Storytimes Resume, Dog Visit and The Giving Tree Puppet Show @ Bridgewater Library plus lots of Children’s Programs at Local Museums

Programs at the Bridgewater Library, other libraries in the Somerset County Library System and around the community…
Note: In honor of Martin Luther King’s Birthday, the library will close at 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 16th.


@ Bridgewater Library: Programs

Our Jan-Feb. sessions begin the week of Jan. 10th.

 Join us each week for stories, songs, finger plays, and a short film. Family Story Time (ages 2-6) Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.  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.

Dog Behavior & Training Basics Wednesday January 11, 2012 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM For all ages. Registration Required.
Join Iris Fryzel and her retired service dog, Mindy, and learn how dogs think and why they behave the way they do! Other topics covered include how and why dogs are trained and how problem behaviors are addressed. She will demonstrate some commands with Mindy as well as have a Q&A session.

Mariah's Puppets: 'The Giving Tree & The Selfish Litterbug Giant' (Grades PreK-5) Saturday, January 14th 11:00am-Noon No registration required
Through the escapades of the Selfish Litterbug Giant, students learn about the problems caused by litter. With their help during the puppet show, he is finally encouraged to stop littering and reduce, reuse and recycle. 'The Giving Tree' teaches a powerful message about the gift of nature and how we can give back and make a difference.

Chinese New Year: Year of the Dragon (Ages 3+) Saturday, January 21st 10:30-11:30am Registration required Gung Hay Fat Choy! Happy New Year! Join us as we welcome in the Year of the Dragon with stories and crafts - a big dragon that everyone will help to decorate and a paper lantern for children to take home. Registration begins January 6.

Lego Club (Grades K-6) Monday, January 23rd 4:30-5:30pm Registration required 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, so you do not need to bring your own. Registration begins January 9.



 Rocket Readers: 'Mr. Putter and Tabby Write the Book' by Cynthia Rylant (Grades 1-3) Tuesday, January 24th 4:30-5:30pm Registration required Mr. Putter has always wanted to write a mystery novel - and Tabby is happy to help. So, during a big snow, Mr. Putter gets ready to write his book. But, who knew there would be so many delicious distractions along the way? Registration begins January 10.




 Chapter Book Club: 'How Oliver Olson Changed the World' by Claudia Mills Wednesday, January 25th 4:30-5:30pm Registration required Oliver Olson's teacher is always saying that one person with a big idea can change the world. But, how is Oliver supposed to change the world when his parents won't let him do anything on his own - not his class projects of even activities such as the space sleepover at school! Afraid he will become an outsider like ex-planet Pluto, Oliver decides to take control of his corner of the universe! Registration begins January 11.

Winter Craftacular! (Ages 3-8) Saturday, January 28th 10:00am Registration required Put on your winter jacket, your warmest hat, scarf, and gloves, and join us at the library for a story and craft to celebrate the Winter season! Registration begins January 13.

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:

Talk It Up (Grades 5-8) Wednesday, January 11th 7:00-8:00pm Registration begins December 28.
If you love to read and talk about books, you are cordially invited to an hour of book talk and friendly company. Today, we will select what books and/or films we will be discussing in 2012.
Make a Difference @ the Library! (Grades 5-6) Thursday, January 12th 7:00-8:00pm Registration required. STUDENTS IN GRADES 5 AND 6: Here is your chance to make a difference by volunteering at the library!
Teen Advisory Board (For Students in Grades 6-8) Tuesday, January 17th 5:30-6:30pm
Teen Advisory Board (For Students in Grades 9-12) Tuesday, January 17th6:30-7:30pm
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!
Teens, looking for more volunteer hours this winter? – check out the teen volunteer opportunities at the Children’s Museum & the Environmental Education Center – details in the Around the Community Section of this newsletter (below).

AT THE WARREN LIBRARY:

Wednesday, January 11 - College Financial Planning Workshop for Parents and students in grades 6-12.

