February 2010 Archives

So last night I attended my very first David Cook concert. I wrote about it for our music section, but since I spotted A LOT of moms out there, I thought I had better post it here as well!

See a photo gallery of the show here.
Here's a link to the story and here's my blog right after the show:

I just experienced my first David Cook show here at the Morongo Casino Resort and Spa in Cabazon and I've got to say, it was amazing. I think I've now joined the legion of Cook fans. I was definitely in the minority tonight, seeing the show for the first time.

I met a woman enjoying her forty-sixth show tonight, another here for her fourteenth,

There were also fans who did some major traveling - through pretty cruddy weather - to get here as well.

Nancy Kondas and Barbara Clark both travelled from Florida to celebrate Kondas' birthday with their favorite performer - Cook. It was Kondas' sixth show and Clark's seventeenth. They sat with a friend/Cook fan they met online, Stacy Holdorf, who travelled from New York for the show.

Cook had a few surprised in store tonight, including two songs that'll be on his new album - "You and I" and "Make Believe" - both fabulous.

He also brought a friend from "American Idol," Carly Smithson of "We Are the Fallen" who belted out "Barracuda" while Cook and band played along.

Hopefully there'll be a lot more Cook shows here in the IE in the future. Or I'll just have to hook up with the Florida and NY ladies for some traveling myself.

RODRIGO PEÑA/SPECIAL TO THE PRESS-ENTERPRISE

Watch a video of Intersect Dance Theatre's dress rehearsal here. See a photo gallery here.

In 2004, under the leadership of Riverside City College Dance professor Sofia Carreras, Intersect Dance Theatre was formed. Several choreographers and instructors from all over Southern California gathered for the project, which combined classic ballet and modern dance, as well as professional and nonprofessional students.

Then Carreras was diagnosed with breast cancer and she had to pull out of the project.

She underwent five surgeries and nine months of chemotherapy and eventually began rebuilding her strength. Her cancer is not in remission -- it's nearly stage four, which is terminal -- but is now at a manageable level that has allowed her to get back on stage.

Once again Intersect Dance Theatre has come together with Carreras and RCC dance professor Mark Haines at the helm as choreographers. The company will host its first performance, "An eclectic mix of boundaryless movement," Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Landis Performing Arts Center on the RCC campus.

The San Diego Zoo is holding a Wildlife Art Contest for endangered species day and the winner will be awarded a trip to Washington, D.C. Young artists in grades K-12 are being asked to submit original artwork highlighting one or more endangered species mammal, reptile, amphibian, bird, fish, plan and/or invertebrate found in the U.S.

The contest is organized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Endangered Species Coalition, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art/University of New Orleans. For more details about the contest visit www.endangeredspeciesday.org. The deadline is March 26.

Endangered Species Day is a celebration of the country's wildlife and wild places that began in 2006. Visit www.sandiegozoo.org to learn about local endangered animals that the San Diego Zoo is working to protect.

By PENNY E. SCHWARTZ
Special to The Press-Enterprise

The Crafton Hills College literary magazine is looking for a few good men and women to submit poetry, short stories and art work.

Penny Schwartz/Special to The Press-Enterprise

Managing Editor Ashley Hayes, right, discusses The Sand Canyon Review journal with faculty adviser Ryan Bartlett.

The Sand Canyon Review is a campus publication that seeks submissions from the local and national artistic community, said Ryan Bartlett, English professor and adviser to the magazine staff.

"We hope to excite local writers and artists to submit their best quality work, to rise to the occasion," Bartlett said.

Visual art work in all media is accepted along with written work. "The art work has to challenge us and be unique, creative and aesthetically pleasing," he said.

Bartlett oversees a spring semester class of some 25 students who assemble the magazine from start to finish. Some are writers, but not all, and some write for the magazine while others do not, he said. A number are art majors or have graphic design experience.

Among the student editors, groups are formed to oversee production as well as evaluate visual art entries and literary submissions, such as poetry, short stories and creative non-fiction. The magazine format begins with poetry, segues to visual art and ends with short stories.

"We aggressively solicit work from students here and outside the area as well as local fledgling writers and seasoned veterans," Bartlett said.

The magazine is currently in its third year of production after a hiatus of nearly a decade. Bartlett, 32, is a 1995 graduate of Redlands High School who earned a bachelor's degree from Cal State San Bernardino and an M.F.A. with an emphasis in poetry from Mills College in Oakland. The Redlands resident has served as magazine adviser for the last two issues as well.

"The strength of the 2008 edition was its artwork and the 2009 volume its writing," he said.

He hopes that this year's magazine will focus equally on art and literature and will be entered into a competition for junior college literary journals. The review, published in mid-May, has a press run of 1,000 copies. It is printed by the college district's print shop and distributed through the campus.

The Riverside County Department of Public Health will give free swine flu vaccinations at Saturday's African American History Month Parade and Expo in Perris.

The vaccination clinic will be 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Foss Field Park at 138 N. Perris Blvd.

Go to www.rivcoph.org/h1n1 or call 211 or 800-464-1123 for information.

-Lora Hines

Cal State San Bernardino invites families with young students to "College: Making It Happen," from 6-8 p.m. March 12.

The annual event is designed to educate, motivate and inspire students to go to college after they finish high school.

Representatives from the California State University system, University of California, private universities and community colleges will give information about the college admission process, financial aid and other important information. Presentations will be given in English and in Spanish.

The event will be in the university's lower commons. Complimentary parking will be offered in Lot D. To make reservations, call (909) 537-5192. For information on the event, visit www.certicc.org.

-Mark Muckenfuss

Weekly Family Dining Profile: We're looking for places that are kid friendly, have good prices and healthy menus. Here is the rundown on our Panera Bread experience:

Panera Bread restaurants have been busy. The restaurant chain has a lot going on with a new series of low-calorie smoothies, a new Garden Vegetable Soup with pesto and hot cross buns Friday through Sunday during lent and Thursday through Sunday of Easter week.

Jennifer Dean/The Press-Enterprise

The kids and I spent a chilly weeknight at Panera Bread, warming up with the new Garden Vegetable Soup with pesto.

The kid's menu at Panera Bread includes options like macaroni and cheese or peanut butter and Jelly, grilled cheese or sliced deli meat sandwiches on white whole grain bread. Each entrée is served with a squeezable organic yogurt packet.

The kids went with macaroni and cheese and I ordered a soup and salad combination with a Caesar salad and the veggie pesto soup.

