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Equal Exchange Fundraising


October is Fair Trade Month

We’ve all seen kids selling big name-brand candy for their school fundraisers and it raises a host of issues.  Where does the candy come from?  Is it healthy?  Who benefits? 


And in honor of Fair Trade Month this October, we’ve found a solution that has the right answers to all those questions - Equal Exchange and their fundraising programs.  Equal Exchange sells chocolate, tea, coffee, nuts & berries, and more and all their products are produced and sold on a “Fair Trade” model.  That is one that brings the farmer and consumer closer together so that more of the consumers’ money ends up in the hands of the farmer, vs. a multi-national corporation.


And they have created a fundraising program that you and your school, church or other non-profit can feel good about.   Our sponsor, Equal Exchange, has made it easy to implement a fundraising campaign with step by step guides and a Fair Trade curriculum for teachers so the fundraising effort becomes a learning experience as well.   Even their prizes like hacky sacks and soccer balls promote healthy, active kids.  If that’s not enough, you could win a trip to Peru to visit a real cacao farm!


The Equal Exchange Fundraiser works as either an event or catalog sale and is a great way to make money for your school while teaching the values of social and environmental stewardship and global responsibility.
To help spread the word, we’re giving away four cases of ten of their amazing chocolate bars (yes, we’ve tried them) to lucky Macaroni Kid readers.  To enter, just “Like” Equal Exchange on Facebook, then send an email with the subject “Equal Exchange Fundraising” to [email protected].  Include your mailing address.  Winners will be notified by email.  Drawing will be held via random.org.  Entries are due by October 31, 2010.  No purchase necessary.  Odds of winning depend on number of entries. Entrants must be 18 or over.


Check out their website, www.equalexchange.coop/fundraiser and get involved.  Let your school know you’d prefer they work with Equal Exchange, let your friends know, and let’s do some good!


Macaroni Parties!


Top Tips for Planning a Winning Halloween Party

Fall is here and asthe last days of summer fade away completely, our little ones’ minds have officially turned from new backpacks and pointy pencils to that all important question—what will they be for Halloween?
 
Parents know that it takes more than a great costume to make Halloween a true success, especially if you opt for a Halloween party instead of the traditional trick-or-treating. So here are some of our top tips for making this year’s celebration spooky, sweet and sinfully stress-free:
 
1)      Select an appropriate theme.
Not ...


This Week's Picks:


October 14th through October 17th

Thursday, October 14 - NEW! Acoustic Avenue Bonus Kids Club @The Americana at Brand

Enjoy a fantastic fall with our bonus Kids Club program:
  • Seasonal Arts and Crafts
  • Magicians
  • Storytellers
  • "Unplugged" Live Music
  • Puppeteers
  • and much more!
Where: The Americana @ Brand Glendale
When: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Families.
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!

Friday, October 15 through Saturday, October 16 - Theodore Payne's Annual Fall Festival

Celebrating 50 years, the nonprofit Theodore Payne native plant nursery in Sun Valley (about 25 minutes from Pasadena, off the 210) is having its biggest plant sale of the year with discounts on plants and seeds.  There will be live bluegrass music playing by the Fair Market Band, which features fun music the kids will enjoy.  Soap Kitchen, a local soap maker from Pasadena will be selling natural, artisna, handmade soaps.  Letterpress maker, Krank Press will have items for sale.  On Friday, 10/8, nature photographer, Dave Daniels will be selling some of his unique color photos of insects and flowers.  Take a short half mile hike along the Wildflower Hill trail and explore some of the nursery's 22 acres.
Where: Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers & Native Plants 10459 Tuxford Street, Sun Valley
When: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Who: Families.
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE. Discounts to all: 10% off plants (1 gal. & up) and seed.

