Marmalade Magazine October 2014 by Jody Robinson

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Moms, Dads & All Things Kid in Orange County™

OCTOBER 2014

EDITOR IN CHIEF

BETSY SANZ

EDITORIAL

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

DONALD A. HUNSBERGER, ESQ

CRYSTAL NAY

MICHELLE KOEPPL

JODY ROBINSON

LILY SANZ

ART

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DAVID PEREZ

CALENDAR EDITOR

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BIRTHDAYS COME

But,didyou know?

Your child’s first dentist appointment should not only be when their first tooth appears or when they turn one year old. Visit the dentist every 6 months to monitor tooth development and apply fluoride varnish.

Smiles for Kids of Orange County.

Dear Marmalade Reader,

When I was a kid we lived in a semi-rural area where the houses were far apart and set way back from the road – a pleasant situation on all evenings of the year but one. On October 31st my siblings and friends and I had to work hard for our booty. Now we live in what must be one of the hottest Halloween neighborhoods in the county, with houses one on top of the other and a community that really gets into the spirit of spook.

Our little house has become the destination for all those friends and family, which is the real reason why Halloween holds any interest for me. As one of our writers this issue puts it, it’s simply a great excuse to have a

fun time with people you love. I hope that we have offered up some ideas in this issue of Marmalade that will help you celebrate with joy, no matter how far you have to hoof it to collect the sweets.

This issue also marks our celebration of sports, but it rather turned into a celebration of community through sport. The best part of publishing is the opportunity to promote the good that good people are doing, and this was one of those opportunities.

As always, thank you for letting us be a voice in your day, and we are always eager to hear your feedback.

Life will differentbehere.

In fact, it already is. A new neighborhood has taken root at the edge of the Orange County Great Park. Here, neighbors gather for yoga in the shade of grand heritage trees. The kids are at the pool when they’re not attending one of Irvine’s top-ranked schools. And every day the roots grow deeper.

Welcome to Pavilion Park,SM the very ﬁrst of the Great Park Neighborhoods, located at the intersection of Irvine Blvd and Ridge Valley, just east of Sand Canyon Ave. With new homes from the $700s to over $1.5 million. Model homes are open daily at 10am.

GreatParkNeighborhoods.com 949.273.2724

CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON

CAUTIONARY TALES OF TRUSTEE MIS-SELECTION

BY DONALD A. HUNSBERGER, ESQ.

The image is as clear as any Norman Rockwell calendar that catches a concept of childhood. Many moons past, my four-year-old son, decked out as his favorite Ninja Turtle, his hands placed adamantly on his hips, grips his two plastic Samurai swords, and from behind his red cloth mask challenges all comers with the command: “Choose your weapon!” Some poses preserve themselves without any effort on our part.

I remember reading my children Dr. Seuss’ story of the misguided Yertle, king of the turtles, who ill-used his planning opportunity to make his throne from the turtles he ruled. It was no surprise when King Yertle tumbled from the heights to a place deep in the mud below him.

“Dad,” laughed my daughter, “Was Yertle related to the Ninja Turtles?”

“Each of us,” I answered, “has days when she is Michelangelo, and days when she is Yertle.”

“Those who choose trustees wisely consider the level of friendship among their children over time.”

Choosing homes, cars, employees, office space – since those late eighties Ninja and Yertle days, life has presented many opportunities for choosing paths. Occasionally, we face challenges with the confidence of middle-aged Ninja Turtle Warriors, and some days we wind up in the mud, like their cousin Yertle. Armed with the swords of planning and preparation, we stand a better chance of facing the evening with clean faces.

One of the muddiest results clients often reach is at the end of a path which begins when parents of competitive children name one of their offspring as executor of their estate or trustee of their trust. Admittedly, this is a showing of profound faith:

a belief that those who did not, during their parents’ lives, fare well together, will suddenly blossom into beings who play together joyfully following their parents’ deaths. Count on it: if your kids don’t like each other now, they will relish the chance to wrestle in the mud when you are not there to pull them apart in the first forays of their fighting.

Those who choose trustees wisely consider the level of friendship among their children over time. Our office has seen highly educated children argue for hours (translation: heightened lawyers’ fees) about who is more qualified to make a decision about how to sell a barbeque grill or how to dispose of a collection of cat calendars from 1971. With rare exception, trustees who are not related to the beneficiaries experience fewer confrontations in distributing assets to strong-willed siblings than do trustees who derive from the same lineage as the beneficiaries of the trust.

Fortunately, the marketplace is an orchard ripe with professionals prepared to represent the wishes of the parents without sparking the explosions that arise from the ageless angst of angry adult children. Professional trustees and private fiduciaries flourish managing the estates where the siblings of angry children fail. Additionally, these fiduciaries may offer the last chance for us to make certain that our children don’t kill each other after we have hung up our ninja swords for the last time.

We choose the books, movies and stories that we present to our children when they are young: this is our job, our sacred assignment. We should act no less carefully in choosing the managers we name for our trusts and estates before we close the cover on the text of our biographies. The persons we name to distribute our estates are often as important as how we direct the assets to be distributed. M

Hunsberger Law is a full-service estate and business planning legal firm serving families all over Orange County. Connect with Donald Hunsberger by calling (714) 663-8000 or visiting hunsbergerlaw.com.

One Student, One Teacher

How

Wdesigns academic paths for individual success

BY BETSY SANZ

hen you stop and think about it, traditional schools are strangely amazing. Put hundreds, often thousands, of pre-teens or teens into a few square acres and a handful of buildings, with a 40:1 ratio of students to adults and only their also-developing peers to whom they might compare their bodies, their experiences, their grades and their opinions, and expect them to do their best – academically, emotionally and interpersonally. What? It’s strange because it’s not a natural community structure, even if it is today’s norm; it’s amazing because some students actually come out of it healthy and having learned something.

Of course, accessibility is crucial – that’s why schools have become what they have become – and teachers who teach hundreds of students every day are, frankly, living saints. But when you must provide for the masses, there is no way every individual gets what he or she needs. Today there are many very bright students who have challenges that prevent them from fitting well into the massive norm that follows a fairly straight and well-trampled path. A learning disability is not a symptom of stupidity; a behavioral disorder is not a sign of lesser brainpower; an emotional struggle is not a signal that a person is not brilliant. Some students just need a path that winds with

them, so their talents, their strengths and their smarts can rise into view. For those students, there is Halstrom Academy.

Halstrom Academy was founded on the premise that, for many students, a one-to-one teacher-student ratio is the ideal scenario for academic success. Every student works with highly qualified teachers and receives a customized learning plan that is tailored to their unique skills, interests, needs and rate of progress.

Sixteen-year-old aspiring filmmaker Joshua Ovalle of Huntington Beach was struggling at his local high school. He suffers from attention deficit disorder (ADD). Even though Josh is ambitious and passionate, he was, as he puts it, “lost” in school. His confidence was battered by his performance and his grades. After less than a year at Halstrom, everything is different.

“I'm proud of my GPA,” says Josh. “I have completely turned my grades around. I learn things better now, quicker, I'm getting A's, and I'm more confident about everything. If I don't get something, my teacher immediately corrects me. Also, my mind can't wander off, as much as it may want to. Before Halstrom, I

“If your school is not helping you learn at your best, or if you're not feeling all that good about yourself – you don't have to accept it. Some kids learn differently, and Halstrom gets that.”

Halstrom Academy

felt that getting into a high caliber University was not going to happen, but now, that's definitely a possibility.”

Halstrom is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. It offers more than 150 courses including 17 AP courses, and nearly a hundred U.C./C.S.U certified and NCAA approved courses. An in-depth college and career planning program prepares students for life beyond high school and has helped many students go on to prestigious universities. Halstrom offers year-round open enrollment at three Orange County campuses located in Anaheim Hills, Huntington Beach and Mission Viejo, and will soon open a campus in Newport Beach. There are also campuses throughout San Diego and Los Angeles counties, as well as the San Francisco Bay area. Halstrom classes are also available via webcam through an online program.

Flexibility of time is also an enormous benefit to many Halstrom students, including Josh, who puts a lot of energy into his filmmaking. “In order to do a decent production it takes a lot of time to put together a script, a storyboard, set up a production schedule, arrange a crew and cast, shoot, and then edit. The reality is that during the school year it's really hard to get it done. The great thing about Halstrom is that I can customize my schedule. This opens up time for me and I've been able to complete my last short film while taking summer school. The flexibility of scheduling has also made it possible for me to go to film festivals I've been invited to attend in New York and Los Angeles.”

Josh is thriving in his world, but his home life has also taken a turn for the better since making the switch to Halstrom. “I used to have to tutor Josh a lot, helping with math and various subjects, and checking to make sure his homework was complete,” says Josh’s father Wernher. “Now at Halstrom, Josh gets what he needs from his teachers and support staff. He comes home and his schoolwork is finished. He is much more independent, and the household dynamics have vastly improved.”

If your student is struggling in the traditional school system, or if he or she is driven to pursue a passion that requires flexibility of schedule, Halstrom Academy is an option.

“I think sometimes parents accept the traditional school model even when their kids aren’t doing well in school because they don’t know there are other options,” says Wernher. “Parents shouldn’t accept having a ‘C’ student because the traditional school system can’t meet their needs. Parents need to know that alternative school programs exist that are designed to help kids be successful. Halstrom Academy is one of those great alternatives.”

When asked what he would say to other students, Josh doesn’t hesitate. “If your school is not helping you learn at your best, or if you're not feeling all that good about yourself – you don't have to accept it,” he says. “Some kids learn differently, and Halstrom gets that.”

Some students just need a path that winds with them, so their talents, their strengths and their smarts can rise into view.

To see Joshua Ovalle’s latest short film Two and a Quarter Minutes, among his other award winning projects, check out his website at minimummaxfilms.com. To find out more about Halstrom Academy and all that is possible for your student in a one-to-one teacher-student environment, visit Halstrom4U.com or call 866-590-6526 M

Above: Joshua Ovalle of Huntington Beach gets time to pursue his passion for making films Below: One-to-one teaching has dramatically improved Joshua's academic outlook

BY JODY ROBINSON

GOING FOR GOLD AND PERSONAL STRENGTH AT THE IRENE SCHOOL OF RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS RHYTHMIC

GYMNASTICS

Does your child like to dance with ribbons and flutter around like a butterfly? She just might enjoy rhythmic gymnastics, which blends the beauty of ballet, dance and art with the dynamics of gymnastics – incorporating music, ribbons, ropes, clubs and hoops in a choreographed dance and tumble routine.

Though it has a long history that some say can be traced all the way back to the Egyptians, rhythmic gymnastics started as an independent competitive sport in the early 1950s by the Russians. In 1963 the first rhythmic gymnastics world championship was held in Europe and the 1984 Olympic Games marked the debut of this new discipline within the Olympic gymnastics competition.

What is the difference between Artistic gymnastic versus rhythmic gymnastics? The two forms of gymnastics share many similar attributes, but are also very distinct from one another based on events, rules and style.

Artistic Gymnastics allows both male and female gymnasts to participate and compete. Events for men include the vault, pommel horse, still rings, parallel bars, high bar and floor. Women compete in the vault, balance beam, uneven bars and floor. Artistic gymnastics focuses mainly on strength, balance, and agility.

Rhythmic gymnastics is a women-only event in which gymnasts perform on a floor with a rope, hoop, ball, clubs or ribbon accompanied by music, in individual or group events. Rhythmic gymnastics focuses primarily on grace, dance, flexibility, and coordination.

Rhythmic gymnastics is growing in popularity in the United States because it helps children grow in coordination, balance, good posture, elegance, strength, flexibility, discipline and confidence. One proof of its rising profile is that it made it into Taylor Swift’s recent video for her hit “Shake It Off.” But if you don’t give much weight to

Taylor Swift, consider that more and more schools are opening their doors to offer rhythmic gymnastics courses to every type of artist athlete – from those who just checking it out to those who want to train to compete in the Olympics.

The Irene School of Rhythmic Gymnastics was founded in Laguna Hills to introduce to South Orange County to the beauty and athleticism of this emerging sport. The school was started by Anastasia Fomin, Master of Sports of Russia in Rhythmic Gymnastics, and her husband Ed Fomin. Anastasia studied and competed in Russia for eighteen years, and it was her passion and love for the sport that inspired the opening, and drives the growth, of the studio. The school is dedicated to Anastasia’s mother Irene who inspired and encouraged Anastasia to pursue rhythmic gymnastics.

The school’s expertise is in developing young rhythmic gymnasts that want to excel and compete in the Olympic sport. In fact Irene School of Rhythmic Gymnastics (ISRG) student Analiese Dragan was one of twelve girls selected nationally to attend the Rhythmic Youth Elite Squad. Analiese has been training at ISRG for two and half years and is the youngest girl to be selected to attend the Rhythmic Youth Elite Squad camp.

But even for those who don’t necessarily have their sights set on the Olympics, rhythmic gymnastics is an excellent form of exercise, combining athleticism, grace and mental discipline. ISRG offers an all-around physical education to complement to any young child’s physique, development and ability level. Recreational program includes public performances that build self esteem and skills that will last a child her lifetime. Introductory courses are available for children ages six and up who want to explore this captivating sport and art form. They even offer a Mommy & Me program (for three-year-olds and fouryear-olds), which is great for moms to learn more about rhythmic gymnastics and get some play time with their child.

The Irene School Of Rhythmic Gymnatics is located at 23252 Del Lago Dr. Unit E In Laguna Hills, CA 92653. For more information visit isrg.us or call the school at 844-TRY-ISRG (879-4774). M

Above: Alexandra Ozerets of Irene School of Rhythmic Gymnastics

THE CENTER STAGE STUDIO

Threat Per form ing Ar ts Studio

THE NEWEST LEAGUE AT THE RINKS STREET HOCKEY

BY JODY ROBINSON

Hockey continues to grow in Southern California, with a record number of youth and adult players participating in ice and roller hockey programs – and now there is Street Hockey. The inaugural season of the Youth Street Hockey League kicked off this summer at The Rinks – Huntington Beach Inline with four teams and over forty participants. Street hockey is played in shoes and with a ball instead of a puck.

