Morris Museum has Butterfly Theater Program Today (Thursday) and Teen Open Mike Night Tonight! Also for Teens – Summer Volunteer Sign Up at Bridgewater Library Begins Monday April 1st and the Children’s Museum can use Teen Volunteers on Sunday April 7th.

Teens – Summer Volunteer Sign Up will begin on April 1st.  You can pick up the forms at the library or get them off of the Teen Section of our website starting on that date.  All forms must be returned by the teen in person by April 30th.

April is National Poetry Month – Create a Poem and Post it on Our Bulletin Board!



Programs for Children @ the Bridgewater Library:

Please Note: Our current session of Storytimes end March 28th, our next session will begin April 16th. 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. Even though we have four Toddler Times each week, they are quite crowded. If your child is over 3 years old, we ask that they com to the Family Storytime instead. Thanks! 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.


Play Group (For parents or caregivers and children ages birth to 3 years)  10:00am Monday, April 1st. No registration required. Join our new group where you can play with toys, dance to music, and meet new friends! Some weeks will have special speakers; inquire at the Youth Services Desk.

Drop-In Game Day (All ages) Saturday, March 30th and Monday, April 1st. All Day No registration required 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!Registration is not required, just come on in! Repeats on Monday April 1st – we’re not April Foolin’!

What's Inside the Envelope?! (Ages 7-11) Thursday, April 4th 4:30-5:30pm Registration required and begins March 21 April is National Poetry Month, so let’s look at poems and poetry a whole new way! The secret? It’s inside the envelope! Read, write, create, enjoy!

Storytime Yoga for Children (Ages 6 and below) Friday April 5th 10 a.m.
Friends Concert Series: Caryn Lin 'Bach to Rock' Saturday, April 6th 11am No registration required The Friends of the Bridgewater Library present Caryn Lin and the simplicity of the solo acoustic violin and its origins. Whisked into present day, Caryn uses the five string electric violin and sound effects to transcend that 'solo' sound by doing what is called 'looping,' creating sound loops live that she adds to and embellishes, playing in essence, live duos and trios with herself. This 3 dimensional sound magic is performed right before your eyes!! Audiences of ALL ages are captivated, and are always included and anxious to participate on stage.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame (Ages 3-10) Monday, April 8th 4:30-5:30pm Registration required and begins March 25 Join us for stories, songs, and crafts celebrating America’s national sport.


Kids Club (Grades 3-4) Tuesday, April 9 4:30-5:30pm Registration required and begins March 26 We will celebrate National Poetry Month

.
Sing-along: Sing Spring (All ages) Wednesday, April 10th 10am No registration required Join us as we celebrate the month with some high energy tunes!



Rocket Readers: 'Henry and Mudge in Puddle Trouble' (Grades 1-2) Wednesday, April 10th 4:30-5:30pm Registration required and begins March 13 An exciting program for brand new readers! At each program we will discuss a book, play some games, or create a story related craft. This month's book: 'Henry and Mudge in Puddle Trouble' By: Cynthia Rylant. For Henry and his big dog Mudge, spring means admiring the first snow glory, playing in puddles in the rain, and watching the five new kittens next door. **Students should read the book prior to the program. Copies of the book will be available at the Youth Services Reference Desk.**



Tail Waggin' Tutors: Children Reading to Dogs (For Children of All Ages) Thursday, April 11th, 4-5pm In-Person and Phone Registration Only begins March 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. For more information, please visit www.tdi-dog.org.**Please be on time for your time slot. If you can no longer make your scheduled time, please call the desk at 908-526-4016 ext. 126**

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!
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 April? -- Check out our library calendar.


@ Bridgewater Library for Teens:


Open Mic Cafe Night (Ages 13+) Thursday March 28th, 2013 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!**

5th & 6th Grade Volunteers Wednesday, April 4th 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!