Learn the REAL cost of college - the financial impact of the various college finance alternatives: Stafford Loans, PLUS Loans, 401-k Loans and private student loans. College planning specialist Bob Tramo will be here to explain options for financial planning for higher education, including college loan alternatives and exploring opportunities for receiving Gift-Aid (free money).
Warren Library, 42 Mountain Boulevard, Warren, NJ. Program Room. 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Registration required. Register in-person, online at www.somerset.lib.nj.us/warren or call 908-754-5554 ext. 23. Free.

SAT/ACT COMBO PRACTICE TEST Saturday January 21, 2012 10:00 AM to 2:15 PM For Grades 9-12 Registration Required. Free.
Deciding between the SAT or ACT? This free 4 hour Combo Practice test is a great opportunity to experience both tests and decide which is right for you. Students will receive feedback from Kaplan Test Prep that compares their performance on sections of each test. Bring two #2 pencils and a calculator.  Register in-person, online at www.somerset.lib.nj.us/warren or call 908-754-5554 ext. 23. 


SNOW DATE: If cancelled due to inclement weather, the program will be held Saturday, February 4, 2012 from 10 am – 2:15 pm.

@ the Library: Displays:

Check out a Winner! – look for Caldecott and Newbery Award winning books on our display near the reshelving area.

Announcing the winners in the Bridgewater Library Mock Caldecott held on January 9th (Thanks to all who participated!)


Mock Caldecott Winner: 
Mock Caldecott Honor Books:
   


Holiday Display -- Celebrate Martin Luther King’s Birthday – books atop the Holidays Section.
Introduce your children to this great man and the history of segregation in our country.






Let Your Fingers Do MORE walking:

Extend your childrens' understandingwith this piece from Wonderopolis:   Who Was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream. Over the course of his life, he traveled the country speaking about equality for all people. Today we celebrate his birthday and take a look back to see how one life can change the world.
Have you ever wondered…

• Who was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?
• What is segregation?
• What was the civil rights movement?

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.)

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT @ THE PRINCETON ART MUSEUM

Family Movie Night: Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
WHEN: Thursday, January 12, 6-9 PM
WHERE: Princeton Art Museum, Princeton University Campus, Princeton
ADMISSION: Free and open to all, no tickets or reservations needed.
Join us for an evening of adventure and mystery, beginning at 6 PM with refreshments and a riddle-solving quest through the Museum's galleries of ancient Greek and Roman art. At 7 PM sit back and relax as we watch Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, the 2010 fantasy-adventure film starring Logan Lerman.

The Children’s Museum– interactive activities most typically suitable for children ages 3 to 9

Sunday January 15th from 10-2:30 Journey Back in Time: Rocks, Minerals, and Dinosaurs

Families can arrive and leave at any time. Parents and/or caregivers are expected to stay with children during the museum visit. Please use discretion in bringing very young children, as the museum is NOT baby-proof (some craft items are small and could present a choking hazard).
Main Location: The PeopleCare Center, 120 Finderne Avenue, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 (parking and entrance are in the rear of the building).
Cost: A $3/ per child donation is suggested for those who can afford it. For more information: somersetcminfo@gmail.com or call 908-595-0001.

TEENS, LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER HOURS?? – Check here for volunteer opportunities at The Children’s Museum this winter.

The Environmental Education Center 190 Lord Sterling Rd. Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
has lots of activities for kids this winter including dinosaurs, whales, and maple sugaring. Events require registration. Here’s their January Calendar.


Wonder Walk for Families: The Magic of Winter at Duke Farms Rt. 202S Hillsborough Saturday, January 14, 1 to 3 p.m. Every day outdoors brings a new experience. Walk with us through a section of the woods at Duke Farms, touch the tree bark, check for animal tracks in the snow or mud, and listen for the sounds of birds in the trees. Whatever we find we will explore. This program is designed for families with children ages 5 and above. Dress for the weather, including appropriate footwear. (Note: This program will be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.) Cost: $8 per person; $5 for member of N.J. Audubon; cost will not exceed $20 per family. Space is limited and advance registration is required.



Caryn Lin—an “electric violinist full of voltage”—will perform a Free Concert Sunday Jan. 22 at Three at the Bernardsville Library
As she plays, recorded snippets of her music play back in a continuous loop adding layer upon layer of sound over deceptively simple melodies. The result is music that is both otherworldly and catchy. Funded by the Friends of the Bernardsville Library. Doors open at 2:45 pm. Free. No sign-up is needed.

At the Morris Museum 6 Normandy Heights Road | Morristown, NJ 07960
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

LOCAL ARCHITECT LEADS FAMILY LEGO® BUILDING WORKSHOPS @ MORRIS MUSEUM

Building Blocks Workshops
LEGO® Architectural Workshops for Families
WHEN: January 14, 19 and 28
WHERE:  Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown
Families will come together when LEGO® blocks meet architectural history in Building Blocks Workshops at the Morris Museum in January 2012. In each of these two-hour workshops, 50 families will create 50 buildings, using over 50,000 LEGO building blocks.
Led by Livingston, NJ-based architect Stephen W. Schwartz, workshop participants can Build Historical Morristown on January 14 from 2-4 PMOR on January 19, from 6-8 PM; or create Windmills and Wind Power on January 28 from 2-4 PM.
FEE: for each workshop is $40 per family (up to four members).
Space is limited to 50 families per workshop.Families can register for these workshops by visiting Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, 211 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960, M-F 9 AM – 6 PM, Sat-Sun 9 AM – 5 PM. (Payment by check payable to Morris Museum). For more information, call 973.971.3718 or -emailprograms@morrismuseum.org.
About Building Blocks WorkshopsEach two-hour Building Blocks program is a fast-paced, hands-on model building experience using LEGO building blocks. Building Blocks Workshops were developed by Stephen W. Schwartz AIA, Architect of SWS Architects, Livingston, NJ, who, says, “These programs are an opportunity to have fun, learn about the community’s architectural heritage and work in a large group to build structurally sound, interesting and whimsical models.”
The Build Historical Morristown workshop will be offered twice: on Saturday, January 14, from 2-4 PM and on Thursday, January 19, from 6-8 PM. Fifty families will use 50,000 LEGO blocks to create 50 historical buildings in Morristown; these buildings will be used to create a giant map of Morristown. Participants will receive the Morris County New Jersey Points of Interest map, a publication of the Morris County Tourism Bureau. On Saturday, January 28, from 2-4 PM, the focus is on Windmills and Wind Power. Fifty families will work together to build fifty unique windmills, using 50,000 LEGO building blocks, and learn about the importance of wind power off the coast of New Jersey. The windmill creations will be placed on a large map of the New Jersey coastline.

WINTER PROGRAMS @ HUNTERDON ART MUSEUM

FUN SUNDAYS: Integrating Art & Science
A series of hands-on workshops for kids that integrate the exploration of art and science. This year-round series of programs addresses various themes with a focus on experimentation, imagination and information. Check the website for individual class themes and descriptions.
All Ages 5 and over welcome
WHEN: Sundays, 1-3 PM
WHERE: Hunterdon Art Museum, 7 Lower Center Street, Clinton, NJTUITION: $20 / $15 for members
Sci + Art: LEGO Robotics
Imagination and innovation come together in this new, exciting class. Learn how to build, customize, and control a unique LEGO NXT robot. Discover how to program your robot to perform different operations. Students will work individually and in teams to design and create a functioning robot and watch it come to life. Check the website for age-appropriate class times and descriptions. 
RVCC PLANETARIUM SHOWS FOR KIDS
All shows run approximately 40 minutes. Admission: $6 for one show, $11 for two shows on the same day Call 908-231-8805 for reservations!
Magic Tree House: Space Mission
Saturdays, January 14, 21, and 28
3:00 p.m.What would you do if you found a note with lots of question on it? "How many stars in the starry night sky? If we flew to the Sun, how long would we fly? Will we travel to planets and will it be soon? Will we ever be able to live on the Moon? How does it feel to journey through space? Why is our Earth so special a place?" From the authors of the best-selling novel series, join Jack and Annie as they discover the secrets of the Sun, Moon, planets, space travel, and more. Who can help them answer the mysterious "M's" questions? (recommended for ages 5 and older)
Laser Light Saturdays, January  14, 21, and 28 4:00 p.m. Listen to songs by a variety of artists while lasers draw pictures on the dome overhead. (recommended for ages 6 - adult)
Winter Skies Saturdays, January  14, 21, and 28 7:00 p.m.The brightest stars of the year are clustered in the winter night sky. Learn how to use Orion as a guide to finding other stars and constellations this season.
 Rockin' Rocket Ride Sunday, January 22, 2:00 p.m. Put on your space suit and blast off into outer space! Catchy songs teach us about the planets and moon rocks. We'll also discover what stars are in tonight's sky. (Recommended for ages 3-8 accompanied by an adult)

