tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12564791398231756142024-03-13T01:29:08.454-04:00Out and About in Central New JerseyHighlighting programs for kids, teens, and families around our community as well as book recommendations, useful websites and important information for parents, teachers, and young people. Carol Simon Levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13916459930086614680noreply@blogger.comBlogger353125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256479139823175614.post-54234785528066437782019-05-09T18:41:00.001-04:002019-05-09T18:47:38.493-04:00The Power of Imagination<p>It has been a long time since I’ve posted anything on this blog and I’m not sure anyone is getting it anymore. I recently saw this post and thought it was worth sharing and also thought I’d use it as a test. Is there interest in my resuming posting about books, reading, parenting and local events for families? If you would like me to continue posting, please post in comments or email me at cslevin59 (at) gmail…</p><p><img width="500" height="333" src="https://www.washingtonpost.com/resizer/uAHWxZ6OnL8FtngM7pmTLx_h10o=/1484x0/arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/PLRWSRCSGQI6TPNXIT4URTAGAU.jpg"></p><p>By Molly Pascal – from the Washington Post <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2019/04/05/power-imagination-other-parenting-lessons-calvin-hobbes/?utm_term=.4ef6540cd627">https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2019/04/05/power-imagination-other-parenting-lessons-calvin-hobbes/?utm_term=.4ef6540cd627</a><p><strong>“I’ve read my fair share of parenting books, but I’d put ‘Calvin & Hobbes’ at the top of the list of required reading. It reminds me to change my point of view. To listen. To hear not just what my child says with his mouth but also what he conveys through his actions.”</strong><p>My then-7-year-old son hurried into snow pants as he eyed the somersaulting flakes outside the window. “Are you going to build a snowman?” I asked him skeptically. Though only a couple of inches covered the ground, I knew from experience that scant accumulation was no obstacle to a determined child.<p>Otis nodded. “I’m going to cut a big hole in middle of his body. Like he was shot by a cannon. But <i>first</i>,” his voice revved with excitement, “I’m going to build him in the driveway so that when you back the car down, he’ll decapitate!”<p>My son, contrary to appearances, is not a sadistic murderer. He’s a reader. Late the previous night, I had caught him with a flashlight, scouring “Attack of the Deranged Mutant Killer Monster Snow Goons” under the covers.<p>One day recently we had found a stack of Calvin & Hobbes books in the “free” bin outside the local library. It had been years since I had read the books. I couldn’t recall specific story lines, but I remembered the strip as one that reliably made me laugh. I grabbed the entire stack, chuckling at the ingenuity of the titles as I slid them into a cloth bag. “The Revenge of the Baby-Sat.” “Something Under the Bed is Drooling.” “Weirdos from Another Planet.” “Scientific Progress Goes Boink!”<p>“What is baby-sat?” Otis asked.<p>“The ones being watched by the babysitter,” I replied. “You know, you and your sister.”<p>Did I see a glimmer in his eye?<p>Otis picked up “Homicidal Psycho Jungle Cat.”<p>“What does ‘homicidal’ mean?”<p>I snatched the book out of his hands. I definitely remembered how inappropriate some of the content could be. The violence Calvin inflicts on snowmen could alone earn it an R rating. “These are for me,” I said evasively. Classic parenting mistake. The non-answer answer. The disguised “no.” I’d just done the verbal equivalent of cordoning off the evidence with yellow police tape. Do Not Enter! Absolutely Forbidden! What could be a more tantalizing invitation? I wasn’t too worried though. Surely the intimidatingly advanced vocabulary and amorphous philosophical ideas would be a natural barrier for such a young reader.<p>Of course, my son proved me wrong. Within the week, Otis had transferred the pile of books from my nightstand to the cavity under his bed. He walked around, ignoring everyone, splayed book in hand. He read at the breakfast table. He read in the bath. He read in the car on the way to school and then on the way home. “Do you remember what our son’s voice sounds like?” I joked to my husband.<p><i>[<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2019/03/26/heres-best-thing-you-can-do-your-kids-parents-it-doesnt-take-much-effort/?utm_term=.241c1ed2d7e2">Here's the best thing you can do for your kids, parents. (Pssst: It's easy.)</a>]</i><p>In the weeks that followed, I watched as my son’s brain caught fire. The books boosted his vocabulary and pushed him into the highest reading group at school, but, perhaps equally as importantly, they transformed his pretend play. Calvin inspired Otis to dream bigger. Galactically bigger. Otis improved on the many methods Calvin used to murder snowmen.<p>Otis spent days fiddling with string and boxes, constructing and rigging booby traps. He suspended one, a cardboard box filled with confetti, from the roof of the front porch, and laid in wait for someone to ring the bell. The contraption misfired, but I was so impressed with Otis’s industry, I left it hanging. (I would not have blamed the poor postal worker for skipping our house.) Then it was on to the next prank. Unbeknown to me, he had been sneaking around after bedtime, placing bubble wrap in strategic locations. On my way to the bathroom in the middle of the night, I became the first victim. Otis peeked out from his room. The look of satisfaction on his face at the sound of my scream sent chills up my spine.<p>Though Calvin often walks a precocious line in the strip, my child, like many children, clearly got the jokes. “Calvin agrees with you that kids should play outside,” he informed me during a particularly long stretch of days off from school, “But if it’s raining, then the best thing to do is drive your mom crazy.”<p>More and more often, I found myself saying my son’s name in a strangled tone, my patience thin, and I realized that, at some point, my empathy and allegiance had distinctly transferred from Calvin to Calvin’s <i>Mom</i>.<p>One day, I asked Otis what he thought of Hobbes. “What do you believe? Is he real or is he stuffed?” In a tone that connoted my knucklehead status, my son answered, “He’s a real tiger, but for some reason grown-ups think he’s a stuffed animal. I guess they just don’t know any better.”<p>His explanation silenced me. I realized I’d made a grave mistake. I was one of the (stupid) grown-ups. Never once had I considered that Hobbes might be real, because, well, he isn’t. But, belief does not come via verisimilitude. It is a house without struts, a bird without wings, where the former stands and the latter flies. Whether Hobbes was live or stuffed was beside the point. To believe in Hobbes is to believe in the power of imagination.<p>Perhaps a stuffed Hobbes is the symbolic representation of parental limitation and inadequacy, the depth and degree to which we lose sight of what it’s like to be a child. Hobbes is real because children’s feelings are real. Calvin wants to run away to the Yukon when he’s angry or frustrated. He throws apoplectic fits at mealtime because he doesn’t have the power of choice. He daydreams in class because he’s bored. He causes destruction and wreaks havoc because he’s curious. When we, as parents, focus only on the “bad” behavior, we miss the opportunity to understand the motivation and, ultimately, our children. When I asked my son why he liked Calvin so much, he said, simply, “He understands me.”<p>I’ve read my fair share of parenting books, but I’d put “Calvin & Hobbes” at the top of the list of required reading. It reminds me to change my point of view. To listen. To hear not just what my child says with his mouth but also what he conveys through his actions. Again and again, I’m reminded that I was deluded to think parents raise children. In truth, they are the ones raising us.<p>On Halloween this past year, Otis dressed as Calvin. He wore a striped shirt and a pair of shorts. He tucked a stuffed Hobbes under his arm. We ruffled his hair. He carried a pillowcase. On it, he scrawled, in black Sharpie, “Susie Derkins is a Nincompoop.” I accompanied him trick-or-treating dressed as Susie Derkins, in the clothes Otis picked for me. I wore a black top and skirt and carried a bouquet of dead flowers. My husband and I watched our son and daughter scamper up to houses, ring doorbells, then return to where we stood waiting on the sidewalk. We felt it keenly, the tether between children and parents, a piece of gum stretching longer and thinner; at some point, the distance untenable, it must snap: They find independence.<p>That night, at bedtime, while we snuggled, Otis turned to me, looking serious. “I think Hobbes might be stuffed.” My heart shivered with loss, as it had with previous transitions from one phase to another, in life’s irrevocable vector. But I said only, “Is he?”<p><i>Molly Pascal is a freelance writer living in Pittsburgh. Find her on Twitter </i><a href="https://twitter.com/mollypascal?lang=en"><i>@MollyPascal</i></a><i>.</i><p><b>Follow </b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PostParenting"><b>On Parenting </b></a><b>for more essays, news and updates, and join our </b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/onparenting/"><b>discussion group here</b></a><b> to talk about parenting and work. You can </b><a href="https://subscribe.washingtonpost.com/newsletters/#/newsletters"><b>sign up here</b></a><b> for the Washington Post’s “On Parenting” newsletter.</b><p><b>More reading:</b><p><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2019/03/25/how-im-teaching-my-tween-take-high-road-one-step-time/">How I’m teaching my tween to take the high road, one step at a time</a><p><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2019/03/20/new-report-shows-reading-fun-declines-between-ages-how-can-we-stem-tide/?utm_term=.aa06cba3811a">A new report shows that reading for fun declines between ages 8 and 9. How can we stem the tide?</a><p><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2019/02/22/parents-i-think-ive-found-fountain-youth-its-my-pillow/?utm_term=.cd4831b3826e">Parents, I think I’ve found the fountain of youth. It’s in my pillow.</a><p align="center">******<p>Reading definitely ignites imaginations – if you are looking for some great suggestions, check out the lists at <a href="https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/">https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/</a>Carol Simon Levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13916459930086614680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256479139823175614.post-90646592521045216522018-12-22T13:07:00.001-05:002018-12-22T13:45:40.635-05:00Holiday Inspirations<p>It has been a long time since I’ve done a post on this blog, but this whatdowedoallday.com column recently crossed my desk and since it features some of my favorite books & STEM toys, I thought I’d share it in case anyone is looking for last-minute gift-giving inspiration. </p><p>TOP 10 STEM GIFTS WITH BOOKS TO MATCH<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlFopT9LFt86kJA5_QFb-5KgZoTYotQa8P9jvDe7ztad5-FC2LuLU7sGPjOErBH3Qd5IuJ_XpAN_m2jxqkctkWDram4sAvbGFxBAsnnWxmdjVYUOLPhsq1Ybm0GLVPik6T0G2ucxiSQA/s1600-h/image%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="306" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvAL-rAGSgIiHfBnLRqBr2SnZMEMFUB2HJ1aLTV-3c_2il1DFMntIjpq8D87yAPI-6hbX9vWCZYrrILispjrRFIUo6dP_8VIUdmt2BDtzhUQ_5KVhtGD-Oqif8sPGm32b8ux7OHHL8O4/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p>from the column: “STEM learning is a big deal in our home. For several years I created a <a href="https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/holiday-gift-guide-top-10-book-toy-combinations/">book and toy combination gift guide</a> and this year I am focusing on STEM gifts. That’s <strong>S</strong>cience-<strong>T</strong>echnology-<strong>E</strong>ngineering-<strong>M</strong>ath. The good news is that all of these ideas can be considered good options for STEAM learning, too. (A is for <strong>A</strong>rt and design.)” Read it here: <a href="https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/">Home</a> / <a href="https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/category/gift-guides/">Gift Guides</a> / Top 10 STEM Gifts with Books to Match<p>More last minute gift ideas:<ul><li><a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/92ugqz4mgqsnhlezvm/zvtgh7uv0z3k4/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cud2hhdGRvd2Vkb2FsbGRheS5jb20va2lkcy1nYW1lLWdpZnQtZ3VpZGUv">Best games to give as gifts</a><li><a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/92ugqz4mgqsnhlezvm/kvsmh2uq4pl5e/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cud2hhdGRvd2Vkb2FsbGRheS5jb20vYmVzdC1naWZ0cy1mb3ItdHdlZW5zLw==">Creative gift ideas for tweens</a><li><a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/92ugqz4mgqsnhlezvm/2wa2h9uznx280/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cud2hhdGRvd2Vkb2FsbGRheS5jb20vdHJhaW4tZ2lmdHMtZm9yLWtpZHMv">Train themed gifts: toys, games and books</a></li></ul><p>And ways to spend time with your family over the holidays:</p><ul><li><a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/92ugqz4mgqsnhlezvm/gobnhwu5x23lk/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cud2hhdGRvd2Vkb2FsbGRheS5jb20vZnVuLXRoaW5ncy10by1kby1kdXJpbmctd2ludGVyLWJyZWFrLw==">Free planner with screen-free winter break activity ideas</a>.</li><li><a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/92ugqz4mgqsnhlezvm/qohlog2gu8u5q3r46/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cud2hhdGRvd2Vkb2FsbGRheS5jb20vcmluZy1vZi1zbm93Lw==">Paper snowflake wreath</a>: easy winter craft for kids</li><li><a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/75ugk7drgks8hmn90n/pviehquowzd90/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cud2hhdGRvd2Vkb2FsbGRheS5jb20vc3dlZGlzaC1jaHJpc3RtYXMtY3JhZnQtZm9yLWtpZHMv">Easy "woven" Swedish heart ornaments</a>. All the cuteness of the originals, none of the fussiness! Be sure to check out this list of <a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/75ugk7drgks8hmn90n/6kfehoue87wp8/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cud2hhdGRvd2Vkb2FsbGRheS5jb20vc3dlZGlzaC1jaHJpc3RtYXMtYm9va3Mv">Swedish winter holiday books</a>.</li><li><a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/75ugk7drgks8hmn90n/55tvh8u2dm05r/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cud2hhdGRvd2Vkb2FsbGRheS5jb20vdG9tdGVuLWdhcmxhbmQv">Make a tomten garland</a> (after reading the titles on my <a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/75ugk7drgks8hmn90n/qnc8h8upmrv8k/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cud2hhdGRvd2Vkb2FsbGRheS5jb20vdG9tdGVuLWJvb2tzLw==">list of tomten books</a>, of course!)</li><li>Try one of the <a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/75ugk7drgks8hmn90n/96szhdurvpxge/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cud2hhdGRvd2Vkb2FsbGRheS5jb20vZWFzeS1ob2xpZGF5LWNyYWZ0cy1raWRzLw==">easiest holiday crafts ever</a>.</li><li>Check out the <a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/75ugk7drgks8hmn90n/ngaohqu093gn4/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cud2hhdGRvd2Vkb2FsbGRheS5jb20vYmVzdC1ub25ib2FyZC1nYW1lcy8=">non-board family board games here</a>. </li></ul><p align="center">******<p align="left">Looking to usher in 2019 with your family? – Morristown First Night is a fun way to do it!<h5> </h5><p><strong>27th First Night<sup>®</sup> Morris County</strong><p>December 31, 2018 marks the 27<sup>th</sup> year of New Jersey’s biggest and brightest First Night, a New Year’s Eve family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration of the arts—with more than 100 artists, <a href="http://www.njartsmaven.com/2018/12/lineup-for-first-night-morris-countys.html">81 events in 23 venues</a>—representing dance, theatre, music, world cultures, visual arts and children’s programs. <p>Every venue is indoors and a free shuttle will take you to nearly all locations.<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-joRMfPO3PvI/XBljEGYTB9I/AAAAAAAAqfQ/an4MP9G8zjIwNg1ENbS3seqKla5knPPxgCHMYCw/s1600-h/clip_image002%255B12%255D%255B2%255D"><img width="67" height="67" title="clip_image002[12]" alt="clip_image002[12]" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5tO3wiiowd0/XBljE54ZtFI/AAAAAAAAqfU/Jrj5E3t77WI8WVX35RkWPmGtUwXQgM-YQCHMYCw/clip_image002%255B12%255D_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V3z3Ex4xH48/XBljFaH18FI/AAAAAAAAqfY/cPZSMYeeQh8OvVZkK_TA-kdxywgHcwCQwCHMYCw/s1600-h/clip_image008%255B12%255D%255B2%255D"><img width="72" height="72" title="clip_image008[12]" alt="clip_image008[12]" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BqEYsJFnANc/XBljGO4-DfI/AAAAAAAAqfc/QYj5a1cjQaM_j56Gn7N2moKc3oLWglR3gCHMYCw/clip_image008%255B12%255D_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PfWP7XGVhy0/XBljGkyoYLI/AAAAAAAAqfg/9GWVYGbNi4EghOdMMeE6rz1mbTPlv6d1wCHMYCw/s1600-h/clip_image010%255B8%255D%255B2%255D"><img width="68" height="67" title="clip_image010[8]" alt="clip_image010[8]" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cOzTHxj-o44/XBljHxcCsAI/AAAAAAAAqfk/ZbvWDo7Z_r0Iqsk5NNiLrixhd0Awvu2gACHMYCw/clip_image010%255B8%255D_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ckz78qAGwK0/XBljIu9FB5I/AAAAAAAAqfs/Sfd7r_QRh08OVy_SJ-2gM1pifaXvg9gvwCHMYCw/s1600-h/clip_image012%255B4%255D%255B2%255D"><img width="85" height="65" title="clip_image012[4]" alt="clip_image012[4]" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GyxS37IIbuQ/XBljJbjVldI/AAAAAAAAqfw/0wFPSpkf8Q844EakXAF0kVPT19L-FUIngCHMYCw/clip_image012%255B4%255D_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IKgIywk3yRw/XBljJ5IfsKI/AAAAAAAAqf0/Hf2ERsDOE9wn3_BX95ru2WyLtF-9akdRQCHMYCw/s1600-h/clip_image014%255B7%255D%255B2%255D"><img width="67" height="67" title="clip_image014[7]" alt="clip_image014[7]" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1VW3-DPg09o/XBljKoM5qWI/AAAAAAAAqf4/-Om-fkgVoro03AdQQLTy_jsKktWWONZ1QCHMYCw/clip_image014%255B7%255D_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><strong>Children’s/ Family Programs</strong>: Who could resist <b>Dinoman Dinosaurs</b>! with Bob Lisaius’ life size, inflatable dinosaurs? <b>Rizzo’s Reptile Discovery</b> shares <i>live</i>reptiles (and other animals)—under the watchful eye of a seasoned animal handler. Catch the clowns, face painting and glitter tattoos at <b>The Children’s Fun Festival </b>or visit <b>Transformations Facepainting </b>where each face becomes a living work of art. Perennial favorite and skilled circus performer, <b>Mr. Fish</b> explores <b>The Mystery & History of Magic, </b>making<b> </b>things float in the air, appear/disappear and replicating signature feats of legendary magicians. Another favorite, <b>Storyteller Julie Pasqual</b>, brings her uniquely playful, physical theater skills, sharing stories from around the world. (Above: L-R: The clowns Glitter and Juggles at Children’s Fun Festival; Transformations Facepainting; Art 4 Kids; Dinoman Dinosaurs!; Mr. Fish with the History & Mystery of Magic!)<p>The early session for younger children (4:45-6:45pm) includes hula hooping with <b>Whirled Revolution, </b>art making<b> </b>activities with artist Samantha (“Sam”) Matthews’ <b>Art 4 Kids</b> and <b>Fun with LEGOs®</b>. New to this year’s early session is the <b>NJTAP2</b>, an ensemble of young tap dancers, sharing their skills in rhythm tap dancing as well as <b>Square Dancing with Caller, Mary Moody, </b>with fun for the whole family. <p>For more information, the latest program updates, to volunteer or to purchase tickets, please visit the First Night® Morris County website at <a href="http://www.firstnightmorris.com/"><strong>www.firstnightmorris.com</strong></a> or call the First Night Morris official ticketing partner, the Mayo Performing Art Center Box Office at (973)539-8008.</p><p align="center">**********</p><p> </p><p align="left">Wishing everyone Happy Holidays and a healthy, safe, and kindly 2019. My resolution is to try to get this column out more regularly if I have time and there is interest from all of you. All the best, <a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/">Carol Simon Levin</a></p>Carol Simon Levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13916459930086614680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256479139823175614.post-30129061524262460342018-10-18T09:42:00.001-04:002018-10-18T22:29:08.031-04:00Witches & Fishes, Princesses & Ponies --Halloween Happenings & Book-Lover’s memories…<p> </p><p><strong><img width="113" height="53" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/2e8c71ce201/9cc6d19b-6a4b-4f70-8e39-f8c7f0ba0a13.jpg" border="0" hspace="0">Enjoy stargazing and more at Raritan Valley Planetarium…</strong><p> <p> <p><strong>Witches and Wizards Galore</strong><p><img width="165" height="229" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/2e8c71ce201/bf8a6cd8-8ac4-4fb5-8fcf-0d66ed598b01.jpg" border="0" hspace="0"><p> <p><strong>The Skies over Hogwarts</strong><p><strong>Saturday, October 20, 7:00 pm</strong><p><strong>Friday, November 9, 7:00 & 8:00 pm</strong><p><strong>Saturday, November 10, 3:00 & 7:00 pm</strong><p>Join our eclectic group of witches and wizards as they take you on a "Harry Potter"-themed tour of the night sky. Discover how the starry sky inspired some of J.K. Rowlings's characters. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)<p><strong>Fright Light (family-friendly)</strong><p><strong>Saturday, October 20, 8:00 pm</strong><p><strong>Saturday, October 27, 4:00 pm</strong><p>The Witches and Ghouls continue to haunt the planetarium. They love our laser songs, including "Time Warp," "Monster Mash," and "Thriller." (Recommended for ages 8-adult)<p><img width="192" height="192" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/2e8c71ce201/5fa4f9fb-2c38-4885-9846-8219abc424c7.jpg" border="0" hspace="0"><p> <p><strong>Spooky Skies </strong><strong>Saturday, October 27, 3:00 & 7:00 pm</strong><p>Spooky Skies takes viewers back to medieval Ireland to explore the roots of the Halloween holiday, then goes into the heavens to draw parallels between some celestial objects and famous monsters. What does a werewolf have on an inescapable Black Hole; a noxious, deadly planet like Venus; or a crushing, dangerous supernova? (Recommended for ages 8 to adult)<p><strong>Fright Light (PG-13 version) </strong><strong>Saturday, October 27, 8:00 pm</strong><p>Not for young viewers or those easily scared! Features songs including Alive by Meatloaf, Thriller by Michael Jackson, and The Night Santa Went Crazy by Weird Al. (Recommended for ages 13 to adult)<p><strong>Young Stargazer Shows -For kids ages 3-8 and their grown-up friends</strong><strong><img width="165" height="123" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/2e8c71ce201/526b00a6-1e8e-44a0-ba51-000fb8ea1c1a.jpg" border="0" hspace="0"></strong><p><strong></strong> <p><strong>Rockin' Rocket Ride</strong><p><strong>Saturday, October 20, 3:00 pm</strong><p>Put on your space suit and blast-off into outer space to visit the Moon, Sun and planets. A lively experience for young people with selected music from "Journey Into Space" by Jane Murphy. (Recommended for ages 3-8)<p><strong>SkyLights </strong><strong>Saturday, October 20, 4:00 pm</strong><p>Our youngest audience members can sing along with songs by mr. RAY (Family Ride, Kalien the Alien) and Jane Murphy (Moon Rock Rock, The Planet Song). Some songs are illustrated with lasers and other songs feature video images. (Recommended for ages 3-8)<p><strong>Check our </strong><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Upwz9oOUQ9cZELtS6yhCsLb9XAS4r_n_euIIcptew_VpMFSFvzr0Xb8QIL7Qt-OPDaAPNcVD-BEbpybLMitIobCBdIu0RLmxhFYLo2lbPUyIJsz9uBlUJ_T39t1oFB2ruhR1Qez4mscHwTG7eQlJbr8nILGLRaMkDCPyWzAgwnQASbD5o6syFlotNzBpb7k4sXfR68x98Pr0iXql10LaATDEsDsO7GOCJoFIMmutOxY=&c=rN_hC70dLvCr5eMh5CarGahb1-bbgf4W0dE1NFUWMHUZYTPobQ8qMg==&ch=9RnmpszxBIQ-MGYI-WoGs2GEECtnAuiqbxwvmlGFRcFfcKvO7iPHXg=="><strong>website</strong></a><strong> for the Fall schedule and show descriptions.</strong></p><p><strong>Reservations are recommended.</strong><p><img width="167" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/2e8c71ce201/542f08ee-654d-4afc-9152-486ebbcbe17d.jpg" border="0" hspace="0"><p> <p><strong>Observatory - Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open to the public on Saturdays from sunset to about 9:00 p.m.</strong> <p>There is no fee to visit the Observatory. <p> <p><img width="145" height="145" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" alt="Saturn on Puzzle" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/2e8c71ce201/8e175ca0-969c-4923-b65b-66f7cc3a9649.png" border="0" hspace="0"><p> <p>Sensory-Friendly programs<p><strong>The Sky Above </strong><strong>Saturday, November 3 </strong><strong>5 pm</strong><p>Enjoy music, laser lights, stories, and information about the planets, Moon, and constellations. Content is presented on a kindergarten level.<p>RVCC Planetarium offers special astronomy and music shows designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities. These sensory-friendly shows, which are appropriate for audiences of all ages, will provide a comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming to all families. During the show, the doors will remain open so children may freely leave and return if they choose. Lights will be left dim (instead of dark) and the audio will be lowered and kept at a consistent level. <p>Call to make a reservation: 908-231-8805<p align="center">*****************<p>Also at RVCC theater this weekend -- <a href="https://rvccarts.org/19/Events/Relaxed.html">1:00PM Performance Sunday is First Relaxed Event of the Season.</a><p><a href="https://youtu.be/oftrDecUJdw"><img width="500" height="375" src="https://web-extract.constantcontact.com/v1/thumbnail?url=https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oftrDecUJdw/hqdefault.jpg" border="0" hspace="0"></a><p><strong>"The Rainbow Fish" - Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia</strong><p><strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/268493083784588/">The Rainbow Fish</a></strong> <strong> </strong><p>Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia<br>Sun., Oct. 21 at 1PM* & 3:30PM<br>Most appreciated by ages 2+<br>All tickets: $10<p><a href="https://rvccarts.org/19/Events/Relaxed.html">*Relaxed Performance</a><p>Meet the most beautiful fish in the sea, whose scales shimmer in all the colors of the rainbow. <em><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rainbow-fish-marcus-pfister/1100058470#/">The Rainbow Fish</a></em> will enchant even the youngest child with his silver scales and heart of gold in this award-winning production about the colorful fish who learned to share his most prized possession. This original stage adaptation brings <a href="http://www.marcuspfister.ch/">Marcus Pfister</a>'s enchanting story to life along with two of the author's companion tales, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6694807-rainbow-fish-discovers-the-deep-sea">Rainbow Fish Discovers the Deep Sea</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rainbow-Fish-Opposites-Marcus-Pfister/dp/0735841462">Opposites</a>. Innovative puppetry, striking scenic effects and evocative original music provide young audiences with an effortless introduction to the performing arts and the excitement of reading.<em> </em><p>Our *relaxed performances were designed as sensory-friendly especially for children with autism or related conditions who experience heightened sensory sensitivity. In recent years, we have broadened this audience to include those, who for a variety of reasons desire a relaxed atmosphere, providing a safe and judgment-free space welcoming for all audience members. Seating is general admission, allowing everyone to choose a comfortable spacing. <p>Those who have not been to The Theatre at RVCC before are invited to stop by and visit the space and explore the seating areas beginning two hours before the show. You also may visit in advance by making an appointment.<p align="center">**********<p> <p><strong>Attention all ghosts and goblins! Bridgewater Township presents...</strong><p><img width="476" height="138" alt="" src="https://files.constantcontact.com/b111f56d501/c4bcb698-73fa-43af-9bc2-a6b330cbb1fe.jpg" border="0" hspace="0"><p>Halloween Trick or Treat for Bridgewater Residents -Tuesday, October 30, 2018 6:30 pm- 8:30 pm Bridgewater Municipal Complex 100 Commons Way (parking will be available at Municipal Building and overflow at BRHS)<p> <p><img width="247" height="164" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" alt="" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/b111f56d501/450806e3-cea2-4ceb-b231-c1638692766c.jpg" border="0" hspace="0"><p><br>Mayor Hayes and the Bridgewater Council invite you to join them for an evening of spooky fun for the whole family. Wear a costume and trick or treat throughout the scary courtyard! Play our guessing game and win prizes! Wear your BOOgie Shoes and dance the night away while our D.J. spins your favorite tunes!<p>This is a smoke-free event.<p>* Please note there will NOT be a Haunted Trail* Questions? Please call the Bridgewater Recreation Department at (908) 725-6373 or email <a href="mailto:recreation@bridgewaternj.gov">recreation@bridgewaternj.gov</a><p> <p align="center">***********’<p align="left"><strong>The deadline is long past, but the sentiments expressed by the author parallel my own as do the memories of librarians past…</strong><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgew7DKTCOQAfBS8Klsa6fvvkVN8Aw7o39Jt7jQdK_a9Dj_RrAM8SXyGHJnTRKrXMG5fQ4_qrVrjdo_2wccNLh3Ds412dUPVW4f114-2Y0yMpEBKvkc08eXzTcjHkkSyc13pcMPX5LN6hM/s1600-h/image6"><img width="193" height="244" title="image" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiv_uDll0jlj5vucIk7_ivGuQbQWjC4sjnyXF0oCdwPspfKcnN9yWpvlGsAYt5DtTEo39eSw-sfvOpm1V8hV70FY-4MxIWDc_It6Y1jkg71Lcmn8ok2X6OeOslkpbFjh0H1u5GnztpXA/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>By <a href="http://connect.nj.com/user/jacquelinecutler/posts.html">Jacqueline Cutler</a> For NJ Advance Media<p>The press release came though my email with dozens of others this morning. Only this one stopped me with its subject line: "Search for nation's most beloved librarians comes to a close on Oct. 1."<p>It prompted me to think about some of the people who have made the biggest difference in my life.<p>Sure, there have been teachers, friends, family and colleagues who were there. The Latin professor, who filled in the blanks of a substandard education. Friends, who would show up in the middle of the night with a shovel, ask for the body and no questions. Not that that's happened, but it's good to know.<p>A husband, who has stood by me for 35 years. And editors, who have saved me from looking like the idiot I can be.<p>But <a href="http://www.njasl.org/"><strong>librarians</strong></a><strong>, well, they have also been there from the beginning. They hold the key to the magic kingdom, and how often do we take the chance to appreciate them?</strong><p><strong>…Like many who grew up poor, there was no extra money for books, but the library allowed me as many as I could read. </strong>Once I aged out of picture books and Beverly Cleary (though one should never age out of Cleary), and having exhausted the library at my Bronx elementary school, I was pacing the children's room in what was then The Fordham branch of the public library.<p>A lovely woman, whose name is long lost to me, suggested "A Little Princess" by Frances Hodgson Burnett.<p>Consistently ranked among the top children's book, Frances Hodgson Burnett's tale about a Victorian girl rallying her intelligence and bravery is a timeless work of literature.<p><strong>If you have never read this and have a child in your life, stop whatever you are doing, buy a copy or, better yet, run to the library and take it out. Read it with that child, and a box of tissues.</strong><p>I am not a princess fairy tale kind of person, and this is so far from a princess kind of book.<p>Briefly: Sara Crewe's mother dies in childbirth. Initially, coddled in luxury by her doting and dashing father, a sea captain, she's enrolled in a posh boarding school in Victorian England.<p>She arrives with her trunks of velvet and lace and her doll with a matching lavish wardrobe. Her father dies, penniless, and she is evicted from her suite and made a char girl in the school. But smart, brave and kind Sara vanquishes all adversity.<p>This kind librarian put the book in my hands, stamped the card (remember those?) and sent me on my way. Later that night, long after my lamp had been shut off, I was able to read by the city kid's method - the streetlight outside the building. I read and wept. I cried so hard, I cried all over the pages.<p>It was the only time in my life I ever made a page crinkly with tears. (We are not discussing angsty teen poems right now, and even then, nothing came close.)<p>In the morning, the horror hit me hard. I had destroyed public library property. Admittedly, I was a Girl Scout, a goody-goody, and the notion of my vandalism, deliberate or not, nearly paralyzed me with fear. I told no one. I did, though, have to finish the book.<p><strong>A couple of days later, it was a long walk back to the library. I rehearsed the whole walk over. I would throw myself on their mercy and explain I did not realize I was leaking onto the book. I would beg the librarian to please not take away my card because I did not think I could survive. (Yes, I was also a rather dramatic child. But I meant it and I still do.)</strong><p><strong>She was there, this woman I would nominate if I even had a clue to her name, though chances are it was so long ago she is long dead. In her shirtwaist dark green plaid dress and curly hair, she ruled from behind the desk.</strong><p><strong>She smiled, addressed me by name and asked what I thought of "A Little Princess." I looked up at her and committed a second library crime: I burst into loud sobs.</strong><p><strong>She came around the counter and put her hands on my shoulders and I wept out what happened. She hugged me and told me they would never take away my card.</strong><p>Safe.<p><font color="#9b00d3"><strong>…As important as so many jobs are, I have long thought of librarians as the standard bearers of democracy. They ensure that anyone who enters has the same access. As someone who frequently works in Manhattan libraries, I love that a homeless woman reading the newspaper is treated with the same respect as someone in a Chanel suit.</strong></font><p><font color="#9b00d3"><strong>…And in my book, while nurses may save your life and clergy may save your soul, librarians save your mind.</strong></font><p align="left">Read the complete article at: <a title="https://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2018/09/librarians_thank_and_nominate_one_today.html" href="https://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2018/09/librarians_thank_and_nominate_one_today.html">https://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2018/09/librarians_thank_and_nominate_one_today.html</a><p align="center">**********<p align="left"><strong>Another favorite childhood book was “Misty of Chinoteague” </strong><h3><img width="501" height="376" alt="Ponies" src="https://thumbs-prod.si-cdn.com/vL9BKM0iSP2qhu4FXGohQuHq_HU=/800x600/filters:no_upscale()/https://public-media.smithsonianmag.com/filer/9a/13/9a13ee09-ce25-45c2-8ce9-69962f7d75c2/ap_02072403180.jpg"><br><br>The True Story of Misty of Chincoteague, the Pony Who Stared Down a Devastating Nor’Easter</h3><h4>The Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962 was a horse of another color</h4><p>The ponies of eastern Maryland and Virginia, seen here in 2002, were made famous in the book “Misty of Chincoteague.” (AP Photo/Scott Neville)<p>By <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/author/eliza-mcgraw/">Eliza McGraw</a> SMITHSONIAN.COM OCTOBER 16, 2018<p>Assateague and Chincoteague’s most famous residents know how to stay safe in extreme weather conditions. After all, the wild ponies have comfortably roamed the islands along the mid-Atlantic coast for centuries. While legend says they arrived at the barrier islands of Virginia and Maryland after surviving a shipwreck, it’s more likely that their origin can be traced to horses owned by 17th-century settlers.<p>However they arrived, these feral herds have thrived over the years, no matter the obstacle, and have become a permanent fixture of the region’s character. So, when Hurricane Florence threatened the Atlantic coast earlier this fall, officials were unconcerned with their safety. “This is not their first rodeo,” Kelly Taylor, supervisor of the Maryland District Division of Interpretation and Education, told the <a href="https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/virginia/2018/09/11/chincoteague-assateague-ponies-safety-hurricane-florence/1265017002/">media</a>. “They come from a hearty stock, and they can take care of themselves.”<p>But the Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962 was a different story. The Level 5 nor’easter was fierce and unrelenting in its three-day barrage. Poultry farms flooded, houses disappeared underwater, and coffins floated. For thousands of American children paying attention to the news, one question about the crisis rose above the rest: Was Misty all right?<p>Misty of Chincoteague, a 16-year-old palomino mare, was the best-known member of the herd of wild ponies. She catapulted to fame 14 years earlier, when children’s book author Marguerite Henry wrote <a href="https://amzn.to/2CjgqOT"><em>Misty of Chincoteague</em></a>. The book tells the story of orphans Paul and Maureen Beebe, who long to buy a mare named Phantom and her filly Misty and bring them to their grandparents’ farm.<p>Henry, a Newbery-award winning author, wrote 59 books, many of them about horses. She wrote about the burros who carry loads in the Grand Canyon, 1924 Kentucky Derby winner Black Gold, and the Godolphin Arabian. But Misty had a special kind of alchemy for readers, perhaps because Paul and Maureen lived the dream of every horse-crazy kid: surrounded by ponies and pining for one of their own, they wind up with her. “Misty here, she belongs to us,” their grandfather tells them. The book centers on the themes of freedom and belonging: the animal lover’s twofold fantasy.<p><img width="184" height="251" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" alt="Misty_of_Chincoteague_cover.jpg" src="https://public-media.smithsonianmag.com/filer/b6/31/b63184f6-9f57-4028-a42d-4f92ee0f6057/misty_of_chincoteague_cover.jpg"><p>Henry traveled to Chincoteague in 1945, looking to write a book about the ponies. There she visited Beebe Ranch, which was home to the real-life foal Misty. (The orphaned children of the same name, however, were fictional.) The pony captivated her, and in 1946, she arranged to have Misty shipped to her home in Wayne, Illinois. When the book became a bestseller, Misty became an overnight celebrity, named an honorary member of<a href="http://collectingchildrensbooks.blogspot.com/2008/02/hoofprints-and-pawtographs.html"> the American Library Association</a>, and invited to attend its annual convention at the Pantlind Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan.<br>Read more: <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/real-misty-chincoteague-once-stared-down-barrel-storm-180970557/#G9mKruqwvBF6GdvI.99">https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/real-misty-chincoteague-once-stared-down-barrel-storm-180970557/#G9mKruqwvBF6GdvI.99</a>Carol Simon Levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13916459930086614680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256479139823175614.post-11119754104701736032018-10-12T14:04:00.001-04:002018-10-12T14:04:55.002-04:00Authors, History, and Theater for Everyone in the Family…plus a warning about Apps predators use to lure kids…<p align="center"> </p><p align="center"><img width="163" height="115" src="http://morristownbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/MFOB_2018_web.jpg"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxLc7DlAnAe5ydqy4IknELNcV57rqw__zT0E5sPlzgTQ1ElrI3XMLs5n5Dlh-SM1r-3KoO14wUbM1Z75I9vMYYgfvqNVupR9Dd4MhbPxMlFUCas_8w0qTMl5CaM8GLYA9-TcSzJLPdCU/s1600-h/image30"><img width="310" height="115" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXOo4-98_qIS0F3Yx2wEtFJoDhdiSUsYzq-eP-Vd7zsk_5Szvaro4oWQXbiLk2ySd8TuCPEbwSsi0XV79SysbjYUEN8FEzJSSzWacXwYyy54mdFBwefJICNMZO1h5qQoXgC6n7gUnsGM/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="http://morristownbooks.org/">http://morristownbooks.org</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmdEXPM7veFomEieyQt8fCWNMTQJ_6H9UnyJ8I1KKY_ezhIhI1v25LeP3-yKxDK9RJUAUj7kKQpfNZEtfvwBCCvUCF_Cpnbf76vx0wh3lFAEhfXkuB4_XRWDMjHVUG-Tuht6UVdhBDFg/s1600-h/image16"><img width="504" height="206" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ITgOtANqvFqd6-ZulWK_Kx39GfXASf5EPzg4-0FYAyUFHpXN4teQe8ISjdPqc6XCCh3h1IIE3OAUoQbA7QjKHxhxUvhQ5Ye-E0HhBfAHYtjWy8xdyd3EShvYalXJaZdaHeQMOkzydxA/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="http://morristownbooks.org/2018-authors/#kids">http://morristownbooks.org/2018-authors/#kids</a><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGIYzAKuO3J22H6vxI9bid7ZHzrpMr1ZZgO_IqYhrsb4oZZUs6ERc9vOEJFeB5ggdlXiAyRz-i2RGerdQK0VnQiB5UNHnanZFXWRVbMnatM1nxnkfH9hmP_ybCkB5BQUva8CeWEUqIg0/s1600-h/image27"><img width="504" height="196" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbKOfP8UyNonCiAL3EG8ogB8Vwfc55FISwahRbi4XH4MZg5TwCwznM-CJYxfGeyLmU2WtfDPal3Uh7GQafpe2c_8kWNUfQEDmwgGO61nSnotp2LzqQ4v6ry4QzCcES4uEUARluiG-B1U/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="http://morristownbooks.org/session/laini-taylor/">http://morristownbooks.org/session/laini-taylor/</a></p><p align="center">**************<p align="center"> <h4 align="center"><img width="510" height="801" src="http://rossfarm.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Journey-2.jpg">Make a vibrant connection to history... </h4><p align="center"><strong><a href="https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/government/public-works/cultural-heritage/weekend-journey">…at Somerset County’s 13th annual Weekend Journey through the Past!</a></strong> <p align="center"><b>Visit</b> <a href="https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/government/public-works/cultural-heritage/weekend-journey/participating-sites">30 significant historic sites</a>, all open to the public, free of charge. All participating sites are open on <b>Saturday, October 13 from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 14 from Noon to 4:00 p.m</b>.<p align="center"><b>Explore</b> Somerset County’s quaint villages, rolling farmsteads, lively towns and unspoiled natural areas. Participating historic sites will be grouped into three convenient tours by location: <a href="https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/?splash=http%3a%2f%2fsomerset.maps.arcgis.com%2fapps%2fShortlist%2findex.html%3fappid%3db03efa5085c340fd8d938f570504e6c7&____isexternal=true">Northern, Central, and Southern Somerset County</a>.<p align="center"><b>Learn</b> about <a href="https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/government/public-works/cultural-heritage/weekend-journey/about">former Somerset County residents</a>, some of whom were distinguished statesmen and national leaders.<p align="center"><b>Witness</b> <a href="https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/government/public-works/cultural-heritage/weekend-journey/participating-sites">what life was like 50... 100... or even 200 years ago</a>, from daily work responsibilities and pleasant pastimes to the difficult hardships endured during the American Revolution.<p align="center"><b>Discover</b> our many and varied individual Revolutionary War histories—major contributions to the County’s designation as a <a href="https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/?splash=http%3a%2f%2frevolutionarynj.org%2f&____isexternal=true">Crossroads of the American Revolution State Heritage Area</a>. <p align="center"><a href="https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/home/showdocument?id=31184">2018 Weekend Journey Guide Book</a><br><a href="https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/home/showdocument?id=31178">2018 Weekend Journey Activities Brochure</a><br><a href="https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/?splash=http%3a%2f%2fsomerset.maps.arcgis.com%2fapps%2fShortlist%2findex.html%3fappid%3db03efa5085c340fd8d938f570504e6c7&____isexternal=true">2018 Interactive Map </a></p><p align="center">*********************<p align="center"><strong>Going to Philadelphia? This fall, you can also take your kids to </strong><a href="https://www.nmajh.org/SpecialExhibitions/"><strong>an exhibit at the National Museum of American Jewish Culture in Philadelphia on one of the great creative people – Rube Goldberg</strong></a><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1MTgbQH382_rBglM57uI2EfDr7W3W_riS3N44qHjfo5mtw3VDB18Ocj38AsPRMUQ0J86gEwcsdYjWwmpbLmr-7NkHDj9tsomBnvmiCgO-m0Tzy2yibF-rYi3-ypCI9z_uRi36XclC3A/s1600-h/image411"><img width="504" height="316" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBw1iZ5phL0-jYjB7I4AUyh9q8WwkThZeC1jYb6p1YYmBXmkhojL-1Rf9LR4PoD22cw1pv0gn21bhCgMVkzHWauI3n9VDxXIcnYB73FQVBOrLimCZrndcvlx_U_F6Ks8U7-CszP3A2oxE/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><h6 align="center"><em><a href="https://www.nmajh.org/rube/"><font size="2">The Art of Rube Goldberg</font></a><font size="2"> </font></em><font size="2">October 12, 2018 through January 21, 2019</font></h6><p align="center"></p><em><p align="center"><img width="497" height="263" title="Rub goldberg logo and definition" alt="Rub goldberg logo and definition" src="https://www.nmajh.org/uploadedImages/Exhibitions_and_Collections/Rube%20Goldberg%20logo%20and%20definition.jpg"><br></p></em><p align="center">**************<p align="center"><img width="256" height="171" src="https://www.rvccarts.org/19/Images/Youth%20Family/181021RainbowSM.jpg"></p><p align="center"><em><strong><a href="http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1102018215841&ca=2c9a2114-46f4-4a36-b51d-7ac7d023137a">The Rainbow Fish at RVCC</a></strong></em><p align="center"><strong>Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia<br>Sun., Oct. 21 at 1PM* & 3:30PM<br>FAMILY (Most appreciated by ages 2+)<br>All tickets: $10 </strong><strong>*Relaxed Performance </strong></p><p align="center"><em>The Rainbow Fish</em> will enchant even the youngest child in this award-winning production about the colorful fish who learned to share his most prized possession. Innovative puppetry and striking scenic effects bring this enchanting story to life.<p align="center">*******<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4B42zaPTn3z0tOD0NeSS8WvhYOeH0jSPn2MMRMA6OM1Qr5lmEi0RALlgJ2cEDTAPRulIzj-f05Ry9VNqN4qoGxUvi586UToTDh2qaNDnoiBlVJ7J3fzS_hcgsQCKN0UOZ1fguRQ0UGw/s1600-h/image%255B12%255D"><img width="504" height="471" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_mbwLPC6UmqzmDuRDT6ktz2PUC5bOLzjcqXBHHJpgSUgrPkP9I7cHl9gLanEVPCoui1js4gZs6z2GqPeZ_GrSLOxukOinm_0VgFAy4VWi7twmZQXM2mBm_timBITLviNW0her9tk2rE/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">It is October so it is time for the 13th annual month of 13 Skeletons on Rt. 202-206 between Bridgewater & Bedminster. Check out their antics in person or at <a title="http://13skeletons.com/" href="http://13skeletons.com/">http://13skeletons.com/</a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/13skeletons/">www.facebook.com/13skeletons/</a> </p><p align="center"><img width="510" height="660" alt="Missing!" src="http://13skeletons.com/img/13-Skeletons-Missing-Flyer-v02.jpg"></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBT3xMV8EVYbdLD9dwRx9DYkLHHsa8vIARFMYjLMRC4fTU_FeJP15gxALwhyphenhyphenHYzWwB1N9tWt9wwSUnNm8AhggWtW83Cxi8ydT6nR9w5sxBogLu5dDMOjB6w6ZpnAGWhTArw0Yjg9HfRBc/s1600-h/image%255B16%255D"><img width="504" height="350" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtE9j8_GbeYZgShK2uw9xtk6SYax5WodED3d9rgHGJSRaSIu_eJHlx7Nhk6mb8BlnfUCNsRdmmFJCDQPzF6zqMOijxaY4zlDzLrKylBuhbJHikLxZ4krhyphenhyphenLZkeiqWb7Z7Og-F381bHMBU/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">*************<p align="center"> <p align="center">Skeletons are scary fun, but this article has important information on a really scary subject: <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ09r_oocabGkH8JZGAVMGfU3Hrr3h6irz8VGdsWkgzwVq5GFIfydsou84857ZIN_cikyHJgSUV7C7uYZsmr_gRLsZMiyjT9eyS24oJCqVzHdc8ZD7VCw3KC2DTKrTjfk25DqrCYFO8Gk/s1600-h/image%255B20%255D"><img width="158" height="148" title="image" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqokZA7MsLV1TyFVFyD7e4CfBwGM3AZHLYhBLvp8vo-yDRAfTvWhy1YHz6C0_iCqdj_rcZyHr3c6fr-0QMHFd1t2JSSuGNSaZzT16f55VU_Q5kmXuYJUZcMnObcpLr4ws_vGuboL8STY0/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><h3 align="center"><a href="www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2018/09/predators_use_these_19_apps_to_lure_minors_this_is.html">Predators use these 19 apps to lure minors. This is what parents need to know.</a></h3><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center">Happy Weekend!</p><p align="center">Carol Simon Levin</p>Carol Simon Levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13916459930086614680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256479139823175614.post-36256520724514196862018-09-21T20:22:00.001-04:002018-09-21T22:38:39.963-04:00Today (Saturday) is Princeton’s Annual Children’s Book Festival & Free Museum Day at Area Museums<h3> </h3><p><img width="500" height="175" src="https://8ikfi1pyzoz3kylw2j6jpvqi-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/092218CBF.png"><p><a href="https://princetonlibrary.org/childrens-book-festival/">https://princetonlibrary.org/childrens-book-festival/</a> – meet more than 50 children’s and young adult authors – talk with them one-on-one & hear them read selections from their books </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6pDbDfGquI7-4hymefyHpoQ5g50cy4iFhijw-FO26_GGBJYvkkBz9pND-5yTg98qVsBUxgWuBu0OElZPDtiX2VwT6JSnkCeWNElsW9aLeDSi_7j3VdZrV2DmUrQqtaXvIjHiTFBeo0Q/s1600-h/image%255B7%255D"><img width="504" height="160" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOCzL8pdSedHJI8sxYIfbbz1HF7eDzyIDG7J5AQ_rvVchw6lThuhYvjAZSw4lJzn02gtLlYaM8nCEQKEmIwGXGGdxfbtGUaPIKJy7rq84AWOWIc77K4cs3_HdP_OFa6VACm0AlBVN1MY/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">*************</p><h3><a href="https://patch.com/new-jersey/bridgewater/s/gilcj/free-admission-at-25-new-jersey-museums-saturday-see-full-list">Free Admission At 25 New Jersey Museums Saturday</a> </h3><h4>Snag a free ticket to visit one of these New Jersey museums on Saturday Sept. 22. </h4><p>If you're looking for a fun and free activity for the weekend, consider a trip to one of New Jersey's museums. Saturday, Sept. 22 is "Museum Day" and admission to more than 1,500 museums in the country, including 25 in New Jersey, is free.<p>"Museum Day" is an annual event put together by the Smithsonian Magazine and includes participating museums in all 50 states. According to the Smithsonian, participants can download one ticket per email address that provides free general admission for two people.<p>"Museum Day" is a one-day event only. To snag a ticket, just choose your museum from the list provided below:<p>Below are the participating museums in New Jersey:<ul><li><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/museum/american-labor-museumbotto-house-national-landmark/">American Labor Museum/Botto House National Landmark</a>, Haledon (<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2018/american-labor-museumbotto-house-national-landmark/tickets/">tickets</a>) <li><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/museum/cornelius-low-house/">Cornelius Low House</a>, Piscataway (<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2018/cornelius-low-house/tickets/">tickets</a>) <li><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/museum/whitesbog-historic-village-and-agriculture-museum/">Cranberry & Blueberry Museum at Whitesbog</a>, Browns Mills (<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2018/whitesbog-historic-village-and-agriculture-museum/tickets/">tickets</a>) <li><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/museum/dey-mansion/">Dey Mansion</a>, Wayne (<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2018/dey-mansion/tickets/">tickets</a>) <li><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/museum/east-jersey-old-town-village/">East Jersey Old Town Village</a>, Piscataway (<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2018/east-jersey-old-town-village/tickets/">tickets</a>) <li><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/museum/historic-smithville-mansion/">Historic Smithville Mansion</a>, Eastampton (<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2018/historic-smithville-mansion/tickets/">tickets</a>) <li><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/museum/historical-society-of-princeton/">Historical Society of Princeton</a>, Princeton (<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2018/historical-society-of-princeton/tickets/">tickets</a>) <li><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/museum/hunterdon-art-museum/">Hunterdon Art Museum</a>, Clinton (<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2018/hunterdon-art-museum/tickets/">tickets</a>) <li><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/museum/liberty-hall-museum/">Liberty Hall Museum</a>, Union (<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2018/liberty-hall-museum/tickets/">tickets</a>) <li><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/museum/covenhoven-house/">MCHA- Covenhoven House</a>, Freehold (<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2018/covenhoven-house/tickets/">tickets</a>) <li><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/museum/holmes-hendrickson-house/">MCHA- Holmes-Hendrickson House</a>, Holmdel (<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2018/holmes-hendrickson-house/tickets/">tickets</a>) <li><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/museum/marlpit-hall/">MCHA- Marlpit Hall</a>, Middletown (<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2018/marlpit-hall/tickets/">tickets</a>) <li><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/museum/allen-house/">MCHA- Tavern Museum at Allen House</a>, Shrewsbury (<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2018/allen-house/tickets/">tickets</a>) <li><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/museum/taylor-butler-house/">MCHA- Taylor-Butler House</a>, Middletown (<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2018/taylor-butler-house/tickets/">tickets</a>) <li><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/museum/monmouth-county-historical-association/">Monmouth County Historical Association</a>, Freehold (<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2018/monmouth-county-historical-association/tickets/">tickets</a>) <li><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/museum/morris-museum/">Morris Museum</a>, Morristown (<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2018/morris-museum/tickets/">tickets</a>) <li><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/museum/morven-museum-garden/">Morven Museum & Garden</a>, Princeton (<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2018/morven-museum-garden/tickets/">tickets</a>) <li><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/museum/new-jersey-state-museum-planetarium/">New Jersey State Museum and Planetarium</a>, Trenton (<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2018/new-jersey-state-museum-planetarium/tickets/">tickets</a>) <li><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/museum/newark-museum/">Newark Museum</a>, Newark (<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2018/newark-museum/tickets/">tickets</a>) <li><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/museum/old-barracks-museum/">Old Barracks Museum</a>, Trenton (<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2018/old-barracks-museum/tickets/">tickets</a>) <li><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/museum/the-museum-of-cape-may-county/">The Museum of Cape May County</a>, Cape May Court House (<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2018/the-museum-of-cape-may-county/tickets/">tickets</a>) <li><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/museum/the-sarnoff-collection/">The Sarnoff Collection</a>, Ewing (<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2018/the-sarnoff-collection/tickets/">tickets</a>) <li><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/museum/united-states-golf-association-museum/">United States Golf Association Museum</a>, Far Hills (<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2018/united-states-golf-association-museum/tickets/">tickets</a>) <li><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/museum/wheatonarts/">WheatonArts</a>, Millville (<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2018/wheatonarts/tickets/">tickets</a>) <li><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/museum/zimmerli-art-museum-at-rutgers-university/">Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University</a>, New Brunswick (<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2018/zimmerli-art-museum-at-rutgers-university/tickets/">tickets</a>)</li></ul><p>You can also visit the <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/search/?q=">Smithsonian Magazine website</a> directly for tickets.