NJ Gifted Resources Seminar in Westfield

This came in too late for this week's blog...but seemed it might be of interest.  NJ Gifted Resources Seminar sponsored by Westfield Gifted Education Committee Wednesday, April 2, 2014 7:00-9:00 p.m. Thomas Edison Intermediate School 800 Rahway Ave Westfield, NJ 07090

Keynote Speaker Keynote speaker Dr. Lenore Cortina, Faculty Director of the Rutgers Gifted Certificate Program, will lead off the evening in the Edison auditorium at 7 pm. Her presentation will cover signs and levels of giftedness, as well as a discussion of how gifted resources differ from other resources   This is a free program open to the general public  REGISTER NOW    Presentations   Rutgers University - New Brunswick Summer Session        HEROES Academy for the Gifted        Montclair State University's Gifted & Talented Program   Hi-Jump at MSU     Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth     REGISTER NOW at www.NJgifted.org

Tonight–March 20th–celebrate World Day of Theater with the Circle Players in Piscataway. This Saturday -- Meet Authors & Illustrators at Children’s Book Festival at the Bridgewater Middle School, Get a Jump Start on Spring with Garden Club Events at the Bridgewater Library or attend a Kids Fest at Rutgers! Details for these events & more are below.

More than 25 children’s book authors and illustrators are coming to Bridgewater on Saturday.  Check out our book display, read their books, then meet the authors! YOU CAN REGISTER ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT AT THE DOOR.

Check out the books in the youth services area, above the magazines.

Programs for Children @ the Bridgewater Library:

Join us as the Bridgewater Garden Club celebrates Spring with its 'Come Grow with Us' Saturday March 22: Registration required for each program.
Wooden Birdhouses (Ages 3-6)  10:00 AM to 10:30 AM Participants will design and take home a wooden birdhouse.  All supplies will be provided. Repeats at 2:30 p.m.

Mini Clay Pot Birdbath (Ages 7 - 10) from 11 - 11:30 am. Participants will  make a floral design using fresh flowers.  All supplies will be provided.  Repeats at 1:30 p.m.
NJ's Wild Garden Critters (Ages 4 - 8)  12:00 - 1:00 pm.  Environmental Educators from Dove Environmental Education will present a 'Clean Communities' children's program and a wildlife craft featuring the wildlife that may visit your garden.

Picture This - Art Exploration for Kids 'Flowers & Bones & Sky: Exploring the Art of Georgia O'Keeffe (For grades K - 5)Monday, March 24 at 4:30 pm. Registration required and begins on March 10. Celebrate Women's History Month with a look at this amazing artist, then create your own painting emulating her bold use of color and shape.  (We will be using paint so please dress appropriately)

2nd Annual Spelling Bee Championship Wednesday March 26, 2014 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. (For Winners from Grades 4-8 from participating Somerset County Schools)  And the winner is.... Join us as Bridgewater Library hosts the 2nd Annual Spelling Bee Championship.  Winners from the participating schools in Somerset County will compete to be named the best speller!  Seats will be reserved for families and friends of the participants competing however, walk-ins are welcome if seating is available.  Come cheer on your home town school!
Sharp Students: NJ Ask Test Prep (For Parents and Caregivers)
Thursday, March 27 from 7:00 - 7:30 pm. Registration required and begins on March 13. Join us for an overview about the Lumos Test Prep database and how it can help students prep for the NJ ASK test. Repeats on March 31st.

Storytime Yoga for Kids (Ages 2-6) Friday,  April 4 from 10:00 am - 10:30 am  Registration begins March 21  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!

Friends of the Library Concert Series: Yosi & Eugene (For ages 3+) Saturday, April 5 from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Registration required and begins March 21. Award-winning children's recording artist & entertainer, Yosi, rocks the house with a humorous & interactive musical performance and he is bringing his monster friend Eugene with him.  Eugene is a super-friendly, super-strong, super-exuberant monster who is misunderstood by nearly everyone......except young children.  Songs, stories and great humor bring kids closer to understanding that being different is not just good;  it's fantastic!  A good time for the whole family.        

Storytime (For Ages 3-6, siblings welcome) No Registration Required.  Tuesdays  10:00 a.m. Second session at 1:30pm.  Join us for stories and songs for the whole family!  This program is aimed at families and is designed for children 3 and up (younger siblings welcome.)

Toddler Time (For Ages 18 months-36 months) No Registration Required.  Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m., repeats at 11:00 a.m.  Also Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.    Clapping and singing and listening to books... introduce your toddler to the beginnings of storytime!

