Coming Up on April Fool’s–Will Someone Stop the Snow and Cold Already?

@ the Library
Vote for Your Favorite Book Monday 4/4!


Children's Choice Book Awards  (For ages 5 - 10) Monday, April 4 from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Registration Required.  Your Opinion Counts! Come vote! We'll see the titles nominated for best children's choice picture book author & illustrator, then vote for our favorites. And our votes will help determine the national winners! (If you are a chapter book reader, you can also check out and vote for the chapter book nominees here.

@ the Library – Displays & Activities:


Check out the display: "Keeping Japan in our Hearts & Minds" on the back side of the Youth Services Reference Desk, along with 8.5x8.5 paper & origami crane instructions.  You can help Japan by making paper cranes. These simple yet powerful gestures will trigger a $200,000 donation from the Bezos Family Foundation—$2 for each crane received—to Architecture for Humanity’s reconstruction efforts in Japan. The goal is 100,000 submissions, then, the cranes will be woven into an art installation—a symbolic gift from youth worldwide to their Japanese peers.  At the end of April, we will be sending the cranes we make to StudentsRebuild.org.  

Incidentally, if your child is upset about the news from Japan (or Egypt, Libya, or anywhere else!), check out the article “How to Ease your Child's Disaster Anxiety” from Macaroni Kid Safety.


@ the Library – Programs:


Reminder for this weekend:
“Presley and Melody” Music with Care! (Suggested for 3 and up) Saturday, April 2 at 10:30 am.  Celebrate Spring (we hope!) with the music of Presley and Melody.  Join us for a delightful, song-filled Saturday morning! No registration required.








Next week:

Super Retro Game Night  For all ages - Families welcome! Wednesday, April 6 from 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm It’s a blast from the past! Come to our Retro Game Night and play video games from the last 30 years!! No registration required.

We still have a few spots available to:

Read to Spence (For children ages 5 and older) Practice reading out loud to Spence, a Certified Therapy Dog, in a comfortable, nonjudgmental environment. Bring your favorite book or choose one of ours. Sign up at the Youth Services Reference desk for your one-on-one 15 minute time slot. Call 908 526-4016 x126 to Register.

Thursday, April 7 from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm    Space is limited.

Singing with Carol  Join the Mooooo-sic! (For all ages) Monday, April 11 at 10:00 am. Join our Farm Frolics and “sing with the animals”! No registration required.

Family Story Time continues on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Toddler Time on Wednesdays at 10 & 11 a.m. and Thursday at 10:30 a.m. and Baby Lap Sit on Thursdays at 9:30.  For full details on this and other programs, see the Bridgewater Library Online Calendar.

And don’t forget – you can attend programs at any of our NINE member libraries – just click on the “Events/Programs” tab at the top of our home page (or on the right side of our children’s home page) for schedules and information.



For Teens:


Mark your calendars – Registration for teen summer volunteers will run from April 1st-30th.  Starting this Friday you can print a form by selecting the “volunteers” tab on left side of the teen home pages.  (Forms MUST be returned in person to the library by April 30th – NO LATE FORMS will be accepted! )

Volunteer Opportunities (For students in grades 5 - 6)  Attention students in grades 5 and 6, here is your opportunity to make a difference by volunteering at the library. Wednesday April 20, 2011 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Volunteer hours will be limited to the above listed date and time.  Registration Required.
 
Teens…  Mark your calendars for this Career Fair at Bound Brook High School for Somerset County residents ages 15-18 on Saturday April 2nd from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.   WALK-INS WELCOME.


SAT/ACT Combo Practice Test  For grades 10 – 12 Saturday, April 9 from 9:30 am - 1:30 pm Registration Required.
Deciding between the SAT and ACT? Kaplan's combo test will allow you to take both! A free practice test is one of the best ways to get ready for the real thing. By taking this practice test, you will learn exactly what to expect on test day and receive a complete individual analysis of your results. There will also be a follow-up seminar that discusses how the SAT and ACT are used in college admissions, the difference between the two tests, and important test-taking tips and strategies.   A follow-up session to get your scores and ask questions from a Kaplan representative will be held on Monday, April 25 at 7:00 pm.  Can’t make this program?  The library subscribes to several test prep databases that you can use 24/7.


