April 2011 Archives

Day one of Stagecoach is nearing its end with just one more Mane stage act to go - Kenny Chesney. My favorite part of the day was the surprise show in the children's area earlier this evening. Here's my write up I posted on the music blog a little while ago:

The surprise kids concert at the Front Porch stage in the Half-Pint Hootenanny just wrapped up and it was so cool! Stealing Angels put on a show for the kids, even pulling them up on stage to sing along.

In the kid crowd was Tayla Lyyn's niece, Sophia, and nephew, Jack, who both boogied to "the aunts'" live show.

After the show Stealing Angels members Jennifer Wayne, Tayla Lynn and Caroline Cutbirth hung out to chat with friends and family.

"It's always so fun to sing for kids," Cutbirth said. "We sure did enjoy it."

Wayne said playing for kids is great because it's so laid back and all about the kids.

Sophia Dejarnette, age 5, said it's really fun watching Aunts Tayla, Caroline and Jennifer sing.

When I asked if she sings, Aunt Tayla said she's thinking doctor for her niece's future.

When asked about Loretta Lynn's cancellation, Lynn and Cutbirth both said it's always fun playing together but they just want her to feel better.

Wayne had some family at the show as well. She's from Newport Beach are and the whole group was heading to a home out there to eat and maybe do a little more singing.

This weekend I'll be kicking up my heels at the Stagecoach Country Music Festival in Indio, which goes on Saturday and Sunday from around noon to 11 p.m. This year's headliners are Kenny Chesney, Kris Kristofferson, Darius Rucker and Chris Young on Saturday; and Rascal Flatts, K.D. Lang and the Siss Boom Bang Band and Carrie Underwood on Sunday.

I expect to see lots of flip flops paired with cowboy hats - courtesy of Kenny - and the huge female following of Rascal Flats. I covered Stagecoach in 2008 as well and the moms LOVE Rascal Flatts! It was a great show.

I'll be blogging throughout the day and evening, sometimes here on Momarama, and other times on Music Writer Vanessa Franko's Audio File blog at http://blogs.inlandsocal.com/music.

Set times were released earlier this week and can be found here: http://stagecoachfestival.com/event/set-times

I'll also be checking out the Half-Pint Hootenanny children's area, which has a ton of fun stuff for kids and families. See a roundup of activities and the set times on the kiddies stage

For the fourth year in a row, Kids Bowl Free returns this summer with more than 850 bowling centers participating. The program provides kids with two free games of bowling every day all summer.

Families must register online at www.kidsbowlfree.com. After registering families will begin receiving emailed vouchers every Sunday morning valid for two games each day for a week.

Most Kids Bowl Free programs kick off by Memorial Day weekend and end in late August or September.

To find participating locations visit www.kidsbowlfree.com. With a quick glance at the list I see Empire Bowl in Redlands, Del Rosa Lanes in San Bernardino and Victor Bowl in Victorville.

For the first time, the Riverside/San Bernardino Counties Orchid Society and the RHIS (Redlands Horticultural and Improvement Society) Floral Design Group are planning a NGC (National Garden Clubs, Inc.) Standard Plant Society Orchid show together.
The show will take place May 6 and 7 at Newell's Nursery, at 34017 Yucaipa Blvd., in Yucaipa.

The show's theme is "Festival of Orchids," so visitors can plan to see orchid growers displaying their best plants, as well as creative orchid floral designs.
Admission is free and the show will take place from noon to 5 p.m. May 6 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 7.

The RHIS Floral Design Group, a part of Redlands Horticultural and Improvement Society, offers monthly programs featuring giften floral designers, educational and creative workshops and more.

For more information call California Garden Clubs at 909-798-9384 or email gardenclub@rhis.org.

Artists and families can prepare for the upcoming 11th annual Old Town Temecula Street Painting Festival and fourth annual Ralph Love Plein Air Festivals with street painting workshops Sunday, May 1 and Sunday, May 22.

The May 1 workshop will be held at Dorland Mountain Arts Colony from 1 to 3 p.m. The workshop will be taught by Melody Brunsting and visitors can meet and talk with artists in residence.

The May 22 workshop will be held at Old Town Temecula's Town Square on Main and Mercedes. This workshop will be taught by Gayle DuRivage, muralist and art instructor at Painted Earth in Menifee.

Both workshops are free and chalk will be provided. Artists are encouraged to bring an image or proposed painting for practice.

For more information visit www.temeculacalifornia.com.

March for Babies walks will take place at multiple locations in the Inland region starting this weekend. The money raised supports programs in the communities that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies. And it funds research to find answers to the problems that threaten infants. March for Babies has been going on since 1970 and have raised about $1.8 billion to benefit all babies.

Here are the details on the upcoming walks in the area:

April 30 - Riverside Community College. The walk starts at 8:30 a.m. and covers a distance of six miles.