</p><p align="center">**********************</p><h5><a href="http://www.njartsmaven.com/2018/09/rvcc-planetarium-sets-led-zeppelin.html">RVCC Planetarium Sets Led Zeppelin Laser Concert, Children’s Programs, Star Shows in September</a></h5><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q5BgdqjD_0s/W6E4ZdHq3tI/AAAAAAAAo4Y/7oI8NVjQoQ8H2_-0jtueCxkJ4DjEoYyUgCHMYCw/s1600-h/clip_image001%255B4%255D"><img width="192" height="59" title="clip_image001" align="left" alt="clip_image001" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nvWAJb42EUg/W6E4aD2vmYI/AAAAAAAAo4c/VMmYCYrEkmICdZrFu4Q4A0B7gaQYuPtYACHMYCw/clip_image001_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg is offering shows for all interests in September, including a Led Zeppelin laser concert, a star show based on the <i>Magic Tree House</i> book series, a laser concert for children, and a show that explains the mysteries of space.<p><strong>WHERE</strong>: RVCC Planetarium, 118 Lamington Rd., Branchburg<br><strong>TICKETS</strong>: $10 for one show, $16 for two shows on the same day.<br>For reservations and information, call 908-231-8805.<br>For additional information, visit <a href="http://www.raritanval.edu/planetarium"><strong>www.raritanval.edu/planetarium</strong></a><strong>.</strong><p>The following programs will be offered:<p><b></b><p><strong>Astronaut<br></strong><b>WHEN: Saturdays, September 22 & 29, 7 p.m.</b><br>The exploration of space is the greatest endeavor that humankind has ever undertaken. But what does it take to become an astronaut? Experience a rocket launch from inside the body of “Chad,” a test astronaut. Then explore the amazing worlds of inner and outer space, from floating around the International Space Station to maneuvering through microscopic regions of the human body. The presentation is made possible with a grant from FirstEnergy Foundation. (Recommended for ages 10 and older)<p><strong>Led Zeppelin laser concert<br>WHEN: Saturdays, September 22 & 29, 8 p.m.<br></strong>Audience members are treated to some of Led Zeppelin’s hits, including “Battle of Evermore,” “Kashmir,” and of course “Stairway to Heaven,” while lasers “dance” across the dome overhead.<p><b><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ay4RCHbRllk/W6E4ajQadLI/AAAAAAAAo4g/wbYbGIGo6BEwpPG8KfWb7q0B4I8OiweRgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Magic%2BTree%2BHouse%255B4%255D"><img width="200" height="163" title="Magic Tree House" align="left" alt="Magic Tree House" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vUJGJ4ZEMfs/W6E4bZJgT9I/AAAAAAAAo4k/5oXHypylq0g0IxYHEnFeDdo6gSsCh-lNQCHMYCw/Magic%2BTree%2BHouse_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Magic Tree House: Space Mission<br>WHEN: Saturday, September 29, 3 p.m.<br></b>Young star gazers join <i>Magic Tree House</i>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)<p><strong><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fpcpinHzoiw/W6E4bwewkLI/AAAAAAAAo4o/siU0VmiOti83Qaef1nPD4c8MAlSyxlutACHMYCw/s1600-h/RVCC_laser%2Bimage%255B6%255D"><img width="141" height="150" title="GE DIGITAL CAMERA " align="left" alt="GE DIGITAL CAMERA " src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HtdBpHLMuCk/W6E4cvKb92I/AAAAAAAAo4s/eunt0Xc_IVknatM_jwuc_yTc7LtniSI9wCHMYCw/RVCC_laser%2Bimage_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Laser Kids 2018<br>WHEN: Saturday, September 29, 4 p.m.<br></strong>The show features an updated list of songs that entertains kids and kids at heart while lasers dance on the dome overhead. Songs include “Try Everything,” from the movie <i>Zootopia</i>, “YMCA” by the Village People, and “Everything is Awesome” from the <i>Lego Movie</i>. (Recommended for ages 6-12)<p align="center">******************<h5><a href="http://www.njartsmaven.com/2018/09/3-spelling-bee-discounts-theater-project.html">3 “SPELLING BEE” DISCOUNTS @ THE THEATER PROJECT</a></h5><p><i>If you can read this, thank a teacher for getting you a discount!<b></b></i><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_C0MBnzR91dWCVUVuWzM7qBcss06xqzpjA5Z5EUAFFDN1I6h6WFvEidtNMhGYws-JRxYCHRQTj5XRmCnLS8WILquqekihhj4gXyEH3wPFkCvkoWaz8qURbUllhmcS4CNmu2i7V3S_cU/s1600-h/image%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="773" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHUCkVki3rLStdzdLFZiVGHaKoMmVxhRyG9LrNU5k6gPclfdtfirrlfmNQ6tOiApvBMqrA3Crm9VK1fZf2E_AbnFQKmImTyHI9ro9aX6NcCSP1x0f0HqavVKfMpSGbXIpBzxWbggHo3U/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><b>Three SPELLING BEE discounts:</b><ul><li><b>$5 off any regular ticket for anybody </b><br><b>when you purchase by Oct 1</b>.<b><br></b>Discounts cannot be combined.</li></ul><p><b>For TEACHERs only:</b><ul><li><b>Free and $2 Tix for Teachers / School Staff w/ID, </b><br><b>OPENING NIGHT OCT 12 ONLY!</b><br>Order online with $2 service charge, or take your chances at the door and pay nothing—either way, present ID at box office before the show.</li></ul><ul><li><b><i><br></i></b><b>NJEA Members with ID: </b><br>$7.50 off full-price tix for any performance,<br>purchase at any time.<br>Present ID at box office before the show.</li></ul><p><strong>TICKETS:<em> </em></strong><a href="http://engage.vendini.com/f/a/CpdnSVYsg85dIkgLPXqGvA~~/AAKLSgA~/RgRdhi0uP0UBMUR6aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGV0aGVhdGVycHJvamVjdC5vcmcvP2NhbXBhaWduSUQ9Mjg4NjYyJnBhdHJvbklEPTgxMjc0ODIzMCZsaW5rTnVtPTImbWVtYmVySUQ9M2Y2N2VhY2JhM2MyODYyYzBhZDE1NjdjZjc2ODJhYTdXA3NwY0IKAAcuqKNbuvIdP1IUZXZpZXJvc3NAY29tY2FzdC5uZXRYBAAAAAA~"><strong><em>TheTheaterProject.org</em></strong></a><p><em><strong>THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE<br></strong></em>Book by Rachel Sheinkin<br>Music by William Finn<br>Directed by Greg Scalera<p>This production is made possible by two companies pooling resources:<br>Bullet Theatre Collaborative and The Theater Project.<p>Adult actors play an eclectic group of mid-pubescents vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens—and some volunteers from the audience—spell their way through a series of (possibly made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing "ding" of the bell signaling a mistake.<p align="center">**************’<p> <p><img width="163" height="115" src="http://morristownbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/MFOB_2018_web.jpg"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxLc7DlAnAe5ydqy4IknELNcV57rqw__zT0E5sPlzgTQ1ElrI3XMLs5n5Dlh-SM1r-3KoO14wUbM1Z75I9vMYYgfvqNVupR9Dd4MhbPxMlFUCas_8w0qTMl5CaM8GLYA9-TcSzJLPdCU/s1600-h/image30"><img width="310" height="115" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXOo4-98_qIS0F3Yx2wEtFJoDhdiSUsYzq-eP-Vd7zsk_5Szvaro4oWQXbiLk2ySd8TuCPEbwSsi0XV79SysbjYUEN8FEzJSSzWacXwYyy54mdFBwefJICNMZO1h5qQoXgC6n7gUnsGM/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="http://morristownbooks.org/">http://morristownbooks.org</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmdEXPM7veFomEieyQt8fCWNMTQJ_6H9UnyJ8I1KKY_ezhIhI1v25LeP3-yKxDK9RJUAUj7kKQpfNZEtfvwBCCvUCF_Cpnbf76vx0wh3lFAEhfXkuB4_XRWDMjHVUG-Tuht6UVdhBDFg/s1600-h/image16"><img width="504" height="206" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ITgOtANqvFqd6-ZulWK_Kx39GfXASf5EPzg4-0FYAyUFHpXN4teQe8ISjdPqc6XCCh3h1IIE3OAUoQbA7QjKHxhxUvhQ5Ye-E0HhBfAHYtjWy8xdyd3EShvYalXJaZdaHeQMOkzydxA/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="http://morristownbooks.org/2018-authors/#kids">http://morristownbooks.org/2018-authors/#kids</a><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGIYzAKuO3J22H6vxI9bid7ZHzrpMr1ZZgO_IqYhrsb4oZZUs6ERc9vOEJFeB5ggdlXiAyRz-i2RGerdQK0VnQiB5UNHnanZFXWRVbMnatM1nxnkfH9hmP_ybCkB5BQUva8CeWEUqIg0/s1600-h/image27"><img width="504" height="196" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbKOfP8UyNonCiAL3EG8ogB8Vwfc55FISwahRbi4XH4MZg5TwCwznM-CJYxfGeyLmU2WtfDPal3Uh7GQafpe2c_8kWNUfQEDmwgGO61nSnotp2LzqQ4v6ry4QzCcES4uEUARluiG-B1U/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="http://morristownbooks.org/session/laini-taylor/">http://morristownbooks.org/session/laini-taylor/</a>Carol Simon Levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13916459930086614680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256479139823175614.post-22780281922883191202018-09-13T23:40:00.001-04:002018-09-13T23:40:38.453-04:00Cultivating Grit and Kindness in Our Kids<p><img align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" alt="Link to ALSC Blog" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhcL-OP0nGdsNqCR60HoQMqVl48CjN-6JJBsu8U_sQryxg6uQ827BJQQOHdTK84QVTsYeUMiI7wP06r0FNo89qonXFDHXyGx1MDPebkT8FBfEciPcTwgLcWVEQnfIF3eyJjfP3wEAwCyzOFJqnOYNv_eqk9uxM2x942Rs88V9zOMk1D8J0PAZO3OjlZMQ=s0-d-e1-ft"> Reblogging from ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children) </p><p><a name="m_-1906564442997059444_1" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AlscBlog/~3/x09OwdjDBXs/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email"><strong>How To Inspire Kids To Change the World</strong></a><strong> by </strong><a href="https://www.katarinawallentin.com/"><em><strong>Katarina Wallentin</strong></em></a></p><p><strong>Who are the people that truly change the world?</strong><p><strong>For me it is the people who dare to think bigger, bolder, beyond and definitively different. </strong><p>The text in the famous Apple ad actually puts it rather well…<em> “Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”</em>― Rob Siltanen<p>So how can we, as adults, inspire and encourage the uniqueness and difference in the kids that may change the world?<p>Let me use my nephew as an example. He is 8 years old, absolutely brilliant, incredibly funny and what many would call…slightly crazy.<p>From his very early years, he has been exploring the world with an unsatisfiable appetite. He put matches in the toaster to see if it will explode, he drilled a little hole in his stomach when he was checking if the drill could be used as a massage stick and one day he decided to hitch-hike all the way home from school since his legs got very tired of biking.<p>I absolutely adore this child, and he continues to amaze me. In addition to his explorative nature, he is kind and caring and an incredibly smart kid. It is a joy to try to keep up with his ideas and I must admit, I am often many, many steps behind him.<p>My nephew is a dragon child. I know he will change the world – somehow.<p>And whenever I meet a dragon child, I try to empower her or him to:<p><strong>#1 Trust their knowing</strong><p>Kids know. They are like big radio receivers, picking up everything around them, the spoken and unspoken. And their perception is not yet filtered by all the projections, expectations, separations and judgments that most adults see the world. That means that they are often more right on than we are…<p>One of the greatest gifts you can give kids (and yourself) is ask them questions and trust their point of view and suggestions for what is going on, and what is required.<p><strong>#2 Keep coloring outside the lines</strong><p>We often try to show kids the right way of doing things – for example how to carefully color inside the lines in a coloring book. But really, that is just the way it has been done up till that moment! What if we instead get excited by all the different ways a task could be accomplished?<p>What if the wackiest ways of coloring, is the very beginning of a whole new way of painting, never before seen on this Earth?<p><strong>#3 Stay weird</strong><p>It can get very lonely being different. Sometimes it may seem easier to just shut that unique part off and fit in with everyone else. The choice to stay weird is a brave one. It takes immense courage. It can help to hear that now and then – to know that someone has your back.<p>This world of ours is not yet the best of all possible worlds. Our children have the capacity to change it into something greater. Our job is to inspire them to know that they can!<p><a href="https://www.katarinawallentin.com/"><em>Katarina Wallentin</em></a> <em>is an avid explorer of the magic that is truly possible on this beautiful planet of ours. For over 10 years, she worked with communication and leadership in international organizations such as United Nations, Amnesty International, Doctors Without Borders and Save the Children — continuously seeking for something greater and different for and in the world. Now an Access Consciousness facilitator, she has written two books for empowering children: </em><a href="http://www.thebabyunicornmanifesto.com/"><em>The Baby Unicorn Manifesto</em></a><em> and </em><a href="http://www.claraandtheclimatechanger.com/"><em>Clara & The Climate Changer.</em></a><em> Coming soon: The Baby Dragon Manifesto!</em><p>The post <a href="http://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2018/09/inspire-kids-to-change-the-world/">How To Inspire Kids To Change the World</a> appeared first on <a href="http://www.alsc.ala.org/blog">ALSC Blog</a>.<p align="center">*****************</p><p>Growth mindset is a hot topic right now, which is understandable as everyone wants their child to understand how working through struggles no matter what the setbacks can bring success and satisfaction. This list of growth mindset books for kids will help you start a conversation about the difference between fixed and growth mindsets.<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4l8PhcNB_M7_KoNA9wd5MehdFNZZwDEGbO-ULIZ13jwZdwDJGL_4pqX1CjJA9kX-OgEldLApDMeg2vl3_RrkeJOnTwVzl9bzYsVELdpV82Fy-gsavA1Fe6Kl8uoF1rG_wC0kXNDeERVM/s1600-h/image4%255B1%255D"><img width="504" height="283" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9ugCQfk9zXpr_gIu3kaKNzO8aWc662LhRRSN0jZiSmw5WtSPZlVpFBOYDDKzgrFJJUXP7Vs5Iqb-MIK2mC2JidKxIdXkZGpqml8UVhXkHiRmBi7wl-Y9DpeL7WIZjz0-ctPZMGVg88U/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p>Read the list here: <a href="http://www.whatdowedoallday.com/growth-mindset-books-for-kids/">www.whatdowedoallday.com/growth-mindset-books-for-kids/</a></p><p align="center">****************</p><p align="left">Excellent article on how we can cultivate grit, perseverance, and self-control in our kids: <a title="http://www.costcoconnection.com/connection/201809?pg=47#pg47" href="http://www.costcoconnection.com/connection/201809?pg=47#pg47">http://www.costcoconnection.com/connection/201809?pg=47#pg47</a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8ClipkHJ0mj-T3R__5y1flfKBrh9aY5F6GSEIG88nofqOB1w6z1Sm6YhCXMTQSPgUzyJiFbCy3WTWDXTJSUSLwS5KR2a1Gz6UnLLUqROAztIy4EhC7nFDBpScZwtkwTbqi7acjJ_Yjw/s1600-h/image7"><img width="504" height="362" title="image" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnkastZSsYsgpijqTuAavErI8VPcEW8QRSxvlWnY6iQtAyzV_rK2cWPG7LZaj04WvOUNjnO0zKwGyqH0e8OiOGuwbQs1dBB6iI4-7o93CI7_aAS3LqVCozhtr2TnJFr8bY-0FLVutdDo/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">***********</p>Child of Holocaust survivor founded company called KIND <a title="http://www.costcoconnection.com/connection/201809?pg=91#pg91" href="http://www.costcoconnection.com/connection/201809?pg=91#pg91">http://www.costcoconnection.com/connection/201809?pg=91#pg91</a> <br>and now also runs <a href="https://empatico.org/">empatico.org</a> to connect classrooms across the world.<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA25m8Kiaungvn61ZvJNoM2sMbmyfwpB_oB64kmUcum2D2x0JAoEgCNJdbT5PqDuZ8Rh_FgQs3XvYoWnvAhzw28u_BEmmpm9iZnm6IajQUkfxsQdiAn08uxzmWPq3TvBGArG9HvKqT-d4/s1600-h/image3"><img width="504" height="562" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1J6Np_IQauXoSvwjZhtGTVE6h__ehA3rc_L0Kfp0qKBvUwPIGUMoUo20a_GuZrgFQWwCOji7LoWhjW4scrOMhw6oVxy3mY2oK_L6EarkI7d7xiIu9jG1q-QOejLzdg2BXU-h58Go0d5w/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p> </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfczYglvp49tyTDUqrQpi6Bl-PMlE-4z6YEkxbCpjvKIsCkF3JmKs1N4b3zDASUpNxwqo7ilZoyBpnyUAzFX2AkblKUz-dbSWyax-AtzBQcwQaxilOUBEJbgmSsuNrdCUZN_urxhO0zkE/s1600-h/image71"><img width="504" height="177" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1eSOoaeBXQOtpWUipU2oubcU4M5ZMR8BIOyaSi27MlFwHuQE5PVKrzEYyborM9dMq1tniNardodiZr0Q8YeacJqlqhocl5O01_06z1upYdf8k-PYN4ZMmuCKTnbBJIYK9gU-A7pAAo10/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><font size="3">******</font></p><p align="left"><font size="3">Take your kids to this local museum exhibit to reinforce these life lessons: </font><a href="http://www.njartsmaven.com/2018/09/illustrations-by-lulu-delacre-for-sonia.html"><font size="3"><strong>Illustrations by Lulu Delacre for Sonia Sotomayor’s Life Story at Zimmerli MuseumThis Fall</strong></font></a></p><p><img width="200" height="202" align="left" src="http://www.zimmerlimuseum.rutgers.edu/sites/zimmerli/files/img/exhibitions/E_TPages_cover_D.jpg"><strong><i>The Art of Turning Pages: Illustrations by Lulu Delacre for Sonia Sotomayor’s Life Story</i></strong><p><strong>WHEN: September 15, 2018, through March 17, 2019<br>WHERE:</strong> Zimmerli Art Museum, 71 Hamilton Street (at George Street) on the College Avenue Campus of Rutgers University in New Brunswick. The Zimmerli is a short walk from the NJ Transit train station in New Brunswick, midway between New York City and Philadelphia.<br><strong>ADMISSION</strong>: free<br>To schedule a class or group tour, please contact the Education Department (<a href="http://education@zimmerli.rutgers.edu/"><strong>education@zimmerli.rutgers.edu</strong></a>) at least two weeks in advance.<p>In conjunction with U. S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s first memoir for young people, the Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers is pleased to announce the opening of <i>The Art of Turning Pages: Illustrations by Lulu Delacre for Sonia Sotomayor’s Life Story</i>.<p>Justice Sotomayor shares her inspiring story about growing up and her deep love of reading in<i> <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/562055/turning-pages-by-sonia-sotomayor-illustrated-by-lulu-delacre/9780525514084/"><strong>Turning Pages</strong></a><strong>: </strong>My Life Story</i>, which will be published by Philomel Books on September 4, along with a Spanish version, <i>Pasando páginas: La historia de mi vida</i>.<p>The exhibition features nearly 30 objects on loan from award-winning children’s author and illustrator Lulu Delacre, including her oil and collage art, preparatory drawings, and research material, on public view for the first time. Bilingual labels, in English and Spanish, accompany the works. Ms. Delacre will speak at Art After Hours: First Tuesdays on <strong>October 2</strong>.<p>“Justice Sotomayor is a role model for people all over the world who dream to make a difference,” said Nicole Simpson, the Zimmerli’s Assistant Curator of Prints and Drawings, who organized the exhibition. “In <i>Turning Pages</i>, she is a powerful advocate for the importance of reading, demonstrating how early exposure to books can transform a person’s life. Likewise, Lulu Delacre reveals through her captivating illustrations how art can tell a moving story…” <a href="http://www.njartsmaven.com/2018/09/illustrations-by-lulu-delacre-for-sonia.html#more">Read more »</a> <a title="http://www.njartsmaven.com/2018/09/illustrations-by-lulu-delacre-for-sonia.html" href="http://www.njartsmaven.com/2018/09/illustrations-by-lulu-delacre-for-sonia.html">http://www.njartsmaven.com/2018/09/illustrations-by-lulu-delacre-for-sonia.html</a><p align="center">***********<p align="left">Speaking of inspirers: Dav Pilkey, a dyslexic himself, encourages kids to read with his humorous books.<a title="http://www.costcoconnection.com/connection/201809?pg=107#pg107" href="http://www.costcoconnection.com/connection/201809?pg=107#pg107">http://www.costcoconnection.com/connection/201809?pg=107#pg107</a><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBagAXyMhtpuyq54DcYJwp4lKR663er3GCpVcxOE5c40FUcx0PHCk90O8mhKbMK1vM5gwoM5cEo_ajwXJDiXSMZheIAI8vfhdCjP5pIIhAlnSkAC7jQKJPR4Mm1YlZfJu3OUF7oYohGE/s1600-h/image41"><img width="504" height="528" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PaqZDt7d5JaEio10QwcbqED1xo2bAM-lQEs259TJRejQ0lK7ytRmrwAxaAaBTBFJKJhHICOu8Q2jaOtw7kCijO9DkbrpNiNtIh8_TBo4qtbhJACn5XHrZ9zjaxTPiPW1QGLvc3AyoQA/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Looking for things to do this weekend?<br></p><h5><a href="http://www.njartsmaven.com/2018/09/free-storytelling-festival-in-hopewell.html"><font size="3">FREE STORYTELLING FESTIVAL IN HOPEWELL SEPTEMBER 15</font></a></h5><p> </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b6xLfZM4MKA/W5FpzrqDR1I/AAAAAAAAouA/Td1Eo_o966Q6WucOTuRHfdUz4KsLWJy9gCHMYCw/s1600-h/clip_image001%255B5%255D"><img width="470" height="627" title="clip_image001" alt="clip_image001" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KXKBzZSoTdg/W5Fp0cOjfyI/AAAAAAAAouE/rh3Wbb5aqzkjdbhSBgHSG8H2L2Ke9uY8wCHMYCw/clip_image001_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><strong>WHEN: Saturday, September 15, </strong><strong>12:00pm to 6:00pm </strong>Age: ages 3-103<strong><br>WHERE</strong>: Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Twp.</p><font style="font-weight: normal;">Please be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a refillable water bottle. Water pumps are available for your use. Food items will also be available for purchase.</font><br><font style="font-weight: normal;">Festival will be held rain or shine. For info: www.njstorynet.org or www.howellfarm.org.</font><p><strong><font color="#9b00d3">Former Bridgewater Children’s Librarian Carol Simon Levin will be performing interactive farm stories and songs from 1:15-1:50.</font></strong> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VWV7-WASPSEgW2_5erKKMyfU-PzcWQzcHka_w8GxvIbySarpg_cnVIfZcWUVXtM63iEK6Ozx1PdeEWaYGNDl1jCTQZ7loIgRiSzYn6VsX15ThsnR76Lz2aIR_VE8g7FO0pmJYY4lTnk/s1600-h/image%255B4%255D"><img width="504" height="314" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglv4IY0UHyX5FhbAYNlAOun0syqJEH-BxEG4tjdu-ryMfTNmEl4h8WJFev1Fs6sdHa7_SB_fb5JfW1qQQyhsLMXy2Mj9dhuh15XI4A7CMK_CXHGNae3EWOia478M3diqFYijj7IoeRezA/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><h3>See ‘Ewes’ at the New Jersey Storytelling Festival!<br><font style="font-weight: normal;">Join talented tellers from throughout New Jersey and the tri-state area Saturday, September 15, for the 26th New Jersey Storytelling Festival and hear a whole new crop of stories cultivating good times for all ages at </font><br><font style="font-weight: normal;"></font></h3><h3><font style="font-weight: normal;">The fun begins the Story Slam from noon to 1 p.m. Contestants are chosen at random to recount a 5 minute-or-less personal tale on the theme of “Chicken!” A continuous rotation of tellers will perform throughout the farm from 1 to 5 p.m., followed by the festival’s signature close, the Lightning Round, in which tellers will tell tales no longer than 2 minutes in quick succession, from 5 to 6 p.m.</font></h3><h3><br><font style="font-weight: normal;">Before the festival, noted storyteller Rona Leventhal will explore storytelling techniques and strategies for a variety of applications in a morning workshop entitled “It’s Your Story—Tell It!” The workshop is free and open to the public but registration is required as seating is limited.</font><br></h3><h3>There is also a workshop in the morning for older kids, teens & adults:</h3><h6><font size="3">It's Your Story—Tell It!</font></h6><p><strong>WHEN: Saturday, September 15, 2018, 9:30 to 11:30 AM<br>WHERE:</strong> Visitors Center/The Barn<br><a href="http://www.njstorynet.org/workshop-registration-2018/"><strong>REGISTER HERE</strong></a><p>In pairs and individually, Rona will guide you through lively writing and speaking exercises that will add details, imagery, and interest to your tale. For educators, these techniques can be modified for any grade level to motivate and encourage students to believe in their ability to create their own stories too.<p>In this workshop, participants will:<ul><li>Use story prompts to add sensory details and to visualize a story scene.
<li>Brainstorm sensory information to clarify thinking and build the elements of a story.
<li>Write for short bursts of time and then tell to a partner and get feedback, so anecdotes begin to take on a narrative line.
<li>Have an optional chance to perform their story for the group.</li></ul><p>As a workshop leader, Rona is applauded for her warm and enthusiastic spirit, supportive nature, and inspiring talent. As a certified teacher, she is passionate about bringing literacy to students in an exciting and accessible way. Visit her website: <a href="http://www.ronatales.com/">www.ronatales.com</a><p>Participants will earn 3 professional development credits. The workshop is free, made possible by the Friends of Howell Living History Farm. It will run promptly from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. in the Visitor’s Center of Howell Farm. <strong>Please arrive 15 minutes early to procure a seat and bring a notebook and writing utensil. The workshop is handicapped accessible. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the festival.</strong><p>For questions or concerns, contact MaryAnn Paterniti: <a href="http://maryann.paterniti@%20gmail.com/"><strong>maryann.paterniti@ gmail.com</strong></a><p><strong>Note: Three Professional Development credits will be awarded to educators for attending the workshop and story performances of the NJ Storytelling Festival.</strong><h5><a href="http://www.njartsmaven.com/2018/09/fall-harvest-fest-this-sunday.html"><font size="3">FALL HARVEST FEST THIS SUNDAY @ FOSTERFIELDS</font></a></h5><p><img width="470" height="102" alt="Morris County Park Commission" src="http://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/NJMORRISPARKS/2016/01/864389/898250/green-header_crop.png"><h5>FALL HARVEST FEST</h5><p><img width="470" height="188" alt="Fall Harvest Fest" src="http://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/NJMORRISPARKS/2018/09/2127231/2197873/homepageheader-fallharvestfest2018_crop.jpg"><h6><font size="2">WHEN: September 16, 12 noon - 5 p.m.<br>WHERE: Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, 73 Kahdena Road, Morris Township<br>ADMISSION: $8 per adult, $7 per senior (65+), $6 per child age 4 - 16, and $4 per child age 2 & 3. FREE for children under age 2.</font></h6><p>Spend the day at Fosterfields at one of Morris County’s most popular fall festivals! Hop aboard the open-air wagon for a scenic ride around the farm, visit the friendly farm animals, enjoy live music, and more! Fun for the entire family! <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTgwOTA3Ljk0NTg5NDQxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE4MDkwNy45NDU4OTQ0MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE4MDA0OTMzJmVtYWlsaWQ9bmphcnRzbWF2ZW5AZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uamFydHNtYXZlbkBnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&&&101&&&http://m66.siteground.biz/~morrispa/index.php/media/special-events3/"><strong>Check it out here.</strong></a><p align="center">*************</p><p align="center">Looking for other events in NJ? Check out <a href="http://www.njartsmaven.com">www.njartsmaven.com</a>.</p><p align="center">And if you find this blog useful, please forward it to friends <br>and mention they can subscribe.</p>Carol Simon Levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13916459930086614680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256479139823175614.post-63412392540914964882018-09-05T12:09:00.001-04:002018-09-06T17:29:04.984-04:00Encouraging Creativity & Independence in Our Children–Ideas and Events in Our Area<p>This week, I <a href="https://www.phillyvoice.com/creativity-crisis-starting-lines-berks-county-couple-board-game/">heard about this new board game this week</a> “called Starting Lines… a starting line is selected…. Every player has two minutes to change that line into a drawing with a caption — a curly-que becomes the snout of a dog, two parallel lines become the shape of a truck, circles become hot air balloons.… creators Adam and Meghan Owenz…created the game to be more than just a laugh. It's actually good for your kids' brains. And yours, too.”</p><p>"Creativity is a muscle," said Adam, a marketing professor at Albright College. "Grow your own and give your kids a chance to flex theirs and maybe we'll start to see an increase in creativity." Read<a href="https://www.phillyvoice.com/creativity-crisis-starting-lines-berks-county-couple-board-game/"> more</a>.<p>I was reminded of the program I did at Bridgewater Library last year where we did something very similar (without the formal board game) <a href="https://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/2014/03/picture-this-keith-haring-characters-at.html">Picture This: Keith Haring: Characters at Play</a> and it is something you can easily replicate at home. <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPd0MJpTrWFFeULzPUPixkgK61jTgoADoa8XgeMI5I0zHVKM90NFkriaz6DjldI1z_qlhHg83fzD2ONmZwBCZfwJ2t4ameVFR0cRtuMpYCoH9kp8UQMDdNREcRfVxQkmDUaWZfkUzIa4/s1600-h/image3"><img width="504" height="389" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_LVioT0nUW67d3mJ7bxprjRDfrGtTAv5cGZneNBmCnN-PJENcznYg9GuD3pOL07hKXQu6pOTaifp1h7kcX9DPjwRrBgJkBZFz-f9mX6PXnkoiZ9GiXqz1z9FgPaCTdttqyj3bimIjLI/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdDZcpWTPWUPIDo50G5gN66Q8ZuA4uIP4oJXRfOppLHwoFxN0Z9jnaIGfcyC2VBS6qPmoamT9j0_Cd3IcSZuykvHdXALTN3eoOTJRtwRWbE7mDiNT_sMdaNcCnKZzKiBUtLeUFkgWPB8/s1600-h/image7"><img width="504" height="371" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjNDropezeoVkP93PcEBhs-1yY2G0YLBAJ1KYgApIpj924UGcMcr1aZ7Swa6c_or_fmShFYBMjVMsWTlD6zoLpJenZUYc9hcMnv19ZND2S_NxpCkWaWmmdIaVhCu1aiy-fKHCA9cxJds/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><strong>If you want to explore other ways to encourage creativity in your children, check out more ideas at </strong><a title="https://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/search/label/Creativity" href="https://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/search/label/Creativity"><strong>https://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/search/label/Creativity</strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><p align="center">************</p><p><strong>Creativity will be celebrated this Saturday in West Orange at this free event<br></strong><a name="m_-4638032559754583140_m_6274604875983403079_3" href="http://www.njartsmaven.com/2018/09/the-valley-goes-ecofree-community-event.html"><strong>The Valley Goes Eco—Free Community Event</strong></a><p><img width="500" height="107" style="margin: 5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhBimzUOo0K0sNv5AycNw5xU5So_vZqrxTxCtDM3nBCPRSjTBoYR0KVvnt9MzK7VVbhJSeImR24C0hZ0vkPtoNHRofxTzIecJuEdHsJKj3rFITfzirIpGpo9c30gh9RCOsBCu1xDtA32BNdsdmS5j7drrIPWrKDpxxw4qLzI75g52aDxlA8ZjGaDYVgdFiMkrqXzzkB2w=s0-d-e1-ft" border="0" vspace="5" hspace="5"><p><img width="470" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgFrPqOrwi9FdOkadrF-fBE58-jsbEPcszIIx4gWOKyXdkHDdAUZorMa9x4baUhDQVRC_0JHgh4gHLCsdRr4c-UDKUCezjz6Hu3QN_aAzIjHwFIZ6ficlbKAXEKW5EqkZ2Kglp4Ze2pxTGUMcCLqjgVVGJno1-DKJaFTVgUYW58di_NDiY68G1ClZSqDd3WwvObUdkWYg=s0-d-e1-ft" border="0"><p><strong><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001eQXMS1h-YQEZZbI_ctO-W4nZzD8LDijwCgoiTyAgVCWeIa96nmNHtyx5JDD3VoC5JD4jSKoKYR_wI9-x27yMkzV3Hzdb7_u9XIpTCzSSeMPAp2d-QntMBaA3IF67U511QgZjGIVLZbDk5bZzJOFWcC-vfrhtT1u_FsLxzvE_BMFxxVBX5maWnZio2n_R0U30jXuy9Eudckq5Z5G4xfJ_Pg==&c=3AyxH_9w1OTdc-aCnrRH6bi51BJYhAeQiTT0ticMij39uLcQHLQJMw==&ch=Fv-KWPkF-7eWSu4WOT8QuciT8angUWbxV3owEXJxg1F6Fo67BVVSVA==">The Valley Goes Eco:</a> </strong><strong>Upcycle, Recycle, and Go Green!</strong><p><strong>FREE Classes and Performances | All Ages Welcome!</strong><b></b><p><strong>WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 8 | 2-5pm<br>WHERE: </strong>Luna Stage, 555 Valley Road, West Orange<p><b>Improvisational Theatre <strong>Workshops <strong>2:30-4:30pm</strong></strong></b><p>Workshops for all ages, led by our local Luna Stage teaching artists. These 20-minute sessions will allow you to hone your skills in improv (the art of making something from nothing!), and have a blast as well!<p><strong>Performances by <strong>Tiny Box Theater <strong>2-5pm</strong></strong></strong><p>Tiny Box Theater is an innovative company that makes plays inside of small re-purposed boxes. <em>The Curiosity Shop</em> takes place in a 1890s Victorian cash register till and <em>Seed Money</em> is staged in a 1950s budget box. The pieces can be viewed by one or two people at a time for a few minutes each, and invite audiences to get close, listen carefully, and find themselves in part of the piece.<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37xufFpSSuPUXZc-l9eJolCbcDi_q8d9qKHGdslEaclWXo_Gk_VcdZt7KPC2Iuii826ILkd5b-S-dmOl7XeeUjl-LO8-xawKw5xYU1JlfTf-ZX0kOZl5wvd6xLcyrC1GaH6euPEw8yzQ/s1600-h/image%255B7%255D"><img width="96" height="116" title="image" align="right" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJFpWGAMA_kaw7SK21MK55r98hUYa1axVPatpf6BuT1LCEY7llQlwiMGVmQuvXbaE9x-l3eRtOBvbF1i9UrZo2EoWotYS_GKoai8F40vsvPP20JZGZMfAdeLwxeBFUBsw7VhzhEIGHSE/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><strong>LunaLit Storytime <strong>3pm and 4pm</strong></strong><p>Luna actors read the picture book edition of <em>The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind</em>, a true story of human inventiveness and its power to overcome adversity. With old science textbooks, scrap metal, bicycle and tractor parts, William embarks on a plan to build a windmill in Malawi.<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrvuEebcMXMj87FE3HEHIM_pmiGodR2MJDx4RYWyCE6aXZs8DHZQdGgVTsnyYojdwqKfflXU7DP75eKDD_9YF32KOG3TIDAFutHiBoxAji0Fs7DxL2XUQipt9Z_3MCaO1kVUTKfpiHDA/s1600-h/image%255B12%255D"><img width="81" height="108" title="image" align="left" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWeEfhtBQwEd1LbWNa2A1X_G1WD9AF-yQOFFxJ_tfiWUooaZQ5t1jcdLEJAHUWv6K4sFDX1hTn5zY3fYgISi_QnT7KvB5Hkd-rI1Me5rNpToiO5PyiE6LETmqJ5vuyqxp6YUBDatQxPQ/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><b>Art Workshops <b>Hosted by The West Orange Arts Center</b></b><ul><li>Re-purposed Fashion Designs with Arshad Aziz
<li>Mosaic Art from China Shards Mosaic
<li>Bottle Art with the West Orange Garden Club & Our Green West Orange</li></ul><p>Watch <em>The Ocean Cleanup</em> Live Launch<p align="center">*************<p><strong>Or you can spend the day at a ecology rally & festival in Morristown:</strong> <p align="left"><img width="500" height="647" alt="No automatic alt text available." src="https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/40763821_466046260546107_829713915523891200_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=d13277b9f03472de414d5fa6bee71964&oe=5C336189"></p><p>Find the event on FB at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2069700243348283/">https://www.facebook.com/events/2069700243348283/</a> and register you and your friends on Eventbrite at <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rise-for-climate-jobs-and-justice-tickets-49346490682">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rise-for-climate-jobs-and-justice-tickets-49346490682</a>.</p><p><strong>Thanks to Ruth Ross at </strong><a href="http://www.njartsmaven.com/"><strong>njartsmaven.com</strong></a><strong> for these events. That is one of the many websites linked on the “Useful Links for Families” you can access on the right side of my blog at </strong><a title="http://bwlibys.blogspot.com/" href="http://bwlibys.blogspot.com/"><strong>http://bwlibys.blogspot.com/</strong></a></p><i><p align="center">**************</p><p align="center"><strong>Join me on September 15th as I tell stories at The NJ Storytelling Festival<br>details at: <a title="http://www.njstorynet.org/about-festival/" href="http://www.njstorynet.org/about-festival/">http://www.njstorynet.org/about-festival/</a><br>(My set will be on from 1:15-1:45)</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Adults may also be interested in the morning workshop:</strong></p><h4><strong>It's Your Story--Tell It! <a title="http://www.njstorynet.org/workshop-registration-2018/" href="http://www.njstorynet.org/workshop-registration-2018/">http://www.njstorynet.org/workshop-registration-2018/</a></strong></h4><p>Saturday, September 15, 2018 9:30 to 11:30 AM Visitors Center/The Barn<blockquote><p>Think you don’t have any personal stories worth telling? You’d be surprised. In her interactive workshop, “It’s Your Story—Tell It!” master storyteller Rona Leventhal will show you how to begin the process of taking a memory or anecdote and turning it into a story fit for an audience.<p>In pairs and individually, Rona will guide you through lively writing and speaking exercises that will add details, imagery, and interest to your tale. For educators, these techniques can be modified for any grade level to motivate and encourage students to believe in their ability to create their own stories too. </p></blockquote><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqb-z4OcbpJOw0Mihmj3VNCameJXug2vtbP9OJGMTr-yEZO4YrfwJ6JVSWyAjK1iW_X1q3gynrSStlJU-8Py84PJGUoLbcRMQ_qqgLX88Xckoc13akAcCGtJ_Cm3G-IAmMlGe2_JiYEQ8/s1600-h/image%255B4%255D"><img width="504" height="667" title="image" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP26M-_wDSXjNpveJqiB0Qfx7TjxBS6BdZd4CTs0PACJupm-eYJHpwhtNQ5GbUAks_tBGZo49aqjv9C-UgXXoNB1S57Vlxqurqw_ZsdNdXwAYWiYEPsqil0MWSdU8WcHOBNkh3WU3aieE/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p></i><p><em></em> <p><em></em> <p><em></em> <p><em>Looking ahead:</em> This fall, you can also take your kids to <a href="https://www.nmajh.org/SpecialExhibitions/">an exhibit at the National Museum of American Jewish Culture in Philadelphia on one of the great creative people – Rube Goldberg</a> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1MTgbQH382_rBglM57uI2EfDr7W3W_riS3N44qHjfo5mtw3VDB18Ocj38AsPRMUQ0J86gEwcsdYjWwmpbLmr-7NkHDj9tsomBnvmiCgO-m0Tzy2yibF-rYi3-ypCI9z_uRi36XclC3A/s1600-h/image411"><img width="504" height="316" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBw1iZ5phL0-jYjB7I4AUyh9q8WwkThZeC1jYb6p1YYmBXmkhojL-1Rf9LR4PoD22cw1pv0gn21bhCgMVkzHWauI3n9VDxXIcnYB73FQVBOrLimCZrndcvlx_U_F6Ks8U7-CszP3A2oxE/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><h5><em><a href="https://www.nmajh.org/rube/">The Art of Rube Goldberg</a> </em>October 12, 2018 through January 21, 2019</h5><p><em> <img width="497" height="263" title="Rub goldberg logo and definition" alt="Rub goldberg logo and definition" src="https://www.nmajh.org/uploadedImages/Exhibitions_and_Collections/Rube%20Goldberg%20logo%20and%20definition.jpg"><br></em><p align="center">**************</p><p><strong>Another way to encourage creativity is to visit artists’ studios and get to talk with the artists. Take your kids and go on an art tour of Somerset County:</strong></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgtYQKjm37M0W8wLcMfVKZRLHBYtp1-PQrwatyG8Ppd5tJeubEMrtKlFmMFyE-vv6wGE_TNA5UVOU1edDe_0IdccmOha7RxFX_Pk7r35SDsIpEil_TMbAb110tH6QVuLa4Oyrh1bGY8I/s1600-h/image15"><img width="504" height="169" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9mE0MJUy8uGE2gtHyQTQUVYJdZi0bKjRUxA3maWWN6MB8CAuiahoNhpf5HhuJyLcwrTKqsuAFlDsVqOTQO0U3O39B-5jDnPymWr2bnCkEhzZeycTF82nbMj8Q9y8li4_PYjnoLcom_Q/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunG31bS26PtT0nd7FD_1Mzrfpikb-VTQ7uy2CXhVnO-QAot_a6ipRfhg4RgLAO0A3HapJwzy65tb94yiaec_71r3w5u_KmEm4q288YllWcUEw-BUra6Bo9JArlwecvb_PAUPlIROOLRA/s1600-h/image19"><img width="504" height="187" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPX_MxTnFcjjconrVUSAGah1b6mZrK6uo6flZMAUCrVpuecmi_MceXfTbal42ntZEJGKviUBqyzeg9m7KEAEP45UhBsonNaUiUerj5ElrbOJOzM5Vcep6kv2i7eJdsHs2OGzqoVd0HgA/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a title="https://www.artseenj.org/artsee-new-jersey-artist-studio-tour/" href="https://www.artseenj.org/artsee-new-jersey-artist-studio-tour/">https://www.artseenj.org/artsee-new-jersey-artist-studio-tour/</a></p><p align="center">**********</p><p align="left"><strong>Do you or your kids want to learn art techniques from practicing artists? Farmstead Arts in Basking Ridge is registering for </strong><a href="https://farmsteadartscenter.org/classes-workshops/classes-and-workshops/"><strong>fall classes</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5AFeEE99XJUIEQwr2WpolnVdzdGznFEzDX_TONAkyG9TsdSqXVZqj7idC4aS79W1A2PTrVxU74JRM1ZyF5jajxB3nHH_iLToY5NXxDeeCR-d1C_j48Qf-LjuaLYLuhTmC09c83Svnpp4/s1600-h/image%255B8%255D"><img width="504" height="431" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIt9AZgXueFCgJ3WJpiadajzraRIqtbyokgWi-7k1p1G9I5BeeDOTC4yB3hNr0UMf-rJ5bvbgSxDlNC-G57zAQ4ZCRPPjlsyLoxvf7fEb5-Yj4L4ZgvRWOnJiW8pKOd351d2tmdc3eSc4/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">*************</p><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OkbRTwHuK3x3IRDq7v6NwC2MfLkVBV2rjbLWPhJpxJCSYUPAc1nhnBuE-GE1fZhrZcQKSyYL_amTz3LjEgPLm7y7jTwRIwhM8oQ53d48vQL475PYtqoZWsmcQTzTruLe6bbHLRTZ2gw/s1600-h/image%255B24%255D"><img width="504" height="319" title="image" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVmIwAo2E3N9gOgJLG8FvWI4NLsSyqAxsG-Ay7wSCaHHs2_ddVA1bYW9B4e8VbApYJbaTKhC5mnsNATyl2r_X_b9pmzbNW74CTqLc53WvjLn2PEMoC6yurQWFHV-mceillluxhCvzcppE/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="left"><strong>Or encourage an appreciation of music? Last week was the 100th Anniversary of the great musician’s birth: </strong><a href="http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/columnists/karla-peterson/sd-me-karla-bernstein-concerts-20180827-story.html"><strong>a tribute to Leonard Bernstein’s Young People’s Concerts</strong></a> </p><p align="center">*************</p><p align="left"><strong>Is your child fascinated by snakes, magic, anime, robotics, model airplanes, bee keeping, jumping rope, cooking, art, astronomy or just about anything else? Somerset County 4-H probably has a </strong><a href="http://www.somersetcounty4h.org/clubs/"><strong>club</strong></a><strong> for them! <br>See all the opportunities </strong><a href="http://www.somersetcounty4h.org/"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong> <a title="http://www.somersetcounty4h.org" href="http://www.somersetcounty4h.org">http://www.somersetcounty4h.org</a></p><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKZxdC9MbfS6mg9q1gcDJFHVlXAqVXHNexkE2b25-zkraQc2ARkB-HiK6eD3P127jnwI8sNVp_en20AZP2j-zmZNLhn6tDsAhyEW27Co_VZgMM0iPeO6uXZVx9zMvw5srW13f4aYXp0Q/s1600-h/image%255B12%255D"><img width="504" height="584" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZV3yMxx6t6QZDJItU7UPgHFllRQp3gNr_1AnO-uaKtwrc_9H7l3-fmvkJTQmrNc2PRgazLgC1cw44QILoXgF32z7hYjgLfvdhIuPCp3-w7Lq5ltDhfLha1kvES8g-dgh58t_ZPgEa2fs/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><br><strong>You can also support the 4-H (and/or clean out your basement) at their annual rummage sale – donations start Sunday Sept. 9th:</strong></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmJcr4saeuBzHRYEvMDFdTpYQVuoGxfoTjOD2QRCdzdxOXDhL7eUKgIEwR8bqYDThfvveNtLrnRUk9_BBZEvo50lINMO71fwqSnLVtvTupwGKtrxowAlukuQExsLoX-u_GJixYz8UMLM/s1600-h/image4"><img width="504" height="653" title="image" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghURkhVVT1gOUbh4RsbY8Z1V3JDvzsbRxBmoHDTvyBkc-RZ9x4lb3jwYOX-bWzLrJCdG4yBgDDgwb0eiNmdRDRTKZhYQhEoxjN8UzE9R3MBuxQY-Xf75KYCCjSEQDeNZkj5AhmNZdfOcE/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="left"> </p><h3> </h3><h3> </h3><h3><a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/09/03/641256596/to-raise-confident-independent-kids-some-parents-are-trying-to-let-grow">To Raise Confident, Independent Kids, Some Parents Are Trying To 'Let Grow'</a> <font style="font-weight: normal;">Heard on </font><a href="https://www.npr.org/programs/morning-edition/2018/09/03/644241781"><font style="font-weight: normal;">Morning Edition</font></a></h3><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRm0Q6uCM6dxqr-Tzhy7W_jYNvKvrnQ3W_dhM_qnAGL7b4Vli04tM5MHt27EG5QrXK4JEhIqPZtwsFs4NkTSmdUYacAo7yk-iT_54vfqdUmT_Dq8XS7tLuRKlVTfE78T3-OFIE0U2hJ8A/s1600-h/image%255B16%255D"><img width="504" height="431" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKY-2uzgqigUmpDTosyLzwsNGz1zJYlZG0KT5q0h97GqGDvmzRjy0LWDcWm9Khw3m-PwJIuepvZXPfY04AgZ6jGl3QolZNTbaak7AqGlQMH5Ut0jzYB-IjJF3HExNTVjVapgt317YCGlA/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Walking through the woods alone can be a scary prospect for a kid, but not for 7-year-old Matthew of Portland, Oregon. He doesn't have much of a backyard at his condo, so the woods behind his house essentially serve the same purpose. He spends hours out there: swinging on a tire swing, tromping across the ravine to a friend's house, and using garden shears to cut a path. He lays down sticks to form a bridge across the small stream that flows in the winter.</p><p>And he does all of this without any adult supervision.<p>Matthew's mom, Laura Randall, wants her son to gain the sort of skills and confidence that only come with doing things yourself. But she didn't just toss her 7-year-old out the door with some hiking boots and garden shears one day. They worked up to it gradually with what Randall calls "experiments in independence." Read <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/09/03/641256596/to-raise-confident-independent-kids-some-parents-are-trying-to-let-grow">More</a>.<p>More ideas on successfully turning kids into grownups can be found in this series of Ted Talks: <a title="https://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/600090006/turning-kids-into-grown-ups" href="https://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/600090006/turning-kids-into-grown-ups">https://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/600090006/turning-kids-into-grown-ups</a>.<p align="center">**********</p><p><strong>The Bridgewater Raritan Education Foundation supports our kids and you can support the foundation at their fundraising dinner October 15th. All funds raised go to support grants for local educators and scholarships for district students. Tickets are available </strong><a href="https://edfoundbr.org/tastebr/"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSy8E6tpWjDeVwWpXRwXtgfXjvQi4VWiWq66cFkjt9af_saqUx2f6w9mO0vZS1IZ4CLmToLQWndf5yO5zAoig7kfpJGCP6IXWpEsqQeE-O0ZcWc7FBmaA9jsewic2F_LT9Vwm7_ySJPM/s1600-h/image11"><img width="504" height="435" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEENh02rkRWNua9ypiT4p5FRdOQRXe2JvVfiyHAMfCU3gwmoWwFvis6QhaRQDSH1AYb553vXa6iuWwY6mOdsNuXol66vWGfahj-uP1-86m-BGSiShiTlzHM-6x7GH-N2ffbJeyucbIGgM/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeJYQVxg6R57SWgpBgRsnpNeK59qYhLfwY_TyFHxYRxtwclb1d7LZaYvESJJDOJMWeNLVn5j3agIMHBzjMebvAXDBnRbtKTDQbriSzJV4wqGqxU-brkn1aa7eHSl1dSfpmqNvZoxYg7g/s1600-h/image%255B27%255D"><img width="504" height="327" title="image" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSao_LZhci1rHfEm6U6XJnxh49CvSqJPcpnYCaY7q3MXxCS3jk58O2t0TO5gm_qX-O8uJpAF7GusVb_tbviuAWKcG516JX7XhpV0Xp5f5jwrr2rsJVGzBrt2iYD8xlbmDGGOehYAnRbc/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><strong>More good ideas for the new school year: </strong><a title="https://www.nytimes.com/guides/smarterliving/family-technology" href="https://www.nytimes.com/guides/smarterliving/family-technology"><strong>https://www.nytimes.com/guides/smarterliving/family-technology</strong></a></p><p><strong>One more date to save:</strong></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXL3TKPq6pEvkDCoy-1hf9nTJkQzgauYPrzmQnvx021Vx0LNR4bH8Of6Ac0cO-xHJc6MOJsE77INAuUZSJv9lHcLTVfhc1VRsKBxBMaVSR7NyQOwpwpahFGee12EPJ-PfueWQNGfKkgs/s1600-h/image41"><img width="504" height="379" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwMEQt411nJzScRyBaQuf_xtZPwL-te77JhWF_qtu_i3YfdQY0q7S_RHXZ6NeNqy05Kex4Uy8DAYhA8sN4RfraQf_khFvFTkGAyO1Oh2pF0nReeaoHQ7iwx3b09QBLUCKK1Dkv4rygBk/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><h4>Make a vibrant connection to history at Somerset County’s <a href="https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/government/public-works/cultural-heritage/weekend-journey">13th annual Weekend Journey through the Past</a>! </h4><p><b>Visit</b> <a href="https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/government/public-works/cultural-heritage/weekend-journey/participating-sites">30 significant historic sites</a>, all open to the public, free of charge. All participating sites are open on <b>Saturday, October 13 from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 14 from Noon to 4:00 p.m</b>.<p><b>Explore</b> Somerset County’s quaint villages, rolling farmsteads, lively towns and unspoiled natural areas. Participating historic sites will be grouped into three convenient tours by location: <a href="https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/?splash=http%3a%2f%2fsomerset.maps.arcgis.com%2fapps%2fShortlist%2findex.html%3fappid%3db03efa5085c340fd8d938f570504e6c7&____isexternal=true">Northern, Central, and Southern Somerset County</a>.<p><b>Learn</b> about <a href="https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/government/public-works/cultural-heritage/weekend-journey/about">former Somerset County residents</a>, some of whom were distinguished statesmen and national leaders.<p><b>Witness</b> <a href="https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/government/public-works/cultural-heritage/weekend-journey/participating-sites">what life was like 50... 100... or even 200 years ago</a>, from daily work responsibilities and pleasant pastimes to the difficult hardships endured during the American Revolution.<p><b>Discover</b> our many and varied individual Revolutionary War histories—major contributions to the County’s designation as a <a href="https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/?splash=http%3a%2f%2frevolutionarynj.org%2f&____isexternal=true">Crossroads of the American Revolution State Heritage Area</a>. </p><p align="center">************</p><p align="left"><strong>Speaking of Fall – enjoy this list of September Read-Alouds from one of my favorite book sites: </strong><a title="https://www.whatdowedoallday.com" href="https://www.whatdowedoallday.com"><strong>https://www.whatdowedoallday.com</strong></a></p><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVjVHqf-v0zMOR9lkVWLrAHfDZl_JNLZ1cODCczGNTESyeX-EQkiXZKycD-3PHJsd1NZUByLVLoLUyC_MhXLgkGAC9uRWw8sv5DmwM2SXnAVniPiCxNwllATo_yXTs2c16fpjG7SguN4/s1600-h/image%255B4%255D"><img width="504" height="283" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVUxFpmtz56LOJvVrqsLrwnmE-xxU8Mr5byNdHpyFxZZXQz5w4Vj3p4No6eZ4gaLj5bDYr9kq1cH6XhygxqDm8llDlYez9ZR8qhUXcz_B-1Z_KEyohe5o1ZZS-ZXLzxOTTCD8G7ZnDHs/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="left"><a title="https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/september-read-alouds/" href="https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/september-read-alouds/">https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/september-read-alouds/</a></p><p align="left">And her great list of diverse books for young readers…</p><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrcU8fxaxmZglLt4dXu2jAvQ_rcVgo2vyOgMwc_bmHo89yGHvXkoNJLKOqcipw2KT14oA8cjzoEuww32TPuenr58t7L1H-Gy9QC7f5taALnL9LPAwKTwozH08dLlnCXKqe1W9_hl2fgs/s1600-h/image%255B12%255D"><img width="504" height="283" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2BL2TyAEN1S2lBK6nr-RonpXiKuQhDhqKiAqLlCZr4uqNj9n9OX7Mx7M6mbShwZGdvQbHbhouWOdBQTqbZtovn8OAwohEblTFIxqe1RrIZwtEaGF0Ydwlj84TsYO3kd-JqVRfn_ya5s/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="left"><a title="https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/diverse-books-2nd-3rd-grade" href="https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/diverse-books-2nd-3rd-grade">https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/diverse-books-2nd-3rd-grade</a></p><p align="left">Want to keep up your kids math skills as well – visit</p><p align="left"> <a title="http://bedtimemath.org/category/daily-math/" href="http://bedtimemath.org/category/daily-math/">http://bedtimemath.org/category/daily-math/</a> for an interesting daily math problem. </p><p><a href="http://bedtimemath.org/"><img width="448" height="98" style="margin: 5px;" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/55221684201/931dd3f5-fd00-4092-85fc-f1d9fa23f870.jpg" border="0" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><p><img width="320" height="211" align="left" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/55221684201/1f19629f-cce9-4b98-9ab5-775753718e73.jpg" border="0" vspace="5" hspace="5"><p>Labor Day may mean the end of summer break, but we can keep eating ice cream -- and those ice cream trucks can keep rolling. Our friend Lisa B. asked, how many ice cream bars and popsicles does a truck sell in a day? Well, it depends where the truck goes. From our own experience, at a park a truck can unload 20-30 bars to one crowd. If the truck finds 10 good places like that, it can sell 200 to 300 bars that day. Remember, around 100 years ago we didn't even have ice cream trucks. But <a href="http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blrefrigerator.htm">in 1913</a> the electric freezer was invented, and <a href="http://mentalfloss.com/article/52281/brief-history-ice-cream-truck">in 1920</a> Harry Burt figured out how to coat ice cream in hardened dark chocolate. Suddenly people could sell ice cream from trucks. The driver pays less for the ice cream than he/she sells it for, so that's how the driver makes money - and that's where the math comes in.