August 17, 2007

Number 121

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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 Dorothy Reinhold
Guest Columnist

The Wiggles and their charming "Fruit Salad" no longer cut it at my house. Blues Clues has long gone missing, and safe, comfortable Sesame Street

elicits a whining and moaning from the crew on the couch. The Power Rangers and their Mystic Forces are all too common around here now, as is the Saddle Club and its brand of horsey pre-teen soap opera.

Ouch!

I've had to grow up along with my brood and have gingerly stepped into the quicksand of current media. There are few things scarier to a parent than contemplating her child watching some of today's movies, with their free and easy portrayal of casual sex, violence, bad language and loose morals. Even if your own red flag doesn't wave wildly at those concerns, the simple fact is that many films contain scary images that can linger with a young child, creating a fertile field for nightmares and wrong ideas that are difficult to dislodge from impressionable minds.

Don't get me started on MySpace - I can't wrap my mind around that yet. I know it and Facebook will be in my face all too soon. But let's not go there right now.

Back to the big screen, where sex, violence, gore and just plain bad attitudes are displayed by many characters even in G-, PG- and PG-13-rated films. I am sounding like a prude, which I'm not. It's just that once you become a parent, you've probably curbed your own enthusiasm for cussing and you don't want your child exposed to violence, even on the screen. No one I know wants to give their pre-teen girl a primer on how to act snotty by watching "Mean Girls." It will all come naturally too soon, and most of us don't want to hurry it along.

So how do we evaluate the movie and other media offerings when our days are already crammed with work and the needs of our children, spouse or partner, home and yard, cars, electronic devices, parents and relatives, friends and hobbies (yes, that last one is a joke)?

There are a couple of Websites parents may find helpful. Had I known about them a year ago, I might have saved myself the embarrassment of having my 9-year-old daughter say, "Mom, don't you think this movie is a little inappropriate for Nick?" She was pointing to her 4-year-old brother and talking about "Three Men and a Baby," which I fondly remembered as a movie about a cute baby and three goofy guys who try to take care of her. Perfect for kids to watch, I thought. NOT! The movie is littered with profanity. Not only was it inappropriate for him, it was for her, too.

I felt dumb and vowed not to naively Netflix old movies based on my own faulty memory. I don't need a call from the preschool teacher complaining that they agreed to potty train my son, but couldn't stand his potty mouth. That would not be charming.

Take a look at Kids In Mind, a site that summarizes a movie's appropriateness with three numerical ratings (ranging from 1 to 10) for sex, violence and profanity. For example, "Shrek the Third" got a 3.4.2 rating, meaning 3 for sex, 4 for violence and gore, and 2 for profanity. Reasons for each rating are described in unemotional detail, and the review concludes with a short list of single-word discussion topics, a note about any substance abuse in the movie, and a concluding message: "You are who you are, not who other people say you are. There are two sides to every story."

They don't make movie recommendations, but instead believe that after reading about the detailed specifics of how sex is dealt with in Shrek, for example, you as a parent will be informed enough to make a decision for your own kids. The number is the first guideline, but the detailed descriptions provide the context that you need. They make no comment about the artistic merits of any film. Quoting their Web site: "We make no judgments about what is good or bad or anything else. We do not ‘condemn,' ‘critique' or ‘criticize' movies. And we don't ‘praise' or ‘recommend' movies either. We advance no ‘beliefs' and we do not ‘preach' anything. We are not affiliated with any political party, any cultural or religious group, or any ideology." Just the facts, ma'am.

Another one to check out is Commonsense Media, which covers movies, TV, games, music, Websites and books. You can read what kids say and what parents say. They rate things based on child developmental milestones, not from an ideological or theological slant, and will note what are the title's appropriate ages, and what parts of the movie, show or game your kids might have trouble with. It can be refreshing to read their ratings on "commercialism" and "social behavior" in the movie, as well.

