altadenablog

National Gaming Day at the Library Nov. 12

Children of all ages and their parents are invited to come to the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St.  for National Gaming Day.  Play old favorite board games or try some new ones! Stop by the children’s room anytime between 10 AM-6 PM to take part in this event.

 

Community Arts Center starts classes this month

The Altadena Community Arts Center at the former Loma Alta School will start classes Oct. 24, with workshops for children and young age 6 to 18.

A project of the Altadena Arts Council, the Community Arts Center offers courses in everything from drawing and painting to theater and magic, and writing, spoken word, and poetry.

Classes run 6-8 weeks, and most cost $65 plus materials, if needed.  For the full rundown or to register, go here.

Altadena Library holds free parent/child workshop series starting Sept. 27

by Cassandra Stearns
Senior Librarian, Children's Services
Altadena Library District

The Altadena Library is offering a free five week workshop for parents of children ages three and younger. The Parent-Child Workshop is a one-to-one program and will be held at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. on Tuesdays, Sept. 27-Oct. 25 at 6:30 PM. The workshop features toys, crafts, books and play. Community resource professionals will be on hand to discuss weekly topics and to answer parenting questions and concerns. In-person pre-registration at the library is required. Space is limited to 25 registered children between the ages of 6 months-41 months and their parents/caregiver. Older siblings up to age 5 may also attend.

The Altadena Library is a Family Place library. The Parent/Child Workshop, a core component of Family Place Libraries, is offered each fall and spring. This five-week workshop helps families with young children come together with community resource professionals to get the support and guidance they need.

The Family Place Program is a statewide initiative that helps create family/early childhood space in the children’s area of local public libraries. Modeled on the national Family Place initiative, the California Family Place Program is supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.

For more information please contact the Children’s Services Department at 626-798-0833.

 

Read for the Record Oct. 7: "The Snowy Day"

Ezra Jack Keats' children's classic, The Snowy Day, will be the book at the annual "Read for the Record" day on Oct. 7.

The annual Read for the Record campaign encourages teens and adults to read with young children. By encouraging a single, common day of reading engagement where participants read the same book, they attempt each year to set a new world record and raise awareness about the importance of early childhood education.

Locally, reading locations and times will be at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa (11 AM & 4:30 PM); The Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 Lincoln Ave (4 PM);  and Perry's Joint Ice Cream & Sandwich Shop, 2051 Lincoln Ave. (10:30 & 4 PM).

There will be fun activities and participating children will get their own special copy of The Snowy Day.

Altadena Arts Council announces summer program

The Altadena Arts Council sent us this info on their summer program:

The Altadena Arts Council is making it possible for Altadena/Pasadena area parents to provide their children and youth with an opportunity to be a pART of ART of the creativity this Summer at its "Creative Summer Arts Discovery Workshops!"  They'll learn from experienced teachers, create exciting projects, make lifelong friends.  They'll explore and discover art in its many forms as they also discover the artist in themselves. 

And, how about this: "It's affordable!"  Only $55/per one-week workshop; $100/per two-week workshop.  Want another bonus? Families enrolling two or more children pay only $50/per child (T-shirt included!). 

If you are a parent, here's a great opportunity for your child.  If you are Gramma/Pa, aunt/uncle/cousin, friend/neighbor or total stranger, here's a great  opportunity for you as well to pass along this information. 

Applications now being accepted for Session A: July 19 - July 23; and Session B: July 26 - July 30. Applications can be downloaded from www.altadenaartscouncil.org. For questions, contact the Altadena Arts Council at 626-797-5798 or e-mail: info@altadenaartscouncil.org.

Classes are from 9 AM-3 PM on the campus of Sacred Heart Church, 600 W. Mariposa.

Be prepared

Warping the next generation, we were the guest of Cub Scout Tiger Den 1, Pack 4, which hails from Westminster Presbyterian Church.  Here, at the Hastings Ranch Library on Wednesday, we try to explain online journalism to an appreciative audience of good scouts.  Thanks to den leader John Heinson, who invited us and took the picture.

