Instinct or Emotion?

The New York Times recently published an article wondering if animals feel regret, remorse, or sorrow.

Scientists and biologists hotly debate the topic, but if you own a pet, you know the answer. Of course they do. And not just regret, but also love, affection, fear, and joy.

May I share a few stories that support my point? And I’d love to hear your animal tales as well.

I recently had to have my cat, Franki, euthanized. She had thrown a clot, which had lodged in the artery leading to her hind leg. She had advanced heart disease. She couldn’t walk or stand. She could barely breathe. She was in pain. I had no choice, but I was heartbroken. The night before the vet was to make this final, sad housecall, I slept on the floor to be near her. And, though she was in extreme discomfort, she did what she always did when I was sad. She purred as loud as she could, she licked my face and my arms; she rested her paw on my shoulder. She comforted me.

Franki had been buddies with my other cat, Tiny. The two followed each other around; they reclined side by side under the window at the spot where the sun streamed in; they constantly groomed each other. They were, without a doubt, BFFs. After the vet took Franki’s lifeless body away to be cremated, I wasn’t the only one sobbing. Tiny mourned, too. She went from room to room, mewing and searching for her friend. Even now, two months later, Tiny is still subdued.

Wild animals also express emotion. I found a baby mockingbird on the ground a few years back – too young to fly. On a hunch that its mom might be nearby, I placed it on a bench in my front yard. Sure enough, the mother bird showed up and fed the baby. So, every day for two weeks, I placed the bird on the bench several times a day. Mom would visit and feed it. At night, I brought it inside, where it was warm and safe from predators. Then, one day, the young bird flapped its wings – and flew away. Several months later, I was doing a little gardening. And a mockingbird flew up to me, almost landing on my shoulder and fearlessly hovered near me for several seconds before flying away. Could it have been that same bird? No way to know for sure . . . but how often does a wild bird land on one’s shoulder?

Here’s a warm-and-fuzzy article and video that I know you’ll love – and I think supports my point: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/05/09/assignment_america/main4085323.shtml

Do animals have feelings? I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories!

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Dirt : The quirks, habits, and passions of keeping house

Edited by Mindy Lewis

Seal Press/292 pages/$15.95

Reviewed by Victoria Clayton

One morning several weeks ago, I set out to make a routine domestic purchase and ended up buying something crazy. Sleek. Red. Italian-made. Expensive. Yes, a new vacuum cleaner. My husband had purchased our Hoover upright well before we were married and, while it had served us well, it was time to say goodbye. That night, after sheepishly explaining to my hubby why we needed to replace his Hoover with a $483 version, after demonstrating how superior the new machine was and after getting maybe half the house cleaned, I fell into bed, a bottle of window cleaner and a roll of paper towels still on my dresser. I intended to finally clean the closet mirrors, but hadn’t gotten around to it. Instead, I cracked open a new book I’d received. A writer colleague contributed to it and I was anxious to read her story.

I began to read Dirt: the quirks, habits and passions of keeping house. My colleague is Teena Apeles and I read her funny essay “Adventures in Fluff” about her own terrible vacuum problems and her innovative method for combining cleaning and working out (I learned she wears a pair of Adidas and scrapes up dog hair sort of like an exercise routine). Cool! Perhaps this is what all those Secret people are talking about! Here I was thinking about vacuums and dog hair and now I have a whole book to read with writers chronicling their cleaning challenges. After Apeles, I went for Joyce Maynard’s breakup story “No Elves in the Night,” which draws parallels between her crumbling house and disintegrating marriage. Then on to Laura Shaine Cunningham’s story “Waxing Poetic,” which has this great line: I confess — my floors have brought me to a place no man has ever done: to my knees. In total, 38 writers contributed to Dirt. Many of them are funny, Michael Hill’s story “A Clean House, A Sad Home” made me cry, most others are touching or poignant too. I even found a story that vindicated my expensive vacuum purchase. It’s not a book you can or should plow through, though. Yes, reading about cleaning can get as monotonous as cleaning (well, almost) but that will only happen about two-thirds of the way through and only if, as I warned against, you read straight through. While sex, love and food have all been explored for their basic humanness, I’ve never read a book that talks about this very basic part of being alive: cleaning up. No part of it is skipped, either. There are writers who don’t clean and explore the social and moral implications of hiring others to do the dirty work; there are writers who are obsessive about cleaning and also the ambivalent or admitted slobs. There were sections that bogged a bit. Maybe the collection could’ve been leaner, say 25 or 30 essays instead of 38. The book as a whole may have been stronger. Maybe. Some of the themes of the different stories became repetitive. For example, craziness and dementia associated with letting the house go and the strong tie we have with our parents (especially moms) when it comes to issues of housekeeping. Too much of a good thing, though, is no real criticism.

Good writers have a way of reminding us that everything we do is more than just the task. We’re never just cleaning windows or mopping a floor. We’re restoring our humanness, we’re living, we’re loving, we’re getting over it, we’re grieving. This is what Dirt accomplishes. Around midnight, after reading several of the stories, I climbed out of bed and, with new enthusiasm, took on the mirrors. I was looking for a new outlook? Changing my perspective?  Easing my frustrations? Well, I was doing something…but surely not just removing smudges.

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Welcome to Tanya Fox’s listings of things to do for families in the Conejo Valley area (NW Los Angeles/Ventura County).  Completely free of charge, you also get Tanya’s comments in ital! Now isn’t that cool?

updated July 2, 2009

FREE Paraíso Movie Nights  (Dos Vientos)

Thursdays, 7 – 9 pm at the amphitheater

350 Via Las Brisas, Newbury Park

http://www.paraiso.com/events.asp

With warm summer nights upon us, Paraiso comes to life at night with Movies under the stars. Here is our calendar of upcoming movies for the whole family.

July 2:  Shrek the Third

July 9:  E.T. the Extra Terrestrial

July 16:  The Tale of Desperaux

July 23:  Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End

July 30:  Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

August 6:  Journey to the Center of the Earth

August 13:  Paul Blart Mall Cop

August 20:  Bedtime Stores

August 27:  Coraline

FREE The Lakes Date Night Series - Movies at the Park (T.O. Blvd.)

Wednesdays at 8:00 pm

Classic movies under the stars.

Arrive early to take advantage of special retailer offers.  For more details call 805-497-9861 or visit http://www.shoplakes.com/

July 15:  Grease  (PG)

July 22:  Breakfast at Tiffany’s

July 29:  Singin’ in the Rain

Movie Reviews for Families

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/

http://www.kids-in-mind.com/

City of Moorpark presents

3rd of July Fireworks Extravaganza (Moorpark)

4 pm

$3.00 admission

Children 4 and under are free

Arroyo Vista Community Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road

live music

vintage plane fly-over by the Commemorative Air Force, sky divers and a presentation of the American flag by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Dept.

Family games (gunny sack race and tug-o-war)

Bounce house, obstacle course, slides, carnival games and more

Families can bring a picnic dinner or purchase food there.

All-aerial fireworks display will begin at about 9 pm

Bring blankets and lawn chairs.

No alcohol, pets or fireworks.

A friend told me about this event and said it was a lot of fun.  We’ve never been there.

Gardens of the World – Patriotic Concert in the Park (T.O. Blvd.)
Friday, July 3rd, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
http://www.gardensoftheworld.info/

The Gardens of the World is proud to present the only local performance this year of the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West. Please join us for an evening of patriotic music featuring songs from many popular composers.

Lawn seating; please bring blankets or lawn chairs for your comfort. Please remember, no pets, smoking or glass.

Free parking at the Civic Arts Plaza is sponsored by the City of Thousand Oaks.

4th of July, Saturday

Rotary Club of Westlake Village presents

40th Annual 4th of July Parade - City of Westlake Village

7-9:15 am        Pancake Breakfast  ($5.00 each person, $20 per family)

9:30 am           Line-up for the Parade

9:45 am           Parade Procession

10:00-12:00      Flag Retirement Ceremony and 4th of July Party in Park

http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jun/15/westlake-village-july-4th-celebration/

The event begins at 7 AM with a Pancake Breakfast sponsored by the Rotary Club of Westlake Village.  The Parade will line up at 9:30 AM and process down the decorated 4-block route at 9:45 AM.  Participants are encouraged to decorate their bike, scooter, skateboard, or wagon in patriotic colors and join the City for this wonderful patriotic celebration! Residents are also welcome to cheer participants on from the side of the parade route.

