Robots & Bats & Pumpkins, Oh My!

Programs at the Bridgewater Library, other libraries in the Somerset County Library System and around the community…

@ Bridgewater Library: Programs

Wednesday’s Toddler Time (18 mo.-3) has been rescheduled to 10 & 11 a.m. Friday October 7th. No registration required. Clapping and singing, rhymes and books….introduce your toddler to the beginnings of story time!


ROBODYSSEY: How to Talk to a Robot.  Registration required. Saturday October 8, 2011 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM For Children in Grades 4-6.
Robots will only do what you tell them to do - not necessarily what you want them to do! Learn the language (syntax) to make robots understand what you mean (semantics) and then solve the Blind Bot's Bluff maze challenge.

Going Batty Grades K-5 Wednesday, Oct. 12th 2011 4:30-5:30pm Just in time for Halloween, we'll set our sights (with a touch of echolocation!?!) on this most misunderstood mammal. Join us for stories, scientific investigations, and a bat-terrific craft. Registration required.


Pumpkin Fun Saturday October 22, 2011 (Ages 3+) 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM or 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Join the Bridgewater Garden Club for the annual pumpkin-decorating program! Create a fun, magnificently decorated pumpkin - you bring the pumpkin and we’ll supply the decorating materials! Paints will be used, so be sure to wear old clothes or bring a smock. Please bring a box to carry home your pumpkin. Registration begins October 7th.


Folk Dances of India  Saturday October 22, 2011   2:00 PM to 3:00 PM  **For children of all ages**  Registration begins October 7th.  The Nrithyanjali Institute of Dance ensemble, led by Ramya Ramnarayan, will perform the ancient dance from Barata Natyan, which features a highly stylized technique.  Dancers are adorned with exquisite costumes, jewelry, and make-up to resemble temple sculptures. Audience participation is not only welcome, it's encouraged!  Nrithyanjali Institute of Dance is a premier dance institute in the tri-state area, dedicated to preserve, promote, and propagate classical Indian dance forms.  In addition to presenting traditional themes and stories from Hindu mythology, Nrithyanjali Institute strives to educate varied audiences of all ages about dance style, using innovative teaching methods in workshops that are offered throughout the year.
This coming week (October 11-14th) is the final week of our Sept-Oct. session of weekly storytimes, toddler times and infant lap sits.  Our Nov-Dec. sessions begin Nov. 1st.

Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Family Story Time (ages 2-6) no registration required. Join us each week for stories, songs, fingerplays, and a short film.


Wednesdays at 10 & 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Toddler Time (18 mo.-3) no registration required. Clapping and singing, rhymes and books….introduce your toddler to the beginnings of story time!



Thursdays at 10:30 Baby Book Time (birth to 18 months) no registration required. Clap your hands and stamp your feet and let you baby feel the beat of stories, songs and rhymes.


LEGO Club (For Grades K - 6)  Monday October 24, 2011  4:30 PM to 5:30 PM   Registration begins October 10.  Hey LEGO fans -Here's a club just for you!Get together with other LEGO-maniacs, share ideas and tips on building, and have a great time. Library LEGOS will be available for building, please do not bring your own.
 

Special Halloween Storytime.Tuesday October 25, 2011 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM or 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM.  No Registration Required.  Get ready for the holiday with some (slightly) scary stories and songs.  Children (and adults, if they wish) are welcome to attend in costume.

Rocket Readers **For Grades 1-3**  Tuesday October 25, 2011   4:30 PM to 5:30 PM.  **Registration is required and begins October 13th.**An exciting program for brand new readers! At each program we will discuss a book, play some games, or create a “book-tiful” craft related to the story. Students should read the book prior to the program. Copies of the book will be available at the Youth Services Reference Desk. This month's book: Mr. Putter and Tabby Paint the Porch by Cynthia Rylant.  Now that it's spring, Mr. Putter decides it's time to paint the porch.  Tabby tries to be helpful, but the end result is a pink spotted porch, a pink spotted squirrel, and a pink spotted Tabby! Join us to read and discuss the book, and a craft.

