Point Pleasant Borough branch to hold computer classes for job seekers

CONTACT: Nicole DeMatteo, 732-295-1555
ndematteo@theoceancountylibrary.org

Free computer skills classes for job seekers

POINT PLEASANT – The Pt. Pleasant Borough branch of the Ocean County Library will offer four computer skills classes for job seekers during the month of March.

The classes include Basic Windows for Job Seekers on Friday, March 9 at 10:00 a.m.; Basic Internet for Job Seekers on Wednesday, March 14 at 10:00 a.m; Basic Email for Job Seekers on Wednesday, March 21 at 1:00 p.m.; and Basic Word for Job Seekers on Monday, March 26 at 1:00 p.m.

The Ocean County Library, working with the NJWorks@yourlibrary initiative, is hosting these classes at the Pt. Pleasant Borough branch, as well as other branches in the library system. NJWorks@yourlibrary is a campaign developed by the New Jersey State Library, to showcase the resources and opportunities being offered through the Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP) grant received by the New Jersey State Library.

All classes are aimed at improving an individual’s ability to use computers during their job search. The content is all customized to the job search effort. Sessions will cover topics such as an online job search, self-assessment, resume writing, employment applications, interviewing techniques, along with familiarity in the key computer applications that go hand in hand with each topic, i.e. web search engines (Google, etc.), using MS Explorer and MS Word.

The classes are free and open to the public. Please register in-person, by phone at 732-295-1555, or online at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org. The Pt. Pleasant Borough branch is located at 834 Beaver Dam Rd. in Pt. Pleasant.

Four press Releases from Manchester branch

PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Wendi Smolowitz, (732) 657-7600, ext. 4113
wsmolowitz@theoceancountylibrary.org

MANCHESTER BRANCH LIBRARY CHESS CLUB TO MEET

MANCHESTER– Starting at 12:00 noon every Friday at the Manchester Branch Library, meetings of the library’s Chess Club are being held. Players of all levels are invited to play in the relaxed uncompetitive atmosphere of the library. You will be able to meet others who share your love for the game and teach your skills to beginners. Membership is free. Just bring your chess board!

There is no registration for this free adult program! For more information call 732.657.7600 or go online to http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

The Manchester Branch of the Ocean County Library is located at 21 Colonial Drive in Manchester Township.

PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Joanne Lefand, (732) 657-7600 ext. 4522
jlefand@theoceancountylibrary.org

MANCHESTER BRANCH LIBRARY TO SHOW
“ANONYMOUS”

MANCHESTER – The Manchester Branch Library will screen the film, “Anonymous” on Wednesday, March 14, at 2:00 p.m. and again at 6:00 pm. See this popular drama on a large screen without paying the admission fee of a movie theater!

This political thriller advances the theory that it was in fact Edward De Vere, Earl of Oxford (Rhys Ifans) who penned Shakespeare’s plays; set against the backdrop of the succession of Queen Elizabeth I (Vanessa Redgrave), and the Essex Rebellion against her.

This PG13-rated movie is part of the library’s Feature Film Series. It is 130 minutes long. Although registration is not required, early arrival is recommended.

The Manchester Branch of the Ocean County Library is located at 21 Colonial Drive in Manchester Township. Call 732-657-7600 for more information or go online to theoceancountylibrary.org.

PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Joanne Lefand, (732) 657-7600 ext. 4522
jlefand@theoceancountylibrary.org

MANCHESTER BRANCH LIBRARY TO HOST BOOK CHAT

MANCHESTER – On Thursday, March 15 the Manchester Branch Library will be holding its monthly book chat from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Join us as we discuss what we’ve been reading. Share with others about good books that you’ve recently read and pick up suggestions for what to read next.

There is no registration for this free adult program. For more information call 732.657.7600 or go online to http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

The Manchester Branch of the Ocean County Library is located at 21 Colonial Drive in Manchester Township.

PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Wendi Smolowitz, 732.657.7600 ext. 4113
wsmolowitz@theoceancountylibrary.org

Manchester Branch Library’s Jewish Book and Film
Discussion Club to Hold Meeting

MANCHESTER, NJ – The Manchester Branch Library’s Shalom Book and Film Discussion Club that focuses on Jewish themed literature and movies, will meet on Friday, March 30 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Dr. Ali Botein-Furrevig is the group leader. She is an English professor at Ocean County College and lecturer on all aspects of Yiddish culture throughout Ocean and Monmouth counties.

The subject of October’s discussion is a book by Jonathon Tropper: This is Where I Leave You. The Foxman family gathers to mourn the death of their clan’s patriarch. Judd agrees to live in the same house with his mother and siblings for a week only because that was his father’s dying wish. The novel focuses on the relationship between them. It is about love, marriage, divorce, family and the ties that bind.

This program is open to the adult public, free of charge. However, space is very limited so it is necessary to register in advance by calling 732.657.7600 or by going online to http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

The Manchester Branch of the Ocean County Library is located at 21 Colonial Drive in Manchester Township.

Stafford branch release two press releases for Teens programs

PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Courtney Nieddu, 609-597 – 3381
cnieddu@theoceancountylibrary.org

Teen Anime and Manga Club

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library is holding a meeting of the Anime and Manga Club at 7 pm on Monday, March 19th. Teens are invited to discuss old favorites and new releases, share fan art, and learn about Japanese culture. This month, learn to play the card game “Rich Man, Poor Man,” like they play in the popular anime and manga series Fruits Basket.

This program is free and open to teens in grades 7-12. The Stafford branch is located at 129 N. Main St. in Manahawkin. Information about the event can be found online at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org or by phone at 609-597-3381.

PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Courtney Nieddu, 609-597 – 3381
cnieddu@theoceancountylibrary.org

Teen Gamers’ Zone

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library is Gamers’ Zone at 6 pm on Wednesday, March 21st. Card games, board games, and video games will be available to play. Teens are welcome to bring their own games as well, but are asked not to bring mature-rated games.

This program is free and open to teens in grades 7-12. The Stafford branch is located at 129 N. Main St. in Manahawkin. Information about the event can be found online at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org or by phone at 609-597-3381.

NAACP program wraps up Black History Month programs

Kati Beddow (left) and Ms. G performed in "Eyes of Spies: Women of the Civil War."

The Toms River branch of the NAACP sponsored its annual Black History Month celebration Feb. 25^th in Mancini Hall.

The program opened with a dance routine, then followed with a delicious soul food tasting that was prepared and served by members of the NAACP.

The third portion of the celebration included Kati Beddow’s presentation of “Eyes of Spies: Women of the Civil War.”

Southerner Elizabeth “Crazy Bet” Van Lew established a spy network in Virginia.  With her friend and ex-slave Mary Elizabeth Bowser, who gathered vital information for the Union while serving in the Southern White House of Jefferson Davis, they enabled General Grant and General Butler to speed up the end of the Civil War.

A link to the dozen photos from the program can be found at our Flickr link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oceancountylibrary/sets/72157629104072878/show/

Waretown: the parking lot was full!

A 3-foot rod and orange line are terrible for catching fish but they are great for illustrating fishing techniques. Colin Archer demonstrates fly-fishing casts.

Saturday morning the weather was giving people mixed messages.  Sunny and clear quickly yielded to snow flurries, then waffled back and forth trying to make up its mind.

After a couple of warm days earlier in the week, people were ready for spring and looking for ways to prepare for it.

Some people get ready for spring by starting seeds and planning their gardens. Aesthetes dream of flowers; utilitarians envision vegetable patches.  And then there are others who prepare by looking over their fishing tackle and anticipate days on the beach or the jetty, the bay or the ocean.

And about two dozen of the former were in the Waretown branch listening to professional fishing guide Colin Archer discuss fly fishing for both fresh- and salt-water. 

Archer discussed proper tackle (4, 5, or 6 weight rod and matched line for trout; 9, 10, or 11 weight for stripers,)flies, and fly-lines (weight forward, single or double taper, level line.) 

