Holiday Happenings: Donate a Book for Books for Kids, Check out Our Lincoln Display, Join a Moms Group, Read to a Dog, Do Storytime Yoga and LOTS of other Special Programs in the Library and Around the Community.

Looking for some good book gift ideas? Bridgewater Librarians are happy to consult with you to find some perfect selections.  Give us a call at 908 526-4016 x126 and we’ll have some suggestions ready.

Speaking of gift books -- The Bridgewater Library will be collecting new and new-looking books through Sunday December 9th.  Please be generous.  Books are especially needed this year to give as gifts for children in flood-ravaged areas:

 

LINCOLN Display is up in the library through the end of November

Abraham Lincoln: A Man of His Time, A Man for All Times” illustrates that two centuries after his birth, Lincoln still speaks to Americans and the world. Raised on the Kentucky and Indiana frontiers, and formed by his experiences as a lawyer in Illinois, Lincoln wrestled with issues of race and rights, with the limits of political leadership, and with civil liberties during wartime. His administration advanced the idea of the United States as a single, unified nation, and he set an agenda for inclusive democracy that continues to have resonance today. Bridgewater Library will be displaying this exhibit through the month of November. Sponsored by the Gilder Lehrman and National Humanities Council.

NOVEMBER is NaNoWrMo (NATIONAL NOVEL WRITING MONTH) – if you have a manuscript, check out PITCH PERFECT Wednesday November 28, 2012 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM Registration required.  You have the finished manuscript, but how do you craft that perfect pitch or query letter to catch the eye and ear of an agent or publisher? Join local authors for a discussion and workshop on their experiences breaking into the publishing world. You will work in small groups with the published authors to write your own pitch.

For those whose writing interest is more on the picture book side, check out this blog by local author Tara Lazar about Picture Book Idea Month: http://taralazar.com/piboidmo/

@ the Library: Programs for Parents & Teachers

 

Advocacy: Current Issues in Special Education Thursday, November 29th from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Registration Required. Children with disabilities are entitled to a free, appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. This workshop will highlight the most current issues pertaining to special education services available to children with disabilities and their families.
Presented by Maria Fischer, esq., an attorney at Hinkle, Fingles, and Prior, a law firm committed to the field of disability law. She earned her J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law and is a member of the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Bar. She has also been appointed to serve on the Board of Directors of The Arc of Mercer County.

Monday Morning Moms Group (For parents or caregivers and children ages birth to 3 years) Monday, December 10th 10:00am Registration required.
This week's theme: Healthier Holiday Snacks
Join our new group where you can meet other parents, get ideas, and learn from experts! Each week will have a different theme and discussion led by a speaker. There will be some toys available for the children.

@ the Library: Programs for Children:

Family Storytimes (ages 2-6) 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. No registration is required but we ask that you only attend one session each week. Full details are posted our November 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.

Fit4Kids (Ages 4-7) Tuesday, November 27th from 4:30 pm - 5:15 pm.  Registration Required. Join Muscle Mike and Soccer Sue as they each us about “good foods that are good for us,” as well as how to have a healthy heartbeat. Afterwards, we’ll get our heart rates going with a little light exercise that children can do everyday to ensure they’re healthy for the rest of their lives! ***Please Print Out and Complete the following Program Release Form and bring it with you to this program:http://www.sclsnj.org/PDFs/SCLSrlsformchild.pdf.  You will not be permitted to attend this program without a signed copy of this form.

 

Storytime Yoga for Children (For ages 6 and under) Friday, November 30th from 10:00 am - 10:30 am  Registration required. Join ACE certified Personal Trainer and Karma Kids certified Yoga Instructor,  Pamela Nixon, for our new Storytime Yoga series.  Animal characters come to life as stories are read and acted out with yoga poses. Through the use of songs, puppets, and fun, animated poses, children will learn what it’s like to hop like a frog, slither like a snake and roar like a lion!***Please Print Out and Complete the following Program Release Form and bring it with you to this program:http://www.sclsnj.org/PDFs/SCLSrlsformchild.pdf.  You will not be permitted to attend this program without a signed copy of this form.

Toddler Dance Party (For ages 2-6) Monday, December 3rd 4:30-5pm Registration begins November 19.  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: 'Amelia Bedelia's Family Album' (Grades 1-2) Wednesday, December 5th  from 4:30 pm -  5:30 pm.  Registration required.  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 the books will be available at the Youth Services Reference Desk.  This month:Amelia Bedelia’s Family Album By Peggy Parish. Amelia Bedelia entertains Mr. and Mrs. Rogers by showing them her family album and describing what her relatives do.

