(RECAP) Go Green! Earth Day Celebration at Jersey Explorer Children's Museum

This past Saturday, the Jersey Explorer Children's Museum hosted the 'Go Green! Earth Day Celebration', presented by the Bridge Of Books Foundation and NJ Youth Corps. The highlight of the event was NY Jets starting offensive lineman D’Brickashaw Ferguson, who was on hand to present and read his children's book titled 'Brick's Way Go Green!'

There were various 'Go Green!' themed tables to help celebrate Earth Day. Tables included information on how and where to recycle, as well as computer games with recyclable themes. We showed a educational documentary on the positive effects of recycling. We also offered a book swap, where guests could bring in their old and used books and walk away with brand new ones. There were arts and crafts initiatives for the kids to make a commitment on going green. Outside the museum, volunteers alongside Youth Corps and the Bridge Of Books staff, planted flowers and added fresh soil to our garden.

Guests of the 'Go Green! Earth Day Celebration' were offered a gracious selection of literature from the Bridge Of Books Foundation. There was food offered in the park courtesy of Robert from First Fridays and Councilwoman Andrea McPhatter. Mr. Ferguson, who was a very gracious guest, stayed to sign a few books, give motivational advice to the kids and take a complete tour through the Jersey Explorer.

We would like to thank the community at large (special thanks to the local youth football teams) for attending and participating. Special thanks to Abby Daly and all the great people at the Bridge Of Books Foundation. We will continue giving away free books throughout the spring and summer, so make sure you stop in and visit us!

 

The Sickle Cell Association of New Jersey (SCANJ) open house at JECM

The Sickle Cell Association of New Jersey (SCANJ) conducted a open house at the Jersey Explorer Children's Museum on April 11th, 2015. Led by founder and executive director, Mary Bentley LaMar, the open house provided visitors with general information regarding sickle cell anemia and resources to assist people in dealing with the disease. Overall, around 30 or more attendees showed up to watch video clips, converse with others and enjoy a healthy lunch. Mrs. LaMar introduced the audience to new peer teachers who would also be spreading the word around NJ about sickle cell. It was a very informative session, and our Youth Corps staff also had an opportunity to learn about sickle cell, which effects a larger population among minorities.

According to http://voxxi.com/2012/06/29/sickle-cell-disease-minorities-hispanics/ Approximately 1 in 1,200 Hispanics and 1 in 500 African-Americans in the United States are born with sickle cell disease (SCD), a genetic condition passed on from parents carrying sickle cell traits, says St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. It is the most common hereditary abnormality in the country, affecting up to 100,000 people, and most often seen among Latinos, African-Americans and people of Asian descent.

We were very pleased to have SCANJ as guests at the museum and we will continue to work with them to make the public more aware of sickle cell anemia and how we can work towards helping those that suffer with it.

Jersey Explorer Children's Museum Christmas Extravaganza

It was the JECM version of a star studded spectacular - featuring Queen Elsa from the movie Frozen and Santa Clause himself all the way from the North Pole. The official December 13th, Christmas Extravaganza! Local social clubs such as the motorcycle riders of BlocBurnaz and the wonderful women of Benevolent Beautiez were on hand to raffle off gifts. The East Orange Fire Department was also in attendance to show their support. There were free books courtesy of our partners at Bridge Of Books. In addition, we had an abundance of donations from the United Way and other charities.  

Of course the community of East Orange and surrounding areas of Essex County were present for this cheerful event.We had a packed house! Our visitors had a warm safe haven and full access to the JECM exhibits. Our dependable trustee board at the Jersey Explorer Children's Museum always go above and beyond their means to make sure we are presented in a positive light. Yes it was a Saturday to remember, as the museum was filled with colorful painted snow penguins, bright blinking Christmas lights, holiday music tunes and a digital snowfall on the ceiling of the main hall. We appreciate all the attendees and volunteers who helped make our Christmas Extravaganza a magical unforgettable experience. 

Looking forward to next year! Check out the pictures below.

 

East Orange, NJ Great Pumpkin Carving and Haunted House (Part 1)

Saturday October 25th, the Jersey Explorer Children's Museum hosted a wonderful community event -  The Great Pumpkin Carving and Haunted House spectacular! The brand new staff and students of NJ Youth Corps did an amazing job working countless hours in support of this function. Councilwoman Andrea McPhatter in collaboration with the Powerzone Foundation, First Friday Youth Commission and other valuable supporters brought together families in Essex County for a theme of spooky celebration and fun!

NJ Youth Corps were dressed for the occasion with scary costumes and eye popping makeup to match! Over a hundred guests attended the festivities and had a glorious time. There were guided tours through our popular exhibits such as the Ancient Tomb and Jukebox, all specially decorated with a Halloween twist.  Special thanks to all of our volunteers and attendees! Our pumpkin carvers were extremely creative with their designs. Check out some cool pictures below.