SAT/ACT Combo Test (Grades 9-12) Saturday, April 6th 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm Registration required and begins March 15 Deciding between the SAT and ACT? Kaplan's combo test will allow you to take both!
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. Don’t forget a calculator and number 2 pencil! Scores will emailed 7-10 business days after the test. **Please note: The practice test begins at 1 PM and is 3.5 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.

Journal Making & Blackout Poetry (Grades 6-12) Wednesday, April 10th 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Registration required and begins March 20 It’s National Poetry Month! Come celebrate by making a unique journal and creating some blackout poetry (artistic poems created out of recycled book pages by selecting certain words and covering unwanted text with colorful sharpie markers).

TAB Meeting (Grades 6-8 Tuesday, April 23rd 5:30-6:30pm TAB Meeting (Grades 9-12) Tuesday, April 23rd 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 April teen calendar here.


Around the Community:

10th ANNUAL AMERICAN GIRL DOLL WEEKEND @ THE NEWARK MUSEUM

 

WHEN: Saturday & Sunday, April 6 and & 7; 10:30 AM & 3:30 PM (each day)
WHERE: Newark Museum, 49 Washington St., Newark
TICKETS: $45

• Special VIP seating packages are available.
  See more information
• Family Membership Special
  $145 includes a ONE year Family Membership
  ($60 value) and TWO tickets ($90 value) *New members only
• Museum members are given priority seating on orders
  received on or before March 1, 2013
  Not a Member? Join before you order
• Download online order form (PDF)
  If you are unable to download the PDF, call 973.596.5144 for a hardcopy.

The tenth annual American Girl Weekend will soon be here. Proceeds from the two-day event are used to support children's programs and exhibitions at the Museum. The Weekend is also an opportunity to introduce new people to the Newark Museum, which in its 100-year history has served multiple generations.

Each show consists of a two-part runway fashion show, highlighting the historical American Girl characters and their unique stories as well as contemporary fashions.

At intermission, everyone is invited to an ice cream social in our elegant Engelhard Court.
Intermission is also a time to purchase tickets for a chance to win an American Girl doll or other prizes.  Each show has its own raffle of dolls and accessories.

BELOVED BOOK HEROINE COMES TO THE GROWING STAGE THIS APRIL

PINKALICIOUS the MUSICAL

Book by Elizabeth and Victoria Kann
Music and lyrics by John Gregor, Elizabeth and Victoria Kann
Directed by Lori B. Lawrence, The Growing Stage’s Director of Educational Programming
Choreography by Jillian Petrie
Musical direction by Laura Petrie

WHEN: April 12 through May 12 with performances Friday evenings at 7:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday matinees 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
TICKETS: The Growing Stage continues FUN-tastic 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
Group rates and Birthday Party packages are available

PINKALICIOUS the MUSICAL is the tale based on the popular children’s book of Pinkalicious, who can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe—a dream come true for this pink loving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out a way to get out of this pink predicament.PINKALICIOUS the MUSICAL is about learning the power of self-control and the importance of moderation.

PINKALICIOUS the MUSICAL features many of the professional equity artists that are familiar to the Growing Stage audiences. Emily Portune (Peter in Peter Pan) brings to life the role of Pinkalicious. Robert Mintz (Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz) portrays Pinkalicious’s little brother Peter with Ryan Malyar (Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz) and Jenna Morris (Mrs. Claus in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer) playing Mr. and Mrs. Pinkerton. Nikole Rizzo (Lilly in Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse) returns to the Palace as Dr. Wink. Jaclyn Blythe, who is making her TGS debut, portrays Pinkalicious’s best friend Alison. Rounding out the cast are six young performers who are sharing their talents to make this a very special treat for the entire family.

Transportation Day at The Children’s Museum in Bridgewater next Sunday…

Somerset County 4H has lots of opportunities for children & teens – here’s a sampling, check out their newsletter for more information about their numerous clubs and community activities!

 

 

LOOKING FOR OTHER SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS? WE ALWAYS HAVE THIS LINK IN THE “USEFUL LINKS FOR FAMILY” ON THE RIGHT HAND SECTION OF THE BWLIBYS BLOG.