Riverside Metropolitan Museum's newest exhibition will explore how humans have adorned their bodies from centuries ago to current times.

"Adornment" will open Thursday with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. at the museum, during the weekly downtown Riverside ArtsWalk event.

Terry Pierson/The Press-Enterprise

Xavier Michel, 9 of Moreno Valley, center blows on the beaded wall to help dry the glue after working on one part of the Riverside Metropolitan Museum exhibit "Adornment."

Activities will include live music, henna art by Henna Crone, cosmetic demonstrations by Riverside Community College's Department of Cosmetology and face painting by Artistic Artistry.

Nearly 100 objects in the museum's permanent collection will be on display - most never seen before. The objects have been collected from various donors since the museum's founding.

"We're focusing on the historical aspect of adornment, as a right of passage, a way to express social status, etcetera," said Ennette Morton, museum director. "We're putting it into historical context and how it became what it is now."

The exhibit will also include a bead, button and gems wall created by volunteers, a photo exhibit of community member tattoos along with the stories behind them and a video exhibit of community members sharing their thoughts on how they adorn themselves.

Performance Riverside is holding open call auditions for professional non-union performers for the upcoming production of Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Pirates of Penzance." The production is directed and choreographed by Bart McHenry, with music direction by David Lamoureaux.

Auditioners should prepare a song (16 bars) that show off voice and personality, in a style appropriate for the production. Prepare a second contrasting song in the event one is requested. Wear clothing appropriate for moving and dancing. All persons who audition must bring a resume, headshot and a biography with them.

Casting the parts of:

Frederic, the Pirate Apprentice (tenor)
The Pirate King (bass-baritone)
Major-General Stanley (comic baritone)
Samuel, his Lieutenant (baritone)
Sergeant of Police (bass)
General Stanley's Daughters :
Mabel (soprano),
Edith (mezzo-soprano)
Kate (mezzo-soprano)
Isabel (speaking)
Ruth, a Piratical Maid of all work (contralto)
Chorus of Pirates, Police and General Stanley's Daughters

Weeknight and weekend rehearsals begin Saturday, March 27. Performances are April 23, 24, 30 and May 1 at 8 p.m.; April 24, 25, May 1 and 2 at 2 p.m.; and Fridays, April 23 and 30 at 10 a.m.

All performances are at Landis Performing Arts Center at 4800 Magnolia Ave. in Riverside. For more information call 951-222-8485 or visit www.performanceriverside.org.

Remember 'Octomom?' Of course you do, she was just on the cover of one of the magazines showing off her new bikini body. (I only know this from my grocery store line travels).

Well, we're about to get another update on Nadya Suleman when she takes the co-host seat on ABC's "The View" Wednesday, Feb. 24. The octuplets celebrated their first birthdays in January.

Just a refresher for those of you who might've blocked out (or tried to) the story behind the birth of Nadya Suleman's octuplets: She is a single, unemployed mother who chose to have six frozen embryos from previous in-vitro fertilizations transferred despite the fact that guidelines call for a maximum of three. The result was six boys and two girls conceived through IVF. The children are only the second set of octuplets born alive in the United States - and the first to all survive.

Charges of negligence were filed in January with the California Medical Board against her physician in relation to the IVF treatment.

Suleman also has six older children, also conceived through IVF - bringing the total to 14 for the jobless, single mom. Suleman claimed one man was the father and then another later stepped forward stating she had asked for his sperm in the past too. Her mother eventually moved in to help with the children, but then began complaining of Suleman's selfishness.

Suleman made it clear that she hoped to profit from media attention and possibly gain a reality TV show spotlight. Rumors abounded but, correct me if I'm wrong, so far I believe she's mainly had spot appearances here and there.

We'll see what else the Suleman's have been up to Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. PST.

San Bernardino County Museum's education division will host the family fun day, "Birds Around Us" at the museum Sunday, March 7 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Museum admission is free that day thanks to sponsorship by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

From 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. families are invited to learn the basics of bird watching. Binoculars will be available for those who don't have them. The activities are appropriate for kids ages 6 and older.

"Birds get up early," said Jolene Redvale, curator of education. "We don't want to miss them. Once you know a few basics about what to look for, your ability to enjoy looking at birds increases ten-fold."

Then, from 1-5 p.m., visitors can explore in detail the features of birds - feathers, flight, eggs and habitat - at the museum's permanent exhibition. There will also be games, participation activities and interactive talks.

"Exploring the world of birds makes for a fun event, because birds are always easy to find. Visitors often use our exhibits to identify a bird they saw in their own yard or on a walk in the neighborhood," Redvale said. "The museum has the fifth largest bird egg collection in the world, so visitors will experience birds in ways they have never imagined."

The museum is located at 2024 Orange Tree Lane in Redlands. For more information call 909-307-2669 or visit www.sbcountymuseum.org.

Registration is about to open for San Bernardino County Children and Family Services' 4th Annual Foster and Kinship Youth Sports Faire.

This year's theme will be "Youth Fitness, Community and Higher Education." The fair will take place at San Bernardino Valley College Saturday, June 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Registration is open to the first 400 eligible foster and kinship youth ages 11-18 from March 1 through May 14. Registrants should call 909-945-3735 between the hours of 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Participants will learn the fundamental skills involved in one of six sports clinic of choice based on availability, including football, basketball, baseball/softball, soccer, cheerleading/dance or tennis.

Skills taught do not include physical contact with other players and are meant to encourage youth to be physically active and fit, and to participate in team sports within their communities.

Local athletes from high school and college teams, as well as some professional sports figures will serve as mentors. All sports equipment will be provided and registrant will receive a free lunch, snacks and water, as well as a goodie bag from Children and Family Services, San Bernardino Valley college and community partners.

Foster caregivers can also sign up for a free three-hour training course that provides credits toward Foster Home Licensing requirements. The course will be held during fair hours and will feature topics on children's health, diet, exercise and community collaboration.

For more information about the Foster and Kinship Youth Sports Faire or to become a volunteer call 909-387-7281.

The annual Charlotte S. Huck Children's Literature Festival will take place on March 12 and 13 at the University of Redlands. This year's festival will feature readings by nationally and internationally known authors and illustrators, breakout sessions with educators, and meet-the-author workshops.

A special feature of this year's festival will be tours by university alumna Zora Charles, wife of "Cheers" creator and Redlands alumnus Les Charles, of the Charles' exhibit of picture book art. The exhibit, "Paint Me a Story: The Art of Children's Books," will be on display from Feb. 19-March13 at the Peppers Art Gallery and features the Charles' collection of more than 60 original pieces of children's book art.

