Bridgewater Library and RVCC Planetarium have fun day-off activities on Wednesday…plus lots of things to do in our library and around our area this last weekend in September.

Our mascot is now named “Booker!” A reminder: we are back to school year hours so that means we are open 1-5 on Sundays.

Are your kids off of school today (Wednesday 9/26)? Come play games at the library:

Drop In Game Day Wednesday Sept 26th. All Day Registration is not required, just come on in! Sure, you have the day off from school, but do you really want to be sitting in your room twiddling your thumbs? Of course not! That's why you should join us for 'Board Game Day!' We'll have all of your favorite board games available so that you and your friends can have fun all day long. There'll be Scrabble, Chutes and Ladders, Connect Four, and plenty more!

Or check out the programs at the planetarium:

RVCC Planetarium has a variety of Saturday and Holiday shows for Children. Click HERE for a complete 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!
Wednesday, September 26 -- Yom Kippur :

Magic Tree House: Space Mission Wednesday, September 26
2:00 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)


The Secret of the Cardboard Rocket Wednesday, September 26 3:00 p.m.
Travel with two adventurous youngsters in their cardboard rocket as they explore the Sun and the planets of the solar system. This show is designed to encourage the use of libraries, enhance language skills and develop individual imagination. (Recommended for ages 6-12)
Click HERE for a complete schedule of upcoming shows.

Use today to make sure you are registered to vote as well:
In 2008, 6 million Americans did not vote because they did not know how to register or they missed their state's voter registration deadline. Go to http://registertovote.org/index.html to register to vote or update your registration.

And plan to visit a museum this Saturday:



The library now offers free museum passes to six area museums, but this Saturday you can visit even more sites – details at: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/

Don't forget our Book Sale is Next Week:

@ the Library: Programs for Children:

Tail Waggin' Tutors: Children Reading to Dogs (For Children of All Ages) Tuesday, October 9th. 4-5pm. Repeats on Thursday, Oct. 18th.   Telephone or In-Person Registration Only Call the library at 908 526-4016 x126 for more information. You may begin registering for this program on Tuesday, September 25th.
Did you know that dogs like listening to stories as much as kids do?Come to the Bridgewater Library for Tail Waggin’ Tutors, our new program where children will have the opportunity to practice their reading skills by reading a story to Xena the Therapy Dog, a friendly, six-year-old chocolate labradoodle. Each child will have 10 minutes to read a favorite story to his or her new, canine friend. Therapy Dogs International (TDI®) is a volunteer organization dedicated to regulating, testing and registration of therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers for the purpose of visiting nursing homes, hospitals, other institutions and wherever else therapy dogs are needed.For more information, please visit www.tdi-dog.org.
Advocacy: Transition to Preschool Thursday, September 27th from 7-8:30pm Registration required Presented by the Department of Family Support. 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. A Mid-Jersey CARES Regional Early Intervention Collaborative, a program of Central NJ Maternal & Child Health Consortium **The workshop is free of charge and 1 ½ professional development hours will be awarded to attendees.


Friends Concert Series: Star Fish (For ages 3+) Saturday, September 29 at 11:00 am No registration required. StarFish, “The Greatest Rock Band in the World... for Kids,” is changing the face of family-friendly entertainment and making the young – and young at heart - sing, dance, and play air guitar. This 5-piece band electrifies kids’ music and gives parents the opportunity to share a real rock concert experience with their children. Visit their website at: www.StarFishRocks.com.



Toddler Dance Party (Ages 2-6) Monday, October 1st4:30-5pm Registration required. Read, rock, and roll at the library! Toddlers, ages 2-6, and their caregivers are invited to get their groove on at the library. Shimmy and shake to your favorite toddler tunes!



Rocket Readers: 'Marley and the Runaway Pumpkin' (Grades 1-2) Tuesday, October 2nd from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Registration required. Marley's family takes extra care in getting their blue-ribbon pumpkin to the fair, but with a dog like Marley around, being careful isn't always enough.
An exciting program for brand new readers! At each program we will discuss a book, play some games or create a story related craft. Students should read the book prior to the program. Copies of 'Marley and the Runaway Pumpkin' by Susan Hill, will be available at the Youth Services Reference Desk.


