Things to Do: May 2009 Archives

Visitors to the Taco Bell Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana May 23rd got to see a robot cut the ribbon for the opening ceremony for the new summer exhibition, "Robots and Us." It was Boeing Company's Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV) Robot, developed in partnership with iRobot Coroporation.

The Science Center will host another special event this weekend, on Saturday, May 30, with Jet Propulsion Laboratory Robotics Expert Julie Townsend. She is part of the Pasadena lab's team who are currently troubleshooting a problem the Mars Rover Spirit is experiencing right now.

Townsend will talk about her work with Mars Rover Spirit and how she's trying to free it from the sand it is stuck in on Mars, said Julie Smith, director of public relations at the Discovery Science Center.

The exhibition is free with paid admission and includes activities such as the Robot Arena, Leg Lab and building jitterbug robots.

For more information on Saturday's event, visit the Center's Women's Explorer Workshops site here.

If you need a good cry and a dose of Southern humor, the Rancho Cucamonga Theatre's production of Robert Harling's "Steel Magnolias" will have three final performances at the Lewis Family Playhouse at 7:30 p.m. May 29 and 30 and 2 p.m. May 31.

The stage production - made into the 1989 motion picture - centers around six southern women who congregate in a local beauty salon to share wisdom, humor and gossip. The play's drama comes in the form of the debiliatating illness of one of the younger women and they ways the ladies cope with a traumatic event.

The cast includes Amy Rutledge as Truvy, Kirstie Burke as Annelle, Lisa Lanier as M'Lynn, Kelli Casas as Shelby, Pamela Stith as Ouiser and Arlene Lea as Clairee. The show is directed by Frank Minano.

Tickets are $16 for adults and $14 for youth/seniors. They are available at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center Box Office located at 12505 Cultural Center Dr., Rancho Cucamonga or at www.lewisfamilyplayhouse.com.

Fallbrook School of the Arts is offering Abrakadoodle summer camps for kids beginning in July. All camps are offered Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. from July 6 to August 14.

Here's the list:
SNAP CRACKLE AND POP! - Ages 6-9; July 6 to July 10th; 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
WILD AND WACKY ART - Ages 3-5; July 13-July 17; 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
BUGS & BUTTERFLIES - Ages 3-5; July 20-July 24; 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
PAINT ME A STORY - Ages 6-9; July 27-July 31st; 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
UNDERWATER ADVENTURE - Ages 6-9; Aug. 3-Aug. 7, 2009 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
DREAMS & FAIRY TALES - Ages 3-5; Aug. 10-Aug. 14; 9:30 a.m.- 12 p.m.

Each program costs $159 for the week, which includes all materials and the camp t-shirt. Fallbrook School of the Arts is located at 310 E. Alvarado St. in Fallbrook. To register contact Kristen Nugent at 760-731-0555 or visit www.abrakadoodle.com/ca07.html.

First there was just a cloud of dust steadily moving west. Eventually the waiting crowd of friends and family could make out the grinning faces of the group of 60 female horseback riders walking, trotting and prancing along the dirt trail alongside Norco's Sixth Street.

The Overland Women Riders completed their three-day mounted journey from Lake Elsinore to Norco about 3 p.m. Sunday. The yearly ride usually includes about 20 women.

"Everything went fantastic," said Mickey Nichols, trail boss and president of the club. "We've never had more than 20 women; it was a great time."

Written by guest author Dianne Bright:

During tough economic times, we have to seek out unconventional forms of entertainment. Here are four fun and frugal party ideas for you and your kids. They could involve just you and your clan or the whole neighborhood, while simultaneously staying within a friendly budget.

First, you could have a smoothie party, where you let your kids fill the blender with whatever fruits or even veggies that they desire. Then, you can pour the smoothies into colorful little cups from your cupboards or some cheap paper ones from the store. If your kids are old enough, you could even use special ones from your china cabinet for a non-traditional tea party of sorts. Your kids can even name their particular smoothie creations, like the Spider-man mania smoothie (strawberries, blueberries, ice, and apple juice with a licorice straw) or the Hello Kitty sensation (frozen strawberries and vanilla ice cream).

The Old West is alive and kicking in Oak Glen. Weekend visitors to the Oak Tree Village might see a few characters roaming around, including the notorious Jack Slade, Frank James -- most people know his brother Jesse -- and the flirtatious Madame Dyna Moe to name a few.