RVCC Planetarium Public Star Shows

• Admission / General Policies
• 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

Perfect Little Planet (Brand New Show!)
Sunday, April 21 2:00 p.m. A family from another star system is seeking the perfect vacation spot. Fly over the surface of Pluto, our best known Dwarf Planet. Dive over the ice cliffs of Miranda. Sail through the rings of Saturn. Feel the lightning storms on Jupiter. And walk on the surface of Mars. Which destination would you choose? Recommended for ages 6-12.

Laser Pop Rock Sunday, April 21 3:00 p.m. Songs by One Direction, LMFAO, the Beatles, and more musicians are featured in this popular laser concert.

 

The Sky Above - A planetarium show for families with children on the Autism Spectrum or with other developmental disabilities. Sunday, April 21 or Sunday, May 19 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.

Reservations are recommended for all shows by calling the Planetarium @ 908-231-8805.

RVCC is located between Routes 78 and 22.
Directions to the College here.
On campus, park in Lot #7 or #1 and proceed up the steps to the Planetarium.

ACTING WORKSHOPS FOR ADULTS & KIDS @ LUNA STAGE

ACTING WORKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN
Little Luna Ages 4-7
WHEN: April 6 through May 25, Saturdays 10 AM – 11 AMWHERE: Luna Stage, 555 Valley Road, West Orange
TUITION: $120
Theater education is a dynamic part of Luna’s commitment to the future of live theatre. In the Little Luna program, young performers discover the creative elements of drama through a basis in story-telling. Through fun games and exercises, Little Luna participants learn about different theatrical elements (sets, costumes, props, scripts, etc.) and how they combine to create a performance. The class culminates in a play performed and designed by the Little Luna students.
To register please visit www.lunastage.org or call 973.395.5551
Creative Drama Ages 7-10
WHEN: April 6 through May 25, Saturdays 11 AM – 12 PMWHERE: Luna Stage, 555 Valley Road, West Orange
TUITION: $120
This class is specially designed with creative minds and play as the focus. The 8 week series will be a comprehensive study of the various aspects of acting and performing, all taught through the use of theatre games and mini-performance workshops. Topics will include voice and speech, character development, interpreting music through movement and solo and group improv, just to name a few. Actors will have an opportunity to perform for each other every class, and will work together to develop self-confidence, team/group dynamic, body and spatial awareness, and will experience being an important member of a group.
To register please visit www.lunastage.org or call 973.395.5551

TWO SCHOOL-TIME PERFORMANCES AT RVCC:



Hitler's Daughter Monkey Baa Friday, April 12 at 11AM Grades: 4 & up
Does responsibility (guilt) transfer? To whom, how far and for how long?
These are the general questions raised by Hitler's Daughter. More specifically, the young character, Mark, who is very much affected by speculation that Hitler had a daughter, asks several questions in conversation with his father:

• What if you were a man as bad as Hitler?
• What if I was a mass murderer?
• Did we take this land from the Aborigines?

How responsible are we for the actions of others, especially those from distant times and/or places? These are difficult issues and they raise questions to which the answers are elusive. But, they also are the basis of rich conversation.

Based on the novel by Jackie French, this award winning show tells the story of Hitler's daughter through the eyes of four Australian children. As the friends wait for the school bus, Anna begins to tell the tale of Heidi, daughter of the most hated man in history. The play switches between 1940s Nazi Germany and contemporary Australia as one of the friends Mark, becomes engrossed in Anna's story. Could Heidi have stopped the atrocities of genocide, war and hate her father waged on the world during World War II? Would he have acted differently in her place? Heidi's story leads him to question his own identity and the world around him.

PROJECT Trio returns with a musical message set to a beat that drives and inspires your students.
PROJECT Trio Friday, April 26 at 12PM Grades 7 & up Tickets: $10
Hailed as a Trio "packed with musicianship, joy, and surprise," PROJECT Trio is a passionate, high-energy chamber music ensemble comprised of three virtuosic composers/performers, flutist Greg Pattillo, cellist Eric Stephenson, and bassist Peter Seymour. Blending their classical training with an eclectic taste in musical styles, PROJECT Trio has made an impact on audiences of all ages. Of special note is the unique style of beatbox flute, performed by Greg Pattillo. It is a mix of traditional flute playing with the beats and rhythms of human beatboxing. Bass drum, cymbal, and snare sounds blend together seamlessly with the flute into a forceful, gritty sound capable of delivering the illusion of multiple performers playing at once.

Do You Have a Child With Special Needs? – Check out Somerset County’s Therapeutic Recreation Offerings





The Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Department is dedicated to providing year round recreation and leisure opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. The goal of the TR department is to promote an active leisure lifestyle that improves social, physical, cognitive and emotional functioning and health while enhancing each participant’s abilities. With highly qualified staff at programs, participants can register for many types of programs. By providing a variety of social, cultural, artistic, and culinary programs, as well as sports, fitness, community outings, horticulture, and special events, participants can recreate in the day, evening, or weekend.
Benefits to participation may include improving social skills, enhancing self–esteem, improving overall health and well-being and physical ability, enhancing communication skills, constructive use of leisure time and eliminating boredom, and reduction of stress and anxiety. Come discover the benefits with us.
If you would like to be included in local recreation programs offered by your municipality, call us and we will assist with the inclusion process and help with activity modification or adaptation.
To be placed on our mailing list, find out about registration, or obtain more information about these programs, please contact the Therapeutic Recreation office at 908 526-5650. We are here to help you recreate! Individuals with a hearing/speech impairment, please call the Relay Service @ 711. Click here for the Therapeutic Recreation Brochure. (PDF)
WINTER/SPRING 2013 PROGRAMS
Fitness, crafts, cooking, dining out, sports, and movie nights are just a few of the types of programs being offered this
season. Stay healthy and active while learning lifetime leisure skills and come socialize with friends. Register and become a part of the fun at the TR Activity Center. Participants must reside in a TR participating municipality. Program offerings are divided into specific age groups..
Adults ages 18 and older
Teens ages 14 - 21
Children ages 6-13
Call the TR office find out what programs are being offered for your age group. If you have questions or if you want to receive a flyer/brochure please call the TR department at 908 526-5650 or visit us on the web at www.somersetcountyparks.org. Individuals with speech or hearing impairments, please call the Relay Service at 711
T.R.A.I.L.S.
Therapeutic Recreation Adapted Instruction at Lord Stirling. Adapted horseback riding instruction for children, teens, and adults ages 9 and older who have a developmental disability and reside in Somerset County. This program is run conjunction with Lord Stirling Stable. For more information, please call 908 526-5650.
CAMP OKEE SUNOKEE
A six week day camp for children with learning disabilities or Asperger's
Syndrome, ages 6-14, that encourages the development of recreation and social skills and enhances self confidence and educational growth through the participation in a variety of activities including arts & crafts, sports & games, music, cooking, trips, and swimming. Tentatively, the camp will begin on June 24. Only 40 children are accepted on a first come-first served basis and must reside in Somerset County. Applications will be mailed in February. For additional information please call 908 526-5650.
Camp Registration coming soon!
If you are on our mail list and eligible for camp, look for a camp brochure in your mailbox soon!
Registration will be accepted for Camp Okee Sunokee -- As of Friday, February 22, we will begin accepting registrations by fax between 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, by mail, or you may drop it off at the office during office hours. No email or phone registrations will be accepted.
SUMMER ADVENTURE
Looking for a great way to have some summer fun? Then Summer Adventure is the program for you. Through trips, outdoor activities, swimming, and cooking, this will be a great way to experience new recreation opportunities and develop your leisure skills. The goal of this program for teens is to build self-esteem and confidence, develop friendships, encourage team building, and improve life skills. There may be some additional costs for activities during the two weeks. Youth activity program will be held August 5-16, 2013 and is open to teens ages 15-21 who are receiving special education services due to a learning disability, Asperger's Syndrome or cognitive impairment-mild. Sixteen teens will be accepted on a first come first served basis and must reside in a TR participating municipality in Somerset County. (Call the TR office to verify municipal eligibility). For additional information, please call 908 526-5650.
E-mail the Therapeutic Recreation Dept. with any questions or comments.
PROGRAM BROCHURES & FLIERS (PDF)
Annual Information Form
Social Story Yoga (Ages 7-13)
2013 Adult Winter/Spring Programs
Teen/Young Adult Connection
(Ages 14-21)
Winter/Spring 2013
Kids Corner (Ages 6 - 13)
Model Car Club (Ages 6-11)