The event begins at the former Westlake Village hospital site at the corner of Lakeview Canyon Road and Agoura Road and marches down the 4-block route down Agoura Road to Berniece Bennett Park.

Once the parade arrives at a park there will be a U.S. Flag Retirement Ceremony performed by Boy Scout Troup #752.  Following the Flag Retirement Ceremony, there will be music, inflatables, old-fashioned games, and free popsicles and waters. Please contact City Hall with any questions at 818-706-1613.

Channel Islands Harbor Parade & Fireworks by the Sea

http://www.channelislandsharbor.org/Events.cfm

All day festival (8 am – 10 pm)  live music, food booths, kids’ games and activities, and much more….

5th annual 10K & 5K Fun Run/Walk

11am parade (kids can decorate their bikes and scooters)

9 pm fireworks by the Sea

Ventura – 4th of July Street Fair

http://www.cityofventura…net/streetfairs

10:30 am Push and Pull-em parade

Street fair 10 am – 5 pm

Fireworks

Conejo Parks & Recreation District presents  (Borchard Community Center & T.O.)

Pancake Breakfast-$3.00/Per Person Borchard Community Center-8:00-11:00am, 805/381-2791

Home Run Derby, Borchard Park – Field #2- $5.00 8:30-10:30am, 805/495-4674

Senior Home Run Derby, Borchard Park – Field #1-$5.00 9:00-11:00am, 805/381-2744

Concert in the Park, Conejo Community Park Featuring the Conejo Pops Orchestra-5:00pm

FREE Family Open Swim, Community Pool at CLU, Thousand Oaks & Newbury Park High School Pools.  Noon – 4:00pm, 805/495-4674

Fireworks Show Starts at 9:00pm For information call 805/381-1247.  Best viewing is from the Oaks Shopping Center and Janss Marketplace parking lots.

The new Community Pool at CLU is beautiful.  I’ve included their open swim schedule below.

Brought to you by Chevron

FREE Reagan Library 4th of July Celebration  (Simi Valley)

10 am – 3 pm

http://www.reaganlibrary.com/default.aspx

http://www.theacorn.com/news/2009/0702/community/027.html

Presidential look-alikes

Patriotic concert by the Los Angeles Police Department Concert Band

Games and crafts for children

Family activities are free, admission to enter and view museum still applies.

Storytelling by Jim Woodward, 11 am and 1 pm

Jim Woodard, Ventura storyteller and writer, will tell the story behind the composition of the National Anthem. He will talk about a surprising event in the life of President Theodore Roosevelt and the most important action taken by President Abraham Lincoln. He will also draw parallels between Lincoln and President Barack Obama.

Woodard is the resident storyteller at the Reagan Library. He has received the George Washington Award for Excellence in Public Communications from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge for his historic and patriotic storytelling programs.

Rotary Club of Simi Valley presents

FREE 39th Annual 4th of July Festival & Fireworks Extravaganza

Gates open at 2pm

http://www.simivalleyrotary.org/

Kids fun zone

Food and crafts booths

2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Local Entertainment

5:00 – 9:00 p.m. The Platinum Groove

8:45 – 9:15 p.m. Patriotic Music and Flag Salute

9:20pm: Spectacular Fireworks Show!!!

Conejo Recreation and Park District and the City of Thousand Oaks presents

The Oaks Mall Fireworks Spectacular  (Thousand Oaks)

CA 101 Fwy / Lynn Road exit

The Oaks Mall will be open on July 4th from 10:00am to 6:00pm.

Enjoy Fireworks at 9:00 pm on the hill behind The Oaks.

Arrive early to reserve a great viewing spot in the parking lots.

Tune into KCLU 88.3 from 7:00pm – 9:45pm for traffic updates, pre-show salutes, and a patriotic simulcast.

Janss Marketplace Fireworks Spectacular  (Moorpark Rd. exit)

http://www.janssmarketplace.net/filemanager/files/janssmarketplace/events/255/Janss_4th_of_July.pdf

4 – 10 pm, Hillcrest & Moorpark Rd

Rooftop access begins at 4pm and is limited to the first 2500 guests.

FREE Family Fun:  Balloon Twister, Face Painting, Bounce house

Live music:  ”Boogie Wonderland” Disco dance entertainment 5:30-8:30

live DJ 5 – 10pm at parking structure rooftop

FREE 4th of July at Bethany Church on the Hill (T.O.)

Fun starts at 5 pm

200 W. Bethany Court, Thousand Oaks

http://www.bethanyto.com/

Pony rides

Concerts

BBQ  (not free)

Giant water slide (bring a change of clothes, towel)

Free balloons

Petting zoo

Kids’ bounces

Snack booth

Prayer for America

The best view of fireworks in Thousand Oaks!

We’ve been going here for the past 4 years.

5th of July, Sunday

Sponsored by Waste Management/G.I. Industries

FREE City of Agoura Hills Concert in the Park & Fireworks

July 5, 6 pm

Chumash Park, 5550 Medea Valley Dr., Agoura Hills

http://www.ci.agoura-hills.ca.us/

The concert starts at 6pm and features the lively music of “Zoot Suit Revue”, sure to get you jiving!

Fireworks show at 9pm.

Bring chairs, blankets, picnics, toys, etc.  No pets please.

For sale: food, drinks, glow sticks.

Check out the CERT canopy for city emergency services information and the Department of Community Services canopy for summer camp and recreation classes offerings.

FREE The Lakes at Thousand Oaks Kids Club

Every Wednesday, 11am to 12pm

The Lakes at Thousand Oaks, 2200 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.  805.497.9861

http://www.shoplakes.com/

For toddlers & preschoolers

July 8: Allen’s Magic and Illusions

Allen Oshiro has been performing magic for over fifteen years and his expertise is unmatched. Children will get a chance to do some magic of their own! Come see why this performer is a crowd favorite.

July 15: Puppetopia

Children of all ages will be mesmerized by the wonder of Douglas’ colorful puppet characters. He is one of the premiere puppet designers and crafters in the country and his work has spanned generations.

July 22: Art Workshop

Creativity and fun are the order of the day! This craft will challenge children to think creatively and exercise those artistic muscles! Bring your painting clothes because this could get messy!

July 29: Family Comedy and Variety Show

Direct from Disney’s California Adventure, David is a juggler and comedian who has been seen on TV and in films. His outlandish humor will have us rolling in the aisles as he does a little juggling, music, ventriloquism and even performs an escape trick!

FREE Paraíso Lil’ Critters Club Every Tuesday  (Dos Vientos)

10:30 – 11 am

http://www.paraiso.com/critters.asp

Their July schedule should be up soon.

The Conejo Valley Adult School Parenting Program at Horizon Hills presents

Dan Crow, the famous singer and songwriter for kids!  (Thousand Oaks)

Tuesday, July 14th at 1pm

http://www.dancrow.com/

Multi-Purpose Room at Horizon Hills Campus, 33 Greta Street, Thousand Oaks , CA 91360 (off of Avenida De Las Flores)

Cost: $7 presale, $10 at the door, children under 2 are free

Please call Jennifer Jones to purchase tickets: 805-499-1903 or jenjonesms@aol.com

Dan Crow is a very fun, high energy, silly performer and he’s perfect for preschoolers!  His CDs are available to borrow from the T.O. Library.  Recommended.

New Classes - Conejo Valley Adult School Parenting Program at Horizon Hills

http://www.conejo.tec.ca.us/parenting/Parenthome.htm

To sign up for a class, call the Horizon Hills office 9-1pm (805) 492-8837 Ext 2001

Music and Movement Time

This class playfully incorporates music and activities that foster optimal brain integration, improve attention span and development coordination.  (For the 2-4 year old child and parent).

Instructor:  Bonnie Vandenberg

1st Quarter:  Sept. 4  - Oct. 30,

2nd Quarter:  Nov. 6 – Jan. 15, 2010

Fridays, 3 pm – 4 pm

Fee $40 per Quarter

Family Meeting Workshop

4 weeks (2 hour evening class)

Family Meetings provide an opportunity to avoid power struggles, model skills and create good memories through family tradition.  They also teach children problem-solving skills, cooperation, accountability and a sense of belonging and significance.

