Ocean County Library Seventh Annual Autism Resources Fair: April 13 in Toms River, October 19 in Little Egg Harbor

TOMS RIVER – Autistic individuals, people with developmental disabilities, their families and their caregivers can find a wealth of useful information and support at the Ocean County Library’s 2024 Autism Resources Fair in the OCL Toms River Branch, 10 AM until 3 PM Saturday, April 13.

For the first time, the Library will host two Autism Resources Fairs on separate dates. The second will be held in the Library’s Little Egg Harbor Branch, 10 AM until 3 PM Saturday, October 19.

Visitors in Toms River can gather information from 44 support groups, medical professionals, therapists, advocates, schools, nonprofit and public agencies, and vendors to suit their needs. There will be three education-oriented workshops.

• “Out-of-District Placement: How to Know When It’s Right for Your Child,” presented by John J. Mulholland Jr., Executive Director of the Association of Schools and Agencies for the Handicapped (ASAH), Hamilton Square, NJ. 
• “IEP Meetings: What to Expect and How to Prepare,” presented by Peg Kinsell, Director of Public Policy, SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, Newark, NJ.
• “Special Education Law in New Jersey: An Overview,” presented by attorney Andrew Meltzer of Sussan Greenwald & Wesler, Cranbury, NJ.

Light refreshments and light entertainment will be provided, along with a calm coloring area, tween and teen crafting, and more. For a brief respite, visit the Sensory Space on the Branch’s upper level. Free parking will be available in the Toms River Township Parking Garage, adjacent to the Branch.

The Autism Resources Fair is sponsored by the Ocean County Library Foundation. Registration is not required to attend this free event. To ensure seating for certain programs, registration at www.theoceancountylibrary.org/autism is required. Workshop registrants are eligible to receive professional development certificates.

For more information, visit the Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street, call (732) 349-6200, or keep up with new details online through the OCL Autism Resources Center.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

Learn Estate Planning ‘Musts’ at the Ocean County Library Lacey Branch

LACEY TOWNSHIP – Creating the guidelines that your heirs will one day follow entails many steps and raises many questions. Get the answers you need from Attorney Paul R. Daniele, Esq. during an estate planning workshop in the Ocean County Library Lacey Branch, 6 PM Wednesday, April 3.

Mr. Daniele will separate facts from fiction and address common misconceptions as he discusses power of attorney, living wills, trusts, asset protection, Medicaid, special needs trusts and more.

Mr. Daniele, founder and President of Colts Neck-based Daniele Law LLC, has served in law and justice for more than 50 years, including lengthy terms as a Newark Municipal Court judge, Assistant Prosecutor, and law instructor at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

The 1991 Newark Peace Prize awardee belongs to the American Bar Association and the New Jersey Bar Association Committees on Elder and Disability and Real Property, Trust and Estate. He is a former member of Lawyers with Purpose and Elder Counsel.

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclLaceyEstate for this free program. For more information, visit the OCL Lacey Branch, 10 East Lacey Road, Forked River, or call (609) 693-8566.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

Learn a Little Language Lore at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch

TOMS RIVER – “Close, but no cigar.” “Stop on a dime.” “It isn’t worth a red cent.” Ever wonder about the origins and meanings of phrases you hear almost every day? Find out during “Where Did That Phrase Come From?” at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch, 6:30 PM Tuesday, April 2.

Among the facts you’ll discover is that many common expressions developed within certain population segments or groups. The meanings of words are often unrelated to the aphorisms in which they appear. Sometimes, words make sense together only in the accepted meaning of a phrase.

This entertaining hour will enlighten you about global cultures, communication, and the power of language. We’d tell you more, but then we’d have “let the cat out of the bag.”

Please register at https://bit.ly/OclTrPhrase to attend this free program. For more information, drop by the OCL Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street, call (732) 349-6200, or visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events for the full OCL program schedule.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

Plant Problem? ‘Ask a Rutgers Master Gardener,’ Ocean County Library Lacey Branch

LACEY TOWNSHIP - Gearing up the garden, but have questions before you dig in? “Ask a Rutgers Master Gardener” at the Ocean County Library Lacey Branch. Master Gardeners of Ocean County will conduct 15 sessions from March through December.

