Farewell from Carol Simon Levin

Dear Bridgewater Library Patrons and Friends,

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

It has been my great pleasure during these last 25 years to share a kaleidoscope of programs with your wonderful children – introducing them to my favorite books (and through them to stories, people and ideas to expand their minds and horizons), time-traveling from Pompeii to Picasso, inspiring them to create art and architecture, to explore engineering, science, and mathematics, to write their own books, and use their imagination and creativity to the fullest.

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.

I will miss you all.

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 tellingherstories.com and children's program details at carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com. 

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. 

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 Remembering the Ladies and, most of all, to all of you who have made my working days an absolute delight.

Wishing you all a happy & healthy 2018!  ~  Carol Simon Levin

"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.

“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

"The future depends entirely on what each of us does every day." ~ Gloria Steinem

"I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she should go ahead and be one." ~ Calamity Jane (1852-1903), American frontierswoman

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)
Celebrating The Great American Eclipse 2017

Fairytale Engineering "The Three Billy Goats Gruff" -- Building a Better Bridge

STEM Playgrounds:

Falling for Rapunzel -- Egg Dropping:

Cardboard Construction Challenge:

Pencil  & Rocket                                                         Train & Doghouse


Exploring Mathematics from a Perfect Square to Pi Day!

Hands Across the World

Tut Tut: Visiting Ancient Egypt:

Picture This: Keith Haring: Characters at Play

Imagine the Possibilities! Squiggle Pictures:

Halloween Fun:

Building Our Own Monsters:

Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Curious George:

 

Literary Field Day with The Tortoise & the Hare:

Celebrating Young Authors and Illustrators:

Playing with Poetry:

Heart of Art–Drawing Lessons with the BRRHS Art Honors Club

Making a “Recycled Orchestra” inspired by the book “Ada’s Violin”

Tap Those Shoes!

Celebrating Friendship and Making Animals with Hearts on Valentine's Day:

Chinese New Year: Celebrating the Year of the Chicken:

Seussapalooza!! Read Across America Day

It has been tremendously rewarding and fun – thanks to all of you! – Carol (aka “The Cat in the Hat”)

 

Read more: www.tapinto.net/towns/bridgewater-slash-raritan/articles/beloved-librarian-leaves-bridgewater-branch-libra

Dress 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…

 

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Hula Hot List: Over 70 Free Ways to Play in January Near Bridgewater

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!

Chuck E. Cheese's now offers a sensory-friendly experience on the first Sunday of every month! 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!

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Make it a weekend with these great Somerset County Events!

1. Junior Naturalists 2018 Kickoff, Duke Farms

2. NJSO Sci-Fi Spectacular: Music from “Star Wars”, “Star Trek” & Beyond, State Theatre New Jersey

3. Winter Wedding Show, Basking Ridge Country Club

4. Skating & Pizza Party with Minnions & Gru, Bridgewater Sports Arena

5. Nature Through a Child’s Eye Exhibit (Opening Weekend), EEC

6. Central Jersey Twelfth Night – Boar’s Head Festival, Somerville United Reformed Church

7. Winter Animal Signs, Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary

8. Laser Light Waves, RVCC Planetarium

9. Watchung Arts Center Invitational and Sarah Canfield Exhibit Opening Receptions, Watchung Arts Center

10. Palermo Winter Festival, Palermo Show Stable

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Marina Sirtis hosts an out-of-this-world night of movie music!
Sci-Fi Spectacular: Music from“Star Wars,” “Star Trek,” & Beyond

New Jersey Symphony Orchestra

MARINA SIRTIS host
BOB BERNHARDT conductor
KRISTEN PLUMLEY vocalist
PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE BROADWAY SHOW CHOIR
    Shayne Austin Miller, director

THIS SUNDAY — January 7 at 3pm

Marina Sirtis, best known as counselor Deanna Troi on the television series Star Trek: The Next Generation and the four feature films that followed, hosts a night of Sci-Fi film music. Blast off to music from Star Wars, Star Trek, The Day the Earth Stood Still, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and more! Highlights the music of John Williams, Bernard Herrmann, and other composers who have made great moments in science fiction come alive.

BUY TICKETS »

Cosplay Competition!
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.

Sci-Fi comes to life at The State

Read our article about the show in State Theatre Magazine.

Co-presented by State Theatre New Jersey and New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.

FOLLOW STATE THEATRE NEW JERSEY

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 privacy policy.

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 info@stnj.org.

​STATE THEATRE NEW JERSEY
15 LIVINGSTON AVENUE
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 08901
732-246-7469

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SuperMoons, Blue Moon, and a Lunar Eclipse

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.

The second full moon in a calendar month is called a "Blue Moon."  It doesn't actually appear blue. 

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.

What an astronomical bummer!

January's Astronomy Programs

Magic Tree House: Space Mission 

Saturdays, January 6, 13, 20 at 3 pm

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)

Astronomy Tonight 

Saturday, January 6 at 7 pm      

Using our Digital Sky software, we'll take you on a guided tour of tonight's night sky.  (Recommended for ages 8-adult)

Exploding Universe 

Saturdays, January 13, 20, 27

at 7 pm

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)

Admission: $8 per person for one show, $14 per person for two shows on the same day.

Check our website for the full schedule.

Programs for Young Visitors 

Our youngest visitors can enjoy age-appropriate programs on the last Saturday of the Month.

Rockin' Rocket Ride

Saturday, January 27 at 3:00 pm 

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.

SkyLights

Saturday, January 27 at 4:00 pm

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.