“We started the league as another program designed for new hockey players; anyone can play and you don’t need to know how to ice skate,” says Craig Appleby, marketing coordinator for The Rinks. “By eliminating the skating element, you see kids

“BY ELIMINATING THE SKATING ELEMENT, YOU SEE KIDS FROM OTHER SPORTS COME IN AND PICK IT UP RIGHT AWAY. YOU WOULD ASSUME BY JUST WATCHING THE GAMES THAT THEY HAVE BEEN PLAYING FOR YEARS INSTEAD OF JUST A FEW WEEKS.”

from other sports come in and pick it up right away. You would assume by just watching the games that they have been playing for years instead of just a few weeks. If you can run, you can play in this league. It makes the league competitive, balanced, and fun while introducing new players to the sport.”

Limited equipment is required to play in the Street Hockey League and loaner equipment is available to all new players. This keeps the costs low and allows players to try the sport before possibly moving on to roller or ice hockey.

“We designed the league for new players, but have seen a lot of current ice and roller hockey players participate as a way to cross train or get more time on the rink. The league is a good mix of new players and players with some experience,” says Ron Alexander, Hockey Manager at The Rinks – Huntington Beach Inline. “We even have a team made up of students from Starview Elementary School that participates in the Anaheim Ducks SCORE program and is getting ready for the SCORE Shootout Tournament held in the spring at Honda Center.”

The Youth Street Hockey League is currently being offered only at The Rinks – Huntington Beach Inline but there are plans to expand to The Rinks locations in Irvine and Corona by next spring. The league is ideal for first time players as well as players looking to improve their conditioning and overall hockey skills. Find out more by visiting hbinline.com/youthstreethockey M

Enjoy a magical night illuminated by more than 2,000 carved pumpkins!

WHERE: Pavilion Park, Great Park Neighborhoods

WHEN: October 25, 2014 at 6:00 pm

For more information and how to participate, please visit www.PumpkinGlowGPN.com

BY CRYSTAL NAY and BETSY SANZ

STUDENTS, SPORTS and SUCCESS

LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS CHANGING THE WORLD THROUGH SPORT

THE NORM HAS ALWAYS BEEN ACADEMICS FIRST. TO STAY ON THE TEAM, YOU HAVE TO HAVE GOOD GRADES AND STAY OUT OF TROUBLE. BUT WHAT IF BEING ON THE TEAM IS WHAT IS KEEPING KIDS SAFE AND BOOSTING THEIR ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE? HERE ARE FOUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS TURNING SPORTS INTO SOMETHING MORE.

HIGHER GROUND

Baseball is America’s favorite pastime, but for most of us, that’s all it is: a pastime. It is an occasional afternoon at the park, or night out at Angel Stadium. For some kids in Orange County, baseball isn’t just a favorite pastime; it’s an alternative to gang life. For them, baseball is a saving grace.

Joe Baldo has always loved baseball, but he never expected it to become his mode of doing good, and nobody expected it to be the primary mechanism of a movement that is changing the lives of kids and families in Orange County’s hardest neighborhoods. However, as Joe puts it, when something is meant to be, you

can’t stop it. That’s how Higher Ground Youth and Family Services, one of Orange County’s fastest-growing nonprofit organizations, came to be.

The road to Higher Ground began from left field, as it were, when Joe unexpectedly received an offer from another company to buy his video production business, which he had spent years building up. Almost before he knew it, the deal was done and Joe was looking to make his new life chapter be one of service. He was invited by friends and mentors to join them in prison ministry, where he quickly learned from prisoners that it was during their teen years that they began getting into trouble; particularly gang-related trouble.

Even though he didn’t know much about working with young people outside of his own experience as a father, Joe thought that if he wanted to help people redirect their lives away from prison, he’d do more good by ministering at Juvenile Hall. As he tells it, it didn’t take him a half hour during his first visit to realize that helping these kids was what he was meant to do; and it didn’t take him much longer to realize that at-risk kids needed his help in their neighborhoods even more than they needed his help in Juvenile Hall.

“There are a lot of good people in gang territories, but they are scared,” says Joe. “Our effort is to show the goodness. Give good people the opportunity to act. And give kids the option to take a good path.”

Joe got out there. He befriended a retired gang unit officer, and they started walking at night in the areas of Anaheim and Santa Ana that see the most gang activity. Some kids would want to talk with them, but some would just run away. Joe decided he needed something and someplace to which he could offer an invitation, rather than trying to chase the kids down. He needed a way to draw them out. He needed baseball.

Joe targeted four elementary schools located in the heart of Anaheim’s hottest gang territories. Knowing that by eighth grade kids were already joining gangs, Joe reached out to the principals and specifically the fourth, fifth and sixth grade teachers at the four campuses and invited students to come play baseball after school. The kids were eager. They formed a small league and found friends ready and willing to help. The Anaheim Angels put their support behind Joe’s effort through the Angel’s Junior RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) League, providing uniforms, mitts and bats. The Anaheim Transportation Network committed to letting Higher Ground players ride to practices and games for free. They quickly added four more schools.

In the couple of short years since it was founded on a handful of school baseball fields, Higher Ground has partnered with other organizations and developed a dedicated group of board members, a growing volunteer base, and other programs, including soccer, basketball, music, arts,dance,martial arts, video, theater, and soon to come nutrition, tutoring and family services.

The city of Anaheim recently committed Lincoln Park as the permanent home of the Higher Ground leagues and services. The grounds will encompass a multipurpose athletic field for baseball, soccer, softball, football, Frisbee and more, as well a basketball court and a building that will be known as the Club House. TThe Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, has already set aside major

league lockers and training tables, to make the Club House the kind of home base that every kid will want to call their own.

It’s too early to tell if the presence of Higher Ground is decreasing the number of area youth who are joining gangs. What is certain, however, is that the number of Higher Ground members is expanding exponentially, there is more demand for the programs and a greater demand for more activities and sports to be offered by Higher Ground. They are also seeing more young adults, especially ages 12 to 16, joining Higher Ground. By the end of this summer, this was their largest area of growth. The teens are loving it and they are bringing their friends; parents love the camper-to-counselor ratio and the fact that Higher Ground mentors participate in every activity with the kids. This participatory style creates real connections. And connections are what it’s about. As exciting as all the developments have been, when it comes down to it, Higher Ground is built on love.

“Higher Ground is a response to the things I’ve learned in the last few years from the kids,” says Joe Baldo. “They just need good options. They need to be

“[KIDS] NEED TO BE EXPOSED TO A LOT OF GOOD, FUN PEOPLE, AND WHEN THEY DO, THEY JUST FALL IN LOVE. AND LOVE CHANGES EVERYTHING.”

exposed to a lot of good, fun people, and when they do, they just fall in love. And love changes everything.”

LEARN MORE: highergroundoc.org.

NATIONAL SCHOLASTIC SKATEBOARDING LEAGUE (NSSL)

Skateboarding isn’t a traditional school sport and is often prohibited on school campuses, which is why the National Scholastic Skateboarding League takes pride in offering this non-traditional sports program. They have taken a sport that is typically focused on the individual and transformed it into a team sport.

The Orange County Skateboarding League was founded in March 2010 by Katrina Foley of Costa Mesa, who simply wanted to provide her competitive snowboarding son with an organized spring sport. What began as a few teams from a few local high schools rapidly evolved into a program with thirty teams across thirty schools, with more than three hundred skating participants. The rapid growth and interest caused the OCSL to aspire to national reach and take on a new name: the National Scholastic Skateboarding League. A San Diego regional division has recently been added. The league supports both middle and high school skateboarding teams for boys and girls, as well as student programs and skateboarding facility improvements.

Baseball is a saving grace for Higher Ground league players, seen here with founder Joe Baldo

“We made it not about becoming a pro, but to draw the connection with the action sports industry,” says league founder Katrina Foley. “Our goal is to have NSSL across the nation, and have it be like any other school sports team.”

NSSL builds strong character and sportsmanship by enthusiastically helping aspiring skaters out of their comfort zones and cheering them on for doing so.

“The NSSL allowed us to truly learn the meaning of teamwork and dedication,” says Costa Mesa’s Jesus Acevedo, a former NSSL skater, first place champion, and recipient of one of two scholarships funded by NSSL. After beginning with the league in 2010 and spending the last four years in the league, he will be taking his unique experiences at NSSL with him to Cal Poly Pomona this fall and applying them to electrical engineering. “All the hard work and dedication I put into my runs and all the time I spent practicing paid off.”

LEARN MORE: nsskateboardingleague.org

PURE GAME

Soccer’s the name of the game over at Pure Game, but the mission of this organization extends beyond being able to send the ball into the net. Established in 2009, Pure Game’s goal is to encourage underserved youth to make positive choices while harnessing their unique potential and strengths.

Pure Game is a unique teaching platform that infuses a cooperative and inclusive style of athletics with a character-building curriculum. The flexible Pure Game system allows youth of all ages and skill levels to play virtually anywhere – parks, gyms, parking lots or even streets, which is particularly important in low income communities that lack recreational space. The beauty of the Pure Game model is that it is based on the most popular and accessible sport in the world: soccer. Through soccer Pure Game is teaching kids to be thoughtful, make positive decisions, and to believe in themselves.

Pure Game mentors, or Field Champions, have served over 5,000 of Orange County’s lowincome youth and partnered with over 20 other nonprofits.

“I believe children deserve a champion, someone who believes in them,” says Tony Everett, founder and chief play maker at Pure Game. “When kids begin to believe in themselves, it can lead to an understanding of where their lives are headed, making it easier for them to make choices that reflect their future potential.”

Pure Game offers cooperative soccer programs to organizations working with vulnerable children, establishing safe environments in which children can be encouraged and motivated. Pure Game programs are generally eight weeks in length and include the Pure Game “Star & Soccer” character education curriculum, in which children learn about positive values and how to apply them to their daily lives.

YMCA O.C.

The Gold Rush brought the YMCA to California, and the first Orange County facility opened in Santa Ana in the 1880’s. Affectionately known as “The Y,” the YMCA of Orange County has a long history of keeping families and communities united by keeping them involved and

active. A strong community is this organization’s core. The YMCA provides six health and wellness programs throughout the county, as well as over fifty afterschool programs, with the idea of making sure everyone has the opportunity to learn and thrive, regardless of their background or age.

Character development serves as a foundation for all the Y’s programs, which celebrate its fundamental values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, and provides the opportunities to be healthy in mind, body and spirit.

“Kids can gain the confidence that comes from learning to play or building the positive relationships that lead to good sportsmanship and teamwork,” says Jennifer Tan, communications specialist for YMCA of Orange County. The fostering of new skills and new, positive relationships promote a child’s self-confidence, building up the whole child, from the inside out.

YMCA has a variety of sports offerings – including everything from basketball to martial arts, gymnastics to water polo – that not only teach children and families how to play, but also the benefits of participating. M

MORE: ymcaoc.org

LEARN MORE: thepuregame.org

LEARN

Freshman Trent Bowman of Huntington Beach competes in the NSSL league contest May 2014 at Volcom Skatepark in Costa Mesa

Tony Everett, founder and chief play maker at Pure Game, encourages kids

golf, dinner & dogs

TEAM LAUREN TEE’S IT UP TO FIGHT EPILEPSY ON THE LOCAL LEVEL

BY STEPHANIE IREYS

South Orange County resident Lauren Marshall was a beautiful, fun-loving 24-year-old with a contagious smile and the world at her fingertips. She also battled epilepsy from the time she was in elementary school. Years of seizures, medicines and surgeries rarely got her down; she was always the first to offer a hand or a hug. On Mothers Day in 2007, when home alone, Lauren suffered a grand mal seizure that ended her life much too soon.

Team Lauren was established on what would have been Lauren’s 25th birthday, October 20, 2007. Her dad, Mark, wanted to celebrate her life by playing golf with some friends. Thirty-seven friends and family members joined Mark on that day, intent on remembering Lauren and raising money to fund research for a cure to the disease that ended her life. Lauren’s family decided to continue the tradition each year. Since then, the annual Team Lauren “Teein’ it Up for a Cure” golf tournament and dinner has raised over $60,000 for CURE (Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy).

Last year, Team Lauren decided they wanted to be able to see their fundraising at work and purchased seizure alert/response dogs, which are trained to recognize a seizure and respond to it by alerting help –therefore preventing a seizure from going untreated – and give them to children who need them. Training for seizure response dogs is extremely intensive and expensive, precluding most families from being able to afford them. Last year Team Lauren raised enough to give therapy dogs to three kids, including Jacob and Tyler (pictured left). This year they will raise enough for four dogs, one of which will stay in South Orange County with four-year-old Gracie Lane of Mission Viejo.

Team Lauren “Teein’ it Up for a Cure” golf tournament and dinner will be held at the Tijeras Creek Golf Club on Saturday, October 18. To register to play, or to support the effort by donating, visit teamlauren.org. M

IF YOUR TEENAGER...

is on the fence about whether or not they are still eligible for trick-or-treating, here are some ways to get them motivated.

BY LILY SANZ

It’s finally fall. The weather is cooling down, the nights are steadily growing longer and the terrors of starting school are slowly, yet surely, beginning to dissipate – easily one of the best times of your teenager’s year. Possibly the season’s most enticing factor, however, is none other than the thrilling semiholiday: Halloween.

Halloween has always been an exciting and enjoyable day that entertains nearly everyone, but your teenager knows that it was when he or she was a child that Halloween had its peak. Getting to dress up as your favorite superhero or your favorite princess; getting to go into your first haunted house; getting free candy at every doorstep? What day of the year could possibly be any better?

Unfortunately, it’s when the teenage years settle in that the excitement with Halloween begins to dissolve, and those terrible thoughts come in to tell your teenager that they’re too old for Halloween. Dressing up suddenly seems so immature. Trick-or-treating is something for children, and your teenager is convinced he or she is not a child anymore.

These may just be some of the worst thoughts your teenager may think all season long. Why? Because Halloween is awesome. If these thoughts rule, then the terrible possibility of them not wanting to participate in Halloween may actually become reality, and a Halloween wasted is nothing less than a good time wasted.

as Lydia Deetz from Beetlejuice Margot Tenenbaum from The Royal Tenenbaums

Of course, like any holiday, Halloween is understandably not for everyone. So how do teenagers really decide if they are too old for trick-or-treating, party-going and dressing up? If your teenager is interested in one or more of the following, my diagnosis would be that they are not too old for Halloween: Creativity galore. If your teenager is the kind of person who digs art, or is just someone who enjoys participating in activities that require creative exercise, this is one of the best opportunities for self expression and art appreciation to come along all year. Making your own costume is amazing fun. Forget unoriginal store-bought costumes; have your teenager think of costume ideas, like a fictional character – see above – and have them make it themselves. It will instantly make them more excited to wear their costume while trick-or-treating.