Sky Lights Sunday, January 22, 3:00 p.m.A laser and video concert featuring songs by mr. RAY (Kalien the Alien, ROY G BIV) and Jane Murphy (Moon Rock Rock, Is Anybody Else Out There?) as well as favorites like "ABC" by the Jackson 5 and Disney's "When You Wish Upon a Star." (Recommended for ages 4-8 accompanied by an adult)
A planetarium show for families with children on the Autism Spectrum or with other developmental disabilities. January 22, 2012 4:30 - 5:30pm
All ages are welcome to this one hour sensory-friendly program. The show will provide a comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming to all families. The doors will remain open so that children will be able to come and go. Lights will be left dim and audio will be lowered and at a consistent level. The sky show will include: music, laser lights, planets, stories, the Moon and constellations. Ticket Price: $5.00 per person

Tots on Tour at Grounds for Sculpture (Hamilton)
January 21, 2012 Admission: $12 (Adults); $10 (Students/Seniors); $8 (Children); Free for GFS Members
Bring your toddler to learn about sculpture through hands-on activities. Listen to a story, become park explorers, and make original works of art. Rain or shine! Lesson and theme change monthly. Instruction designed to meet learning needs of 3-5 year olds. Children ages 3-5 (only) must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. Meets in the Visitor’s Center. Instructor: Joslyn Johnson. Free with park admission.

Saturday, January 14 - Build & Grow at Lowe's – Castle
A free children's clinic with instruction will be held at Lowes 10-11 a.m. Each participant will receive a free apron, goggles, a themed patch, and a certificate of merit upon completion of their project. This castle comes with stickers, paperboard cutouts and a working drawbridge! Registration required – register online.



Build-a-saurus: Saturday 01/28/2012
Your child can build this cool dinosaur and then choose the stickers to make it a cartoon or a realistic dinosaur!

MORRIS MUSEUM ANNOUNCES NEW STUDIO ART PROGRAM

Children, teens and adults can all expand their creative talents in the New Year with classes and workshops at the Morris Museum’s new Studio Art Program. All courses are taught by professional New Jersey-based artists. Classes and workshops begin in January and February 2012, and registration information is available on the museum website,www.MorrisMuseum.org! or by calling 973.971.3740 or e-mailing StudioArt@MorrisMuseum.org.
WHERE: The Museum is located at 6 Normandy Heights Road (at the corner of Columbia Turnpike) in Morristown, NJ
For more information, call 973.971.3700, or visit www.morrismuseum.org
Classes for Children
Art Experiences I (ages 6‐8) with Nina NemethWHEN: 5 Sundays: January 8, 15, 22, 29, & February 5; 1–2:30 PM
CLASS FEE: $125
Materials: There will be a one‐time supply fee of $5 payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
Children will have an opportunity to explore and experiment with a variety of visual art techniques and mediums through simple projects and hands‐on activities. Various art materials and techniques will involve pastel, watercolor painting, drawing, and collage.
Art Experiences II (ages 9‐12) with Nina NemethWHEN: 5 Sundays: January 8, 15, 22, 29, & February 5; 3–5 PMCLASS FEE: $125
Materials: There will be a one‐time supply fee of $5 payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
Developed for a slightly older group—children will have an opportunity to continue exploring and experimenting with a variety of visual art techniques and mediums through simple projects and hands‐on activities. Various materials and techniques will involve painting and collage, experimenting with mediums such as pastel, watercolors, and drawing.
Masterpiece Studio (ages 6‐10) with Nina NemethWHEN: 5 Thursdays: January 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16; 4-5 PM
CLASS FEE: $125
Materials: There will be a one‐time supply fee of $5 payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
Introduce Art History to children through a hands‐on integrated artist study. Students will be exposed to a variety of art techniques and styles while learning about famous artists such as Picasso, Degas, Monet, Kandinsky, O’Keeffe, and others.
(Above: Starry, painted by a student artist in Nina Nemeth’s class.)
Little Sculptures for Little Hands
Under the Sea Workshop (ages 6‐10) with Don ThiebergerWHEN: : Saturday, January 21, 9:30-11 AM
CLASS FEE: $55
Attention young sculptors! Mr. Nose of Platypus Pottery School will feature his animal sculpting techniques that have delighted hundreds of children! Themes can range from sea creatures at a party, dogs driving sports cars, penguins surfing, or a bear watching TV while eating honey. Each student receives a chunk of white clay and concentrated colored clay. They will tweak, twist, and blend them into fantastic creations. Bake your child’s project at home for lasting results.
Little Sculptures for Little Hands
Fishes & Faces Sand Casting Workshop with Don ThiebergerWHEN: Saturday, February 4 , 9:30-11 AM
CLASS FEE: $55
Attention young sculptors! Learn sand art sculpture casting (sand casting) with Mr. Nose of Platypus Pottery School! We will sculpt sand as a negative form and cast plaster into a bas‐relief sculpture. The results are quick! Students take a painted, finished work of art home at the end of the workshop!