The Oak Glen GunSlingers put on a show at Huston Town in the Village every Saturday and Sunday, and visitors also might see the group rob Apple Annie's Restaurant. The train isn't safe from some of these outlaws either.

The re-enactment group, made up of volunteers from all over the Inland region, perform every weekend year-round, rain, snow or shine.

"We're not just fair-weather cowboys -- rain , sleet or snow -- we're here," said Skip Higginson, otherwise known as Marshal Concho Creek Kid. "Our intention is to keep the West alive. We try to stay as close as possible to being as period as we can."

Written by guest author Maura Ammenheuser:

Edwards Cinemas offers free children's movies on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings during the summer. This is a great way to get out of the heat, enjoy cheap entertainment and still have the rest of your day free for sports, swim lessons or heading home to bask in your own air conditioning.

Movies begin at 10 a.m.; the box office opens at 9:15 a.m. This is a first-come, first-served deal and when the theatre is full, you're out of luck. Our experience with the movies at the Temecula cinema is that they're immensely popular and you're wise to join the line at 9:15 a.m. or shortly thereafter if you want decent seats -- or any seats at all. Each week the theater shows one movie rated G (best for toddlers and preschoolers) and one rated PG (fine for school-aged children but possibly a little scary for the wee ones).

These are not the current crop of summer blockbusters but a collection of kid fare from summers past. It's a great way to catch movies you may have missed or ones you adored the first time around. My kids and I first saw "Nim's Island" and "The Water Horse" during last summer's run of freebies. Finally, be aware that the movies are free but the goodies at the concession stand are not.

To find an Edwards Cinema near you and see what's showing when, check out www.regmovies.com Scroll down the right side of the page to find the Free Family Films box. Click there, select California theaters and scroll through the (very long) list of locations for the one near you; there are several in the Inland Empire.

Norco Jr All American Football and Cheer has several upcoming registration dates. Kids in the youth sports organizations will learn football/cheerleading fundamentals, get physical training and learn good sportsmanship. The program also offers tackle and flag football as well as cheerleading for children ages 5-14.

Here are the registration events:
June 13 - 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Wayne Makin Field
June 20 - 2 p.m.-5 p.m. at Wayne Makin Field
July 11 - 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Norco Scout House, 3939 Cedar Ave., Norco

Physicals cost $25/athlete, only done on 7/11.

For more information contact Jeanine Leary at djleary2127@sbcglobal.net or call the information line 951-715-2218. Register online at www.norcojaaf.com.

Registration dates have just begun for American Youth Soccer Organization Region 47 Riverside, but there are still several remaining. Boys and girls ages 4 to 18 (DOB 8/1/1990-7/31/2005) can register at the AB Brown Soccer Complex at 3700 Placentia Lane in Riverside from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 30, June 13, June 20 and June 27.

AYSO program is a nationwide non-profit organization that offers youth soccer programs in a fun, family environment. Parents are required to bring proof of the child's birth date at the time of registration.

There's a discount for online pre-registration at www.ayso47.org. Parents are asked to bring four copies of the preregistration form to one of the registration days and the fee drops from $83 to $73.

The Riverside program has over 5,000 players. Its five key principles are:

Everyone plays

Open registration

Balanced teams

Positive coaching

Good sportsmanship

Many families are looking to "stay-cations" this summer thanks to a tighter budget, and my family is no exception.

In addition to inexpensive activities such as free admission days at museums and kid-friendly activities at organizations such as the local Boys and Girls Club, we've started doing themed "party" days when the natives - I mean kids - are getting restless.

So far we've done a luau and a fiesta. Basically it was a couple hours of swimming with some good grub, but shhhhh! don't tell the kids. To them, it was party time with lots of splashing, fancy food treats and all the surrounding paraphernalia.

How'd we do this on the cheap? My sister and I did these together for our crew of kids by hitting the dollar store, divvying up fiesta- and Hawaiian-type foods and dusting off the brightly colored plastic dishware. Armed with our leis, little hanging paper lanterns, tables cloths and more, we set up the "party" and let the kids go wild.

For the next "party" I've got an old fashioned wicker picnic basket. It's been waiting for a day at the park or trip to the beach. All we need is a colorful umbrella, fun finger foods and a pretty blanket and the next outing is a go. Oh and don't forget the Frisbee and bug catchers.

The new summer exhibit "Robots and Us" will open Saturday, May 23, and the robots are going to be running the show. They'll cut the ribbon during opening ceremonies, hand out medals to the winners of the FIRST Robotics competition and explore mazes in the Robot Arena

The Boeing Company's Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV) Robot will be the ribbon cutter in Saturday's 10 a.m. opening ceremony. Visitors to Dino Quest exhibit area between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. will be able to see the FIRST Robotics competition. Then a Boeing SUGV Robot will award the winners with medals at 2 p.m.

Rick Baily will be on hand to talk about the SUGV Robot and the partnership between Boeing and the Science Center. Baily is vice president and general manager of Combat Systems at The Boeing Company and a Discover Science Center board member.

The "Robots and Us" exhibition will compare sci-fi fantasies robots with today's real robots. Visits can direct light-sensitive robots through mazes they create in the Robot Arena; experiment with walking machines in the Leg Lab; interact with a giant-sized computer-generated character named Jeremiah; and use their new knowledge and some household materials to build jitterbug robots of their own.

Visit the Taco Bell Discovery Science Center Web site, www.disoverycube.org, for more information or call 714-542-2823.

Jon & Kate Plus 8 is running late. The fifth season premiere of the TLC show is set to air on May 25, but viewers aren't exactly sure what they're going to see. At the end of last season it was clear that the relationship between Jon and Kate was hitting a rough patch - Jon didn't want to be in the spotlight anymore and yet Kate seemed to thrive in the reality TV circuit.

It became clear a few weeks ago why Jon might not have wanted cameras following his every action when celebrity news folks began running affair headlines after 32-yearold-Jon Gosselin and 23-year-old school teacher Deanna Hummel were seen leaving a bar together late one evening.

The rumor mill kicked into high gear when Hummel's brother told US Weekly that the two had been involved in a three-month affair. In response to this Kate has been on NBC's "Today" and CNN's "Larry King" to promote her new book and defend her husband. She told Entertainment Weekly that he "exercised poor judgment."

Show producers are now trying to figure out how to these additions into the show for the upcoming season. The last season finale drew 4.6 million viewers, so I'm guessing the drama will spell huge ratings.

The 2nd Annual City of Temecula Community Services Expo will hit Temeku Hills Park Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with all kinds of free activities for the whole family.

Kids can be entertained with games, prizes, crafts, batting cages, jumpers, face painting and a balloon artist, while Mom and Dad learn about classes and programs that will be offered by city facilities in the upcoming summer and fall months.

Information on classes and programs such as aquatics, summer camps, dance, fitness, singing, acting and more will be available.

Participating community service groups will include the Community Recreation Center, Temecula Community Center, Old Town Temecula Community Theater, Gallery at the Merc, Temecula Children's Museum, Temecula Valley History Museum, Temecula Public Library and the Mary Phillips Senior Center.

The day's activities will also include live entertainment from Tahitian dancers, singing, belly dancers, the Grapestompers square dancing, High Hopes and Shining Stars and Temecula Valley Cheer and Baton.

City of Temecula Expo
Where: Temeku Hills Park, 31367 La Serena Way, Temecula
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 30
Information: www.cityoftemecula.org

Share your ideas for cheap family fun here.

For more cheap fun ideas go here.

The Inlandia Institute, an organization dedicated to support literary activities in the Inland community, will host an architectural walking tour, garden reception and book-signing Sunday on Ladera Lane in the Mount Rubidoux historic district.

The event's activities will focus on Redlands author Lauren Bricker's book, "The Mediterranean House in America," which studies the Mediterranean Revival style home inspired by Italian villas, Spanish farmhouses and Moorish courtyards.
Bricker, an assistant professor for the Department of Architecture at Cal Poly in Pomona, will discuss aspects of her book and the work of Riverside-based architect Robert Spurgeon.

The event will start in the gardens of a Mediterranean revival-style home built by Spurgeon and owned by Michael Mazgai and Mike Nichol.

"Parking is limited to Mount Rubidoux, Mission Inn, 6th Street, Redwood Street and 5th Street so carpooling is encouraged," said Marion Mitchell-Wilson, executive director at Inlandia Institute.

Bernardo Hernandez, Rosabelle Linchangco and Ruth Ohq, all students in the Department of Architecture at Cal Poly Pomona will lead walking tours of nearby Robert Spurgeon homes, Mitchell-Wilson said. Books can also be purchased on site for signing by Bricker.

