Thanks For Thirty Great Years

After 39 years as a Children’s Librarian (working 30 years at OCL) staffer Susan Good is retiring.  The staff celebrated on March 31, 2010, by dressing up in Susan’s signature suspenders, ties, and blue jeans.

Flappers cause…well, a flap @ Barnegat

Ladies (and Gentlemen) enjoyed Barnegat Branch’s and Barnegat Recreation’s Women’s History Program on March 27^th. The subject was the Flapper Era. With standing room only, all enjoyed a power point presentation, a fashion show, tea, raffles and pleasant conversation . Rave reviews were heard all week.

Spring Fling @ Waretown

Our Spring Fling Swing audience not only enjoyed the music of Fred Guarino and Friends, but also took advantage of our mobile dance floor.  Along with Irish ditties and big band melodies, the band challenged the audience to name a tune that they weren’t able to play.  No one was able to stump the band, keeping the band’s impeccable record untouched.

Calendar Girls @ Upper Shores

The Friends of the Upper Shores Library sponsored another awesome show last night. The Calendar Girls, Senior Dance Company preformed here for a SRO (Standing Room Only) crowd! The audience was wowed by their beautiful costumes and technical tapping, singing and comedy.

Victorian Magic @ Barnegat

On Wednesday, March 17^th magician Robert Aberdeen gave a free presentation of his “Victorian Magic” performance as a part of the second annual Family Week at the Theatre and the Stages Festival. Mr. Aberdeen delighted a full house of all ages with his sleight of hand tricks and even explained how some of the classic magic tricks are performed.

Special thanks to the program’s co-sponsor, The New Jersey State Council on the Arts, for making this free program available to the library.

Railroad program right on track @ Waretown

It seems that experts on the subject of Ocean County railroad history were on both sides of the speaker’s podium during this program.  Enthusiasm, insights, and information flowed freely until the wee hours of our branch’s closing hour (9pm).   German Georgieff, Chief Naturalist at the Wells Mills County Park, took our wall-to-wall audience members down the dusty rails of the Tuckerton, New Jersey Central, and Pennsylvania Railroads.  People were amazed to find what could possibly lay in their own backyards.    Heads up, rail enthusiasts!  The Park will be offering van tours focusing on those concealed rails, and structural remnants.

The spinning wheel & American history @ Waretown

In the midst of this past weekend’s furious storm, a few brave souls gathered to attend Niki Giberson’s program on colonial wool spinners and their role in American history.

Niki and her husband own and operate the Swan Bay Folk Art Center in Port Republic. Along with the experience of demonstrating fiber arts for 30 years and running her business, Niki brought to this program a wealth of information on America’s traditional crafts.

While dressed in period costume, she deftly demonstrated how wool was spun and used in many forms

You’ll find additional information about her in Bob Birdsall’s book “People of the Pines”.

Stafford “magically” celebrates its 20th anniversary.

The Friends of the Stafford branch helped kick off the branch’s 20^th anniversary with a Magic Show, Saturday March 13^th featuring Bruce Bray.  The room was packed with children who had a great time laughing at Bruce’s jokes and experiencing his fun magic tricks.  Everyone had a wonderful time, thanks to the Friends of the Stafford branch for sponsoring this program!

Disney legend presents business breakfast

“Disney Legend” and author Charles Ridgway spoke at a business breakfast his morning in Mancini Hall.

Ridgway, a former public relations official with Disney for more than 40 years, shared stories from his succesful career promoting the  company and helping it become the world’s most recognized entertainment brand.

In the early days, Disney did next to no advertising, relying upon Ridgway’s ingenuity to spread the word about the wonders that awaited within the park.  It was a strategy that worked well.  And it was supported by partnerships with businesses and individuals, or as Disney preferred to call them, “participants.”

His hint for getting the word out to the media, “Have something worthwhile for them to see.” 

He also advocated establishing a friendly relationship with the media.  “Go out and meet with the press.”

As to the Internet and social media, it’s a valuable tool, he says, but it’s a mistake to try and control it.

The greatest crisis he faced?   There were two: the death of Walt Disney, because the family did not want to upset the public that was vacationing in their park; and the gasoline shortage which the media said would curtail driving vacations and hinder the public from traveling to Disney World.

Favorite Disney movie?  There are three: “Beauty and the Beast”; “The Jungle Book”; and “Mary Poppins.”  He especially liked the “Mary Poppins” stage show.

Best memory he took away from those 44 years: the opening of Walt Disney World.

Ridgway will also speak at a special program in Mancini Hall Monday night (March 15.)

History and genealogy programs

History Your Family – Your Community Discovering History in Your Own Backyard

Local history can bring people together and strengthen personal and community ties. The story of people in a neighborhood, a town, and their ties to the larger community of county, state and nation reminds us that history begins in one’s own back yard.

In keeping with its mission statement “Connecting People Building Community” the Ocean County Library will host a series of programs on local history and genealogy.

Some of the topics covered will include:
• March 20 –“400 years of Boating on Barnegat Bay.” Celebrate the history of boating, boat building and fishing on the bay.

• April 10 – “Writing your Life Story.” Learn how to preserve valued family photographs and mementos.

• April 24 – “Ocean County Local History Fair.” Local heritage and history organizations tell the history of the people of Ocean County.

• May 4 – “Gather and Organize Your Family History.” Learn how to extend the life of valued family photographs and mementos.

• May 22 – “Pass it on.” Preservation specialist Jill Rawnsley will teach the proper way to preserve and store photos, quilts and other collections.

• June 3 – “Geocaching and History: A virtual history treasure hunt.” A high-tech cross between a scavenger and treasure hunt that people from all backgrounds can enjoy and learn about the history of the location.

• June 8 – “Library Resources for Genealogy and Research.” Discover the library’s vast history collection and databases.

• “All Aboard! NJ’s Deluxe Train the Blue Comet.” Filmmaker Robert Emmons Jr uncovers the famous Central Railroad train “the Blue Comet”. Date of this program is yet to be determined.

These programs are made possible by a partnership of the Ocean County Library and by a grant from the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the New Jersey Historical Commission.

All programs will be held at the Toms River branch, 101 Washington St. and are free and open to the public. Please register at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org or call 732-349-6200.