Talk It Up Book Discussion Group (For students in grades 5-8) Tuesday October 25, 2011 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Registration Required Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson. See description below in the teen programs section.






Chapter Book Club  October 26, 2011 (for grades 3 & 4) 4:30-5:30  I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916  Lauren Tarshis.  In the summer of 1916, ten year-old Chet Roscow is captivated by the local news: a Great White shark has been attacking and killing people up and down the Atlantic Coast, not far from Chet's hometown of Springfield, New Jersey.  Registration begins October 12th.






Halloween Hootenanny -- Sing-Along and Interactive Activities  Saturday October 29, 2011 for children of all ages and their families.  10 a.m. to 11 a.m.  Join us in costume as we celebrate this fun holiday. No registration required!


Want to see more of our Fall Schedule? Check out our October Bridgewater Library Online Calendar. Also, a reminder that Somerset County Library Cardholders can attend programs at any of our branches…check out their online calendars under the “events/programs” tab on our home page for more information.


@ the Library – for Teens:

Make a Difference @ the Library! (Volunteer Opportunities)
For students in grades 5 – 6 Thursday October 6, 2011 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM **Registration required ATTENTION STUDENTS IN GRADES 5 AND 6: Here is your chance to make a difference by volunteering at the library! Volunteer hours for this month will be limited to today between 7:00pm and 8:00pm.

ROBODYSSEY: How to Talk to a Robot Registration Required. Saturday October 8, 2011 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM For Children in Grades 4-6.
Robots will only do what you tell them to do - not necessarily what you want them to do! Learn the language (syntax) to make robots understand what you mean (semantics) and then solve the Blind Bot's Bluff maze challenge.
Saturday October 8, 2011 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM For students in Grades 7 - 12
Robots will only do what you tell them to do - not necessarily what you want them to do! Come to our Robodyssey program and learn to speak 'robot language' (or syntax) and learn how to make robots understand what you mean (or semantics). Then, use what you've learned about syntax and semantics to program your very own robot to navigate a minefield of robot swallowing holes! Please note: Participants should have functional knowledge of Windows.


Teen Advisory Board: Tuesday October 18, 2011. 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM For students in Grade 6 – 12 **Registration required
Do you want to make a difference at your library? Do you have suggestions for programs, new books, movies, or video games? Then come to one of our upcoming T.A.B. meeting! Community service hours will be awarded for attendance and snacks will be served!





Talk It Up Book Discussion Group (For students entering grades 5-8) Tuesday October 25, 2011 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Registration Required If you love to read and talk about books, you are cordially invited to an hour of book talk and friendly company. Parents and parent substitutes are welcome to join in the discussion. Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson. If an entire nation could seek its freedom, why not a girl? As the Revolutionary War begins, thirteen-year-old Isabel wages her own fight...for freedom. Promised freedom upon the death of their owner, she and her sister, Ruth, in a cruel twist of fate become the property of a malicious New York City couple, the Locktons, who have no sympathy for the American Revolution and even less for Ruth and Isabel. When Isabel meets Curzon, a slave with ties to the Patriots, he encourages her to spy on her owners, who know details of British plans for invasion. She is reluctant at first, but when the unthinkable happens to Ruth, Isabel realizes her loyalty is available to the bidder who can provide her with freedom.

Aspiring teen filmmakers: Here’s your chance to make a video!  Deadline for entries is October 14th. Click on this Entry form for full information and rules. Contest is open to 6th-12th graders.


@ the Library: Displays:



A is for Alphabet, I is for Imagination! -- Check out our great display of innovative alphabet books – they are definitely not just for pre-schoolers! – near the re-shelving area.