Tickets are available by reservation only and can be purchased by calling 951-826-2420.

ARCHITECTURAL WALKING TOUR
Tickets are available by reservation only.
Where: Ladera Lane, Mount Rubidoux Historic District
When: 2-5 p.m., Sunday
Cost: $15 per person
Tickets: 951-826-2420, or click here

What are your kids doing this summer?(poll)

Loma Linda University's Drayson Center and XRtainment Zone are teaming up for Summer Camp Zone, including XRtainment Zone video exercise games, swimming, basketball, volleyball, group games, crafts, drama, cooking, music, field trips and more.

Weekly sessions from June 22-July 31 will take place in The Drayson Center recreational facility. Campers must bring their own lunches, but two daily snacks will be provided.

When: 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday
Age: 6-14
Registration: Advance registration is required by June 8. A $25 nonrefundable fee, a fully completed form and waiver are required for each camper.
Cost: $149 for Drayson XRtainment Zone members; $189 for nonmembers. $20 sibling discount. Additional daily hours from 3-5 p.m. are available Mon-Thurs ($3/hr for members; $5/hr for nonmembers)

Call 909-558-4275 for more information.

Children's Nature Institute and Faith 2 Green are hosting Kid's ROCK, an outdoor family concert, picnic dinner and nature fair on Sunday, May 17 at 3:30 p.m. at Griffith Park Old Zoo in Los Angeles.

The concert will feature kids' music performer Tom Feund the musical duo Renee and Jeremy. My Gym's The Activators will get kids energized and moving and CNI's Nature Fair will feature activity and craft booths for kids of all ages. Visitors will be able to dig for dino bones, make jewelry and pet live animals.

Families can bring their own picnic dinners or purchase dinner at the concert.

Advance tickets cost $15 and include $5 towards the nature fair. They can be purchased at www.kidsrockla.com.

From Chuck Abernathy, outreach specialist with Performance Riverside:

"The Ugly Duckling"
May 6

"Guys and Dolls"
June 5-14

The Target Family Series, Performance Riverside, and Riverside Public Library are teaming up to promote literacy and the performing arts. Children between the ages of 2 and 12 who check out two fiction books from the Riverside Public Library through May 13 may pick up a voucher redeemable for one free general admission ticket to "The Ugly Duckling," presented at the Landis Performing Arts Center on May 16.

Be inspired by the thoughtful Hans Christian Andersen tale about an outcast duckling that becomes a handsome swan in this heartwarming musical production by the California Theatre Center.

After the children have checked out their books and had the librarian stamp their vouchers, the parents should bring the stamped voucher to the Landis Performing Arts Center Box Office at Riverside City College. Each voucher is redeemable for one general admission child's ticket when an adult general admission ticket is purchased. The offer is good for up to four free general admission tickets per paid adult. The librarian-stamped vouchers must be presented at time of purchase.

Schools and youth groups are also invited to Performance Riverside's Discovery Theatre weekday performances of The Ugly Duckling. Performance Riverside's Discovery Theatre takes advanced reservations for school groups of 10 or more at $5 per ticket.

Performance Riverside is taking advanced reservations and payments for Thursday, May 14 at 9:30 and 11 a.m.; tickets are sold out for the 9:45 a.m. performance on Friday, May 15th, but there is still availability for the 11:15 a.m. performance. Call 951-222-8372 for details, or e-mail SchoolShows@PerformanceRiverside.org .

The Target Family Series performance of The Ugly Duckling is Saturday May 16, 2009 at 2 pm. Landis Performing Arts Center is located on the Riverside City College at 4800 Magnolia Avenue. Single tickets are $18 for reserved seating and $10 for general admission. For more information call (951) 222-8100, or visit www.performanceriverside.org.