Friends and family. Halloween is an awesome excuse for your teenager to hang out with the people they love. If you offer to support your teenager in getting together with great people for Halloween, chances are they’ll definitely be more prone to celebrating and merry-making. Encourage your teenager to think of trick-or-treating as a bonding experience.

Free candy. If getting free candy doesn’t motivate your teenager enough to get out of the house, what will?

If none of the above is compelling enough to inspire your teenager to get out there and trick-or-treat once more, then maybe it simply isn’t for them. All in all, Halloween is really just a great excuse for your entire family, including your teenager, to have a good time with the loved ones. Just ask your teenager what would make his or her Halloween enjoyable, and do what you can to make it happen. M

Lily Sanz is a student at El Modena High School in Orange. She is an editor for El Modena Frontline and a teen decoder for Marmalade.

starting a D.I.Y. Costume Tradition

3 COSTUMES YOU CAN MAKE FOR UNDER $20 – NO NEEDLES REQUIRED

When it comes to Halloween costumes, kids can be fickle. How many times did you set your heart on a certain costume three months in advance and then set your eyes on something entirely different – three days in advance? Hand making the kids’ costumes is one Halloween tradition that allows for fickleness and frugalness. Before dashing to the craft store to purchase supplies, take a look inside your child’s closet – you may already have half the materials you need to make memorable costumes.

BY JACKIE GRADE

Fruit Ninja: $19

Strawberry: $14

The little ones do look adorable in their round, orange pumpkin costumes, but we need a new fruit in this pumpkin-saturated market. The comfy strawberry adds a red and leafy twist to the Halloween spirit and tops any run-of-the-mill option from the seasonal costume store. Add red tights and shoes if the night is cool.

You Will Need:

1 unmarked child’s size red sweatshirt (this should fit as an oversized dress on the baby) ($10) / 20 dime-sized gold bells, buttons or small pins ($2) / 1 18x36” length of green felt ($2) / Scissors / Hot glue gun

TO ASSEMBLE:

1. Cut the sleeves neatly off of the red sweatshirt. / 2. Hot glue the gold buttons to the front and back of the sweatshirt as strawberry seeds. (Note: If your baby is able to pick at the buttons, skip the choking hazard and draw black seeds on the sweater with a black marker instead.) / 3. Fold the green felt in half and draw a half circle on the side with the fold (like making a Valentine heart). Cut out the half circle and discard. The remaining felt should form an empty circle big enough to fit over your baby’s head. / 4. Draw wavy leaves around the now empty half circle. Cut out the leaves, keeping them all connected at their base. / 5. Fit the green felt over the neck of the sweatshirt and glue the base of the leaves around the neck’s hem. / 6. Slip the sweatshirt over the baby and voila! You can’t pick them any cuter.

Given the popularity of the app, the Fruit Ninja will surely bring familiar smiles and compliments for creativity. If you do not have a karate uniform, don’t worry! Black pants and a T-shirt will suffice. This easy costume takes only a few minutes to assemble and scores big points for ingenuity.

You Will Need:

TO ASSEMBLE:

1. Using a hot glue gun, glue plastic fruit all around the uniform’s shirt. / 2. Cut a strip of the black T-shirt off to tie around your child’s head. / 3. After the fruit has dried, slip on the black T-shirt, pull over the fruit-covered uniform and tie on the black headband. / 4. Go pick a fight with produce!

1 black T-shirt / 1 Martial Arts Uniform ($10) / Plastic Fruit ($9) / Hot Glue Gun

Superhero: ($6.50 - $12.50)

While Superman and Batman kick butt, we already know exactly who they are and what super powers they possess. Why not create a new hero? Your children can make up their own super powers, wear their own costumes and colors, and fight their own kind of crime.

You Will Need:

1 pair of single-color sweatpants / 1 single-color T-shirt / 1 pillowcase / 1 basic pair of tennis shoes / 1 package of iron-on letters, shapes ($4-$10) / 1 9x12” piece of black felt ($1) / 1 12” elastic cord ($1.50) / Scissors / Hot glue gun

TO ASSEMBLE:

1 Iron on the words and shapes you desire for the costume according to the directions on the package. / 2 Cut a pillowcase at the seams, making the case into a one-sided sheet – or cape. / 3 Using a hot glue gun, glue the top of the pillowcase to the T-shirt, right at the shoulders. / 4 Stencil an outline of a mask and eyeholes onto the black felt and cut around the outlines. / 5 Cut two small holes on the farthest corners of the mask. Slip and tie the elastic cord through the holes to complete. / 6 Suit up and save the world! M

8

BY JACKIE GRADE

ALTERNATIVES TO TRICK OR TREATING

FOR THOSE WHO PREFER TO AVOID THE DOOR-TO-DOOR CANDY ASSAULT, HERE ARE SOME ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITIES FOR THE FAMILY ON OCTOBER 31ST.

1. HALLOWEEN MOVIE MARATHON

Pick a couple of classic Halloween movies and squeeze the whole family onto the couch. No need for the scary ones, choose the oldies that your kids may not have seen. Ghostbusters, anyone?

5. SCAVENGER HUNT

Instead of door-to-door trick-or-treating, hide some of your kids’ favorite candy in the backyard and challenge them to a scavenger hunt. They will still end the night with some sugary loot without having to leave the house.

6. PUMPKIN PATCH

Coordinate with neighborhood families and host a Halloween night carnival, filled with costume contests, candy-winning games and bobbing for apples. Not only will the kids love all the festive fun, the parents can enjoy the night together as well.

3. HALLOWEEN THEMED DINNER

Look up a couple intriguing Halloween recipes and call everyone into the kitchen. You can go the creepy route and make something like spaghetti and meat-“eye”-balls or mummified hot dogs. Set the mood at the table and light the candelabras!

Peruse through the pumpkins, stop by the petting zoo, navigate your way through the mazes, ride the amusement rides and, of course, take tons of photos. October 31st is your last chance before the patches close — don’t miss out!

7. LOCAL HALLOWEEN EVENTS

Look up what events your city or local venders will host nearby on Halloween night (see our event calendar on page 34 for Halloween Night fun, plus harvest activities throughout October).

8. HAUNTED HOUSE

Let your imagination run wild and bake something seasonal and sweet, with a splash of spooky. Make cookies, cupcakes and bars for your friends and neighbors.

Does your family thrive on thrill? Find a local haunted house and get your spooks out. Stay close to the little ones; they might need a hand to hold. M

Hallow-Yummy

FESTIVE

RECIPES FOR HARVEST AND HALLOWEEN

BY JACKIE GRADE

WITCH HAT COOKIES:

Total time: 15 minutes

Makes: 30 Witch Hats

Families with small kids and an even smaller amount of time to allow for baking will love creating these witch hats for a simple, seasonal treat. While they are fairly easy to assemble, they emanate the Halloween season and satisfy the sweet tooth fully.

INGREDIENTS:

1 Package Oreo Cookies

1 2.5 Oz Tube Orange Decorating Icing

1 Bag Hershey’s Kisses Brand Special Dark Chocolate

1. Twist the top off of an Oreo cookie, discarding the half with the icing and making sure to keep the top half completely intact.

2. Squeeze the orange icing into the center of the cookie

3. Unwrap a HERSHEY’s KISS and press into the icing base, letting the icing ooze out from underneath the KISS and form the witch hat’s band.

4. Pipe more orange icing around the KISS for an even outline, if desired.

5. Let dry for about 5 minutes and enjoy!

PUMPKIN CUT-OUT COOKIES:

These pumpkin cookies not only look festive and appetizing, they also transport easily for a class or neighborhood get together.

INGREDIENTS: YOU WILL ALSO NEED:

TO MAKE: TO MAKE:

1 Package Refrigerated Sugar

Cookie Dough

1 Cup Powdered Sugar

2½ Tablespoons Water

2 Teaspoons Corn Syrup

Red And Yellow Food Coloring

1 Green Fine Tip Edible Marker

1 Handful Chocolate Sprinkles

1. Sprinkle some flour on the cutting board and rolling pin so that the dough will not stick to either the board or the pin.

2. Roll the dough into a thin, even layer.

3. Using the pumpkin cookie cutter, cut out as many pumpkins as you can with the amount of dough and place two inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet.

4. Repeat the last two steps until all the dough has been cut into pumpkins.

5. Place into the oven and bake for the time at at the temperature specified on the cookie dough package.

1 Rolling Pin Extra flour

1 Large Cutting Board

1 Pumpkin Cookie Cutter

(Note: If you don’t own one already, look in the Christmas cookie cutter collection and find your ornament cut-out. With a little orange icing, you will have it looking like an October pumpkin in no time!)

6. Take the cookies out of the oven and allow them to cool completely (Approx. 30 minutes).

7. Meanwhile, mix together the powdered sugar, water, corn syrup and red and yellow food coloring for an orange icing glaze with a thin, not-too-runny consistency.

8. Pour a small amount onto each cookie and spread thoroughly with a butter knife.

9. Drop a couple chocolate sprinkles on the stems of the pumpkin and allow the icing to dry completely (Approx. 1 hour).

10. With the edible marker draw green, curly vines around the pumpkin.

MONSTER MARSHMALLOW POPS

These little Frankenstein monsters are a surefire hit. Kids of any age will love getting out the candy eyeballs and bringing the marshmallows to life in just a few easy steps!

Total Time: 1 hour Makes: About 30 Marshmallow Monsters

INGREDIENTS:

1 Package Of Large Marshmallows

1 Package Of Green Candy Melts

1 Package Small Candy Eyeballs

TO MAKE:

1. Pour the candy melts into a microwave safe bowl and melt them according to the directions on the package.

2. Meanwhile, push one marshmallow into the top of each lollipop stick.

3. Roll marshmallows into the melted glaze and smooth all around with a spoon.

4. Place the newly glazed marshmallow pops upright into a vase filled with rice and allow to dry in the refrigerator for 5 minutes.

1 Container Chocolate Sprinkles

1 Black Fine Tip Edible Marker

1 Red Fine Tip Edible Marker

1 Package Lollipop Sticks

5. Remove from the refrigerator and dip the tops of the pops back into the green glaze and directly into a small bowl of chocolate sprinkles to form the monsters’ hair.

6. Dip the tip of a toothpick into the candy melt and onto the backside of the candy eyes as a glue. Place the candy eyes onto the side of the marshmallow that will form the face.

7. Draw a zigzag mouth with the black edible marker and a scar on the side of Frankie’s face with the red edible marker. M

A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING FROM AROUND OC MASH–UP

Festival of Children Foundation exists to improve the lives of children by strengthening the charities that serve them. The 13th annual Festival of Children® featured events every weekend in September at South Coast Plaza. A highlight of the opening night party for the Festival – attended by over 460 representatives of local nonprofits and community leaders – was the presentation of the Foundation’s annual FRED Award (For Really Extraordinary “Do”ers). The recipient was Myles Saunders, a 16-year-old from Huntington Beach. (Seen here with Festival of Children Foundation founder Sandy Segerstrom Daniels.) Myles was only nine when he learned his mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Saunders was recently named Orange County Alzheimer’s Association’s Caregiver of the Year. Find out more at festivalofchildren.org.

LIFT OFF TO LITERACY!

The International Reading Association and NASA have partnered to help students across the world “Lift off to Literacy,” a 60-day campaign to share the message that developing a habit of reading, writing, listening and speaking leads to lifelong literacy success. Participants pledge to devote an additional 60 seconds of literacy activities each day for 60 days. Lift off to Literacy began on International Literacy Day, September 8th. Educational center Club Literacy of Newport Beach and Dana Point has made the pledge. Have you? Find out more by visiting clubliteracy.com

NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY ORANGE COUNTY

National Philanthropy Day Orange County honors the philanthropic efforts of individuals and organizations in the local Orange County community. On November 20th they will present Villa Park resident Catherine Klein Sorensen with the Outstanding Philanthropist Award at the 2014 Awards Luncheon. During the past 31 years, Sorensen has served as the Secretary, Treasurer and currently President for the Klein Family Foundation, which has a mission to empower disadvantaged youth toward improving life achievements through encouragement, education and emotional support, which will enable them to live a successful life and contribute to a peaceful world. Sorensen has also established her own foundation called the Empower Youth Foundation. Find out more by visiting npdoc.org

WORKING SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES!

Fire Prevention Week is October 5 – 11. Working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan practiced regularly save lives. The American Red Cross encourages installing smoke alarms on every level of the home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year. Fire prevention tips available at redcross.org

CHAMPIONS CRAWLED TO THE TOP AT THE 2ND ANNUAL BABY OLYMPICS

MOMS Orange County hosted its Baby Olympics & Fair in September at the Irvine Spectrum. Through MOMS Orange County, a nonprofit serving low-income pregnant women for more than 20 years, the event offered Olympic-themed activities, contests, and prizes, while encouraging families to be active and healthy with their little ones. Find out more by visiting momsorangecounty.org

4TH ANNUAL TRIMATHLON TEST MATHLETES’ MENTAL FITNESS!

Mathnasium will hold its 4th annual Trimathlon on October 18th. This fun-filled event is open to kids in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades, who compete in three ways: the Counting Game (tests your ability to count from any number, to any number, by any number), the Magic Squares Challenge (develop your own math problems to receive points) and the Mental Math Workout (tests your Number Sense through solving problems without pencil and paper). All participants receive fun goody bags, a certificate of participation, and earn money for local schools. The top three scorers in each grade level at each center will receive additional medals and prizes. To register, visit mathnasiumtrimathlon.com M

Event for— Guide A

October

This month any event you see that has a pumpkin by the name is halloween related.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1st

Pumpkinpalooza; San Juan Capistrano. 2014 Information is tentative. Pumpkinpalooza is Zoomars annual pumpkin patch and event. We have pumpkins of all shapes, colors and sizes. PumpkinPalooza features pumpkins, petting, a hay maze, photo opportunities and much more! Ages 13 years and under. Kids under 1 year free, 1-12 years $7, 13 years and older $8. 9am5pm. Zoomars Petting Zoo. 31791 Los Rios St. (949) 831-6550.