Friday, October 15 through Sunday, October 17 - Live Steamers Ghost Train

The Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum has been presenting their “Ghost Train” for Halloween since 2001. Supported by train enthusiasts, the non-profit corporation runs their 7 1/2-inch gauge model trains free of charge every Sunday throughout the year and for Halloween, the path is decorated with a series 30 elaborately spooky scenes.  The Ghost Train is more spooky than scary. There are lots of colorful lights, Jack O’Lanterns, skeletons, giant spiders, and other displays. Nothing jumps out at you. Most of the figures are mannequins; a few have some kind of mechanics to make them pop up.
Where: Live Steamers Griffith Park 5202 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles. The official address for the Los Angeles Live Steamers is 5202 Zoo Drive in Griffith Park, but the entrance gate for this address is closed at night. The Ghost Train’s dirt parking lot is perhaps a quarter mile east.
When: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Ghost train also runs on 10/22 - 10/24 & 10/28 - 10/31.)
Who: Families. Riders must be at least 34 inches tall and not weigh over 350 pounds. Riders under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.  The ride is ideal for child-sized riders, but adults can manage if they do not mind squatting down on the tiny trains for the approximately 20-minute duration.
How: Just show up. 
Cost: FREE, but suggested donation is $7 per person.
For more info: http://www.lals.org/ (323) 662-8030

Sunday, October 17 - Pasadena Symphony & POPS Musical Circus @ the Americana: Sonic Sensations

Musical Circus host Jamie Shaheen will showcase the violin with a fun and interactive performance by violinists Kaitlin Wolfberg and Morgan Paros. This presentation will allow kids to learn more about the violin and become more familiar with its versatility and unique sound. The show will reflect the Pasadena Symphony’s opening night concert featuring one of the world’s premiere violinists, Anne Akiko Meyers.
Where: The Americana at Brand Glendale
When: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Who: Families.
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!
For more info: Visit PasadenaSymphony-Pops.org or call us at 626.793.7172.

This Week's Calendar:


October 15th through October 19th

Friday, October 15 - Family Art Night @ the Norton Simon: Painted Beasts

Look at the variety of animals—sitting, standing and running—in paintings, and then compose your own sketches of wild beasts.
Where: Norton Simon Museum 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
When: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Who: Families.
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!

Saturday, October 16 through Sunday, October 17 - Cal Poly Pomona Annual Pumpkin Festival

Choose from thousands of pumpkins right out of the patch. Eat and play games at the College of Agriculture student club booths or head over to our popular Insect Fair featuring nearly 500,000 live and preserved insects (runs from 9am-5pm) . We also have a corn maze, petting zoo, horse rides, entertainment, and lots of activities for kids! If you like pancakes, we've got them. Join us for our pancake breakfast Saturday morning from 8am-11am. Bring your appetite!
Where: Pumpkin Festival is located in the Farm Store parking lot:
4102 S. University Drive, Pomona, CA 91768
When: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: Families.
How: Just show up!
Cost: Admission to Pumpkin Festival: FREE
Pumpkins from the patch: $5 each ( beach ball size) or 5/$20 (Oct. 16 & 17 only)
Insect Fair: $6 adults; $4 students and children 3-12 years; 2 and under are free!
Pancake Breakfast (Saturday from 8am - 11am): $5 adults, $4 twelve and under
Prices for individual activities such as horse rides and the petting zoo vary.

Saturday, October 16 through Sunday, October 17 - Celebrate Autumn Air @Descanso Under the Oaks

Descanso Gardens will celebrate the changing of the seasons and a California artistic tradition with “Autumn Air.” Visit with local artists working at easels set up under Descanso’s famed oaks, and observe masterpieces in the making. Artists will also have works for sale. The event pays homage to the “plein air” school of art. California artists have a lengthy love affair with plein air painting, which captures the distinctive open landscapes of the West. Participants can also register in advance for special workshops during the event.  A seed ball-making class for adults will teach this unusual technique to spread wildflower seeds.Fees for classes include Gardens admission.
Where: Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge
When: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Children's workshop on 10/16 from 11-12:00 PM.)
Who: Famililes.
How: To register, phone (818) 949-7980.
Cost: The event is free with admission to Descanso Gardens. Regular admission to Descanso Gardens is $8 adults, $6 seniors/students, and $3 children 5-12. Cost for workshops is $20 general public, $15 for Descanso members.  Space in the workshops is limited; advance registration is required.
For more info: For more information, call (818) 949-4200 or visit www.descansogardens.org.

