Books and Bugs and More at the 4H Fair! Mark your Calendars -- Summer Reading Club Carnival is next week! Come in and Record your Reading and Collect Your Prizes! Also the County is Collecting Back to School Supplies for Children in Need.

THE LIBRARY IS GOING TO THE FAIR
Wednesday August 8th- Friday 10th from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m : North Branch Park, 355 Milltown Road, Bridgewater, located between Routes 22 and 202."  Never been and wonder what it is like? Check out this article from Basking Ridge Patch.

The Somerset County Library will be at the Somerset County Tent at the Somerset County 4H Fair. In addition to the library & other county agencies in that tent, there are lots of tents featuring various 4H clubs – everything from animals to astronomy, bee-keeping to baton-twirling, magic to model-airplanes! There are musical performances and lots of good eats. Plus the fire, maintenance, and parks departments are on hand with their big trucks to climb on and around and the Children’s Museum will have a tent with bugs, dinosaurs, their step-in bubble machine, and more! It is a great place to help your kids discover new interests. There is no admission or parking fee, no midway or carnival rides. This Fair recognizes the accomplishments of 1,000 Somerset County 4-H members and is a showcase for visitors to see a wide variety of 4-H projects in action.

Maps and schedules of daily events such as dog, horse and livestock shows are available in the information tent (and possibly online the week of the fair…check here). There will be twirling, go karts, rockets, magic, line dancing, model airplanes, R.C. cars, and model trains. The Arts Tent, Science Tent and Prep Tent (for the youngest 4-H'ers) are packed with exhibits, activities for visitors, demonstrations and performances.  Most animal tents have a petting area.
Avoid the fuss, enjoy the bus!" To make getting in and out of the fairgrounds as easy as possible, free shuttle buses run from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. each day of the Fair from Raritan Valley Community College Rt. 28, North Branch.

The Children's Museum (of Somerset County NJ) It took 3 weeks of effort, but we have lots of bugs coming to the 4H Fair— Bugs coming to the Prep Tent at the Somerset County 4H Fair (13 photos)

 
  Teen Volunteers Needed to Help the Children’s Museum at the 4H Fair Teens looking for volunteer hours? The Children’s Museum will be needing volunteers for the Children’s Museum Tent at the 4H Fair in North Branch August 8-10th (anytime between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. each day.) If you want to help, please call or email Tom Davidson, volunteer coordinator 908-725-4677 tadavidson@gmail.com
Wednesday August 8: Noon - 10PM In the Prep Tent (generally 2 hours shifts work well)  Thursday August 9: 9:30-10:00PM In the Prep Tent (9:30-Noon, Noon-2PM, etc.) Friday August 10: 9:30-11:00PM In the Prep Tent (9:30-Noon, Noon-2PM, etc., with exhibit take-down from 10-11PM)  Saturday August 11: Noon - 2PM (at The PeopleCare Center)Activities in the Prep Tent (Wednesday - Friday) include exhibit maintenance (such as putting water in the bubble machine or retrieving ping pong balls that fly over the tent's fence back in the Bernoulli blower), helping youth with games and 'bug crafts' (such as making butterfly rings and bug buttons), and generally keeping the exhibit area clean.

Programs @ the Bridgewater Library


There’s still time to register and record minutes in our summer reading clubs. The clubs are open to preschoolers as well as school-aged children. Come by the desk to learn all about them!



It’s not too late to start a summer parent-child book club. Pick a short book and schedule a book club time. Think of it like a back-to-school play date with friends.  Check out these STEPS to find out how!



Looking for book suggestions? Try abookandahug. Kids can take the Which Reading Superhero Are You? 10 question assessment at the top of the page to figure out which reading personality THEY are and then search by age and personality....matching themselves to the books which is really empowering. The site also has read-alikes in the top right hand corner organized by genre...realistic fiction, science fiction, etc. We’ve added a link on the right side of this blog under Useful Links for Families: “Book Recommendations” (If you are getting this blog delivered as an email, click on the headline to see it in its website blog format, then scroll down to the Useful Links section.)

Our summer Toddler Times  and Baby Times ended Friday Aug. 3rd. Planning ahead? Fall dates & times will be available online soon or you can call us at 908 526-4016 x126 now. Looking for an evening storytime? Bound Brook Library is offering Campfire Adventures on Wednesdays through Aug. 15th, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM(Ages 5 - 9) Registration Required. When you register your child, he or she will be registered for all sessions. If you are unable to attend any session, please notify the library at 732-356-0043, ext 111.