Festival speakers include Pat Mora, who has created picture books and poems in English and Spanish; illustrator Chris Soentpiet; Ashley Wolff, author and/or illustrator of more than 60 books; Patricia Reilly Giff, author of more than 60 children's books; author Candace Fleming; Joseph Bruchac, a Native American storyteller and author of fiction and nonfiction books; and award-winning poet Kristine O'Connell George.

Participants who register before Deb. 26 will receive a $30 discount off the full festival price. Groups who register together for the full festival before Feb. 26 will receive an even greater discount.

For more information and registration visit www.redlands.edu/childrensliteraturefestival.asp.

Written by guest author and Marriage Counselor Mitchell Rosen:

As a marriage counselor, I try to help couples navigate through the nightmare of picking up the pieces after an affair. The couples I see know their private business is just that: Private. Not so for Mr. Woods, his wife and children. Their pictures accompanied by vile speculation are plastered on the covers of most magazines that dot the corrider throught my supermarket checkstand.

What stands out for me is this thought: None of this is my business. Whatever issues this family has are best dealt with privately, with voyeurism not allowed. I don't think it's right to comment about what Tiger did or did not do; the only ones who really know are Mr and Mrs. Woods. Everyone else needs to take a step back (in my opinion).

Whether or not his words are sincere I will never know. His actions and future actions will let his family know. The idea that any person has to hold a press conference to attempt to tamp down rampant speculation is sad. Most of us love to see the mighty fall and Tiger is no exception. His fall from among the most admired to the most villified was quick. Few dispute this. But whether or not he can or wishes to salvage his marriage is none of my business.

I cannot imagine what it must be like to be his wife, Hillary Clinton or any of the scores of other betrayed spouses we read about. It can't be pleasant or vindicating. My thoughts go again and again to their children who will inevitably read the gossip magazines' speculation about their parents' marriage and wonder how much may be true? No child, no family should be exposed to this type of scrutiny. Mr. Woods actions have nothing to do with his ability to drive a golf ball and until it does, leave this family alone.

Mitchell Rosen, M.A., is a licensed marriage and family therapist with practices in Corona and Temecula. Contact him at family@PE.com.

Written by guest author Dianne Bright:

Lemons make fantastic lemonade. Sure, this is obvious, right? But without some sugar, they don't concoct a very good juice. That's how life is sometimes. Life gives you a lemon and then you have a choice. You either pucker your lips at its sour taste or you add some sugar.

Dianne Bright
Guest Author

Whether it's a pay-cut or a delayed job offer, you have to maintain perspective. For some, it's a stubborn health issue. Maybe you even have to give up coffee or wine because of it, which adds insult to injury. Perhaps a friend has recently separated from her spouse because of an affair. How can we spin that in a positive light, right? It could just be a sister or a cousin who is going through a deep depression. You want to help, but you're not sure how to show that you care.

Even the most sour situations have hope because you can always add more sugar to the lemonade. Sometimes the amount and type you add depend on the situation. But, whatever life throws in your direction, you can get through its obstacles because of your positive responses and your attitude. For the lighter trials, buy some cheerful flowers or get an upbeat haircut. A cup of strong coffee and an uplifting chat with a close friend can provide comfort as well.

After nearly a decade of planning, the University of Redlands will present its new Center for the Arts building in a dedication ceremony Friday at 1:30 p.m. Following the dedication student-led and self-guided tours of the facilities will be open from 2 to 3 p.m.

Construction on the 42,000 square-foot center began in May of 2008, but planning for the much-needed expansion began about nine years ago, said Nephelie Andonyadis, a professor in the Theatre Arts department.

The center houses both the Theatre Arts department and the Art and Art History Departments in two buildings, which will be connected at a later point by a gallery and pedestrian walkway space when Phase 2 of the Center for the Arts expansion is completed.

"The building was designed with an eye for promoting a sense of community, and the students have already begun to hang out and develop new friendships and interests in the space," said Penny McElroy, a professor in the art department.

Located on the south side of campus, the Center for the Arts will include the Ann Peppers Hall, a two-story building that houses the art and art history departments and the all-new Frederick Loewe Theatre, along with the expanded Glenn Wallichs Theater.

The arts department expansion will allow the university to expand its offerings, particularly in design and photography, to the community through art classes for area school children.

This isn't exactly parenting news, but parents have to eat too right? Check out this feedback form that's going with this week's Guide cover about casino buffets, courtesy of my editor:

Are you a baron or baroness of the buffet line?

Is a long line of steam-tables packed with goodies your idea of heaven?

Never satisfied with just one dessert?

They we want to hear from you.

Please share your take on casino buffets here and in Las Vegas. Click here to share your mini-reviews and other comments.

And click here to check out our profiles of the best buffets at casinos in Inland Southern California ... and Las Vegas, too.

Weekly Family Dining Profile: We're looking for places that are kid friendly, have good prices and healthy menus. Here is the rundown on our Stell Coffee and Tea Co. experience:

Jennifer Dean/The Press-Enterprise

My kids may have gone to school a little sugared up after this week's family dining profile, but since we were dragging a bit that morning, I think it was just fine.

Since we usually focus on lunch or dinner for our features, I thought it was time to mix things up a bit.

So we got up early one morning and visited Stell Coffee and Tea Co. in Redlands. I pop in there occasionally because they have some of the best coffee around (in my humble opinion). But my visits are usually limited to a quick stop after dropping kids off at school and just before heading into the office.

The Riverside County Philharmonic has signed on as a participant in the national food drive, "Orchestras Feeding America," developed by the League of American Orchestras in conjunction with the national nonprofit group Feed America, formerly called America's Second Harvest.

Food drives are being organized by orchestra boards of directors, musicians, staff and volunteers in communities around the country throughout the month of March. The Riverside County Philharmonic will be accepting food donations on the day of its next concert - Saturday, March 6 at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium.

"The critical need for food right here in our area was re-emphasized for me when I learned that studies show that one in eight Americans don't know where their next meal is coming from," said Philharmonic president, Betsy Herrick. "We're asking our concert patrons and anyone else who wants to help to bring their food donations to the auditorium. Our musicians, board, staff and volunteers will be on hand with our Second Harvest partners to accept donations."