Central Altadena Little League and sheriffs hold fundraiser June 1

The Altadena Sheriff's Station in partnership with the Central Altadena Little League (CALL) are holding a fundraiser  on Tues., June 1 at the 300 Pasadena bowling alley (LOCATION), from 4-6 PM.

CALL players are getting sponsors to support an afternoon of bowling.  Players will be matched with a member of the Altadena Sheriff's Station.  There will be special prizes for the top two players who received the most dollars in sponsorships.


This is an opportunity to bring together the Altadena Sheriff's Station, the Central Altadena Little League, and the community of Altadena for a very special event.

For any questions about this event, or if you wish to make a private sponsorship, feel free to call Dep. Marcos De La Riva, 798-1131 ext. 2629.

Children's choir does "Jungle Book" at Westminster Pres this weekend

The Altadena Children's Choir will be performing an original production of Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book" this weekend at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Morrison Hall, 1757 N. Lake, Pasadena.  Tickets are $10, $5 for students and seniors, and kids 12 and under are free.  Saturday's performance is at 7 PM, and Sunday at 4 PM.  This performance is supported in part with funds from the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Foundation.

Year of the Cat

This month marks the first anniversary that the Mighty Altadena Blogger Susan Carrier (along with partner Troy Corley) have been in charge of The Orange Cat, an invaluable service to beleaguered LA-area parents.  Anissa V. Rivera looks at Carrier and Corley, mom-hood, and whattya do with those kids?

Preschool fair this Sat.

The MOMS Club of Pasadena will hold its Preschool Fair this Saturday from 9 AM-noon at the Grace Christian Academy, 75 N. Hill.  Several Altadena-area preschools will be represented, and a silent auction will benefit Five Acres, among others.  For more information, go to www.momsclubpasadena.com.

Farnsworth Park Winter Camp registration starts Dec. 7

Wondering what to do with the kids over the holidays?  Farnsworth Park will be taking registrations starting Mon., Dec. 7, for the Dec. 21-31 Winter Camp.

The camp (which is closed on holidays) will run from 8 AM-6 PM every day, and cost is $50 per week.  Space is limited to 40 campers ages 7-14, a snack is provided, but children must bring their own lunch.

Activities include:
 
    •    Arts n’ Crafts
    •    Computers
    •    Educationally based activities
    •    Outdoor recreation
    •    Computer club
 
For more information, call the Farnsworth Park office at (626) 798-6335.

Marla Frazee @ Vroman's Sat.

Just picked this up from our friends at Hometown Pasadena: Altadena-based children's illustrator/author Marla Frazee will be signing her new book, All the World, at Vroman's tomorrow at 10:30 AM.  (Harriett You'll Drive Me Wild is a staple in our house!)  Be there!

Waldorf School Elves' Fair this Saturday

24th ANNUAL ELVES' FAIR
Pasadena Waldorf School
209 East Mariposa Street
Altadena, CA 91001
(626) 794-9564

Saturday - November 21, 2009
10 AM to 4 PM

Free Admission!
Fun for the whole family!

In an atmosphere reminiscent of a medieval faire, fairies, elves, and minstrels abound. Celebrating the end of the Fall harvest season, the Faire anticipates the coming darkening and cooler Winter months when families gather together cozily in the warmth of their homes and rejoice in the light-bringing holidays.

We invite you to join us for amazing holiday shopping, artisan crafts, music, entertainment, food, games and great family fun!

For more information, please visit their site: http://www.elves-faire.com/index.html

Double-header Saturday at the Library Nov. 21

Another double-header weekend at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa, on Sat., Nov. 21.

At 10 AM, it's Super Family Storytime for children ages 2-8 and their families, with stories, songs, fingerplays, and a short film.