(For parents and other adults wanting to learn how to set up family meetings.)

Instructor:  Jennifer Mundy

1st Quarter:  6:30 – 8:30, Wed. Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14 and 21

2nd Quarter:  6:30 – 8:30, Tues. Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24

Time:  TBA,  Fee $40

Baby Carrier and Slings

Course will discuss the developmental benefits of skin-to-skin contact through the first years of life by giving baby reassuring closeness while you regain hands-free mobility.  A variety of carriers will be available to try and evaluate based on personal needs.

Instructor:  Dana Harris

1st Quarter:  Sept. 16

2nd Quarter:  Nov. 18

Time:  Wed. 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Fee $10

Discussion Board:  http://www.babywearer.com/

Most new parents get a Baby Bjorn and think that’s the best there is.  In the last 10 years, the market of baby carriers has produced a lot of variety and choices for parents.  There are new, wonderful, comfortable and easy to use baby carriers out there.  This class is great for any new parent who wants to try them out and see what the market offers. (I used to use the unpadded Maya Wrap sling, the padded Over the Shoulder Baby Holder and the ABC (Asian Baby Carrier) The Kozy Carrier.)

Ergo Baby Carrier – So padded and cozy, possibly the most comfortable front and back carrier (unlike the Bjorn, the Ergo can be used easily for 2+ year olds)

http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/

Kangaroo Korner - stay-at-home mom makes a variety of beautiful & comfy slings.  I purchased a water sling (really) from her.  http://www.kangarookorner.com/

Kozy Carrier - Wear you baby front or back.  (Four years ago I had to wait 6 months for my hand-made choice because the owner was overwhelmed with demand for her carrier and cool pattern choices.)  I went hiking with my then 2-year-old on my back with this.  Though I think I should have ordered the Ergo for the padding.)  It’s more comfortable than a metal back carrier:  http://kozycarrier.homestead.com/

Modern, elegant ring sling patterns:  http://zolowear.com/Default.aspx

If you have a sling and it’s in the bottom of your closet and you don’t know how to use it, go to this class so Dana can show you how. When my son was 5 months old, I couldn’t figure out how to use any of the slings I had until I went to a local La Leche League meeting and begged for help (my son was only calm when carried, he hated the stroller as an infant).  The sling saved my sanity and made his first year a very happy one.

FREE Reptile Family appearances

http://www.reptilefamily.com/

July 7 – 2 pm, Oak Park Library, 699 Moorpark Ave.

July 25 - 2:30 pm, Moorpark Library, 699 Moorpark Ave.

August 5 – 2 pm & 3:30 pm, Camarillo Library, Las Posas Rd.

August 19 – 11 am – 1 pm, Simi Valley Library

FREE Ventura County Public Libraries Summer Reading Program Events (Camarillo, Oak Park, Simi Valley, Ojai, Port Hueneme, Ventura)

http://www.vencolibrary.org/childser/srp.htm

Click on the link to skim through all of the events.  Here are some highlights:

PAWS for reading: read aloud to therapy dogs

Tues. 7/14, 2pm (Camarillo) Crazy Craft Tuesday

Tues. 7/14, 2pm (Oak Park) Artspeak with Elaine Murray: Stories of Creative inspiration

Be sure to check your local library website.  Each library has great events for families this summer and throughout the year.

FREE Friends of Thousand Oaks Library – July Events

http://www.ftol.org/calendar/july2009/all.htm

Leonis Adobe Lil’ Ranchers Summer Fun Round-Up (Calabasas)

Every Tuesday, July 7th – August 18th

9:30 am – 11:30 am

http://www.leonisadobemuseum.org/

$2.00 per person for non-members

and free for members

23537 Calabasas Road, Calabasas

Each week the program is centered on an historic theme, with live music, games and stories to complement the theme.

Games

Live music

Story time

Crafts

Tortilla making

Animals & more

Great for toddlers, preschoolers and early elementary age children.

Conejo Valley Mothers & More presents

FREE Workshop – Starting and Caring for a Kitchen Garden (Westlake Village)

Thursday, July 9th, 7:30 pm

Location:  31200 East Oak Crest Dr., Westlake Village.  Please email Shannon at scurryrackers@yahoo.com to RSVP.

How to create a perfect kitchen garden from the soil up

Correct composting and soil amending

Raised beds

Irrigation techniques

Herb garden development

Plant varieties to choose and

Organic pest control

Guest speaker John Lyons.  John Lyons, originally from western Ireland, has been immersed in California horticulture, edible landscaping, orchards and wild hedge rose for a decade now and has a particular fondness for California native plants and water-wise gardening. He is an avid practitioner of organic garden cultivation.

The public is encouraged to attend free of charge. 

Mothers & More supports all mothers, including those who have continued to work for pay while raising their children. Mothers & More offers informal meetings, playgroups, social events, book club, and more. Mothers & More is a national organization with hundreds of chapters throughout the country.

To find out more about our group visit www.conejovalleymothersandmore.org

Too hot to play outside?  Kids bouncing off the walls?

PUMP IT UP (Ventura)

Open play sessions during the week

http://pumpitupparty.com/ca/ventura/home-p1q25.htm

Pop-In Play: Monday & Thursday 10:00 am – 11:30 am for ages 6 & Under only.  $6 per child. Socks and signed waivers required.

Family Fun Night: Tuesday & Wednesday 5 pm – 8 pm for ages 2-10 only.  $8 per child.  Socks and signed waivers requried.

Used Book Sale – Newbury Park Library

Friday, July 10, 6 – 8:30 pm

Saturday, July 11, 10 am – 3 pm

2331 Borchard Road, Newbury Park

http://www.ftol.org/booksales.htm

Proceeds will benefit the activities of the Friends of the T.O. Library

Thousands of books will be available

35 cents for children’s books

50 cents for paperbacks

$1.00 for hardbacks

FREE Lake Casitas Recreation – Astronomy Nights

Saturday, July 11 – Meteor Shower Night

Saturday, Aug. 8 – Meteor Shower Night

Picnic Area # 1, 8 – 9:30 pm

Park Entrance Fees Apply

For more information, please call 805-649-2233 or contact PSO Rob at rweinerth@casitaswater.com

Visit us at www.lakecasitas.info

http://www.lakecasitas.info/documents/AstronomyNightFlyerFull-032609.pdf

View the night sky without any city lights.  Bring the whole family for an evening of stargazing with NASA accredited astronomer ERNEST UNDERHAY.   The Los Angeles Times calls Ernest “An astronomer with a fund of knowledge and a ‘far out’ sense of humor.” You will be sure to leave this experience with a greater understanding of the constellations and our universe.”

Feel free to bring blankets, chairs, binoculars and telescopes.

Maybe you can hang at the Water Playground that Saturday, then head to nearby Ojai for dinner and then head to the Meteor Shower at night.

Lake Casitas Water Adventure Playground 2009 (Ojai)

June 13 – August 23

August 29, 30

Sept. 5, 6, 7 – Labor Day weekend

http://www.lakecasitas.info/wateradventure.html

“Children and adults alike can enjoy two distinct water playgrounds.  For the younger children, a multi-level jungle gym with waterfalls, bridges and slides in a lagoon with water up to 18″ deep.  Parents can relax in a shady spot while the children play, or join their youngsters for a “splashing” good time.

For the whole family, the Lazy River offers a cool water ride on inner tubes along a scenic waterway featuring waterfalls, fog filled bridges and jet sprays.  The inner tubes are available as singles, doubles or triples.  And for the smallest of tots, a zero-depth pool sprays water from all angles, providing a safe, fun play area.  Shaded decks, lounge chairs, showers, restrooms, a snack bar and mercantile and provided for comfort and convenience.  Certified lifeguards are on hand at all times and life jackets are available at no extra charge while supplies last.  Locker rentals are available for a nominal fee.”