Halloween Magic Show; Huntington Beach. Tickets go on sale October 1st. *Event is October 28th.* Join us and Johnny Ace Palmer for our annual fun-filled magic show with this World Champion Magician, sure to please children of all ages! Watch him pull a rabbit out of a hat! See him perform magic tricks right before your very eyes as you assist him on stage! Children are invited to wear their Halloween costumes and join is a Costume Parade around the library after both shows. Ages 12 years and under. $4 per person. Huntington Beach Public Library. 7111 Talbert Ave. (714) 375-5107.

Johnson Brothers Pumpkin Patch; Irvine. 2014 Information is tentative. Thousands of pumpkins to choose from, in all shapes and sizes. While searching for the perfect pumpkin, enjoy our many free attractions! Head over to the barnyard animals, with its goats, chickens, ducks, geese and even a turkey! Have fun over at the Halloween Bouncing Bags or go climb The Hay Loft. Explore Indian Village, featuring its authentic Tipi's, corn grinders and free do-it-yourself face painting. Also

on site: pony rides, inflatable bounce house and Play Area for Kids, with activity gyms and straw ponies. Wander through the “Pumpkin Graveyard" with its many whimsical tombstones and featuring the Sonic Crypt. Watch out for the Flying Bats of Disaster and their buddy, The Bungee Jumping Spiders of Doom. Ages 12 years and under. Free admission and parking. 9am-9pm. Johnson Brothers Pumpkin Patch. 15500 Jeffrey Road. (949) 733-0650.

Toddler Storytime; Aliso Viejo. Stories, songs, fingerplays for babies with parent or caregiver. Ages-toddlers. Free. 11am-12pm. Aliso Viejo Public Library. 1 Journey. (949) 360-1730.

Stories and Crafts; Brea. Join us for a fun program designed especially for school-age children. This storytime will feature longer stories and more complicated crafts that will interest children. All children and their parents are welcome to attend. All ages. Free. 3pm-4pm. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

Read to the Dogs; Brea. Join us to read to a trained, gentle therapy dog. Come meet our favorite furry friends! All ages. Free. 6:30pm-7:30pm. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

Family Storytime; Costa Mesa. Join Mr. Erik for stories, fingerplays, songs, crafts and more! Children are welcome to come in their pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed toy, we hope to see you soon! All ages. Free. 7pm-7:30pm. Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Public Library. 1855 Park Ave. (949) 646-8845.

Toddler Storytime; Cypress. Come by and join us for stories, songs and fun! Enter through parking lot door. Ages-toddlers. Free. 9:30am-10am. Cypress Public Library. 5331 Orange Ave. (714) 826-0350.

Preschool Storytime; Cypress. Come by and join us for stories, songs and fun! Ages 3-5 years. Free. 10:30am-11am. Cypress Public Library. 5331 Orange Ave. (714) 826-0350.

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.

Storytime with Sage and Delilah; Cypress. Studies have shown that children can improve their reading skills by reading to a licensed therapy dog. Won’t you come pet and read to them? All ages. Free. 6pm-7pm. Cypress Public Library. 5331 Orange Ave. (714) 826-0350.

Toddler Storytime; Garden Grove. This program is filled with fun stories, songs and rhymes for children. Storytime is followed by a craft and playtime! Ages-toddlers. Free. 10:30am-11:30am. Chapman Branch Public Library. 9182 Chapman Ave. (714) 539-2115.

Preschool Storytime; Garden Grove. Enjoy some great readaloud books and stay for learning activity time. Ages-preschoolers. Free. 10:30am-11am. Garden Grove Regional Public Library. 11200 Stanford Ave. (714) 530-0711.

Baby Toddler Storytime; Garden Grove. There will be a playtime with toys starting at 10am and stories will begin at 10:15am. Ages-babies/toddlers. Free. 10am11am. Garden Grove West Public Library. 11962 Bailey St. (714) 897-2594.

ABC Preschool Storytime; La Habra. Come enjoy books, songs, fingerplays and a craft in Meeting Room. We work to build prereading 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.

Children’s Storytime; Laguna Beach. Includes stories, fingerplays, songs and activities to help develop early literacy skills including coordination and recognition of colors, shapes, numbers, etc. Includes a simple craft and free playtime after stories. Ages-toddlers/ preschoolers. Free. 10:30am11:30am. Laguna Beach Public Library. 363 Glenneyre St. (949) 497-1733.

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.

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

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2nd

Toddler Play and Learn; Aliso Viejo. This program features 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.

Pajama Storytime; Aliso Viejo. Enjoy storytime with the Sunshine Readers of the National Charity League. Pull on your jammies and join us for bedtime stories! All ages. Free. 7pm-8pm. Aliso Viejo Public Library. 1 Journey. (949) 360-1730.

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 provided. All ages. Free. 4pm-5pm. Cypress Public Library. 5331 Orange Ave. (714) 826-0350.

Toddler Storytime; Irvine. Come for a fun storytime upstairs in the Children’s Area. Ages 18-35 months. Free. 10:30am-11am. Katie Wheeler Public Library. 13109 Myford Rd. (714) 669-8753.

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

Homework Help; La Palma. Tutoring will be done by adult and teen volunteers in the Children’s Story Area. The volunteers will help the child but will not do any homework for them. Bring any worksheets, books, paper, pencils, etc. Ages-any K-12 students. Free. 4:30pm-5:30pm. La Palma Public Library. 7842 Walker St. (714) 523-8585.

Family Storytime; Laguna Beach. The Peapod Academy has space for a few new cadets. Join some of the cutest babies in town and the adults of their choice at the library. Little peas will enjoy songs, fingerplays, board books, and other cadets. Get to know others and help your baby learn pre-reading skills. Ages-toddlers/ preschoolers. Free. 10:30am12pm. Laguna Beach Public Library. 363 Glenneyre St. (949) 497-1733.

Family Night; Rancho Santa Margarita. Join us for a fun, family night with Dr. Sue’s Insectology! All ages. Free. 7pm-8pm. Rancho

Santa Margarita Public Library. 30902 La Promesa. (949) 459-6094.

Read to a Dog; San Juan Capistrano. Studies have shown that children can improve their reading skills and boost their self-confidence by reading to a licensed therapy dog. Signup at the Children’s or Information Desk or by phone to reserve your spot. All ages. Free. 3pm-4pm. San Juan Capistrano Public Library. 31495 El Camino Real. (949) 493-1752. Razzle Dazzle Family Variety Show; Seal Beach. Come and join us for a fun-filled family variety show featuring: Dr. Rusty's Dinosaur Safari: Take a fascinating adventure through the prehistoric world of the dinosaur, Saving Wildlife International: Meet a variety of animals and learn what we can do to help them, Sunshine Drum Circle: Get down with music, rhythm and stories in a happy and fun drum circle! All ages. Free. 3:30pm-4:30pm. Mary Wilson Public Library. 707 Electric Ave. (562) 431-3584.

Pumpkinpalooza; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. Johnson Brothers Pumpkin Patch; Irvine. See 1st.

FRIDAY,

OCTOBER 3rd

The Beat Goes On; Costa Mesa. The creator of Boomers and Love Makes the World Go ’Round is at it again! Get ready for The Beat Goes On, a Rock and Roll road trip through the last half of the 20th Century, with stops in small town malt shops, sunny California beaches, mirror ball disco halls, and MTV studio extravaganzas. This is a high energy and family friendly look at music favorites that reshaped the world. Ages 6 years and older. General admission $17, seniors and children $14. 8pm. Vanguard University. 55 Fair Dr. (714) 668-6145.

Childsplay: Schoolhouse Rock Live; Costa Mesa. Academic subjects are never boring when presented through megahits such as “Conjunction Junction,” “I’m Just a Bill,” “Interplanet Janet” or “Three is a Magic Number.” Schoolhouse Rock Live! Explodes onto the stage with songs you loved, updated for a whole new generation. Ages 3-12 years. $20 per person. Friday 7pm, Saturday 1pm and 3:30pm. Samueli Theater, Segerstrom Center for the Arts. 615 Town Center Drive. (714) 556-2122 ext 4371.

First Friday Film; Brea. Come screen a fun, family film with us. Check with the staff for the title of the movie each month. All ages. Free. 2:30pm. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

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.

Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Laguna Hills. The fun place to pick a pumpkin! Come celebrate Halloween at Orange County's premier Harvest Festival. Meander through thousands of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes in a charming farm atmosphere. Enjoy a host of amusement rides, game booths, and activities all set under the canopy of the beautiful autumn sky. Interactive Activity Adventures including Rocky Mountain Mining Co., Lucky Luke’s Gem Stones, and Crqack Open Geodes: Sundays 10am-9pm, Mon-Thurs 4pm-9pm, Fridays 4pm-10pm, Saturdays 10am-10pm. Pony Rides: 10:30am-8:30pm daily. Puppets and Players Little Theatre Showtimes: 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, October 11th-12th is Thumbelina, October 25th-26th is Puff The Magic Dragon. Ages 15 years and under. Free admission. General hours Mon-Thurs 10:30am-9pm, Fridays 10:30am-10pm, Saturdays 10am-10pm, Sundays 10am-9pm. Laguna Hills Mall. 24203 Avenida de la Carlota. (949) 586-5862.

Bats, Cats & Spiders; Orange. Come learn all about animals associated with Halloween! Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting a zoo creature up close! Phone registration required. Additional parents/siblings/friends must pay admission to enter zoo. Ages 3-4 years. $5 per child, adults free. 10am-11am. Orange County Zoo. 1 Irvine Park Road. (714) 973-6846.

Pumpkinpalooza; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. Johnson Brothers Pumpkin Patch; Irvine. See 1st.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4th

Donuts with Dad; Brea. Children and their Dads are invited for a special Saturday storytime featuring fun stories and yummy donuts! Older/younger children, moms, and other caregivers are

invited too! All ages. Free. 9am10am. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

Rainbow Loom Day; Garden Grove. We provide the bands, you provide the fun! Bring your loom and get in on the action. All ages. Free. 1pm-2pm. Garden Grove West Public Library. 11962 Bailey St. (714) 897-2594.

Kids Crafts All Day; Seal Beach. Stop by the Information Desk to select from a variety of crafts. All ages. Free. 10am-5pm. Mary Wilson Public Library. 707 Electric Ave. (562) 431-3584.

Spooktacular Saturdays; Irvine. Join us for family fun and entertainment! Each Saturday, families can enjoy traditional fall festivities. Come one, come all in costume! Join us for our Instagram family costume contest. Donate to scare away hunger! Support hunger relief by having each child bring a bag of canned goods or non-perishable food items to benefit local Orange County food banks. Be rewarded! Each ticketed child bringing a donation will have access to our free Pumpkin Patch and Trick-or-Treat Town, while supplies last. Have fun! Enjoy the festivities including: kids crafts, petting zoo, carnival games, Harvest Walk, entertainment, gourmet food trucks and much more. Registration is required for free admission and parking. Ages 15 years and under. Free. 9am1pm. Orange County Great Park. Marine Way and Sand Canyon. (866) 829-3829.

Halloween Story Theater; Orange. 2014 Information is tentative. Celebrate Halloween with Stacey Wein, storyteller extraordinaire! Stacey invites children to don costumes and become storybook characters from spooky children’s stories. Ages 2-17 years. Free. 11am-1pm. Orange Public Library. 407 E Chapman Ave. (714) 288-2400.

Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Anaheim. The fun place to pick a pumpkin! Come celebrate Halloween at Orange County's premier Harvest Festival. Meander through thousands of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes in a charming farm atmosphere. Enjoy a host of amusement rides, game booths, and activities all set under the canopy of the beautiful autumn sky. Ages 15 years and under. Free admission and parking. 10:30am9pm. Pumpkin City – Anaheim. 2280 E Lincoln. www.pumpkincity.com

The Beat Goes On; Costa Mesa. See 3rd. Note: today’s showtimes are 2pm and 8pm.

Childsplay: Schoolhouse Rock Live; Costa Mesa. See 3rd. Johnson Brothers Pumpkin Patch; Irvine. See 1st. Pumpkinpalooza; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Laguna Hills. See 1st.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5th

Pumpkin Patch; San Juan Capistrano. 2014 Information is tentative. Join us for our annual pumpkin patch. We have a huge selection of beautiful, vibrant pumpkins along with all of the pumpkin carving accessories you can think of. Enjoy the jumpers, obstacle course, and a new twenty-five foot rock climbing, double-slide for the kids all month long. Ages 15 years and under. Free admission. Mon-Thurs 1pm-6:30pm, Fridays 1pm-8pm, Sat/Sun 10am-8pm. Mountain Pines Christmas Tree Farm. 29932 Camino Capistrano. (949) 364-1270.

The Beat Goes On; Costa Mesa. See 3rd. Note: today’s showtime is 2pm.

Johnson Brothers Pumpkin Patch; Irvine. See 1st. Pumpkinpalooza; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Laguna Hills. See 1st. Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Anaheim. See 4th.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 6th

Preschool Storytime; Brea. This popular program includes stories, songs and activities to help develop early literacy skills. All ages. Free. 11am-12pm. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

Toddler Storytime; Costa Mesa. Join Mr. Erik for stories, fingerplays, songs, crafts and more! Ages-toddlers and preschoolers. Free. 11am-11:30am. Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Public Library. 1855 Park Ave. (949) 646-8845.

Toddler Storytime; El Toro/Lake Forest. Toddlers are invited to come with their caregivers for a program featuring songs, stories, rhymes and playtime. Agesbabies/toddlers. Free. 10am10:30am. El Toro Public Library. 24672 Raymond Way. (949) 855-8173.

Family Storytime; Garden Grove. The fun starts with a playtime followed by stories and a craft. All ages. Free. 6:45pm-7:30pm. Garden Grove West Public Library. 11962 Bailey St. (714) 897-2594.

Family Storytime; Irvine. Come join us for 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.

Preschool Storytime; Irvine. This event is for children accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Ages 3-5 years. Free. 10:30am-11am. Katie Wheeler Public Library. 13109 Old Myford Rd. (714) 669-8753.

