CONTACT: Francine Everson, 609-597-3381 Dec. 9, 2010
feverson@theoceancountylibrary.org

TAI CHI

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library is hosting a month-long series of classes on Tai Chi on all four Tuesdays in January – the 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th from 2:30 – 3:30 PM. Tai Chi is a slow motion, meditative series of exercises designed to provide relaxation and health benefits. Its movements help to improve balance, coordination and mood. The instructor asks that you wear loose clothing and flat shoes or sneakers. There’s no need to register, as the first 25 people will be admitted. This series is being sponsored by the Friends of the Stafford Branch, Ocean County Library.

The Stafford branch is located at 129 N. Main St. in Manahawkin. This program is free and open to the public. If you have any questions, call the library for specific information at (609) 597-3381, or visit our website at www.theoceancountylibrary.org .

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Francine Everson 609-597-3381 Dec. 9, 2010
feverson@theoceancountylibrary.org

BRAIN GAMES

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library is presenting the program Brain Games on Wednesday, Jan. 5th 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!

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 www.theoceancountylibrary.org

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Francine Everson, 609-597-3381 Dec. 9, 2010
feverson@theoceancountylibrary.org

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, Jan. 6th from 1:00 – 3:00 PM, and Saturday, Jan. 15th from 10:30 – 12:30. 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.

The Stafford branch is located at 129 N. Main St. in Manahawkin. This program is free and open to the public. There is no need to register. If you have questions, call the branch at (609) 597-3381, or visit our website at www.theoceancountylibrary.org

PRESS RELEASE
Dec. 9, 2010

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 feature film The Social Network on Saturday, January 8th at 2:00 PM. This is a story about the founders of the social networking site – Facebook. Rated PG-13.

The family movie Oceans is scheduled for Saturday, January 22nd at 2:00 PM. This Disney film shows a variety of images of ocean creatures from all over the world. Rated PG.

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.

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Francine Everson, 609-597-3381 Dec. 9, 2010
feverson@theoceancountylibrary.org

POETRY WITH GEMMA

MANAHAWKIN – Thursday, January 13, 2011 marks the kick-off meeting of a new poetry group at the Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library, and they are scheduled to meet every second Thursday of the month from 2:30 until 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 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 www.theoceancountylibrary.org

POINT PLEASANT— Ocean County Library Point Pleasant Borough Branch is sponsoring a free health and wellness series throughout the first quarter of 2011.

The “New Year, New You Health & Wellness Series” encompasses several programs:

• A Pathway to Creating a Better Understanding of Oneself—Saturday, Jan. 8, 11am–a numerology workshop that uses numerals and letters from a person’s birth date and name to discover talents, abilities, personality traits, and trends in one’s life;

• Relaxed & Cheerful—Taking Care of Yourself Through Low Impact Yoga—Six Saturdays, Jan. 15-Feb. 19, 11am–a six-week low impact, extra-gentle yoga program where students can participate using either a chair or mat called;

• New Topics in Nutrition and Ways Improve Your Health & Bones– Thursday, Jan. 20, 7 pm–a nutritional health information program — conducted by Rutgers University Professor Susan Shapses, PhD, focused on new topics in nutrition with tips about obesity, weight loss and bone health including why there are new calcium and vitamins requirements and what it means to us, and;

• Creating Positive Self-Esteem—Tuesday, February 22, 2 pm –a mini-workshop to help attendees boost their outlook and self-esteem.

“As we begin 2011, our branch wanted to create a series of workshops that would support our community members who have set a New Year goal to improve their well being of both mind and body. We are excited to present a series of  programs that address various areas of both physical and mental wellness. This series is designed so that the public can register for individual programs or for the entire series depending on their preferences,” said Nicole DeMatteo, Ocean County Library Point Pleasant Borough Branch Manager.

To register for any of these free programs in this series go to the Ocean County Library’s website at www.theoceancountylibrary.org and click on Events and News or call your local branch.

The programs will be held at the Ocean County Library Point Pleasant Borough branch located at 834 Beaver Dam Road, Point Pleasant.

This December, Ocean County Library is offering free access for an unlimited number of users to the Marquis “Who’s Who” database, from their Website www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

The database has access to over 1.4 million biographies, with more added each week. The service searches several volumes, including “Who’s Who in America,” “Who’s Who in the World,” “Who’s Who of American Women,” “Who’s Who in American Art,” and many more.

“Who’s Who” profiles men and women of distinction in every significant field of endeavor, including business and finance, government, journalism, art, law, science, medicine, the arts, education and more—with personal and career details not available from any other source.

Published for over 110 years, “Who’s Who” is the premier biographical resource for academic, public and corporate libraries. The biographies give a more detailed look at the backgrounds of the subject, as well as putting them into the context of their achievements.

Library users can access the database from computers at the library or from home. They only need a valid Ocean County Library card to gain access. A link is provided from the “Reference” pull-down menu on the library Website’s main page.

After December, the library will still provide online access to “Who’s Who” but it will be limited to a maximum of five users at a time.

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

CREATIVE WRITING GROUP

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library’s Creative Writing Group will meet on Wednesday, December 15th from 1:00 – 2:30 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. The group is limited to five participants so register early.

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 branch at (609) 597-3381, or online at www.theoceancountylibrary.org. If you have any questions, call the branch for specific information.