<p><em>Wee ones:</em> Lots of ice cream bars look like rectangles. How many sides does a rectangle have? Is the floor of your room a rectangle?<p><em>Little kids:</em> If a driver sells 4 ice cream sandwiches and 2 popsicles, how many ice cream treats is that? <em>Bonus:</em> If he sells an orange popsicle, then a lemon, then a cherry, then orange, lemon, cherry...what flavor is the 11<sup>th</sup> popsicle?<br><em>Big kids:</em> If they keep selling orange, lemon, cherry, then orange to repeat, what flavor is the 25<sup>th</sup>popsicle? See if you can get it without counting up! <em>Bonus:</em> If the truck sells twice as many treats at the second stop as at the first, and sells 60 <i>total</i>, how many did it sell at each stop?<p><em>The sky's the limit:</em> If the driver buys each treat for $1, which way will make more money, selling 20 of them for $5 each or 30 of them for $4 each?<p align="center">*******************<p align="left"><strong>How To Inspire Kids To Change the World</strong> by <a href="https://www.katarinawallentin.com/"><em>Katarina Wallentin</em></a> <br>(from: <a title="https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2018/09/inspire-kids-to-change-the-world" href="https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2018/09/inspire-kids-to-change-the-world">https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2018/09/inspire-kids-to-change-the-world</a>)</p><h6><img width="500" height="395" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" alt="child looking at butterflies surrounding him" src="https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/butterflies.png"></h6><p><br><br> </p><p>Who are the people that truly change the world?</p><p>For me it is the people who dare to think bigger, bolder, beyond and definitively different. The text in the famous Apple ad actually puts it rather well…<p><em> “Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”</em>― Rob Siltanen<p>So how can we, as adults, inspire and encourage the uniqueness and difference in the kids that may change the world?<p>Let me use my nephew as an example. He is 8 years old, absolutely brilliant, incredibly funny and what many would call…slightly crazy.<p>From his very early years, he has been exploring the world with an unsatisfiable appetite. He put matches in the toaster to see if it will explode, he drilled a little hole in his stomach when he was checking if the drill could be used as a massage stick and one day he decided to hitch-hike all the way home from school since his legs got very tired of biking.<p>I absolutely adore this child, and he continues to amaze me. In addition to his explorative nature, he is kind and caring and an incredibly smart kid. It is a joy to try to keep up with his ideas and I must admit, I am often many, many steps behind him.<p>My nephew is a dragon child. I know he will change the world – somehow.<p>And whenever I meet a dragon child, I try to empower her or him to:<p><strong>#1 Trust their knowing</strong><p>Kids know. They are like big radio receivers, picking up everything around them, the spoken and unspoken. And their perception is not yet filtered by all the projections, expectations, separations and judgements that most adults see the world. That means that they are often more right on than we are…<p>One of the greatest gifts you can give kids (and yourself) is ask them questions and trust their point of view and suggestions for what is going on, and what is required.<p><strong>#2 Keep coloring outside the lines</strong><p>We often try to show kids the right way of doing things – for example how to carefully color inside the lines in a coloring book. But really, that is just the way it has been done up till that moment! What if we instead get excited by all the different ways a task could be accomplished?<p>What if the wackiest ways of coloring, is the very beginning of a whole new way of painting, never before seen on this Earth?<p><strong>#3 Stay weird</strong><p>It can get very lonely being different. Sometimes it may seem easier to just shut that unique part off and fit in with everyone else. The choice to stay weird is a brave one. It takes immense courage. It can help to hear that now and then – to know that someone has your back.<p>This world of ours is not yet the best of all possible worlds. Our children have the capacity to change it into something greater. Our job is to inspire them to know that they can!<p>***********************************************************************************************<p><img width="116" height="174" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" alt="Headshot of guest blogger, Katarina Wallentin" src="http://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Katarina_Wallentin-200x300.png"><a href="https://www.katarinawallentin.com/"><em>Katarina Wallentin</em></a> <em>is an avid explorer of the magic that is truly possible on this beautiful planet of ours. For over 10 years, she worked with communication and leadership in international organizations such as United Nations, Amnesty International, Doctors Without Borders and Save the Children — continuously seeking for something greater and different for and in the world. Now an Access Consciousness facilitator, she has written two books for empowering children: </em><a href="http://www.thebabyunicornmanifesto.com/"><em>The Baby Unicorn Manifesto</em></a> <em>and </em><a href="http://www.claraandtheclimatechanger.com/"><em>Clara & The Climate Changer.</em></a><em> Coming soon: The Baby Dragon Manifesto!</em><p align="left"><strong></strong> </p><p align="center"><strong>Do one thing every day that scares you ! – Eleanor Roosevelt </strong></p><p align="center"><strong>(Like this blog? Share with your friends on social media and let them know they can subscribe.)</strong></p>Carol Simon Levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13916459930086614680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256479139823175614.post-37625977839231293522018-09-02T22:20:00.001-04:002018-09-02T22:21:41.032-04:00Back to School Edition–How to Ease School Jitters, Help Combat Bullying, The Power of Play & Empathy, Storytelling & Book Festivals, and One Simple Thing That Might Influence a Child for a Lifetime…<p>Hope everyone had a good summer!</p><p>Since my retirement from Bridgewater Library I have been travelling a great deal and doing a lot of freelance programs and so it has been a while since I posted to this blog. But I wanted to get the school year off to a good start. Leave a comment and let me know if this is still useful. I love to hear from you. Also please feel free to send me things I might share. – Carol Simon Levin</p><p><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/on-parenting/three-ways-to-ease-your-childs-back-to-school-jitters/2018/08/06/9508d2c8-8e7b-11e8-bcd5-9d911c784c38_story.html?utm_term=.105e1de1d5e8">Three ways to ease your child’s back-to-school jitters</a> By <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/mari-jane-williams/">Mari-Jane Williams</a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39InCf-t0KLUzvRWTfYlm4JU0vbBjZY5VuaUEQor_POZyLbbS3QEvj5AaA77iWekjLYqJMGUyh-YP6-m4L-_Ujb3L5SSRMAiBFBbsyO1Xw0VAqEAMHX8YXunvMdASg1qKaM7F3qX3ibo/s1600-h/image25%255B1%255D"><img width="217" height="244" title="image" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcJFEkruS42KT4JhdTov2BLoLzwWYpZ4CrLs3UUrdHccgrWzz0je2gTEH86WfYzH6k3TZ0gJVVDoqPZr8lV2wVPfaKyY9jAH6VgctN_Urc4mcxcwgRmvDrV_Ehi6Dv-uKC2w2otPJ-cI/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>(Angel Chang/for The Washington Post)<p>It’s a familiar late-summer scene. As the opportunities to visit the pool and sleep late dwindle, the back-to-school jitters set in. The endless loop of questions — who will I sit with at lunch, will I remember my locker combination, will my teacher be nice — can rattle even the coolest of customers.<p>About 8 percent of children and adolescents have an anxiety disorder, <a href="https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/resilience/Pages/Anxiety-Fact-Sheet.aspx">according to the American Academy of Pediatrics</a>. But kids don’t need to have a diagnosable disorder to feel a little nervous about heading back to school….here are some <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/on-parenting/three-ways-to-ease-your-childs-back-to-school-jitters/2018/08/06/9508d2c8-8e7b-11e8-bcd5-9d911c784c38_story.html?utm_term=.9bae3c451eba">suggestions to help your child(ren) cope</a>. <p>Sometimes the anxiety stems from real social stressors: <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2018/07/26/little-mean-girls-helping-your-daughter-swim-in-those-choppy-social-waters/?utm_term=.2a0595ad1c52">Little mean girls: Helping your daughter swim in those choppy social waters</a> By Carol Kaufmann for The Washington Post<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpCKrtq80De1WszxxNbbD4jh7rYgKwVMBwkLlCkNvH9u5dN1HaxkiEcbvG4CjSC8R7woctuFeL1zBIYPDbBMusePbeFeDrQNzAETuG4TqbAYWvF9XCB0J8XBum2WAlO_bdst2xKPLdCg/s1600-h/image6"><img width="244" height="199" title="image" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5_ZW_BxC3rOo6jvGh9XEnlSKJunNJf5dDQf8L-S1skQhX8HbJ8Mbff9vIKhRMCICDLV2TpJjuHThS3EsBQU76ErgqbL1gviZZKXYKFinFewTUnOhFw9RuGUTnkozurEaEb9GgVlsnm8/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>…I figured my daughter would eventually stumble into mean-girl territory, and that subversive manipulation, social rejection and alliance-building would leave her occasionally on the curb. But not until middle school, at the earliest. Right?</p><p>Wrong.<p>“The mean-girl thing is happening much sooner than everyone realizes,” our elementary school counselor told me when I called to talk it through. “I see it all the time.”<p>Bullying — or peer victimization — is “associated with depression and anxiety and social withdrawal and low self-esteem and academic problems<strong>,”</strong> says Catherine Bagwell, a professor of psychology who studies children’s social development at Oxford College of Emory University.<p>According to Katie Hurley, author of “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0143130862/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thewaspos09-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0143130862&linkId=97f406589c70365cd6754f9abc48cced">No More Mean Girls: The Secret to Raising Strong, Confident, and Compassionate Girls</a>,” research shows that severe <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/bullying">bullying</a> in childhood puts adolescents at a higher risk of mental-health issues, including <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/suicide">suicidal</a> thoughts and behaviors, debilitating depressive symptoms, and anxiety. And <a href="https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED518227.pdf">one survey in Oregon of nearly 12,000 kids in grades three through eight</a> revealed that 41 to 48 percent of girls reported experiencing what is called “relational aggression” in a month. About 4 to 6 percent experienced it daily. Read <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2018/07/26/little-mean-girls-helping-your-daughter-swim-in-those-choppy-social-waters/?utm_term=.2a0595ad1c52">more.</a><p><i>[<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2017/11/01/how-to-help-girls-navigate-tough-social-situations/?utm_term=.0ab4305b35b2">How to help girls navigate tough social situations</a>]</i><p>Bullying isn’t limited to schools & classrooms. <strong>White supremacist posters were </strong><a href="https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/2018/07/18/white-supremacist-group-fliers-posted-bridgewater-somerville-morristown/797305002/"><strong>posted in our area</strong></a><strong> this summer.</strong> Here are some responses (printable copies available <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4hb4gp8meqow5ke/AADicGewRrF85EYAyBaJp_7aa?dl=0">here</a>) – feel free to post and share:<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQJWSxpM57tuz6HuGV9dpUlIjkjZZQEJrHaCP28hwQdgwxhpQVlAMD9C9wGXB_NeDR74IrelDXEHGgWPTC5YEN8GJD87JPym-FIQtCly5Nc_snenoGW0gLxw1LC0L6-m4Flx3hAdk0hQ/s1600-h/image3"><img width="504" height="649" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzSQK2SC2AGdJW6UbI60yj4futSXv04MQY0_rtpC9Fno12wXcO-XXeIpuwVSyrRq47oeOY_WiX8RMtAyjv6RAiZJuqfxXy7qQFfhyh5bohY1mJQy5tyX0o74WdTgEnW92GtQ6stWL1qs/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4VFmwpZx5XnHQFvV2TK0ME_jenXPiqXZT1XwYqZEI0gy_Ez-tVHNsqZmL9Dse7fpIH51rMAHr4ny2f8poU76xyTOHhULPUOJHeismqnoiJRAqfgqsUONk-xOgQkDwESWLceWKSiabA8/s1600-h/image14"><img width="504" height="354" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuA5TsK34WfxjFZ88tjb-QrQtov6WcxnW11n_g0f0wKu9Q9ZLXBO8W5GmLa3Zpnfmkrsu_TL1Me2T6aSCb_EQ_q94-TIJUyBxHrKj8eusGzml1K4Oenme9CFRv_0dAr3zztT7wWE2q83o/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8jduIqGrcfUCL3U06NROgsBdYGMJuAzQ1x9llGUY9MqlAu4axXtPPplblusdgYC87TERq3nZZVQ1u2cdcgyW80OX5WigvAO7NzDuT0R1U9xZFblSBCMkmmfXpQpLIo6ytZcsbf9JUoM/s1600-h/image18"><img width="504" height="296" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBh2h9O7awyB-jiJO9roYM3fWZs3kg2-weWxX4B7OMd9skAx1JIyyiWUF_54T3lax1v9W6S-7NZ2vjSggZP4oRfrkohEdRn8t3zKmPfR5C5UKvhoa1m4swjPZ1KVJ_igA7irsIXkWYJM/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgji0TdhOivjDcwkA-gRb78Zeemcaz4QhX-3swctfDXEAFfWkAC38W9ZG4_1plRCO2JyCvQmfC0o5ui9BKE3__KEoIqI8WoescUhk1Tx31sbO0p46W70dQXiMxwAPWVgqv3YHdZyqzRSVo/s1600-h/image22"><img width="504" height="283" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDTCB7QGrlfA6MhUouStIh_lw6IWm9e90SmFh-hvCOJccmbTYfJLADupiu0rane2gj8ItsdGlTQUDw2_7Di8dFbJz7cwJ-MLwokVQJGLfrHa8QNgePwGPK-uz2W04ledxBdQB-SOiVWg/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><h3>An important article on the Power of Play: <br><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/01/opinion/sunday/democracy-play-mccain.html">How to Play Our Way to a Better Democracy</a> <font style="font-weight: normal;">By Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff for <em>The New York Times</em>. </font></h3><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTqlgxxKasOx_mUXYdCpgW2nktVTzrZhVtyjHw5ckxdgU_hg_l1wWZSzZETXWBRSCqbn3tkf6k7Zr0PkeSP6jMZdSx2zU_PhlwpK2Re6MZOazAyIRTk5mSFeNi8DU_Wz6HH-0x5VTBx4/s1600-h/image%255B21%255D"><img width="249" height="191" title="image" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoyzUed6mBA2Anx5igeCuYt4CF1FhtFJ6yHZaP8zn2ZQr-c1_wm_Fcz-LtLZb9W7c7a9rPuauM1zsFk3pOFO0QnnauRyEMRFu0i5r7ctsh3KYmbLWseliCjtBGGYGpJSA0lGeGSriAB8/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Hudson Christie</p><p>If we want saner politics, we need to start building better foundations from the playground up.<p>Before he died, Senator John McCain wrote a loving <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/27/us/politics/john-mccain-farewell-statement.html">farewell statement</a> to his fellow citizens of “the world’s greatest republic, a nation of ideals, not blood and soil.” Senator McCain also described our democracy as “325 million opinionated, vociferous individuals.” How can that many individuals bind themselves together to create a great nation? What special skills do we need to develop to compensate for our lack of shared ancestry?<p>When Alexis de Tocqueville toured America in 1831, he concluded that one secret of our success was our ability to solve problems collectively and cooperatively. He praised our mastery of the “art of association,” which was crucial, he believed, for a self-governing people.<p>In recent years, however, we have become less artful, particularly about crossing party lines. It’s not just Congress that has lost the ability to cooperate. As <a href="http://www.people-press.org/2014/06/12/political-polarization-in-the-american-public/">partisan hostility has increased</a>, Americans report feeling fear and loathing toward people on the other side and have become increasingly<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/28/opinion/david-brooks-why-partyism-is-wrong.html"> less willing to date or marry someone of a different party</a>. Some restaurants won’t serve customers<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/23/us/politics/sarah-huckabee-sanders-restaurant.html"> who work for</a> — or<a href="https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/jun/16/anne-verrill-maine-restaurateur-bans-owners-suppor/"> even just support</a> — the other team or its policies. Support for democracy itself is in <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/29/world/americas/western-liberal-democracy.html">decline</a>.<p>What can we do to reverse these trends? Is there some way to teach today’s children the art of association, even when today’s adults are poor models? There is. It’s free, it’s fun and it confers so many benefits that the <a href="http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2018/08/16/peds.2018-2058">American Academy of Pediatrics</a> recently urged Americans to give far more of it to their children. It’s called play — and it matters not only for the health of our children but also for the health of our democracy... <p>Read more about how free play has been given short shift and what can be done to restore this essential component of children’s lives here: <a title="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/01/opinion/sunday/democracy-play-mccain.html" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/01/opinion/sunday/democracy-play-mccain.html">https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/01/opinion/sunday/democracy-play-mccain.html</a><p align="center">*********</p><p>Another way to combat bullying and encourage empathy is through books and storytelling. Here are three upcoming events that celebrate the power of story…</p><a href="http://www.njstorynet.org/about-festival/">2018 NJ Storytelling Festival Saturday, September 15 Howell Living History Farm</a><h4><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOOalsR26CpyScIWF5j58JKqrT-vAg5JbLp_hyphenhyphenDPnYTrB07qcil_WvEk6zTwLYnTGVwNMVIyXKlIribTewoKwfaU2YHgWdx7bKe2REJlVlmpocYi3Wws07-0GDBTSQ99wDnaXLdzIEP0/s1600-h/image12"><img width="504" height="350" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBHZ0c1bc2T4uOlsr_bZQeHzGk72kacAzJE7us2YGidyjrkkfKMH7OPZfQtkmx8TKgO-XggCes_9TPybQmnkZtJZzwTWO943DWPzdjppos6zE-8FYK5w_-RgTqfZ1gPHneLGOze_CFFg/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></h4><p>Come listen to storytellers from throughout New Jersey and the Tri-State area at Howell Living History Farm as they regale visitors with a whole new crop of stories. There will be stories for all ages. I will be doing a set of farm-themed participatory stories and songs starting at 1:20 p.m. More info: <a title="http://www.njstorynet.org/about-festival/" href="http://www.njstorynet.org/about-festival/">http://www.njstorynet.org/about-festival/</a><p><img width="500" height="175" src="https://8ikfi1pyzoz3kylw2j6jpvqi-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/092218CBF.png"></p><p><a title="https://princetonlibrary.org/childrens-book-festival/" href="https://princetonlibrary.org/childrens-book-festival/">https://princetonlibrary.org/childrens-book-festival/</a></p><p><img width="163" height="115" src="http://morristownbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/MFOB_2018_web.jpg"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxLc7DlAnAe5ydqy4IknELNcV57rqw__zT0E5sPlzgTQ1ElrI3XMLs5n5Dlh-SM1r-3KoO14wUbM1Z75I9vMYYgfvqNVupR9Dd4MhbPxMlFUCas_8w0qTMl5CaM8GLYA9-TcSzJLPdCU/s1600-h/image30"><img width="310" height="115" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXOo4-98_qIS0F3Yx2wEtFJoDhdiSUsYzq-eP-Vd7zsk_5Szvaro4oWQXbiLk2ySd8TuCPEbwSsi0XV79SysbjYUEN8FEzJSSzWacXwYyy54mdFBwefJICNMZO1h5qQoXgC6n7gUnsGM/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a title="http://morristownbooks.org" href="http://morristownbooks.org">http://morristownbooks.org</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmdEXPM7veFomEieyQt8fCWNMTQJ_6H9UnyJ8I1KKY_ezhIhI1v25LeP3-yKxDK9RJUAUj7kKQpfNZEtfvwBCCvUCF_Cpnbf76vx0wh3lFAEhfXkuB4_XRWDMjHVUG-Tuht6UVdhBDFg/s1600-h/image16"><img width="504" height="206" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ITgOtANqvFqd6-ZulWK_Kx39GfXASf5EPzg4-0FYAyUFHpXN4teQe8ISjdPqc6XCCh3h1IIE3OAUoQbA7QjKHxhxUvhQ5Ye-E0HhBfAHYtjWy8xdyd3EShvYalXJaZdaHeQMOkzydxA/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a title="http://morristownbooks.org/2018-authors/#kids" href="http://morristownbooks.org/2018-authors/#kids">http://morristownbooks.org/2018-authors/#kids</a><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGIYzAKuO3J22H6vxI9bid7ZHzrpMr1ZZgO_IqYhrsb4oZZUs6ERc9vOEJFeB5ggdlXiAyRz-i2RGerdQK0VnQiB5UNHnanZFXWRVbMnatM1nxnkfH9hmP_ybCkB5BQUva8CeWEUqIg0/s1600-h/image27"><img width="504" height="196" title="image" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbKOfP8UyNonCiAL3EG8ogB8Vwfc55FISwahRbi4XH4MZg5TwCwznM-CJYxfGeyLmU2WtfDPal3Uh7GQafpe2c_8kWNUfQEDmwgGO61nSnotp2LzqQ4v6ry4QzCcES4uEUARluiG-B1U/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a title="http://morristownbooks.org/session/laini-taylor/" href="http://morristownbooks.org/session/laini-taylor/">http://morristownbooks.org/session/laini-taylor/</a></p><p align="center">***********</p><h3>And finally, <strong>a piece on the positive power of words</strong> -- A friend posted this on Facebook:</h3><p>To all my teacher friends out there - I don't know if this is a true story, but I hope it is. What a wonderful exercise... Please read, and put into practice if you're able:<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOs_FaSfyS467g3FxiT9fU6-feFX_csDJjdRU64etf8qFQzyr84h40tTGtjZmR61prpgfKAOcEC0IKn_vHt5LeEnp0fpccp_5t4AP0K1iUPyfdF8Y6nXbSWG52MoEUezshlRu0lcpILGI/s1600-h/image%255B12%255D"><img width="252" height="316" title="image" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZCSNtsbUfHiWFQBB4nMkW9SeD4qLrDPqDPwznP6Y378zjHOMMWRmoJ4uNJZE3fuvNJYP7soJjoWlEMMZsA72PIr1qdW5w0MSa0US8Sa9_uJB5MNforcpM4Oi_wCKaO8sF6rN2rxxMHs/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name.<p>Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down.<p>It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed in the papers.<p>That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said about that individual.<p>On Monday she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling. 'Really?' she heard whispered. 'I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!' and, 'I didn't know others liked me so much,' were most of the comments.<p>No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another. That group of students moved on.<p>Several years later, one of the students was killed in Vietnam and his teacher attended the funeral of that special student. She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. He looked so handsome, so mature.<p>The church was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved him took a last walk by the coffin. The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin.<p>As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer came up to her. 'Were you Mark's math teacher?' he asked. She nodded: 'yes.' Then he said: 'Mark talked about you a lot.'<p>After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to a luncheon. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting to speak with his teacher.<p>'We want to show you something,' his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket 'They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it.'<p>Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times. The teacher knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him.<p>'Thank you so much for doing that,' Mark's mother said. 'As you can see, Mark treasured it.'<p>All of Mark's former classmates started to gather around. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, 'I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home.'<p>Chuck's wife said, 'Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album.'<p>'I have mine too,' Marilyn said. 'It's in my diary'<p>Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. 'I carry this with me at all times,' Vicki said and without batting an eyelash, she continued: 'I think we all saved our lists'<p>That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried. She cried for Mark and for all his friends who wouldn’t see him again.<p>The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that life will end one day. And we don't know when that one day will be.<p>So please, tell the people you love and care for, that they are special and important. Tell them, before it is too late.<p><strong>Here are some other ideas for spreading kindness this year: </strong><a title="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/teachers-on-how-they-spread-love-in-the-classroom_us_58cc1a4ae4b0ec9d29dbce61" href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/teachers-on-how-they-spread-love-in-the-classroom_us_58cc1a4ae4b0ec9d29dbce61">https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/teachers-on-how-they-spread-love-in-the-classroom_us_58cc1a4ae4b0ec9d29dbce61</a><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvaByO10mSPARD5MyDb27WNfb36_cQQpkRME5pVgR4rWa2BZkTH7egA9Eupy-Y6gLllgVDKZ8EgA-u4MCjKLECcUu8ZR1IRo6pxdd1J0Smaex_NRHHCnecAwyLS_J5Wwi42RQiv3Iq-zs/s1600-h/image%255B18%255D"><img width="140" height="113" title="image" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsl2dWx6-LVBorD8gHinq4TbaXYXjkpk5_weWzNvXuCZPfR1OWHpPLxKxnivqQThtqrWpeOzIBpenqh_AYm2t4Oq15PGRJsnc1zmejhkg00i60yGz0x2kdsfiOt3B9Ll2LF0MlLQl5ss/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a> L’Shanah Tova </p><p> “May You Have a Sweet & Happy New Year” </p><p>– Carol Simon Levin</p>Carol Simon Levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13916459930086614680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256479139823175614.post-90174877632867473112018-03-07T16:28:00.001-05:002018-03-07T20:51:15.267-05:00March is Bursting with Activities -- Join the March for Kids Lives, Maker’s Day weekend, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, NJ Stages Festival, Planetarium fun, Bedtime Math, great booklists for kids on the spectrum, STEM, and more…<p align="center"><font color="#9b00d3"><strong>I just returned from Arizona to discover that March in NJ is definitely giving us a last blast of Old Man Winter! </strong></font></p><p align="center"><font color="#9b00d3"><strong>Once you dig out, here are a bunch of things to do this weekend. </strong></font></p><p align="center"><font color="#9b00d3"><strong>And while you are stuck inside, scroll down for a fascinating math problem about flying cars (true!) and some great book suggestions for STEM <br>and for kids on the spectrum. </strong></font></p><p align="center"><font color="#9b00d3"><strong><strong><font color="#9b00d3">If you like this post or want to share an event or comment on something you see here, drop me a line – cslevin59 (at) gmail.com</font></strong> </strong></font></p><p align="center"><font color="#9b00d3"><strong>Stay warm and safe! Carol Simon Levin</strong></font></p><p><hr><hr></p><h3> </h3><h3><a href="https://patch.com/new-jersey/bridgewater/bridgewater-raritan-parents-march-sunday-their-kids-lives">Bridgewater-Raritan Parents To March Sunday March 11th For Their Kids Lives</a></h3><h4>Parents created a "Not In Our Town" group for a safer school environment for their children following the Parkland shooting.</h4><p><img width="491" height="368" alt="Bridgewater-Raritan Parents To March Sunday For Their Kids Lives" src="https://cdn20.patchcdn.com/users/22871539/20180306/115019/styles/T800x600/public/processed_images/28826963_10155136328440894_989242534504469964_o-1520354727-6441.jpg"></p><p>By <a href="https://patch.com/users/alexsis-tarrazi">Alexis Tarrazi, Patch Staff </a> <em>(Image via Neha Limaye)</em><p>Bridgewater-Raritan parents and grandparents will be marching on Sunday to create a safer school environment for their children in the district.<p><strong>The </strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/196811407746452/"><strong>march</strong></a><strong> will be held Sunday at 9 a.m. at the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Basilone Field parking lot, 700 Garretson Road, in Bridgewater.</strong><p>"We are doing this march with a different purpose," said Neha Limaye, co-chair of the Student Empowerment Committee in the Not In Our Town group. "It's not just limited to gun violence, it's about mental health, student support and security."<p>The Limaye and co-chair Komal Sheth are working with the police department to come up with a route. All of the community is invited to join the march and bring signs or whatever they like. Limaye asks participants to leave backpacks and big bags at home for security reasons.<p>The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/225508224662806/">"Not In Our Town" group</a> was started by Niki Dawson and her neighbor Adrienne Sorensen two days after the shooting. Dawson and Sorenson both have children in the school system.<p>"We were overwhelmed by it all and didn't know what to do or how to act," Dawson said. "When I went back to work I thought about the helplessness of it all. I realized we have to act or we will be the ones facing the same tragedy."<p><strong>"Our major focus right now is to work with the school administration to help with social isolation in kids. The next potential school shooter is that kid sitting alone at lunch," Dawson said. "We need to empower kids to reach out to those kids and try to befriend them. And see if can get resources to them and make sure they don't grow up to be an angry, frustrated teen who might have access to a gun."</strong><p>To learn more about the parents march check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/196811407746452/">Facebook event page here</a>. To join or for more information on the "Not In Our Town" group <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/225508224662806/">click here.</a></p><p> </p><p><hr><hr></p><p><img width="456" height="116" src="http://childrensmuseumnj.org/Header.GIF"></p><p><strong><font size="3">Join us on Sunday, March 11 from 1 to 4 pm for NJ Makers Day!</font></strong><p> <p><img width="277" height="214" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" alt="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/07febcdf3f7e14e34c0db25ef/images/5a4b52d4-3985-4b01-be53-4899438f0a0a.jpg"><h3><strong><font color="#ff0000">NJ MAKERS DAY!</font></strong></h3><p><strong>NJ Makers Day is a celebration of maker culture across New Jersey.</strong> This all-ages event connects individuals with libraries, schools, businesses, and independent makerspaces that support making, tinkering, crafting, manufacturing, and STEM-based learning.</p><p><br>Join us for a fun day of science, engineering, and crafting. We'll have materials to <strong>make your own instruments, a Nerdy Derby of DIY mini-sleds, computers to explore coding, electronics and circuits</strong>, and much, much more!</p><p>CALL FOR MAKERS! Do you have a hobby, craft or technology project you'd like to share? This is your chance! Contact us to share your work at NJ Makers Day!</p><p>Families can arrive and leave at any time. Parents and/or caregivers are expected to stay with children during the museum visit. Please use discretion in bringing very young children, as the museum is NOT baby-proof (some craft items are small and could present a choking hazard). This program, IN PARTICULAR, has a lot of small items, and we STRONGLY Recommend that small children with any propensity to place things in their mouth not attend.</p><p>Location: The PeopleCare Center, 120 Finderne Avenue, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 (parking and entrance are in the rear of the building). <br>Cost: A $3/ per child donation is suggested for those who can afford it. </p><p>For more information, <a href="mailto:somersetcminfo@gmail.com">somersetcminfo@gmail.com</a> or call at 908-725-4677.</p><hr><hr><p><img width="500" height="127" alt="NJ Makers Day logo" src="https://sclsnj.org/wp-content/uploads/makersday_2017_title.png"><strong><br clear="all">Check out Somerset County Library System Maker events here: <br></strong><a title="https://sclsnj.org/be-an-sclsnj-maker/" href="https://sclsnj.org/be-an-sclsnj-maker/"><strong>https://sclsnj.org/be-an-sclsnj-maker/</strong></a></p><p><strong>There are many other Maker’s Day weekend events all over our area – see all the events here: </strong><a title="http://njmakersday.org/index.php/sitelocations/" href="http://njmakersday.org/index.php/sitelocations/"><strong>http://njmakersday.org/index.php/sitelocations/</strong></a><br clear="all"></p><hr><hr><p>Yet another event this Sunday!</p><p><img width="247" height="152" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" alt="Splash Image" src="https://hulafrogsugar.com/hulafrogphoto/gky_uploads/2014/01/728-x-450px-3-boys-marching-st-patricks-parade-std.jpg"></p><p> </p><h6><a href="https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj/st-patrick-s-day-parade-somerville/"><font size="3">St. Patrick's Day Parade</font></a> </h6><h6><font size="3">Somerville Sunday March 11th</font></h6><p>1 Division Street 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm <br><a href="https://somervillesaintpatricksparade.com/"><strong><small>WEBSITE</small></strong></a><p>The Somerville Saint Patrick's Parade is now in it's lucky 27th year of continuous existence.This year, the parade celebrates Grand Marshal Finbarr Kirby!<hr><hr><p><strong>Looking for more things to do this week? check out </strong><a href="https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj"><strong>Bridgewater Hulafrog</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BFYpmZ2QIHkXqLTkDnRZNMDLBIPw-EPdJbEC94CwVrSAmMgrq3eTXLIlmZ517-oJKy_lnoFhe4Od-co4gqTev5ogITmHFyOYFv_U0gVcFYmvw_8Qwe93pDDD_loMseqyZEiAAIvxgpk/s1600-h/image%255B3%255D"><img width="467" height="197" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAhYsPfGW-naGYPqpTWCkZZuBJ6ONtWLhmJRBTxZwTVuNeb7uExu1YbDCheaG6ff-kCjx2qY3D1iRKlyNlpaEFZvWKVdRGGrRwckKEddzyaBvQsDuUXNh0GmpHAAxHU7s3HBbPgy2Qx8/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><br clear="all"><hr></p><hr><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqe_iL_SOtJNL2DCxdHvaXjt7j5taNb7OJWBzRNfG4fGhrgvbwUBxeRMhiaK7C50n-PngC5NEMxknjwWhvXAdPIndxlvd1fPZw8BC-9m0g2RL_CNRaI8BfMlSHlXqIH_tuyKzXF57uGU/s1600-h/image3"><img width="498" height="366" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtx7rEor1M9pLSie1SEkwrGdodpfGhmiJxVEMP-mjeZ8JqPHri2bWCTLfoDDIooVMHFw-1zFbbu-cGrAA_Xp223uXOq7Zh9A_sWfKueSbVr2f7V66xqepeUUYcqQUHnJrPTH3wmGYZE0/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><strong>THE 2018 STAGE FESTIVAL INTERACTIVE <a href="https://stagesfestival.org/">CALENDAR </a>IS UP AND RUNNING!</strong>Visit <a href="https://stagesfestival.org/">stagesfestival.org</a> to search 90+ performances, readings, workshops, camp samplers, and special theatre events all over New Jersey throughout the month of March. 85% of them are <strong>FREE</strong>, and the rest run from $2 to $20.<p>Every March, The Stages Festival offers free and discounted performances, workshops, play readings, and behind-the-scenes events for all ages. <strong>Make sure you're the first to learn about Stages Festival events by<a href="https://njtheatrealliance.org/newsletter"> signing up</a> for our mailing list. </strong>The Stages Festival is in its 21st year of bringing free and low-cost theatre to comunities across New Jersey.<p>Events are presented by <a href="https://njtheatrealliance.org/theatres">professional Equity theatres</a>; some take place at their theatres, and some take place in libraries, community centers, performing arts houses, senior centers and more.<p>Bring your family and your friends, to experience the quality, inspiration and richness that New Jersey's professional theatres have to offer. Find a <a href="http://bwlibys.blogspot.com/stagesfestival.org">Stages event</a> near you.<hr><hr><p><img width="487" height="228" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/2e8c71ce201/9cc6d19b-6a4b-4f70-8e39-f8c7f0ba0a13.jpg" border="0" hspace="0"><p> <p><strong><font size="4"><br clear="all">Astronomy Programs<br clear="all"></font></strong><img width="115" height="155" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/2e8c71ce201/87634710-2695-4fc2-a4e8-4bfcc9404d40.png" border="0" hspace="0"></p><p><strong>Perfect Little Planet</strong> <p>Saturdays, March 10, 17 at 3 pm<p>A family from another star system is seeking the perfect vacation spot. Which of our planets will they choose? (for ages 6-12)<br clear="all"></p><p><img width="147" height="91" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/2e8c71ce201/cfe5a1a3-9ec6-4aaf-bc5f-f6c803778008.png" border="0" hspace="0"></p><p> <p> <p><strong>From Earth to the Universe</strong> <p>Saturdays, March 10, 17, 24 at 7 pm<p>Philosophers and scientists from the Greeks to Galileo began to unravel some of the mysteries of the Universe. Telescopes have expanded our knowledge. Fly by the planets and beyond to learn more about our place in space. The program also includes a brief tour of the current night sky in our digital planetarium. (Recommended for ages 10 to adult)<p>Admission: $8 per person for one show, $14 per person for two shows on the same day.<p><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001O1sNNbwtxASNnVjeMzwq6bDkjTbN1V6wjwtMonsYOvllx5Mjz7P9u5plJ1Myxiudl_KLaAWO-w8oCYScrWr_ibEIZiP-fM6sOOPI4F2SuCtWUbka-TMDWb1N_gudDFj-T6Z_x6aoyDRhJ2SUeyomL0gA3Hk31ZazNfLN59jhr9iPdlHEh3DgU5qqeSJF7CY4Nc2Tj8Swvgd-GOGU454o2kxQ7CASXkGCECUVRU72pVM=&c=Rl959EYXxlGcEYIMvpvR2U8rhcnWqyXdQQ17ZAPtOfS3UJRNtT8NXg==&ch=GO-PZCXD6Y3lKMYD487KdqjfGitgpgUIsrv52SQ-r41Cwx08kjI8nw==">Check our website for the full schedule.</a><p> <p><img width="147" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/2e8c71ce201/5702707a-cc88-454d-9822-e0adae54d73a.jpg" border="0" hspace="0"></p><p> <p><strong>Laser Concerts</strong><p>Laser Pop Rock <p>Saturdays, March 3, 10, 17 at 4 pm<p>Lasers dance across the dome while music is played. Songs include "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" by The Tokens, "Campfire Song Song" by Spongebob Squarepants, and "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift. (for ages 6-12)</p><p><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001O1sNNbwtxASNnVjeMzwq6bDkjTbN1V6wjwtMonsYOvllx5Mjz7P9u-4Qix8lIKhIMdosKhfLKqrWObbPX_pixBVZXy5DZW-2a1bUp40hPyvlqNN_iOeBKbXBFhR0QLS-4mJXFldHDVgw6cSsadZyKRIEE3TYbwI1XX75kKK_rDJFbKoda-CtXdvcLUQtzEa5xSK9EjMsTZO_LtOz6suXgzI-CqXNvMbg_eiXah0PY0o=&c=Rl959EYXxlGcEYIMvpvR2U8rhcnWqyXdQQ17ZAPtOfS3UJRNtT8NXg==&ch=GO-PZCXD6Y3lKMYD487KdqjfGitgpgUIsrv52SQ-r41Cwx08kjI8nw==">Visit our websit</a>e<p><img width="162" height="135" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/2e8c71ce201/80e738cc-ca98-4b58-a1ed-07b4f9def746.jpg" border="0" hspace="0"><p> <p> <p>Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon laser concert<p>Saturdays, March 3 & 10, 8 pm<p>Enjoy songs from Pink Floyd hit album. Songs include "Time," "Eclipse," and "Money." (Recommended for ages 10-adult)<p><strong>Laser Led Zeppelin</strong><p><strong>Saturdays, March 17 & 24, 8 pm</strong><p>Sit back and relax, listening to "Battle of Evermore," "Stairway to Heaven," and "Houses of the Holy."<p> <p><img width="167" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/2e8c71ce201/526b00a6-1e8e-44a0-ba51-000fb8ea1c1a.jpg" border="0" hspace="0"><p><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001O1sNNbwtxASNnVjeMzwq6bDkjTbN1V6wjwtMonsYOvllx5Mjz7P9u-4Qix8lIKhIMdosKhfLKqrWObbPX_pixBVZXy5DZW-2a1bUp40hPyvlqNN_iOeBKbXBFhR0QLS-4mJXFldHDVgw6cSsadZyKRIEE3TYbwI1XX75kKK_rDJFbKoda-CtXdvcLUQtzEa5xSK9EjMsTZO_LtOz6suXgzI-CqXNvMbg_eiXah0PY0o=&c=Rl959EYXxlGcEYIMvpvR2U8rhcnWqyXdQQ17ZAPtOfS3UJRNtT8NXg==&ch=GO-PZCXD6Y3lKMYD487KdqjfGitgpgUIsrv52SQ-r41Cwx08kjI8nw==">Visit our website</a><p><strong>Programs for Young Visitors</strong> <p>Our youngest visitors can enjoy age-appropriate programs on the last Saturday of the Month. *We are closed on March 31, so shows are on March 24.<p><strong>Rockin' Rocket Ride</strong><p>Saturday, March 24 at 3:00 pm <p>Put on your space suit and blast off into outer space to visit the Moon, Sun, and planets. A lively experience for young people with music from the CD "Journey into Space" by Jane Murphy. Recommended for ages 3-8.<p><strong>SkyLights</strong><p><strong>Saturday, March 24 at 4:00 pm</strong><p>Sing along with songs by mr. RAY (Family Ride, Kalien the Alien) and Jane Murphy (Moon Rock Rock, The Planet Song) as well as fun tunes like "Purple People Eater," "Let It Go," and "ABC-123" by the Jackson Five. Some songs are illustrated with lasers while others feature video images. Recommended for ages 3-8.<p><img width="167" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/2e8c71ce201/542f08ee-654d-4afc-9152-486ebbcbe17d.jpg" border="0" hspace="0"><p> <p>Observatory <p>Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open to the public on Saturdays from 7:00 p.m. to about 10:00 p.m. <p>Please note, we will not open if it is too cold. <p>What's up in the Sky?<p>Mercury and Venus are low on the western horizon at sunset this month. Mercury moves closer to the Sun after mid-month, disappearing from our view, yet again. Venus continues to slowly climb higher in the evening twilight.<p>Before sunrise, Saturn, Mars, and Jupiter are the planets to look for. Mars is moving closer to the ringed planet and farther from Jupiter.<p>There are two full moons this month, so the second is referred to as a "blue moon." The last blue moon was in January. The next won't be until October 2020. <p>The Vernal Equinox is on March 20 at 12:15 pm EDT.<p><b>Time to Spring Ahead! </b><b>Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 11.</b><p> <p>Planetarium at Raritan Valley Community College | 908-231-8805 | <a href="mailto:planet@raritanval.edu">p</a>lanet@raritanval.edu | <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001O1sNNbwtxASNnVjeMzwq6bDkjTbN1V6wjwtMonsYOvllx5Mjz7P9uwUmdbgGht1pY9aqx8tAZC87dgEU2oHaMF_AkcRwzjIctP8ePD5TRfifznXaLWvM6UD8bCAPxHDHJ3a3x3LnJMtbWbO57IHvxdeA6GRJh8YzLsQOyFkfKZMicUFnly6Y7uX1Kc1-Jjhd&c=Rl959EYXxlGcEYIMvpvR2U8rhcnWqyXdQQ17ZAPtOfS3UJRNtT8NXg==&ch=GO-PZCXD6Y3lKMYD487KdqjfGitgpgUIsrv52SQ-r41Cwx08kjI8nw==">w</a>ww.raritanval.edu/planetarium <p>RVCC Planetarium, 118 Lamington Road, North Branch, NJ 08876<hr><hr><p> <h3>Melissa Taylor at <a href="https://imaginationsoup.net">Imagination Soup</a> has created some wonderful booklists I am eager to share with you. </h3><p><strong><a href="https://imaginationsoup.net/2018/02/15/books-kids-characters-autism-spectrum/">CHARACTERS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM</a></strong><p><strong></strong><p><strong><a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/38uoxw365tkhrzg7g/78i7h8/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWFnaW5hdGlvbnNvdXAubmV0LzIwMTgvMDIvMTUvYm9va3Mta2lkcy1jaGFyYWN0ZXJzLWF1dGlzbS1zcGVjdHJ1bS8="><img width="485" height="199" alt="" src="https://convertkit.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/pictures/68030/1104431/content_childrens_books_with_characters_on_the_autism_spectrum.jpg"></a></strong><p>Recently, I previewed an excellent soon-to-be-published book called <em><a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/38uoxw365tkhrzg7g/r9fo0qr4ao/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aWx0cGFyZW50aW5nLmNvbS8=">Differently Wired</a>.</em> It shared that 1 in 5 school-age kids is neurological diverse (if you include all the labels of atypical brains such as giftedness, learning disorders, autism, ADHD, anxiety, etc.). The author points out that this 20% of kids is still struggling to fit in schools for a variety of reasons, one being that their way of thinking is not always accepted or understood. It reminded me that we must be sharing books with our children that include neurodiversity. (For the neurodiverse kids to know they're not alone and for other kids to develop empathy.) <p>To that end, I created this list of 23 <a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/38uoxw365tkhrzg7g/wwtpn0w6sg/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWFnaW5hdGlvbnNvdXAubmV0LzIwMTgvMDIvMTUvYm9va3Mta2lkcy1jaGFyYWN0ZXJzLWF1dGlzbS1zcGVjdHJ1bS8=">best picture and chapter books that have characters on the autism spectrum.</a> Similarly, you might want to read: <a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/38uoxw365tkhrzg7g/06crkz5na9/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWFnaW5hdGlvbnNvdXAubmV0LzIwMTYvMDQvMjIvbGVhcm5pbmctZGlmZmVyZW5jZXMtY2hpbGRyZW5zLWJvb2tzLw==">Learning Differences in Children's Books</a> and <a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/38uoxw365tkhrzg7g/xksph6/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWFnaW5hdGlvbnNvdXAubmV0LzIwMTYvMDMvMjgvYm9va3MtdGhhdC10ZWFjaC1lbXBhdGh5LXBoeXNpY2FsLWRpc2FiaWxpdGllcy8=">Books About Characters Who Have Physical Disabilities</a>.<p><strong>Great Books to Encourage Kids & STEM</strong><p><strong></strong><p><strong><a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/38uoxw365tkhrzg7g/60aeh8/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWFnaW5hdGlvbnNvdXAubmV0LzIwMTgvMDIvMjAvc3RlbS1lbmdpbmVlcmluZy1pbnZlbnRpb24tYm9va3Mv"><img width="479" height="193" alt="" src="https://convertkit.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/pictures/68030/1104438/content_STEM_Engineering_and_Invention_Picture_Books.jpg"></a></strong><p>Do your kids love STEM topics? Check out these <a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/38uoxw365tkhrzg7g/2xbzkdlrto/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWFnaW5hdGlvbnNvdXAubmV0LzIwMTgvMDIvMjAvc3RlbS1lbmdpbmVlcmluZy1pbnZlbnRpb24tYm9va3Mv">STEM picture books about engineering and invention</a> -- with some standout new titles just published. Older readers will want to try one of <a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/38uoxw365tkhrzg7g/p7hkr39ma9/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWFnaW5hdGlvbnNvdXAubmV0LzIwMTgvMDIvMTUvc3RlbS1zdGVhbS1jaGFwdGVyLWJvb2tzLWtpZHMv">these STEM chapter books about science, technology, engineering, and math</a>. Who knows, maybe these books will light a fire about a particular STEM subject. <p><strong>TIPS TO GET KIDS TO READ MORE</strong><p>Kaye Newton spent a year trying to find ways to get her screen-loving kids to read more. She gives us <a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/38uoxw365tkhrzg7g/3zuvmrdeak/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWFnaW5hdGlvbnNvdXAubmV0LzIwMTgvMDIvMTkvc3RlcHMtc2NyZWVuLWxvdmluZy1raWQtZW5qb3ktYm9va3Mv">four helpful tips here</a>.<p><strong>WRITING A STORY</strong><p>Want picture books that show the authors journey, plotting, and finding good story ideas? Here are <a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/38uoxw365tkhrzg7g/35ivmrd0ik/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWFnaW5hdGlvbnNvdXAubmV0LzIwMTgvMDIvMjMvMjAtcGljdHVyZS1ib29rcy13cml0aW5nLXN0b3J5Lw==">20 titles</a> to use at home, in your homeschool, or in a writing workshop. (With a printable list.) <p><strong>ADDITION CARD GAME </strong><p>We've found a new math and bluffing game to add to our family game night -- <a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/38uoxw365tkhrzg7g/vlf6r0mehr/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWFnaW5hdGlvbnNvdXAubmV0LzIwMTgvMDIvMjAvb3VyLWZhbWlseS1sb3ZlZC10aGlzLWFkZGl0aW9uLWNhcmQtZ2FtZS8=">Check the Fridge</a>! It got us laughing and using addition skills so it's win-win in my book. (And I imagine yours, too. Read more about it <a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/38uoxw365tkhrzg7g/o6tdv8k0cq/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWFnaW5hdGlvbnNvdXAubmV0LzIwMTgvMDIvMjAvb3VyLWZhbWlseS1sb3ZlZC10aGlzLWFkZGl0aW9uLWNhcmQtZ2FtZS8=">here</a>.)<p><strong>GROWTH MINDSET</strong><p><img width="340" height="305" src="https://convertkit.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/pictures/68030/1078102/content_Screen_Shot_2018-02-14_at_9.04.24_AM.png"><p>Remember the <a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/38uoxw365tkhrzg7g/4wcxplrkfe/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWdsaWZlam91cm5hbC5jb20vP2FmZj04NA==">Big Life Journal</a>? I'm so excited about their <a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/38uoxw365tkhrzg7g/xqs2r486t6/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWdsaWZlam91cm5hbC5jb20vY29sbGVjdGlvbnMvcHJpbnRhYmxlcy9wcm9kdWN0cy9jaGFsbGVuZ2VzLWtpdC1wZGY_YWZmPTg0">Growth Mindset 5-Day Challenge</a>! The challenge kit is filled with 27 pages of interactive and engaging activities for kids to do with a buddy. Want to do this? <a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/38uoxw365tkhrzg7g/43avhe/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWdsaWZlam91cm5hbC5jb20vY29sbGVjdGlvbnMvcHJpbnRhYmxlcy9wcm9kdWN0cy9jaGFsbGVuZ2VzLWtpdC1wZGY_YWZmPTg0">GET IT HERE</a>.<p>Don't miss this list of <a href="https://el2.convertkit-mail2.com/c/38uoxw365tkhrzg7g/9pbgn362fn/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWFnaW5hdGlvbnNvdXAubmV0LzIwMTgvMDIvMjIvMTQtZ3Jvd3RoLW1pbmRzZXQtcGljdHVyZS1ib29rcy8=">14 growth mindset picture books</a> to help your child learn to see mistakes as wonderful potential. (Includes a printable list.)<p><hr><hr><p>Try some daily fun math from <strong><a href="http://bedtimemath.org/">Bedtimemath.org</a></strong>:<p><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001j9DE6Xqxu63wY_79NTNWq58KlD_eJWTwiXS6OCAnGrWK1XqQKJtS9GcnADriqUzykmmVzKvjsloZI7WKoOK0IyzC2Oyd3l2PAc_mHSchf28XpkC6yUXOrYd8bjmkvL-iSa9kfVd0RcL3bjjgh0SuxWQzm9I_vkcbvH-ETfzQ_to=&c=pNEqx6idxZIxyqscttO-txH5SaDRbN1cTWZQAN3AiYDA0vmAbevBsw==&ch=-2C0o_hZM8hnIxo6fwd_xsXgv41C-mCfYCZ9kfSiDEE8cNSRpexD_g=="><img width="444" height="97" style="margin: 5px;" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/55221684201/931dd3f5-fd00-4092-85fc-f1d9fa23f870.jpg" border="0" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><p><img width="318" height="211" align="left" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/55221684201/2424c9d8-4abd-45c7-8212-e252522e9d88.jpg" border="0" vspace="5" hspace="5"><p>When you're a grown-up and can drive a car, it's exciting to zoom down the road really fast. But what if that car could <em>fly</em>? As crazy as that idea sounds, <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001j9DE6Xqxu63wY_79NTNWq58KlD_eJWTwiXS6OCAnGrWK1XqQKJtS9MbCPCAGZzZH4SIxN1WOIlZ2YBmqLgECpjQuWEuh2REl7zoj7xJzjctlqYeI2yr4HXN2h8_oTLZgO8NZ9rM2iPX2fC2FS-ioXFODZb1iUCm9cZUReXPWStPntqBEzphZjGtYSFjQGZ-HR8j0-FYJcgsw3Dl0crD18izhPmXShagq_kGvmHgQnYpJPgZQf_IYb4oHVqYMRvuwAVO4PqUBn9eXtFKh-LT9K1IU5EECaKtu802KEni8Sjy_HllBLuQf7ZhpnEd4nuI1&c=pNEqx6idxZIxyqscttO-txH5SaDRbN1cTWZQAN3AiYDA0vmAbevBsw==&ch=-2C0o_hZM8hnIxo6fwd_xsXgv41C-mCfYCZ9kfSiDEE8cNSRpexD_g==">flying cars</a> are almost here. The TF-X, being built by Terrafugia, will have fold-up wings that can tuck away so it just looks like a car. But those wings will also pop out to open up little helicopter rotors, which will lift the car high into the air. You can drive, then just drive right up into the sky! The inventors at Terrafugia hope to finish the first car, or "prototype," next year. It will be so exciting when we're stuck in traffic to pop out those wings and fly over everyone -- but then we're going to have a lot of traffic in the air!<p><em>Wee ones:</em> The TF-X flying car will hold 4 people. If you're 1 of them, how many people can drive and fly with you? <p><em>Little kids:</em> Which is faster, a car driving 62 miles an hour or a car flying 200 miles an hour? <em>Bonus:</em> If you could fly this car to school in just 40 seconds, how would you count up the seconds in 10s? Try it! <p><em>Big kids:</em> If you drive your flying car for 15 minutes, then take off and soar for 13 minutes, then land again and drive 5 minutes before stopping, how long is your whole trip? <em>Bonus:</em> If the TF-X really can cruise at 200 miles an hour, how far will it travel in 2 1/2 hours?<p>Answers:<p><em>Wee ones:</em> 3 other people. <p><em>Little kids:</em> The car flying 200 miles an hour. <em>Bonus:</em> 10, 20, 30, 40.<p><em>Big kids:</em> 33 minutes. <em>Bonus:</em> 500 miles.<p>And now: did you ever wonder what a dinosaur weighs? Find out tomorrow on Bedtime Math!<p><strong>© 2016-18 Bedtime Math Foundation. All rights reserved. </strong><p align="center">BEDTIME MATH and the BEDTIME MATH logo are registered trademarks of Bedtime Math Foundation and may not be used without permission. The names of other companies, products, and services are the property of their respective owners.<br clear="all"><font color="#9b00d3"><hr><hr></font></p><p align="center"><strong><font color="#9b00d3">Hope everyone is digging out safely from the storm! </font></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><font color="#9b00d3">All the best,</font></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><font color="#9b00d3">Carol Simon Levin</font></strong></p>Carol Simon Levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13916459930086614680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256479139823175614.post-80765631932125374032018-02-15T16:47:00.001-05:002018-02-15T16:47:52.628-05:00Love Live Theater? Check out Family Day Festival in New Brunswick on Monday as well as NJ Stages Festival in March<h5><a href="http://www.njartsmaven.com/2018/02/12th-annual-state-theatre-new-jersey.html">12th Annual State Theatre New Jersey Family Day on Presidents Day</a></h5><p><strong><em><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9kC9my66wtQ/WoSubqUXgpI/AAAAAAAAlrI/5ajjUPzK_IE4It-SmfmOPauDPfcaZWdbACHMYCw/s1600-h/StateTheatreNJ_FamilyDay2017-7237%255B5%255D"><img width="470" height="313" title="StateTheatreNJ_FamilyDay2017-7237" alt="StateTheatreNJ_FamilyDay2017-7237" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-18qjTdK4Nr8/WoSucRmDq-I/AAAAAAAAlrM/-UGegwZUQkQVnmEh-i8fT4gi8L0CQPg2gCHMYCw/StateTheatreNJ_FamilyDay2017-7237_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></em></strong><p><strong><em>NEW JERSEY FAMILY DAY</em></strong><p><strong>WHEN:</strong> <b>Monday, February 19, 2018,</b> featuring <b><i>Mr. Popper’s Penguins</i></b> at <b>10am, 12:30pm, and 3pm</b>.<br><strong>WHERE</strong>: State Theatre NJ, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick; The Heldrich Hotel, Mason Gross School of the Arts, and the United Methodist Church<br><strong>TICKETS:</strong> $25-$35.<br>For tickets or more information, call State Theatre New Jersey Guest Services at 732-246-SHOW (7469), or visit us online at <a href="http://www.statetheatrenj.org/">STNJ.org</a>. State Theatre New Jersey Guest Services, located at 15 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ, is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 6pm; Saturday from 1pm-5pm; and at least three hours prior to curtain on performance dates unless otherwise specified. For information on group outings and discounts, call 732-247-7200, ext. 536.<i> Some additional ticket and transaction fees may apply.</i><br>Family Day is supported by The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey.<p><i></i><p>The show follows painter and decorator Mr. Popper, who spends his time dreaming of Antarctic adventures. One day a packing crate arrives on his doorstep and a penguin waddles out. With original songs and performing penguin puppets, this musical adaptation of Richard and Florence Atwater’s popular book is suitable for all ages.