Tail Waggin' Tutors: Children Reading to Dogs (For Children of All Ages) on Thursday, December 6th. 4-5pm. 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 Wednesday Nov. 21st.
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.

PreSchool of Rock (Ages 2+) Saturday, December 8th from 10:30 am - 11:15 am. Registration required. Got the winter blues?  Then come by the library and rock out with 'Preschool of Rock!' Your morning will be filled with great music where children will discover, improvise, perform, and have fun!

Kids' Club: 'Who Was Steve Jobs?' (Grades 3-4) Monday, December 10  from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm  Registration required.

'Who Was Steve Jobs?'  By Pam Pollack  Examines the life and accomplishments of computer industry pioneer Steve Jobs, a founder of Apple Computer, Inc.  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.

Family Night Storytime (All Ages) No Registration Required

Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Story Well  Wear your pj's to our new all-ages storytime with Miss Gretchen!

Carol's Creative Chocolatez Saturday December 15, 2012 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM  Registration Required   Back by Popular Demand!   Learn the history of cacao and the steps needed to transform it into delicious chocolate. Carol will explain tempering, the melting and cooling process, and the tasty results. Enjoy lots of scrumptious samples. Take a look at some of Carol's award winning edible chocolate paintings! Bring the family and friends for a fabulous time. You Must Register To Attend This Event.

After-School Adventure: Gifts and Giving (Ages 5-11)  Monday, December 17th  from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm  Registration begins December 3.   Join us to hear some stories of great gifts given and received; then we'll make wrapping paper you can use for the special presents you plan to give this holiday season.

And don’t forget The Library has books nominated for the 2013 Garden State Book Awards on display on the bookshelf behind the Youth Services Reference Desk. Stop on by and take a look!   For a full list of nominees with descriptions, click HERE.

There are ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS at other system libraries for children & teens…find their online calendars under the “events/programs” tab on our home page.

Planning ahead for the rest of December? --  Check out our library calendar.

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!



@ Bridgewater Library for Teens:

5th & 6th Grade Volunteers Tuesday December 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, December 13th 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.**

Practice SAT (For students in grades 7 - 12)  Saturday, December 15th from 9:30 am - 1:30 pm Registration required. Taking the SAT in the Spring? 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!

TAB Meeting (Grades 6-8) Tuesday, Tuesday, December 18th 5:30-6:30pm TAB Meeting (Grades 9-12) Tuesday Tuesday, December 18th 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM 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!

Want more info about upcoming programs? Check out our December teen calendar here.


Around the Community:

 

HELP A FAMILY IN NEED WITH THE GIFT OF THEATER

DO YOU KNOW A FAMILY WHO COULD USE A FREE NIGHT OUT FOR THE HOLIDAYS?

 

Help TRTC help families affected by Hurricane Sandy with free tickets to the special December 11th performance of

A Wind in the Willows Christmas

To enter a family in need into the ticket drawing for this dedicated performance, please e-mail ehahn@trtc.org  with the

• family/contact name
• their phone number
• a brief description of their circumstances

We ask that you provide ehahn@trtc.org  with these details no later than December 2.  TRTC will hold a drawing to choose the winning families on December 3.  The special performance will take place on Tuesday, December 11.  (Gifts in any amount are also welcome and will help share the joy of this magical production. Your generous support will help provide free tickets to 100 local families devastated by Hurricane Sandy). If you have any questions, please call Ellen Hahn, Institutional Development Associate, at 732.345.1400 x1830 or email ehahn@trtc.org . Thank you, and please share this post with your friends!

WONDROUS TALE OPENS @ SOMERSET VALLEY PLAYERS THIS FRIDAY JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON!

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE

Dramatized by Joseph Robinette
Book by C.S. Lewis
Directed by Jonathan Wierzbicki

WHEN: November 30-December 16; Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 PM
WHERE: Somerset Valley Players,
689 Amwell Road, Hillsborough
Just a few miles west of Route 206. Wheelchair Accessible and Air Conditioned
"Yes, we are the little red schoolhouse!"
TICKETS: $15 Adults and $13 Seniors and Students.
For tickets please visit www.svptheatre.org or call 908.369.7469

The wondrous tale of mystery and magic brings daring adventure, as four innocent children enter an enchanted portal to a fantastic kingdom of mystical beasts. The courageous youngsters demonstrate heartfelt bravery battling an eternal winter and dueling with an evil White Witch. The children help the true ruler of the kingdom, a majestic lion, regain his rightful glory as leader of the realm, thus allowing Father Christmas to return to the kingdom once again.

