March Programs at the Bridgewater Library–Storytimes Resume, Meet a Tiny Horse, Learn First Aid, Celebrate Dr. Seuss, Pi Day, Make a Movie, or attend our very own Comicon!

Baby Times, Toddler Times, Pajama Times and Storytimes resume on this week on March 1st.

Click HERE to register for any of these programs.

Around the Community:

 

March Star Madness

With the luck of the stars, the Planetarium steps into March with star filled shows for everyone! Come join us at RVCC Planetarium and join in this years March Star Madness!  Visit Our Website

 

 

The Sky Above 

Saturday, March 5, 5:00 pm

A Sensory-Friendly show for visitors with Autism or other developmental disabilities.

 

Observatory  

Weather permitting, 3M Observatory will be reopened to the public on Saturday evenings 

Visit our website

Little Star that Could & Laser Pop Rock

Saturday afternoon shows just for the family.  

"Little Star that Could" at 3:00 pm

"Laser Pop Rock" at 4:00 pm  (recommended for ages 6 and older)

Visit our website

Black Holes

Saturdays, Mar 5, 12, & 19 7:00 pm

Take a virtual tour through space and explore the science and mystery of black holes: Where do they come from? How do we find them? Is there one on Earth's horizon?
(Recommended for ages 8 to adult)

What's up in the Sky?

Jupiter is at opposition on March 8th, when it will be above the horizon all night long. On March 1st, Jupiter rises 26 minutes after sunset. By March 31st, Jupiter rises 2 hours and 21 minutes before sunset.

Mercury is at superior conjunction March 23. When it comes out from behind the sun it's relatively bright and due to the high angle of the ecliptic, climbs quickly. Mercury may be spotted very low in the western sky by the end of the month.

Morning Planet Extravaganza Continues!

Four planets can be spotted simultaneously at the start of March. Venus is low in the eastern-southeastern skies at mid-twilight, rising just one hour before the Sun on March1st. By the end of March, Venus will rise a little over a half an hour earlier than the Sun.

Saturn and Mars continue to move closer to each other. the gap between these two planets will shrink throughout March. Jupiter in the west, drops closer to the horizon each day. On the last day of March, you can spot Venus and Jupiter at the same time on the opposite sides of the sky.

Last Quarter Moon: March 1 

New Moon: March 9

First Quarter: March 15

Full Moon: March 23

Last Quarter Moon: March 31

Planetarium at Raritan Valley Community College | 908-231-8805 | planet@raritanval.edu | www.raritanval.edu/planetarium 

LET YOUR FINGERS DO MORE WALKING:

Does your child have special needs, or are you worried they may? njfamily.com has a special section of articles and resources.

39 Coolest Kids Toys You Can Make Yourself

Be the most awesome parent ever, and keep them occupied so you can relax (at least a little bit). Or let them help you build it, if you're feeling brave.

Read MORE

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7 major changes students will see on the new SAT this week nj.com

Gone are the days of the obscure vocabulary words, mandatory writing section and negative points for wrong answers. 

The new SAT debuts March 5 and features a series of changes, the first makeover in more than a decade, based on research and feedback from colleges.

Students who take the test will see a streamlined exam aimed at testing practical skills needed for college and beyond, according to the College Board, the non-profit group that oversees the test.

The revised test should be more transparent than the old one and is closely aligned to what students learn in school, two things that should alleviate SAT anxiety, said David Adams, vice president of the middle states region for the College Board. 

"There are really no more tricks, no more mystery around this test," Adams said. "Our hope is that when students sit down for the SAT they are going to realize that this is exactly what they are working on in class." 

Read MORE

Check out our Tween Lock In and Lightning Thief Book Club, Legos and Leap Day Fun at the Bridgewater Library, plus Dinosaurs at the Children’s Museum and an early childhood educator’s plea to let kids PLAY.

Reminder, we have NO Baby Times, Toddler Times, Pajama Times and Storytimes this coming week  but will resume on March 1st.

On February 29th we have a special Music & Movement program – registration required.

Click HERE to register for any of these programs.

Around the Community:

 

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF SOMERSET COUNTY PRESENTS JOURNEY BACK IN TIME SATURDAY FEBRUARY 20TH

Dinosaurs, Rocks, Minerals and Volcanoes take center stage at the Children’s Museum on Saturday February 20^th from 10AM to 3PM at The PeopleCare Center, 120 Finderne Ave., Bridgewater. Activities will include Dino fossils, Dino puppets, Dino 3D puzzles, a Rock and Mineral Quiz, colorful kid-sized volcanoes, an audio-kinetic sculpture by George Rhodes (Odyssey of the Spheres), and much more! Suggested donation is $3 per child.

