Thursday, January 16, 2014

Splashball for ages 5-9 at the Montebello-Commerce YMCA

The Montebello-Commerce YMCA invites children ages 5-9 years old to participate in a free Splashball program.
 
Splashball is a beginner waterpolo program where children learn how to shoot, pass, dribble, and catch the ball. No swim experience is necessary, children need only be comfortable in the water and are allowed to use flotation devices, which include noodles & float backpacks, during practice and games.
 
Space is limited, register as soon as possible to guarantee a spot on the team. Practices are once a week and games are on Saturday at noon.
 
For more information visit the YMCA, 2000 W. Beverly Blvd, Montebello, or call 323-887-9622.
  
 
 
 



Lifeguard Training Course: El Monte, 2/7-2/9

Working as a lifeguard is a great summer job for teens and college students. All lifeguards must be certified and usually the employee must pay for the cost of certification.
 
Once certified, lifeguards can apply to work at the Montebello-Commerce YMCA, city Parks & Recreation Departments that have community pools, and water parks.
 
Potential lifeguards will be assessed on the first day of class to ensure that they can meet the required prerequisites.
 
 

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Community Weigh-In Weight Loss Event: West Covina, Saturday, 1/25

Join the 3rd annual "Lighten Up San Gabriel Valley" event, sponsored by Citrus Valley Health Partners who operate hospitals in West Covina and Covina.

Participants must pre-register by telephone and be 12 years old or older to enter the year long weight loss contest. The grand prize is a $250 gift card and everyone who loses 10% of their body weight will win movie tickets. There are two additional weigh-ins in June and November where prizes will be determined and awarded. Voluntary monthly workshops & weigh-ins are provided for participants.

For more information visit: www.lightenupsgv.com

 
 
 
 

Fundraising Opportunity for your Non-Profit! Saturday, 1/18

If your non-profit organization would like to generate easy funds, then you don't want to miss the opportunity to participate in the Long Beach Polar Splash!

This Saturday, January 1/18, in Long Beach, Belmont Shore, there is an opportunity to earn $5 per person for any team, church, school, scout group, or other non-profit at a Beach Clean-Up & Polar Plunge.
 
 Here are the details from the website:
"Basically, we all run in to the ocean (in swimsuits or costumes; water temp is 59 degrees) at Rosie's Dog Beach after the 30-Minute Beach Cleanup, and Justin Rudd's nonprofit Community Action Team donates money to local charities based on the number of people that participate. Free parking and FREE to enter. Refreshments and Turkey Trot t-shirts for all participants. Teams, schools, churches and nonprofits that bring 12 or more to participate in the cleanup and Polar Splash will get $5 per person donated to their group, if the group captain RSVPs to Justin@JustinRudd.com at least 24 hours advance. Can you attend and bring some people? And, help spread the word on Facebook? Cleanup at 10 a.m. and Splash at 11 a.m. See www.JustinRudd.com/ polarsplash.html and www.BeachCleanup.org. Must be signed-in by 10 a.m., sharp, to get any donation. Group photos taken at 10 a.m., sharp."
 
Non-profit groups of 12 or more must pre-register by Friday 10am to qualify for the fundraiser and participate in the beach clean-up and polar bear plunge.
 
 

30-minute Beach Cleanup! 3rd Saturday of every Month: Long Beach

Start a tradition of volunteering with your family by participating in a monthly beach cleanup!


Justin Rudd's 30 Minute Beach Cleanup
3rd Saturday of Every Month
10am
Rain or Shine
1 Granada Avenue, Long Beach, 90803
All ages welcome!

Sign in by 10am and get a raffle ticket for giveaways!

The website says, "WE PROVIDE • Free giveaways • Trash bags • Gloves • Refreshments • Volunteer Service Verification Forms • Free parking when you enter the beach-front lot at 1 Granada Ave. Arrive 9:35 a.m. to 10 a.m."
 

Middle School Math Competition: Don Bosco Technical Institute, 2/1/14

Don Bosco Technical Institute in Rosemead is hosting a math competition for all middle school students on Saturday, February 1, from 8am-Noon.

