Contrary to popular joking, throwing a kid in the water is not the quickest way for him to learn how to swim. But now that summer is here, and along with it the ubiquitous water sports and swimming pools, put your child in a swim program guaranteed to have you clapping when he is thrown in to the pool and then reacts instinctively to protect himself. This is part of the “survival test” that takes place in lessons at the Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy using its Swim Right Method. Developed by four-time Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Lenny Krayzelburg. The Swim Right Method teaches safety in the water first, instead of immediately focusing on strokes and swimming, and includes mastering floating and water comfort. The survival test is conducted after an instructor deems the child is ready; and who wouldn’t want their child to be ready to react in this type of potential situation when each year, more than 830 children, ages 14 and under, die as a result of unintentional drowning in the United States.

Children as young as 16 months old have passed the Krayzelburg Swim Right Method survival test. “Our method is based on safety first,” said Krayzelburg. “In addition to making kids comfortable in the water, if they accidentally fall in the pool they’ll know what to do and it may give adults the precious few minutes to find the children and pull them out of the water.”

It’s refreshing that safety for beginners comes first for owner Krayzelburg, who has mastered every swim stroke there is and the Olympic medals to prove it. In the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games, Krayzelburg represented the United States and at one point owned five world records in the backstroke, long course and short course. As expert as he is, Krayzelburg has learned that primary to skill development is comfort in the water. As a child in the Soviet Union, it was his own comfort level in the water from a young age that ultimately propelled him to excellence. At age 9, Krayzelburg was hand-picked out of large group of kids in his class, as one of the ones who had the potential to excel. The intense regimen he underwent as a youth and Olympic hopeful in the Soviet Union is something he appreciates but realizes is not for everyone. “It is a foundation that never left me,” he says. “But no way I would advocate the intensity and training at such a young age because children need to have freedom to have a life and enjoy things outside of competitive sports. Having said that, I don’t think I would have achieved all that I have if I had not had that foundation in Soviet Union. If you want to be great, there are no shortcuts, you have to work hard, you have to make some sacrifices.”

These days, his hard work continues as he shares his knowledge, expertise and life lessons with kids all over Los Angeles who want to learn how to swim. Two Krayzelburg Academies – one on the Westside and one in the Valley – make Krayzelburg’s Swim Right Method easily accessible to all L.A. kids. The success of the Krayzelburg Swim Academy is apparent in a third Academy in Brooklyn and the near-future plans to open up another Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy in New York. It is most evident though in the hundreds of children who have graduated and are now adept at swimming and water safety.

Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy Locations

Westside JCC
5870 Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, 90036
(323) 525-0323

New JCC @ Milken
22622 Vanowen St., West Hills, 91307
(818) 464-3315
Website

What better person to inspire a desire to learn how to swim and a love of water that a four-time U.S. Olympic Gold medalist?   Gold medal swimmer Lenny Krayzelburg started the Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy in 2005 to teach kids of all ages how to swim and water safety. “Our core purpose is to teach and inspire children to be water safe,” says Krayzelburg. Thousands of kids have benefited from the Krayzelburg Academy and SwimRight Method that focuses on the swim-float-swim technique as its foundation. Children learn to be confident and safe in and around the water.

From the basic skills of the SwimRight Method, students are taught beginning stages of swimming all the way to learning all 4 strokes, freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly.

A variety of classes will meet every parent’s need. From parent-tot classes, private lessons, group classes and stroke development, you can find it all the two Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy locations in Los Angeles.

Lenny Krayzelburg Academy

Westside JCC
5870 Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, 90036; (323) 525-0323
Hours: Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Ages: All
Website

Valley JCC
22622 Vanowen St., West Hills, 91307; (818) 464-3315
Hours: Monday to Friday 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Ages: All
Website

It’s nice to know that every creature has its guardian. For rabbits, Zooh Corner Rabbit Rescue has been playing the part since 1993 by being a no-kill rabbit welfare organization. Based in the City of San Gabriel, Zooh Corner rescues, treats, spays/neuters and places as house pets rabbits that have been abused, neglected, injured or abandoned. So if your family is ready for the responsibility,don’t buy one but adopt a bunny from Zooh Corner then learn with your kids at the free rabbit classes they’ll offer this spring at the San Gabriel Humane Society. You’ll learn what the best diet is for your pet rabbit, how to brush and groom your rabbit, how to trim his nails, the proper brushes, how to look for signs of illness and a rabbit vet, because not all vets treat rabbits.

For older kids, instill the value of volunteerism and charity by bringing a bag of fresh produce to the bunnies, volunteer to help love and groom the rabbits, or help with cage cleaning, become an education volunteer, donating items to Zooh Corner Rabbit Rescue such as litter; cages and hutches; litter boxes and toys or donating money to help with health care and administrative costs to run Zooh Corner Rabbit Rescue.  Check out their website, call or email them for more information on how you and your kids can help the bunnies and Zooh Corner Rabbit Rescue.

Zooh Corner Rabbit Rescue

PO Box 2192, San Gabriel CA 91778
(626) 576-BUNI
E-mail alex@mybunny.org
Website

Zooh Corner Bunny Basics

San Gabriel Valley Humane Society
851 East Grand Avenue, San Gabriel, 91776
Saturday, March 27, 2010
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE
Website

Learn the best way to house, feed and groom your bunny–and why it’s so important to have them spayed or neutered.

Zooh Corner Bunny Bonding

San Gabriel Valley Humane Society
851 East Grand Avenue, San Gabriel, 91776
Saturday, May 24, 2010
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE
Website

The importance of having a spayed or neutered friend for your rabbit, and how to go about safely bonding them.

Zooh Corner Summertime Special Bunny Class

San Gabriel Valley Humane Society
851 East Grand Avenue, San Gabriel, 91776
Saturday, June 25, 2010
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE
Website

Heat is the number one killer of pet rabbits! Learn how to protect your bunny from the summer heat, plus how to deal with fleas and other issues that come after the Spring rains.

Zooh Corner The Well Groomed Rabbit

San Gabriel Valley Humane Society
851 East Grand Avenue, San Gabriel, 91776
Saturday, July 24, 2010
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE
Website

Learn how to brush and groom your rabbit, how to trim his nails, the proper brushes and
necessities to have on hand. Will also discuss [briefly] giving your bunny the ”once over” to check for signs of health issues. Note: The Health topic will be discussed AT LENGTH in a later class.

Get a free scoop of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream today from noon to 8 p.m. at any of their participating locations! Ben and Jerry’s has been around for more than 30 years and is known for the big chunks and swirls in ever bite!  From  Honey Apple Raisin Oreo to Mission to Marzipan to Dulce Delish they’ve got more than 100 crazy yummy options of ice cream and froyo to take home or enjoy right off the cone from the scoop shop.   Which one will you choose? 

Look for a Ben and Jerry’s scoop shop location near you HERE.

Have you used Groupon yet?  It’s a website with daily deals at phenomenal prices.  The only caveat to actually receiving the advertised deal is that the required amount of people have to have purchased the offer.  Today’s side deal is a great offer for you parents in the Los Angeles area looking for a unique birthday party idea for your 4-14 year old!  For $150, you can purchase an Interactive Science Birthday Party from Mad Science (a $275 Value) that includes fun science and lab activities for up to 14 kids at your home before the end of 2010.  These hassle free parties will keep your kids entertained with things such as rocket launches, cotton candy-making, bubbling potions and neon green water.  The last time we checked 2 out of the 5 required purchases have been made, so hurry to the website and purchase your kids birthday party!  Groupon website is here.  Check out Mad Science here.

We bet you didn’t know you have a magician living in your house. The latest trick we’ve seen from ours is making binoculars appear out of two toilet paper tubes, tape and string. But we’ve also witnessed her conjure an abstract building from misshaped wood blocks and cardboard, something we’re secretly hoping is the foreshadowing of her modernist architect future.

There’s nothing more magical than seeing a work of art created, except maybe one that was created out of nothing at all. Well, almost nothing. Do double duty when you encourage arts, crafts and creativity in your child with supplies that are cast-offs from our daily lives, and the unwanteds of manufacturers and businesses. In the process, you’ll not just stimulate imagination and analytical thinking, but you’ll be green in the process, utilizing more-than-worthy goods that would otherwise be dumped into a landfill. So the next time you’re tempted to buy the latest fancy paper, stickers or art supplies from your big box retailer, consider a bottle of glue, scissors and the recycled treasures available from these environmentally-conscious groups. All host activities or workshops, and some even allow you to purchase their collected goods to continue the tradition at home.

CReATE Studio

Westlake Village, 91361 (818) 522-5213
(call or email for exact address)
Drop-In Studio Days: Tuesdays,Wednesdays & Fridays
11a.m.-6 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: 5 and under $6; 6-12 $8; 13 and up $12 (Studio fee includes up to 2 hours of studio time and all materials made)

reDiscover

12958 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, 90066; (310) 393-3636
Warehouse Hours: Saturdays 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Thursday mornings by appointment.
Cost: Members can purchase materials. Membership starts at $20/year for individuals.

Trash for Teaching

Warehouse
2946 East 11th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90023; (323) 262-3400
Warehouse Hours: Wednesdays 9 a.m. – 4p.m. or call in advance for an appointment – subject to staffing
Ages: All
Cost: Materials $2/pound for the general public (discounts for educators)

Mom Jemma Wilbermuth is a natural artist and a natural “saver” of things, so when she sought to re-enter the workforce, she combined her inclination for both to establish CReATE Studio, an art space dedicated to reusing materials that would otherwise be cast away. CReATE Studio recently celebrated its first birthday, and has already developed a steady following from people who want to combine arts and crafts with recycling. “The thing I love to see in kids is that they are really developing their problem solving skills,” comments Jemma on the impact CReATE Studio has on its young artists. “Kids will have this vision, and to create it they’ll have to see new things and new possibilities.”