At 11 AM, it's "Barks and Books," where young readers can read aloud to Pearl, a lovable poodle and appreciative audience!

Library's Friday Fun Flick: things are looking "Up" Nov. 20

"Up," Disney/Pixar's hit from last summer, will be the Altadena Main Library's Friday Fun Flick on Fri., Nov. 20, starting at 3:30 PM at the library, 600 E. Mariposa. Admission is free!

Two Altadena schools host summer food service program

Via Monica Hubbard, we received this note from Assemblyman Anthony Portantino's office:

Dear Friends,
 
Our state and nation are facing tough economic times.  It’s important that we all pull together and use the resources available to us.  During the summer months – when school is out of session, Assemblymember Portantino wants to be sure that you know about the Summer Food Service Program.
 
The SFSP is a 100 percent federally funded program, created to ensure that children in low-income areas receive nutritious meals and snacks when school is not in session.  The California Department of Education administers the program in California.
 
You can call the phone number of the site nearest you to determine if your child is eligible to participate in SFSP. 
 

Locally, there are two sites that will operate through the end of summer: Eliot Middle School, 2184 N. Lake, contact Virginia Moreno, 626-798-2480; and Jackson Elementary, 593 W. Woodbury Rd., contact Silva Nighosian 626-794-8597.

Still time to enroll in the Parent Project

We've been (and still are) dealing with a couple of non-Altadenablog projects with deadlines coming up, so our updates will continue to be sporadic for the next few days.  One of the ones we missed was this announcement for The Parent Project, which has been highly recommended by several people.  We've been assured that, even if you missed the first meeting Wednesday, there's still time to enroll in the remaining classes.  For only $30, with childcare available, it's a great deal!

The tougher it gets to be a kid…

                               …the tougher it gets to be a parent!

Gangs. Drugs. Alcohol. Family disintegration.

Today’s youth face unprecedented pressures and problems.  It’s no wonder so many of them have given up on resisting society’s ills and have started reflecting them.  While this may explain their difficult, defiant or destructive behavior, it doesn’t excuse it!  Parents need to learn effective prevention and intervention techniques in order to help their children.

The Parent Project® delivers results!

    * Prevent (or stop) children from using alcohol, other drugs and tobacco.
    * Put an end to parent-child arguments!
    * Improve children’s grades and school attendance.
    * Recognize and prevent gang involvement
    * Learn how to “out-will” a strong-willed child!

Learning Works! will host a 10-week session beginning Wednesday, June 24th.  The cost of the program is $30/family, which includes all material fees.

Workshop Times:

June 24th – August 26th, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

All workshops will be held at Learning Works! Community Learning Center located at 2790 E. Walnut Street in Pasadena.

Childcare will be available.  Please call for more details.

To register for the workshop, please call Learning Works! Community Learning Center at (626) 564-8762.  For general information on The Parent Project®, please call (626) 585-3010.

Late registration for Altadena Christian Children's Center summer camp

OK, you've been procrastinating long enough:

ACCC SUMMER WONDERLAND DAY CAMP: LATE REGISTRATION 

 We still have a few spaces available for our day camp, which is just for primary grade students having completed kindergarten through grade 4.

The theme this year is Discovery! Around the World in 50 days. Students will be involved in academics, fine arts, recreation and sports. There will be speakers and exciting weekly field trips.

June 24 to August 28, 2009. Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 Altadena Christian Children’s Center and Altadena Elementary School

Contact information:

Toni Boucher, director Altadena Christian Children’s Center

626 797 6142

altaccc@aol.com

www.accc-kids.org

 Check us out on Facebook, too!

Pat Hedlund retires from Altadena Nursery School

PSN front-pages the retirement of Pat Hedlund, 84, executive director of Altadena Nursery School (which has been in Pasadena for many years, but the ties are strong).  Starting in 1950 from a Caltech parents' co-op, the school has blossomed into an institution for children ages 2-5 and their parents. Her big celebration is June 6 (an already-busy day!).  See the story for deets.