 Students will have one hour to complete a 50 question multiple choice test without the aid of a calculator. The test will be graded the same day and awards will be given to the participants.

Teachers can enter as a school or parents can enter their children. Entry fee is $3 per participant. Deadline to register is January 24, 2014.


For registration information and to see previous competition tests, click here.


Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Free Health Screenings: CVS Montebello & El Monte, 1/18, 1/23, & 1/25

CVS Pharmacy is offering free health screenings.

Available for all adults and children over the age of 7 with a parent consent. The confidential health screening will test blood pressure, body mass index, glucose, & total cholesterol.
 
Saturday, January 18, 2-6pm
CVS, 800 W. Whittier Blvd, Montebello

Thursday, January 23, 2-6pm
CVS, 9920 E. Garvey Ave., El Monte

Saturday, January 25, 2-6pm
CVS, 2525 W. Via Campo, Montebello

Individuals who complete the health screening will receive a tote bag and a $5 off CVS coupon.
 
 
 

Monday, January 13, 2014

Valentine's Themed StoryTime: Homestead Museum, Saturday, 2/8


Call to 626-968-8492 to reserve your spot!
 
 

CalWORKS or Food Stamp Families receive Free Admission to 29 Museums & Gardens


**Some of my readers report that this list isn't up to date, that some museums are no longer participating in the free admission program. The links to the county brochure is no longer active, and the County Cal Works museum page is now blank. I suggest calling the museum you want to visit on the list and asking if they allow EBT card holders free admission & if there is an admission limit per card.

______________________________________________


Families the receive CalWorks or Food Stamps can enjoy free admission to 29 museums & gardens in Los Angeles County.

The county brochure states,

"Getting in is easy.
  1. Bring your family to any of the places in this brochure.
  2. Show your Golden State Advantage Card (EBT Card) and your Photo ID to get in FREE!
  3. Only general admission is provided free of charge. Special exhibits or attractions are not included in this program.
  4. Most places are closed on legal holidays. Please call the phone number listed for holiday hours."
The participating museums and gardens include:
 
African American Firefighter's Museum
Arboretum of Los Angeles County
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
California African American Museum
California Hertiage Museum
California Science Center
Craft & Folk Art Museum
Descanso Gardens
Hammer Museum
Japanese American National Museum
Long Beach Museum of Art
Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum of Latin American Art
Museum of the American West
Museum of Tolerance
National History Museum of Los Angeles
Norton Simon Museum
Pacific Asia Museum
Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits
Santa Monica Museum of Art
Skirball Cultural Center
South Coast Botanic Garden
Southwest Museum
Pasadena Museum of California Art'
UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History
USC Fisher Gallery
Virginia Robinson Gardens
Zimmer Children's Museum



Click here to see the original brochure.

* Although it's not on the list, Kidspace Museum in Pasadena allows 4 discounted admissions with an EBT card; $2 a ticket. Click here for details.
 
 
  

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Friends of the Pico Rvera Libraries Book Store: Cheap Used Books!

 
The Friends of the Pico Rivera Libraries has a dedicated book store that is open four days a week. It's located near the intersection of Slauson Avenue & Passons Blvd. in Pico Rivera.

I visited the smaller book store in the new Pico Rivera library and I was impressed at the books for sale. I'm always looking for kids books on the cheap, and all the books for sale were in great condition. Books sell for as low as a quarter. If you need books, it's worth a look!

Friends of the Pico Rivera Libraries Book Center
562-942-0258
 

Build a Playground: Pio Pico Elementary School, Pico Rivera, 2/13



 
 

Pico Rivera Library Now Open


The Pico Rivera Library is ready for readers! The new library is more than twice as big as the old library and includes two reading courtyards, literacy center, meeting room, study rooms, bookstore, Teen Space, and 29 computers for public use!


The main entrance. There are no check out counters now, only a Customer Service desk and self-serve checkout stations. The Friends of the Library Bookstore is a room off to the right. Books start at 25 cents!

Family play area.

Children's section.

 Pico Rivera Library, 9001 Mines Ave., Pico RiveraCA 90660
(562) 942-7394
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10am - 8pm, & Saturday, 8am - 6pm.