And at the Somerville Library that same afternoon:


Poetry Workshop  Saturday April 9, 2011  3:00 PM to 4:30 PM Grades 6-12 Registration required.
Poet and musician Chris Rockwell will perform his poetry, then show us how to write and perform our own. The workshop is open to all levels, whether you're a skilled poet or want to learn how to write. Participants will receive notebooks and poetry magazines.




Around the Community:


Morris County Historic Sites OPENING WEEKEND  - Come out for family fun! April 2nd, 2011  10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Click here for details & directions.
Cooper Gristmill

• Join in celebrating the 33rd season at Cooper Gristmill. Learn the Gristmill's history and how much flour it can produce in a day. Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (The last tour of the Gristmill begins at 3:30 p.m.)
• Cost: Donations appreciated  Call: 908-879-5463 for more information.

 
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm

• Experience farm and domestic life during the early 20th century and help with various chores. Reserve a tour of The Willows, the home of the Foster family. Help Caroline Foster celebrate her 134^th birthday by enjoying a slice of cake!
• View Fosterfields’ new exhibit "Letters to Emma."
• Cost: $6.00 adults, $5.00 seniors, $4.00 children (4-16) $2.00 children (2-4)  Call: 973-326-7645 for more information.

Historic Speedwell

• Unveiling of Speedwell's brand new Orientation DVD!
  
• Guided tours through the Vail Home and Factory Building
  
• Explore our new exhibit Expanding Speedwell's Horizons: The S.S. Savannah! Cost: $4.00 adults, $3.00 seniors, $2.00 children (4-16)   Call: 973-285-6550 or e-mail info@speedwell.org for more information.

MUSIC AND STORIES OF THE CIVIL WAR with Marianne and Tom Tucker In Commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War. Refreshments served during the intermission SUNDAY, APRIL 3, at 2 PM WHERE: Farmstead House, 450 King George Road, Basking Ridge   For info:  347.927.8748, or visit www.farmsteadartscenter.org   TICKETS: $20 per person/Student & Seniors $10  Order online  (a limited number of tickets may be available at the door.)  Appearing in period dress and performing on guitar, banjo, tin whistle, zither and concertina, Marianne and Tom Tucker will present Music and Stories of the Civil War that is part of the Farmstead Arts First Sunday Concert Series. The duo will sing songs and tell stories that reflect on life during the war in the 1860’s. Folk Musicians Marianne and Tom Tucker (Photo Credit Tom Tucker)

INTRODUCE YOUR KIDS TO OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS THIS SATURDAY @ THE NEWARK MUSEUM

WHEN: Saturday, April 2, 11Am–4:30 PM WHERE: The Newark Museum, 49 Washington Street, Newark


"Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. March 25 - April 16  Friday & Saturday – 8PM  Sunday – 2PM at the Somerset Valley Players in Hillsborough. This high-spirited musical rocks the stage with the classic Biblical story of love and redemption in ancient times, as favored son Joseph with his coat of many colors becomes exiled by his jealous brothers, to find his true calling in the strange new land of Egypt while coming to grips with the power of lies and injustice.

