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February 15, 2008 |
Number 133 |
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Calendar, Advice & Tips for Busy Families in the San Gabriel Valley | |||||||||||||||
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The Back Fence |
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By Karen E. Klein It's like a train wreck: Looking at it is horrifying, but at the same time it's almost impossible to look away. I'm talking about the protracted, bloody, soul-sucking divorce battle that an acquaintance has This Space Available been waging for several years now. The details are lurid (she surprised her husband with another woman), both sides are vindictive and huge amounts of money are at stake. The children, who never asked to be caught in the middle of this war between their parents, are surely suffering hurts that will be difficult to outgrow. They get wooed with expensive trips and toys as each side vies for their love and loyalty. There are not only a flotilla of warring lawyers and paralegals who've joined the fray, but also competing counselors and therapists who've been hired for the children. The situation really saddens me. How easy it is for adults to get caught up in the cycle of hatred and revenge! How impossible it must be for that vitriol not to spill over into the lives of vulnerable kids! I am perhaps more sensitive to this because I know all about it firsthand. My parents divorced when I was an adolescent and my siblings and I still suffer the repercussions of the fight that we all got drawn into, although we didn't go through anything as dramatic as the situation I've described above. Still, while my mother seemed to know intellectually that she shouldn't bring us into the unhappy details, she couldn't seem to help herself emotionally. As the oldest daughter, I found myself leaned on heavily by my mom, a situation that pretty much robbed me of much of my childhood. Instead of getting to be a kid, I had to take on the adult roles of confidant and cheerleader for my mother, adversary to my dad and stand-in caregiver for my younger brother and sister. But while divorce is nearly always adversarial, it doesn't have to be destructive, experts say. It can be difficult to remain civil, but if you can manage it, your children will fare much better than if you can't. And if you and your ex-spouse can find ways to co-parent effectively and respectfully, you can minimize the damage that a family split can do to children.
PEN Here are some tips on managing divorce, provided by the Rosen Law Firm of North Carolina: * Always encourage a positive relationship with the other parent and never bad-mouth him or her within earshot of your children. Even very young children listen to their parents' conversations and pick up quickly on negative tones, even if they don't understand all your words. If you can't think of anything good to say about your former spouse, at least speak of and to them respectfully. * Do not share details of who was at fault in the divorce, even if it was something obvious like an affair. If children are told that one parent is responsible for the divorce that puts them in a bind: They are no longer able to display love and affection for the parent at fault, for fear of further hurting the victim parent. * Encourage your kids to enjoy their relationship with their other parent, and never make your child choose sides or feel like they are to blame for the dispute. Focusing on one or two positive qualities of the other parent will allow for much easier relations. For example, talk about how he or she always tells funny stories at bedtime, or is patient. Children fear rejection by either parent. If you make it okay for your kids to continue to love your ex-spouse, you'll help alleviate that fear. * Don't undermine your ex-spouse's authority. If you don't agree with something they do as an authoritative figure, speak with them privately. And again, keep it respectful. Last time, Orange Cat mom Karen asked about where to hold a birthday party for a 7-year-old. Here are the responses we got from several helpful Orange Cat readers: Linda and Darla both suggested Jump 'N Jammin at the Westfield Santa Anita mall in Arcadia. Darla hosted a party there and found it "very clean, safe and huge" so her guests had lots of room to run around. She also appreciated the fact that the staff handled all the birthday party details. If you're not worried about driving a little distance, Linda also recommended Boomers in Upland. They offer lots of diversions, including miniature golf, bumper boats and arcade games. "We thought it might be too far for people to drive, but lots of friends came and they stayed the whole day!" Linda wrote. Orange Cat mom Stacy came up with a suggestion that I should have remembered myself: Ultrazone in Alhambra. They offer laser tag game sessions, arcade games and party rooms. "This seems to be the new 'in' place for birthday parties at my son's school," Stacy wrote. "We are hosting 15 first-graders and two dads for his party. Dads like this place almost as much as the kids." One brief caution, from my experience: The laser tag is done in a dark room and we once or twice had guests who were scared to participate or went in bravely but were brought out crying. These were not little kids, but the unknown may be too much for even grade school boys who are particularly sensitive. Explaining what the place is like before the party, and having the laser tag veterans reassure other guests that nothing frightening happens, might help. Did you know that the Red Cross doesn't just collect blood and help out after large-scale disasters? I didn't, but Orange Cat mom Moe found out just before Christmas. One of the families in her kids' school had their trailer home burn down in a devastating fire, she wrote me, and the divorced mother who lived there with her four teens was devastated. "She mentioned that she'd been unaware that the Red Cross also helps local families in small personal crisis situations, like when your home burns to the ground," Moe said. I was also unaware of this fact, though I knew that the agency provides health and safety services and education that is worth looking into. Thanks for educating all of us, Moe! We hope you won't have any emergencies in the next couple of weeks, when we'll make another appearance over your virtual back fence once again. See you next time! 