This is place is fun.  We have been going for years.  It’s worth the drive from T.O. (about 50 minutes).  It’s very clean and there are lifeguards every where.  We have never gone on a weekend.  We always go on a weekday in the summer to avoid crowds (or worse, risk being turned away).  August is BEE season, so if you want to avoid bees, go in July.  (Though you’ll still find bees.)  If bees don’t bother you (if you or your children can handle 3-4 hovering around while they eat, I just swat a t-shirt at them) then go in August.  We go both months, typically 2 visits in July, 1 in August.  Go with friends and carpool.  With friends you can take turns watching sets of children.  It’s not a huge water park and it is easy to keep an eye on my kids.  Ice chests & coolers cost $5 to bring in.  I always bring in my own food/snacks.  Their fast food choices are Domino’s pizza, corn dogs, packaged ice cream, etc…

City of Ventura - Community Water Park

The Ventura Community Park opened its doors in October of 2005 to great fanfare. The park features various three large sports fields, a 1.4-mile paved trail and a state of the art aquatics facility with two 25-foot water slides, a recreation pool, competition pool and a water playground for children. This initial phase of construction only built out 25 of the parks 100 acres.

http://www.cityofventura.net/community_services/community_recreation/aquatics/

I’ve never been.  I’ve been waiting for my oldest to be tall enough for the water slide.  We may visit this year.

Rainbow Spray Park  (Simi Park)

Tapo Community Park (aka “Lemon Park”)

http://www.rsrpd.org/RTapo.htm

Community Pool Information (CLU, T.O. Newbury Park, Westlake H.S.)

https://www.crpd.org/pdf/2009/pool info.pdf

Community Pool at CLU

Newbury High School

Thousand Oaks High School

Westlake High School

Click on the link to see pool hours, Lap Swim & Recreation Swim Hours.

Admission $2 ages 2 – 62

The new Community Pool at CLU is really great.  It’s brand new, heated and highly chlorinated.  We had our end-of-the-year Preschool Party there and the kids LOVED it.  They also host affordable birthday parties there.

Natural History Museum presents

Reptile and Amphibian Appreciation Day (Los Angeles)

Saturday, July 11, 12 pm – 5 pm

http://www.nhm.org/weekends/

Families of all ages can join us in the Discovery Center to meet radical reptiles and fabulous frogs from our collection, and from around the world. Toads and turtles! Snakes and Skinks! Highlights of this special day include live animal presentations and photo opportunities; crafts and activities; reptile story times; experts from the California Herpetological Association and the California Turtle and Tortoise Society, and their animal guests including a duo of American alligators, a 13-foot Python, all of California’s native rattlesnakes, Indian cobras and poison arrow frogs.

FREE Open House – Gulls Wings will unveil their new Space Exhibit  (Oxnard)

Sunday, July 12th, 12 pm – 4 pm

418 W. 4th Street in Oxnard

http://www.gullwings.org/default.aspx

Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm

We chose this date to roughly coincide with the 40th anniversary of the first moonwalk, so our Open House will be space-themed.

Live entertainment, refreshments, raffles, and crafts for the kids.

A special raffle we will be running for the entire month of July.  Thanks to a generous donation from the Walt Disney Company Foundation, we have two pairs of one-day Park-Hopper tickets to Disneyland and California Adventure (each pair is worth $188).

It will cost $2 apiece, or you can purchase 3 for $5 or 7 for $10.  Winners will be notified at the beginning of August.

Fun craft programs free with admission on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

If you plan to visit our museum a lot, you might want to consider a family pass to the museum.  A family pass costs only $50, and is good for a whole year!  So if a family of four planned on visiting our museum just four times this summer, that pass has already paid for itself!  To find out more about our various levels of membership, please visit http://www.gullwings.org/admission.aspx.

This place is best for preschoolers – early elementary age.

FREE New West Symphony Music Van (T.O. Library)

Wednesday, July 15, 2 – 3 pm, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Grant R. Brimhall Library

Registration required at the Help Desk in the Children’s Library.

GRADES 3 AND UP

Ever wanted to play a French horn, a cello, or perhaps a flute?  Here’s your chance as the Music Van rolls into town.  Program Manager

Erin Boskovich and trained volunteers will explain the use and care of New West Symphony Music Van.

My Gym of Thousand Oaks and Balanced Parenting Present

A Parenting Education Evening

FREE “Raising Great Kids Without Bribes, Threats, Spanking or Pulling Your Hair”

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009, 7:00 – 8:30 P.M.

My Gym – Thousand Oaks, 2701 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, West of Hampshire Rd. in the Palm Plaza

Presentation by Bette Alkazian, LMFT, Nationally Recognized Parenting Expert

R.S.V.P. to bette@balancedparenting.com or call 805-230-2464

This event will be videotaped.

Join us for a fundraising event benefitting Horizon Hills Preschool’s Campus Beautification Efforts

Do You Scrap?

Friday, July 17, 5:30 pm to Midnight

Call Kathy to secure your spot – (805) 375-3942 or (805) 236-1900

For just $10 you get your own table for 6 ½ hours of uninterrupted scrap time, snacks, and 1 free raffle ticket!

Great Raffle Prizes & Scrap Vendors will be available for your shopping pleasure

Please bring your own dinner!

For the first 20 people who pay for a spot, you will get a FREE Close To My Heart Idea Book!!

FREE Thursday Summer Nights Concert Series at the Oaks Mall

every Thursday, 6 pm – 8 pm

Join us for an evening of music under the stars.

This summer, The Oaks is hosting live music in the new outdoor expansion. Join us after the Farmers’ Market (each Thursday 1:30pm – 6:30pm) for a relaxing evening around the fountain.

Redbird’s 2009 Children of Many Colors Pow Wow (Moorpark/Simi Valley)

Friday – Sunday, July 17-19, 2009

Friday evening 6 pm – Open flute circle, potluck, vendor set-up

Saturday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Intertribal Powwow

Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Intertribal Powwow

http://www.redbirdsvision.org/

http://redbirdsvision.org/index.html

Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Rd, Moorpark, 805-217-0364

$2 per vehicle suggested donation

The Children Of Many Colors Powwow is our signature event. It is a cultural gathering in which the public is welcomed to experience the traditional songs, dances, music, food, art and public ceremonies of indigenous peoples. For many urban native people, encountering a powwow is their first initiation to their own culture, and it can change their lives.

It is not unusual to meet people who have walked away from alcohol, drugs, gangs and violence to find a spiritual center as a direct result of being welcomed into the circle; hearing the sounds of ancient songs, experiencing the dances, and witnessing first-hand that an alternative way of living and a caring community exists.

Natural History Museum presents

Curator’s Cupboard and Junior Scientist  (Los Angeles)

Saturday, July 18, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm

http://www.nhm.org/weekends/

The NHM doesn’t just put an extraordinary collection on display. Beyond the exhibit halls, there’s a whole world of active research – our curators and researchers are examining the more than 35 million objects in our care and uncovering secrets about our natural world. At Curator’s Cupboard events, catch a glimpse of the amazing specimens and artifacts you won’t get to see on a routine visit to the Museum, and meet members of our curatorial team. Today, the focus is water. See water-related curiosities from our Anthropology and Ichthyology departments. All programs are free with paid Museum admission. The Junior Scientist program is for 6-9 year-olds and their families, in which we explore the planet through observation and experimentation and work directly with the Museum’s scientists to find answers! Sessions start at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. No reservations required, but class sizes are limited. Check in at the Dueling Dinosaurs just inside the main entrance. For more information about the Junior Scientist program, call (213) 763-3230.

Meet Leslie, Founder of Bare Escentuals  (Oaks Mall)

Saturday, July 18, 2009, 1:00pm – 3:00pm.

Demonstrations all day!

Don’t miss this rare public appearance! Meet Leslie at our Bare Escentuals Center Court Event!

Join Leslie Blodgett, CEO of Bare Escentuals, at The Oaks Center Court on Level One outside Nordstrom, as we celebrate the foundation that started the makeup revolution.

Leslie will speak onstage at 1:00pm and will “mix and mingle” until 3:00pm.

There will be special exclusives, gifts with purchase, and door prizes.

Appointments for make-unders with Leslie’s National Artistry Team are available between 10:00am – 6:00pm. Space is limited. To book your appointment, call our Boutique at (805) 418-1864.  A $50 reservation fee applies and is refundable in purchase of product.

Also, visit our Nordstrom and Sephora locations at The Oaks to check out their exclusive Bare Escentuals products and special day-of activities.

