Marmalade January 2015

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Moms, Dads & All Things Kid in Orange County™

JANUARY 2015

EDITOR IN CHIEF

BETSY SANZ

EDITORIAL

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

JIM GILMORE, CFP®

CRYSTAL NAY

MICHELLE KOEPPL

JACKIE GRADE

JODY ROBINSON

ART

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DAVID PEREZ

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Dear Marmalade Reader,

As my dad likes to say, you either get older or you die. For some people, the new year comes like a birthday: heavy with significance and the semi-sobering reality of another year gone by very, very quickly. But thankfully the new year comes naturally with an anecdote: newness.

For certain sectors of the economy, this is by far the most business-building time of the year, because we are all alive with the sense that we can actually make a change – we can do better and be better, and we’re ready with our cash or credit cards to prove it (mostly to ourselves).

You probably have children of your own telling you exactly what they think of your resolutions; but just in case they are mute on the subject, we offer you the thoughts of a handful of local children ages 5 - 11

(page 26). I couldn’t stop smiling as I read through the interview. You won’t be able to, either. You will be inspired, not deterred, by them to square up to your goals, so we were sure to follow it up with some easy-to-remember strategies for staying on target (page 28).

One of those strategies has to do with sharing your goals so others can help you be accountable. I have heard that before; in fact, I have tried it. But in truth, I find that fear tends to be my most effective motivator.

Specifically, fear of being humiliated.

I have asked myself: would failing in front of 60,000+ readers present enough of a threat of humiliation that I might stick to my resolutions? Possibly.

So, if you will indulge me, I will share three resolutions with you, and I’ll give you progress reports over the next few issues of Marmalade.

1) Forgive the cliché, but I need to lose about 15 pounds (but I’ll be happy with 12) – before the summer.

2) I want to resolve the last bit of credit debt racked up during the recession – also before the summer.

3) I would like to be able to do the splits before the end of the year.

Good? Watch me.

Happy 2015! The entire Marmalade team and I look forward to a fun – and humiliation-free – year with you.

BETSY SANZ , EDITOR IN CHIEF BETSY@MARMALADEOC.COM

As parents, we all want the best for our children and dental health is no different. By Kindergarten, over 50% of children in California have already experienced dental decay. But there is a solution, a way to give every child a Healthy Smile!

Healthy Smiles for Kids of Orange County is a specialized nonprofit pediatric dental clinic for the underserved and special needs population. By offering, visual dental screenings, complete evaluations, comprehensive treatment, and dental education for the entire family, we aim to give every child a healthy smile.

LESSONS FOR FUTURE MILLIONAIRES

GIVING KIDS A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF MONEY AND FINANCES

PROVIDED BY JIM GILMORE ,CFP®

How do you give your children or grandchildren the right attitude about money? And a good financial start? While you can gift your child up to $14,000 a year tax-free, consider these options, wrapped up with financial lessons.

ROTH IRAS. If your child has a job, why not encourage saving for retirement with one of these accounts? Your child can contribute to the Roth IRA, and so can you. An individual can put up to $5,500 in a Roth IRA during a single year, but you cannot contribute more than the child or grandchild will earn annually from his or her job.

529 PLANS. These are state-based college savings accounts, and federal laws now make all investment gains in these plans tax-free (provided you use the money for education). Each year, a married couple can put in up to $28,000 per beneficiary without triggering gift taxes. Plans vary by state and you do not need to choose the plan from your state.

Too often children have little or no information about finances until they’re forced to deal with them.

STOCK. Grandparents and parents might think about gifting stock shares from a well-known company to a child – preferably, a company the child knows about and has an interest in. Over time, a child can follow the progress of the stock and the company, and learn lessons about the economy and the markets.

COMPUTER GAMES. Consider The Sims 2: Open for Business, a computer game in which a child can set up and run a mock chain restaurant, hair salon, fashion boutique, or almost any other kind of small business – even a lemonade stand. Most likely they’ll have fun and not even realize they’re learning valuable financial lessons.

Most importantly, start talking candidly to kids about money as early as possible. Too often children have little or no information about finances until they’re forced to deal with them. By sharing your knowledge now, you can take the fear out of financial matters and help your child plan for a more secure future. M

ST. MARGARET’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL our EVERYDAY

is a vibrant community with unbounded natural curiosity, intellectual vitality and a true love of scholarship. These qualities are nurtured and celebrated each day. Our students have unlimited opportunities to discover new passions and interests, from humanities and arts, to computer science and engineering. Expert faculty are invested in their growth and success. Classrooms are alive with examination and debate. From our youngest preschoolers to seniors about to go on to colleges across the nation, St. Margaret’s students are excited to learn and explore, and that energy is contagious. This is our everyday.

Admission Application Deadline February 1, 2015

31641 La Novia, San Juan Capistrano, California 92675

Phone: 949.661.0108 www.smes.org

Q&A

WITH Al Hensling, UNITED AMERICAN MORTGAGE

By many industry seers’ accounts, families will be back in the market for homes in 2015. Is your family one of them? Before you pull the trigger, Al Hensling, President of United American Mortgage, offers you the following perspectives –and advice.

Marmalade: What recent developments in the mortgage market are relevant to families now?

Al Hensling: After a period of time in which it was extremely difficult to obtain a mortgage, things have started to normalize and lending guidelines are starting to loosen. Just this month Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have introduced conventional financing with as little as 3% as a down payment. This combined with the lowest interest rates that we have seen since mid-2013 make it a perfect time to purchase a home.

M: How does 2015 look?

AH: As the Economy continues to grow and we experience job growth, more families will have an opportunity to experience the benefits of home ownership. Clients always ask what is going to happen to interest rates. I really wish I had that crystal ball to answer them accurately. It is difficult to say what rates will do, as markets have not reacted to this economy as they had previously. I counsel clients to borrow based on need and what they can afford.

M: What opportunities or risks should families be aware of right now?

AH: Loan programs are changing almost daily. As we move farther away from the mortgage meltdown of 2008, more and more programs and financing options will open up. But always be wary of the deal that sounds too good to be true. Even though recent changes have cleaned up the lending industry, there are still people out there that are not looking out for the client’s best interest. Families should always determine the experience level of their mortgage professional, along with checking references from previous clients.

M: How do you and United American Mortgage operate as compared to other mortgage providers?

AH: United American Mortgage takes a personalized approach to lending and determining what is truly best for the individual borrower’s needs. Our objective is to attain a client for life by providing the very highest customer service experience and the best possible mortgage products. Our team of mortgage professionals has been recognized for providing solutions where others have failed. Most recently we had the opportunity to assist a family that had been turned down at several institutions looking to obtain a loan for a new home purchase. We were able to structure the transaction under very attractive terms and allow the buyers to put down a smaller down payment than other groups had originally quoted them. M

Al Hensling is President of United American Mortgage of Irvine. Connect with Al and his team by calling (800) 708-5626 x110 or by emailing him at alhensling@uamco.com.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Looking for the right school for your child or teenager? Orange County offers many high quality options for private school… you just need to know where to look.

CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS

32032 Del Obispo Street San Juan Capistrano 949.493.5683 | cvcs.org

Ages/grades served: 4-18 (JK-12th)

CVCS focuses on growing leaders with a Biblical Worldview. Our size matched with our specialized programs fuel a community atmosphere while providing a high standard of academics and opportunities to develop every student’s leadership potential.

HERITAGE OAK PRIVATE SCHOOL

16971 Imperial Hwy, Yorba Linda 714.524.1350 | heritageoak.org

Ages/grades served: Preschool – 8th

As a family-run school since 1966, Heritage Oak has been able to create a wonderful balance between emphasizing good character while maintaining a strong academic program

NEW VISTA SCHOOL

23092 Mill Creek Drive, Laguna Hills 949.455.1270 | newvistaschool.org

Ages/grades served: 6th – 12th

New Vista School is a WASC-accredited, non-profit independent school serving

with a core curriculum which is one year ahead of grade level. Our personalized learning plans allow for the educational experience to be tailored to each child, resulting in engaged learners and top national test scores. Enrollment for the 2015-16 school year begins at Open House on February 6th from 6:308:00pm. Limited spaces are available.

children with high-functioning Autism in grades 6-12 and beyond. We maximize personal achievement and foster independence through academics, social skills, self-advocacy, and community involvement.

ST. MARGARET’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

31641 La Novia, San Juan Capistrano

949.661.0108 | smes.org

Ages/grades served: Preschool – 12th

We meet every young child where they are and nurture their unique development. Our early-childhood approach focuses on cognitive, physical, social, emotional and creative growth.

Our Preschool curriculum fosters exploration and foundation skills. The curriculum evolves into a dynamic academic classroom experience in kindergarten through the Lower School years in reading, writing and math, as well as science, social studies, world languages, physical education and arts.

HEALTH NEWS AND DEVELOPMENTS: 2014

And what they mean for our kids

BY YOUR FRIENDS AT MARMALADE

Too much sugar

Over 31,000 people participated in a dietary study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The results were published in February 2014 and the news was not shocking but plenty disturbing for its everyday reality for parents: sugar kills. Or, excess consumption of it does. People who consume more than 21 percent of daily calories from added sugar have double the risk of death from heart disease as those who consume less than 10 percent of calories from added sugars; and people who consume seven or more servings a week of sugarsweetened beverages are at a 29% higher risk of death from heart disease than those who have one serving or less. POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS: Take added sugar seriously. And, possibly, think of sodas as killers.

Cig whack-a-mole

September saw national drug store chain CVS discontinue the sale of cigarettes in its stores, which made sense given that CVS is a pharmacy, there to help people regain their health, not damage it. When it comes to tobacco, most parents would likely say less availability for kids is good. Unfortunately, vaping (smoking of e-cigarettes) is the new hot thing for many teens and young adults. It was reported this year that the e-cig market is expected to hit $10 billion by 2017, after only about eight years in existence. Not much is known about the health effects of tobacco delivered by vapor.

POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS: Talk to your kids about e-cigs so by the time they see their peers with them, they know what they are and why it’s best to stay away.

A lot of ice water thrown around

Before 2014, only a fraction of the population knew what ALS (aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease) was. By now, you would have to be a serious hermit to not know at least something about it. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge was arguably one of the most successful PR events of all time, with very real results, reportedly raising more than $100 million for the ALS Association, which is dedicating to finding a cure for the disease. With the height of the action taking place over the summer, and with its majorly fun and viral quality, the phenomenon captured the imagination of kids across the world. Interesting side note: Forbes Magazine estimates that Facebook profited to a multi-million dollar tune thanks to the Challenge, which caused a surge in time spent on the social media site during the summer.

POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS: Ask your kids if they know anything about ALS; if they don’t, tell them about it so they can connect the action to the cause.

A deadly disease ravages, a vaccine offers some hope

The Ebola outbreak in West Africa was by far the biggest health story of 2014. While it didn’t directly impact the lives of Orange County families, all of us have felt the heartache of this health challenge that is far from over. By the end of 2014 over 18,000 cases were diagnosed, with over 7,400 deaths and yet immeasurable economic and social consequences. An

Ebola vaccine has been under urgent development, with promising results early in a human trial; but by December the trial was put on hold as unexpected side effects became evident. The study is expected to resume this month.

POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS: Pray. Give.

The (trillions) of bugs within us

Since 2007 the National Institutes of Health have been working on cataloging all the microbes living in and on the human body in the Human Microbiome Project. Why? Because our microbes do a lot. They help us digest our food. They help us keep pathogens in check. They keep stress in check. They may even help us stay slim. And more and more evidence points to the importance they play for the health of babies. In theory, we would be able to determine the model of a “healthy” microbiome, right? Well, in 2014 the NIH told us that an analysis of healthy microbiomes has found that each person’s microbiome is unique. “Therefore,” says the NIH, “two healthy people may have very different microbial communities but still be healthy. Strikingly, the researchers found that although unique, certain communities could be used to predict characteristics. For example, whether you were breastfed as an infant and even your level of education could be predicted based on microbial communities across varying body sites.”

POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS: Do good for your bugs and those of your children by feeding them healthy foods (cut down on sugar per the above) and be very careful with antibiotics. M

Covert Cooking

Clever ways to sneak in the extra veggies

BY JACKIE GRADE

The dawn of the new year brings with it the promises of health, fitness and family resolutions, most of which include something along the lines of eating out less, packing healthy snacks and coming up with resourceful ways to sneak extra vegetables into everyday meals.

You can sneak nutrition into almost any dish with a little creativity:

• Sneak grated zucchini into your Saturday morning silver dollar pancakes or envelope it in the rich flavor of chocolaty brownies.

• Exchange regular noodles with “zoodles” (zucchini noodles) to boost the nutritional value of your pasta dinners.

• Mix steamed broccoli into either your breading or puree for chicken nuggets

• Cover up cauliflower in the dense cheesiness of macaroni and cheese

• Wrap thin slices of steak around an asparagus

• Blend spinach and carrots in with applesauce

• Swap flour with chickpeas next time you make chocolate chip cookies!

Here are some tasty favorites that would fool the family and please Popeye.

Fruit Smoothie Plus BroccoFlower Mash

Were it not for its green color you would never know that several handfuls of veggies are under this refreshing fruity breakfast or snack. Added almonds pack a protein punch.

Ingredients:

• 1 banana

• 1 tangerine, peeled

• 6 strawberries

• ½ cucumber, cut into small pieces

• ½ cup blueberries

• ½ tsp. cinnamon

• ½ cup kale

• ½ cup spinach

• ½ cup crushed ice

• 1 cup almond milk

What to Do:

Place everything but the spinach and kale into a blender. While blending, carefully open the blender’s lid and add the spinach and kale. Blend until creamy. If desired, add a handful of almonds in the last 30 seconds of blending for crunchy, nutty goodness. Serves two.

Zucchini Chips

Next time you pack the kids’ lunches, try replacing the usual potato or corn chips with these zucchini chips. Their light and crispy crunch work well by themselves or served with salsa, cheese or hummus for an afterschool snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 zucchini

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil

• Salt and Pepper to taste

What to Do:

Preheat oven to 450°. Slice a zucchini into very thin slices. Toss with olive oil and salt and pepper. Spread the slices out onto a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes and serve, or save the chips in a baggie for later use. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese before baking the zucchini for a cheesy twist!

This broccoli and cauliflower mash masks its true vegetable identity and successfully poses as the carb-rich, but undeniably beloved, mashed potato. The dish’s creamy texture easily pairs with a myriad of entrées.

Ingredients:

• 1 head of broccoli

• 1 head of cauliflower

• 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise (add more if necessary)

• Garlic salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

• Cayenne (optional)

What to Do:

Steam cauliflower and broccoli until very tender. (Use two pots if necessary). Drain water from the pots and combine both cauliflower and broccoli into one pot. With an electric mixer or hand masher, mash the steamed veggies until well combined. Mix in the mayonnaise, garlic salt, pepper and cayenne. Serve up! M

BACK TO THE BOOK

Is

your household in need of a slow

reading revolution?

BY BETSY SANZ

WHEN I WAS A KID,

and a teenager, and a young mom, books were my entertainers and my stress reducers. There was literally no activity that eclipsed that of reading. I would do it for hours, tucking towels at the foot of my bedroom door so my parents couldn’t see the light slip from my room at two in the morning; holing under the blankets so I wouldn’t disturb my husband; and eventually staying in the bathroom where the kids couldn’t get to me. (Not easily, anyway.)

But at some point there was always something more pressing to be doing, and in my work and in the world around me the flow of information rapidly whittled down to short, choppy half-thoughts and sensational headlines. As a professional, I have to fit more and more action into less and less words; and if someone else expects to keep my attention, they better get to the point in 140 characters or less.

My children have grown up reading novels that are 96% action, 3% snark and 1% meaning. I know because I have read and guiltily enjoyed many of them (I’m looking at you, Percy Jackson); but they can hardly be called good literature.

So recently I began harping on my teenagers to get into Dickens. Now, there was a master. If they just read some Dickens, their brains would stretch with new focus and their vocabulary would by necessity expand threefold – as would their appreciation for the wholeness of their family and the warmth of their little hands and feet. So much did I talk about Dickens that I began to think that I would like to revisit him myself.

So I took a copy of A Tale of Two Cities from my daughter’s shelf, where it had been sitting undisturbed for many months, cozied up in bed very happily (and perhaps a bit smugly) with it… and proceeded to struggle for an hour trying to get through the first two chapters before dozing off with visions of Candy Crush playing behind my eyelids.

Over the next couple of weeks I think I made it through one more chapter. I am no longer trying to pretend I am currently reading it. Or anything.

What has happened to me? Where has my capacity for long thought and concentration gone? And is this what it’s like for my poor kids?

It turns out I’m not alone. A 2014 survey showed that reading habits are on the decline. In 2011 about 79% Americans adults

reported they had read at least one book in the previous year; in 2014 it was

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal highlighted the slow reading movement. Basically, people are getting together to read without distraction. Not to talk about a book, a la a book club, but to just go somewhere cozy at the same time, turn their devices off at the same time, and read their individual books silently at the same time. It’s a response to what people like me are seeing happening to their own minds: a weakening.

It turns out that my life in front of glowing rectangles may have actually degraded my ability to read and comprehend. That WSJ article points to studies that have shown that our reading patterns have been altered by screens; whereas they used to be linear (left to right), they are now far more skippy and skimmy as we search all over for words we care about. A few years ago a study showed that presentations mixing words, sounds and moving images meant lower comprehension as compared to reading plain text. Additionally, many studies have show that reading text spotted with hyperlinks results in weaker comprehension in comparison to reading plain text.

Learning this is enough to, first, forgive myself, and second, inspire a change in my own habits. But what about the kids? Online reading and constant digital distraction hasn’t been a gradual change for them; this is the world as they know it.

Advocates and scientists alike recommend a few strategies for making linear reading a part of daily life. See the sidebar where they are bulleted in an engaging style, just in case you didn’t make it through this entire article. M

DISCONNECT. Turn of the devices and put them away.

SCHEDULE IT. Make it a point in your day and the kids’ day, like exercising and homework.

SET ASIDE

ENOUGH TIME.

Blocks of at least 30-45 minutes provide the necessary time to fall into meaningful concentration.

GET COZY. Make the event of slow, linear reading an enjoyable one. If that involves a blanket and some tea, or a cool breeze and some lemonade, so be it.

CONSIDER

REAL BOOKS.

Some say if you have an actual book, you will see it around and it will remind you to read. Airplane mode it. If you are going to read on your phone, switch that thing over to airplane mode. See point #1.

START A FAMILY CLUB. Start a reading club in the house, where you all quietly read your own books, but at the same time, in the same place.

Money Smart Stuff

Objects to help your kids reach for financial success at an early age

BY MICHELLE KOEPPL

I’m sure, if you really took a second, you could remember your first piggy bank. Your first coin purse. Your first secret stash. The hole in the back of the closet. The enormous mason jar on your dresser. Mine was a semi-opaque green safe, 5”x5”x5”, air tight, four digit secret passcode… sound effects.

Ok, now just for one second forget the pink plastic pig and let’s talk about what a piggy bank really was: the beautiful, aweinspiring, visual representation of all your dreams coming true. Because of your hard work; because you saved your allowance instead of spending it; because you sweated through that ninety-seven degree day and sold one hundred and fifty cups of delicious lemonade. And, be honest – was there anything more satisfying than opening up that plastic safe, pulling out each and every coin and dollar bill, and buying your own pizza down

the street and having a quarter left over for Street Fighter?

Darren Hardy, the publisher of SUCCESS magazine, understands very well the obsession with making it all add up. It started for him when he was eight, when his grandmother took him to the bank to make his very first deposit. “All the money I had, or at least what I hadn’t wasted, was printed right there in that passbook. ‘I bet I could get that number higher,’ was all I could think.”

His passbook, a small ledger that the cashier at the bank gave him, was the key. It was a tactile representation of all he’d saved, right there in his hands. Long live the ledger. Here are a few other ideas to get your kids feeling the wealth, and to help you teach them that sometimes saving is just as sweet as spending.

#1: Mason Jar Superhero Bank

What little boy (or girl!) doesn’t want to be a superhero? Teaching your kids to save can be a task worthy of a super-parent, and these adorable mason jar banks could be just the key to getting your little spenders into flexing their saving muscles! Melissa from Fireflies and Mud Pies notes that her kiddos have “taken to digging through the couch cushions for pennies to put in their jars” – and what cute jars they are.

How-To:

1. Spray paint the mason jar and lid in your child’s favorite superhero color (try turquoise for a snow queen, if your kiddos are hooked on a certain freezing tale!). Let dry.

2. Cut the superhero decal out of duct tape and layer as necessary. If you’re not too artsy, you can always print out an easy stencil from the internet and work from there.

3. Affix decal, cut a hole in the lid for change and, voila!, super saving time.

Photo Credit: Fireflies & Mud Pies. Superman and Batman are registered trademarks of DC Comics. See dccomics.com for images.

#2: Dream Bank

A couple of months ago, I was browsing Uncommon Good’s website for a gift. I stumbled upon their Dream Bank, an unbelievably good idea for helping your children realize that all they need to do to make a dream come true is save a little bit at a time! All you need is a shadow box picture frame, a photo of your child’s goal (StarWars® lego set, Astronaut Barbie®?) and you’ve got yourself a fun twist on the classic piggy bank.

My parents gave us a small allowance when we were kids - and made it clear that when the money was gone, it was gone. I can’t tell you how many times I spent my entire allowance on the newest skateboard wheels or trucks and then couldn’t go to a movie with my friends because I was out of dough. But they always allowed us to work for hire: doing chores that weren’t part of our normal, everyday tasks. Want to vacuum an additional room? Clean the windows? Organize the junk drawer? Whatever it was, we got a few extra quarters (or dollars!) for going the extra mile. You can easily craft your own work for hire board like thechicsite.com’s Rachel Hollis, with a simple cork bulletin board, some tacks, and a few binder clips.

–

Materials: Cork Board - $28.99 (24” x 36”)

The folks over at Capital One really got it right: “It’s never too early to put the little ones on the road to financial independence.” And folks like Dave Ramsey would agree. That’s why they both have financial tools for all ages, to show youngsters that stashing cash away is easy. And fun. Want to know more? Just check out Financial Peace Junior, over at DaveRamsey.com, or, if your kiddo is not so much a kiddo anymore, their Starter or Designer Envelope System. Great for teens and your college-aged kids, they offer all the tools you need to start managing money. Want a place where your child can see their money grow? Start a savings account for them; most banks have programs expecially for kids, replete with their very own sign-in info, and a handful of easy savings tools to have at their fingertips. M

New Year's What?

What children think of our New Year’s Resolutions

Every year, adults make a list. Not a shopping list, or an errands list, but a list that is supposed to change our lives and make us better people: we make our list of New Year’s Resolutions. Our kids hear us talk about them, and maybe even see us embark on the challenge, but what do they really think of some of the top resolutions made by adults?

Marmalade's Crystal Nay asked four local kids – Ethan, 11, Anya, 8, Sierra, 9, and Ashlyn, 5 – what they thought, and here are their responses.

CRYSTAL: What do you do for work?

Ashlyn: Go to school.

Sierra: I don’t go to school.

Anya: Do homework.

ETHAN: That’s a very good question. I’m a theatrical assistant director, except I don’t get paid. And I’m an amateur rat hunter.