2013 Camp Okee Sunokee brochure
Adobe Reader is required. (Free download)


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!
Looking for events around our community? Check out the “Events” links under the “Useful links for families” list on the right side of this blog listing. (If you are getting this as an email, click on the headline title to open it as a webpage and then you’ll see all these useful links!)

Let Your Fingers Do More Walking:

Like Night and Day

Posted on March 20, 2013
As we get to say twice a year, today is the equinox: the first day of spring for the north half of earth, and the first day of fall for the south. What’s cool about an equinox is that, because of the way the earth is tilted – neither toward nor away from the sun – everyone on our whole planet has a 12-hour night and a 12-hour day. “Equinox” is the Latin word for “equal night” (“nox” means night – that’s where we get the word “nocturnal” for animals who stay up all night). For the northern half, the sun will keep rising earlier and setting later until summer – and maybe you’ll get to stay up later, too. Check out today’s Bedtime Math problems here.

Safety Announcements Important Recall Information from Macaroni Kid


Wobbly Walkers
The whole idea behind a walker is to help your baby gain confidence on his feet, but if your child is depending on his Imaginarium Activity Walker for support, he may be in for a nasty spill if the wheels suddenly detatch. Check the barcode on your product, and if it is “3700217300319,” or "Toys 'R' Us 5F5E972," put it away immediately. Then return it toToys R Us for a full refund.

BrightLight Blanket is WAY too Warm!

There's nothing comforting about IdeaVillage's BrightLight blankets! These 40 by 60 inch polyester blankets are filled with pretty LED lights, but the batteries can overheat and burn your child! If you have this product, STOP using it immediately, and contact IdeaVillage online by clicking our link or at (866) 655-4342 to receive a free replacement product.
Sharp Snorkeling Masks
Swim safety gear is supposed to protect your child, but if you have purchased a Santa Cruz Jr. Youth Snorkeling Mask for your little diver, you may have more than sharks and water cramps to worry about. These tempered glass masks were sold as part of a set, along with fins, and carry the U.S. Divers or Aqua Lung Support logo. They can cause lacerations to your child's face when the lens cracks or breaks. To date, there have been nine reports of these types of injuries associated with the masks, so you should STOP USING this mask immediately, and contact U.S. Divers online or at (888) 606-6162 to receive a replacement mask.
There is also a recall on the company's Martinique Jr. youth snorkeling masks, which also may crack and pose a laceration hazard. Contact the company for a full refund if your child has this product.
This Disco Light is Anything but Cool!

Does your retro tween have a disco lamp? That's cool! Unless it happens to be the Tween Brand Black Disco Light (style 900528) or The Star Disco Light(style 901651), in which case it may be anything BUT cool--hot, as a matter of fact! These lamps can not only overheat and pose a burn risk, they may also cause electrical shocks. If you have this product, unplug it immediately, and return it to any Justice store for a full refund.
For more product recalls or consumer safety information, please visit The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

NEW. HOT. OFF. THE. PRESSES. A. BOOK.

Another great graphic from Grammerly.com. Check them out: