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What’s up for kids Vol. 16— july/august 2012
Organize School’s Out: Now What?
Courteous & Cool Beach Etiquette
PLUS ….
Got Summer Camp Issue Camp Issue
FIND OUR Daily Calendar of Things to Do Around Town!
Cover Photo Courtesy of Fleur De Lis Photography
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n u F y l i m a F t s e F Saturday, September 8 10am—3pm South Bay Galleria 1815 Hawthorne Blvd., Redondo Beach H a n ds me nt , n i -On A a t r te n c t i v it i E , f s o r Ki ds es d n Bo ot h a s o f A ll y a w a Ag es ! Give F un ! F ly R i E m E! a Tot al F Bring the Whole Family… Celebrate Back to School…. and learn about all the FUN & EXCITING after school programs offered in the South Bay!
www.WhatsUpForKids.com For more information or exhibitor registration, call (888) 544-1042.
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ENTS T N O C F TABLE O…………….. Page 208
……… …..Page … … … Calendar s & Cool… ctory.. Page 23 u o e t r u o C urce Dire …..Page 10 o s e R ly i Fam Travel… ly d n Page 15 ie . r y r F o t ly i c e m r Fa Camp Di r e Page 6 . m . m … u g S t in o iz G for Organ s ip ith T k ic s EZINE w Qu Up For Kid at hat’s FREE e weekly W do! Subscribe for Receiv e th to s .com st thing all the late ww.whatsupforkids w
Letter From The Publisher: Publisher It’s summertime! Time for some fun in the sun! If you are still looking for a last minute summer camp idea, we have some here, in our final issue of Got Summer Camp! You can always visit our special camp website to—www.GotSummerCamp.com. Congrats to our Cutest Kid Cover Photo Contest Winner! We had oodles of kids come out in April and have their picture taken! Thanks to Cynthia of Fleur De Lis Photography for all the hard work (see her ad on the inside front cover—and pictures of ALLLL the kids who were entered)! It was so hard to narrow it down to 5 finalists—and then all of you voted! Congrats to our winner, featured on the cover of this issue! We are always looking for the funnest (yes, I know it’s not a word!) events around town for you and your family! If you are hosting one or know of one, let us know! We’ll get it posted on our website calendar if the print magazine is already done! Lastly, we have some new and exciting “contests”! We are always being asked to review new products, toys, games, etc. And once we have a look, we are giving them away! We’ll post the giveaways on our website and Facebook page— (www.whatsupforkids.com and www.Facebook.com/WhatsUpForKids). But you can’t win if you don’t comment! Check our ezine and website for the latest giveaways! Until next time,
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QUICK TIPS FOR ORGANIZING QUICK TIPS FOR ORGANIZING School’s Out—Now What? By Ann Gambrell It’s summer and the kids are home! Great! Not so great? Well, maybe because it seems you are constantly after them to pick up their stuff and clean their room. Right? During the school year, they were busy with after school activities, homework, etc. Now they are home all day…..need I say more? There is hope! Here are a few tips to make life easier and less stressful and the summer more fun. 1.
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Set up a list of chores/duties…if you haven’t already. If you have, then this is the time to reinforce them as “we are all spending more time at home now”. Don’t forget to link a reward to their accomplishments. Even though we all know many duties in life do not reap rewards….it helps to inspire children. I know! This method is one I share with my adult classes and works very well with children. I call it the “Supermarket Sweep”. Provide each child with a laundry basket and assign them a room of the house (it could be their room) and put everything in the basket that does NOT belong in that room. Then use the basket to return those items to where they belong… their rightful home. Just as you see in the Supermarket when shoppers leave items where they do not belong and a store clerk is returning them to their proper locations. When family members practice this simple organizing technique, daily or even every other day….you will see a remarkable difference in the appearance of the kids’ rooms and the entire house. Bonus: Less nagging and less stress…for all! This is a good one to use when they lament, “Mom…I’m bored!” How is it that parents are rarely “bored?” Another favorite of mine, and one I use personally, is to set a timer for 5-15 minutes. Then challenge the kids and yourself to see how much can be accomplished in that amount of time. You will be amazed at what can be accomplished in a short period of time. With younger kids this could be an activity that warrants a trip to the park or library, etc, NOTE: Your teens may roll their eyes over this one, but link it to privileges or other activities and it may work. Try it…..can’t hurt! One of my favorites is to remind all family members to take “their stuff” with them on their way to bed each night. Including toys, magazines, books, shoes, snack dishes, etc. This simple organizing technique could become a habit and allow you to wake up to a tidy environment. Wouldn’t that be nice?