Do you know what a New Year’s Resolution is?

Ashlyn: No. No idea.

Sierra: Sort of. It’s something that you want to do during the new year. Kind of

like on your permanent To-Do list for the new year.

Anya: Something you want to do in the new year.

ETHAN: Of course, basically, when someone resolves to do something or not do something over the new year.

Do you know what “resolve” means?

ETHAN: Resolve means… can I borrow a dictionary?

Resolution: Lose Weight

Ashlyn: (confused) To lose weight?

Sierra: I think it’s good… for some people. Because some of them might

need to, but other people might be twigs.

Anya: Well, everyone wants to be in shape.

ETHAN: I think they should do it, and 99.99999999% of people who say that this is their resolution never actually do it. They don’t actually do it because most people don’t like to change the way they live their lives.

Resolution:

Stop Drinking Coffee

Sierra: I think it’s good. Because that way they can have more of a variety of what they drink in the morning. Like water, orange juice, tea, apple juice. And other things that don’t make people’s breath smell weird. Plus, doesn’t coffee make people hyper?

Ashlyn (age 5)

Anya (age 8)

ETHAN (age 11)

Sierra (age 9)

ETHAN: This one never actually happens, either. It never works. Personally, I don’t care for coffee. It smells nice, but it doesn’t taste very nice. I think they want to stop drinking coffee because people get caffeine crashes, or they can’t sleep. It’s just not good.

Anya: Drink tea not coffee, because coffee is caffeinated and tea often isn’t. Plus, coffee stunts your growth. I don’t like coffee. I hate coffee.

Resolution: Travel More

Sierra: People should travel more, so they can meet new people and try new things.

Ashlyn: I don’t know. Sounds like fun. I want to go to Hawaii. Can that be my resolution?

ETHAN: If you have a lot of money, this is a good resolution. It goes along with my coffee thing, most people who like coffee will go to places like Spain or Arabia, all those far flung places because they love coffee. But, people who like watersports won’t go to the Rockies because they won’t try things they don’t like. People don’t like change. I’ve learned that through history, and through firsthand experience.

Anya: This is an awesome resolution. Because it’s fun, you get to visit different places and you make new friends, but you have to leave them in two days. I enjoy traveling because you can sit on planes and watch movies.

Resolution: Quit Smoking

Sierra: I think it’s a thousand times healthier for the earth and for them! Cigarettes are filled with gross and disgusting things in them.

Anya: (straight-faced) Do it. Smoking is bad for your lungs. This is a good resolution.

ETHAN: This one is another hard one, except it’s gotten a bit easier because there are so many products and medications to help people stop smoking. But, it just takes a really long time no matter how you do it. I think this is a good resolution because lung disease and other bad things happen to people who smoke. It’s a good resolution for people who will actually do it. If not, they should pick another resolution.

[To Crystal:] Is this your actual line of work, or is this a side job.

C: This is my line of work.

ETHAN: Okay, cool. Now that we got that out of the way, what’s the next question?

Resolution: Get a Better Job

Sierra: They might make more money and be happier with it?

Ashlyn: Do it! My mommy did, but she keeps saying she should have waited until her bonus. What’s a bonus?

Sierra: Yeah, what is a bonus?

ETHAN: Well, at this particular time, there aren’t a lot of jobs available. So, I would say stick with what you have, and don’t quit your job until you have a new job already. Because no one wants to be out of work and out of money, waiting for the perfect job opportunity.

Anya: That’s a good resolution as long as your job isn’t in a nuthouse, and they make more money than the last job. To be happy with your job and make more money for your family.

Resolution: Managing Stress

[Silence.]

ETHAN: That’s another tough one. The best way to do that is to try to find a lessstressful job, and get out of your stressful situations, and that will definitely help you.

Anya: Good luck!

C: Do you know what stress is?

Ashlyn: No.

Sierra: I know what stress is! It’s something that makes your hair fall out!

Anya: Stress is when you’re under pressure.

ETHAN: It’s kind of when someone gets anxious and freaked out about something that’s going on around them, and it’s confusing them and making it hard for them to concentrate and hard to be around. They get wigged out if a job doesn’t get done, or is done late, or too early. You kind of know the feeling, right?

C: Yes.

Resolution: Volunteer More

Sierra: It’s very, good, nice, helpful. I think that’s a good resolution to have.

Anya: This is a good resolution, and good luck. It’s good because you get to help other people more, which is good.

ETHAN: That’s basically what my job is. It’s doing something for someone without actually getting paid. Regular people wanting to volunteer helps homeless people. Most people thinking volunteering is helping those in need. It’s that and a whole bunch of other things. It’s a good resolution if you’re willing to do physical and mental labor without actually getting paid for it.

Resolution: More Time with Family

Sierra: I think that’s good. You can keep in touch, see what’s going on. But, my cousins are really annoying most of the time. I think it’s a good resolution, but it really depends on if you like your family or not.

Ashlyn: I have no clue…

ETHAN: This is a good one for people who work a lot. Work is both good and bad. If you work too little, you’ll be poor. If you work too much, you might be wealthy, but you won’t have the emotional happiness. If you work just the right amount, you will have family time and still be able to provide for your family.

Anya: This is awesome, I think you should spend more time with your family so that your family is happy.

What are some of your own resolutions?

ETHAN: Geez. That’s a good question. I haven’t set them yet, but I have some beginnings of resolutions.

Anya: My resolution is to not have my brother hit me every five minutes. That’s it. M

Have resolutions of your own? See page 28 for success strategies. Does your child have a New Year's Resolution? Share it with us. facebook.com/marmaladeoc

From Resolution to Reality

20 ways busy moms and dads can actually keep the 4 most common resolutions

Lose Weight / Get Fit

1. Eat smaller portions: Don’t open the refrigerator with “wild dog hunger.” Insteak, keep a steady balance throughout the day with blood-sugar balancing snacks.

2. Work up to it: Begin the year with small bouts of daily cardio workouts such as jogging, biking or swimming and work your way up to p90x or Insanity.

3. Get serious about sleep: Researchers from Brigham Young University noted that women who varied their sleep schedules by 90 minutes each day had higher body fat percentages. Those who slept a consistent 8 to 8.5 hours a night tested with lower percentages.

4. Keep notes: Regularly writing down exactly what, how much and when you eat quickly brings perspective to your consumption and shows where you need to cut back.

5. Eat at home: When restaurants prepare their meals, they add hidden salt, sugar and calories that you consume unawares. Prepare your meals at home and take control of what you eat.

A A A A A A A A

Save Money

1. Examine your expenses: Look at your monthly bank statements and find ways to cut back on amenities you do not need until you have a better grip on your spending.

2. Make a budget and keep it: Plan your spending in every area and do it. You can and will gain control over your wallet within the confines of a realistic budget.

3. Pay in cash: As financial author Dave Ramsey likes to say, “Plastic doesn’t hurt like cash.” Not to mention, cash payments won’t accrue any interest!

4. Snowball the debt: Ramsey also suggests paying off the small debts first with minimum payments on all the others. Once it’s gone, take the money you were paying toward the smallest debt and anymore you can to snowball into the next one. You will see fast results.

5. Spend less than you earn: Living within your means constitutes living on less than you make.

Quit a Habit

1. Find a partner: A friend or family member who regularly checks in on your progress can work wonders.

2. Establish clear guidelines: Bring credibility and strategy to your goal by writing down specifically how you plan on quitting and when you want to completely cut off.

3. Be realistic: Quitting cold turkey works for some; a steady timeframe for stopping works for others. Either way, slipping up does not mandate you jump off the wagon completely.

4. Don’t just subtract – replace: Family physician Thomas Leytham suggests, “Buy chewing gum, or take stretching breaks, music breaks or walking breaks. Do word puzzles or sing out loud with your car windows rolled up. Whatever you must do to replace your habit will be worth the effort.”

5. Change your environment: Research suggests that our environment cues our habits. Changing your environment, even temporarily, can help change your patterns.

Volunteer More

1. Commit within your means: Instead of feeling trapped in a commitment you can’t follow through with consistently, test out the one-time volunteer possibilities.

2. Consider your skills: There are millions of opportunities out there. Think about your strong suits and find an organization that can benefit from them and strengthen them.

3. Involve friends and family: Studies have shown an increase in overall relational appreciation and respect within families who volunteered together.

4. Think about your availability: Will weekly volunteerism fit your current schedule? If not, think about giving money, or even virtual volunteering, as a better fit.

5. Stay local: You don’t have to leave your hometown to lend a hand. Look for local opportunities to give your time — and be there to see the fruit of your labor.

A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING FROM AROUND OC MASH–UP

KINDERGARTNER AND 12TH GRADER WIN JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT ART CONTEST

John Wayne Airport announced the winners of its 25th annual Student Art Contest themed “OC 125: Exploring Orange County’s Story” in commemoration of the County’s quasquicentennial. Gianna Gancar from Newport Coast and Hyojin Im from Irvine, received top honors as Grand Prize winners in this year’s contest. Their artwork, along with that of other winners, is on exhibit now through March 6, 2015, on the Arrival (lower) Level, adjacent to Baggage Carousels 1 and 4, in the Thomas F. Riley Terminal.

Hyojin Im (12th Grade)

Category II Winner (Grades 7-12) Crean Lutheran High School

Gianna Gancar (Kindergarten)

Category I Winner (Grades K-6) City of Newport Beach Art Program

TEENS KEEP FIT

ENTERTAINMENT-INFUSED LIFE-SAVING TREATMENTS

The CHOC Children’s Infusionarium is the first program of its kind to combine immersive video technology with life-saving infusion therapy, such as chemotherapy or IV antibiotics. Located inside The Dhont Family Foundation Outpatient Infusion Center (OPI) at CHOC Children’s, the jumbo screens and fabric-draped interior look more like a deluxe home theater than a hospital treatment room. Patients may choose from an extensive menu of video options, from watching movies to taking “live” virtual tours of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The Infusionarium opened over the summer. With treatments taking 4-6 hours each, it has proven to be a welcome distraction for patients and families.

Keep Fit America, a non-profit organization founded to combat the continuing rise of obesity in American teens, has launched a new eight-week program for schools and youth organizations with young people ages 12-23. Students at St. Cecilia School in Tustin (seen here) are participating in a pilot program and Keep Fit America is inviting other schools and organizations to bring the eight-week program to their own campuses and locations. To learn more, visit keepfitamerica.org

LIGHT OF LOVE AT THE HB PIER

Four thousand Huntington Beach residents came out to celebrate the annual Light a Light of Love, a beautiful pier lighting ceremony with more than 80 giant snowflakes lining the iconic pier. $100,000 was raised during the event to benefit the Community Service Programs’ Huntington Beach Youth Shelter, an emergency crisis and intervention program for children ages 11 to 17 which provides emergency shelter to homeless, abused and struggling youth and focuses on reuniting children with their families. Seen here: The Company Kids perform at Pier Plaza as part of the festivities.

HB HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ART FESTIVAL TO HELP GIRLS OVERSEAS

She’s the First is a non-profit organization that sponsors girls in the developing world to be the first in her family to graduate secondary school. On February 13 from 4-7pm at Marina High School (Huntington Beach) the Marina She’s the First Club will host an art festival to raise money for the cause, featuring an art gallery with paintings, ceramics, and art built from recycled or recyclable material. There will also be student volunteers doing face painting, henna and caricatures; a performance by Marina Choir; a hands-on ceramic table; a homemade cosplay costume competition; and lots of food!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR IMAGINOLOGY

CAN YOU (OR YOUR CHILD) STAND STILL?