Saturday, December 28, 2013

AMC Montebello: NEW & IMPROVED: TICKET GIVEAWAY

It's been 20 years since AMC Montebello 10 opened it's doors and it's getting a makeover. In recent years area residents would travel out of town to see movies in newer theatres that offered stadium seating, but the past few months locals are starting to trickle back to AMC Montebello as word gets out about the recent renovations. 

The renovations start at the Box Office. Tickets are now purchased inside the theatre doors. If the line gets too long and you are tech savvy, there are two touch screen ticket kiosks located outside the theatre.


New concession area.
 
Self serve beverage bar complete with touch screen soda fountains that offer over 100 soda options and three flavors of Icee.

Updated corridors with electronic screens that announce the movie and showtime.
 
Hands down the best part about the renovation are the electric reclining seats. I estimate that each recliner takes up the space of at least 4 of the old seats. The seats recline nearly flat and the leg rest gets completely horizontal. The aisles for each row are so spacious that when the seats are fully reclined there is ample space to walk across the row. Each recliner operates independently, but is part of a pair of seats; the center armrest of each pair can be raised for more room. The only drawback to the seats that I can see is during an emergency the seats do not automatically retract; pushing the button is the only way to get the seat back to starting position.

The bathrooms also received a makeover, and feature Dyson hand dryers.

The theatre is still undergoing renovations; if you want to sit in an updated theatre ask at the Box Office if your movie is in a remodeled theatre. AMC Montebello 10 ticket prices vary, but generally the prices are $6.50 for 2D movies that start before Noon. $9.25-$11 adult / $8.25 child for 2D movies after Noon. Additional cost applies for 3D movies and special screenings. A special thanks to Alex, the manager at AMC Montebello, for sharing information about the renovations and donating the tickets for the giveaway. 

____________________________________________________________________

Thanks to AMC Montebello, one lucky MontebelloMom.com reader can experience the renovations first hand! I have a family 5 pack of tickets to giveaway!

Click here to enter here for a chance to win a family 5-pack of AMC Montebello movie tickets!

Congratulations to lucky winner, Susan Martinez, of Montebello! Enjoy your movie Susan!

Giveaway rules: Deadline to enter is Sunday, 12/29/13 at Noon. The winning entry will be chosen by a random number generator and the winner will be contacted via email. Tickets will be delivered via the United States Postal Service. Please ensure mailing addresses are entered properly in the giveaway/survey form; MontebelloMom.com is not responsible for misdirected mail. Winner must reside in Los Angeles County. Incomplete entries will be disqualified. One entry per person please.


 

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Christmas Food & Toy Distribution: Montebello, 12/21


There was some great discussion on MontebelloMom's facebook page about this organization's Thanksgiving distribution. One reader said, "I have been to HOC events many times. The lines get overwhelming. And it is first come first served basis. Last year we got there early and we're still far in the line. They prepare for alot of people. I wouldn't show up at 10. They are also providing a lunch. If your readers have little ones I say bring them (or have someone bring them as the line starts moving) they have given diapers, clothes, and toys at this event too. Children must be present."

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Holiday Celebration: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 12/24


Free holiday show featuring entertainment from the wide range of cultures in Los Angeles County.

Holiday Celebration
Tuesday, December 24
3pm-6pm
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
135 N. Grand Avenue, Downtown L.A.

The Los Angeles County Art Commission website says, "You may come and go throughout the performance, reservations & tickets are not necessary, first come, first served. The theatre fills up, arrive early. Taking photos with your phone & tweeting during the show are allowed."

Click here for more information.

 
 
 

Las Posadas: Miraculous Medal Church, Saturday, 12/21

Las Posadas Celebration
Saturday, December 21
6:00pm

The procession will begin at the corner of Via Corona and Garfield Avenue in Montebello at the southern section of Ashiya Park. If possible dress your children as angels or shepards. The procession will conclude 3/4 mile north at Watterson Hall at Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Church. Santa will visit and give gifts to the children. There will be pinatas, games, bread, chocolate, and songs and praises to the Lord. Everyone is Welcome!
 
