|
|||||||
|
September 28, 2007 |
Number 124 |
||||||
|
............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ |
|||||||
| The Orange Cat | |||||||||||||||
|
Calendar, Advice & Tips for Busy Families in the San Gabriel Valley | |||||||||||||||
|
The Back Fence |
Upcoming Events |
Our Sponsors |
||||
|
................................................... |
........................................................................................................ |
..................................................... |
||||
|
By Karen E. Klein
My problems with math started in the second grade. A little background: I was born in early December, which meant that our public The Radio Mom Show school wouldn't enroll me when I was four-going-on- five. My birthday missed the "cut off" date by a couple of days. Nevertheless, my mother thought I was ready to start school. Someone at the school district told her that if I was enrolled in private school for a couple of years, I could transfer in later at my grade level. And so that's what Mom decided to do. Now, this idea of my mother's runs completely counter to modern ideas about school readiness, just like her attitude about breast-feeding (it was "primitive" and "unsanitary," in her opinion) runs counter to today's infant nutritional advice. I know she was wrong on the feeding issue; I'm not sure whether she was right or wrong about my schooling. But suffice it to say that she knew me better than any school official did, and I always did well in school and had lots of friends. So, she must not have too been badly mistaken. However, I don't remember learning math until I hit second grade at the public school. This was back when "new math" was at its heyday. Never heard of it? Here's what Wikipedia has to say: "New Math was a brief dramatic change in the way mathematics was taught in American grade schools during the 1960s. The name is commonly given to a set of teaching practices introduced in the U.S. shortly after the Sputnik crisis to boost scientific education and mathematical skill in the population so that the supposed intellectual threat of the Soviet engineers, reputedly highly skilled mathematicians, could be met." In the second-grade classroom I encountered, new math was in full swing. We did not just count, or add, or subtract - things that would already have been challenging for me, considering that the private school hadn't done much math instruction at all. In public school, however, we grouped sets and manipulated base 10 and base 2, and the teacher kept talking about something called "placeholders." Younger than my classmates, and already stressed by being the new kid on the block, I had no idea what was going on in math, and I still don't. All I knew was that I did not get it, and that was not a good feeling! After all, my parents were always telling me I was a smart kid. I read books far beyond my grade level. Heck, I even spelled "anti- disestablishmentarianism" in front of the whole class one day! I just sounded it out phonetically, which wasn't that hard, but that stunt really racked up my reputation as the class brain. So how could I be so terrible at math? My shame was boundless and my humiliation was quite public. Every day, I had to stare up at the math progress poster and see how many gold stars my classmates were successfully accumulating, compared to the paltry few stars lined up behind my name. My parents looked at my homework and threw up their hands. They were always trying to teach me how to do problems the old-fashioned way, but that didn't help because we were supposed to show our work. Their frustration only made me angry and more confused. My teacher tried to help me, my friends tried to help me. Nothing worked. PEN I figured that I just had some kind of mental block and my brain wasn't capable of doing math. It was downright embarrassing! I hit another math roadblock in third grade, when we were supposed to learn our multiplication tables. I was so turned off of math by then that I avoided the task and stuck with counting on my fingers. By fifth grade, when I still hadn't memorized my times tables, my teacher put it down to laziness. I think, honestly, that it was stress. I froze up so completely at the thought of math that I simply couldn't concentrate long enough to master it. In ninth grade, I hit yet another wall in the form of algebra. Although over the years I had somehow managed to eke out As and Bs in math, I was always playing catch up and never felt confident. My high school freshman algebra teacher was one of those vigorous, fast-talking guys whose fingers fairly flew across the chalkboard. He relished working out complicated polynomials, factors and quadratic equations, and he loved challenging the math whizzes - nearly all boys - in the class. On the other hand, he had very little patience or ability to relate to math dunderheads like me. His attitude was that you were either good at math, or you weren't, which was perfectly in line with my own thinking on the topic, frankly. He tried once or twice to help me after class, but he spoke so quickly and assumed so much that it seemed hopeless. One day, he caught my eyes straying over to my seatmate's paper during a quiz. (Hey, I was desperate, okay?) And he yelled at me in front of the class until his face turned red. That was probably the low point of my entire educational experience. How I managed to pass his class, I'll never know, but I got a C. Lo and behold, however, I actually seemed to "get" geometry when I took it the following year with a far more patient