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, Feb. 16, 2008 Family Day: Norton Simon Museum 1 to 2:30 p.m. Experience the art of communicating with the hands and learn the meaning of mudras. Create a work of art inspired by these symbolic Hindu and Buddhist hand gestures. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Treasure Chest: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kids make a treasure chest to stash their tooth fairy cash. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. This Space Available! Madeline and the Bad Hat: Haugh Performing Arts Center, Citrus College 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Musical captures the blithe yet touching spirit of Ludwig Bemelman's unforgettably illustrated series. It traces the adventures of a young Parisian girl who - despite starting off on the wrong foot with a mischievous new neighbor - eventually learns that first impressions aren't everything. Recommended for pre-K through sixth grade. $6. 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora. Graphic Novel Reading Group: Vromans Bookstore 2 p.m. Kids ages 9-14, come by and bring your favorite graphic novel (manga, humor, superhero) for discussion. There is usually free "loot," like old comics or promotional items, up for grabs at the end of the meeting. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Black History Parade and Festival: Robinson Park 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The parade begins at 10 a.m. at Charles White Park (Ventura and Fair Oaks in Altadena) and ends at Robinson Park, where the family festival will begin at noon. The festival includes live music, food, information booths and a black history historical exhibition. The parade's grand marshal is Bokeem Woodbine of the TV series "Saving Grace." 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena. Helping Young Authors: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 2 p.m. Kerry Madden will present her newest title, Jessie's Mountain, as well as work with kids on their writing skills. Her presentation focuses on ideas and inspiration. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne. Be a Knight: La Verne Library 2 p.m. Make a sword, shield, and armor - everything a knight might need. 3640 D St., La Verne. Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008 Yogi Masters: Kidspace Museum 3 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. A new class that introduces young children to yoga, to build strength, stamina and balance. Class is primarily for children ages 6-9. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008 Readers Theater: Monrovia Public Library 3:45 p.m. Teen actors in Monrovia will be presenting a reader’s theater program featuring stories from around the world. Annette Simpson, librarian, directed the teens in a six-week acting workshop which culminated in this program. Refreshments will be served following the performance. Monrovia Community Center, 119 W. Palm Ave., Monrovia. Science of Magic: Caltech Beckman Auditorium 8 p.m. Bob Friedhoffer performs tricks and shows how people are fooled by magic. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena. Year of the Rat: Kidspace Museum 1 p.m. Author Oliver Chin who will read from his book, "The Year of the Rat", the third from The Tales from the Chinese Zodiac series, in the Stone Hollow Amphitheater. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008 Magic of Harry Potter: West Covina Library 2 p.m. Experience "The Magic of Harry Potter" in a fun, amazing, and free magic show presented by magician Tony Daniels. 1601 West Covina Parkway, West Covina. Open House: The Little Gym of La Canada/La Crescenta 3 p.m. Bring your children to The Little Gym for tumbling, games, activities, refreshments, raffles, prizes and more. Call 818-249-4496 or 626-301-0100 today for an introductory visit. Event is also being held at 925 W. Foothill Boulevard, Monrovia, 91016 (1 block East of Fifth). 2196A Foothill Blvd., La Canada. Chinese New Year: Huntington Library 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Music, dance, and activities for children to celebrate the lunar new year as the Garden of Flowing Fragrance opens to the public. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. Snow White: Pasadena Central Library 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Theatre 360 (formerly Pasadena Junior Theatre) will present a free, short, sneak peek at its newest production of Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs, starring local kids, in the library Storyhour Room. 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena. Pasadena Area Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Volcanoes: Rosemead Library 11:30 a.m. Join Richard Wade explores the fictional and scientific side of volcanoes. 8800 Valley Blvd., Rosemead. Monday, Feb. 25, 2008 Chinese Zodiac: Hastings Branch Library 7 p.m. Oliver Chin will read his book about the Chinese Zodiac. This is the year of the Rat. 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena. Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008 Readers Theater: South Pasadena Public Library 7:15 p.m. South Pasadena High School Drama students will present Readers Theater featuring the five picture book nominees for the California Young Reader Medal. Children of all ages and their families are invited to this free event and encouraged to vote for their favorites during the week following. Library community room, 1100 Oxley St., South Pasadena. Secrets and Spies: La Pintoresca Branch Library 3:45 p.m. Do you like mysteries? Come to the library for crime-solving, crafts and fun. Crack secret codes, make invisible paint and join the scavenger hunt. Plus, a secret guest. For children ages 8-13. To register, call (626) 744-7268. 1355 N. Raymond Ave., Pasdena. Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008 Pursuit of Happyness: La Pintoresca Branch Library 3:30 p.m. In celebration of Black History Month, a special screening of The Pursuit of Happyness - an inspirational true story about a man's determination to overcome all odds and provide for his family. Light refreshments. 1355 N. Raymond Ave., Pasdena. Friday, Feb. 29, 2008 Fun Flick Friday: Altadena Public Library 3:30 p.m. Join us in the main library community room for a special screening of "Ratatouille." 600 E. Mariposa Ave., Altadena. Music, Mischief, Melodrama: Parson's Nose Professional Theater Company 7 p.m. An old coot and his silly servants are no match for a clever young lady and her beau. Come laugh at the silliness of old obsession and the craziness of young love. Additional performances: Saturday March 1 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, March 2, 2 p.m. $15 adults, $10 children 12 and under. Information and tickets available at the website. Under the Tent, 1507 El Centro, South Pasadena. Saturday, March 1, 2008 Wild Secrets: Caltech Beckman Auditorium 2 p.m. "Galapagos: Evolution at the Speed of Light," a high-definition film, will be presented followed by a live discussion with Caltech scientist Jasper Simon. The effect of El Niño weather patterns on wildlife has been documented worldwide for years, but scientists are now uncovering some startling new facts. $5. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena. Flumpa and Friends: Kidspace Museum 11 a.m. Join Weny the Sciestis and Flumpa the tree frog to the Stone Hollow Amphitheater. An interactive science adventure that exercises mind and body. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. Dr. Seuss Weekend: Kidspace Museum March 1 and 2. To honor Dr. Seuss' birthday, children are invited to come dressed as their favorite children's book character. Show off your costume at the Stone Hollow Amphitheater at 1:30 p.m. (each day) during a special storytime. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. Dr. Seuss' Birthday, Flowerpot: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Storytime every hour, free crafts, face painting, games and activities. Also, Children can make a colorful "flowerpot." 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Sherri Smith: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 2 p.m. Author Sherri Smith presents her newest title, Hot, Sour, Salty, Sweet. Ana's father is Chinese American father and her mother is African American. On her eighth-grade graduation day, both sets of grandparents are in town to celebrate, and they can't agree about anything. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne. Register Early Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008 Bonsai Builders: Huntington Library 9-11 a.m. Join a children's workshop on bonsai in which you will take home your own bonsai trees created in class. Ages 7 and up, with one accompanying adult, $25. Registration: 626-405-2128. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. Thursday, March 6, 2008 Music Tree: Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden Music, storytelling, poetry, and dramatic play serve as a jumping off point for learning about nature in this parent-child class that will meet for 10 Thursdays, from March 6 through May 22. Children play simple instruments, dance, and sign songs about birds, turtles, insects, ponds, gardens and habitats found at The Arboretum. $214. Ages 3-5 years. Register: 626-821-4623. Information: Laurel Beck, 626-398-7058 or email lifebloom@earthlink.net. 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. 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. West Covina Library: 11 a.m. For children birth to 5 years. Featuring books, stories, songs, fingerplays, and art projects. Current session ends March 10. 1601 West Covina Parkway, West Covina. Tuesday Free Night: Kidspace Museum 4 - 8 p.m. Kidspace opens its doors to the community to visit the museum free of charge, every first Tuesday of the month, beginning February 5. Investigate the natural sciences at the Digging Deeper Gallery, wander the outdoor interactive gardens, experiment with the Water Symphony, or navigate to the top of a sky-high raindrop climbing tower. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. 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. Information: 626-844-7916 or email altadenamomsclub@yahoo.com. . West Covina Library: 6:30 p.m. Stories, songs, art projects and more fun for the family. Pajamas and teddy bears are welcome! Current session ends March 11. 1601 West Covina Parkway, West Covina. 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. West Covina Library 4 p.m. Kids in grades 4 to 6 are invited to the library on the first Wednesday of every month to talk about books and enjoy snacks. 1601 West Covina Parkway, West Covina. 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 and enjoy moms’ nights out, book club, children and family activities, playgroups, special events and more. Information: mothersandmore@onebox.com, or 866-206-9068, x3921. Ronald McDonald House, 763 S. Pasadena 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 . 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. West Covina Library: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Imaginative play, music, and other activities to promote children's development. Second Friday of month in the meeting room. Feb. 8, March 14, April 11, and May 9. Free. 1601 West Covina Parkway, West Covina. 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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