To thank donors, the Philharmonic will provide two free tickets to the Sunday, April 25 Target Family Series concert, featuring guest artists Time for Three. Ticket vouchers will be distributed as food donations are made at the March 6 concert.

The auditorium is located at 3485 Mission Inn Ave. in Riverside. for more information about the food drive or to arrange to drop off items, call 951-787-0251.

The original musical, "The Legend of the Arrowhead," will show one night only, Thursday, Feb. 18, at 8 p.m. at the historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts in San Bernardino. The cast hosted a special performance for a group of Inland school children at the theater Wednesday morning. See a live streaming video at www.PE.com.

"The Legend of the Arrowhead" is a musical satire written by Heather McCluskey on the history of San Bernardino dating from the 1800s to present time. The show revolves around the mysterious Arrowhead located on the San Bernardino Mountains.

There will also be another special performance for children Thursday, Feb. 18 at 10 a.m. For ticket information visit www.californiatheatre.net.

Inland Pacific Ballet Academy, the official school of Inland Pacific Ballet, is currently offering a free scholarship class specifically for boys taught by Jonathan Sharp, IPB Guest Principal Dancer and former member of the USC Dance Department faculty.

The free class is held on Thursdays from 4-5:15 p.m. and is open to boys age 8 and older. No previous dance experience is required and all levels are accepted.

Designed to help male dancers and athletes develop coordination, flexibility and balance, the class focuses on upper body and leg strength. The program provides strenuous body conditioning for injury prevention, and is excellent cross training for all athletes, particularly tennis, basketball and football players. Artistic appreciation and musicality are also introduced.

"Bringing boys together to train artistically lets us focus on the key strengths of the male body," Sharp said. "This class includes a little bit of martial arts combined with strength training and theater games. We work on how to stay balanced, turning, how to jump higher and have a powerful landing."

For more information call 909-482-1590 or visit www.ipballet.org.

First 5 Riverside is hosting the "Hands-On Health Express" fair Friday, Feb. 19 from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the ABC Child Care Village, located at 40045 Village Rd. in Temecula.

The free health fair will feature educational activities and resources for families about keeping kids healthy.

Inland family man Andrew Garcia seems like a shoo-in for the top 24 spaces in Fox's "American Idol" this week.

The Moreno Valley resident's story of growing up with both parents in L.A. gangs and later starting over with a wife and young son caught at the heartstrings of viewers from day one.

His acoustic version of Paula Abdul's "Straight Up" was a hit last week and he sailed right through the group performance. Rumors have it that he will make the top 24. If you check out his Facebook fan page, he's got well over 11,000 friends and more than 15,000 followers on Twitter - so I'm thinking he's a sure bet.

See a rundown on Garcia and other Inland Idol hopefuls at Audio File here.

The Mexican consulate in San Bernardino is accepting entries for contests and competitions in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of Mexican independence and the 100th anniversary of the Mexican Revolution.

One contest is artwork with a theme of independence or the revolution. Children between ages 7 and 11 are eligible. The deadline for entry is June 30. Prizes include a computer, digital camera and art kit.

Another, for people of Mexican origin aged 15 to 30, is to create a short film that documents the story of a Mexican migrant. The 3-minute film must be recorded with a camera phone. The entry deadline is April 30. The prizes for the winner are a laptop computer, digital video camera and laser printer.

Young people born in Mexico or born in the United States or Canada of Mexican parents will compete March 29 to April 4 in Los Angeles in a sports tournament for Mexicans living abroad. Each sport has different age requirements, ranging from 14 to 22 years old. The deadline to enter is March 14.

For more information, call the consulate at 909-889-9837.

Want to learn the basics for working with pen and ink? San Bernardino County Museum will hold the workshop, "Drawing with Pen and Ink" on Saturday, Feb. 20. Artist Trudy Wood will teach the basic techniques for working with pen and ink and will lead participants in drawing an animal.

The workshops is free with paid museum admission and begins at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

This workshop is part of the "Arts, Naturally!" program. Designed for participants ages 8 and older, the "Arts, Naturally!" program is sponsored in part by the James Irvine Foundation.

Museum admission is $8 for adults, $6 for military or seniors, $5 for students and $4 for children ages 5-12. Children under age five and Museum Association members are admitted free.

For more information, call 909-307-2669 or visit www.sbcountymuseum.org.

The Western Science Center will host "Astronomy Night" Saturday, Feb. 20 from 6-10 p.m. The free event will provide an opportunity to learn more about the planets, the stars and the sky above.

Telescopes for the event will be provided by members of the Riverside Astronomical Society. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

The center is located at 2345 Searl Pkwy in Hemet. For more information call 951-791-0033 or visit www.westerncentermuseum.org.

Women's' fitness chain Curves will host its annual Curves Food Drive from March 1-31. Each center will collect non-perishable items and monetary donations for food banks.

"At the core of our business is the message that women are stronger when they rally together, and that is the point we hope to bring home with our food drive," said Curves Founder Diane Heavin.

Members who donate a bag of groceries or make a minimum donation of $30 during the month of March will receive a reusable Curves grocery freezer bag. Non-members who donated between March 8 and 20 can join Curves for free.

Curves locations will be competing against one another in the food drive and winners will receive cash prizes to be donated to their local food bank.

"We hope women will come together and participate in this initiative," Heavin said. "There are so many families - right here in our community - who need our help."

For more information about Curves visit www.curves.com.

Momarama is becoming even more sociable and has joined Facebook. Become a fan here.

The Peppers Art Gallery at the University of Redlands will feature an exhibit of original artwork from well-known children's books and the Les and Zora Charles collection of picture book art.

The exhibit "Paint Me a Story: The Art of Children's Books" from Charles' collection will open Feb. 19 and culminate at the Charlotte S. Huck Children's Literature Festival at the university March 12-13.

The collection includes original works from Eric Carle's "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and Beatrix Potter tales. Zora Charles will eventually donate the collection to the Eric Carl Museum in Amherst, Mass., the only museum in the U.S. devoted to the art of children's books.

Charles will also be a featured presenter at the Charlotte S. Huck Children's Literature Festival, discussing her collection of the process of finding unique pieces.

Admission to the "Paint Me a Story" exhibit at the Peppers Art Gallery is free. The gallery is open Tuesday-Friday from 1-5 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 2-5 p.m. School groups, Brownie troops, Boy Scouts and other children's organizations can call Julieann Fisher at 909-748-8281 to arrange a visit.

For more information visit http://www.redlands.edu/childrensliteraturefestival.asp.

