Check out the Winners in Bridgewater Library’s Mock Caldecott, plus lots of activities to do today (Sunday) around the community. Preview February activities as well.

WE VOTED FOR THE BEST ILLUSTRATED BOOK OF THE YEAR!!
For 75 years the American Library Association has been awarding the Caldecott Medal to the illustrator of the most distinguished picture book of the year. Bridgewater Library displayed 23 “Caldecott Candidates” on the bookshelf above the children’s magazines and kids and adults voted. 
Here are our results:  

Watch for the announcement of the “real” Caldecott winners on Monday January 28th.

 

Programs for Children @ the Library:

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!

Join us for our weekly storytimes. 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 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.

Sciencetellers: Sundown on Sycamore Street (Grades 2+) Monday, January 28 at 4:30 pm Registration is required.

On the edge of town there is a street call Sycamore, which holds a frightening secret. So terrible is the legend of Sycamore Street that every child in town knows never to get caught there after dark. But Bill and his sister Terry just moved into town and they were never told!

Join us as we learn about the science of gas and air pressure by telling the tale of Bill and Terry’s adventure through town as they chase floating ghosts, hide from town bullies, and escape from danger. Using fiery spiders, exploding water jugs, floating eyeballs, a whirlwind of toilet paper, and amazing dry ice experiments, discover why Sycamore Street at sundown is a very scary place!

Life-Size Candyland (Grades K-4) Wednesday, January 30 from 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm No registration required Did you ever want to climb inside the Candyland board and travel around through the Lollipop Woods, Peppermint Forest, and Chocolate Swamp? In our life-size version you will be the moving game piece!

Storytime Yoga for Children (Ages 6 and below) 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!

Saturday, February 2nd is National Take Your Child to the Library Day.  It is also Groundhog Day!  Celebrate both these events by joining us for our Shadowplay (Ages 2+) program.  Saturday, February 2nd at 10:30 am Registration is required. Celebrate Groundhog Day with stories, songs, and crafts.  And, as in the movie “Groundhog Day”, we hope you make repeat visits to the Bridgewater Library often!

 

Play Group  (For parents or caregivers and children ages birth to 3 years)  Registration Required.
Monday, February 4th 10 a.m.: How to Make Your Own Baby Food
Monday, February 11th 10:00am: Best Online Resources for Families   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.

Toddler Dance Party (Ages 2-6) Monday, February 4 from 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm Registration is 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: 'Abe’s Lincoln’s Hat' (Grades 1-2) Wednesday, February 6  from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm. Registration is 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.
Abe’s Lincoln’s Hat By Martha Brenner.  Abraham Lincoln always wore a tall black hat.  But do you know what else he did with it? You’d never guess a hat could be so useful – or so important. Read all about our 16th
president in this wonderful true story.

Tail Waggin' Tutors: Children Reading to Dogs (For Children of All Ages) on Thursday, February 7 th. 4-5pm. Telephone or In-Person Registration Only. Call the library at 908 526-4016 x126 for more information. 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. For more information, please visit www.tdi-dog.org.

Tween (Un)Valentine's Day Party (Grades 4-6) Friday, February 8
from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Registration is required.   Tweens, grades 4-6, wear black or red and get locked in the library after hours!  Whether you LOVE Valentine’s Day or HATE it, we’ll have activities for EVERYONE to enjoy, including a Valentine’s Day candy trivia challenge, a scavenger hunt, a movie, video games, and snacks!  Please Note: No admittance after 6:15 pm.
Advance notice required if tween must leave the program early.

Meet the Stunt Master! (Ages 6-10) Saturday, February 9
at 2:00 pm. Registration is required. Join us for an exciting peek inside the amazing world of stuntmen and stuntwomen! Our special guest, David Surgent of Surgent’s Elite Gymnastics in Westfield, has worked as a stuntman and stunt coordinator in films such as Elf, I Am Legend, and When in Rome.

Mardi Gras Fun (Ages 4+) Monday, February 11  from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Registration is required and begins January 28. Laisesez Les Bons Temps Rouler!  Let the Good Times Roll!  Come and celebrate Mardi Gras at the Bridgewater Library! Beads, feathers and fun! Make a Mardi Gras mask and enjoy songs and stories for the holiday!   Allons! Let’s Go! As Buckwheat Zydeco says, ―Put on Your Dancing Pants!

Kids' Club (Grades 3-4) Tuesday, February 12 from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm.  Registration is required and begins January 29.   This month, we will get together for a Valentine's Day fiesta that includes crafts, funny stories and a contest.

 

Picture This: Animal Valentine's Day Craft (Ages 3-10) Wednesday, February 13  at 4:30 pm.  Registration is required and begins January 30  Join us as we read the book My Heart is Like a Zoo, then assemble paper hearts into animal  cards for your family and friends.

