Happy 4th of July from the Bridgewater Library!

Having trouble viewing this email?  Read it online. 
(You will also find links to great websites for families there.)

Note: Somerset County Libraries will be CLOSED on July 3rd and 4th in Celebration of Independence Day.

Looking for FIREWORKS and FESTIVALS this weekend?
Here’s a Guide to Central NJ Festivities:
http://bestofnj.com/central-jersey-fireworks

Bridgewater’s 4th of July Celebration will be from 6-10 p.m. at North Branch Park.  Details are HERE.

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"Remember the Ladies” -- A Mighty Girl Celebrates the Fourth of July -- Founding Mothers…and more!

In honor of  the United States' 239th birthday coming up this weekend on the 4th of July,  check out these book recommendations from A Mighty Girl celebrating the contributions of girls and women to the nation's founding.… Read  "Remember the Ladies” -- A Mighty Girl Celebrates the Fourth of July,"  http://www.amightygirl.com/blog/?p=3819 then check out the books at the library!

More A Mighty Girl suggestions follow in the “Let Your Fingers Do More Walking” section below.

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Looking for something fun to do this holiday weekend
(or any time)?
Check out 50 Free & Inexpensive Places for Family Fun In and Around New Jersey HERE.

 

Register for the Summer Reading Clubs!

Summer Reading Clubs!   Keep track of the time you spend reading this summer, play games, attend programs, have fun, learn a lot and win prizes! 

We have clubs for pre-schoolers, elementary students, tweens & teens, and adults.
Everything Counts -- Books, Graphic Novels (Comics), Magazines, Newspapers, E-books, Audiobooks…even cereal boxes!!

 
Come to the library each week --Answer fun trivia questions and find where Buddy our Bookworm is hiding -- you might win a prize!

“Superdog” and Snap Circuits Jr.
Our Children’s Summer Reading Club Grand Prizes

Upcoming Programs for Kids and Parents at Bridgewater Library:

Click on the hotlinks below to register.

  A Whale Of a Summer Singalong (All Ages)   No Registration

Superhero Spectacular Craftacular: Hurray for Superheroes (Suggested for Ages 3-6) 10 a.m.  Registration Required.

Superhero Spectacular Craftacular: Hurray for Superheroes (Suggested for Ages 6-10) 11:30 a.m. Registration Required.

Hero of Magic (Ages 4 and up) No registration required

Musical Movie: "Frozen" Singalong (All Ages) No registration

Retro Game Day (all ages)  No registration required.

Shake, Rattle, and Roll (All Ages)  No Registration

Superhero Spectacular Craftacular: I Never Thought of That! Who Made That! (Suggested for Ages 3-6) 
Registration required and begins July 7

Superhero Spectacular Craftacular: I Never Thought of That! Who Made That! (Suggested for Ages 6-10) 
Registration required and begins July 7

Lego Club (Ages 5-12)
Registration is required and begins July 9

Eyes of the Wild presents: Nature's Heroes (Grades K-5)
No registration required.

Sing Along: Campfire Songs (All Ages) 
No registration Required.

Superhero Spectacular Craftacular: Local Heroes: Firefighters (Suggested for Ages 3-6) 10:00 a.m. 
Registration Required.

Superhero Spectacular Craftacular: Local Heroes: Firefighters (Suggested for Ages 6-10) 11:30 a.m. 
Registration Required.

Turtle Dance Music: Concert for Little Superheroes (Ages 4 and up) No registration required

Check back for more programs later this summer.

Upcoming Programs for Tweens & Teens at Bridgewater Library:
Click on the hotlinks below to register.

Tween Hero Academy (Entering Grades 4-6)

Tween Volunteers (July 8th) Registration Required.

Tween Volunteers (July 22nd) Registration Required.

Tween Advisory Board (Entering Grades 4-6)

Be Super! Movie & a Sundae: Divergent (Entering Grades 7-12)Monday, July 06, 2015 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM  Watch a movie about an awesome female heroine and cool off with an ice cream sundae! There also will be raffles to win fun Divergent themed prizes. Registration is required and begins June 15.
In a future Chicago, 16 year old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life. The decision is made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group.   PG-13

Teen Lock In: Hollywood (Entering Grades 7-12) Friday, July 10, 2015  7:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Registration is required and begins June 19. Get locked in the library after hours! We'll roll out the red carpet and watch movies, play games, eat snacks, make crafts, and much more. Dress in your best Hollywood glam and be prepared to experience the library like never before!

Stage Fighting and Makeup Magic (Entering Grades 6-12)Thursday, July 16, 2015 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM. Registration is required and begins June 25th.  Come develop the tools you need to make a stage fight look realistic whether you are playing the hero or the villain. Of course, once you learn how to fake a slap/choke/hair pull/punch, you will need to have the bruises to show for it! -- learn how to apply trauma simulation makeup.

Be Super! Movie & a Sundae: Mockingjay Part I (Entering Grades 7-12) Monday, July 20, 2015  6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Registration is required and begins June 29. Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. A revolution is unfolding and it is up to Katniss to accept responsibility for countless lives and to change the course of the future of Panem.  PG-13

Teen Advisory Board (Entering Grades 7 - 12)Tuesday, July 21 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Registration required and begins June 30.
TEENS: YOUR OPINION MATTERS! Do you have suggestions for programs, new books, movies, or video games? Then come to one of our TAB meetings! Community service hours will be awarded for attendance and snacks will be served!

Check back for more programs later this summer.

AROUND THE COMMUNITY: 

PRINCETON SUMMER THEATER’S ANNUAL CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMING

Each year, Princeton Summer Theater produces extremely affordable family entertainment and educational programming. This programming includes a series of Young Artists' Workshops and an interactive, musical Children's Show.

The Legendary True Story of Sparrow Jones and the Jersey Devil
a new play for young audiences by Brad Wilson and Maeli Goren, director of The Magic Rainforest.

WHEN: 11am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, from July 2-August 8
WHERE: the Lewis Center for the Arts, Princeton Summer Theater in the Hamilton Murray Theater on Princeton University’s campus
TICKETS: $10, free for children under 3
Discounted group rates and parties are also available: call 1-732-997-0205 or email contact@princetonsummertheater.org for more information.

They say there's a monster out in the Pine Barrens, but when Sparrow Jones gets lost in the woods, she won't let the legend of the Jersey Devil scare her!  Sure to engage audience members of all ages, The Legendary True Story of Sparrow Jones and the Jersey Devil is a musical, magical, and interactive journey through New Jersey folklore. Have you seen the Jersey Devil?

The show will run for approximately 30-45 minutes. After each performance, actors come out to meet with children, sign their programs, and talk about the characters and the play.

YOUNG ARTISTS’ WORKSHOPS

In addition, Princeton Summer Theater will be hosting a series of six Young Artists’ Workshops for children ages 6-12. Come learn and play alongside the 2015 PST Company!  Over the course of 6 weeks, we will explore some of the fundamentals of theater and work together to create our very own show, which we'll perform for family and friends at our last session together.  Come to one or come to all—we always welcome drop-ins!

This year’s workshops are:

• Puppets and Masks—create fun characters using the transformative power of time-tested theatrical traditions
• Movement and Physical Theater—learn how to use your body to create characters, express emotions, and make stage pictures
• Making Music as an Ensemble— learn how to make to music with a group of friends in order to tell a story
• Improv—who says you need a script to do theater? Learn the art of making it up
• Playwriting—there are lots of ways to tell stories, and our playwriting lab will let you experiment and hone your skills
• Fundamentals of Acting, Script to Stage—take the page to the stage and learn how to act out stories from scripts!

WHEN: Friday afternoons from 1:30-4:30pm, July 3-August 7.
TUITION: Each workshop costs $35 to register—save 20% by registering for all six workshops for $145! Ages 6-12.
Register by emailing princetonsummertheater@gmail.com.

REGISTER YOUR BUDDING ACTOR FOR DREAMCATCHER REP’S SUMMER THEATRE CAMP

Registration open for the theatre camp!

Dreamcatcher's Summer Theatre Conservatory is a four- week theatre camp for young actors aged 10-17 that offers both classes and performance opportunities.

At the STC, we believe in having fun while developing real skills under the guidance of theatre professionals. Emphasis is placed on individual attention, constructive feedback, and the achievement of personal goals.
Participants can tailor the program to suit their preferences, attending the conservatory for one week, two weeks, three weeks or for the entire month of classes.  Read more.

Week 1: ACTORS' WORKSHOP
WHEN: July 6-10, Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm

Week 2: MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP
WHEN: July 13-17, Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm

Weeks 3 & 4: DREAMCATCHER JUNIOR

• Create & Perform a Show
  WHEN: July 20-31, Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm

FINAL PERFORMANCE: Fri., July 31, 7:30pm

WHERE: Oakes Center 120 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ.

Register your child now. For more information visit us online at DreamcatcherRep.org email  info@dreamcatcherrep.org or call at 908.514.9654

PRINCETON SUMMER THEATER CONTINUES WITH THE RAZOR-SHARP “PYGMALION”

PYGMALION
By George Bernard Shaw
Staged and Directed by Princeton lecturer in Theater and English R. N. Sandberg

WHEN: July 3-5, 8-12, and 16-19. Thursday-Saturday at 8pm, Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. Wednesday, July 8th at 8pm. Special talkbacks with the cast follow every Friday evening performance: join us on July 4th after the 2pm matinee for a reception with hoagies by Hoagie Haven!
WHERE: Hamilton Murray Theater on Princeton University’s Campus
TICKETS: $27.50 for general admission, $22 for students and matinees. We also offer season subscriptions for only $60 (a 30% discount!), which ensures a reserved seat for each of our three remaining main stage shows this season. To order tickets, visit http://www.princetonsummertheater.org/metamorphoses/ or call the PST box office at 1-732-997-0205.

Pygmalion is a sharply funny commentary on class, gender and what it means to be true to yourself. This vibrant and hilarious new production highlights the battle of wits and wills between Henry Higgins and Eliza Doolittle. Speech professor Henry Higgins makes a bet that he can transform cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle from a low-class nobody to the toast of society at an upcoming garden party. He soon realizes, however, that this feat might not be so easily accomplished; Eliza has strong opinions of her own, and she is prepared to fight Henry every step of the way on her transformation from street urchin to sophisticated duchess. The inspiration for the musical My Fair Lady, the story of Pygmalion has captivated audiences for decades.

SONDHEIM MUSICAL TO BE PERFORMED BY LONJ IN JULY

A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC
Music and Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM
Book by HUGH WHEELER
Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick, Suggested by a Film by Ingmar Bergman, Originally produced and Directed on Broadway by
Harold Prince 
Directed by Jeffrey Fiorello
Musical Direction by Lois Buesser
Produced by William Corson

WHEN: July 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 8:00 PM and July 12 and 19 at 2 PM
WHERE: Founders Hall Theater at the Morristown Beard School, 70 Whippany Rd, Morristown
TICKETS: $25-$30. Buy tickets online at http://www.lonj.org/tickets/ or by calling 908-655-6023.

Set at the turn of the 20^th century in Sweden,A Little Night Music spins a tale exploring the meaning of love versus desire and the significance of family. Desiree Armfeldt, a once-successful actress, must reconsider the decisions of her past when an old lover, Fredrik Egerman, returns to town with his young wife, Anne. Considering her young daughter Fredrika and overbearing mother Madame Armfeldt, Desiree must choose between her present liaison, insanely jealous Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm, and Fredrik during a dramatic weekend in the country with their wives and extended family.

REVIEW: “LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST” SPARKLES @ STNJ OUTDOOR VENUE

By Ruth Ross (click on the headline above to read the complete review)

"effervescent" and "polished"—…the current production of this, one of the least performed of the Bard's romantic comedies, now raising mayhem and laughter on the outdoor stage at the College of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station (Morris Township).… magical, mystical aspect of this rather goofy love story. Once again, Shakespeare reaches into his bag of theatrical tricks—sparring lovers, bumbling rustics who massacre the English language, misdelivered letters, eaves dropping and great fun at the expense of a pompous pedant—to concoct an absurdly comedic soup, seasoned with a dash of sex and leavened with some nifty verbal calisthenics.