Riverside Youth Theatre has several summer programs coming up:

5th Annual Summer Youth Theatre Festival

What: "Mulan Jr.", an elementary/jr. high musical
Rehearsals: 4-6 p.m. Thursdays and 9-11 a.m. Saturdays from June 4-August 1.
Performances: August 6-16

What: "On Broadway Now," a jr/sr high musical
Rehearsals: 4-6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays from June 1-July 29
Performances: August 6-16

Summer Theatre Classes

What: Musical Theatre Dance
Ages: Elementary (1st-6th grades)
When: 4-5 p.m. Tuesdays June 2-July 28

What: Musical Theatre Dance
Ages: Jr/Sr High
When: 5-6 p.m. Tuesdays June 2-28

What: Group Voice
Ages: 4th grade and older
When: 4-5 p.m. or 5-6 p.m. Tuesdays June 2-July 28

All rehearsals are at Fellowship Baptist Church, Back Building, 3624 Arlington Ave., Riverside.

For more information call 951-756-4240 or visit www.riversideyouththeatre.org

By Debbie Wolgemuth, Artistic Director at Riverside Youth Theatre:

Good-bye, classroom and hello, summer! For the Wildcats this vacation is no day at the beach. That's because they're all working at the Lava Springs Country Club owned by Ryan and Sharpay's family! With the club's annual talent show right around the corner, Sharpay's competitive instincts are sizzling. She dumps Ryan as her singing partner and starts wooing Troy to join her onstage instead. Gabriella is less than thrilled that Troy has agreed to sing with Sharpay. How could he do that to her? Will Troy and Gabriella realize that they're meant to be? Or is it already too late for them to sing one last song together?

See performances at the Wallace Theater on the campus of California Baptist University, 8432 Magnolia Ave., Riverside. Parking is free.

When: 7:30 p.m. May 15, 16; 3 p.m. May 16, 17
Cost: $12
Information: Visit www.riversideyouththeatre.org or call 951-756-4240 for more information or to purchase tickets.

RVP Music Academy in Riverside is offering a few summer programs for children of all ages.

Tone Chime Choir I - ages 5-7: Best for those planning to start piano lessons in the fall. Child will learn the basics for reading music as well as have fun making music together.

Tone Chime Choir II - ages 7 and above: For those already with basic note reading skills to perform more advanced music.

Keyboard Band: Students with at least 2 years of piano instruction will perform band music on digital keyboards provided by the Academy.

Music Appreciation Class: Introducing children to the major periods of music history through stories of composers and hearing segments of their music. The classes will be age appropriate.

Jazz Classes for the Absolute Beginner: Two age groups, 7-12, 13-18. No experience needed. Learn jazz rhythms, ear training, improvisation, basic note reading.

All instruction given by Henry Allain, BA Mus Ed, Piano and Organ. Mr. Allain is a former band director of several public schools in New England and has taught private piano for over 40 years.

For more information, call Director Henry Allain at 951-780-1281 or visit website www.rvpianos.com.

Share your ideas for summer camp here.

For more summer camp ideas go here.

Cal State San Bernardino will soon host the 2009 Coyotes Summer Basketball Camps. Different age and skill levels will be accommodated with individualized instruction. A typical day will include roll call, stretching, fundamental stations, offense and defense, team practice, lunch, guest instruction, full court games and swimming.

Dates
Session I: June 22-28
Session II: June 29-July 3
Session III: July 27-31

Times
Mon-Fri 8-9 a.m. (early drop off)
Mon-Thurs 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m.-noon

Location: Cal State San Bernardino Coussoullis Arena, 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino

Ages: Boys and girls 7-15

Cost: $125 per camper. Payment is non-refundable. First day walk-ins will be accepted if space is available.

Costs Include: Camp instruction as outlined and camp t-shirt.

Not included: Lunch or transportation to and from the University

For more information contact Camp Director Robert Tossetti at 909-537-3451.

Share your ideas for summer camp here.

For more summer camp ideas go here.

Written by guest author Dianne Bright:

The beautiful aroma of fragrant roses fills the air as you walk through your family neighborhood or visit the Botanic Gardens at UC Riverside. There are roses of every color, shape, and size blooming with delight. The birds are singing and every part of nature announces that it is officially spring. The proclamation is tranquil and full of life. The squirrels nibble on treasured nuts while butterflies glide carelessly about. The wind even seems to take part in a symphonic production full of majesty and renewal.

In contrast to these images, as moms, we are overloaded. Our arms are full, our mini-vans are racing, and our meals-on-the-go are not exactly nourishing. We frequently do not take time out to smell the roses. Nor do we take time to light a candle at dinner to create a special ambiance. Furthermore, it can even seem too cumbersome to grind our own coffee beans for that fresh morning pot, when instant or ground coffee is so much faster. What about taking time out for personal reading and meditation? Stuff other than the junk mail and the school bulletins.

From Riverside's King High School WolfPack Players:

King High School Theater Supporters and WolfPack Player Fans:

If you missed opening night of "The Wiz" last night, don't fret. You have 5 more chances to see the show. Ms. P. has outdone herself on this play and it is fabulous. The costumes and effects are spectacular, the music and sound is superb and the kids overall performances are smooth, inspiring, and fun.

This is a play you should not miss.

Go online now and get your tickets for one of the remaining 5 performances.

Tickets available by going to mlktheaterboosters.org and clicking on the coming soon page. Look for the link to Seat Yourself or click here.

Inland Valley Symphony has honored several young regional musicians in its yearly concerto competition and will feature the winning artists in two upcoming concerts.

The three winners of the 2009 Young Artists Competitions, Andy Leu from San Diego in 1st place, Josiah Tolopilo of Temecula in 2nd place, and Alex Few of Temecula in 3rd place will perform with the Symphony in concerts designed for a young audience May 14 and 15.

Each spring the symphony hosts a concerto competition of young musicians up to 18 years of age, said Alana Joos, Inland Valley Symphony board president. "Judges auditioned 14 musicians from Riverside and San Diego Counties."

The upcoming concert, "TALES OF MAGIC & MUSIC," will include "Peter and the Wolf" by Prokofiev, "Peer Gynt Suite No. 1" by Grieg and "The Lord of the Dance" by Hardiman.

Tolopilo will begin the concert with Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in D major" on an alto recorder. Alex Few will play "Haydn Piano Concerto No. 2 in D Major" and first place winner Andy Leu will conclude the concert with the 1st movement of the "Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D Major."

"Audiences of all ages are encouraged to attend," Joos said. Music Director Dr. Jeanine Trent will also be presenting "Up Close & Musical," an informative pre-concert talk, 30 min. prior to the start of each concert.

Next year's concerto competition will be opened up to all young musicians in Southern California, with an age cap at 12th grade and no more than 18 years old as of May 31, 2010.

'TALES OF MAGIC & MUSIC'
May 14
Where: Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula
May 17
Where: Vista Murrieta High School Theater, 28251 Clinton Keith Rd., Murrieta
Cost: $18, adults; $15, seniors, military and students (18 and under); $3, children (12 and under)
Tickets: 760-318-0460, 951-677-9465; www.inlandvalleysymphony.org or at the door

Junior Ranger Day Camp at Lake Perris State Recreation Area

Campers can join in on five days of fun, excitement, discovery, exploration and nature activities. This week-long day camp is from 9 am - 2 pm. Activities are designed for youth 7 - 12 years old. Programs will be conducted by state park staff assisted by park volunteers. FEE: $65 per child for the week. Information: 951-940-5656 / 951-940-5600 or email lpsra@parks.ca.gov

Share your ideas for summer camp here.

For more summer camp ideas go here.

CAT (Christian Arts and Theatre) is looking for campers. This summer, the community theater group will offer five separate weeks of Summer Theater Day Camp for two age groups:

Ahoy Mateys! It's Treasure Island!
Ages 8-18
Search for buried treasure with Captain Dangerous Dan and his band of ship mates. Campers will learn pirate songs and dances, play games pirates would play and make plenty of new friends.
Where: NEW Crossroads Christian School Campus, 2300 Fullerton Ave., Corona
When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 22-26; July 6-10; July 13-17; August 3-7
Cost: $165/child with a sibling discout of $15

The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything
Ages 5-7
Gives campers exposure to singing, acting, dancing and crafts, with a special performance on Friday for family and friends.
Where: NEW Crossroads Christian School Campus, 2300 Fullerton Ave., Corona
When: 9-11:30 a.m. June 22-26; July 6-10; July 13-17; July 27-31; August 3-7
Cost: $125/child

Visit http://catcorona.org or call 951-279-2298 for more information.

Share your ideas for summer camp here.

For more summer camp ideas go here.

Here's another equestrian summer camp for all the horse lovers out there:

T.L.C. Riding Center in Norco offers summer camp July 6-10 and August 10-14.

"We have about 50 horses," said Tish Jacobs, head trainer and instructor at the Riding Center. "I run a summer program for little ones 6 to 14 to teach safe horsemanship and riding."