A perinatal mental health seminar will be held March 2 at the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health's Rialto resource center.

The seminar will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration costs $25 and must be received by Feb. 19.

The workshop is designed to help participants recognize and identify possible perinatal mood disorders.

The resource center is at 850 E. Foothill Blvd. in Rialto.

Contact Ivonne Areas at 951-683-5193 for information.

Looking for ideas for the long weekend? Castle Park in Riverside has a Valentine's Day and Presidents Day weekend promotions going on, including a "Sweetheart Deal" with two all-day rides admissions for $14 on Sunday and the "Presidents Day Special" with all day ride admission for $6 (a Lincoln bill and a Washington bill) on Monday. Clever!

In celebration of National Pancake Day on Tuesday, Feb. 23, IHOP restaurants nationwide are giving away a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes between the hours of 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

Guests are being asked to make a donation to the Children's Miracle Network. The goal is to raise $1.75 million this year, which would equal a total of $5 million over the last five years of pancake day fundraising.

Donations made at any Palm Springs area IHOPs will benefit the Children's Miracle Network program at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

To find a participating IHOP visit www.ihoppancakeday.com.

Some of our four-legged veterans who protect and serve the U.S. are being honored Saturday at March Field Air Museum in Riverside.

The War Dog Memorial Celebration will take place from 10 a.m. to noon and will include a demonstration from trained dogs from Camp Pendleton.

"The first memorial took place in Feb. 2000 in conjunction with the Vietnam Dog Handlers Association," said Mo Johnson, with the War Dogs Memorial Fund. "It's always a very emotional day."

Members meet at March every year - some traveling from as far as Boston, Mass.

Guests will include retired Major General Paul D. Eton, Congressman Ken Calvert, the president and one of the founders of the Vietnam Dog Handlers Association and handlers from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, who will also do a demonstration if time permits.

The day's activities will conclude at noon with a fly-over. For a $5 donation, visitors get a 10th anniversary War Dogs Memorial poster. There will also be t-shirts for sale.

The museum is located at 22550 Van Buren Blvd. in Riverside. For more information call 951-902-5949 or visit www.marchfield.org.

I'm off to wrestle other moms for the last few remaining Valentine's Day cards at Target.

Why do I wait for the last minute like this every year? Tonight the kids and I will lay them all out, sign and attach candy to about 50 cards altogether (bless the teachers for the name lists!) and then the kids can get all sugared up at school tomorrow.

Every year I think how cute it would be to make them by hand. And maybe I'll check the arts and crafts aisle if the Valentine's aisle is a total wasteland. But for you crafty moms out there, Disney's "Family Fun" magazine has some super cute ideas that can be seen here.

I vow to do this earlier next year!

I CANNOT believe it's already time to start thinking about Spring Break, but here we are. So as I see press releases on Spring Break specials or hear about family-friendly activities, I'll pass them along.

Riviera Resort & Spa

The Riviera Resort & Spa in Palm Springs is offering a Spring Break discount for families from March 12-May 2. It's $155 per night and includes daily activities like family movies, poolside marshmallow roasts, ice cream socials, caricatures and henna tattoos.

The resort also has a 1,200 square-foot Kids Club with games, arts and crafts, televisions and computers.

Nearby activities include the Living Desert, the Children's Museum of Palm Springs, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, hiking trails of Tahquitz Canyon, Joshua Tree State Park and Knott's Soak City.

For more information on the spa visit www.psriviera.com.

I've always thought estate sales were really interesting. They provide an intriguing glimpse into the lives of people through the items they surrounded themselves with during their lifetimes.

I was forwarded an e-mail about a huge upcoming sale in Riverside that looks like an antique-lover's dream. Put on by Odekirk's, the sale will be at 7132 Delaware St. in Riverside from Friday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Items will come from the combined estates of a Los Angeles County District Attorney and a Riverside collector.

There will be anything from furniture to holiday decorations to paintings. Pictures can be seen here.

I totally had that Strawberry Shortcake lunchbox back in the day. That Wonder Woman one looks awfully familiar too. I might just show up at the office Monday with one of those. :)

Sears has launched a nationwide blanket drive to collect new and used blankets for homeless veterans in Calif. Every Sears store in Calif. is participating.

For each donation a customer recieves a 20 percent off coupon for one home fashion or home decor item, or a 10 percent off coupon for any one housewares, luggage or furniture item (mattresses are excluded).

The program ends Feb. 18. To find your nearest drop off point visit here.

The San Bernardino County Museum - usually closed on Mondays - will be open for Presidents Day Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can see posters, essays, presentations and works of art by students from the high desert inspired by Hubble Telescope images, in addition to the muesum's permanent history, antropology, geology, paleontology and biological science exhibits.

Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for military or senior, $5 for students and $4 for children ages 5 to 12. Children under age 5 and museum association members. For more information call 909-307-2669 or visit www.sbcountymuseum.org.

A while back I wrote about a local dancer with cystic fibrosis named Adam Young.

Zoe and Tiffy

When the article ran, I was contacted by a Florida family with a little girl named Zoe, age 5, who is also living with cystic fibrosis. Since then, we've kept in touch with periodic updates of Zoe's health and the family's interactions with others living with cystic fibrosis.

Right now little Zoe is sick with a cold, which can be dangerous for people with CF because the disease causes abnormally thick mucous to form on the lungs making it difficult to breathe.

Zoe comes from a big loving family - with seven siblings, a mom and a dad. The family is chronicling her journey with CF in a blog. To read about Zoe and about CF visit the blog at http://zoeforlife.blogspot.com.

Weekly Family Dining Profile: We're looking for places that are kid friendly, have good prices and healthy menus. Here is the rundown on our Jamba Juice experience:

We were hot, tired and in need of some cool refreshment with a kick. It was the end of a long school/work day and we were still miles (physically and metaphorically) from home.
So the kids and I stopped for fruit smoothies at Jamba Juice. We're all fruit lovers and a little sherbet or yogurt mixed in certainly doesn't hurt.

We scanned the menu, searching for just the right combinations for our pick-me-ups. Both kids chose the Strawberry Whirl, an all fruit blend that includes strawberries, bananas and apple-strawberry juice. I went with the Razzmatazz, one of the classic blends that includes mixed berry juice, strawberries, bananas and orange sherbet.

The kids' drinks came as is, but I added an immunity boost, which included a dose of vitamin C and zinc. Take that colds and viruses!