Choose one or all of these tips to help create a more pleasant environment this summer. September is a long way off … or is it? Have a great summer. Ann Gambrell is an organizational consultant and speaker available to inform and entertain audiences. She facilitates weekday and Saturday Clutter Support Groups and teaches organizing classes through the Torrance Adult School. To learn more, phone Ann at 310-212-0917 or request her for FREE monthly email tips email gambrellann@aol.com. You will be glad you did.
Geoffrey A. Groat, D.D.S. Dentistry for Children and Adolescents
1350 West Seventh Street
San Pedro
(310) 832-5133
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Courteous & Cool Courteous & Cool Beach Manners: Ensuring Everyone Has a Good Time! By Certified Etiquette Trainer, Kara Doody Living in the South bay has its perks and being able to go to the beach on any given day is definitely one of them. A few weeks ago my family and I decided to load up all of our gear and spend the day at the beach. While we were there it was brought to my attention that some people could use a refresher course on beach etiquette. This summer, avoid being one of those people, by simply following these rules: 1. Don’t sit too close to other people you don’t know. Give people as much personal space as possible. 2. Keep your noise levels down. If your kids like to play and chase their friends on the beach like my kids do, remind them that there are people who come to the beach to relax and having to listen to loud kids on the beach is not always pleasant. Remind your kids to be courteous of others around them. If they notice someone napping or reading a book near them, be respectful and move somewhere that they won’t be as disturbing. 3. Do not block other people’s views. If you have a tent or umbrella make sure that you put it in a place that doesn’t obstruct other people’s views. 4. Pick up after yourself. Leaving trash and unwanted food on the beach is a big no no. The birds may like the left over food, but the people who have to chase off the hovering birds will not be as pleased. 5. Flying sand! Remind your children to steer clear of other people’s towels. Kids don’t realize how much sand flies off their feet when they run by other people. In addition, make sure you teach your kid how and where to shake off their towels properly. Remind them that they need to drag their towel AWAY from others before they shake it off. Kari Doody is Founder of the Courteous and Cool Etiquette School. After having three children and sharing stories with other mom’s, she realized that many role models that our children look up to were in the news – and not in a good way. We aren’t born with good manners, they need to be cultivated at a young age and reinforced throughout young adulthood. Whatever level your child is at, she can help them improve their skills and confidence – and they can have fun doing it with my age appropriate games and activities. For more tips and classes in your area, visit www.courteousandcool.com.
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Family Friendly Travel Catalina Island—A Unique Place to Discover By Karen Murphy Most Southern California natives admire this beautiful island in the distance but some have never experienced it. Catalina Island is a place to relax and explore a bit of paradise. Catalina Island visitors must first make their way to the island! You can take a helicopter flight or take your own boat, but many purchase a ticket on the Catalina Express. It has daily service from both Long Beach and San Pedro Harbors. The journey is just over one hour and can be a day trip or a long weekend. Pets are welcome aboard the Ferry, with some restrictions. Once you arrive you can experience many fun places to eat, stay and visit. For families there is so much to see and do. Catalina is excellent for water sports, such as scuba and wreck diving, fishing, kayaking and of course snorkeling. There are many affordable places to stay with your children and if your family enjoys camping there are great options for that as well. If you are thinking about planning a trip this summer, remember Catalina and you will not be disappointed. A local treasure that is closer than you think, just off our unique coastline!
Family Friendly Travel Writer, Karen Murphy, is excited to help plan your next family vacation! Karen can be reached at the Travelstore in Palos Verdes, 310922-6902.
