KIDS’ PROGRAMS @ WO PUBLIC LIBRARY THIS MONTH

African and African-American Folktales
WHEN: Wednesday, February 29 at 7 PM
WHERE: WOPL, 46 Mt. Pleasant Ave., West Orange

Celebrate Black History Month with a performance by storyteller Julie Pasqual (left). Hear about the adventures of Br’er Rabbit, Anansi and the Clever Turtle. This free program is appropriate for all ages. Sign up online.

New! Homework Club
WHEN: Every Monday and Wednesday, 4-5 PM

Our brand new Homework Club is for West Orange kids in kindergarten to 5th grade. Librarians and volunteers will be on hand to assist with homework and reading skills. Parents are encouraged to participate with their children. Advance registration is required. Register online or by calling the Library.

Pajama Storytime
WHEN: Wednesday, February 8 at 6:30-7 PM

Storytime for infants up to age 3½.  Wear your favorite cozy pajamas! 
Advance registration is required. Sign up online.  

Cook-A-Book Family Storytime
WHEN: Wednesday, February 15 at 7 PM

Bring the whole family to the Library and enjoy a half-hour storytime and make a special treat. Appropriate for all ages. Advance registration is recommended. Sign up online. 

Stuffed Animal Sleepover Party
WHEN: Thursday, February 23 at 4:30 PM 

The Youth Services department and Teen Advisory Group will host our first ever Stuffed Animal Sleepover! Bring your favorite stuffed animal or doll to our special storytime. After the storytime, you will kiss your toy friends goodnight. Come back to pick them up the next day between 9 AM and 5 PM or on Saturday, February 25 between 9 AM and 5 PM. You will see photos of all the fun adventures your "friend" had in the Library overnight! Photos will also be available online. Advance registration is required. Sign up online.  

Speaking of Stories Book Discussion
WHEN: Tuesday, February 14 at 4:30 - 5:15 PM

Monthly book discussion group for children in grades 4 and 5. This month the group will discuss Freedom Crossing by Margaret Goff Clark. Click here to sign up.   

Down Time with Disney 
WHEN: Saturday, February 18 at 2 PM

Bring the whole family to the Library and enjoy a Disney film together. The screening will take place in the Library's meeting room. Advance registration is not required—just drop in! 

Yakety-Yak Book Discussion
WHEN: Tuesday, February 21 at 4:30 - 5:15 PM

Monthly book discussion group for children in grades 2 and 3. This month the group will discuss Song of the Trees by Mildred Taylor. Click here to sign up.      

Sign up Soon for Spring Storytimes!
WHEN: Programs begin March 19 

Library storytimes feature stories, songs, puppets and rhymes to help develop children's language and listening skills. "Babies and Books" is for children under age 2, "Pajama Storytime" is for birth to 3½, "Terrific Toddlers" is for ages 2-3 ½, and "Preschool Page Turners" is for ages 3½ to 5. "Eager Readers" for ages 5-9, includes games and crafts along with more complex stories. Advance registration is required. Registration begins on February 21.  Click the calendar link at www.wopl.org to see the schedule.  Reserve your child's spot by signing up online or by calling 973.736.0198.

PROGRAMS FOR TEENS @ WO PUBLIC LIBRARY IN FEBRUARY

Teen Advisory Group 
WHEN: Wednesday, February 1 at 7:30 PM
WHERE: WOPL, 46 Mt. Pleasant Ave., West Orange

Join the Library's Teen Advisory Group (TAG) and raise your voice at our monthly meeting.  TAG meets the first Wednesday of each month to plan  events for teens during the school year.  If you are interested in volunteering, please fill-out an application.

Read 'n Chat Book Discussion Group
For grades 6-8
WHEN: Wednesday, February 8 at 7:30 PM

This month, the group discusses  Stealing Freedom by Elisa Lynn Carbone. Click  here to sign up. 

Talk It Up! Book Discussion Group
For grades 9-12
WHEN: Wednesday, February 22 at 7:30 PM

This month, the group discusses Upstate by Kalisha Buckhanon. Advance registration is required. Sign up online or at the Library.

Raise Your Voice Theater Performance
WHEN: Wednesday, March 7 at 7 PM

Our teen and 'tween writers, rappers, musicians, actors, singers, poets, artists, and dancers have been taking part in a unique creative project.   They have created a theater piece which they will perform at the Library. Advance registration is recommended. Sign up online.  

This project is made possible by a partnership between the Luna Stage Theatre Company and the WO Library's Teen Advisory Council.

