La Merced Intermediate School Carnival, Thursday, 5/30

La Merced Intermediate is hosting a school carnival on Thursday, May 30, from 2-7pm.

This would be a great opportunity for elementary students who will attend L.M.I. next year to get an introduction to their new school.

La Merced Intermediate School

215 E Avenida De La Merced, Montebello
(323) 722-7262

 

 

A special thanks to Everything in and Around Montebello for sharing this event!

$20 in Free Groceries w/ $100 Gift Card Promotion: Albertsons

Buy $100 in gift cards from the selection below and get a coupon for $20 in free groceries at Albertsons.

Think ahead for summer, are there any birthdays coming up? Will you be seeing all the summer movies? Are you heading on vacation and loading up your iPod with music? Do you need to buy a graduation or Father's Day gift?

If you can spare the cash now for purchases later you can benefit by getting not only $100 in gift cards that you will use in the future, but $20 extra to use for free groceries.

This offer is available now through Sunday, June 16, 2013 at Albertsons grocery stores.

 

LACMA: Free Admission on 5/27

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art in cooperation with the Target Corporation is hosting

Free Target Holiday Mondays

Monday, May 27: Memorial Day

11am - 5pm

All guest to the museum are admitted free. The website says that tickets are required which translates into: visitors are required to go to the ticket booth to obtain a free ticket before touring the museum.

TIP: All children (and an accompanying adult) are admitted free to the LACMA any day of the year with a NEXGEN membership.

Vacation Bible School: Calvary Chapel, Montebello

Calvary Chapel in Montebello is hosting a free summer Vacation Bible School for kids going into Kindergarten to Fifth grade from July 15-19, 2013. For more information visit Calvary Chapel, Montebello or stop by the church's information center.

Thanks to reader Yvette F. for sharing the information about this summer program!

 

Calvary Chapel

931 S. Maple Ave., Montebello, CA 90640

(323) 724-8464

Lowe's Free Build and Grow Workshops for Kids!

Lowe's hosts a free hands on building clinic for kids once or twice a month. Children in grades 1-5 can put together a project to take home. Here are examples of some of past projects that my kids enjoyed:

 

Tables are set up in outside the front of the store. Families check in with the Lowe's employee and kids receive an apron, hammer, and a kit. Directions are included in the kit. When the project is complete, kids return the hammer and receive a patch for their apron.

At the Pico Rivera location there are tables, but as you can see from everyone working on the floor, the hammers work better on the concrete. I usually bring beach towels or a large blanket to put on the floor where we work.

 Build and Grow clinics are limited to the number of kits available. Register online to reserve a spot for your child, or if you are feeling lucky, walk in and take an open spot. Usually there are enough kits from no-shows for the walk-in participants, if not I've seen the employees hand out extra old kits so no one is left disappointed.

To see the next kit & to register visit http://lowesbuildandgrow.com/.

 

Scholastic Warehouse Sales: Half-price books!

Remember Scholastic book orders? The teacher would pass the newspaper print flyer out every month and you had to fill in the quantity and price in those little boxes. I vividly remember scraping together 95 cents or a few dollars to buy the latest Babysitter's Club or Judy Blume book. Earlier today I just relived the excitement of book clubs once again.

A few times a year Scholastic holds a Book Fair warehouse sale. The sale is for any person affiliated with a school, specifically school district employees, home school directors, teachers, Book Fair Chairpersons, and school volunteers. All books are heavily discounted and a coupon for $10 or $25  is given with pre-registration.

I attended this year's warehouse sale in Irwindale and was surprised at the immensity of the warehouse and quantity of books. There are rows and rows of books, most discounted 50% off. There is a second level with even more books! I found books from pre-school through adult in every genre as low as $1.

 

The warehouse is located in Irwindale and has extended the sale days through May 30. Hours are 9am-5pm, closed Sunday. Remember, only individuals affiliated with a school can shop. Online pre-registration is encouraged, registration is available on-site. You cannot check out without registering. Shopping carts are available. Cash or credit cards accepted. 