What’s a good New Jersey setup? He suggested an eight and half foot, four or five weight rod. 

He also offered advice in the form of old, humorous adages: “If you can’t tie a good knot, tie a lot of them.”

And, he said, take your time.  When you arrive at your fishing spot, approach the water and observe it before you blindly cast off.

Judging by the questions it was evident that most present, while being avid anglers, hadn’t flicked out a fly in their life.  But their questions also betrayed a keen interest and desire to learn, and Archer handily guided them with his easy to understand advice.

Library Commission welcomes newest member

The Ocean County Library Commission welcomed its newest member, Ruthanne Scaturro, to the board at the beginning of its Feb. 21 meeting.

She replaced Eleanor Hyres.

A lifelong resident of Brick Township, Ruthanne Scaturro recently completed her second term on the township council.  During her tenure she twice served as the council’s president, 2005 and 2008.  She also served as chair of the council’s Business and Finance Committee and was the council’s liaison to Brick’s Planning Board.

A past president of the Brick and the Lakewood Chambers of Commerce, and the Brick Township Rotary Club, she has been active in several local philanthropic organizations including the Monmouth/Ocean Development Council and the Brick Hospital Association.

She brings nearly 40 years of corporate experience to the Library Commission.  Her professional experience centered in management and human resources development, including the responsibility to oversee hiring, health insurance, payroll, 401k, and labor law compliance.

A dozen stage performances offered free at OC Library

 TOMS RIVER –   New Jersey’s Theatre Alliance’s Stages Festival will present eight unique programs throughout March at various Ocean County Library branches.

 Initially offered 15 years ago as a one-week program for young people, the Stages Festival proved to be so popular it now provides a full month of performances, workshops and programs for theater lovers in all stages of their lives.

 While all the performances at the branches are free, registration is required to attend.  For more information or to register, telephone the branch or visit the library’s Web site www.theoceancountylibrary.org .

 The Stages Festival begins with a presentation by Surflight Theatre’s musical production of “A Year with Frog and Toad” at the Pt. Pleasant Borough branch (732-295-1555) Sat. March 3 at 11 a.m.

 Intended for grades Pre-K and up, the 55-minute program teaches an important lesson about friendship and rejoices in the attributes that make each of us different and special. The show will be repeated Sat. March 31 at 11 a.m. at the Stafford branch (609- 597-3381.)

 Other performances include:

 “IRL: In Real Life” presented by George Street Playhouse at the Lacey branch (609-693-8566) Thur. March 8 at 7 p.m. Recommended for ages 11-18, the play examines the dangers of cyber-bullying and investigates how students can take an active role to end it.

 “Victorian Magic” presented by the East Lynne Theatre Company and actor/magician Robert Aberdeen who delights audiences of all ages with his sleight-of-hand.  Performances include audience participation. It will be presented at the Long Beach Island branch (609-494-2480) Sat. March 17 at 2 p.m.; the Point Pleasant Borough branch (732-295-1555) Sat. March 24 at 1:30 p.m.; and the Upper Shores branch in Lavallette (732-793-3996) Tue. March 27 at 7 p.m.

 The pop culture phenomenon “Schoolhouse Rock, Live!” presented by Surflight Theatre comes to the musical stage at the Toms River branch (732-349-6200) Sat. March 17 at 2 p.m. The Emmy-award winning 1970s cartoon series taught youngsters history, grammar, math, science and civics through clever songs.

 The Pushcart Players present “Stone Soup and Other Stories” at the Little Egg Harbor branch (609-294-1197) Sat. March 17 at 11 a.m.  These four folk tales from around the world provide a delightful introduction to theater as well as to the cultures and customs of other lands.

 East Lynne Theater Company’s “Sherlock Holmes’ Adventure of the Norwood Builder” will be presented as a vintage radio broadcast, complete with live sound effects and commercials, just like radio shows were done in the 1930s.   The play will be performed at the Toms River branch (732-349-6200) Sun. March 18 at 3 p.m. and the Barnegat branch (609-698-3331) Tue. March 20 at 7 p.m.

 The musical “Happily Ever After – A Cinderella Tale” is based on the classic tale takes the audience on a sometimes happy, sometimes sad, but always compelling journey.  Fueled by inner beauty, courage and kindness, the characters triumph over greed, arrogance and bully behavior. The Pushcart Players will perform this adaptation at the Manchester branch (732-657-7600) Sat. March 24 at 10:30 a.m.

 “Frog and Toad” follows two great friends through four fun-filled seasons, learning life’s important lessons about friendship and diversity.  This play is presented by Centenary Stage Company at the Lakewood branch (732-363-1435) Fri. March 30 at 2:30 p.m.

 These Ocean County Library events have been made possible by the generous support of The Horizon Foundation of New Jersey, the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, the Stages Festival, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and Bank of America.

Information about the New Jersey Theatre Alliance and Stages Festival can be found at their Web sites www.njtheatrealliance.org and www.stagesfestival.org .

Three Press Releases from Stafford branch

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Francine Everson 609-597-3381
feverson@theoceancountylibrary.org

BRAIN GAMES

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library is presenting the program Brain Games on Wednesday, March 7th from 1:00-2:30 PM. Keeping your mind active improves its performance. Your brain responds to intellectual stimulation by being fit and in good condition. People consistently express their fears about decreasing mental ability such as loss of memory, difficulty in concentrating, inability to adapt to new situations, etc. Just as you do physical exercises to keep your body in shape, doing mental exercises stimulates different parts of your brain and helps retain mental acuity. We’ll provide the brain games and the fun!

The Stafford branch is located at 129 N. Main St. in Manahawkin. This program is geared toward adults and is free and open to the public. Please register either in person, by calling: (609) 597-3381, or by visiting our website at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org

PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Francine Everson, 609-597-3381
feverson@theoceancountylibrary.org

POETRY WITH GEMMA

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library is hosting the program: Poetry with Gemma on Thursday, March 8th from 2:30 – 4:00 PM. Published author Gemma, who has written hundreds of poems covering all kinds of topics, will bring her expertise to other poetry enthusiasts. This program welcomes all poets who would like to share their poetry with others for valuable feedback, impressions, and commentary. Please bring in some copies of your work, which will be returned to you before you leave.

The Stafford branch is located at 129 N. Main St. in Manahawkin. This program is free and open to the public. Please register in person, by calling the Stafford Branch at (609) 597-3381, or visit the library’s website at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org

PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Francine Everson, 609-597-3381
feverson@theoceancountylibrary.org

MASTER GARDENER SERIES:
THE FASCINATING WORLD OF SUCCULENTS

MANAHAWKIN – The Master Gardeners of Ocean County will present “The Fascinating World of Succulents” at the Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library on Monday, March 12th at 2:30 PM. Master Gardener Mary Townsend has experimented with growing a wide variety of cacti and succulents. She will cover the different types, how to pick the right ones, and how to care for them. The Master Gardener team will address any questions you may have before and after the talk and will be at the library from 1:30 – 4:00 PM. You may also bring in dying or diseased clippings for plant diagnosis and possible remedies. And, learn how you may become a master gardener.

The Stafford branch is located at 129 N. Main St. in Manahawkin. This program is free and open to the public. Please register by calling the branch at (609) 597-3381, registering online at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org or in person. If you have any questions, call the library for specific information

Little Egg Harbor branch celebrates Black History Month with African dance troup

On Saturday, February 18th Jana Burton of the Umoja Dance Company from Montclair, New Jersey hosted an interactive Dance Workshop in celebration of Black History Month at the Little Egg Harbor Branch.