My sister recommended this make-up to me 3 years ago and I love it.  It’s an all powder make up that does not look heavy.  Their foundation never looks “caked on” like liquid foundation sometimes does.  If you are interested in this make-up, but don’t want to pay a $50 reservation fee, you could always stop in the store anytime and ask for them to put it on (no fee).  It’s up to you if you’d like to buy or not.  But at this event, the founder is bringing her “Artistry Team”, whereas a typical make-up counter with a young sales staff may or may not be pros at make-up application.  A basic starter kit (what I purchased the first time and lasted me months and months) was about $80.  If you buy one powder, it’s about $30 each.  If you like it, you’ll probably walk away with 2 powders.  I only use 3 powders:  foundation, faux tan, and blush.  I have the Mineral Veil (final power) but I rarely have time to use it.

Ready for a road trip?

We enjoy the annual Santa Barbara Sand Castle Festival (happens every September) and I found this online two years ago.

Imperial Beach is very close to the Mexican border and 50 minutes south of Carlsbad (Legoland).

Sea World is 26 minutes away from Imperial Beach.

FREE 29th Annual U.S. Open Sand Castle Competition (San Diego)

Saturday & Sunday, July 18 & 19, 2009

http://www.usopensandcastle.com/

two-day street festival along Seacoast Drive in Imperial Beach

live entertainment

sandcastle building competition for children, amateurs and professional teams

The teams compete for more than $21,000 in prizes

Imperial Beach’s sandcastle building competition is the largest in the country and attracts sand carving teams from across the United States. With team I.B. Posse winning first place in the Master’s A division last year, a friendly rivalry has developed between the local Imperial Beach carving team and the Mission Viejo team, Archisand, which has won the division more than any other team.

Imperial Beach is the most southwesterly city in the United States, located 12 miles south of downtown San Diego and a few miles away from the Mexican border. It is synonymous with a “Classic Southern California” town for its beaches and small town feel. For more information, visit the city’s Web site at www.cityofib.com.

Moorpark/Simi Valley Neighborhood for Learning presents

FREE 3rd Annual Family Concert in the Park – Charlotte Diamond

Friday, June 26, 2009, 5 pm – 8 pm

Arroyo Vista Community Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Rd, Moopark.  Call 805-582-1214 for more information.

http://www.mpsvnfl.com/

Let’s welcome summer 2009 together by enjoying a relaxing evening of family, friends – and Charlotte Diamond!  Charlotte Diamond is a Canadian singer, songwriter, storyteller and musician for children.  Bring your picnic dinner and blankets to Arroyo Vista Park in Moorpark.  This is the 3rd Annual Family Concert presented by the Moorpark/Simi Valley Neighborhood for Learning, and funded by First 5 Ventura County.

I’ve wanted to see Charlotte Diamond live for a long time.  She played in Northridge last year and I missed it.  This is right here and it’s FREE!  Her hits include “I am a Pizza”, “Looking for Dracula” (check out that video – it’s told in the style of the book “Going on a Bear Hunt” and it’s my daughter’s favorite), “I wanna be a Dog”, “Octopus (Slippery Fish)” and many others.  We’ll be there.

Buy 2 Whole Pizzas, Get 3rd FREE – Pizza at Whole Foods

Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Whole Foods in T.O., 740 North Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA.

In a hurry, call ahead:  805-777-4730

These pizzas are uncooked.

Whole Foods Merchant Market  (T.O.)

Saturday, June 27, 10 am – 3 pm

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/thousandoaks/storecalendar.php

Enjoy an afternoon of unique items from local vendors.  Remember your favorites and look to see who is new!

Sometimes local companies, like frozen pizza companies, will offer samples to the public.  Vendors who want to be in the store, but not yet, will also offer samples of their goodies or have them to purchase.

Envisioning ArtWorks Presents

Art Exhibit – Song of the Soul (Newbury Park Library)

through June 28, 2009

Thousand Oaks Community Gallery, 2331 Borchard Road, Newbury Park, 805-492-2917

Envisioning ArtWorks is dedicated to supporting and nurturing the creative process by affording individuals participation in theme-based invitational exhibitions.  Participants are asked to explore the link between the creative process and the potential for emotional healing.

Contact Envisioning ArtWorks at 805-492-2917 or e-mail:  envisioningartworks@yahoo.com

30 Featured artists.

A few days ago I dropped off 3 boxes of books to donate to the library and we went in for a few minutes.  I love art and I miss viewing art.  The items were beautiful.  There were quilts and a beautiful, hand sewn Mexican dress.  There were other paintings and one large photo montage of parenting young children called Extraordinary/Ordinary.  Below was written by artists Julia Chambers and Debbie Prince.

As with any job where you are on duty 24/7 and it is sometimes difficult to find a bathroom break, the privilege of full-time parenthood is an occupation within which one can lose oneself.

When care of others causes us to forget to care for ourselves, there is an increasing void within us that can create feelings of frustration and emptiness.

In these moments, it’s as though we’re grasping at glimpses of ourselves — anything that fulfills us intellectually or creatively can sometimes be overwhelmed by the needs of our family and home, especially in the early years of parenthood.

Extraordinary/Ordinary presents photographs of parents who are preserving, in their own ways, their creative souls.  This is exhibition is for everyone who has forgotten that part of themselves that is their bliss — their moments of happy satisfaction they have vowed to recover someday when their children are older or when time finally makes itself available.

We hope you will be encouraged to indulge in those moments now.  Reclaim those forgotten qualities of yourself that may have been falling away bit by bit.  Even pursuing the smallest creative/intellectual/physical/spiritual challenges can rekindle a satisfying self-awareness.  Because, at the very least, how will our children know who we really are if we don’t take the time to remember ourselves?

My 5-year-old daughter was squealing “I know that mom!” and “That’s our school!” because she recognized the settings in the photographs.

Most of the art is for sale if you are looking to buy art made by local artists.  Go.

City of Malibu, Parks & Recreation Dept. presents

FREE Concert in the Park for Kids & Families – EGG (Malibu)

Saturday, July 25, 11:30 am

EGG – Popular Children’s Band

Malibu Bluffs Park, 24250 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, 310-317-1364

http://www.ci.malibu.ca.us/download/index.cfm?fuseaction=download&cid=11794

Free admission & parking

Lunch for sale

$1 Bounce house

Bring a blanket and chair.

This looks great.  We have a swim lesson (arrgggh!)  Maybe we can change that.

New store:  Cupcakery on T.O. Blvd

Rancho Road exit

Hours:  10 am – 6 pm,  Tuesday – Saturday

http://cupcakeryonline.com/

At Cupcakery we specialize in fresh-baked cupcakes that look as wonderful as they taste.  Our cupcakes are made from scratch every day, with only the highest quality ingredients. Cupcakery’s menu features all of your childhood favorites as well as distinctive recipes and seasonal flavors you will not find anywhere else. We also offer a unique variety of old fashioned kitchen and bakery related items such as cards, aprons, cake plates and other sweet inspired gifts.

This place is in the same shopping center as Mathnasium, Olivia’s Doll House Tea Room and Roxy’s Deli.

Fresh Bread: Great Harvest Bread Co.  (Newbury Park)

2092-H Newbury Road in the Vons/Longs shopping center, 805-376-0111

Right off the 101 freeway at Borchard Road.

We’re open Monday – Friday 7:00am – 6:30pm, Saturday 8:00am – 5:00pm

http://www.conejobread.com/

We’re always on the lookout for events where we can give away free slices, charities seeking donations, offices that could benefit from some great cookies, and any way that we can help put a smile on YOUR face! We’re excited about our new store, and hope that you will be too. Please drop by and see us for a free slice of bread today!

They sell a variety of fresh breads made from scratch on the premises, desserts and sandwiches for lunch.

Last Saturday, I took my kids to the annual Stagecoach Inn Museum’s Pioneer Jamboree to see what was life like in 1889.  At the butter churning station, another woman was slicing whole wheat bread and giving everyone a taste of the butter they just churned.  The bread (and butter) was so delicious. Great Harvest Bread Co. in Newbury Park donated bread to the Stagecoach Inn’s Pioneer Jamboree.