Saturday, October 16 through Sunday, October 31 - Fillmore & Western Railway Pumpkinliner Ride to Pumpkin Patch

Fillmore & Western Railway invites families to ride a vintage train to the "Ichabog" pumpkin patch. Activities include jolly jumps, a carousel, a haunted hay maze, and arts and crafts booths. Enjoy activities and a food booth while you find your perfect pumpkin. Pumpkin prices start at $1.
Where: Fillmore & Western Railway 351 Santa Clara Street, Fillmore
When: 10:00 AM (Trips to the pumpkin patch (Ichabog) depart several times a day.)
Who: Families.
How: Purchase tickets online in advance.
Cost: Adults $21; Youth (4-12) $13.75; Child (2-3) $11.75.
For more info: http://www.fwry.com/

Saturday, October 16 through Sunday, October 17 - Nickolodeon's Storytime Live! Tour @Nokia Theater

Storytime Live! is the first-ever live family theatrical tour featuring characters from four of the current top-rated preschool shows on television today: Dora the Explorer, The Backyardigans, The Wonder Pets! and Ni Hao, Kai-lan.  Preschoolers and their parents can see their favorite Nick Jr. characters come to life in one action-packed on-stage adventure hosted by Nick Jr.'s Moose A. Moose and Zee.
Where: Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE  777 Chick Hearn Court, Los Angeles
When: 10:30 AM (10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 16; 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 17)
Who: Preschoolers and their parents, grandparents, or and/or caregivers.
How: Purchase online.
Cost: $67.00 - $29.50 for single tickets, depending on seat locations.

Saturday, October 16 - Antoinette Portis Reads and Signs "Kindergrarten Diary"

The first day of kindergarten can be scary but not with the help of Annalina and her very own diary, which outlines all of the fun and exciting things that are awaiting you on your first day!
Where: Vroman's Bookstore 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
When: 10:30 AM
Who: Preschoolers and Kindergartners.
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!

Saturday, October 16 - “Piggies in the Pumpkin Patch” Book Creators @ Once Upon a Time Bookstore

Cute, fun loving piggies are featured in this celebration of fall in this newly released children’s picture book by Mary Peterson & Jennifer Roth. Storytime, craft, food and fun will be had by all. Great activity for ages 2-5.
Where: Once Upon a Time Bookstore 2207 Honolulu Ave., Montrose
When: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Who: Children ages 2-5 years.
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!
For more info: Call 818-248-9668 or http://onceupona.com/pages/calendar.htm

Saturday, October 16 - Fillmore & Western Railway Ghost Train & Ghost Walk

Creep onboard a hauntingly vintage train for a spooktacular adventure with Santa Paula Theatre Center's annual Ghost Walk as your destination. Feast on our signature "Orange Blossom" chicken dinner during the train trip and be entertained on the journey by spooky characters telling tales and acting ghostly. Once in Santa Paula, a docent will guide you on a tour of "The Ghost Walk." Dessert and coffee will be served during the ghostly ride back to Santa Paula. Dress in costume, or as a mere mortal, if you dare...  Everyone must bring and carry a flashlight. Please wear walking shoes as the Ghost Walk is approximately an hour long, but does have many opportunities to stop and rest.
Where: Fillmore and Western Railway Co. 351 Santa Clara St., Fillmore
When: 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM (Train boards at 5:15 PM)
Who: Families with children 8+.
How: Reservations required, limited seating. Call 805.524.2545.
Cost: Adults $58; youth (8-12 years) $36 includes train ride, dinner, iced tea/coffee, "Ghost Walk," and tax.
For more info: http://www.fwry.com/

Sunday, October 17 - Annual Depot Day @ Travel Town

Annual celebration of railroad history with docent train tours, live music and activities.
Where: Travel Town 5200 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles
When: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Who: Families and train lovers.
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!
For more info: http://traveltown.org/

Sunday, October 17 - Family Festival: Fantastic Tales from Floating Worlds with 826LA

Hiroshige's ukiyo-e prints capture travelers from Edo (Tokyo), lively birds, and elegant flowers that appear to come alive from paper to create realistic scenes. When we see his prints, we are drawn into a mystifying world that occurred over several hundred years ago. Now, imagine if we inhabited the settings found in the prints of Hiroshige. What if we were flying kites in Edo? Or feeling the splash from a fifty-foot wave? What if we spent the afternoon staring at a falcon that blocks out the sun? What stories could we tell that match Hiroshige's spectacular views?
Where: Norton Simon Museum 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
When: 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM (Second workshop at 2:00 - 3:15 PM with 11 spots left as of 10.13.10.)
Who: Children ages 8-13 years.
How: Pre-registration is required and can be made by visiting www.workshops.826la.org. Seven spots left (as of 10.13).
Cost: FREE!