Danny's Farm -- a great place to meet chicks

OK, you knew that was coming.  It's springtime, and a good time to contemplate which comes first ...  click the picture to enlarge.

Youth acting workshops at Farnsworth Park

Found this on The Meadows' neighborhood page, and thought it worth repeating:

The Altadena Arts Council (TAAC), in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, will be sponsoring an "Acting Workshop for Youth", which will be held at Farnsworth Park, corner of North Lake Avenue and East Mountain Curve. The workshop will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:00 pm - 5:00 p.m. The first six-week session begins on Monday, May 11th and ends on Wednesday, June 17th. The workshop is open to all youth 9-14 years of age and costs $10.00 per class. Advanced registration is advised. For further information, please contact Mary Ann Stevenson at 626.797.5798 or via E-mail at maswrites@att.net .

If you scroll down, you can see that the Meadows' blog reprinted our original story about the Altadena Arts Coalition's Lake Ave. Business District Open House without permission or attribution!  But we forgive 'em 'cause they usually do a good job!

Danny's Farm announces summer schedule

Is it almost summer already?  And what'll we do with the kids?

Danny's Farm has the answer for you -- they've announced their summer camp schedule, ten sessions, lots of flexibility.  Click on the flyer for details.

Food and fun at Summer Wonderland open house

If you're still looking for something for the kids to do this summer, Altadena Christian Children's Center is holding an open house for their "Summer Wonderland":

Food and Fun at Summer Wonderland Open House

The third week in April has been designated the Week of the Young Child-come and help us celebrate. You can also learn about our summer day camp: Summer Wonderland, which is just for young children: children in kindergarten through grade 4. This summer our theme is DISCOVERY! AROUND THE WORLD IN 50 DAYS! From June 23 to August 28, our campers will be exploring continents, countries, bodies of water and means of transportation through our daily enrichment and weekly field trips and speakers. We will learn about the people, places and events of our world through fun academics, fine arts, recreation and sports.

Camp space is limited so sign up now! You will receive a discount if you register at Open House.

Come meet our great teachers and some of our summer campers!

 When: Thursday April 23, 2009  6:00 pm

Where: 791 E. Calaveras St. (between Lake and El Molino)

Contact: Toni Boucher, director. 626 797 6142 or altaccc@aol.com

Website: www.accc-kids.org
Let us know if you are coming to our Summer Wonderland  Open House. We will have munchies and activities.

SE HABLA ESPANOL!

 

"Ain't gonna work on Danny's Farm no more ..."

Apologies to Bob Dylan, but Danny's Farm is all about the fun, not the work!

Dodger second baseman Orlando Hudson was at the Altadena kid farm this morning to support C.A.T.C.H., his foundation for autistic children, and it looks like a good time was had by all.

Hudson posed for photos and signed autographs, while the musical group The Conductors entertained the crowd.

Hudson was also profiled in the LA TImes today.

UPDATE 4/6: Karin the Altadenahiker points us to some pictures of Hudson taking the ride of his life at the Altadena Stables next door (attrib ution corrected, thanks Karin!)

Spring is in the air at Danny's Farm

All kinds of doing's at Danny's Farm -- chickens, spring camp, and summer's coming up.  Click the graphic to enlarge.

A summer full of wonder at Altadena Christian Children's Center

It's not too early to think about summer -- really!  Altadena Christian Children’s Center is sponsoring "Summer Wonderland" June-August, a day camp just for children who have completed kindergarten through fourth grade:

Through the daily schedule, weekly speakers and field trips, our children are exposed to rich, multicultural learning experiences that are hands on, fun and meaningful.

The curriculum we use at Summer Wonderland is called Discovery! It is a series of interdisciplinary units of study with topics that are explored through fun academics, fine arts, recreation and sports. This year will be discovering our world as we go AROUND THE WORLD IN 50 DAYS!  There are opportunities for arts and crafts, music and movement, outdoor games, dramatic play, water play and cooking!