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FREE FAMILY ORCHESTRA CONCERT PUTS KIDS, INSTRUMENTS UP FRONT

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CRESCENT CONCERTS TO SHOWCASE EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG ARTISTS

More Info here: http://www.njartsmaven.com/2016/02/crescent-concerts-to-showcase.html

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IMPROV FOR TWEENS @ THE THEATER PROJECT

Improv for Tweens

Improv is great for tweens and teens! It is lots of fun and helps kids to open up and gain confidence. I will engage the class in simple ensemble building theater games and various other improv exercises. Students will build up to learning and playing short-form improv games which will eventually be performed for an audience at our end of term Improv Showcase. Get ready to think fast and laugh a lot!

6th - 9th grades (5th graders with approval)
Offered through The Theater Project Classroom

WHEN: Fridays,  4:00 to 5:00; Feb. 19, 26; March 4, 11, 18; April 1, 8, 22, 29; May 6, 13. SHOWCASE May 19 @ 7:00
WHERE: The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts, 10 Durand Rd., Maplewood
TUITION: 11 sessions plus a showcase $240

http://www.thetheaterproject.org/improv.html

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NEW AT THE PRINCETON UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM

Dr. Seuss Family FestivalSaturday, February 27, 11:00AM - 4:00PM

Celebrate the birthday of one of the most beloved children's author, Dr. Seuss. Mix up a batch of Oobleck, enjoy readings by the Cat in the Hat, or craft a pet from the new Seuss book What Pet Would You Get. Plus, two showings of the hilarious playSeussology in the Theatre. learn more

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RVCC PLANETARIUM ROMANCES THE STARS IN FEBRUARY

Romancing the Stars in February  More Info: http://www.raritanval.edu/comm/planet/index.html

February is the perfect month to fall in love with the Planetarium.  Families will want to join an alien family taking a vacation in "Perfect Little Planet." 

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Perfect Little Planet & Laser Magic

Saturday afternoon shows just for the family.

WHEN: "Perfect Little Planet" at 3:00 pm;"Laser Magic" at 4:00 pm

(recommended for ages 6 and older)

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Exploding Universe

WHEN: Saturdays, Feb  20, & 27, 7:00 pm

Discover how the Universe has transformed and nature has participated in rebirth and renewal.

(Recommended for ages 10 to adult)

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19TH ANNUAL STAGES FESTIVAL TO OPEN FEB. 27 AND RUN THROUGH MARCH AT VARIOUS VENUES AROUND NJ

New Jersey Theatre Alliance presents

THE 19th ANNUAL STAGES FESTIVAL

The state’s largest celebration of theatre with FREE and discounted tickets to over 85 professional performances, workshops, and events throughout New Jersey in March 2016.

WHEN: starts February 27th and runs through March
WHERE: theatres, arts centers, libraries, schools, hospitals, and other community venues throughout the state
ADMISSION: free of charge or at significantly discounted rates

New Jersey Theatre Alliance and its partners and funders are pleased to present the 19th annual Stages Festival (Stages), a statewide, month-long festival of theatre offering over 85 theatre performances and programs for children and adultsfree of charge or at significantly discounted rates. Events will take place at theatres, arts centers, libraries, schools, hospitals, and other community venues throughout the state.Most events require registration. For a full listing of events, program details, and registration information visit stagesfestival.org. (Top: Performance at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey during the 2015 Stages Festival—returning to New Jersey in March 2016! Photo by Ruth Zamoyta; Above Right: Performance at Passage Theatre in Trenton. Photo by Jerry Dalia)

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UPCOMING FAMILY THEATER PROGRAMS AT RVCC

LET YOUR FINGERS DO MORE WALKING:

What Kids Need From Grown-Ups (But Aren't Getting)

February 9, 2016 12:33 PM   Annelise Capossela for NPR

 

 

 

NPR ED    Why Kindergarten Is The New First Grade

Erika Christakis' new book, The Importance of Being Little, is an impassioned plea for educators and parents to put down the worksheets and flash cards, ditch the tired craft projects (yes, you, Thanksgiving Handprint Turkey) and exotic vocabulary lessons, and double-down on one, simple word:

Play.

That's because, she writes, "the distinction between early education and official school seems to be disappearing." If kindergarten is the new first grade, Christakis argues, preschool is quickly becoming the new kindergarten. And that is "a real threat to our society's future."  Read More.

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8 Ways Not to Get Sick When Your Kids Get Sick

Tired of getting sick every time your kid does? Here’s how to stay healthy.  BY VICKY VALET   

Your kid goes to school, brings home a cough and before long, the whole family is hacking away. Sound familiar? 

“It’s frustrating when a child is sick—especially when it’s spreading through the household,” says Dr. Jeffrey M. Bienstock, vice president of the American Academy of Pediatrics NJ Chapter and director of pediatrics at The Valley Hospital in Ringwood with practices in Fair Lawn, Mahwah and Pompton Plains. “And it’s usually because parents are not taking all the proper precautions.” 

