Tech Buddies to help the tech confused

Like duct tape, a little whiteout used to solve many problems. Not now.

TOMS RIVER–  Do you need help to program your phone? Not sure what your new tablet can do? Want to get library books on your ereader? Our teen volunteers can help you with all these problems and more! Spend up to an hour with a teen volunteer who will help you navigate your technology problems.

Drop by the Toms River branch’s second-floor computer lab between 2 and 4 p.m. every Wednesday from July 9^th thru August 13^th for free help. There is no need to register.

The Toms River branch is located at 101 Washington Street.  For more information contact the Toms River Teen Services Team at 732-349-6200 ext. 5203.

Teen Manga & Anime Club @ Stafford

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch, 129 N. Main St. in Manahawkin, will hold a meeting of the Anime and Manga Club 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 31^st.  

Teens are invited to watch anime, discuss old favorites and new releases, share fan art, and learn about Japanese culture.

This program is free and open to teens in grades 7-12.  Information about the event can be found online at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org or by telephone at 609-597-3381.

Tween Minecraft Club to start @ Stafford

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch, 129 N. Main St. in Manahawkin, will hold an afternoon Minecraft Club during the summer.

Minecraft is a popular computer game where players collect blocks and build the world. The game appears to be very simple but there is the potential for almost limitless creativity and problem-solving.

The Minecraft Club will meet 1:30 pm on Tuesday July 15^th, Thursday July 31^st, Monday August 11^th, and Wednesday August 20^th.  Registration is required. Please only sign up for one session each month.

This program is free and open to tweens ages 9-14. Information about the event can be found online at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org or by telephone at 609-597-3381.

Teen science Tuesday @ Stafford

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch, 129 N. Main St.in Manahawkin, will celebrate the summer reading theme, “Spark a Reaction,” with live science experiments.

Teens are invited to run these weird, sometimes messy, demonstrations and use common household ingredients to create a variety of interesting results. The program will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 29^th and 12 p.m. Tuesday, August 19^th.

This program is free and open to teens in grades 7-12.  Information about the event can be found online at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org or by telephone at 609-597-3381.

Stafford branch to screen 2 films in July

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch will show the feature film “The Monuments Men” 2 p.m. Saturday, July12. An unlikely World War II platoon must rescue art masterpieces from Nazi thieves. The PG-13 rated film stars George Clooney and Matt Damon.

The branch will show the PG rated family movie “The Little Rascals Save the Day” 2 p.m. Saturday July 19.  The Little Rascals are back in an all-new movie. Join the fun with Spanky, Alfalfa, Darla, Buckwheat, Petey the dog and the whole gang as they are up to their usual mischief.

The Stafford branch is located at 129 N. Main St. in Manahawkin. These movies are free and open to the public. Call the branch for specific information: (609) 597-3381, or visit our website at www.theoceancountylibrary.org There is no need to register.           

Play Mahjong @ Stafford

MANAHAWKIN –  The Stafford Branch of the Ocean County Library invites you to play Mahjong on the following Fridays in July: the 11, and 18, and 25 from 12:30 to 4 PM.

Bring the current-year game card and game sets.

Mahjong originated in China and has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity. Many people are discovering the intellectual challenges it poses and are drawn to the beauty and excitement of the game itself.

 The Stafford branch is located at 129 N. Main St., Manahawkin. This program is free and open to the public.  Registration is not required. Visit our website for additional program opportunities at www.theoceancountylibrary.org

O. C. MASTER GARDENERS ANSWER QUESTIONS @ STAFFORD

MANAHAWKIN –  Ocean County Master Gardeners will be on hand 1:30 to 4 p.m. Mondays July 11 and 28 at the Stafford branch, 129 N. Main St., to answer any gardening questions you may have.

Take advantage of their expertise. Bring in your diseased or dying plants for a diagnosis of the problem and learn the best treatment you can use to rejuvenate it and bring it back to health.

Master gardeners’ knowledge covers a wide range of topics including container gardening, plantings best suited to our area, soil amendment, how and when to prune, vegetable gardening, composting, starting seeds, and more.

This program is free and open to the public. There is no need to register. The library’s website is www.theoceancountylibrary.org . If you have any questions, telephone the branch at (609) 597-3381.

NJSO performs music at the TR branch

New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players Hector Falcon, at left, Ming Yang, Stephen Fang and Michael Stewart perform on stage on June 21 at Mancini Hall at the Toms River Branch. Their program, “Hispanic Roots” was a celebration of Latin America’s most distinguished composers. Their program was sponsored by the OceanFirst Foundation.

New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Chamber Player Hector Falcon plays the violin during a program sponsored by the OceanFirst Foundation called “Hispanic Roots” held on June 21 at the Toms River Branch.

New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Chamber Player Ming Yang performs the violin as Stephen Fang plays the cello during a program held on June 21 at the Toms River Branch.

Rock & Roll Tour of the Jersey Shore

Authors Jean Mikle and Stan Goldstein have been discussing their book and Jersey Shore Rock ‘n Roll history at several OCL branches.

Reporters and authors Jean Mikle and Stan Goldstein have spoken at a few of the OCL branches during June about their book “Rock & Roll Tour of the Jersey Shore,” a history of modern music and its impact on New Jersey.

Their own (book) tour took them to the Manchester Branch on June 19.

“This is really a labor of love,” said Mikle. It allows her and Goldstein to share their appreciation of the people and venues that have added to the culture of not only New Jersey but also the world.

An added, though unplanned, bonus was the audience participation as many shared their own experiences of attending such places as the Stone Pony, Asbury Park’s Convention Hall and The Casino Arena that bookended Asbury Park’s boardwalk, the Wonderbar and Ocean County College which hosted Bruce Springsteen and Steel Mill, his band in 1970.

Over the years people enjoyed musicians such as Jersey shore staples Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Southside Johnny, Clarence Clemons and LaBamba. But they also heard Mick Jagger, Glen Burtnik, Toby Keith, Frank Sinatra, Billy Idol, The Clash, Tiny Tim, Patti Smith, Patti Scilfa, Nicole Atkins, Tony Bennett and Peter Frampton perform locally.

Rock and Roll history hasn’t ended on the Jersey Shore, said Goldstein, but it continues to this day.  The local kids who made good return to their roots, now perform at area fundraisers gratis, and give back to the community that nurtured them and their careers.

You never know who you’ll meet strolling on the boardwalk or sitting in the back of a music performance, enjoying the new musicians who now add to the shore culture.

The book tour makes two more stops at Ocean County libraries: 11 a.m. Saturday June 21 in Waretown, and 7 p.m. Thursday Aug. 21 at Upper Shores (Lavallette.)

(Left to right) Jean Mikle and Stan Goldstein inscribed copies of their book for Barbara Steele, former Director of the Ocean County Public Affairs Department and Barbara Iasillo, former Dover Township Clerk. (Dover Township was later renamed Toms River Township.)

Dale ‘n Amy @ Waretown

Silliness struck at Waretown!  

Dale and Amy, the husband & wife team of infectious fun had both adults and children pulling ears, stomping feet, and participating in some major tomfoolery. 

Standard nursery lyrics were turned on their heads with narrative license.  And Dale’s crooning had even the tiniest of participants mesmerized.  Even crazy headgear added unexpected visuals to their repertoire, keeping everyone in stiches. 

We could not have asked for a better turn out or a happier crowd.