Math Counts: Great Books to Help Kids Enjoy and Understand Mathematical Concepts – above our picture book section






Around the Community:

This portion of our site highlights events that may be of interest to area families. To be listed, events must either be free or be sponsored by a non-profit.
Heroes of Olympus Toga Party at Somerville Library. Thursday October 6, 2011 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM  Design a toga to wear, test your knowledge and strength.  Enjoy refreshments with your fellow Greeks. Grades 2-5 Registration Required.






CALLUM'S WALK: A family fun walk to raise awareness for Fragile X Syndrome and Autism. Saturday, October 8 from 9:30 a.m., to noon at Duke Island Park in Bridgewater. For further information or to register: www.callumswalk.com -or- http://www.callumswalk.com.php5-20.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/registrationform.pdf

TIME TRAVEL WEEKEND IN SOMERSET COUNTY

Weekend Journey through the Past

The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, in conjunction with local historical organizations, has designated the weekend of October 8 & 9, 2011, "Weekend Journey through the Past." During the two-day period, 22 of the County's significant historic sites will be open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday and 12:00 to 4:00 PM on Sunday. Many of the sites have planned special exhibits, programs, and tours. Admission and parking at each site are free.
The sites have been grouped into three convenient tours by location: Northern, Central and Southern Somerset County. A scenic route plan with driving directions has been prepared for each of the three tours.
This annual event is a perfect opportunity for a family outing. A visit to the County's historic sites offers a unique educational experience for all ages, as well as a chance to visit some of Somerset County's most picturesque and unspoiled areas.
Many of the sites have significant Revolutionary War histories and have contributed to the area's designation as the "Crossroads of the American Revolution State Heritage Area." Local historians will be on hand to share their knowledge and stories about Somerset County's history.

Build & Grow at Lowe's Saturday, October 8 -  A free children's clinic with instruction will be held at Lowes 10 a.m. Each participant will receive a free apron, goggles, a themed patch, and a certificate of merit upon completion of their project. This week - Build a Halloween Monster Machine!

Where: Lowe's 315 US Highway 206 Hillsborough, 08844 When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Who: Children up to age 12 How: Just show up!Cost: FREE!!!  For more info: www.lowesbuildandgrow.com 908-904-6140

 
RVCC Planetarium Fall Schedule
AstronoMyths
Saturdays, October 8, 15, November 5, 12, 19
3:00 p.m.
The Autumn Skies are full of myth and science.  Learn some of the Greek mythology associated with the constellations, then look beyond the stories to discover the deep sky objects hidden within: binary star systems, star clusters, and giant galaxies.

Fall Skies
Saturdays, October 8, 15, November 5, 12, 19
7:00 p.m.
Learn what stars, planets, and constellations are visible in the sky tonight.
Spooky Skies
Saturdays, October 22 and 29
3:00 and 7:00 p.m.
This Halloween, come to the RVCC Planetarium to witness spine-chilling tricks and treats of Spooky Skies.  Spooky Skies takes viewers back to medieval Ireland to explore the roots of the Halloween holiday, then into the heavens to draw parallels between some celestial objects and famous monsters.  What does a werewolf have on an inescapable Black Hole, or a noxious, deadly planet like Venus, or a crushing, dangerous supernova?

Laser Light Waves
Saturdays, October 8, 15
4:00 p.m.
Lasers illustrate songs by a variety of artists, including U2 and Moby.

Laser Dark Side of the Moon
Saturdays, October 8, 15
8:00 p.m.
Songs include "Speak to Me," "Time," and "Brain Damaged."

Fright Light -- family version
Saturdays, October 22 and 29
4:00 p.m.
Features songs including "Alive" by Meatloaf and "Thriller" by Michael Jackson.

 

Fright Light -- PG-13 version
Saturdays, October 22 and 29
8:00 p.m.
Not recommended for young viewers or those easily scared! Features songs including "Alive" by Meatloaf and "Thriller" by Michael Jackson, and "The Night Santa Went Crazy" by Weird Al.

