Things to Do: January 2009 Archives

First 5 San Bernardino is partnering up with the Robert V. Fullerton Art Museum at Cal State San Bernardino for "Excavating Egypt Family Day." Geared toward children age 0 to five, the event will include a viewing of the Egyptian exhibit from The Petrie Museum in London and a variety of art-themed booths with activities that will be set up in the Museum courtyard.

Photo courtesy of Robert A. Whitehead, Cal State San Bernardino

The event will take place Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free.
"There will be fun and games for children of all ages, as well as healthy snacks like apples, raisins and granola bars for snacks," said Bonnie Woodrome of First 5.

Activities include a balloon artist, fact painter, puppet show and a performance from the youth symphony, Symphonie Jeunesse.

Preschool and kindergarten aged children who attend will receive a treasure map that leads to a free art kit and smock. Parking is free for guests who park in Lot "A."

The Egyptian exhibit will have more than 200 objects that portray the daily life and burial customs of the ancient Egyptians. The world's earliest surviving dress, gold mummy masks, a coffin and royal art are among the exhibit's display.

What: 'Excavating Egypt Family Day
Where: Robert V. Fullerton Art Museum, 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Feb. 7
Cost: Free
Information: www.first5sanbernardino.org, 909-386-7706

ABC Television's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" is coming to the Inland Region and the Baldy View Chapter of the Inland Building Association is looking for volunteers with strong backs and giving hearts to help with the build.

"We are delighted by the eagerness of the BIA Baldy View Chapter's members to join us on this awesome undertaking," said Diane Korman, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition's senior producer.

On January 26, a pep rally will be held for the hundreds of volunteers who plan to help with a home makeover for a deserving family. The rally will be at the High Desert Church in Victorville at 8 a.m.

There are five Inland region families being considered for the makeover and one of these families will be surprised by a knock on the door by Ty Pennington on January 31.

The construction of the new home will be completed in only seven days, with each day representing what would normally be a month of work in a typical home construction schedule.

Regional builders and suppliers such as Murphy Construction Company from Hesperia, SC Homes, Inc. from Newport Beach, Steeno Design Studio from Hesperia and David L. Manwarren Corporation from Rancho Cucamonga have stepped forward to donate their time and material.

"We could all use some good news and a chance to feel good about ourselves and our community of friends, neighbors and business partners," said Thomas Steeno, principal designer and architect behind the project. "This was my way of contributing to that good news and good feeling."

The BIA is still recruiting volunteers for labor and materials - for everything from chain link fence installation to framers to insulation material and installation. If you are interested in volunteering, join the crowd at the pep rally Monday morning.

Where: The High-Desert Church, 14545 Hook Boulevard, Victorville
When: 8 a.m. January 26
Information: www.biabuild.com

Throughout November and December mom-members of the Inland Empire Stroller Strides brought pairs of new and used shoes to classes. This week those shoes - all 437 pairs - are being shipped to Bagram AFB Hospital in Afghanistan.

Stroller Strides, a national fitness program for mothers with young children, collected the shoes for men, women and children. The charity project was created by Air Force Lt. Col. Dr. Thomas Knolmayer and his wife Tina. Dr. Knolmayer is a surgeon stationed in Afghanistan and in treating children; he was heartbroken by the poverty levels he saw.

"As moms, nurturing and caring for others comes instinctively, especially when it comes to children. Sending the shoes to Afghanistan gave us a chance to touch children's lives that are less fortunate than ours," said Michele Sapp, franchise owner of Stroller Strides of Temecula Valley. "We all have old shoes lying around and I couldn't think of a better place to send our shoes."

For more information about the Shoe Project visit www.afghanistanchildren.org and for more information about Stroller Strides visit www.strollerstrides.com.

Written by guest author Maura Ammenheuser in response to the weekly topic, "Talking safety":

Maura Ammenheuser
Guest Author

We have not had nearly enough conversations with our kids about emergencies generally and quakes in particular. However, last week's rattler offered a good opportunity to introduce them to the U.S. Geological Survey Web site that tracks earthquakes in California and Nevada. If you're not familiar with it, the link is: http://quake.usgs.gov/recenteqs/Quakes/quakes0.htm

Within a few minutes of a quake you can find out from this site the location of the epicenter and the strength of the quake (and more information, too, but those are the obvious questions).