 

Click here for more information and to pre-register.

There were rows of books just like this one that spanned the warehouse from front to back.



I bought these 18 brand new children's books for less than $42, making the average value of each book $2.33!
15 books were half-price, 3 were 25% off.

 

If you are interested in books that are less expensive, you'll want to visit  East Los Angeles Library during their semi-annual Used Book Fair. Usually held in April and August. Children's books are as low as a quarter and many are nearly new. Click here for more information.



 



Free & BOGO Dodger Tickets! Mercury Insurance & 76 Gas

This summer there are two ways to see the Dodgers for free!

Mercury Insurance is offering two free Dodger tickets with an insurance quote! I spent a few minutes filling out the information forms online and the whole process took less than 10 minutes. The last page that gave the quote information had a box on the side that said I will get an email within 10 days with instructions on how to claim my tickets. http://www.mercuryinsurance.com/dodgers/ Easy.

Union 76 Gas stations have changed the promotion for 2013 and the offer is fill up with 10 gallons or more and get a promotion code for Buy One Get One ticket free offer. Click here for details.

Amusement Park / Zoo Annual Passes & Membership

With summer coming up I decided to compare the cost of annual membership to various attractions in the Southern California area. Many of the larger parks have multiple pass options. I chose to compare the pass types that I would be interested in purchasing for my family.

All prices include admission for two adults and three children.

Aquarium of the Pacific- Family Membership valid for 12 months, for two adults, and all children of the household. Enroll online and get two free guest tickets. Parking is $8 per visit. Tax deductible. Total cost $115, parking not included.

Los Angeles Zoo- Family Deluxe Membership valid for 12 months, for three adults, and all children of the household. Includes six extra admission tickets to share, three safari passes, a stroller pass, two train passes, and up to three adult names can be listed on the card. Tax deductible. Total cost $149, free parking.

Sea World- Fun Card is valid through 12-31-13, 7 blackout dates, adults $78, children $70. Parking is $12 per visit. Option to upgrade one pass to 1 year membership for $145 to include free parking. Total cost with parking $433, without parking $366.

San Diego Zoo and Safari Park- Membership is only available for zip codes 91900-92899 only.  Parking is free at the Zoo, $10 at the Safari Park. Residents in the Montebello area would have to donate to be a member of the Curator's Club, $275, which allows a member and a guest admission, gives 4 free guest passes, and free parking. A family of five in Montebello would have to have two memberships in the Curator's Club and use the 8 free guest passes for the fifth family member. Total cost $550.

Knott's Berry Farm- 2013 Regular Season Pass valid through 12-31-13, no blackout dates is $72 per person. 2013 Gold Season Pass which includes admission to Soak City is $96 for adults, and $90 for children. Parking is $15 per visit. Option to upgrade one child ticket to Platinum Level, $105, to include free parking. Total cost for Regular Passes $360 ($393 with parking), Gold Passes $462 ($477 with parking).

Six Flags Magic Mountain- Season Pass valid through 12-31-13. No blackout dates. $65 per person. Combo Season Pass includes admission to Hurricane Harbor $100 per person. Purchase four or more passes online and get free parking on one pass. Each pass includes five opportunities to bring a friend to the park for free. Total cost Regular Passes $325, Combo Passes $500.

Universal Studios Hollywood- Buy-A-Day, Get 2013 Free, 24 blackout days, $80. Upgrade one pass to Premium Star to include free parking, $149. Parking is $15 before 3pm or $10 after. Total cost $400, with parking, $469.

LEGOLAND- Standard Membership valid for 12 months, adults $129, children $99. Merlin Annual Passes to include admission to LEGOLAND Water Park, free parking, and 1 free ticket to share per pass, $179 adult, $149 children. Buy 3 Merlin Passes online and get a Merlin Child Pass for free.  Total Cost Standard w/ one Merlin for parking $605, Merlin Passes $656.


