Welcome to our Online Newsletter and Virtual Bulletin Board!

Question or Suggestion? Contact cslevin59 (at) gmail.org.

Monday, November 30, 2015

Deadline for entries into our Picture Book Writing Contest extended until Saturday December 5th. Storytimes, Toddler Times, and Baby Times resume. Last week for Books for Kids donations.

 

image_thumb2_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb[1]

Note: All SCLS libraries will open at NOON on Thursday Dec. 3rd.

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

Because of the Thanksgiving Holiday, we forgot to send a reminder about the Picture Book Contest deadline so are extending it to this weekend.  If you’ve created a book – don’t forget to bring it in to the Children’s Desk!

Colored PencilsSecond Annual Picture Book Contest

Enter the Bridgewater Library's Second Annual Picture Book Contest for a chance to get your picture book made into a hardcover book and added to our library's collection!  Pick up a blank book at the library and return your book by 5 p.m. Saturday Dec. 5th.  We’ll have a reception for all the authors/illustrators in January!   ( Want to hear other kids’ stories performed?  Check out storypirates.org. A Bridgewater Library patron told us about this. )

We're collecting "Books for Kids" Through December 7

Make a difference in a child's life. Please donate a book or books! Started in 1991, "Books for Kids" is a statewide program sponsored by the New Jersey Library Association's Children's Services Section. This program is undertaken with the hope that all children will be able to experience the joy of reading books of their very own. Each year, with the help of over 200 libraries, thousands of books are distributed to children across the state.

Do you have like-new children’s books in your home that your children have outgrown?image_thumb1_thumb1[1]

Your books can start a life-long love of reading for children who don’t have ready access to wonderful stories.

SHARE THE GIFT OF READING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON – Bring in your donations of new (or new-looking) books for kids or teens by December 7th.

 

 


Programs @ the Library:

 Storytimes, Toddler Times, & Baby Times resume December 1st - 18th.  Storytimes (Tues. 10 & 1:30), Toddler Times (Wed. & Fri. 10), and Baby Times (Thur. 9:30) 
No registration required.


Family Holiday Singalong (All Ages)
  Saturday, December 05, 2015 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM   No registration required.

We'll celebrate the holidays with seasonal tunes and create a cacophonous chorus with our musical instruments!

Music & Movement (Ages birth-3 years) Monday, December 07, 2015 9:45 AM - 10:15 AM Music & Movement (Ages birth-3 years) 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM  Registration is required. 

Please register each child in your family separately in order to ensure an accurate attendance count.

Clap your hands, stomp your feet, and feel the beat of a fun, lively music class! Led by Beth Stone of Kids' MusicRound.

 

Harp, Music, Musical Instrument, Instrument, StringsFriends Concert Series: Lobby Concert - Patty Turse Harp Concert -- Lobby Concert: Part of the 2015-2016 Friends Concert Series Monday, December 07, 2015  12:00 PM - 3:00 PM.  Drop in for music, cider and cookies. No registration required.

Stamp, Tinker, Christmas, Children, Make Your OwnIt's a Wrap! (Ages 3-10) Monday, December 07, 2015 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM. Registration required.We'll share stories and songs about gifts and giving, then create our own wrapping paper and cards. Please wear old clothes or bring a smock as we will be using paint.

Tail Waggin’ Tutors: Children Reading to Dogs (Ages 4+) Tuesday, December 08, 2015  4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Registration in-person or by phone only

Did you know that dogs like listening to stories as much as kids do? 

Come to the Bridgewater Library for Tail Waggin’ Tutors, where children will have the opportunity to practice their reading skills by reading a story to Xena the Therapy Dog, a friendly, eight-year-old chocolate labradoodle.  Each child will have 10 minutes to read a favorite story to his or her new canine friend.

Singing, Kids, Child, Group, Children, Sing, GirlsCaroling with the 4-H Piano/Music Club (All Ages) Saturday, December 12, 2015 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM. No Registration Required.

Join us for a performance by the Somerset County 4-H Piano/Music Club, which consists of teens and children who have a passion for music. The performance will include traditional Christmas songs, followed by a chance for children to try out the instruments and play them for fun! There will also be coloring pages of instruments.

Picture This--Creature Features (Ages 4-9)  Monday, December 14, 2015 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM.  Registration required.

Hear first hand (or "first paw") why animals look the way they do then create your own "creative creature"!

Lego, Children, Toys, Colorful, Play, Building BlocksLego Club (Ages 5-12) Thursday, December 17, 2015 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM.
Registration is required.

Join us for some fun Lego action! Legos provided.

Please Note: Parents are welcome to stay; however, younger siblings cannot be permitted to join this program.