                        

Las Posadas Celebration: Olvera Street, 12/16-12/24

Las Posadas Celebration
Olvera Street, Los Angeles
Monday, 12/16 - Tuesday, 12/24
5:30 Entertainment, 6:30 Pinata, 7:30 Procession
 
 

The Olvera Street Merchants Association Facebook page reads, "Come join us for a candle-lit procession with Christmas carols, as we re-enact the journey of Mary & Joseph to Bethlehem. Fun for the whole family with a children's piñata, champurrado, & sweet bread for all! All are welcome to this free event."

 

Friday, December 13, 2013

Christmas Boutique: ATC, Sunday, 12/15

Please stop by Sunday, 12/15, and support Montebello's newest high school!
 
Thanks to Facebook Friend Gerada J. for sharing this event!

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Tree Lighting Ceremony: Montebello City Hall, 12/11


Montebello Tree Lighting Ceremony
Wednesday, December 11
6:30pm
Montebello City Hall

The tree lighting will take place prior to the city council meeting.
Children from the Montebello Playschool program will sing.

If anyone has any further information about this event, please share the details!

Monday, December 9, 2013

Heavenly Choice Open Huse: Montebello, Thursday, 12/12


30th Anniversary: Holiday Open House

Thursday, December 12
10am-9pm
Heavenly Choice
534 N. Montebello Blvd, Montebello
Heavenly Choice is saying "Thank You" to great customers for 30 years of friendship!
 
Celebrate the Sprit of Christmas at a Heavenly Choice Open House! Happy Hour with drinks, buffet, and sweet surprises. Make-up demonstrations start at 11am. Bow making class. Balloon twisting & candy table for kids. Hourly drawings for surprise gift bags and five winners will receive a make-up style over! Complimentary gift wrap with every purchase.
 
For more information and to RSVP please call  323-728-2728.
 

Holiday Toy Giveaway: Boys & Girls Club, Boyle Heights, Saturday, 12/14


Sunday, December 8, 2013

Christmas Parade: Downey, Sunday, 12/8

Downey Christmas Parade
Sunday, December 8
1:30pm
The 0.8 mile parade begins at Downey & Lexington avenues, travels south to 3rd Street, and concludes at Civic Center. 

Friday, December 6, 2013

Toy Drive & Pancake Breakfast: Montebello Fire Department, 12/7

Montebello Fire Department Toy Drive
Saturday, December 7
8-11am
Montebello Fire Station
600 N. Montebello Blvd
 
Bring in a new unwrapped toy valued at $5 or more and receive a free pancake breakfast as a thank you!
 

Family Holiday Movie Night: Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round, 12/20



 
 

Goodyear Blimp Open House, Toys for Tots: Gardena, 12/14-12/15

Get a look at the Goodyear Blimp up close at it's hangar in Carson!
  
Goodyear Airship Operations
Open House & Toys for Tots Collection
19200 S. Main Street, Gardena, CA
Saturday, 12/14 - Sunday, 12/15
11am - 7pm

 
I took the family to this event last year. There is a parking lot at the field. They allow drive up donations, but we parked and got out of the car to make the donation. Our kids gave the toys to the Marines and visited with Santa. Santa gave the kids blimp erasers and tattoos. We asked for a tour and one of the blimp's pilots walked us over to the blimp for an up close look, pictures, and Q&A time. It was thrilling to be so close to something that we normally only see from afar. We visited at dusk and it was very cold and windy, make sure you bundle up! Visit before sundown for the best photos. You can also enter a raffle for a chance to win a flight on the Goodyear Blimp!
 
 
 
 

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Family Christmas Movies on TV: 2013

December is the month for family movies! The following is a schedule that was handed out at Disneyland! The fun starts on 11/20! Set the DVR, get the popcorn, and let the movie night begin!







I found a great blog, "It's a Wonderful Movie," that has a complete list of all Christmas and New Year themed movies for 2013 that will be airing on all network and cable channels. There are well over 50 movies listed on Christmas Day alone! To see the full schedule of holiday movies, click here.






Snow in Montebello: Montebello City Park, Saturday, 12/14




Winter Day Camp: Montebello, Fremont Elementary