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 February? -- Check out our library calendar.

@ Bridgewater Library for Teens:

Talk it Up: Pop Culture Edition (Grades 5-8) Tuesday, January 29
from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Registration is required and begins January 15 Join us as we talk about your favorite books, TV shows, movies, video games, music and Web sites of last year. You can earn a community service hour if you bring in a typed or handwritten review (must be at least one page) of one of the topics mentioned above. Let us know what you would recommend to a friend.

FREE SAT Strategies Workshop (Grades 9-12) Monday, February 4th 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Registration is required.

Ed Carroll, who has worked in Research and Development for Princeton Review, is offering a FREE one hour workshop on SAT strategies. Learn tips and tricks that will help you do your very best on test day! 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.

5th & 6th Grade Volunteers Tuesday February 5th 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, February 7. From 7-8:30pm.  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?  Not an artist, but would like to witness some of the most inspiring artists Somerset County has to offer?  Then join us for this one of a kind experience, and help local musicians and writers have 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 help support local artists and musicians – you don’t need to be an artist to enjoy our Open Mic Night!**

Meet the Stunt Master! (Ages 11+) Saturday, February 9
at 3:30 pm  Registration is required.  Join us for an exciting peek inside the amazing world of stuntmen and stuntwomen! Our special guest, David Surgent of Surgent’s Elite Gymnastics in Westfield, has worked as a stuntman and stunt coordinator in films such as Elf, I Am Legend, and When in Rome.

 Cupid is Stupid (Grades 6-12) Wednesday, February 13 7:00 - 8:00 pm. Registration required and begins January 30. Join us for an Anti-Valentine's Day party that will include gorging on sweets and mocking all things associated with the day.

TAB Meeting (Grades 6-8 Tuesday, February 19th 5:30-6:30pm TAB Meeting (Grades 9-12) Tuesday, February 19th 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!

Practice SAT (Grades 7-12) Saturday, February 23 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm.  Registration is required and begins February 1  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! **   The practice test begins at 1 PM and is 4 hours long. Please come to the library 15 minutes early so we can start the test promptly at 1 PM. The library closes at 5 PM on Saturdays.  All participants must have a ride home at 5 PM.

An announcement for TEENS from the Somerville Library:  Registration is required to attend all events. Please register online by clicking the links below or by phone at (908) 725-1336 x 10.

Planning to take the SAT? Want to get into your dream college? Take  a practice test for free!

February 2, 2013, 10:30AM-2:30PM SAT Practice Test: Kaplan will administer an SAT Practice Test. Results will be returned via email within 7-10 business days. The test will start promptly at 10:30AM, so please be on time.

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


Around the Community:

 

PLAY BASED ON BARD’S COMEDY PLAYS @ THE STROLLERS

TIMELESS COMEDY TREADS THE BOARDS @ THE CIRCLE PLAYERS

If you missed this play at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, all is not lost. The Circle Players of Piscataway will give you another chance to laugh until your sides hurt with a play that proves that humor never goes out of style!

Jan. 18-Feb. 3; 8 PM, Fridays and Saturdays, with one 3 PM matinee Sunday, Feb. 3.

THE LIAR
By David Ives, adapted from the 1644 comedy by Pierre Corneille

WHERE: Circle Players, 416 Victoria Ave., Piscataway
TICKETS: $18 for adults, and $17 for students and seniors. Sorry, no credit cards can be accepted at the theater box office, but may be used online.
For reservations, call (732) 968-7555, or buy online at www.circleplayers.com. ($1 per ticket discount online.)

The Liar is a farcical tale of a pathological liar named Dorante. The moment he arrives in Paris, this man's true identity becomes a moot point. Every word out of his mouth will be not just a lie, but a whopper, except, perhaps, for his instant affection for a young lady, Clarice. Or is it her friend, Lucrece? Just whom he's truly fallen for gets tangled in a zany plot filled with mistaken identities, elaborate fabrications and furious misunderstandings.

MISS MARPLE SNOOPS AROUND @ SOMERSET VALLEY PLAYHOUSE - Last performance today  If you love a mystery—and Miss Marple—then this is the production for you:

A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED
By Agatha Christie
Adapted by Leslie Darbon
Directed by Michael A. Muller

WHEN: January 27; Sundays at 2:00 PM
WHERE: Somerset Valley Players, 689 Amwell Road, Hillsborough
TICKETS: $18 for Adults and $16 for Seniors and StudentsFor tickets please visit www.svptheatre.org or call 908.369.7469 Agatha Christie’s famous busybody Miss Marple encounters a mysterious and tangled web of lies and deceit in a cozy English country village. A short newspaper announcement leads to unexpected murder as ordinary villagers and friendly relatives may be devious enemies with secret identities. Devilish intruders lurk cleverly behind closed doors in a relentless quest for the family inheritance.

Studio Art Classes at the Morris Museum
for Children, Teens, and Adults - Winter 2013

 

Center for Contemporary Art Children’s and Adult classes available. Check out their offerings in their brochure. More information about exhibitions and classes also available on their website. http://ccabedminster.org/

RVCC Planetarium Shows -- Reservations recommended for all shows. Information at: http://www.raritanval.edu/comm/planet/public.html#February

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.

Special Events

Follow the Drinking Gourd
Sunday, February 10
3:00 p.m.

Go back in time as a slave trying to follow the Big Dipper through a frightful but rewarding voyage out of slavery.  Based on Jeanette Winter's book by the same title, this show describes the astronomy behind the slave song "Follow the Drinking Gourd."  Recommended for ages 6 and older.

The Sky Above
A planetarium show for families with children on the Autism Spectrum or with other developmental disabilities.

Sunday, February 10, 2013 Sunday, March 17, 2013 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Ticket Price: $5.00 per person

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.

Please call 908-231-8805 to make a reservation as we are limiting the number of visitors for each show.

Family Resources

Night of Lasers Come see one or up to FOUR laser concerts in one marathon event! Friday, February 1

7:00 p.m. Beatles
8:15 p.m. ELO
9:30 p.m. Led Zeppelin
10:30 p.m. Best of Pink Floyd

$7 for one show, $12 for two shows, $16 for three shows, $20 for all four shows in one night.

Ramona Quimby
Two Beans Productions
Sunday, January 27 at 1 & 3:30PM
Ages: 5 & up
Tickets: $10 & $12
Ramona's life is a mess! Her older sister Beezus is a pain, her Aunt Bea may marry a dork, and her Dad just lost his job. Life is no picnic, and growing up isn't easy. But with the help of her loving and patient family and friends, Ramona faces these challenges. Follow the latest breathless adventure of the world's most animated elementary school student. Ramona, the exasperating but lovable third-grader, has delighted young readers for over fifty years through the books of Newbery Medal-winning writer Beverly Cleary. Now, she comes to life on the stage in Ramona Quimby.

Check out their list of classes and programs HERE.

STNJ LAUNCHES THEATRE ACADEMY FOR YOUTH & ADULTS

IMPROV CLASS  FOR TEENS @ DREAMCATCHER REP

 

IMPROVAPALOOZA

Intro to Improv Comedy for Teens
Get your comedy groove on while gaining confidence and having FUN!
Have you seen our improv comedy shows and thought "that looks like so much fun"? Do you envy the ease at which some people face a crowd? Are you an actor exploring comedy? If yes, NOW IS YOUR CHANCE... this course is just for you!

GREAT OPPORTUNITY to try improv comedy in this two-hour workshop taught by professional improv master Dave Maulbeck.
The teen class is for grades 7 - 12.
NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!

• Learn traditional improv games
• Develop spontaneity and learn how to shed your inhibitions
• For actors who want to try another angle on performing
• Not just for actors: for anyone who wants to develop these skills

IMPROVAPALOOZA Info

TEENS Saturday, February 2, 10 AM – 12 PM

WHERE: Oakes Center  120 Morris Avenue, Summit     Directions
(entrance on Russell Place, parking lot on Ashwood Ave.)

TUITION:  $30 in advance
$35 at the door   Register now  Note: enrollment is limited and is on a first come, first served basis. Meet the IMPROV MASTER on our Web site

MUSIC, THEATRE, AND FAMILY FUN IN FEBRUARY AT CENTENARY STAGE

Centenary Stage Company keeps things rolling in February with an entertainment packed schedule. A variety of family shows, two big musical acts, and a professional Equity show about a young Irishman just in time to get ready for St. Patrick’s Day.

The Solo Circus
WHEN: Saturday, February 2, at 2 PM
WHERE: Sitnik Theatre in Lackland Center, 715 Grand Ave., Hackettstown
TICKETS: $­­­­­17.50-$20 in advance and $22.50-$25 at the door
To purchase tickets or to find more information on other performances in the 2012-2013 season, visitwww.centenarystageco.org or call 908.979.0900. Patrons are encouraged to check the age recommendations for individual shows.

Michael DuBois' show is a fast-paced, audience interactive variety show featuring an all-original presentation of magic, juggling, mind tricks, with comedic circus and sideshow stunts. “I fell in love with the circus when I was four at Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey,” said DuBois. In a career based on thrills, DuBois has had some of his own, including performing twice on Jay Leno's television programs. The show is appropriate for all ages.