teacher. By the end of that year, I was so jazzed about actually understanding math that I signed up for trigonometry, and after that I even took calculus as a senior. I never loved math, and I took only the one required year of math in college, but at least I resolved some of my conflict with it. All of this history came back to me recently as I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts, NPR's Science Friday. The guest on the show was Danica McKellar, an actress I remembered as "Winnie" from the early ‘90s TV show "The Wonder Years." I had read about Danica being a real math whiz - she even co-authored an original math proof while she was a math major at UCLA - but what I didn't know was that she has a passion for helping girls with their math struggles. Her new book, Math Doesn't Suck, is aimed at middle-school girls who are having trouble with math or worried that if they aren't, they will be labeled "nerds." The program was interesting, as it touched on so many of the things I'd experienced during my own math struggles: Macho teachers who are inflexible and impatient with slow learners; the importance of getting the basics memorized; the revelation that you can be good at one type of math, but have a hard time with another. Who knew? All these years, I've just assumed I didn't have a "math brain," as so many girls and women do. I had no idea, until I stopped to think about it, that there had been so many strikes against me when it came to math - embarrassment at my own shortcomings probably being number one. My boys look askance at me when I tell them how bad I was at math, which has always come easily to them. (Thank goodness. I would never have been able to help them with their homework!) "What's the problem? Math's not hard!" they'll say, shaking their heads sadly. Matt is taking AP Calculus BC as a senior, along with most of his friends, all of them math die-hards who started pre-algebra together in junior high and haven't missed a year of math since. Amazingly, 22 out of about 32 kids of these kids who took AP Calculus AB last year scored a 5 - the highest score - on the AP test last spring. And guess what? Their teacher is a girl! Another encouraging thing I realized while at Back to School night recently: Andy's AP Chemistry teacher is also female. Higher math and science classes are easily among the toughest subjects at the high school, so to have veteran women teaching those classes is pretty cool. I only wish I had had role models like them - and like Danica - when I was a kid. Some of their confidence and brain power might have rubbed off, or at least they might have been more patient and encouraging with a math failure like me. What was I good at in school? Reading and writing, of course! Because I'm a bookworm and a strong proponent of the First Amendment, I always like to mention "Banned Books" week, which starts this Saturday. Vroman's bookstore will mark the week in style, with "banned" titles prominently on display. This might be a good time to take your kids over there and talk to them about freedom of expression. They'll probably be shocked to know, for instance, that "Lord of the Rings" was once banned, along with "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "A Wrinkle in Time." Even a book as seemingly innocuous as "Where's Waldo?" got banned. Why? One of the cartoons in the book shows a topless mermaid. Oh, the horror. We love passing along parent recommendations, including one I got a while back and kept forgetting to mention (sorry!) for CATZ, a sports facility and training program based in Pasadena. An Orange Cat mom wrote to tell me that her four-year-old loves the children's program, which is aimed at kids from pre-K through 7th grades. "They build confidence in physical activity and have a blast," she wrote. Thanks for the recommendation! And thanks very much to all of you who contacted me with advice and referrals for Orange Cat mom Grace, who was looking for a preschool in South Pasadena. Grace grabbed the information, made some phone calls and got her child enrolled in a new program within a couple of days. I was also able to pass along your thoughts to a couple of other readers who will need preschool recommendations within a few years. Isn't it great when we can collaborate and help each other!? I love it. If you have advice, questions or even math problems you need help with (I'll get my boys to do them for you, or I'll refer you to Danica's website), please don't hesitate to get in touch. I may not answer immediately, but I will get back to you eventually, I promise. 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. 29, 2007 Author Event: Vromans Bookstore 10:30 a.m. Jon Scieszka & Lane Smith, the pair behind The Stinky Cheese Man, have collaborated again with Cowboy and Octopus, a picture book told in hilarious mini-episodes and illustrated in colorful vintage-style cut-outs. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Sotheby's International Realty Ocean Menagerie: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kids create an undersea centerpiece using materials such as seashells, beads and sequins. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Health Fair: Kidspace Museum 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. At the Children's Heath Fair see what can happen to our bodies if we don't exercise, eat right, or take care of ourselves. Learn to live healthier and have fun at the fat belt relay race with Hoppy the Grasshopper, design "Get Well" cards for sick children at the Los Angeles Children's Hospital, and more. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. Search 'n' Social: Sierra Madre Public Library 12-4 p.m. Search and Rescue Team will conduct a series of mock rescues and medical demonstrations on the front grounds. 440 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. Humphrey Author: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 2 p.m. Betty Birney, author of the popular Humphrey books, will be sharing her new title, The Princess and the Peabodys, in which a teenage wizard blunders a spell and sends a real, live medieval princess to the Peabodys’ house. Everyone is welcome. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne. Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007 Stinky Cheese Author: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 1 p.m. Jon Scieszka, author of The Stinky Cheese Man, presents his newest title, Cowboy and Octopus. Everyone is welcome. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne. Stories in the Afternoon: Norton Simon Museum 2 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. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Mini Waggle Walk: Kidspace Museum 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.The open area outside of Kidspace will transform into a fun-filled obstacle course, designed especially for children to bring their pets. Registration is $5 each. Follow link to register online. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007 Moms & More 20th Birthday: Pasadena Mothers & More 7:30 p.m. Come celebrate Mothers & More's 20th Birthday and "Party like it's 1987" at the Community Room at the Pasadena Senior Center. For more information contact: Felita at 626-798-8013 or Kelly at 626-795-1725. 85 East Holly St., Pasadena. Dinosaur Fossils: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 3:30 p.m. George McClements will discuss his newest book, which features dinosaur fossils, (collecting these is his secret hobby). The book is accurate as well as fun. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne. Friday, Oct. 5, 2007 Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats: Caltech Beckman Auditorium 8 p.m. Under the direction of the Hai Family, the company interprets the precision and grace of Chinese acrobatics, an art form honed by years of training and discipline. Their multi-faceted and multi-cultural production features acrobatic displays, feats of daring and balance, explosive Kung Fu and a touch of Chinese comedy. Tickets: $28, $23, $18 adults; $10 youth. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena. Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007 Pumpkin Patch: Santa Fe Dam 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pumpkins for sale in the field, haunted house, hay ride, bounce house, snacks, games and rentals. Costume contest with prizes held every Saturday at 2 p.m. Will be open Saturdays and Sundays through October, and during the week by reservation. Information: 805-252-5894 or email wheelfunrentals@yahoo.com. 15501 E. Arrow Hwy., Irwindale. Face Painting: Vromans Bookstore 2 p.m. Join us for a face painting class where you can learn basic techniques. Pick a design to work with and learn by practicing your handiwork on each other. Ages 5 and up. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Binoculars: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Making these Little Explorer Binoculars adds a colorful touch to little ones' imaginative expeditions. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Monday, Oct. 8, 2007 Evaluating Schools: Pasadena Central Library 7 p.m. The Pasadena Education Network will host "Evaluating Schools: Test Scores and Beyond." Featured speaker, Dr. Mikala Rahn, PhD, President of Public Works, Inc., has extensive pre-K-12 education experience in curriculum assessment, teacher retention, school reform, after-school programs, and parent involvement. Learn about evaluating public, private and charter schools, what test scores mean and more. 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena. Monster Mash: Monrovia Public Library 7 p.m. Monsters of all ages are invited to attend this PajamaMania event featuring stories and fun for kids centered on ghouls, ogres, trolls, Cyclops and other monsters. Kids can make a monster craft and a snack will be served. Come dressed in pajamas and bring along a stuffed buddy. 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia. Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2007 Open House: The Altadena MOMS Club 10 a.m. - noon. Join The Altadena MOMS Club at its Open House and Halloween Party. Food, refreshments and entertainment while you meet and learn about our members and our monthly activities. Playgroup displays, arts and crafts and costume parade. Children welcome. Contact Talin at altadenamomsclub@yahoo.com for location, information. . Support Group: MOMS Club of Monrovia 10 a.m. October meeting for members and visitors from Monrovia, Duarte and Bradbury. 555 N. Mountain Ave., Monrovia. Elementary Open House - Sun. Oct. 14, 1 - 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007 Support Group: MOMS Club Foothills chapter 10 a.m. Monthly meeting features workshop instructor Kim Walls, a FEMA-certified community disaster readiness specialist and a mother of two. This Safe By Design mini-workshop will provide practical information including water safety, where to take cover during an earthquake, how to formulate an effective family plan, what to know about your child's school, and much more. Walls will focus on the unique needs of families with small children, debunk popular myths, and answer questions. For stay-at-home moms in La Canada, La Crescenta, Montrose, Tujunga, Sparr Heights and Kagel Canyon. Visitors and children welcome; group has no religious affiliation. Information: 818-306-3655 or foothillmommembership@hotmail.com St. Luke's of the Mountains Church, 2563 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta. Dance-Dance Revolution: Allendale Branch Library 3:30 p.m. If you've got it - dance. Show off and share your dance moves at the Allendale Library. 