The opening scene, wherein King Ferdinand of Navarre declares that the young men of his court must forswear women and other worldly temptations for the next three years and devote themselves to academic pursuits, sets into motion the sexual politics that eventually make these oaths null and void. Trouble on the romantic front arrives with the appearance of the Princess of France, sent on a diplomatic mission by her father, and her bevy of lovely ladies. When the men visit the ladies in a field outside the court, their foolish “ivory tower” ideals unravel, and the men fall hopelessly in love. And when the ladies find out about the King’s “rules,” they decide to have some fun at the men’s expense. The result: hilarity.  Photos © Jerry Dalia, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey

…The other set of lovers, Rosaline and Berowne, are reminiscent of Beatrice and Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing, what with their verbal jousting and longing looks stolen when the other is not looking. ..

But what would a Shakespearean comedy be without some rubes, a pompous ass and a couple of other clowns? Love's Labour's Lost doesn't disappoint in this area. …

Love's Labour's Lost will be performed at the Greek Amphitheater on the campus of the College of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station through July 26th. Performances begin at 8 PM. Bring a picnic and a lawn chair. For information and tickets, call the box office at 973.408.5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org online.

REACH FOR THE STARS AT THE RVCC PLANETARIUM THIS SUMMER! (Reservations recommended for all shows, more info. HERE.)

JUST ADDED & On Sale Fri, June 26 at 10am
State Theatre presents the inaugural performances
of the Autism-Friendly Performances Program.

BIG APPLE CIRCUS — BAC Embraces Autism
Sun, November 8, 2015 at 2pm & 5pm
These performances will take place at Crossroads Theatre, 7 Livingston Ave.
Created by New York’s Big Apple Circus especially for children on the autism spectrum, this performance features world-class artists and acts, with incredible feats of juggling, balancing, plate spinning, aerial acts, and of course, the Ringmaster! A shorter show length and carefully modulated sound and lighting make the program welcoming to families with children with autism. Additional accommodations include a calming center, space throughout the building for standing and moving around, and specially-trained ushers and volunteers for support. Info / Tix >

Autism-Friendly Performances made possible in part by
THE KARMA FOUNDATION
With additional support from The Wawa Foundation

 

If you have or know children on the spectrum check out this resource sponsored by Kohl’s and the Children’s Specialized Hospital. 

Welcome to the only one-stop, virtual hub for pediatric autism resources!  The Kohl’s Autism Awareness community hub, a Kohl's Cares® initiative, is a virtual community containing resources for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), family members, and other community members.  Click here for an interactive map.

And check out this article on the latest research on Autism.

FREE SUMMER MOVIES AT THE STATE THEATRE IN NEW BRUNSWICK

FREE SUMMER MOVIES AT THE STATE THEATRE

WHEN: July 14, July 21, July 28, and August 4; 10 AM & 7 PM
WHERE: State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick
TICKETS: Free
Ticket Office: 732-246-SHOW (7469)
Groups of 20 or more must call the Ticket Office at 732-246-SHOW to make a reservation. No reservations are required for groups under 20.

“We are proud to be the sponsor of this wonderful series giving local families and youth the chance to see movies for free at this remarkable venue,” commented Hiam Boraie, Vice President of Boraie Development.

To add to this screening experience, movie goers will enjoy the State Theatre’s state-of-the-art HD digital cinema projection system including a 46’ Stewart film screen, a Barco projector, and digital surround sound.

Penguins of Madagascar
July 14, 2015 at 10 AM & 7 PM

The penguins from Madagascar get their own film in this DreamWorks Animation production. When a villainous octopus named Dave (voice of John Malkovich) hatches a plan to eliminate the penguins, Skipper (voice of Tom McGrath), Kowalski (voice of Chris Miller), Rico (voice of John DiMaggio), and Private (voice of Christopher Knights) must team with a clandestine animal organization known as North Wind to thwart the diabolical plan.

Big Hero 6
July 21, 2015 at 10 AM & 7 PM

Big Hero 6 is an action-packed comedy adventure that introduces Baymax, a lovable, personal companion robot, who forms a special bond with robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada. When a devastating turn of events catapults them into the midst of a dangerous plot unfolding in the streets of San Fransokyo, Hiro turns to Baymax and his diverse group of friends—adrenaline junkie Go Go Tomago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon, and fanboy Fred—who transform into a band of unlikely heroes.

Click here for additional films.

 

www.morrisparks.net

Looking for more area events?  Check out the Macaroni Kids Calendar here (though it says “Hillsborough,” it covers surrounding communities.)

 

 VISIT SUPPORT EXHIBITIONS THEATRE ART CLASSES

Summer Camp

Summer 2015

It's not too late to sign your children up for summer camp at the Morris Museum! Children entering grades 1 through 4 have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of Museum topics ranging from magic, to art, to science, to LEGO. Day-long and week-long options are available. For a closer glimpse into our activities, check out our website.

www.morrismuseum.org Morris Museum | 6 Normandy Heights Road | Morristown | NJ | 07960

Visit the museum for free (you still need to pay for theater admissions) using the library museum pass if available. The Morris Museum also participates in the Bank of America Museums on Us program. During the first full weekend of every month, each Bank of America card holder is entitled to one free general admission to the Museum. For further information, visit museums.bankofamerica.com/

 

 

 

 

PLAN  FOR SUMMER WITH SOMERSET COUNTY PARK CAMP AND ADVENTURE PROGRAMS FOR KIDS AND TEENS

Coyote Kids (Ages 4-6) --a fun nature program full of outdoor hikes, live animals, hands-on activities, games, and crafts!

Eco-Explorers (Ages 7-9) (click here for PDF) 

AWESIM KIDS (Animals, Wetlands, Environmental Science, and Incredible Minds!)  (Ages 10-13) (click here for PDF)

Xtreme Adventure  (Ages 13-16)  (click here for brochure)

LET YOUR FINGERS  DO MORE WALKING:

 

For fascinating stories of girls and women everyday, check out the Mighty Girl Facebook Page:

Some samples:
English mathematician Ada Lovelace is widely considered the world's first computer programmer for her invention of the computer algorithm. Born in 1815 to the poet Lord Byron and Anne Isabella Byron, Lovelace's mathematical talents led to an ongoing collaboration with mathematician Charles Babbage, who called Lovelace the "Enchantress of Numbers." While translating an article by an Italian engineer on Babbage's Analytical Engine, a proposed early version of a mechanical gener...See More

 Today in Mighty Girl history, legend tells that a young woman by the name of Mary Hays played an instrumental role in the Battle of Monmouth during the U.S. Revolutionary War in 1778. An exceptionally hot day, Mary -- who often went by the nickname of Molly -- brought water to the soldiers when they would call out “Molly, the pitcher!” When Mary’s husband collapsed either from heat exhaustion or an injury, she famously took over his post at the cannon for the remainder of the...See More

 

This incredible photo shows British artist Sue Austin scuba diving near coral reefs using a self-propelled, underwater wheelchair! Austin, who uses art to challenge the concept of "the ‘disabled’ as ‘other,’" worked with a team to create this prototype of a wheelchair that easily glides through water.

To view more stunning photos of Austin's underwater wheelchair art, visithttp://bit.ly/1bb9b9r or you can watch her diving at http://bit.ly/1oEgydb To learn more about Austin's...See More

Speaking of water, check out a splash park this summer!
 

Splash Park now open in Lepp Park in Somerville.
Across from 21 Park Avenue, Somerville NJ
** SPRAY PARK SUMMER OPERATING HOURS **
Currently, the timer is set from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm; seven days a week.
More Splash Pads here: www.jerseyfamilyfun.com/new-jersey-splash-pads

 

Best NJ Playgrounds to Visit

Bored with your local swingset? Here are a few amazing New Jersey playgrounds worth driving to.