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Francine Everson (609) 597-3381 December 2, 2010
feverson@theoceancountylibrary.org

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, December 27th 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. This program is free and open to the public. There is no need to register. For more information, call (609) 597-3381, or visit our website at www.theoceancountylibrary.org

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Francine Everson, 609-597-3381 December 2, 2010
feverson@theoceancountylibrary.org

NUMEROLOGY: A PATHWAY TO A GREATER
UNDERSTANDING OF ONESELF

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library will present the program: Numerology: A Pathway to a Greater Understanding of Oneself on Monday, January 3rd from 2:00 – 3:30 PM. Numerologist and life coach Michael John Fierro will discuss the ancient science developed by Pythagoras that uses numerals and letters from a person’s birth date and name to discover talents, abilities, personality traits and trends in one’s life. Michael says, “As a numerologist, my goal is to reacquaint you, the individual, with yourself and empower you through acceptance and responsibility.”
The Stafford branch is located at 129 N. Main St. in Manahawkin. This program is free and open to the public. Please register either in person, by phone, or online. For more information contact the library at (609) 597-3381, or visit the library’s website at www.theoceancountylibrary.org

CONTACT: Scott Walker (732) 349-6200, ext. 5914
swalker@theoceancountylibrary.org

Teens that are too young to drive can still fulfill their virtual need for speed at Ocean County Library Mario Kart tournament.

Does your teen have the winter blahs or cabin fever? Bring them to one of nine library locations in January and February for the Mario Kart Wii tournament.

The event is for teens ages 12 -18 and registration is required and each player may only register for one qualifying round. Players are encouraged to bring their Wii Wheels and Classic Controllers

Nine branches will host qualifying rounds, and the top players from each location will get to compete in our “Tournament of Champions” at the Toms River Branch on Saturday, February 26th.

Qualifying Rounds -
Lakewood – Wednesday Jan.5 – 6:30 P.M.
Berkeley – Saturday Jan.8 – 1 P.M.
Lacey – Saturday Jan 22 – 1 P.M.
Jackson – Wednesday Jan 26 – 6:30 P.M.
Point Pleasant Borough – Thursday Jan.27 – 6:30 P.M.
Manchester – Saturday Jan 29 – 2 P.M.
Toms River – Wednesday Feb 2 – 6:30 P.M.
Little Egg Harbor – Saturday Feb 5 – 2 P.M.
Barnegat – Thursday Feb 17 – 7 P.M.
Tournament of Champions” Toms River Feb 26, 1 – 4 P.M.

For more information please contact Ocean County Library at www.theoceancountylibrary.org or by phone at (732) 349-6200 or (609) 971-0514

The program will be led by Ocean County College professor Ali Botein-Furrevig who will read excerpts from her new book and discuss the customs and laws that define the Orthodox Jewish community in Lakewood.

Lakewood is home to a large Orthodox Jewish population.  It hosts Beth Medrash Govoha, one of the largest rabbinical colleges in the world.

 This program is free and open to the public.  Please register online at www.theoceancountylibrary.org or call (732) 295-1555.

On every other Wednesday the library will host a film series called Dinner and a Movie. You bring the snack or dinner, and we’ll supply the film.

This month’s movies include Jim Carrey who plays four separate roles in this updated version of the Charles Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol.”   The other selection, “Eat Pray Love,” takes you along on a newly divorced woman’s journey played by Julia Roberts, around the world discovering the true pleasure of nourishment by eating in Italy; the power of prayer in India, and, finally and unexpectedly, the inner peace and balance of true love in Bali.

More information about these programs can be found on the Calendar of Events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org. This program is free and open to the public. Please register in-person, by phone 732-349-6200 or 609-971-9514, or online at www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

Every minute of every day, someone needs blood. That blood can only come from a volunteer donor, a person like you who makes the choice to donate.

Please call the branch to make an appointment at 732-295-1555 or schedule an appointment online at http://www.redcrossblood.org/makedonation.

The Eirc Mintel Quartet will perform selections from “A Charlie  Brown Christmas” on Mon. Dec. 13. Mintel is a highly respected jazz musician, having performed at the White House in 2008 for President Bill Clinton, as well as having held several concerts at Washington, DC’s Kennedy Center and regularly performing live on XM Satellite Radio.

This concert will feature the music of Vince Guaraldi that was in the quintessential holiday television special “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. Debuting in 1965, the program has delighted audiences every year, with its whimsical music and poignant story of Charlie Brown searching for the true meaning of Christmas.

Singer-songwriter Christine Lavin is performing at a special holiday concert and program on Thurs. Dec. 16. An accomplished musician, Lavin has recorded twenty solo albums and has been a regular program host on XM Satellite radio.

Lavin will be performing songs from her recently released album “Just One Angel”, which includes an eclectic collection of holiday songs, both reverent and irreverent.

Both concerts start at 7 pm, and are free and open to the public. Registration is required, by calling 732-349-6200 or going online to www.theoceancountylibrary.org

Pastry chef Nick Malgieri will be at the Ocean County Library Toms River branch (101 Washington St.) on Monday, December 6 at 7 pm to discuss (and offer samples from) his new book “BAKE!”

“BAKE” is a collection of over 30 essential baking techniques and 125 recipes that take all the intimidation out of baking. Malgieri shares the easiest ways to learn the essentials of baking.

Malgieri, a former Executive Pastry Chef at famed restaurant Windows on the World, is an acclaimed baker. He was inducted into the Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America in 1996. His career spans thirty years, and he has written ten books . 

His recipes have been featured in several publications, including the New York Times, Family Circle and the Washington Post. Malgieri has also appeared on television cooking programs with Julia Child and Martha Stewart.

Following the program, Malgieri will answer questions and sign copies of his books.

This program is free and open to the public. Registration is required by calling 732-349-6200 or going online to www.theoceancountylibrary.org