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On Dad’s Watch—11 Again! Michael Malgeri One thing that's cool about having kids is you can do some of the nutty things with them you wanted to do when YOU were a kid but weren't allowed. They also help to REMIND you what's REALLY cool. For instance when I was 11 years old, I'd have JUMPED like a wild spider monkey at the chance to sneak out on a school night in March and go to the beach. Who cares if it was snowing in Brooklyn and the beach was five miles away...all the more adventurous. It all started one night when my daughter said, "Dad, let's box!" I knew she wasn't asking me to help her package something, so the thought of getting pummeled by her as an alternative to reading political blogs made me respond with a shifty eyed smirk in her direction. "COME ON, DAD! You're always WORKING!" Her enthusiasm and my now damaged left eardrum made me reconsider. "OK, let's go!" I jumped up and she clapped as I lead the way to the "man cave" where the 9 ounce red boxing gloves were waiting on the shelf. "POW! BANG! CRUNCH! SLAP!" I barely made it through a standard three minute round, ending the bout panting on my back begging, "Let's do something else now." "Like what!?" "Warm milk and bed?" I thought. Instead, I pushed the garage door button and reached into a storage closet. We boxed, so we might as well jump rope too. "Oh, cool!" she said grabbing a rope for herself. "Where are we going?" "I think there's a beach around here...let's go find it." Her eyes lit up. I'd like to tell you we jumped in the water, hunted for grunions and built sandcastles under the stars when we should have been brushing our teeth and getting ready for bed, but that was not the case. We did, however dance in the middle of the street, jump rope on the wall overlooking the waves and pretended a guy walking his poodle was Darth Vader. I was 11 again. After a short while we headed home, feeling naughty that we left the house barefoot.. "That was COOL DAD!" she said when I finally kissed her good night. "Can we do it again some time?" "Sure! Can we skip the mixed martial arts?" "OK. G'night" "G'night" I left her room thinking, "That was REALLY cool!" Editor’s Note: Along with “On Dad’s Watch” Michael writes a series of books he calls “Bedtime Stories about Capitalism,” which teaches kids about honest profit making. Visit http://www.kids4biz.com. You can write to him at mmalgeri@kids4biz.com
Kindergym, Recreational Classes U.S.A.G. Competitive Teams Cheerleading Classes, Birthday Parties Winter, Spring and Summer Camps 20,000 Sq. Ft. Facility Call Today For Our Schedule of Classes! 3051 Fujita St., Torrance (310) 326-1818 www.studiowestgymnastics.com
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14 What’s Up For Kids Art Enrichment Programs! We bring Art Programs to Preschools, Public and Private Elementary Schools, City Park and Recreational Services, Corporate Day Care, Non-Profits and More! From Leonardo da Vinci to Monet to Frank Lloyd Wright, our Great Masters Programs will:
Sharpen Critical Thinking Skills Increase the Ability to Think Independently and Innovate Build Self-Esteem and Increase Self-Confidence Let the Imagination Soar!
Programs include: Highly Trained Art Instructors, All Supplies, Educational Art Books, Prints and Props, Accompaniment of Classical Music/ Composers, Manipulatives, and More.
July/August
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Got Summer Camp? Guide 2012
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS CALENDAR OF EVENTS Ongoing Weekly Activities As Events Details May Change, Please Call Ahead. MONDAY Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd., R.H.E., hosts Babies in the Library, a storytime designed just for 6-23 month olds. No registration necessary. 10:15 & 11am. 310-377-9584, ext. 601. Miraleste Library, 29089 Palos Verdes Drive East, R.P.V., hosts storytime for ages 2-5. Free. 11:30am. 377-9584. Malaga Cove Library, 2400 Via Campesina, PVE., hosts a storytime for ages 2-5 year olds. 10:30am. 310-377-9584, ext. 551. TUESDAY Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd., RHE, hosts storytime Ages 2-5. No registration necessary. 10:15 & 11am. 377-9584, ext. 601. Kids Music N Motion hosts classes for various age levels at 4 South Bay locations. Call for the details. 373-0280. WEDNESDAY Miraleste Library, 29089 Palos Verdes Drive East, R.P.V., hosts storytime for ages 2-5. Free. 11:30am 377-9584. Lomita Library, 24200 Narbonne Ave., Lomita, hosts preschool storytime at 10am. 539-4515. Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd., RHE, hosts storytime for ages 205. 10:15 & 11am. 377-9584, ext. 601. THURSDAY Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd., RHE, hosts storytime for ages 205. 10:15 & 11am. 377-9584, ext. 601. Redondo Beach Library North branch, 2000 Artesia Blvd., hosts storytime for 1-5 year olds. 1pm. 318-0675
Redondo Beach Main Library, 303 NO. Pacific Coast Hwy., hosts Pajama story time. All ages. 6:45pm. 318-0675 FRIDAY Little Fawn, a parent participating nature program for children ages 2-5, takes place every Friday at Deane Dana Friendship Park, 1805 W. 9th St., San Pedro. 10-12noon. $5. (310) 519-6115. Kid Concepts, 22844 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, presents a special program every Friday night. 6pm. Free with paid admission to the center. 465-0075. Malaga Cove Library, 2400 Via Campesina, PVE., hosts Babies in the Library, a storytime designed just for 6-23 month olds. No registration necessary. 10:30am. 310-377-9584, ext. 551. SATURDAY Barnes & Noble, 1800 W. Rosecrans Ave., Manhattan Beach, hosts Children’s Storytime. 11am. 310-725-7025. Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts habitat restoration every Sat. 9am-12noon. 782-3989. SUNDAY Roundhouse Aquarium at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier offers storytime every Sunday at 11:30am. 379-8117. Southern California Live Steamers offers free train rides the first Sunday of every month from 11am—3pm at the East end of Wilson Park in Torrance.
