August 31, 2007

Number 122

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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 Karen E. Klein

In her last column, Dorothy offered some advice on how to determine which movies and other media are appropriate for kids at various ages.

She didn't get into how parents can help monitor what their kids are doing on the Internet, as her kids are just on the cusp of being plunged into the intensely connected online world. But I thought that would be a good topic to tackle, with the new school year just about to start and kids using the Internet more than ever - and at ever-younger ages - for help with school work and socializing online.

A frequent source for my small business columns, Carolyn Melberg, is an online expert who has written advice for parents concerned about their children's computer activities.

"The Internet really is a double-edged sword for kids. Common Sense Media did a study in May of last year that showed 85 percent of parents felt that the Internet posed the most risk to kids or teens 11-16, yet 74 percent believed that the Internet offers them the most opportunities to learn and grow," Carolyn notes. The group also did a survey showing that one in every five children reports being sexually solicited online. Parents, Carolyn says, struggle with trying to balance their desire for making the Internet safer and allowing their children the benefit of the learning opportunities the web has to offer.

But how do you stay involved with what your kids are doing online, understand the technology and - most importantly - teach your kids how to stay safe? The most important thing for me has been to have all the family computers planted securely in my office, rather than behind closed doors in my boys' rooms. Yes, it would be easier to have them out of sight and out of mind - particularly this summer, when I've had to work with the noise of computer games in the background just about all day - but I would also feel much less secure if I wasn't able to see what they were doing online. (I don't snoop, but I do glance over occasionally just to see what's going on, and they know that.)

Here's what Carolyn has to say about how parents can monitor the six main ways that most kids use the Internet.

Web surfing: This includes searching the web, downloading music from iTunes or similar sites, watching or downloading web videos, and researching for their schoolwork. "When I was in school, we had to go to the library," Carolyn says. "Today, kids can search the library's inventory from their home computer and have access to millions of sites' worth of information. The access to information today is unprecedented."

Left unsupervised, however, that amazing search capability can easily go awry. How easy is it for a curious kid to type a four-letter word, or a body part, into their search engine - and what results will they get? "Check with your ISP (Internet Service Provider) to see what kind of filtering software they provide, or what they recommend you use," Carolyn says. Even if they are searching for legitimate purposes (not that curiosity isn't legitimate), it is all too easy for your children to stumble into sites that serve up inappropriate pop-up advertising that contains a virus or spyware that infects your computer when you click on it.

"You can visit your browser's history cache to see the sites they've been visiting, but if your teen is savvy, they know how to clear that out. Your best bet is to watch where your kids are surfing, and keep open the lines of communication about what they are seeing online," Carolyn says.

E-mail: Here too, you'll run into the dangers of your children getting inappropriate spam email, viruses and spyware. "Oftentimes you can receive e-mail with an attachment from someone you know and trust, only to find out that - unbeknownst to them - their attachment contained a virus. And now your computer is infected," Carolyn says. "Make sure your kids are only e-mailing with people they know. Remind them that they should never open an attachment from someone they don't know."

Instant messaging: I don't know about your kids, but my kids don't even bother with e-mail. They're too busy IM'ing, which is the most popular form of communication between middle school-aged kids and older. Be it at their computer or over their cell phone, kids seem to be always connected. IM is free on your computer but, as we found out the hard way, there is a cell phone charge for every text message. And believe me, it can add up!

"Make it a point to encourage your kids to only IM with people they know. Don't allow IM'ing during homework time. Talk to your kids about what they say on IM. Remind them that the person on the other end may not be who they think he is. Tell them never to give out their full name, where they go to school, where they live, or after school activities they may be participating in," Carolyn says.

There's something to be said for trusting your children and not invading their privacy. But if you are really concerned about your child's IM activity, you can activate a tracking feature that allows you to capture all the IM's sent from your computer or your child's. This allows you to check up on who your kids are talking to, and what's being discussed.

Chat rooms: Remember the old telephone party lines? Okay, I'm really dating myself here because when I was a kid, party lines were just about obsolete. But the principle is similar: It's a gathering of people communicating randomly or around a common theme such as a hobby or interest.

"Completely anonymous, chat rooms allow you to register to participate without verifying your identity, so you have really no idea who you are talking to on the other end of the keyboard," Carolyn says. "Common Sense Media recommends that kids under 14 not participate in chat rooms unless accompanied by an adult. The danger is that kids are often too trusting, revealing personal information or real names. Often times, even kids who know not to reveal personal information are tricked into mentioning where they go to school, or activities after school that are easily found by folks with less than honorable intentions."

Blogging: A blog - short for "web log" - is a page where someone posts regularly about some topic. Most blogs focus on a hobby or idea; some become a journal of someone's daily life. Regular readers, who may be real-life or online friends, or even strangers, get a chance to comment on the posts and further the discussion.

This is all well and good. However, if your child starts her own blog, or posts comments on other peoples' blogs, she may reveal personal information that can be accessed by anyone, anywhere. "The first place to start with your kids is to find out whether they have a blog - and to reinforce that under no circumstance should they ever post personal information. Remind your kids, too, that it's not cool to post nasty stuff about other kids, or teachers, or anyone for that matter," Carolyn says.

College admittance officers, potential employers and perhaps even romantic prospects are savvy about searching individuals' names and digging up negative and even shocking material they may have posted online recently or years ago. My advice for those wishing to participate in online conversations - which can be enjoyable and enlightening - is to post anonymously and be sparing about revealing your true identity even to new friends you meet online.