Kids Club: 'Sideways Stories from Wayside School' (Grades 3-4) Wednesday, October 3rd from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Registration required. Join us for a chapter book club for 3rd and 4th graders. Reserve your copy early, and check at the Youth Services desk with any questions. This month's book is 'Sideways Stories from Wayside School' by Louis Sachar.
A Crazy Mixed-up School. There's been a terrible mistake. Wayside School was supposed to be built with thirty classrooms, all next to each other, instead they built the classrooms one on top of the other...thirty stories tall! (The builder said he was very sorry.) That may be why all kinds of funny things happen at Wayside School…especially on the thirteenth floor. You'll meet Mrs. Gorf, the meanest teacher of all; terrible Todd, who always gets sent home early; and John who can read only upside down, along with all the other kids in the crazy mixed-up school that came out sideways. But you'll never guess the truth about Sammy, the new kid...or what's in store for Wayside School on Halloween!

'Star Wars' Reads Day (All Ages) Saturday, October 6th
from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm No registration required.
Join us on Saturday, October 6th as we celebrate Star Wars Reads Day! Drop in anytime for a showing of two Star Wars films at 10 am and 1 pm. There will be games, puzzles, crafts, a trivia contest and prizes. Jedis and padawans who come in costume will receive a special prize – the Force is strong with them! Stop by for a fun-filled day, and may the Force be with you.

After-School Adventure: 'Rumpelstiltskin's Daughter' (Ages 5-10)Monday, October 15th  from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm. Registration begins October 1.  Join us for a reading of this untraditional fairy tale, 'Rumpelstiltskin's Daughter,' and then create a picture suitable for hanging in the King’s castle!  **Paint will be available, so please dress accordingly.





 
Hallow-Tween Party: After Hours (Grades 4-6) Friday, October 19th  from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm  Registration begins October 5.
Tweens, grades 4-6, wear your Halloween costumes and get locked in the library after hours! We'll have a Halloween movie, video games, crafts and snacks!  Please Note: No admittance after 6:15 pm.  Advance notice required if tween must leave the program early.  


Friends Concert Series: Kurt Gallagher  (For ages 3+)
Saturday, October 20  at 10:30 am  No registration
Join Kurt Gallagher’s “Songs for Playful Children” for an interactive music appreciation program with lots of silly songs like “Rocket to Chocolate,” 'Twinkle Twinkle Broken Down Car.” The kids will have so much fun dancing, singing and giggling they won’t realize they’re actually learning about melody and rhythm. Kurt’s on a mission to show kids that music is made by people, not machines and everyone at Kurt’s show is encouraged to sing and play  along. Plus that they’ll get to pop lots and lots of bubbles! Music fun for the whole family!





Monster Mayhem (Ages 5-10) Monday, October 22nd
from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm  Registration begins October 8.  Games and crafts celebrating all things (slightly) gruesome and glorious.



 
Lego Club (Grades K-6) Tuesday October
23rd. from 10:30 am - 11:30 am Registration begins October 9th. 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.


Family Storytimes (ages 2-6) are held Tuesdays at 10 and 1:30, Toddler Times (ages 18-36 months) Wednesdays at 10 & 11 and Thursdays at 10:30 & 11:30, Baby Times (Birth-18 months) Thursdays at 9:30 through October 18th.  No registration is required but we ask that you only attend one session each week. Full details are posted our October Calendar or you can call us at 908 526-4016 x126. We also offer a satellite storytime/craft on Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. at the Neshanic Station Library.
Looking for an Evening Storytime? Bound Brook Library has them on Wednesdays starting at 7:00 PM. Program space is limited. Registration Required.


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 register 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!



Highlighting our Foreign Language Materials:


@ Bridgewater Library for Teens:


5th & 6th Grade Volunteers Thursday, October 4th from 7-8pm Registration required. ATTENTION STUDENTS IN GRADES 5 AND 6: Here is your chance to make a difference by volunteering at the library! You can help the library with special projects including creating bookmarks for young children, organizing and tidying up the Children’s Room, and much more!

Open Mic Cafe Night (Ages 13+) Thursday, October 18th From 7:00pm – 8:30pm Registration Required to perform begins Sept. 6th. 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.**


Accepted: Getting Into Your First Choice School (Grades 9-12) (For students in grades 9-12 and parent(s)/guardian(s)) Wednesday, September 26th From 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Registration begins September 5.
This one-hour seminar presented by Kaplan is designed to show students and parents what college admissions officers expect from applicants’ high school experiences. Topics covered include a variety of admissions policies and the key factors used by admissions officers when making admissions decisions.
This program is open to students in grades 9-12 and their parent(s)/guardian(s). All who plan on attending must register.