The Riverside County Department of Public Health on Saturday will hold a free swine flu vaccine clinic at the Black History Expo in Riverside.

The clinic will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the downtown Riverside pedestrian mall between 10th Street and Mission Inn Blvd.

The vaccine also is free at the county's 10 family care centers. The centers are open 8 - 11 a.m. and 1 - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. However, the clinics will be closed Friday and Monday.

Centers are in Banning, Corona, Hemet, Indio, Jurupa, Lake Elsinore, Palm Springs, Perris, Riverside and Rubidoux.

Go to www.rivcoph.org/h1n1 or call the 211 information line or 800-464-1123 for information.

In the Feb./March issue of "Working Mother" magazine, U.S. Olympic gold medalist, World Figure Skating Hall of Fame inductee, 2008 Dancing with the Stars champion and dedicated philanthropist (sheesh!) Kristi Yamaguchi talks about balancing home and career; life with her husband, former NHL player Bret Hedican; and motherhood.

It's a fun peek into the very busy life of a working mom with a high-profile job. Here are some exerpts:

On winning gold at the 1992 Olympic figure skating championship:
"Winning in women's singles felt surreal. I felt that everything I had done--the hard work, the tough times--was all worth it."

On winning Dancing with the Stars:
"It was pretty crazy. It was a huge commitment. But I had an amazing partner in Mark Ballas, and I loved learning another craft and having a peek into that world. It was a blast, a lot of fun, challenging and exhausting."

On the Always Dream Foundation she launched in 1996:
"My eyes were opened from the work I did with the Make-A-Wish Foundation after the Olympics. I loved what we were doing. My own foundation picks and chooses causes to support. Having achieved my own dreams, I want to give to kids who are less fortunate, who struggle with everyday obstacles. I want to give them something positive in their lives: support."

On Wednesday, Feb. 24, archaeologist George Kline will give the guest lecture, "Making Rock Art Personal" at the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands. The 7:30 p.m. lecture is free and open to the public.

Prehistoric rock art usually comes in the form of petroglyphs (pecked into the surface of a rock's surface patina" or as pictographs "painted or applied onto a rock's surface."

But there's a third category that occurs in southern Calif. called pendants (rock art of a portable nature). These personal forms of artistic expression worn on the body can occur as a shaped, flat piece of adornment - decorated or undecorated, etched or carved.

Kline will compare commonly known rock art forms around the West with lesser known pendants found in the Southern Calif. mountain areas. Some of these examples are new, unpublished discovery.

Kline's main archaeological interests are in lithic technology and prehistoric artistic expression. He also has interests in experimental archaeology, geo-archaeology and far western paleo-Indian studies.

The museum is located at 2024 Orange Tree Lane in Redlands. For more information call 909-307-2669 or visit www.sbcountymuseum.org.

Just in time for Winter Olympics, Big Bear has a fresh coating of snow. There are two ski resorts, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, tubing parks, Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain and Big Bear Snowplay, and plenty of other activities.

Big Bear Mountain Resorts

"Families can come up for a few days and have their own mini-Olympics right here in Big Bear Lake," said Rick Shoup, CEI of the Big Bear Lake Resort Association. "We have tons of snow right now and excellent ski conditions. They could downhill ski on day one, have snowshoe races on day two and ride the alpine slide or go inner tubing on day three."

Now if you just want to be a spectator, there are winter sports competitions going on throughout the next several months, including USA Slalom (Feb. 9); USASA Halfpipe Competition (Feb. 21); Women's Edventures Ski & Snowboard Clinics (Feb. 26-28); USASA Boarder Cross (Feb. 28); Go Huck Yourself Contest (March 6); USASA Halfpipe Competition (March 7); USASA Slopestyle (March 14); Transworld Trans-Am (March 20); and Victor Alvarez Memorial Race (March 21).

For more information call 800-424-4232 or visit www.bigbear.com.

The Taco Bell Discovery Science center is hosting some old-school fun Saturday, Feb. 6 with a yo-yo competition. "Milk the Cow," "Warped Drive," "Cold Fusion" and "Walk the Dog" are apparently some cool yo-yo tricks. Don't I remember doing "Around the World" as a kid?

The competition is for beginner-level (K-12) yo-yo competitors and the first 25 kids to sign up get a free yo-yo. The event is part of the center's new exhibit, "Secret of Circles," which is open Jan. 16 - May 2.

Here's the competition schedule:
11-11:30 a.m.: Registration
11:30 a.m.-noon: Competition practice
Noon to 1 p.m.: "Junior Battle" competition
1-2 p.m.: Yo-yo workshop with the pros

The pros, you say? Mark McBride, part of the Duncan Yo-yos crew, wrote the book "The Yonomicon," which tackled modern yo-yo tricks. Yoshi Mikamoto is the 2005 and 2008 Southern Calif. "Iron Man" winner at the Southwest Regional yo-yo competitions. Brian Cabildo is also part of the Duncan Crew and runs the DXL Crew, an oranization of top yo-yo players.

All activities are free with paid admission, which is $12.95 for adults and $9.95 for kids ages 3 to 17. The center is located at 2500 N. Main St. in Santa Ana. For more information visit www.discoverycube.org.

So I just talked to Peter Facinelli, a.k.a. Dr. Carlisle Cullen over the phone. Yes I was tempted to scream into the phone, but I controlled myself.

Peter Facinelli

Facinelli will soon be making an Inland visit. He'll host a fundraising event at the Temecula Promenade Saturday, signing autographs (for a fee) and selling photographs, with proceeds going to UNICEF for Haiti Earthquake victims.

"Whenever I have time - once or twice a month - I try to do some type of charity fundraiser," Facinelli said.

The charity he most often works with is Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, a childhood cancer foundation.

"That's an important one to me," he said. "We've raised $10,000 at one of these for Alex's Lemonade Stand. And $10,000 for the Dornbecker Children's Hospital another time.

"Because of what happened in Haiti, we decided to have the Twilighters come out for UNICEF to provide Haiti relief."

And speaking of 'Twilight.' Facinelli's life has changed a bit since the madness began. But he already had quite a body of work before the Cullens came on screen, including "Riding in Cars With Boys" in 2001, "Scorpion King" in 2002, a leading role in the Fox drama "Fastlane" and a recurring role in HBO's "Six Feet Under" in 2004, the current role of Gregory Malina in FX's TV series, "Damages" and in all his spare time he's also frequently on the Showtime series, "Nurse Jackie."