April 30 - Victorville City Hall. The walk starts at 8:30 a.m. and covers a distance of 8.5 miles.

April 30 - Balboa Park in San Diego. The walk starts at 8:30 a.m. and covers a distance of 3.5 miles.

May 15 - Loma Linda University Drayson Center. The walk starts at 8:30 a.m. and covers a distance of one mile.

For more information or to register for a walk, visit www.marchofdimes.com.

Karen Rae Kraut has been blending story, music and creative movement in schools, libraries, museums and theaters from California to East Tennessee since 1990.

This Sunday, Kraut will perform the story "Good Advice" from Mexico from the book, "Earth Care: World Folktales to Talk About" by Margaret Read MacDonald.

The performance - part of the Inlandia Creative Literacy Program - will be at the Riverside Art Museum at 3425 Mission Inn Ave. in Riverside.

For more information on Kraut visit www.karenraekraut.com.

Galleria at Tyler is looking for the most "Marvelous Mom" in town. "Kids" 18 years and older are invited on to visit the Galleria's Facebook site to explain why their mom is the best.

On the Galleria at Tyler Facebook page click on the "Marvelous Mom" tab to describe why mom is marvelous in 150 words or less.

One grand prize winner will be selected to win a Broyhill living room set ($4,399 value) featuring furniture pieces from their Perspectives collection including a sofa, two chairs, square coffee table and a $250 Shop Etc gift card.

The contest will be open through May 11 and the winner will be announced on May 17.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/GalleriaAtTyler.

The Inland Stage Company features a roaring 20s "Twelfth Night" opening May 6 at the Esplanade Art Center in San Jacinto.

"This is such a crowd-pleaser and an acting challenge to our troupe," said ISC Director Jim Marbury. "The characters of the strange island of Illyria fascinate me. There are so many casting possibilities due to the incredible quality of performers that turned out for our auditions."

Vanessa Downs will be playing the role of the shipwrecked twin sister Viola.

"Viola is a survivor," Downs said of her character. "To survive, Viola must become Cesario, she must become a man. Yet, at the same time, she is still a girl who has found someone that she cares for in the Duke. She struggles with her feelings in a very real way."

Downs loves being able to play a man.

"Not just any man, I'm playing a girl that is trying to be a man," Downs said. "It's neat because for Viola, shipwrecked in a strange land, it's sort of a do or die kind of situation. I think Viola attempts to be professional about it, and that is kind of fun, the seriousness' of it."

Dane Johnston will be playing the part of Feste, the fool.

"Feste is a character with a lot of range," Johnston said. "At times he is fun loving and irreverent; at other occasions, he is territorial and dour, though he is quick to flip from one to another. Like many of Shakespeare's fools, Feste seems to know the intricate workings of the world he is immersed in, even when those around him are blind to it.

"Twelfth Night" runs May 6 through May 21 at the Esplanade Art Center at 2181
W. Esplanade Ave. in San Jacinto. Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays,
and 2 p.m. Sundays.

"Whenever I direct Shakespeare, the principle idea is that we have to have strong actors who understand the text, of course, but in this particular production, I wanted to really emphasize the wit and repartee that this script contains as well as stretch the performers physically," Marbury said. "You have to have this balance with Twelfth Night, because the
script has so much comedic potential, yet all this heart."

Tickets cost $15 for general admission; $12 for students, seniors and
military; and $7 for student rush tickets, obtained 10 minutes before the
show begins.

Tickets can be purchased over the phone at the Inland Stage's Box Office
951-600-7273 Ext.100 or online at www.inlandstage.org/tix.html.

Ever wonder why babies coo, toddlers repeatedly utter "NO" and second-graders love "Knock-Knock" jokes?

Find out what young children do at different ages and why at UCR Extension's Celebrating the Journey Through Childhood conference April 30.

Recognizing the differences in children's abilities at various ages is key to understanding the magnificent journey each child makes, said Dr. Margi Wild, director of child development grants at UCR Extension.

"It's our perpetual mission, to celebrate children. Children's abilities. Children's talents. The way they think. Their humor. Everything about children, we celebrate through the conference," Wild said.

The conference features two, nationally recognized keynote speakers on game playing, physical activity and nutrition, and a series of workshops tailored to early childhood educators.

Lauri Topete, program coordinator for Early Childhood Education, said both keynote speakers bring fun and excitement to the conference.

Sharron Krull, an early childhood education expert, is a member of the national training team for I Am Moving, I Am Learning, a program that promotes a proactive approach to prevention of childhood obesity.

Kellee McQuinn is founder of KidTribe, a childhood obesity prevention program designed to elevate self esteem, create community and promote good health. Her innovative programs are used in schools, camps, recreation departments and after-school programs.

This year's conference also will feature some new workshop presenters including Matt Reichman of Accountability Concepts, and Sandy Slade of Skillastics.

