Young Life/Wyld Life

For 7th through 12th graders
Club is a weekly informal gathering featuring fun activities and a thoughtful message. . Next All-Area gathering in Abington Thursday, March 12.
Campaigners is a weekly Bible study Meets Tuesdays ar 8:00 p.m.
Wyld Life is a monthly evening event in local homes and features fun activities and a message for junior high students
Summer Camp Week 2010: July 28-August 2, Rockbridge, VA                
Call for details
For information and details, call 215-470-7317. Area Director: Katie Gorbey, email younglife.montco@gmail.com or visit www.montcopa.younglife.org

Pter Pan Abington Junior High School

For the community!
Thursday, March 11 and Friday March 12, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 13, 2:00 and 7:30 p.m.    Friday is sold out!
Abington Junior High School Little Theater, Susquehanna Avenue, Abington
Tickets: $12 Purchase from Junior High receptionist from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. through Friday
Iinformation: 215-884-4700

Design-A-Bookmark Contest

For students from Kindergarten through grade 12!
Drawings must illustration one of these themes:
1. Communities thrive at your library or 2. Why your library is important to you
Drawings must measure 2.25 x 7 inches, either horizontal or vertical
3 winnters: K-6, 7-8, 9-12
Obtain entry forms from desk at Abington Library, 1030 Old York Road, Abington and return completed forms with drawing by March 12
Winning bookmarks will be printed and made available to Library patrons.
Sponsored by the Friends of Abington Township Public Library
Information: 215-886-5180

Folk Guitar Workshop

For those age 15 and up
Take a 6-lesson course!
Instructor Rick Kaufman will bring some guitars to lessons; bring your own if you have one.
Mondays, March 15, 29, April 12, 26, May 10, 24; 7:00 p.m.
Held at Abington Free Library, 1030 Old York Road, Abington
Cost: FREE
Register at the Information Desk or call 215-885-5180 ext. 15 or on website at

Teen Chess

Drop in as you can program for students in grades 6-12
Play chess; improve your game
Fridays 3:30-5:00 p.m., through May
Held at Abington Free Library, 1030 Old York Road, Abington
This is an ongoing opportunity to play chess
Instruction available upon prior request. Adults are welcome.   
Register at the Information Desk or call 215-885-5180 ext. 13
Information:  Linda Jones at 215-885-5180, ext. 13 or jones@mclinc.org

Teen Knitting Classes

All levels of knitters are welcome  from grades 6-12. 
Saturdays, through April 3, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Held at Abington Free Library, 1030 Old York Road, Abington
Learn from an experienced knitting teacher, get together to knit, share your expertise, and have fun!  Complete a project,  Bring a friend.  Bring yarn and size 9 or 10 needles.
Registration required in person at the Information Desk, by phone at 215-885-5180, ext. 13., or by email to Linda Jones at Ljones@mclinc.org

Teen Creative Journaling Series

For students in grades 6-12 Come as you can.
Wednesdays, February 3-March 17, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Held at Abington Free Library, 1030 Old York Road, Abington
Join Diana Trout, artist, author, and journal enthusiast, to explore new journaling techniques from her new book: Journaling Spilling.   Learn new mixed media techniques(watercolor, stamps, collages, etc.)  for free expression; gain insights about yourself.  Bring your own journal or notebook. Other supplies will be provided.
Cost:  Free
Registration required in person at the Information Desk, by phone at 215-885-5180, ext. 13. or by email Linda Jones at Ljones@mclinc.org.

Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 27: ages 1-5 at 1:00-2:00 p.m.; ages 6-12 at 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Held at Abington YMCA, 1073 Old York Road, Abington
Featuring dancing (bunny hop, cha chac slide, chicken dance, and more), crafts, free pictures with the Easter Bunny, and an Easter egg hunt.
Light refreshments served
Cost: Full privilege members $6/child; Program members $10/child; non-members $12/child
Information: 215-884-9622

New Family Program
Sweet Beats – Interactive Family Music

Sundays,  March 28;  1:00-1:45 p.m.
Held at the Abington Art Center, Alverthorpe Manor, 515 Meetinghouse Road, Jenkintown
Featuring music educator, singer-songwriter, and family entertainer Lori Scherling who will present lively, interactive family music.  Includes, song, dance, play, creativity and imagination.
Cost:  Free to members; $5 for non-members
Information:  215-887-4882 ext. 230

NEW: Family Programs with The Nature Geek

Children and adults explore the outside world at Briar Bush Nature Center. Interactive classes include hands-on, age-appropriate activities, crafts, hikes, animal encounters and more!
Briar Bush Nature Center, 1200 Edge Hill Road, Abington
Sundays, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Cost:  $5/person or $10/family  Abington township residents receive a 10% discount and Friends of Briar Bush members receive a 20% discount off advertised price.
Registration required:  215-887-6603 or www.briarbush.org   

March 14:  Wildlife Detectives: Taking the Sk-ary out of Skulls!
Recommended for ages 7 and up
Do you wish you could be a kind of wildlife detective and be able to tell what an animal was by just looking at its skull? Well, you can! Learn about skulls and solve a wildlife crime scene through this “detective training” program led by The Nature Geek (also known as Detective Bonehead!)

April 25:  Dendrologist for a Day
Recommended for ages 7 and up
Scientists who study trees are called Dendrologists, and there are all sorts of reasons and ways to study trees! I Branch out’ by using real scientific equipment to measure and identify trees. From canopies to tree height to xylem and phloem, ‘leaf’ it to The Nature Geek to show why trees are so important from root to shoot!

May 2:  Take the Park Home with You! Creating Backyard Wildlife Habitats
Recommended for ages 7 and up
A pond that requires no maintenance and costs under $50? Flowers that attract hummingbirds and don’t need extra watering? A hawk feeder?!  Whether you live in a house with a huge backyard or rent an apartment with a clump of grass, there are simple and inexpensive ways to attract wildlife to your home! This program will teach you ways to attract everything from birds and bats to butterflies and snakes (think pest control!) to your home

June 20:  From Beaks to Feathers - Birding
“Wow, what kind of hawk was that?”
“How do you tell the difference between a male and female downy woodpecker?”
“What does ‘10x40’ mean anyway?”
Birding is one of the most popular outdoor activities, but where do you begin? How do you tell the hundreds of bird species found in Pennsylvania apart? This program will introduce budding ornithologists (that’s someone who studies birds!) of all ages to the wonderful world of birding. Come and learn the birding basics and then test out your new skills on BBNC’s trails and Bird Observatory with The Nature Geek!

Eureka Family Workshops

For families of any size, shape, and artistic ability to play and make art together. Saturdays, 11:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M. Drop in at any point during this time.

Next Workshops
Sunday, March 14

Teen Bread Making

For students in grades 6-12
Participants should bring a mixing bowl and utensils to make delicious whole grain yeast bread.
Learn techniques of making and kneading yeast bread, take home your rising bread to bake later, and sample hot bread at the end of  class.
Saturday, March 20, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Abington Free Library, 1030 Old York Road, Abington
Cost: Free
Registration begins March 15 and is limited to 15.
Information:  215-884-5180 ext. 13

Wire Sculpture Program

For students in grades 5-8
Participants will select a character in motion, such as a dancer, athlete, or fairy, then capture and describe its movements through pose, form and balance using flexible wire.  This program that will led by an artist from ACPPA Community Art Center in Norristown. 
Thursday, April 7, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Abington Free Library, 1030 Old York Road, Abington
Cost: Free
Registration begins March 15 and is limited to 20.
Information:  215-884-5180 ext. 13

Teen Line Dancing

For students in grades 6-12 Bring a friend!
Learn a new dance; enjoy dances you already know.
Saturdays, April 9, 16, & 23, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Abington Free Library, 1030 Old York Road, Abington
Cost: Free
Registration begins March 15
Information:  215-884-5180 ext. 13

Splash Week

For children, teens, & adults
Free, week-long event teaches basic water skills
Monday-Friday, April 12-16
Held at Abington YMCA, 1073 Old York Road, Abington
Cost: Free and open to community
Information:To register and obtain a schedule, call  215-884-9622

Monthly Family Nights

For families to share fun time together
Features themed activities one Friday each month. Includes snacks, group games, swimming, moon bounce, and more.
Saturdays, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Saturday, TBA
Abington YMCA, 1073 Old York Road, Abington Cost:  Free to Full Privilege members; $2 per family member for Program Members Preregistration required by Wednesday before the Friday of the event
Information:  215-884-9622

Kids Night Out

For children to have fun while their parents take a break!
Features themed activities, pizza & juice.
Saturdays, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Saturday, TBA
Abington YMCA, 1073 Old York Road, