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Programs at the Bridgewater Library, other libraries in the Somerset County Library System and around the community…SAFETY ALERT – CUP NOODLE SOUPS POSE A SERIOUS BURN DANGER TO CHILDREN!!!
"I don't have them in my house," says Dr. Warren Garner, director of the burn unit at University of Southern California's County Hospital in Los Angeles. "I would say that we see at least two to three patients a week who've been injured by these products."
These soups are dangerous because of the way the cups are designed. The cups are tall, lightweight, and have an unstable base that makes them tip over easily. At Garner's unit, the most common cases are small children, often toddlers, accidentally tipping the cup over on to themselves. Read More.
December is a busy time – but kids can hear a story anytime – even when mom & dad are busy…
Stuck inside on a cold wet day? In a mood for a story?…famous actors read books aloud at: www.storylineonline.net. You can find this link (and many others) by following the links on the right side of this online newsletter. (If you are getting this as a weekly update, click on the headline to see them.) @ Bridgewater Library: Programs
Spook Handy: America's Story Through Folk Songs Saturday December 10, 2011 11:00 AM to 12:00 All Ages No registration required.
America's Story through Folk Songs traces American Folk Music from Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger through today. Honoring the great traditions of American roots music, songs inspired by the Dust Bowl, Great Depression, Civil Right Movement, 60's and 70's Peace Movement and more recent issues are presented with a completely contemporary sound and unabashedly positive sensibility. The passion, purpose and spirit of American folk music is alive and well.
Lobby Harp Concert : Enjoy the beautiful holiday sounds of the Celtic harp in our lobby with harpist Odarka Polanskyj. Monday December 12, 2011 10-3 p.m.
Lego Club. For Children in Grades K-6. Registration begins November 28th. Monday December 12, 2011 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM 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. Please Note: Parents are welcome to stay; however, younger siblings cannot be permitted to join this program.
Advocacy Series: Sexuality and Hygiene for Adolescents Thursday, December 15th 7:00-8:30pm Participants may register here: http://www.poac.net/regform.asp?pid=55
Adolescence can be a difficult time for children and families, and can be especially difficult for children with developmental disabilities and their families. This presentation will provide an overview of the specific challenges present during puberty and adolescence, specifically issues of sexuality and hygiene. Continuing Education Credit is available. See this calendar for the many other FREE workshops POAC offers for Parents, Professionals, and Paraprofessionals Working with Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities.
Holiday Sing-along (All Ages) Saturday December 17th 10 a.m. No Registration Required.
Special Family Storytime: 'Gifts and Giving' (Ages 2 and up) Tuesday December 20, 2011 10:00-10:45 AM, repeated at 1:30-2:15 PM
Bring along your aunts and uncles, cousins and grandparents to this storytime emphasizing the joy in giving. No registration required.
Our Nov-Dec. weekly sessions run from Nov. 1st – Dec. 20th.
Family Story Time (ages 2-6) Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Join us each week for stories, songs, finger plays, and a short film. Toddler Time (18 mo.-3) Wednesdays at 10 & 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Clapping and singing, rhymes and books….introduce your toddler to the beginnings of story time! Infant Lap Sit (birth to 18 months) Thursdays at 9:30 Clap your hands and stamp your feet and let you baby feel the beat of stories, songs and rhymes. No registration required.
Looking for an evening storytime? Bound Brook has a Pajama Storytime every other Tuesday night at 7 p.m. Check their schedule for details.
There are LOTS OF PROGRAMS at other system libraries for your children & teens…check out their online calendars under the “events/programs” tab on our home page for more information.
@ the Library – for Teens:
Multi-Generation Movie: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 Friday, December 16th from 7:00-9:30pm Registration begins November 25th.
Join us as we celebrate the final chapter of the Harry Potter movies! Harry, Ron, and Hermione continue their quest of finding and destroying the Dark Lord's three remaining Horcruxes. But, as the mystical Deathly Hallows are uncovered, the biggest battle of the series begins and life as they know it will never be the same. Harry Potter costumes are encouraged! Light refreshments will be served and a copy of the DVD will be raffled off! **Parents: Please note this film is rated PG-13 for some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images**
Teen Advisory Board: Tuesday December 20th, 2011. 6:30 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!
2012 Garden State Teen Book Awards
Last week to make your voice heard! Every year, teens around New Jersey vote for their favorite books. From November 1st through December 15th, stop by the Teen Area and look for the special display of nominated books and past winners. Vote for your favorites and get a chance to win a $50 prize.
@ the Library: Displays:
And take a look at the books nominated for the 2012 Garden State Book Awards on the bookcase behind the Youth Service Reference Desk….we’d love your opinions on your favorites! (If your class would like to conduct an election, you can download this ballot.)