Learn more about Celebrating the Journey Through Childhood at www.extension.ucr.edu or contact Heather Walther at ecfs@ucx.ucr.edu or call 951-827-3441.

Submitted by University of California, Riverside Extension.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first vaccine to prevent meningitis in babies and toddlers. For years, doctors have used Menactra to vaccinate people between the ages of 2 and 55 to prevent Neisseria meningitidis, one of the leading forms of bacterial meningitis. Now, doctors have the green light to use it in patients as young as 9 months.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. According to the Mayo Clinic, it commonly occurs when bacteria from an upper respiratory infection enter the bloodstream, and it is highly contagious. Even though rates of meningitis are low in the United States, infants and toddler are particularly vulnerable. It can develop in just a few hours or over a few days. Even with proper care, the FDA says up to 15 percent of people who develop meningitis die from the infection. Additionally, approximately one in four people who contract meningitis suffer complications such as brain damage or hearing loss.

The classic symptoms of meningitis, high fever, headache and stiff neck, may be difficult to detect and can be absent in really small children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, infants with meningitis may appear slow or inactive, have vomiting, be irritable, or be feeding poorly. They may also suffer seizures.

Menactra was originally approved by the FDA in 2005. It is manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur Inc.

WBZB's SoCal ICON is starting up again and youth ages 7-18 interested in competing can currently register online. Auditions will begin May 28. Here's the audition schedule:

May 28 - The Village at Orange
June 4 - South Coast Plaza
June 11 - The Shoppes at Chino Hills
June 18 - The Shops at Dos Lagos

The semifinals will be at Roosevelt High School in Eastvale on July 16 and the final concert event will take place at the La Mirada Theater for the Performing Arts on August 27.

The three winners will be awarded trophies and a cool prize package, including a professional photography package and professional recording studio session.

For more information visit http://socalicon.com or call 951-371-5239.

Written by guest author Debbie Yocum:

First things first, Happy Birthday Loretta! Today is a special day because it is your birthday and because of all that you had to go through in the past year to be able to celebrate today. Actually, the journey to get to today started over nine years ago when you were diagnosed with Systemic Scleroderma, which caused a multitude of medical issues that eventually led to kidney failure and pneumonia. After suffering cardiac arrest you were rushed to the hospital and put on life support after falling into a coma. A few days later you woke up (much to everyone's relief) and went home to your anxious family and your dogs that looked forward to their spot next to you on the couch.

Because of the damage to your kidneys you had to be put on dialysis which lasted from May 2009 until January 2011. The treatment took hours out of every day and continued throughout the night. During that time you had 2 hernia surgeries and 2 infections which landed you in the hospital for a week's stay. No one was sure that you would make it home but thankfully you did and once again you had your family by your side. Denis, your husband, did everything that he could to make you comfortable but dialysis would never be something that you could be comfortable with.

This daily and nightly process with dialysis was slowly killing you. Your oldest sister Cindy decided that she would take the steps to donate her kidney but first she needed to know if she was a match. In November 2009, you and Cindy began the process with USC University Hospital & Medical Facilities. During that time you went through several procedures, blood tests and several clearance appointments with specialists. In April 2010 you were approved by the USC Medical Committee as a candidate for Kidney Transplant through USC and put on the National Kidney Transplant list. That is when Cindy began her process to donate her kidney.

The first step for Cindy was to take 15 vials of blood to verify a complete blood count and match her HLA's (pairings which you get 3 from each parent) to your HLA's. When the results came back it showed that Cindy was a perfect match!

The second step was for Cindy to be examined by a Cardiologist, Nephrologists Surgeon, Nutritionist and a Social Worker. Upon completion of these extensive examinations, the Committee of Specialists made a decision which allowed Cindy to donate her kidney. The glitch was that Cindy had slightly elevated blood pressure which required that she lose 25 pounds. The weight did not come off overnight but with exercise, diet and lifestyle changes the weight finally came off in November 2010.

Cindy returned to USC to continue the process to donate her kidney and at her first visit back, more blood was taken and processed. After her blood was tested she met with a psychologist to examine her mental status. As part of the donor process, she also had to meet with an Independent Advocate to verify that she was making the decision to donate on her own and was not being pressured from any outside source.

On December 28 after several more tests which included 24 hour blood pressure monitoring the surgery was scheduled for January 14. On your daughter's Facebook page she wrote "My mom's sister is a "GO" for the transplant surgery! Tentative date is January 14th. Tonight is a good night!" She added "PS Happy Birthday to the best dad ever! Denis Dufour!!"

Before you went into the hospital on January 13, 2011 you and Cindy stopped at your parent's graveside which was on your drive into LA and together you said a prayer asking God and your parents to watch over you both. On the morning of January 14, 2011 Cindy was the first to go into the operating room. Your daughter Kayla posted "My Aunt is now in recovery...everything went very well. Now it is momma's turn." A few hours later she posted that you "Just got out of surgery and everything went well. "The kidney is already working!!"

God blessed you not only with a successful surgery but with a very loving and giving family. You did not go through this time in your life alone, but with your family and friends by your side. You stated not long ago "This journey I'm on is testing my strength for sure!!! But I just keep thinking that God doesn't give us more than we can handle. That's what keeps me going." The gift that Cindy gave you is amazing; she is your angel for sure. Because of Cindy's sacrifice your life moves forward with hope and an opportunity to spend your life with the ones that you love and that love you so much in return. Happy 52nd Birthday Loretta!

Oak Grove Center for Education, Treatment and the Arts will hold its annual gala, "An Evening Under the Oaks" on Saturday, April 23. The dinner and auction will benefit Oak Grove, which will then be designated to building a gymnasium/multi-purpose room.

Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. and include entertainment from the Oak Grove Performance Team rock band, Drumesta.

Event tickets cost $85 per person or $160 per couple. The event will be held on the Oak Grove grounds at 24275 Jefferson Ave. in Murrieta. All activities will take place in an outdoor tented area, so dress according to weather.

For more information call 951-677-5599. Purchase tickets by clicking here.

Grandfathers for Golf, a volunteer-run organization that pairs senior citizens with at-risk youth in the Hemet and San Jacinto area is looking for help.

One of its members, 8-year-old Seth Richardson, affectionately known as "Turbo," was severely burned this past Sunday while running backwards flying his kite. Seth was at the beach when he accidental fell into a bonfire.

After the accident, Seth was taken by Life Fight to UC Irvine Medical Center ICU Burn Unit. He remains in ICU and will be undergoing his first surgery this Friday.

GfG is hosting a golf outing to help Seth's family with some of the tremendous expenses that will result from this incident. Seth's father is a volunteer with GfG.

Where: Golden Era Golf Course, Gilman Springs Rd. Gilman Springs, CA
When: Friday, April 29
Time: 1 p.m. shotgun
Cost: $25 per person for 18 holes w/ cart. Food will be included after play.
Reservations or Donations: Call Tony at 909-754-4148 or email grandfathersforgolf@yahoo.com

There will be prizes and a raffle.

Written by Rebecca McDaniel, author of "This Week's Menu:"

I received word from my mother that she had finished the aprons and was sending them through Fed Ex along with everything else. I mentioned previously that my mother was conscientious in the design and wanted to make sure they were exactly how I envisioned the aprons, but she is also meticulous. I'll explain. When the aprons arrived they were better than I could imagine, and came with an instructional step by step printout.

My mother took the time to make a pattern for each piece, with pictures to accompany the manual. This was done so I could find an affordable seamstress here in California who could follow the pattern. Unfortunately, the cost of hiring someone else to do small samples was more than my budget could afford. Shortly after, my mother in law called with news that she had purchased a sewing machine for me. Surprise! That's awesome I said but there is one tiny glitch. I never learned to use a sewing machine. So like the Ford Motor Company of mass production, we set up our sewing machines and began our own assembly line.

Thanks to the step by step instructions from my mother, my mother-in-law was able to walk me through each piece until I was confident to finish my own. These aprons have been a huge hit since their unveiling and are currently made on a pre-order basis. Custom orders will also be considered.

Both the aprons and cookbooks can be purchased online at: www.rebeccamcdaniel.com or if you are in the Redlands area come visit Katz Alley, 214 E. Redlands Blvd. Redlands, CA 92373 (909) 798-3444.

Written by guest author Rebecca McDaniel, author of "This Week's Menu:"

Recently I've learned that Foster Farms is conducting their 2nd annual chicken contest open to the residents of California, Oregon and Washington. The idea is to come up with an original recipe using Foster Farms fresh chicken and incorporating ingredients locally grown in your town or state. This is great news for Californians since we supply 80 percent of our country's fruits and vegetables and have numerous choices.

Grand prize is $10,000 with a trip to Napa Valley. If interested, check out their website for contest rules and deadline submissions. I plan on entering several submissions and would appreciate any feedback from readers who would like to try my recipes. Please send any comments to pinkslippub@sbcglobal.net Thank you.

Chicken and Avocado-Pear Salad with Lime Dressing
3 Foster Farms chicken breast, boiled and chilled
2 ripe avocados
2 Bosc pears
2 celery stalks, chopped into bite sized pieces
1 cup mayonnaise
1 lime

The Murrieta Public Library will join hundreds of libraries in celebration of the 15th anniversary of El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day) on April 30 from 1 to 3 p.m.

The library will have music, crafts, and treats for children and their families. El día de los niños/El día de los libros, known as Día, is a celebration EVERY DAY of children, families, and reading that culminates every year on April 30. The celebration emphasizes the importance of advocating literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

The Día event features special performances by the Murrieta Valley Unified School District's district-wide Ballet Folklorico "Corazón de mi tierra"- a program that promotes Mexican Heritage Arts through music and dance.