Tuesday, October 19 through Sunday, October 24 - Great California Shakeout @Kidspace

Drop, cover and hold on at Kidspace as we participate in the country’s largest earthquake drill!  From October 19th through October 24th, learn more about how the earth moves and shakes.  A special exploration will be presented daily, where you can move like the earth and hear legends from around the world.  On the day of the Shakeout (October 21), participate in a practice drill with millions of other Californians!  Go to www.shakeout.org to learn more about earthquake safety!  
Where: Kidspace Children's Museum 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Families.
How: Just show up!
Cost: Admission to Kidspace: $10/person; children under 1 are FREE.

Tuesday, October 19 - Kids Club & Kids Eat Free @ The Americana: JAMBO!

Groove to Jambo's fun, rootsy music! The songs are fun imagination trips, which kids and adults alike can all enjoy!  For lunch, head to a participating restaurant where kids eat free (with purchase of adult entree).  Join Kids Club at the booth and get free kids t-shirt and coupons for Americana stores.
Where: The Americana at Brand 889 Americana Way, Glendale
When: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Every Tuesday)
Who: Kids and families.
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!

Teen Scene:


October 15th through October 17th

Friday, October 15 - "Alabama Moon" Author Reads & Signs @Once Upon a Time Bookstore

Come listen to this award-winning author of Alabama Moon and his latest companion novel Dirt Road Home.  Middle Grade children voted Alabama Moon the California Young Reader Medal -- for this big-hearted, action-adventure story-filled with memorable characters about a boy who has lived his whole life in the forest with his survivalist father. 
Where: Once Upon a Time Bookstore 2207 Honolulu Avenue, Montrose
When: 7:00 PM
Who: Best for kids 10-14 years.
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!

Sunday, October 17 - The Frenzy" Author Discusses and Signs Book

Something terrifying happened to Liv when she turned 13. Now she knows she doesn't belong anymore; not in her family, not in her own skin. The only time she truly feels like herself is when she's with her boyfriend, Corey, and in the woods that surround her town. While Corey and Liv's love binds them together, Liv's past threatens to tear them apart. And by the light of the full moon, the most dangerous secrets bare their claws...
Where: Vroman's Bookstore 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
When: 5:00 PM
Who: Young adult readers.
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!

Plan Ahead:


October 22nd through October 31st

Friday, October 22 through Sunday, October 24 - Harvest Festival & Plant Fair @Descanso Gardens

Descanso’s horticulture staff and other experts will present talks, demonstrations and workshops through the weekend. Family fun includes a costume parade and sing-along for young folks Saturday. And Patina Catering will sell barbecue from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.  On Saturday at 10 and 11 a.m.: Gather the children for a costume parade at the Center Circle. The parade concludes at the Under the Oaks Theater with a sing-along.
Where: Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge
When: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Who: Families.
How: Just show up!
Cost: The Harvest Festival and Plant Fair is free with Gardens admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors/students and $3 children 5-12.

Saturday, October 23 - Family Adventures @ the Arboretum: Sun Prints

Join your adventure guide as we explore the Arboretum.  Each Saturday is new and exciting, and will have a different theme relating to nature.   Family adventures will go on rain or shine so dress appropriately!
Where: LA County Arboretum 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Pasadena
When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Monthly event.)
Who: Children of all ages are welcome!
How: Come early as space is limited to 25.
Cost: FREE with admission.

Saturday, October 23 - Life: Primates to Screen @ Caltech

Life: Primates, a BBC/Discovery Channel coproduction, explores the intelligence, adaptability, and resourcefulness that have enabled primates to thrive in an incredible diversity of habitats. Primates have found extraordinary ways to improvise, especially when faced with challenges beyond their physical means.  This stunning high-definition movie will serve as the springboard for a lively discussion about the science behind the beauty and wonder of nature. Andrea Choe, a graduate student in biology at Caltech, will introduce the film and guide the post-screening discussion.
Where: Caltech’s Beckman Auditorium, on Michigan Avenue, south of Del Mar Boulevard, in Pasadena.
When: 2:00 PM
Who: Children 8+ with parents or caregivers.
How:  Tickets can be purchased at the Caltech Ticket Office, 332 South Michigan Avenue, Pasadena.
Cost: Tickets to this performance are priced at $5.00 (unreserved seating).
For more info: For information, call the Caltech Ticket Office at (626) 395-4652.

