Curious George : Civic Center Courtyard 8 p.m. Bring your blankets and spend a night under the stars to see the movie, Curious George . Snacks will be available for purchase. 1444 W. Garvey Ave., West Covina.

Toys Go Out: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 10 a.m. Emily Jenkins will be presenting from the chapter book, Toys Go Out. The characters, a girl and her toys; Lumphy, Stingray, and Plastic, share adventures and conversations about life and the importance of being clean. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2007

Family Storytelling: L.A. County Arboretum 2-3 p.m. Bring your family and enjoy a picnic lunch followed by a storytelling program. 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia.

Thursday, Aug. 16, 2007

Knights and Castles Party: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 10 a.m. - noon. Join Lady Margo for stories about knights in shining armor, decorate your own sword and shield to take home, indulge in delicious royal treats, and play with detailed knights, dragons, and princesses. $6 activity fee. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Saturday, Aug. 18, 2007

Family Day: Norton Simon Museum 1 p.m. Let your eyes explore texture in paintings, as you make drawings based on the way objects feel in real life. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Fossil Find: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. Children will "dig" fun fossil decorations. decorated with shells, plastic dinosaurs and more. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Safari Adventure: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 1 p.m. We are going on a Safari, but before we go we need binoculars, so we will make our own. We will also make an elephant mask, read stories and after our long day on Safari we will enjoy a snack. $3 activity fee. To register call (909) 599-4558. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Register Early

Saturday, Aug. 11, 2007

Family Art Days: Pacific Asia Museum 2-3 p.m. Designed as family activities, projects are best for ages 5 and up. Pre-registrations are encouraged, call 626-449-2742 ext 31. Workshop fees are $2 per participant in addition to the regular museum admission price: $7 general, $5 students/seniors. Children ages 11 and younger are admitted free to the museum 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena.

Parent Night Out: GymnastiKids 6 p.m. Gymnastics, movement games, pit games, arts & crafts and more. 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. B106, Pasadena.

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. $50 per family. Registration: 626-821-4623. 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia.

Saturday, Aug. 18, 2007

Tumble-A-Thon: The Little Gym of La Canada/La Crescenta 2 p.m. Children and their parents interested in signing up for the Tumble-A-Thon collect pledges for their participation in tumbling, cart wheeling, rolling, and other activities during the three-hour event. All proceeds raised will benefit the local children’s hospitals. The event is open to the public; no membership at The Little Gym is required to participate. Event takes place at nine Southern California locations. 2196A Foothill Blvd., La Canada.

Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007

Summer Family Garden Art Workshop: Los Angeles County Arboretum 2-4 p.m. Instructor Leigh Adams helps families create a lasting piece of garden art. We will use melted marbles, stained glass, pebbles and/or dishes and tiles to create a one of a kind outdoor art piece. Learn techniques you can use to create stepping stones, garden walks, picture frames. Bring eye protection and your favorite broken dishes, melted marbles, tiles. $50 per family. Register: 626-821-4623. 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

Monrovia Public Library: 3:30 p.m. Weekly program for elementary schoolers will feature selections from favorite mysteries read aloud by a librarian. Snacks will be served. Mondays through July 30. 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia.

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 meeting location and more information .

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.

South Pasadena Public Library: 2 p.m. Wonderful Wednesday programs offered weekly in the Library Community Room through Aug. 8. 1100 Oxley St., South Pasadena.

Thursday

Pasadena Central Library 11 a.m. - noon. Professional storytellers will tell their tales in their own unique style on Thursdays July 12 through August 2. Thursdays Tales are especially suited for elementary school-age children and older. 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena.

Villa Parke Community Center Library 4:30 p.m. Family films, rated G and PG, are shown on Thursdays. 363 E. Villa Street, Pasadena.

Dino Days: FasTracKids Sponsoring the Kids Club at the Westfield Santa Anita Mall. This event will be held monthly on the first Thursday of each month beginning on August 2. Our first event will be "Dino Days" and it should be a thriller for all of the kids. .

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

One Colorado: 8:30 p.m. One Colorado's annual outdoors film festival features a line-up of the best films in the Western genre. Free seating is provided, and there will be dedicated space for those who bring their own chairs and blankets. Films start at 8:30 p.m. and run Friday and Saturday nights through July 28. Colorado Boulevard, between Union, Fair Oaks and DeLacey streets, Pasadena.

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.

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.

Pasadena libraries: Sit back, relax in the cool at a Pasadena library and watch a movie, including such films as Spy Kids 1, Spy Kids 2, Harriet the Spy, How to Eat Fried Worms and more. See library calendar for details. .

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. .

Kindermusik: San Rafael Branch Library Kindermusik Summer Camps. Music classes for children by Art of Music Studio. For children to 4 years old. Fee and registration required. 323-550-1486. See link for times. 1240 Nithsdale Road, Pasadena.

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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