1130 S. Marengo Ave., Pasadena. Preparing for College: Caltech Beckman Auditorium 8 p.m. As part of its centennial celebration, Pasadena's Polytechnic School will host Dr. Steven B. Sample, president of the University of Southern California, and Caltech's president Dr. Jean-Lou Chameau for a discussion about the changing dynamics in academia and the best ways in which to prepare students to confront the challenges and opportunities that await them in college. Larry Mantle, host of 89.3 KPCC's AirTalk, will moderate the conversation, which will be followed by questions from the audience. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena. Friday, Oct. 12, 2007 Pasadena ArtWeekend: ArtNight This eclectic citywide festival features more than 40 exhibitions, performances and cultural activities united by a mission to provide quality productions with easy accessibility. Activities will take place today through Sunday. See website for details. Old Pasadena. Overnight: Kidspace Museum Overnight (Friday - Saturday) Nature Retreat for kids 4 to 10 years old. Spend the night and enjoy Kidspace exhibits, explore after dark and play with crafts the day after sleepover. Follow link to register. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007 Musical Circus: Pasadena Symphony 8:30 a.m. "Percussion on Parade" begins with an instrumental "petting zoo" and then a performance featuring percussionist Munyungo Jackson. Information: 626-793-7172, ext. 18. Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena. Saturday Series for Kids: Haugh Performing Arts Center, Citrus College 1:30 Snow White is perhaps the most beloved fairy tale heroine of all time. In this slightly wacky musical version of the tale, poor ditsy Snow White stumbles from adventure to adventure and just keeps getting more confused. $6. 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora. Spider: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children will use pipe stems, wiggly eyes, and more to create colorful critters. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Register Early Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007 Family Night: Vromans Bookstore 7 p.m. Play a new word game from the editors of The American Heritage Dictionary. Similar to a spelling bee, contestants are given a definition and must choose the correct answer from four choices. For ages 14 and up. Sign up no later than Friday, Sept. 28 at the will call window or call: 626-449-5320. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007 Teacher Night: Vromans Bookstore 5 p.m. Attention all librarians, educators and home school instructors, you are invited to discuss the latest in children’s literature, upcoming school events, educator services and more. Elementary age program 5 p.m., grades 6-12 program 7 p.m. Reservations: 626-449-5320. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 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. Friday, Oct. 12, 2007 TheatreWorks: Caltech Beckman Auditorium 10 p.m. "Seussical," a collection of Dr. Seuss's best-loved stories collide in a musical adapted from the Broadway version for young audiences. Recommended for grades Pre-K–4. Reservations: 800-497-5007 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena. 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. Science Saturday: Beckman Auditorium 2 p.m. "Sights, Sounds, Scales and Skin" features film about nature's strangest animals accompanied by percussionist Munyungo Jackson and Dr. Michelle Thaller of Caltech. $5, reservations required: 626-395-4652. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena. College Planning: South Pasadena Public Library 2-3 p.m. Getting a Step Ahead for College will be offered for high school students, with goals being improving college essays and interviews. Registration: 626-403-7358. 1100 Oxley St., South Pasadena. 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. 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 Family Festival: 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 Glendora Support group for Glendora moms who are at-home full- or part-time. We meet for service projects, field trips, walking clubs, park days, MOMS Night Out, holiday parties, monthly member meetings. Fun, friendship and inexpensive ways to spend time with your children and other moms. Information: 626-294-3255. . 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. Stroller Strides: A total fitness program that new moms can do with their babies. Meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m. with specially trained instructor. Routine includes power walking and intervals of body toning using exercise tubing and the stroller. Recreation Park, 500 S. Shamrock Ave., Monrovia. 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. |
|
|
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... |
|||
|
| Visit us online | |
© Copyright 2007, KBN Publishing Inc., 332 N. Magnolia Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016 |
||
|
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... |
|||