BELOVED CHILDREN’S STORY ONSTAGE @ THE GROWING STAGE

JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH By Roald Dahl WHEN: March 25–April 17, Fridays at 7:30 PM, Saturdays and Sundays at 4:00 PM WHERE: The Growing Stage on Route 183, 7 Ledgewood Avenue in Netcong TICKETS: $18 for adults, $14 for children and seniors, group rates and birthday party rooms available 973.347.4946 or www.growingstage.com






Looking ahead to next weekend:

The Lightning Thief Festival in Princeton

Get ready to, like, totally GREEK out! It’s time for Princyclopedia, Cotsen Libraries' huge, annual event where we bring a book to life through a multitude of hands-on projects, activities, live shows, and demonstrations. This year's book is The Lightning Thief, and we promise to do it justice. Step into Medusa’s lair, talk tactics with Greek warriors, taste nectar & ambrosia straight from Olympus, take a ride (literally!) on the Minotaur, enjoy a “Pegasus-eye” view of Princeton, and adventure in the amazing world of mythology, magic, art, history, and clashing titans of Ancient Greece! SATURDAY, APRIL 9 10:00am – 3:00pm No registration required  Open to the public and free of charge   All ages  Click here for more information, parking and directions.




Art for Families at the Princeton Art Museum (most Saturday Mornings, see calendar for upcoming programs.)   Animal Bingo Date/Time: 4/9/11  10:30 am - 1:00 pm  Join us on Saturday mornings for family fun in the Art Museum. Drop in anytime between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and enjoy a self-guided, interactive tour followed by a related art project. Each week has a different theme. Come for fifteen minutes or two hours--whatever your schedule allows. All ages are welcome. No tickets or reservations needed.  

The Annual Battle of Bound Brook 2011

April 9 and 10. Family Friendly All Ages
The boom of the cannon and the crack of the musket will be heard on April 9-10 when the Battle of Bound Brook will be fought in the streets of Bound Brook and South Bound Brook.  During Battle of Bound Brook 2010: Washington’s Army at Middlebrook 1777-1779, re-enactors and historians will bring the Middlebrook encampments of 1777–1779 to life. “This is a very exciting event,” said Tom Harabin, President of Friends of Abraham Staats House.  “It makes history come alive when people can see the soldiers living their daily lives in the encampment just as they did when Washington’s army was here over 200 years ago.”
The 2-day program explores the American Revolutionary War during the time frame of the Battle of Bound Brook and the American army's use of Middlebrook in the years 1777 - 1779. Experience this important period in New Jersey's and America's history. Activities include: Marching, Drilling and Street Battle Reenactments, Soldiers Encampment, Historic House Tours and Exhibits.  Check out the complete schedule.
Parking: Parking for events in South Bound Brook is available along Main Street, in the Elm Street Parking Lot and along public streets in the area of the Soldiers Encampment. Parking in Bound Brook is available throughout the town and in Billian Park. Intermittent street closings are expected during the weekend in South Bound Brook and Bound Brook to accommodate the street battles and march of the soldiers.
Directions: Old Presbyterian Graveyard, southwest corner of East Street and East High Street, Bound Brook, NJ 08805 Historic Abraham Staats House, 17 von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook, NJ, 08880.

Abraham Staats House

17 Von Steuben Ln, South Bound Brook, NJ 08880Venue Phone: 732-469-3472Phone: 732-469-5836
Saturday, April 9  Ticket Pricing: Grounds/Street Battles -Free Historic Abraham Staats House (tours/presentations/exhibits) $8 adults, $4 under 18
 
The Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge has a slew of educational programs for children and families this Spring.  Check out their schedule here!  

Looking for more things to do?  Check out the many Events Listings under the USEFUL LINKS FOR FAMILIES  on the right side of our blog.  Two very useful events consolidators for our area are Hillsborough Macaroni Kid & Warren Macaroni Kid.  Check out our previous blog entry for more events this week. (Thanks to njartsmaven.com for some of these listings.)


 Let Your Fingers Do the Walking:


Looking for reading ideas for your family for every day of the year?  Print out these monthly calendars from Reading is Fundamental and post them on your fridge!



Looking for  summer camps?   The Somerset Hills School District Newsletter lists a lot of local options. 
Both these items are available as links under the “useful websites for families” on the right side of this blog.  (If you are getting the blog by email, click on the header to go to our blog webpage.)