My 5-year-old daughter, who does not love whole wheat bread, loved this bread.  My 9-year-old son (also not a fan of whole wheat, not even the sweet Milton’s version) is now asking for this bread at home.

Upside – they mill their own wheat daily!

Downside – it’s pricey at $5.99 a loaf.

I’ll be buying this bread from now on since I’ll be packing them lunch next year.  My son tells me that the CVUSD lunch portions have really shrunk in size over the past year.

What’s nearby:

Newbury Park Library (on the corner of Borchard Rd. & Michael Dr.)

Borchard Community Center and Playground

Michael’s Bicycle Shop

Target off Wendy Dr.

Stoneground Breads (Agoura Hills)

5005 Kanan Rd, Agoura Hills, 818-597-8774

Same shopping center as Tifa Chocolate, Mandarin Express Chinese Fusion Restaurant (mentioned in the Wall Street Journal), Island’s Restaurant and IHOP.

New hours:  Mon – Fri 6am – 9pm, Sat. 6:30 am – 4pm, Sunday 7am – 4pm

http://www.stonegroundbreads.com/

Here’s another bread company in the area with a similar concept.  They also mill their own wheat on the premises.

We’ve purchased Stoneground Bread at Whole Foods, but my children didn’t care for it.  They prefer the sweet, moist taste of the Honey Whole Wheat bread from the Great Harvest Bread Co.

Tifa Chocolate & Gelato (Agoura Hills)

5013 Kanan Road (just off the 101 Freeway, same lot as IHOP & Islands)

818-879-0685

http://www.tifachocolate.com/

Yelp Reviews of Tifa Chocolate

Ventura County Star:  Recession vs. chocolate: bet on the chocolate

VC Star:  Tifa Chocolate & Gelato is now serving Primo Oro Drinking Chocolate

This place is amazing.  Their flavored chocolate shots are out of this world.  It’s a small, intimate little shop and the owners are so personable.  If you love chocolate, you need to visit this place.  The Ventura County Star article says that Oprah’s event planner shops there.

Mandarin Express Chinese Fusion Restaurant (Agoura Hills)

5015 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills, 818-991-9831

http://www.mandarinexpressagourahills.com/

A friend told me about this place.  She said it was mentioned in the Wall Street Journal and indeed, it’s hard to find Chinese fusion restaurants anywhere, but we have one here in Agoura Hills.    After our yummy dinner, we headed over to Tifa for a chocolate drink dessert.

What’s nearby:

Jungle Land Indoor Playspace off of Reyes Adobe (best for toddlers)

Agoura Hills Public Library between Reyes Adobe & Kanan Rd. exits

MORE SUMMER CAMPS

Art Trek Summer Camp  (Westlake Village)

Ages 8 to adults

July 6 – 31, 2009, 9am – 1pm (Saturday classes 9am – 4pm)

http://www.arttrek.org/

Art Trek, 31240-B La Baya Drive, Westlake Village, 818-865-1162

Design It In Wood (Sumac Elementary, Agoura Hills)

2 promotions:

Promotion 1:  Enroll in woodshop and bring a first time camper, take $30 off each registration (use code: 09sump1)

Promotion 2:  Take $20 off if you have been in a woodshop class before (use code 09sump2)

Camp started on Tuesday, June 23rd

Each week in woodshop there is a different project to build.

week 1 – a catapult

week 2 – a chess/checkers board

week 3 – a race car

week 4 – a working clock.

Ventura WILD – A summer day camp connecting children to nature in Ventura & Ojai

Ages 6 – 12 years old

http://www.venturawild.com/

We are bringing children into local wilderness settings as a way to rekindle a deep sense of belonging and awareness of life and living on planet earth. All children deserve a chance to experience the wonder and joy of playful discovery and to build a sense of security and confidence in nature. We strive to provide space and time for each child’s unique gifts and interests to blossom through shared adventure, skill development and stories. Our goal is to build connections among each other and the natural environment, celebrating a hopeful and bountiful life for generations to come.

This is my kind of camp: no video games, child led exploration and great staff to child ratio.  My son did a similar camp 2 years ago and LOVED it.  We are doing it again this year.  I’ll look into this for next year as we already have plans for July.

FREE California Science Museum  (Los Angeles)

Special Exhibit – Science in TOYLAND

June 20 – August 30, 2009

Open Daily from 10am – 5pm

Parking $10 per car

http://www.californiasciencecenter.org/Exhibits/SpecialExhibits/Toyland/Toyland.php

Come play!  Spin tops, set up dominoes, build a mini roller coaster and more.  Explore what toys teach us about science in this fun, hands-on exhibit.

Click here for a special IMAX discount coupon

FREE  Janss Marketplace 9 Summer Family Film Festival  (Moorpark Rd. exit)

Mondays and Wednesdays, June – August, 10 am

Mann Janss Marketplace 9, 255 North Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, CA  805-374-9656

http://www….manntheatres.com/promo/Summer_Films_JNS.pdf

Come and enjoy a fun summer family movie for all ages!

Admission is FREE and subject to seating availability

All shows begin at 10 am

6/15, 6/17 – Over the Hedge  (PG)

6/22, 6/24 – Horton Hears a Who  (G)

6/29, 7/1 – Shrek  (PG)

7/6, 7/8 – Shrek 2  (PG)

7/13, 7/15 – Shrek the Third  (PG)

7/20, 7/22 – Surf’s Up  (PG)

7/27, 7/29 – Barnyard  (PG)

8/3 – 8/5 – Sharktales  (PG)

8/10 – 8/12 – Spongebob Squarepants Movie  (PG)

FREE  Mann Westlake Village 8 Summer Family Film Festival  (Promenade in Westlake)

Tuesdays and Thursdays, June – August, 10 am

Westlake Village Mann 8, 180 Promenade Way, Promenade Mall, Westlake Village

http://www….manntheatres.com/promo/Summer_Films_WLV.pdf

Come and enjoy a fun summer family movie for all ages!

Admission is FREE and subject to seating availability.

FREE meals to children at participating restaurants in the Promenade.

All shows begin at 10 am

6/16, 6/18 – Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium  (G)

6/23, 6/25 – Space Chimps  (G)

6/30, 7/2 – Nanny McPhee  (PG)

7/7, 7/9 – Tale of Despereaux  (G)

7/14, 7/16 – Flushed Away  (PG)

7/21, 7/23 – Kung Fu Panda  (PG)

7/28, 7/30 – Alvin & The Chipmunks  (PG)

8/4, 8/6 – Madagascar  (PG)

8/11, 8/13 – Robots  (PG)

FREE  Muvico Summer Family Film Festival  (Oaks Mall)

Every Tuesday and Wednesday

Doors open at 9 am, and seating is first come first serve.

Movie starts at 10am

https://www.muvico.com/filmfestival.asp

6/16 & 6/17 – Spongebob Squarepants

6/23 & 6/24 – Over the Hedge

6/30 & 7/1 – Bee Movie

7/7 & 7/8 – Barnyard  (PG)

7/14 & 7/15 – Shrek 3rd  (PG)

7/21 & 7/22 – Hotel for Dogs  (PG)

7/28 & 7/29 – Madagascar 2

8/4 & 8/5 – Kung Fu Panda

FREE  Regal Theaters Family Film Festival  (Camarillo, Simi Valley & Calabasas)

Each Tuesday & Wednesday, 10:00 am

June 16 – August 19, 2009

http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx?state=CA

When school’s out, kids around the country visit selected Regal theatres for the Free Family Film Festival.

Since 1991, Regal has provided this service to the community, and best of all it’s FREE!

Selected G & PG movies start at 10AM each Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival.

First-come, first-served seating is limited to theatre capacity.

