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January 18, 2008 |
Number 131 |
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By Karen E. Klein Belated happy new year! It feels like it's been a long time since I've been here rambling and pontificating to This Space Available our Orange Cat readers. That's probably because I had a very, very busy 2007, especially after I took on a book contract mid-year, and had to hand off some of my Orange Cat duties to my partner, Brad, and our various contributing columnists. The good news is that they took over admirably and graciously, enabling me to finish the book project on schedule in early December, just in time to jump headlong into the Christmas and New Year's preparations. Whew! I'm just now getting started on the first manuscript rewrite, and trying to get back into the groove of the regular five or six jobs (who can keep track) that I juggle as a freelance writer and editor. While I was otherwise occupied, 2008 showed up on the scene and so far I have to say it's not altogether different from its predecessor. Of course this is an election year (the first in which my older son will get to cast a ballot), and an Olympic year, which means we're in for just about anything. I'm already excited about what's in store for us as the months start flying by! How is your 2008 going? I long ago got too old and too cynical to make New Year's resolutions, but if you haven't and you're looking to develop some positive new habits this year, I have a couple of suggestions: Late last year, our family's first Kiva loan paid off and we reinvested. Kiva is a terrific way for those of us in wealthy countries to lend money directly to entrepreneurs in the developing world. What's great about it is that you can get your kids involved in choosing a specific borrower from the Kiva website, read about their business, find out exactly what they plan to do with the money they borrow, and then track their progress as they make interest-free payments on your loan. Because you can lend as little as $25 and your money typically gets pooled with that of other donors, almost anyone can participate. Not only does it feel great to get updates from the entrepreneurs themselves (translated by humanitarian groups working in the countries involved) but it is a really good opportunity to show your children how the working poor live in places very different from our own and get them involved in helping. I think Kiva is terrific and I urge you to check it out. Another financial idea to contemplate in this new year is the ScholarShare College Saving Plan. This is California's version of the so-called 529 plan (don't you just love things named for tax codes?) that allow you to put away college funds that accumulate interest tax-free. As long as your child uses the money to attend a college of some kind, which includes a wide range of post-secondary educational opportunities, you never pay taxes on the investment gains the accounts make. PEN We opened ScholarShare accounts for our kids when they were about 10 and 12. With our first college payments looming later this year when our older son goes off to school, it's very nice to know that we have those nest eggs we can draw on. We didn't start early enough, or contribute regularly enough in those early years, to cover anywhere near our children's future educational costs in full, but we do have some funds that have grown nicely over the years and that will help us get started. Here are some hints for ways to get started with ScholarShare, or another state's 529 program (you don't have to invest in the California version if you prefer another state's plan). Turn day care payments into college savings: If your children are entering public Kindergarten this Fall, why not take the money you were previously spending on preschool or daycare and invest that in a college savings plan? Since the funds are already in your budget, it will be relatively painless to shift them to your 529 plan. (I sure wish someone had suggested this to me way back when!) The earlier you start saving and the more consistently you contribute to your account, the more your money will be transformed by the magic of compounding interest. For instance, investing $50 a month for 20 years could give you $26,000 within 20 years. If you can sock away $300 a month, you could have as much as $150,000 in your child's college fund within two decades - which may be enough to cover, oh, a year or so in college by then! Ask relatives and friends to contribute to the account: Your children might not be thrilled by this, but when your parents and other family members ask what they can give your kids, you can suggest that they make a contribution to the account. Every little bit helps, right? What's important about these funds is that they need to be allowed to grow unhampered for several years in order to maximize their value. Avoid the temptation of tapping into college savings to cover other expenses, if you can possibly help it. Set up direct deposits to make contributions easier and more automatic. In the long run, your good sense and sacrifice will pay off! Shifting gears from expensive costs to dread diseases (I'm just full of happy thoughts today, aren't I?), I just learned this week that another friend of mine has been diagnosed with cancer. I guess this is part of getting older: In just the past year, three close friends have gone to the doctor with mysterious symptoms and returned with biopsy results showing non-Hodgkins' lymphoma, colon cancer and Hodgkins' lymphoma, respectively. Three or four years ago, another good friend of mine battled breast cancer. All of them have gotten caught up in the now-familiar-to-me routine of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation treatments and the devastating side effects of all of these. Emotionally, I've watched (and tried to help when possible) as they go through the range from shock, denial, depression and despair. So far, as disconcerting and sad as all this is, my friends are hanging in there both physically and emotionally and getting positive results from their medical treatment. And all of them have said that they couldn't have done it without the kind of support that's so readily available these days online. Support and discussion groups for people with various kinds of cancers abound, offering information, research and listening ears from other