<p><b>Presidents Day is Family Day at the State Theatre</b><p>Families can spend the school-day holiday enjoying dozens of performances, workshops, and hands-on activities—many of them free—plus costumed characters, face painting, balloon animals, sing-a-longs, a photo booth, coloring station, food, and more. The festival, which runs<strong> from 10am to 3:30pm</strong>, features multiple venues.<p>“Spending quality time together as a family helps build strong, healthy relationships and that’s why The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey is excited to support this year’s Family Day,” said Executive Director Jonathan Pearson of The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey. “We’re very happy to again team up with the State Theatre New Jersey to help improve the quality of life for families throughout the state. On behalf of everyone at Horizon, we hope all of the children and families have fun and make memories to last a lifetime.”<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3xJUuAWATK8/WoSucwGNrgI/AAAAAAAAlrQ/Nl2ZEzLbNTIotiPkJKiGHuyGlBoJHfDTACHMYCw/s1600-h/CM3_4079_DxO%255B5%255D"><img width="470" height="311" title="CM3_4079_DxO" alt="CM3_4079_DxO" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Qzv2-Q1WI4/WoSudarAciI/AAAAAAAAlrU/YRvNmM3rCzQd9B9ZR2pYs_z8R30qQXe5ACHMYCw/CM3_4079_DxO_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p>The featured Family Day events include performances of <b><em>Mr. Popper’s Penguins </em></b>at <b>10am, 12:30pm, and 3pm</b> at State Theatre New Jersey. Additionally, there will be free performances in the United Methodist Church, including performances by the <b>Joanie Leeds</b> <i>(10:45am, 11:45am) </i>and one-man band <b>KB Whirly</b> <i>(1pm, 2pm)</i>.<p>A variety of hands-on workshops take place throughout the day, including <b>“Hand-in-Hand”</b> for ages 3-4 <i>(10am)</i>, a <b>Beginning Ballet</b> workshop<b> </b>for ages 6-8 <i>(12pm)</i>,<b> </b>and a <b>Jazz/Theater Dance </b>workshop for ages 9 and up <i>(2pm),</i> led by American Repertory Ballet; three theater workshops led by coLAB Arts including <b>“Fables in Performance”</b> for ages 3-5 <i>(11am), </i><b>“Penguin Journey”</b> for ages 3-5<i> (1pm), </i>and <b>“Intro to Improv and Theater Games”</b> for ages 9 and up <i>(2:30pm); </i>and this year we welcome the Garden of Healing Yoga and Wellness Center leading <b>“Yoga Mad Libs”</b> (<i>10:30am, 12:30pm)</i>, <b>“Zumbini” </b>for ages 0-4 (<i>11:30am)</i>, and <b>“Kids Zumba” </b>for ages 7-11 (<i>1:30pm).</i> Additionally, FREE arts and crafts activities, will be available from 10am-3:30pm at Mason Gross School of the Arts Bloustein building and on Livingston Avenue there will be FREE Ice Sculpting Demonstrations as 11:15am and 1:45pm. No registration is required for the workshops: first come, first served.<p>State Theatre New Jersey’s Family Day is supported by The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey. State Theatre New Jersey’s Family Series is sponsored by Investor’s Bank. The Family Day Media Sponsor is Magic 98.3.<p><i>State Theatre New Jersey—creating extraordinary experiences through the power of live performance. The theater exists to enrich people’s lives, contribute to a vital urban environment, and build future audiences by presenting the finest performing artists and entertainers and fostering lifetime appreciation for the performing arts through education. State Theatre New Jersey’s programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals. The Heldrich is the official hotel of State Theatre New Jersey. The Star-Ledger is the official newspaper of State Theatre New Jersey. United is the official airline of State Theatre New Jersey.</i><p><em>Thanks to Ruth Ross <a title="http://www.njartsmaven.com" href="http://www.njartsmaven.com">www.njartsmaven.com</a> for this information.</em><hr><hr><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqe_iL_SOtJNL2DCxdHvaXjt7j5taNb7OJWBzRNfG4fGhrgvbwUBxeRMhiaK7C50n-PngC5NEMxknjwWhvXAdPIndxlvd1fPZw8BC-9m0g2RL_CNRaI8BfMlSHlXqIH_tuyKzXF57uGU/s1600-h/image3"><img width="498" height="366" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtx7rEor1M9pLSie1SEkwrGdodpfGhmiJxVEMP-mjeZ8JqPHri2bWCTLfoDDIooVMHFw-1zFbbu-cGrAA_Xp223uXOq7Zh9A_sWfKueSbVr2f7V66xqepeUUYcqQUHnJrPTH3wmGYZE0/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p> <p><strong>THE 2018 STAGE FESTIVAL INTERACTIVE <a href="https://stagesfestival.org/">CALENDAR </a>IS UP AND RUNNING!</strong>Visit <a href="https://stagesfestival.org/">stagesfestival.org</a> to search 90+ performances, readings, workshops, camp samplers, and special theatre events all over New Jersey throughout the month of March. 85% of them are <strong>FREE</strong>, and the rest run from $2 to $20.<p>Every March, The Stages Festival offers free and discounted performances, workshops, play readings, and behind-the-scenes events for all ages. <strong>Make sure you're the first to learn about Stages Festival events by<a href="https://njtheatrealliance.org/newsletter"> signing up</a> for our mailing list. </strong>The Stages Festival is in its 21st year of bringing free and low-cost theatre to comunities across New Jersey.<p>Events are presented by <a href="https://njtheatrealliance.org/theatres">professional Equity theatres</a>; some take place at their theatres, and some take place in libraries, community centers, performing arts houses, senior centers and more.<p>Bring your family and your friends, to experience the quality, inspiration and richness that New Jersey's professional theatres have to offer. Find a <a href="stagesfestival.org">Stages event</a> near you.<hr><hr>Carol Simon Levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13916459930086614680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256479139823175614.post-9021196134361980902018-02-13T15:15:00.001-05:002018-02-13T22:03:58.964-05:00Thanks to everyone who came to my Retirement Party, Caldecott & Newbery Winners Announced, Meet “Peter Pan” “Thomas Jefferson” & “Cinderella” plus indoor play spaces for cold days.<p>I want to thank everyone who came to my <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ExTHWvByrh1bi2f6D0YnIa8vz2PNiJa0">retirement</a> party on Sunday 2/11/18. It was so gratifying to be able to see people and say goodbye. I tried to send “thank you’s” individually but realized I didn’t have emails, addresses or phone numbers for Benjamin & Annika and Billy’s families. Please contact me at cslevin59 (at) gmail.com and know your cards, gifts, flowers, bookmarks, and (last but definitely not least!) kind words were so appreciated! <hr><hr><p><a href="https://imaginationsoup.net/2018/02/12/2018-newbery-caldecott-awards/"><img width="212" height="508" alt="2018 Caldecott winner and honor books" src="https://imaginationsoup.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-Caldecott-winner-and-honor-books.jpg"></a><a href="https://imaginationsoup.net/2018/02/12/2018-newbery-caldecott-awards/"><img width="237" height="511" alt="2018 Newbery Award Winner and Honor Books" src="https://imaginationsoup.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-newbery-winner-and-honor-books.jpg"></a><p><strong>Caldecott & Newbery Winners were announced this week -- Read more: <a title="http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecottmedal" href="http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecottmedal"><font size="2">http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecottmedal</font></a><br><a title="http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberymedal" href="http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberymedal">http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberymedal</a></strong><p><strong></strong><hr><strong><font size="5">Upcoming activities:</font></strong><hr><h3><a href="https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj/?nos=1"><img width="467" height="171" alt="Hulafrog | Local things for kids to do." src="https://www.hulafrog.com/hulastock/emails/hulafrog_logo_with_tagline.png"></a><br><a href="https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj/hula-hot-list-indoor-play-places-when-it-s-cold-outside-near-bridgewater-489012">Hula Hot List: Indoor Play Places When It's Cold Outside Near Bridgewater!</a></h3><a href="https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj/hula-hot-list-indoor-play-places-when-it-s-cold-outside-near-bridgewater-489012/"><h3> </h3><h3><img width="461" height="190" alt="Featured Image" src="https://hulafrogsugar.com/hulafrogphoto/gky_uploads/2016/01/728-x-300px-Jan-16-girl-ice-skater-our-pick.jpg"></h3></a><h3> </h3><h3><font size="2" style="font-weight: normal;">When it's just too cold for outdoor fun but the kids are bouncing off the walls from being cooped up all day, let them get some energy out at one of these indoor places to play! Bonus: Some have added perks like Wifi or coffee for the parents! Check out the list here: </font><a title="https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj/hula-hot-list-indoor-play-places-when-it-s-cold-outside-near-bridgewater-489012" href="https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj/hula-hot-list-indoor-play-places-when-it-s-cold-outside-near-bridgewater-489012"><font size="2" style="font-weight: normal;">https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj/hula-hot-list-indoor-play-places-when-it-s-cold-outside-near-bridgewater-489012</font></a></h3><p> <p><a href="https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj/the-week-ahead-cupcakes-pancakes-toddler-concert7111/?nos=1"><img width="480" height="297" alt="Splash Image" src="https://hulafrogsugar.com/hulafrogphoto/gky_uploads/2014/09/728-x-450px-candy-hearts-red-background-twa.jpg"></a><p>It's officially the week of love! Kick it off with some fabulous, family fun. <a href="https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj/the-week-ahead-cupcakes-pancakes-toddler-concert7111/?nos=1">Check out Hulafrog's "The Week Ahead"</a> for a list of the events that you should not miss this week!<hr><p><img width="500" height="129" alt="" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/3e6be7d3201/35127bed-9a9e-4ab5-8234-13c0968b0d27.jpg" border="0" hspace="0"><p><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mGhsJZu_GWaDelQ19lkX_FzxfgexOFxRyOUsDcV0Vk-9U2xxPVjgCsPolcehXR36DJp20VwIuNXqXkygPYSnsNeLcpvmfM4XvlPpgrnFNhfx5XxEKYJSDeLpMn4VXQnKb1qXVnFoslZ2v-yBZfnO-Z8SnM8je4PwmcM3AFZlSPaSS8aN2icGLg==&c=2iwR2QRSTfn52Z5Ou-xRJ2Oo1mw39vw9RWTFwWI1XKSSPkpm6JLFjA==&ch=7atEJ50po-qr7Yv-mLs9zQpjmJsMwk5xMJRuZv7t6p0LQuZ7WPULXQ==">PODCAST</a> * <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mGhsJZu_GWaDelQ19lkX_FzxfgexOFxRyOUsDcV0Vk-9U2xxPVjgCox8waBhIlLnxvJ6rnBDCk75n_GKbRiI0k17KN3ep5XAf8v13vFhvee5lIaGYs2C3iKwpHxeZj6kamwnWxNCmLBrhWaCn6AdKF29CnCqd_ZH&c=2iwR2QRSTfn52Z5Ou-xRJ2Oo1mw39vw9RWTFwWI1XKSSPkpm6JLFjA==&ch=7atEJ50po-qr7Yv-mLs9zQpjmJsMwk5xMJRuZv7t6p0LQuZ7WPULXQ==">BLOG</a> * <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mGhsJZu_GWaDelQ19lkX_FzxfgexOFxRyOUsDcV0Vk-9U2xxPVjgCkfMQIOQ34k4K1zj8o9_AqeFPQrz20KqQS7_2VKLdMPGh0k4iQaxT5KLoIc48AoY3xx_yWoTuRMKt9QQeuNe8PvII4KDfa0OhjGmqm7KLQD6IkvHoshi5Xaxv7U4nONPu8pUKuud9dCw&c=2iwR2QRSTfn52Z5Ou-xRJ2Oo1mw39vw9RWTFwWI1XKSSPkpm6JLFjA==&ch=7atEJ50po-qr7Yv-mLs9zQpjmJsMwk5xMJRuZv7t6p0LQuZ7WPULXQ==">NEWS</a> * <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mGhsJZu_GWaDelQ19lkX_FzxfgexOFxRyOUsDcV0Vk-9U2xxPVjgCmFNW9jSwVUXZcu-BBMCTiLPtx3YW4Kfu4LrDvQuGTKztA5uX1QtOnOpZ9Axyzgl_GCwd50VOAGoPgcPpGuvOWOy4lWYLjSP4-gnGKwfAztuqtTnKHyGpM4=&c=2iwR2QRSTfn52Z5Ou-xRJ2Oo1mw39vw9RWTFwWI1XKSSPkpm6JLFjA==&ch=7atEJ50po-qr7Yv-mLs9zQpjmJsMwk5xMJRuZv7t6p0LQuZ7WPULXQ==">CALENDAR</a> * <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mGhsJZu_GWaDelQ19lkX_FzxfgexOFxRyOUsDcV0Vk-9U2xxPVjgCk6eODGdB3QqO9r6AyTdk9hfCctGo1W-FuzuDl08c45s_5dwDYw8gimOuPf-rreMSNbAgz4vb2MZXtt1UIjC7eFGrykqIiBAYe9pd6m-lIOFV3pkolOuPWag9FSvoS11hJe7F_YOLvBp&c=2iwR2QRSTfn52Z5Ou-xRJ2Oo1mw39vw9RWTFwWI1XKSSPkpm6JLFjA==&ch=7atEJ50po-qr7Yv-mLs9zQpjmJsMwk5xMJRuZv7t6p0LQuZ7WPULXQ==">MEMBERSHIP</a><p>DID YOU KNOW? While Frederick Douglass’ exact date of birth is unknown, the abolitionist and African-American icon picked February 14 as the date to celebrate his birthday. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mGhsJZu_GWaDelQ19lkX_FzxfgexOFxRyOUsDcV0Vk-9U2xxPVjgCoGE_mHecpPqJrPBQXJy5mCxylKNkJlJUfIPYeJdL1chIJg6kE9FW-wuUAs5V81f0GrkrG2HXWknVc2qBvvgb0Xt4XX_QpxmtINLehQYL7OGANxbL2O7tZHqFTnzb6l3PMNsZ-1bHlnwS1Lbe7gJzlXFthBzb7-GfAJUC6DNqQ9n&c=2iwR2QRSTfn52Z5Ou-xRJ2Oo1mw39vw9RWTFwWI1XKSSPkpm6JLFjA==&ch=7atEJ50po-qr7Yv-mLs9zQpjmJsMwk5xMJRuZv7t6p0LQuZ7WPULXQ==">Happy African American History Month!</a> Celebrate with some great books <a title="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/2014/03/school-age-storytimes-black-history.html" href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/2014/03/school-age-storytimes-black-history.html">http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/2014/03/school-age-storytimes-black-history.html</a><p><img width="500" height="32" alt="" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/3e6be7d3201/ebb6b4d6-cdf2-4df5-a3c9-0b932ec55a88.jpg" border="0" hspace="0"><p> <p><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mGhsJZu_GWaDelQ19lkX_FzxfgexOFxRyOUsDcV0Vk-9U2xxPVjgCrYYsNbk-dbrYvK3t7Yqbrcyw2niuCqM0BDt5VShls8lTlwV1DHIg-VwveYAWRUgtS66xxOTE-68CBTqu9lIjIovh-gPdmAi9P87ybLfzl8PAgIV5WbrvkDPIMPdc5zniN-6mdmHwJMdtNP2OIiISiY=&c=2iwR2QRSTfn52Z5Ou-xRJ2Oo1mw39vw9RWTFwWI1XKSSPkpm6JLFjA==&ch=7atEJ50po-qr7Yv-mLs9zQpjmJsMwk5xMJRuZv7t6p0LQuZ7WPULXQ=="><img width="502" height="344" alt="" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/3e6be7d3201/3c7abe26-e66a-48d0-a0dd-b8d668226eb7.jpg" border="0" hspace="0"> </a><p> <p>Presidents Day Weekend February 17-19, 2018 Free Admission on Presidents Day<p>This Presidents Day Weekend, visitors can participate in a presidential festival while learning about the role of the president and what it takes to be commander in chief. On Presidents Day, Monday, February 19, families can also participate in our Presidential Costume Contest and join us for a Kids Town Hall to meet some very special guests: Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt!<p><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mGhsJZu_GWaDelQ19lkX_FzxfgexOFxRyOUsDcV0Vk-9U2xxPVjgCrYYsNbk-dbrYvK3t7Yqbrcyw2niuCqM0BDt5VShls8lTlwV1DHIg-VwveYAWRUgtS66xxOTE-68CBTqu9lIjIovh-gPdmAi9P87ybLfzl8PAgIV5WbrvkDPIMPdc5zniN-6mdmHwJMdtNP2OIiISiY=&c=2iwR2QRSTfn52Z5Ou-xRJ2Oo1mw39vw9RWTFwWI1XKSSPkpm6JLFjA==&ch=7atEJ50po-qr7Yv-mLs9zQpjmJsMwk5xMJRuZv7t6p0LQuZ7WPULXQ==">LEARN MORE</a><hr><hr><strong>Last weekend for Peter Pan Play at Villagers Theater in Somerset: <br></strong><a href="http://www.villagerstheatre.com/viewproductions/2017peterandstarcatcher/"><font size="3"><strong>Peter and the Starcatcher</strong></font></a><p><img width="472" height="202" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/3f3027e9201/92044065-6522-4682-a311-3a032b1f4bd1.jpg" border="0" hspace="0"><br><strong>Performance Times: </strong>Fridays/Saturdays 8:00pm Sundays 2:00pm<p><strong><a href="https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=77833">Buy Tickets</a></strong><br><strong><a href="http://villagerstheatre.com/tickets/request/">Reservation Request</a></strong><hr><p>Tony-winning Peter and the Starcatcher upends the century-old story of how a miserable orphan comes to be The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up (a.k.a. Peter Pan). A wildly theatrical adaptation of Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s best-selling novels, the play was conceived for the stage by directors, Roger Rees and Alex Timbers, and written by Rick Elice, with music by Wayne Barker. From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, Peter and the Starcatcher playfully explores the depths of greed and despair… and the bonds of friendship, duty and love.<p>A young orphan and his mates are shipped off from Victorian England to a distant island ruled by the evil King Zarboff. They know nothing of the mysterious trunk in the captain’s cabin, which contains a precious, otherworldly cargo. At sea, the boys are discovered by a precocious young girl named Molly, a Starcatcher-in-training who realizes that the trunk’s precious cargo is starstuff, a celestial substance so powerful that it must never fall into the wrong hands. When the ship is taken over by pirates – led by the fearsome Black Stache, a villain determined to claim the trunk and its treasure for his own – the journey quickly becomes a thrilling adventure.<p><hr><p><strong>Monday, February 19 -- Presidents’ Day for Kids</strong> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSlw91-dI4fYejoQloPlgBWOuP4AbZJqGN8Irjrv0mzAE6gx2GB4wlDQOfVKRkpwgf3A0PZGs8p3zhWRjlcDO4M3EmD-E6AVeOzHAjuGhOsqJiD6gpvZ8OvfPLz4kJMNx4h_Yw5xGvZE/s1600-h/image%255B3%255D"><img width="169" height="228" title="image" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7eSVSI42jTbh5UBJv3_a8UNaoaswpjGbZy5urFDe69fmsmpeSnNfYTTCz0Ib4i70LsoKyEhCX8WZEHZh5jOYV3Ntkk0-cyWGljAJtUihz7qmQ0rC7nPyVkp-Rg7XoTcsRJXU7je2p73s/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Montclair, NJ – Monday, February 19 from 10 am to 12 pm. Presidents' Day should be about more than just a good sale. At the Crane House and Historic YWCA, your child will discover how our past presidents (and their wives and children) lived through crafts and other activities at this drop-off program. Activities include a Symbols of our Country scavenger hunt, making a log cabin, play-acting George Washington’s Rules of Civility by the hearth fire, historic selfies, and signing the Declaration of Independence with a quill pen. <p> 110 Orange Road, Montclair. Admission is $10/child. Registration required to <a href="mailto:mail@montclairhistorical.org">mail@montclairhistorical.org</a> or 973-744-1796 to reserve a place by Wednesday, February 14. Appropriate for children ages 6 to 10, children under 6 cannot be left unattended. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001hF6vsEgHB6oViBRUCQTTkKtpJ-tgDYxmhnEShitX9G1SXl4voA7-2wUb-SLJRpmX7TgxoeqhWGcSe-tpwnPBU3dDtXJ736Hb4lgoHMgbzPPEtV1NNbYwAyuv4XycY74FCp7YlEHTv6I417J_j3NkNsDpa4tKowbA&c=j_WxQnYf2hfZbNlleEzTkwU2ZT5jOU1K6hj2TZe9FaK-r6Za8aqahA==&ch=XqHVGAoCoXlmpmJJmgU2jipsoYjChaYpI-oEPt7ENYHvdu3aVGbT-Q==">www.montclairhistory.org</a>. <p><p> If you are not a member, you may join prior to the event or at the event for admission by contacting the Montclair History Center at 973-744-1796, at www.montclairhistory.org, or sending a note to <a href="mailto:mail@montclairhistorical.org">mail@montclairhistorical.org</a>. <hr><p><p><hr><p> <p>Monday, February 19 – Morris County <strong>Abraham Lincoln Remembered</strong><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lQNYT4vQjWJlMFBXTMmmEk71uEhfqp6QuuhRfz2xB6qr-98zLTM4Rxq7KZPMTBUWmS49qTpLClMg3nwN1MJJVmxTzWUQ9l9btfmdugIlwCuDQSZbcpIcGS9hifehNl3SsBc_LhcfGSw/s1600-h/image%255B6%255D"><img width="244" height="188" title="image" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidk8kbYPa91DuvDMU4XGsUMXJC_5dX3hho4nRDIpRmYSzFRpuhlzCoCcs3mddbDR-gtc74sN8WKokGslYP9s2qyqaVzyo7JspsEOgFGJ9Q4pujNJOSVU9hROVOu2onkL592RADo_NfJjA/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>10:00-11:30 am; 1:00-2:30 pm; 3:30-5:00 pm<p>Explore Lincoln's whistle-stop train ride from Springfield, Illinois to Washington, D.C. to take the presidential oath of office in 1861. Using a large floor map, follow his journey with "travel cards" marking significant events. Design a booklet using images and famous quotes.<p> $8 general admission, $6 members, adults free.<p>Pre-registration requested with Cynthia Winslow at <a href="mailto:cwinslow@maccullochhall.org">cwinslow@maccullochhall.org</a> or (973) 538-2404, ext. 16.<p> </p><p><hr><hr><p><strong>February 25th -- Make History Come Alive -- Meet Thomas Jefferson</strong><p><img width="500" height="337" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/625105d8401/042bbd22-dad0-4466-9c3d-f6bf7023bffa.jpg" border="0" hspace="0"><p><strong>The American Historical Theatre presents </strong><strong>Steven Edenbo as Thomas Jefferson</strong><p>Meet Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, the first Secretary of State, the second Vice President and the third President of the United States.<p>Sunday, February 25, 2018 1pm & 3pm Sessions<p>East Jersey Old Town Village 1050 River Road Piscataway, NJ <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xAvKmf7c_EgZuXpnsPcSPtxBpikbxY1-m7_VT8yZkFPS0Imyl1XRUwJ0F285v8BA_MyG0T7jvI0AYu0clNnThLPqIy6NRi5xIgcQp7Kied6DPJh7cQ-TJ6Oz3XCwkQxwsA4P5xJpDEz0KtiDuDGLr6gWNhk5zCkg0N_QDhVsG6kP7s09KrMe4Tk7efsksnvKalbQfBMRe49GNwY3I9DDwHosjVZijk28NU8vDSyS-SH_qshupKs975aTB6YciApch057g317_oCyeXAKp5SFOrCciKZewD-z4a8NQkh19UKpMR0ufH6eQ8cMhFbAtO8p63pI-augc5youaI8OUqHtNhegUCFuWLcpUUe_d8RWez0TO5A-CVq8oKPbxy7roTLp77Yn97pGxUeunE_y60gzPVYDR42YTZI2-PJsWIthLKZHOJNqUCKWw==&c=UR52iiyKitEwNhYl_XGVM1Al3qDkz1VRJFPkkNjrXVlQveeY2iJ0gQ==&ch=wZ0P__kvOaWmIhIzyLCSKn_9UQ0McgT7J2xZe6o0QhdzMXnZdTx_cA==">Directions</a><p>Funded by: New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of the Department of State<a name="LETTER.BLOCK17"></a><p><strong>FREE EVENT AND PARKING</strong><p><strong>NO REGISTRATION - LIMITED SEATING</strong><p><strong>Text CULTURE to 56512 for more details</strong><p><b><a href="http://www.middlesexcountynj.gov">www.middlesexcountynj.gov</a></b><hr><hr><p><strong>Then <a href="https://shsdrama.ticketleap.com/cinderella/">Make a Wish Come True with Cinderella!</a> in March</strong><p><hr><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFevo6NNe5FDyHznpc0P4gb-L9Mzlk_TpJKz8nNws1IwoLAB3vaZ278sc4x1Cf-xbCTH2tnYNJNoS7qrDdYhLo-dm_Ks-cPHVkZftgh3Gsn3e39oqcoTXDfSKGoMoiU8Wg8zNJSEqz2Q/s1600-h/image3"><img width="504" height="667" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKo9W7oxBmpY7Co-eHW5VKW68Te5osytrAr3eB7SCUQQZpYhQ8YoUjodqjKOqICOno1A1GquvzUJ9ZmNilOEi2Ixvc3hIIpxjb_Dzh_xZxpgtjlbVjacopyQmFbOsU0SsqCxGwtLuaHw/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><a title="https://shsdrama.ticketleap.com/cinderella/" href="https://shsdrama.ticketleap.com/cinderella/"><strong>https://shsdrama.ticketleap.com/cinderella/</strong></a></p><hr><p><a href="http://bedtimemath.org/"><img width="462" height="101" style="margin: 5px;" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/55221684201/931dd3f5-fd00-4092-85fc-f1d9fa23f870.jpg" border="0" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><p><img width="318" height="211" align="left" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/55221684201/545a0584-c203-4a5f-849c-767ad94bea82.jpg" border="0" vspace="5" hspace="5"><p>When cavemen invented the wheel thousands of years ago, it was probably wood or rock. It probably wasn't a rubber tire full of air, and they probably didn't use it to go sledding. That's called inner tubing: you sit or lie down on a giant donut-shaped balloon, someone gives you a push, and you slide down the snowy, slippery hill. It's called an "inner" tube because it's from inside an even bigger circle: a truck tire. Humans first started snow tubing <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tubing_(recreation)">in 1820</a> in Switzerland, a long time after the cavemen -- but a long time before cars and trucks, so where did they get their tubes? More importantly, what happens when you spin as you slide? Lots of math, as you'll see here!<p><em>Wee ones:</em> If your inner tube spins once to the left, then once to the right, then once to the left, then once to the right...which way do you spin next?<p><em>Little kids:</em> If you, 3 friends, and 2 snow-loving dogs all pile onto an inner tube, how many riders are there? <em>Bonus:</em> You can also ride tubes on waterslides. If you go 10 miles an hour on snow but twice as fast in water, how fast do you tube on the water?<p><em>Big kids:</em> If you start sliding facing downhill, with the hill's right side on your right, and as you slide you spin 1/2 turn to your left, then 1/4 of a turn to your right, then 3/4 turn to the left, which way are you facing now? <em>Bonus:</em> If 1/2 the tubes are double tubes (seating 2 people) and the other 1/2 are single tubes, how many tubes are there if they hold 18 people total?<p><em>The sky's the limit:</em> If your tube spins once around every 2 seconds, your friend spins once every 3 seconds, another friend spins once every 4 seconds, and the last friend spins once every 5 seconds, what's the soonest you'll all face forward at the same time if you all started facing forward?<p>Find more Bedtime Math <a href="http://bedtimemath.org/">here</a>. <p>Why should people have all the fun – see a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1l69e1mCqQ">dog</a> and a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dWw9GLcOeA">crow</a> sledding by clicking on their hotlinks!Carol Simon Levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13916459930086614680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256479139823175614.post-74341626653845546682018-01-30T17:28:00.001-05:002018-01-30T18:02:02.538-05:00Photographic Permissions, Farewell Party, Sensory Sensitive Performance and Area Happenings plus an interesting look at Raising Self-Reliant Children…<p>As many of you are aware, I am no longer working for the Somerset County Library System and this site is no longer associated with the Bridgewater Library. </p><p><img width="212" height="214" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22nB4FyTiOqHv2lp4f5kukVJWcQ87_pkgKGPbOGiYiEYEcAw97eQQmlfjY7BlcGvPn0bbPW0YrM4GrlrqQNwWnRLWESVyP6RqQD5h7MhGI6L2_mnMRssxLFS6Ny1d8Qxaqg52ZlPanq4/?imgmax=800">This week I was sent a “cease and desist” letter from the library attorney informing me that all pictures that were taken by library personnel and downloaded on library computers were copyright the library and ordering me to remove them immediately. Accordingly, I am in the process of taking down many of my older pictures that were taken with library cameras -- so if you want access, you will need to make copies quickly. The photos that will remain were taken with my cell phone camera or the cell phones belonging to some of you. If there are any pictures of your children that you do not want me to continue to display on this site or on <a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com">carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com</a>, please email me at cslevin59 (at) gmail.com with photo details & the date of the post(s) and I will remove them forthwith.</p><p>I also want to invite all of you to my <a href="http://bwlibys.blogspot.com/2018/01/farewell-from-carol-simon-levin.html">retirement party</a> at the Bridgewater Library on Sunday February 11th. You and your children are welcome to drop into the program rooms anytime between 2 and 4 p.m. to say goodbye.</p><p>All the best, Carol Simon Levin </p><p> </p><p><strong><font size="3"></font></strong><hr><strong><font size="3"><a href="http://archive.skem1.com/csb/Public/show/mews8--enesi-1i8vato2">Sensory Sensitive Performance in Princeton this Weekend</a></font></strong><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlYGIWi7voPNiiKp0hwNGjUkCK2dL-rBcl2X6FYMPQYMPRHrsrJpozW-xrceAFEwJ3GG6CvNbhYgiSxOjHhfv2CDOXdnD_iKyNasBoCx_CzTycjNPIAbFQL4p0oMq1yieFURn2Jni_7Q/s1600-h/image3"><img width="504" height="595" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaoR9zOV9jNmuWH2M5rNu4c6agB4INfrR3N3DRaj9Rcx7BsTZd5f9BA0jNTJ1neOM5duVne_79JwibJrk0mjtp1fL3RtE34c3_bG3CiaZ4xKAiDrJbgCJos6khBBWjrTPBfVtw3hptFU/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUj79CsxJjPbGBTcG3-Rx1UILL5B2wMHZYFlbh28KDRPtezGkIz_hdgveomhPvpBddPJ6-TEt02I8gK49smHVQDdIMXzFCnQm7yAowihvyxfz_3twd1YyeIUwprkRdrqtneKuQormROJo/s1600-h/image7"><img width="504" height="570" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyALpil_WJLPNj4bK9eay8Anxk3dOsPDjp9JK8ekrVB92_cxUfq2WpxfrkMx5fQ01NWWoU8ZkHIFH9PFwDtwyNT7R-gXIGsRmj5cRyba05ud32WIjUPu9FmBHVmUkZfpEB1y3_ZCXm2I/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPgW6kDgRKrfM2Ja4DAzkuX-Tzcy1zAOp4p3Fh9fwcgsnt8CGepUrGEkGLhDrb2EMAbu03B6kcyp0kFK_n4D1BVxl1v_ku8svu1ds3BzvBkELdJdJ13KU0DHubWioHmr2Afrc_W4kpLw/s1600-h/image11"><img width="504" height="483" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbT6TtXEZEfgx4t8VfauhYqjrtUTduOd10T88CASOWYq8BaokeK64nfuuEMGHKKjn3ma7mMnv8P3zuxQhCtHHyopG1YB03bNiTW9jeVtlnu9azb5jKz4i811dD6kjICHOTQ4xp-ZmxKac/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><hr><strong>Looking for more things to do while the weather outside is frightful?</strong> <p><a href="https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj/hula-hot-list-over-50-free-ways-to-play-in-february-near-bridgewater973612/?nos=1"><img width="504" height="444" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEne6UkKmdnzk16lQMtIZBGP6bLdzr6ys6M23n01KyJzk3upQk-_sAi6mv4_JUjtGoSV_1eGKbeHcYsy4GMtUDvcCJBLclQ_3rqqAu5Q1ckkRoILzNaDheF9k0hanL4eswNsWTE-XtUQ/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><strong>Check out <a href="https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj/hula-hot-list-over-50-free-ways-to-play-in-february-near-bridgewater973612/?nos=1">this list</a> from Hulafrog!</strong></p><hr><strong></strong><h3>A fascinating look at child-rearing possibilities:</h3><h3><a href="https://www.wnyc.org/story/do-germans-raise-more-self-reliant-children">Do Germans Raise More Self-Reliant Children?</a></h3><p><img width="464" height="311" alt="Jason, left, and other kids have fun as they try out a new adventure playground in Moritzburg, some 20 miles north of Dresden, Germany, Thursday, April 24, 2008." src="https://media.wnyc.org/i/800/0/l/99/1/AP_080424053579.jpg"><p>Jason, left, and other kids have fun as they try out a new adventure playground in Moritzburg, some 20 miles north of Dresden, Germany, Thursday, April 24, 2008.<br>( AP Photo/Matthias Rietschel )<p><a href="https://www.wnyc.org/people/sara-zaske/">Sara Zaske</a> talks about her new book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1250160170/wnycorg-20/">Achtung Baby: An American Mom on the German Art of Raising Self-Reliant Children</a><em>.</em> Zaske details her own experience as an American woman raising her children in Berlin and learning that German parents allowed their children to do much more on their own -- from riding the subway, to cutting food with sharp knives. Based on interviews and research, she looks at German ideas about self-reliance and raising children. <p><img width="169" height="256" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/510SuWtHIZL._SX328_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg"><p><b><a href="https://catalog.sclsnj.org/?section=resource&resourceid=39641518&currentIndex=3&view=allCopiesDetailsTab">Achtung Baby</a>: An Entertaining, Enlightening Look at the Art of Raising Self-Reliant, Independent Children Based on One American Mom’s Experiences in Germany</b><p>When Sara Zaske moved from Oregon to Berlin with her husband and toddler, she knew the transition would be challenging, especially when she became pregnant with her second child. She was surprised to discover that German parents give their children a great deal of freedom―much more than Americans. In Berlin, kids walk to school by themselves, ride the subway alone, cut food with sharp knives, and even play with fire. German parents did not share her fears, and their children were thriving. Was she doing the opposite of what she intended, which was toraise capable children? Why was parenting culture so different in the States?<p>Through her own family’s often funny experiences as well as interviews with other parents, teachers, and experts, Zaske shares the many unexpected parenting lessons she learned from living in Germany. <i>Achtung Baby</i> reveals that today's Germans know something that American parents don't (or have perhaps forgotten) about raising kids with “selbstandigkeit” (self-reliance), and provides practical examples American parents can use to give their own children the freedom they need to grow into responsible, independent adults. </p>Carol Simon Levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13916459930086614680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256479139823175614.post-38944862608772672812018-01-20T23:04:00.005-05:002018-01-25T02:10:42.034-05:00Beloved Librarian Leaves Bridgewater Branch Library<h1 class="box-header name" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; outline: 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 36px; font-family: proxima-nova, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 26px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; box-sizing: inherit; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
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<span style="color: rgb(136, 136, 136); font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Sharing the TapInto Article by AUDREY BLUMBERG Read the full article at </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="color: rgb(136, 136, 136); font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><a href="https://www.tapinto.net/towns/bridgewater-slash-raritan/articles/beloved-librarian-leaves-bridgewater-branch-libra">https://www.tapinto.net/towns/bridgewater-slash-raritan/articles/beloved-librarian-leaves-bridgewater-branch-libra</a>) </span></span><span style="color: rgb(136, 136, 136); font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">January 19, 2018 </span></span></div>
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<br clear="all">BRIDGEWATER, NJ - After 25 years as a librarian in the Somerset County Library System, at the Bridgewater branch, youth services librarian Carol Simon Levin submitted her retirement papers in January.<br>
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News of her leaving the library system caused uproar from parents and library system employees who have benefited from her services over the years, and several turned out to the county library system commission’s meeting Jan. 10 in protest.<br>
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“I have had the pleasure of working with Carol, and she is light years ahead of me in terms of creativity,” said Somerset resident Lawrence Sapienza, who retired from the library system in April. “She is a wonderful asset to the staff, as well as the public.”<br>
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Several people spoke during the commission meeting of Levin’s service to the public and the programs she has spearheaded for children in her position as child services librarian. They expressed their sadness over the loss.<br>
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“My child has been coming to the library for 10 years, and comes to story time,” said Bridgewater resident Jodi Golden. “She cried when I told her Carol was leaving.”<br>
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Another Bridgewater resident said she has been bringing her children to story time for years with Levin, and the quality of her programs is far superior to those in any other library she has visited.<br>
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And still another Bridgewater resident said she has admired Levin’s dedication and intelligence in the field for 25 years.<br>
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Resident Atulya Chaganty credited the library, and Levin, with helping her become who she is today, a graduate with a masters degree in industrial design from the Rhode Island School of Design.<br>
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“My family moved to this town when I was 10, and we did not know anyone or have a lot of money, so we found refuge in the library,” she said. “We went to every program, got to know our librarians and I even logged the most hours as a volunteer during the summer reading program during my middle school and even some of my high school years.”<br>
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“This library made me who I am because of the librarians,” she added, “librarians like Carol, who taught me so many things, not just about reading, but about life.”<br>
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Chaganty said she has seen changes in the library over the years, from old computers to limited decorations in the children’s department and a lack of librarians available on Sundays.<br>
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“(And) they ended the career of one of the library’s last living legends, Carol Simon Levin, a woman who has dedicated her life to this community,” she said. “Incredibly educated, compassionate and committed to everyone she meets, she does not even need to know you to invite you into her home and welcome you into her life. These actions all symbolize to me a culture shift I am not happy to witness.”<br>
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For many, although they will miss Levin’s programs and her presence in the library, of biggest concern was the apparent way in which she left her position in the library system.<br>
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According to Brian Auger, administrator of the Somerset County Library System, Levin submitted her retirement from the system, which was accepted.<br>
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In the case of a retirement, according to the bylaws of the library system, there is no vote taken by the commission, the retirement is accepted by the director only.<br>
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Auger said that according to the bylaws for the library system, the administrator is in charge of executing policies, dealing with personnel and a host of other responsibilities.<br>
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In the case of personnel issues, Auger said, he has the ability to terminate an employee, who then is able to file a grievance if they believe they were wrongfully terminated. At that point, he said, the commission would get involved to do an investigation regarding the termination.<br>
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Because Levin submitted her retirement, Auger said, the commission did not have any say in the situation.<br>
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“I don’t begrudge anything, they meant well from their perspective,” Auger said of the people who spoke out on Levin’s behalf during the commission meeting. “They came out and spilled their hearts and told us what they thought.”<br>
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“But there are two sides to a story, and when it is a supervisors’ side, we must remain silent,” he added of the commission’s decision not to comment with regard to a personnel issue. “All they know about Ms. Levin is that she is a great librarian, does great story times, she is positive and upbeat and the kids love her programs. There are two sides to every story, but she is retiring.”<br>
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But the side of the story that the commission could not comment on during the meeting was what was so troubling to many members of the public.<br>
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“I had just become aware that Carol was retiring, so to speak,” Sapienza said. “Sometimes it’s not always by choice, and that is, I fear, the case here.”<br>
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“When an employee of 20 plus years is put in that position, sometimes I think the commission needs to get involved,” he added. “This is one of those cases. She is a remarkable lady, and I hope that the commission might take time to talk to Carol to see if this is something she wants to happen.”<br>
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Levin herself spoke at the commission meeting of her retirement, and painted a different picture of her release from the library system.<br>
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“I did this because, after 25 years of consistently exemplary reviews from my supervisors on the quality of my programs and reference transactions, and many appreciative letters sent to supervisors from happy patrons, I was presented with termination documents and told I would be fired if I did not accept retirement and sign away all my employment and legal rights,” she said.<br>
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Levin said the charge was insubordination, although the commission’s attorney requested her not to continue speaking on that because it was personnel issue that is not permitted in a public forum without a signing of a RICE notification that allows an employee’s status to be discussed in open session.<br>
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Levin said, after the meeting, that there were a number of incidents that led to her leaving the system, beginning in April when she reported that she found it surprising none of the programs from the library system were appearing in the “Courier News” newspaper. She said she was reported and received a notice that she would have her duties reduced to reference desk and regular story times, as well as the elimination of her display in the lobby.<br>
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In October, Levin said, she violated those terms when she put up a display on the “Day of the Dead” an in almost empty space where the Halloween books had been, rather than in her allotted space. In the ensuing days, she said, she was cited for a violation again when she put up a poster for Books for Kids on the children’s reference desk, using one from several years ago instead of one that was new.<br>
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“It distresses me mightily that I have been asked to leave over a series of events that had to do with publicity and marketing,” she said. “What bothers me most is this is a pattern, it’s not just me.”<br>
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Levin said she has heard from others who value her work, and has worked with patrons, teachers and others to help them find books and more.<br>
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“I’m a librarian, I eat, drink and sleep it,” she said.<br>
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Levin said that in order to retire, she was required by administration to sign away her ability to ever work again in any library with the Somerset County Library System.<br>
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“Though I would have loved to continue creating innovative programs for Bridgewater library youth patrons and helping them, their parents and their teachers find information and great reads, I am not able to do so,” she said.<br>
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Auger maintained that Levin had submitted her retirement papers, and there was nothing he or the commission could do in the matter of her employment. He declined to comment on any of the statements made by Levin regarding termination at the commission meeting, citing personnel privacy.<br>
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But Levin said she is disturbed that this all came about because she spoke out.<br>
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Still, for many patrons of the library, the loss of Levin will be felt by all, young and old.<br>
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“I realize this situation is extremely complicated, and we all have a tainted view on what happened,” Chaganty said. “No matter personal feelings, those in power must maintain some professionalism, respect and dignity. Many of us gathered in support of Carol not to reinstate her position, but because of the lack of respect that was shown to a woman who is a 24/7 librarian.”<br>
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</article></div>Carol Simon Levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13916459930086614680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256479139823175614.post-4012704544777903652018-01-13T14:39:00.001-05:002018-01-28T22:15:08.248-05:00The Surprising History of the Beatles’ Song "Blackbird," Why Children Need Books that Address "Dark" Issues<div style="color: rgb(29, 33, 41); background-color: white;" data-ft="{"tn":"H"}">
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<span class="_1nb_ fwn fcg" style="color: rgb(144, 148, 156);" data-ft="{"tn":"C"}"><span class="fwb" style="font-weight: bold;" data-ft="{"tn":";"}"><a style="color: rgb(54, 88, 153); text-decoration-line: none;" href="https://www.facebook.com/moonshiner?hc_ref=ARTDUQe2HUibOK2YduJ02QDT36wNXh83wfnyOFACaZ-9Z1H-I9SLMpKcl0MNLDRtLcQ&fref=nf" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard-referer="ARTDUQe2HUibOK2YduJ02QDT36wNXh83wfnyOFACaZ-9Z1H-I9SLMpKcl0MNLDRtLcQ" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1395529833&extragetparams=%7B%22hc_ref%22%3A%22ARTDUQe2HUibOK2YduJ02QDT36wNXh83wfnyOFACaZ-9Z1H-I9SLMpKcl0MNLDRtLcQ%22%2C%22fref%22%3A%22nf%22%7D">Michael Kronk</a></span></span><br>