Campers get two lessons each day, lunch and a T.L.C. t-shirt. Wednesday and Friday are also swimming days and on Friday, campers will show off their skills to family in a horseshow and barbeque.

Cost is $400..00 for the week.

Visit www.tlcridingcenter.com or call 951-990-3958 for more information and to view camp photos.

Share your ideas for summer camp here.

For more summer camp ideas go here.

The International Dyslexia Association Inland Empire Branch will host the free workshop and presentation, "Advances in Technology for Reading & Writing" Monday, May 18, at 6:30 p.m.

The information event will be held at the Riverside County Office of Education Service Center and will focus on using the latest assistive technology for reading, spelling note taking and thought organization with students (including adults) who learn differently.

Ellen Cutler, Director of the High Tech Training Center at Santa Monica College, will be the featured speaker. She will provide demonstrations and evaluations of the following technologies:

Inspiration: Educational software for reading that is used to create graphic organizers for visual representations of learning to develop ideas and organize thinking.

Kurzweil Systems: Reading and writing software programs that enable educators to provide differentiated instruction for children with learning challenges.

Dragon Naturally Speaking: Speech-recognition software that enables users to write documents, open and close program, write e-mail and control a PC by voice.

Note-taking pens: The newest generation of "smart pens" are a computer in a pen that captures notes and can simultaneously record and link audio to the notes.

Workshop
Where: 3958 12th Street, Riverside
When: 6:30 p.m., May 18
Cost: free
Information: 951-784-2569

The Redlands Family YMCA Circus is back in town with shows beginning this weekend, May 1, 2 and 3, and continuing for three consecutive weekends. Tickets to the Great All American Youth Circus are half price May 1. This 69th season will feature over 300 performers.

Redlands Family YMCA
Where: 500 East Citrus Ave., Redlands
When: 7 p.m. May 1; 6 p.m. May 2; 3 p.m. May 3; 7 p.m. May 8; 6 p.m. May 9; 3 p.m. May 10; 7 p.m. May 15; 6 p.m. May 16; 3 p.m. May 17
Tickets: $14, adults; $9 youth (ages 3-12); free, children under 3
Circus Hotline: 909-798-9622 xt. 360

Tickets are on sale now in the Redlands Family YMCA lobby Monday through Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. or on show days 1 1/2 hours prior to each performance.

The Riverside Art Museum will host free family fun activities from 1-4 p.m. including a printed tote bag craft, mad science experiments and music from The Composers Collective.

This is the last First Sunday family day of the season in downtown Riverside, these will resume on the first Sunday of October.

For more information call 951-684-7111 or visit http://riversideartmuseum.org.

The Inland Idol semi finals are ready to roll at the historic Corona Civic Center all day Saturday. Out of about 225 contestants, only 30 will make it through this round to the finals, which will be held May 31st at the La Mirada Performing Arts Center.

Despite cancellations of Cinco de Mayo festivities and the Lee V. Pollard High School's senior prom, both in Corona, WBZB Entertainment officials say the competition is still on.

"We met with city health officials yesterday and were assured all precautions have been taken," said Bruce Sampson of WBZB Entertainment. "Everything has been wiped down and cleaned and we're ready to go."

Participants in the competition come from all over Southern California. The 2 p.m. performance show has already sold out, but there are still spaces available for the other two age groups.

Competitors in the ages 7-10 will begin performing at 9 a.m., then performers' ages 11-14 will begin at 2 p.m. and finally those in the age group of 15-18 start at 7 p.m.

"Ten performers from each group will move onto the finals," Sampson said. Then for the finals, one winner from each group will be chosen by a combination of scoring from both the celebrity judging panel and the live theater audience. Tickets for the final go on sale May 2.

Celebrity judges for the finals include Mark Walberg, host of Fox Television's "The Moment of Truth" and PBS's "Antique Road Show;" Kye Brackett, Emmy Award-winning choreographer for Barry Manilow's "Music and Passion" and NAACP Image Award recipient for Best Actor in a musical; and Patty Cabrera, Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning recording artist and owner of Patrona Productions, a Riverside-based recording studio and talent development agency.

Corona Civic Center
Where: 815 West 6th St., Corona
Cost: $10.50, advance; $15 at the door
Tickets: http://InlandIdol.com/tickets, 951-371-5239
Information: www.inlandidol.com

Written by Guest Author Trudie Mitschang:

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