While he was recognized in public before, things went to a whole new level after "Twilight" hit the big screen. Just this morning a fan showed up on his front door step, picture in hand, ringing the doorbell. He didn't answer.

"I'm in the Celebrity Witness Protection Program," Facinelli joked. "I keep my location undisclosed."

He also mentioned that 60,000 people showed up at one of these fundraising/signing events, so plan for crowds Saturday.

Facinelli is married to actress Jennie Garth and has three children ages 3, 7 and 12 - all girls. He enjoys the role of Dr. Carlisle Cullen very much and finds some similarities between himself and the character.

"I am the patriarch of a family and I do feel compassion for people," he said. "I enjoyed the books and it's a lot of fun for me to have some say in how the character is portrayed."

The kids Luca Bella, Lola Ray and Fiona Eve are excited about the roles Dad plays.

"My 12-year-old has read the first two 'Twilight' books," he said. "And they've seen the movies."

Facinelli will be at the Promenade Saturday, Feb. 6, from noon to 6 p.m. Autographs will cost $25 and photos will be on sale for $40.

If you miss this weekend's event, he may be back in the near future.

"We're coordinating another event in Rancho Cucamonga, probably in a couple weeks," he said.

When asked about any 'Twilight' updates, he didn't have any new information.

"Usually the fans know before I do," he said. "I do know there's some debate about the last book being made into two movies. But I haven't heard yet."

Sign twirlers next week will dance outside the Riverside County Department of Public Health's 10 family care centers throughout the county to promote free shots for swine flu, also known as the H1N1 virus.

Sign twirlers are part of the county's campaign to inform residents that they can walk into centers without appointments and get vaccinated.

The family care centers operate 8 - 11 a.m. and 1 - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Clinics will be closed Feb. 12 and Feb. 15 for holidays.

Centers are in Banning, Corona, Hemet, Indio, Jurupa, Lake Elsinore, Palm Springs, Perris, Riverside and Rubidoux.

Go to www.rivcoph.org/h1n1 or call the county's 211 information line. Residents also can call 800-464-1123.

Last night the kids and I saw the premiere of the national Broadway tour of "Annie" by Networks at the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside. Both kids had seen a few high school productions, but this was their first experience with real theater. It also happened to be the first Broadway show at the newly-renovated historic Fox Theater (now called the Fox Performing Arts Center), so it was an exciting night to be there.

There was a mix of adults and children - quite a few even younger than mine, many in the 4-to-6 year old range, up to pre-teens and teens. Once everyone was seated, I don't think I saw an empty seat in the orchestra (where we sat) or up in the balcony area.

Neither of my kids were familiar with the story of "Annie." Bad Mom! So I showed them some old 1983 photos of me and my sister dressed as Annie from a long-ago Halloween, and explained the storyline before the show began.

From the moment the curtain went up, they were absolutely mesmerized. There were a few questions as the show progressed, including "What's an orphan?" and "How do they know where to go and what to do?" and "What's a Democrat?"

My youngest didn't make it all the way to the end - it began at 7:30 last night, so sometime after the intermission, he passed out across my lap. But my daughter wasn't about to miss a second. We loved the scene set in Oliver Warbucks' mansion when it appeared to be snowing outside. Absolutely magical.

And we loved the music. It's funny how music, like certain smells, can immediately transport you somewhere when it touches you. Hearing Annie - Madison Kerth was incredible - took me right back to 8-year-old Jen, which was a lot of fun when sitting with my 8-year-old daughter.

When at last the evil pretenders had been exposed for their false parenting claims, including Miss Hannigan played by Lynn Andrews, the show wrapped up to thunderous applause. And it was Andrews who brought them to their feet. She was hilarious, with a perfect combination of disgust for her errant charges and silliness.

After the applause died down, we carted the limp body of my son back to the car and drove home. I answered every question I could about how the actors travel, how the sets work, where Sandy the dog goes while on tour, what Democrats and Republicans believe and how the Great Depression and New Deal worked.

I'll bet these kids are going to have some interesting commentary for classmates and teachers at school today.

There are more "Annie" shows Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday 2 & 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. before the group moves on to their next tour location. Ticket prices range from $22-$72 and can be found at www.ticketmaster.com.

Written by guest author Bonnie Woodrome:

Bonnie Woodrome
Guest Author

My husband, a man probably like many other men, has a mind that is always analyzing and trying to simplify the mundane tasks of the everyday with the ultimate goal to be completely lazy on Sunday afternoons.

Though since we have had children, his focus has changed from the dream of inventing the combination recliner /fridge/universal remote/ that repels stains, pets and anyone attempting to sit in his chair (although that is still in the back of his mind, especially during football season) to what would quickly clean up after the tornadoes our children create on what seems to be an hourly basis. I have noticed that these ideas often take place while I am at work or away from the house, you can only guess why!

At a recent family gathering, I overheard my husband telling the men of the family his tale of the leaf blower. Our blower is the loudest on the block -- and quite possibly the most powerful -- apparently. He had decided to use it one morning while I was away, instead of the traditional broom and dustpan on the lower floor of our home.

Looking for some fantasy? Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella," presented by Christian Arts Theatre, tells the tale of the Prince's ball and the glass slipper but with a twist - all the action takes place in the lush setting of New Orleans and the French Bayou of the 1800s.

The production is based on Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" presented on television in 1957, staring Julie Andrews. The stage version is from the 1997 teleplay.

Performances will take place Feb. 26 through March 14. Tickets range from $11-$15; group rates are available. All performances will be at the Corona Civic Theater at 815 W. 6th St. in Corona.

Show times will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 26; 2 & 7 p.m. Feb. 27; 2 p.m. Feb. 28; 7 p.m. March 5; 2 & 7 p.m. March 6; 2 p.m. March 7; 7 p.m. March 12; 2 & 7 p.m. March 13; 2 p.m. March 14.

For more information visit www.catcorona.org.

In celebration of Presidents' Day weekend, Calico Ghost town will hold an old fashioned Civil War re-enactment. The ghost town will be transformed with Civil War re-enactors who will engage visitors with daily battles, Union and Confederate troop encampments and more.

Special to The Press-Enterprise

Two battles will take place each day at the Silver Bowl and Artillery Hill. Generals will narrate each of the battles. About 300 re-enactors from the Southwest region of the American Civil War Society will participate.

Don Ancell of Oxnard, will portray Abraham Lincoln, delivering the Gettysburg address and interacting with guests. Other activities over the weekend celebration will be a Civil War period fashion show, music from the era and a ladies' tea.