individuals who've been through the same thing. I can imagine how helpful that is, especially when you feel like you've suddenly been thrust into a club you never wanted to join, one that changes your life forever. That's why I was happy to comply when Orange Cat reader Andrea asked me to mention the group of 2,200 virtual friends she met in a Yahoo! Group while fighting breast cancer in 2004. "We are scattered across the globe and are mainly women. Without this amazing group, led by an even more amazing moderator, I surely wouldn't have had the strength to do it alone," Andrea wrote. "They have held countless hands, but more importantly, touched the lives of the women so deeply who contribute their time and invaluable advice to pull you up on the darkest of days." If you have breast cancer, or know of someone else who might benefit from this group, please let me know and I'll put you in touch with Andrea. Along the same lines as Andrea's, here's another letter we got alerting us to an organization that can be a helpful resource for San Gabriel Valley parents. Susan Hirsch, principal of parent and family education at Monrovia Community Adult School, wrote to let me know about new classes at the school that are devoted solely to parenting. "Our first class offerings are listed in the new Monrovia Adult School Winter Brochure," she wrote. The offerings include mommy-and-me classes in sign language, music, child development, art and theater and adults-only classes (limited babysitting provided by reservation only) taught by marriage and family therapy interns on topics such as single parenting, coping with divorce and effective parenting techniques. Classes begin later this month, so check them out! When people write us asking for ideas and resources, Brad and I answer as often as we can. But sometimes we're left scratching our heads. Here are a couple that stumped us: - Orange Cat mom Cyndi is looking for local kids' second-hand stores where she can donate items and buy used children's clothing and other items. - Orange Cat mom Edna is looking for etiquette classes for children ages four and up, preferably held somewhere between Pasadena and Monrovia. If you have answers for Cyndi or Edna, please email me and I'll pass your wisdom along next time. Thanks. We also heard from several readers grateful for Dorothy Reinhold's column in our last issue about boys and girls playing together. Orange cat reader Lynnanne wrote: "I so appreciate both the aspects of imaginative play (as opposed to so many planned activities) as well as not forcing the gender issue too soon, if at all." She's a teaching artist who travels to schools throughout Los Angeles sharing folk dance and culture with thousands of students each year. "Both girls and boys dance with full eagerness and anticipation," she wrote and "once they discover the joy of the dance, all the awkwardness goes away." However, when she offers the class in a studio setting where parents sign their kids up, she gets very few boys enrolling. "Even with all the dance programs on TV today showing many young men dancing, parent phobia of boys dancing is still so strong. I married a dancer; and he's a visual artist as well. Dance promotes strength, poise, creativity as well as physical and social health and well being; qualities any child will use in their future endeavors." Great thoughts, Lynnanne. I agree completely, and I fondly recall folk dance class as the only happy time for me during P.E. back when I was in elementary school and junior high. Yet I also must confess that I am the mother of two boys who would not be caught dead in dance class. In fact, when they were younger they attended performing arts camp for a couple of summers and they were fine with the singing and acting courses but completely balked at dance class. That could have been because it was more like ballet than folk dance, however, but I think they would have refused folk dance also unless all the guys were doing it. I'm sure their resistance is fueled not only by lack of interest in dance but also by the fear of social censure from their buddies. They are jocks and always have been, and the macho mindset they hold is pretty limiting. I don't like it, myself, but I've learned that trying to change it is pretty futile. I can explain and give them other viewpoints, like telling them how men do all of the dancing in certain cultures, but that doesn't seem to help much. In the end, I don't pretend to understand the uber-male point of view, though it is interesting to observe it close up. All I can say is that I'm glad I'm a girl. Being a teenage guy and having to prove your jock credentials all the time must be exhausting! And on that note, I'm exhausted myself! Thanks so much for your continued readership and for sticking with us through yet another year. If you have thoughts for us in general, or answers to the questions posed by readers above, please let me know. As always you can reach me at 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, Jan. 19, 2008 Furry Pocket Pal: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kids make a delightful character they can hang anywhere, with a pocket in front to store goodies. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Family Day: Norton Simon Museum 1 p.m. Discover how a portrait can tell you a lot about a person's appearance, personality and more as you construct a picture of yourself with people shapes. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Open House -- Saturday, Jan. 26, 10am - 2pm Black Holes: Caltech Beckman Auditorium 2 p.m. High-definition film explores the strange and terrifying world of the universe's ultimate monster: the black hole. The film shows a journey into space in search of these cosmic killers as they destory entire stars. Film is followed by a discussion with Caltech scientist Steve Draco. $5. Ages 6 and up. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena. Life of a Pirate: Monrovia Public Library 2 p.m. Children of all ages are invited to hear all sorts of pirate songs and stories presented by Captain (and Librarian) Annette "Jolly Roger" Simpson. Little pirates should be prepared to make a free pirate hat. 501 S. Mountain Ave, Monrovia. Santa Anita Family YMCA. Southwestern Singer: Lamanda Park Branch Library 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. The songs and stories of Sid Hausman, Southwestern singer and writer, whose work is influenced by Native American, Latino, and rural life of the American southwest. Free. For children and adults. 