Holistic Moms Network present:
"Children's Health and Wellness"
Tuesday, October 11 at 7:00pm
Location: Bridgewater Library, NJ
Children have specific health needs and unique constitutions. Please join us and hear Dr. Andy Rosenfarb, ND, L.Ac. of Union County, NJ, discuss the real causes and natural solutions for conditions like chronic ear and sinus infections, allergies and asthma, eczema, cough, ADD/ADHD, autism, night terrors, anxiety, digestive issues, bed wetting and more!
Dr. Rosenfarb has worked extensively with children and their health related conditions for over 18 years. He studied Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, CA, and Hangzhou, China. Dr. Rosenfarb earned his Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from Canyon College in Carmichael, California.    All welcome – not just moms! Refreshments will be served.

Wednesday, October 12 - Reader's Theater 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM  Ages 9 & 10. Registration required. Discover your inner thespian with a group play, reading and acting.    at Warren Library, 42 Mountain Boulevard, Warren.  Program Room. 

 Origami Craft at Bound Brook Library  Thursday October 13, 2011  6:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Grades 5 - 12) Registration Required.  This is a great opportunity to learn origami.  You will have the chance to complete at least 2 projects.

Thursday, October 13 - Old Fashioned Kite-Making

Children ages 4-6 with a parent will join a Naturalist after school to learn how to make and fly an old-fashioned kite at The Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge. 4:00 - 5:30 PM  Registration required.  Register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org under Naturalist programs or call 908-766-2489 and press 0 to speak to a Naturalist. Cost: $10/pair and $5/additional child.

Thursday, October 13 - Sticks, Hoops and Marbles

Children ages 7 to 9 will enjoy playing Colonial games as they were played in the 1770's at The Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge. 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM  Registration required.  Register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org under Naturalist programs or call 908-766-2489 and press 0 to speak to a Naturalist. Cost: $9 per child.

LUNA STAGE OPENS ITS SECOND SEASON IN THE VALLEY ARTS DISTRICT WITH A WORLD PREMIERE PRODUCTION – this might be of interest to some of our young scientists!!
THE DANGERS OF ELECTRIC LIGHTING
A World Première by Ben Clawson
Directed by John Henry Davis
WHEN: Thursday, October 13 – Sunday, November 13. Thursdays at 7:30 PM; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM; Sundays at 3 PM; Opening night is Friday, October 21, 8 PM
WHERE: Luna Stage, 555 Valley Road, West Orange
TICKETS: Preview tickets are $20; After opening, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays are $25; Saturdays are $30. Opening night tickets are $35 and include an after-show reception.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.lunastage.org or by calling 973.395.5551
In the mid 1880s the world is emerging from darkness; the advent of the electric light is about to illuminate the globe. The power to spread this new wonder sits cradled in the hands of one man, Thomas Alva Edison. But when a young Serbian immigrant named Nikola Tesla arrives looking for work, Edison must struggle to keep the future of electricity within his control.
The Dangers of Electric Lighting examines the ambitions and pride that accompany genius, the concessions made in the name of progress and the darkness on the road to light up the world. Please note: A strobe light and smoke effect will be used during this production.
SPECIAL OPEN-CAPTIONED PERFORMANCE, Sunday, November 6, 3 PM     
TALK-BACK after performances on:
Sunday, October 23, 3 PM, with the creative team
Thursday, October 27, 7:30 PM, with Paul Israel, Managing Editor of The Thomas S. Edison Papers at Rutgers University

Saturday, October 15 - The Improvables - Family Improv at he Watchung Arts Center, 12 Stirling Road, Watchung. 8:00 PM for families with kids ages 10 and up.

