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MANCHESTER – Learn how to use your Nook Tablet to borrow books from the Ocean County Library, 2 p.m. Friday March 6 at the Manchester branch, 21 Colonial Dr.
Call 732- 657-7600 or go online to www.theoceancountylibrary.org to reserve your seat. In addition to signing up in advance, it is very important that you bring an Ocean County Library card number plus logins for a Barnes & Noble account and an email account, both of which you’ve set up prior to this free, adult workshop.
MANCHESTER – The Manchester library branch, 21 Colonial Dr., will host its monthly program, “From Page to Screen: A Book and Film Discussion” 1 p.m. Thursday March 5.
The group meets the first Thursday of each month to discuss an assigned book and view a film adaptation of that title.
March’s pairing is a religious mystery that starts with a murder inside the Louvre museum in Paris. It uncovers clues that are found in Da Vinci paintings and lead to a secret society that has existed for 2,000 years. The clandestine group has been guarding information that, if revealed, would shake the foundations of Christianity.
The book, “The Da Vinci Code” was written by Dan Brown and is his second title featuring symbologist, Robert Langdon. The movie version will be screened at the library on March 5 and stars Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou and Jean Reno. It is rated PG-13 and has a runtime of 149 minutes. The director is Ron Howard.
Although there is no pre-registration for this free adult program the book is available for immediate pickup at the Manchester branch so that it can be read ahead of time. For further information call (732) 657-7600 or go online to http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org.
MANCHESTER– On Saturday, March 7 you can bring your antiques to the Manchester library branch from noon to 3 p.m. to find out how much they’re worth. Marilyn and Dan Melega, owners of M & M Antique Enterprises, Inc. will be on hand to do appraisals free of charge.
Please register for this free program that is open to all ages. Call (732) 657-7600 or go online to http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org.
The Manchester branch is located at 21 Colonial Drive in Manchester Township.
TOMS RIVER – In her Grande Dames of the American Revolution series, actress and historical re-enactor Maggie Worsdale will present a program about Martha Washington.
The presentation, to be held in three Ocean County Library branches, is part of the library’s National Women’s History Month recognition.
Martha Dandridge Custis Washington was called Lady Washington by American soldiers who fought in the Revolution because of her kindness to them and concern for their health during the war.
The presentations will be held:
2 p.m. Saturday March 7 at the Point Pleasant Borough branch, 834 Beaver Dam Rd., 732-295-1555,
7 p.m. Monday March 9 at the Beachwood branch, 126 Beachwood Blvd., 732-244-4573, and
7 p.m. Thursday March 26 at the Brick Branch, 301 Chambers Bridge Rd., 732-477-4513.
The programs are free to the public but registration is required. To register telephone the branch or go to the library Web site: www.theoceancountylibrary.org , click on the “Events & News” icon, then click on “Calendar of Events.”
Registration for last Fall’s tournament filled quickly. Don’t miss out!
TOMS RIVER – The Friends of the Ocean County Library will host a Mahjong tournament fundraiser Wed. April 15 in Ocean County Library’s Toms River branch, 101 Washington Street.
Registration for the event is $40 per player and is limited to the first 80 players who sign up. Payment is due by April 1. Fliers with registration forms are available at all 21 Ocean County Library locations and on the library website www.theoceancountylibrary.org.
The tournament is an all-day event. Sign in for registered players is 8:30 a.m. and play begins promptly at 9:30 am. Included in the admission is a continental breakfast and luncheon.
Prizes will be awarded. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Ocean County Library.
Questions about the tournament can be directed to Marie Goione, President of the Friends of the Berkeley Library @ 732-269-8210.
TOMS RIVER – Thinking of opening your own business, but don’t know where to start?
Members of the Ocean County Chapter of SCORE #150, a nonprofit association of volunteer business counselors, can help. Local business owner and member Glenn Harris will present a free seminar on the mandatory keys for success in starting your own business 6:30 p.m. Monday March 2 at Toms River.
Topics to be covered include competence in the industry or field, persistence, minimum requirements in writing a business plan, competition and financial literacy.
This program is free and open to the public but registration is required. Register in-person, by telephone 732-349-6200 or 609-971-0514 or online at www.theoceancountylibrary.org .
TOMS RIVER – New Jersey Theatre Alliance’s “Stages Festival” will present eight programs at 13 Ocean County Library branches and two local schools in March.
These programs will mark the 18th anniversary of the library’s partnership with the Alliance.
The festival brings professional, Broadway-quality programs to communities throughout March and Ocean County Library presents them to the public free of charge.
Throughout the years the performances have touched people of all ages and this year will be no different.
Preschoolers can enjoy programs like “Stone Soup and Other Tales” and “If You Give a Pig a Pancake.” Seniors and families will be entertained by “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” and educated by “Tales from the Garden.”
The presentations are free and meet many of the Common Core Curriculum Standards.
Registration is required for each of the presentations. Telephone the branch to register.
“If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” presented by Centenary Stage Company, is an adventurous, fun-filled performance complete with slap-stick comedy. In this family program an innocent milk-and-cookie snack time goes from mishap to calamity to catastrophe faster than the twitch of a whisker.
The performance will be held 3:30 p.m. Fri. March 13 at Lakewood, 301 Lexington Ave., 732-363-1435.
“Stone Soup and Other Tales,” presented by Pushcart Players, is a charming blend of carefully selected folk tales from around the world. Supporting the literacy movement’s emphasis on the joy of reading, this dynamic and participatory program is not to be missed by young viewers and families.