Admission is $10 for adults; $5 for children ages 6-15; and free for children age 5 and under. Active military with proof of identification will be admitted for $5 adult; $3 for military kids ages 6-15. Admission on Monday, Feb. 15, will be $10 per carload.

For more information, visit www.calicotown.com or read about it in the Inlandsocal Travel blog here.

Peter Facinelli as Dr. Carlisle Cullen on the Twilight.

ATTENTION "TWILIGHT" FANS: Peter Facinelli, also known as Dr. Carlisle Cullen of the "Twilight" series will be at The Promenade in Temecula Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.

Peter Facinelli

He will be signing autographs and photographs and a portion of the funds raised will be donated to UNICEF for victims of the Haiti earthquake.

Facinelli currently stars opposite Edie Falco in Showtime's "Nurse Jackie." He has previously appeared in "Six Feet Under" and "Damages" and the movies "The Scorpion King" and "Riding in Cars."

The autographs cost $25 and photos will be on sale for $40. The Promenade is located at 40820 Winchester Rd. in Temecula. If it gets rained out, everything will be re-located to the lower level JCPenney court.

Two Kimberly Elementary School parents will share their recent experiences in Haiti during the earthquake on Tuesday, Feb. 2 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Kimberly Elementary's Multipurpose room. Carlo Alce and James Goss will discuss the devastation and what can be done to help.

Several families at the school have been directly involved with people in Haiti, and so the school is also joining in the efforts to provide relief for the earthquake victims. Donations for the following are being accepted:

• New or gently used twin bed sheets for hospitals
• Twin size inflatable mattresses for hospital use
• Black pens and writing pads for doctors and nurses
• Headlamps
• Small one-to-four personal tents, easy to assemble
• Packages of emergency blankets (foil, mylar or other)
• Money in the form of a check made payable to Loma Linda University-Haiti Relief

There are drop-off points around the perimeter of the Kimberly campus every day this week, open Monday-Friday from 7:15-7:45 a.m. and again in the afternoon from 1:40-2:10 p.m.

The school is located at 301 West South Ave. in Redlands.

Written by guest author Dianne Bright:

Dianne Bright
Guest Author

The Love Month has arrived. Some people love it and some people hate it. I guess that's how it is with all holidays, but this one seems to really carry a lot of passion, one way or the other. You're either in love and can't wait for the day to get here or you're alone and angry and want it to pass over you like a 747. Then again, there are those who just don't give a rip, one way or the other.

If you hate the day just for its mere existence, then I hope you'll transfer your energy into caring for a friend or a loved one instead. The day doesn't have to carry such a negative connotation with it. Why not send roses to your Mom or Dad?

The San Bernardino Downtown Rotary Club is holding the 11th annual Music Competition on March 2 at 6 p.m. at the Norman Feldheim Library, Bing Wong Auditorium in San Bernardino.

The competition is for high school level instrumentalists, pianists and vocalists. Cash prizes will be awarded for the highest scoring musicians in any category, including $400 to the 1st place winner, $250 to the 2nd place winner and $100 to the 3rd place winner.

Winners will next compete at the University of Redlands District Finals and have the chance to perform at the Rotary District Conference in Cathedral City.

Student applications must by received by Rotary Chair Sheldon Ewell by no later than Feb. 25. Applications can be downloaded from http://rotarysb.clubwizard.com/Downloads.cfm. Click the Downloads button and the application will be listed under the heading "2010 Materials." Complete the "RCSB Music Competition Rules and Application" and submit it to: Sheldon Ewell, Rotary Chair, 153 Palmyra Dr. in San Bernardino.

The Norman Feldheim Library, Bing Wong Auditorium is located at 555 West 6th St. in San Bernardino.

"Seussical the Musical" will open at Yucaipa Little Theater Thursday, Feb. 11 and run through Feb. 27. The show centers around Horton the elephant, originally from "Horton Hears a Who," who tries to save the world of Whos while Citizens of the Jungle try to ruin his efforts. Throughout it all, The Cat in the Hat acts and narrator and, true to form, jumps into the action to mix things up.

The Cat is played by Yucaipa High School junior Garret Peters; Jojo is played by Kristen Lungstrum, a seventh grader at Park View Middle School; Horton is played by actor Eric Lopez; Gertrude is played by actress and choreographer Kelly Lopez; Mayzie is played by UC San Bernardino student Amanda Presley; Mr. and Mrs. Mayor are played by John and Kathleen Woolsey; and Sour Kangaroo is played by Hilary Peters.

Directed by Christine Presley, the show will include songs like "Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!" "How Lucky You Are" and "Green Eggs and Ham."

Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 11, 12, 13, 19, 20 and 27, with matinee performances at 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 14, 21 and 28. A special performance for local students will be on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 3:30 p.m.

Tickets cost $8 for seniors, students and children under age 18; $25 for families and $10 for adults.

For more information call 909-790-1884. The theater is located at 12135 California St. in Yucaipa.

Auditions will be held for Missoula Children's Theatre production of "King Arthur's Quest" on Monday, Feb. 15 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center.

There are about 50 roles available for local students, grades K-12. No advance preparation is necessary.

Those auditioning should arrive early at 3 p.m. and plan to stay for the duration. Some cast members will be asked to stay for a rehearsal immediately following the audition.

Most students will rehearse about 4 1/2 hours daily, Monday through Friday. A one-night only performance will be held Friday, Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. A participation fee of $75 is required for all those cast in the production.

"King Arthur's Quest" is part of an international touring project with Missoula Children's Theatre and is presented by the City of Rancho Cucamonga Community Services Department.

Tickets for "King Arthur's Quest" cost $12 and are available at the Lewis Family Playhouse Box Office, located at 12505 Cultural Center Dr. in Rancho Cucamonga, or by calling 909-477-2752 or 877-858-8422 or by visiting www.lewisfamilyplayhouse.com.

Weekly Family Dining Profile: We're looking for places that are kid friendly, have good prices and healthy menus. Here is the rundown on our Taco Tia experience:

Jennifer Dean/The Press-Enterprise

Sometimes you've just got to splurge a little. Taco Tia probably isn't the healthiest eating establishment, but it's definitely one of the tastiest. If you've never experienced a Taco Tia taco, you're missing out.

Back in the day, the restaurant was the place to go after a late night out. This week I introduced my kids to the traditional quick-service Mexican food restaurant. Now they may be obsessed.