Standardized Testing Demystified (Grades 9-12) (For students in grades 9-12 and parent(s)/guardian(s)) Tuesday, October 2nd
From 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Registration required
Ed Carroll, who has worked in Research and Development for Princeton Review, discusses the student experience of taking the SAT and ACT, and the role of standardized testing in the college admissions process. During his time at Princeton Review, Ed developed materials (books, practice tests, iPhone apps, test-taking strategies, etc.) and used to take the SAT and ACT several times a year.

Finding Colleges That Fit You (Grades 9-12)(For students in grades 9-12 and their parent(s)/guardian(s)) Thursday, October 11th
From 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Registration begins Sept. 20th.
Rana Slosberg, a higher education consultant, answers the seven commonly asked questions regarding college selection and what you should do before building a college list. She’ll also reveal the top ten things colleges are looking for in an applicant and the five most important areas to explore on your college visit.

Practice PSAT (Grades 7-11) Saturday, October 13th From 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Registration begins September 21. Taking the PSAT on October 17th or 20th? Here’s your last chance to practice before the real thing! Even if you’re not taking the real test this year, 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 (which will be mailed to you 7-10 business days following the test). Don't forget a #2 pencil and calculator!

College Planning 101: Using Library Resources to Begin Your College Planning (For students in grades 9-12 and their parent(s)/guardian(s)) Monday, October 15th From 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Registration begins September 24.
Feeling overwhelmed by the whole college planning process? Your public library is the perfect place to start your research! During this presentation, we’ll go over FREE resources available to you, including databases to help you find scholarships and prepare for the SAT, books that will help you narrow down your choice of school, and much more!
Want more info about upcoming programs ? check out our October teen calendar here.

Around the Community:

LEO at RVCC Theater
Circle of Eleven
Friday, September 28 at 8PM
Tickets: $22 & $32
What would happen if the laws of gravity were to suddenly change? LEO, the award-winning new show from the acclaimed German company Circle of Eleven, attempts to answer this question as the hero explores a world where gravity has woozily shifted and undertakes a logic-defying adventure that not only reveals his dreams and desires but his lust for life. Through a clever juxtaposition of live performance with projected film, two Leos move through identical spaces governed by opposing physical laws. LEO is a funny, surreal, and surprisingly touching work that challenges the senses and tests perceptions of reality.

VENERABLE TALE FLIES INTO THE GROWING STAGE: BRING THE FAMILY!

PETER PAN—THE MUSICALWHEN: September 21 to October 14, Fridays at 7:30 PM; Saturdays and Sundays at 4:00 PM
WHERE: The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong, New Jersey
TICKETS: Fantastic Fridays with all tickets $15! Saturday and Sunday tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children and seniors.
To place your reservation, please contact the Growing Stage Box Office at 973.347.4946 or e-mail at boxoffice@growingstage.com.
Peter Pan, like its namesake, is a tale which never ages. Children and adults alike have all fallen under the spell of Neverland, a place where children can fly and exciting, frightening adventures happen every day. RECOMMENDED for the ENTIRE FAMILY!
In 1985 Piers Chater Robinson adapted J.M. Barrie's book for the stage, and now, over 25 years later, his innovative Peter Pan musical score is well known and loved. The ever-popular characters are still there—Peter Pan, Wendy, John, Michael, the dastardly Captain Hook and his sidekick Smee, Tiger Lily, the Lost Boys, pirates, Neverland Indians, and Tinker Bell. The Growing Stage is a professional member of the Association of Actor’s Equity.

LAST WEEKEND TO SEE SHAKESPEARE’S GREATEST TRAGIC HERO TAKES TO THE STAGE IN PISCATAWAY
If you have a high school student reading the play this year, take him or her to see this play. There is nothing, nothing, like seeing a live performance of Hamlet! And this is a riveting version.

HAMLET By William Shakespeare
Directed by Jessica Sherman
WHEN: Sept. 14-30; Fridays & Saturdays 8 PM; Sundays 3 PM
WHERE: Circle Players, 416 Victoria Ave., Piscataway
TICKETS: $18 adults, $17 students/seniors
For reservations and information, call 732.968.7555 or Please buy online here
Sorry, no credit cards accepted at the box office
Set in the Kingdom of Denmark, the play dramatizes the revenge Prince Hamlet exacts on his uncle Claudius for murdering King Hamlet, Claudius's brother and Prince Hamlet's father, and then succeeding to the throne and taking as his wife Gertrude, the old king's widow and Prince Hamlet's mother.
The play vividly portrays both true and feigned madness—from overwhelming grief to seething rage—and explores themes of treachery, revenge, incest and moral corruption. Recommended for age 13+.