 

Free - Gift of the Magi Event - Open to All
Come Hear the Story of The Gift of the Magi.
See Highlights in a Short Skit of The Gift of the Magi.
Come Appreciate the Real Meaning of Gift Giving.
Then - Each Attendee will Be Able to Select & Take 5 Brand New Gifts to Spread the Spirit of Gift Giving this Holiday Season.                                        (Wide Variety of Gifts to Choose From.)

DATE: Saturday - December 8, 2012
WHERE: Somerset County/Bridgewater Library – Community Room   
TIMES: Two Session: 1:00 pm till 2:00 pm or 3:oo pm till 4:00 pm

Suggested Age – Pre-K thru Grade 6, But Open to All.

Registration Recommended to Confirm a Spot, But Walk-In Welcome.
TWO WAYS TO REGISTER:   CALL: (908) 429-9744
                                                 EMAIL: ShelbyGoldAward@aol.com

When You Call or Email -    1) Leave Number Attending & Names.   2) Contact Phone Number.     3) Session Attending. 

Any Additional Questions: Contact Ambassador Girl Scout Shelby Sharkey at

(908) 429-9744 or email ShelbyGoldAward@aol.com  

Web Page: www.Free-Gift-of-the-Magi-Event.webs.com

STAGE VERSION OF BELOVED FILM LANDS AT CENTENARY STAGE COMPANY FOR THE HOIDAY SEASON

THE WIZARD OF OZ
ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY’S (RSC) adaptation by Frank Gabrielson and John Kane
Music and Lyrics from the MGM motion picture score by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg
Directed by Michael Blevens

WHEN: November 23 and will run until December 9; Thursdays at 7:30 PM; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM. There are also 2 PM matinees on Wednesday, November 28 and 10 AM school matinees on Tuesday, December 4 and Wednesday, December 5.
WHERE: Sitnik Theatre in the David and Carol Lackland Center, 715 Grand Ave., Hackettstown (on the campus of Centenary College)
TICKETS: $20-$29.50 with discounts for students and seniors. Every Thursday night is “Family Night,” which offers a 2-for-1 rush ticket price when purchased at the door.
To purchase tickets or to find more information on other performances in the 2012-2013 season, visit www.centenarystageco.org or call 908.979.0900. Patrons are encouraged to check the age recommendations for individual shows.

Featuring a cast of 50 actors on the stage, The Wizard of Oz is a musical tradition following the story of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Lion and Toto, too. The RSC said this adaptation came about when the Artistic Director of the company asked for a show that could be performed annually over the Christmas season, so this show is especially made for families to celebrate the holiday season.

This production includes lively dance routines and familiar songs such as Academy Award-winning song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” as well as an added show-stopping dance number, “The Jitterbug,” which was edited out from the original movie. Artistic Director Carl Wallnau said, “You only have to say it to people, and a smile comes on their face.” Directed and choreographed by Broadway, film, and television veteran Michael Blevins, The Wizard of Oz features a cast of talented actors, dancers and musicians from all over New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Flying by Foy, one of the most prolific and widely-respected theatrical flying services in the world, headquartered in Las Vegas, has come to execute the flying of the Witches, the Wizard, the monkeys, and more, creating a spectacle not to be missed and a first for Centenary Stage Company.

The dining hall at the Lackland Center will also host a special Yule Fest dinner ($12.50) before the show dates on Saturday, November 1^st and 8^thand a brunch ($10.00) on Sunday, December 2^nd and 9^th. There will be different vendors from the community also set up selling special holiday gifts so that audiences can get an opportunity to catch up on their holiday shopping.

WATCH THE MUNCHKINS PERFORM HERE!  and CLICK HERE to read Ruth Ross’ Review.

CELEBRATE A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS @ HISTORIC SPEEDWELL VILLAGE

A Civil War Christmas

WHEN: Saturday, December 1, from 12 Noon to 5 PM and Sunday, December 2, from 12 Noon to 4 PM
WHERE: Historic Speedwell, Speedwell Avenue, Morristown
ADMISSION: $7 for adults, $6 for seniors (65+), and $5 for children ages 4 to 16.
For more information, please call 973.285.6550.

Experience life during the Civil War at Christmas time on both the home front and at a soldier’s winter encampment. At the encampment, visit and speak with soldiers from the 2nd NJ Brigade as they prepare for a holiday away from home. Walk inside their authentically reproduced huts, and watch them cook a holiday meal over a camp fire. (Top: A Civil War Christmas by Thomas Nast)

On the reverse side, you’ll get a feel for the home life during this period as well. Listen to the family read actual letters from Union troops written to their loved ones at the Vail home and see how it was decorated during the Civil War.

Attend a Civil War era Officer’s Ball, recreated in the 1849 Carriage House with live fiddle music, room decorated with pine and ribbon. An authentic period dance instructor teaches re-enactors and visitors on how to properly dance these historical pieces. Officers are clad in their best uniforms ready to dance with fashionably dressed women from the period.

With traditional crafts, treats, and more, you’ll be sure to have a full-day (or two) of entertainment. Also visit the Speedwell Gift Shop for unique stocking stuffers and holiday decorations. 

1st OPERA WRITTEN FOR TV PRESENTED BY RIDGE LIGHT OPERA 4 PERFORMANCES ONLY

AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS
Written by Gian-Carlo Menotti
Directed by Joanna Hoty Russell

WHEN: Friday, November 30, and Saturday, December 1;  two performances each night: Friday at 7:00 PM and another at 8:3 PM; Saturday at 5:00 PM and another at 7:00 PM
WHERE: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 140 Finley Ave, Basking Ridge NJ.

Soloists and ensemble will perform this heart rendering Christmas favorite with full costumes, scenery and stage lighting.

Written in 1951, Amahl and the Night Visitors has the distinction of being the first opera written for television. A Christmas favorite, the story deals with Amahl, a young peasant shepherd boy who can only walk with the aid of a staff. As the opera opens, Amahl is very excited. He has seen a truly strange and wondrous star outside, one with a long tail the likes of which he has never seen. His Mother, knowing that he likes to make things up, grows angry with him and dismisses his news. Soon there is a knock at the door. When the Mother opens it, she is astonished to find three kings. They tell her that they are in search of a very special king and show Amahl and his Mother the gifts they bring. The Mother leaves to alert the neighbors to the king's presence, and they return with gifts for the three sovereigns. Later that night, the Mother gives in to temptation and tries to take some of the kings' gold for her and Amahl. She is frightened when the kings catch her; however, they do not punish her, explaining that the one they are seeking does not need their gold; that he will establish a kingdom based upon love. The Mother gives the gold back, and Amahl, moved by what he has heard, asks the kings to take his staff as a gift for the new king. As he does so, Amahl discovers that his selflessness has resulted in a miracle—he can now walk. As the opera ends, he goes with the kings to give thanks and praise to the one who has brought this miracle about. Synopsis by Craig Butler.

THE THEATER PROJECT PRESENTS HOLIDAY CARD TO AUDIENCE WITH RADIO VERSION OF BELOVED FILM

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: THE RADIO PLAY
Adapted by Liz Zazzi
Directed by Mark Spina

WHEN: Saturday, December 1, 3 PM (pre-show singalong begins at 2:45 PM)
WHERE: The Theater Project, Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts, 10 Durand Road, Maplewood
TICKETS: Adults: $20 suggested donation; Children: Free
TICKET PURCHASE/RESERVATION OPTIONS: Call 973.763.4029
www.TheTheaterProject.org

Snow Date (in case of cancellation due to winter weather): Sunday, December 2 at 3 PM

The Theater Project will present its holiday production of It’s A Wonderful Life: The Radio Play recreating the Lux Radio Theater circa 1947, where twelve actors, a musician and one extremely overworked sound technician prepare for the big broadcast of the story made famous in the Frank Capra film.

“This is our holiday card to our audience,” says Theater Project artistic director Mark Spina. “Every year for the past ten years, some of our favorite actors donate their time to relive this story with our patrons and their families.”