FUN MATH PROGRAM MATERIALS AVAILABLE AT THE LIBRARY! We talked about Bedtime Math in last week’s newsletter. If you didn’t get the calendar and stars for this fun math program at the library before we ran out, good news! – we’ve received more supplies. Bedtime Math delivers a new and exciting math problem each night (actually 3 – one for preschoolers, one for early elementary, and one for older students.) Hear more about the motivation for and the research behind what started as one mom’s initiative in this article on National Public Radio.

Sing-a-Long: Summer Songs (Children of all ages) Tuesday, August 14th at 2:00pm No registration required Join us for a bucketful of songs celebrating all things summer!


Save the Date: Summer Reading Club Celebration Carnival! (For all ages) Thursday, August 16th drop in anytime from 1-4pm No registration required. Step right up! Step right up...for an afternoon filled with games, prizes, and activities for children of all ages! Bring your family and friends for a fun-filled summer afternoon!

Tween Party: After Hours (Grades 4-6) Friday, August 17 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Registration begins August 3. Tweens, entering grades 4-6, get locked in the library after hours! We'll have a movie, video games, crafts and snacks! No admittance after 6:15 pm. Advance notice required if tween must leave the program early.



Talk It Up: 'Middle School, the Worst Years of My Life' by James Patterson (For students entering grades 5-8) Wednesday, August 22nd From 7-8 pm Registration begins August 8th. When Rafe Khatchadorian enters middle school, he teams up with his best friend, 'Leo the Silent,' to create a game to make school more fun by trying to break every rule in the school's code of conduct.


There are ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS at other system libraries for children & teens…find their online calendars under the “events/programs” tab on our home page.
If you have registered for a program and realize that you won’t be able to come, please call (908 526-4016x126) or email us (bwljuv@sclibnj.org) as early as possible so we can make someone on the waitlist very happy. Next time that waitlisted participant might be your child!

@ Bridgewater Library for Teens:


The Teen Summer Reading Program continues through Sept. 8th. Stop by anytime this summer to register or record your time.





Open Mic Cafe Night (Ages 13+)
Thursday, Aug. 9th From 7:00pm – 8:30pm Registration Required to perform. Think you’ve got what it takes to get up on stage in front of your peers with nothing but your voice and guitar? Want to share your poetry, comedy, or original music? Then this is your night! Join us for this one of a kind experience, and help local musicians and writers get their voices heard. Depending on registration, artists will receive 10-15 minute slots to play music or recite poetry. Sign ups will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Please check back for more registration information. **You only need to register if you are interested in performing.**

Multi-Generation Movie: THE HUNGER GAMES (Rated PG-13) Open to all ages, but please note rating information: Rated PG-13 for intense violent thematic material and disturbing images - all involving teens. Movie length is 142 minutes. Saturday, August 18 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM, repeats Monday, August 20 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Registration begins Friday, August 3rd for the Saturday showing & Monday, August 6th for the Monday showing. Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers in her younger sister's place and must rely upon her sharp instincts when she's pitted against highly trained Tributes who have prepared their entire lives. She must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

TAB (Teen Advisory Board) Meeting (Grades 6-8) Tuesday, Aug. 21st from 5:30-6:30pm TAB Meeting (Grades 9-12) (For students entering grades 9-12) from 6:30-7:30pm. 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. meetings! Community service hours will be awarded for attendance and snacks will be served.


Talk It Up: 'Middle School, the Worst Years of My Life' by James Patterson (For students entering grades 5-8) Wednesday, August 22nd From 7-8 pm Registration begins August 8th. When Rafe Khatchadorian enters middle school, he teams up with his best friend, 'Leo the Silent,' to create a game to make school more fun by trying to break every rule in the school's code of conduct.
For more information, check out our August teen calendar here.


Around the Community:



Buying "Back to School” Supplies for your children?  Consider helping out another child at the same time. http://www.nj.com/news/local/index.ssf/2012/07/somerset_county_school_supply.html

FREE CONCERT TO CELEBRATE PLAYS IN THE PARK 50TH ANNIVERSARY

JOHN SEBASTIAN
WHEN: Sunday, August 12, 6 PM
WHERE: Plays in the Park, 1 Pine Drive, Roosevelt Park, Edison (off Route 1 South, just past the Menlo Park Shopping Center)
ADMISSION: FREE!
"Do You Believe in Magic?", "Daydream," "Summer in the City," "Did You Ever Have to Make-up Your Mind," "Welcome Back, Kotter." The musical fabric of the baby-boomer's youth.
The man responsible for both penning and turning these iconic folk-rock tunes into classics is Rock-and-Roll-Hall-of-Famer John Sebastian, and he'll be giving a free concert at PIP to help celebrate our 50th Anniversary. Join PIP for an evening of favorite Lovin' Spoonful hits, fascinating anecdotes and and an up-close look at a pop genius.
During the day, stop by for lots of fun food and a listen to STARFISH, a rock-and-roll band for kids, plus face-painting and magicians.