FEBRUARY FOR ADULTS @ THE WEST ORANGE PUBLICLIBRARY

Luna Stage Presents a Scene from Reparation WHEN: Thursday, February 2, at 7 PM WHERE: WOPL, 46 Mt. Pleasant Ave., West Orange Tony nomine, Frankie Faison (Fences, Gods & Generals, The Wire, Silence of the Lambs) presents a scene from the new play Reparation. The presentation will include discussion with playwright Gino DiIorio about this timely and vital work. The discussion will be led by Luna's artistic director, Jane Mandel. Advance registration is required. To register, go to the events calendar at www.wopl.org or call 973.736.0198. Please note: There is currently a waiting list for this program. Book Signing and Art Exhibit  WHEN: Sunday, February 5, at 2-4:30 PM The West Orange African Heritage Organization presents a free program highlighting the works of African American authors and artists.  The program includes book signings and art displays. WOAHO collaborates with the Montclair Drifters, Inc. to bring this program to the Library. Sign up online or by calling 973.736.0198. Book Discussion Group WHEN: Monday, February 6, at 1:30 PM This month, Librarian Debra Sarr leads the group's discussion of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. The book tells the true story of a poor Southern tobacco farmer who died of cervical cancer. Before her death, doctors took some of her cells for research without her knowledge. Her cells were used to create many advances in science from the polio vaccine to AIDS treatment. Although Henrietta died over sixty years ago, her cells are still alive today. Please join us for an interesting discussion.  Sign up online. The Cable Cars of West Orange       WHEN: Thursday, February 16, at 7 PM Learn about the cable cars that once climbed the mountains of West Orange. The cable cars resulted from real estate speculation.  A collection of vintage postcards and photos help tell the story of the evolution from cable cars to trolleys that once ran on Northfield Avenue. Rarely-seen construction photos from the 1880s offer spectacular insight into a bygone era. This free lecture is presented by Joe Fagan who writes a weekly history column for the West Orange Chronicle. This program is the second in the West Orange Sesquicentennial Lecture Series. The series will take place monthly through July as part of the celebration of the Township's 150th birthday. Advance registration is recommended. Register online  or at 973.736.0198.  Successful Interviewing for Job Seekers WHEN: Thursday, February 9, at 7 PM Learn tips on interview techniques, how to dress for success, and proper interview follow-up protocol.  Be prepared to join in a mock interview to maximize the benefit of this interactive program. The workshop is led by Norma Tassy, a professional career coach. Sign up online.   Sensational Senior Socials WHEN: Fridays at 2 PM Stop by the Library every Friday afternoon at 2 PM to converse and have fun with other senior citizens.  We'll feature different activities each week. Friday, February 3: Fun with board games Friday, February 10: Learn how to play Wii bowling and golf Friday, February 17: Film and dessert ("Conspirator" directed by Robert Redford) Friday, February 24: Reminisce in our lively conversation group Free AARP Tax Preparation WHEN: Wednesdays by Appointment The AARP is providing free tax assistance to low and middle income residents, with special focus on those age 60 and above. Returns will be e-filed at no cost to the taxpayer using IRS software. The AARP volunteers will prepare tax returns in the West Orange Library on Wednesdays by appointment only through April 11.  To make an appointment, call Linda at the Recreation Department: 973.325.4150. (Please do not call the Library.) Raise Your Voice: Live Performance  WHEN: Wednesday, March 7, at 7 PM Check out local talent! Working with personnel from Luna Stage, talented teens have created a short performance piece for you to enjoy. Under the direction of Luna Stage, participants have been working together for five weeks on their masterpiece. Be sure to catch their free performance at the Library. Sign up online.

RVCCArts FEATURES PORTRAYAL OF AGING THIS WEEKEND

Victoria
Dulcinea Langfelder & Co.
WHEN: Saturday, February 4, at 8 PM
WHERE: The Theatre at RVCC, 118 Lamington Road, Branchburg
TICKETS: $28 & 38

With the comedic brilliance of Tracy Ullman and Lily Tomlin, Dulcinea Langfelder brings to the stage an entertaining and unforgettable portrayal of aging in the production Victoria. Victoria, who's lost much of her memory but not her zest for life, inspires us as she celebrates her 90th birthday. "The older I get, the more vividly I remember things that never happened!" says Victoria. This spell-binding performance blends past and present, theater and dance, celebrating life's small victories in this tribute to living in the moment. You'll laugh, a lot, and you'll cry.

artist                                                 video                                       tickets

New Insights on Aging
A Dialogue with Dulcinea Langfelder
WHEN: Friday, February 3, at 6:30 PM
TICKETS: FREE. Pre-registration required. Contact Cindy at 908.231.8801 or cindy@rvccarts.org.