Mock Caldecott Election--Hosted by the Bridgewater Library (All Ages)  Monday, December 28, 2015 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM.  Registration is required and begins December 14th.

You’re never too old for picture book!  Bring the whole family to see the new picture books everyone is talking about -- then vote for which book you think should win the Caldecott Award for the most notable illustrations. When the official Caldecott Award selections are released on January 11th, we'll see if ours won!

 

@ the Library for Tweens & Teens

image_thumb1_thumb1Tween Volunteers (Grades 4-6) Thursday Dec.3rd , 2015 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM  Registration required. Make a difference by volunteering at the library! Help out with special projects and earn community service hours.

Tween Advisory Board (Grades 4-6)  Tuesday, December 1, 2015 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM   Registration is required.  Earn community service hours by making the library a better place for you and your fellow Tweens! Come tell us what books, movies, video games, and programs you’d like at the library!

Christmas Cookies, Gingerbread Men, ChristmasHoliday Party: Cookie Decorating (Grades 7-12) Monday, December 14, 2015 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM  Registration is required.
Music and mmm holiday cookies to decorate and eat. We’ll also be opening presents—there will be a grab bag of fun gifts!

Teen Advisory Board (Grades 7-12) Tuesday, December 15th, 2015 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM  Registration requiredand begins October 27th.
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!

Around the Community:

KNOW A "STAR WARS" FAN? -- ONE-MAN “STAR WARS TRILOGY” SOARS INTO UPAC

One-Man Star Wars Trilogy

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 11 at 8 p.m
WHERE:
UCPAC's Mainstage 1601 Irving Street in the heart of Rahway's Arts District and easily accessible to major roads and public transportation.
TICKETS: To purchase tickets, call the box office at 732-499-8226 or visit the website at www.ucpac.org

In advance of the year's most highly anticipated movie, bone up on everything STAR WARS™ as the extremely talented Canadian actor Charles Ross brings his hilarious One-Man STAR WARS™ Trilogy to UCPAC's Mainstage.

Much of Ross' childhood was spent in a galaxy far, far away, watching STAR WARS™ videos over—and over—and over again. The result of this misspent youth is his One-Man STAR WARS™ Trilogy, where he single-handedly plays all the characters, sings the music, flies the ships, fights the battles and condenses the plots into one performance. With thousands of performances, in hundreds of cities, across four continents, the worldwide love affair with this trilogy is phenomenal - and it's been a dream come true for Charles Ross to celebrate that love with generations of fans around the world.

FRACTURED FAIRY TALE @ CRANFORD DRAMATIC CLUB

004

Rapunzarella White

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5, 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 6, at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m.
WHERE:
CDC Theatre, 78 Winans Ave. in Cranford
TICKETS: Tickets and information can be found by visiting www.cdctheatre.org.

Begin the holiday season with a musical fractured fairy tale for the whole family! Rapunzarella White is filled with fun!

Rapunzel, Cinderella and Snow White are triplets who are stolen by an angry witch and each is catapulted into her own fractured fairy tale. Each dreams of being rescued by a handsome Prince. Will they be saved? Of course! Beau, Barry and Burly Bob may be a little more bashful and bumbling than bright, but with the help of the Fairy Tailor, and some magic, they all live happily ever after.

TIMELESS CHRISTMAS TALE @ SOMERSET VALLEY PLAYERS

MO34 (3)Miracle on 34th Street
WHEN:  December 4 through December 20, Friday and Saturday Evenings at 8:00 pm and Sunday Matinees at 2:00 pm.  Added performance Saturday December 12 at 2:00 pm
WHERE:
Somerset Valley Players, 689 Amwell Rd./Route 514, Hillsborough
TICKETS:  General Admission $20 - Seniors/Students $18 For Further Info:  Call 908-369-7469 To Buy Tickets:  Visit the website at www.svptheatre.org

Little Susan doesn't believe in Santa Claus.  Watch this timeless and touching holiday story as a Macy's Santa brings the joyous spirit of Christmas to New York City. His gentle and noble spirit converts even the deepest cynics into true believers of miracles. Theatre is wheelchair accessible.

www.morrisparks.net

Website

Public Star Shows

Laser Concerts

School Information

School Group Shows

Observatory in November -- Thankfulness begins with our stars... 

Admission: $8 for one show, $14 for two shows on the same day!
RVCC Planetarium | 118 Lamington Road | North Branch |

 

7. Sterling Hill Mining Museum, OgdensburgThe 14 Most Underrated Places In New Jersey That You Must Check Out

New Jersey has dozens of incredible places to visit, but many don’t get nearly the amount of attention that they deserve. When people think Jersey attractions, they think Jenkinson’s, Six Flags and Liberty Science Center. There are plenty of smaller spots that fly under the radar, waiting to be discovered.