The Sky Above RVCC planetarium show for families with children on the Autism Spectrum or with other developmental disabilities. Sunday, August 12, 2012, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
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, videos, planets, the Moon, constellations and laser lights. Ticket Price: $5.00 per person Please call 908-231-8805 to make a reservation as we are limiting the number of visitors for each show.

RVCC Planetarium Schedule All shows run approximately 40 minutes. Admission: $7 for one show, $12 for two shows on the same day. Call 908-231-8805 for reservations!

Solar System Odyssey Tuesdays through August 28 2:00 p.m.Go on a futuristic journey through our Solar System. With Earth's resources being rapidly depleted, a tycoon sends our hero, Jack Larson, on a mission to discover a new home to colonize. This character-driven show is perfect for middle school students! (recommended for ages 8-12)



Attack of the Space Pirates Tuesdays through August 28 3:00 p.m.Hidden somewhere in the vast reaches of space is an alien technology so powerful that it threatens the very galaxy itself. A gang of rogue pirates will stop at nothing to find that technology and unleash its awesome power against the rest of the universe. Now, only one valiant ship stands between the pirates and their total domination of space. It’s a race against time for the Starship Intrepid as it seeks to find the alien technology first while defending itself against the attack of the space pirates! (recommended for ages 8-12)


Magic Tree House: Space Mission
Wednesdays, July 11 - August 29 2:00 p.m. And Fridays, July 6 - August 24 7:00 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 Kids Wednesdays, July 11 - August 29
3:00 p.m. Our popular show has gotten a new song list. Songs include "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," "Supercalifragilisticsexpialidocious," and "Yellow Submarine," to name just a few. (recommended for ages 5 and older)


Space Shapes & Tycho to the Moon
Thursdays, July 5 – August 23 2:00 p.m.
Exploring shapes in space: are the Moon and its orbit "round" like a ball or a pancake? Play connect-the-dots with the stars to find triangles and squares and constellations. Meet Tycho, a dog who doesn't just howl at the Moon, but wants to go there. Blast off on an amazing ride. Learn about night and day, space travel, the phases of the Moon, and features of the lunar surface. Watch meteors shoot across the sky and see the Earth from space. (recommended for ages 5-10 accompanied by an adult)

SkyLights Thursdays, July 5 – August 23
3:00 p.m. Our youngest audience members can sing along with songs by Mr. RAY (Family Ride, Kalien the Alien) and Jane Murphy (Moon Rock Rock, The Planet Song). Some songs are illustrated with lasers and other songs feature video images. (recommended for ages 5-10)


FREE Summer Movies in Somerville. Bring a chair, or a blanket, bring your friends and kids, pack a snack for movie time, and head down to Division Street (now a plaza, not a street). Questions? Call 908.541.1600 or email dsa@findsomerville.com.
BIG MIRACLE Aug. 15, 8:30 p.m. Rated PG
Set in Cold War-era 1988, Big Miracle tells the true story of a small-town news reporter and a Greenpeace volunteer who enlist the help of rival superpowers to save three majestic gray whales trapped under the ice of the Arctic Circle.
BACK TO THE FUTURE Aug. 22, 8:30 p.m. Rated PG
1980s teenager Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is transported back in time to 1955 where he accidentally changes the course of history through a series of comic misadventures and finds he must return things to the way they were, back to the future.
E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL Aug 29, 8:30 p.m.Rated PG
A being from outer space is accidentally stranded on Earth. In his search for refuge, E.T. wanders into a backyard where he is discovered by ten-year-old Elliott. Elliott assumes responsibility for E.T.'s safety while searching, in a race against time, for a way to reunite E.T. with his own kind in this heartwarming story of friendship and discovery.

Looking for Music in the Parks this summer? Check out the “Events – Summer Concerts” listings in the “Useful Websites” section on the right side of this newsletter. (If you are getting this as an email, click on the headline to open it up in the bookcase format and these will appear.)

