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October 26, 2007 |
Number 126 |
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Calendar, Advice & Tips for Busy Families in the San Gabriel Valley | |||||||||||||||
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Upcoming Events |
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By Eve Begley Kiehm [Editor's Note: All kids seem to have built-in fears of "things that go bump in the night," whether they conjure up monsters under the bed, robbers in the closet, or dark Goldstar Events rooms that breed bad dreams. How do you deal with your children's fears, and maybe even turn them into family fun? Local writer Eve Begley Kiehm explains how she and her family lived in a "haunted house" in this Halloween-themed column.] From the first time I saw our old house I loved it. Built in l890, with enough rooms to fit our family of five comfortably, I knew it was my dream house. But that same day I also felt this was no ordinary house. Alone in the spacious dining room, I watched the door to the butler's pantry slowly swing shut - all by itself. Of course, I told myself, there was an explanation. But I did walk over to the neighbor's house to ask her if she knew whether the house was haunted! She must have thought I was crazy, but she reassured me that to the best of her knowledge everything was fine. So, we moved in: Two adults, one 10-year-old daughter, one 6-year-old son and our 10-month-old. Three years later, we added another girl to the family and one year after that my mother came to live with us. That was the year things really started to happen and I began to wonder how to handle them, and - more importantly - how the children would handle them. By this time, our eldest daughter was 14 and already very aware of strange noises and creepy feelings. She had read several books that probably made her more attuned to anything unusual. She did a little research on the house and found out that it had been a nursing home at the end of the 19th century. She was more fascinated than nervous, but I asked her not to talk about anything scary to her younger siblings, especially the two little girls. They were busy and happy with their own friends and pastimes, and we stayed them away from television shows or anything else that might be spooky. But even Scooby Doo had his moments and they were harder to monitor! Within a matter of weeks, several incidents occurred. Our 10-year-old son became interested in what was beginning to be called "our ghost," and he brought friends over to look for clues. They found a stash of turn-of-the-century copper pennies way up at the top of his bedroom closet which were greeted with respectful excitement. He swore he heard footsteps going up and down the stairs outside his room on several occasions. Like his older sister, he didn't speak of any of this to the little girls. Then my mother, who slept downstairs, reported the noise of loud conversations, laughter and the movement of chairs in the living room at night. Once, she swore there was a loud knock on her bedroom door. I discussed the matter with our pastor and asked him if he would read aloud something from the Bible in the room. He read the passage and we prayed together that no harm would come to anyone. PEN While this was going on, the little girls stayed with our neighbor and were unaware of what was happening. For the next few weeks, there was no further nocturnal activity in the living room. Then it began again. This time, my mother witnessed a young child with long hair and a bow on top, clad in old-fashioned dress - dropped waist and frilled long skirt - walk past her bedroom door and go into the kitchen. Around the same time, the older of my two little girls was recovering from a bad cold, wrapped up on a couch in the living-room. She called through to me in the kitchen, "Mommy, who is this little girl in here?" When I dashed through to see what she meant, she was alone - although the small rocking chair in the corner was still rocking. I managed to stay calm and had the presence of mind to say something like, "Well, she's gone now. Maybe she used to live here and popped in to see you because you've been sick." That seemed to be acceptable, because my daughter lay back and took a nap. We had several sightings of the same little girl: Once in the upstairs hall when we were hosting another family with two small girls who were excited at first but not for long. We suggested that perhaps this was just a little girl who used to live here and was lonely for other children - which they seemed to accept. The night my husband saw her on the stairs after I had been reading Mrs. Tiggywinkle to our kids almost made a believer out of him! If you are fortunate - or unfortunate - enough (depending upon your point of view) to experience anything like this, you may try to ignore it and it may go away. Or you could do as we did - handle it by not dwelling on it, and not talking about it in the presence of small children who are easily spooked. If you care to do so, consult your minister, priest or rabbi for advice. We left this lovely house 30 years ago and it has had several owners since. Some have noticed strange things, others nothing. In the end, we considered ourselves fortunate to have had these experiences. They were a little disturbing perhaps, but looking back on it, what an adventure! |
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. Friday, Oct. 26, 2007 Pied Piper of Hamlin: Parsons Nose Family Theater 7 p.m. Live theater classic for the whole family features a musical adaptation of the Grimm Bros. classic story. Tickets: $15 adults; $10 kids. Play continues through the weekend, check website for times and tickets or call 626-403-7667. 1507 El Centro Ave., South Pasadena. Crooked Perfect: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 3:30 p.m. Linda Urban will present her first novel, A Crooked Kind of Perfect. The heroine, Zoe, could be a piano prodigy, but things rarely go that smoothly for her. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne. Sotheby's International Realty Author Event: Vromans Bookstore 5-7 p.m. Jan Brett discusses and signs The Three Snow Bears. With over 33 million books in print, Brett is one of the nation's foremost author illustrators of children's books. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007 Pumpkin Palooza: Descanso Gardens 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Event features costume parades, hay rides, petting zoo, crafts, food and more. Also held Sunday, Oct. 28. 1418 Descanso Dr, La Canada Flintridge. Family Fair: St. Philip the Apostle Church 2-10 p.m. Games, rides and inflatables for children of all ages; the popular Haunted House; music, comedy, dance, food booths and a raffle. Admission free, tickets $1 and more for food and games. Raffle tickets are $1 each or book of 12 for $10. Information: 626-795-9691. 161 South Hill Ave., Pasadena. Centerpiece: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children create a pumpkin-patch centerpiece. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Nightmare Academy: Mrs. Nelsons Bookstore 1 p.m. Dean Lorey will present his first middle grade novel, Nightmare Academy. When Charlie sleeps, his dreams are so real that other people often experience them as well. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne. Pumpkin Festival: Kidspace Museum Also on Oct. 28. The 13th Annual Pumpkin Festival is an old-fashioned carnival with rides, game booths, costume parades and live stage performances, with new activities as well as the return of talented artists and musicians who have participated in previous festivals. Admission is free. Individual rides, games, crafts, and activities require tickets available for purchase on-site. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. Saturday Series for Kids: Haugh Performing Arts Center, Citrus College 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Seussical the musical features the beloved characters of Dr. Seuss. $6. All ages. 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora. Trick or Treat Tales: Pasadena Central Library 10 a.m. Wear your costume and listen to Halloween stories at this story-hour for preschoolers (ages 3-5) and their families. 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena. Altadena Childrens Festival: Altadena Christian Childrens Center 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Event kicks off with Kiwanis Old-Fashioned Pancake Breakfast. Festival includes storyteller, costume parade, animals, interactive drumming, face-painting, food and more. Altadena Baptist Church, 791 E. Calaveras St., Altadena. Halloween Storytime: Vromans Bookstore 7 p.m. Join us for a pre-Halloween storytime. Feel free to come dressed up in costume (or your pajamas) - kids and parents. Share spooky stories and enjoy a healthy treat. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Things That Go Bump: Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens 5:30 p.m. Explore nature after dark. You'll meet earthly night crawlers and winged creatures, do activities, crafts and a night hike. This is not a Halloween celebration, so will not include anything scary. $5 individual; $20 per family. Information: Cotton Coslett, 909-625-8767 ext. 224, ccoslett@rsabg.org 1500 N. College Ave., Claremont. Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007 Luma: CalTech Beckman Auditorium 3:30 p.m. Luma elevates the child-like pleasure of playing with light in the dark (think glowsticks and sparklers) into a one-of-a-kind light show. Adults $26, $21, $16; youth $10. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena. Monday, Oct. 29, 2007 Zombie Night: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 4 p.m. Merrily Kutner will read and sign her newest book, The Zombie Night Cafe, a fun Halloween read-aloud. Ms. Kutner is best known for her book, Down On The Farm. Costumes are welcome! Ages 4-8. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne. Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2007 Scary Lane: Westfield Mall 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Also on Oct. 31. City of West Covina's Haunted House, "Scary Lane." Cost is $3. For more information, call (626) 939-8430. 112 Plaza Drive, West Covina. Smell the Roses: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 3:30 p.m. Michael Hoeye, creator of the Hermux Tantamoque series, presents "Time to Smell the Roses." There's something mysterious in the town of Thorny End. Rose magnate Androse deRosenquil asks Hermux to take on an intriguing missing squirrel case. Ages 8 and up. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne. Ghostly Gathering: La Pintoresca Branch Library 3:30 p.m. Fun, games, and a craft that will take your breath away. A ghostly treat will be given to all who attend. 1355 N. Raymond Ave., Pasdena. Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2007 Trick-or-Treating: One Colorado 4-7 p.m. Young ghosts, witches and other creepy critters are invited to go store-to-store for Halloween treats. Event is timed to appeal to young children accompanied by adults. Information: 626-546-1066. Colorado Boulevard, between Union, Fair Oaks and DeLacey streets, Pasadena. This Space Available for Your Ad! Cirque Le Masque: Haugh Performing Arts Center, Citrus College 5 and 7:30 p.m. Acrobats defy the laws of gravity in this performance. The cast will hand out candy to trick-or-treaters after the shows, so come in costume. Tickets $28 adults; $10 ages 16 and under. 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora. Hair Raising Stories: Allendale Branch Library 4 p.m. Give yourself a delightful fright this Halloween. Come and listen to storyteller Michael McCarty as he tells stories; some scary, others funny scary. 1130 S. Marengo Ave., Pasadena. Halloween Festival: Glenkirk Church 6-8 p.m. Get your dinner at the food court for $5 per family. Also campus-wide trick-or-treating, bounce house, carnival games, human joust and lots of candy. Information: 626-914-4833 x122. 1700 E. Palopinto, Glendora. Friday, Nov. 2, 2007 Nature Retreat: Kidspace Museum Reserve your spot to spend a night at Kidspace museum for an overnight nature retreat. Follow the link to register. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007 Family Festival: Pacific Asia Museum 1-4 p.m. In celebration of the new exhibition "Rank and Style: Power Dressing in Imperial China," this all-ages festival will focus on the arts of China through activities related to Imperial Chinese culture and the symbolism of dragons, birds, lions, tigers, flowers and lanterns in works of art. 