We want to help keep the children’s minds active and curious during the summer with a creative and fun approach to learning through their Camp experiences.

When does all this fun take place?

Dates and Times: June 22 to August 28, 2009
                       7 AM-6 PM
Location: Altadena Christian Children’s Center and Altadena Elementary School
               Altadena, Ca 91001
Contact: Toni Boucher, director
               Phone: 626-797-6142
               Email:altaccc@aol.com
               Website: accc-kids.org
               Fax: 626-296-3704

One little piggy, two little piggy ...

Cathy Gott from Danny's Farm gives us the latest from one of our favorite kid venues (Olivia the pig just had her babies -- check it out!).  Click image to enlarge.

Year of the Cat

The Orange Cat is a must-see website and newsletter for San Gabriel Valley parents.  It was very exciting to read (via her Facebook) that it has been purchased by Altadena's own Susan Carrier!  We look forward to the Cat's next life from Altadena.

"... and Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again ..."

The LA County Dept. of Parks and Recreation will be holding a holiday camp at Loma Alta Park, Dec. 19-Jan 12, to give the little ones (ages 3-12) something to do besides drive you crazy.  Camp is Mon-Fri., 7:30 AM-6 PM, and cost is $45/week (closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, of course).  Activities include cooking, arts & crafts, hiking, games, sports, movies, field trips, and computer time.  For more information, contact Mister, Porsha, or Penny at 794-8811 or 398-5451.

Young writers

Young writers envision a perfect world in this PWeekly story, including Samaria Diaz, 10, of Altadena Elementary (and we have to tip our hat to Cory Atwater, also 10, of Marengo Elementary School in South Pas, 'cause we knew him when he was brand new!).

Turkey shoot tomorrow at Loma Alta Park

We're not exactly sure what's going to get shot here, but the county Parks and Recreation Department is holding a "Turkey Shoot" for ages 5 through 12 tomorrow, Nov. 21, at Loma Alta Park, starting at 5 PM.  There will be a coloring contest and a turkey shoot contest, where you can win a turkey, pie, or candy treat.  For more information, call 398-5451.

Central Altadena Little League signups start soon

Central Altadena Little League (CALL) is starting sign-ups for its 2009 season of boy's baseball and girl's softball.

Sign-ups (rain or shine) will be on the following Saturdays; Dec. 6, Dec. 13, Jan. 3, Jan 10, Jan. 17 at Farnsworth Park, lower field (Lake Ave. and Concha St.) , from 10 AM-noon.

Portantino sponsors children's health fair tomorrow

Assemblyman Anthony Portantino cordially invites you to the second annual Children's Health Fair on Fri., Nov. 21, 4-7 PM at the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena, 3230 E. Del Mar Blvd., Pasadena.  Information and resources regarding children's health will be provided, free dental screenings, a healthy cooking demonstration, and snacks .  Community partners are PUSD Network for a Healthy California, PUSD, and Young and Healthy.  For more information, contact Lerna Kayserian at 626-577-9944 or lerna.kayserian@asm.ca.gov.

The forces are aligning ... you must go to Danny's Farm!

A confluence of events tell us that Danny's Farm's Pumpkin Festival is the place to be this Halloween:

• PSN has a story about former Dodger Jim Gott, who was serving as "Principal for a Day" at Loma Alta School.  Gott, and his wife Cathy, are the moving forces behind Education Spectrum and Danny's Farm in Altadena.
• BuyLocalPasadena features the farm on its webpage.
• Altadena Stables has loaned out some horses for the festivities.