While larger reuse studios utilize items from businesses or manufacturers, CReATE Studio is more community-based, accepting donations from residents and their homes. A handy “starter list” of recycled materials on the website will help you begin amassing your own unique supplies for an arts and crafts corner at home, or give you a good idea of what to save and donate for use at CReATE Studio. How many times have you thrown away precious bottle caps, broken or chipped dishes, egg cartons, Kleenex boxes, mismatched socks or old cds? It’s a natural to try to reuse items from manufacturers, but says Jemma, “Sometimes people forget that there’s also so much at home that can be reused.”

Check out CReATE Studio online then take your kids and head to the Westlake Village location for two hours of walk-in studio time that’s offered three times a week.

There’s even an occasional Ladies’ Nights workshop – specifically for grown ups – where specific projects are completed, because, Jemma says, “Everybody needs a place to express themselves without boundaries.”

CReATE Studio

Westlake Village, 91361 (818) 522-5213
(call or email for exact address)
Drop-In Studio Days: Tuesdays,Wednesdays & Fridays
11a.m.-6 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: 5 and under $6; 6-12 $8; 13 and up $12 (Studio fee includes up to 2 hours of studio time and all materials made)
Website

A community art center, reuse warehouse, gallery and event space, reDiscover on the west side of town recycles everyday discards donated by business and gives them new purpose as hands-on learning materials. An annual membership allows you to purchase materials from their warehouse, while Drop-in Workshops every Saturday morning will inspire your kids to create with a building full of recycled goodies. And each project is only $5! If you’re looking for a unique party space, their birthday packages with themes such as Spies, Robots, Animals and Make Your Own Fashion promise an event to remember, no matter how old the birthday celebrant is.

An art and community space as well, reDiscover will often host exhibits by artists who create works with found materials.  And their space is available for rentals, and has been used for music videos, photo shoots, art parties, childrens’ music classes, field trips, seminars, tango, yoga, and more.

reDiscover

12958 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, 90066; (310) 393-3636
Warehouse Hours: Saturdays 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Thursday mornings by appointment.
Cost: Members can purchase materials. Membership starts at $20/year for individuals.
Website

Trash for Teaching founders Steve and Kathy Stanton learned a lesson on just how naturally resourceful and imaginative kids are when they took their own company’s discarded byproducts to their then preschool-aged son’s school and witnessed die-cut cardboard hearts, ribbons, and long cardboard tubes find new life in the hands of kids. That was in 2004, and since then, Trash for Teaching has been working with different schools on a comprehensive arts program but also make their warehouse full of fun goodies available for purchase to the public. At $2 per pound of supplies, you’ll be the most popular parent with the coolest playdate or birthday party crafts table. Workshops such as the upcoming “Sunshine Drum Circle and Family Art Show” will take your family on a multicultural storytelling adventure using instruments made form Trash for Teaching materials.

Trash for Teaching is also available to come to you for your party, and birthday party packages include instruction (with one instructor for every 10 kids), materials from their warehouse, goodie bags full of Trash for Teaching treasures, art supplies and a theme of your choice! Check the website for birthday party rates and packages.

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Trash for Teaching

Warehouse
2946 East 11th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90023; (323) 262-3400
Warehouse Hours: Wednesdays 9 a.m. – 4p.m. or call in advance for an appointment – subject to staffing
Ages: All
Cost: Materials $2/pound for the general public (discounts for educators)
Website

Movie theaters, libraries and churches are probably the few places remaining that can legitimately shush a child from disrupting the masses. Luckily, there are places that not only welcome, but cater to parents with loud, crying babies. So if you want to catch a flick but are discouraged because of your baby’s cries, don’t be at the following theatres where laughs and bellows and all sorts of other baby noises will be welcome. Just be prepared to listen to everyone else’s little bundles of joy as well.

Select Pacific Theatres locations offer Monday morning matinees at 11 a.m. for parents and babies. Here’s a list of participating theatres. For movie titles, call the numbers below or go to the website HERE.

Beach Cities 16 Cinemas
831 S. Nash Street, El Segundo, 90245
Ticket info: (310) 607-0007
Guest Services: (310) 607-9630

Pacific Theatres at the Grove
189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, 90036
Ticketing Info: (323) 692-0829
Guest Services: (323) 692-0103

Paseo 14
336 East Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 91101
Ticketing Info: (626) 568-8888
Guest Services: (626) 568-9651

Glendale 18
322 Americana Way, Glendale, 91210
Ticketing Info: (866) 722-9790
Guest Services: (818) 551-0566

At the Bridge Cinema in Culver City, every third Thursday of the month is a parent and me noon movie welcoming parents and babies.  To get movie titles of the week, call the number below or go to the website HERE.

The Bridge Cinema de Luxe
The Promenade at Howard Hughes Center
6081 Center Drive, Los Angeles, 90045
(310) 568-9930

At Los Feliz 3 Cinemas in Los Feliz, every Wednesday at 10:30 is a special Mommy and Me movie time.  Choose from three of the most current box office offerings for you and your babe.  To get movie titles of the week, call the number below or go to the website HERE.

Los Feliz 3 Cinemas
1822 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, 90027
(323) 664-2169

Photo by Meagan