2 releases from Stafford

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

MOVIES AT THE LIBRARY

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library will be showing the family movie: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs on Saturday, February 27th at 2:00 PM. Giant pancakes and pasta fall from the sky as a scientist tries to solve world hunger. Rated PG. 2009.

The Stafford branch is located at 129 N. Main St. in Manahawkin. This movie is 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.

A HISTORY OF MOTOWN FEATURING THE MUSIC OF MICHAEL JACKSON

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford and Barnegat branches of the Ocean County Library are hosting the program “A History of Motown Featuring the Music of Michael Jackson” that will be held on Saturday, February 27th at 7:00 PM at St. Mary’s Parish Center in Manahawkin. Mr. Jon Turk will present this fun and educational look at the positive influence Motown music has had on our culture. Observe the artistry of Michael Jackson, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and others. Some songs Mr. Turk will perform are: “My girl,” “How sweet it is,” “I just called to say I love you,” and more. It promises to be an evening of fun with songs that are sure to bring back memories.

St. Mary’s Parish Center is located at 179 S. Main St. in Manahawkin. This program is free and open to the public. Please register by calling the Stafford Branch at (609) 597-3381, or visit the library’s website at www.theoceancountylibrary.org

Cyber-consequences: Protect yourself and your future

Ocean County Library will present three workshops that examine the real-life consequences for teens and adults who upload inappropriate materials to the Internet.

 The sessions will cover the legal and personal consequences that can result from posting personal information and pictures on various social networks on the Internet.  It will also cover inappropriate cell phone photo text messaging.

 In the past people have lost their jobs and college scholarships, been charged with sex-related crimes, and had to face the embarrassment of knowing explicit photographs of them are being viewed on the Internet by people they do not know.  And, because of the nature of the Internet, that material can circulate for an unlimited time.

 Sociologist Paula Rodriquez Rust, a member of the NJ Special Task Force on Bullying, Cyberbullying Awareness and Prevention will lead “Cyber-Consequences: Protect Yourself and Your Future.”   She has lectured internationally, appeared on the television news show “20/20” and been quoted in many publications, including Newsweek.

 The programs will be held at the Point Pleasant Borough branch, 834 Beaver Dam Road (732) 295-1555, Thursday Feb. 18; the Toms River branch, 101 Washington St. (732) 349-6200, Wednesday Feb. 24; and the Barnegat branch, 112 Burr St. (609) 698-3331.  Sign in begins at 5:30 p.m. and the two-hour program begins promptly at 6 p.m.

 The Ocean County Library is a registered NJ Department of Education Professional Development Provider.  Professional development credits will be provided.

 Teens and adults are invited to attend these free programs.  Registration is required for each of the programs.  To register go to the library Web site www.theoceancountylibrary.org or call the branch.

Library to host Haitian benefit concert

TOMS RIVER – The Toms River branch of the Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St., will team up with four local bands and present a benefit concert to raise donations for the relief of Haitians who were injured and dispossessed during the January 12th earthquake.

It is estimated more than 3 million Haitians are in need of assistance.

The concert will begin at 7 p.m. in Mancini Hall at the Toms River branch Friday Feb. 19. Tickets will be sold at the door for a suggested donation of $15.

All funds raised at the concert will be donated to the International Red Cross.

Each of the bands will donate their performance for the benefit.

The bands performing include:

“The Roustabouts,” a six-member group which sings classical Rock ‘n Roll;

“The Angeltones,” four-women a cappella group which sings Doo-Wop melodies;

“Strictly 60s,” who sing songs from the peace and love generation; and

“The Snakes,” who will sing Celtic folk rock songs.

“We are thankful for this opportunity to bring the community together to raise funds and help the victims of this tragedy,” said Susan Quinn, Director of the Ocean County Library.

“As always, we very much appreciate the support of the Ocean County Library Commissioners who have enabled us to perform this valuable community service,” she said.

More information about the concert can be obtained by calling the library operator at (732) 349-6200 or from the library Web site www.theoceancountylibrary.org .

The American Red Cross name is used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, individual or political position. For more information about the American Red Cross call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669) or Email info@usa.redcross.org .

MANCHESTER LIBRARY TO SHOW “FAME”

MANCHESTER – The Manchester Library will screen the film, “Fame” on Wednesday, February 24, at 2:00 p.m. and again at 6:00 pm. See this popular musical on a large screen without paying the admission fee of a movie theater!

This movie is based on the 1980 film of the same name. It follows the lives of students attending the New York City High School for the Performing Arts, a real public institution where gifted teens get specialized training that often leads to success as actors, singers, dancers, or musicians. This PG- rated movie is part of the library’s Feature Film Series.

Registration is not required. The Manchester Branch of the Ocean County Library is located at 21 Colonial Drive in Manchester Twp. Call 732-657-7600 or go to www.theoceancountylibrary.org for more information.

MANCHESTER LIBRARY TO HOST BOOK CAFE

MANCHESTER – On Thursday, February 18^th the Manchester Library will be holding its monthly book café from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Join us as we discuss what we’ve been reading, play literary games, and enjoy light refreshments.  Share with others about good books that you’ve recently read and pick up suggestions of what to read next.

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

For more information about this free adult program call 732.657.7600 or go online to www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

MANCHESTER LIBRARY TO SHOW “GIGANTE”

MANCHESTER – The Manchester Library will screen the film “Gigante” on Wednesday, February 17. Show times are 2:00 and 6:00 p.m. See this popular foreign film on a large screen without paying the admission fee of a movie theater!