Disneyland Resort: Disneyland & California Adventure- Southern California Annual Passport valid for 12 months, 150 blackout dates. $329 per person, $458 to include parking. Total $1645, with parking $1774.

Farmer's Market: Uptown Whittier, Fridays

I enjoy taking my kids to local Farmer's Markets. I make it interesting for them by giving them each $5 and allowing them to buy any fruits and vegetables they want. They like the idea of having money to spend and since they made the purchase they usually eat what they buy. Try it with your kids!

Farmer's Market

Every Friday

8am - 1pm

Philadelphia Street & Bright Avenue, Uptown Whittier

 

Click here for more information.

 

 

 

Kidgits Lil' Chefs Event: Shops at Montebello, Saturday, May 18

Children can learn about the fun side of food at the Shops at Montebello Kidgits Lil' Chefs event.

 

Super Duper Lil' Chefs

Saturday, May 18

Noon - 1:30pm

Center Court, Shops at Montebello Mall

All participants must be Kidgits members. Annual membership is $5 and includes benefits such as a T-shirt, spin-the-wheel prizes with every mall visit, a birthday gift, and admission to Kidgits events. Registration is available during regular mall hours at Guest Services or during Kidgits events.

For more information about the Lil' Chef event click here.

IKEA Covina, Marketplace Grand Re-Opening! Sunday, May 19

IKEA Covina has made over the downstairs Marketplace and is celebrating with a fun weekend!

All day Saturday, May 18 & Sunday, May 19 guests will have a chance to receive an IKEA gift card every hour.

All guests will receive a free blue bag with purchase from 2-5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

On Sunday, May 19, enjoy the sounds and activities of Radio Disney's Road Crew from 1-3pm. I've been to previous Radio Disney events and kids are asked to participate by dancing and getting excited. Some kids are rewarded with gift cards and other prizes.

Click here for more information.

I love visiting IKEA with my family, read about the fun my kids and I have at every visit here. This weekend's event will make for an even better visit.

Job Fair: El Monte, Saturday, 6/21

Montebello Beautification Day: Volunteers Needed, Saturday, 5/18

Help maintain Montebello City Park, on Beautification Day

 

Saturday, May 18

8am - Noon

Montebello City Park
1300 W. Whittier Blvd, Montebello

Volunteers, ages 13 and older, are encouraged to sign a waiver form at Montebello Parks & Recreation Department at 1700 W. Victoria Avenue, prior to the event, although the waiver will be available on site. For more information call Parks & Recreation, 323-480-8000, x540. The office is open Monday - Thursday, 7:30am - 5:30pm.

 

Pep Boys Grand Opening & Car Show: Saturday, 5/18

Mr. Montebello Mom insisted that I post this for the father's that might want to take their kids out for a day. 

 

Pep Boys "Speed Shop" Grand Opening & Car Show

Saturday, May 18

10am - 4pm

4645 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, 90804

Public Safety Job & Resource Fair: ELAC, 5/14

Youth Sports Physicals at the Montebello YMCA, Saturday, 5/11

Get your child's sports physicals taken care of at the YMCA Saturday, May 11 for only a $20 fee. No appointment necessary. Bring all forms to the examination with you. Available from 12:30-4:30pm.

Free Youth Fishing Derby: MacArthur Park, Saturday, 6/8

Olive Garden in Montebello / Rosemead is now open!

Olive Garden is now open!

Located at the northeast corner of the Shops at Montebello
parking lot, near Macy's & Forever 21.

1866 Montebello Town Center Drive, Rosemead, CA 91770
323-721-1320

Sunday - Thursday, 11am - 10pm
Friday-Saturday, 11am - 11am


 Mr. Montebello Mom attended the ribbon cutting, May 6, 11am. Fun fact: The restaurant is listed as being in Montebello, but it actually has a Rosemead address. This is because the Shops at Montebello property straddles both cities.

