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Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Lots of Area Happenings– Explore Life in the 1770s, Live Like a Lenape, Experience SteamPunk, or Play Detective while Visiting Local Historical Sites. Also 4H LEGO WEDO Day & RVCC announces new Theater and Planetarium Schedules.

banner - Somerset County Library

AROUND THE COMMUNITY:

FREE PERFORMANCE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY THIS SATURDAY

 

 

 

A FREE PERFORMANCE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

WHEN: Saturday, September 28, 3:00 to 5:30 PM
WHERE: New Brunswick High School, 1000 Somerset St., New Brunswick

George Street Playhouse, in association with the New Brunswick Cultural Center, presents

New Kid  By Dennis Foon

New Kid remains GSP’s Touring Theatre's most successful program, addressing racism, prejudice, peer pressure, and conflict resolution. New Kid asks its audience to explore issues of: moving to a new place, being the outsider, making and keeping friends.

Appropriate for Grades K-5

This family-friendly double bill will also include American Repertory Ballet performing a piece from their upcoming season. 

Copyright © 2013 George Street Playhouse, All rights reserved.
 

4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology @ Rutgers University

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Students in grades 5-9 are invited come to Rutgers University to explore Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics.

4-H Rutgerscience Saturdays invite young people to experience the cutting edge research going on at Rutgers University through hands on investigations in science and engineering along side Rutgers University scientists and engineers.   As a youth development organization, our objective is to provide an exciting, supportive, and intellectually stimulating environment for young people to explore STEM career fields.

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  • Why 4-H consider 4-H Rutgerscience Saturdays for your child? Our annual report describes what young people say about the value of 4-H Rutgerscience Saturdays to them.
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about 4-H Rutgerscience Saturdays. What to bring and what to expect at a program.
  • How do I register my child for a 4-H Rutgerscience Saturday?  Download a registration form and a permission form here.  All programs run from 10 am – 1:30 pm.
Bats and Bugs!
September 28, 2013
Environmental Sciences Building , Rutgers University, School of the Environment and Biological Sciences, Cook Campus

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For more info: http://somerset.njaes.rutgers.edu/4h/pdfs/4h-2013-Wedo.pdf

New Jersey Monthly - Jersey Choice 2012Morris County NJ Park Commission

Lenape Day

This ever popular annual event celebrates the Lenape people with dancing, drums, vendors, and historical talks by the Ramapough Lenape People. Enjoy games, crafts, touring a replica wigwam, and more! Great fun for the entire family.

Date: Saturday, October 12
Time: 12 Noon - 4 p.m.
Location: Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, 247 Southern Blvd., Chatham Township, NJ
Cost: $5.  Contact: 973.635.6629

International Steampunk City

Calling all steampunks and lovers of history to a weekend-long immersion festival in the mid 1880s. Be prepared to experience a rare opportunity to use a unique blend of history and science to walk through time. You only need to imagine a world much different from what we know; a world of machines, gears, and springs powered by steam. This is International Steampunk City: Steampunk at Historic Speedwell, an event set in a time period of unknown origins. All experienced Steampunks and history lovers, or those who want to attend and be amazed at this growing in popularity event, can enjoy this truly exceptional weekend-long festival. This is an event not to be missed by any respectable adventurer, anachronologist, or temporal voyager! Arrive at registration wearing your favorite Victorian or Steampunk day-wear.

Date: Saturday, October 12 & Sunday, October 13
Time:  12 noon - 6 p.m.
Location: Historic Speedwell, 333 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown
Cost: $8/ adult, $7 /senior citizen, $5/ child ages 4-16, children under 4 are FREE  Contact: 973.285.6550
For more info: http://www.morrisparks.net/

 

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Living History Day: The Lord Stirling 1770s Festival
October 6, 2013 - 10:30am - 4:30pm

Each year on the first Sunday in October, Lord Stirling's estate at Lord Stirling Park in Basking Ridge comes back to life in the late 1700s. Colonial craftspeople ply their trades, a town crier delivers the daily news, and Revolutionary War military detachments camp and conduct maneuvers on the former estate lawn. The event promotes historical and environmental education highlighting the unsung Revolutionary War hero William Alexander, Lord Stirling, who lived on the site and served under General George Washington.

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· Period Re-enactors
· Colonial Crafts & Trades
· Revolutionary War Militias
· Town Crier
· Children’s Activities & Crafts
· Cider Pressing
· Heritage Hikes
· Recovered Artifacts on Display
· Tours of 1762 Wine Cellar
· Farm Animals & Hay Rides
· Food & Drink
· Colonial Music

Period re-enactors demonstrate their trades and crafts (no crafts are sold) including buttons, rifles, brooms, furniture, lace, stained glass, redware pottery, and powder horns. Other trades and crafts include a blacksmith, tinsmith, wool spinning, decoy carving, and colonial herbs.

Children of all ages enjoy the hay rides, clay crafts using stirling clay, stenciling, and toy making. Visitors may try on colonial costumes and have their photograph taken while restrained to the Somerset Gaoler's wooden stock. Suggested donation: $5  More Info: http://www.somersetcountyparks.org

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Farmstead Arts Offers Free Tours, Art, Crafts for Kids and Theater during Weekend Journey Through the Past  October 12 and 13

See revolutionary drama at Farmstead Arts: What Price Freedom?

Farmstead Arts at the historic Kennedy Martin Stelle Farmstead, 450 King George Road in Basking Ridge, is participating in Somerset County’s Weekend Journey Through the Past October 12 and 13.   A highlight of the weekend will be the first fully staged theater performance by the Farmstead Players. This original, one-act play, What Price Freedom?, is set in Basking Ridge during the American Revolutionary War. There will be two performances at 1 pm and 2 pm both days in the farmhouse.  Additional activities at the Farmstead include an art show by the Contemporary Art Group, fall crafts for kids in the barn all weekend and an origami workshop making pumpkins and leaves from folded paper on Saturday at 3 pm.

Monique Ruebens Krohn and Farmstead Players Artistic Director William Ward wrote What Price Freedom? based on the story of Colonel Ephraim Martin who lived at the Farmstead with his family during the revolution. He returns to his home from the Battle of Long Island to recuperate from his wounds only to be surprised by a visit from British troops.

 

Old Fashioned Country Fair

Painting a pumpkin at the Old Fashioned Country Fair

© Erin Kiernan

Sunday, October 13, 2013
11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Fairview Farm, 2121 Larger Cross Road, Bedminster
Admission is $20 per vehicle

Each year since 1980, RHA has offered its members and friends the opportunity to enjoy a fun fall day of activities and experiences unique to country living. The event is sponsored by our Board of Trustees and the Peapack Gladstone Bank.

Man Petting Sheep at Old Fashioned Country FairFor children, there are hayrides, a wagon pulled by Clydesdales, a field maze, scarecrows to dress, face painting, farm animals to pet, and many other activities. Demonstrations for all ages include sheep herding and beekeeping. In addition, the Tewksbury Foot Bassets and Essex Fox Hounds pay a visit. Bluegrass, rock, & old time music entertains everyone throughout the day. Lunch and snacks are available for purchase and several small boutiques offer items for sale. To add to the fun, there is a silent auction offering treasures for people of all ages and a 50/50 raffle.

Tewksbury Foot Bassets at the Old Fashioned Country Fair

© Erin Kiernan

Members of RHA will receive an invitation in September along with an extra invitation to share with family, neighbors or friends. Area residents who are not currently members are encouraged to join the fun, taking advantage of a discounted membership offered at the event. Family memberships are $50 per year, but we offer them at half-price for any first-time member who joins while they are at the fair. Membership is very important to RHA – each year it supports our stream monitoring and well test programs; the effective management of the lands we’ve preserved; our work with citizen groups, local governments and New Jersey’s lawmakers; and the educational programs that help children and families learn how to protect natural resources and steward the beautiful countryside we all love. The bulk of our funding comes from the tax-deductible contributions made by people who support our mission by making a yearly membership investment.