From the Novelist Newsletter:  In the News: "Talked Out of Tantrums"
"Reading to your kids may help keep them from throwing fits." This attention-grabbing opening line from a brief piece in the February 2011 issue of Psychology Today is a reference to a study by Michigan State University's Claire Vallotton and Harvard Medical School's Catherine Ayoub entitled, "Use Your Words: The Role of Language in the Development of Toddlers' Self-Regulation". This important early literacy report was published in the Fall 2010 issue of Early Childhood Research Quarterly. In it, the two professors relate how they found a positive relationship between vocabulary (the number of words a toddler knows as opposed to talkativeness) and self-regulation (the capacity to control one's behavior and emotions), especially for boys. This is significant since on average, the language abilities of young males tend to lag behind those of their female counterparts.
While the Psychology Today piece did not directly explain how vocabulary grows (it was implied through the first line and a photograph of young kids with books), the University of Michigan's Susan B. Neuman stated at the 2010 ALSC Institute in Atlanta, "Books are the single most important avenue for learning new words." Speaking in conjunction with her role as an advisor to Every Child Ready to Read, Dr. Neuman also said that "phonological awareness and letter names are the strongest predictors of reading success in the primary grades BUT vocabulary and comprehension will be the strongest predictors from grade 4 on of reading success and school completion." As this recent study of self-control and emergent literacy makes clear, vocabulary is not only important for cognitive development but for emotional and social growth as well. Rather than give inattentive and agitated preschool boys medication, it sounds like what we really should be giving them is books and opportunities to discuss them.
NOVELIST CONNECTION: Looking for a handout that will provide reading guidance for parents of children ranging in age from newborn to six? From www.somerset.lib.nj.us select “Electronic Resources” (in the search section on the right), then toggle Journal Title to Database Name and type: Novelist and select NoveList K-8 Plus. On any page in NoveList K-8 Plus, enter "reading tips for parents;" then click on Search. Click on the Lists & Articles tab to find the chronologically-arranged "Reading Tips for Parents," which has been reprinted with permission from the innovative Colorado State Library Reading Project.  
Want more information on how to use NoveList K-8 Plus?  Ask our librarians!

Sing Spring? Well, maybe not quite yet…

@ the Library – Displays & Contests:

LAST CHANCE to decorate a “Cat in the Hat” Hat and enter our contest to win a HUGE “Cat in the Hat” drawing! 
and to enter the New Jersey State Library Read Like a Champion Contest – the chance to win a family four-pack of tickets to see the Smucker's Stars on Ice, Saturday, April 2 at 7:30 p.m. To enter, send an email to bwljuv@sclsnj.org with the subject "Contest," and in the body of the email include your name, the town where you live and your phone number. A winner will be drawn on March 25.



On display this month:   I Wonder?!? – Books that ask Who, Why, Where, What, and How? Also on display this month, books to celebrate strong female role-models for Women’s History Month . 



@ the Library: Programs


Family Story Time continues on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Toddler Time on Wednesdays at 10 & 11 a.m. and Thursday at 10:30 a.m. and Baby Lap Sit on Thursdays at 9:30.  For full details on this and other programs, see the Bridgewater Library Online Calendar.

Read to Spence (For children ages 5 and older) Practice reading out loud to Spence, a Certified Therapy Dog, in a comfortable, nonjudgmental environment. Bring your favorite book or choose one of ours. Sign up at the Youth Services Reference desk for your one-on-one 15 minute time slot. Call 908 526-4016 x126 to Register.

Thursday, March 24 from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Thursday, April 7 from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm    Space is limited.

'Cinderella' by The Pushcart Players(Suggested for families with children 3 and up) No Registration Required. Saturday, March 26 at 10:30 am. Spend Saturday morning with Cinderella and her step-sisters as we travel through a musical adaptation of the classic tale.  Check out this guide before you go!