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

Toddler/Preschool Storytime; La Palma. Join us for stories, music, movement and craft. All ages (aimed at ages 2-4 years). Free. 11:30am-12:15pm. La Palma Public Library. 7842 Walker St. (714) 523-8585.

Preschool Storytime; Seal Beach. Get your child ready to read by introducing your child to books in a fun and interactive setting. Join us for fun stories, silly songs, and a simple craft. Ages 2-5 years. Free. 11:30am-12:15pm. Los AlamitosRossmoor Public Library. 12700 Montercito Rd. (562) 430-1048.

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.

Toddler Storytime; Seal Beach. Join us for a wiggly, giggly good time. Storytime is followed by playtime with age-appropriate toys. Older and younger siblings welcome. Ages-toddlers. Free. 10:30am-11am (storytime), 11:15am-12pm (stay and play). Mary Wilson Public Library. 707 Electric Ave. (562) 431-3584.

Childrens Storytime; Tustin. Join us for books, music, movement and fun! Ages 3 years and under. Free. 10:15am-10:45am and 11:15am-11:45am. Tustin Public Library. 345 E Main St. (714) 544-7725.

Lapsit Storytime; Villa Park. BabySteps is a story, song and play program. Ages 2-15 months. Free. 10:30am-11am. Villa Park Public Library. 17865 Santiago Blvd. (714) 998-0861.

Homework Help; Cypress. See 1st.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7th

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

Pajama Storytime; Brea. We will listen to stories, sing songs, and enjoy a craft project afterwards. Children are invited to wear their pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animal! All ages. Free. 6pm-7pm. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

Duplo Play Day; Costa Mesa. Children are their families are welcome to visit one of our Duplo tables between 2pm-6pm in our lobby every Tuesday. 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.

Preschool Storytime; Costa Mesa. Join us for a unique blend of traditional and digital stories with fingerplays and songs! Ages-toddlers and preschoolers. Free. 11am-11:30am. Mesa Verde Branch Public Library. 2969 Mesa Verde Dr. (714) 546-5274.

Preschool Craftivity; Costa Mesa. Activities may include simple crafts, games, or outdoor fun like bubble days, scavenger hunts, and sidewalk chalk! Siblings are welcome too. Ages 2-5 years. Free. 11:30am-12pm. Mesa Verde Branch Public Library. 2969 Mesa Verde Dr. (714) 546-5274.

Preschool Storytime; Foothill Ranch. Join us for fun stories, fingerplays, crafts and songs. Ages 3-5 years. Free. 10:30am-11am. Foothill Ranch Public Library. 27002 Cabriole. (949) 855-8072.

Toddler Storytime; Foothill Ranch. Designed for the youngest of book lovers, this session features lapsit programs, simple stories, and songs. Play and social time afterwards. Ages 3 years and under. Free. 11:30am-12pm. Foothill Ranch Public Library. 27002 Cabriole. (949) 855-8072.

Preschool Storytime; Garden Grove. This storytime is filled with fun stories, songs and rhymes for children. Storytime is followed by a craft and playtime! Agespreschoolers. Free. 10:30am11:15am. Chapman Branch Public Library. 9182 Chapman Ave. (714) 539-2115.

Night Owl Storytime; Garden Grove. Listen to some marvelous stories and find books to check out and take home. All ages. Free. 7pm-7:30pm. Garden Grove Regional Public Library. 11200 Stanford Ave. (714) 530-0711.

Preschool Storytime; Irvine. Children – enjoy stories, songs, and a craft! Ages 3-5 years. Free. 11am. University Park Branch Public Library. 4512 Sandburg Way. (949) 786-4001.

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

Read to the Dog; La Palma. Read to Bodey, an Australian Shepherd therapy dog. Bodey is our gentle, child-friendly trained therapy dog. All ages. Free. 6pm-6:30pm. La Palma Public Library. 7842 Walker St. (714) 523-8585.

Read Orange County; La Palma. Family storytime run by a Read Orange County volunteer. Stories, craft, snack and a free book for each child. All ages. Free. 6:30pm7:45pm. La Palma Public Library. 7842 Walker St. (714) 523-8585.

Pajama Storytime; Laguna Beach. Please come and enjoy the Sunshine Readers as they whisk the whole family off to dreamland. Wear pajamas and slippers! All ages. Free. 6:30pm-7:30pm. Laguna Beach Public Library. 363 Glenneyre St. (949) 497-1733.

Big Buddies and Books; Seal Beach. Kids pair up either one-onone or in small groups with local teen big buddies, who will read stories aloud and help them do a fun craft! Spending time reading with a big buddy is a great way to make a new friend and get little ones excited about books. Ages 3-7 years. Free. 6:30pm-7:15pm.

Los Alamitos-Rossmoor Public Library. 12700 Montecito Rd. (562) 430-1048.

Preschool Storytime; San Juan Capistrano. Children and their caregivers are invited to join us for stories, songs, crafts and fun. Ages 3-6 years. Free. 11:15am12pm. San Juan Capistrano Public Library. 31495 El Camino Real. (949) 493-1752.

Lapsit Storytime; Stanton. Stories, songs and play. Social play before and after storytime. Starts before the library opens so the front door will be locked, just knock and someone will let you in! Agesinfants/toddlers. Free. 10:30am11am. Stanton Public Library. 7850 Katella Ave. (714) 898-3302.

BARK Book Buddies; Stanton. Kids can practice reading out loud to Hogan, a therapy dog who will always listen and never judge. All ages. Free. 5pm-6:30pm. 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 optional. All ages. Free. 7pm-7:45pm. Stanton Public Library. 7850 Katella Ave. (714) 898-3302.

Toddler Storytime; Villa Park. This is a story sharing program for children. Ages 2-4 years. Free. 10:30am-11am. Villa Park Public Library. 17865 Santiago Blvd. (714) 998-0861.

Homework Help; Cypress. See 1st.

Family Storytime; Irvine. See 6th. Homework Help; Irvine. See 2nd. Homework Help; La Palma. See 2nd.

Preschool Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 6th. Note: two storytimes on this day: 10am-10:30am and 11am-11:30am. Toddler Storytime; Seal Beach. See 6th.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8th

Feel the Force; Cypress. Star Wars Reads Day Strikes Back is October 11th. To celebrate, join us for a special, nighttime Star Wars presentation on the lawn by the

Star Wars Saber Guild. Choose your side! Are you a jedi?...Or are you on the dark side? All ages. Free. 6:30pm-7:30pm. Cypress Public Library. 5331 Orange Ave. (714) 826-0350.

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. 1:30pm-2pm. El Toro Public Library. 24672 Raymond Way. (949) 855-8173.

Homework Help; Laguna Niguel. Volunteers give one-on-one help to students. Ages-elementary school students. Free. 4:30pm6pm. Laguna Niguel Public Library. 30341 Crown Valley Pkwy. (949) 249-5252.

Toddler Storytime; Aliso Viejo. See 1st.

Family Storytime; Costa Mesa. See 1st.

Toddler Storytime; Cypress. See 1st.

Preschool Storytime; Cypress. See 1st.

Homework Help; Cypress. See 1st.

Toddler Storytime; Garden Grove. See 1st.

Preschool Storytime; Garden Grove. See 1st.

Baby Toddler Storytime; Garden Grove. See 1st.

ABC Preschool Storytime; La Habra. See 1st.

Children’s Storytime; Laguna Beach. See 1st.

Toddler Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 1st.

Preschool Storytime; Stanton. See 1st.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9th

Pajama Storytime; San Clemente. Please come and enjoy the Sunshine Readers as they whisk the whole family off to dreamland. Wear your pajamas and slippers! All ages. Free. 7pm-7:45pm. San Clemente Public Library. 242 Avenida Del Mar. (949) 492-3493.

Reading with Rover; Seal Beach. All children are invited to read to our doggie friend! Reading to a gentle therapy dog can relax children, increase their desire to read and build their self-esteem.

All ages. Free. 4pm-5pm. Mary Wilson Public Library. 707 Electric Ave. (562) 431-3584.

Back to the Drawing Board; Villa Park. Learn how to draw the beloved Chuck Jones characters. Channel your inner Looney and join us for an hour of fun. All materials provided. All ages. Free. 3pm-4pm. Villa Park Public Library. 17865 Santiago Blvd. (714) 998-0861.

Toddler Play and Learn; Aliso Viejo. See 2nd. Toddler Storytime; Irvine. See 2nd.

Homework Help; Irvine. See 2nd. Homework Help; La Palma. See 2nd.

Family Storytime; Laguna Beach. See 2nd.

Johnson Brothers Pumpkin Patch; Irvine. See 1st. Pumpkinpalooza; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Laguna Hills. See 1st. Bats, Cats & Spiders; Orange. See 3rd.

Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Anaheim. See 4th. Pumpkin Patch; San Juan Capistrano. See 5th.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10th

Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Rancho Santa Margarita. The fun place to pick a pumpkin! Come celebrate Halloween at Orange County's premier Harvest Festival. Meander through thousands of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes in a charming farm atmosphere. Enjoy a host of amusement rides, game booths, and activities all set under the canopy of the beautiful autumn sky. Ages 15 years and under. Free admission. General hours 10:30am-9pm, except Fri/Sat closes at 10pm. Pumpkin City –Rancho Santa Margarita. 30606 Santa Margarita Pkwy. (949) 589-2075.

Halloween Spooktacular; Laguna Niguel. "Things that go bump in the night-creepy crawlers." Come face to face with some not so cuddly creatures of the animal world! Join Jackie Navaro from Wild Wonders as she takes you on a dynamic journey with some of the creepiest crawlers. The animal selection is subject to change but can include: alligators, a three pound toad, owls, snakes, tarantulas, opossum, etc. Ages 2-12 years. Kids under 1 year free, 2 years and older $5. 7pm-8pm. Crown Valley Community Park. 29751 Crown Valley Parkway. (949) 362-4351.

Club Literacy Spookfest; Dana Point. *Event not today, but must RSVP today.* Events 11th and 17th. A specially designed Halloween storytelling celebration for students. Fun and spooky tales will be told. Come costumed! Snacks, batty stories, spooky atmosphere and music provided. Ghostly snacks will be gobbled. Story interaction and monster dances. An old fashioned Halloween cupcake walk. Costume awards presented to all, from wackiest to scariest. Must RSVP by October 10th. All ages. $20 per scary night. 11am-1pm, 2pm-4pm, 6pm-8pm on October 11th and 6pm-8pm on October 17th. Club Literacy. 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy Suite 105. (949) 717-6624.

Teen Anime Club; Garden Grove. See 3rd.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11th

Family Film; Aliso Viejo. Join us for a fun family matinee the second Saturday of the month. All ages. Free. 2pm-3pm. Aliso Viejo Public Library. 1 Journey. (949) 360-1730.

Saturday Movie Matinee; Brea. Come watch a great family film with us. Check with the staff to find out the title of the month. All ages. Free. 2pm-4pm. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

Books and Barks; Garden Grove. Kids – practice your reading aloud skills with a specially trained volunteer dog! Drop by anytime for a session. All ages. Free. 11am12:30pm. Garden Grove West Public Library. 11962 Bailey St. (714) 897-2594.

Family Reading Time; Irvine. Read Together, Play Together, Learn Together! At each session, adults and children listen to a story, sing songs, play games and make crafts together. Parents receive ideas and resources to help make their home a learning place. All ages (at least one child under 5 years preferred). Free. 10am-12pm. University Park Branch Public Library. 4512 Sandburg Way. (949) 786-4001.

Friends of the Library Book Sale; Laguna Niguel. Bargains galore. Proceeds help the library. All ages. Free admission. 10am-2pm. Laguna Niguel Public Library. 30341 Crown Valley Pkwy. (949) 249-5252.

Autumn Harvest Festival; Lake Forest. The park will once again be costumed and dressed as an adventure filled festival. Some of the attractions will include the Indiana Jones Trick-or-Treat Stations, the Under The Sea Adventure Maze, the “Wicked” School House, American Adventure Storytelling and a Super Heroes Adventure Show. The adventure does not stop there because there will be games, face painting, balloon artist, costume parade on stage, the ever popular Lake Forest All Stars Glow Party, Princess Pumpkin Patch, and a movie screening of A Scooby Doo Short. Don’t forget to stop by and see Nectar and all his friends in their stage show. So come ready in costume with trick-or-treat bag in hand as the adventure will take you places beyond your imagination! Ages 3-15 years. Kids under 1 free, 2 years and older $5. 4pm-9pm. Heritage Hill Historical Park. 25151 Serrano Road. (949) 461-3450.

Kids Fall Festival; Westminster. 2014 Information is tentative. Westminster Mall will host its annual Simon Kidgits Club® Halloween event located in the mall’s JC Penney parking lot, providing children the chance to enjoy the fall holiday with a special spooky experience that’s close to home. Kids can partake in activities inspired by the films The Croods, Monsters vs. Aliens: Cloning Around, Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness: The Scorpion Sting, and Dragons Riders of Berk. They’ll do creepy, cool crafts – make a mask from The Croods, try out Monsters vs. Aliens: Cloning Around temporary tattoos or design a flying dragon to mirror the character Hiccup from Dragons Riders of Berk, all in the spirit getting creative for Halloween. There will be engaging games and photo opportunities: get in on the Kung Fu Panda chopstick game and snap a photo with a life-sized The Croods standee to capture the terrific, terrifying experience. Enjoy trick-or-treat take-homes: walk away with The Croods treat bag, Kidgits member-exclusive Halloween goodie, chance to win one of these popular DVD titles, coupons for parents and other surprises for families. In addition, parents and costumed kids can enjoy traditional seasonal offerings

during the family-friendly special celebration, including interactive Halloween activities, Halloween inspired crafts and giveaways. Don't forget to come dressed in costume to be entered into a raffle for a special prize! Ages 12 years and under. Free admission. 10am12pm. Westminster Mall. 1025 Westminster Mall. (714) 895-2860.

Johnson Brothers Pumpkin Patch; Irvine. See 1st. Pumpkinpalooza; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Laguna Hills. See 1st. Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Anaheim. See 4th. Pumpkin Patch; San Juan Capistrano. See 5th. Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 10th. Club Literacy Spookfest; Dana Point. See 10th.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12th

Family Film; Laguna Niguel. Join us for showtime for kids! This week’s title is Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted. All ages. Free. 2pm. Laguna Niguel Public Library. 30341 Crown Valley Pkwy. (949) 249-5252.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 13th

Preschool Storytime; Brea. See 6th.