Ever wonder what it would be like to step into a famous piece of art? If you can stand still for 90 seconds, you could experience just that by volunteering for the renowned Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach. In preparation of the 2015 show, The Pursuit of Happiness, the Pageant is looking for men, women and children of all sizes and ages to volunteer. Casting call will be held at the Irvine Bowl Park (650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA) on Friday 1/9/14, 7–9pm; Saturday, 1/10/14, 7–9pm; and Sunday, 1/11/14, 2–5pm. Call 949.494.3663 for more information.

The OC Fair & Event Center will be welcoming local students to showcase their abilities and talents in a variety of competitions as part of the 2015 OC Fair Imaginology event April 24-26, 2015. Themed “Full S.T.E.A.M Ahead”, the three-day event focuses on encouraging young people to explore, discover and connect with science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) through competitions, exhibits, makeshops and activities. Entry registration is due by April 3rd!

SHARE YOUR NEWS. EMAIL INFO@MARMALADEOC.COM.

TUSTIN THIRD GRADER WINS NATIONAL INNOVATION COMPETITION

Fairmont North Tustin third grader Kamran Ansari won a video contest to help solve a significant global environmental challenge. He is one of the six winners in the DISNEY BIG HERO 6 – XPRIZE CHALLENGE. The contest encouraged children between the ages of 8 and 17 to develop innovative approaches for addressing global problems. For his winning entry, nine-year-old Ansari proposed a product packaging rating system to inform consumers of the wastefulness of a product’s packaging. His system allows consumers to make environmentally friendly decisions by choosing products with less packaging waste. Good job Kamran!

HEALTHY SMILES’ SMILE MOBILE 2 DEBUTS IN ANAHEIM

Nonprofit Healthy Smiles for Kids of Orange County’s mobile dental clinic, Smile Mobile 2, made its Anaheim debut at Centralia Elementary School, offering dental health education and dental prevention screenings to prevent tooth decay – the number one chronic childhood illness, which is preventable. Healthy Smiles is dedicated to giving every child the opportunity for a healthy smile through working to alleviate tooth decay for children of all ages in OC.

LA QUINTA RESORT CLUB&

BY JODY ROBINSON

A

SURPRISINGLY

FUN,

FAMILY-FRIENDLY

VACATION DESTINATION FOR ALL AGES

Great golf? Check. Sublime spa experiences? Without question. But familyfriendly accommodation, activities and recreation for all ages from (in our case age 6 to adult)? Surprising, but happily true.

Palm Desert is perhaps best known for its world-class links and resort spa experiences. So it might not be at the top your list when considering family-friendly vacation destinations, but that would be a huge miss.

Our stay at the La Quinta Resort & Club proved to be among the most memorable – and enjoyable – weekend getaways upon which our family of four has embarked. Situated in the heart of Coachella Valley and shouldered by the rugged Santa Rosa Mountains, this iconic landmark originally opened in 1926 and boasts a storied Hollywood past serving as the quintessential desert oasis offering personal refuge for celebrities and world travelers alike.

This four-diamond property (which recently debuted a multi-million dollar restoration befitting a legendary classic) is quite simply a 45-acre playground defined by luxury accommodation, fine and family dining, a stately 23,000-square-foot signature spa, five championship golf courses, 23 tennis

courts and 41 – yes, that’s right 41! – showcase swimming pools.

We stayed in one of La Quinta’s 620 elegantly-appointed casitas and suites (there are also 98 villas). For returning guests, each accommodation offers a fresh, contemporary look while remaining in keeping with the original glamour and authentic architectural elements for which the resort is renowned. The casitas are clustered around the family-friendly swimming pools, each surrounded by a small grouping of accommodations so the kids got in plenty of water play in their “private” pool and spa just steps away from the room.

Drawing inspiration from the colorful desert environs, the casitas feature custom tile work, rich maple furnishings, stylized Palomino textured leather bed benches, luxurious Wingback-style headboards and contemporary Victorian chairs. Starlight Casita patios with stunning mountain views include plush couches and tables perfect for dining al fresco.

The grounds are breathtakingly beautiful, with panoramic mountain views, vibrantly colored gardens and pathways with bougainvillea, roses, citrus trees and lush vegetation everywhere you look.

ANIMAL AFTERNOON

In coordinating our itinerary for our upcoming trip to Palm Desert, I spent some time surfing the Net in search of family-friendly attractions and activities near La Quinta. I’ve been to the region several times over the years, but never knew there was a zoo here - especially one situated a mere 20 minutes away from the resort. A visit to The Living Desert Zoo and Botanical Gardens turned out to be a great way to spend a few afternoon hours in a setting that is fun and educational for the entire family.

We wandered along paved and unpaved walkways, winding our way through indoor and outdoor exhibits dedicated to preserving desert and animal life – the landscape is wonderfully displayed and interpreted for the visitor. We journeyed through ten different desert ecosystems and the kids were beyond excited to get up close and just the right amount of personal with a golden eagle, Mexican gray wolves, jaguars, a swift fox, mountain lions and a whole host of other creatures big and small.

The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens 47900 Portola Ave Palm Desert (760) 346-5694 livingdesert.org

620 casitas and suites, and 98 villas, feature in a recent multimillion dollar restoration.

There are 41 pools at La Quinta.

Although there is no shortage of dining destinations in Palm Desert, with a trio of excellent restaurants on property, there was no reason to ever leave.

For the first of our two-night stay, we opted for dinner at the Adobe Grill: a colorful, festive restaurant featuring authentic regional Mexican cuisine where the lively music and patio seating were particularly conducive to a family dining experience, where the kids could be kids without worry of interrupting another guests’ dining experience.

For starters, we went with the recommended signature guacamole that our server made tableside. This dish more than delivered on its promise with just the right amount of avocado, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice and just a touch of jalapenos for a little kick.

Entree specialties range from the Carne Asada which arrives with a fantastically flavored grilled, marinated skirt steak, cheese enchilada and frijoles borrachos to the Adobe Grill’s Fajitas made with your choice of grilled chicken, beef or shrimp served sizzling on a cast iron skillet with onions, Pasilla peppers and housemade corn or flour tortillas. Another popular pick is their award-winning house-made tamales (Chicken Machaca, Beef Machaca, Carnitas or Rajas with Manchengo Cheese) served with Teresita rice and frijoles.

For an adult dining experience, Morgans in the Desert is long on ambiance, stellar service and a mouthwatering menu of dishes made from the “freshest source of ingredients on the planet.” Also located on property, Morgan’s serves up Contemporary American cuisine, boutique wines and handcrafted spirits. We enjoyed an appetizer of Artisan Cheeses (Cowgirl double cream, purple haze goat morbier and valdeon blue accompanied by honey-drizzled mixed toasted nuts and black walnut toast, along with a glass of wine on the romantic, fire-lit courtyard before moving into the hacienda dining room for the main course.

Three-time James Beard award-winning chef and pioneer of the farm-to-table movement, Jimmy Schmidt draws inspiration from the bounty of the Coachella Valley to produce contemporary American cuisine. My husband, who knows his way around a good steak, raved about the prime, all-natural tenderloin filet while my coriander-crusted Alaskan halibut was flaky and flavorful enhanced by a Beluga lentil and roasted cauliflower saffron emulsion.

Outdoor Endeavors

Aside from playing in the pool several times each day, the kids (and their parents) enjoyed the idyllic winter clime, pedaling around the property and coasting along the scenic neighborhood streets of the adjacent La Quinta residential communities on bicycles available to rent in the fitness center.

In terms of offerings, it seems they’ve thought of every possible iteration of cycling enthusiast – from infants along for the ride in a baby seat or enclosed in a trailer, youngsters who require training wheels, to two-wheeled cycles for all ages, and even a couple of tandem bikes designed for an adult up front and a child cyclist pedaling behind. I selected a two-wheeler, while my husband and 6-year-old daughter – whom we knew would tire of pedaling within twenty minutes – chose the tandem. While it took some convincing and a few false starts to get our 7-year-old son going on a bike without training wheels, within thirty minutes he was riding like a pro, proudly proclaiming to anyone who would listen the rest of the day that he rode a twowheeler “without any help or even a boost from Mommy!”

From start to finish, our experience at La Quinta was nothing short of superb. But best of all, family memories and even a milestone or two were made here and for that, La Quinta Resort & Spa ranks right up there at the top of our list of favorite weekend family vacation destinations. M

La Quinta Resort & Club

49-499 Eisenhower Drive, La Quinta (760) 564-4111 • laquintaresort.com

Morgans in the Desert offers fine dining on property.

Guide A

Event for

January

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1ST

Happy New Year!

Thomas and Friends: Explore the Rails @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. Hop on board and discover the engineer within! Travel to the Island of Sodor where imaginations charge full steam ahead in a handson STEM exhibit based on the adventures of everyone’s favorite blue engine, Thomas, his engine friends and the Island of Sodor’s iconic locations: Knapford Station, Sodor Steamworks and much more. Help Thomas and his friends solve a variety of challenges, from simple sorting and shape identification to more complex engineering obstacles. Exhibit activities include: climbing inside Thomas’ cab to explore the engine’s inner workings, remove and replace parts to fix Percy’s wobbly wheel, load Percy’s coal box and water so he can deliver the mail, suit up as the conductor and sell tickets to ride the train, load and sort luggage and freight into train cars, explore the history of Thomas and Friends through books, TV show clips and toys, and plan and build navigation routes to favorite destinations on the gigantic island of Sodor train table. As children confront new challenges and test their abilities, the smiling faces of Thomas, Percy, Sir Topham Hatt, and others are there to offer encouragement and remind children how “really useful” we all are. All ages. Adults $16.95, children 3-14 years $12.95. 10am-5pm. Discovery Science Center. 2500 N Main Street. (714) 542-2823.

Science of Gingerbread @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. Inside the kitchen, much more is going on than pouring and mixing – it’s science at work! Our holiday festival is filled with great hands-on activities designed to bring families together this holiday season. Plus, check out awardwinning Gingerbread Competition entries displayed throughout the Cube! Event includes meeting Santa, building and racing your own candy car in the Gingerbread Derby, and decorating holiday cookies (and eating them too!). All ages. Adults $16.95, children 3-14 years $12.95. 10am-5pm. Discovery Science Center. 2500 N Main Street. (714) 542-2823.

IlluminOcean; Dana Point. The warmth of the Southern California winter season. The wonders of the deep blue sea. The dazzling spectacle of sights, sound and motion that's electrifying our ocean views like never before. Be there when the holidays brilliantly come to light in an amazing wonderland by the sand — it's the event premiere of Dana Point IlluminOcean. Like Rockefeller Center in New York or Millennium Park in Chicago, Dana Point is creating waves of excitement in Southern California this holiday season by showcasing 40 nights of holiday lights. The OC Dana Point Harbor will transform into the festive village to mingle and jingle, surrounded by hundreds of thousands of lights creatively sculpted into true wonders to sea — grand creations like a towering 50-foot GlowMotion tree and Lightwave tunnels that stretch longer than a football field! All ages. Free. Sun-Thurs 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm. Dana Point Harbor. 24650 Dana Point Harbor Dr. (949) 923-2255.

J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. What if you could drop off your children at Jump ‘n Jammin, a place they already love, with a staff member you know is friendly, and pick them up two, three or even four hours later. Sound good? Jump ‘n Jammin’s J-Care program gives you flexibility, and puts you in control. You decide when to drop off your youngsters and when you want to pick them up. (4 hour maximum per session/per week.) Children must be potty trained. We provide a safe, fun, exciting environment for children to play and learn under the care of our friendly staff. Reservations are highly recommended and space is limited. Ages 3-12 years. $10/hour (2 hour minimum). We also offer a sibling discount when dropped off at the same time at only $6/hour. The rate for J-Care, for children requiring one-on-one attention, will be charged $20/hour. MonThurs 10am-6pm, Fri-Sat 10am8pm, Sun 10am-6pm. Jump ‘n Jammin. 27741 Crown Valley Pkwy #215. (949) 582-5890.

Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. Come have fun and feed our Koi Fish. All ages. $1 per person. 12:45pm. Mission San Juan Capistrano. 26801 Ortega Hwy. (949) 234-1300.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 2ND

Cosmic Nights @ Big Air Trampoline Park; Laguna Hills. You’ve heard of cosmic bowling, but have you ever tried cosmic trampolining? Now at Big Air, you can! We turn down the lights, turn up the music and fire up the lasers and strobes. Enjoy access to all the attractions at the park – including Battlebeam and The Wall. All ages. $17 per jumper. 8:30pm-

11pm. Big Air Trampoline Park. 23251 Avenida De La Carlota. (949) 305-9788.

Special Extended Hours @ Aquarium of the Pacific; Long Beach. The entire Aquarium will be open, except Lorikeet Forest. Watch the nighttime activities of our animals, touch a shark, and enjoy the beautiful evening lighting of the Aquarium’s architecture. Ages 3 years and older. $14.95 per person. 5pm8:30pm. Aquarium of the Pacific. 100 Aquarium Way. (562) 590-3100.

Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. Come and see the coolest chameleons in the largest open air exhibit ever! We're only going to give you a sneak peek into what you're missing if you haven't stopped by to see Meller Manor yet. You'll just have to imagine the live hanging plants, tropical misting system, oh and 9 big beautiful Mellers Chameleons! All ages. Adults $5, children 3-11 years $5, children 0-3 years free. Mon-Sat 11am-7:30pm, Sun 11am5:30pm. The Reptile Zoo. 18818 Brookhurst Street. (714) 500-0590.

Teen Anime Club; Garden Grove. You asked for it, and we listened! Unwind after a long week at school and watch anime with your friends. Snacks provided! Ages-teens. Free. 3pm-5pm. Garden Grove Regional Public Library. 11200 Stanford Ave. (714) 530-0711.

Public Skating; Huntington Beach. Come enjoy some holiday fun on the ice! All ages. $5 per person, $3 for skate rentals. 5pm6:30pm. The Rinks Huntington Beach. 5555 McFadden Ave. (714) 901-2629.

Science of Gingerbread; Santa Ana. See 1st. IlluminOcean; Dana Point. See 1st.

Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st. Thomas and Friends: Explore the Rails; Santa Ana. See 1st.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 3RD

Job Shadow: Marine Biologist @ Aquarium of the Pacific; Long Beach. Do you need to shadow a marine biologist for a school assignment or are you just interest in what a job in the field of animal care is like? This program is perfect for either. This event takes a closer look at the field of fish and invertebrate husbandry. During this program participants will: hear from our aquarist staff what it takes to do their jobs, feed and touch animals in our private classroom touch pools, meet members of our volunteer dive staff, visit various behind-thescenes locations. Other activities may include: preparing food for and feeding animals in our largest exhibit, the 350,000-gallon Tropical Reef Habitat, feeding the rays and doing exhibit maintenance on the Ray exhibit, meet the aquarist that cares for our giant Pacific octopus or sea dragons and observe a feed, watching as a trained staff member cuts a window in a shark egg. Participants must wear closed-toe shows. Pre-registration and pre-payment required. Cancellations made 72 hours before the program will receive a full refund. Ages-7th-12th grade students. $39 per student, $35 for Aquarium members. 9am-12pm. Aquarium of the Pacific. 100 Aquarium Way. (562) 590-3100.

Science Saturdays; Newport Beach. ExplorOcean offers families a fun, interactive handson experience to connect to the seven essential principles of ocean literacy through Science Saturdays at ExplorOcean. Quick and engaging activities bring parents and children together as they make predictions, ask questions, problem-solve and think like scientists. Each month we will introduce a new theme based on one of the Ocean Literacy Principles. Join us at and prepare to see your world in a whole new way! Program is ongoing, weather permitting. All ages. Free. 12pm3pm. ExplorOcean Galleries and Science Courtyard. 600 East Bay Avenue. (949) 675-8915.

Panning for Gold at the Mission; San Juan Capistrano. Try your luck at finding gold in our customdesigned Mission trough. We’ll supply the pan and the “gold” – you roll up your sleeves and pan your way to riches! All ages. $3 per person, $1 for members. 11am3pm. Mission San Juan Capistrano. 26801 Ortega Hwy. (949) 234-1300.

Thomas and Friends: Explore the Rails; Santa Ana. See 1st. Science of Gingerbread; Santa Ana. See 1st. IlluminOcean; Dana Point. See 1st.

Cosmic Nights @ Big Air Trampoline Park; Laguna Hills. See 2nd.

Special Extended Hours @ Aquarium of the Pacific; Long Beach. See 2nd. Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st. Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 4TH

Target Free First Sunday; Santa Ana. Come and enjoy a wonderful day viewing fabulous exhibitions as the Bowers Museum and Kidseum offers complimentary admission on the first Sunday of every month. Sponsored by the Target Corporation. All ages. Free admission. 10am-4pm. Kidseum. 1802 N Main Street. (714) 480-1520.

Science Sundays; Newport Beach. ExplorOcean offers families a fun, interactive hands-on experience to connect to the seven essential principles of ocean literacy through Science Saturdays at the Back Bay. Quick and engaging activities bring parents and children together as they make predictions, ask questions, problem-solve and think like scientists. Each month we will introduce a new theme based on one of the Ocean Literacy Principles. Join us at and prepare to see your world in a whole new way! Program is ongoing, weather permitting. Follow ExplorOcean volunteers to the Back Bay Science Center to participate in their Community Day Program, hosted by the City of Newport Beach. All ages. Free. 10am-2pm. Back Bay Science Center. 600 Shellmaker Road. (949) 675-8915.

Storytime in the Garden; Irvine. A fun-filled enchanting hour of food related stories, songs, games and activities designed to help kids

build a strong language, literacy and life-long healthy eating habits. The garden setting stimulates curiosity and imagination, and enables participants to make personal connections with the stories by seeing firsthand how fruits and vegetables are grown. Ages 3-8 years. Free. 10am-11am. Farm + Food Lab @ Great Park. As there is no physical address to the location, call (866) 829-3829 for directions or visit http://www. ocgp.org/visit/hours-directions/

Kids Fishing Clinic; Dana Point. Dana Wharf Sportfishing invites all children to come to their dock side fishing clinic and learn hands on techniques on fishing from the experts. All ages. Free. 12pm. Dana Wharf. 34675 Golden Lantern. (949) 496-5794.

Fishing Trip; Dana Point. After the kids fishing clinic, Dana Wharf will be running a fishing trip! Extra bonus is the chance of spotting whales, dolphins and other marine life! All ages. Children 12 years and under free, adults are $46 plus license and equipment. 12:45pm5:15pm. Dana Wharf. 34675 Golden Lantern. (949) 496-5794.

Film/Video; Aliso Viejo. Showtime at the library. Join us for a recent DVD release in the Community Room. All ages. Free. 2pm-4pm. Aliso Viejo Public Library. 1 Journey. (949) 360-1730.

Showtime; Laguna Niguel. A current, popular film will be shown in the Community Room. All ages. Free. 2pm. Laguna Niguel Public Library. 30341 Crown Valley Parkway. (949) 249-5252.

Thomas and Friends: Explore the Rails; Santa Ana. See 1st. Science of Gingerbread; Santa Ana. See 1st. IlluminOcean; Dana Point. See 1st. Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. Panning for Gold at the Mission; San Juan Capistrano. See 3rd. J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st. Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd.

MONDAY, JANUARY 5TH

Winter Lego and Board Game Mondays; Brea. Bring your family to play with legos, duplos and family board games. All ages. Free. 11am-2pm. Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Public Library. 1855 Park Ave. (949) 646-8845.

Homework Help; Lake Forest/El Toro. Children may come to the Community Room for help with their homework. Please signup at the Information Desk. Ages-K-8th grade students. Free. 4pm-5pm. El Toro Public Library. 24672 Raymond Way. (949) 855-8173.

Family Storytime; Irvine. Join us for a storytime for children and their families. Ages 3-6 years. Free. 7pm-7:30pm. Irvine Heritage Park Public Library. 14361 Yale Ave. (949) 936-4040.

Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. Toddler Time @ Scooter’s Jungle; Aliso Viejo. See 4th. J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st. Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6TH

Surf City Nights; Huntington Beach. Every Tuesday night three blocks of Main Street close to traffic and open to fun. Shops spread out with sidewalk sales, the streets fill with unique vendors, and the farmers set up with fresh, seasonal produce and flowers. A variety of performers provide hours of lively entertainment. It’s a place where children dance in the streets, jump in the bounce houses, or ride a pony. It’s for strolling couples, friends’ reunions, and family gatherings. It’s when every restaurant tempts you with signature dishes, cheerful drinks and Surf City Night specials. It’s the perfect place to find that special gift amongst the 90+ vendor booths. All ages. 5pm9pm. Downtown Huntington Beach. Surfcitynights.com.

Baby Tales @ Granola Babies; Costa Mesa. Bring your little one to enjoy fun stories and songs. No registration is required. All ages. Free. 11:15am. Granola Babies. 3315 Hyland Avenue Suite B. (714) 445-4948.

Preschool Storytime; Aliso Viejo. Come for a fun-filled storytime. Parents are welcome to stay. Ages 3 ½-6 years. Free. 1:15pm1:45pm. Aliso Viejo Public Library. 1 Journey. (949) 360-1730.

Duplo Play Day; Costa Mesa. Children and their families are welcome to visit our Duplo tables. Use your imagination to build your own unique creation! All ages. Free. 2pm-6pm. Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Public Library. 1855 Park Ave. (949) 646-8845.

Teen Program; Garden Grove. We hold a wide variety of programs, including: art and photography, games (party, board and video), movies and anime, makerspace and computers, study skills, creative writing/poetry, job searching/ resumes, and college applications/ financial aid. Ages-teens. Free. 3pm-5pm. Garden Grove Regional Public Library. 11200 Stanford Ave. (714) 530-0711.

Teen Night; Garden Grove. Teen night at the library! Come to learn crafts and play games! Agesteens. Free. 5pm-6pm. Garden Grove West Public Library. 11962 Bailey St. (714) 897-2594.

Homework Help; Irvine. Teens can assist students with homework assignments. Ages-elementary and middle school students. Free. 3:30pm-5pm. Irvine Katie Wheeler Public Library. 13109 Old Myford Road. (714) 669-8753.

Pajama Storytime; Laguna Beach. Please come and enjoy the Sunshine Readers as they whisk the whole family off to dreamland. The National Charity LeagueLaguna Chapter generously provides this program. Wear your favorite pajamas and slippers! All ages. Free. 6:30pm-7:30pm. Laguna Beach Public Library. 363 Glenneyre Street. (949) 497-1733.

Lapsit Storytime; Stanton. Songs, stories and play for children and their caregivers with fifteen minutes of social play before and after storytime. Storytime starts before the library opens so the front door will be locked, just knock and someone will let you in! No registration required. Ages-infants and toddlers. Free. 10:30am-11am. Stanton Public Library. 7850 Katella Ave. (714) 898-3302.

Pajama Family Storytime; Stanton. Stories and a craft for the entire family! Pajamas and stuffed animals welcome. All ages. Free. 7pm-7:45pm. Stanton Public Library. 7850 Katella Ave. (714) 898-3302.

Brownies and Books; Ladera Ranch/Mission Viejo. Come to the library, find a great book and practice reading with a helpful AllStar Teen Volunteer. Please RSVP. Ages-1st and 2nd grade students. Free. 3:15pm-4:15pm. Ladera Ranch Public Library. 29551 Sienna Parkway. (949) 234-5940.