LE VENT DU NORD
WHEN: Saturday, February 9th at 8 PM
WHERE: Sitnik Theatre in the David and Carol Lackland Center
TICKETS: $­­­­­17.50-$20 in advance and $22.50-$25 at the door

With its roots in the Celtic tradition,Le Vent du Nord brings their high energy folk music to the Centenary Stage Company.  This group composed of singers and multi-instrumentalists play a unique blend of original compositions and traditional Quebecois folk songs with a spirited Celtic flair, also incorporating familiar Cajun melodies and rhythms. The Boston Herald described the band’s sound, featuring button accordion, foot percussion, guitar and fiddle, as “defined by the hurdy-gurdy, which adds an earthy, rough-hewn flavor to even the most buoyant dance tunes." Members of Le Vent du Nord include Nicolas Boulerice, Simon Beaudry, Olivier Demers, and Réjean Brunet.

IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE
WHEN: Saturday, February 16, at 11 AM
WHERE: Little Theater on 400 Jefferson Street, Centenary College campus, Hackettstown
TICKETS: $12.50 for adults and $10 for children under 12

Centenary Stage Company’s Third Saturday Series for Young Audiences is highlighting If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, based on the popular children’s book written by Laura Joffe Numeroff. A young boy is run ragged by an energetic little mouse with cookies and milk on the brains adapted for the stage by Jody Davidson.

CHECK OUT WEEKEND ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS/FAMILIES @ THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF SOMERSET COUNTY

The Children's Museum (of Somerset County NJ)

WHERE: in the cafeteria of the PeopleCare Center, 120 Finderne Avenue, Bridgewater (just south of Rt 28); entrance is in the back of the building.
ADMISSION: $3 per child; there is no charge for those in need.
For additional information, please call the museum at 908.595.0001.

PLANNING AHEAD:

Speaking of books – Don’t forget to check out the new Continuous Book Sale near the Adult Music collection. The sale is sponsored by the Friends of the Bridgewater Library.

 

Thanks to Ruth Ross at NJARTSMAVEN.COM for some of these listings.

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:

When it snows outside and you get that really wet, sticky kind of snow, it's easy to pack it with your hands into a solid white ball that just begs to be thrown. Sure, you can roll it along the ground to make it bigger, and pile up a few to make a snowman...but it might be even more fun just to chuck it at someone. We're not exactly sure who invented the snowball fight, but we do know that in 1863, during the American Civil War, when a few soldiers started chucking friendly snowballs at each other, it turned into a giant fight involving 9,000 soldiers. If serious grownups can get sucked in like that, it's clear the snowball fight is here to stay.

Wee ones: If you pack 5 snowballs but stack 3 of them into a cute little snowman, how many do you have left for a snowball fight?

Little kids: If it takes you 4 seconds to pack a snowball and 2 more to throw it, how many snowballs can you throw in 18 seconds? Bonus: If you keep up that pace for a whole minute of snowball fight, how many snowballs can you throw in that time? (Remember: a minute has 60 seconds.)

Big kids: Apparently on Jan 12, people carted 162,000 pounds of snow into downtown Seattle to break the world record for the largest snowball fight. If half of it got packed into snowballs ahead of time, how many pounds of snow was that? Bonus: This snowball fight had 5,834 participants; the previous record from Korea involved 5,387 people. How many more participated in Seattle? (Hint: you can figure out how many more would get it to 5,400, then to 5,800, then to 5,834.)

Answers:

Wee ones: 2 leftover snowballs.

Little kids: 3 snowballs, since each one takes 6 seconds total. Bonus: 10 snowballs.

Big kids: 81,000 pounds of pre-packed snow. Bonus: 447 more people.

And here’s an indoor activity since the weather is cold but not snowy in our area:

On those days when we have trouble remembering our own name or phone number, we wonder if maybe our brains need a little workout.  Memory Match might be the perfect exercise.  In this game, you take some number of pairs of cards, set them face down on the table in rows, and then turn them over two at a time in hopes of finding a pair.  You can see only two cards on your turn before flipping them face down again, so you have to remember which card is where in order to uncover the two hippos, or chocolate cupcakes, or Spongebobs (or whatever cards you're using).  The more cards, the more remembering you have to do, and after a while your 10 friends' phone numbers will seem like a piece of cake.

Wee ones: If you're playing Thomas the Tank Engine memory match, and you match the Thomas, Emily and Percy pairs of cards, how many cards in total did you match?

Little kids:  If you set up the cards in 4 rows of 3 cards each, how many cards are you using in that game?  Bonus: How many matched pairs have you set up?

Big kids: If you deal an array of 6 rows of cards with 7 in each, how many cards are there to match?  Bonus: If your friend has matched 10 of the pairs while you've found just 6, can you still win?

Answers:

Wee ones: 6 cards in total.

Little kids: 12 cards.  Bonus: 6 pairs of cards.

Big kids: 42 cards.  Bonus: Yes.  There are 21 pairs in total, so if your friend has 10, you win if you get all remaining 5 pairs

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

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