Both our kids, but especially our 9-year-old, were fascinated by the site. It color-codes the quakes according to magnitude and the maps are easy to understand for a kid who's at least 7 or 8 years old. Pulling up the web site to find out what it said about Thursday night's rattler changed the experience from something a bit scary (or at least, something that makes Mom noticeably nervous!) into something that's fun to learn about.

Written by guest author Debbie Yocum in response to the weekly topic, "Talking safety":

"Earthquake!" yelled the kids all at the same time. My husband and I looked at each other, both at the same time. Together we were thinking "Could this be the big one that we have been waiting for?" Of course your mind runs a million miles a minute thinking about what would happen if a big earthquake were to happen.

Debbie Yocum
Guest Author

The first thought of course is, "Where is everyone? Will they be safe? Are the supplies in order, like food, water, matches and first aid supplies? Do we have a working flashlight? (which is almost impossible to find in a house full of kids)" Then the shaking stops and life goes on.

These smaller quakes should be wake up call to prepare ourselves, just like the kids have the emergency drills at school to make sure that they are prepared. Last week after the quake our family talked about what a strong earthquake could do to our house and we walked around looking for things that could fall. My daughter came out of her room and told us that she had a shelf that she wanted us to move because it and everything on the shelf could fall down on her while she was sleeping. She was right, but we didn't think about that when we put it up there.

We didn't want to scare the kids but they need to know that they have a role in a disaster. Someone needs to know where to shut off the gas and someone else needs to make sure that everyone is accounted for. Wouldn't you rather have the supplies (and a plan of action) and not need them instead of not having the supplies and needing them?

You take it for granted that everything is going to be okay but it is like wearing your seatbelt in an accident. You never think that you are going to get in an accident but you still put the seatbelt on, just in case.

Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and the rest of the crew will visit Citizens Business Bank Arena January 18 with Playhouse Disney Live! In the production, Mickey Mouse is planning a big music party and he asks the Postess to deliver invitations to all his friends. Everyone is asked to bring a song to share at the party.

July Ruiz as the Postess in Playhouse Disney Live! which is coming to Citizens Business Bank Arena Sunday.

"We go on a journey to help everyone find the perfect song for the party," said July Ruiz, who plays the part of Postess. "Kids will recognize all the characters they see on Playhouse Disney shows in the morning."

The Little Einsteins search for a song with some help from Rocket. Pooh, Tigger and Darby search for music in the Hundred Acre Wood, and Handy Manny and his team of tools look for a good party beat.

Ruiz, who has performed in Disney shows and parades at the Walt Disney World Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland over the past five years, has been the Postess on tour with Disney Playhouse Live! since August.

There are two parts of the show that are particularly fun, she said. The Hot Dog Dance after the intermission is something everyone gets really excited about. And then, when the music party happens, everyone understands the lesson behind the show - that music brings the world together.

"Music is a language everybody understands no matter where they are from, or what language they speak," Ruiz said. "It's a really sweet lesson."

There is a lot of interaction between the audience and the stage, with kids bouncing with Tigger and singing along with the Little Einsteins and other characters.

The kids recognize all the main theme songs from the Playhouse Disney shows, Ruiz said. "For most of these kids, this is their first experience with live entertainment and I can't think of a better way to introduce it to them because we don't want them to sit still. We want them up and moving. For the kids, the characters are popping right out of their TVs and onto the stage. The best part of the whole show for us, and the parents, is seeing their excitement.