Visit our website

Observatory 

Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open to the public on Saturdays from 7:00 p.m. to about 10:00 p.m.   

Please note, we will not open if it is too cold. 

Visit our website

Sensory-Friendly programs

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.

The Sky Above 

Saturday, January 6  5 pm

Enjoy music, laser lights, stories, and information about the planets, Moon, and constellations.  Content is presented on a kindergarten level.

What's up in the Sky?

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.

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. 

Venus is at superior conjunction January 9 and is not visible.

The Moon is near Mars and Jupiter on January 10 & 11.  The waning crescent Moon is near Saturn and Mercury January 14 & 15.

 

 

 

Last Quarter Moon: January 8  5:25 p.m. EST

New Moon: January 16  9:17 p.m. EST

First Quarter Moon: January 24  5:20 p.m. EST

Full Moon: January 31  8:27 a.m. EST

 

 

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

RVCC Planetarium, 118 Lamington Road, North Branch, NJ 08876

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Harry Potter Fans -- Planning Ahead:

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Harry Potter: A History of Magic   Calling all Muggles, witches, and wizards! Mark your calendars and get ready to book your tickets to Harry Potter: A History of Magic, a British Library exhibition, on view at the New-York Historical Society October 5, 2018–January 27, 2019. Members of New-York Historical can reserve tickets starting February 14 at 12 pm. Tickets go on sale to the general public in April.
Capturing the traditions of folklore and magic at the heart of the Harry Potter stories, Harry Potter: A History of Magic unveils rare books, manuscripts, and magical objects from the collections of the British Library, New-York Historical Society, Scholastic, and other special collections. September 2018 marks the 20th anniversary of the U.S. publication of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, following the 20th anniversary celebrations of the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in the U.K. in 2017.
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!

New-York Historical Society
170 Central Park West
at Richard Gilder Way (77th St)
New York, NY 10024
(212) 873-3400
nyhistory.org/harrypotter

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Singalong History with Theater To Go’s Interactive Screening of "1776" Today in Trenton During Trenton Patriots Week 2017

Theater To Go  will be presenting an interactive screening of the movie 1776 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. 

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.

Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door.  Tickets may be purchased in advance here.

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 click here.

Presented by Theater To Go and sponsored by Crossroads of the American Revolution. By special arrangement with Swank Motion Pictures.
NJ State Museum Auditorium is located at 205 W State Street in Trenton, New Jersey.

Click HERE for more holiday happenings around the area.

Special Books, Reasons for Recess, Choosing a Pre-School and Cookie Math

If your family is looking for some outings and adventures during vacation week, click here. You’ll see a list of “useful websites” on the right hand side. Scroll down to the event listings.

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Looking for some special books this holiday season?

31 Days, 31 Lists: Day Thirteen – 2017 Picture Books With a Message BY ELIZABETH BIRD
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…

 

One of the books on the list is by local author Karen Rostoker-Gruber!   Maddie the Mitzvah Clown by Karen Rostoker-Gruber, ill. Christina Grove

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.”

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Here’s a list of holiday titles that celebrate gifts AND giving!

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Wondering whether recess is worth the time lost in learning? 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 report 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.

A related article:

Flash Cards or Finger Paints: Should Academics or Play Be the Goal of Preschool?

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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 these ideas if you are interested in learning more about Escher and other imaginative artists. 

It's National Bake Cookies Day, 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 math-y cookies 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 Moebius Noodles website, 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.

Wee ones: How many points does each of those bird-shaped cookies above have?

Little kids: If you stack 2 goose cookies, then 3 fish, then 4 more geese, how many cookies do you have?  Bonus: If you eat 2 of the cookies, at least how many geese do you have to have left?

Big kids: 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?  Bonus: 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?

Answers:

Wee ones: 4 points.

Little kids: 9 cookies.  Bonus: At least 4 geese, even if both cookies you ate were geese.

Big kids: Down, since the 20th will face left like all multiples of 4.  Bonus: 22 geese and 25 fish. If you set aside the 3 extra fish, you'd have 44 cookies evenly split.

More Ways to Get Bedtime Math!

The app: An archive of math problems, with colorful animations and cool sound effects.  Check it out here at the App Store for iPhone and iPad, Google Play for Android!
The website:  www.bedtimemath.org.

Facebook: Get your daily BMP fix and help spread the word about Bedtime Math! 

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Morris Museum   6 Normandy Heights Road   Morristown, New Jersey

Kid-friendly, winter fun while school is out!

Winter Vacation Celebration
Wednesday, December 27, 2017, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Museum Members: FREE

Non-Members: FREE with Museum Admission

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 No Elves! No Elves! in the Bickford Theatre.

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!

Children’s Theatre - No Elves! No Elves!

Two show times: 11:00AM and 1:30PM

A highly interactive, music-filled adventure for children who must help the elves save Santa's workshop.

Museum Members: $10

Non-members: $12

Combo Ticket: $15 (includes general Museum and theatre admission. To purchase call 973.971.3706)  get tickets

More Children's Theatre

Bubbleology

Thursday, December 28

Two show times: 11:00AM and 1:30PM

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.

Tickets:

Museum Members: $10   Non-Members: $12    get tickets

Exhibitions that both children and grown-ups will enjoy!

Season of Wonder

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.

Test your skills with some puzzles and try out the life-size checkerboard!

Mega Model Trains

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!

Museum Detectives: What is It?

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.

Storybook Style: A Selection of Works from the Minds of Living Illustrators

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!

learn more

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.

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Happy Holidays!  --Carol Simon Levin