Looking for more things to do?

gives suggestions each weekend... Check out their links for Holiday Theater -- 14 sensational holiday performances in NJ.  Here’s a sampling:

 

The Nutcracker

Experience the magic of the Nutcracker ballet on the following dates: Dec. 1–3 The College of New Jersey, Ewing 609-396-7616; Dec. 1–2 bergenPAC, Englewood201-227-1030; Dec. 1–2 (one-hour version) Hamilton Stage, Rahway 732-499-8226; Dec. 2  SOPAC, South Orange 973-275-1114; Dec. 8 Patriots Theater at the War Memorial, Trenton609-984-8400; Dec. 8–9 Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank 732-842-9000;Dec. 15–16 Algonquin Arts Theatre, Manasquan 732-528-9211; Dec. 15-16 Centenary Stage Sitnik Theater, Hackettstown908-979-0900; Dec. 14–16, 20–24 MPAC, Morristown 973-539-8008; Dec. 22–23 State Theatre, New Brunswick (shown) 732-246-7469

A Christmas Carol

This classic story reminds us that the holidays are a time of kindness, forgiving, and charity. 

• Nov. 30 The Theatre at RVCC, Branchburg (shown) 908-725-3420
• Dec. 2-28 McCarter Theatre, Princeton 609-258-2787
• Dec. 9 Paper Mill Playhouse, Millburn 973-376-4343
• Dec. 15 bergenPAC, Englewood 201-227-1030
• Dec. 15 Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank 732-842-9000
• Dec. 7–23 The Chatham Playhouse, Chatham 973-635-7363

The Velveteen Rabbit

Dec. 2, 1 pm
State Theatre, New Brunswick
732-246-7469

Has your little one ever wondered if toys are real? Imaginative costumes, life-sized puppets, magical masks, and original music will teach that “real” is not in how you’re made; it’s something that happens to you.

A Little Princess Christmas

Dec. 22, 10 am
Paper Mill Playhouse, Millburn
973-376-4343

Spirited Sara Crewe goes from riches to rags when her doting father disappears, leaving her in the clutches of the evil Miss Minchin. Now it’s up to Sara and her friend Becky to save themselves while keeping up hope that Captain Crewe will return to save their Christmas. Ages 7 and up. 

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer

Nov. 23–Dec. 23
Fridays at 7:30 pm; Saturdays and Sundays at 4 pm
The Growing Stage, Netcong
973-347-4946

This presentation, recommended for the entire family, is a musical stage adaptation of the 1964 TV special. Set in a magical, holiday world in and around the North Pole—populated by talking snowmen and flying reindeer—this production features well-known Christmas songs and evokes the enduring spirit of Christmas.

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!

Saturdays & Sundays, first three weeks of December

The Alien Who Stole Christmas
Saturdays & Sundays,
December 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 15 & 16
2:00 p.m.
Discover the stars visible in the winter sky.  The follow Santa on a trip through the Solar System when a friendly alien kidnaps him.  The kids on the other planets need presents too, you know!  Recommended for ages 6-10.

Winter Wonder Lights
Saturdays & Sundays,
December 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 15 & 16
3:00 p.m.
An annual tradition, come listen to songs like "Wizards in Winter," "Run Run Rudolph," and "Little Saint Nick" while lasers draw pictures on the dome overhead.  Recommended for ages 6 - adult.

For more events, check out their web calendar. You can subscribe to event alerts there as well.

REVIEW: PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE’S “THE SOUND OF MUSIC” A DELECTABLE CONFECTION FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

The Sound of Music will be performed at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn through December 30. For information and tickets, call 973.376.4343 or visit www.papermill.org.

"The hills are alive with the sound of music." Okay, it's not the Austrian Alps, but more like the Short Hills that "rise" above Millburn where, just in time for the holidays, the Paper Mill Playhouse has mounted an enchanting production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical fable about the von Trapp Family Singers, The Sound of Music. With beautiful melodies, sprightly dancing, a suspenseful plot and polished performances, it's the perfect gift for the entire family.

For those of you whose only experience with the story has been through the 1965 film starring Julie Andrews, be forewarned. The play, while basically the same, has songs that appear in different places, with different motivations and different effects. For instance, instead of being sung by Fraulein Maria to the von Trapp children, the lovely "My Favorite Things" is a reminiscence shared by Maria and the Mother Superior of her convent. And there is no cutesy puppet show about "A Lonely Goatherd," put on by the children to charm their father's girlfriend. You may feel a bit disoriented by this, but not to worry: you'll be totally charmed by what is happening onstage.