PLAYHOUSE DISNEY LIVE!
Where: Citizens Business Bank Arena, 4400 E. Ontario Center Parkway, Ontario
When: 12 & 3 p.m. Sunday
Cost: $20-$60
Tickets: 213-480-3232, www.ticketmaster.com

SUCCESS magazine offered these tips for fostering diligence in children - especially during times of economic uncertainty:

8 Strategies for Building Abundance Attitude in Your Kids
Reward responsibility- Don't reward promised future behavior, reward when the goal is accomplished. Acknowledge it and celebrate.
Clarity - Be open about your financial state. Work as a family toward saving for a big item such as a dream vacation.
Everything is a teaching tool - Use economic and financial news, as well as success stories of business owners as conversation starters or as talking points for particular issues.
Foster support - You're not necessarily the dominant adviser to your child. Kids need support, mentorship and encouragement from coaches, teachers and other influential people. Find out who your child's favorites are and encourage their support of your child's endeavors.
Encourage networking and innovation - Connect your children with people who have a passion for what they do that's of interest to your child. Encourage your child to set high goals even if he or she doesn't reach them.
Learn business - Learn by doing. Encourage your child to take a part-time job, volunteer or start their own business. Programs like Youthpreneur give kids business skills whether for their own for-profit or fundraising.
Giving back - Show your child the power of sharing. Volunteering time and resources goes a long way toward teaching an abundant outlook by giving to the less fortunate.
Gratitude attitude - Appreciate what you have. Teach your child to appreciate the intangibles such as relationships, nature, shared experiences and things that don't cost money.
Source: The February, 2009 issue of SUCCESS magazine.

Tune into KTLA channel 5 today, January 13 between 6-10 a.m. and you'll see Grant Langston and Robbie Maddison promote the first ever Supercross vs. Freestyle Invitational going on later tonight at Pole Position Raceway in Corona.

In addition to Langston and Maddison, Chad Reed, Ricky Johnson, Steve Lamson, Ryan Hughes, Billy Laninovich, Jeremy Stenberg, Brett Metcalf, Ricky James and others will be racing high-performance karts.

There is a possibility Supercross champ Jeremy McGrath will race as well, said Bobby Spiegel, CEO/president of the Corona Chamber of Commerce.

The racers will compete in three head-to-head races in the indoor kart track. Racing starts at 6:30, but visitors might be able to drive with some of riders in practice sessions if they get there early.

Visit www.polepositionraceway.com for more information or call 951-817-5032. The Raceway is located at 1594 E. Bentley Drive, Corona, CA 92879

We had another little shakeup last week and it should be a reminder to stock up your emergency supply kit. The County of San Bernardino Department of Public Health recommends these items be included in a basic supply kit:

• Water, one gallon per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation. Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.


• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both.


• Flashlight and extra batteries.


• First aid kit


• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place


• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities


• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned goods)


• Local maps

Some additional items to consider:

• Prescription medications and glasses


• Infant formula and diaper


• Pet food and extra water for your pet


• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container


• Cash or traveler's checks and change


• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov


• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person


• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.


• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper - When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.


• Fire extinguisher


• Matches in a waterproof container


• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items


• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels


• Paper and pencils


• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Four out of five children aren't buckled up correctly into car seats according to police statistics. The Riverside Police Department has Child Safety Seat Fitting Stations held each month for parents and caregivers who want to learn how to safely and correctly buckle their child into a car seat.

Call 951-353-7981 for current location and times and to make an appointment.

Kidthing, a digital media player for kids, and the National Education Association are collaborating on a project called the "Dear Mr. President" project.

Between now and January 20, children are being asked to submit letters or drawings with their hopes, dreams and ideas to President-elect Barack Obama. Kidthing and the NEA will gather the top 50 submissions and create a "Dear Mr. President" digital book that will be unveiled on Presidents' Day, Feb. 16.

A digital copy and print copy will be sent to the White House. Teachers, parents and kids can learn more at www.kidthing.com/DMP.

The NEA is making this project the centerpiece of their Presidential Inauguration education program throughout the country. "Dear Mr. President" is the first in a collaborative series called Connecting Kids being launched by kidthing. This program is designed to make a community among kids with opportunities for sharing ideas.

Lake Elsinore resident Klynn Shelton, 12, logged onto Qubo.com last year and made the animated mini movie "Magic Fortune Cookies." Her film and 11 others have been chosen from over 40,000 entries to broadcast worldwide on the Qubo Channel and on www.qubo.com.

Special to The Press-Enterprise

Lake Elsinore resident Klynn Shelton, 12, created the animated mini movie, "Magic Fortune Cookies" under the screen name "soccergate." The film will air on the Qubo Channel on ION Television Jan8-14.