The good news? There are easy steps you can take to ensure you’ll stay in tip-top shape while you’re caring for your little sickie.  Read MORE.

President’s Day Weekend Events and More at the Bridgewater Library and Around our Community

 

The Bridgewater Library will be open 9-5 p.m. on Monday 2/15/2016 – President’s Day. 

THEATER @ THE LIBRARY: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - A selection of scenes Saturday, February 13, 2016 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM  Get ready for SCLSNJ's Bee Spectacular -- a county-wide Scripps Spelling Bee on March 4 -- with live performances of select scenes from the musical "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" by the East Brunswick Community Players/Playhouse 22. Watch as an eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home life, the tweens spell their way through a series of [potentially made-up] words hoping to never hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Appropriate for ages 12 and up. Registration is required.

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Baby Times, Toddler Times, Pajama Times and Storytimes continue this week then will be off next week and resume on March 1st. On February 29th we have a special Music & Movement program – registration required.

Click HERE to register for any of these programs.

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Around the Community:

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NEW AT THE PRINCETON UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM

PRESIDENTS DAY IS STATE THEATRE FAMILY DAY!

State Theatre Family Day!

WHEN: Monday, February 15, 10am-3pm
WHERE: State Theatre New Brunswick, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick

The State Theatre’s popular Family Day festival returns. The annual event is a great place for kids and their families to spend the Presidents Day holiday, with performances, games, hands-on workshops, exhibits, and more, stretching across four venues in and around the State Theatre. It’s a jam-packed day of fun for the entire family!

Headlining this year’s Family Day is Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia and their delightful trio of stories by Eric Carle, including everyone’s favorite,The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The stories leap from the page and onto the stage with beautiful black-light puppetry.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites
WHEN: Mon, February 15, 2016 at 10am, 12:30pm, and 3pm
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

There are plenty of free activities, too, including:

• Kids rock group Brady Rymer & The Little Band that Could
• Philadelphia Zoo: “Who’s Who at the Zoo”
• Drum Circle – Everybody join in!
• Hands-on dance and theater workshops
• Photo booth
• Coloring station
• Face paintin
• Balloon animals
• and lots more!

Check the State Theatre website for a detailed Family Day schedule and regular updates >

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WORLD PREMIERE OF PLAY-READING FESTIVAL WINNER TO PLAY 12 PERFORMANCES @ THE GROWING STAGE

THE BOOK OF D  written by Cody Daigle-Orians
directed by Stephen L. Fredericks, The Growing Stage’s Executive Director

WHEN: February 12th through 21st 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
TICKETS: FUN-tastic Fridays with all tickets $15! Saturday and Sunday tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for children.
To purchase tickets, please visit our website at www.growingstage.comor contact the Box Office at (973) 347-4946.
Group rates and Birthday Party packages are available.

The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey is proud to present the world premiere production of the winner of their 2015 New Play-Reading Festival.

THE BOOK OF D introduces us to D, a young outcast, who escapes into a world of stories. He keeps a book, The Book of D, to grapple with the tough things in his life — his parents’ divorce, his lack of friends, and the reasons for everything. When he makes a new friend, Blu, who introduces him to Greek mythology, friendship becomes a new story for D to write.

Enhance your theatergoing experience with pre and post show-activities.

• Join us Opening Weekend February 12th through the 14thfor post-show talkback sessions with the playwright and creative team.
• Also, a special pre-show writing workshop with playwright, Cody Daigle-Orians on Saturday, February 20th.

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KIDS PROGRAMS

American Pride Laser Spectacular Children's Theatre Monday, February 15, 11:00AM and 1:30PM  Celebrate Presidents' Day and America's unquenchable spirit of innovation, discovery, and exploration with the American Pride Laser Spectacular, an exciting musical and laser extravaganza that touches on several US historical highlights featuring pop/rock and patriotic music. Presented by Prismatic Magic. Tickets: $10 Members; $12 Non-Members.get tickets

Presidents' Day Studio Art Workshops Monday, February 15
Looking for a creative activity for your kids this Presidents' Day? Sign them up for one of our studio art workshops! All courses are $40 for Members and $45 for Non-members. Advanced registration is required. 