The performance will be held:
2 p.m. Sat. March 7 at Stafford, 129 N. Main St., Manahawkin, 609-597-3381,
3:30 p.m. Wed. March 11 at Plumsted, 119 Evergreen Rd., New Egypt, 609-758-7888,
2 p.m. Sat. March 14 at Barnegat, 112 Burr St., 609-698-3331,
11 a.m. Sat. March 21 at Lacey, 10 E. Lacey Rd., Forked River, 609-693-1197.
6:30 p.m. Mon. March 23 at Brick, 301 Chambers Bridge Rd., 732-477-4513.
“If You Give a Pig a Pancake,” presented by Centenary Stage Company, shows what happens when a young girl accommodates the demands of a quirky piglet after eating pancakes. Their adventure is just beginning as they take a bubble bath, tap dance, take a photo, mail a letter, build and decorate a tree house, and of course, go back for more pancakes.
The performance will be held 11 a.m. Sat. March 7 at Waretown, 112 Main St., 609-693-5133.
“Tales from the Garden,” presented by The Growing Stage, is a fun-filled journey through the rich history of the Garden State and examines the unique roles New Jersey has played in American history.
It will be performed:
6:30 p.m. Thur. March 26 at Berkeley, 30 Station Rd., 732-269-2144,
6:30 p.m. Mon. March 30 at Toms River, 101 Washington St. 732-349-6200 or 609-971-0514.
“Red Riding Hood and Other Stories,” presented by Pushcart Players presents classic tales such as “The Princess and the Pea,” “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” and “Little Red Riding Hood” in music and is told with a contemporary spin.
It will be performed:
6 p.m. Tue. March 10 at Little Egg Harbor, 290 Mathistown Rd., 609-294-1197,
7 p.m. Thur. March 12 at Manchester, 21 Colonial Dr., 732-657-7600,
6 p.m. Tue. March 31 at Pt. Pleasant Beach, 710 McLean Ave., 732-892-4575.
“Mi Casa Tu Casa,” presented by Dreamcatcher Repertory Company, is a bilingual blend of music and folktales for the entire family. Musicians and storytellers are your guides on this unique journey through time, place and imagination.
It will be performed 3 p.m. Wed. March 25 at the Hugh J. Boyd Elementary School, 1200 Bay Boulevard, Seaside Heights. Telephone 732-793-3996.
“New Kid,” presented by the George Street Playhouse, is a play that addresses racism, prejudice, peer pressure and conflict resolution. It prompts its audience to explore issues of moving to a new place, being the outsider, and making and keeping friends.
It will be performed 6:30 p.m. Mon. March 16 at the Island Heights Grade School, 115 Summit Ave., 732-270-6266.
The George Street Playhouse will also present “Austin the Unstoppable,” 2:30 p.m. Sat. March 28 at Long Beach Island, 609-494-2480. This fun, upbeat musical engages audiences in the benefits of a healthy diet and exercise by celebrating how positive change can occur through the power of love, hard work, and support.
Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari presented eleven-year old Solomon Hailemichael, Cream Ridge, a commendation at the Toms River branch Wednesday, Feb. 18.
Hailemichael, an honors student in the Dr. Gerald H. Woehr Elementary School, New Egypt, was recognized for writing a book, “Space Exploration for Kids.”
The book grew out of his love of science and his desire to present what he learned to other children. You can view more pictures here.
TOMS RIVER – Since a Presidential proclamation was first signed in 1964,February has been recognized as American Heart Month.
In recognition of the annual observance, two Ocean County Library branches have partnered with The Center for Healthy Aging at Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus to discuss heart disease prevention strategies and treatments.
Community Outreach Pharmacist Barbara Greenberg Schwartz will discuss the top five heart medication classes and their functions. She will also answer questions about the heart medications people in the audience take.
Heart healthy snacks will be provided. Participants are encouraged to wear red to the events.
The events will be held:
2 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 24 at Manchester, 21 Colonial Dr., 732-657-7600,
10 a.m. Wednesday March 25 at Brick, 301 Chambers Bridge Rd., 732-477-4513
The programs are free and open to the public but registration is required. To register telephone the branch or go to the library’s website www.theoceancountylibrary.org , click on the “Events & News” icon, then click on “Calendar of Events.”
42.2 million Americans ages 60 and above have one or more forms of cardiovascular disease.
BERKELEY Did you ever wonder where you could see a big magenta dragon dance the “hokey-pokey?” That was one of many sights spotted during the annual Family Fun Festival held on Feb. 7 at the Berkeley Branch of the Ocean County Library.
Activities included free balloon animals, crafts, face painting, games and a bake sale. Children laughed as they exercised along with Berkeley Branch librarian Kathy Erikson and Sparks, Ocean County Library’s dragon mascot.
Sparks provided two exercise programs that involved a bit of dancing. Sparks was greeted with hugs, hi-fives and smiles.
One visitor commented that “this event really made our day. We weren’t sure how to entertain our grandchildren who are spending the day with us. “When we learned about this event we knew we should go. This was perfect.’’
A library volunteer read stories in the children’s area while other participants enjoyed a variety of games held inside the branch’s meeting room.
The popular event which started in 1999 was sponsored by the Friends of the Berkeley Library. This event had bake goods available throughout the day as well as library staff and Teen Advisory Board members running the game room.
OCL Connections 