Classes for Teens
Lighting & Composition for Digital Photography Workshop with Nancy Ori
WHEN: Sunday, February 5, 1-5 PM
CLASS FEE: $90
Prerequisite: Students should already have an awareness of the camera basics.
Materials: Bring your favorite camera, accessories, the camera instruction manual and a notebook.
This workshop will combine lecture and hands‐on opportunities with a goal of balancing the technical with the creative. Topics will include the use of natural and indoor lighting, how to control the light, getting good exposures, and tips on good composition. Discussions will feature the art of seeing photographically and heightening your awareness of light within your photographs. While working with a variety of favorite subject matter, students will be introduced to the design elements in order to create effective compositions.
Figure Drawing with Laurie HardenWHEN: 6 Thursdays: February 23, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; 5-7 PMCLASS FEE: $150  [Fees include model’s fee.]
Materials: Supply list provided upon registration.
Learn to draw the figure from life – beginning with quick, gesture sketches from short poses, and concluding with completed drawings from long poses. You will learn proportions and how to achieve the correct relationship between the parts of the body, using guides like plumb‐</SP! an>lines and negative spaces. Experience the chance to draw many types of figures in a nurturing, non‐competitive atmosphere.(Above: Craig, Laurie Harden)
Read more »
DEADLINES APPROACH FOR YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS CONTEST


29th Annual New Jersey Young Playwrights Contest
 Attention playwrights in grades 4-12:The submission deadlines for the 2012 New Jersey Young Playwrights Contest & Festival are quickly approaching! Have your voice heard and submit your play today.
Submissions must be received by January 14, 2012 for playwrights in grades 10-12; and by January 15, 2012 for playwrights in grades 4-9.
Scripts will be reviewed by theater professionals from across the country and a written critique will be provided to each playwright. Select plays will be chosen for further development and a public reading in May and December. Further information about the Contest and Festival may be found online at www.njypf.org.
Don’t miss out…. Have your voice heard! Submit a play today!
There may be up to three winners in each division. High School winners receive a New Jersey Governor’s Award in Arts Education, cosponsored by the New Jersey Arts Education Partnership and the New Jersey Department of Education. Winning playwrights who individually write their play (i.e. without a co-author) may be eligible to receive a scholarship to attend Camp Premiere, the summer theatre program at Premiere Stages. Elementary and Junior High School award recipients will receive Certificates of Achievement. Read more »

CALLING ALL BUDDING PLAYWRIGHTS: A COMPETITION FOR YOU!
The Theater Project’s 10^th Annual Young Playwrights Competition
Now 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.