Toddler Storytime; Costa Mesa. See 6th.

Family Storytime; Garden Grove. See 6th.

Toddler/Preschool Storytime; La Palma. See 6th.

Toddler Storytime; Seal Beach. See 6th.

Childrens Storytime; Tustin. See 6th.

Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 10th.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14th

Family Storytime; La Palma. Join us for stories, movement, and craft. All ages (aimed at ages 3-6 years). Free. 4:30pm-5:30pm. La Palma Public Library. 7842 Walker St. (714) 523-8585.

Recycled Reads: Halloween Altered Book Craft; Seal Beach. Make a decorative Halloween craft by repurposing an old book! Ages-teens/adults. Free. 6:30pm7:30pm. Mary Wilson Public Library. 707 Electric Ave. (562) 431-3584.

Preschool Storytime; Aliso Viejo. See 7th.

Duplo Play Day; Costa Mesa. See 7th.

Preschool Storytime; Costa Mesa. See 7th.

Preschool Craftivity; Costa Mesa. See 7th.

Preschool Storytime; Foothill Ranch. See 7th.

Toddler Storytime; Foothill Ranch. See 7th.

Preschool Storytime; Garden Grove. See 7th.

Night Owl Storytime; Garden Grove. See 7th.

Family Storytime; Irvine. See 6th. Homework Help; Irvine. See 2nd. Preschool Storytime; Irvine. See 7th.

Family Storytime; La Habra. See 7th.

Homework Help; La Palma. See 2nd.

Big Buddies and Books; Seal Beach. See 7th.

Preschool Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 6th. Note: two storytimes on this day: 10am-10:30am and 11am-11:30am.

Preschool Storytime; San Juan Capistrano. See 7th. Toddler Storytime; Seal Beach. See 6th.

Toddler Storytime; Villa Park. See 7th.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15th

Art Class for Children; Brea. This special class is provided by The Chuck Jones Center for Creativity. Learn how to draw the beloved Chuck Jones characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Wile E Coyote and Roadrunner. Channel your inner "Looney," and join us for an hour of fun! All ages. Free. 3:30pm-4:30pm. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

Lapsit/Toddler Storytime; Laguna Niguel. Simple stories, lots of fingerplays, puppets, and easy activities. Emphasis on repetition to aid our youngest learners. Ages 2 ½ years and under. 10am-10:20. Laguna Niguel Public Library. 30341 Crown Valley Pkwy. (949) 249-5252.

Preschool Storytime; Laguna Niguel. An active storytime with new stories every week, including music and dance time. Ages 5 years and under. Free. 11am11:20am. Laguna Niguel Public Library. 30341 Crown Valley Pkwy. (949) 249-5252.

School Age Activity; Rancho Santa Margarita. Join us for some fun – weaving for kids. Ages 4th-6th grade students. Free. 4pm-5pm. Rancho Santa Margarita Public Library. 30902 La Promesa. (949) 459-6094.

Toddler Storytime; Aliso Viejo. See 1st.

Family Storytime; Costa Mesa. See 1st.

Toddler Storytime; Cypress. See 1st.

Preschool Storytime; Cypress. See 1st.

Preschool Storytime; El Toro/Lake Forest. See 8th.

Toddler Storytime; Garden Grove. See 1st.

Preschool Storytime; Garden Grove. See 1st.

Baby Toddler Storytime; Garden Grove. See 1st.

ABC Preschool Storytime; La Habra. See 1st.

Children’s Storytime; Laguna Beach. See 1st.

Homework Help; Laguna Niguel. See 8th.

Toddler Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 1st. Johnson Brothers Pumpkin Patch; Irvine. See 1st. Pumpkinpalooza; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st.

Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Laguna Hills. See 1st. Bats, Cats & Spiders; Orange. See 3rd.

Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Anaheim. See 4th.

Pumpkin Patch; San Juan Capistrano. See 5th. Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 10th.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16th

Family Lego and Game Night; Aliso Viejo. Families are invited to come build Lego creations, play board games, and enjoy snacks. All ages. Free. 6pm-8pm. Aliso Viejo Public Library. 1 Journey. (949) 360-1730.

Clever to the CORE; Foothill Ranch. We’ll be creating some crafty artworks, and learning a bit about science or math at the same time. Come join us! All ages. Free. 3:30pm-4:30pm. Foothill Ranch Public Library. 27002 Cabriole. (949) 855-8072.

Tales for Tails; Laguna Beach. 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 Pkwy. (949) 249-5252.

Toddler Play and Learn; Aliso Viejo. See 2nd. Toddler Storytime; Irvine. See 2nd.

Homework Help; Irvine. See 2nd. Homework Help; La Palma. See 2nd.

Family Storytime; Laguna Beach. See 2nd.

Read to a Dog; San Juan Capistrano. See 2nd. Johnson Brothers Pumpkin Patch; Irvine. See 1st. Pumpkinpalooza; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Laguna Hills. See 1st. Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Anaheim. See 4th. Pumpkin Patch; San Juan Capistrano. See 5th. Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 10th.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17th

Game Night; Laguna Hills. Calling all teens! Video games and chess! Pizza will be served, and there will be an opportunity drawing for a GameStop gift certificate. Ages-teens. Free. 5:30pm-8:30pm. Laguna Hills Technology Public Library. 25555 Alicia Pkwy. (949) 707-2699.

Teen Movie Matinee; Rancho Santa Margarita. Kick back and enjoy a movie and snacks after school. All movies rated G or PG. Ages-teens. Free. 3:15pm-4:45pm. Rancho Santa Margarita Public

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

Teen Anime Club; Garden Grove. See 3rd.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18th

Manxmouse: The Mouse Who Knew No Fear; Costa Mesa. Manxmouse is the strangest little mouse you’ll ever see. With bright blue fur, huge rabbit ears and a distinct lack of tail, Manxmouse doesn’t mind being different. He knows that destiny awaits him, so he sets out on an exciting adventure. On his brave journey, he meets tigers, hawks and dastardly pet shop owners. Based on the beloved children’s novel by Paul Galllico, join Manxmouse as he finally meets someone who has been waiting for him all along… the Manx Cat. Ages 4-8 years. $20 per person. Saturday 1pm, Sunday 1pm and 3:30pm. Samueli Theater, Segerstrom Center for the Arts. 615 Town Center Drive. (714) 5562122 ext 4371.

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. 1:30pm-2:30pm. Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Public Library. 1855 Park Ave. (949) 646-8845.

Friends of the Library Book

Sale; Stanton. Come by the library and browse and buy some great books. Hardback books as low as 50 cents, paperbacks as low as 25 cents! All ages. Free admission. 9am-3pm. Stanton Public Library. 7850 Katella Ave. (714) 898-3302.

4th Annual Trimathlon; *Find your city.* Test your math skills, receive awesome participant gifts, earn money for local schools, and be eligible to win additional prizes! Similar to the way a triathlon tests an athlete’s physical fitness through three athletic challenges, the TriMathlon tests a mathlete’s mental fitness through three exciting math challenges:

The Counting Game – tests your ability to count from any number, to any number, by any number. Magic Squares Challenge –develop your own math problems to receive points. Mental Math Workout – tests your number sense through solving problems without pencil and paper. Each challenge is tailored by grade and progressively increases in difficulty. All participants receive fun goody bags, a certificate of participation, and earn money for local schools. The top three scorers in each grade level at each center will receive additional medals and prizes. Ages-2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. Visit www.mathnasiumtrimathlon.com to register and find the nearest location/time.

Boo at the Zoo; Santa Ana. Mark your calendars, grab your costumes, and join us for one of Orange County's longest-running Halloween events, providing a fun, safe, and family-friendly event for trick-or-treaters and children of all ages who love to wear costumes and embrace the Halloween spirit! Guests will have the opportunity to explore ten prize stations on our Trick-or-Treat Trail, enjoy a variety of Halloween-themed games and activities – including storytelling and sing-alongs, and visit with our nocturnal animals. Guests will also be able to participate in our nightly costume parade, led by SAZOO (our monkey mascot). Our exciting “Boofari” Express Train and Conservation Carrousel rides will be entertaining little ghouls and goblins all night long. Parents, don’t forget your cameras! Boo at the Zoo provides great photo opportunities that will last a lifetime. Hot dogs, chips and soda will also be available for purchase nightly provided by the Tustin-Santa Ana Rotary Club, Zoo Docents, and Zookeepers. For those who are a little older and more adventurous, Boo at the Zoo will once again have a separate area for our “Teen Scream” haunted house (included in the regular price of admission). This is sure to provide chills and thrills for those who dare to enter. Ages 17 years and under. Children under 2 years free, general admission (ages 2 years and older) $14, members (ages 2 years and older) $7. 5:30pm-8pm. Santa Ana Zoo. 1801 E Chestnut Ave. (714) 647-6575.

Fall Harvest Festival; Aliso Viejo. 2014 information is tentative. Event includes family games, pony rides, arts and crafts, balloon twisters, DJ entertainment, and more. Wear your costume

as you walk through the costume parade! Parade begins at 10:30 am. Canned Food Drive: Bring five canned food items and be entered in an opportunity drawing to win a prize. Canned food will be collected and distributed to those in need here in Orange County. Ages 1-12 years. Free admission. 10am-12pm. Grand Park. 6101 City Lights Dr. (949) 243-7747.

Bat Night; Silverado. Lots of fun activities (cash only) including free crafts/games, face painting ($3), pumpkin carving ($6), wagon rides ($3). Bat Interpretive Program included with Admission at 4:30pm and 6pm. Ages 2-17 years. Free for 5 years and under, $3 for 6-12 years, $5 for 13 years and older. 4pm-8pm. Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary. 29322 Modjeska Canyon Road. (714) 649-2760.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19th

4th Annual Trimathlon; *Find your city.* See 18th. Johnson Brothers Pumpkin Patch; Irvine. See 1st. Pumpkinpalooza; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Laguna Hills. See 1st. Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Anaheim. See 4th. Pumpkin Patch; San Juan Capistrano. See 5th. Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 10th.

Boo at the Zoo; Santa Ana. See 18th.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 20th

Nighttime Storytime with Miss Candy; Cypress. Come by and join us for bedtime stories and fun! All ages. Free. 6:30pm-7pm. Cypress Public Library. 5331 Orange Ave. (714) 826-0350.

Pajama Storytime; San Juan Capistrano. The National Charity League Sunshine Readers offer energetic and entertaining stories for kids at this family storytime. Wear your pajamas and join the fun! All ages. Free. 6:30pm-

7:30pm. San Juan Capistrano Public Library. 31495 El Camino Real. (949) 493-1752.

Preschool Storytime; Brea. See 6th.

Toddler Storytime; Costa Mesa. See 6th.

Homework Help; Cypress. See 1st.

Toddler Storytime; El Toro/Lake Forest. See 6th.

Family Storytime; Garden Grove. See 6th.

Family Storytime; Irvine. See 6th. Preschool Storytime; Irvine. See 6th.

Toddler Storytime; Irvine. See 6th.

Toddler/Preschool Storytime; La Palma. See 6th.

Preschool Storytime; Seal Beach. See 6th.

Preschool Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 6th. Toddler Storytime; Seal Beach. See 6th.

Childrens Storytime; Tustin. See 6th.

Lapsit Storytime; Villa Park. See 6th.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21st

Family Craft Night; Brea. 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.

Pretend City Playgroup; Irvine. Participate in a circle time with staff members from Pretend City Children’s Museum. Ages 2-4 years. Free. 10:30am-11am. Katie Wheeler Public Library. 13109 Old Myford Rd. (714) 669-8753.

Halloween Magician; Laguna Niguel. Acclaimed Magician Jay Leslie conjures up a little Halloween hocus-pocus fun with bewitching tricks and illusions. All ages. Free. 7pm-7:45pm. Laguna Niguel Public Library. 30341 Crown Valley Pkwy. (949) 249-5252.

Preschool Storytime; Aliso Viejo. See 7th.

Duplo Play Day; Costa Mesa. See 7th.

Preschool Storytime; Costa Mesa.

See 7th.

Preschool Craftivity; Costa Mesa. See 7th.

Homework Help; Cypress. See 1st.

Preschool Storytime; Foothill Ranch. See 7th.

Toddler Storytime; Foothill Ranch. See 7th.

Preschool Storytime; Garden Grove. See 7th.

Night Owl Storytime; Garden Grove. See 7th.

Family Storytime; Irvine. See 6th. Homework Help; Irvine. See 2nd.

Preschool Storytime; Irvine. See 7th.

Family Storytime; La Habra. See 7th.

Homework Help; La Palma. See 7th.

Family Storytime; La Palma. See 14th.

Big Buddies and Books; Seal Beach. See 7th.

Preschool Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 6th. Note: two storytimes on this day: 10am-10:30am and 11am-11:30am.

Preschool Storytime; San Juan Capistrano. See 7th.

Toddler Storytime; Seal Beach. See 6th.

Toddler Storytime; Villa Park. See 7th.

Johnson Brothers Pumpkin Patch; Irvine. See 1st. Pumpkinpalooza; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st.

Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Laguna Hills. See 1st. Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Anaheim. See 4th. Pumpkin Patch; San Juan Capistrano. See 5th. Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 10th.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22nd

ACME Drawing Board; Aliso Viejo. Children are invited to enjoy creative fun presented by the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity. Learn how to draw beloved characters like Bugs Bunny, Wile E Coyote, and more. Registration required. All ages. Free. 3:30pm4:30pm. Aliso Viejo Public Library. 1 Journey. (949) 360-1730.

Rainbow Chefs; Orange. At this "Around the World" after school enrichment session kids learn about favorite foods from all over the world, how to prepare them and of course enjoy tasting them. They will learn about cultures, special ingredients and cooking techniques in different countries, so it will be an amazing trip for all the aspiring chefs! Registration required. Ages 5+. $100. 6-week session. Wednesdays 3-4pm. Dragonfly Shops and Gardens. 260

N. Glassell St. (855) 485-CHEF.

Toddler Storytime; Aliso Viejo. See 1st.

Family Storytime; Costa Mesa. See 1st.

Toddler Storytime; Cypress. See 1st.

Preschool Storytime; Cypress. See 1st.

Homework Help; Cypress. See 1st.