 

Join Olive Garden's email newsletter club now and receive notice of promotions, discounts, and Kids Eat Free coupons when they are available.

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August, 2012. The moment I saw this sign I heard the Hallelujah Chorus in my head.

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If you like what you've just read and are interested in free and low cost family friendly events in

Montebello and the surrounding area, please "Like" Montebello Mom on Facebook, or subscribe to the e-mail newsletter on the sidebar. Thanks for visiting!

 

 

ELAC Choir Concert: Saturday, May 11

Treat the family to a free night of classical music at East L.A. College. The concert starts at 7:30 and runs for one hour. The event is free, but donations are accepted. Parking is $2.

This would be a great way to introduce high school students to the music program at E.L.A.C. The building is brand new and the music program has made huge advances in the past few years. The professor  who leads the vocal courses said that if any high school students attend and were interested in the music program he would give them a tour of the backstage area and answer any questions the student or their parents may have. That and you get to hear some great music too!

Summer Day Camp: City of Whittier

Summer Day Camp for Kids at various locations in Whittier.

 

Two programs are offered, the first is a traditional day camp that runs from 7am -6pm for a weekly fee. The other is a drop-in program open from Noon-5pm and costs $30 for the summer. 

 

For more information call 562-567-9450.

Summer Day Camp: Barnes Park, Monterey Park

Summer Day Camp for Kids ages 3-13 at

Barnes Park in Monterey Park.

 

For more information call 626-307-1451.

 

 

 

 

 

Kid's Fun Run: Whittier, Saturday, 5/18

Kid's Fun Run in Whittier at City Hall

Saturday, May 18

Register at 9am / Run starts at 10am 

 

For children 1-12 years old. No fee to participate. 

All participants receive a free T-shirt, race number and a medal.

 

For more information call 562-567-9430.

 

Pio Pico State Historic Park: Family Fun

A combination of donations from citizens and the city of Whittier saved Pio Pico State Park from closure in 2012. Before the scheduled closure I visited the park and was delighted to find that this often looked over park is a great family friendly gem.


Luscious green lawns spread out over several acres beg for a game of tag. Well kept gardens stimulate the aspiring gardener to consider native plants. A grape arbor provides an inviting place for friends to talk under the cool shade of vines. A children's garden anxiously awaits the sound of laughter and the patter of little feet.  The memories of days gone by can be heard in the echoes of footfalls on the wooden floor of the adobe.

The park and adobe are open every Saturday and Sunday and for special events throughout the year. Free admission and parking. For information about the adobe visit www.piopico.org.


 

Pio Pico State Historic Park
Saturday & Sunday, 9:30am -4:00pm
Adobe Hours: 10:00am - 3:30pm

6003 Pioneer Blvd, Whittier, CA 90606
 

 

Pio Pico Park. The adobe home is on the left. The grape arbor is straight down the path.

The Children's Garden has a meandering path of stepping stones and an "archaeological pit" where children can search for hidden treasure! For an extra bit of fun, have your kids bring a sand shovel and very small 'treasures' to bury for other children to discover.


 

Job Fair: L.A. Valley College

L.A. Valley College is a 30-40 minute drive from Montebello. If you are looking for employment it might be worth a try to head over for the Job Fair. Good luck!

 

Job Fair

Thursday, May 2

10:00AM - 1:00PM

 

L.A. Valley College

Monarch Hall: 5800 Fulton Avenue, Valley Glen, 91401

 

For job search assistance visit www.worksourcecalifornia.com

 

ELO Summer Program at Montebello Schools

Summer Program at Montebello Schools

 

The ELO program is an after school childcare program that runs at Montebello USD schools.

A summer ELO program is offered at the locations in the flyer below.

For more information call Petra Quinonez at 323-887-7900, x2796.