That said, there's nothing not to like about this tale. Rambunctious flibberty-gibbet postulant Maria Rainer leaves the Nonnberg Abbey to take a position in Salzburg as governess to the seven children of the widowed Captain Georg von Trapp, a former navy captain who runs his house like a ship, complete with a whistle to call the children and his servants. His idea of childhood play involves lots of marching and a great deal of standing at attention to receive his orders. Maria brings her playful attitude to this cold house, teaches the children how to sing and eventually wins the heart of her employer. With the Nazi invasion of Austria looming (and the Captain barely hiding his anti-Nazi sentiments), the family must leave Austria, a feat achieved by slipping off after performing at a music festival, followed by Nazi storm troopers, before finally reaching safety in Switzerland. (Note: They eventually made their way to America and founded a resort in Vermont, where they performed extensively for many years.)

Director James Brennan has assembled a top-notch production team to provide a "canvas" for this enchantment. Read More of this Review.

ADULTS/CHILDREN SOUGHT FOR FAMILY MUSICAL BASED ON SHAKESPEARE COMEDY

AUDITION NOTICE:

BOTTOM'S DREAM
A family musical based on A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

WHEN: Monday, November 26, at 7:30 PM; Wednesday, November 28, at 7:30 PM; Callbacks Thursday, November 29, at 7:30 PM   Performance Dates: January 18 and 25 at 7:00 PM; January 19, 20, 26 and 27 at 2:00 PM

WHERE: The Burgdorff Center For The Performing Arts, 10 Durand Rd., Maplewood (NJ Transit train station is at the end of the street)

Director Carol Cornicelli is seeking 8 adults for the lead roles and 13 children to play Titania & Oberon's faeries, changeling child and 4 mechanical (town craftsmen) apprentices.

Actors should be prepared to sing a short song and read from provided scripts. Musical Director Ebony Wiggins will play for the auditions so please bring sheet music if you have it.  Rehearsals will begin on Monday, December 3rd and are generally 3 nights a week, with a break for the holidays.  It is not necessary to make an appointment to audition.

The Children's Museum (of Somerset County NJ)

The Children's Museum’s Annual Holidays around the World Festival is from Noon to 5 PM on Sunday December 9th. They are looking for youth performing arts groups representing a diversity of cultures, and may be able to offer a stipend to performers for this special event. If you are interested in performing, or know someone who is, please call Joyce Anne Judd at 908-603-9355 , or email her at kabukija@juno.com Thank you!

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: Great articles for parents!

 

You've probably seen pictures of cute old-fashioned windmills, or seen a model one spinning at the miniature golf course.  Today's high-tech version of the windmill, called a wind turbine, blows the old ones out of the water.  Their propeller blades can be up to 200 feet long, and can slice the air at 180 miles an hour.  So it's no surprise how much power these machines can capture.  You know how a light bulb uses around 60 watts?  Well, these things can generate one million watts, enough to power hundreds of houses.  If you group a bunch of turbines into a "wind farm," you can power whole towns, all on air.

Wee ones: Wind turbines can have different numbers of blades.  Most have 3, but some have 4 or 2 blades.  If you have one turbine with 2 blades, one with 3 blades, and one with 4, how many blades do they have all together?

Little kids: The blades on many turbines are 100 feet or even longer.  If that truck in the picture is only 60 feet long, how many feet of blade are sticking out the back end?  Bonus: One model of wind turbine is 263 feet tall to the center of the blades.  If the blades are another 100 feet long, how high off the ground is the top of their swing?

Big kids: One wind turbine, with that one spinny set of blades, can capture enough wind power to run about 500 average-sized houses, which is kind of incredible.  If you build a farm of 30 turbines, how many houses can you power?  Bonus: Roscoe Wind Farm in Texas is currently the largest wind farm in the world, with over 600 wind turbines.  If each of those can power 400 homes, how many homes at the least can that farm run?  (Hint: keep track of all the zeroes to tack on.) 

Answers:

Wee ones: 9 blades in total.

Little kids: 40 feet sticking out.  Bonus: 363 feet high.

Big kids:  15,000 houses.  Bonus: 240,000 houses! 

Bedtime Math

For parents and teachers:  A handy flyer on how to do Bedtime Math.   Click here for more.   

Website:  Find all your favorite bedtime math problems (BMPs) at www.bedtimemath.org.

Facebook:  One more way to get your daily BMP fix.