Baby Time (For ages birth - 18 months) No Registration Required.
Thursdays  9:30 a.m. An interactive lap-sit program of songs, rhymes and a story designed to introduce your baby to language and promote early literacy. 

Play Group (ages Birth to 3 years) Monday March March  24th & 31st. 10:00 to 10:30 am. No registration required. Come and play with toys, dance to music, and make new friends!

Celebrate Poetry! (Grades 1-5) Monday, April 7  4:30-5:30 pm
Registration required and begins March 24Write a Poem!  Share a Story!  Celebrate poetry in more ways than you can guess!  Songs!  Dance!  Crafts!  Surprises!
@ Bridgewater Library for Tweens and Teens:
Open Mic Cafe Night (Ages 13+) on Thursday March 20th  from 6:45-8:45pm.  Registration required.   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 minute slots to play music or recite poetry. Sign ups will be on a first-come, first-served basis. *Note: As ages of audience members range from children to adults, please consider the content of your performance. You will be asked to leave should your set contain indecent speech.

TAB Meeting (Grades 6-8)  Tuesday March 25th, 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. TAB Meeting (Grades 9-12) 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM  Story Well. 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!   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!
Make a Difference @ the Library! (Volunteer Opportunities for Grades 5 - 6) Monday, April 7th  7:00 pm - 8:00 pm  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!
EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEENS:
NOMINATE A YOUNG HERO FOR A $5,000 BARRON PRIZE!
Do you know a young person who is doing great things to help other people or
the planet? Nominate him/her for the 2014 Barron Prize! The Gloria Barron
Prize for Young Heroes celebrates inspiring, public-spirited young people
ages 8 to 18 who have made a significant positive difference to people and
our environment. Each year, ten to fifteen winners each receive a $5,000
cash award to support their service work or higher education. Nomination
deadline is April 15. For more information and to nominate, visit
http://www.barronprize.org/
TEENS AND PRE-TEENS CAN ENTER THIS ART CONTEST

2013 First Place Winner Elizabeth McLaughlin Piscataway High School

Home  About the Contest
The New Jersey Department of Human Services (NJDHS) invites pre-teens and teens across the state to participate in its Annual Teen Media Contest sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development, focusing on parental responsibility. The statewide contest is open to New Jersey middle school and high school students.
This year's contest theme is: Families come in different shapes and sizes. Depict what makes your parent(s) unique and how that has impacted your view of parenthood. All entries must be postmarked no later than Friday, April 4, 2014.
An emphasis is placed on the idea that while they may not live together under one roof – both parents are responsible for enriching the life and securing the future of their child. The DHS intends to use winning student entries to promote this public awareness campaign aimed at New Jersey’s non-custodial parents.
Prizes U.S. Savings Bonds will be awarded to three students in each category.  A 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will be selected in the High School and Middle school categories.    Winners will also receive two tickets to Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, N.J.  They may have their artwork displayed in venues including the New Jersey Statehouse, museums, and other possible locations.

THE THEATER PROJECT INAUGURATES 1ST ANNUAL FILM COMPETITION FOR STUDENTS AGED 13-18

YOUNG FILMMAKERS COMPETITION
WHEN: Submissions accepted March 1; April 21, 2014 Submission Deadline

• New Jersey’s high school filmmakers may submit their DVDs via US mail no later than April 21.
• Films entered in the contest must be between 5 and 12 minutes long. There is a $20 entry fee.
• Finalists will be notified by May 15, and invited to the June screening of their work where the winners will be judged and prizes awarded. The screening will be open to the public.
• DVD entries can be mailed to THE THEATER PROJECT, Box 101, Union, NJ 07083.
• Entrants should include a cover letter with a short biography of the entrant, including contact information and school attended, and a statement saying the film is being submitted by its owner or licensee, giving The Theater Project the right to publicly screen the film as part of the festival.

Having encouraged young writers for a dozen years through its annual contest for high school playwrights, The Theater Project is reaching out to young movie enthusiasts as well in a Young Filmmakers Competition.
More details available at www.thetheaterproject.org, 908.809.8865
Want more info about upcoming programs? Check out the  April  teen calendar here.

Around the Community:
Come celebrate World Day of Theater for Children and Young People by taking a child to the theater - Circle Playhouse, to be specific - on March 20th!
Doors opens at 6:15 pm for facepainting and snacks, show starts at 7 pm... a FREE Staged Reading of “The Crowded House” and dramatic readings of poems by Shel Silverstein
Join us for silly fun and lots of imagination!
Please note: There are no reservations for this free event. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. We cannot seat audience members who arrive after the 7 pm curtain time.
The theater is located at 416 Victoria Ave. in Piscataway, NJ.
For information or directions, call 732-968-7555, or email us at circleplayersnj@gmail.com



More info here: http://www.magic983.com/Kidfest2014.aspx
GIVE YOUR KIDS THE EXPERIENCE OF LIVE THEATRE THIS MARCH THROUGH THE STAGES FESTIVAL!

http://stagesfestival.com/

STAGES FESTIVAL WORKSHOPS AND PERFORMANCES
ALL WEEKEND LONG AT NJPAC!
March 21, 22 and 23

The Stages Festival is still in full-swing, and this weekend you have the opportunity to join in on several events all at NJPAC in Newark.
FRIDAY, MARCH 21  5:00pm   Newark Writers Festival
Enjoy selected works from Playwrights Theatre's writing residencies performed with professional actors, musicians and student performers from Newark schools. FREE  Reservations: 1-888-GO-NJPAC

SATURDAY, MARCH 22
11:00am  & 1:00pm  Theatre Workshops
Stage Combat - Learn basic hand-to-hand stage combat. For middle school and up.
From Page to Stage Playwriting Workshop - For aspiring playwrights. Junior high and up.
Mask Making - Craft your own theatrical mask. For middle school and up.
Improvisation - Explore comic improv with one of the US's top improv teachers: Scotty Watson. Middle school and up.
ALL WORKSHOPS ARE FREE.  RESERVATIONS ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.   973-731-6582 ext. 11
Friday & Saturday & Sunday 8:00pm       The Music Man

An exciting concert version of the beloved musical features an African-American cast and includes the classics: Seventy-six Trombones, Goodnight, My Someone and Till There Was You. Co-produced by Two River Theater and NJPAC.   30% off general admission with the code: STAGE
1-888-GO-NJPAC
Events are held at NJPAC One Center Street  Newark

For more information on other  Stages Festival events, visit StagesFestival.org. Reservations are required for most events. 

RAINFORESTS AT THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM IN BRIDGEWATER SUNDAY MARCH 30TH:

The suggested donation is $3 per child, and the suggested age range is 3 to 8.  The robotics program has small batteries and other small parts, so it is not recommended for children less than 3 years old.

Fun for Kids -- Volunteer Opportunity for Teens.  Teens, if you are interested in volunteering, please email somersetcminfo@gmail.com with the dates you are interested in.

For more info:  http://childrensmuseumnj.org/
http://childrensmuseumnj.org/CMNJschedule.pdf
Science-sational Day, April 5; Register by March 24

1st-6th graders can participate in hands-on science workshops that include our most popular Panning for Gems, Snakes & Lizards, Try It-Fly It and Alka Seltzer Rockets. New and returning workshops include  Build Your Own Sailboat, Who Done It?, IRobot, Blast Off, Colder Than Ice and A Walk with Galileo. Registration forms can be found in the 4-H Center or online at: http://somerset.njaes.rutgers.edu/4h/pdfs/4h-2014-Sci-Day-Brochure.pdf






































To make a reservation: Cindy Alexander The Theatre at RVCC cindy@rvccarts.org   908-231-8801

Hatched  Treehouse Shakers   WHEN: Thursday, April 10, 10 AM,1:30 PM & 4 PM
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. (AGES 2+) CLICK THE TITLE FOR MORE INFO.



LAURIE BERKNER IS COMING TO OUR AREA!

RVCC Planetarium

Public Star Shows

• Laser Concerts Song Lists
• Astronomy Shows & Laser Concerts
  • Just for Kids
• Special Events
  • Night of Lasers
  • The Sky Above - a program for those with autism or other developmental disabilities.
• Admission / General Policies
• Directions to the Planetarium
• Contact Us

Star Shows and Laser Concerts  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!


Thanks to Ruth Ross of njartsmaven.com for some of these listings….
 


PLANNING AHEAD FOR SUMMER….
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Dreamcatcher's THEATRE CAMP for KIDS!
Our Summer Theatre Conservatory is a four-week theatrecamp for young performers. Each week of the program focuses on a different aspect of the actor's craft.

• For kids age 10 to 17
• No acting experience needed
• Professionals teach all classes
• Have fun while experiencing life in the performing arts
• Students receive individual attention
• Attend for one, two, three or all four weeks
• All sessions end with a final showcase or staged performance

TRY THEATRE CAMP FOR FREE!
Sample class on Saturday, March 15. 

• Get a taste of what it's like to attend the Summer Theatre Conservatory
• Students will participate in four classes from 10am to 2pm 
• Reservations are required

More info on our Web site At Dreamcatcher's Summer Theatre Conservatory, we believe in having fun while developing real skills.
Tuition ranges from $275 for 1 week to $880 for all 4 weeks. Enroll early to save $25!

