April 15, 2004

For crying out loud…
CineMamas, papas and babies at Century Theaters, Oakridge Mall

By Miranda Schultz
Staff Writer

On April 13, moms, dads and their young sons and daughters were able to enjoy a treat not often offered to parents of little ones: a chance to enjoy one of three movies at the plush, new Century Theaters in the Westfield Shoppingtown Oakridge Shopping Center, with no fear of other theatergoers complaining about a fussy baby.

They were there to kick off the CineMamas, which is offered every Tuesday at 10 a.m. When their child cries, there's no rushing them out of the theater in fear of angering other movie watchers. In these theaters, everyone is used to the interruption, and most really don't mind.

The event is presented by Century Theaters in association with Las Madres. It offers a baby safe sound level and free admission for children under three.

Jennifer Puckett just moved to Los Altos from Boston with her husband and 10-month-old daughter Gracie. “We attended one of these in Boston, and when we moved here, we looked it up and found this,” says Puckett as Gracie sits patiently in the aisle with her teething ring. “I just love the freedom of bringing my daughter and not having to keep her confined in her seat. She's happy and I'm happy!”

Rachael Parakh, president of Las Madres Club 2002, attended the event with her son Darius. “I've been here with my son four times and it's just fantastic. He's absorbing all of this. And, it's great for rainy days also. I love the movie selection too. They incorporate PG and PG-13 movies also,” says Parakh. The parents had a choice of the films “The Whole Ten Yards,” “Enchanted Ella ” and “The Prince and Me.”

Parakh also mentioned that the seats at Century Theaters in the Oakridge Shopping Center are great because the children can sit in them without the chair folding in on them. “So basically, the chairs won't eat your children,” says Parakh with a laugh. She and Darius enjoyed the floor up front with their friends Kim Crivello and her son Ethan.

For more information about CineMama's at the Oakridge Mall, visit www.cinemamas.com.