Jara, a shy and lonely 35- year-old Uruguayan security guard works the night shift at a supermarket monitoring the building’s surveillance cameras. One night he spots Julia, a 25-year-old cleaning woman through one of the cameras and instantly becomes attracted to her. After watching her night after night, he starts following her outside of work. Jara’s life becomes a series of routines and rituals around Julia, but eventually he must decide whether to give up his obsession or confront it.

“Gigante” is part of the library’s monthly Independent Film Series. It is in Spanish with English subtitles. It is open to all ages but geared toward adults. Registration is not required.

The Manchester Branch of the Ocean County Library is located at 21 Colonial Drive in Manchester Twp. Call 732.657.7600 or go online to www.theoceancountylibrary.org for more information.

3 press releases from Stafford

MOVIES AT THE LIBRARY

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library will be showing the feature film: My Sister’s Keeper on Saturday, February 13th at 2:00 PM. A family is torn apart when a healthy younger sibling sues her parents for the rights to her own body. Rated PG-13. 2009.

CREATIVE WRITING GROUP

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library’s Creative Writing Group will meet on Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 17th at 1:00 PM. What is creative writing? It’s an expression of the writer’s thoughts and emotions, rather than merely conveying information. If you love to write in any form – fiction, poetry, screenplays, etc., – this is a chance to meet others with the same passion. Share ideas and information, with the option of bringing in a one-page sample of your work with some copies for others to read. Ms. Marguerite Jones will be the facilitator.

JOURNEY TO WELLNESS

MANAHAWKIN – The “Journey to Wellness” – presented by the Mental Health Association of New Jersey – will be at the Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library on Monday, February 22nd, from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM. It provides an environment of support to individuals who are experiencing mental health and/or substance abuse concerns. This peer-run, self-help center empowers individuals having problems with alcohol, drugs, stress, anxiety, depression, etc., to achieve and maintain their wellness, and realize their full potential. This is a non-profit organization, all discussion is confidential, and no fees are involved. No appointment is necessary.

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

MANCHESTER LIBRARY TO SHOW “NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: BATTLE OF THE SMITHSONIAN”

 MANCHESTER – The Manchester Library will screen the film “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian” on Wednesday, February 10, at 2:00 p.m. and again at 6:00 pm.

See this popular comedy on a large screen without paying the admission fee of a movie theater!

In this second installment of the Night at the Museum saga, Larry (Ben Stiller) must try to save his formerly inanimate friends from what could be their last stand amid the wonders of the Smithsonian, all of which suddenly have minds of their own.

This PG-rated movie is part of the library’s Feature Film Series. Registration is not required.

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

5 press releases from Stafford

 BRAIN GAMES

 MANAHAWKIN –   The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library is presenting the program “Brain Games” on Wednesday, February 3^rd 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.  Older adults 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!

STRING OF PURLS – KNIT AND CROCHET GROUP

MANAHAWKIN –   The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library will host the program – “String of Purls” on Thursday, February 4^th from 1:00 – 3:00 PM, and on Saturday, February 20^th from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM.  Whether you’re just learning to knit, crochet, embroider, etc., already know how, or want to know what a “purl” is, join our group where experts will be available to answer your questions.  Find that creative streak you know you have with this craft that has recently enjoyed an explosion of interest. For beginners, bring size 10 knitting needles and light-colored 4-ply worsted yarn. To crochet, bring the same type of yarn, and a size “I” crochet hook. If you’re more advanced, bring the project you’re working on. This is also an excellent way to exchange ideas.

SHARPEN YOUR COMPUTER SKILLS

MANAHAWKIN  –    The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library is offering the program “Sharpen Your Computer Skills” the following Thursday evenings: February: 11^th, 18^th, and 25^th at 7:00 PM.  Learn how to navigate the Web efficiently, learn about Internet safety and security; how to set up and retrieve folders and files, and more. You must have mouse and basic Internet skills. There will be a half hour of presentation of the material, and the rest of the time will be practical hands-on and questions.  This is a perfect opportunity to build computer confidence in a world that keeps telling us to “check our website.”

MEET THE AUTHOR – LORRAINE ROCCO  

MANAHAWKIN –   Lorraine Rocco – author of  The years gone bye, a yearly snapshot of the people, places and things that captured our attention for 50 years: 1950-2000 – will be at the Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library on Wednesday, Feb.10^th  at 7:00 PM. Ms. Rocco invites you to stroll down memory lane, and to bring your own memories to share. The “stroll” highlights social, cultural and historical events.  

Rocco is a journalist who has published numerous articles in The Philadelphia Inquirer, and who has received many awards for her writing.

 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 visit our website at www.theoceancountylibrary.org

Manchester Library to show “Public Enemies”

MANCHESTER – The Manchester Library will screen the film, “Public Enemies” on Wednesday, February 3, at 2:00 p.m. and again at 6:00 pm. See this popular biography/ crime drama on a large screen without paying the admission fee of a movie theater!  

Set during the Great Depression, it’s based on the true story of Bureau of Investigation agent Melvin Purvis’s (Christian Bale) attempt to stop criminals John Dillinger (Johnny Depp), Baby Face Nelson (Stephen Graham), and Pretty Boy Floyd (Channing Tatum). The film is an adaptation of Bryan Burrough’s book, Public Enemies: America’s Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI, 1933–34.

This R- rated movie is part of the library’s Feature Film Series.  Registration is not required.

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