Information about many activities come to us after our print deadline! Visit the website for more exciting things to do with your family!
www.whatsupforkids.com Print deadline for the Sept/Oct issue is August 10, 2012. Submit your event on our website!
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS CALENDAR OF EVENTS July/August TUESDAY, JULY 3 South Bay Galleria, 1815 Hawthorne Blvd., Redondo Beach, hosts Kids Club in the Kids Club Food Court Stage, Level 3. 6:30pm. 310-371-7546. WEDNESDAY, JULY 4 Happy 4th of July! Visit our website for all the festivities around the South Bay! THURSDAY, JULY 5 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts a tyke hike. 10-11am. $5 donation. 310-782-3989. FRIDAY, JULY 6 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts Friday fun (all Fridays in January)! Learn about nature through crafts, stories and hands-on fun! 10-12noon. $5 donation. (310) 782-3989. SUNDAY, JULY 8 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts 2nd Sunday Science 2-4pm. $5 per person. (310) 782-3989. TUESDAY, JULY 10 MOMS Club of Hermosa Beach hosts a meeting the 2nd Tuesday of every month. For information, email hbmoms@yahoo.com WEDNESDAY, JULY 11 MOMS Club of San Pedro meets the second Wednesday of every month at Peck Park Recreational Center, meeting room ABC, San Pedro. 10:30am. Call Marcia at 310514-9825or saNpedromomsclub@yahoo.com.
THURSDAY, JULY 12 Providence Little Company of Mary hosts a Supersitter Class for kids ages 11-15. This 2 session class is $30. To register, go to www.providenceclasses.org or call (800) 618-6659. FRIDAY, JULY 13 La Leche League of Redondo Beach hosts a breastfeeding support group the 2nd Friday of every month at Beach Cities Health District. 10am. krislaleche@yahoo.com CAMP ROCK will be presented by St. John Fisher Summer Drama program, Barrett Hall, 5446 Crest Rd., Rancho Palos Verdes. Friday at 7pm, Saturday at 2pm and 7pm and Sunday at 2pm. (310) 291-7630. TUESDAY, JULY 17 The South Bay evening group of LaLeche meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at the Beach Cities Health District. 7:00pm. Free. krislaleche@yahoo.com WEDNESDAY, JULY 18 Mom’s Club of Palos Verdes in a non-profit support group for moms. They meet the 3rd Wednesday of every month at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Rolling Hills Estates. For more information, visit www.pvmomsclub.com. THURDAY, JULY 19 El Segundo Plaza, corner of Rosecrans and Sepulveda, hosts Mommy and Me & Daddy too! 10am. Plazaelsegundo.com SATURDAY, JULY 21 Providence Little Company of Mary hosts CPR/Heartsaver. 9am-3pm. Register at www.providenceclasses.org or call (800) 618-6659.
22 What’s Up For Kids SATURDAY, JULY 28 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts a nature walk 10am. Free. 310-782-3989 SUNDAY, JULY 29 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts a nature walk 10am. Free. 310-782-3989
THURSDAY, AUGUST 2 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts a tyke hike. 10am. $5 donation. 782-3989.