Preschool Storytime; San Juan Capistrano. Children and their

caregivers are invited to join us for stories, songs, crafts and fun. No registration is required. Ages 3-6 years. Free. 11:15am-12pm. San Juan Capistrano Public Library. 31495 El Camino Real. (949) 493-1752.

Family Storytime; Irvine. See 5th. Note: today’s time is 10am10:30am.

Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st. Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7TH

Native American Basket

Weaving; San Juan Capistrano. Experience the art of basket weaving by learning the traditions and capturing the culture of basket weaving. All ages. Free, with admission to the Mission. 10am-1pm. Mission San Juan Capistrano. 26801 Ortega Hwy. (949) 234-1300.

Toddler Time @ Big Air Trampoline Park; Laguna Hills. Looking for a safe, fun outlet for your child’s energy? Or maybe you just want to make sure that your little one has a particularly restful afternoon nap. Either way, we have you covered! We open our doors for little ones to jump at their own speed and comfort level. Without the older kids around, the toddlers feel right at home on all the attractions. In addition to opening the attractions, we provide extra balls and toys for the little kiddos. So whether your kids are bobbing around the dodgeball court or hopping into the foam pit, they will have a blast! Ages 6 years and under. $7 per jumper. 10am-1pm. Big Air Trampoline Park. 23251 Avenida De La Carlota. (949) 305-9788.

Toddler Storytime; Aliso Viejo. Stories, fingerplays, and songs for children with an adult. Ages 0-3 years. Free. 11am-12pm. Aliso Viejo Public Library. 1 Journey. (949) 360-1730.

Basic Origami; Irvine. Come learn basic origami, and have fun! All ages. Free. 4pm-6pm. Irvine Heritage Park Regional Public Library. 14361 Yale Ave. (949) 936-4040.

Lapsit/Toddler Storytime; Laguna Niguel. Simple stories, lots of fingerplays, puppets, and easy activities for children. Emphasis on repetition to aid our youngest learners. Ages 2 ½ years and under. Free. 10am-10:20am.

Laguna Niguel Public Library. 30341 Crown Valley Parkway. (949) 249-5252.

Preschool Storytime; Laguna Niguel. An active storytime with new stories every week, including music and dance time for children. Ages 5 years and under. Free. 11am-11:20am. Laguna Niguel Public Library. 30341 Crown Valley Parkway. (949) 249-5252.

Homework Help; Laguna Niguel. Volunteers give one-on-one homework help to students. Ages-elementary school students. Free. 4:30pm-6pm. Laguna Niguel Public Library. 30341 Crown Valley Parkway. (949) 249-5252.

Preschool Storytime; Stanton. Stories, music and play for children and their caregivers with fifteen minutes of social oplay before and after storytime. Agespreschoolers. Free. 10:30am-11am. Stanton Public Library. 7850 Katella Ave. (714) 898-3302.

Homework Help; Fountain Valley. High school volunteers are available to assist students with their homework or act as reading buddies. Ages-elementary and middle school students. Free. 4pm-5pm. Fountain Valley Public Library. 17635 Los Alamos St. (714) 962-1324.

Job Shadow: Marine Biologist @ Aquarium of the Pacific; Long Beach. See 3rd. Note: today’s time is 3:30pm-6:30pm.

Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st. Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd. Baby Tales @ Granola Babies; Costa Mesa. See 6th.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8TH

Get Looney; Cypress. The Chuck Jones Center for Creativity will be here to teach you how to draw your favorite Looney Tunes characters! All materials will be provided. No registration required. All ages. Free. 3:30pm-4:30pm. Cypress Public Library. 5331 Orange Ave. (714) 826-0350.

Brownies and Books; Ladera Ranch/Mission Viejo. Children gather to discuss “Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship” by Isabella Hatkoff. Bring a friend and make a new friend, we’ll read the book, discuss which we prefer the brownie or the book, and make friendship

bracelets. Please RSVP so we may plan supplies. Ages 3rd-5th grade students. Free. 3:15pm-4:15pm. Ladera Ranch Public Library. 29551 Sienna Parkway. (949) 234-5940.

Toddler Time @ Scooter’s Jungle; Aliso Viejo. Come for some fun! No outside food, gifts or party items, please. Remember your socks! First come-first served. Times are subject to change, call ahead to plan. Ages 6 years and under. $7 per child (includes 1 adult), extra adults $2 each. 10:30am-12pm. Scooter’s Jungle. 25 Journey. (949) 349-9090.

Homework Help; Fountain Valley. See 7th.

Homework Help; Irvine. See 6th. Toddler Time @ Big Air Trampoline Park; Laguna Hills. See 7th.

Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st. Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9TH

Shark Lagoon Nights @ Aquarium of the Pacific; Long Beach. The public is invited to get up close with the ocean’s ultimate predators at the Aquarium. Guests will have the opportunity to touch bamboo sharks and see large sharks such as sandtigers, as well as rags in the Shark Lagoon. Coffee, hot cocoa, beer, wine, desserts and snacks are available for purchase. Ages-adults. Free. 6pm-9pm. Aquarium of the Pacific. 100 Aquarium Way. (562) 590-3100.

Teen Anime Club; Garden Grove. See 2nd.

Cosmic Nights @ Big Air Trampoline Park; Laguna Hills. See 2nd.

Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. Toddler Time @ Scooter’s Jungle; Aliso Viejo. See 8th. J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st. Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10TH

Junior Biologist: Sharks @ Aquarium of the Pacific; Long Beach. Do you know a budding marine biologist? This series of programs will encourage a love of science in your child. Each class includes theme related activities, guided gallery tour, interaction with our animal care staff behindthe-scenes, and a keepsake journal. Sharks are amazing

predators with remarkable adaptions. Separate the facts from the myths about this incredible animal. During this program your child will: touch animals in our private classroom touch pools, feed animals behind-the-scenes with our animal care staff, take a guided tour of the Southern California gallery to observe local shark species, record observations in a keepsake journal. Other activities may include: discovering how well shark senses work by matching the sense to the distance that it works, learning the key characteristics that make a shark a shark, see just how large different species of sharks can grow, exploring your own sense of smell. Pre-registration and prepayment required. Cancellations made 72 hours before the program will receive a full refund. Ages 7-12 years. $29 per child, $25 Aquarium members. 9:30am11:30am. Aquarium of the Pacific. 100 Aquarium Way. (562) 951-1630.

Mariachis at the Mission; San Juan Capistrano. Every second Saturday of the month, enjoy live mariachi music in the historic Mission from the talented performers of Capistrano Community Mariachi Program. All ages. Free, with admission to the Mission. 10am-11:15am. Mission San Juan Capistrano. 26801 Ortega Hwy. (949) 234-1300.

Child Audio Tour: Saved by the Mission Bell; San Juan Capistrano. A Child’s Journey Through California’s History. Available in English and Spanish. This humorous and imaginative audio tour is designed to engage 4th graders, but appropriate for children of all ages. Free, with admission to the Mission. 9am5pm. Mission San Juan Capistrano. 26801 Ortega Hwy. (949) 234-1300.

Books and Barks; Garden Grove. Kids – practice your reading aloud skills with a specially trained volunteer dog! Drop by anytime during the program for a session. All ages. Free. 11am-12:30pm. Garden Grove West Public Library. 11962 Bailey St. (714) 897-2594.

Rainbow Loom Day; Garden Grove. We provide the bands, you provide the fun! Bring your loom and get in on the action. No registration needed. All ages. Free. 1pm-2pm. Garden Grove West Public Library. 11962 Bailey St. (714) 897-2594.

Cosmic Nights @ Big Air Trampoline Park; Laguna Hills. See 2nd.

Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan

Capistrano. See 1st.

Panning for Gold at the Mission; San Juan Capistrano. See 3rd. J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st.

Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd. Science Saturdays; Newport Beach. See 3rd.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 11TH

Family Film; Laguna Niguel. Join us for showtime for kids! This week’s title is Muppets Most Wanted (PG). All ages. Free. 2pm. Laguna Niguel Public Library. 30341 Crown Valley Parkway. (949) 249-5252.

Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. Panning for Gold at the Mission; San Juan Capistrano. See 3rd. J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st.

Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd. Science Sundays; Newport Beach. See 5th.

MONDAY, JANUARY 12TH

Homework Help; Cypress. Students can receive homework assistance from our Teen Homework Helpers, or find a quiet place to study. Ages-elementary and middle school students. Free. 3:30pm-5pm. Cypress Public Library. 5331 Orange Ave. (714) 826-0350.

Homework Help; La Habra. Trained high school volunteers help students with their homework in the Library Meeting Room. Parents need to register their students at their first session. Ages-elementary school students. Free. 4pm-5:30pm. La Habra Public Library. 221 E La Habra Blvd. (562) 694-0078.

Read to the Dog; La Habra. Join us in the Children’s Corner to meet Bogie, a certified therapy dog. By reading aloud to Bogie, children can practice their reading with a furry friend who enjoys being read to and will not laugh if they make a mistake. This experience may help children view reading in a more positive way and increase their confidence in their reading ability. All ages. Free. 5:30pm-6pm. La Habra Public Library. 221 E La Habra Blvd. (562) 694-0078.

Preschool Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. Stories, songs, flannel board, and crafts. Ages 3-5 years. Free. 11am-11:30am. Rancho Santa Margarita Public

Library. 30902 La Promesa. (949) 459-6094.

Homework Help; Lake Forest/El Toro. See 5th.

Family Storytime; Irvine. See 5th. Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st. Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 13TH

Family Storytime; La Habra. Fun with books in the Children’s Corner. All ages. Free. 7pm7:30pm. La Habra Public Library. 221 E La Habra Blvd. (714) 5267728 or (562) 694-0078.

Surf City Nights; Huntington Beach. See 6th.

Preschool Storytime; Aliso Viejo. See 6th.

Duplo Play Day; Costa Mesa. See 6th.

Homework Help; Cypress. See 12th.

Family Storytime; Irvine. See 6th. Homework Help; Irvine. See 6th. Homework Help; La Habra. See 12th.

Preschool Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 12th. Note: today’s times are 10am-10:30am and 11am-11:30am. Preschool Storytime; San Juan Capistrano. See 6th. Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st. Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd. Baby Tales @ Granola Babies; Costa Mesa. See 6th.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14TH

ABC Kid’s Preschool Storytime; La Habra. Come enjoy books, songs, fingerplays, and a craft in the Meeting Room. We work to build pre-reading skills in children and to help parents to learn these skills to use at home. Ages-preschoolers. Free. 10:30am11:15am. La Habra Public Library. 221 E La Habra Blvd. (714) 526-7728 or (562) 694-0078.

Toddler Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. One-on-one parent/ child interactive learning with stories, motor skill development, and songs. Ages 18 months-3 years. Free. 10am-10:20am and 10:45am-11:05am. Rancho Santa Margarita Public Library. 30902 La Promesa. (949) 459-6094.

Toddler Storytime; Aliso Viejo. See 7th.

Homework Help; Cypress. See 12th.

Homework Help; Fountain Valley. See 7th.

Homework Help; La Habra. See 12th.

Lapsit/Toddler Storytime; Laguna Niguel. See 7th.

Preschool Storytime; Laguna Niguel. See 7th.

Toddler Time @ Big Air

Trampoline Park; Laguna Hills. See 7th.

Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st. Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd. Baby Tales @ Granola Babies; Costa Mesa. See 6th.

THURSDAY, JANUARY

15TH

Toddler Play and Learn; Aliso Viejo. This event features free playtime and occasional guest speakers on topics such as early literacy and development. Agestoddlers. Free. 11am-12pm. Aliso Viejo Public Library. 1 Journey. (949) 360-1730.

Tales for Tails; Laguna Niguel. Kids – develop your reading skills and confidence by reading out loud to trained therapy dogs! All ages. Free. 4pm-5pm. Laguna Niguel Public Library. 30341 Crown Valley Parkway. (949) 249-5252.

Homework Help; Fountain Valley. See 7th.

Homework Help; Irvine. See 6th. Homework Help; La Habra. See 12th.

Toddler Time @ Big Air Trampoline Park; Laguna Hills. See 7th.

Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. Toddler Time @ Scooter’s Jungle; Aliso Viejo. See 8th. J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st. Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16TH

Teen Movie Matinee; Rancho Santa Margarita. Kick back and enjoy a movie after school. All movies will be rated G or PG. All ages. Free. 3:15pm-4:45pm. Rancho Santa Margarita Public Library. 30902 La Promesa. (949) 459-6094.

Teen Anime Club; Garden Grove. See 2nd.

Cosmic Nights @ Big Air Trampoline Park; Laguna Hills.

See 2nd.

Shark Lagoon Nights @ Aquarium of the Pacific; Long Beach. See 9th. Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. Toddler Time @ Scooter’s Jungle; Aliso Viejo. See 8th. J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st. Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17TH

3rd Annual Baby & Kidz Expo; Costa Mesa. A one-day expo of vendors, giveaways, entertainment, activities, coupons, information and samples for the whole family. All ages. Adult $10 / Senior (65+) $5 / Military with ID $5 / Children 12 and younger free. Parking $7. 10am-5pm. 88 Fair Drive.

Lego Travel Adventure @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. You can go anywhere over land, sea, and air by creating extraordinary vehicles to take you where you want to go! To go on a travel adventure to exotic locations, you need to think creatively, plan, and build vehicles to move through all types of terrain, including mountains, oceans, jungles, deserts and more! Where will you go? What will you build? How will you get there? Join us at the Discovery Cube Orange County to find out! All ages. Adults $16.95, children 3-14 years $12.95. 10am-5pm. Discovery Science Center. 2500 N Main Street. (714) 542-2823.

Aqua Tots: Sounds of the Sea @ Aquarium of the Pacific; Long Beach. Come to the Aquarium to introduce your little one to marine life. These classes are designed for you and your child to interact together in a fun and dynamic learning environment. We therefore strongly encourage you to leave children not in this age group at home. Do you love the calming sounds of the waves on the shore? Did you know that there is a commotion of noise just under those waves? During this program, you and your child will: take a guided tour of the Southern California gallery, touch animals in our private classroom touch pool, and create a fun, oceanthemed crafts to take home. Other activities may include: visit listening stations of various noise makers and instruments, hear the songs of whales, calls of birds, and chatter of fish, practice making the sounds that animals make, and sing along to a fun ocean sounds song. Pre-registration and

pre-payment required. Ages 2-3 years. $40 per adult/child pair, $20 per additional guest. Members: $36 per adult/child pair, $15 per additional guest. 10am-11:30am. Aquarium of the Pacific. 100 Aquarium Way. (562) 951-1630.

Orange County Model Engineers Public Train Rides; Costa Mesa. Our primary interest is running a safe and reliable first class railroad. Members take great pride in the design and engineering of the facility. Many dedicated volunteers donate countless hours keeping this railroad safe for all who share the joy in "riding the rails". All ages (children need to be old enough to walk-note we may have a height of 34" requirement. Free. 10am-3:30pm. Orange County Model Engineers. 2500 Placentia Avenue. (949) 54-TRAIN.

Mom & Me Sewing Workshop; Anaheim. Spend some quality time with your daughter (or son!) and learn how to sew at the Makery of Anaheim! In this fun and playful sewing workshop you will learn which tools to have in your sewing basket, basic sewing vocabulary, sewing machine parts and functions, how to wind a bobbin and thread the machine, how to sew in a straight line and pivot around corners, plus you’ll complete a simple tote bag. No previous sewing experience required. Ages 7-15. $60 per pair. 12pm-3pm. The Makery Craft Co. 423 S. Brookhurst Street. (714) 983-4169.

Baby Lapsit Storytime; La Habra. Baby Lapsits are a time to delight and stimulate your baby’s senses. This program is designed for children not yet walking and an adult caregiver. When the storytime is over, there will be a 30 minute playtime for babies and social time for parents to mingle. Ages-toddlers. Free. 10:30am11:30am. La Habra Public Library. 221 E La Habra Blvd. (714) 5267728 or (562) 694-0078.

Cosmic Nights @ Big Air Trampoline Park; Laguna Hills. See 2nd. Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. Panning for Gold at the Mission; San Juan Capistrano. See 3rd. J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st. Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd. Science Saturdays; Newport Beach. See 3rd.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18TH

Children’s Garden Workshop @ Great Park; Irvine. This monthly workshop series is a fun and engaging interactive learning experience that brings to life the natural wonders of the Garden. Young attendees will have the opportunity to connect the natural world with their daily lives deepening their understanding and appreciation of nature followed by a craft or activity. Ages 3-9 years. Free. 11am-1pm. Orange County Great Park. As there is no physical address to the location, call (866) 829-3829 for directions or visit http://www.ocgp. org/visit/hours-directions/.

Residents Day @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. Every third Sunday of the month the Santa Ana Zoo invites Santa Ana residents to come visit the animals for free. Proof of residency required. All ages. Adults $10, children 3-12 years $7, seniors $7. 11am-2pm. Santa Ana Zoo. 1801 E Chestnut Ave. (714) 647-6575.

Lego Travel Adventure @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 17th.

Junior Biologist: Sharks @ Aquarium of the Pacific; Long Beach. See 10th.

Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. Panning for Gold at the Mission; San Juan Capistrano. See 3rd. J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st. Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd. Science Sundays; Newport Beach. See 5th.

Orange County Model Engineers Public Train Rides; Costa Mesa. See 17th.

MONDAY, JANUARY 19TH

Lego Travel Adventure @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 17th.

Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st. Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20TH

Family Craft Night; Brea. Visit the library for an awesome night. This fun-filled craft program will provide entertainment for the whole family! All ages. Free. 6pm7pm. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

Family Storytime; Ladera Ranch/Mission Viejo. Welcome to a family storytime featuring

the Pajammers! Who are the Pajammers? Fabulously talented All-Star volunteers who read to children! There will be puppets, music, a parade of great books and fun. Children are welcome to come in their pajamas and bring a favorite teddy. Make a craft and meet your neighbors! Ages 3-7 years. Free. 6:30pm-7:30pm. Ladera Ranch Public Library. 29551 Sienna Parkway. (949) 234-5940.

Surf City Nights; Huntington Beach. See 6th.

Preschool Storytime; Aliso Viejo. See 6th.

Duplo Play Day; Costa Mesa. See 6th.

Homework Help; Cypress. See 12th.

Family Storytime; Irvine. See 6th. Homework Help; Irvine. See 6th. Homework Help; La Habra. See 12th.

Family Storytime; La Habra. See 13th.

Preschool Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 12th. Note: today’s times are 10am-10:30am and 11am-11:30am.

Preschool Storytime; San Juan Capistrano. See 6th.

Lego Travel Adventure @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 17th.

Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st. Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd. Baby Tales @ Granola Babies; Costa Mesa. See 6th.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21ST

Mindfulness for Children; Irvine. This eight week class series helps children explore self awareness, kindness, compassion and self-control. Each class will include either an art activity or a mindfulness exercise designed to encourage positive behavior. Children will also practice identifying feelings, effective communication and problem solving, as they recognize the benefit that mindfulness can bring to their lives. Registration required. Ages 4-6 years. $160 per child for entire eight week class series. Wednesdays and Fridays 3:30pm. Pretend City Children’s Museum. 29 Hubble. (949) 4283900. info@pretendcity.org.

Sea Life Storytelling; Newport Beach. Join us for storytime, songs and play as we discover the wonders of the sea! Our interactive early childhood program includes crafts, a touch tank tour, hands-on activities and much more! Each story time has a

unique marine theme for children to discover. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Space is limited to 20 participants. Ages 3-5 years. $4 per person, $2 per person for members, children under 18 months free. 10am11am, check in begins at 9:45am. ExplorOcean. 600 East Bay Avenue. (949) 675-8915.

Lego Club; Brea. Bring yourself and your imagination to build your own Lego creation! All ages. Free. 5pm-6pm. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

Reading to Rover; Irvine. Children improve their skill by reading to certified READ dogs. Programs will be cancelled on days when it rains. All ages. Free. 3pm-4pm. Irvine Heritage Park Public Library. 14361 Yale Ave. (949) 936-4040.

Native American Basket

Weaving; San Juan Capistrano. See 7th.

Toddler Storytime; Aliso Viejo. See 7th.

Homework Help; Cypress. See 12th. Homework Help; Fountain Valley. See 7th.

Homework Help; La Habra. See 12th.

ABC Kid’s Preschool Storytime; La Habra. See 14th.

Lapsit/Toddler Storytime; Laguna Niguel. See 7th. Preschool Storytime; Laguna Niguel. See 7th.

Toddler Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 14th. Toddler Time @ Big Air Trampoline Park; Laguna Hills. See 7th.

Lego Travel Adventure @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 17th. Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st. Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd. Baby Tales @ Granola Babies; Costa Mesa. See 6th.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22ND

Homework Help; Fountain Valley. See 7th.

Homework Help; Irvine. See 6th. Homework Help; La Habra. See 12th.

Toddler Time @ Big Air Trampoline Park; Laguna Hills. See 7th.

Mindfulness for Children; Irvine. See 21st.

Lego Travel Adventure @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 17th.

Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st.

Toddler Time @ Scooter’s Jungle; Aliso Viejo. See 8th. J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st. Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23RD

Teen Anime Club; Garden Grove. See 2nd.

Cosmic Nights @ Big Air Trampoline Park; Laguna Hills. See 2nd.

Mindfulness for Children; Irvine. See 21st.

Lego Travel Adventure @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 17th.

Shark Lagoon Nights @ Aquarium of the Pacific; Long Beach. See 9th.

Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st.

Toddler Time @ Scooter’s Jungle; Aliso Viejo. See 8th.

J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st. Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 24TH

Baby Lapsit Storytime; La Habra. See 17th.

Cosmic Nights @ Big Air Trampoline Park; Laguna Hills. See 2nd.

Mindfulness for Children; Irvine. See 21st.

Lego Travel Adventure @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 17th.

Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st.

Panning for Gold at the Mission; San Juan Capistrano. See 3rd.

J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st. Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd. Science Saturdays; Newport Beach. See 3rd.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25TH

Mindfulness for Children; Irvine. See 21st.

Lego Travel Adventure @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 17th.

Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st.

Panning for Gold at the Mission; San Juan Capistrano. See 3rd.

J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st. Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd. Science Sundays; Newport Beach. See 5th.

MONDAY, JANUARY 26TH

PJ Storytime; Dana Point. This event is for children with a parent or caregiver. Your children will love the high energy and antics of the Sunshine Readers! Everyone is welcome to come in their pajamas. All ages. Free. 7pm-8pm. Dana Point Public Library. 33841 Niguel Road. (949) 496-5517.

Toddler Storytime; Lake Forest/ El Toro. Children are invited to come with their caregivers for a program featuring songs, stories, rhymes and playtime. Ages 3 years and under. Free. 10am-10:30am. El Toro Public Library. 24672 Raymond Way. (949) 855-8173. Babysteps; Villa Park. Come for a fun program that includes baby play and storytime. Ages 2-15 months. Free. 10:30am-11am. Villa Park Public Library. 17865 Santiago Blvd. (714) 998-0861.

Homework Help; Cypress. See 12th.

Homework Help; Lake Forest/El Toro. See 5th.

Family Storytime; Irvine. See 5th. Homework Help; La Habra. See 12th.

Read to the Dog; La Habra. See 12th.

Preschool Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 12th. Mindfulness for Children; Irvine. See 21st.

Lego Travel Adventure @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 17th.

Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st. Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27TH

Sing-Along; Lake Forest/El Toro. Wear your costume if you wish, and join in with the just-released “Frozen” sing-along DVD! We’ll be serving frozen treats. Ages 4-12. Free. 4pm-6pm. El Toro Public Library. 24672 Raymond Way. (949) 855-8173.

Sunshine Readers Pajama Storytime; Laguna Niguel. Enthusiastic high school volunteers from the National Charity League will spread a little sunshine by reading and playacting stories to children. All ages. Free. 7pm-8pm. Laguna Niguel Public Library. 30341 Crown Valley Parkway. (949) 249-5252.

Toddler Storytime; Villa Park. Join us for stories, songs and fun! Ages 2-4 years. Free. 9:30am-10am and 10:30am-11am. Villa Park Public

Library. 17865 Santiago Blvd. (714) 998-0861.

Surf City Nights; Huntington Beach. See 6th.

Preschool Storytime; Aliso Viejo. See 6th.

Duplo Play Day; Costa Mesa. See 6th.

Homework Help; Cypress. See 12th.

Family Storytime; Irvine. See 6th. Homework Help; Irvine. See 6th. Homework Help; La Habra. See 12th.

Family Storytime; La Habra. See 13th.

Family Storytime; Ladera Ranch/ Mission Viejo. See 20th.

Preschool Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 12th. Note: today’s times are 10am-10:30am and 11am-11:30am.

Preschool Storytime; San Juan Capistrano. See 6th.

Pajama Family Storytime; Stanton. See 6th.

Lapsit Storytime; Stanton. See 6th.

Mindfulness for Children; Irvine. See 21st.

Lego Travel Adventure @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 17th.

Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st. Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd. Baby Tales @ Granola Babies; Costa Mesa. See 6th.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28TH

Looney Tunes Drawing Class; Stanton. A teaching artist from the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity will teach children and parents to draw famous cartoon characters created by legendary animator Chuck Jones. Registration is recommended, space is limited to 26 participants. All ages. Free. 3pm-4pm. Stanton Public Library. 7850 Katella Ave. (714) 898-3302.

Toddler Storytime; Aliso Viejo. See 7th.

Homework Help; Cypress. See 12th.

Homework Help; Fountain Valley. See 7th.

Homework Help; La Habra. See 12th.

ABC Kid’s Preschool Storytime; La Habra. See 14th.

Lapsit/Toddler Storytime; Laguna Niguel. See 7th.

Preschool Storytime; Laguna Niguel. See 7th.

Toddler Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 14th.

Preschool Storytime; Stanton. See 7th.

Toddler Time @ Big Air Trampoline Park; Laguna Hills. See 7th.

Mindfulness for Children; Irvine. See 21st.

Lego Travel Adventure @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 17th.

Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st. Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd. Baby Tales @ Granola Babies; Costa Mesa. See 6th.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29TH

Homework Help; Fountain Valley. See 7th.

Homework Help; Irvine. See 6th. Homework Help; La Habra. See 12th.

Toddler Time @ Big Air

Trampoline Park; Laguna Hills. See 7th.

Mindfulness for Children; Irvine. See 21st.

Lego Travel Adventure @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 17th.

Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st.

Toddler Time @ Scooter’s Jungle; Aliso Viejo. See 8th. J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st. Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30TH

Teen Anime Club; Garden Grove. See 2nd.

Cosmic Nights @ Big Air Trampoline Park; Laguna Hills. See 2nd.

Mindfulness for Children; Irvine. See 21st.

Lego Travel Adventure @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 17th.

Shark Lagoon Nights @ Aquarium of the Pacific; Long Beach. See 9th.

Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. Toddler Time @ Scooter’s Jungle; Aliso Viejo. See 8th. J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st. Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31ST

Read to a Dog; Costa Mesa. Children and their families are invited to read to licensed therapy dogs. Bring your favorite book and read to Fido and friends! All ages. Free. 11am-12pm. Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Public Library.

1855 Park Ave. (949) 646-8845.

Baby Lapsit Storytime; La Habra. See 17th.

Cosmic Nights @ Big Air

Trampoline Park; Laguna Hills. See 2nd.

Mindfulness for Children; Irvine. See 21st.

Lego Travel Adventure @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 17th.

Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st.

Panning for Gold at the Mission; San Juan Capistrano. See 3rd. J-Care @ Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. See 1st.

Meller Manor @ The Reptile Zoo; Santa Ana. See 2nd.

Science Saturdays; Newport Beach. See 3rd.

A Ev e nts

Sneak peek February

ASUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST

Film/Video; Aliso Viejo. Showtime! Join us for a recent DVD release, shown in the Community Room. All ages. Free. 2pm-4pm. Aliso Viejo Public Library. 1 Journey. (949) 360-1730.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND

Homework Help; Cypress. Students can receive homework assistance from our Teen Homework Helpers, or find a quiet place to study. Ages-elementary and middle school students. Free. 3:30pm-5pm. Cypress Public Library. 5331 Orange Ave. (714) 826-0350.

Toddler Storytime; El Toro/ Lake Forest. Babies and toddlers are invited to come with their caregivers for a program featuring songs, stories, rhymes and playtime. Ages 3 years and under. Free. 10am-10:30am. El Toro Public Library. 24672 Raymond Way. (949) 855-8173.

Family Storytime; Irvine. Come join us for a storytime for the entire family. Ages 3-6 years and their families. Free. 7pm-7:30pm. Irvine Heritage Park Regional

Public Library. 14361 Yale Avenue. (949) 936-4040.

Toddler Storytime; Irvine. Children, come enjoy stories and songs! Everyone sits on the floor to be close to their child. All ages (geared towards ages 3 years and under). Free. 11am. Irvine University Park Public Library. 4512 Sandburg Way. (949) 786-4001.

Homework Help; Irvine. Get help with your homework from University High School students! All ages. Free. 3pm-5pm. Irvine University Park Public Library. 4512 Sandburg Way. (949) 786-4001.

Read to a Dog; La Habra. Join us in the Children's Corner to meet Bogie, a certified therapy dog. By reading aloud to Bogie, children can practice their reading with a furry friend who enjoys being read to and will not laugh if they make a mistake. This experience may help children view reading in a more positive way and increase their confidence in their reading ability. All ages. Free. 5:30pm-6pm. La Habra Public Library. 221 E La Habra Blvd. (562) 694-0078.

TUESDAY,

FEBRUARY

3RD

Duplo Play Day; Costa Mesa. Join us for our weekly Duplo play day! Children and their families are welcome to visit one of our Duplo tables. Use your imagination to build your own unique creation! All ages. Free. 2pm-6pm. Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Public Library. 1855 Park Ave. (949) 646-8845.

Kids Craft; Fountain Valley. Quick craft making for children. All supplies provided. No registration required, but seating is limited. Ages 2-16 years. Free. 3:30pm4:30pm. Fountain Valley Public Library. 17635 Los Alamos Street. (714) 962-1324.

Teen Program; Garden Grove. Come for an exciting teen event! We hold a wide variety of programs, including art and photography, games (party, board and video), movies and anime, makerspace and computers, study skills, creative writing/poetry, job searching/resumes, and college applications/financial aid. Ages 1318 years. Free. 3pm-5pm. Garden Grove Regional Public Library. 11200 Stanford Avenue. (714) 530-0711.

Family Storytime; Ladera Ranch. Welcome to Family Storytime featuring the Pajammers! Who are the pajammers? Fabulously talented All-Star volunteers who

read to children. There will be puppets, music, a parade of great books and fun. Children are welcome to come in the pajamas and bring their favorite teddy. Make a craft and meet your neighbors, all at the Ladera Ranch Library. Ages 3-7 years. Free. 6:30pm-7:30pm. Ladera Ranch Public Library. 29551 Sienna Parkway. (949) 234-5940.

Family Storytime; La Habra. Have fun with books in the Children’s Corner. All ages. Free. 7pm7:30pm. La Habra Public Library. 221 E La Habra Blvd. (562) 694-0078.

Pajama Storytime; Laguna Beach. Please come in your pajamas and slippers, and enjoy the Sunshine Readers as they whisk the whole family off to dreamland. The National Charity League-Laguna Chapter generously provides this program. All ages. Free. 6:30pm7:30pm. Laguna Beach Public Library. 363 Glenneyre Street. (949) 497-1733.

Homework Help; Cypress. See 2nd.

Family Storytime; Irvine. See 2nd. Note: today’s time is 10am10:30am.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH

Spanish Storytime; El Toro/Lake Forest. Little ones may come to a program of stories, songs and rhymes in Spanish. Ages 2-5 years. Free. 12:45pm-1:15pm. El Toro Public Library. 24672 Raymond Way. (949) 855-8173.

Preschool Storytime; El Toro/ Lake Forest. Children and their caregivers are invited to a storytime full of rhymes, stories, fingerplays and more! Ages 3-5 years. Free. El Toro Public Library. 24672 Raymond Way. (949) 855-8173.

Winter Storytime; Fountain Valley. Come for a fun winter storytime! All ages (geared towards ages 3-5 years). Free. 10:30am-11:30am. Fountain Valley Public Library. 17635 Los Alamos Street. (714) 962-1324.

Homework Help; Fountain Valley. High school volunteers are available to assist students with their homework or act as reading buddies. Ages-elementary and middle school students. Free. 4pm-5pm. Fountain Valley Public Library. 17635 Los Alamos Street. (714) 962-1324.

Homework Help; Irvine. Teens assist students with homework

assignment in the Conference Room. Ageselementary and middle school students. Free. 3:30pm-5pm. Katie Wheeler Public Library. 13109 Old Myford Road. (714) 669-8753.

Preschool Storytime; La Habra. Come enjoy books, songs, fingerplays and a craft in the Meeting Room. We work to build pre-reading skills in children and to help parents to learn these skills to use at home. Ages-preschoolers. Free. 10:30am-11:15am. La Habra Public Library. 221 E La Habra Blvd. (562) 694-0078.

Homework Help; Cypress. See 2nd.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH

Chess Club/Activity; Irvine. Play chess! Learn techniques and sharpen your skills, all while having fun! All ages. Free. 4pm-5pm. Irvine University Park Public Library. 4512 Sandburg Way. (949) 786-4001.

Homework Help; Fountain Valley. See 4th. Homework Help; Irvine. See 4th.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH

Teen Anime Club; Garden Grove. You ask for it, and we listened! Unwind after a long week at school and watch anime with your friends. Snacks will be provided! Ages 13-18 years. Free. 3pm5pm. Garden Grove Regional Public Library. 11200 Stanford Avenue. (714) 530-0711.

Friends of the Library First Friday Film; San Juan Capistrano. Please join us in the La Sala auditorium for a movie night. All ages. Free, a $2 helps support the library. 7pm-9pm. San Juan Capistrano Public Library. 31495 El Camino Real. (949) 493-1752.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH

Get Looney; Cypress. The Chuck Jones Center for Creativity will be here to teach you how to draw your favorite Looney Tunes characters! All materials will be provided. No registration required. All ages. Free. 12:30pm-1:30pm. Cypress Public Library. 5331 Orange Ave. (714) 826-0350.

Rainbow Loom Day; Garden Grove. We provide the bands, you provide the fun! Bring your loom and get in on the action. No registration needed. All ages. Free. 1pm-2pm. Garden Grove West Public Library. 11962 Bailey St. (714) 897-2594.

Family Film Feature; San Juan Capistrano. Please join us in the La Sala auditorium for a family film matinee. Popcorn is included in this fun event!

All ages. Free. 10am-12pm. San Juan Capistrano Public Library. 31495 El Camino Real. (949) 4931752.

Kids Crafts All Day; Seal Beach. Stop by the Information Desk to select from a variety of crafts for all ages. Registration is not required. Generously sponsored by the Friends of the Mary Wilson Library. M

The colorful touch that makes the party

BY JODY ROBINSON

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