140 S. Altadena Dr., Pasadena. Graphic Novel Reading Group: Vromans Bookstore 2 p.m. Boys and girls ages 9 to 14 are invited to bring their favorite graphic novels of any genre and join Steve Ross and the gang for a fun discussion. Vroman's Hastings Ranch, 3729 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Baby Sign Language: Vromans Bookstore 2 p.m. Do you ever wonder what your baby is thinking? Learn to communicate with your baby or toddler by signing with them! We'll present the basics of baby sign language and our selection of baby signing books. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Preschool Expo: MOMS Club of the Foothills 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can speak to representatives from preschools in the Foothills/Crescenta Valley area and beyond. A wide variety of school types will be participating, including Montessori, academic, developmental, religious, cooperative and public preschools. Representatives will be on hand to talk about each school's philosophy, what a typical day looks like, and enrollment procedures. Crescenta Valley Park Community Center, 3901 Dunsmore Ave., La Crescenta. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008 Puss 'n Boots St. James Episcopal Church 3 p.m. St. James Episcopal Church will host a storytelling program by the Tonoi Ensemble that will include performances of Christopher Bergs "So Why Else Do You Have an English Horn" and Tim Hagen's "Puss 'n Boots". Admission is free for children. General Admission Tickets are available for $15 at the door on the afternoon of the concert, or $10 if purchased in advance www.tonoi.org. 1325 Monterey Rd., South Pasadena. Family Picnic Sunday: L.A. County Arboretum 10 a.m. Enjoy plant and nature stories and make a craft at The Arboretum Library, (open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.). 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. Monday, Jan. 21, 2008 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Kidspace Museum Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday by exploring birthday traditions around the world. During this all-day event, children will "visit" other continents to experience art, food, and music and gain a better understanding of how all people celebrate in different ways. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. Martin Luther King Celebration: Lakes Entertainment Center 11 a.m. Entertainment, food, arts and crafts, multicultural dance groups, choral and jazz music, and children's games and activities to celebrate Dr. King's birthday. 1200 Lakes Dr., West Covina. Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008 Iggy Peck, Architect: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 4 p.m. Andrea Beaty presents her newest book, Iggy Peck, Architect. Iggy lives his passion, architecture, but his teacher doesn’t share that passion. He can't give it up, but perhaps he can change her mind. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne. Art Moves: Kidspace Museum 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. An eight-week program exposing children to a variety of fine arts: song, dance and interactive games. Toddlers will create art projects using a variety of materials, from wood blocks to paper mache. For children ages 3-4 years old. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008 Parrots, Pirates, and Magic: Monrovia Public Library 3:45 p.m. A real pirate complete with live parrots will be performing a funny and magical show featuring plenty of audience involvement. Monrovia Community Center, 119 W. Palm Ave., Monrovia.. Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008 Sea Creatures: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Little ones dive into fun as they create a playful undersea scene with colorful craft materials. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. This Space Available! Soup, Soup, Soup: Arcadia Public Library 2:30 p.m. Soup from a stone? Bravery soup? Come hear some good soup stories and have a taste too! Ages three and up. 20 W. Duarte Rd., Arcadia. Saturday Series for Kids: Haugh Performing Arts Center, Citrus College 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Stanley Lambchop is a run-of-the-mill kid, until one day he wakes up really flat. So flat that he can fit in an envelope. In this whirlwind musical travelogue, Flat Stanley scours the globe for solutions to his unusual problem, and wherever he goes he meets new friends and learns about different cultures. $6. For pre-K through fifth graders. 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora. Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008 Stories in the Afternoon: Norton Simon Museum 2 p.m. Listen to tales about birthdays and other celebrations in front of Jan Steen's Marriage at Cana, 1676, and then design your own party hat. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Nancy Yi Fan: Mrs. Nelsons Bookstore 1 p.m. Meet young author, Nancy Yi Fan, born in 1993 and the New York Times bestselling author of Swordbird, and now, Swordquest. Birds provide the inspiration for her novels. This is an opportunity for young authors and readers to meet an author who is also a peer. Best for ages 8 to 12. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne. Monday, Jan. 28, 2008 Duck For President: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 3:30 p.m. Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin have reissued Duck For President. Duck stages a farm election, gubernatorial and ultimately a presidential run. And wins! Ages 3 to adult. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne. Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008 Safety Workshop: SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Workshop in child passenger safety is for professionals and community volunteers who provide services to children or families. Training will provide an introduction to safe transport of children and guide participants in how to incorporate child passenger safety information and standards into their own programs. The course is approved for six contact hours by the California Board of Registered Nursing and for three Continuing Education Units for Child Passenger Safety Technicians. Information: 310-222-6860. Glendora Crowther Teen Center, 241 W. Dawson Ave., Glendora. Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008 Caldecott Winner: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 3:30 p.m. Eric Rohmann, who won the Caldecott Award for his book, My Friend Rabbit, will present his newest title, A Kitten Tale, featuring four kittens that have never seen snow. Ages 4 to 6. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne. Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008 Safety Seat Checkup: SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Have your children’s safety seats inspected by teams of nationally certified technicians and other trained volunteers. They will make sure the seats fit your child properly, are correctly secured and are in the safest possible location in the vehicle. Older children will be invited to try the 5-Step Test to find out if they fit properly in the vehicle safety belts or require use of a booster. Avoid very long wait by making a reservation: 310-222-6860 Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Glendora Market Place, 1301 S. Lone Hill Ave., in front of Sam's Club, Glendora. Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008 Drink Holder: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children will get a good grip on any small bottle with this colorful drink holder they make and decorate. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Chinese New Year: Pasadena Central Library 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Gung hay fat choy! Celebrate the "Year of the Rat" with Asian folktales and animal stories at this special storytime for preschoolers. For ages 3-5 and their families. No registration required. In the Storyhour Room. 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena. Talent Search: Pasadena Central Library noon - 4 p.m. Youth from 6 to 16 compete in three age groups in a variety of musical arts. Sponsored by the Exchange Club of Pasadena. 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena. Register Early Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008 Medieval Manuscripts: Huntington Library 9-11 a.m. Explore illuminated manuscripts from The Huntington's collection and learn how monks created miniature views of everyday life in the Middle Ages. Then take pen and ink in hand and create your own medieval world of castles, dragons and gargoyles, with help from artist Melissa Manfull. Ages 7 and up, with one accompanying adult, $25. Registration: 626-405-2128. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2008 Preschool series: Huntington Library 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Little ones can enjoy face-to-face encounters with sculptures and paintings as they explore portraiture, emotion, and storytelling in art. Classes held on Wednesdays from Jan. 23 to Feb. 13. Each class will include activities and an art project, as well as time spent in the galleries or gardens. Ages 3 to 4, with one accompanying adult, $90. Registration: 626-405-2128. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. DIY for Kids: Monrovia Public Library 3:15 p.m. Children in 1st - 5th grades are invited to D.I.Y. For Kids Wednesdays starting Jan. 23 and running through Feb. 13. Children will create do-it-yourself projects out of creative materials like duct tape. Registration: Rebecca, 626-256-8274. 843 E. Olive Ave., Monrovia. Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008 Look and Sketch: Norton Simon Museum 10:30 a.m. Children ages 4 through 8 and their adult companions explore art through observation, discussion and drawing activities in the galleries. The class is $15 per pair and is limited to 16 participants. For further information and registration, contact the Education Department at 626-844-6980. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Friday, Feb. 1, 2008 Look, Listen and Read: South Pasadena Public Library 3:30 p.m. Six-week course for fourth through sixth graders will explore the connection between books, music and art. By the end of the six-week course, students will have a better sense of how to appreciate painting, music and literature as story-telling over the centuries and today. Registration deadline Jan. 18; call 626-403-7358 or e-mail Maida Lin Wong at mwong@ci.south-pasadena.ca.us. Library conference room, 1100 Oxley St., South Pasadena. Continuing Activities Sunday L.A. County Arboretum: Arboretum Bookworms, for ages 3-8, meets on the first and third Sunday of every month at 2 p.m., the third Wednesday at 10 a.m. and the fourth Monday at 10 a.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 . Santa Catalina Library 3-4 p.m. Be a reading buddy to a real dog in the Barks and Books program. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday, elementary school-age children can read a book to a gentle dog. 999 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena. Friday 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 MOPS at Westminster Pasadena: Mothers of Preschoolers group meets on the second and fourth Saturday monthly. Meetings are from 9-11:30 a.m. and open to all mothers of newborns through Kindergarten-aged children. Childcare provided; information Stephanie Lievense, 626-794-4046 or email MOPSWestminster@gmail.com. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1757 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena. 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. Los Angeles County Arboretum 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. The family bird walk is held on the first Saturday of each month. Meet in front of the rotunda with walking shoes, a hat, bottled water and binoculars. Ray Jillson will lead a 2- to 4-hour walk through the Arboretum looking for fine-feathered friends. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. Pasadena Critical Mass 10 a.m. Fun, social bike ride for all ages and ability levels is held on the third Saturday of every month. We ride the streets of Pasadena at a slow, easy pace. Kids welcome if they can ride predictably in a straight line, or bring them on a tag-a-long or in a trailer. Helmets required under 18. We often have music on the ride and end up at a park to play or for picnic afterwards. Bring your momentum; no RSVP required. Memorial Park, meet near Goldline Station, Pasadena. 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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