July/August FRIDAY, AUGUST 10 La Leche League of Redondo Beach hosts a breastfeeding support group the 2nd Friday of every month at Beach Cities Health District. 10am. krislaleche@yahoo.com TUESDAY, AUGUST 14 MOMS Club of Hermosa Beach hosts a meeting the 2nd Tuesday of every month. For information, email hbmoms@yahoo.com WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15 Mom’s Club of Palos Verdes in a non-profit support group for moms. They meet the 3rd Wednesday of every month at St. Luke’s Church in Rolling Hills Estates at 10am. For more information, email Susan at susan@pvmomsclub.com.
Manhattan Village, 3200 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, hosts a special kids event with Wonder Tree. 11am. Get the details at www.shopmanhattanvillage.com
THURDAY, AUGUST 16 El Segundo Plaza, corner of Rosecrans and Sepulveda, hosts Mommy and Me & Daddy too! 10am. Plazaelsegundo.com
TUESDAY, AUGUST 7 South Bay Galleria, 1815 Hawthorne Blvd., Redondo Beach, hosts Kids Club in the Kids Club Food Court Stage, Level 3. 6:30pm. 310-371-7546.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 21 La Leche League of Redondo Beach hosts a breastfeeding support group the 3rd Tuesday of every month at Beach Cities Health District. 7pm. (424) 634-2660.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8 MOMS Club of San Pedro meets the second Wednesday of every month at Peck Park Recreational Center, meeting room ABC, San Pedro. 10:30am. Call Marcia at 310-514-9825or saNpedromomsclub@yahoo.com.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 22 Providence Little Company of Mary hosts CPR for family and friends. 9am-12pm. Register at www.providenceclasses.org or call (800) 618-6659.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 9 Providence Little Company of Mary hosts a Supersitter Class for kids ages 11-15. This 2 session class is $30. To register, go to www.providenceclasses.org or call (800) 618-6659.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29 South Bay Galleria, 1815 Hawthorne Blvd., Redondo Beach, hosts Kids Club in the Kids Club Food Court Stage, Level 3. 10:30am. 310-371-7546. (Continued on page 23)
Visit Our Online Calendar for Even More Fun Things to Do!
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FAMILY RESOURCE DIRECTORY CLASSES Classes— Classes—Art KidsArt-Redondo Beach (310) 316-9331 1802 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach www.kidsartredondobeach.com Email: karedondobeach@verizon.com Fine art classes for students ages 4 and up. Students are taught according to their individual skills and abilities. Call today for FREE class.
Classes— Classes—Dance The Dance Factory School of Performing Arts (310) 519-3600 28901 S. Western Ave., #113, Rancho Palos Verdes www.Dance-Factory.com Where kids grow up and make memories to last a lifetime. Ages 2 and up. University trained teachers—limited class size. Peninsula School of Performing Arts (310) 375-1398 2325 PV Drive West, PVE 700 Silver Spur Rd, RHE Please check our website: pspadance.com, for class information, teacher bios, calendar and fees. Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Jazz and More! Tita Boulger, director.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts a nature walk 10am. Free. 310782-3989. SUNDAY, AUGUST 26 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts a nature walk 10am. Free. 310782-3989.
As event dates and time change, please call ahead! CALENDAR CONTINUED ONLINE….. List your event free of charge on our website. Go to www.whatsupforkids.com, click on “submit my event” and enter all the details. It must be family friendly! Your event will be posted once approved.
Founder/President/Publisher
Cathy Alessandra cathy@whatsupforkids.com P.O. Box 3893 Palos Verdes, CA 90274 Phone & Fax: (888) 544-1042 Publisher/Editor: Cathy Alessandra cathy@whatsupforkids.com, ext 701 Sales: Cindy Donnelly cindy@whatsupforkids.com, ext 702 Website Design: Jennifer Bourn, BournCreative.com Photographer: Cynthia Olkie, Fleur De LIs Photography www.fleurphoto.com
www.WhatsUpForKids.com To place a listing or advertisement, call our office at (310) 544-1042 or email the listing to: cathy@whatsupforkids.com. Deadline for the Sept/Oct Edition is August 10, 2012.
Disclaimer: What’s Up For Kids is published bi-monthly by What’s Up For Kids LLC. What’s Up For Kids expressly disclaims all warranties as to the contents of this publication and assumes no liability for the contents, including but not limited to any credentials stated or claims made by persons or establishments included in this publication. All rights reserved. What’s Up For Kids copyright 2012. Reproduction in whole in part without written permission is prohibited.
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