Ocean County Library 2024 Prom Dress Giveaway Helps Teen Dreams Come True

TOMS RIVER – Dazzling dresses and glittering gowns donated by generous Ocean County Library patrons and visitors are about to adorn teens throughout the county. OCL’s 16th annual Prom Dress Giveaway will take place in March at three Library branches.

• Toms River Branch – 101 Washington Street, (732) 349-6200, 4 PM – 8 PM Monday March 11, Tuesday March 12, Wednesday March 13.
• Little Egg Harbor Branch – 290 Mathistown Road, (609) 294-1197, 4 PM – 8 PM Tuesday March 19 and Wednesday March 20.
• Brick Branch – 301 Chambers Bridge Road, (732) 477-4513, 4 PM – 8 PM Monday March 25 and Tuesday March 26.

The Ocean County Library Prom Dress Giveaway enables teens in eighth through twelfth grades to attend their junior or senior proms, spring formals, or eighth grade dances, regardless of their financial circumstances.

The already dry-cleaned evening wear has been sorted by OCL staffers and teen volunteers and will be displayed according to size and color.

All dresses are given free of charge. No registration is required. For more information, visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events or call any of the three participating branches.

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Explore Neil Diamond’s Life and Music at the Ocean County Library Brick Branch

BRICK TOWNSHIP – American pop music of the past half-century would sound markedly different without Neil Diamond’s influence.  Entertainer and educator Phil Bruschi will take you on a multimedia tour of the legendary musician’s life during “Neil Diamond: Singer & Songwriter” at the Ocean County Library Brick Branch, 1:30 PM Saturday, March 16.

Diamond’s loyal fans around the world have bought more than 130 million of his records through his career. “Sweet Caroline,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” and “September Morn” are three of the ten memorable Number One hits in Diamond’s catalogue. Phil will share the stories behind the songs he performs throughout the program.

Phil Bruschi began his entertainment career as a percussionist and emerged from the drum kit to vocalize with bands and doo-wop groups and as a soloist. As a teacher at the University of North Carolina, Phil incorporated his love of the Great American Songbook into a series of programs he describes as “edu-tain-ment.”

A visit to Phil’s website reveals nearly three dozen programs dedicated to legends including Diamond, Frank Sinatra, Nat Cole, Bobby Darin, Tony Bennett, James Taylor, the Beatles and the Everly Brothers, and songwriters such as Johnny Mercer and Rodgers and Hart. His 10 compact discs cover American pop from the 1940s to today.

Please register at https://bit.ly/OclBrickNeilDiamond to attend this free program. For more information stop by the OCL Brick Branch, 301 Chambers Bridge Road, call (732) 477-4513, or visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

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A Fresh Perspective of History and Civics at the Ocean County Library Stafford Branch

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP – It’s considered the shortest governing charter of any nation. Its nickname is “Bundle of Compromises.” And it is a living document, rigid yet flexible. The audience for “A Citizen’s Look at the U.S. Constitution” at the Ocean County Library Stafford Branch on Monday, February 1, learned the facts and drama of its creation.

Forty-five people crowded into the Meeting Room for Beach Haven Mayor John Imperiale’s engaging, vivid presentation. He explained the divisive nature of the 1787 Constitutional Convention, ideological clashes among delegates, and the handful of compromises that allowed the Constitution to survive. 

The Mayor went on to examine each article and amendment, contrasting plainly-stated passages against those open to interpretation – what they “say” and what they “don’t say.” He highlighted the 14th Amendment’s distinction as the Supreme Court’s basis for its Roe v.Wade ruling in 1973, and also for the panel’s reversal of the same ruling in 2022.

He peppered his program with “fun facts”: Only six people signed the Constitution as well as the Declaration of Independence. The actual document was written by John Shallus, a clerk of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, who was given two days to complete it and paid a princely $30.

Mr. Imperiale fielded numerous questions, comments and conjectures about the Constitution’s past, present, and future. The event was sponsored by Friends of the Stafford Library, who presented attendees with pocket-sized versions of the document.

