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December 7, 2007 |
Number 129 |
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Calendar, Advice & Tips for Busy Families in the San Gabriel Valley | |||||||||||||||
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By Eve Begley Kiehm People around the world celebrate festivals. Growing up in Scotland, I celebrated many holidays and festivals Basketball Signups that are celebrated here in the United States. Some of them, however, had a different twist than we are used to today. At Christmas, for example, when I came rushing downstairs to see what Santa Claus (we often called him Father Christmas) had brought me, it was always exciting to find an array of presents on the rug in front of the dining-room fireplace. Not one of them was wrapped, which saved on wrapping paper and gave me an instant view of everything. I could rush over to my favorite things immediately. New Year's in Scotland is called Hogmanay. It is a special holiday with lots of parties and celebrating. The week between Christmas and New Year's used to be known as "the daft days," which indicated that there was lots of fun going on. From the age of nine, I was allowed to sit up until midnight and beyond on New Year's Eve. This was exciting anyway, but what followed was even better: Immediately after midnight, a friend or neighbor would knock on your front door to wish you a Happy Hogmanay. Tradition preferred this visitor to be a male and dark-haired. This goes back hundreds of years to the days when a blond Viking knocking at your door was not considered good tidings, as he had probably come to pillage and plunder! If your visitor was not sufficiently dark-haired, he might carry a small piece of coal with him, which made matters all right. This custom was called "first-footing," referencing the first person to set foot on your doorstep in the new year. One year we had a red-haired woman come over as our first-footer - really bad luck! But we invited her in after one of our guests went out the back door, ran around the house and came in the front door ahead of her. PEN We all shared shortbread, blackbun (a rich fruit cake encased in thin pastry that my mother made every year) and lots of other home baked goodies. Anyone coming to your home during the first week of the new year was always invited inside and given something to drink, often Scotch or sherry, which I thought (and still do) smelled pretty bad. But I certainly liked the shortbread! On Shrove Tuesday (also known as "Pancake Tuesday") when I came home from school for lunch, my mother always made special pancakes. They were large, thin pancakes which she served with confectioner's sugar and fresh lemon juice. What a treat! At Easter time we had hard-boiled eggs painted with water colors - they usually turned out rather pale - and then we rolled them down some little hill nearby on Easter Monday. This was a reminder of the stone being rolled away from Jesus' tomb. In March we celebrated Mothering Sunday, a tribute to mothers. I remember going to purchase a gift for my mother one year when I was perhaps 12. I had a limited budget of about 15 shillings (three-fourths of a British pound) and the little vase I chose in a classy shop cost more than a pound. I was lucky enough to be served by the owner of the shop and after I had counted out my sparse supply of coins and miserably realized I didn't have enough, he took pity on me. "What you have is just fine. Now I'll wrap it up for you and I expect your mother will love it," he said. Which she did. Harvest time was in September and was celebrated one special Sunday when all the churches were decorated with sheaves of corn and wheat, baskets of vegetables and fruits and we all sang, "We plough the fields and scatter the good seed on the land" with enthusiasm. I grew up in farming country, so we knew what we were talking about! One of my favorite festivals was Hallowe'en. Like American children do today, many Scottish children also dressed up and went out "guizing" or "guising," an old word coming from a French word meaning "to disguise." They dressed up in adult clothing such as men's old pants and shirts; mothers' old dresses that trailed along the ground; hats with feathers and handbags. I would dearly have loved to go but I was not allowed to be out in the dark without an adult. In those days, the adults usually stayed home to greet children coming to the door. Each visitor was required to perform before they received a penny or a candy (sweetie) or an apple. The children would sing a song, recite a short verse, tell a joke or maybe even dance a few steps on the doorstep before they were given their reward. Some of them put soot from the chimney on their faces, others wore cardboard or papier-mache masks. It was always fun for me to guess who was behind the mask. Hallowe'en parties, which I attended when I was perhaps 10 and older, were fun for us kids because of the games we played. The main one was Dookin' for Apples. This involved kneeling on a chair and leaning over a large bucket of floating apples, one of which had to be speared with a fork. You held the handle of the fork in your mouth, leaned over the bucket, picked the apple you fancied, than plunged the fork into it. This took a certain amount of skill, and not everyone speared the apple on the first attempt. A messier game was to hang a row of scones dipped in treacle or honey on a string and attempt to eat one with your hands behind your back. This was tricky - and sticky! At Hallowe'en parties, prizes were always given for the funniest and most original costumes and winners went home with balloons, paper hats or celluloid toys. After Hallowe'en, the days dragged out until Christmas time because we didn't know about the American Thanksgiving holiday! But Christmas morning finally arrived and the magic still returns to me every year. Have a happy time celebrating your family's festivals this year! [Editor's note: This is the final Orange Cat of 2007, since we won't be publishing over Christmas or New Year's weekends. Our calendar lists local events through early January 2008. We'll be back in your in-box then. Meanwhile, happy holidays! 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, Dec. 8, 2007 Rose Bowl Run: Pacific Sports 8 a.m. This inaugural event will be a half marathon road and trail run through the Arroyo Seco. A 5K distance run and kid’s run will also be offered. Information: 714-978-1528 or email Kylee@PacificSportsLLC.com. Rose Bowl, Brookside Park, 360 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. Snowflake Ornament: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children use craft materials to create holiday ornaments. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Sotheby's International Realty Breakfast with Santa: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 9 a.m. Parents and children younger than four are invited to join Santa for breakfast. There will be lots of elves as well. Space limited. Call 909-599-4558 for a reservation. (A $15 charge for each attendee over 3). There will be time after breakfast for kids to visit Santa and take photos. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne. Wild Secrets: Caltech Beckman Auditorium 2 p.m. Film on Adelie penguins, which are custom built to survive in extreme conditions and may face difficulties due to climate change. Jillian Dempsey of Caltech's Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering will introduce the film and guide the post-screening discussion. Recommended for ages six and up. $5. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena. Holiday Concert: Musical Circus 8:30 a.m. Program begins with musical petting zoo and continues with family-friendly holiday concert by the Occidental College Glee Club. Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena. The Christmas Box: Haugh Performing Arts Center, Citrus College 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. What are the kids to do? Have the grown-ups forgotten Christmas? Help the Baker triplets (and some other familiar faces) figure out the secret of the Christmas Box! Tickets: $5. Suggested for grades K-6. Information: 626-963-9411. 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora. The Grinch is Back: Vromans Bookstore 2 p.m. Have your picture taken with the Grinch in the Vromans Kids Department. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Holiday Family Storytime: Vromans Bookstore 6 p.m. Join us for a night of holiday storytime. We’ll be reading holiday stories, and Kris Vreeland will be here spinning the magical tales we have all come to look forward to. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Toys in Toyland: Arcadia Public Library 2:30 p.m. Kids ages four and older may attend this event focused on all the toys in Toyland. Songs, stories and a holiday craft. 20 W. Duarte Rd., Arcadia. Monday, Dec. 10, 2007 Music and Math: Altadena Public Library 7 p.m. The Friends of the Altadena Library presents Paul Stein and the Chamber Music Express in The Ultimate Math and Music Experience. For children ages 6 and up. Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa Ave., Altadena. Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007 MOMS Club of Altadena Party: 10 a.m. Altadena moms, come celebrate the holidays and learn about the MOMS Club. Entertainment by Music Together, holiday arts and crafts, a visit from Santa, food and refreshments, opportunity drawings, and much more. (626) 844-7916 or email altadenamomsclub@yahoo.com for more info. . Cookie Decorating: Arcadia Public Library 3 p.m. Come to the library and decorate Christmas cookies. Geared for teens. 20 W. Duarte Rd., Arcadia. Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2007 Support Group: MOMS Club of the Foothills 10 a.m. This month's meeting features Maureen Palacios from Once Upon A Time Bookstore in Montrose, who will tell us which books are good for young children. Visitors and children welcome; group has no religious affiliation. Call 818-306-3655 for more information. St. Lukes Church, 2563 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta. A Christmas Story: Pasadena Central Library, Storyhour Room 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. See the movie, A Christmas Story (PG). A nostalgic view of Christmastime in Indiana during the 1940s. Nine-year-old Ralphie desperately wants a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas and wages an all-out campaign to convince his reluctant parents. 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena. This Space Available! Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007 Pet Night: One Colorado 4-9 p.m. Pets are invited to pose for photos with Santa Claus and receive a free holiday treat. Photo proceeds benefit the Charles Cherniss Tournament of Toys, which assists needy children throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Colorado Boulevard, between Union, Fair Oaks and DeLacey streets, Pasadena. Friday, Dec. 14, 2007 Holiday Handbells: Altadena Public Library 7 p.m. The Mark Twain Middle School Handbell Ringers Choir performs in family holiday program. The multicultural group of talented students come from diverse backgrounds within the Los Angeles area and has been in existence since 2000. Information: 626-798-0833, ext.106. Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa Ave., Altadena. Decorate a Tile: Kidspace Museum 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. December 14-16. Purchase and decorate a tile to support Kidspace. Tiles will be installed on the walls of the climbing towers. Proceeds are tax deductible. Each tile costs $25. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. Saturday, Dec. 15, 2007 Family Day: Norton Simon Museum 1 p.m. Get ready for the new year by crafting a calendar for 2008 featuring artworks in the museum’s collections. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Meet the Grinch: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore Noon to 5:00 p.m. The Grinch will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. He will appear after a reading of this holiday classic. Sessions start on the hour, beginning at noon, with the last appearance at 5 p.m. All ages welcome. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne. Holiday Gift Bag: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kids will love giving gifts in colorful holiday bags that they decorate themselves. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Snow Stories: Pasadena Central Library, Storyhour Room 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Bundle up for stories about winter and snow at this special family storytime for preschoolers. (ages 3-5). 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena. A Grinch Play: Santa Catalina Library 11:30 a.m. Drama team, Act It Out, led by drama coach, Dr. Jan de Sal, will present How the Grinch Stole Christmas. 999 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena. Holiday Music: Vromans Bookstore 12 to 3 p.m. Holiday concert and Christmas carolers will entertain shoppers, featuring St. Lucy’s Big X-Mas Band. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007 Carol Sing-Along: Westminster Presbyterian Church 4 p.m. Get in the Christmas spirit by singing familiar carols. All ages welcome; cider and cookies to follow. Call 626-794-7141 for more information. 1757 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena. Sammy the Penguin: Vromans Bookstore 11 a.m. Join us for your chance to get a picture taken with Sammy the Penguin. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007 Santa and Mrs. Claus: Alhambra Public Library 7 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive for their annual visit. Children through age 12 are invited to hear stories and visit with the Claus family. Space is limited, so please sign up by December 17. Register by calling (626) 570-3215, or visit the Children's Librarian Desk. 410 W.Main Street, Alhambra. Gingerbread Fun: La Pintoresca Branch Library 4 p.m. Decorate and eat your own gingerbread cookie creation, play some games and get a special prize. 1355 N. Raymond Ave., Pasdena. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007 Home Alone: Pasadena Central Library, Auditorium 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. See the movie, Home Alone (PG). Kevin McCallister's family unwittingly leaves him behind when they go on vacation. In no time, Kevin makes the most of the situation. 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena. Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007 Teen Movie Matinee: Arcadia Public Library 3:15 p.m. Come watch a movie at the library. 20 W. Duarte Rd., Arcadia. Saturday, Dec. 22, 2007 Holiday Napkin Ring: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children create a colorful napkin ring that will add a fun touch to any holiday meal. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Free Time for Parents: Kidspace Museum If you need a bit of child-free shopping or planning time before Christmas, Kidspace is offering a Holiday Day Camp to help out. Parents may enroll their children ages 4-7 in the camp and Kidspace educators will engage them in games, holiday crafts and activities. Camp times are: December 22 and 23, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 22 and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 23. Cost is $40 per session. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007 Experience World Cultures: Kidspace Museum Between Dec. 26 and Jan. 6 Kidspace will use music, dance, food, art, crafts, fashion and games to explore the cultures found in Pasadena. Featuring Africa, Japan, Italy, China, Australia, Spain, Mexico and more. Follow link for detailed information. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. Wizard of Oz: Pasadena Central Library, Auditorium 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. See the movie, The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Munchkins and all of Oz's other characters spring to life in this restored version of the 1939 classic. 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena. Thursday, Dec. 27, 2007 Kwanzaa: La Pintoresca Branch Library 11 a.m. Celebrate Kwanzaa with tasty dishes prepared by members of the Pasadena Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. 1355 N. Raymond Ave., Pasdena. Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007 Snowflake Thermometer: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children create a snowflake thermometer that is sure to warm your heart. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007 Stories in the Afternoon: Norton Simon Museum 2 p.m. Listen to stories about living creatures with an ear for music and a talent for dance as you create your own melodious instrument in front of the three angel musician sculptures from the Pisan School, 14th century. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008 Crazy Kid Thermometer: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Welcome the new year with a colorful calendar featuring kids' favorite pictures right on top. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Register Early Friday, Dec. 14, 2007 Santas Lodge: Descanso Gardens 4:30 p.m. Children of all ages can sign up to enjoy a kid-friendly meal at Santa’s Elves Buffet; write letters to Santa, make seasonal nature crafts and decorate a yummy gingerbread cookie; talk with Santa and listen to holiday stories; sing carols by lantern light on a holiday hayride through the Gardens. Sessions last approximately two hours. Choose one of three starting times on either Friday Dec. 14 or Saturday Dec. 15 at 4:30, 5:45 and 7 p.m. $45 adults, $35 kids 4-12; $20 kids three and under. Fee includes food, activities and supplies. Reservations are required, adults must accompany children throughout the event. Registration: 818-949-7980. 1418 Descanso Dr, La Canada Flintridge. Saturday, Dec. 15, 2007 Holiday Origami: Huntington Library 9 to 11:30 a.m. Origami master Peggy Hasegawa gives traditional Japanese paper-folding a new twist with creative ideas for holiday gifts, decorations and ornaments. Ages 7 and up with accompanying adult. $25. Registration: 626-405-2128. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008 Dance and Music Classes: Miss Claire Dance and music classes are offered for children ages 2 to 7 as well as for toddlers ages 1 to 2. Winter session courses begin the week of Jan. 8. Registration and information can be found at the website or by calling 626-403-3828. San Gabriel, San Marino, South Pasadena, Sierra Madre. Continuing Activities Sunday 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 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. 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 Monrovia Support group for moms who are at home full or part-time. General meeting second Tuesday of every month. Also sponsor weekly playdates, park days, holiday parties, recipe club, craft playdates, Moms Night Out, service projects and more. Serving Monrovia, Duarte and Bradbury. For more information please e-mail: monroviamomsclub@gmail.com . 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. 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. Monrovia MOPS: Mothers of Preschoolers meet on the first and third Wednesdays monthly from 9:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Mothers of newborns through kindergarten aged children are welcome. Information: email mops@circlehead.com First Presbyterian Chuch of Monrovia, 101 E. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia. 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. 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. Information: mothersandmore@onebox.com, or 866-206-9068, x3921. The Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake Ave, Altadena. 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. 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 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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