Note:  Enrollment is limited and is on a first come, first served basis.

---

SUMMER THEATRE CONSERVATORY Info
July 7 - August 1, 2014 Monday - Friday, 9am – 3pm    Dreamcatcher Rep at Calvary Church 31 Woodland Avenue, Summit   Directions  Price: $275 - $880 Register now Register by April 15 to save $25 Thank you for supporting local professional theatre! We hope to see you soon.

 www.morrisparks.net

AND AT SOMERSET COUNTY PARKS:

PROGRAM OFFERINGS http://www.somersetcountyparks.org/parksFacilities/eec/EEC.html
    • Program Registration Information & Locations
    • March Programs 2014
    • April Programs 2014
    • May Programs 2014
    • 2014 Summer Science Fun (Ages 4-16)
    • Summer Science Fun Parent Guide
    • AWESIM KIDS 2014
    • Eco-Explorer 2014
    • Canoe & Kayak Programs & Trips
    • Cross-Country Skiing


Registration for Nature Day Camp 2014 is Open!
Nature programs for children ages 3 through 16
RHA's Nature Day Camp offers an opportunity for children to explore, create and play in a vibrant outdoor setting - absent of video games, tv and competitive sports.  Instead, they experience nature, gaining a strong appreciation for the outdoors and lessons in how to protect their natural environment.  Each Camp session has a teacher-to-child ratio of 1:4.  Children discover wildlife, habitats, adaptations, plants, insects, birds, and more through field activities, stories, crafts and hands-on projects!
Visit us at our Nature Day Camp Open House in the
Nature Classroom at Fairview Farm!
Sunday, March 16th from 1 to 4 pm
Click here for more information and to register!

SUMMER CAMP & AN EVENT @ FOSTERFIELD WITH THE MORRIS COUNTY PARK COMMISSION

Explore and More, Sign Up for Summer Camp with the Park Commission
Now is the time to enroll your children in the best summer camps while there are still openings. The Morris County Park Commission offers a variety of unique and exciting camps, all close to home, geared to kids with all types of interests and lead by certified, professional counselors.

Choose from Adventures in Nature, where campers investigate the rugged outdoors, learn all about plants and animals, and how to survive in the wilderness of New Jersey. Or Travels in Time for budding young farmers to learn the day to day chores of the farm in the old’n days! For those looking for swimming and boating, beach-side activities, volleyball, crafts, and more, try Camp Sunrise Lake. And for all those interested in law enforcement, enroll in the Junior Police Academy, for both girls and boys. Learn handcuffing techniques, motor vehicle stops, help solve a case, and take a tour of the county jail.
For the young athletes, specialty athletic camps including, ice hockey, and figure skating, are offered throughout the summer. There’s never been a more perfect time to learn a new sport, or advance in one that your child is already involved in. For more information and registration visit www.morrisparks.net. Camp enrollment starts now, enjoy the experience!

Innovative Fun for Middle School Girls and Boys This SummerWaterBotics® is an innovative, underwater robotics program that challenges students to design, build, program, test, and redesign underwater robots made of LEGO® and other components. Campers progress through a series of increasingly sophisticated “missions” that culminates with amazing final designs. Take robotics to new depths! Whether your child currently takes robotics courses, or they are new to robotics and are looking for their next great challenge, WaterBotics has it all: science, technology, engineering, and FUN! WaterBotics will be held in state-of-the-art facilities at Stevens where each day will start with exciting team activities before groups launch into building robots. Afternoons will be filled with team games, guest speakers, campus tours, and more. The WaterBotics Summer Camp is designed to appeal to boys and girls! Dates: Session 1 July 21—25, 2014 or Session 2 July 28 – August 1, 2014  Time: 9 am—3 pm daily Place: Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey  Cost: $225 per sessionFor more information and to register please see: http://www.waterbotics.org/about/opportunities/summercamp/
Agricultural Science Summer Enrichment Program for Students Ages 11-14
Do you dream of inventing ways to improve how we produce food, fiber and fuel? Do you want to show and groom an award winning sheep? Do you want to find out how to harvest crop DNA and become a food detective and experiment with food science myths and take home your own patio container garden? Environmentally conscious students with an interest in science, nature and fun are encouraged to enroll in this exploratory summer science camp at the Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School.

Dates: Session 1 July 7 - 11, 2014 or Session 2 July 21 – 25, 2014 Time: 9 am—3 pm daily  Cost: $295 per session