Musician at Old Fashioned Country Fair

© Nick Romanenko   Admission to the Old Fashioned Country Fair is $20 per vehicle. All activities and demonstrations are free. Carpooling is recommended – since Fairview Farm is a wildlife preserve, parking is limited.  If you have any questions about the event, please call Patty Smeltzer at 908.234.1852 ext. 316 or contact her via email at psmeltzer@raritanheadwaters.org.



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CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
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RVCC OFFERS A FULL LINE-UP OF YOUTH & FAMILY PROGRAMSYouth & Family Programs at RVCCArts

Brochure (4.5M PDF) | Tickets | Up | Home

Hatched

Sensory-FriendlyTom Chapin
A Special Sensory-Friendly Performance
Friday, November 15 at 7PM
Recommended for ages 4 and up. All tickets are $10
From adult albums to kids’ albums, contemporary folk to pop, three-time Grammy winner Tom Chapin’s concerts and music span styles and generations. Tom serves up a varied and tasty mix of his family music, story songs, sing-alongs, old-time folk classics and a favorite song or two of his late brother Harry’s.

The Great Russian Nutcracker

The Great Russian Nutcracker
Moscow Ballet
Friday, December 13 at 4 & 8PM
Tickets: $37 & $47
Spectacular scenic design, gorgeous costumes, and the exquisite artistry of 40 top Russian dancers have made The Great Russian Nutcracker an American holiday tradition not to be missed. Beloved Russian fairytale characters, Father Christmas and his granddaughter the Snow Maiden, add to the whimsical and imaginative storytelling that sets thisNutcracker apart.

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol
Nebraska Theatre Caravan
Sunday, December 15 at 2PM
Tickets: $37 & $47
Timeless English carols are interwoven within the classic story of tight-fisted Ebenezer Scrooge and all the beloved characters from Dickens' 1843 novel. The touching climax is based on Dickens' belief that the ills of a greedy world can be healed by brotherhood and unselfishness. A spectacular holiday treat for the entire family.

It’s a Wonderful Life

It’s a Wonderful Life
WVL Radio Theatre
Wednesday, December 18 at 2 & 7PM
Tickets: $10 at 2PM, $25 at 7PM
It’s Christmas Eve in 1945, and only a handful of WVL Radio's actors have braved the blizzard to perform that evening’s broadcast of It’s a Wonderful Life; the only hope for keeping the station afloat. This clever stage adaptation breathes new life into the poignant story of George Bailey and Bedford Falls.

The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer

The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer
Perth Theatre Company
Friday, January 31 at 7PM
Recommended for ages 8 and up. All tickets are $15
The seas have risen, many have perished and those who are left live on farms atop skyscrapers and mountains. A last ditch effort to save the human race requires Alvin Sputnik journeying down through the mysterious depths of the deep blue sea to find a new place for us to live.Presented by Perth Theatre Company and Weeping Spoon Productions of Australia, Created by Tim Watts

Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre

Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre
Gregory Popovich
Saturday, February 8 at 7PM
Recommended for ages 8 and up. All tickets are $15
The Popovich Comedy Pet Theater is a blend of the unique comedy and juggling skills of Gregory Popovich, and the extraordinary talents of his performing pets. These 15 house cats, 10 dogs, 4 geese, 8 white doves, and 2 parrots — that love to show off onstage — perform a variety of stunts and skits!

Peking Acrobats

Peking Acrobats
Friday, February 21 at 7PM
Tickets: $25 & $35
Having been carefully selected from the finest acrobat schools in China, these gymnasts, jugglers, cyclists, contortionists and tumblers transform 2000-year-old athletic disciplines into an all-ages kaleidoscope of entertainment and wonder. As Clive Davis of the New York Post said: "THE PEKING ACROBATS [are] pushing the envelope of human possibility. Pure artistry!"