Then there's Nell Minow, the Movie Mom on Yahoo.com. She bases her ratings on artistic merit. One check means, "Really awful, almost impossible to sit through or particularly offensive" while five checks is "One of the all-time greats - don't miss it!" In addition to her merit rating, she suggests minimum viewing age and evaluates the movie in five areas of parental concern: profanity, nudity/sexual references, alcohol/drug abuse, violence/scariness and tolerance/diversity issues.

Finally, I'll leave you with Parent Previews, where each movie is given a grade (from A to F) in five categories: overall (artistic merit); violence; sexual content; language; drugs and alcohol. A cool feature is the section titled "Talking about the movie with your family" at the bottom of the review page. Here's a sample: "In the movie 'Cats & Dogs' Professor Brody struggles to spend time with his son. Besides being busy with his research, why do you think he felt awkward playing sports with his son?"

These sites should get you started on the odyssey of evaluating media for your children. As you watch the world, and the screen, through your "parent eyes," you'll increasingly appreciate that you can arm yourself with the facts and trust yourself to know exactly what decision to make. Happy viewing!

Dorothy Reinhold enjoys all forms of media in Malibu with her husband and two TV-transfixed children. You can reach her at DReinhold@aol.com

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. 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.

Graphic Novels Reading Group Vromans Bookstore 2 p.m. Teens, bring your favorite graphic novel with you to our open discussion with Steve Ross and the rest of the Graphic Novels Reading Group! 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007

Hong Kong Childrens Symphony Orchestra: Huntington Library 1:30 p.m. Fifty young performers, ages 7 to 16, will display their virtuosity in a concert of works ranging from Tchaikovsky to the Beatles to Chen Gang and He Zhan-hao. The orchestra, led by music director Yip Wai-Hong, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a North American concert tour. Free with admission. Friends’ Hall 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino.

Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007

Chocolate Party: Santa Catalina Library 1 p.m. Dip fruit and cake into melted chocolate and play "chocolate-themed" games! 999 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena.

Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2007

Zak Morgan: Levitt Pavilion 7 p.m. Zak Morgan uses music, magic, theater, and comedy to encourage children to read books and activate their imaginations. Morgan lives in Los Angeles and is working on a pilot for a new children's television program. Memorial Park, 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena.

Hama Bead Play Day: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 1 p.m. Make your own Hama bead creation and win prizes for the most creative and unique designs. Ages 5 and up. $4 activity fee. Space is limited. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Thursday, Aug. 23, 2007

Dr. Toy: Kidspace Museum 4-6 p.m. Join a parent and child play seminar with Dr. Toy, an expert in play, toys, parent education, child development and psychology. Dr. Toy will discuss various topics focusing on observation and playing with kids through fun demonstrations. Seminar includes the book signing of her top-seller: Dr. Toy's Smart Play/Smart Toys: How to Raise a Child with a High PQ (Play Quotient). Reserve a spot online. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Saturday, Aug. 25, 2007

Camp Storytelling Under the Stars: Vromans Bookstore 7 p.m. Pack up the family, some blankets & beach chairs, and meet us on the Paseo (our outdoor stage between Vromans and the Laemmle PLAYHOUSE 7) for s’mores and storytelling with our own Kris Vreeland. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Door Hanger: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kids create hanging nameplates out of feathers, ribbons and more, perfect for bedroom doors, closets or anywhere that's all their own. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Jambo: Kidspace Museum 1:30 p.m. Jambo, a rootsy family band, will perform fun songs about growing up, sharing, and the inclusion of all children. Jambo's music promotes self-esteem, independence, and individuality while enabling children to dance and have fun! . Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Park Family Day: Linda Vista Park 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kids of all ages welcome for food (catered by Pie ‘N Burger), face painting, balloons, bounce house, raffle, and more. Adults: $15, Kids: $10. For more information or to purchase tickets call 626-449-0985. 1259 Linda Vista Ave., Pasadena.

Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007

Stories in the Afternoon: Norton Simon Museum 2 p.m. Dive into the adventures of fish and ocean life through books in front of Édouard Manet's Still Life with Fish and Shrimp, 1864, then create your own 3-D sea creature. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Mouse Party: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 1 p.m. Bring your camera for this event with a character appearance by the adorable mouse from Laura Numeroff's bestselling series. Kids get to meet the cuddly mouse, plus we will also be reading several mouse books, making a mouse craft, and sharing cookies. For all ages. $3. Reservations: 909-392-1503. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2007

Hoop Dancing: Levitt Pavilion 7 p.m. Thirza Defoe, from the Ojibwe and Oneida tribes of Wisconsin, is known for her sacred hoop dancing that she has been performing since age 8. Memorial Park, 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena.

Goodbye Summer: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 1 p.m. An End of Summer Party! Put on sunscreen, bring a towel and swimsuit. Games, contests, bubbles, and a splashin’ good time. Space is limited. Ages 5 and up. $5 fee. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Saturday, Sept. 1, 2007

Dino Puppets: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children create lovable stick puppets of their favorite dinos using gemstones, beads and more. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Register Early

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.

Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007

Back-to-School Lunches & Super Smoothies Huntington Library 11:30 a.m. Join chef Lisa Fontanesi for a family cooking workshop and pick up ideas for lunches and breakfast smoothies. Ages 7 and up, with an accompanying adult. $30. Registration: 626-405-2128. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino.

Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007

Drawing Carnivorous Plants Huntington Library 9-11 a.m. Take a close-up look at the strange and wonderful world of carnivorous plants in this botanical art workshop. Children can sharpen their drawing skills while investigating the mysterious habits of carnivorous plants. Ages 7 and up, with accompanying adult. $25. Registration: 626-405-2128. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino.

Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007

Carnivorous Sculptures Huntington Library 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Learn about how carnivorous plants evolved into meat eaters with some hands-on activities. Sculpt your own carnivore from clay and other materials. $25. Registration: 626-405-2128. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino.

Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007

Eastern Thunder and Wind Shumei Hall 12:10 p.m. The Shumei Arts Council of America will present a special children’s musical performance titled "Eastern Thunder & Wind", featuring world-renowned Shakuhachi player and Taiko drummer, Marco Lienhard. Admission is free. Reservations are required. Call 626-584-8841. 2430 E. Colorado Avd., Pasadena.

Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007

Drama After Dark Huntington Library 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Learn about how carnivorous plants evolved into meat eaters with some hands-on activities. Sculpt your own carnivore from clay and other materials. $25. Registration: 626-405-2128. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino.

Continuing Activities

Sunday

Rock Rose Art Gallery: Family drum circle is held 12:30-1:30 p.m. Donations requested. 4108 N. Figueroa St., Highland Park.

L.A. County Arboretum: Arboretum Bookworms, for ages 3-8, meets on the third Sunday of every month from 2-3 p.m. Children explore the arboretum and its library, enjoy plant and nature tales and make and take crafts. Meet at the main entrance. Free with admission of $7 adults; $2.50 children 5-12; free children 4 and under. Information: 626-821-4623. 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia.

Hill Avenue Branch Library: 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. This Spanish playgroup meets every Sunday and provides Spanish literacy for Spanish-speaking children. 55 S. Hill Ave., Pasadena.

Monday

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.

MOMS Club of Altadena: Support group and great network for stay-at-home moms in Altadena. Meets second Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. for speakers and activities. Offers weekly playgroups, monthly outings, MOMS Night Out, fitness group, book club, holiday parties, and more. (626) 844-7916 or altadenamomsclub@yahoo.com for more info. .

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.

Mystery Movies: Spy Kids 1, Spy Kids 2, Harriet the Spy, How to Eat Fried Worms and more. At various times and at various Pasadena branch libraries. .

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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