The Free Family Film Festival is safe, lots of fun and a great way for kids to spend a weekday morning in the summer.

http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx?state=CA

Camarillo Palace Stadium 12 & IMAX 680 Ventura Boulevard Camarillo ,CA 93010 805-383-8879
06/16/2009 – 06/17/2009	Kit Kittredge: American Girl (G), Because of Winn Dixie (PG)
06/23/2009 – 06/24/2009	Charlotte’s Web (G), Kung Fu Panda (PG)
06/30/2009 – 07/01/2009	Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything: Veggie Tale Movie (G), Inkheart (PG)
07/07/2009 – 07/08/2009	Everyone’s Hero (G), Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa (PG)
07/14/2009 – 07/15/2009	Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (G), Alvin and the Chipmunks (PG)
07/21/2009 – 07/22/2009	Doogal (G), Surf’s Up (PG)
07/28/2009 – 07/29/2009	Space Chimps (G), Igor (PG)
08/04/2009 – 08/05/2009	The Tale Of Despereaux (G), Nim’s Island (PG)
08/11/2009 – 08/12/2009	Horton Hears A Who (G), Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)

Civic Center Stadium 16 & IMAX 2751 Tapo Cyn Road Simi Valley ,CA 93063 805-526-0232
06/16/2009 – 06/17/2009	The Tale Of Despereaux (G), Nim’s Island (PG)
06/23/2009 – 06/24/2009	Horton Hears A Who (G), Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)
06/30/2009 – 07/01/2009	Kit Kittredge: American Girl (G), Alvin and the Chipmunks (PG)
07/07/2009 – 07/08/2009	Charlotte’s Web (G), Kung Fu Panda (PG)
07/14/2009 – 07/15/2009	Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything: Veggie Tale Movie (G), Inkheart (PG)
07/21/2009 – 07/22/2009	Everyone’s Hero (G), Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa (PG)
07/28/2009 – 07/29/2009	Doogal (G), Surf’s Up (PG)
08/04/2009 – 08/05/2009	Space Chimps (G), Igor (PG)
08/11/2009 – 08/12/2009	Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (G), Hotel For Dogs (PG)

Grand Palace Stadium 6 4767 Commons Way Calabasas ,CA 91302 818-223-0223
06/23/2009 – 06/24/2009	Charlotte’s Web (G), Nim’s Island (PG)
06/30/2009 – 07/01/2009	Kit Kittredge: American Girl (G), Kung Fu Panda (PG)
07/07/2009 – 07/08/2009	Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything: Veggie Tale Movie (G), Hotel for Dogs (PG)
07/14/2009 – 07/15/2009	Everyone’s Hero (G), Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa (PG)
07/21/2009 – 07/22/2009	Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (G), Alvin and the Chipmunks (PG)
07/28/2009 – 07/29/2009	Doogal (G), Surf’s Up (PG)
08/04/2009 – 08/05/2009	Space Chimps (G), Igor (PG)
08/11/2009 – 08/12/2009	The Tale Of Despereaux (G), Because of Winn Dixie (PG)
08/18/2009 – 08/19/2009	Horton Hears A Who (G), Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)

Regency Agoura 8 Classic Film Festival

Starts Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Classic films $7

All shows start at 7:30 pm

6/24 – Fight Club (R) 1988

7/1 – The Big Lewbowski (R)

7/8 – Pulp Fiction (R)

7/15 – Trainspotting (R)

7/22 – Monty Python and the Holy Grail (PG)

7/29 – Grease (PG)

8/5 – A Clockwork Orange (R)

8/12 – Casablanca (PG) 1942

8/19 – Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (G) 1971

8/26 – Blazing Saddles (R)

If you have never seen Casablanca, you should go!  That would be good film for your teenagers.  The original Willy Wonka with Gene Wilder is one of our favorites.  There is one scary scene (the weird, psychedelic tunnel ride scene) so you might want to preview this yourself if your children are going to see it for the first time.  The original film soundtrack is great and has been a popular choice in the car.

G-Force Movie at El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood

Tickets on sale now July 24th – Sept. 7th

10 am, 1 pm, 4 pm, 7 pm, 9:30 pm (showtimes may vary)

Adult $18

Child $15

Senior $15  (plus $2 fee per ticket if your order online)

Plus, experience an all new interactive attraction featuring games of skill and loads of excitement!

Over 3.5 hours of family fun!

The last time they had a separate interactive attraction after a Disney film was for the film Enchantment.  That was fun and worth going to.

4th of July 2009

Rotary Club of Westlake Village presents

40th Annual 4th of July Parade - City of Westlake Village

7-9:15 am        Pancake Breakfast

9:30 am           Line-up for the Parade

9:45 am           Parade Procession

10:00-12:00      Flag Retirement Ceremony and 4th of July Party in Park

http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jun/15/westlake-village-july-4th-celebration/

The event begins at 7 AM with a Pancake Breakfast sponsored by the Rotary Club of Westlake Village.  The Parade will line up at 9:30 AM and process down the decorated 4-block route at 9:45 AM.  Participants are encouraged to decorate their bike, scooter, skateboard, or wagon in patriotic colors and join the City for this wonderful patriotic celebration! Residents are also welcome to cheer participants on from the side of the parade route.

The event begins at the former Westlake Village hospital site at the corner of Lakeview Canyon Road and Agoura Road and marches down the 4-block route down Agoura Road to Berniece Bennett Park.

Once the parade arrives at a park there will be a U.S. Flag Retirement Ceremony performed by Boy Scout Troup #752.  Following the Flag Retirement Ceremony, there will be music, inflatables, old-fashioned games, and free popsicles and waters. Please contact City Hall with any questions at 818-706-1613.

This is a fun little parade for families.  Families come from all over T.O. and it never seemed too crowded.  For years the Westlake Women’s Junior Club hosted it and had some coffee, bagels and donuts for sale at the end of it.  They asked for someone to take it over this year and the Rotary Club of Westlake Village stepped in.

Crossfit Fast gym is in that shopping center, right next door to Children’s Music Academy.  I just joined Crossfit after running into a friend whose been going since October and looks amazing.  If you click on About Us, then video, the second picture of a female doing a pull-up on the rings is me.  The owner, Terry Hudson is so nice and personable.

I’ll post more 4th of July events in the next e-mail.

DISNEYLAND Info

Ridemax.com

http://www.ridemax.com/

RideMax is a computer software program guaranteed to help you save time waiting in line at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

RideMax allows you to specify the attractions you wish to ride during your visit, then uses a sophisticated scheduling algorithm to order your attractions so that the amount of time you spend in line is minimized.

We were at Disneyland three times this month (we have annual passes).  A woman next to me on the Nemo ride explained that she was using a web program called Ridemax, where you input the rides you want to ride and it gives you a schedule, promising the shortest line waits.  She said she had to wait 10 minutes for most rides (this was Tuesday, June 9 and it was a crowded day) and it told her to go on the Nemo ride at that time (about 3:00 pm) for an estimated 30 minute wait instead of the average 45+ minutes.

Fantasmic night show at Disneyland (June 12 – August 23)

If you go to Disneyland this summer, know that crowds are are even higher due to the new Fantasmic night show.  The Dragon, the main attraction which comes to life, and represents evil that fights Mickey Mouse, broke the first night and they do not expect it to be working until late August.

We went on Monday, 6/15 (I spent 2 hours at the Scholastic Warehouse Sale in Anaheim then we headed over to DL) and Tuesday, 6/16 as those were the last 2 days for our lower tier annual passes before it opens up again 8/17.  It was ridiculously packed with people.  (Many people thought it was because the lower tier annual pass holders, like us, were trying to go to get a last visit in before we were blacked out for the summer.  True.)  On Tuesday morning, there was even a long line at the entrance of CA Adventure, something I’ve never seen before.  Since I was meeting friends and wanted to remain opened minded as far as which rides to go on first, I didn’t use RideMax.  Next time, I’ll definitely be using RideMax if we go on a busy day.

I knew the Dragon wasn’t working and I kept asking Cast Members (Disney employees) for the latest news on the dragon.  Since the dragon was my main reason for going (it’s the main draw for everyone) I was going to skip this show and park ourselves in front of the Castle for the fireworks instead.  One Cast Member advised, “The best thing to do is get here (Rivers of America) very early, watch the 9:30 pm show (there were also 10:30 and 11:30 shows), stay put and wait to see the fireworks above the Castle.”  Perfect!  And that’s what we did.