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

Embrace a ‘Radically Candid’ Workplace: Ocean County Library Virtual Author Talk with Kim Scott

TOMS RIVER – Why is feedback between a supervisor and employee often strained? Is there a simple approach? Kim Scott will discuss straightforward strategies contained in her best-seller Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity during her Ocean County Library Virtual Author Talk, 2 PM Wednesday, February 28. 

Radical Candor and her 2021 book Just Work are available at the Ocean County Library. Kim’s novels include Virtual Love, The Househusband and The Measurement Problem.

The California-based entrepreneur and writer will explain her Radical Candor approach to feedback that aims to help managers and workers cultivate an atmosphere of compassionate candor, build a cohesive team, and achieve results through collaboration.

She’ll provide practical tips for soliciting criticism, issuing critiques, and gauging the effect of job-related dialogue. She’ll suggest ways to avoid couching criticisms in terms that suggest bias, prejudice, and bullying.

Prior to becoming a New York Times best-selling author, Kim was a CEO coach for digital firms including Twitter and Dropbox, worked on AdSense, DoubleClick and YouTube teams for Google, and had a seat on the faculty of Apple University. Her Radical Candor LLC firm and Radical Respect workshops share the goal of workplace harmony.

Please register at http://tinyurl.com/OclKimScott 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.

Get ‘The Dirt on Houseplants’ at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch

TOMS RIVER – Gearing up for spring planting in the yard? How about some greenery to dress up your home indoors? Let the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Ocean County give you “The Dirt on Houseplants” at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch, 6:30 PM Tuesday, March 12.

The 90-minute seminar will introduce you to three types of houseplants and how to maintain them. Bring your questions about potting, watering, nutrition, and care.

Trained and certified through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) of Ocean County, the volunteer Master Gardeners provide information about horticulture, 4-H youth programs, marine programs and more.

The RCE website is filled with links to resources to keep your environment robust and healthy, and information about becoming a member of the team. Master Gardeners answer lawn and garden questions through their helpline, (732) 349-1245.

Please register at http://tinyurl.com/OclTrPlants 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.

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Ocean County Library Commission Reorganizes for 2024; Timothy McDonald to Chair, Virginia Haines is County Liaison

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Library Commission held its reorganization meeting on January 16 at the headquarters of the Library system in the Franklin H. Berry, Jr. Board Room of the Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street.

Ocean County Library Commissioner Timothy McDonald was sworn in to a new five (5) year term and reappointed to a second term as Chair of the Library’s governing body for 2024, Paul F. Wolleon was chosen as Vice Chair, and Susan L. Hutler was reappointed as liaison to the Ocean County Library Foundation.

Henry J. Mancini, Christopher J. Mullins, Bonnie R. Peterson, and Ruthanne Scaturro round out the seven-member Library Commission. Mrs. Hutler enters her 40th year of dedicated service and is the Ocean County Library’s longest serving Commissioner.

“I am honored to be named Chair for a second year of a library system that is recognized for excellence at the state and national levels,” Mr. McDonald said. “Last year The Institute of Museum and Library Services in Washington, D.C. named the Ocean County Library among 30 finalists from museums and libraries across the country for the 2023 National Medal, the nation’s highest honor, recognizing institutions that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities.”

“We will continue to make sure that anyone who use our Libraries will have a first-class enjoyable experience,” Mr. McDonald concluded.

Ocean County Commissioner Virginia E. (“Ginny”) Haines has taken on the role of Liaison to the Ocean County Library Board of Commissioners.

“The Ocean County Library system is the finest public library system in the state,” said Commissioner Haines. “As a Commissioner, I have closely worked with Ocean County College and the Ocean County Vocational Technical schools, and now I look forward to working with the Ocean County Library as it continues to provide a wealth of educational opportunities for our residents and visitors.”

“Our library serves as the heart of our communities, connecting our residents and visitors with recreational, technological and learning activities,” she added. “It’s both a gathering place and a place for quiet study. It offers something for everyone.”