Also on Saturday, March 26 from 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM. Tech Open House! Did you know that we offer eBooks, eAudiobooks, eVideos and eMUSIC! all of which can be downloaded to many digital devices…  Not sure how to download?  Bring your questions and devices.  Giveaways!  Prize drawing for an MP3 player!  Snacks!   No registration necessary.



“Presley and Melody” Music with Care! (Suggested for 3 and up)Saturday, April 2 at 10:30 am.  Celebrate Spring (finally!) with the music of Presley and Melody.  Join us for a delightful, song-filled Saturday morning!No registration required.







Children's Choice Book Awards  (For ages 5 - 10) Monday, April 4 from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Registration Required.  Your Opinion Counts! Come vote! We'll see the titles nominated for best children's choice picture book author & illustrator, then vote for our favorites. And our votes will help determine the national winners! (If you are a chapter book reader, you can also check out and vote for the chapter book nominees at http://www.bookweekonline.com/voting)

Super Retro Game Night  For all ages - Families welcome! Wednesday, April 6 from 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm It’s a blast from the past! Come to our Retro Game Night and play video games from the last 30 years!! No registration required.





Singing with Carol  Join the Mooooo-sic! (For all ages) Monday, April 11 at 10:00 am. Join our Farm Frolics and “sing with the animals”! No registration required.




For Teens:


SAT/ACT Combo Practice Test  For grades 10 – 12 Saturday, April 9 from 9:30 am - 1:30 pm Registration Required.
Deciding between the SAT and ACT? Kaplan's combo test will allow you to take both! A free practice test is one of the best ways to get ready for the real thing. By taking this practice test, you will learn exactly what to expect on test day and receive a complete individual analysis of your results. There will also be a follow-up seminar that discusses how the SAT and ACT are used in college admissions, the difference between the two tests, and important test-taking tips and strategies.   A follow-up session to get your scores and ask questions from a Kaplan representative will be held on Monday, April 25 at 7:00 pm.  Can’t make this program?  The library subscribes to several test prep databases that you can use 24/7.


Mark your calendars – Registration for teen summer volunteers will run from April 1st-30th.  More info. in the next update!


Teen Advisory Board Meeting  For students in grades 6 – 12 Tuesday April 19, 2011 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM  Do you want to make a difference at your library?  Do you have suggestions for programs, new books and movies?  Then come to the T.A.B. meeting.  Community service hours will be awarded for attendance.  Registration Required.


Volunteer Opportunities (For students in grades 5 - 6)  Attention students in grades 5 and 6, here is your opportunity to make a difference by volunteering at the library. Wednesday April 20, 2011 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Volunteer hours will be limited to the above listed date and time.  Registration begins March 28
 
Teens…  Mark your calendars for this Career Fair at Bound Brook High School for Somerset County residents ages 15-18 on Saturday April 2nd from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register by March 25th to enter a Door Prize Drawing.   WALK-INS ALSO WELCOME.



For Parents, Teachers, Child Care Workers:


Somerset County Library System  Parent and Teacher Workshop Bullying, Teasing, Name-Calling, Rejection - It's Rough Being a Kid!
 
This workshop presents strategies and materials that child care workers, educators and parents can use to help kids navigate the rough terrain of childhood social relationships.  Presented by Justine Shuey  M.Ed., ACS, and the librarians of the Somerset County Library System.    The workshop is free of charge and 1 ½ professional development hours will be awarded to attendees.     All programs are from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.  Register at the library of your choice:
Warren Township Library (908) 754-5554 x23   Monday, March 28
Bridgewater Library (908) 526-4016 x126  Thursday, April 7
Somerset County Library System  Parent and Teacher Workshop Bullying, Teasing, Name-Calling, Rejection - It's Rough Being a Kid!  is now full, however if you are interested, you may wish to attend:
The Superior Court Vicinage 13 Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties Advisory Committee on Minority Concerns and the Somerset County Bar Foundation are sponsoring a FREE Community Education Program for the public titled "The Bullying Dilemma...Join in the Conversation" on Thursday, April 28, 2011 starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Somerset County Courthouse, located at 20 North Bridge Street, Jury Assembly Room, 1st floor, Somerville, NJ.
The seminar will provide an overview of bullying, the psychological aspect of bullying, prevention methods, and the impact that it has on students, parents, teachers, and the community. The program will be presented by a number of experts in the field of Psychology, Law and Law Enforcement.
For Registration please contact:
Linnette Higley Tel: 908-203-6131 or SOMOmbudsman@judiciary.state.nj.us
This event qualifies interested participants for CLE Credits or 3 hours of Professional Development" for Educators. FOR CLE CREDITS PLEASE CONTACT ANN WINDER AT Tel: 908-685-2323 Fax: 908-685-9839 E-mail www.somersetbar.com.