I guess we'll have to go!  The festival goes from 4-7 PM thru Thursday at Danny's Farm, 3064 1/2 Ridgeview Drive, Altadena.  More information: call 797-FARM, or  www.dannysfarm.com

Danny's Farm Fall Pumpkin Fest Oct. 26-30

Danny's Farm, 3064 1/2 Ridgeview Dr. in Altadena, is one of our favorite places to take the kids -- a place with real farm animals that's incredibly reasonably-priced, and right here in town.  This year, they're inaugurating their first annual Fall Pumpkin Festival from Sun. Oct 26-Thurs. Oct. 30, 4-7 PM. 

Activities include refreshments (by THE SPOT catering), cupcake decorating, arts & crafts, the petting farm, and a pumpkin patch.  Suggested donation is $5 per person, and there'll be free pumpkins for kids with special needs.  For more information, visit the website @ www. dannysfarm.com, or call (626) 797-FARM.

Pictured: Spartacus the goat at Danny's Farm.

"Tiny Tot Adventures" start Sept. 10

The LA County Dept. of Parks and Recreation is starting "Tiny Tot Adventures," for children ages 2-5, this Wednesday and going thru June 20, 2009.  Arts and crafts, sports activities, circle time, gardening, field trips, and more are part of the fun.  It meets at Charles White Park, 77 Mountain View St., from 9 AM-12:30 PM and it's absolutely free.  For more information, call 794-3807 or 798-1173.

"I don't want to work, just want to bang on the drum all day ..."

Yes, Todd Rundgren, and yes, we're showing our age.

But Caroline An of the SG News Group has a story in the Whittier Daily News and PSN today about Camp Summer Wonderland at the Altadena Christian Children's Center, and kids with drums.  It's the end of summer ...

You might as well jump!

Kids in both 'Denas just finished a couple of days of immersion in competitive and expressive jumproping, thanks to community groups and the makers of the documentary Jump! Check out the coverage in their events blog.  Altadenan Brian Biery, the Flintridge Operating Foundation and Northwest ECHO (which stands for Empowering Communities, Helping Others) made it happen.

(hat tip: Monica Hubbard)

Scott Land Marionettes @ the Library this week.

Music, puppets, and all that good stuff -- it's the Scott Land Marionettes at the Altadena Main Library, 2 PM Tues. afternoon, and  at the Bob Lucas branch, 3 PM Thurs.

Summer day camp to start at Charles White Park

The Los Angeles County Dept. of Parks and Recreation will hold a FREE summer day camp at Charles White Park, 77 Mountain View St., starting June 30 through Aug. 29.  Hours are 9 AM-6 PM  (free lunch will be provided July 24-Aug 31, which is kind of odd considering the camp ends two days earlier!)  Swimming, arts and crafts, sports activities, games, and other recreation will be provided for children ages 5-12.  For more infomration, call 798-1173.

Tennis, anyone? (age 8-17 only?)

The LA84 Foundation, along with the Southern California Tennis Association and the National Junior Tennis League, is offering a youth tennis program for children ages 8-17.

The six-week session is scheduled from July 7 to Aug. 15 at the following area locations: Farnsworth Park, 568 E. Mount Curve Drive; Loma Alta Park, 3330 N. Lincoln Ave.; and Monrovia High School, 845 W. Colorado Blvd., Monrovia.

Registration fee is $10. For information, call program director Arlene Barco at (310) 208-3838, Ext. 234.

Last chance for AYSO registration Friday

Missed the in-person soccer registration deadlines for AYSO 13?  Last chance is this Friday, May 30, from 6:30-7:30 PM at AYSO 13 Clubhouse, 711 W. Woodbury #E, Altadena.  Bring ID and $125 in cash or check.

Parent support groups starting up

Quality Care Education is starting two free parent support groups in the area. 

The first meetings are:
Monrovia/Duarte, Tues. May 20 7-8:30 PM at Foothill Preschool, 240 E. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia

Altadena/Pasadena:  Wed., May 21 PM at Altadena Boys & Girls Academy, 2151 N. Lake, Altadena. 

For more information or to reserve your space, call 626-398-4196.