The Improvables provide audiences with outlandish humor, surprises, and an all-around great time. Each show consists of a series of "games" in which the performers have to act out various scenarios without knowing in advance what they are going to say or how things are going to turn out. It is the audience that often sets the scenes for the players on-the-spot.  Audience members are also sometimes pulled up to join in the fun! Special family-friendly improv performances are good, clean fun for families with kids - the kids love it!  $8.00 per person.   Tickets available online at www.watchungarts.org. For more info: Call the Arts Center at 908-753-0190.

HUNGER WALK
Community Soup Kitchen (CSK) is holding its annual Hunger Walk fundraiser in Morristown on Sunday, October 16, from 1 – 3 P.M. Members of the Bernardsville Middle School (BMS) Youth Council -- BMS BRIGADE -- will be walking, but this event is open to anyone. SO come walk with us OR if you can’t, follow this link to sponsor one of our walkers: http://www.active.com/donate/HungerWalk11/TeamBMSBrigade

Tuesday, October 18 - Boys Book Club Planning Meeting at Watchung Library, 12 Stirling Road, Watchung.  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM  Boys in grades 5 and 6 with companion. Registration required.

Join a fun book discussion group just for guys in 5th & 6th grades and their dads, granddads, uncles, big brothers, mentors or guardians.  Books and other reading materials will be used to provide the theme for each meeting, and activities may also include crafts, games or special guests.  This is a planning meeting to determine interest, decide on meeting dates and times, and select reading topics.  Both students their their adult companions are invited to help plan.  if you are interested but can't attend the meeting, please contact the teen librarian by email at tcoss@sclibnj.org.

Stories Alive with Miss D'ette! at Watchung Library Ages: 4 to 5 Wednesday October 19, 2011  11:00 AM to 11:45 AM Registration Required. Miss D'ette will share one of her favorite dinosaur stories, and then the children will make their own fossils with Playdough.



 Science in the Library at Somerville Public Library  Thursday October 20, 2011  4:00 PM to 4:45 PM   'Bet You Can't.' Simple, but impossible feats and the science behind them.  Grades 2-5 Registration Required.






MUSIC IS MAGIC! Music for Special Needs Kids at Watchung Library.  Thursday October 27, 2011   4:30 PM to 5:30 PM  Ages: Birth through age 5 with Caregiver.   Registration Required.
This program is designed to provide an accepting and stimulating musical environment for special needs children and their families.  Using guitar, song, movement, shaky eggs, scarves and drums, Ann creates a musical environment that is meant to be a safe haven where children and their parents/teachers can sit back and enjoy music-making.

Danny King of the Basement at RVCC Theater

Friday, October 28 at 7PM
Tickets: $25
Danny’s life is all about embracing change. He and his mom are constantly on the move, struggling to evade homelessness and overcome poverty. In two years, they have lived in more places than most kids lose teeth. But despite the adversity he faces, Danny takes on each new challenge creatively and with an energetic spirit, inspiring all he meets with his positivity, generosity, and humor. A powerful piece of theatre that speaks to all of us.TORONTO SUN
Found Objects Arts Project  Friday, October 28, 5:30 to 6:15PM
Ages 8+  Art teacher Janie Pinter will lead the group through a fun session of making something from a bunch of nothing. Before you come, go through your "junk drawer" and grab an item or two to start your artwork. We'll have plenty more to choose from and you'll go home with something greater than the sum of its parts.  Workshop is FREE. Pre-registration required. Call Cindy at 908.231.8801


These are just a few events from listings in various calendars & online newsletters including njartsmaven.com, Hillsborough, Branchburg, Somerville Macaroni Kid, and Warren Macaroni Kid. If your family is looking for things to do, take a look at these sites, as well as many other area event listings are in the “useful websites” section on the right side of this blog (if you are getting this via email, just click on the headline to see them listed.)



 

Wonderopolis.org  produced its 366th Wonder of the Day this week….check out their site for fascinating information about everything from 3D movies to the snake fangs!  Curious about something?…nominate a daily wonder for them to answer!

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  R.I.P Steve Jobs.