The children learned an African dance for fishing as well as some facts about the types of drums used during the workshop. Everyone had a great time learning and performing the African dance

Four Press Releases from Manchester branch

PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Joanne Lefand, (732) 657-7600 ext. 4522
jlefand@theoceancountylibrary.org

MANCHESTER BRANCH LIBRARY TO SHOW
“MIDNIGHT IN PARIS”

MANCHESTER – The Manchester Branch Library will screen the film, “Midnight In Paris” on Wednesday, March 7, at 2:00 p.m. and again at 6:00 pm. See this popular romantic comedy on a large screen without paying the admission fee of a movie theater!

Inez (Rachel McAdams) and her fiancé, Gil (Owen Wilson) tag along to Paris on her parents’ business trip. Gil is a successful Hollywood writer but is struggling on his first novel. He falls in love with Paris although Inez does not share his sentiments about the city. When Inez goes off with her friends, Gil takes a walk at midnight and discovers what could be the ultimate source of inspiration for writing. His midnight walks could take him closer to the heart of the city but further from the woman he’s about to marry.

This PG13-rated movie is part of the library’s Feature Film Series. It is 94 minutes long. Although registration is not required, early arrival is recommended.

The Manchester Branch of the Ocean County Library is located at 21 Colonial Drive in Manchester Township. Call 732-657-7600 for more information or go online to theoceancountylibrary.org.

PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Joanne Lefand, (732) 657-7600 ext. 4522
jlefand@theoceancountylibrary.org

KNITTERS/CROCHETERS GROUP TO HOLD MEETINGS
AT THE MANCHESTER BRANCH LIBRARY

MANCHESTER – The “Chicks with Sticks” knitting and crocheting group will meet at the Manchester Branch Library on Thursdays, March 8 and 22 at 2 pm and additionally, every Wednesday night at 7 pm. It is open to all levels of expertise. Join us to share ideas and patterns as we work on projects, assist one another and form friendships.

Beginners are welcome. There are always experienced people willing to teach! Just bring a pair of #8 straight needles and a ball of yarn to learn knitting. To learn crocheting, bring an H or J hook plus a ball of yarn.

No registration is required for this free program. Call 732-657-7600 for more information. Ask for Joanne Lefand.

The Manchester Branch of the Ocean County Library is located at 21 Colonial Drive in Manchester Township.

PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Jolene Smith, 732.657.7600
jsmith@theoceancountylibrary.org

MANCHESTER BRANCH LIBRARY TO HOLD
EXERCISE CLASSES FOR SENIORS

MANCHESTER, NJ – Starting on Friday, March 9 the Manchester Branch Library will offer a seven week long, twice weekly gentle exercise class for older adults on Mondays and Fridays starting at 10 am. In the “Move Today” program, peer leaders take participants through a series of non-aerobic movements designed to help improve posture and body mechanics. Each session consists of a warm-up followed by balance, flexibility, posture, range of motion, and strength training.

This free program is part of the library’s “Chapters of Health” series and is offered as a result of a partnership with the NJ Department of health and Senior Services’ “HealthEase.” It is open to adults ages 60 and up but space is limited to 20 people so registration is mandatory. Sign up online at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org or call 732.657.7600.

The Manchester Branch of the Ocean County Library is located at 21 Colonial Drive in Manchester Township.

PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Wendi Smolowitz, (732) 657-7600, ext. 4113
wsmolowitz@theoceancountylibrary.org

QUILTING BEE TO HOLD MEETINGS AT
THE MANCHESTER BRANCH LIBRARY

MANCHESTER – The Manchester Library’s Quilting Bee will meet on Fridays, March 9, and 23 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. During our meetings, we work on both individual and group projects. We share ideas, tell stories through our quilting patterns and through our conversations, and form friendships. New members are always welcome; no experience is necessary. Demonstrations of various quilting techniques are given during the first meeting of the month. At the March 9 meeting, participants will have the opportunity to watch “cathedral windows.”

Meetings are held on the second and fourth Friday of each month. There is no need to register for this free adult program! For more information, please call (732) 657-7600 or go online to http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

The Manchester Branch of the Ocean County Library is located at 21 Colonial Drive in Manchester Township.