MEASURE FOR MEASURE AT SHAKESPEARE THEATRE
Here’s another thought-provoking play for teens (and their parents.) This mercurial masterpiece could have been written yesterday. An age-old tale of scandal, abuse of power and what happens when repression and profligacy get equally out of balance; it is a story for all times and its contemporary relevance is chillingly palpable. Tickets start at $32. The first Preview performance on Wednesday August 8th is Pay What You Can night and student Rush tickets are available 30-minutes before curtain for $10 with a valid student ID. For tickets, call the box office at 973-408-5600, visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org or email boxoffice@shakespearenj.org. Single ticket prices include a $2 facility fee not subject to discount.


Let Your Fingers Do MORE walking:
What is your favorite book that fits into the genre of Greek Mythology? Is your favorite something classic like Edgar D’Aulaire’s D’aulaire’s Book of Greek Myths? Or perhaps you’re a fan of a popular and modern series; such as, Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians series or the Goddess Girls by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams.  Vote for your favorites HERE. 

 


GOOSEBUMPS CELEBRATES ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY
Before there was Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, there was Goosebumps.  The R.L.  series celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.  If this series brings back fond memories (or shivering terrors), check out this remembrance.

New Jersey Family Many inventions started out as someone saying, "Why isn't there something that could help make this easier/better?" Here are 8 families who designed apps for children based upon a need or desire.




Want Book Suggestions for Your Kids?  Check out The Children’s Book Review August listings of new releases and best-selling children’s titles!

Another New Jersey Family  Do you spoil your kids? If so, do you know how to "unspoil" them? This video shows great ways to teach your children to appreciate money and become a bit less demanding.




HUNGRY? – Check out these Very Hungry Caterpillar inspired snacks! Which one is your favorite?

Things To Do With Kids in NYC

BY LAUREN POLLACK (from NJFamily)

Looking for things to do with the kids in NYC? There are tons of activities fit for kids in the Big Apple. New York City is full of museums, zoos, theaters, and other spots kids love. Use this list as a guide to some of the family-friendly events happening this month in NYC.
And don’t forget, you can now reserve FREE museum passes to The Children’s Museum of Manhattan, Intrepid, and other NYC museums through the library system!
(If you are planning a road trip,  check out these classic games for that car trip too!)
Here are some important family healthy & safety tips from new jersey efamily news:

Things To Do

Health

Education

Parenting

Directories

Contests

Raising Teens

NJ Baby

NJ Kids' Health and Safety Are your child's immunizations up to date? Does he need braces this year? Could she have food allergies? In this eblast, we'll answer these children's health questions and more to ensure your kids go back to school at their healthiest and happiest. How Sleep Boosts Learning Want kids to bring home As? Start with more ZZZs. Learn how to help kids of all age groups get the optimal amount of sleep. The Poison Control Hotline: Not Just For Emergencies Did you know? Poison Control is a great resource for medical concerns, not just emergency situations. One NJ mom writes about her experience calling. 10 Things To Know About Braces The start of the school year may signal the beginning of orthodontic treatment--or perhaps just an orthodontic evaluation. Here are 10 things parents and kids should know about wearing braces. Could Your Child Have Food Allergies? If you suspect that your child has the symptoms described here and/or a tingly, itchy mouth or throat during or after a meal, it's time to see an allergy specialist. Your child's life depends on it.  Lyme Disease, Pertussis, and . . . Sippy Cups? Here are some tidbits of recent health information on Lyme disease, pertussis (whooping cough), and even injuries caused by sippy cups. Back-to-School Health Checklist Are your child's immunizations up to date? Does he need new glasses? Has she had her hearing and vision checked? We've rounded up expert advice on all this and more so your kids will be ready for their big first day back at school. For many more health articles, head to njfamily.com. join us on facebook

Quick Links Poisonous Plants These three poisonous plants are found all around New Jersey, and simply brushing up against them can cause a nasty allergic reaction.   Detergent Danger Beware the dangers of children ingesting laundry detergent and be a poison prevention superhero. Share these poison prevention tips with your family (including children), friends, and coworkers. Counting Concussions Concussions are a potentially very serious injury that may have lifelong consequences. See which high school sports result in the highest rates of concussions.    Healthy Eating We've got some great recipes for delicious and healthy snacks for your next event. Try Baked Pork Egg Rolls, Healthy On-the-Go Finger Sandwiches, Mini Strawberry Shortcakes, or Silly Dilly Salad.   Glorious Giveaways Tell us your favorite Dr. Seuss books for a chance to win The Lorax Blu-Ray Combo Pack and DVD. Or, let us know why you'd like to win the new VeggieTales DVD, for a chance at one of our copies of The Penniless Princess DVD.