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<span class="fsm fwn fcg"><a class="_5pcq" style="color: rgb(144, 148, 156); text-decoration-line: none;" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10215455626809254&set=a.4898624668871.198030.1395529833&type=3" target="" rel="theater" ajaxify="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10215455626809254&set=a.4898624668871.198030.1395529833&type=3&size=760%2C920&source=12&player_origin=unknown">January 10 at 12:28am</a></span><span role="presentation" aria-hidden="true"> · </span><br>
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“He was visiting America. It is said that he was sitting, resting, when he heard a woman screaming. He looked up to see a black woman being surrounded by the po<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">lice. The police had her handcuffed, and were beating her. He thought the woman had committed a terrible crime. He found out "the crime" she committed was to sit in a section reserved for whites.</span></font></div><font size="2">
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Paul McCartney was shocked. There was no segregation in England. But, here in America, the land of freedom, this is how blacks were being treated. McCartney and the Beatles went back home to England, but he would remember what he saw, how he felt, the unfairness of it all.</font></div><font size="2">
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He also remembered watching television and following the news in America, the race riots and what was happening in Little Rock, Arkansas, what was going on in the Civil Rights movement. He saw the picture of 15-year-old Elizabeth Eckford attempt to attend classes at Little Rock Central High School as an angry mob followed her, yelling, "Drag her over this tree! Let's take care of that n**ger!'" and “Lynch her! Lynch her!” “No n**ger b*tch is going to get in our school!”</font></div><font size="2">
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McCartney couldn't believe this was happening in America. He thought of these women being mistreated, simply because of the color of her skin. He sat down and started writing.</font></div><font size="2">
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Last year at a concert, he would meet two of the women who inspired him to write one of his most memorable songs, Thelma Mothershed Wair and Elizabeth Eckford, members of the Little Rock Nine (pictured here).</font></div><font size="2">
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McCartney would tell the audience he was inspired by the courage of these women: "Way back in the Sixties, there was a lot of trouble going on over civil rights, particularly in Little Rock. We would notice this on the news back in England, so it's a really important place for us, because to me, this is where civil rights started. We would see what was going on and sympathize with the people going through those troubles, and it made me want to write a song that, if it ever got back to the people going through those troubles, it might just help them a little bit, and that's this next one."</font></div><font size="2">
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He explained that when he started writing the song, he had in mind a black woman, but in England, "girls" were referred to as "birds." And, so the song started:</font></div><font size="2">
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"Blackbird singing in the dead of night<br>
Take these broken wings and learn to fly<br>
All your life<br>
You were only waiting<br>
for this moment to arise."</font></div><font size="2">
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McCartney added that he and the Beatles cared passionately about the Civil Rights movement, "so this was really a song from me to a black woman, experiencing these problems in the States: ‘Let me encourage you to keep trying, to keep your faith, there is hope.’ "</font></div><font size="2">
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"Blackbird singing in the dead of night<br>
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see<br>
All your life<br>
You were only waiting<br>
for this moment to be free."</font></div><font size="2">
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- as told by Valgeir Sveinsson</font></div><font size="2">
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</font><font size="2"></font><table align="center" style="width: 670px; color: black;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div><p><font size="2"><strong>Why We Shouldn't Shield Our Children From Darkness</strong> -- a Time.com essay</font></p><font size="2">
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Matt de la Peña is the Newbery Medal-winning author of Last Stop on Market Street and, most recently, Love. </font></p><font size="2">
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Editor’s note: On Jan. 12, Kate DiCamillo responded to de la Peña’s questions. Read her essay <a style="padding: 1px 0px; transition:0.1s ease-in-out; color: rgb(40, 47, 47); box-sizing: border-box; box-shadow: inset 0px -2px 0px rgb(233,6,6);" href="http://time.com/5099463/kate-dicamillo-kids-books-sad/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</em></font></p><font size="2">
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Twice this past fall I was left speechless by a child.</font></p><font size="2">
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The first time happened at an elementary school in Huntington, New York. I was standing on their auditorium stage, in front of a hundred or so students, and after talking to them about books and writing and the power of story, I fielded questions. The first five or six were the usual fare. Where do I get my ideas? How long does it take to write a book? Am I rich? (<em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Hahahahaha!</em>) But then a fifth-grade girl wearing bright green glasses stood and asked something different. “If you had the chance to meet an author <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">you</em> admire,” she said, “what would <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">you</em> ask?”</font></p><font size="2">
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For whatever reason this girl’s question, on this morning, cut through any pretense that might ordinarily sneak into an author presentation. The day before, a man in Las Vegas had opened fire on concertgoers from his </font><a style="padding: 1px 0px; transition:0.1s ease-in-out; color: rgb(40, 47, 47); box-sizing: border-box; box-shadow: inset 0px -2px 0px rgb(233,6,6);" href="http://time.com/4965095/mandalay-bay-resort-casino-hotel-las-vegas-shooting/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><font size="2">Mandalay Bay hotel room</font></a><font size="2">. Tensions between America and </font><a style="padding: 1px 0px; transition:0.1s ease-in-out; color: rgb(40, 47, 47); box-sizing: border-box; box-shadow: inset 0px -2px 0px rgb(233,6,6);" href="http://time.com/4950248/a-way-forward-in-the-north-korea-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><font size="2">North Korea</font></a><font size="2"> were reaching a boiling point. Puerto Ricans continued to suffer the nightmarish aftereffects of </font><a style="padding: 1px 0px; transition:0.1s ease-in-out; color: rgb(40, 47, 47); box-sizing: border-box; box-shadow: inset 0px -2px 0px rgb(233,6,6);" href="http://time.com/5070475/puerto-rico-hurricane-maria-death-toll/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><font size="2">Hurricane Maria</font></a><font size="2">. I studied all the fresh-faced young people staring up at me, trying to square the light of childhood with the darkness in our current world.</font></p><font size="2">
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All of this, of course, was wildly inappropriate for such a young audience — and had little to do with the question — so I just stood there in awkward silence, the seconds ticking by.</font></p><font size="2">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">Eventually I gave the girl some pre-packaged sound bite about dealing with rejection, or the importance of revision, and then our time was up. But hours later, as I sat in a crowded airport, waiting for a delayed flight, I was still thinking about that girl’s question. What </span><em style="letter-spacing: 0.3px; box-sizing: border-box;">would</em><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;"> I ask an author I admire? Writers like Kate DiCamillo came to mind. Sandra Cisneros. Christopher Paul Curtis.</span></font></p><font size="2">
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Now I wanted a do-over.</font></p><font size="2">
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A thoughtful question like that deserved a more thoughtful response.</font></p><font size="2">
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Just as my plane reached its cruising altitude, it came to me. If I had the chance to ask </font><a style="padding: 1px 0px; transition:0.1s ease-in-out; color: rgb(40, 47, 47); box-sizing: border-box; box-shadow: inset 0px -2px 0px rgb(233,6,6);" href="http://time.com/4284792/the-stars-in-our-faults/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><font size="2">Kate DiCamillo</font></a><font size="2"> anything, it would be this: How honest can an author be with an auditorium full of elementary school kids? How honest should we be with our readers? Is the job of the writer for the very young to tell the truth or preserve innocence?</font></p><font size="2">
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A few weeks ago, illustrator Loren Long and I learned that a major gatekeeper would not support our forthcoming picture book, </font><a style="padding: 1px 0px; transition:0.1s ease-in-out; color: rgb(40, 47, 47); box-sizing: border-box; box-shadow: inset 0px -2px 0px rgb(233,6,6);" href="http://aax-us-east.amazon-adsystem.com/x/c/QpvPUkPEYchB0dkp_vLsGQQAAAFg8OlmRgEAAAFKAeLmEfk/https://www.amazon.com/dp/1524740918/ref=as_at?creativeASIN=1524740918&linkCode=w50&imprToken=cqbpLh62v1Wn4lZ78Lqq3Q&slotNum=0&tag=timecom-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-amzn-asin="1524740918"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><font size="2">Love</font></em></a><font size="2">, an exploration of love in a child’s life, unless we “softened” a certain illustration. In the scene, a despondent young boy hides beneath a piano with his dog, while his parents argue across the living room. There is an empty Old Fashioned glass resting on top of the piano. The feedback our publisher received was that the moment was a little too heavy for children. And it might make parents uncomfortable. This discouraging news led me to really examine, maybe for the first time in my career, the purpose of my picture book manuscripts. What was I trying to accomplish with these stories? What thoughts and feelings did I hope to evoke in children?</font></p><font size="2">
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This particular project began innocently enough. Finding myself overwhelmed by the current divisiveness in our country, I set out to write a comforting poem about love. It was going to be something I could share with my own young daughter as well as every kid I met in every state I visited, red or blue. But when I read over one of the early drafts, something didn’t ring true. It was reassuring, uplifting even, but I had failed to acknowledge any notion of adversity.</font></p><font size="2">
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So I started over.</font></p><font size="2">
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A few weeks into the revision process, my wife and I received some bad news, and my daughter saw my wife openly cry for the first time. This rocked her little world and she began sobbing and clinging to my wife’s leg, begging to know what was happening. We settled her down and talked to her and eventually got her ready for bed. And as my wife read her a story about two turtles who stumble across a single hat, I studied my daughter’s tear-stained face. I couldn’t help thinking a fraction of her innocence had been lost that day. But maybe these minor episodes of loss are just as vital to the well-adjusted child’s development as moments of joy. Maybe instead of anxiously trying to protect our children from every little hurt and heartache, our job is to simply support them through such experiences. To talk to them. To hold them.</font></p><font size="2">
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And maybe this idea also applied to the manuscript I was working on.</font></p><font size="2">
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Loren and I ultimately fought to keep the “heavy” illustration. Aside from being an essential story beat, there’s also the issue of representation. In the book world, we often talk about the power of racial inclusion — and in this respect we’re beginning to see a real shift in the field — but many other facets of diversity remain in the shadows. For instance, an uncomfortable number of children out there right now are crouched beneath a metaphorical piano. There’s a power to seeing this largely unspoken part of our interior lives represented, too. And for those who’ve yet to experience that kind of sadness, I can’t think of a safer place to explore complex emotions for the first time than inside the pages of a book, while sitting in the lap of a loved one.</font></p><font size="2">
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We are currently in a golden age of picture books, with a tremendous range to choose from. Some of the best are funny. Or silly. Or informative. Or socially aware. Or just plain reassuring. But I’d like to think there’s a place for the emotionally complex picture book, too. Jacqueline Woodson’s amazing </font><a style="padding: 1px 0px; transition:0.1s ease-in-out; color: rgb(40, 47, 47); box-sizing: border-box; box-shadow: inset 0px -2px 0px rgb(233,6,6);" href="http://aax-us-east.amazon-adsystem.com/x/c/QpvPUkPEYchB0dkp_vLsGQQAAAFg8OlmRgEAAAFKAeLmEfk/https://www.amazon.com/dp/0399246525/ref=as_at?creativeASIN=0399246525&linkCode=w50&imprToken=cqbpLh62v1Wn4lZ78Lqq3Q&slotNum=1&tag=timecom-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-amzn-asin="0399246525"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><font size="2">Each Kindness</font></em></a><font size="2"> comes to mind, in which the protagonist misses the opportunity to be kind to a classmate. Margaret Wise Brown’s </font><a style="padding: 1px 0px; transition:0.1s ease-in-out; color: rgb(40, 47, 47); box-sizing: border-box; box-shadow: inset 0px -2px 0px rgb(233,6,6);" href="http://aax-us-east.amazon-adsystem.com/x/c/QpvPUkPEYchB0dkp_vLsGQQAAAFg8OlmRgEAAAFKAeLmEfk/https://www.amazon.com/dp/0060289317/ref=as_at?creativeASIN=0060289317&linkCode=w50&imprToken=cqbpLh62v1Wn4lZ78Lqq3Q&slotNum=2&tag=timecom-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-amzn-asin="0060289317"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><font size="2">The Dead Bird</font></em></a><font size="2"> is a beautiful exploration of mourning from the point of view of children.</font></p><font size="2">
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Which brings me to the second child who left me speechless last fall.</font></p><font size="2">
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I was visiting an elementary school in Rome, Georgia, where I read and discussed one of my older books, </font><a style="padding: 1px 0px; transition:0.1s ease-in-out; color: rgb(40, 47, 47); box-sizing: border-box; box-shadow: inset 0px -2px 0px rgb(233,6,6);" href="http://aax-us-east.amazon-adsystem.com/x/c/QpvPUkPEYchB0dkp_vLsGQQAAAFg8OlmRgEAAAFKAeLmEfk/https://www.amazon.com/dp/0399257748/ref=as_at?creativeASIN=0399257748&linkCode=w50&imprToken=cqbpLh62v1Wn4lZ78Lqq3Q&slotNum=3&tag=timecom-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-amzn-asin="0399257748"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><font size="2">Last Stop on Market Street</font></em></a><font size="2">, as I usually do. But at the end of the presentation I decided, on a whim, to read <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Love</em> to them, too, even though it wasn’t out yet. I projected Loren’s illustrations as I recited the poem from memory, and after I finished, something remarkable happened. A boy immediately raised his hand, and I called on him, and he told me in front of the entire group, “When you just read that to us I got this feeling. In my heart. And I thought of my ancestors. Mostly my grandma, though … because she always gave us so much love. And she’s gone now.”</font></p><font size="2">
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And then he started quietly crying.</font></p><font size="2">
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And a handful of the teachers started crying, too.</font></p><font size="2">
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I nearly lost it myself. Right there in front of 150 third graders. It took me several minutes to compose myself and thank him for his comment.</font></p><font size="2">
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On the way back to my hotel, I was still thinking about that boy, and his raw emotional response. I felt so lucky to have been there to witness it. I thought of all the boys growing up in working-class neighborhoods around the country who are terrified to show any emotion. Because that’s how I grew up, too — terrified. Yet this young guy was brave enough to raise his hand, in front of everyone, and share how he felt after listening to me read a book. And when he began to cry a few of his classmates patted his little shoulders in a show of support. I don’t know if I’ve ever been so moved inside the walls of a school.</font></p><font size="2">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">I hope one day I’ll have the chance to formally ask Kate DiCamillo my questions about innocence and truth. But I do know this: My experience in Rome, Georgia? </span><em style="letter-spacing: 0.3px; box-sizing: border-box;">That’s</em><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;"> why I write books. Because the little story I’m working on alone in a room, day after day, might one day give some kid out there an opportunity to “feel.” And if I’m ever there to see it in person again, next time hopefully I’ll be brave enough to let myself cry, too.</span></font></p><font size="2">
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<span style="color: rgb(40, 47, 47); letter-spacing: 0.3px;">Read Kate DiCamillo's wonderful response (citing Charlotte's Web) here: </span><span style="color: rgb(40, 47, 47);"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">http://time.com/5099463/kate-dicamillo-kids-books-sad/</span></span></font></p><font size="2">
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</font><table align="center" style="width: 670px; color: black;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div>Carol Simon Levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13916459930086614680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256479139823175614.post-74848331819396216662018-01-07T09:15:00.000-05:002018-01-29T11:10:01.502-05:00Farewell from Carol Simon Levin<p>Dear Bridgewater Library Patrons and Friends,<p>You may have noticed that this blog is no longer showing events at the Bridgewater Library. In late 2016, I was informed that the Marketing Department was creating its own quarterly online Youth Services Newsletter and I could no longer create the blog at the library. So for the past year, I have been writing "Out and About in Bridgewater" on my own time. Now all my time is my own.<p>On December 11th, I was informed that because of a series of actions I had taken -- including mentioning to Marketing in the spring that it appeared our programs might not be showing up in the Courier-News Calendar section, emailing colleagues in the summer asking if anyone had received a DisABILITIES poster from the County, putting up an impromptu "Day of the Dead" Display on Halloween to coincide with Disney's new film "Coco," and using an older version of the "Books for Kids" poster on the reference desk -- I was “insubordinate” and would no longer be permitted to work at the Somerset County Library System. I was given the option of termination or retirement and was immediately shown the door. <p>I had not been accused of child endangerment or theft of library funds or materials -- I had tried to help patrons find our programs and materials! And for this, I was ordered to leave library employment without even getting the chance to return to my office, say goodbye to my colleagues, or to create a farewell program for your wonderful children. <p>And so, after 25 years at the Bridgewater Library, I have accepted an early retirement offer and have left the Somerset County Library System. The agreement I signed will not allow me to work again at any branch of the Somerset County Library System. <p>I am so sorry I couldn’t say goodbye to you at my library programs or the youth services reference desk. I plan to attend the Library Commission meeting on Wednesday January 10th at 7 p.m. at the Bridgewater Library if anyone wants to say goodbye in person – and plan to stay active in the community so may see many of you around the area. <p>It has been my great pleasure during these last 25 years to share a <a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/">kaleidoscope of programs</a> with your wonderful children – introducing them to my favorite books (and through them to stories, people and ideas to expand their minds and horizons), <a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/search/label/Picture%20This">time-traveling from Pompeii to Picasso</a>, inspiring them to create <a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/search/label/Picture%20This">art</a> and <a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/search/label/Architecture">architecture</a>, to explore <a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/search/label/Engineering">engineering</a>, <a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/search/label/Science%20Experiments">science</a>, and <a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/search/label/Mathematics">mathematics</a>, to <a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/search/label/NaNoWriMo">write their own books</a>, and use their <a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/search/label/Creativity">imagination and creativity</a> to the fullest.<p>I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing stories, songs, and activities with a quarter-century of preschoolers as well as being able to help you, your children, and your students at the reference desk.<br clear="all"><p><img width="490" height="383" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpIzD0Y2J3xhgqanf853226aZVGZeipi0E4hJeA8o8AwL7WDz_eyBUEJKJD06WyJv_X0gk12PC9KgtV6MPKk_BuSDPRbPizNztar5hY__DqWZZV9KvsBj3y99NofZAjXf74kFqNlS2Cxo/?imgmax=800"><p><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/2018/01/school-age-storytime-snow-day.html"><img alt="image" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vGvGOCHDfvw/WG0Oinde3EI/AAAAAAAAWxA/mQjsbCb5Hks/image_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></a><br clear="all">I will miss you all.<p>I have a busy future ahead – I plan to become a freelance librarian, doing programs for adults and children in various venues in area communities (if you know of any in particular who might want to have me, please have them get in touch with me), writing about “fascinating women history forgot,” and doing my best to make this world a little better. You can find my upcoming programs at <a href="www.tellingherstories.com">tellingherstories.com</a> and children's program details at <a href="www.carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com">carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com</a>. <p>Feel free to stay in touch. I plan to stay active in the community so may see many of you around the area. I would be delighted to hear from you and am always happy to help with questions or reading suggestions. My email is cslevin59 (at) gmail.com. <p>It has been a wonderful journey together. A special thank you to the Muslim Community of Middlesex County for your "Everyday Heroes" award, to the Library Commission for the commendation for my book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Remembering-Ladies-Petticoats-Presidential-Candidates/dp/1540549240">Remembering the Ladies</a> and, most of all, to all of you who have made my working days an absolute delight.<p>Wishing you all a happy & healthy 2018! <i>~ </i>Carol Simon Levin<p align="center"><i>"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." ~ Margaret Mead, anthropologist.</i><p align="center"><i>“No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit.” ~ Helen Keller</i><p align="center"><i>"The future depends entirely on what each of us does every day." ~ Gloria Steinem</i><p align="center"><i>"I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she should go ahead and be one." ~ Calamity Jane (1852-1903), American frontierswoman<br clear="all"></i><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWobxIb0RzzQmS2LaqQ3am_vFUDzv0CnUvGVl-tGayAF2OwUMvd0AgGPTANugD_xemk5d-z8X0Y63T-vvm-WA414U2_mDm4CScCgL7OWvCouV0M9NputbjQv1rCzUTcilTiHOET62VY14/s1600-h/image7"><img width="355" height="450" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJEXyyaAkaktP84_5vw1Nq0ilHlgJJCOIjcXKZFqFWMj8o_sfSrdndyyUr-9_3EILggJmEEKsx1W4U1LWQ6-WrxOd3fgFl_wGTKi-AB_upD_wyZtvFMOhGNaRoU2HtH0UYZROXAx9Ifc/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><i></i><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9U2517Axng4mjPJ1l7cVXRaUAnp5YwP5DLLvyuoCTcYkBAwnot83wcZnIlQ0w9n1TEFOVlXyNiFeN6GrUC81DO7zSfDIi0IevGySj1-N1mXIfeYDK2H1Jder8QxJoI117Qh9tbOT9x0/s1600-h/image%255B28%255D"><img width="500" height="343" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghP8gUP4fXOiuJbK0eqtABLOFQ8BxBqanVf1aRJeUUix94tZwTwZ4hmCggcxXEiqH-1I5YNDZ17Ai1Q01dA0Si79-VHeYJlAELkW6YABQ9MrvPSJwmPR_DlzJh1KILI9y3wnlM3xPuZ5o/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><br clear="all"><br clear="all">A walk down memory lane -- a few of the programs from the past few years (you can see more pictures by clicking on the titles)<br clear="all"><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/2017/08/celebrate-great-american-eclipse-2017.html"><font size="3"><strong>Celebrating The Great American Eclipse 2017</strong></font></a><p><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/search/label/Eclipse%202017"><img width="495" height="273" alt="image" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--P5FUd0iM0s/WZOo5wprXmI/AAAAAAAAdXk/dQpNoetA2rY8v3PCleZInL0K1hEf0PPygCHMYCw/image_thumb%255B44%255D?imgmax=800"></a></p><h5><font size="3"><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/2017/07/fairytale-engineering-three-billy-goats.html"><br clear="all">Fairytale Engineering "The Three Billy Goats Gruff" -- Building a Better Bridge</a></font></h5><p><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/search/label/Fairy%20Tale%20Engineering"><img alt="image" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L6KoLwxGtok/WXgg8Vsa9UI/AAAAAAAAb00/Id-8pb2oHFo0vcWv9Vi02A1qGS7-eQS8ACHMYCw/image_thumb%255B36%255D?imgmax=800"></a></p><p><img width="493" height="273" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCI_dbBp6zZs6nvT6ppZVGnRADuQt7G3jU5vEf3N3FHYMlpmOek93ICZMvMCsjLbm2ldyaBu_moaP9C3g5akn1DQ_WxgS2DtCPBWJ0MSGNbzZ_VcEj_0nEdfVvY16F8O_7xHuI2r7fECL-/?imgmax=800"></p><p><img width="492" height="361" alt="image" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1qpb-eydAEs/WXgi28okDOI/AAAAAAAAb7Q/WA9RnyRXxlgaeGDj-AN-qMX3Wb0YEIXeQCHMYCw/image_thumb%255B69%255D?imgmax=800"></p><p><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/search/label/S.T.E.M.%20Playground"><strong><br clear="all"><font size="3">STEM Playgrounds:</font></strong></a></p><p><img width="479" height="269" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGzLrAEFSOmmQvjXUeBdJ8iUu_uSv7Ov2mmRLd-fDH9QyeHbRArE8t7bhZ0PYr6zsKO9fVA1YpBBNp_MnBpRdMlu9IpEObve6udSftjyawhyF-xAHydUxtEGY73p2cjgw8mcHj1Pvegql/?imgmax=800"></p><p><img alt="image" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cVZauwfOkSc/WVvpVVrFvZI/AAAAAAAAasU/REwBOvDBgxUWV4oS9EpXfucGMbtyBB8qQCHMYCw/image_thumb%255B60%255D?imgmax=800"></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLe-f0psnf4Q4JlW7V8dytj2GzwQAWyGPWwJAVvIiMqZ3VEhFz1H2c6dlgho7FIX74APMIwdzXNofUc0rg0QFgZZ0Zb-7gKvHWrq4zG-ixORAO0EGg1i9oclT7nhwLI_OofJarP7E6LpU/s1600-h/image%255B32%255D"><img width="504" height="429" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHtROSw0Zh3esPGuSVMgcGSkqexiqBXmIpAkGt198EMC4tyx3QPTXnVFJeqefpydMw4la5kODSXyLqxEkRPgiD0RxWBEXlhkkWgHowPIICLiXyFxunaGONfT-gVvLH2JLk-okXhlfLUI/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><img alt="image" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s7QUYJ-5cSQ/WVvpY9qRdLI/AAAAAAAAas0/lezP8Ap2VZIbxfnrLFYQcrsXFw2HU2jEgCHMYCw/image_thumb%255B78%255D?imgmax=800"></p><p><img alt="IMG_6700" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I91fzXRa-dU/VxZcl1un7dI/AAAAAAAAUls/ClrVCoSeP0c/IMG_6700_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/2017/07/fairytale-engineering-falling-for.html"><strong><font size="3"><br clear="all"><br clear="all">Falling for Rapunzel -- Egg Dropping:</font></strong></a></p><p><img width="487" height="306" alt="image" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t8JkSMGNtRU/WW85xQfuuHI/AAAAAAAAbZk/a2wns2GeSBY30fSe96V8_Ui0OF6vE6YjgCHMYCw/image_thumb%255B30%255D?imgmax=800"></p><p><img alt="image" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DBYb93gHY0o/WW85zPjXVhI/AAAAAAAAbZ0/4bu-DdeF_uIIgT0OKt_gCP1-sFZkrAf5ACHMYCw/image_thumb%255B12%255D?imgmax=800"></p><p><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/search/label/Fairy%20Tale%20Engineering"><img alt="image" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MkAYV2zPkBA/WW856TR5tYI/AAAAAAAAbak/icEgbsHLoNAyCt4HUkdKLllB9y_v0KbAACHMYCw/image_thumb%255B18%255D?imgmax=800"></a></p><p><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/2016/12/makedo-cardboard-construction-challenge.html"><strong><font size="3"><br clear="all">Cardboard Construction Challenge:</font></strong></a></p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sS1SVtmwNk0/WGLpFWwamMI/AAAAAAAAWaM/6DlejzpFM20/IMG_1785_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800">Pencil & Rocket Train & Doghouse<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YvUQBwAPiBU/WGLpGVkIMoI/AAAAAAAAWaY/xHZC3WbdG_o/s1600-h/IMG_1779%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img width="266" height="327" title="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVNl7a9munhKMvdWCHABS8zXRvSxYaPbHiI5CB7QuLzfJbpzVh_ErME3VUwLIryid78nrtjIRakG9KptdE_QqiSmlU5E7uidJVRsGOm69CDNqE9hUyw5jSFa9eduQM7F-nmrRQFl9xFpd/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SlO6B1yDHxY/WGLpHDhVvDI/AAAAAAAAWag/I5KtP3ZvTRE/s1600-h/IMG_1788%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img width="204" height="323" title="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYJlo3ZFSNxiG-ubnC4nimu3ziLEy1B5CWClM3ZH3A48GgDHryIJm1og9_82BovA7Pxrln_VqvadRwEZW4MGnFX-hadpBA3tZgeM8fUxqMi_9VZ8rmquQScTwCRNMIj9I2KYGX9SlHTgL/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><br clear="all"><img width="507" height="647" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KdM3YxFhX34/WGLpLxaT63I/AAAAAAAAWbc/nTSInHzTQiU/IMG_1793_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><br clear="all"><strong><font size="3"><br clear="all"><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/2016/03/pi-day.html">Exploring Mathematics from a Perfect Square to Pi Day!</a></font></strong></p><p><img width="479" height="361" alt="IMG_6692" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B3Qsz1xB8SY/VxfglzTGk7I/AAAAAAAAUnU/swg3xjYx7u8/IMG_6692_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"></p><h5><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/2017/07/hands-across-world.html"><font size="3"><br clear="all">Hands Across the World</font></a></h5><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-IBwIYI4XYxoxkS2oI1ld-bVMFvkQ5W4IleCco2t8AhKZkw3iQNdKMTK8HaaPdnLj6W_tHPUNmH0UiUzCntx8JpS9m57JW_zxSPB1KO-WPZUvf8usHXiAk6XoXy7F07AxXoQqKv8j6w/s1600-h/image%255B36%255D"><img width="506" height="562" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqSiZktFCrimibmWmyQUZpzyY9IGNnxluNIYdYiroUiP0guCSFOtDEERb9q_fs0pleZo-3yrJD5oge6XUbShZlFAb1D_hYsQ45lOLlubpNwtDCuq-OqCsq5g5A8lb-cQfjaUSyNEsyXU/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/2017/07/hands-across-world.html"><img alt="image" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-awht_TXjJG4/WVvfhlZ-Z_I/AAAAAAAAarI/Yd6DOBMnYXsgKiTngZp_F_DFjx_JdgpcgCHMYCw/image_thumb%255B29%255D?imgmax=800"></a></p><h5><br clear="all"><font size="3"><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/2013/12/picture-this-art-exploration-for-kids.html">Tut Tut: Visiting Ancient Egypt:</a></font></h5><p><img width="493" height="229" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_H49oO0ud2Q/WEXk4f6k-DI/AAAAAAAAWQE/W03ZYqlbMKk/IMG_1695_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"></p><h5><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/2014/03/picture-this-keith-haring-characters-at.html"><font size="3"><br clear="all">Picture This: Keith Haring: Characters at Play</font></a></h5><p><img width="166" height="175" src="http://maleaab.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/keith_haring_bjones_poster_82.jpg"><img width="195" height="177" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTT_Bcv32MlL3yJ6rhyphenhyphenSyh2bDwF2AxsJ2dIkjNOHo2q_-iVMlmDQx2XtQ744vYmVSf7b5unEt10cwixQVErBSJOwzgFXlhos4vTkZ2Dq4I3EadZXVKYIjnF1EWVTg-FDL_TWKy99J8DwF/?imgmax=800"><img width="103" height="176" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcl_3v2JrD1EFDlloSn2yqmdzQfkrNr3AYMbta_34OBI6msLcpf963yQtakSoDOuvDj2vCMdmw76x5nzrH7kxD-5Bh6CvuosgbKiLku9ZRjmt_tIV0TeRPETvSY-Tnbaqam90o-l-QWkC4/?imgmax=800"></p><h5><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/2016/05/school-age-storytimeimagine.html"><font size="3"><br clear="all">Imagine the Possibilities!</font></a> <a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/2015/10/picture-this-artist-day-program.html"><font size="3">Squiggle Pictures:</font></a></h5><p><img alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeis18K8VdFNiwb8t3JNTk1NVaOWYTc6VmGtR642BGDDs_AeCn3cuPK07NiJlrj00RxR9JepWBRG5t0uoEx1bQ9FVQkvReRsMJGiZFwDaHB7_HO5Qt524g-NGz872jyAkkShqcK9mnybH1/?imgmax=800"></p><p><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/search/label/Halloween"><strong><font size="3"><br clear="all">Halloween Fun:</font></strong></a></p><p><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/search/label/Halloween"><img alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvWs2f1WwRvy2_eRdEBYYRk4OuurWIygXH5aCPMVeTk_whQ-7WHTZ5GbhX0HfMcv16mUsnEkak5b3BN8dwmCI6heuhCBvw3FTRxi9NFaxCYBJAfJ6_EFpqaeW0tPOoSdmo7rzzeJ-KLKo/?imgmax=800"></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYhfH0RatolH5H-MgnNbDmtCNmzPmaFUSCuw3h7eYqYAXC0rJbdxU-66jMlQ1_KxYXsSR6dAmiFVE93mh54cTwJw4OvXv4RbxgaeSvZjakTcIVuzkIgvJxL6zDNcPe7_xmLyUQCcwNPo/s1600-h/Halloween+Hootenany+011%255B12%255D"><img width="319" height="222" title="Halloween Hootenany 011" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Halloween Hootenany 011" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAed2JapX3QUCSIPm_YfMXxBa8ndoj0vIruA-UC09Lqjdx0zrw7DuXvA0CYAbgD_wLeSbXoy_KxqIju4YI1tSVwbV1brkkaxNEuLzYnIeB5f4JQn_vKi76GpECnnJ1lp5sG73b5KgOjw/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiur7rC0YAmY0w5Y_Cl7UH0dySW5XmqMf5YL41jQu96F-rlI49CL6NBlSKzIYWyI3pt0IUAF5sGAmtgW9LjXawTOU0B1ENXiB2jnRLR5csLxlpoYe3L2NkXYYw3JcJJu7KhjnJRiNnbq9g/s1600-h/image%255B3%255D"><img width="157" height="223" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFm0Rf411L3WfRJsH05vteEiVtOfdJt8Kjk2ZcLIZasmkLUZXQYiK1PdrMOdxA55HRR96j0wLcK8bRE9BJi5CG2nh8t0KSNhb8__4jGsQto2w5qzgtwzAo5mJ-IVX-kBYAZNndwJe3pg/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/2016/10/maker-monday-byom-build-your-own.html"><strong><font size="3"><br clear="all">Building Our Own Monsters:</font></strong></a></p><p><img width="483" height="205" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A82WoGTDbc4/WAZXeg4ds1I/AAAAAAAAV4E/GHNvBVuYJS0/IMG_1503_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"></p><p><img width="487" height="382" alt="IMG_5271" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RdLdSOzi5WU/WAaz1hbv_NI/AAAAAAAAV6U/T0AJmAfuP4I/IMG_5271_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/2016/09/happy-75th-anniversary-curious-george.html"><strong><font size="3"><br clear="all"><br clear="all">Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Curious George:</font></strong></a></p><p><img width="499" height="434" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xdnc5M5w7ww/WATi-rNWRjI/AAAAAAAAV2s/IGMm_T3Mpkk/IMG_1448_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"></p><p> </p><p><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/2016/07/fitness-fun-lets-have-field-day.html"><strong><font size="3">Literary Field Day with The Tortoise & the Hare:</font></strong></a></p><p><img width="180" height="233" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrhhWwyGlM27kyr-iZXI29o8N1Pwkn_SYtB9apXU4IFkhSiSBLADHOmmkaAwoyP98DhU52Us0GTAFAJpBk0-Yi8sbskwp54SGp1xqitn8bxVtxi_txCYAQdcjmbDn-A8XEj1Uhzk1Cl14/?imgmax=800"><img width="284" height="233" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJh7247YnIoR4I96AxEqh0Od6qq_zdI6OCDRbCcI6CyLEzgoEeKO_Myid02T9Cv3YUfsOc0YUhwDYxBYqgHSsUkU2trFXS91fnoNDYAsvFQ-WMf0LpVifyO_pTvXGiRVVJeeDObCyIpek/?imgmax=800"></p><p><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/search/label/NaNoWriMo"><strong><font size="3"><br clear="all">Celebrating Young Authors and Illustrators:</font></strong></a></p><p><img alt="IMG_1842" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YTJesO06faE/WGVLerM8jfI/AAAAAAAAWcQ/NQ32PB-P2-0/IMG_1842_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"></p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--OnZjESzZr0/WGVLfHgwYYI/AAAAAAAAWcY/lhmjM6-JiV8/IMG_1840_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"></p><p><img alt="IMG_1818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEr73SO97VfuD_FkaUVM8SjadRpQjjef-gUBIPBdATmEPny1pkM15Jn0Eidi2vHI5JyMvJBarvAVzOgLiAwi5GVVTVPjSDE67T_YEdUzlIVuOHx5v5fN0Hr8CpKIEuu4cVTBpGkSrm3Zk/?imgmax=800"><strong><font size="3"><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/search/label/Poetry"><br clear="all"><br clear="all">Playing with Poetry:</a></font></strong></p><p><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/2017/04/school-age-program-play-with-poetry.html"><img alt="image_thumb10" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-coo_Mg9VG3Q/WQSbluuvAlI/AAAAAAAAYzE/zinfLdKQHmMCujt4dhX41gZlAXFJPgopgCHM/image_thumb10_thumb?imgmax=800"></a></p><h5><font size="3"><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/2017/04/heart-of-artdrawing-lessons-with-brrhs.html"><br clear="all">Heart of Art–Drawing Lessons with the BRRHS Art Honors Club</a></font></h5><p><img alt="image" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZgF11068BCs/WPZx8Z425TI/AAAAAAAAYj0/ClSXxfWJVD8/image_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p><p><strong><font size="3"><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/search?q=ada%27s+violin"><br clear="all">Making a “Recycled Orchestra” inspired by the book “Ada’s Violin”</a></font></strong></p><p><img alt="IMG_0997" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qm5dPMaZd3U/WIkv5XVz7nI/AAAAAAAAW7s/PPea6YDfBYU/IMG_0997_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"></p><p><strong><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/search/label/Shoes"><br clear="all">Tap Those Shoes!</a></strong></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnabSsrFi_JgrMhPG_1QC269cv0v-v_hzAuM41g07YIu7gnHkRSTWCLsuaRy6nkz7nAXHHl8o6suWQh3HLL43hmZN9oveln-GCQWvasfm3LAQ7HUj0u8rSO8_alWhTsv43JseucetDns/s1600-h/image%255B19%255D"><img width="501" height="242" title="image" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSJtQPdzaUqv2zI5KTjRMF4ESTk9uEzXwFDGkpbvGJQoEd-ep3MdZ9Cs3INU6Z_78LiI9eCX_Of1wq3zQuhitkJtTcJcBfBFHgw2fpCaW0zKp8QfwwKcfpn2mBHdUa_2gDlTI4teCQrM/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><strong><br clear="all"><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/search?q=animals+with+hearts"><font size="3">Celebrating Friendship and Making Animals with Hearts on Valentine's Day:</font></a><br clear="all"></strong><img width="491" height="345" alt="IMG_1930" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5beKfPndcmc/WKNrqv467qI/AAAAAAAAXMY/3hT7XRtNv_8/IMG_1930_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"></p><p><strong><font size="3"><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/search/label/Chinese%20New%20Year"><br clear="all">Chinese New Year: Celebrating the Year of the Chicken:</a></font></strong></p><p><img alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JygOJsX1YEr36HjTs-oDNRRFqV-25rHF-1Bmrp26lr7RKb6URjngNmIXldaOxtGdOr9dV9KQa9xeW4wT6AUQGeFzOZbD2hmfT3dE0NKf_DmHOHV2Nl70kJ931RxGXFvkFQRydc9HNW5J/?imgmax=800"></p><p><img alt="image" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T2l9ws3XWlA/WJD5Qb-1_cI/AAAAAAAAXA0/8U3NAdjjL9Q/image_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800"><br clear="all"><br clear="all"><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/2014/03/seussapalooza-read-across-america.html"><font size="3"><strong>Seussapalooza!!</strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font><a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/2014/03/seussapalooza-read-across-america.html"><font size="3"><strong>Read Across America Day</strong></font></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxP9O7bgojoYOr_Os2xTe-o4nKORXLUP_mMcKB826W9vRmASSuC4X1IuVXWqmZmqK0EMCeS8F8J4gjG5FRTHhxx9SyJT2_z2HKNo4oAuHBpAgVuFTXKBxg3l7Ui9ZP1IKO1DSdbM7X-v4/s1600-h/IMG_3129%255B5%255D"><img width="489" height="595" title="IMG_3129" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_3129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqh-pdSkym42A-rxRVVhpG5J3DJS6bsKHhAd_t5Br893_TcgAynLdL_HfGzhS5ViDvd1J5YNu2-x2X0qrMDOCdij13yL84f4tRXMDT5JKLq03sZgZPpS8ci1DESvr3iLh7Jfxak5ru8w/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRprl0owZoZkt0o3PYoHZZxQkp2KalnnclPzDNtNsEsq4CVJVLAelLksnGZAnL69Mal045tEHEqUyDMA_k-ngQmJki1Gn4bW9duG7tSAGLFYZPc0dvj_GTLmlWDHolVCeT1lS8YtEYS0/s1600-h/image%255B4%255D"><img width="487" height="491" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22nB4FyTiOqHv2lp4f5kukVJWcQ87_pkgKGPbOGiYiEYEcAw97eQQmlfjY7BlcGvPn0bbPW0YrM4GrlrqQNwWnRLWESVyP6RqQD5h7MhGI6L2_mnMRssxLFS6Ny1d8Qxaqg52ZlPanq4/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><br clear="all">It has been tremendously rewarding and fun – thanks to all of you! – Carol (aka “The Cat in the Hat”)</p><p> </p><p>Read more: <a href="http://www.tapinto.net/towns/bridgewater-slash-raritan/articles/beloved-librarian-leaves-bridgewater-branch-libra">www.tapinto.net/towns/bridgewater-slash-raritan/articles/beloved-librarian-leaves-bridgewater-branch-libra</a></p>Carol Simon Levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13916459930086614680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256479139823175614.post-16065999114525598662018-01-04T15:07:00.001-05:002018-01-04T15:28:15.565-05:00Dress Up for Star Wars/Star Trek Music this weekend, Explore Space at the RVCC Planetarium, Sensory-Sensitive Area Programs, Buy advance tickets for a Harry Potter Museum Show & More Ways to Play on Cold Winter Days…<h3> </h3><hr><hr><p><a href="https://hulafrog.