Friday, October 29 - South Pasadena's Halloween Spooktacular

A little bit of sugar, a pinch of excitement and stir in a heaping teaspoon of laughter and magic... South Pasadena is brewing up an event that is bubbling with fun! The City of South Pasadena's annual Spooktacular event promises to be a delicious spooky treat to all who attend. Families will delight at all the activities offered such as boo-rific games, arts and crafts, inflatable slide and obstacle course, magical entertainment, balloon artist, caricature artist, candy corner, and a thrilling costume contest parade divided by age categories. Prizes and goodie bags available while supplies last.  Parents and children should bring their appetite and sweet tooth as there will be an array of tasty food available for purchase.
Where: Orange Grove Park (815 Mission St.)South Pasadena
When: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Who: Families.
How:  No pre-registration is required to attend this event.
Cost: FREE!
For more info: For more information, please contact the Recreation Office (815 Mission St.) at (626) 403-7380.

Saturday, October 30 - Goblins in the Garden: A Halloween Haunt @ The Arboretum

Celebrate Halloween and explore the wonders of the Arboretum grounds with activities for children ages 10 and younger including nature-related crafts, art and gardening activities, botanical demonstrations, games, face painting, photo opportunities and lots of tricks and treats! Special surprises for all children dressed in costume. 
Where: LA County Arboretum 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia
When: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Who: Families.
How: Just show up!
Cost: $5 per child for Arboretum members/$10 per child for non-members; regular Arboretum admission fees apply for non-members.  Admission cash only.

Saturday, October 30 - Family Festival @ Pacific Asia Museum

Honoring our Ancestors/Celebrating Family History a pan-Asian celebration of fun performances, crafts, demonstrations and activities for the whole family, presented by the cultural Arts Councils of Pacific Asia Museum. Free
Where: Pacific Asia Museum 46 North Los Robles Ave., Pasadena
When: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: Families.
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!

Saturday, October 30 - Halloween Spook-tacular Cooking Classes

Kid chefs make Spooky treats including Creepy Spider Clusters, Vampire's Bloody Punch and Sand-Witches. 
Where: South Pasadena
When: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Who: Ages 3 & up.
How: For more info, go to www.ci.south-pasadena.ca.us or call
(626) 403-7380.
Cost: $35. Preorder an apron and chef's hat for additional $15.
For more info: www.handstandkids.com

Sunday, October 31 - Alegria Avenue Halloween Decorations & Pumpkins

Alegria Avenue on Halloween has taken on a life of its own lately, and has become a major attraction.  People come from all over to see the wonderful displays put on by the residents on Alegria.  Traffic is blocked off and the street is barricaded, and thousands show up during the course of the night.  Kudos to the Sierra Madre Police Dept. for maintaining order and keeping things running smoothly. Many of the homes even set up little "gatehouses" down on the sidewalk, to dispense candy to the thousands who now come by each year. 
Where: Alegria Avenue in Sierra Madre (Take San Gabriel Ave. exit, turn left at Sierra Madre, left at Hastings Ranch, then right on Alegria Ave.).
When: 5:00 PM
Who: Families.
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!

Macaroni Made


Spider Pizza

Ingredients
  • 1 pkg prebaked mini pizza crusts
  • 3/4 cup pizza sauce
  • 2 sticks of mozzarella string cheese
  • 3 large pitted black olives
1. Heat oven to 450°F. Place crusts on a baking sheet; top with sauce. Pull cheese into thin strips; place on pizzas in the shape of a web.

2. Bake pizza for 8 to 10 minutes until cheese melts. Let cool for 2-3 minutes.

3. Cut olives in half for the body. Remaining pieces cut lengthwise into strips for legs. Assemble spider on each pizza. 
4 ...

Pumpkin Patches & Festivals


Lots of fun for the whole family!

PUMPKIN FESTIVALS:

1) Descanso Gardens Harvest Festival - Descanso's horticulture staff and other experts will present talks, demonstrations and workshops through the weekend. Family fun includes a costume parade and sing-along for young folks Saturday. And Patina Catering will sell barbecue from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

  • When: Friday, October 22 through Sunday, October 24 from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Where: Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge
  • How: Just show up!
  • Cost: The Harvest Festival and Plant Fair is free with ...

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