LET YOUR FINGERS DO MORE WALKING…

 

How ‘twisted’ early childhood education has become — from a child development expert

Early childhood development expert Nancy Carlsson-Paige: 'Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that we would have to defend children’s right to…

WASHINGTONPOST.COM

Where To Donate Toys

Clean Out the Playroom: Donate the Toys Your Kids Don't Play With Anymore! read_more2.jpg

Not every place accepts pre-loved toys–here are some charities that do.

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Makerfaire at Barnes & Noble Sunday. National Novel Writing Month continues at Bridgewater Library–get tips from a real author/illustrator, learn to draw Pokemon characters & enter your own books in our contests. The library is also accepting books for kids in need.

 

image_thumb2_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb[1]

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

MAKERFAIRE CONTINUES SUNDAY 11/8 AT BARNES & NOBLE

image

MORE INFO. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/h/makerfaire

 @ the Library

 Storytimes, Toddler Times, & Baby Times resume November 3rd.  Storytimes (Tues. 10 & 1:30), Toddler Times (Wed. & Fri. 10), and Baby Times (Thur. 9:30) 
No registration required.

Colored PencilsSecond Annual Picture Book Contest

Enter the Bridgewater Library's Second Annual Picture Book Contest for a chance to get your picture book made into a hardcover book and added to our library's collection!  Pick up a blank book at the library and return your book by Dec. 1st.  We’ll have a reception for all the authors/illustrators in January!

Want Inspiration?  Sign up for one of these programs:

Create Your Own Picture Book! (Grades K-2)  Saturday, November 14, 2015 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM  Registration Required.
Create Your Own Picture Book! (Grades 3-6)  Saturday, November 14, 2015 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM Have you ever wanted to write and illustrate a book? We’ll show you how! Leeza Hernandez, author and illustrator of Dog Gone!, will teach us how to make a picture book—from the idea stage to the finished product! Participants will be given blank books that can be entered into our Picture Book Contest.


LIKE TO DRAW?
Pokémon Drawing (Ages 7-12)  Wednesday, November 18, 2015 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Registration is required and begins Nov. 4th Edward Dippolito, freelance designer and artist, will be joining us for a workshop on how to draw Pokémon.


 

@ the Library for Tweens & Teens

NaNoWriMo Contest for Teens  (grades 7-12 ) Teens, can you write the best short story?  Bridgewater Library is holding a National Novel Writing Month Contest for Teens.  Whoever writes the best short story (10-15 pages) will win a $25 Amazon Gift Card.  

Send all stories to Katie Salerno, ksalerno@sclibnj.org with the subject NaNoWriMo Contest.  Make sure to include your name, grade, and school in your email.  Stories are due Monday, November 30th.  Winners will be decided by Monday, December 21st.


image_thumb1Tween Volunteers (Grades 4-6)  Monday, November 09, 2015 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM  Registration required and begins October 5. Make a difference by volunteering at the library! Help out with special projects and earn community service hours.

Tween Advisory Board (Grades 4-6)  Tuesday, November 10, 2015 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM   Registration is required and beings Oct. 11.  Earn community service hours by making the library a better place for you and your fellow Tweens! Come tell us what books, movies, video games, and programs you’d like at the library!

Teen Advisory Board (Grades 7 - 12) Tuesday, November 17, 2015 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM  Registration required and begins October 27th.
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!

SHARE THE GIFT OF READING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON – DONATIONS OF NEW (OR NEW-LOOKING) BOOKS ACCEPTED THROUGH DECEMBER 7TH.

image_thumb1

 

Around the Community:

SENSORY-FRIENDLY EVENTS SCHEDULED @ RVCC ARTS IN BRANCHBURG

Tom Chapin

Sensory-Friendly Event

WHEN: Friday, November 13, 7PM
WHERE:
RVCC Theatre, 118 Lamington Rd., Branchburg
TICKETS: $10

Tom Chapin comes to town to offer the first event of our sensory-friendly programming for 2015-16. These sensory friendly performances—this year, in music, theatre and dance—are designed especially for children with autism or related conditions who experience heightened sensory sensitivity, providing a safe and judgment-free space that is welcoming for all families. Seating is general admission, allowing families to choose where they want to sit.

Families who have not been to The Theatre at RVCC before are invited to stop by and visit the theatre space and explore the seating areas two hours before these shows. You also may visit in advance by making an appointment date (908.231.8801).

Tom Chapin

Tom Chapin

Friday, November 13 at 7PM

With hundreds of songs in his repertoire, Tom serves up a 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.

This is a Sensory-Friendly Performance.

Egg

sensory-friendly

Egg

Cahoots NI

Sunday, February 21 at 1PM

Egg is told through the medium of physical theatre, illusion, & music. It is a sad, funny and delightful tale exploring the theme of “flying the nest.”

Galumpha

sensory-friendly

Galumpha

Saturday, February 27 at 2PM

TICKETS: $15 General Admission

Combining stunning acrobatics, striking visual effects, physical comedy, and inventive choreography, Galumpha brings to dance a world of imagination, beauty, muscle and merriment.

CIRCUS SKILLS WORKSHOP FOR 4TH-8TH GRADERS @ MILE SQUARE THEATRE: REGISTER NOW!

Calling all 4th to 8th graders! Save the World, one circus act at a time!

MST's Circus Skills Workshop

WHEN: November 13, 6pm-9:30pm
WHERE:
The Monroe Center, 720 Monroe Street, Room E216, Hoboken
TUITION: $75 (includes pizza and beverage)
ENROLL HERE (space limited)

Join Ringling Brothers-trained circus arts teacher and performer Adam Auslander for an exciting workshop where you'll learn juggling and physical comedy.

Adam will teach 4th grade to 8th grade students some mad circus skills. Students will be fed pizza and a non-sugar beverage. Parents and family members are encouraged to come back for the last 15 minutes of class to see what your circus performers have learned.

Parents, take a break:
MST also offers a 15% off dinner coupon at Clinton Social the night of the workshop. Drop off your circus performer, have dinner at CS, then return to see what they've learned!

ARTS/DEPARTMENT OF STATE, A PARTNER AGENCY OF THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS AND BY FUNDS FROM THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS, ADMINISTERED BY THE HUDSON COUNTY OFFICE OF CULTURAL & HERITAGE AFFAIRS, THOMAS A. DEGISE, COUNTY EXECUTIVE, AND THE BOARD OF CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS.

About Mile Square Theatre
Mile Square Theatre (MST) is the leading professional Equity theatre in Hudson County. Since 2003, MST has presented full-scale productions for adults and children, in addition to providing theatre education programs. Under the artistic direction of Chris O’Connor, MST receives support from The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and the Hudson County Division of Cultural Affairs. For company information, please visit www.milesquaretheatre.org

www.morrisparks.net

Website

Public Star Shows

Laser Concerts

School Information

School Group Shows

Observatory in November -- Thankfulness begins with our stars... 

Admission: $8 for one show, $14 for two shows on the same day!
RVCC Planetarium | 118 Lamington Road | North Branch |

Saturdays, November 7, 14, & 21

3:00 pm & 7:00 pm AstronoMyths:

The Autumn skies are full of myth and science. Learn some of the Greek mythology associated with the constellations, then look beyond the stories to discover the deep space objects hidden within: binary star systems, star clusters, and giant galaxies.  

(Recommended ages 8 and older)

Saturday evenings,
as long as it's clear, you can find a staff member opening the

Observatory. Free to all, but call ahead to make sure the weather is permitting!

Please call 908-231-8805 if you would like to check. 

Sunday, November 22nd

Perfect Little Planet 2:00  A family from another solar system is seeking the perfect vacation spot. Fly over the surface of Pluto, our best known dwarf planet; sail through the rings of Saturn; feel Jupiter's lightning storms; and walk on the surface of Mars. Which destination will the family choose?

(Recommended for ages 6-12)

Earth, Moon,  and Sun, & Coyote  3:00  Coyote has a razor-sharp wit, but he's a little confused about what he sees in the sky. Join this amusing character (adapted from Native American oral traditions) in a fast-paced and fun, full-dome show that tells Native American stories, explores lunar phases, eclipses, and other puzzles, and examine how humans learn through space exploration.  (Recommended ages 8-12)   Call 908-231-8805 for reservations (Highly Recommended!)

The Sky Above  Sunday, November 22nd  4:30 pm A planetarium show for families with children on the Autism Spectrum or with other developmental disabilities.

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.  All material is presented on a very basic level.

Ticket Price: $8.00 per person    Call 908-231-8805 for reservations! (Highly Recommended!)

LET YOUR FINGERS DO MORE WALKING…

Being Left Out Hurts: Moms, Stop 'Social Engineering'

By Lisa Barr  ... the camp buses were leaving for an overnight camp in the Midwest, and one Mom somehow had access to get on one of the buses before departure. She literally managed to rope off (save) an entire section for eight 11-year-old girls. She stayed on the bus while the "Chosen 8" boarded and sat in their "designated" seats. Another girl, a new camper, got on the bus, who was the same age, and asked if she could join "those" girls. The Mom responded: "I'm sorry, but it's reserved" and then she got off.  Read MORE