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3107670d1d945849ece6f71f7&id=ee6b2278dd&e=e2d309e662"><img width="487" height="301" alt="Splash Image" src="https://hulafrogsugar.com/hulafrogphoto/gky_uploads/2016/01/728-x-450px-Jan-16-family-snow-hot.jpg"> </a><h3><a href="https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj/hula-hot-list-over-70-free-ways-to-play-in-january-near-bridgewater762811/?nos=1&utm_source=NJ-Bridgewater&utm_campaign=57aa090f8f-UA-15130120-1&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_27f6d7c07c-57aa090f8f-304964245">Hula Hot List: Over 70 Free Ways to Play in January Near Bridgewater</a></h3><p>Check Hulafrog's list of FREE ways to play in January. With options like a kids' music and movement class, video game tournaments, Lego builds, and trial Gymboree play sessions, your kiddos will be having fun all month long and it won't cost you a dime! </p><p><a href="https://hulafrog.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3107670d1d945849ece6f71f7&id=8a52fa9fd6&e=e2d309e662"><img width="251" height="155" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" alt="Splash Image" src="https://hulafrogsugar.com/hulafrogphoto/gky_uploads/2014/06/728-x-450px-Rides-Attractions-std.jpg"> </a><p><strong><a href="https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj/save-the-date-sensory-sensitive-sundays-at-chuck-e-cheese-s650011">Chuck E. Cheese's now offers a sensory-friendly experience on the first Sunday of every month!</a></strong> Their trained and caring staff is there to make sure families who have children with autism and special needs have a fun-filled visit. The Sensory Sensitive Sundays experience includes: less crowding and noise, dimmed lights, lowered music, limited appearances by Chuck E., and permission to bring outside snacks. Everyone in the whole family can get in on the fun!<p><strong><hr>Make it a weekend with these great Somerset County Events!</strong><p>1. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PTNt0hC-6VhzoO2p_wCzk3FvPt1Rtt-2zpAqinRZfeXXWYIhM5VKqWHAJ8UU7M-y0CAucSc_a7thW5y83Lgr2S9Lvutehebd_wQ0akVxcDUrBZuIaLnXJVxRLnGrX6AWD-p9wwJzxnLHlOwN5-qwduwnk6KdZt1rm_lTcXispx6rh81u2T_rnZkeE4LQc2H1KB91O4UljCCueIl3WxhObA==&c=bzJJtBPFKA06Xytiq3xXLiwnd4vH6GvlIrwOCNClCBT8c2hFoBlz0w==&ch=waOayrueL0dwNSMQZQwPMVs_zSAvo_x306ASaoXzCTMHJ8kr4BgozQ==">Junior Naturalists 2018 Kickoff</a>, Duke Farms<p>2. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PTNt0hC-6VhzoO2p_wCzk3FvPt1Rtt-2zpAqinRZfeXXWYIhM5VKqWHAJ8UU7M-yHlZ94YDDNjYwk3qp3PE-2X95-iuNId0-jVGcNafdipzAXAfjhuh2uw9XVxUI5Aa5tRyQAI83ll2yaTd0zcf2G1TsABd6YpMeh-mU7vQXOeNpztWvTgNY2Q==&c=bzJJtBPFKA06Xytiq3xXLiwnd4vH6GvlIrwOCNClCBT8c2hFoBlz0w==&ch=waOayrueL0dwNSMQZQwPMVs_zSAvo_x306ASaoXzCTMHJ8kr4BgozQ==">NJSO Sci-Fi Spectacular: Music from “Star Wars”, “Star Trek” & Beyond</a>, State Theatre New Jersey<p>3. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PTNt0hC-6VhzoO2p_wCzk3FvPt1Rtt-2zpAqinRZfeXXWYIhM5VKqWHAJ8UU7M-yWbEFXsZ6RmlVnDE85wwU-rHIcCm0umGmJHcbn2ucRE-tIBWxxN_hfwBcZyuAVMGc8TIIqYcVxvL2z1dOrBzQ1awBH4Mvgh3RIC4UjJ-AJIY_SLCN0nsq4g==&c=bzJJtBPFKA06Xytiq3xXLiwnd4vH6GvlIrwOCNClCBT8c2hFoBlz0w==&ch=waOayrueL0dwNSMQZQwPMVs_zSAvo_x306ASaoXzCTMHJ8kr4BgozQ==">Winter Wedding Show</a>, Basking Ridge Country Club<p>4. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PTNt0hC-6VhzoO2p_wCzk3FvPt1Rtt-2zpAqinRZfeXXWYIhM5VKqWHAJ8UU7M-yKmmfHLEFEQn2eybpPVIUTvDfuak6Ba57W6msfa4pOUaQNQQ_3J85WDXUER9XB0t_nlqexAWc1paShHrn0goR7NktgbIp85QQfWRVnWrBN5prC9P2vy-_HA==&c=bzJJtBPFKA06Xytiq3xXLiwnd4vH6GvlIrwOCNClCBT8c2hFoBlz0w==&ch=waOayrueL0dwNSMQZQwPMVs_zSAvo_x306ASaoXzCTMHJ8kr4BgozQ==">Skating & Pizza Party with Minnions & Gru</a>, Bridgewater Sports Arena<p>5. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PTNt0hC-6VhzoO2p_wCzk3FvPt1Rtt-2zpAqinRZfeXXWYIhM5VKqWHAJ8UU7M-yxieJ2FmDgvEiNqwAx3tBT7ocr9vdbPJiRBp7e3WrLrjm0ScRo2rPk37IV0fkn5u8LeJIoZ9TDWWxsVSrCEDNVoADOP1U6MreKK3Y4_5j4vQEKIo4GugKXilHGodAfXTGXFKwjgzjmAIx7T3CjKuo8gMpIHJJC_YQ&c=bzJJtBPFKA06Xytiq3xXLiwnd4vH6GvlIrwOCNClCBT8c2hFoBlz0w==&ch=waOayrueL0dwNSMQZQwPMVs_zSAvo_x306ASaoXzCTMHJ8kr4BgozQ==">Nature Through a Child’s Eye Exhibit (Opening Weekend)</a>, EEC<p>6. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PTNt0hC-6VhzoO2p_wCzk3FvPt1Rtt-2zpAqinRZfeXXWYIhM5VKqWHAJ8UU7M-y2gQs4YdPhEidU3wlFrGzBay5hxufCZYY6LK3t21CHzBk2SirFfJvH5R3hOPgwxn9uW_66X6U9YxoWZoJD0nXy2KUqvCDR1fHtcen5whqO2GTi2D2CxNdJIwFxhGjdM5w_CnsguGLuszkTRfxgioaVZI44ZZQ8DXKbeQRUCvRvXvx-umOguwNRw==&c=bzJJtBPFKA06Xytiq3xXLiwnd4vH6GvlIrwOCNClCBT8c2hFoBlz0w==&ch=waOayrueL0dwNSMQZQwPMVs_zSAvo_x306ASaoXzCTMHJ8kr4BgozQ==">Central Jersey Twelfth Night – Boar’s Head Festival</a>, Somerville United Reformed Church<p>7. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PTNt0hC-6VhzoO2p_wCzk3FvPt1Rtt-2zpAqinRZfeXXWYIhM5VKqWHAJ8UU7M-ya0-yu9AJCEDekj2nCZlgYMER3rAq3eARiiBJ42k1d0Iwg57GBE-7W5K0qHW-nvYkWCS-YukAmFLnXkqWPOAFSDodCriYIJv_ihROkSCjzeMLoDrlzxWulXA3KEOdZsK0-ikB60FWGifjmRdhj_jrTaYYx7z4nf0lR8NjmTFa1QkUGFKoBx3ZotphP87uX7JO&c=bzJJtBPFKA06Xytiq3xXLiwnd4vH6GvlIrwOCNClCBT8c2hFoBlz0w==&ch=waOayrueL0dwNSMQZQwPMVs_zSAvo_x306ASaoXzCTMHJ8kr4BgozQ==">Winter Animal Signs</a>, Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary<p>8. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PTNt0hC-6VhzoO2p_wCzk3FvPt1Rtt-2zpAqinRZfeXXWYIhM5VKqWHAJ8UU7M-yLpj_IocYRvCB6dbaVVbN1co-m5L0UdR-OKWEBeExVswXXEICi60P7RvO6hO20V4YS-hQa7IDqKJk47v127ksKedlcGgw9685Y1Uh_Y0rTYGkm_UJ32uqZazd4YgLGfq4iaV8PJWXMxqf8RoZZ0Sbmw==&c=bzJJtBPFKA06Xytiq3xXLiwnd4vH6GvlIrwOCNClCBT8c2hFoBlz0w==&ch=waOayrueL0dwNSMQZQwPMVs_zSAvo_x306ASaoXzCTMHJ8kr4BgozQ==">Laser Light Waves</a>, RVCC Planetarium<p>9. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PTNt0hC-6VhzoO2p_wCzk3FvPt1Rtt-2zpAqinRZfeXXWYIhM5VKqWHAJ8UU7M-y6OKY6PdPK23yPGAPRCNK631BGjeNsqfrZbHkpjOxtiREFN6kEyKY_2r9QZmfCMIAfzvF3JB6wm-VaFiTy_kv-DtKPQ_txMprzt-sOkepbPTrm9O6rMRjTg==&c=bzJJtBPFKA06Xytiq3xXLiwnd4vH6GvlIrwOCNClCBT8c2hFoBlz0w==&ch=waOayrueL0dwNSMQZQwPMVs_zSAvo_x306ASaoXzCTMHJ8kr4BgozQ==">Watchung Arts Center Invitational and Sarah Canfield Exhibit Opening Receptions</a>, Watchung Arts Center<p>10. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PTNt0hC-6VhzoO2p_wCzk3FvPt1Rtt-2zpAqinRZfeXXWYIhM5VKqWHAJ8UU7M-ys-NY3k5WHnNq68rutzJ2XGQFByP0OX2pUpBh7gaGi8b79QWy1bozGoxRkdMIeRAnSMKIJ0OXw2aeBSdRJb33UJHN-UStEOq-jAj42vpV3mXjHuyqxMdTvQ==&c=bzJJtBPFKA06Xytiq3xXLiwnd4vH6GvlIrwOCNClCBT8c2hFoBlz0w==&ch=waOayrueL0dwNSMQZQwPMVs_zSAvo_x306ASaoXzCTMHJ8kr4BgozQ==">Palermo Winter Festival</a>, Palermo Show Stable<hr><p><a name="stnj org events" href="http://click.skem1.com/click/lsj54-d6timg-1i9ho5p6/"><img width="500" height="91" alt="State Theatre New Jersey" src="http://media.mail2app.lynch2.com/media/50/501065/headers/enews_header5.png"></a><p><a name="https stnj org event brit floyd" href="http://click.skem1.com/click/lsj54-d6timh-1i9ho5p7/"><img width="487" height="264" alt="Sci-Fi Spectacular" src="http://media.mail2app.lynch2.com/media/50/501065/postcards/pic_18_01_07_scifi_pc.jpg"></a><p><strong>Marina Sirtis hosts an out-of-this-world night of movie music!<br></strong><a name="https stnj org event scifi_spectacular_njso" href="http://click.skem1.com/click/lsj54-d6timj-1i9ho5p9/"><strong>Sci-Fi Spectacular: Music from“Star Wars,” “Star Trek,” & Beyond</strong></a><p><a name="https stnj org event illusionists 2" href="http://click.skem1.com/click/lsj54-d6timk-1i9ho5p0/"><strong></strong></a><p><strong>New Jersey Symphony Orchestra</strong><p><strong>MARINA SIRTIS</strong> <em>host </em><br><strong>BOB BERNHARDT</strong> <em>conductor</em><br><strong>KRISTEN PLUMLEY</strong> <em>vocalist</em><br><strong>PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE BROADWAY SHOW CHOIR</strong><br> Shayne Austin Miller, <em>director</em><p><strong></strong><p><strong>THIS SUNDAY — January 7 at 3pm</strong><p>Marina Sirtis, best known as counselor Deanna Troi on the television series <em>Star Trek: The Next Generation</em> and the four feature films that followed, hosts a night of Sci-Fi film music. Blast off to music from <em>Star Wars</em>, <em>Star Trek</em>, <em>The Day the Earth Stood Still</em>, <em>Close Encounters of the Third Kind,</em> and more! Highlights the music of John Williams, Bernard Herrmann, and other composers who have made great moments in science fiction come alive.<strong><br></strong><p><a name="https stnj org event brit floyd 3" href="http://click.skem1.com/click/lsj54-d6timm-1i9ho5p2/">BUY TICKETS »</a><p><img width="486" height="283" align="middle" alt="Cosplay" src="http://media.mail2app.lynch2.com/media/50/501065/postcards/pic_cosplay_SciFi.png"><p><strong>Cosplay Competition!</strong><br>Dress up as your favorite sci-fi movie character and beam yourself into our costume parade and contest! Competition starts one hour before the concert.<p><a name="https stnj org explore magazine article 17 " href="http://click.skem1.com/click/lsj54-d6timn-1i9ho5p3/"><img width="466" height="271" align="middle" alt="Sci-Fi Comes to Life" src="http://media.mail2app.lynch2.com/media/50/501065/postcards/pic_magazine_SciFi.png"></a><p><a name="https soundcloud statetheatrenj lily saito " href="http://click.skem1.com/click/lsj54-d6timo-1i9ho5p4/"><strong>Sci-Fi comes to life at The State</strong></a><em><strong></strong></em><p>Read our article about the show in State Theatre Magazine.<p><em>Co-presented by State Theatre New Jersey and New Jersey Symphony Orchestra</em>. <p>FOLLOW STATE THEATRE NEW JERSEY<p><a name="facebook statetheatrenj" href="http://click.skem1.com/click/lsj54-d6timp-1i9ho5p5/"><img width="35" alt="Facebook" src="http://media.mail2app.lynch2.com/media/50/501065/Logos/icon_fb.png" hspace="3"></a> <a name="twitter statetheatrenj" href="http://click.skem1.com/click/lsj54-d6timq-1i9ho5p6/"><img width="35" alt="Twitter" src="http://media.mail2app.lynch2.com/media/50/501065/Logos/icon_twitter.png" hspace="3"></a> <a name="instagram statetheatrenj" href="http://click.skem1.com/click/lsj54-d6timr-1i9ho5p7/"><img width="35" alt="Instagram" src="http://media.mail2app.lynch2.com/media/50/501065/Logos/icon_instagram.png" hspace="3"></a> <a name="youtube statetheatrenj" href="http://click.skem1.com/click/lsj54-d6tims-1i9ho5p8/"><img width="35" alt="YouTube" src="http://media.mail2app.lynch2.com/media/50/501065/Logos/icon_youtube.png" hspace="3"></a> <a name="https pinterest statetheatrenj " href="http://click.skem1.com/click/lsj54-d6timt-1i9ho5p9/"><img width="35" alt="Pinterest" src="http://media.mail2app.lynch2.com/media/50/501065/Logos/icon_pinterest.png" hspace="3"></a><p>Copyright © 2018 State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey. All rights reserved. State Theatre New Jersey's website and email club is governed by our <a name="privacy policy" href="http://click.skem1.com/click/lsj54-d6timu-1i9ho5p0/">privacy policy</a>. <p>Programs, artists, dates, times, policies, and prices are subject to change without notice. For questions, comments, or suggestions, please do not reply to this email. Instead, please email <a name="auto_lnk_name" href="mailto:info@stnj.org">info@stnj.org</a>. <br><p><img width="500" height="36" alt="State Theatre New Jersey Season Sponsors" src="http://media.mail2app.lynch2.com/media/50/501065/general/2017_season_logos3.png"><p>STATE THEATRE NEW JERSEY <br>15 LIVINGSTON AVENUE<br>NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 08901<br>732-246-7469<hr><p><hr><hr><p><img width="190" height="89" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/2e8c71ce201/9cc6d19b-6a4b-4f70-8e39-f8c7f0ba0a13.jpg" border="0" hspace="0"><p><img width="215" height="189" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/2e8c71ce201/0b0754e1-419c-4715-9cbd-f2e9785f414c.jpg" border="0" hspace="0"><p><strong>SuperMoons, Blue Moon, and a Lunar Eclipse</strong><p>There are two Full Moons in January 2018, one on January 1 and another on January 31. The first nearly coincides with Perigee, the point during the Moon's orbit where it is closest to Earth. The second is just over a day offset from perigee. There is a perigee every month, so what's the big deal about it coinciding with the Full Moon? Nothing. Does the Moon look bigger? Marginally, but you probably will only notice the difference between a "super" Full Moon and an average Full Moon if you take pictures and compare them. Will the "super" Moon be brighter? Yes, about 7% brighter, but again, that's not enough for the average person to notice. The Moon often looks large when it's rising or setting, but that is different. That's the Moon Illusion, an effect created by us having something to compare the Moon to (trees, buildings, etc). Up higher in the sky, there's nothing to which we can compare the Moon's size, so it appears smaller. But measure it against your pinky finger held at arm's length, and it's the same size no matter it's location.<p>The second full moon in a calendar month is called a "Blue Moon." It doesn't actually appear blue. <p>There will be a total eclipse of the Moon on January 31, but we won't be able to enjoy it. The partial eclipse begins at 6:48 a.m. The Moon will be setting. If you want to see it, you'll need an excellent view of the western horizon. By the time the total eclipse has begun, the Moon will be below our horizon.<p>What an astronomical bummer!<p><strong>January's Astronomy Programs</strong><p><img width="147" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/2e8c71ce201/66ac38af-83e3-4120-b44c-af75b5a0c7c8.jpg" border="0" hspace="0"><strong>Magic Tree House: Space Mission</strong> <p>Saturdays, January 6, 13, 20 at 3 pm<p>Join Jack and Annie as they discover the secrets of the Sun, Moon, space travel, and more. Who can help them answer the questions left for them by the mysterious "M"? (for ages 5-12)<br clear="all"><p><img width="147" height="147" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/2e8c71ce201/c7fefce6-2c23-45a6-b372-f2fd2dc14726.jpg" border="0" hspace="0"><strong>Astronomy Tonight</strong> <p>Saturday, January 6 at 7 pm <p>Using our Digital Sky software, we'll take you on a guided tour of tonight's night sky. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)<br clear="all"><p><img width="147" height="91" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/2e8c71ce201/cfe5a1a3-9ec6-4aaf-bc5f-f6c803778008.png" border="0" hspace="0"><strong>Exploding Universe</strong> <p>Saturdays, January 13, 20, 27 <p>at 7 pm<p>The universe we see today is the product of explosive events. As the universe has transformed into its current state, even the more elementary particles have endured. The show follows the path of one of the particles, a proton, as it participates in nature's astounding events of rebirth and renewal. The program also includes a brief tour of the current night sky in our digital planetarium. (Recommended for ages 10 to adult)<p>Admission: $8 per person for one show, $14 per person for two shows on the same day.<p><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001AkNZhkhIUTgJ_4vrRJyK8Wvq3zHv1fEkmGiJ9MwgV2Dm0R-8nb0P2cGejwbLVZKtQ6xXVTODpwWX-KzUoNxnvLjnOL8oNsqAC9K9phA9wxuUo5kraun-oqV6wp_1cXhajYHMvicWcnyLBOe35DdIVEmLhCrfXnFArTci3gZNBlAnpvHUqx4OFHFWThKqAjWbOpzBIoIt2UY35mzSewgF3hC0wl6tFSa2QXjewWOo2y4=&c=tdCafh7ALNb62sOdQQnj30mzTueo7xwzVGsaG-C3VXeU2oBNvN9e5Q==&ch=Pw-P_fyfZyzqlbmHPCulHiikPwuWxfU3sn0I6xWBdzAuPgCprJi_eg==">Check our website for the full schedule.</a><p><strong>Programs for Young Visitors</strong> <p>Our youngest visitors can enjoy age-appropriate programs on the last Saturday of the Month.<p><img width="167" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/2e8c71ce201/526b00a6-1e8e-44a0-ba51-000fb8ea1c1a.jpg" border="0" hspace="0"><strong>Rockin' Rocket Ride</strong><p>Saturday, January 27 at 3:00 pm <p>Put on your space suit and blast off into outer space to visit the Moon, Sun, and planets. A lively experience for young people with music from the CD "Journey into Space" by Jane Murphy. Recommended for ages 3-8.<p><strong>SkyLights</strong><p><strong>Saturday, January 27 at 4:00 pm</strong><p>Sing along with songs by mr. RAY (Family Ride, Kalien the Alien) and Jane Murphy (Moon Rock Rock, The Planet Song) as well as fun tunes like "Purple People Eater," "Let It Go," and "ABC-123" by the Jackson Five. Some songs are illustrated with lasers while others feature video images. Recommended for ages 3-8.<p><img width="167" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/2e8c71ce201/542f08ee-654d-4afc-9152-486ebbcbe17d.jpg" border="0" hspace="0"><p><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001AkNZhkhIUTgJ_4vrRJyK8Wvq3zHv1fEkmGiJ9MwgV2Dm0R-8nb0P2TSKWRDHkyeV7h1ssbj0cdEvMIZnUNOMeca13PQhIWlC4nsSvxzxWrzT31U4RzrFKGhkhfiYwJNqh9G_EIOp-O6GtDk43_l9x1fKbTjj_buIHlF3ETtOtOcqYr5Cde6ddD1Ke2Ua9Nx9HaMXMF5E1r3hS6JXuxIRaROHhrpfryMLbw1vuxvPIQU=&c=tdCafh7ALNb62sOdQQnj30mzTueo7xwzVGsaG-C3VXeU2oBNvN9e5Q==&ch=Pw-P_fyfZyzqlbmHPCulHiikPwuWxfU3sn0I6xWBdzAuPgCprJi_eg==">Visit our website</a><p>Observatory <p>Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open to the public on Saturdays from 7:00 p.m. to about 10:00 p.m. <p>Please note, we will not open if it is too cold. <p><img width="206" height="206" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" alt="Saturn on Puzzle" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/2e8c71ce201/8e175ca0-969c-4923-b65b-66f7cc3a9649.png" border="0" hspace="0"><p><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001AkNZhkhIUTgJ_4vrRJyK8Wvq3zHv1fEkmGiJ9MwgV2Dm0R-8nb0P2cGejwbLVZKtQ6xXVTODpwWX-KzUoNxnvLjnOL8oNsqAC9K9phA9wxuUo5kraun-oqV6wp_1cXhajYHMvicWcnyLBOe35DdIVEmLhCrfXnFArTci3gZNBlAnpvHUqx4OFHFWThKqAjWbOpzBIoIt2UY35mzSewgF3hC0wl6tFSa2QXjewWOo2y4=&c=tdCafh7ALNb62sOdQQnj30mzTueo7xwzVGsaG-C3VXeU2oBNvN9e5Q==&ch=Pw-P_fyfZyzqlbmHPCulHiikPwuWxfU3sn0I6xWBdzAuPgCprJi_eg==">Visit our website</a><p><strong>Sensory-Friendly programs</strong><p>RVCC Planetarium offers special astronomy and music shows designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities. These sensory-friendly shows, which are appropriate for audiences of all ages, will provide a comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming to all families. During the show, the doors will remain open so children may freely leave and return if they choose. Lights will be left dim (instead of dark) and the audio will be lowered and kept at a consistent level. <p><strong>The Sky Above</strong> <p>Saturday, January 6 5 pm<p>Enjoy music, laser lights, stories, and information about the planets, Moon, and constellations. Content is presented on a kindergarten level.<p><strong>What's up in the Sky?</strong><p>January sees four planets in the dawn sky: Saturn, Mercury, Jupiter, and Mars. Saturn is just emerging from the glare of the Sun. Look for Saturn low in the southeast early in January, climbing higher each day. Mercury, at greatest elongation January 1, is to the lower left of Antares. Mercury and Saturn pass each other January 13. The swift moving planet Mercury drops lower each morning and is lost in the morning twilight before the month ends.<p>Jupiter and Mars are about 45 degrees to the upper right of Saturn and Mercury. Jupiter and Mars pass just 0.3 degrees of each other January 6. On January 11, the crescent Moon is next to Jupiter and Mars. By the end of the month, we are left with three morning planets, Saturn, Mars, and Jupiter. <p>Venus is at superior conjunction January 9 and is not visible.<p>The Moon is near Mars and Jupiter on January 10 & 11. The waning crescent Moon is near Saturn and Mercury January 14 & 15.</p><strong><p> <p> <p> <p>Last Quarter Moon: January 8 5:25 p.m. EST<p>New Moon: January 16 9:17 p.m. EST<p>First Quarter Moon: January 24 5:20 p.m. EST<p>Full Moon: January 31 8:27 a.m. EST<p> </p></strong><p> <p>Planetarium at Raritan Valley Community College | 908-231-8805 | <a href="mailto:planet@raritanval.edu">p</a>lanet@raritanval.edu | <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001AkNZhkhIUTgJ_4vrRJyK8Wvq3zHv1fEkmGiJ9MwgV2Dm0R-8nb0P2RlW5CFWmDGAJNsE-xQ6aal8L7stwLoJcoXHSPniqQd6bmFu6otehdfyY8eF2SzqHsJj6GQHX2rABPylhdros1EKLjE90rhMMFYtbHzc1vLs_jcw2gkZ8eoq2XE5XDe3qSZ_lmFkvBhN&c=tdCafh7ALNb62sOdQQnj30mzTueo7xwzVGsaG-C3VXeU2oBNvN9e5Q==&ch=Pw-P_fyfZyzqlbmHPCulHiikPwuWxfU3sn0I6xWBdzAuPgCprJi_eg==">w</a>ww.raritanval.edu/planetarium <p>RVCC Planetarium, 118 Lamington Road, North Branch, NJ 08876<hr><hr><p><strong>Harry Potter Fans -- Planning Ahead:</strong> <hr><p><a name="email_ www nyhistory org" href="http://click.skem1.com/click/lsf6t-d6s66c-65fzc6q6/"><img width="488" height="338" alt="Email-Header" src="http://email.nyhscommunications.org/email/2018/NYHS_HarryPotter_650x450.jpg"> </a><p><a name="nyhistory org exhibitions harry potter histor" href="http://click.skem1.com/click/lsf6t-d6s66d-65fzc6q7/"><em>Harry Potter: A History of Magic</em></a> Calling all Muggles, witches, and wizards! Mark your calendars and get ready to book your tickets to <a name="nyhistory org exhibitions harry potter histor 2" href="http://click.skem1.com/click/lsf6t-d6s66e-65fzc6q8/"><em>Harry Potter: A History of Magic</em></a>, a <a name="https bl uk events harry potter a history o" href="http://click.skem1.com/click/lsf6t-d6s66f-65fzc6q9/">British Library</a> exhibition, on view at the New-York Historical Society October 5, 2018–January 27, 2019. <a name="nyhistory org support membership" href="http://click.skem1.com/click/lsf6t-d6s66g-65fzc6q0/">Members</a> of New-York Historical can reserve tickets starting February 14 at 12 pm. Tickets go on sale to the general public in April. <br>Capturing the traditions of folklore and magic at the heart of the Harry Potter stories, <em>Harry Potter: A History of Magic</em> unveils rare books, manuscripts, and magical objects from the collections of the British Library, New-York Historical Society, <a name="harrypotter scholastic " href="http://click.skem1.com/click/lsf6t-d6s66h-65fzc6q1/">Scholastic</a>, and other special collections. September 2018 marks the 20th anniversary of the U.S. publication of J.K. Rowling's <em>Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone</em>, following the 20th anniversary celebrations of the publication of <em>Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone</em> in the U.K. in 2017.<br>Explore the subjects studied at Hogwarts and see original drafts and drawings by J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter illustrators Mary GrandPré and Jim Kay. Whether you're Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin, don't miss what's sure to be a magical experience! <p>New-York Historical Society <br><a name="nyhistory org visit plan" href="http://click.skem1.com/click/lsf6t-d6s66i-65fzc6q2/">170 Central Park West<br>at Richard Gilder Way (77th St)<br>New York, NY 10024<br></a><a href="tel:12128733400">(212) 873-3400</a><br><a name="nyhistory org exhibitions harry potter histor 3" href="http://click.skem1.com/click/lsf6t-d6s66j-65fzc6q3/">nyhistory.org/harrypotter</a></p><p><hr><hr>Carol Simon Levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13916459930086614680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256479139823175614.post-83510274409156522602017-12-26T07:47:00.001-05:002017-12-26T07:49:16.078-05:00Singalong History with Theater To Go’s Interactive Screening of "1776" Today in Trenton During Trenton Patriots Week 2017<h3><p>Theater To Go will be presenting an interactive screening of the movie <em>1776 </em>at the NJ State Museum Auditorium in Trenton on December 26 at 12:00pm. The film is a musical retelling of the American Revolution's political struggle in the Continental Congress to declare independence. Fans are welcome to attend in costume if they wish. <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeISfKhUB6AIoQ0VUDhB36-0EgqhUv54P7qXVxj2pysMbgBFeQVI72dmr2wGCUWsde3SLnfbslyntLO31d6HfAddOUuTFy_wARSAqHR0RDVOx0RTBOYp-evu-5RsgwXL6rMo1NMTIeNBU/s1600-h/image%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="778" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_wqpZiCswatdxjOrttZDOzEyMh6EQTismPXtzIqt87_L5rvlLNmXmZPr2ZMa98Vyil_XVE6HaY6yZbvI6B3X_HqfI9BdidCYdwcTnYRkuSNg9BGyA_3J2tjoWrwt-mtxd99Uko7Ncvw/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p></h3><p>Melissa Rittmann and Rob Michael Lasky will guide the audience through a play-along screening of this beloved movie. Know the songs? Feel free to sing along! You can sign the Declaration of Independence, enjoy a Tricorn Hat cookie from The Upper Crust Baking Co. and more! And everyone gets a goody bag with props to help you play along.<p>Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Tickets may be purchased in <a href="http://1776-patriotsweek.bpt.me/"><strong>advance here</strong></a>.<p>Trenton Patriots week has a wide assortment of event, including battle reenactments, walking tours, movies, 18th century music and even a Colonial Ball. For a complete schedule <a href="http://www.destinationtrenton.com/events/patriots-week/"><strong>click here</strong></a>.<p>Presented by Theater To Go and sponsored by Crossroads of the American Revolution. By special arrangement with Swank Motion Pictures.<br><a href="http://www.state.nj.us/state/museum/"><strong>NJ State Museum Auditorium </strong></a>is located at 205 W State Street in Trenton, New Jersey.<p>Click <a href="http://bwlibys.blogspot.com/"><strong>HERE</strong></a> for more holiday happenings around the area.</p>Carol Simon Levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13916459930086614680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256479139823175614.post-13407808672229212232017-12-19T15:03:00.001-05:002017-12-19T16:42:31.702-05:00Special Books, Reasons for Recess, Choosing a Pre-School and Cookie Math<p>If your family is looking for some outings and adventures during vacation week, click <a href="http://bwlibys.blogspot.com/2017/12/special-books-reasons-for-recess_19.html">here</a>. You’ll see a list of “useful websites” on the right hand side. Scroll down to the event listings. </p><hr><p>Looking for some special books this holiday season? </p><p><a href="http://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/files/2016/12/31Days.gif"><img width="116" height="116" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" alt="31days" src="http://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/files/2016/12/31Days-300x300.gif"></a></p><h3><a href="http://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/2017/12/13/31-days-31-lists-day-thirteen-2017-picture-books-with-a-message/#_">31 Days, 31 Lists: Day Thirteen – 2017 Picture Books With a Message</a> BY <a href="http://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/author/elizabethbird/">ELIZABETH BIRD</a><br><font style="font-weight: normal;">Some discuss death and loss. Others social issues like poverty, inequality, or pervasive fear. Still others just inform readers on important topics in an interesting way….but one thing’s for certain. They all do a darned good job… </font></h3><h3> </h3><h3>One of the books on the list is by local author Karen Rostoker-Gruber! <strong>Maddie the Mitzvah Clown by Karen Rostoker-Gruber, ill. Christina Grove</strong></h3><p><a href="http://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/files/2017/12/MaddieMitzvah.jpg"><img width="113" height="146" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" alt="MaddieMitzvah" src="http://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/files/2017/12/MaddieMitzvah-386x500.jpg"></a>I’m all about the female empowerment, but I am PARTICULARLY into that empowerment when it involves girls finding their strength and voice through humor. So you can imagine how thrilled I was when this little number from Apples & Honey Press rolled across my desk one day. Maddie suffers from shyness but discovers that by becoming a clown at her Grandma’s senior center she’s able to become another person entirely. I think Kirkus said it best when they wrote, “A different way to give back to the community (and help oneself), this cheery outing should not be confined to its Jewish context.”<hr><b><font size="3">Here’s a <a href="http://www.somerset.lib.nj.us/kids/PDFs/holidays2011.pdf">list of holiday titles</a> that celebrate gifts AND giving!</font></b><hr><h3>Wondering whether recess is worth the time lost in learning? <font style="font-weight: normal;">Research is showing that school recess not only leads to fewer disciplinary incidents at school but could make better employees as well. Listen to this </font><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/shows/marketplace-morning-report/12192017-us-edition"><font style="font-weight: normal;">report</font></a><font style="font-weight: normal;"> about how recess — yes, that 10-20 minute or so break kids have at school — might help children develop the skills it takes to succeed on the job market. </font></h3><p>A related article: </p><h3><a href="https://imaginationsoup.net/2012/01/29/flash-cards-or-finger-paints-should-academics-or-play-the-goal-of-preschool/">Flash Cards or Finger Paints: Should Academics or Play Be the Goal of Preschool?</a></h3><hr><p><strong>Speaking of play – you can Make Math Fun. Bedtime Math offers an interesting problem every day! Here’s a fun idea to do with your holiday baking supplies. Also check out <a href="http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/search?q=escher">these ideas</a> if you are interested in learning more about Escher and other imaginative artists. </strong></p><p><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001yhmvX1AmPHHm-TLYaGoWHh7lBFbi8NJ4w_blG91ciD7AHJvKR6cusxXlRTJD1fhsqDgmhmLCprqEXC6CAM3RN3nkVrl456skI2b3Wx8Qha6X3mfbYqYm_C6jR5VtthfQAcAPz_MHTJsl-5AxcLzA40ZjwR0hz8hyW6rkUG8X7fM=&c=QO-QNdBnnfFkZ-4TNQNB8BLf_Y_uFjOu15_EuPSPiVUyh2rVtupBng==&ch=p9rNlScAfaiy6tTwAS17LxYHMuA8SWizWMPOhD_Efqp8scQtZwgfuA=="><img width="500" height="109" style="margin: 5px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiBiGBnDb6lhmACxYY_4Vec9oZckFTekwL615bJL2Pa_O3G3t-0EA0ouoKNBMEjGkLRiOfJDtQPFG1RNRvzi3ldPYM0VW9vb-x24yoH5XoJbyUPsYCMZ_8-X9a0k0A8ZPn-Q09eazimo9G55sMKnaEYrRLW5yeXUqqydTak_s_cl4xAxQOBqjR3DZ-3WsjEuEHlJT1sOw=s0-d-e1-ft" border="0" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p><p><img width="303" height="202" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgtt9JBNC8hSsqgmsjq0oBPzAii-sGK7dCR1Jr3PRg4yty-TPJ_nVmymu3jEW_MRE4V1WnNsTeHfzFRVX99WZ_Vfn2QjIp7L29c_h95L7xZS_1Amp04-1ogipTBWbINEBFTHEZ0zp8uljechlGyUGYiyPw0UZVWhbqCTa7Dqp4LlfuW3cWqgL0tgrWEvT6sGGxX0d-Ejw=s0-d-e1-ft" border="0" vspace="5" hspace="5"><p>It's <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001yhmvX1AmPHHm-TLYaGoWHh7lBFbi8NJ4w_blG91ciD7AHJvKR6cus7cuTryfRrld__HdzBavtfgOvwUj58Pjv-2VioalA24Sb4Lei0DwKKKG6lHVxrlYylobG5Mh23Iyw8ea4QpzmV-noO-aGW73J9oHWwRlCTwwjUvw570VzHq6b9u7AvPMTy3nk9SvPfgJFOyxHoEARwx9cN87cDesDg==&c=QO-QNdBnnfFkZ-4TNQNB8BLf_Y_uFjOu15_EuPSPiVUyh2rVtupBng==&ch=p9rNlScAfaiy6tTwAS17LxYHMuA8SWizWMPOhD_Efqp8scQtZwgfuA==">National Bake Cookies Day</a>, which means we'd better bake some cookies soon, or at least eat some! You could make your usual circle-shaped chocolate-chip cookies, or make other shapes using a cookie cutter. We're loving these <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001yhmvX1AmPHHm-TLYaGoWHh7lBFbi8NJ4w_blG91ciD7AHJvKR6cus7cuTryfRrldYK9n_yC5FcOqdiynwsqgekh_KKX8xfgr3yBM_gkvDZhCAhhs30r9zvdNa7aKOttEwPPQ54CLR61-hr9QaImbwS1KO72ViWjKmc7gMGzMAdGKDl8PN0Zi5srjSKs3LvjeRtHkUf7aPaQMqMamGyVTUc3E0LRlqqf8laOsMogVHyY0ap5kTs_1vkXdmmJ0K8zRwNq5nU_QfWQ=&c=QO-QNdBnnfFkZ-4TNQNB8BLf_Y_uFjOu15_EuPSPiVUyh2rVtupBng==&ch=p9rNlScAfaiy6tTwAS17LxYHMuA8SWizWMPOhD_Efqp8scQtZwgfuA==">math-y cookies</a> made by computer science professor Francesco De Comite. The birds lock together perfectly with copies of themselves, like puzzle pieces. They're from a drawing by a famous artist named Escher, and Francesco made his own cookie cutter to match those shapes. As you can see on the <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001yhmvX1AmPHHm-TLYaGoWHh7lBFbi8NJ4w_blG91ciD7AHJvKR6cus41xantSF631PgR8QqX61rgWSoT_DznGccBd4XdgXE_mZiSCbpUiLl_HII_NjWIhSA7Gfit35hAprY6fFemr4nYTtmwH5gp_wIsbgeaIxCgKKCYthT2fi3CYtVdwNsbWS1GF2i2J3M54TGmncpp1iZJ5u2XFJrYFBBh4r4JkjuAAzVdubmQLBPcYYfw92O07g-nizwZTX4j3&c=QO-QNdBnnfFkZ-4TNQNB8BLf_Y_uFjOu15_EuPSPiVUyh2rVtupBng==&ch=p9rNlScAfaiy6tTwAS17LxYHMuA8SWizWMPOhD_Efqp8scQtZwgfuA==">Moebius Noodles website</a>, he also made puzzle-piece lizards, and lined up chocolate-cookie fish mixing with sugar-cookie geese. So now you have ideas for your own cookie puzzles...if you can hold off long enough from eating them. <p><em>Wee ones:</em> How many points does each of those bird-shaped cookies above have?<p><em><img width="275" height="174" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEj7GJWN1nVEvimS6S52uXUS6FGWmcgVrd_cMGeLs3cUGlDDjXqMcWujXcf6cnxJiYnHbGWQb274QYo9OElDOWSJYzxfsCKSwMD3U1a7pumc3jFcfosQU4meut8o1rRL7BV6nqeV345QoBQ7thMUOBU7qOC0LyAgSu7fXFz3KMxz76YmDUH8gI9dEXw0muq1HsZI9NX9Zw=s0-d-e1-ft" border="0" vspace="5" hspace="5"></em><p><em>Little kids:</em> If you stack 2 goose cookies, then 3 fish, then 4 more geese, how many cookies do you have? <em>Bonus:</em> If you eat 2 of the cookies, at least how many geese do you have to have left?<p><em>Big kids:</em> If the 1st lizard faces up, the 2nd faces right, the 3rd faces down and the 4th faces left, then the 5th starts over facing up, which way does the 19th lizard face? <em>Bonus:</em> If you have enough dough to make 3 more chocolate fish than vanilla geese, and you can make 47 cookies in total, how many of each can you make?<p>Answers:<p><em>Wee ones:</em> 4 points.<p><em>Little kids:</em> 9 cookies. <em>Bonus:</em> At least 4 geese, even if both cookies you ate were geese.<p><em>Big kids:</em> Down, since the 20th will face left like all multiples of 4. <em>Bonus:</em> 22 geese and 25 fish. If you set aside the 3 extra fish, you'd have 44 cookies evenly split.<p><strong>More Ways to Get Bedtime Math!</strong><strong> </strong><p><strong>The app: </strong>An archive of math problems, with colorful animations and cool sound effects. Check it out here at the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bedtimemath/id637910701">App Store</a> for iPhone and iPad, <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.twofours.bedtimemath">Google Play</a> for Android!<strong><br></strong><strong>The website: </strong> <a href="http://www.bedtimemath.org/">www.bedtimemath.org</a>. </p><p><strong>Facebook: </strong>Get your daily BMP fix and help spread the word about Bedtime Math! </p><p><hr></p><p><p><img src="http://morrismuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/newlogo_122116.png"></p><p>Morris Museum 6 Normandy Heights Road Morristown, New Jersey </p><p>Kid-friendly, winter fun while school is out!</p><p><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DPRpQO0md7mn_fPD3OY89IZxIUk3Ai-KpF1_pM7XjJnsqBFH2k7vFZwywPyM-9oBmidA45kSyYsuDQaZZdZzdtDlVfBwF0hs3oXO4ZPpjgbJ7SPFeDiOFYwG8ArKumwEQvLCwyezBu4FJh_ToJkIuOGLVyT0nHW7hxh-8xW_zow=&c=nCSGe6kEZLHGoLwsIelOGTEK6rJhLn5G-BXr5su9-VJ7iFUwGbdzRw==&ch=6zfbOXawQXnZcafb7bFk8tWNyugLxKDjUmu0BwFqriJt31vU0mUQWw=="><img width="444" height="297" alt="" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/115a459b001/499a832e-6453-4c5a-8fcb-6461dea50dd3.jpg" border="0" hspace="0"></a></p><strong>Winter Vacation Celebration<br>Wednesday, December 27, 2017, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM</strong><p><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DPRpQO0md7mn_fPD3OY89IZxIUk3Ai-KpF1_pM7XjJnsqBFH2k7vFb6zM2E2xzY8EpoSVapqDVvOQmcmhp9MiePggmJhUudS5iB_C_axusyUmvjJS3DnNpUeL40cTNP-JTATA3aA6UBjkujjUlZOLESf1hypZPurM1IfVvgNmdc=&c=nCSGe6kEZLHGoLwsIelOGTEK6rJhLn5G-BXr5su9-VJ7iFUwGbdzRw==&ch=6zfbOXawQXnZcafb7bFk8tWNyugLxKDjUmu0BwFqriJt31vU0mUQWw==">Museum Members</a>: FREE<p>Non-Members: FREE with Museum Admission <p><strong><img width="211" height="211" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" alt="" src="http://morrismuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Craft-for-Winter-Vacation-Celebration-Dec-2017.jpg"></strong><p>Embrace the spirit of the season with a day of indoor winter fun at the Morris Museum. Make winter-themed crafts and see a performance of <strong><a href="http://morrismuseum.org/childrens-theater/"><em>No Elves! No Elves! </em></a></strong>in the Bickford Theatre.</p><p>When your family has some down time from school it's great to come to the Morris Museum and play! We've got big trains to see, fun winter crafts, a sweet show in the theatre, and some cool exhibitions for the whole family to experience. Spend a fun day with us!<p><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DPRpQO0md7mn_fPD3OY89IZxIUk3Ai-KpF1_pM7XjJnsqBFH2k7vFb6zM2E2xzY8T7p5_mEFHfcRudPDgHvhg9YsvsizDPEgnfjeUwTLhYOZpcdV_piHwUaUscq8EgplULtt6N2vqgbNyWXnjgytYDgmV9JNrdKxkxS33BAInPU=&c=nCSGe6kEZLHGoLwsIelOGTEK6rJhLn5G-BXr5su9-VJ7iFUwGbdzRw==&ch=6zfbOXawQXnZcafb7bFk8tWNyugLxKDjUmu0BwFqriJt31vU0mUQWw=="><img width="236" height="165" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" alt="" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/115a459b001/3a624566-efac-4c36-bf2b-bd0478f7ad46.jpg" border="0" hspace="0"> </a>Children’s Theatre - No Elves! No Elves!<p>Two show times: 11:00AM and 1:30PM<p>A highly interactive, music-filled adventure for children who must help the elves save Santa's workshop.<p>Museum Members: $10<p>Non-members: $12<p>Combo Ticket: $15 (includes general Museum and theatre admission. To purchase call 973.971.3706) <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DPRpQO0md7mn_fPD3OY89IZxIUk3Ai-KpF1_pM7XjJnsqBFH2k7vFb6zM2E2xzY8T7p5_mEFHfcRudPDgHvhg9YsvsizDPEgnfjeUwTLhYOZpcdV_piHwUaUscq8EgplULtt6N2vqgbNyWXnjgytYDgmV9JNrdKxkxS33BAInPU=&c=nCSGe6kEZLHGoLwsIelOGTEK6rJhLn5G-BXr5su9-VJ7iFUwGbdzRw==&ch=6zfbOXawQXnZcafb7bFk8tWNyugLxKDjUmu0BwFqriJt31vU0mUQWw==">get tickets</a><p>More Children's Theatre<p><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DPRpQO0md7mn_fPD3OY89IZxIUk3Ai-KpF1_pM7XjJnsqBFH2k7vFb6zM2E2xzY8T7p5_mEFHfcRudPDgHvhg9YsvsizDPEgnfjeUwTLhYOZpcdV_piHwUaUscq8EgplULtt6N2vqgbNyWXnjgytYDgmV9JNrdKxkxS33BAInPU=&c=nCSGe6kEZLHGoLwsIelOGTEK6rJhLn5G-BXr5su9-VJ7iFUwGbdzRw==&ch=6zfbOXawQXnZcafb7bFk8tWNyugLxKDjUmu0BwFqriJt31vU0mUQWw=="><img width="213" height="220" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" alt="" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/115a459b001/eeaa054e-567c-4086-ab8b-29132c0d5faa.jpg" border="0" hspace="0"> </a><p><strong>Bubbleology</strong><p>Thursday, December 28<p>Two show times: 11:00AM and 1:30PM<p>As seen on Discovery Channel's Time Warp and National Geographic TV, Keith Michael Johnson reveals the magic, unfolding the "how to" like a mystery, making Bubbleology an unforgettable experience for the entire family.<p>Tickets: <p><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DPRpQO0md7mn_fPD3OY89IZxIUk3Ai-KpF1_pM7XjJnsqBFH2k7vFb6zM2E2xzY8EpoSVapqDVvOQmcmhp9MiePggmJhUudS5iB_C_axusyUmvjJS3DnNpUeL40cTNP-JTATA3aA6UBjkujjUlZOLESf1hypZPurM1IfVvgNmdc=&c=nCSGe6kEZLHGoLwsIelOGTEK6rJhLn5G-BXr5su9-VJ7iFUwGbdzRw==&ch=6zfbOXawQXnZcafb7bFk8tWNyugLxKDjUmu0BwFqriJt31vU0mUQWw==">Museum Members</a>: $10 Non-Members: $12 <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DPRpQO0md7mn_fPD3OY89IZxIUk3Ai-KpF1_pM7XjJnsqBFH2k7vFb6zM2E2xzY8T7p5_mEFHfcRudPDgHvhg9YsvsizDPEgnfjeUwTLhYOZpcdV_piHwUaUscq8EgplULtt6N2vqgbNyWXnjgytYDgmV9JNrdKxkxS33BAInPU=&c=nCSGe6kEZLHGoLwsIelOGTEK6rJhLn5G-BXr5su9-VJ7iFUwGbdzRw==&ch=6zfbOXawQXnZcafb7bFk8tWNyugLxKDjUmu0BwFqriJt31vU0mUQWw==">get tickets</a><p><strong>Exhibitions that both children and grown-ups will enjoy!</strong> <p><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DPRpQO0md7mn_fPD3OY89IZxIUk3Ai-KpF1_pM7XjJnsqBFH2k7vFZLJEsjdvN1oGuMi7DqSg9o7o-X8aKrplZ09je_2cmh3St8rDGTsnzkPY3M0OJCByAjZttI32y-c3MFKLV1cTlN_VakCh4qkn-Xa9bc6-H4LD5YW4cT8sUt_P6KhbotBJg==&c=nCSGe6kEZLHGoLwsIelOGTEK6rJhLn5G-BXr5su9-VJ7iFUwGbdzRw==&ch=6zfbOXawQXnZcafb7bFk8tWNyugLxKDjUmu0BwFqriJt31vU0mUQWw=="><img width="220" height="165" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" alt="" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/115a459b001/40a6660c-3354-46f4-9753-4b1aa0f7f397.jpg" border="0" hspace="0"> </a><p><strong>Season of Wonder</strong><p>What would the holidays be without toys? Every generation remembers that favorite doll, toy car, or truck...Check out the Morris Museum's collection through some unique displays.<p>Test your skills with some puzzles and try out the life-size checkerboard!<p><strong>Mega Model Trains</strong><p>The Mega Model Trains Exhibit is back on display!, An intricate model train set that meanders across a 288-square-foot landscape replicating a bustling city and pastoral scene, it is equipped with a waterfall, planetarium, and even a sasquatch!<p><strong>Museum Detectives: What is It?</strong><p>View unusual and intriguing objects and get clues as to how, when or even why these objects were made. Use your observation and problem solving skills to classify objects and draw your own conclusions.<p><strong>Storybook Style: A Selection of Works from the Minds of Living Illustrators</strong><p>Featuring the extraordinary art of illustrators,this exhibition presents the whimsy of established and emerging artists whose works will literally jump off the page before your very eyes!<p><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DPRpQO0md7mn_fPD3OY89IZxIUk3Ai-KpF1_pM7XjJnsqBFH2k7vFZLJEsjdvN1oGuMi7DqSg9o7o-X8aKrplZ09je_2cmh3St8rDGTsnzkPY3M0OJCByAjZttI32y-c3MFKLV1cTlN_VakCh4qkn-Xa9bc6-H4LD5YW4cT8sUt_P6KhbotBJg==&c=nCSGe6kEZLHGoLwsIelOGTEK6rJhLn5G-BXr5su9-VJ7iFUwGbdzRw==&ch=6zfbOXawQXnZcafb7bFk8tWNyugLxKDjUmu0BwFqriJt31vU0mUQWw==">learn more</a><p>Image Credits: Mega Model Trains at the Morris Museum. Bubbleology. Photo courtesy of Keith Michael Johnson. No Elves! No Elves! Photo Courtesy of Gemini Productions. Mother Goose Alphabet Blocks, 1906 United States, Wood. Gift of Mrs. John Wardle. Permanent collection of the Morris Museum. <p><hr>Happy Holidays! --Carol Simon Levin</p>Carol Simon Levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13916459930086614680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256479139823175614.post-39421733873145256932017-12-13T15:05:00.000-05:002017-12-14T18:02:06.192-05:00Holiday Happenings–Looking for Things to Do? Here are a few possibilities…<h3><hr></h3><a href="https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj/the-weekend-guide-family-holiday-party-model-train-show-santa-926411/"><h3> </h3><h3><img width="504" height="244" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9CJtOFQ0d7wJmtqFAGPf9J5SUHhxzcoWzX6ZQF-gqy9hLD1H-Smr5SPRmTMY8ZgKzfLuW_TYbwxtewWJycimV7r55UZc8RcbyeAhqo0K5I63NxPm3rJuQNWUNFHpgnDXCSX7No-DEHAw/?imgmax=800" border="0"></h3></a><h3> </h3><h3>Family Holiday Party, Model Train Show, Santa & Much Much More -- Check out a slew of local area events at <a href="https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj/the-weekend-guide-family-holiday-party-model-train-show-santa-926411">Bridgewater Hulafrog</a> . </h3><hr><h3><img width="500" height="206" alt="The Weekend Guide: Family Holiday Party, Model Train Show & Santa " src="https://hulafrogsugar.com/hulafrogphoto/gky_uploads/2014/12/728-x-300px-clock-about-to-strike-midnight-our-pick.jpg"></h3><p><font size="4"><strong>Make it a weekend with these great Somerset County Events!</strong></font><p> <p>1. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001b_m1h58inccXaWnXwX_ABozVlLxmdN_mK17K0IpHEF5dtSmevnqrZCWFLy_irHuI6cbIonmlpr2jZ-W72g1Go4lNXNb-7D_3s4gRpL32DPtNEwKn_l1TG2duqDPC8Ee7aDFkPy_PEwkpFkiZW8uOSJhJpsztsrDgF3Wx4U73jrd7UmMZeQvC9ZrO7Bd9eOS72KKninvCwYY=&c=askvCKABunxemzrJ3NHEfUKAbd_BlQdetZ-Wv9FaAvKuqoFrwtbueA==&ch=zlk2gttQeHwXY8HQHuenaInl0nz3NECHzYs6142QzS4WQD15_BPyiQ==">Farm to Table Indoor Winter Market</a>, Duke Farms<p>2. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001b_m1h58inccXaWnXwX_ABozVlLxmdN_mK17K0IpHEF5dtSmevnqrZBC_gqcKA9kbGOMLvFn3oVauxGhBypbcjEkISPydir0zcDi8DWdTJkONPKdXyfGOtmGRmbaXrqUawaSLHK8ogx9UzsLFZIlIcuT2GpDyXPJsESG_3OQafEA72_JUQ2pqPVU63-n5sODnErBFT5JrcX-neZP2GMyOkg2a2OuvkpYtOkSjEoIdC2yh1ajiYcbfEw==&c=askvCKABunxemzrJ3NHEfUKAbd_BlQdetZ-Wv9FaAvKuqoFrwtbueA==&ch=zlk2gttQeHwXY8HQHuenaInl0nz3NECHzYs6142QzS4WQD15_BPyiQ==">Family Holiday Party</a>, Branchburg Sports Complex<p>3. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001b_m1h58inccXaWnXwX_ABozVlLxmdN_mK17K0IpHEF5dtSmevnqrZCWFLy_irHuIlnFQSYa176GMrR1g-lc03AHh_B2A1j3LOtZO3diRvqAZbTR9M607XL1Pn61FwqTt9Yf0InDFv2Bo7umxXYsjinOi3TCVLgRDCRbn6HjcFBkosZ5OfvmEwKo2wamvfbpQz65rf6TUPxA=&c=askvCKABunxemzrJ3NHEfUKAbd_BlQdetZ-Wv9FaAvKuqoFrwtbueA==&ch=zlk2gttQeHwXY8HQHuenaInl0nz3NECHzYs6142QzS4WQD15_BPyiQ==">Caroler Brunch</a>, The Grain House Restaurant at The Olde Mill Inn<p>4. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001b_m1h58inccXaWnXwX_ABozVlLxmdN_mK17K0IpHEF5dtSmevnqrZCWFLy_irHuI45SrYKZbALbEqyRAEiI6hOY51Yzt48TGkabKGL5jEDtSX26EMts25pIkvw6LAs9XEYKeph1d2m6XfsVB_IbbEh6Olp1sq1gad1YlEjn8BqI=&c=askvCKABunxemzrJ3NHEfUKAbd_BlQdetZ-Wv9FaAvKuqoFrwtbueA==&ch=zlk2gttQeHwXY8HQHuenaInl0nz3NECHzYs6142QzS4WQD15_BPyiQ==">American Repertory Ballet’s The Nutcracker</a>, State Theatre New Jersey<p>5. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001b_m1h58inccXaWnXwX_ABozVlLxmdN_mK17K0IpHEF5dtSmevnqrZJWyBaClMJy2ZtIasKmieMG8TzH70xvmIcGzBVJPceAFJ087RItK-_XNeR7GXwUGZjspTYP2K0l0tv2E4wCwZxMxHYEdkGa5XC1LNlKXU6VS3kDViDpUByM35c3sl6WOLlYHvdXfCgBswqAt7NtuhObp635yLhXwvA==&c=askvCKABunxemzrJ3NHEfUKAbd_BlQdetZ-Wv9FaAvKuqoFrwtbueA==&ch=zlk2gttQeHwXY8HQHuenaInl0nz3NECHzYs6142QzS4WQD15_BPyiQ==">Winter Wonder Lights Laser Show</a>, RVCC Planetarium<p>6. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001b_m1h58inccXaWnXwX_ABozVlLxmdN_mK17K0IpHEF5dtSmevnqrZCWFLy_irHuI1KIfE61CujrYJkbQcwp5MiW3C4-jRmCJGApBi0sgedKUpXwtqXP53kRtjsMuZtzqqrDsEDAHpdbMqLK4Brq52WK8tbf0n9UXG6nbDgb86rbNlfq5qAN0UA==&c=askvCKABunxemzrJ3NHEfUKAbd_BlQdetZ-Wv9FaAvKuqoFrwtbueA==&ch=zlk2gttQeHwXY8HQHuenaInl0nz3NECHzYs6142QzS4WQD15_BPyiQ==">Holiday Spirits Pub Crawl</a>, Downtown Somerville<p>7. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001b_m1h58inccXaWnXwX_ABozVlLxmdN_mK17K0IpHEF5dtSmevnqrZDDRcK30yrkIgDvci9ZCBDmYdFxdan5q-QI835NVmYZQffO17LYZwvX3KKUvsdR7FJEfSWnTU7X5B6ns7XfocQKe2yfOuR1LrwK45hpXG3SEATx92DswG5VipxjHBT2p_A==&c=askvCKABunxemzrJ3NHEfUKAbd_BlQdetZ-Wv9FaAvKuqoFrwtbueA==&ch=zlk2gttQeHwXY8HQHuenaInl0nz3NECHzYs6142QzS4WQD15_BPyiQ==">A Holiday Adventure and Singalong</a>, Farmstead Arts Center<p>8. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001b_m1h58inccXaWnXwX_ABozVlLxmdN_mK17K0IpHEF5dtSmevnqrZCWFLy_irHuInC9tnUnMDrnQeFVsAvmBdK32K-6D2SiatjuwVpVL869jQraRSvmMoBfeS1gWFytp4bx4DxHZO3gpfrtF16Q5d7UkV5WuvsP8uuA6JWIfOWtKc0shw7vUhbooPbkERZtnjj-HrgLVG8bj_G_m42aco9GYQN3y0cjn&c=askvCKABunxemzrJ3NHEfUKAbd_BlQdetZ-Wv9FaAvKuqoFrwtbueA==&ch=zlk2gttQeHwXY8HQHuenaInl0nz3NECHzYs6142QzS4WQD15_BPyiQ==">Let It Begin With Me Concert</a>, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church – Somerville<p>9. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001b_m1h58inccXaWnXwX_ABozVlLxmdN_mK17K0IpHEF5dtSmevnqrZCWFLy_irHuITOFsOcf8zFWcVgG77TqDoHTywthg5X8Y-lhyivk3_RJ81R4h0fOKN0OLzER13PafknzrjXbUh6qrNLG2q8vO3uFDzjH9IwO9YmyfrDT2c6wv_u_j_b8W74HcOCsKWXXBvjaQpfkQpPCfyAIIS_HC9POGfp6sREvC-LcH-dSK6sw=&c=askvCKABunxemzrJ3NHEfUKAbd_BlQdetZ-Wv9FaAvKuqoFrwtbueA==&ch=zlk2gttQeHwXY8HQHuenaInl0nz3NECHzYs6142QzS4WQD15_BPyiQ==">Raritan Valley Symphonic Band Holiday Concert</a>, Bridgewater-Raritan High School<p>10. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001b_m1h58inccXaWnXwX_ABozVlLxmdN_mK17K0IpHEF5dtSmevnqrZCWFLy_irHuI6yUiRPCnuP-4Uk-LyL4GORBK-bXBeBxQBSHAhJAjKRJw0MZ3obJPyOinjP3Kk67sOYgAiWo_SKXoJBYpQ0XiOiNKDY0NR_2s46C9MSWHvey6RKYIqtMvkg==&c=askvCKABunxemzrJ3NHEfUKAbd_BlQdetZ-Wv9FaAvKuqoFrwtbueA==&ch=zlk2gttQeHwXY8HQHuenaInl0nz3NECHzYs6142QzS4WQD15_BPyiQ==">Ugly Sweater 5K and Pub Crawl</a>, Downtown Somerville</p><p><hr><strong><font size="4"></font></strong></p><h4>THINGS TO DO AT THE RVCC PLANETARIUM</h4><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DVpcJvCwAidZU2JyCzez8rae4vtIlycqxME7a6kfREfnuenFB42qEA79KDABNHPqC3BVnX_5X_FlYtU9VlHJ4YG-1YeWUtHnz-Z0cTcrOlTmqqB_09vuUkYmu0eI0Za9D5hn0c5DzEg/s1600-h/image%255B11%255D"><img width="504" height="150" title="image" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVGNHjx5NaixdGW9xXnwx4ufFfMCKBtHPf1cUJICsjSaoF9lBKPkcxj6jNIHYNTtWGiPPtYW-rP3jmj9D9YB3yvuY2usB8e9Fv-IiaLLnzNH-Haw-GIdFGc7Sh4i_wmIuYv_w-RUrDb4/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYmT2A9qdfyEmll5Ys3THr0dsBOcZuwmooiB8m41MqZbwm4DHTMPGV-op57Lk2UzX_SJh2GjQ1ByRIqqMugUBZ9DKWU9E72nn5NR4UHBvASqocQOz6jQdJH7z4Fprw1SNbii6wYxzTm8/s1600-h/image%255B15%255D"><img width="504" height="131" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1QXq-6OOAAjQk79wAbiUNlQMlT3sBCFNZ7nPJ_fatyAHp5pHslquaxvp_ote8XGdntKORSBPHbE_Zg23xDWU2mMZHHQi8aukyg8J5UkvyMSVrVtMcxGTbMf2VbNVw7mdIw9LXgh3NN4/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Info: <a title="https://www.raritanval.edu/community-resources/planetarium" href="http://www.raritanval.edu/community-resources/planetarium">www.raritanval.edu/community-resources/planetarium</a></p><hr><p><strong><font size="4">If you are willing to go a little further afield: The New Jersey State Museum has a busy holiday week planned:</font></strong> </p><p><img width="500" height="192" style="margin: 5px;" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/02708e8b001/9c8fd525-8fef-4f97-aa34-f2008c7b563a.jpg" border="0" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p><p><a href="http://www.statemuseum.nj.gov/">www.statemuseum.nj.gov</a><p><img width="209" height="133" align="left" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/02708e8b001/403026bd-ccb5-4ba6-853e-f0a799c0a3c6.jpg" border="0" vspace="10" hspace="10"><p>Planetarium News: <p><b><i>New shows and weekday presentations</i></b><p>Through Jan. 7<p>Celebrate the season with <em>Laser Holiday Magic, </em>featuring full-spectrum laser beams, dazzling animated laser effects and popular holiday music.<p>Or, explore the Universe, a more curious place than we ever imagined! As scientists unravel the complexities of the cosmos, key findings are revealing amazing new frontiers for exploration. With astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson as your guide, come along on a journey about what we already know, and about the mysteries we have yet to solve in the new show, <em>D</em><em>ark Universe. </em><p><em><br></em><p>You will go beyond the night sky and into deep space to find out how discoveries over the past 100 years have led us to two great cosmic mysteries: dark matter and dark energy. You'll hurtle through Jupiter's atmosphere, peer at the web of dark matter holding galaxies together, and watch the colorful remains of the universe's beginnings unfold.<p>Experience <em>Dark Universe</em> to celebrate the pivotal moments that have brought us unprecedented knowledge of the universe and our place in it - and glimpse the exciting future of cosmic exploration.<p><em>Dark Universe </em>was created by the American Museum of Natural History, the Frederick Phineas and Sandra Priest Rose Center for Earth and Space, and the Hayden Planetarium.<p><strong><em>Weekend Schedule</em></strong><p>11 am One World, One Sky<p>12 noon Magic Tree House: Space Mission<p>1 pm Laser Holiday Magic <p>2 pm Dark Universe (NEW)<p><strong><em>Weekday Presentations</em></strong><p>In addition to the weekend shows, the Planetarium will present weekday shows during the holidays from Tuesday, December 26 through Friday, December 29. It's also Trenton Patriots Week: Learn about the constellations and planets that occupied the sky on the stormy evening when General George Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware! The 11 am and 1 pm shows will include a live talk about the skies on the night of December 25, 1776. <p>11 am Magic Tree House: Space Mission ( includes 1776 sky talk)<p>Noon Laser Holiday Magic!<p>1 pm Dark Universe (NEW) (includes 1776 sky talk)<p><img width="162" height="142" align="left" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/02708e8b001/312c7285-6b70-43ba-a393-2a9c800422d8.jpg" border="0" vspace="15" hspace="15"><p>Special Event: <p><strong><i>Small Explorers Series</i></strong><p>December 16, 10 am <p>Discovery Den, 2nd floor<p>Join us this month to explore snow through stories, crafts and play. We'll read "The Snowy Day" by Ezra Jack Keats, followed by a visit to the Inuit/Eskimo section of the<em> Hearth & Home</em> exhibition. We finish up in the STEAM Center with some fun, hands-on activities and games. This free program is 45 minutes long and begins promptly at 10 am. Small Explorers is for children 6 months to 5 years and their caregivers. Space is limited, so advance registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, contact Kerry.Scott@sos.nj.gov.<p><img width="167" height="130" align="left" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/02708e8b001/863d2b5a-c8a9-43a4-87d0-dcfb5fa6012d.jpg" border="0" vspace="15" hspace="15"><p>Special Event: <p><strong><i>Winter Break Art Studio </i></strong><p>December 26-29, 11 am to 2 pm<p>Imagination Studio, lower level<p>Drop by to participate in our free daily art projects! All ages are welcome to get creative in our Winter Art Studio. A different project will be offered each day, inspired by art on view in the exhibition, <em>American Perspectives: The Fine Art Collection</em>. <p>Dec. 26 - Recycled Sculptures: View <em>Adan</em> by Debra Butterfield, then create your own sculpture from recycled materials.<p>Dec. 27 - Printmaking: Let <em>Jacqueline Kennedy II </em>by Andy Warhol be your inspiration as you create your own block print. <p>Dec. 28 - Explore texture with paint: View <em>Soot-Camp</em> by James Little and <em>Cobalt Twirl</em> by Sam Gilliam, then explore new ways of creating texture for abstract painting by mixing different materials into the paint. <p>Dec. 29 - Earthworks: Learn about earthworks such as <em>Spiral Jetty</em> by Robert Smithson, <em>Sun Tunnels</em> by Nancy Holt, and more. Then create your own miniature earthwork in the Imagination studio and photograph it. <p><img width="162" height="88" align="left" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/02708e8b001/8b6fef80-f055-44ee-9863-5433f89cf159.jpg" border="0" vspace="15" hspace="15"><p>Special Event: <p><strong><i>Winter Break Small Explorers Program</i></strong><p>December 28, 10 am <p>Discovery Den, 2nd floor<p>If you missed the Small Explorers program on December 16, here's another chance to experience it! In honor of Patriots Week, we'll also include some fun Colonial-era activities. Space is limited, so advance registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, contact Kerry.Scott@sos.nj.gov.<p>Note: Programs may be subject to change. Please check the Museum's Facebook page for changes or cancellations.<p><img width="500" height="3" style="margin: 5px;" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/02708e8b001/32b914ce-c9e8-4eb5-afa1-f20c53d5b015.jpg" border="0" vspace="5" hspace="5"><p><img width="500" height="122" style="margin: 5px 0px;" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/02708e8b001/96b9db30-6342-44b4-9dcd-87f073899737.jpg" border="0" vspace="5" hspace="0">Carol Simon Levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13916459930086614680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256479139823175614.post-82959771608834288422017-12-04T20:04:00.000-05:002017-12-04T20:15:42.355-05:00Somerset County Libraries Reopen Today (Tuesday)–Join us for STEM Playground during today’s storytimes and more December fun…<p><strong></strong></p><strong><p><strong>BRIDGEWATER LIBRARY’S UPCOMING PROGRAMS:</strong><p><img alt="image" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FEMS06_xYrk/WVvpRZVXLAI/AAAAAAAAar0/U44imcVgEM8SNEWoWSmVADbslGdb9IBSACHMYCw/image_thumb%255B56%255D?imgmax=800">Today (Tuesday 12/5) at 10 and 4:30 “Building Up” – STEM Playground. Join us for some construction stories then use our STEM toys to create your own structures.<br clear="all"><p><img align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-shV-8Wpgo8M/WE8vULXIXPI/AAAAAAAAWUs/bQjsBxUC7Dk/IMG_1743%252520Angela%252520Rotondo_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800">Next Tuesday (12/12 at 10 and 4:30) Gifts and Giving – we’ll share stories then create our own imaginative “marvelous toy” or wrapping paper.</p><p><img width="268" height="79" src="http://www.smithfieldcity.org/img/library/storytime_logo.jpg"></p><p><strong>at Bridgewater Library:</strong><p><em>Baby Times</em> on Thursday at 9:30 a.m.<p><strong><em>Toddler Times</em> (ages 18mo-36 mo) are Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m. <em>So that we may have enough room for all our toddler families, please only come to one toddler time each week.</em></strong><p><strong>F</strong><strong><em>amily Story and Craft</em> (ages 3-6 plus siblings) Tuesday at 10 a.m.</strong><p><strong><em> Time </em>Wednesday nights at 7 p.m.</strong><p> </p><strong><p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27_RQkKbdyzz3-d0ElsIiIjBV1s4LtE6Z9rMGHT4NaKp-9AgiAHdo5KpdQxEhomyZUNMpR5sGjMBXMPWyS9oxRu2INPP_nmsTwdafdBgS27_3FrH84l1Upl6Mp0_qN1RLLY1us2rD_iY/s1600-h/image%255B5%255D"><img width="213" height="286" title="image" align="left" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbmJrUQOjTk8D5nafZvcAyWtGeAfis_Dmfrw-6kxDtApCLB7Sw5folPLrxpDoihZKS5Z5tLkGZ10g3euIsosinDPRihuJQfeiFxWUDwluWrIOPrHciiMShai2My4xom0l7uGvIriIbuM/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><em><strong>Kids aged 3-11 are invited to our weekly STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, ART, and Math) Tuesdays at 4:30. Geared to K-4th graders but open to all ages.</strong></em><p><b></b></p><b><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8vSe5NAZsERqtbjY4AWPEFlph9n-xyhYHBcl3Eg17v_BaTIlPUa5GCEvmzIBuCKLa3aZN1TUBRfENlUaear-wPtBDA6Y9uxuKaL-YcWGe6rxbDbl5QrbELU5ey6wZY3zG22gPJacZVU/s1600-h/image%255B31%255D"><img width="244" height="87" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGrblg2k5OK2klHOtROspje8-EPlSeJ5mkL7zaxMAiw8iKV2plxpnx1aFkNXpwolQFI01ZFXELzjZKyFBX9nSeX6gVjXnKEVnO9zBOFGQB16YWbMi6DHi_KgTJUUngdj7wRApQzbJLy4/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></b><p> <p> </p>More fun for your family:</strong><p><strong><em><em></em></em></strong></p><strong><em><em><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfzjf1bQK5Vi1rjzGMCc4uix0dEFyGL_BUYOT8n536uTMG7Ujr_Ko8o4SScTGMAmyCFdyCwGYQhWceMRFEqG4UhrFud1p_wM6B0QD4inrES0nyu4dAw6XL6Sf0bPRhbw2se3KGvRmwxU/s1600-h/image%255B3%255D"><img width="205" height="266" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0HII6DpTkl4oGFCDrrENP5xxOn0PQxPqJr2ePoxgEsL7n9m_StvNyQmpUWjTl7QOkk72MHXbPQsf6sw5zpO3wU3jczskkXa0fS00tluXqf1T-STFRsp5shiY0GaJ_L2rt6kxJOqujzeI/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-D-DrTKxCJRS48ZwROdmIayenWs4xZTkOu1dCL74HK02G0w210zC8QW4VBO4qaFL2oP8ly9vEC7hrGJsdNz32nsbKfQGjS1aZnt25fqJLoFdh6-x8tSMYXkbw3hC-Oxaahdo1WdAk2OI/s1600-h/image%255B51%255D"><img width="285" height="266" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBaTzPNo3cRJuVAFUyy4QKPzfmQUGNIRe4wHDAqmEx1H3s_zBnZN_J4pY6dbJEP4JYVz5UhPxyyw0yziOrWG4HZ-AfQmqAtxyK50q6A017J8e0nn7s9xK6Wp6EiAhYmASyzFIofq-H3f0/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQ_L0TuAOPlPfqzVv6JiEkVHnuQSvET7F30GPMdLKBKFGUwMqgAQA5f1dyXPMbENwRejY4UpVG1bFyZaQu162jmDpD9JfCAYMq7c6xlMM4CmFvsINB9Ua8CSjPOLCjTTH0EprFV6NVmQ/s1600-h/image%255B50%255D"><img width="244" height="336" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqrkBHuv71xt071X1Wg5fweoNi_CH-wnCAPXQd3oUzElIozc4i0EnSSi0zylPlYTe7nv_cPBCdG3y_vDJKzMidRyRxsT6Ur3wtJ-I0M-m-j7aOfWlFzCpRE9-CoBYtzhGusXwtRZY1z4/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVdMwtQ_Wa6qBmLoK6asun6uDtLskkpIqxyczFcbOZcJkB0OZVqSPttC81SeM2JC2hd8UL73-fnD3rwwVPNslLUMhhOLTXlmRo0-jPY508djrB86z3t09-nH8dfBB2WrfAkBE0TGEXQE/s1600-h/image%255B48%255D"><img width="234" height="337" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1D8yOp6jNOZ2UZ4ONE598jTMiptAbiNdCURrG8D7DfoosGblkRLZN0t_rpo4JVRKNEM0Wu3vkSSUriUykpb8aJG0Xr96LYDRyV6kKw3SLxe2dUFcv_tKpZLZ8gupTHykUmVg6k-qdiwk/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68vLUcaZYHyneZ-BK_Ltdfb0VMb44ftaVg1bvQ7ybTkwQeBQhsGFPo29zClqBlD8x6F3twa8FAoy-PjNcX7DU5_uQ_45At6_aSnwCsjHNBse4e4wA_UyRjWBf_4it-FckySxU42YDOT0/s1600-h/image%255B49%255D"><img width="241" height="318" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL27p0oxVOjI8sjGZTVPVOeivymhhb_WiW7OEmJgcL1k3dWCTrAJHWIOxoYxztgdN4Sz0uqy-tMLz02iKJ49Qa5m2hv41J1cj_VlblnTCoa5ASOfaWvN2pyDPOfTkvZ65ZLlewF7XiMQs/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0aAhgmhBdj_uiLu2md6ciu-krurPWyTpmWMbOTvlRuG4DmvEIWYSYqxIrdqj9O5CmY-Y_Ttcv_c0_MTSwRA2QgWqWrWEyCQqX3uJiAxRvqJVGXGvoPqusY0-1uxMzGSMAIiJJrxycRQ/s1600-h/image%255B47%255D"><img width="241" height="316" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyaL7LTgN16QoN7zVKfGGvF1sKKBkO1vMVDC41l-xFw_Kz1AhKfVl0Zh6mQGkWSsYTGv9zCcmCyFpWxI0c85HpsKnO-Mtoqy3HU8uwFMsMLudQpaIYMHItoIeugPzBY3JM2AU9iuKmqG4/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillbljsCO6DlQrzetFSRyoip5aNDSrjwpN8AuqOqTNaM5eN4YsCivi6vmepuLHb7jle6P07GvVqE-j_J0GaxdTqNuvYP1KigErxOzZ_W3IBCFZ8xMXfcr23HZsxDkI52wQjcRtYp1YTcM/s1600-h/image%255B46%255D"><img width="260" height="350" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZL7wpRYlVR1ijGAU3kgInUiszTYYwCAdq-uFi8g-dbHSLj8qtTykhmujHAE8q3ymnU1ZOjtZOaDuJtVVNUv4wWMRaY_tLZhXceUstZAbEnnIUhbcjK62SLrzNI_Wz5SRPLcwAtCM7l9c/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEits5vG0rpbMe_ILQbKZuLeBAUvSc00FsSDSPo07I1oHqhK9BBaYhd_hCmKURZBwPcbCBUe0DIpvzScI5AbMmt36XhuQzvKdtkDg_Kt-rhVLPcdmai7MMCmFB2RoiKOT_ZV4gDqw_n5JPc/s1600-h/image%255B45%255D"><img width="235" height="356" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYUCsIYR5t_D2UMzgPUAKH0jxoZKLDSxDA5Zn9LidDjxEtATWNXNq8fkTXQRdOatApd6xwYHac1B4LtZ8QLGDp949PCtWOaXRVOoVvb-0HMX9yBbvzJyMd4HX_9Sks5KaEh6_si-DIlQ/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsATgKT1oJQy0SpALAqw-z1e5cVBU9L8BMMuJDoZ0xTP3UjLBmvKGIMq74M0VpsafMTH-DIEwfs90U0PlQE9Kge-UTNuPP6fOxlE3-GclMxZCLyl2VTRzvgbO7YubD_TxUztAprT2dT8E/s1600-h/image%255B44%255D"><img width="504" height="768" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjj9Hvd0yUV7zhk9zHEhXccOH-CaPa8WhEjzq1ZjT2yCAjblVdkQDIuWmtknDawCyaxO2y8S5kKy1-yolYT4HttS9SX2CWLZed-8SCCEMSOB4lYk95Vod9-ZWYbZz1divszY_a75_8Uc/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p>For full details on these and other programs, see the <strong><a href="http://sclsnj.libnet.info/events?a=Kids">Bridgewater Library Online Calendar</a></strong></em><p><p><strong><em></em></strong><em><strong>.</strong></em><hr><p><strong></strong><p><strong></strong></p><strong><p>Looking for other thing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXR6XtEbVQSKWpG9ZOqqBfjnDIeIyodNM9NtctwvZypMaJV9mLrjp131mLrIWyiTXxqf1DYHpLOuAINC5nIW3fQm6vMO5mgux-xL4ksrUu5Z2tazPgYOCNBuaClQW33Ut-rZTL-47BwTY/s1600-h/image%255B16%255D"><img width="186" height="86" title="image" align="left" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwJ0wSPeA5zlFUV5yG-61SSQzvk9I2SCIH_KNo8qG193k_Xo2CMLEuaYFhGSGGbEyoUT9gBm9yzKdkGAFBAJFD8FFBe60GBlifOAq0fwtqzQiZLCj7S2G1-BZchUqlx8nZzaFcLBTjDY/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>s to do? <a href="https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj">Hulafrog</a>has many ideas for activities around our community.<hr>
There are also activities listed on the right side of this blog under “events” – click the headline of this email to see these listings.</strong></em></strong></strong>Carol Simon Levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13916459930086614680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256479139823175614.post-31436909261206876492017-11-22T22:36:00.000-05:002017-11-22T22:43:03.981-05:00Ways to help your children help others at school and things to think about as you choose books to read. Storytimes resume the week of 11/28 + December programs at Bridgewater Library<strong></strong><p><strong><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/happiness-and-the-pursuit-leadership/201711/meet-the-teen-who-discovered-the-secret-social">Meet the Teen Who Discovered the Secret of Social Capital</a></strong><p><img width="222" height="328" title="Natalie Hampton/used with permission" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" alt="Natalie Hampton/used with permission" src="https://cdn.psychologytoday.com/sites/default/files/styles/article-inline-half/public/field_blog_entry_images/2017-11/speak_painting_.jpg?itok=WOetwT8K"><p>Source: Natalie Hampton/used with permission<p>Natalie Hampton turns the (lunch) tables on a social system that breeds bullies.<blockquote><h6><em>Brainteaser</em>: Two children are being bullied.<br>One child breaks down crying.<br>The other child kicks her tormenter in the shin.<br>Which one continues to be bullied?<br><em>Hint: it’s simpler than you think.</em><sup>*</sup></h6></blockquote><p><em>“You're worthless. You should kill yourself. Everyone would be happier if you did.”</em><p>This is not someone’s depressed inner voice. This is what real children tell other real children in middle school.<p>Read more about the teen who figured out a way to help her fellow students…and how you can help your kids make a difference at their schools: <a title="https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/happiness-and-the-pursuit-leadership/201711/meet-the-teen-who-discovered-the-secret-social" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/happiness-and-the-pursuit-leadership/201711/meet-the-teen-who-discovered-the-secret-social">https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/happiness-and-the-pursuit-leadership/201711/meet-the-teen-who-discovered-the-secret-social</a><hr><p><hr></p><h3><a href="http://www.theclassroombookshelf.com/2017/08/a-letter-to-all-the-children-of-america/">A Letter to All the Children of America</a></h3><p> BY <a href="http://www.theclassroombookshelf.com/author/kcunningham/">KATIE CUNNINGHAM</a><p>To all the children in America,<p>…This year, we hope that you try something new in your reading life. Try a new genre. New series. New author. A book told from a different point of view or way of life than you’re used to. Pick up a book that you think will surprise you. Seek recommendations. Talk to your classmates, teachers, and librarians to find our what they are reading. It takes confidence to try something new and we know that one of our jobs is to help you become even more confident in your reading choices and in your belief in yourself. Maybe you can participate in National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Gene Luen Yang’s <a href="http://geneyang.com/the-reading-without-walls-challenge">“Reading without Walls” Challenge</a>, and encourage those around you to do the same.<p>This year, we hope that you find books that feel like you are looking in the mirror. That make you say, “Yes, this story is <i>my</i> story.” We equally hope that you find books that feel like you are looking out the window into someone else’s world. We have so much to learn from the life experiences of others. Most of all, we hope that you find books that start out as windows but that become mirrors. Stand in front of a window and notice how when the light is just right a window becomes a mirror. Know that books can create that same effect. You can also think about books as sliding glass doors that encourage us to walk through them. When you walk through a door, you open up a world of possibility. You walk alongside characters that challenge what you knew and could imagine before. Books can be those doors. Carry these metaphors with you into your reading life. Then, tell other people about it (Bishop, 1990).<p>This year, stop and notice the ways that books make you feel. When we meet characters that are different from us and we grow to love them, our hearts grow in the process. The more we all read about the life experiences, both fictional and real, that challenge our own ways of thinking, the world becomes more compassionate and understanding. Stop and notice when books make you laugh out loud. Stop and notice when you find yourself welling up with emotion. Be brave in allowing yourself to feel these things.<p>This year, use books to learn more about the world around you. Have a burning question? Something you have been wondering about? Want to know how to make something? Curious about how or why? There’s a book out there that can help you know more. In a world where “alternative facts” are masquerading as verifiable facts, and powerful people are calling verifiable facts “fake news,” question what you think you know. Be curious. Look for sources that may give different facts and then discuss with others what those facts make you think. Your curiosity is one of your greatest strengths.<p>This year, we hope that you share your ideas about books with the people in your life, especially people that may disagree with you. Use the stories you encounter in books, both fiction and nonfiction as a springboard to debate and discuss the ideas that matter to you and those that confuse you. When we talk about our reading with others, our reading experience deepens and broadens. By putting our own ideas in words for others to consider, we refine and reformulate them. By hearing others’ responses to our thoughts, we expand our ideas and gain new ones.<p>This year, challenge those around you to keep their minds and hearts open. In the wake of outward displays of hate in Charlottesville, Virginia this summer, we must all be wide-awake to social injustices in all of their forms. If your school or your teacher chooses books where all of the characters always come from the same cultural backgrounds–speak up. If your teacher or your classmates gloss over uncomfortable conversations about character’s choices or beliefs–speak up. If you find yourself wondering whether your story counts in the world of literature–speak up. You will be the generation that helps America embrace discomfort as an opportunity to grow and continue learning.<p>Your friends at The Classroom Bookshelf,<p>Katie, Grace, Erika, and Mary Ann<p> <p> </p><hr><strong><p><strong><em><em><hr></em></em></strong></p><p><strong><img width="283" height="107" align="left" src="http://www.smithfieldcity.org/img/library/storytime_logo.jpg"></strong></p><p><strong>CHECK OUT BRIDGEWATER LIBRARY’S UPCOMING PROGRAMS:</strong><p><strong>F</strong><strong><em>amily Storytime</em> (ages 3-6 plus siblings) Tuesday at 10 a.m.</strong><p><strong><em>PJ Time </em>Wednesday nights at 7 p.m.</strong><p><strong><em>Toddler Times</em> (ages 18mo-36 mo) are Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m. <em>So that we may have enough room for all our toddler families, please only come to one toddler time each week.</em></strong><p><strong></strong></p><strong><p><em>Baby Times</em> on Thursday at 9:30 a.m.<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27_RQkKbdyzz3-d0ElsIiIjBV1s4LtE6Z9rMGHT4NaKp-9AgiAHdo5KpdQxEhomyZUNMpR5sGjMBXMPWyS9oxRu2INPP_nmsTwdafdBgS27_3FrH84l1Upl6Mp0_qN1RLLY1us2rD_iY/s1600-h/image%255B5%255D"><img width="213" height="286" title="image" align="left" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbmJrUQOjTk8D5nafZvcAyWtGeAfis_Dmfrw-6kxDtApCLB7Sw5folPLrxpDoihZKS5Z5tLkGZ10g3euIsosinDPRihuJQfeiFxWUDwluWrIOPrHciiMShai2My4xom0l7uGvIriIbuM/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><em><strong>Kids aged 3-11 are invited to our weekly STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, ART, and Math) Tuesdays at 4:30. Geared to K-4th graders but open to all ages. </strong></em></p><b><p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8vSe5NAZsERqtbjY4AWPEFlph9n-xyhYHBcl3Eg17v_BaTIlPUa5GCEvmzIBuCKLa3aZN1TUBRfENlUaear-wPtBDA6Y9uxuKaL-YcWGe6rxbDbl5QrbELU5ey6wZY3zG22gPJacZVU/s1600-h/image%255B31%255D"><img width="244" height="87" title="image" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGrblg2k5OK2klHOtROspje8-EPlSeJ5mkL7zaxMAiw8iKV2plxpnx1aFkNXpwolQFI01ZFXELzjZKyFBX9nSeX6gVjXnKEVnO9zBOFGQB16YWbMi6DHi_KgTJUUngdj7wRApQzbJLy4/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p> </p></b><p> </p></strong><strong><em><em><p><br clear="all"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfzjf1bQK5Vi1rjzGMCc4uix0dEFyGL_BUYOT8n536uTMG7Ujr_Ko8o4SScTGMAmyCFdyCwGYQhWceMRFEqG4UhrFud1p_wM6B0QD4inrES0nyu4dAw6XL6Sf0bPRhbw2se3KGvRmwxU/s1600-h/image%255B3%255D"><img width="504" height="653" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0HII6DpTkl4oGFCDrrENP5xxOn0PQxPqJr2ePoxgEsL7n9m_StvNyQmpUWjTl7QOkk72MHXbPQsf6sw5zpO3wU3jczskkXa0fS00tluXqf1T-STFRsp5shiY0GaJ_L2rt6kxJOqujzeI/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-D-DrTKxCJRS48ZwROdmIayenWs4xZTkOu1dCL74HK02G0w210zC8QW4VBO4qaFL2oP8ly9vEC7hrGJsdNz32nsbKfQGjS1aZnt25fqJLoFdh6-x8tSMYXkbw3hC-Oxaahdo1WdAk2OI/s1600-h/image%255B51%255D"><img width="504" height="471" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBaTzPNo3cRJuVAFUyy4QKPzfmQUGNIRe4wHDAqmEx1H3s_zBnZN_J4pY6dbJEP4JYVz5UhPxyyw0yziOrWG4HZ-AfQmqAtxyK50q6A017J8e0nn7s9xK6Wp6EiAhYmASyzFIofq-H3f0/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQ_L0TuAOPlPfqzVv6JiEkVHnuQSvET7F30GPMdLKBKFGUwMqgAQA5f1dyXPMbENwRejY4UpVG1bFyZaQu162jmDpD9JfCAYMq7c6xlMM4CmFvsINB9Ua8CSjPOLCjTTH0EprFV6NVmQ/s1600-h/image%255B50%255D"><img width="504" height="694" title="image" style="display: inline; 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background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZL7wpRYlVR1ijGAU3kgInUiszTYYwCAdq-uFi8g-dbHSLj8qtTykhmujHAE8q3ymnU1ZOjtZOaDuJtVVNUv4wWMRaY_tLZhXceUstZAbEnnIUhbcjK62SLrzNI_Wz5SRPLcwAtCM7l9c/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEits5vG0rpbMe_ILQbKZuLeBAUvSc00FsSDSPo07I1oHqhK9BBaYhd_hCmKURZBwPcbCBUe0DIpvzScI5AbMmt36XhuQzvKdtkDg_Kt-rhVLPcdmai7MMCmFB2RoiKOT_ZV4gDqw_n5JPc/s1600-h/image%255B45%255D"><img width="504" height="763" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYUCsIYR5t_D2UMzgPUAKH0jxoZKLDSxDA5Zn9LidDjxEtATWNXNq8fkTXQRdOatApd6xwYHac1B4LtZ8QLGDp949PCtWOaXRVOoVvb-0HMX9yBbvzJyMd4HX_9Sks5KaEh6_si-DIlQ/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsATgKT1oJQy0SpALAqw-z1e5cVBU9L8BMMuJDoZ0xTP3UjLBmvKGIMq74M0VpsafMTH-DIEwfs90U0PlQE9Kge-UTNuPP6fOxlE3-GclMxZCLyl2VTRzvgbO7YubD_TxUztAprT2dT8E/s1600-h/image%255B44%255D"><img width="504" height="768" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjj9Hvd0yUV7zhk9zHEhXccOH-CaPa8WhEjzq1ZjT2yCAjblVdkQDIuWmtknDawCyaxO2y8S5kKy1-yolYT4HttS9SX2CWLZed-8SCCEMSOB4lYk95Vod9-ZWYbZz1divszY_a75_8Uc/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>For full details on these and other programs, see the <strong><a href="http://sclsnj.libnet.info/events?a=Kids">Bridgewater Library Online Calendar</a></strong></p></em><p><strong><em></em></strong><em><strong>.<hr></strong></em></p><p><strong></strong></p><strong><p>Looking for other thing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXR6XtEbVQSKWpG9ZOqqBfjnDIeIyodNM9NtctwvZypMaJV9mLrjp131mLrIWyiTXxqf1DYHpLOuAINC5nIW3fQm6vMO5mgux-xL4ksrUu5Z2tazPgYOCNBuaClQW33Ut-rZTL-47BwTY/s1600-h/image%255B16%255D"><img width="186" height="86" title="image" align="left" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwJ0wSPeA5zlFUV5yG-61SSQzvk9I2SCIH_KNo8qG193k_Xo2CMLEuaYFhGSGGbEyoUT9gBm9yzKdkGAFBAJFD8FFBe60GBlifOAq0fwtqzQiZLCj7S2G1-BZchUqlx8nZzaFcLBTjDY/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>s to do? <a href="https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj">Hulafrog</a>has many ideas for activities around our community. <hr>
There are also activities listed on the right side of this blog under “events” – click the headline of this email to see these listings.
<hr> </strong><hr></em></strong><p><hr></p></strong><p> </p><p><img width="500" height="647" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgSZQ_DtaNC5-Vxj0i0qsp9A2HYZNkkogZoftiVcNxyTHXzMR1S9Akqml-tlfT2NMxlZ-j3uX4RC6Ovs4Do_fRl_5d98PwG2u6HRiDNDIN3mcWQdt8LD4ypybUXOrUfK3schvgUzbC83u7oqCdEpydonAs9NFSig-T22CwFkMoGneSl1b1l8Q=s0-d-e1-ft"><p><a href="http://tracker.vendini.com/e/uPoZc4bYnpGstL4fG1ycLw~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRb1JjpP0EIAKyToVTV62JIDWVtYWlsQ2FtcGFpZ25CCgAC6RPyWRCJ21NSFWNnbGV2aW5Ab3B0b25saW5lLm5ldFAGMjQyNDk5UQQAAAABRQExRHlodHRwOi8vd3d3LnRoZXRoZWF0ZXJwcm9qZWN0Lm9yZz9jYW1wYWlnbklEPTI0MjQ5OSZwYXRyb25JRD02NzA3MTc3MTcmbGlua051bT0yJm1lbWJlcklEPTNmNjdlYWNiYTNjMjg2MmMwYWQxNTY3Y2Y3NjgyYWE3Rx57IlgtVklEIjoiNjcwNzE3NzE3OjI0MjQ5OTpFIn0~"><strong></strong>http://www.TheTheaterProject.org</a><p><img width="235" height="363" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgsun5WfYvFb2WVKJ0vx0MwVW8yLSKR9-0Ha-mdG5-CiujeGTAsIm0R0yHUt_7trQqHOp4JLVBcSm6zHduziuPPQQFlVSt4PSxCNJ3YZYgSKAguh-1ZMb4bbR-BqqeTpEJc6EteqHdAMq5uCnB4-lbEmm7sdh8KGl856kb0T7Pgh_XhKEzmXQ=s0-d-e1-ft" border="0"><p>Nothing teaches critical thinking skills like<br>LIVE THEATER!<br><b>Chances are ...<br>... that there is a kid in your life who has the energy and imagination to write a short play ... but needs to know that someone is interested!<br>2018 DEADLINE: January 22<br></b><br>At left: the winners and honorable mentions of last year's event.Carol Simon Levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13916459930086614680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256479139823175614.post-26682006229747077142017-11-06T22:45:00.001-05:002017-11-07T05:18:38.427-05:00Stories, Art, Filmmaking, Homework Help and Reading to Dogs all at Bridgewater Library this Week. Free Shadow Puppet Workshop and Other Fun Around Our Community as well…<p><strong></strong><hr><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqDOEa-QRDXHKRGz-MC2NKjFRz8GnlYj2oXYOAgZlUVIhYE2dKEIbD_umqlOuQX570awW-KcoUUCe8foBNggARoCH7g4_YQYU3QhACQtyOeSZrGT7WFgHPcFZsYxR23YSRQMvdtiZmdk/s1600-h/image%255B7%255D"><img width="504" height="616" title="image" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTnW1YdkSsTg7Ba4PP7oukvQ69UzkyM4PoA-wZ6UYbcURAbwlrBRU3roCdfoFgafVDa4aATHc2WwdWX3-s2W08LTfcvbrP5bPIMygzAYlsTgX4erkGLEh-lJZENrYUtB25aTGDonrHrw/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p> <p><a href="https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj/?nos=1"><img align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" alt="Hulafrog | Local things for kids to do." src="https://www.hulafrog.com/hulastock/emails/hulafrog_logo_with_tagline.png"></a><p>BRIDGEWATER NJ<p>November 6, 2017<br clear="all"><p><a href="https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj/the-week-ahead-lego-builders-princesses-martial-artists-675311/?nos=1"><img width="300" height="185" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" alt="Splash Image" src="https://hulafrogsugar.com/hulafrogphoto/gky_uploads/2014/01/728-x-450px-2-Girls-Dressed-as-Fairies-twa.jpg"></a><p>Another week is here and it's time to make the most of it with your munchkins. Big or little, everyone will find something to put a smile on their face, like a princess pajama party, free martial arts class, or Lego build at the Bridgewater Commons. Don't waste another minute wondering what to do - check out our Week Ahead Guide and find your family fun!<p><a href="https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj/the-week-ahead-lego-builders-princesses-martial-artists-675311/?nos=1"><img width="300" height="60" alt="Get The Weekend Guide Now" src="https://www.hulafrog.com/hulastock/emails/get_week_ahead.png"></a></p><strong><hr><p>Looking for other thing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXR6XtEbVQSKWpG9ZOqqBfjnDIeIyodNM9NtctwvZypMaJV9mLrjp131mLrIWyiTXxqf1DYHpLOuAINC5nIW3fQm6vMO5mgux-xL4ksrUu5Z2tazPgYOCNBuaClQW33Ut-rZTL-47BwTY/s1600-h/image%255B16%255D"><img width="186" height="86" title="image" align="left" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwJ0wSPeA5zlFUV5yG-61SSQzvk9I2SCIH_KNo8qG193k_Xo2CMLEuaYFhGSGGbEyoUT9gBm9yzKdkGAFBAJFD8FFBe60GBlifOAq0fwtqzQiZLCj7S2G1-BZchUqlx8nZzaFcLBTjDY/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>s to do? <a href="https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj">Hulafrog</a> has many ideas for activities around our community. <br clear="all"><hr>There are also activities listed on the right side of this blog under “events” – click the headline of this email to see these listings.<hr></strong><hr><p> <p> </p><p><strong><img width="283" height="107" align="left" src="http://www.smithfieldcity.org/img/library/storytime_logo.jpg">CHECK OUT BRIDGEWATER LIBRARY’S WEEKLY STORYTIMES:</strong></p><p><strong>F</strong><strong><em>amily Storytime</em> (ages 3-6 plus siblings) Tuesday at 10 a.m.</strong></p><p><strong><em>PJ Time </em>Wednesday nights at 7 p.m.</strong><p><strong><em>Toddler Times</em> (ages 18mo-36 mo) are Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m. <em>So that we may have enough room for all our toddler families, please only come to one toddler time each week.</em></strong></p><strong><p><em>Baby Times</em> on Thursday at 9:30 a.m.</p></strong><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27_RQkKbdyzz3-d0ElsIiIjBV1s4LtE6Z9rMGHT4NaKp-9AgiAHdo5KpdQxEhomyZUNMpR5sGjMBXMPWyS9oxRu2INPP_nmsTwdafdBgS27_3FrH84l1Upl6Mp0_qN1RLLY1us2rD_iY/s1600-h/image%255B5%255D"><img width="213" height="286" title="image" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbmJrUQOjTk8D5nafZvcAyWtGeAfis_Dmfrw-6kxDtApCLB7Sw5folPLrxpDoihZKS5Z5tLkGZ10g3euIsosinDPRihuJQfeiFxWUDwluWrIOPrHciiMShai2My4xom0l7uGvIriIbuM/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><em><strong>Kids aged 3-11 are invited to our weekly STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, ART, and Math) Tuesdays at 4:30. Geared to K-4th graders but open to all ages. </strong></em><strong><em>Next up: <br clear="all"></em></strong><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjimeAFVkwFblCyJlD_pk1l3UCwYsQ7LMKdtsomsvvIRsCWJdfmS4GdhbVaJMOYXixh-x8wbp8dGacqvdvuMn1KDENFaKYIg1GHDCese0CstpsL0xdJECmaqK471OMqmDQ-1jPlyQdQg/s1600-h/image_thumb%255B2%255D"><img width="204" height="244" title="image_thumb" align="left" style="border: 0px currentcolor; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image_thumb" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59GBj9_dW-zO6ssIKfIpc_jyrK6XP__1UoeYRK7GCaXoEsnO0P1F6CIfaePH2NbhKNbPMNrYaSmeJxiuJ5pbO40BO1VX78JjuP9CM9lmOkcWnx74x0zqo86xRnowlKz5Odz6YdDAWJ6o/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><b><u><a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.libraryinsight.com%2Feventdetails.asp%3Fjx%3Dnjp%26lmx%3D245609&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFVcQEpu_0OhkwVWTq8hmHmB_2XHg">Picture This: Keith Haring: Characters at Play</a></u> </b><p><b>Join us as we explore the quirky characters and enthusiastic energy </b><b>of this graffiti-inspired artist, </b><b>then help us make a mural </b><p><b>and create some stand-up sculptures in his signature style.</b></p><p> </p><p> </p><b><p><em><strong>No registration required for any of these programs.</strong></em><br clear="all"><hr>Make a Movie at the Library!<br clear="all"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVr1iPnZFkH8MHYxp36ixY2CGS5f_SfSAUfWGoIYyg9tQxKRvhLaBE8BIPjj85bGw4cKm9DswP34AvV_rQ0E5io5HU9Tgkd7scqfn0tyAN9lNgQ2cFfro8mtSnGGGQS0l7xp4qnGDp30/s1600-h/image%255B43%255D"><img width="464" height="692" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YCC1cZLZtPge2r7eXENEF5GC-6BPNZYY33dNlVqZCXGKJuJiDmkcBjYZ3n_f-CHX6rusMwy1kylV1rVW1byefaMp5OL94-zTkvovCl1wKgKSfMf8ENvDMH7-4ZLLTnyS_iaqMe9bwEE/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></b><p><em><strong></strong></em> </p><p><strong></strong><hr><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQm3Dn_EmmVnbLJa1EP-6kInSgyC9NPCpjebXEY0as_5ufZJITQSCvfpvQ3KhDJtriKLHx9paXBBufrLPbPPZ8ogdNIgiUkRnJejbkiyF19ecqcqWW0b8z232HLrc80gh4UOOjd0xUaKA/s1600-h/image%255B44%255D"><img width="462" height="640" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhro8-FKOoTjumr8oL9Ys3tNurzbRdH3aE0BGr7RX8JdwtekSCaFtF8D7MPAGq9rjDeI8guZO8LzuPJDIZ_kxCFNr9kVupWbHwSuOvBJDIWZ8-ehW71Z-sAIcbGBQRRqsJRyp7oWR3SZNU/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><br>LIKE TO DRAW? COME LEARN SKILLS AT THE LIBRARY</strong><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiui1YNFExcjBkOc6WC6KX0iK_OlCnPK5F08VcOC2tP59bOHim0CuUuaNs0EjpxrNxxIhTagr8Y7oMW9fl1EPhjXAzkWUDoutCC5XiljVrbaxSSbhSzXsdIh5P5BSawF0OAzCdCoSwAPyM/s1600-h/image%255B31%255D"><img width="500" height="753" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJYflzJm34mL94yYmNLx6mE4c48S6l8qMu_IEWyuhfYFQ0buhn4nhoAF9IVrhNP4QpsIg173M7-dRr2TrJfGN-PCGmmussH7INvu1SOvI-kszOArrFdExKhnWlXk9DqLYjI2pQEbDKrs/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><strong></strong><p>MORE FUN AT THE LIBRARY</p><strong><p> <p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwjD9vhEtK1sRozOP4CYpVd3617CtXZEacqCwhKI4KLLoljdbfuHN8Y9eLrEGdh0GCzK5Eu1uosJHLuYdO29CPUDDxCUFxnY2OQt0kF4Rem9ZJA7JbjyusMaFWMf6GDYgvKDNw60gUX0/s1600-h/image%255B40%255D"><img width="219" height="328" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Id5sjcDAADMs4FsXA7XUE6piubyeD2nplNsKy_2X1iTqxkf8TSFtq6h68LFy-6c9kDppwTIZOtN8mi0RjOfYIA4cyziTV42acEhWRyAt48XjA972H0TNl0VUVLZUQd_nWlmMuHBvMEs/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIlUkOF6j-igm9lEWx7ljTPrmpcAHwifDPyRPN7Z47sCphLvwWTNwS44xe9tpQL1IqmmTme1AvEZmriBA83MFnEJOziRB4y0_5Mvgsn1Jgk4U-eL3SnltSc_WVoRLmy1r0-_d-QQBMw4/s1600-h/image%255B9%255D"><img width="234" height="334" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozTXnAJGMM4Stvr8FPaGOqOHd8QU7l3s6OvaMixySnwSmO9GM8BygYTY8LVe43MnQ_Tbf2njTZJvTKe2_9WaE1JAoo6ehAGzZ6fUxWinu5t1stnaUkahvoimufFp7Iy9gXLgF0j3ir14/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLu78DwoIeD56HKQH007ueTJYM30r2uyAdAoGq0WfBEH01CFv_b6R5fYj-WUvka_kA4qFgzpBrVb3UWXWPB1Dr80Pthfrb17BkmVPjeyh5qVCPew43fWgyD3FggAVAK38BJRa65hOAVw8/s1600-h/image%255B33%255D"><img width="241" height="337" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNXiRx4ft6aU_yaqd6xu6uHt2W77ywiItKks7hYPLG6JIPH7HwoAvEx3tcS4W1k09KNPRVX7uRQiSM58m_Rt7VKBcQZplekqyQOGwBg6EeOYWkHt4dZZz7wHe9Zy7w3qe5z9b_aXbeP8/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGNnt2p3JP-2fXZ2Mup1QuBlAli4E8soAtBY5jFLBzlPRJQo74Zm4zAsH6WhBf1mc1C4XzMBmSdhebWh1ilNEDRDjqlnG4VJSukbNwtia1Nwpo0jJ2D4n-YOnwv6Gqi2tmaw78fackqE/s1600-h/image_thumb4%255B6%255D"><img width="226" height="336" title="image_thumb4" alt="image_thumb4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-j2nTKu7snCJv1yMAb0LX0JpOhTMAwf8P4-eiGFLigfQGj6PzOd8YvBQ7Bh6qsvA4DInCNfC-RWnUpcgYsLFxtR4Odh2laz1v0M08LP8YbzJwI12WvcC8gqWDL3I35qQ19ptFOghHrM/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p> <p><strong><em><em>For full details on these and other programs, see the <strong><a href="http://sclsnj.libnet.info/events?a=Kids">Bridgewater Library Online Calendar</a></strong></em><strong><em></em></strong><em><strong>.</strong></em></em></strong></p></strong><p><hr><hr><p>Looking for other ideas of great things to do with your kids everyday? Download this fun calendar: <a href="http://ideas.demco.com/blog/childrens-activity-calendar-november-2017/">here</a><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYmGxIiRpUUzM3Z-lY724bxDHIkPLLHCA1l9lhyPDdAMfwng0Xtbq4T58qZ9gJY9U01VV8W21msQNQq-l3IHbtDMi3qT2ovxrpSAYv6IF85c0h4yxyNQgB63lZMfzQThzCBHb_phQU3E/s1600-h/image%255B14%255D"><img width="482" height="317" title="image" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpD8SHN-ldgdhxFnXrZL3oW-XBNZEUX7h2zhUtUHmrGXZlEsq0GBxIt8igEoDd_v35RIIZr_eEqQj_iLkuoWzVKaXio0NSACy0Slk4CpjJ0HZ7sHs82Ij99P7qxdrXK2JYdLRY9n6cZ3c/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><hr><hr><p><img width="500" height="647" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgSZQ_DtaNC5-Vxj0i0qsp9A2HYZNkkogZoftiVcNxyTHXzMR1S9Akqml-tlfT2NMxlZ-j3uX4RC6Ovs4Do_fRl_5d98PwG2u6HRiDNDIN3mcWQdt8LD4ypybUXOrUfK3schvgUzbC83u7oqCdEpydonAs9NFSig-T22CwFkMoGneSl1b1l8Q=s0-d-e1-ft"></p><p><a href="http://tracker.vendini.com/e/uPoZc4bYnpGstL4fG1ycLw~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRb1JjpP0EIAKyToVTV62JIDWVtYWlsQ2FtcGFpZ25CCgAC6RPyWRCJ21NSFWNnbGV2aW5Ab3B0b25saW5lLm5ldFAGMjQyNDk5UQQAAAABRQExRHlodHRwOi8vd3d3LnRoZXRoZWF0ZXJwcm9qZWN0Lm9yZz9jYW1wYWlnbklEPTI0MjQ5OSZwYXRyb25JRD02NzA3MTc3MTcmbGlua051bT0yJm1lbWJlcklEPTNmNjdlYWNiYTNjMjg2MmMwYWQxNTY3Y2Y3NjgyYWE3Rx57IlgtVklEIjoiNjcwNzE3NzE3OjI0MjQ5OTpFIn0~"><strong> </strong>http://www.TheTheaterProject.org</a></p><p><img width="235" height="363" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgsun5WfYvFb2WVKJ0vx0MwVW8yLSKR9-0Ha-mdG5-CiujeGTAsIm0R0yHUt_7trQqHOp4JLVBcSm6zHduziuPPQQFlVSt4PSxCNJ3YZYgSKAguh-1ZMb4bbR-BqqeTpEJc6EteqHdAMq5uCnB4-lbEmm7sdh8KGl856kb0T7Pgh_XhKEzmXQ=s0-d-e1-ft" border="0"><p>Nothing teaches critical thinking skills like<br>LIVE THEATER!<br><b>Chances are ...<br>... that there is a kid in your life who has the energy and imagination to write a short play ... but needs to know that someone is interested!<br>2018 DEADLINE: January 22<br></b><br>At left: the winners and honorable mentions of last year's event.Carol Simon Levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13916459930086614680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256479139823175614.post-91191781378689246302017-10-28T23:33:00.001-04:002017-10-28T23:36:58.388-04:00Enjoy Spooky Fun at Bridgewater Township’s Halloween Festival this Monday Night or Go to Morristown’s Pumpkin Illumination. Drop Off Your Surplus Candy for Soldiers; Storytimes and Other November Programs at Bridgewater Library<p><img width="499" height="642" alt="" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/b111f56d501/fbf205cf-3caa-4031-9a48-cf5b610404c8.png" border="0" hspace="0"><hr><p> <p><a href="http://www.morrisarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/PI-WEBsmall.jpg"><img width="500" height="133" alt="" src="http://www.morrisarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/PI-WEBsmall.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.morrisarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/22046113_10155899364480406_2328833202969294598_n.jpg"><br></a><br>Monday, October 30 at 5:00 p.m.at the Vail Mansion located at 110 South Street in Morristown.<p><em>Join us for an evening of fun for all ages! Starting at 5:00 pm..</em><p>5:15 p.m. – Bring your carved pumpkin to the reflecting pond in front of the Vail Mansion in Morristown. Enjoy live jazz by The Lintet!