Preschool Storytime; El Toro/Lake Forest. See 8th.

Toddler Storytime; Garden Grove. See 1st.

Preschool Storytime; Garden Grove. See 1st.

Baby Toddler Storytime; Garden Grove. See 1st.

ABC Preschool Storytime; La Habra. See 1st.

Children’s Storytime; Laguna Beach. See 1st.

Lapsit/Toddler Storytime; Laguna Niguel. See 15th.

Preschool Storytime; Laguna Niguel. See 15th. Homework Help; Laguna Niguel. See 8th.

Toddler Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 1st.

School Age Activity; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 15th. Johnson Brothers Pumpkin Patch; Irvine. See 1st. Pumpkinpalooza; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Laguna Hills. See 1st. Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Anaheim. See 4th. Pumpkin Patch; San Juan Capistrano. See 5th. Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 10th.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23rd

Treats in the Streets; Orange. 2014 Information is tentative. The City of Orange will welcome in the fall season with the 17th Annual Treats in the Streets Autumn Festival. Festivities will include trick-or-treating at participating Old Towne merchants from 4pm5:30pm, followed by a costume parade. Fun activities, games, interactive displays, entertainment, and delicious food booths will be provided by local non-profit groups for a nominal fee. People of all ages are encouraged to dress in costume, but adults are asked to refrain from wearing masks, and everyone is advised to leave pets at home. Ages 1-15 years. Free admission. 4pm7pm. Old Towne Orange Plaza. Chapman Ave & Glassell Street. (714) 744-7293.

14th Annual Haunted Trails; Laguna Niguel. 2014 Information

is tentative. Watch for Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel & Gretel, Rapunzel and other characters that will haunt each and every visitor. Groups of 10-13 people are escorted through mazes, tents,and ultimately pass through the graveyard. Wear comfortable walking shoes. No costumes allowed. This is a very scary event and not recommended for children under 8 years of age. No refunds for scaredy cats. Ages 8-17 years. $12 per person (free parking). 6:30pm-8:30pm. Crown Valley Community Park. 29751 Crown Valley Pkwy. (949) 362-4351.

Toddler Play and Learn; Aliso Viejo. See 2nd.

Homework Help; Irvine. See 2nd. Homework Help; La Palma. See 2nd.

Family Storytime; Laguna Beach. See 2nd.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24th

Harvest Carnival; Irvine. 2014 Information is tentative. A night of fun for the whole family! Attractions include petting zoos, cake walk, candy and crafts, face painting and more! Food from Chick-fil-A, Sharkey’s, TK Burgers, and food trucks, available for purchase. Ages 1-15 years. Free admission, $5 all attraction wristbands include Ferris Wheel, giant slides, games and carnival rides, free fun zone for kids 4 years and under. 5pm-9pm. Mariners Church. 5001 Newport Coast Dr. (949) 769-8100.

Annual Halloween Fair and Haunted House; Aliso Viejo. 2014 Information is tentative. Soka University’s student clubs are once again combining their ghastly talents to host Soka University’s 12th Annual Halloween Fair and Haunted House. The Halloween Fair in front of the Recreation Center is recommended for the little ones and will offer games, activities and food booths. The Haunted House will be held on the first floor crypt of the SUA Recreation Center. The suggested age for this dark journey with moving monsters is 10 years and older. Proceeds benefit the

student clubs at Soka University. Be there or beware! Ages 2-17 years. Free admission to kids Halloween Fair, Haunted House is $5 at the doomsday door. 6pm9pm for Fair, 7pm-10:30pm for Haunted House. Soka University. 1 University Dr. (949) 480-4081.

Jack O’ Lantern Jamboree; Garden Grove. 2014 information is tentative. Join us for our 12th annual Jack O' Lantern Jamboree. We will be having games, crafts, a costume parade, a haunted maze, a bounce house, goodies, and more. Reservation required. Ages 1-12 years. Free for 2 years and under, $7 per person 3 years and older. 5:30pm-8:30pm. Atlantis Play Center. 13630 Atlantis Way. (714) 741-5200.

Trick-Or-Treat; Huntington Beach. 2014 Information is tentative. Bella Terra Merchants will be doing trick-or-treat early for those who come in costume and visit our stores and restaurants. Ages 1-8 years. Free. 4pm-7pm. Bella Terra. 7777 Edinger Ave. (714) 897-2534.

Halloween Boo Cruise; Dana Point. 2014 Information is tentative. Join us for a twenty minute Haunted Harbor Cruise! Wear your favorite costume! Trips leave every twenty minutes. Proceeds to Benefit Us Too Gymnastics and Community Autism Now, two local nonprofit organizations helping children with special needs. Ages 2-17 years. Kids under 1 free, 2 years and older $5. 5pm-7pm. Dana Wharf Sportfishing. 34675 Golden Lantern. (949) 496-5794.

Halloween Spooktacular; Dana Point. 2014 Information is tentative. Bring the family and join the fun. The City of Dana Point will be hosting spooky fun to include Halloween Cupcake Decorating, Best Carved or Decorated Pumpkin Contest (ages 3-10 years). Bring your already carved or decorated pumpkin! We will also have a children's costume parade, halloween story time and a Halloweenthemed marionette show. Activities include: 4:30pm-6:30pm Halloween Carnival Games, Halloween Cupcake Decorating and Crafts, 5pm-5:30pm Carolyn Hopkin's storytime, 5:30pm-6pm Franklin Haynes Marionette Show, 6pm Costume Parade, Pumpkin Decorating Contest, 6:30pm "Hotel Transylvania" PG - Free popcorn and treats. All activities are free and are geared for children. Non-scary, family fun event! Come dressed in your Halloween Costume and join in

for the Costume Parade. Ages 2-15 years. Free. 4:30pm-8:30pm. Lantern Bay Park. 25111 Park Lantern Rd. (949) 248-3500.

Teen Anime Club; Garden Grove. See 3rd.

Johnson Brothers Pumpkin Patch; Irvine. See 1st.

Pumpkinpalooza; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Laguna Hills. See 1st. Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Anaheim. See 4th. Pumpkin Patch; San Juan Capistrano. See 5th. Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 10th..

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25th

90th Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade; Anaheim. This event offers a wide variety of family-friendly activities: miniature pot bellied pigs, Pumpkin Patch, a scary Haunted House, Children’s and Doggie Costume Contest (for prizes), wild critters, live entertainment, food, craft, business vendors and non profit organizations and much more. The festival is followed by the Halloween Parade. Bring a can of food to the Muzeo where the Haunted House is staged and receive a discount voucher for an exhibit of your choice in the main gallery. Come celebrate! All ages. Free admission. 11am-6pm (parade at 6pm). 201 Center Street Promenade. (714) 774-3734.

Halloween SPOOKtacular; Irvine. Attention ghosts and goblins! Spend a ghoulish afternoon at the library with some spooky activities and crafts. Children in costume will receive a special treat. Ages 3-10 years. Free. 2pm-3pm. University Park Branch Public Library. 4512 Sandburg Way. (949) 786-4001.

Family Activity; Laguna Hills. Come learn how to make crafts out of recycled paper and books. Call to register in advance. All ages. Free. 9am-10am. Laguna Hills Technology Public Library. 25555 Alicia Pkwy. (949) 707-2699.

Halloween Happening; Rancho Santa Margarita. Join us for a fun, family activity pertaining to Halloween festivities. All ages. Free. 2pm-4pm. Rancho Santa Margarita Public Library. 30902 La Promesa. (949) 459-6094.

Pumpkin Glow; Irvine. Great Park Neighborhoods’ Pumpkin Glow will bring the community together for a spectacular legacy

event where more than 1,500 carved and sculpted pumpkins will illuminate the evening. Make sure to bring your carved pumpkins to this family event to help us break a Guinness World Record. Children will be in awe seeing the glowing pumpkins and families will get to enjoy a luminous, fun outing. All ages. Free. 5:30pm-9pm. Pavillion Park. 194 Compass. (855) 250-6586.

Booooo-tiful Bay; Newport Beach. 2014 Information is tentative. Fear or fascination? Join us for a fun filled evening focused on exploring the not so spooky animal species of the night through informative Guest Speakers who will present information on Spiders, Owls, Snakes and Bats. Fun activities include: spooky crafts, ghoulish games, Bat Walk at sunset, and first 100 children in costume will receive a special gift! Reservation required. Ages 4-17 years. Free. 4pm-7pm. Muth Interpretive Center. 2301 University Ave. (949) 923-2275.

A Ghostly Affair; Laguna Hills. Dress up in your favorite costume and join us for an afternoon of hair-raising fun. Our Ghostly Affair includes exciting games, terrific trick-or-treating, tons of prizes, and plenty of opportunities for great pictures – so don't forget your camera! Reservation required. Ages 1-6 years. 4pm-5pm. Laguna Hills Community Center and Sports Complex. 25555 Alicia Pkwy. (949) 707-2680.

Halloween Zoo-tacular; Orange. Come join us for some Halloween fun at the OC Zoo! See our animals receive treat-filled pumpkins throughout the day! Activities include spooky crafts, trick-or-treating, scavenger hunt, and face painting. The first 100 children in costume receive a free gift. Ages 1-12 years. Free with zoo admission, $2 per person, under 2 years free, $5 parking. 10am4pm. Orange County Zoo @ Irvine Regional Park. 1 Irvine Park Rd. (714) 973-6846.

Hometown Halloween; Mission Viejo. 2014 Information is tentative. Celebrate this fall holiday in style with themed carnival game booths, the “Whacky Witch’n Kitchen” pintsized haunted house, costume parade, crafts, face painting and pony rides. Ages 1-12 years. Free. 4pm-8pm. Oso Viejo Community Park. 24932 Veterans Way. (949) 768-0981.

Pageant of the Monsters; Laguna Beach. 2014 Information is tentative. Back by popular demand, the Pageant of the Monsters returns with Triskaidekaphobia (fear of the number 13). The backstage of the Pageant of the Masters will be transformed into a family-friendly haunted house with an artistic twist, plus other “spook-tacular” surprises! Ages 5-17 years. Free for under 4 years, $10 for 5-12 years, $15 for 13 years and older.

6pm-9:30pm. Festival of Arts. 650 Laguna Canyon Rd. (949) 464-4282.

Nature Play Pumpkin Day; Orange. 2014 Information is tentative. This event is a part of the Coastkeeper Garden’s continued encouragement of children to be active and enjoy the outdoors. All Orange County children and parents are invited to attend. Nature Play Pumpkin Day will offer children and parents the opportunity to enjoy decorating and painting pumpkins while playing together in the outdoors. Free pumpkins will be available, while as supplies last. Costumes are welcome. The purpose of the Coastkeeper Garden’s Nature Play Garden is to get kids engaged with the outdoors and exploring natural elements. Nature Play Pumpkin Day is just one event that encourages children to explore this space, become engaged with nature, use their imaginations, fine-tune their motor skills, and just be kids enjoying the great outdoors. The greater space of the Coastkeeper Garden offers a place for parents to explore for themselves as it is also Orange County’s largest California Friendly® demonstration garden. Ages 3-17 years. Free. 10am12pm. Coastkeeper Garden. E Santiago Canyon Rd & Jamboree Rd. (714) 850-1965.

Pumpkin Carving and Costume Contest; Huntington Beach. 2014 information is tentative. Calling all ghouls, ghosts and goblins for a Halloween pumpkin carving and costume contest inside the spooky City Gym and Pool. Dress up in your scariest costume and get ready to make a jack-o-lantern come to life! Contest will be held inside the gymnasium. Ages 4-15 years. $15 per family, which includes one pumpkin, safety carving kit, and refreshments. Additional pumpkins can be purchased for $5 each. 6pm-8pm. City Gym and Pool. 1600 Palm Ave. (714) 960-8884.

Halloween Haunt; Dana Point. 2014 Information is tentative. Don’t miss out on

Doheny’s most festive event of the year! Bring your family and friends to celebrate Halloween in a fun and safe environment with good ole fashioned spookiness, arts and crafts, a fun zone, and an array of educational booths. Don’t’ forget to dress up those little ones! The event meets at picnic sites A and B. Ages 2-17 years. Free, however, a donation of one non-perishable per person is greatly appreciated. 6:30pm-8:30pm. Doheny State Beach. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr. (949) 496-6172.

Boo at the Zoo; Santa Ana. See 18th.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26th

Halloween Craft Day; Irvine. Join us for spooky crafts! This is a drop-in program so stop by anytime! All ages. Free. 1pm-3pm. University Park Branch Public Library. 4512 Sandburg Way. (949) 786-4001.

Halloween Trick-Or-Treat Pumpkin Party; Mission Viejo. Bring the kids down in their favorite costume and join us for free trick or treating from 12pm1pm. Afterward enjoy our pumpkin patch and petting zoo. Kids are also invited to paint their own custom pumpkin with our special guest Risa from Colorful Face Art. Ages 2-10 years. Free admission ($5 fee to paint custom pumpkin). 12pm-3pm. Kaleidoscope. 27741 Crown Valley Pkwy. www.gokaleidoscope.com

Johnson Brothers Pumpkin Patch; Irvine. See 1st. Pumpkinpalooza; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Anaheim. See 4th. Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 10th.

Boo at the Zoo; Santa Ana. See 18th.

MONDAY, OCTOBER

27th

Preschool Storytime; Brea. See 6th.

Toddler Storytime; Costa Mesa. See 6th.

Homework Help; Cypress. See 1st.

Toddler Storytime; El Toro/Lake Forest. See 6th.

Family Storytime; Garden Grove. See 6th.

Family Storytime; Irvine. See 6th.

Toddler Storytime; Irvine. See 6th.

Toddler/Preschool Storytime; La Palma. See 6th.

Preschool Storytime; Seal Beach. See 6th.

Preschool Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 6th. Toddler Storytime; Seal Beach. See 6th.

Childrens Storytime; Tustin. See 6th.

Lapsit Storytime; Villa Park. See 6th.

Johnson Brothers Pumpkin Patch; Irvine. See 1st. Pumpkinpalooza; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28th

Dia de los Muertos; El Toro/ Lake Forest. Performer Georgette Baker presents lively bilingual stories and music to celebrate "Dia de los Muertos." Ages 4-12 years. Free. 4pm-5pm. El Toro Public Library. 24672 Raymond Way. (949) 855-8173.