I parked myself in the seated blanket area (I didn’t realize I was right in front of the stage so we had a great view of Mickey) at 6:30 pm.  My friend brought a blanket and most spots were already taken.  We managed to find a half blanket spot.  She took her son, and my 2 children to Haunted Mansion (too scary for my 5-year-old and I wish it were me with her instead) and then Pirates of the Caribbean while I waited for them on the blanket.  One person parked their DL rental stroller right in front of the fence (not the best place to park yourself, because then you are staring at a fence during the show) and left their blanket there and left.  The couple hogging up the blanket behind them called a Cast Member around 7:00 pm (I thought they would ask her to fold the stroller) and asked her to remove the items.  The people never came back to reclaim their stuff.  Note to self, never just leave your items if you plan to watch a show.  You never know what nice person is near you and going to try to bump you out if you aren’t there.  I would never do that to someone else.  But this couple moved up to the fence and was rewarded with a good obstructed view of the fence.  (This movement did allow us to spread out and fit the 5 of us on my friend’s blanket.  But I would have happily had the kids sit on me if need be.)

That was our first time seeing this show and my children loved it and wanted to stay for the next show (no way).  There were some scary images from Disney films of lightning and scary characters shown from a projection on a water jet spray screen on the water (pretty cool) and my 5-year-old wasn’t scared.  Just know it might be too intense for younger viewers, but my kids were fine.

We rode on what rides we could till 12 midnight.  Usually there are not lines, but tonight the lines were still long.  Staying up so late turned out to be a mistake because after hitting the pillow at 1 am, I wasn’t about to wake them up early for the 8 am opening time.  People who stayed at one of the 3 DL hotels got an early 7 am admittance to DL.  Good to know for some other time.  We stayed at the Fairfield Inn Marriott ($150 per night and you could cancel the day before or the same day of arrival, I can’t remember) across the street and not too much of a walk from the entrance.  We stayed at Disneyland’s Paradise Pier a few months ago ($150 per night) but we found the walk to the entrance (going through Downtown Disney) too far of a walk for us.  I think Disneyland’s Grand California Hotel & Spa let’s you right into CA Adventure, but that place costs $350 a night or something, unless you get a good deal.

Rides with mechanical difficulties, Shows that are postponed

Keep in mind that things can go wrong.  I read on the DL boards that one night this week, the 9:30 pm Fantasmic show had to be cancelled so families sitting there had to wait 5+ hours for the show.  And some rides are notorious for always breaking down during the day, running again, then back down again.  They are Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain & Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.  We had Fast Passes for Space Mountain, but when we got there (3:30 time slot), it wasn’t running.  My friends got to ride later that Tuesday evening, but we left for home around 9pm.

Disneyland’s Silhoulette Studio on Main Street

One of the nice things about going with friends is doing things you’ve never done before.  My friend remembered getting silhoulettes done of herself as a child visiting DL.  I’ve always passed this store and never given it a second thought.  I thought a machine cut the silhouette.  No, a person does it in about 1 minute and it’s only $9.00 each. The lady folds the black paper, so you get two mirror image copies of the image.  A frame is an additional $10.95 or so and it has “hidden Mickey’s” throughout the frame.  It’s a lovely keepsake of your children and a popular gift for grandparents.  I’m hooked.

(If you like to scrapbook, you can buy silhouette images of Disney characters.)

Additional note from Tanya: I send out free e-mails of events of interest to families in the Conejo Valley area. More than 900 families receive these e-mails. Send me your e-mail if you would like to be added to my private blast or if you are hosting an event you want the community to know about: tanifox@yahoo.com

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Jillian! Lower Your Voice (please).

I grew up in a Jewish-Brooklyn family with shades of Irish and Italian thrown in (or married in, as the case really was). So, there was good food, lots of agida, and a whole lot of yelling. Even when my mom is whispering, she’s screaming. If I call her cell phone and get voice mail, I have to hold the phone away from my ear because her message is so loud. I am constantly reminding her that “I am right next to you!!!” and, yes, I’m usually yelling when I say it. Because, unfortunately, besides inheriting my mother’s sense of humor, I also inherited the “yelling and loud talker” gene.

I am such a loud talker that more than one friend has told me that I really need to lower my voice. I talk so loudly that I once made a New Year’s resolution to lower my voice. Most unfortunately, though, I am such a yeller that I really believe it is the only thing I do that hurts my son. I don’t cook great dinners (although my breakfasts are awesome), and my house isn’t sparkling clean, but he doesn’t care about those things. However, if someone were to ask him, “what about your mother really bothers you?” He would say, “She yells.”

He’s right, too. I do yell and I wish I didn’t. In fact, it is my daily affirmation and I am good about it on most days, but not enough. I would love to go down in history as the mom who never yells.

A few months ago, I tuned in to The Biggest Loser for the first time. I don’t watch a lot of reality TV  and it bothers me that weight-loss is seen as a competition, but, anyway, I was flipping channels and there it was. Well, really, there she was: Jillian Michaels, yeller.

Now, I want to say, before I get into the topic of yelling as a way to get fit, I have seen Ms. Michaels say intelligent, significant, meaningful, and helpful things to people. Like me, I am sure she means well, but yells. Maybe she wishes she didn’t. I am very grateful that my moments of yelling aren’t caught on national TV. But here are a few significant differences between she and I: a) I yell when provoked (not that it’s the right response; it isn’t) and b) I don’t yell at fat people to get them to stop being fat.

So, my topic today isn’t Jillian Michaels. My topic today is trainers who yell and the woman (um, me) who wishes they would stop. Forever.

Yelling at exercisers has a long, rich history and, as you’ve probably guessed, it started with the Armed Forces. According to military information websites, drill sergeants yell to make sure new recruits know who is in charge (the person yelling) and so the younger people also begin to be able to function under pressure. They don’t say, “we yell at recruits because it makes them lose weight and get into shape faster.”

People who love to exercise have looked longingly at servicemen and women because they are in such great shape. In fact, many fitness fools (like me) have pondered the idea of joining the Army/Navy/Marines as a way to get into shape. I remember telling my mother way back in 1981 that, instead of going to Sarah Lawrence, I was considering joining the army because I would “get to exercise.” I told that story to a friend about 15 years later, a woman who had actually been in the Army, and she proudly said, “That’s why I joined.”

Guess what my mother’s response was? She yelled. My ears are still ringing from that one. She yelled not because she didn’t want me to serve my country (which she would have been proud of) but because I was being given the opportunity to go to college, something that she had never received. She hated my ingratitude and my ignorance. I had no clue about what I would have been getting myself into. Not to mention the fact that she knew I hated being yelled at, so why would I join the military? I probably wouldn’t have even survived boot camp. Even without college she was smart enough to know that.

Because of the mystique surrounding the fitness regimen of service people, various personal trainers and group exercise leaders over the years have come up with a variety of “boot camp” classes that typically include running, push-ups, pull-ups, and yelling. For their part, these experts have always bragged about their military service, especially if it included a stint “in the Seals,” which translates into “I’m in better shape than you are and I have been for a long, long time.”

I have two problems with this framework. First, I don’t think of exercise as a competition. This is why my exercises of choice aren’t marathons, triathlons or any type of racing. Second, the yelling. I hate the yelling.

Let’s go back to Jillian Michaels. Though I realize that there is no such thing as “reality TV” (obviously the producers have decided that the yelling makes for a “better” program), there Ms. Michaels stands, thin and beautiful, in front of someone who is struggling, mightily, on television with being very overweight and very out-of-shape and there is Ms. Michaels, screaming. Imagine if a person had trouble doing math and so the teacher yelled and yelled to get them to learn. Would we let that person be humiliated? What is that teacher really teaching, anyway? Is she teaching someone how to feel good about herself and how to take care of herself? Or is she teaching someone that she isn’t good enough and deserves to be mistreated?

I want to say, again, that I am guilty of this. I’m not talking about this because I never yell. I’m talking about this because I know it hurts people to yell (both the yeller and the yelled at) and we shouldn’t reward people who yell and we should protect people who do get yelled at. We shouldn’t think it’s the price we have to pay to get into shape. It’s not. Plenty of people are in amazing shape and no one is yelling at them. Look at this guy, for example. You have to be strong to do this, and he’s humble about it!

So, my point to you is: Don’t yell at yourself, especially if you’re out of shape. If you find yourself yelling at yourself (“you’re fat/do more/get off the couch!”) I suggest that you, instead, speak nicely. Say loving things. Encourage yourself. Be kind. This is what I always tell my son. There is only one rule in life: be nice.

Stop the yelling.

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