When the weather outside is grey, it is a great time to indulge in a bit of fantasy reading…check out our Once Upon a Time display above the magazine section for some great folk and fairy tale selections.Around the Community:
Here 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 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.)
Science & Museums:
Rutgers Faraday Christmas Children's Lecture Dec. 9, 10, 11 (Fri-Sat-Sun), 2011 7:00-8:30 PM (early arrival recommended!) Note: overflow seating will be accommodated via an internet TV link to an adjacent classroom.
FROST FEST at the Environmental Education Center 190 Lord Sterling Rd. Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 Almost daily activities include a dogsled demo, ice sculpting, snowshoeing, candle making, and much more! Visit our indoor winter wonderland of educational habitat exhibits and holiday music! Don't forget the Hibernation Masquerade on Sunday, December 18, Noon-4:00pm. Wear your pajamas, make masks, dance, and say good night to the animals! Here’s the full Frost Fest calendar. Events require registration.
Lego Lovers, Check out The Art of the Brick® On View through February 20, 2012
Nathan Sawaya is an award-winning artist who creates large-scale sculptures using only toy building blocks: LEGO® bricks. See this touring exhibition, which focuses exclusively on LEGO as an art medium. Read more here. Image: Yellow, Nathan Sawaya, brickartist.com
Special Holiday Events:
Holiday Lights Spectacular at the Turtle Back Zoo
Friday-Sunday nights through Dec. 17th, then every night through January 1st (closed Christmas Eve & Christmas). Time: 5-9PM
Experience Turtle Back Zoo in the winter as 100,000 bulbs and 40 lit displays illuminate the zoo this holiday season! Admission is free for 2011!
Help keep the gift of giving alive! Turtle Back Zoo will be collecting non-perishable food, winter coats and unwrapped new toys for the needy each evening of holiday lights. Help the lights shine a little brighter this year with your donation.
At the RVCC Planetarium:
The Alien Who Stole Christmas Saturdays & Sundays, December 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 17 & 18 2:00 p.m. (Recommended for ages 6 - 10 accompanied by an adult) Discover the stars visible in the winter sky. Then follow Santa on a trip through the solar system when a friendly alien kidnaps. The kids on the other planets need presents too, you know!
Winter Wonder Lights Saturdays & Sundays, December 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 17 & 18 3:00 p.m. (Recommended for ages 6 - adult) Listen to songs such as "Wizards in Winter," "Rockin' around the Christmas Tree," and "Jingle Bell Rock" while lasers dance on the dome overhead.
Local Nutcrackers:New Jersey Youth Ballet is performing on Saturday, December 10th 2011 at 4:00 p.m. Hillsborough High School 466 Raider Blvd Hillsborough NJ 08844 Tickets are $15.00.
For Tickets Contact The New Jersey Youth Ballet (908) 874-8800 www.danceconnectionnj.com/contact.php
Here’s a nice description of the Nutcracker Story.
The Washington Rock Ballet Nutcracker. This joyous holiday tradition features over seventy students of dancexpress. Guest performers include dancers of the American Ballet Theatre. Tickets start at $25. Saturday Dec 10th & Sunday Dec 11th 2pm at the Watchung Hills Regional High School Performing Arts Center Watchung, NJLAST WEEKEND TO SEE MENKEN & AHREN’S MUSICAL “A CHRISMAS CAROL” @ CENTENARY STAGE COMPANY IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
A CHRISTMAS CAROL through December 11, Thursdays at 7:30 PM (“Family Night”, with 2/1 “rush” ticket prices available at the door) , Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 2 PM. Sitnik Theatre, , 715 Grand Avenue, Hackettstown (on the campus of Centenary College) TICKETS: $22.50 and $27.50 with discounts for seniors and students. Tickets may be purchased online at www.centenarystageco.org or by calling the Box Office at 908.979.0900. Charles Dickens' classic gets the full Broadway treatment by the Broadway team of Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid), Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Seussical) and Mike Okrent (Crazy For You, Me and My Girl).
Luna Stage Company, West Orange
Mi Casa, Tu Casa December 2 - 18 Mi Casa, Tu Casa is a bilingual holiday celebration for the entire family. This production features a five-member band and a pair of host storytellers who guide their guests through an engaging line-up of Latino folksongs and fables, seasonal poems, holiday musical favorites, and personal anecdotes of family traditions. Even audience members become part of the fiesta in this unique interactive experience. TICKETS: $20 for adults, $10 for children 12 and younger For more information, or to purchase tickets: (973) 395-5551 Visit Luna Stage Company's website The Growing Stage, Netcong
Babes in Toyland November 25 - December 18 Something is amiss in the Land of Make Believe. Barnaby is threatening Mother Goose with eviction unless her daughter, Bo Peep, marries him. Who could possibly save the day? This original Growing Stage adaptation is loosely based on the Victor Herbert operetta and the classic Laurel & Hardy film. For more information, or to purchase tickets: (973) 347-4946, http://www.growingstage.com/
McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton
A Christmas Carol By Charles Dickens; adaptation by David Thompson December 4 - 24
Join Ebenezer Scrooge on his magical journey through Christmas past, present, and future, and experience the show that embodies the peace and goodwill of the season.
