Parenting OC

March 2017

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Parenting OC Magazine | March 2017 37 www.ParentingOC.com did not receive insurance. A total of 38 WASPs were killed while serving their country. The WASP program, which ran from 1942 to 1944, is said to have opened the doors for women in today's air force. At the souvenir shop, pick up WE LOVE TO FLY, a book about WASPs written by museum docent Nancy Robison. Florence Joyner Olympiad Park Mission Viejo, www.cityofmissionviejo.org Parents can turn a trip to the playground into an educational and inspirational experience at Florence Joyner Olympiad Park. It was renamed in 1999 in memory of Florence "Flo Jo" Joyner, a former Mission Viejo resident considered to be the fastest woman to ever live. The track star won a Silver Medal in the 1984 Summer Olympics, followed by three Golds and a Silver at the 1988 Summer Olympics. She continues to hold world records in women's 100- and 200-meter sprints. She was also known for her wild style; she raced in four-inch nails and fl ashy body suits. Joyner lived in a residential neighborhood near the park and, alongside her husband, worked with local track and little league teams. Joyner died at age 38 after suffering an epileptic seizure. The park, at 22760 Olympiad Road, also features an Olympic plaza com- plete with plaques honoring other Mission Viejo Olympic athletes. Arden Helena Modjeska House and Gardens Anaheim, www.ocparks.com/historic/modjeska To go, or not to go: That's the question parents may ask themselves before visiting a Modjeska Canyon attraction that was once home to a world-famous Shakespearean actress. The historic home and garden site was once the residence of Madame Helena Modjeska, one of America's most beloved actresses who spent decades starring in Shakespeare plays throughout the country. After buying the small ranch, Modjeska and her husband hired a world-renowned architect to transform it into the house it is today. Modjeska named the property, surrounded by oak groves, "Arden" because it reminded her of the Forest of Arden in Shakespeare's As You Like It. Tours are offered at 10 a.m. on most Wednesdays and Saturdays. Visitors must be at least 12 years old, reservations required by calling 949-923-2230. Discovery Cube Santa Ana, oc.discoverycube.org Many kids have an insatiable interest in astronomy. Parents can feed that curiosity by telling them the incredible story of Sally Ride, an astronaut and astrophysicist who in 1983 became the fi rst American woman to travel to space. Ride, born in SoCal, also holds the record for being the youngest American astronaut in space (then 32). After learning about Ride's accomplishments, children can visit the Discovery Cube's Mission Control exhibit to engage in interactive displays on aerospace, Mars rovers and satellites. Visitors can step inside the replica of a jet propulsion lab control room to experience the "ultimate hands-on space mission" or visit the Boeing Rocket Lab to learn about space, rockets and engineering. After her space travels, Ride helped launch The Sally Ride Science Academy, which promotes gender equality while encouraging student interest in math and science. Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center Anaheim, www.muzeo.org Take a walk through the ghosts of closets past at the Muzeo Musem, which features a unique exhibit showcasing the fashions of the 1900s. Dressing Downton: Changing Fashion for Changing Times highlights the styles of TV series Downtown Abby, a popu- lar period drama. Fans can stroll through a "costume chronicle" of the early nineteenth century in an exhibit rich with jewelry and nearly 40 costumes. Since Dressing Downton is expected to be a popular one, visi- tors will be admitted by time entry. Museum goers are advised to buy tickets online; same day walk-ups will be accommodated by availability. The exhibit runs through May 7. LEFT: First Lady Patricia Nixon. a trailblazing Presidential Wife, visited an active combat zone and threw out an MLB "first pitch". CENTER: Girls can race toward inspiration with a visit to Mission Viejo's Florence Joyner Olympiad Park, honoring the OC native. RIGHT: Skip the mall for serious fashion knowledge at Muzeo's "Dressing Downton: Changing Fashion for Changing Times".

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