Patriotic Wire-and-Yarn People 9:30AM - 12:00PM Ages 8-12+

Page o' Comics 10:00AM - 12:30PM Ages 6-11+

A Day with Warhol 1:00 - 3:30PM  Ages 8-14+ learn more

Dr. Seuss Family Festival Saturday, February 27, 11:00AM - 4:00PM

Celebrate the birthday of one of the most beloved children's author, Dr. Seuss. Mix up a batch of Oobleck, enjoy readings by the Cat in the Hat, or craft a pet from the new Seuss book What Pet Would You Get. Plus, two showings of the hilarious play Seussology in the Theatre. learn more

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3-PERSON “MOBY DICK” TO BE STAGED @ RVCC THEATRE

Theater Triebwerk’s production of

MOBY DICK IMAGE: A scene from Theater Triebwerk’s production of Moby Dick.  Photos courtesy of Theater Triebwerk

WHEN: Tuesday, February 16, at noon and 7 p.m.
WHERE: Raritan Valley Community College’s main campus is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ.
ADMISSION: $10 for noon performances and $25 for 7 p.m. shows.
Tickets are xTo purchase tickets or for more information, call the Box Office, 908-725-3420, or order online at www.rvccArts.org. Senior citizen, student and group discounts are available for most performances.

The production, recommended for audience members age 14 and older, is part of RVCCArts’ Tuesdays with Stories series.

Set sail for a whale of a tale with young sailor Ishmael, first mate Starbuck, and Captain Ahab as they voyage across the seven seas in search of the legendary white whale Moby Dick. Three gifted actors use their bodies, ever-switching hats, and a variety of musical instruments to create excitement and suspense. A double bass and cello creatively depict everything from the creaking of the ship’s oars, to the moaning of the hull, to the elusive whale himself.

Brimming over with music, wit, and imagination, Moby Dick has been hailed by The New York Times as "a luminous and engrossing" theatrical event.

Anyone interested in learning more about the presentation is invited to read Moby Dick by Herman Melville before or after attending the show.

The 2015-2016 Tuesdays with Stories series is a unique way to experience great American stories. Performances include a discussion as well as light refreshments. For further information, visitwww.raritanval.edu.

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CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF SOMERSET COUNTY PRESENTS JOURNEY BACK IN TIME SATURDAY FEBRUARY 20TH

Dinosaurs, Rocks, Minerals and Volcanoes take center stage at the Children’s Museum on Saturday February 20^th from 10AM to 3PM at The PeopleCare Center, 120 Finderne Ave., Bridgewater. Activities will include Dino fossils, Dino puppets, Dino 3D puzzles, a Rock and Mineral Quiz, colorful kid-sized volcanoes, an audio-kinetic sculpture by George Rhodes (Odyssey of the Spheres), and much more! Suggested donation is $3 per child.

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Disney FANTASIA: Live In Concert

WHEN: Friday, February 19; Doors 7:30pm / Curtain 8pm
WHERE: Prudential Hall
Tickets Start at $39.50

A live event that combines classical music with two beloved Disney movies! The Czech National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Ted Sperling, accompanies scenes from the animated feature films Fantasia and Fantasia 2000.

The Czech National Symphony Orchestra and conductor Ted Sperling share Disney's crown jewels of animation, FantasiaandFantasia 2000, highlighting a selection of its magnificent repertoire, including Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker suite. Other iconic moments from Disney's stunning footage is shown in high-definition on the big screen, such as Mickey Mouse as he dabbles in magic in Dukas' The Sorcerer's Apprentice and the mythical unicorns and winged horses that accompany Beethoven's Symphony No. 6 ("Pastoral").  For performance details, clickhere.

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19TH ANNUAL STAGES FESTIVAL TO OPEN FEB. 27 AND RUN THROUGH MARCH AT VARIOUS VENUES AROUND NJ

New Jersey Theatre Alliance presents

THE 19th ANNUAL STAGES FESTIVAL

The state’s largest celebration of theatre with FREE and discounted tickets to over 85 professional performances, workshops, and events throughout New Jersey in March 2016.

WHEN: starts February 27th and runs through March
WHERE: theatres, arts centers, libraries, schools, hospitals, and other community venues throughout the state
ADMISSION: free of charge or at significantly discounted rates

New Jersey Theatre Alliance and its partners and funders are pleased to present the 19th annual Stages Festival (Stages), a statewide, month-long festival of theatre offering over 85 theatre performances and programs for children and adultsfree of charge or at significantly discounted rates. Events will take place at theatres, arts centers, libraries, schools, hospitals, and other community venues throughout the state.Most events require registration. For a full listing of events, program details, and registration information visit stagesfestival.org. (Top: Performance at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey during the 2015 Stages Festival—returning to New Jersey in March 2016! Photo by Ruth Zamoyta; Above Right: Performance at Passage Theatre in Trenton. Photo by Jerry Dalia)

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THE IMPORTANCE OF LIVE THEATER

WHY TEACH THEATER IN OUR SCHOOLS?

Thanks to Ruth Ross of  NJArtsMaven.com for many of these listings.

LET YOUR FINGERS DO MORE WALKING:

When Children Say 'I Can't,' but They Can, and Adults Know It

Parents and teachers can inadvertently teach children that feigning incompetence gets results.

PARENTING.BLOGS.NYTIMES.COM|BY JESSICA LAHEY