For more information, or to purchase tickets: (609) 258-2787 Visit McCarter Theatre Center's website
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Madison
Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol December 1 - January 1 This inventive adaption is ingenious in its approach to this timeless holiday tale. With a cast of nine actors playing more than 50 roles, this production conjures up this delightful, funny, haunted and haunting morality tale. For more information, or to purchase tickets: (973) 408-5600 Visit the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's website. 
RVCC, Branchburg A Christmas Carol Nebraska Theatre CaravanFriday, December 9 at 7PM
Tickets: $37 & 47 Every memorable detail of Dickens' 1843 novel, A Christmas Carol springs to life, from spine-chilling ghosts to Crotchety Scrooge, lovable Tiny Tim, along with heartfelt renditions of traditional British carols such as God Rest Ye' Merry Gentlemen, Wassail, Wassail and Good King Wenceslas.
RVCC, Branchburg The Night Before Christmas Carol David zum BrunnenTuesday, Dec. 20 at 12noon & 7PM
Tickets: $10 Noon; $25 7PM
This one man performance of The Night Before Christmas Carol will take you to the night in 1843 when Charles Dickens dreamed up his idea for the famous ghostly tale. Historically accurate and highly humorous, David zum Brunnen cleverly performs the role of Dickens and over seventeen Dickensian characters.
SEND-UP OF HOLIDAY CLASSIC PREMIERES @ GEORGE STREET PLAYHOUSE
THE NUTCRACKER AND I through December 31 at the George Street Playhouse, 9 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. Soon-to-Be-Holiday Classic Recommended for Audiences Aged 10 and Up.Enjoy this nutty send up of The Nutcracker story featuring Tchaikovsky’s glorious music with a hysterical new story and lyrics by the award-winning masters of musical parody Emmy Award winner Peter Brash and Gerard Alessandrini, author of the long-running hit Forbidden Broadway. A wacky, wonderful holiday comedy -- complete with magic nuts and mistletoe! Click here to purchase tickets or call the box office at 732-246-7717
On Sunday, December 11 from 2-4 pm master storyteller Linda Howe will tell a special holiday story at the Farmstead Arts Center, 450 King George Road, Basking Ridge, New Jersey 07920. The storytelling will include a group art project that will use recycled materials to create an animal that will be displayed at the farmhouse. The cost is $10 for adults and children. $5 for seniors and children 5 and under. To register and for more information, visit http://farmsteadstories.eventbrite.com. Tickets will be sold at the door based on availability. A TRIO OF DECEMBER PROGRAMS @ BROOK ARTS CENTER
WINTERSONG Friday & Saturday, December 9 & 10. Doors open at 7 PM, the show starts at 8 PM. The Brook Arts Center, 10 Hamilton Street, Bound Brook TICKETS: $10.00 Come join the Brook for two nights of Rock, Pop, Country, Folk, and R&B Christmas fun for all, featuring the Wintersong Band and Singers.
www.reverbnation.com/thewintersongband
WRSU – RUTGERS RADIO The first partnership between the Brook Theater and WRSU Radio December 17 from 7 – 11 PM TICKETS: Admission to the event is $10 for all ages. This Annual 2011 Rock & Roll Christmas Show will showcase 4 to 5 of New Jersey’s best local bands and will help raise money to support Rutgers’s non-commercial radio station WRSU 88.7 FM. http://wrsu.rutgers.edu
The Brook welcomes the award-winning magic of Nelson Illusions as they entertain patrons with their Smoke & Mystery Tour. Nelson Illusions has been seen in 32 countries, and throughout the United States and Canada. Nelson Illusions is a family trio of skilled magicians and illusionists who perform a dazzling blend of theater, mystery, comedy and romance and a wide selection of stunning magical impossibilities. www.nelsonillusions.com
Tickets for all shows can be purchased Available at Mama Rosina’s, Lou’s Sub Shop and Pranzatelli’s Audio Outlet, and on-line at www.ticketweb.com
Crafts:
Build & Grow at Lowe's in this FREE workshop. Lowe's 315 US Highway 206 Hillsborough, 08844 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Children up to age 12. For more info. 908-904-6140. Due to high demand, please register online at: http://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/Home.aspx
Coal Car: Saturday 12/10/2011 It's the second part of the 2011 Lowe's Train! Bring your kids to Lowe's and they can build this awesome Coal Car!
TEENS, LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER HOURS?? – Check here for volunteer opportunities at The Children’s Museum this winter.
OTHER THEATER:
STATE THEATRE ANNOUNCES SPECIAL PRICES FOR STUDENTS
STUDENTS MEET THE ARTS $8 Student Tickets for Many Classical Music and Dance Programs WHERE: State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick. For tickets or more information, call the State Theatre ticket office at 732.246.SHOW (7469), or online at www.StateTheatreNJ.org.
CALLING ALL BUDDING PLAYWRIGHTS: A COMPETITION FOR YOU!
The Theater Project’s 10th Annual Young Playwrights CompetitionNow Seeking Submissions from NJ High School Student Playwrights
The winning scripts will be performed in March 2012 by The Theater Project during the state-wide Family Week at the Theater celebration of theater and New Jersey’s youth. How to Enter: By January 23, 2012, please submit a 10-30 page script by to The Theater Project PO Box 101 Union, NJ 07083-0101 or by e-mail to TheaterProject@aol.com. All entries must include a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope), a biography of the author including contact information, and the $5 entrance fee (check or money order, payable to THE THEATER PROJECT) which can be sent via snail mail for e-mailed scripts. Only one entry per author. Please remember that you must be a resident of New Jersey and a secondary school student in the 2011- 2012 academic year to be eligible.
All questions can be directed to The Theater Project at 908.809-8865 or by e-mail at THEATERPROJECT@aol.com.
FAMILY STUFF @ THE WATCHUNG ARTS CENTER
FAMILY IMPROV: THE IMPROVABLES Saturday, December 10, 8 PM Watchung Arts Center, 18 Stirling Road (at the circle), Watchung $8. Ticket Reservation page. A night of hysterical laughter and skits that will leave the audience feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the cold and busy pace of the holidays. Laugh loud and often as the troupe performs a series of skits from pre-written prompts or audience suggestions. Bring friends and enjoy the wacky world that imagination and improv can create. CLASSICALS AT THE CIRCLE Sunday, December 11, 4 PM
Watchung Arts Center, 18 Stirling Road (at the circle), Watchung
$16 in advance, $20 ($18 for WAC members, $8 for students) at the door. Ticket Reservation page. A very special event, a must for families with young aspiring Musicians! A kaleidoscope of incredibly talented youngsters age 5 to 15 showcase their respective instruments, from piano to guitar to violin. Each of them won tough competitions in their category, some already boost Carnegie Hall credentials! For more information call 908.753.0190 or e-mail.
KIDS GO FREE TO HOLIDAY JUBILEE @ CROSSROADS
Let Your Fingers Do (More) Walking:
From Reclaiming the Holidays (from PBS.Parents) http://www.pbs.org/parents/experts/archive/2011/11/reclaiming-the-holidays.html
by Allison Cook and Renée Shade
Allison Cook and Renée Shade of The Story of Stuff Project (a very clever video – take a look here) help people think about the about the way we make, use and throw away Stuff have come up with some suggestions to help make your family reclaim the holidays and celebrate traditions, new and old, which remind us and our families what’s so special about this time of year.
Sing Out!: Every year my family goes Christmas caroling, and it’s my absolute favorite part of the holiday. None of us are very good, but it’s silly and joyful and festive, and makes me feel connected to my family history. Don’t like those holiday standards? Start a new tradition! Our family favorite is “Lean on Me” which last I checked is not a caroling classic!
Give the Gift of Time: Time is one of the most precious gifts we can give to the people we hold dear. Giving time together (a promise of an outing, a ticket together to a show, a certificate to babysit) reduces the amount of stress-inducing, useless stuff in everyone’s life, builds community and creates a fabulous catalog of memories to look back on.
Teach a Skill: There is a lot that you can learn from YouTube, but there is no substitution for real, hands-on instruction. Use this extra time to teach your kid how to make it themselves. Craft a special holiday decoration, teach them to knit or sew or (if you’re feeling ambitious) build a new toboggan to cruise around on that fresh winter snow.
Get Cookin’: Whether it’s a kid-friendly cookie recipe for a party or a family recipe handed down for generations, getting kids in the kitchen not only helps them hone new skills but is a great way to spend time together. Read more »
On a related note, while most people consider an occasional cookie ok and leaving one for Santa is a time-honored ritual, most of us don’t eat them for breakfast…or do we? Check out this eye-popping report on breakfast cereals!
More sugar than Chips Ahoy!One cup of any of 44 children's cereals – including Honey Nut Cheerios, Apple Jacks, and Cap'n Crunch – contains more sugar than 3 Chips Ahoy! cookies.
Honey Nut Cheerios: 12 grams of sugar | Chips Ahoy!: 11 grams of sugar. Source: EWG analysis of product nutrition labels.
For other ideas on ways to help your children better appreciate this as a Season of Giving, check out Somerset County’s Revised Booklist “Something Special for the Holidays.” Print copies are available now in the libraries and it will be up on our SCLS Kids Page shortly.Happy Holidays!
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