Social networking: Sites like MySpace, Facebook, Xanga and YouTube are all examples of social networking sites. They are virtual communities where people can post blogs or create web pages and chat with other members.

But the same rules apply here, Carolyn says: "Reinforce with your kids that their pages are open for the world to see and access." Take a look regularly at your child's site, if he has one, and see who is posting there and what's being discussed. Common Sense Media offers some great tips on navigating the social networking landscape.

So, what's a worried parent to do? Here's Carolyn's recap:

1. Remind your kids never to give out personal information and be honest with them about how many children are targeted by sexual predators online.

2. Tell them they may not exchange e-mail or IM with strangers, and they may not ever set up a meeting with a stranger.

3. Explain to them that anything they post on the web is available for anyone, anywhere, at any time. If they wouldn't want to read it on the front page of the newspaper, they shouldn't post it online.

4. Keep the lines of communication open with your kids. Talk about what they do online, have them show you how a blog works, have them help you set up an IM screen name and learn how to use it. Take an interest in their online activities and be there to hear what they have to say.

- 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, 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.

Monday, Sept. 3, 2007

Boddys Big Backyard Picnic: Descanso Gardens 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Bring a picnic and join in on pony rides and jitterbugging to the tunes of the 1930s and ‘40s to mark the end of summer. Most activities free with gardens admission. 1418 Descanso Dr, La Canada Flintridge.

Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007

Stories in the Afternoon: Norton Simon Museum 4-7 p.m. Get acquainted with some extraordinary careers through stories in front of Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres' 'Portrait of Baron Joseph Vialètes de Mortarieu', 1806, then design a career name badge for the job of your dreams. Event also held on Sunday, September 30, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007

Desk Caddy: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kids can keep their desks neat and organized with a cute desk caddy they make from from cool collage materials. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007

Navigate Pasadena Schools: MOMS Club of Altadena 10 a.m. Learn to navigate the Pasadena Unified School District with our visiting speaker from PEN (Pasadena Education Network), and how to become better informed parents. For info about MOMS Club, its activities, support and networking opportunities for stay-at-home moms, call 626-844-7916, or altadenamomsclub@yahoo.com for meeting location. .

Make Ice Cream: Allendale Branch Library 3:30 p.m. A back-to-school ice cream social where you get to make your very own ice cream by following a simple, fun recipe. Bring a smile and an appetite for fun. 1130 S. Marengo Ave., Pasadena.

Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007

Support Group: MOMS Club of the Foothills 10 a.m. General meeting features Lauren Feder, M.D., giving an overview on holistic health options and alternatives. Visitors and children welcome; group has no religious affiliation. Information: 818-306-3655. St. Lukes Church, 2563 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta.

Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007

Family Day: Norton Simon Museum 1 p.m. Discover what makes an art gallery eye-catching, from the color of the walls to the frames around the paintings, as you construct your own mini-version complete with miniature masterpieces from the museum's collections. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Crazy Collage: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kids create a one-of-a-kind collage-using buttons, stickers, macaroni and other craft materials. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.

Beautiful Days: Santa Catalina Library 2 p.m. Busy moms. Is the weekend your finish line? Switch from survival to satisfaction every day. Join Marianne Jeff for a workshop on how to enrich your lives one day at a time, in Seven Steps to Seven Beautiful Days. 999 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena.

Author Event: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 11 a.m. Bring the kids to meet Barney Saltzberg, the author of Cornelius P. Mudd, Are You Ready for School? He will read from his latest story and autograph books. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne.

Register Early

Friday, Sept. 14, 2007

Night Walk: Descanso Gardens 7:15 p.m. The night life begins for Descanso’s resident nocturnal animals and insects and the sun goes down. Participants must be at least 12 years old, should wear sensible shoes and bring a jacket and flashlight. Space is limited so early registration is recommended. Fees: $15 ($10 members.) Reservations requested. To register, call 818-949-7980. 1418 Descanso Dr, La Canada Flintridge.

Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007

Artistic Adventures: La Canada Community Center Children ages 6-12 will learn a range of drawing techniques using a variety of media such as colored pencils, crayons, pastels, watercolors and three-dimensional interactive art. Participants will have take home art projects. Programs available for ages 6-8 and 9-12 during fall session, Sept.15-Oct. 27. $120, includes materials. Register online, in person or by calling 818-790-4353. 4469 Chevy Chase Dr., La Canada.

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. Information: email momsclubofsierramadre@yahoo.com. Sierra Madre Community Center, 611 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre.

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

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 Kids Club is held on the first Thursday of each month. Westfield Santa Anita mall, Arcadia.

Mothers and More Pasadena: Mothers & More is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of mothers through support, education and advocacy. We address mothers' needs as individuals and promote the value of all the work mothers do. We meet at 7:30 p.m. on the First and Third Thursday of the month in the community room at Wild Oats Market. 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 films and storytimes each week, for infants through age 8. All programs are free, some require 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 below the 210 freeway. 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. Locations in Monrovia, 626-301-0100, and La Canada, 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. .

MOMS Club of South Pasadena: Support group for stay-at-home moms meets regularly for all-member meetings, speakers, interest groups, playdates and much more. Serving , South Pasadena, San Marino Alhambra & north San Gabriel. For more information please e-mail: southpasmoms@gmail.com.

Are you aware of a great event or venue that we're not listing? If so, please let us know so we can include it in the next Orange Cat. Email: karen@theorangecat.org.

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