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. Science Saturday: CalTech Beckman Auditorium 2 p.m. Oceans support an enormous range of life, from the largest whales to the smallest plankton, from hordes of seabirds to lonely deep-sea fish, all governed by a complex system of biological and physical forces. This film demonstrates the sheer scale, power and complexity of our blue planet. Recommended for ages six and up. $5. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena. Harvest Hat: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kids wear colorful headgear that they create themselves from feathers, wiggly eyes, stickers, and more. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Family Game Night: Vromans Bookstore 7 p.m. Join us for a night of fun and games. Come with your family and compete against each other, or form teams and challenge another family. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007 Bookworms: L.A. County Arboretum 2 p.m. Storytelling program will be held on Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays through Dec. 19. Check website for exact dates, times. Enjoy plant and nature stories and make a craft to take home with you. Free with admission of $7 adults; $2.50 children 5-12; free children 4 and under. Information: 626-821-3213. 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. College Application Workshop: Vromans Bookstore 3 p.m. For college-bound high school seniors. Focus on writing the all-important college application personal essay. Los Angeles author, professor and writing coach Jay Douglas will take the mystery and misery out of turning personal experience into a stand out essay. He'll teach techniques for finding the story, bouncing beyond procrastination and rewriting for visual clarity. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Monday, Nov. 5, 2007 Pasadena Schools: Pasadena Central Library 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Listen as a panel of parents with children in Pasadena Public schools share their experiences and answer questions. This is an adult-focused meeting. Parents are welcome to bring non-mobile infants, but acoustics make it difficult to have other children around. Thank you for your consideration. Kids Klub will offer off-site childcare and has waived their normal registration fee. Call (626) 795-2501 for rates and reservations. Sponsored by Pasadena Education Network. 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena. Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007 Last Mimzy: San Rafael Branch Library 3:30 p.m. Children's film program, featuring The Last Mimzy. Enjoy the movie and fresh hot popcorn (no admission ticket needed). 1240 Nithsdale Road, Pasadena. Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007 Pirate Tales: Linda Vista Branch Library 3:30 p.m. Magician Rafael celebrates Children's Book Week by performing magical tricks with a pirate's flair. 1281 Bryant St., Pasadena. Also, Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. at the San Rafael Branch and at 4 p.m. at the Hill Avenue Branch. . Stories in the Afternoon: Norton Simon Museum 4 p.m. Delight in tales about Thanksgiving as you construct a special hand turkey to adorn your holiday feast in front of Frans Snyders’s 17th-century painting Still Life with Fruit and Vegetables. Program also held Sunday, Nov. 25. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007 Meet the Robinsons: Santa Catalina Library 3:30 p.m. Children's film program featuring, Meet the Robinsons. Enjoy a newly released film and fresh hot popcorn. 999 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007 Recipe Holder: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kids help keep recipes handy by making an imaginative holder that keeps them in view. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Family Festival: Norton Simon Museum 1 p.m. Travel to India and learn about Diwali, the festival of lights, through the Hindu gods and goddesses who are venerated during this fall celebration. Artist Katrina Alexei leads a drop-in mixed-media workshop in which participants construct a figure with multiple arms expressing its special identity, attributes and powers. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Register Early Thursday, Nov. 1, 2007 Early Childhood Music Ed: Pasadena Conservatory of Music 7-9 p.m. Soili Perkio, an Orff and early childhood music specialist who studied music education, piano and voice at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, will present workshops on "Best Practices in Early Childhood Music Education" for teachers, music educators and early childhood specialists. Workshops also held Nov. 2 from 7-9 p.m. and Nov. 3 from 1-5 p.m. $75; free to music teachers of the Pasadena Unified School District. Information and registration: 626-683-3355. 100 N. Hill Ave., Pasadena. Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007 Childrens Workshop: Huntington Library 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Get out your apron and prepare to mix, knead, and roll your way to baking success in this family workshop with chef Lisa Fontanesi. Ages 7 and up with accompanying adult. $30. Registration: 626-405-2128. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007 Childrens Workshop: Huntington Library 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Exploring the exhibit "Pressed in Time: American Prints 1905 -1950," children can discover how artists used the medium of print to capture the world around them. Then they can capture their own world using various printmaking techniques in this workshop led by artist Melissa Manfull. Ages 7 and up with accompanying adult. $25. Registration: 626-405-2128. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. Chess Tournament: Marengo School 9:30 a.m. The Marengo Knights Chess Club and Chess 4 Children are sponsoring a tournament open to grades K-12. Registration $20 by email at: refchess@gmail.com or by phone: 714-925-3195 or 626-441-5850. 1400 S. Marengo Ave., South Pasadena. Friday, Nov. 30, 2007 Out of Thin Air: Caltech Beckman Auditorium 8 p.m. Flowers appear from nowhere; silver coins turn to sparkly magic dust; a beautiful princess floats in midair. Bradley Fields has presented his magic around the world since 1975. Adults $25, $20, $15; $10 youth. 332 S. Michigan Ave., 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. . 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. 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. |
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