JPL Open House this weekend

Alice Sarkisian Wessen sends this note:

My husband and I will be there the entire weekend so
feel free to stop by and say hi!
Alice

JPL Open House: May 3 and 4
JPL rolls out the welcome mat for the public this weekend, May 3 and 4.

Highlights for this year's Open House include watching 700-pound robots glide under artificial stars in the Robodome and close-up views of models of Mars rovers - past, present and future.

Children will be able to participate in many hands-on activities.

The free event runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days.
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/pso/oh.cfm?msource=FL20080429&tr=y&auid=3620336

Children's Day/Book Day at Bob Lucas Branch April 28

Starting at 1:30 PM at the Bob Lucas Memorial Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave., enjoy an afternoon of Latin American songs, stories, poems, and fables from award-winning bilingual children's storyteller and singer/songwriter Suni Paz. Children will receive a free book and pan dulce while supplies last.

Library fun in April

The Altadena Library has just released its offerings for April, and they look like fun.

April 15: Heeble and Jeeble: Come experience the sweet harmonies, zany antics, and fabulous funny costume & hat changes from the World’s Only Demi-Nerd Singing Duo as they perform corny “take-offs” of familiar tunes you know and love that will keep the whole family laughing for days after.  7 PM in the Community Room

April 18:  Family Fun Friday, screening Bee Movie.  3:30 PM in the Community Room.

April 26: Barks & Books:  Children ages 5-12 are invited to read animal related short stories of their choice to a lovable dog from the Pasadena Humane Society’s Companion Animal Program. This reading enrichment program makes reading fun, boosts confidence and encourages respectful, humane treatment for all animals.  11 AM in the Children's Room.

And don't forget Teddy Bear Story TIme (bring your PJs and a plush toy for bedtime stories and snack, 7 PM Mondays; and Preschool Story Time, 11 AM Wednesdays in the Main Library community room for engrossing stories, crafts, finger plays, snacks and a musical parade. Appropriate for children ages 2-5

The main library is at 600 E. Mariposa Street.

Spring Break Camp at Farnsworth Apr. 7-11

Spring break is coming, and what do you do with your little creatures? 

LA County Parks & Recreation is holding a Spring Break Camp at Farnsworth Park, 568 E. Mt. Curve Ave., from 8 AM- 6 PM April 7-11.  The camp includes field trips, sports programs, science experiments, hiking, and arts and crafts.  Open to ages 5 to 12, fee is $40 and a snack is provided.  For more information, call 626-798-6335.

Junior golfer sessions to start

We know it's a little hard to think of going golfing when the animals are traveling down the street in pairs, looking for the big boat ... but LA County is nonetheless up for a game with your little putters:

The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation will kick off its Junior Golf Program on Monday, January 7, 2008.  The Junior Golf Program will offer free golf lessons to youth ages 4 – 18 at a total of twelve participating Los Angeles County golf courses.

Celebrating its sixth year of introducing youth to the game of golf, the County of Los Angeles Junior Golf Program offers youth an opportunity to practice and learn the game of golf from professional instructors.  Each one-week Junior Golf session will take place every day from 3:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  The County of Los Angeles Junior Golf Program will offer free lessons at the locations and dates below.  Junior Golfers can enroll by calling the listed contacts.

A right jolly old elf

Father Christmas delivers crystals at the Waldorf School's 22nd annual Elves Faire on Saturday.  Lots of music, crafts, fun kid activities, a not-to-be-missed festivity every year.

(Thanks to Mrs. Altadenablog for the photo!)

Haunted fun in the local parks

Farnsworth Park will have a Halloween Haunted House on Friday, Oct. 26, Monday, Oct. 29, and Tuesday, Oct. 30.  The free event will be at the lower Davies Building from 6 to 9 p.m. -- and there will be candy involved.

So what about the weekend? Charles White Park will have a "Haunted Graveyard" on Sat., Oct. 27, from 5-7 p.m. at Charles White Field -- also no charge, and also with candy.