<p><em>The Lintet is an active and experienced New Jersey/New York based jazz ensemble led by Taiwanese-American trombonist, Peter Lin, whose playing was reviewed by Downbeat Magazine as “solid, fluid, and smooth.” The band’s repertoire includes popular jazz standards, soul classics, exciting originals, and even special renditions of Taiwanese folk songs.</em><p>6:00 p.m. – luminary parade!<p>6:15 p.m. – Pumpkin Illumination! Lighting of the pumpkins<p><em>Bring your carved pumpkin to light at dusk for an evening of family fun for all ages including</em><br><em>live jazz, an art workshop, luminary parade, pumpkin illumination and much more!</em><p><img width="500" height="287" src="http://www.morrisarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/PumpkinIllumination2017Graphic.jpg"></p><strong><hr><p>Looking for other thing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXR6XtEbVQSKWpG9ZOqqBfjnDIeIyodNM9NtctwvZypMaJV9mLrjp131mLrIWyiTXxqf1DYHpLOuAINC5nIW3fQm6vMO5mgux-xL4ksrUu5Z2tazPgYOCNBuaClQW33Ut-rZTL-47BwTY/s1600-h/image%255B16%255D"><img width="186" height="86" title="image" align="left" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwJ0wSPeA5zlFUV5yG-61SSQzvk9I2SCIH_KNo8qG193k_Xo2CMLEuaYFhGSGGbEyoUT9gBm9yzKdkGAFBAJFD8FFBe60GBlifOAq0fwtqzQiZLCj7S2G1-BZchUqlx8nZzaFcLBTjDY/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>s to do? <a href="https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj">Hulafrog</a> has many ideas for activities around our community.</p></strong><p> <p> <p><img width="471" height="106" src="https://www.mytlink.net/StaffConcierge/CustFilesClassic/%7B3f1a3960-885d-4fdc-9f45-168ecc6278df%7D/CustomerMessageAttachments/%7B09a6cbe3-4f7d-497d-9532-3f7bc4e0a4f1%7D.jpg" border="0"><p><strong>Sanford Orthodontics </strong><p><strong>Halloween Candy Buyback 2017</strong><p><strong>BRING US YOUR HARD, STICKY & CHEWY CANDY</strong><p><strong>Beginning November 6<sup>st</sup> – November 17th</strong><p><strong>We are on vacation the week of October 30th!<br></strong><p><strong>DR SANFORD WILL BUY BACK YOUR CANDY</strong><p><strong>FOR A $1.00 A POUND!<strong></strong></strong><p><strong>HE WILL DONATE THE SAME AMOUNT TO THE “SMILE TRAIN”! A CHILDREN’S CHARITY PROVIDING SURGICAL PROCDURES FOR CHILDREN WITH CLEFT LIP AND PALATES!</strong><p><strong>THE CANDY WILL BE DONATED TO OUR <strong>MILITARY TROOPS OVERSEAS!</strong><strong></strong></strong><p><strong>YOU GET THE “CASH” THE CHILDREN GET THE “SURGERY” & TROOPS GET THE “CANDY!</strong><p><strong>Thank you, </strong><strong>Dr. Robert L. Sanford & Team<br></strong><p><img width="220" align="left" src="https://www.mytlink.net/StaffConcierge/CustFilesClassic/%7B3f1a3960-885d-4fdc-9f45-168ecc6278df%7D/CustomerMessageAttachments/%7B142277b4-7670-44e7-ae45-9a264a0c3847%7D.jpg" border="0"><p>Sanford orthodontics<p>1353 Prince Rodgers Avenue<p>Bridgewater, NJ 08807<p>908.722.5233<hr> <strong><hr> </strong><p><strong><img width="283" height="107" align="left" src="http://www.smithfieldcity.org/img/library/storytime_logo.jpg">Storytimes Resume on November 1st:</strong></p><p><strong><em>PJ Time </em>Wednesday nights at 7 p.m.</strong><p><strong></strong><p><strong><em>Toddler Times</em> (ages 18mo-36 mo) are Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m. <em>So that we may have enough room for all our toddler families, please only come to one toddler time each week.</em></strong></p><strong><p><em>Baby Times</em> on Thursday at 9:30 a.m.</p>F</strong><strong><em>amily Storytime</em> (ages 3-6 plus siblings) Tuesday at 10 a.m.</strong><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27_RQkKbdyzz3-d0ElsIiIjBV1s4LtE6Z9rMGHT4NaKp-9AgiAHdo5KpdQxEhomyZUNMpR5sGjMBXMPWyS9oxRu2INPP_nmsTwdafdBgS27_3FrH84l1Upl6Mp0_qN1RLLY1us2rD_iY/s1600-h/image%255B5%255D"><img width="500" height="672" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbmJrUQOjTk8D5nafZvcAyWtGeAfis_Dmfrw-6kxDtApCLB7Sw5folPLrxpDoihZKS5Z5tLkGZ10g3euIsosinDPRihuJQfeiFxWUDwluWrIOPrHciiMShai2My4xom0l7uGvIriIbuM/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><em><strong><br clear="all">Kids aged 3-11 are invited to our weekly STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, ART, and Math) Tuesdays at 4:30. Geared to K-4th graders but open to all ages. </strong></em><strong><em>Next up: </em></strong><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzUr_LI1AI-j6JySTptM2ZMu_JERv1H58uhecgIYWzes4vBKVaN9wjf77cE1aUBsOnlSEbmKGvNP2sUYnjsQM0W7TzYaExGySX-0MIDuDYIhxbJ1TFNn0ro2edQLtIvlD_qiLWox1Kfc/s1600-h/image%255B2%255D"><img width="204" height="244" title="image" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KP9J2Szrtb6l2A1KkYQGn-ZOrTlx6rWk7AMHoOFWwJlkXjZTuly-SHgVeTAxd2faMQBpvE7JDl_XfSGlDWTxrjuJhU4yq-O3ZJMoKRf5gjbO_-PFWkgmDtaB8e720ZoFRpv2UHLj3O8/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><b><u><a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.libraryinsight.com%2Feventdetails.asp%3Fjx%3Dnjp%26lmx%3D245609&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFVcQEpu_0OhkwVWTq8hmHmB_2XHg">Picture This: Keith Haring: Characters at Play</a></u> </b><p><b>Join us as we explore the quirky characters and enthusiastic energy </b><b>of this graffiti-inspired artist, </b><b>then help us make a mural </b><p><b>and create some stand-up sculptures in his signature style.<br clear="all"></b><p><em><strong>No registration required for any of these programs.</strong></em><p><strong></strong><hr> <strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQm3Dn_EmmVnbLJa1EP-6kInSgyC9NPCpjebXEY0as_5ufZJITQSCvfpvQ3KhDJtriKLHx9paXBBufrLPbPPZ8ogdNIgiUkRnJejbkiyF19ecqcqWW0b8z232HLrc80gh4UOOjd0xUaKA/s1600-h/image%255B44%255D"><img width="462" height="640" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhro8-FKOoTjumr8oL9Ys3tNurzbRdH3aE0BGr7RX8JdwtekSCaFtF8D7MPAGq9rjDeI8guZO8LzuPJDIZ_kxCFNr9kVupWbHwSuOvBJDIWZ8-ehW71Z-sAIcbGBQRRqsJRyp7oWR3SZNU/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><br>LIKE TO DRAW? COME LEARN SKILLS AT THE LIBRARY</strong><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiui1YNFExcjBkOc6WC6KX0iK_OlCnPK5F08VcOC2tP59bOHim0CuUuaNs0EjpxrNxxIhTagr8Y7oMW9fl1EPhjXAzkWUDoutCC5XiljVrbaxSSbhSzXsdIh5P5BSawF0OAzCdCoSwAPyM/s1600-h/image%255B31%255D"><img width="500" height="753" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJYflzJm34mL94yYmNLx6mE4c48S6l8qMu_IEWyuhfYFQ0buhn4nhoAF9IVrhNP4QpsIg173M7-dRr2TrJfGN-PCGmmussH7INvu1SOvI-kszOArrFdExKhnWlXk9DqLYjI2pQEbDKrs/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><strong></strong><p>MORE FUN AT THE LIBRARY:<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DRekW7EGfKMtWpoPMm9BHvZ1SDsWyT2B2liA3cnkhG3cnTwj6tY5RoFOjN0LuJO6DqXCYTBbFod2d3L6jf0baSZLGo-ZO_QjEGV05vJHEqelJiVqP4_au8A-8UgTDNcopp7CQr9TrAk/s1600-h/image%255B44%255D"><img width="500" height="667" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz10vD8rUuQM-LO1nDsfNaKsQ4qh96wlpEl5WLyWRr0lrPbnL4q_n1_rM6ijzAp2CDEYGSDjo3vSpN0e3ZS6ckuLsQKuZuie0HK_-pHSsxuyMqYoS-PeMkdrH55dg5j5MG5Gt69IkxuWM/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><strong></strong></p><strong><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwjD9vhEtK1sRozOP4CYpVd3617CtXZEacqCwhKI4KLLoljdbfuHN8Y9eLrEGdh0GCzK5Eu1uosJHLuYdO29CPUDDxCUFxnY2OQt0kF4Rem9ZJA7JbjyusMaFWMf6GDYgvKDNw60gUX0/s1600-h/image%255B40%255D"><img width="500" height="749" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Id5sjcDAADMs4FsXA7XUE6piubyeD2nplNsKy_2X1iTqxkf8TSFtq6h68LFy-6c9kDppwTIZOtN8mi0RjOfYIA4cyziTV42acEhWRyAt48XjA972H0TNl0VUVLZUQd_nWlmMuHBvMEs/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIlUkOF6j-igm9lEWx7ljTPrmpcAHwifDPyRPN7Z47sCphLvwWTNwS44xe9tpQL1IqmmTme1AvEZmriBA83MFnEJOziRB4y0_5Mvgsn1Jgk4U-eL3SnltSc_WVoRLmy1r0-_d-QQBMw4/s1600-h/image%255B9%255D"><img width="500" height="713" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozTXnAJGMM4Stvr8FPaGOqOHd8QU7l3s6OvaMixySnwSmO9GM8BygYTY8LVe43MnQ_Tbf2njTZJvTKe2_9WaE1JAoo6ehAGzZ6fUxWinu5t1stnaUkahvoimufFp7Iy9gXLgF0j3ir14/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfAbxeja7efjnpHoE2mtQLeEGQRECAXuSkT1wBYq0PeAz-jGxATjTm536gPycjNMU4u0j7UwzTlk9TuNRZ6QbJxm51uh2flLgtfg-7OJk-qKRoSfBoGpTFDfdY2MVcUVuWmrkZqb59aU/s1600-h/image%255B14%255D"><img width="500" height="694" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQwwEaHCclgg6f7IB5OK4PeucRF3N1Q9CtluVlorkB3J-E6y62pmuM1GeSk0bTfvbXMc132z7okjzfiX5FTdhgpdctVahLgyDLGQG52rqzxrgNhfhvj_ZquhxOCHQgZNMoKZX42MWCzA/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2eGpfogpoPbrsGT_OmNCv201_TQChZl603JF-RgQse8UPSHwH867DYp0CeFGxJ1XglAMAAd1ctcydxVFqoUmkZZnX0UFHrlz-IURup7vbEcmmQWXhAIpPRrFltWmbLgGW1QI2if4_mo/s1600-h/image%255B26%255D"><img width="221" height="330" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNvZEaccnzzIk4PB9OtYxa4vf1J9Bvh55TNdGLGs7owraPukOkoXSQ1e-LJsAyhLCD0sQdyCui32GgSoU4jQVp6zJC13uIldlFc95gzL24wshfkPmZU0CV_MaaD58rFWDK5S7F-Q3qrY/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLu78DwoIeD56HKQH007ueTJYM30r2uyAdAoGq0WfBEH01CFv_b6R5fYj-WUvka_kA4qFgzpBrVb3UWXWPB1Dr80Pthfrb17BkmVPjeyh5qVCPew43fWgyD3FggAVAK38BJRa65hOAVw8/s1600-h/image%255B33%255D"><img width="235" height="329" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNXiRx4ft6aU_yaqd6xu6uHt2W77ywiItKks7hYPLG6JIPH7HwoAvEx3tcS4W1k09KNPRVX7uRQiSM58m_Rt7VKBcQZplekqyQOGwBg6EeOYWkHt4dZZz7wHe9Zy7w3qe5z9b_aXbeP8/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHjK8DnoYSG7A_cKBlWzLpm9mL9xtPxPQ7sT3nPcxZw6Yzztv_guKnlF3eaGBJwNLeMrAm7guSJx_r8X8qgtH01M-BeCbGLEUgwm5jiiI9j7CW7jOUaRiGeQ0Z-c2wwoEZZWwECr6t5s/s1600-h/image%255B18%255D"><img width="239" height="339" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdSu8RC76GldHT1wSED-2m2omJQYgjvHFfHk_PIzBGD9jQXRHRgE4KiSa931oA8HGTPgRFRLejmdZKakYpA0ciWZqrx-rlZRrjU9sjayzRnFtseGCyXfR6kmNprlFVCQ7WvDloHhyphenhyphengas/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGNnt2p3JP-2fXZ2Mup1QuBlAli4E8soAtBY5jFLBzlPRJQo74Zm4zAsH6WhBf1mc1C4XzMBmSdhebWh1ilNEDRDjqlnG4VJSukbNwtia1Nwpo0jJ2D4n-YOnwv6Gqi2tmaw78fackqE/s1600-h/image_thumb4%255B6%255D"><img width="217" height="322" title="image_thumb4" alt="image_thumb4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-j2nTKu7snCJv1yMAb0LX0JpOhTMAwf8P4-eiGFLigfQGj6PzOd8YvBQ7Bh6qsvA4DInCNfC-RWnUpcgYsLFxtR4Odh2laz1v0M08LP8YbzJwI12WvcC8gqWDL3I35qQ19ptFOghHrM/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVr1iPnZFkH8MHYxp36ixY2CGS5f_SfSAUfWGoIYyg9tQxKRvhLaBE8BIPjj85bGw4cKm9DswP34AvV_rQ0E5io5HU9Tgkd7scqfn0tyAN9lNgQ2cFfro8mtSnGGGQS0l7xp4qnGDp30/s1600-h/image%255B43%255D"><img width="500" height="746" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YCC1cZLZtPge2r7eXENEF5GC-6BPNZYY33dNlVqZCXGKJuJiDmkcBjYZ3n_f-CHX6rusMwy1kylV1rVW1byefaMp5OL94-zTkvovCl1wKgKSfMf8ENvDMH7-4ZLLTnyS_iaqMe9bwEE/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><strong><em><em>For full details on these and other programs, see the <strong><a href="http://sclsnj.libnet.info/events?a=Kids">Bridgewater Library Online Calendar</a></strong></em><strong><em></em></strong><em><strong>.</strong></em></em></strong><hr> </strong><p><font size="5"><strong>Let Your Fingers Do More Walking</strong></font><h3>6 Tiny Tips for Saving the World</h3><p>By <a href="https://www.crisisprevention.com/Authors/Lesley-Rynders">Lesley Rynders</a> <p><img width="500" height="333" src="https://www.crisisprevention.com/CPI/media/Media/Blogs/shutterstock_655271044.jpg"><p>Photo: A3pfamily / Shutterstock<p>“<em>Do your little bit of good where you are;<br>it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.</em>” <br>- Desmond Tutu<p>In today’s world, the idea of being a “good person” can (and has) overwhelmed many people I know. “Why even bother trying?” they ask. “It doesn’t change anything.” The good people in my life are hurting, weary souls. And yet…when the news is difficult, bad, sad, worrying...they still try harder to save the world. Sometimes to the point of exhaustion. <br>Maybe that’s just too much pressure. No one, by themselves, is going to save the world. Take it from me: my life’s goal is to achieve world peace. <br>(So far, it’s not going well.) <br>So, my fellow good people of the world, maybe we need to advocate for starting a little smaller. Let’s start with little, everyday things we can do to improve our own little corners of the world.<br><strong>Tiny tip: Be one with the moment at hand. </strong><br>With all our alerts and notifications, we are constantly planning ahead. That’s not a bad thing—I’m a huge advocate for planning ahead. But let’s not lose touch with the moment we’re actually in. Especially if that moment involves another human being. Consider giving someone your undivided attention and <a href="https://www.crisisprevention.com/Blog/October-2016/7-Tips-for-Empathic-Listening">truly listening</a> to them. Think about how good it feels to be the recipient of such attention. And it’s a small thing that doesn’t need to take a lot of time. In fact, for all of us multitaskers out here, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/travisbradberry/2014/10/08/multitasking-damages-your-brain-and-career-new-studies-suggest/#4da1f44d56ee">studies have shown</a> that we actually accomplish more when we <a href="http://www.apa.org/research/action/multitask.aspx">focus on one thing at a time</a>. Imagine that: being a good person AND getting more done! That’s the kind of multitasking I like!<br><em><strong>CPI Recommends</strong></em>: <strong><a href="https://www.crisisprevention.com/Blog/April-2017/Mindful-Practice">12 Mindfulness Tips for Busy People</a></strong><br><strong>Tiny tip: The world does not revolve around you. </strong><br>Okay, so we know this, right? Then how come so many of us operate as if it does? We post on social media for the “likes”. And then we read the comments. (And then <a href="https://www.crisisprevention.com/Blog/February-2013/Don-t-Take-It-Personally">we respond</a> to the comments.) Maybe we could stand to Rationally Detach from social media. There are no nonverbals or paraverbals to go with written comments, so anything we read (or post) might be taken in a way that it wasn’t intended. Which brings me to my next point…<br><em><strong>CPI Recommends</strong></em>: <strong><a href="https://www.crisisprevention.com/Blog/December-2016/The-Road-to-Rational-Detachment">Get on the Road to Rational Detachment</a><br></strong><br><strong>Tiny tip: Assume best intent. Always. </strong><br>Ever gotten an email from a supervisor that says, “Can you stop by my office?” How many of us automatically assume that we did something wrong? Let’s try to reframe that thinking. Maybe our boss wants to tell us something we did well. Or maybe our boss wants to coach us on how we can be even better. And let’s not just limit this to supervisor-employee interactions, but our interactions with every single Human. I don’t think anyone wakes up in the morning and thinks, “I’m going to be a bad person today.” Most of us are just trying to survive and get by the best we can. The person who let the door slam in my face? Maybe she is going through a personal crisis and didn’t even see me. We can support the idea that humans are inherently good and want to be helpful—as evidenced by the recent response to disasters and violent crises in our world.<br><em><strong>CPI Recommends</strong></em>: <strong><a href="https://www.crisisprevention.com/Blog/September-2017/Preparation-and-Perspective">Put Good Intentions to Work as a Citizen Responder</a></strong><br><strong>Tiny tip: Get in touch with your inner toddler. </strong><br>Despite the cliché of the “terrible twos”, studies have shown that toddlers <a href="http://news.stanford.edu/news/2008/november5/tanner-110508.html">are inherently helpful</a>, and generally try to have fun with whatever they do—which can make mealtimes frustrating for parents. Not everything is a joke, of course, but maybe we can take this away from <a href="http://www.urbanchildinstitute.org/articles/features/empathy-and-kindness-early-developmental-milestones">the toddler mindset</a>: don’t take ourselves so seriously. Have fun. Most situations—while they can be important—aren’t life or death. So maybe we can go easy on ourselves and laugh at ourselves a bit more. Laughter has, after all, been shown to decrease stress and improve overall health. What good is being a good person if we aren’t healthy enough to enjoy it?<br><em><strong>CPI Recommends</strong></em>: <strong><a href="https://www.crisisprevention.com/Blog/August-2016/4-Calming-Techniques-for-Kids-and-Adults">4 Calming Techniques for Kids and Adults</a></strong><br><strong>Tiny tip: Embrace the little things—and DO a few little things!</strong><br>Hold the door. Take time to listen to someone. Or just sit with someone. Say please. Say thank you. Treat others with care. Write “hi” on a post-it note. There are countless little ways to be kind that don’t take a lot of effort.<br><em><strong>CPI Recommends</strong></em>:<strong> <a href="https://www.crisisprevention.com/mindfulness">A Month’s Worth of Mindfulness</a></strong><br><strong>Tiny tip: Remember that good people deserve goodness too!</strong><br>Let’s not forget to take care of ourselves. Ask a friend to listen. Or to simply sit and be present with you. Find time for self-care: go for a hike, read a book, and get back in touch with your inner self. And, especially in human services and health care fields, where <a href="https://www.crisisprevention.com/Blog/November-2016/Secondary-Trauma">vicarious trauma</a> can run rampant, reach out for help when you need it. Needing professional help isn’t a sign that we’re not good people, but it might help us reach our greater potential for goodness. <br><em><strong>CPI Recommends</strong></em>: <strong><a href="https://www.crisisprevention.com/Blog/November-2015/How-Therapeutic-Writing-Can-Help-Crisis-Workers">How Therapeutic Writing Can Help Crisis Workers</a></strong><br>When we connect with our potential, we can better help others reach their potential. And that’s a wonderful way to help spread the goodness (or better still—achieve world peace). Carol Simon Levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13916459930086614680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256479139823175614.post-18134467315611670912017-10-16T21:23:00.001-04:002017-10-16T21:34:39.364-04:00Dress Up and Come Down to the Library for Halloween Fun this Month. Share Some Shivers with The Legend of Sleepy Hallow, Make Haunted Gingerbread Houses, Attend a Lock In and More…<p><img width="490" height="398" align="left" src="http://syndetics.com/index.php?isbn=0690045840/lc.jpg&client=somep"></p><strong><p><br clear="all">Wear your costume on Tuesday October 17th at 10 a.m. or 4:30 p.m. for a Halloween celebration of interactive songs and stories. <br><em>No registration required.</em></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3h_uVPUsUAlG6MUF9mZIiHBvDgw-zeB8HK0_uvam0xInw9h2V_iIWLoVFtCK2ykjc3ztQTgiTtvqY8TmwTBQhmbYyPtAZL-7wKNeQNgouWuQfYQGAqdH3Dw0T2eqUubdgFE7dryIjrc/s1600-h/image%255B39%255D"><img width="494" height="734" title="image" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87Ey-2qmlhc90BKZhx8yfg7EM_FeP1UkyhoiHolAS0EM9FpP78K2pznbTuHGV8zp4_fJcvYYb7b1CfZUF5ks661Nt8jgCvSVAKKQRyq52kBHENJl6uamv2x1OhehpbkpeJh4j77Rx8q0/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p></strong><strong><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_Dttn9s-jrVh-6y5OKXjoyKq3l99NcyQxIZL1NShkmxfbk4dzPcju-A2U5pMKGaBJf0CvRugn33IXaQi12hblECF_SDN66hJtnlZNWzvoIAOMF7UoIcbM5LzhCl8vUZ0VrfhgWr_axU/s1600-h/image%255B4%255D"><img width="501" height="750" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQBbXhOJstVXaTh3T0KPyQtCC532Gq2TCa5h9F4B-t900jU16fN377Meg409R1oV0W2PHyE8EXeTmcrM8vusir1gmvCULUNmHFETfabaR_asz0zZO7kGu3Lk9ZEGh1cZ5W2YiDRp3VUg/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p>Click <a href="http://sclsnj.libnet.info/events?a=Kids">HERE</a> to register for this and other programs.<br></p></strong><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RgCCnJk357VxAYCmdw1r80VcXT6EiiRQ8z7UJesu7TZnJ33gyrqk_fFSiYhn4oChqJ65BSYWrp4wjtFWS4MW2IlsNVCu1TMYfDHl32mjDN-MpEU1UxvVA8pHrDT5QKBJQtskyuWS4v8/s1600-h/image%255B17%255D"><img width="495" height="740" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjgQKoUO5ZbO7paVyh8XO1ZfvixhEk5b024Lsco6NDVsHDUHJf-_kmWQ5r36DqjtkgfWGPylX7sFBiIFezJ_bmHAit3IrxqFGU1nAfQBFmj1cUCaBy3hRPXb0QlfXj2ZXTRN4HABrOD8/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVdzJ8UYBxvpRzslWya-cyp9wrLQOsTtiWGMYIt-pZ53t3myI-JagLayLBWJDG_vQ7SLNVMngrT-cHSPVILnFDWZJIcw7BcZthbm8NExvBZzhcS09F1Z5kAetW5BAekXmjkqfxnRMmXQ/s1600-h/image%255B26%255D"><img width="499" height="746" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggn_XXuPg0YMxrC1ZTJemZmzaQ9rlRxmQjVTOXn5aEJi9uzYhSllhRV3n-fLVT3PYEOLRaDXjACg-jE52pq32roKvR2Xi4czPwFTPf5-09_3DU2Zq8NEoiv9Z2gtHtTErvsoVMpQomcNc/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p> <p><img width="499" height="642" alt="" src="http://files.constantcontact.com/b111f56d501/fbf205cf-3caa-4031-9a48-cf5b610404c8.png" border="0" hspace="0"><p><hr> </p><p> <p><img width="471" height="106" src="https://www.mytlink.net/StaffConcierge/CustFilesClassic/%7B3f1a3960-885d-4fdc-9f45-168ecc6278df%7D/CustomerMessageAttachments/%7B09a6cbe3-4f7d-497d-9532-3f7bc4e0a4f1%7D.jpg" border="0"><p><strong>Sanford Orthodontics </strong><p><strong>Halloween Candy Buyback 2017 </strong><p><strong>BRING US YOUR HARD, STICKY & CHEWY CANDY</strong><p><strong>Beginning November 6<sup>st</sup> – November 17th </strong><p><strong>We are on vacation the week of October 30th!<br></strong><p><strong>DR SANFORD WILL BUY BACK YOUR CANDY </strong><p><strong>FOR A $1.00 A POUND!<strong> </strong></strong><p><strong>HE WILL DONATE THE SAME AMOUNT TO THE “SMILE TRAIN”! A CHILDREN’S CHARITY PROVIDING SURGICAL PROCDURES FOR CHILDREN WITH CLEFT LIP AND PALATES!</strong><p><strong>THE CANDY WILL BE DONATED TO OUR <strong>MILITARY TROOPS OVERSEAS!</strong><strong> </strong></strong><p><strong>YOU GET THE “CASH” THE CHILDREN GET THE “SURGERY” & TROOPS GET THE “CANDY!</strong><p><strong>Thank you, </strong><strong>Dr. Robert L. Sanford & Team<br></strong><p><img width="220" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" src="https://www.mytlink.net/StaffConcierge/CustFilesClassic/%7B3f1a3960-885d-4fdc-9f45-168ecc6278df%7D/CustomerMessageAttachments/%7B142277b4-7670-44e7-ae45-9a264a0c3847%7D.jpg" border="0"><p>Sanford orthodontics<p>1353 Prince Rodgers Avenue <p>Bridgewater, NJ 08807 <p>908.722.5233</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><br clear="all"><hr>S<strong>tory Fun continues this month @ the Bridgewater Library – note: there will be no storytimes the week of October 23-27 and none on Halloween. <hr></strong></p><p><strong><img width="283" height="107" align="left" src="http://www.smithfieldcity.org/img/library/storytime_logo.jpg"></strong><strong><em>Baby Times</em> on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. <br><em></em></strong><p><strong><em>PJ Time </em>Wednesday nights at 7 p.m.</strong><p><strong></strong></p><strong></strong><p><strong><em>Toddler Times</em> (ages 18mo-36 mo) are Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m. <em>So that we may have enough room for all our toddler families, please only come to one toddler time each week.</em></strong><p><p><strong><em>Family Storytime</em> (ages 3-6 plus siblings) Tuesday at 10 a.m.</strong><p><em><strong>Kids aged 3-11 are invited to our new weekly STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, ART, and Math) Tuesdays at 4:30. Geared to K-4th graders but open to all ages.</strong></em><p><em><strong>No registration required for any of these programs.</strong></em><p><strong><hr><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQm3Dn_EmmVnbLJa1EP-6kInSgyC9NPCpjebXEY0as_5ufZJITQSCvfpvQ3KhDJtriKLHx9paXBBufrLPbPPZ8ogdNIgiUkRnJejbkiyF19ecqcqWW0b8z232HLrc80gh4UOOjd0xUaKA/s1600-h/image%255B44%255D"><img width="462" height="640" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhro8-FKOoTjumr8oL9Ys3tNurzbRdH3aE0BGr7RX8JdwtekSCaFtF8D7MPAGq9rjDeI8guZO8LzuPJDIZ_kxCFNr9kVupWbHwSuOvBJDIWZ8-ehW71Z-sAIcbGBQRRqsJRyp7oWR3SZNU/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a> <br>LIKE TO DRAW? COME LEARN SKILLS AT THE LIBRARY</strong><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiui1YNFExcjBkOc6WC6KX0iK_OlCnPK5F08VcOC2tP59bOHim0CuUuaNs0EjpxrNxxIhTagr8Y7oMW9fl1EPhjXAzkWUDoutCC5XiljVrbaxSSbhSzXsdIh5P5BSawF0OAzCdCoSwAPyM/s1600-h/image%255B31%255D"><img width="476" height="717" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJYflzJm34mL94yYmNLx6mE4c48S6l8qMu_IEWyuhfYFQ0buhn4nhoAF9IVrhNP4QpsIg173M7-dRr2TrJfGN-PCGmmussH7INvu1SOvI-kszOArrFdExKhnWlXk9DqLYjI2pQEbDKrs/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><strong></strong><p>MORE FUN AT THE LIBRARY: </p><strong><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwjD9vhEtK1sRozOP4CYpVd3617CtXZEacqCwhKI4KLLoljdbfuHN8Y9eLrEGdh0GCzK5Eu1uosJHLuYdO29CPUDDxCUFxnY2OQt0kF4Rem9ZJA7JbjyusMaFWMf6GDYgvKDNw60gUX0/s1600-h/image%255B40%255D"><img width="214" height="321" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Id5sjcDAADMs4FsXA7XUE6piubyeD2nplNsKy_2X1iTqxkf8TSFtq6h68LFy-6c9kDppwTIZOtN8mi0RjOfYIA4cyziTV42acEhWRyAt48XjA972H0TNl0VUVLZUQd_nWlmMuHBvMEs/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIlUkOF6j-igm9lEWx7ljTPrmpcAHwifDPyRPN7Z47sCphLvwWTNwS44xe9tpQL1IqmmTme1AvEZmriBA83MFnEJOziRB4y0_5Mvgsn1Jgk4U-eL3SnltSc_WVoRLmy1r0-_d-QQBMw4/s1600-h/image%255B9%255D"><img width="225" height="321" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozTXnAJGMM4Stvr8FPaGOqOHd8QU7l3s6OvaMixySnwSmO9GM8BygYTY8LVe43MnQ_Tbf2njTZJvTKe2_9WaE1JAoo6ehAGzZ6fUxWinu5t1stnaUkahvoimufFp7Iy9gXLgF0j3ir14/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfAbxeja7efjnpHoE2mtQLeEGQRECAXuSkT1wBYq0PeAz-jGxATjTm536gPycjNMU4u0j7UwzTlk9TuNRZ6QbJxm51uh2flLgtfg-7OJk-qKRoSfBoGpTFDfdY2MVcUVuWmrkZqb59aU/s1600-h/image%255B14%255D"><img width="219" height="304" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQwwEaHCclgg6f7IB5OK4PeucRF3N1Q9CtluVlorkB3J-E6y62pmuM1GeSk0bTfvbXMc132z7okjzfiX5FTdhgpdctVahLgyDLGQG52rqzxrgNhfhvj_ZquhxOCHQgZNMoKZX42MWCzA/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27_RQkKbdyzz3-d0ElsIiIjBV1s4LtE6Z9rMGHT4NaKp-9AgiAHdo5KpdQxEhomyZUNMpR5sGjMBXMPWyS9oxRu2INPP_nmsTwdafdBgS27_3FrH84l1Upl6Mp0_qN1RLLY1us2rD_iY/s1600-h/image%255B5%255D"><img width="227" height="305" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbmJrUQOjTk8D5nafZvcAyWtGeAfis_Dmfrw-6kxDtApCLB7Sw5folPLrxpDoihZKS5Z5tLkGZ10g3euIsosinDPRihuJQfeiFxWUDwluWrIOPrHciiMShai2My4xom0l7uGvIriIbuM/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2eGpfogpoPbrsGT_OmNCv201_TQChZl603JF-RgQse8UPSHwH867DYp0CeFGxJ1XglAMAAd1ctcydxVFqoUmkZZnX0UFHrlz-IURup7vbEcmmQWXhAIpPRrFltWmbLgGW1QI2if4_mo/s1600-h/image%255B26%255D"><img width="221" height="330" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNvZEaccnzzIk4PB9OtYxa4vf1J9Bvh55TNdGLGs7owraPukOkoXSQ1e-LJsAyhLCD0sQdyCui32GgSoU4jQVp6zJC13uIldlFc95gzL24wshfkPmZU0CV_MaaD58rFWDK5S7F-Q3qrY/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLu78DwoIeD56HKQH007ueTJYM30r2uyAdAoGq0WfBEH01CFv_b6R5fYj-WUvka_kA4qFgzpBrVb3UWXWPB1Dr80Pthfrb17BkmVPjeyh5qVCPew43fWgyD3FggAVAK38BJRa65hOAVw8/s1600-h/image%255B33%255D"><img width="235" height="329" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNXiRx4ft6aU_yaqd6xu6uHt2W77ywiItKks7hYPLG6JIPH7HwoAvEx3tcS4W1k09KNPRVX7uRQiSM58m_Rt7VKBcQZplekqyQOGwBg6EeOYWkHt4dZZz7wHe9Zy7w3qe5z9b_aXbeP8/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHjK8DnoYSG7A_cKBlWzLpm9mL9xtPxPQ7sT3nPcxZw6Yzztv_guKnlF3eaGBJwNLeMrAm7guSJx_r8X8qgtH01M-BeCbGLEUgwm5jiiI9j7CW7jOUaRiGeQ0Z-c2wwoEZZWwECr6t5s/s1600-h/image%255B18%255D"><img width="239" height="339" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdSu8RC76GldHT1wSED-2m2omJQYgjvHFfHk_PIzBGD9jQXRHRgE4KiSa931oA8HGTPgRFRLejmdZKakYpA0ciWZqrx-rlZRrjU9sjayzRnFtseGCyXfR6kmNprlFVCQ7WvDloHhyphenhyphengas/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVr1iPnZFkH8MHYxp36ixY2CGS5f_SfSAUfWGoIYyg9tQxKRvhLaBE8BIPjj85bGw4cKm9DswP34AvV_rQ0E5io5HU9Tgkd7scqfn0tyAN9lNgQ2cFfro8mtSnGGGQS0l7xp4qnGDp30/s1600-h/image%255B43%255D"><img width="228" height="340" title="image" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YCC1cZLZtPge2r7eXENEF5GC-6BPNZYY33dNlVqZCXGKJuJiDmkcBjYZ3n_f-CHX6rusMwy1kylV1rVW1byefaMp5OL94-zTkvovCl1wKgKSfMf8ENvDMH7-4ZLLTnyS_iaqMe9bwEE/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DRekW7EGfKMtWpoPMm9BHvZ1SDsWyT2B2liA3cnkhG3cnTwj6tY5RoFOjN0LuJO6DqXCYTBbFod2d3L6jf0baSZLGo-ZO_QjEGV05vJHEqelJiVqP4_au8A-8UgTDNcopp7CQr9TrAk/s1600-h/image%255B44%255D"><img width="240" height="320" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz10vD8rUuQM-LO1nDsfNaKsQ4qh96wlpEl5WLyWRr0lrPbnL4q_n1_rM6ijzAp2CDEYGSDjo3vSpN0e3ZS6ckuLsQKuZuie0HK_-pHSsxuyMqYoS-PeMkdrH55dg5j5MG5Gt69IkxuWM/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGNnt2p3JP-2fXZ2Mup1QuBlAli4E8soAtBY5jFLBzlPRJQo74Zm4zAsH6WhBf1mc1C4XzMBmSdhebWh1ilNEDRDjqlnG4VJSukbNwtia1Nwpo0jJ2D4n-YOnwv6Gqi2tmaw78fackqE/s1600-h/image_thumb4%255B6%255D"><img width="217" height="322" title="image_thumb4" style="border: 0px currentcolor; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image_thumb4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-j2nTKu7snCJv1yMAb0LX0JpOhTMAwf8P4-eiGFLigfQGj6PzOd8YvBQ7Bh6qsvA4DInCNfC-RWnUpcgYsLFxtR4Odh2laz1v0M08LP8YbzJwI12WvcC8gqWDL3I35qQ19ptFOghHrM/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p> </p><p><strong><em><em>For full details on these and other programs, see the <strong><a href="http://sclsnj.libnet.info/events?a=Kids">Bridgewater Library Online Calendar</a></strong></em><strong><em></em></strong><em><strong>.</strong></em></em></strong></p><hr><strong><hr><p>Looking for other thing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXR6XtEbVQSKWpG9ZOqqBfjnDIeIyodNM9NtctwvZypMaJV9mLrjp131mLrIWyiTXxqf1DYHpLOuAINC5nIW3fQm6vMO5mgux-xL4ksrUu5Z2tazPgYOCNBuaClQW33Ut-rZTL-47BwTY/s1600-h/image%255B16%255D"><img width="186" height="86" title="image" align="left" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwJ0wSPeA5zlFUV5yG-61SSQzvk9I2SCIH_KNo8qG193k_Xo2CMLEuaYFhGSGGbEyoUT9gBm9yzKdkGAFBAJFD8FFBe60GBlifOAq0fwtqzQiZLCj7S2G1-BZchUqlx8nZzaFcLBTjDY/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>s to do? <a href="https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj">Hulafrog</a>has many ideas for activities around our community at:<hr></strong></strong><hr><p><strong></strong><p><strong>Save the Date --</strong><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1OhDkFuzWsNQ-S-z5d0gnWF56UfMnYLFCSP5aodpK9cxnGbPraEavobGp5Nm2eJNDWYKevWSb0SFiVStyHKEs51_CsUEu1ZZEoDdcPXvAi4otSOh9bEY45kXh6114tCULWI9ctSppiE/s1600-h/image%255B31%255D"><img width="504" height="698" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7ECSWdUMt456MExMvT00n-P1FRXzeDfaJGf91oJ4xVNU6MEoZ1XMJZAy8J39Ur4xmh9_02pettEXueCtjTSZ6X23xkq6O6BBaK3Y94tpqktm2yz0E75devXz8-Wafestug9cQ4YpUuU/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFpKTngv5_OZr69lkG2iFxtcm1irCFlwVqn2l2qBAJoGhXTGY3Ltj-zIyuuZ1doVKXHK1wzCp0wo8k-_R7p-w_M9er12LhQ92H2d_2IFYUC-93TBrFGZkCdXfyRMm9__zrHay3JVkHpo/s1600-h/image%255B44%255D"><img width="244" height="175" title="image" align="left" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DtFklDZ2Qj3qY8ykigZb-R_Dfgn9kwkG3hWk-qICibSdsYAeJj0_7b8lcgcIrC1l0fIxJNA0uUvRvJbaOMIxxO313Y6-IwaOZ3OYk4Trt9DrxoixAY7dfRhsBvXJ_RUZNKro-GSF_Mc/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>In conjunction, with the pet fair, there will be a special offering of pet first aid/CPR certification course. This is being taught by an outside agency and runs from 1-3:30 pm during the pet fair. The cost for the pet first aid/CPR course is $50 and is paid directly to the instructor's agency. Enrollment is limited to 25 registrants. For more information, contact <b>First Aid and CPR, LLC</b> at <b>888-242-4259</b> or <a href="mailto:Training@firstaid.org"><b>Training@firstaid.org</b></a> or Donna Kahora (St Matthias) at <a href="mailto:friendsofnikkipetlosssupport@comcast.net">friendsofnikkipetlosssupport@comcast.net</a><a name="_GoBack"></a><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11dB0-_ty6hZAl-ojBy2znPCgLJkZTca4qsvIlHDabhHS6IWRhWkDKpwxw08YHHsW6nVEjzBzkhOto9tIOxZzAr13FDRToMjDCoIYcvFlcZmNM0MUzMsbVGkiLG3rMKZfFXrcGRMI1NY/s1600-h/image%255B35%255D"><img width="504" height="194" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIxSMY-zcUEsqJ87a3S5wcCVeMu1n_Ypst5k8PTX1nl1buree0fsOlp0mea__l0F8fsUWyT3CQK00bk71Ky2bR-1vJMbiGdruBANtKX9GvtyUAT_-G4c8e69pjqSNPaKdnuyCrfhN4pc/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWskCZSxfjeH5JGpnWuJWCsdQUYdtwfIgfa4c9a9vGK3R7Ypfa9IBjiUs_YV95hmL97pAYSUVbSHBugEKmGqKeLzvxwVtw7Esfe8B0NVPRAR7Ko2CHxc3Tu9-LdD-df70OsqZ2ky7T6sM/s1600-h/image%255B45%255D"><img width="504" height="269" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW12kBW3LWD2LMBfLtNSMK9s_IbUmEdXUpsTlqPhkZziK1vqk8pBc0G75PVyRCx8Pv8ZBADKu8BtfCD3VSmGFvMm4jmzyPq_I_aHg_WNtIkLaYUDHMuuxSpWfD1bjGtiCNoeTQ_5NP3ag/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Carol Simon Levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13916459930086614680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256479139823175614.post-9191833037883737672017-10-04T22:07:00.001-04:002017-10-04T22:56:35.136-04:00Batman and Boos, Candy Science, Animals and Authors too…Check out what is happening at Bridgewater Library and around our area this month.<h4> </h4><h4><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrz3gF63P1SytOYb38-C8tF6bL_THpf2LxaZbTeYhWLlYg3iyTolLp9-lhsYoF8CNep2qdPVQPIbFEKU0QqJ35p-gSavv2mByhlIckY2is7PdUfDdBmZKXLjkWjSsC047M7kTNzRQ2Cl4/s1600-h/image%255B48%255D"><img width="244" height="91" title="image" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmd13dslsX4WHBtLnkz9yE_Gl-TT3_3QM2Wo9IIsbAxwp0c_hDeLjibn4lpfqeCRqFF2XqmPH_MJDiuySqZXW2Pzzj7JzZpqcrD0ucV_soTUu4JNoU6KmxAkbSKk9bcQwizFbD4P9zpvE/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Family Movie Under the Stars Friday October 6th from 6:45-8:30 p.m. on the Bridgewater Library Lawn</h4><h5>"The LEGO® Batman Movie" (all ages) </h5><p>Bring the whole family for an outdoor movie!<p>The movie will be taking place on the library lawn, so please bring your own blankets, chairs, and snacks! Rated PG for rude humor and some action. Runtime: 1 hour and 44 minutes. <em>No registration required.</em><p>*In case of inclement weather, this program will be cancelled. Please check our website the day of the program for more information.*<hr><p><strong><hr>Save the date for the FREE Morristown Book Festival on Saturday Oct. 14th! There is an amazing line up of authors for adults, teens, and kids – and it is all free!</strong><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cTtn7MA_2yHHOCS6nEpr3AtL5msq63wivvV1kdxGseUO0CAXlzs53Y8_3JbYkDuAmUH5EAotEa9jitNWQj1mfpz4S-EaO71DgZgScm9rwMRUijT0Zpaj_EAIChOFox4cuRphzpB47eM/s1600-h/image%255B4%255D"><img width="504" height="196" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQMSSRckj_FccDwAnAVfB92hn-xy6v-XqDgTZAPu5Jiz-lCOTg5i3_YXb-hLF9lQoiqfJfbzbp9LTsXyl1f8JxvWSJJnkh5z6ucSo9n2VeCTQ7XLGeBjl2l_ToZcGDB4xbLKA_WIM03k/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><strong>Details: </strong><a href="http://morristownbooks.org/"><strong>morristownbooks.org</strong></a><hr></p><hr><strong><p><em>Upcoming special programs: Candy Science</em></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGyMNdGnOAB6wWRd7gZ5hsuGDkb-AC8wSv09HB-iTqIfsYeQb_Uik0ZZjSKKcKKq-bpTfBeJJg_0C_mIOQJpYYSWKNJ9BMsO2G-9hTrhnLb-CzrdkxA7e2C6GWqe0tPF6IKdKIEB2WqY/s1600-h/image%255B72%255D"><img width="504" height="294" title="image" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QjNbCL4FAFuNdHllec7RIxKlHo2U7BHI1Femvxdt92wIPgeJv2mAlHLW3F3-9-rSsctBXAXTJ3h8D23AnhKo4GUgMMvdoMIlUiXsy1Yr3hi-LsCBTFpYeyReCyNp4WUK9ND4EirQSek/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><br>Registration required – click here: <a title="http://sclsnj.libnet.info/event/147985" href="http://sclsnj.libnet.info/event/147985">http://sclsnj.libnet.info/event/147985</a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyUE_eoGd-GmxV9TS7WKxwthjsay4aOY2p3QO4KgyIeRkFP62x_SZ6pSbsr2i2bvBsCFJFbQHtRFF_6uAdWwTsTJISGf2dI2rS025taiIMPBB9cfoKdy5b9oUXYZLGCy2RUUwFd1NCbE/s1600-h/image%255B73%255D"><img width="504" height="181" title="image" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPelhvT9QEPY5DCq3WTgoc6Fp-7UooEStpKMYtMInuZGmUyeN0-4-H8uNvSAWVukbkQ7BOShrepc0rc_8Yd6E0EVWq8Ceb0HrvfuQ7OnWtKW0ZozkrBB-_8gRSduJUjqqzBiiTfMbOVs/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEq6DATD3YxS1CfGwU6eHD9YDHNkjxoxtIomGT8BgjeuMuApM6OZ4LBl95J5nrXwE9CydQcySFNj7Bik9Rh0p4pEL7eXPY_0GHRJxsjXlMVn1BN0_xOMKWHVr5bntANuwhwb-BEs-3r8/s1600-h/image%255B74%255D"><img width="504" height="227" title="image" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztKETH6PNSoXgVxCL-pqg1-aKUWlAgs1JZhlze0cxpccMNV74cTZ9p_2E6vHvvMi8rrC0kXIlVWSwiO9_Dkji1jwxVBvMUJ_lejocfJ1EJ4ucWO8Yv_Fqm7J8oMz0WQyZHwJG9UmZUss/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Registration required – click here: <a title="http://sclsnj.libnet.info/event/135372" href="http://sclsnj.libnet.info/event/135372">http://sclsnj.libnet.info/event/135372</a></p></strong><p><hr>S<strong>tory Fun continues this month @ the Bridgewater Library – note: there will be no storytimes the week of October 23-27 and none on Halloween. </strong></p><p><strong><img width="283" height="107" align="left" src="http://www.smithfieldcity.org/img/library/storytime_logo.jpg"></strong><strong><em>Baby Times</em> on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. <br><em></em></strong></p><p><strong><em>PJ Time </em>Wednesday nights at 7 p.m.</strong></p><strong><p><br><em>Toddler Times</em> (ages 18mo-36 mo) are Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m. <font color="#9b00d3"><em>So that we may have enough room for all our toddler families, please only come to one toddler time each week. </em></font></p></strong><p><font color="#9b00d3"><strong><font color="#000000"><em>Family Storytime</em> (ages 3-6 plus siblings) Tuesday at 10 a.m.</font></strong></font></p><p><em><strong>Kids aged 3-11 are invited to our new weekly STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, ART, and Math) Tuesdays at 4:30. Geared to K-4th graders but open to all ages.</strong></em></p><p><em><strong>No registration required for any of these programs.</strong></em></p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A82WoGTDbc4/WAZXeg4ds1I/AAAAAAAAV4E/GHNvBVuYJS0/IMG_1503_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><strong>Join us next Tuesday, September 10th at 10 a.m. or 4:30 p.m. to B.Y.O.M. – Build Your Own Monster.<br clear="all"></strong></p><p><img width="204" height="166" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline;" src="http://syndetics.com/index.php?isbn=0690045840/lc.jpg&client=somep"><strong>And wear your costume on September 17th at 10 a.m. or 4:30 p.m. for a Halloween celebration of interactive songs and stories.<br clear="all"></strong></p><strong><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwjD9vhEtK1sRozOP4CYpVd3617CtXZEacqCwhKI4KLLoljdbfuHN8Y9eLrEGdh0GCzK5Eu1uosJHLuYdO29CPUDDxCUFxnY2OQt0kF4Rem9ZJA7JbjyusMaFWMf6GDYgvKDNw60gUX0/s1600-h/image%255B40%255D"><img width="214" height="341" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Id5sjcDAADMs4FsXA7XUE6piubyeD2nplNsKy_2X1iTqxkf8TSFtq6h68LFy-6c9kDppwTIZOtN8mi0RjOfYIA4cyziTV42acEhWRyAt48XjA972H0TNl0VUVLZUQd_nWlmMuHBvMEs/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27_RQkKbdyzz3-d0ElsIiIjBV1s4LtE6Z9rMGHT4NaKp-9AgiAHdo5KpdQxEhomyZUNMpR5sGjMBXMPWyS9oxRu2INPP_nmsTwdafdBgS27_3FrH84l1Upl6Mp0_qN1RLLY1us2rD_iY/s1600-h/image%255B5%255D"><img width="255" height="343" title="image" style="display: inline; 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background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNvZEaccnzzIk4PB9OtYxa4vf1J9Bvh55TNdGLGs7owraPukOkoXSQ1e-LJsAyhLCD0sQdyCui32GgSoU4jQVp6zJC13uIldlFc95gzL24wshfkPmZU0CV_MaaD58rFWDK5S7F-Q3qrY/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLu78DwoIeD56HKQH007ueTJYM30r2uyAdAoGq0WfBEH01CFv_b6R5fYj-WUvka_kA4qFgzpBrVb3UWXWPB1Dr80Pthfrb17BkmVPjeyh5qVCPew43fWgyD3FggAVAK38BJRa65hOAVw8/s1600-h/image%255B33%255D"><img width="235" height="353" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNXiRx4ft6aU_yaqd6xu6uHt2W77ywiItKks7hYPLG6JIPH7HwoAvEx3tcS4W1k09KNPRVX7uRQiSM58m_Rt7VKBcQZplekqyQOGwBg6EeOYWkHt4dZZz7wHe9Zy7w3qe5z9b_aXbeP8/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHjK8DnoYSG7A_cKBlWzLpm9mL9xtPxPQ7sT3nPcxZw6Yzztv_guKnlF3eaGBJwNLeMrAm7guSJx_r8X8qgtH01M-BeCbGLEUgwm5jiiI9j7CW7jOUaRiGeQ0Z-c2wwoEZZWwECr6t5s/s1600-h/image%255B18%255D"><img width="239" height="359" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdSu8RC76GldHT1wSED-2m2omJQYgjvHFfHk_PIzBGD9jQXRHRgE4KiSa931oA8HGTPgRFRLejmdZKakYpA0ciWZqrx-rlZRrjU9sjayzRnFtseGCyXfR6kmNprlFVCQ7WvDloHhyphenhyphengas/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQm3Dn_EmmVnbLJa1EP-6kInSgyC9NPCpjebXEY0as_5ufZJITQSCvfpvQ3KhDJtriKLHx9paXBBufrLPbPPZ8ogdNIgiUkRnJejbkiyF19ecqcqWW0b8z232HLrc80gh4UOOjd0xUaKA/s1600-h/image%255B44%255D"><img width="504" height="698" title="image" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhro8-FKOoTjumr8oL9Ys3tNurzbRdH3aE0BGr7RX8JdwtekSCaFtF8D7MPAGq9rjDeI8guZO8LzuPJDIZ_kxCFNr9kVupWbHwSuOvBJDIWZ8-ehW71Z-sAIcbGBQRRqsJRyp7oWR3SZNU/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><strong><em><em>For full details on these and other programs, see the<strong><a href="http://sclsnj.libnet.info/events?a=Kids">Bridgewater Library Online Calendar</a></strong></em><strong><em></em></strong><em><strong>.</strong></em></em></strong><hr> <strong><hr><p>Looking for other thing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXR6XtEbVQSKWpG9ZOqqBfjnDIeIyodNM9NtctwvZypMaJV9mLrjp131mLrIWyiTXxqf1DYHpLOuAINC5nIW3fQm6vMO5mgux-xL4ksrUu5Z2tazPgYOCNBuaClQW33Ut-rZTL-47BwTY/s1600-h/image%255B16%255D"><img width="186" height="86" title="image" align="left" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwJ0wSPeA5zlFUV5yG-61SSQzvk9I2SCIH_KNo8qG193k_Xo2CMLEuaYFhGSGGbEyoUT9gBm9yzKdkGAFBAJFD8FFBe60GBlifOAq0fwtqzQiZLCj7S2G1-BZchUqlx8nZzaFcLBTjDY/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>s to do? <a href="https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj">Hulafrog</a>has many ideas for activities around our community at:<hr> </strong></strong><hr><p><strong></strong><p><strong>Save the Date -- </strong><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1OhDkFuzWsNQ-S-z5d0gnWF56UfMnYLFCSP5aodpK9cxnGbPraEavobGp5Nm2eJNDWYKevWSb0SFiVStyHKEs51_CsUEu1ZZEoDdcPXvAi4otSOh9bEY45kXh6114tCULWI9ctSppiE/s1600-h/image%255B31%255D"><img width="504" height="698" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7ECSWdUMt456MExMvT00n-P1FRXzeDfaJGf91oJ4xVNU6MEoZ1XMJZAy8J39Ur4xmh9_02pettEXueCtjTSZ6X23xkq6O6BBaK3Y94tpqktm2yz0E75devXz8-Wafestug9cQ4YpUuU/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFpKTngv5_OZr69lkG2iFxtcm1irCFlwVqn2l2qBAJoGhXTGY3Ltj-zIyuuZ1doVKXHK1wzCp0wo8k-_R7p-w_M9er12LhQ92H2d_2IFYUC-93TBrFGZkCdXfyRMm9__zrHay3JVkHpo/s1600-h/image%255B44%255D"><img width="244" height="175" title="image" align="left" style="float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DtFklDZ2Qj3qY8ykigZb-R_Dfgn9kwkG3hWk-qICibSdsYAeJj0_7b8lcgcIrC1l0fIxJNA0uUvRvJbaOMIxxO313Y6-IwaOZ3OYk4Trt9DrxoixAY7dfRhsBvXJ_RUZNKro-GSF_Mc/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>In conjunction, with the pet fair, there will be a special offering of pet first aid/CPR certification course. This is being taught by an outside agency and runs from 1-3:30 pm during the pet fair. The cost for the pet first aid/CPR course is $50 and is paid directly to the instructor's agency. Enrollment is limited to 25 registrants. For more information, contact <b>First Aid and CPR, LLC</b> at <b>888-242-4259</b> or <a href="mailto:Training@firstaid.org"><b>Training@firstaid.org</b></a> or Donna Kahora (St Matthias) at <a href="mailto:friendsofnikkipetlosssupport@comcast.net">friendsofnikkipetlosssupport@comcast.net</a><a name="_GoBack"></a><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11dB0-_ty6hZAl-ojBy2znPCgLJkZTca4qsvIlHDabhHS6IWRhWkDKpwxw08YHHsW6nVEjzBzkhOto9tIOxZzAr13FDRToMjDCoIYcvFlcZmNM0MUzMsbVGkiLG3rMKZfFXrcGRMI1NY/s1600-h/image%255B35%255D"><img width="504" height="194" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIxSMY-zcUEsqJ87a3S5wcCVeMu1n_Ypst5k8PTX1nl1buree0fsOlp0mea__l0F8fsUWyT3CQK00bk71Ky2bR-1vJMbiGdruBANtKX9GvtyUAT_-G4c8e69pjqSNPaKdnuyCrfhN4pc/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWskCZSxfjeH5JGpnWuJWCsdQUYdtwfIgfa4c9a9vGK3R7Ypfa9IBjiUs_YV95hmL97pAYSUVbSHBugEKmGqKeLzvxwVtw7Esfe8B0NVPRAR7Ko2CHxc3Tu9-LdD-df70OsqZ2ky7T6sM/s1600-h/image%255B45%255D"><img width="504" height="269" title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW12kBW3LWD2LMBfLtNSMK9s_IbUmEdXUpsTlqPhkZziK1vqk8pBc0G75PVyRCx8Pv8ZBADKu8BtfCD3VSmGFvMm4jmzyPq_I_aHg_WNtIkLaYUDHMuuxSpWfD1bjGtiCNoeTQ_5NP3ag/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p>Carol Simon Levinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13916459930086614680noreply@blogger.com0