• Wednesday, March 13 – 5 ‘til 8 PM
• Wednesdays, May 22, June 26, July 31, August 28 – 6 ‘til 8 PM
• Thursday, April 11 – 2 ‘til 4 PM
• Fridays, April 19, July 12, August 16, September 6, October 25 – 2 ‘til 4 PM
• Thursdays, June 13, October 11 – 10 AM ‘til 2 PM
• Wednesday, September 18 – 4 ‘til 8 PM
• Friday, October 11 – 10 AM ‘til 2 PM
• Fridays, November 8, December 13 – 10 AM ‘til 4 PM

Bring plant, shrub, soil, and insect samples or photos for examination, identification, diagnoses and recommendations. Master Gardeners of Ocean County are trained, certified volunteers who help the Rutgers Cooperative Extension staff in offering research-based sustainable horticulture information to Ocean County residents.

“Ask a Rutgers Master Gardener” is free and open to the public. No registration is required. For more information, stop by the OCL Lacey Branch, 10 East Lacey Road, Forked River, visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events, or call (609) 693-8566.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

Shady Subject and Solar Eclipse Glasses at Ocean County Library Stafford Branch

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP – Are your landscaping plans hampered by too much shade? Learn about flowering plants that thrive on limited sun at the Ocean County Library Stafford Branch, 10:30 AM Monday, April 8. And, because it’s the day of the rare full solar eclipse, participants will receive protective glasses to view the phenomenon.

The goggles are in full compliance with safety criteria set by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Adults age 18 and older must sign waivers stating that the glasses are for their personal use, or for those under the signer’s supervision.

Dr. S. Ann Earon of the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Ocean County will offer suggestions for decorating your yard with annuals and perennials that flourish in shade.

The Master Gardeners will present lectures through September: April 8, May 13, May 20, June 10, July 8, August 12 and September 9. They are offered along with “Ask a Rutgers Master Gardener” diagnostic clinics on the second and fourth Mondays of each month through September, except Memorial Day.

Rutgers Master Gardeners are trained, certified volunteers who assist the Rutgers Cooperative Extension staff in providing research-based information on sustainable horticulture to Ocean County residents.

Please register at http://tinyurl.com/OclStaffordShade for this free program. For more information, stop by the OCL Stafford Branch, 129 North Main Street, Manahawkin, or call (609) 597-3381.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

‘Mush!’ Meet Sled Dogs at the Ocean County Library Stafford Branch

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP – Meet true champions and dedicated team players – all four-footed and furry. Join Jan Haring, co-owner of Sunriser Kennels in Jackson, for “All About Sled Dogs” at the Ocean County Library Stafford Branch, 10 AM Thursday, April 4.

You’ll become familiar with dog-powered sports and tasks, popular breeds, and how these canines become acclimated to their functions. You’ll also meet some of the hardy Siberian Huskies that Jan and her husband have raised since the 1980s.

The Harings, members of the Siberian Husky Club of America and Pennsylvania Sled Dog Club, have guided their dogs to victories in performance events, races, National Specialty competitions, obedience contests, Rallies and Barn Hunts. Their Siberians have been awarded SHCA Sled Dog titles for skills, responses and agility.

Additionally, a dog that they are training is ranked among the top five nationally in the 100-yard Fast CAT® (Coursing Ability Test) sprint under guidelines of the American Kennel Club. Sunriser-bred dogs have also won titles in Canada, Italy and Germany.

Please register at http://tinyurl.com/OclStaffordSledDogs for this free program sponsored by Friends of the Stafford Library.

The Friends are volunteers who support the Library through programs, fundraising and advocacy. New members are welcome. Applications are available at all OCL branches and reading centers and at https://www.theoceancountylibrary.org/oclfriends.

For more information, stop by the OCL Stafford Branch, 129 North Main Street, Manahawkin, or call (609) 597-3381.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

Madeline Miller’s Modern Myth Making: Ocean County Library Virtual Author Talk

TOMS RIVER – Madeline Miller’s contemporary spins on Greek mythology have won legions of fans to her versions and prompted many to check out the originals. The New York Times best-selling author will discuss the magic of her myth methods in her Ocean County Library Virtual Author Talk, 7 PM Thursday, March 21.