School Age Read to a Dog; Laguna Beach. Do your kids love to read aloud, or just need to practice their reading skills? Come meet Venus and her owner, Theresa, from Beach Animals Read to Kids (B.A.R.K.)! Children can read to a certified therapy dog, eager to listen and love. Aaarf! Sign up at the Children’s Desk. Drop-ins welcome too! All ages. Free. 3pm-4pm. Laguna Beach Public Library. 363 Glenneyre St. (949) 497-1733.

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. Join the Sunshine Readers and have some fun! All ages. Free. 7pm8pm. Laguna Niguel Public Library. 30341 Crown Valley Pkwy. (949) 249-5252.

B.Y.O.P. – Bring Your Own Pumpkin; Seal Beach. Come carve or decorate your pumpkin

at the library! Make a traditional jack-o-lantern or try one of our no-carve, but still spooky ideas. Don't feel like carving? We've got paint, glitter, glue, and more so you can really get creative. We'll provide the space, supplies, and even clean up the mess. You just need to B.Y.O.P. Call to reserve your place. Ages 4-10 years. Free. 6:30pm-7:15pm. Los AlamitosRossmoor Public Library. 12700 Montecito Rd. (562) 430-1048 ext 3.

Preschool Storytime; Aliso Viejo. See 7th.

Duplo Play Day; Costa Mesa. See 7th.

Preschool Storytime; Costa Mesa. See 7th.

Preschool Craftivity; Costa Mesa. See 7th.

Homework Help; Cypress. See 1st.

Preschool Storytime; Foothill Ranch. See 7th.

Toddler Storytime; Foothill Ranch. See 7th.

Preschool Storytime; Garden Grove. See 7th.

Night Owl Storytime; Garden Grove. See 7th.

Family Storytime; Irvine. See 6th. Homework Help; Irvine. See 2nd.

Preschool Storytime; Irvine. See 7th.

Family Storytime; La Habra. See 7th.

Homework Help; La Palma. See 7th.

Family Storytime; La Palma. See 14th.

Preschool Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 6th. Note: two storytimes on this day: 10am-10:30am and 11am-11:30am.

Preschool Storytime; San Juan Capistrano. See 7th.

Toddler Storytime; Seal Beach. See 6th.

Lapsit Storytime; Stanton. See 7th.

Pajama Family Storytime; See 7th.

Toddler Storytime; Villa Park. See 7th.

Halloween Magic Show; Huntington Beach. See 1st.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29th

Rainbow Chefs; Orange. See 22nd.

Toddler Storytime; Aliso Viejo. See 1st.

Family Storytime; Costa Mesa. See 1st.

Toddler Storytime; Cypress. See 1st.

Preschool Storytime; Cypress. See 1st.

Homework Help; Cypress. See 1st.

Preschool Storytime; El Toro/Lake Forest. See 8th.

Toddler Storytime; Garden Grove. See 1st.

Preschool Storytime; Garden Grove. See 1st.

Baby Toddler Storytime; Garden Grove. See 1st.

ABC Preschool Storytime; La Habra. See 1st. Lapsit/Toddler Storytime; Laguna Niguel. See 15th.

Preschool Storytime; Laguna Niguel. See 15th. Homework Help; Laguna Niguel. See 8th.

Preschool Storytime; Stanton. See 1st.

Johnson Brothers Pumpkin Patch; Irvine. See 1st. Pumpkinpalooza; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30th

Toddler Play and Learn; Aliso Viejo. See 2nd. Homework Help; Irvine. See 2nd. Homework Help; La Palma. See 2nd.

Family Storytime; Laguna Beach. See 2nd.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31st

Trick-Or-Treat Through the City and Healthy Halloween; Irvine. Little ghouls and boys will have a howling good time at our Halloween Bug Bash! There’s something for every little trick-ortreater – even those of the two legged variety. Come dressed to thrill in our creepy creaky critter city. Monster moves: Disco Dracula is ready to dance! Spooky Snacks: This year make sure your Halloween is a healthy one. Children will love these adorable, sometimes scary no-bake healthy Halloween treats. Bug Bites: Crickets, bugs, worms, that’s what’s on the menu at this Bug Bite Café! If you’re an adventurous foodie make sure to stop by for a “taste” of something exotic. Halloween Bugs: Behind each spooky door lurks a different bug! There’s the silly, the spooky, the scary and everything in between during these storytimes. No tricks here – only treats! Also, at 11am: Healthy Halloween! Plus, Dr. Riba’s Health Club team will join us to share fun activities, tips and tricks to help encourage your children to stay healthy this Halloween! Ages 8 years and under. $12.50 adults/ children, $9.50 military and family members. 10am-5pm. Pretend City Children’s Museum. 29 Hubble. (949) 428-3900.

Trick-Or-Treat; Mission Viejo. 2014 Information is tentative. The mall will host trick-or-treating at the center on Halloween. Participating retailers will provide discounts, treats and goodies, while supplies last. To find a list of retailers that are participating and their “treat hours,” visit The Shops at Mission Viejo’s Guest Services booth, located on the Lower Level in Center Court. Ages 1-10 years. Free. 11am-5pm. The Shops At Mission Viejo. 555 The Shops At Mission Viejo. (949) 364-1832.

Halloween Fun; Orange. Free trick or treat bags for the first 500 kids (available while supplies last)! Plus balloon art, face painting, and a DJ spinning kid friendly tunes. Look for the trick-or-treat sign in windows of participating stores. Ages 1-8 years. Free. 5pm-7pm. The Village At Orange. 1500 East Village Way. (714) 998-1521.

Trick-Or-Treat; Buena Park. Free trick or treat bags for the first 500 kids (while supplies last), available at the Customer Service Center! Plus balloon art, face painting, and a DJ spinning kid friendly tunes. Look for the Trick or Treat sign in windows of participating stores. Ages 2-12

years. Free. 5:30pm-7:30pm. Buena Park Downtown. 8308 On the Mall. (714) 828-7722.

Mini Monsters Bash; La Habra. We’re dressing up the museum for a fun and festive Halloween morning! Little ones are encouraged to dress up in their Halloween bets and enjoy the activity stations that will include: a yummy edible craft, not-sospooky stories, games especially for little hands, a visit with some of our critter friends, and a march through the museum in the annual costume parade! All ages. Free with admission. 10am-12pm. The Children’s Museum. 301 S Euclid St. (562) 383-4236.

Teen Anime Club; Garden Grove. See 3rd.

Johnson Brothers Pumpkin Patch; Irvine. See 1st. Pumpkinpalooza; San Juan Capistrano. See 1st. Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Laguna Hills. See 1st. Bats, Cats & Spiders; Orange. See 3rd. Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Anaheim. See 4th. Pumpkin Patch; San Juan Capistrano. See 5th.

Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 10th.

Kids Crafts All Day; Seal Beach. Stop by the Information Desk to select from a variety of crafts. All ages. Free. 10am-5pm. Mary Wilson Public Library. 707 Electric Ave. (562) 431-3584.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd

Science Sundays; Newport Beach. ExplorOcean offers families a fun, interactive handson experience to connect to the seven essential principles of ocean literacy through Science Sundays 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. Prepare to see your world in a whole new way! Program is ongoing, weather permitting. All ages. Free. 10am2pm. Back Bay Science Center. 600 Shellmaker Rd. (949) 675-8915.

Kids Fishing Clinic; Dana Point. Clinic held dockside. No reservations needed. Dana Wharf is proud to offer an experience for young anglers! Ask the experts and learn new fishing techniques, new hook tying secrets, win raffle prizes and so much more! All ages. Free. 12pm-12:30pm. Dana Wharf. 34675 Golden Lantern St. (949) 496-5794.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3rd

rhymes and playtime. Agesbabies/toddlers. Free. 10am10:30am. El Toro Public Library. 24672 Raymond Way. (949) 855-8173.

Family Storytime; Garden Grove. The fun starts with a playtime followed by stories and a craft. All ages. Free. 6:45pm-7:30pm. Garden Grove West Public Library. 11962 Bailey St. (714) 897-2594.

Childrens Storytime; Tustin. Join us for books, music, movement and fun! Ages 3 years and under. Free. 10:15am-10:45am and 11:15am-11:45am. Tustin Public Library. 345 E Main St. (714) 544-7725.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1st

Donuts with Dad; Brea. Children and their Dads are invited for a special Saturday storytime featuring fun stories and yummy donuts! Older/younger children, moms, and other caregivers are invited too! All ages. Free. 9am10am. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

Toddler Storytime; El Toro/Lake Forest. Toddlers are invited to come with their caregivers for a program featuring songs, stories,

Lapsit Storytime; Villa Park. BabySteps is a story, song and play program. Ages 2-15 months. Free. 10:30am-11am. Villa Park Public Library. 17865 Santiago Blvd. (714) 998-0861.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4th

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

Preschool Storytime; Irvine. Children – enjoy stories, songs, and a craft! Ages 3-5 years. Free. 11am. University Park Branch Public Library. 4512 Sandburg Way. (949) 786-4001.

Family Storytime; La Habra. Fun with the 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 and enjoy the Sunshine Readers as they whisk the whole family off to dreamland.

Wear pajamas and slippers! All ages. Free. 6:30pm-7:30pm. Laguna Beach Public Library. 363 Glenneyre St. (949) 497-1733.

Election Polling Location; Seal Beach. The library will be a polling location for the election today. All ages. Free. 7am-8pm. Los Alamitos-Rossmoor Public Library. 12700 Montecito Rd. (562) 430-1048 ext 3.

Toddler Storytime; Villa Park. This is a story sharing program for children. Ages 2-4 years. Free. 10:30am-11am. Villa Park Public Library. 17865 Santiago Blvd. (714) 998-0861.

Toddler Storytime; Seal Beach. See 3rd.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5th

Toddler Storytime; Aliso Viejo. Stories, songs, fingerplays for babies with parent or caregiver. Ages-toddlers. Free. 11am-12pm. Aliso Viejo Public Library. 1 Journey. (949) 360-1730.

Read to the Dogs; Brea. Join us to read to a trained, gentle therapy dog. Come meet our favorite furry friends! All ages. Free. 6:30pm-7:30pm. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

Baby Toddler Storytime; Garden Grove. There will be a playtime with toys starting at 10am and

stories will begin at 10:15am. Ages-babies/toddlers. Free. 10am11am. Garden Grove West Public Library. 11962 Bailey St. (714) 897-2594.

Homework Help; Laguna Niguel. Volunteers give one-on-one help to students. Ages-elementary school students. Free. 4:30pm6pm. Laguna Niguel Public Library. 30341 Crown Valley Pkwy. (949) 249-5252.

Homework Help; Cypress. See 3rd.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6th

Toddler Play and Learn; Aliso Viejo. This program features playtime and occasional guest speakers on topics such as early

literacy and development. Ages-toddlers. Free. 11am-12pm. Aliso Viejo Public Library. 1 Journey. (949) 360-1730.

Pajama Storytime; Aliso Viejo. Enjoy storytime with the Sunshine Readers of the National Charity League. Pull on your jammies and join us for bedtime stories. All ages. Free. 7pm-8pm. Aliso Viejo Public Library. 1 Journey. (949) 360-1730.

Family Storytime; Laguna Beach. The Peapod Academy has space for a few new cadets. Join some of the cutest babies in town and the adults of their choice at the library. Little peas will enjoy songs, fingerplays, board books, and other cadets. Get to know others and help your baby learn pre-reading skills. Ages-toddlers/preschoolers. Free. 10:30am12pm. Laguna Beach Public Library. 363 Glenneyre St. (949) 497-1733.

Lego in the Library; Seal Beach. During the school year, Teen Volunteers host Lego in the Library. Duplos will be available for younger children. Hope you can join us for some creative fun! All ages. Free. 4pm-5pm. Mary Wilson Public Library. 707 Electric Ave. (562) 431-3584.

Homework Help; Irvine. See 4th. Homework Help; La Palma. See 4th.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7th

Home work Help

DIALING IN THE HOMEWORK 411

BY MICHELLE KOEPPL

Though you may be lucky enough to have some peace and quiet from 8am to 3pm now that school is back in session, you’ll soon also face the problem of the homework your kids will bring home. So what do you do when you need to sit down with your child and you cannot remember how compound possession or polynomial long division works? And if you don’t know the answers, where can you go to find them?

Elizabeth Marymee, a longtime home tutor for the Orange Unified School District has been in and out of many a textbook over the years, and is certified to teach grades 6-12: opening the door for a broad range of situations and questions to be answered. She notes, first and foremost, that parental involvement is key.

“Just this week I realized I’d been asking my son how school was, and would get ‘good, fine,’ or something. When I discovered that he hadn’t turned in an assignment, I dug further. We figured out why it had happened, and strategized how he could do better next time. There is a tender balance. You have to give instruction, check for follow through and good habits, but step back to let them accomplish and feel proud of what they can do.”

“By plugging in to an outside resource, you may be offering your child the best possible option, while simultaneously saving yourself from re-learning complex polynomials, calculus, or rereading A Tale of Two Cities.”

The Center Director for Mathnasium in Fountain Valley, Kip Fisher, agrees, adding, “One thing a parent can do is consider that if his or her child is struggling in math, it may be because he or she did not learn something they should have learned to prepare for the concept which is now a struggle.”

How do you help your child stay on track as the school year settles into a routine? Mrs. Marymee recommends you create a checklist; have the kids write down their homework every day; have them do their homework in front of you. That way, you are accessible for questions and they are completing work as you watch.

But this still begs the question of how, without having taken elementary or high school grammar in what seems like eons, you can answer your child’s questions with confidence. Ms. Breault, an 11th grade English teacher at Magnolia High School encourages you to “stay in touch with your child’s teachers, especially to ask for resources that you and your child can use to develop your understanding of a subject. Many cities offer free homework help in the form of peer tutoring, public library programs, or Boys and Girls clubs in the area.” By plugging in to an outside resource, you may be offering your child the best possible option, while simultaneously saving yourself from relearning complex polynomials, calculus, or rereading A Tale of Two Cities.

Mathnasium is one such place: offering a wide array of educational resources in what Ms. Breault would call a “distraction free, consistent routine.” And when your child starts making progress? Mr. Fisher suggests establishing “a long-term relationship with that tutor or learning center. That way, your child always has a trusted resource he or she can count on in times of need.” M

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