Shelton's film will premiere on the Qubo block on ION Television January 8 and will show at different times all week until the next film in the group begins showing January 15. It will also broadcast on Qubo on NBC Saturday and Qubo Telemundo on Sunday.

Qubo, a television and online entertainment service, wants to give aspiring young filmmakers tools to gain experience creating animated mini movies, said Rick Rodriguez, president and general manager at Qubo.

Using a Web application called Zimmer Twins, site visitors can create short films from scratch or use the story starter device, which includes pre-made animated clips, storytelling tools and editing instructions. The Zimmer twins, Edgar and Eva, are animated characters that star in the interactive cartoons.

Shelton's story was created using the story starter device and it was obvious she had a good grasp on all that can be done with the tools, Rodriguez said. "The tools are pretty rich; there's a lot that can be done."

In "Magic Fortune Cookies" the Zimmer twins and their cat have an adventurous dinner when magic fortune cookies at a Chinese restaurant transport them to places such as a jungle and the backyard. The siblings decide the cookies are dangerous and get rid of them for good. Dialogue is shown in speech bubbles.

The movie clips picked to air were chosen by compiling the films with the most reviews and comments, Rodriguez said. Then Qubo staff took those movies and whittled it down to 12. "We'll be doing another roundup of movies in the spring," Rodriguez said.

Watch "Magic Fortune Cookies" at www.zimmertwins.com

Something Different, a free art club for students age 9 and up, meets on the first Tuesday of every month from 4-5:30 p.m. at the Riverside Art Museum.

The club will meet January 6 for a tour of the museum and an art project.

Special to The Press-Enterprise

Something Different Art Club students display artwork.

"College-aged docents will give the kids a tour of current exhibits," said Pamela Atkinson, youth education curator at the Museum. The kids will also do an origami art project.

Activities vary from month to month. Sometimes there is a demonstration of some sort, other times it's just an art project.

"Last month we made jewelry with wires and beads," Atkinson said. There's always a fun project to take home and display.

The Riverside Art Museum's Art-to-Go program is packing up art lessons and taking them to Riverside and Moreno Valley kindergarten through sixth-grade classrooms.

"In a world where art and music programs in our children's schools continue to disappear, it's nice to know that the Riverside Art Museum's Art-to-Go program is alive and well in our area elementary schools," said Sheila Mangum, Art-to-Go teacher. "With a wide variety of subjects, children are learning drawing, painting, sculpture and print making, to name a few."

Special to The Press-Enterprise

Art-to-Go instructor Shiela Mangum and second-grade art students display their sculpture projects.

The museum brings the supplies and lesson plans to classrooms for a series of three consecutive weekly lessons, which also teach vocabulary. The program meets Visual and Performing Arts Content Standards for California public schools. Parent Teacher Associations or Parent Teacher Organizations usually cover the cost of the art lessons, Mangum said.

The program can also be coupled with Art Partners, which is a tour of the art museum.
"Besides learning the history of the building, children are exposed to the current art exhibits," Mangum said. "Following the tour, children go on to create artwork based on the exhibit they just learned about."

All art projects created in the classroom or at the museum go home for the families to display and enjoy. For more information on the program, call 951-684984-7111 or visit www.riversideartmuseum.org/education/youth/programs-for-schools.html.

If you're a fan of PBS's Antiques Roadshow, tune in to KCET January 5, 12 and 19 for the Palm Springs episodes. Last June over 5,000 fans brought their merchandise to the Palm Springs Convention Center for appraisal.

One of those items set a new record for most valuable appraisal on the show so far. Featured in the first episode of Season 13 on January 5 at 8 p.m., a 1937 oil painting by American abstract artist Clyfford Still was appraised at $500,000. The painting was given to the owner as a housewarming gift.

The little black dress worn by Marilyn Monroe in the 1959 comedy, "Some Like It Hot" will be featured in the Jan. 12 episode. Show appraisers valued it between $150,000 and $250,000.

And, a 1922 oil painting by Modernist painter Joseph Stella will be appraised in the Jan. 19 episode. This item, valued at $250,000, was given to the owner by the artist in lieu of rent.