Enjoy Songs of Ireland by Charlie Zahm at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch

TOMS RIVER – As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, capture the warmth and spirit of the Emerald Isle with guitarist and singer Charlie Zahm. He’ll take you on a whirlwind musical tour of Ireland at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch, 6:30 PM Monday, March 4.

When Charlie was old enough to sing, he developed an appreciation for the beautiful Celtic lilts, ballads and anthems of his Irish-Scottish roots that he first heard in his mother’s birthplace of Ontario, Canada.

Since then, he has amassed hundreds of tunes, perennial favorites and rarities too, which  draw thousands to his shows throughout America.

Please register at http://tinyurl.com/OclTrZahm for this free program, sponsored by the Friends of the Ocean County Library – Toms River.

The Friends are volunteers who support the Library through programs, fundraisers and advocacy. New members are welcome. Applications can be found at all OCL branches and reading centers and at www.theoceancountylibrary.org/oclfriends.

For more information, stop by the OCL Toms River Branch,101 Washington Street, call (732) 349-6200, or visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

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Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch Presents Brunella DeMarco Art Exhibit & Reception

SURF CITY – “March Awareness Themes,” a mixed media exhibit by local artist Brunella DeMarco, will be on display in the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch throughout the month of March.

You’re invited to meet the artist during the reception in the Branch meeting room, 2 PM Saturday March 2. Ms. DeMarco will discuss the purpose and intent of her artistic vision and creations. Light refreshments will be served.

A member of the Pine Shores Art Association, Ms. DeMarco displays selected mixed media pieces, photos and creations on Facebook where she maintains a steady following. 

“March Awareness Themes” is free and open to the public during normal Branch operating hours. No registration is required to view the exhibit or to attend the reception.

For more information, stop by the OCL Long Beach Island Branch, 217 South Central Avenue, Surf City, call (609) 494-2480, or visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

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Create Op Art à la Bridget Riley at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch

SURF CITY – In honor of Women’s History Month, join us and create an Op Art masterpiece in the style of a legendary figure. “Bridget Riley: Op Art Rippled Creations” will take place at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch, 2 PM Friday, March 1.

Op (optical) Art is an abstract style using geometric shapes, patterns and colors to form optical illusions. Bridget Riley has a prominent spot among the artists whose works captured public imagination and brought the genre widespread popularity in the 1960s.

The English artist was one of several who rose to prominence through “The Responsive Eye,” a landmark 1965 exhibit at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. Soon Op Art appeared in advertising, fashion, and design, and remains a fixture worldwide.

Please register at http://tinyurl.com/OclLbiOpart to attend this free workshop. All supplies will be provided. 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, Twitter, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

Holocaust Survivor Counsels Compassion at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch

TOMS RIVER – “Don’t stand by, silent, while something awful is happening to another person. Sit with the kid who always sits alone. Stand up to bullying.” The words of Holocaust survivor Manford Lindenbaum rang clearly at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch during “Combatting Hate,” Tuesday, January 23.

An estimated 155 people of all ages filled Mancini Hall, including a contingent of fifth-graders from Island Heights Grade School and their parents and guardians, as well as seniors and young adults.

“Manny” offered vivid recollections of his family’s life in their native Germany, and the antisemitism that fueled the expulsion of his family along with 17,000 Jews from their homes on October 27, 1938. They were destined to exist in deplorable conditions in a refugee camp near the Poland border.

The Jackson resident detailed the pain of his parents’ and sister’s placement in the Auschwitz prison camp, the peril of escaping to Poland with his brother, and his relocation to Great Britain through the Kindertransport operation before reaching America in 1946.

Mr. Lindenbaum’s message is one of hope and coexistence through understanding. He stands firm in his belief that everyone is equal, and that everyone is the same beneath the skin. The indefatigable survivor has said that he owes his life to righteous strangers who reached out to him, and that he’s determined to do the same for a new generation.

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