Hatched

The Snail and the Whale
Tall Stories
Saturday, March 1 at 1 & 3:30PM
Recommended for ages 4 and up. All tickets are $10
A tiny snail hitches a lift on the tail of a huge humpback whale. The little snail is amazed by it all, but starts feeling very small in the vastness of the world. Then disaster strikes – the whale becomes beached in a bay... Can the tiny snail save the day?

ScrapArtsMusic

ScrapArtsMusic
Sunday, April 6 at 7PM
Tickets: $15 & $25
ScrapArtsMusic performs original, beats-driven music using 145+ mobile sculptural instruments. Each musical invention is hand-built from recycled materials ranging from accordion parts, to aluminum scraps, and even artillery shells. These beautiful sculptures produce unique sounds for which special performance techniques are developed, giving life to fresh, original composition with wide-ranging appeal.

Hatched

Hatched
Treehouse Shakers
Thursday, April 10 at 10AM,1:30PM & 4PM
Recommended for ages 2 and up. All tickets are $10
Hatched is the original performance of a newborn chick emerging from her shell at sunrise to a strange and busy world. Performed through movement, handcrafted puppets, and very little human dialogue, the story is set amidst an American family farm.

Circus Incognitus

Circus Incognitus
Jamie Adkins
Saturday, May 3 at 7PM
Recommended for ages 8 and up. All tickets are $15
Clowning and acrobatic feats on the ground and on a slack wire are brought to life in a story of a man who has something to say, but can't quite get it out. A shy Jamie Adkins musters the courage to face what he fears most, speaking in public.

Hatched

Peter Pan
TheatreworksUSA
Sunday, May 4 at 1 & 3:30PM
Recommended for ages 4 and up. All tickets are $10
Peter Pan is an adapted version of J.M. Barrie’s classic tale created by John Caird and Trevor Nunn. Come enjoy the journey of a group of children in turn-of-the-century London who use their imaginations to reenact the story of Peter Pan. This story empowers children to create their own world of make-believe.

Bedtime

Bedtime
Katarsis
Thursday, May 8 at 10AM & 1:30PM
Friday, May 9 at 10AM & 1:30PM
Saturday, May 10 at 10AM
Bedtime is an exploration of games. Two friends discover a world of adventures before bedtime that distracts them from falling asleep. Their good will and naivety allow them to find enjoyment in everything that surrounds them, with a cozy bedroom as their setting.

 

THE GROWING STAGE OPENS 32nd SEASON WITH “SHREK THE MUSICAL”—A FAMILY SHOW!

SHREK_4C_TITLE_blackbackgroundSHREK: THE MUSICAL
Based on the Oscar® winning DreamWorks Motion Animation Picture and book by William Steig
Music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire
Directed by Stephen L. Fredericks, The Growing Stage’s Executive Director
Musical direction by Laura Petrie
Choreography by Jillian Petrie

WHEN: September 27 through October 27 with performances Friday evenings at 7:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4:00 PM
WHERE:
Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong, New Jersey
ADMISSION: 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 boxoffice@growingstage.com
Group rates and Birthday Party packages are available.

SHREK THE MUSICAL, is the hilarious story of everyone’s favorite ogre come to dazzling new life on our stage! Featuring those cheeky characters from the faraway kingdom: the feisty Fiona, a donkey who talks a mile a minute, a cookie with attitude and, of course, our big green hero, SHREK THE MUSICAL is part romance, part twisted fairy tale and all fun for everyone!

SHREK THE MUSICAL features the talents of eight professional equity performers in the cast. In total, there’s a cast of 28 professional and local artists performing in this production.

Enhance your SHREK THE MUSICAL experience with Pre and Post-Show activities. Join us on Fridays October 4th, 18th and 25th for post-show talkback sessions. Plus, on Saturday, October 26th at 2:45 PM, take part in a dance workshop led by choreographer Jillian Petrie. An additional fee and reservations are required for the dance workshop.

 

RVCC PLANETARIUM HAS SHOWS THIS FALL JUST FOR KIDS

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!

cartoon Sun

Rockin' Rocket Ride
Monday, October 14 at 2:00 p.m.

Blast off on a journey past the Sun and planets, get to know Mr. Moon Rock, and learn what stars are visible in tonight's sky.  A musical adventure, recommended for ages 3-8.

Mr. Moonrock (from The Moonrock Rock)

Sky Lights
Monday, October 14 at 3:00 p.m.

A laser and video concert featuring songs by mr. RAY and Jane Murphy.  Recommended for ages 3-8.
Songs include...

  • Kalien the Alien
  • Roy G Biv
  • Footsteps on the Moon
  • Moon Rock Rock
  • Purple People Eater
  • When You Wish upon Star

Perfect Little Planet

Perfect Little Planet  (Brand New Show!)
Sunday, October 20 at 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.  Avoid the lightning storms on Jupiter.  And walk on the surface of Mars.  Which destination will they choose?  Recommended for ages 6-12.

Fright Light Ghostbusters

Fright Light - a family-friendly laser concert
Sunday, October 20 at 3:00 p.m.

Join us for our annual Halloween laser concert.  Songs include "Alive" by Meatloaf, "Thriller" by Michael Jackson, and "Purple People Eater."

  Recommended for ages 6 and older.

the Magic Tree House

Magic Tree House: Space Mission
Thursday, November 7 at 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 17 at 2:00 p.m.

Young star gazers join Magic Tree House characters Jack and Annie as they discover the secrets of the Sun, Moon, planets, space travel, and more.  Who can help them answer the questions posted by the mysterious "M"?  The show is based on the same-titled, best-selling series of novels.  Recommended for ages 5 and older.

The Little Star that Could

The Little Star that Could
Thursday, November 7 at 3:00 p.m.

Little Star discovers different kinds of stars in the galaxy: red stars, blue stars, double stars, and stars nearly ready to explode.  He learns that the most special stars have planets around them.  Wouldn't it be great if he were that special?  Recommended for ages 6-10.

Tycho to the Moon

Space Shapes & Tycho to the Moon
Sunday, November 17 at 3:00 p.m.

Explore shapes in space: are the Moon and its orbit "round" like a ball or a pancake?  Play connect-the-dots with the stars to find triangles, squares, and constellations.  Then meet Tycho, a dog who doesn't just howl at the Moon, but wants to go there.  Blast off on an amazing ride.  Learn about night and day, space travel, the phases of the Moon, and features of hte lunar surface.  Recommended for ages 5-10.

There are no shows between August 31 and October 12.

 

Special Event:  The Sky Above

Saturn over Puzzle

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

Sunday, October  20
Sunday, November 17
Sunday, December 15
     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.


LET YOUR FINGERS DO MORE WALKING:
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CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

A Dyslexia Story Blog post written by Lenka Vodicka, mother, teacher, writer, and photographer.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAI looked forward to reading with my daughter. We would cuddle together with a stack of books and she would say, “again, again” and we would lose ourselves in favorite stories.
I was shocked when that never happened. What is it about reading to children, I thought, that’s so complicated? Reading together is overrated.

Because, with her, she had only passing interest in books. When we did sit together, she pulled the book out of my hands to flip through pages at random. Beginning, end, middle. Whatever. Done.
We were most successful with books filled with random words and images like cat, dog, horse, cow. Why did so many books have stories? Seven years later, we learned that she has Dyslexia. She doesn’t see books in the same way as me.
As a teacher, I assumed (wrongly) that Dyslexia is about about reversing letters and reading backwards. I learned that Dyslexia covers a big range of reading and math challenges.Dyslexia means that the brain processes sounds and/or symbols differently.

Signs of Dyslexia  How do we know if a child learns differently and needs extra help and time?  READ MORE.

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