"Libraries are part of the American Dream, as places that support family, education, self-help and lifelong learning," said Allison Eagans, Youth Services Librarian.

This event is free and open to the public. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Murrieta Library. The Murrieta Public Library is located at Eight Town Square (Adams Avenue and Kalmia Street). For more information about the program call 951- 304-2665 or visit www.murrietalibrary.info.

Fremont Elementary School children are getting a special visit after school Thursday. As part of the Art for the Heart program, by performing arts group BRAVA, the students will meet the principal dancer of "The Groovaloos."

Students will be going through their second auditioning round for BRAVA's Scholarship Program and will recieve lessons in Hip Hop dance during the visit. The first auditions took place March 31.

The students who make it through this round will move on to final auditions April 28. There will be 10 scholarships to Riverside Ballet Arts' dance program awarded.

"We are extremely excited about the program," said Glenda Carhart, as Artistic Director.

"The Groovaloos" also visited Freemont in December as part of BRAVA's children's outreach performance series.

Work and play like Californians did in the 1880s at the Family Fun Day "1880s at Work and Play," on Saturday, April 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Victor Valley Museum in Apple Valley. The program is included with paid museum admission.

Visitors will be able to beat a rug, clean clothes with a tub and washboard, dip a candle, play old-time games, make corn husk dolls, and more. Activities are suitable for children ages 4 and older.

"Our Family Fun Days make the subject come alive for the whole family," said Curator of Education Jolene Redvale. "It's a taste of what life was like in the past, and helps us appreciate the lifestyle we have today. Plus, it's a whole lot of fun!"

The Victor Valley Museum is at 11873 Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley. Admission is $5 (adult), $4 (senior or military), and $2.50 (student). Children under 5 and San Bernardino County Museum Association members are free. Parking is free. For program information call the San Bernardino County Museum's education division at 909-307-2669 ext. 256 or visit www.sbcountymuseum.org.

I had the great pleasure of once again sitting down with Lauren Potter (Becky Jackson on FOX's "Glee") and her mom, Robin Sinkhorn at their Riverside home to talk about how Lauren's life has changed over the last few years, since she began filming the show.

Lauren Potter

When I first talked to Lauren in June of 2009, she had taken the part of Becky Jackson - a "cheerios" cheerleader on the show - and was scheduled for two episodes. "Glee" was brand new, scheduled to premiere in the fall, and she had no idea just how big the show would be.

Lauren has Down syndrome is a member of the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles, which has an in-house talent agency called Heart & Halo. She auditioned through the agency and her life has been a whirlwind ever since.

In the second season of "Glee" Lauren has been in all but two episodes. And as her character has gotten more outgoing and "spunky," as she calls her, so has Lauren, putting her own personal spin on many scenes.

"I get into it," she said of playing the part of Becky Jackson. "And then I'm her."

"There have been a couple of scenes where she did it one way and they rewrote the scene to use that," Sinkhorn said.

Lauren liked the cast from the very beginning and has gotten even closer with many members. She's become good friends with Dianna Argon, who plays head cheerleader Quinn Fabray on the show.

"We're like sisters," Lauren said.

Matthew Morrison (Will Schuester) is "adorable," she said. And she's also enjoying working with newcomer Darren Criss (Blaine).

"They're all my friends!" she said.

Currently Lauren is filming the prom episode, which is going to be "a big shock!" she said.

"Glee" was a great jumping off point for some of Lauren's other interests and now she's spending a lot of time speaking out against bullying and the "r-word," and speaking up for individuals with disabilities.

She's the spokesperson for the "Disable Bullying" campaign launched by the Special Olympics, AbilityPath.org and Best Buddies, and has been interviewed on CNN, Fox, Entertainment Tonight, E News and others. Last month she spoke before congress.

Lauren had some personal experiences with bullying lately when a group began posting hateful messages on her Facebook page, using the "r-word" and other derogatory language. Her mom saw the posts before Lauren did and cleaned them up. But after seeing how her fans were defending her, she decided to share one with Lauren and craft a response thanking the fans for having her back.

The positive response was overwhelming and fans from around the world are still posting great messages like, "Peru has your back" or "Texas has your back."

Lauren has recently completed a new campaign with Jane Lynch (Cheerios Coach Sue Sylvester) for the Special Olympics that will launch soon, and will participate in Best Buddies bike rides with Timothy and Maria Shriver this summer.

On the local front, Lauren will be at the Carolyn E. Wylie Center's Stroll 'N' Roll fundraiser at Shamel Park at 3650 Arlington Ave. in Riverside on April 30. Activities begin at 9 a.m. and Lauren will be there at about 10. She'll be in her "Glee" cheerleading costume and will have goodies to give out. To register for the walk visit www.wyliecenter.org.

Lauren was in infant stimulation classes at the Wylie Center as a baby and her mom attributes the many positive things in Lauren's life to having a great start.

Lauren plans to continue acting and sharing her message about living with a disability.

"Different isn't bad, it's just different," she said. "And when you see bullying, don't just stand by."

See Lauren at the 2011 Golden Globes here.

Read the 2009 story about Lauren Potter here.

Arrowhead Regional Medical Center will host a "Serving Up Healthy" class Wednesday, April 27 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Oak Conference Room on the first floor in the main lobby. The address is 400 North Pepper Ave. in Colton.

The class will focus on healthy family meals and healthy school lunches. Food samples will be provided.

Here are some healthy eating tips from ARMC:

• Have family meals together.


• Involve your child in planning and preparing meals. Children may be more willing to eat dishes they help fix.


• Make sure your child eats breakfast. Breakfast provides children with the energy they need to listen and learn in school.


• Offer a wide variety of foods, such as grains, vegetables and fruits, low-fat dairy products, and lean meat or beans.


• Cook with less fat - bake, roast, or poach foods instead of frying.


• Choose and prepare foods with less salt. Keep the saltshaker off the table.

The class is free and open to the public. To register visit www.arroheadmedcenter.org. For more information call 909-580-2537.

Downtown Riverside will be a happenin' place Saturday. (April 16).

The weekly Farmer's Market will go on from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. A Veterans Parade pay tribute to American soldiers from 10 a.m. to noon; and then Riverside Downtown Partnership's Easter Egg-Stravaganza will be from noon to 4 p.m.

The Easter Egg-Stravaganza will include three blocks of festivities, along Main Street from University to 5th Street and surrounding area. The event is free and open to the public.

The weather is expected to be hot so attendees can cool off by visiting the Water Wars booth at the fountain on Main between Mission Inn and University for a fun water balloon toss game. There will be three face painting stations: Art Works on 6th Street, Manhattan's Salon and Spa, and the RDP Booth near the Mission Inn Museum.

Live entertainment featuring a local Hawaiian music group will take place in front of Bella Trattoria on Main at Sixth Street. Children can enjoy storytelling on the grassy knolls next to Downtown Bookstore.

In addition, there will be a host of craft activities taking place throughout the event including DragonMarsh at 3643 University Ave., Curves on Main; Easter Egg decorating at Gram's Mission Barbecue and Art Works; cookie decorating at Galleria Café and artisan vendors at Mission Galleria. Get an animal portrait of your pet at Paw-traits booth located in front of Parrott on Main at Sixth Street.

Photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny will be available at Chase Photography booth located on Main between Sixth and Fifth streets. There will also be a second bunny at Mrs. Tiggy-Winkles located at 3675 Main St. Cotton candy and other goodies will be available at Antonious Pizza on Main between University and Mission Inn, or visit any one of the downtown restaurants to grab a quick bite.

Hop around to participating downtown businesses for an opportunity to win cool prizes. You never know what you may win... a gift certificate, free lunch, or even jewelry. The contest rules are as follows: There will be one egg containing a winning prize at each bunny stop (participating business) which qualifies that lucky person to register for the grand prize. Fill out an entry form and hop on over to the RDP Booth for a chance at winning the special 'Golden Egg' grand prize. You must be present to win and the contest winner will be announced at 4 p.m. There will be a chance to win an additional grand prize for all participants even if you are not the lucky 'Golden Egg' winner.

For more information call 951-781-7335 or visit www.RiversideDowntown.org.

The Elsinore High School football team has partnered with Goodwill of Southern California to raise money to purchase championship rings for their first CIF section title. There will be a donation drive Saturday, April 30 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 21800 Canyon Dr. in Wildomar.

So far the EHS Football Booster Club has raised about $8,000 of their $23,000 goal. The group is hoping to gather goodwill items that will raise more funds.

For pick up call 951-805-2700. For more information on the Donation Fundraising Program, visit www.goodwillsocal.org.

Here's the scoop on Lake Elsinore Outlets kids activities going on this month:

Wednesday, April 13: Story Time with the Lake Elsinore Library
Kids enjoy interactive stories, sing familiar nursery rhymes and color or create a craft. From 11 a.m. until noon in Suite 106.

Friday, April 15: Bunny Keepsake Craft
Make an Easter Bunny using your handprint. From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Suite 106.

Saturday, April 16: Easter Event
From 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. hop over to Lake Elsinore Outlets for a day of Easter family fun to benefit Lakeside High School Cheer. There will be entertainment, visits and photos with the Easter bunny and more. Located in the South Courtyard, the festivities will include free activities such as a Jolly Jump, pony and donkey rides, and a petting zoo with bunnies, sheep, chicks, mini horses, a pig, goat and a duck. Pictures with the Easter Bunny will be $5 each, with proceeds benefiting Lakeside Cheer.

Wednesday, April 20: Story Time with the Lake Elsinore Library
Kids enjoy interactive stories, sing familiar nursery rhymes and color or create a craft. From 11 a.m. until 12 noon in Suite 106.

Friday, April 22: Thor's Reptile Family
Lizards and Turtles and Snakes, Oh my! Frogs and Bugs too! Educational, entertaining, hands-on fun with Thor's Reptile Family. From 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Suite 101 (this day only.)

Wednesday, April 27: Story Time with the Lake Elsinore Library
Kids enjoy interactive stories, sing familiar nursery rhymes and color or create a craft. From 11 a.m. until noon in Suite 106.

Friday, April 29: MiracleBabies Presents: Spring Butterfly Garland
Create a beautiful Butterfly craft while learning about MiracleBabies non-profit organization. For more information on MiracleBabies visit their website at www.MiracleBabies.org. From 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Suite 106.

Lake Elsinore Outlets is located off Interstate 15 at Nichols Road or Central Avenue exits in Lake Elsinore. For more information, call Lake Elsinore Outlets at 951-245-0087. www.lakeelsinoreoutlet.com

The Kiwanis Club of East Rialto is sponsoring a water safety event at the Rialto Racquet and Fitness Center Tom Sawyer Pool at 152 E. San Bernardino Ave. on Saturday, April 23 from noon to 3 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public. Activities will include demonstrations, snacks and raffles. Kids should bring a swim suit and towel. RSVP on or before 8 p.m. April 14. Waivers will need to be signed by a parent or guardian on the day of the event.

For more information contact the center at 909-820-2633.

On Saturday, April 16, the YMCA of Riverside City & County is inviting kids and parent to visit the Y for a play date. As part of the YMCA's Healthy Kids Day, there will be a free day of family friendly activities and health screenings.

The Riverside Family YMCA is located at 4020 Jefferson St., in Riverside. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Healthy Kids Day will be celebrated at nearly 1,600 YMCAs across the county.

Here are five simple activities recommended to encourage a healthier lifestyle:
1. Schedule a game night: play games with kids that incorporate physical activity, such as charades.
2. Dance, dance: Turn on your favorite party music and dance.
3. Go riding: Find a new bike path or park for a fun afternoon outdoors.
4. Channel your inner youth: Remember hopscotch and freeze tag? Teach your favorite childhood game to your kids and play it together.
5. Play outside: Visit your neighborhood park or camp out in your backyard with some outdoor fun. Get everyone moving with sports like soccer, basketball or baseball.

For more information call 951-689-9622 or visit www.ymca.net.

Students can see a special morning performance by the RCC Dance Touring Ensemble at the Landis Performing Arts Center on April 22 at 10 a.m. The theater is located on the Riverside City College campus at 4800 Magnolia Ave. in Riverside.

The RCC Dance Touring Ensemble tours schools in the region to introduce students to concepts of dance through performance.

The 75-minute April 22 show will include a question and answer session, a brief intermission, and a sneak preview of that evenings performace of Celebrate Dance for the general public.

Any student in grades kindergarten through 12th can attend, including home school students, but only schools in Riverside are eligible for bus reimbursement, paid for by a grant from the City of Riverside.

Admission costs $5 per ticket. For more information call Chuck Abernathy at 951-222-8372 or email Chuck.Abernathy@rcc.edu

Three year old Ronan Godfrey has aplastic anemia caused by a rare genetic disorder called dyskeratosis congenita. Because of the nature of DKC, each blood transfusion Ronan receives makes it more likely his body will reject a bone marrow transplant. The longest he has been able to go without a transfusion is 8.5 days. With a successful transplant, Ronan has a chance of being cured.

The Redlands Area Interfaith Council and the Redlands Council of Service Clubs are co-sponsoring a bone marrow drive (cheek swabbing) for this desperately ill little boy.

City of Hope Bone Marrow Drive
Thursday, April 14, from noon until 6:00 p.m.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
350 Wabash Avenue, Redlands 92374

People who cannot attend the drive, or who live in a different state or country, can request a kit at www.BeTheMatch.org and register by mail. This site has excellent videos that explain the entire process. There is a new procedure for donating bone marrow that is similar to donating plasma and does not require surgery. It is used in more than half of marrow transplants.

To become a donor, a person must be 18-60 years old, in good health, and willing to donate to any person in need. If you are not able to donate, will you find one person who can? You can also help news of Ronan's situation go viral by posting information about the bone marrow drive on your facebook page.

For more information contact Rosemary at 909-645-2229 or Jean at 909- 648-3436.

San Bernardino County's KidsNCare will hold a free family festival celebrating the Week of the Young Child on Saturday, April 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All activities will take place in the office parking lot at 1111 E. Mill St. in San Bernardino.

KidsNCare is administered by the county's Superintendent of Schools and provides resources for parents, child-care providers and the public.

The event will feature free treats for children, as well as activities such as face painting, tricycle races, arts and crafts, story telling, music and games.

For more information, call 800-722-1091 or visit www.kidsncare.com.

The Redlands YMCA will celebrate Healthy Kid's Day on Saturday, April 16 from 2 to 5 p.m. with BBQ, swimming in the outdoor pool, a bounce house, water slide, flag football, a music DJ and a watermelon eating contest.

The Redlands YMCA is located at 500 East Citrus Ave. in Redlands. For more information call 909-798-9622.

One of the editors passed me an article in The Wall Street Journal I thought was interesting for Moms and Dads out there. It was on Crayola's colored bubbles.

Bottles of the product went on sale in February and apparently did very well initially. But now some angry parents are saying when the bubble pops - the bright colors still stick around.

The bottles say "washable" but reviewers on Amazon.com, Twitter and parent blogging sites beg to differ.

Has anyone tried them?

Mark Hayes Grins2Go Photography of Temecula

Giraffe Swag by Josh Madsen, 11th

The Press-Enterprise 49th annual Riverside County High School Art Show is on display at the Riverside Art Museum and on Thursday, April 14, an awards reception will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The winning 50 pieces, from 31 schools all over Riverside County, have been up since April 1 and will remain in the gallery through April 24.

The awards ceremony is open to the public. Awards will include first through third place in nine total categories, two honorable mentions per category, four sponsorship awards (The Press-Enterprise, Bank of America, Riverside Art Museum and Walgreens), and one best of show.

See a virtual show of the winning pieces at www.pe.com/artshow.

The Redlands Symphony is holding a Family Concert & Instrument Petting Zoo today at 2 p.m. at the Memorial Chapel at the University of Redlands. Doors open at 1 p.m.

Families can meet the musicians, pet the instruments, enjoy refreshments and enter to win a prize drawing. The chapel is located on campus at 1200 E Colton Ave. For more information visit www.redlandssymphony.com.

It's the start of health fair season and I'm seeing quite a few coming up. I'll try to get them up and I see them!

Wind of the Spirit Worship Center at 6476 Streeter Ave. in Riverside will hold the "Embracing a Healthy Lifestyle" community health fair Saturday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be free health information, resources and consultations with health professionals.

Look for a fire truck demonstration, games, face painting, healthy treat samples and more. For more information call 951-359-0203.

Momarama writer and author of "This Week's Menu," Rebecca McDaniel will have a book signing at "The Book Store" at 31760 Casino Dr. in Lake Elsinore on Saturday, April 16 at 10 a.m.

"This Week's Menu" is a cookbook written by McDaniel after she was "pink slipped" from her job as a special education teacher. She had compiled recipes from her years as a single parent to her young daughters, and so, after the layoff she created Pink Slip Publications.

Her dedication to writing the book came after seeing and experiencing the massive budget cuts in public education.

"Our younger generation is not offered the opportunity to learn how to cook and this cookbook is designed specifically for them," she said.

For more information on the book visit www.rebeccamcdaniel.com.

A new exhibition will open during Arts Walk in Riverside Thursday, April 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Riverside Metropolitan Museum.

"American Indian Women Artists: Beyond Craft" will showcase four well-known American Indian women artists, who each work in different mediums. Each are also storytellers, so the artists chose pieces to display that express their stories.

Pat Courtney Gold (Wasco/Tlingit) will display basketry that brings together contemporary themes using traditional techniques with experimental materials. Teri Greeves (Kiowa) is a bead worker who tells the story of the Kiowa through her work, blending western traditional themes such as her beaded high-top stilettos.

Margaret Wood (Diné [Navajo]/Seminole) uses quilt art to reflect her personal experiences while incorporating Diné and Seminole influences. Anita Fields (Osage) uses clay to create conceptual installations, translating images of Osage clothing into abstract forms, oftentimes honoring women in her art.

Visitors can meet the artists during the opening reception Thursday night, or Saturday, April 9 from 11 a.m. to noon at the museum. Artist panel discussion, "Using Craft to Make Art" will also take place with the artists at Riverside City Hall - Mayor's Ceremonial Room & Grier Pavilion on Saturday from 2-4 p.m.

The exhibit and events are free and open to the public. For more information call 951-826-5273 or visit www.riversideca.gov/museum.

San Bernardino County Museum has a Family Fun Day coming up that'll have you in stitches. Ugh. Sorry, bad pun.

"A Stitch in Time," with activities for the whole family, will take place Saturday, April 16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitors will be able to try their hands at needlework, learning new stitches while making bookmarks to take home. There will be activities suitable for beginners and experienced visitors.

"Stitchery takes time and patience, but visitors will learn how to stitch their own project to take home," said Carla Rosenkild, museum educator. "We even have fun activities for 5-year-olds."