The Song of Achilles and Circe, her bristling retakes of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, bring modern vernacular and refreshing empathy to the sweeping human dramas, larger-than-life gods and fearsome creatures that populate these towering adventure tales.

Both books and Miller’s short story Galatea can be found in print, audio and digital versions at the Ocean County Library. Her books have been translated into 32 languages.

Madeline grew up in New York City and Philadelphia, earned a Master’s degree in Classics at Brown University and began adapting classical content to modern form as a Dramaturgy student in the Yale School of Drama. She taught Latin, Greek and Shakespeare to high schoolers for 15 years.

Please register at https://libraryc.org/theoceancountylibrary to attend this free program, to view the upcoming schedule, and to view previous talks. Registrants will receive links to the program by email and may submit questions for the author when signing up.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

Looping, Linking & Purling Pleasure: ‘Knit Happens’ at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch

SURF CITY – Looking for a convivial group for swapping yarns and working with yarn? Pull up a seat for “Knit Happens” in the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch, 3:30 PM Saturday, March 30.

Bring your yarn, needles, and hooks and become acquainted with members of the casual knitting circle, open to all ages and skill levels, children through adults.

Please register at http://tinyurl.com/OclLbiKnitHappens for this free program. For more information, stop by the OCL Long Beach Island Branch, 217 South Central Avenue, Surf City, visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events, or call (609) 494-2480.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

Join Jamie Novak’s “Great Storage Cleanout” in Ocean County Library Virtual Program

JACKSON TOWNSHIP – Had enough of too much stuff? Join decluttering expert Jamie Novak online for “The Great Storage Cleanout,” presented by the Ocean County Library Jackson Branch. The virtual program will take place at 3 PM Wednesday, April 3.

Whether it’s a cabinet, closet, basement, attic or garage, Jamie will show you where to begin, how to preserve treasured items, what to do with the rest, and how to stay motivated. She’ll also reveal the secret to maximizing storage space and finding items once they’re stored.

Jamie’s witty, practical handbooks, Keep This, Toss That;1000 Best Quick and Easy Organizing Secrets; and The Get Organized Answer Book are available as eBooks through hoopla™ in the Ocean County Library catalog.

Her website features podcasts, a daily blog, printable tips from followers, and a sizeable list of charities and resources for donating, appraising, selling and sharing items.

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclJacksonJamie for this free one-hour program. Registrants will receive Zoom links by email the day of the event.

For more information, stop by the OCL Jackson Branch, 2 Jackson Drive, call (732) 928-4400, or visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

Anniversary of Titanic Tragedy to be Marked at Two Ocean County Library Branches

TOMS RIVER – What were living conditions like aboard the mightiest passenger ship of its time? How did everything change as it began to sink in the icy Atlantic? Why is the catastrophe still riveting today? Join award-winning historian Greg Caggiano for “The Titanic: A Special Anniversary Presentation” at two Ocean County Library branches.

• Brick Branch – 301 Chambers Bridge Road, (732) 477-4513, 2 PM Wednesday, April 3. Please register at https://bit.ly/OclBrickTitanic
• Toms River Branch – 101 Washington Street, (732) 349-6200, 6 PM Monday, April 15. Please register at https://bit.ly/OclTitanicTR

It is 112 years since the luxurious liner left Southampton, England for New York on its maiden voyage. A collision with an iceberg near Newfoundland ruptured watertight compartments and set off the chain of events in which about 1,500 people perished.

Greg will examine the construction that bred the notion that the ship was “unsinkable” and the decisions that led to the tragedy. He will describe the drama of humans of widely-disparate means and social status, suddenly thrust together in calamity.

Also a renowned food blogger, Greg will bring a new perspective to the facts as he recounts the significance of the culinary aspects of the journey, including the last meals given to first-, second- and third-class passengers.

Greg will be familiar to OCL Toms River Branch visitors who attended his programs on the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and New Jersey’s “Haunted History.”

The Monmouth County historian has served on the boards of the Proprietary House, Perth Amboy, and also the Atlantic Highlands Historical Society, housed in the Strauss Mansion.

Please register to attend either of these free programs. Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.