NEW ADAPTATION OF DICKENS’ CLASSIC COMES TO LIFE ON STNJ STAGE

If you saw the STNJ adaptation of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, you won’t want to miss this adaptation (by the same adaptor) of the classic Oliver Twist. Bring the kids! Here’s the review by Ruth Ross at NJartsmaven.com :
REVIEW: A BREATHTAKING “OLIVER TWIST” @ STNJ
Charles Dickens'
OLIVER TWIST Adapted by Neil Bartlett
Directed by Brian B. Crowe
WHEN: September 12 - October 7; Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday and Opening Night at 7:30 PM; Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 PM
WHERE: Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, F.M. Kirby Theatre, Drew University campus, 36 Madison Avenue (at Lancaster Road), Madison
TICKETS: $32 to $70. Student rush tickets are available for $10
Order ticket packages or single tickets HERE or call the box office at 973.408.5600
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey has a very inventive production on the Main Stage through October 7. …a thrilling evening of theater. Featuring an ensemble of 12 actors who play myriad roles (with the superb Ames Adamson as Fagin and Jeffrey M. Bender as Bill Sikes), this dynamic new vision of Dickens’ familiar classic will delight young and old. Filled with music and colorful characters, the visceral landscape of Victorian England's underworld comes to life in this exciting and theatrical adaptation.

Oliver Twist is the perfect tale for election season when we are arguing over how much government owes to the poor. Of course, we don't have workhouses for orphans in this country, but the British government allotment in 1837 to feed these creatures was too low by a half, and most of that lined the pockets of the people running the institutions. And young people turning to crime just to survive, or becoming addicted to alcohol and drugs isn't a problem inimical to 1837; it faces America today. Unfortunately, although Dickens' syntax and diction may have gone "out of style," his concerns have not.
Once again, the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey shows us what a class act they are. If you have seen their production of Neil Bartlett's adaptation of A Christmas Carol, you know the magic he can work with text. Add to that STNJ's wonderful way with acting and staging, and you've got a breathtaking production of Oliver Twist that should not be missed. read more of the njartsmaven.com review.
Oliver Twist as adapted by Neil Bartlett will be performed at the F. M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, through October 7. For information and tickets, call the box office at 973.408.5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.

RVCC has lots of enrichment programs for Youth this Fall – check out their catalog here: http://www.raritanval.edu/uploadedFiles/cce/cfa/youth-programs_fall2012.pdf

 

 

 

What's your favorite Somerset County history site? Mark your calendar to tour and enjoy 27 of them at Weekend Journey Through the Past!  October 13-14.

The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission has designated the weekend of October 13 & 14, 2012, "Weekend Journey through the Past." Twenty-seven (27) of the County's significant historic sites will be open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday and 12:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sunday. Along with the addition of four “first time” participating sites this year, a Kids/Family Detective activity, What in the World is That?, is being planned to complement the various special exhibits, programs, and tours planned at each historic site. Free parking and admission to all sites.

This annual event is a perfect opportunity for a family outing. 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.




There are lots more things to do around our community. Look at the “Useful Websites for Families” (on the right side of this blog – click the headline if you are reading this as an email) for many more options!

 

Let Your Fingers Do More Walking:

 

Town turns tables on school prank  By Francis X. Donnelly The Detroit News

Whitney Kropp, a free spirit with few friends, was named to the homecoming court as a joke by her classmates, but the tiny farm town of West Branch has rallied around her. (Dale G. Young / The Detroit News)

West Branch, Mich. — High school student Whitney Kropp was shocked earlier this month when she was named to the homecoming court.  Her happy surprise turned to humiliation when she learned the reason. The students thought it would be funny if the popularity contest was won by someone who was unpopular.
Kids pointed at her in the hallways and laughed. The boy who was picked with her withdrew.  Students told her that, in case she was wondering why the boy had dropped out, he was uncomfortable being linked with her.
"I thought I wasn't worthy," said Kropp, 16. "I was this big old joke."  Her embarrassment was complete, but it didn't last long. This tiny farm town an hour north of Saginaw quickly rallied around her.
Read more about how a town defeated this attempt at bullying.

 
Bias persists against women of science, study says

Science professors at U.S. universities widely regard female undergraduates as less competent than male students with the same accomplishments and skills, a new study by researchers at Yale concluded.



 

A "Learning Disorder" might actually be a Medical Condition
Your first or second grader is having difficulty putting words together while trying to read. He or she is otherwise performing at age and grade level in other function like dressing, toileting and self-feeding.
There might already be talks of having your child in special Ed.
The listening ear of a sympathetic and knowledgeable pediatrician or family doctor will prove invaluable as you go through this process of discovery.  Read More.