A dialogue with Dulcinea Langfelder about her work developing Victoria and her insights on finding the courage to confront the tragi-comical reality of the human condition.

ART AFTER HOURS/1st WEDNESDAYS @ THE ZIMMERLI

WHEN: February 1, 2012 / 5 to 9 PM WHERE: The Zimmerli Art Museum, Hamilton & George Streets, New Brunswick ADMISSION: $6 general admission. FREE to Rutgers faculty, staff, and students with valid ID, children under 18, and Zimmerli museum members.     FIRST WEDNESDAYS AT THE ZIMMERLI Rachel Perry Welty, Lost in my Life (price tags), 2009, pigmented ink print. Collection of the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum. February's Art After Hours features a tour of the exhibition Rachel Perry Welty 24/7 at 5:30 PM, followed by a conversation with the artist, Rachel Perry Welty, and Donna Gustafson, the museum's Andrew W. Mellon Liaison for Academic Programs and Curator at 6:15 PM. The local rock band Cotton takes the stage from 7:30 to 8:45 PM. Stop by the Museum Store for a complimentary set of Zimmerli coasters (one set of four per party) until 8:30 PM and receive a 20% discount on all purchases. Cafe Z is offering $2 off all purchases over $5. Details are available on the website.     The Zimmerli's operations, exhibitions, and programs are funded in part by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; the Estate of Victoria J. Mastrobuono; the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; Johnson & Johnson; and the donors, members, and friends of the Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum.

17th CENTURY ENGLISH LOVE SONGS IN TUNE @ PEAK PERFORMANCES

Ellen Hargis/Paul O'Dette

THE POWER OF LOVE

"A guarantee of music-making of the very highest order, a promise irresistibly fulfilled...be prepared to be bewitched!"—FanFare

WHEN: February 5 • 3:00  PM
WHERE: Peak Performances, Alexander Kasser Theatre, Montclair State University, Normal Avenue, Montclair
TICKETS: buy tickets

ELLEN HARGIS (soprano)
PAUL O’DETTE (lute/theorbo)

The Power of Love is an amorous stroll through some of the most beautiful English love songs of the 17th century, with Ellen Hargis and Paul O'Dette's masterful interpretations of works by English composers Nicholas Lanier, Henry Lawes and John Wilson.

The pop hits of their time, these tales portray heroes and lovers as they tangle with the trials, triumphs and tribulations of eternal love. Set your passions afire with this delightful program celebrating the undeniable force of the human heart.

Friends and colleagues for over 25 years, Ellen Hargis and Paul O’Dette bring an irrepressible spirit of drama, vivid musical imagination and fun to their vocal and lute combinations. Each is a virtuoso in their respective fields. Their commitment to unearthing undiscovered musical treasures has made their intimate concerts must see events.

WORLD PREMIERE OF SONG CYCLE FROM PUERTO RICO

Miguel Zenón - Puerto Rico Nació en Mi
A World Premiere from Miguel Zenón!

"Miguel Zenón is creating a new jazz language for the 21st century."
—The MacArthur Foundation

WHEN: February 4 • 8:00 PM; join a Community Conversation with Miguel after the performance!
WHERE: Peak Performances, Alexander Kasser Theatre, Montclair State University, Normal Avenue, Montclair
TICKETS: buy tickets

Miguel Zenón - alto saxophone
Luis Perdomo - piano
Hans Glawischnig - bass
Henry Cole - drums
and Big Band

Grammy-nominated saxophonist Miguel Zenón and an array of supporting talent present a world premiere song cycle reflecting the myriad ways in which Puertoriqqueños define their identity. No matter the location—be it New York, New Jersey or countless places around the world—those that have emigrated from La Isla del Encanto (The Enchanted Isle) have a story to tell, and all would do well to listen.

Over the past ten years, Miguel Zenón has blazed an incendiary trail across the jazz pantheon by consistently challenging the established notions of what jazz can be. His fusion of Puerto Rican “plena” music with traditional jazz has been universally praised for its bold rhythms and innovative style. There may be numerous ways to describe who we are and where we come from, but there is only one Miguel Zenón.

Commissioned by Peak Performances at Montclair State (NJ). This presentation of Puerto Rico Nació en Mi: Tales from the Diaspora is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR CHILD’S SUMMER @ STNJ

For more information, go to www.ShakespeareNJ.org/Classes (link on graphic will not work)