Advocating for Your Child with Special Needs  A series of programs designed for parents and other adults interested in children with special needs. The programs are part of a joint venture between the Somerset County Library and Special Child Health Services – Somerset County Case Management Unit with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. The workshops are free of charge and 1 ½ professional development hours will be awarded to attendees.

Transition to Adulthood: Navigating the Adult Services System  Thursday, March 31 from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm.  Registration Required.  This workshop will outline the importance of establishing links and connecting with professionals, agencies and service providers for individuals with disabilities coming out of a school environment.  Presented by Nicole Pratt, Parent Professional Trainer, Statewide Parent Advocacy Network.

Autism, Asperger's and Music  Thursday, April 28 from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm. HAS BEEN CANCELLED – we hope to reschedule in the fall.

Transition to Preschool  Thursday, May 5 from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Registration Required.  Understanding the joint responsibilities of families, school districts and child study teams when transitioning out of early intervention, will be the focus of this presentation.  Presented by Shakira Linzey, MPH Family Support Coordinator Mid-Jersey CARES  Regional Early Intervention Collaborative -- A program of Central NJ Maternal & Child Health Consortium.

And don’t forget – you can attend programs at any of our NINE member libraries – just click on the “Events/Programs” tab at the top of our home page (or on the right side of our children’s home page) for schedules and information.


Around the Community:


The Children’s Museum’s next program  ‘Blast OFF: A Journey Into Space’   takes place from 1 to 4 PM on Saturday March 26 in The PeopleCare Center, 120 Finderne Ave., Bridgewater.
Activities will include rockets (including a weather-permitting launch by the local 4H model rocket club between 2 and 2:30 PM), our Martian Lander station (see how well you can package an egg for a decent to the Martian surface), eclipse kit, balloon rockets, planet collages, a weigh station, astronomy buttons, and a look at DVD photos from the Hubble Telescope. We also have an 'optional' constellation box craft, but we don't have our own shoebox inventory so please bring your own if you'd like to participate. See you on Saturday!   Suggested donation is $3 per child. More info is available at 908-595-0001 or www.childrensmuseumnj.org.   (Their next program will be Animals around the World on Sunday April 3rd.

The Center for Contemporary Art in Bedminster is celebrating “Youth Art Month” with free displays throughout the month of March – check their flyer for details.  They also offer classes for children & teens.



Art for Families at the Princeton Art Museum (most Saturday Mornings, see calendar for upcoming programs.)  Noble Knights and Lovely Ladies  Date/Time: 03/26/11 10:30 am - 1:00 pm  Join us on Saturday mornings for family fun in the Art Museum. Drop in anytime between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and enjoy a self-guided, interactive tour followed by a related art project. Each week has a different theme. Come for fifteen minutes or two hours--whatever your schedule allows. All ages are welcome. No tickets or reservations needed.  

"Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. March 25 - April 16  Friday & Saturday – 8PM  Sunday – 2PM at the Somerset Valley Players in Hillsborough.
This high-spirited musical rocks the stage with the classic Biblical story of love and redemption in ancient times, as favored son Joseph with his coat of many colors becomes exiled by his jealous brothers, to find his true calling in the strange new land of Egypt while coming to grips with the power of lies and injustice.

BELOVED CHILDREN’S STORY ONSTAGE @ THE GROWING STAGE

JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH
By Roald Dahl
Directed by Stephen L. Fredericks
WHEN: March 25–April 17, Fridays at 7:30 PM, Saturdays and Sundays at 4:00 PM
WHERE: The Growing Stage on Route 183, 7 Ledgewood Avenue in Netcong
TICKETS: $18 for adults, $14 for children and seniors, group rates and birthday party rooms available
973.347.4946 or www.growingstage.com
A magical peach! An imprisoned boy! Insect friends! An incredible journey! This amazing adventure of James Henry Trotter will fulfill the fantasy of anyone who has ever dreamed of escape. Roald Dahl's story comes hilariously to life in this delightful dramatization that reveals the wickedness of some, the goodness of others and the indecision encountered by many when they are faced with crises. You will see James (as he cleverly gets the Peach out of danger), the wise Old-Green-Grasshopper and the pessimistic Earthworm. You will also see James' mean Aunt Spiker and cruel Aunt Sponge come to a suitably sticky end.
The adaptation, which is based on the first piece Dahl wrote for children back in 1961, is generally considered one of the finest books ever written for young people. 
The Growing Stage is a professional member theatre of the Association of Actor’s Equity and is funded in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

KEAN PLAYERS ON TOUR PRESENTS “A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM”
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
By William Shakespeare
Adapted and Directed by Prof. Gail Winar
WHEN: March 30 to April 3 (scroll down for performance schedule)
WHERE: University Center Little Theatre on Kean University’s main campus at 1000 Morris Avenue, Union
TICKETS: $15 and can be purchased from the Kean University box office at 908.737.SHOW (7469) or on-line by visiting www.keanstage.com. For further information on the College of Visual and Performing Arts, visit www.kean.edu/cvpa.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is believed to have been written around 1590 to 1596 by William Shakespeare. It portrays the madcap events surrounding the marriage of the Duke of Athens,Theseus, and the Queen of the Amazons,Hippolyta. These include the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of amateur actors, who are manipulated by the fairies who inhabit the forest in which most of the play is set.
Professor Gail Winar adapted Shakespeare’s comedy into a playful 70- minute version that engages young audiences. “(Right: Robyn Lee as Titania and Victor Martinez as Bottom)


FREE 11th ANNUAL FAMILY ARTS FESTIVAL: DANCE FOR LIFE

Multicultural dance troupes, hands-on workshops, a family health area and more!
WHEN: March 26, from 1:00-4:00 PM WHERE: Arline and Henry Schwartzman Courtyard, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick TICKETS: FREE  Registration begins at 12:30. For more information, contact Adam at Young Audiences New Jersey at 1.866.500.9265 or e-mail info@yanj.org.

This popular family event is presented annually by Young Audiences New Jersey, in collaboration with the Community Health Promotion Program of RWJUH, with generous support from Johnson & Johnson.
This year’s “Dance for Life” theme features performances from multicultural dance troupes, hands-on dance workshops and even an on-site family health information area focused on childhood health and wellness issues. Children of all ages are welcome, accompanied by a parent or other favorite adult.
“Dance is not only a beautiful art form, it’s also a great form of exercise,” said Larry Capo, executive director of Young Audiences New Jersey. “We hope that our talented performers and our workshops will inspire children and their parents to learn more about dance, and also find fun new ways of being active together as a family.”
This year’s Family Arts Festival events include:
Professional Dance Performances, featuring:

• Illstyle and Peace Productions—hip-hop extraordinaire, rooted in contemporary and old-school styles (right)
  
• FlyGround—inspired by African, Afro Pop and Afro-Brazilian dance and music traditions

Student Dance Performances by:

• Fiesta Flamenca Spanish Dance Troupe
  
• Ballet Folklórico Xochipilli Mexican Dance Troupe (left)

Dance Workshops: Children and adults alike will explore dance from different cultures in four fun, active workshops, including workshops with members of our professional performing groups. Local Dance Schools: Learn about the classes and programs offered at the following area dance schools –Lustig Dance Theatre, Raices Cultural Center, Amar La Bomba, American Repertory Ballet, InSpira
Family Health Information Area: Visit the Family Health Information area for tips and interactive activities designed to keep the whole family fit and healthy.


Garden Sprouts   Mondays, 4/4, 4/11, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 6/6  11 a.m.  $7 each day http://www.MorrisParks.Net
The Frelinghuysen Arboretum  353 E. Hanover Ave. Morristown, NJ
To Register:   973.326.7603 or online at www.arboretumfriends.org

Spring is finally here and it’s time to get outside. Bring your favorite preschooler to the arboretum for this series of programs designed for the budding nature explorer.    Each week young people along with a favorite grownup will explore different gardens around the Frelinghuysen Arboretum and learn just how important plants are and how they do what they do. Each walk will include and activity and a story. Garden Sprouts will be lead by Master Gardeners Ingrid Witty and Lily Mehl. Lily Mehl is also a children’s librarian in Kinnelon.  
All classes will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Mondays. Participants may sign up for as many or as few as they choose.
April 4: How Does a Plant Begin? We will look inside seeds and then look around outside for signs of seeds beginning to bloom. We will also start some early seeds that young gardeners can take home and observe.
April 11: I Spy Birds! We will look at bird’s nests found around the arboretum and do some early Spring bird watching with binoculars we make and decorate.
April 25: Delightful Daffodils! We will look around for these beautiful spring blooms and learn how they grow. We will make some lovely flowers to decorate our homes.
May 2: What’s in the Soil? We will play with dirt as we learn all about the soil and nutrients that plants need to grow. We will prepare an Earthbox display of sunflowers for everyone to enjoy, and children will plant their own sunflower seeds to grow at home.
May 9: Let’s go Fly a Kite   Learn how the wind helps scatter seeds and then come in and make colorful kites to enjoy on windy days.
May 16: Bug Safari! We will explore the arboretum in search of crawling and flying insects and learn how important they are to the health of our gardens. We will make our own “bugs” to bring home.
May 23: Plant a Salad! Learn about some edible plants as we create an Earthbox display of lettuce, pepper and tomato plants. Young gardeners will begin small containers of edible gardens to bring home.
June 6: Finding a Rainbow   We will tour the arboretum enjoying all of the magnificent colors and make a colorful arrangement to bring home.

The Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge has a slew of educational programs for children and families this Spring.  Check out their schedule here!
 







 
Looking for more things to do?  Check out the many Events Listings under the USEFUL LINKS FOR FAMILIES  on the right side of our blog.  Two very useful events consolidators for our area are Hillsborough Macaroni Kid & Warren Macaroni Kid.


(Thanks to Ruth Ross at njartsmaven.com for some of these listings.)

  Let Your Fingers Do the Walking:


Spring means testing season in the schools.  If you would like to help your children prepare for the NJASK, the library subscribes to LUMOS, a test prep database specifically geared to this test.  You can find a link to this site under the USEFUL LINKS FOR FAMILIES  on the right side of our blog under NJ ASK -- Test Preparation.


Also under the USEFUL LINKS FOR FAMILIES is a link to Gifted & Talented NJ which lists dozens of local and national sites with information for parenting and teaching gifted children.
And you can always find our blog by clicking on the header to this email or by Googling “bwlibys”.

It is not too early to think about summer camps and programs for your kids.  Here are a few resources to get you started: Kids Guide offers a comprehensive list of camps & programs throughout the state.   Locally, Raritan Valley Youth Programs has assorted programs & camps for ages 5-17 in sports, art, enrichment, science & computers.  (They also offer programs over Spring Break.)  We have also put a link to camps under USEFUL LINKS FOR FAMILIES.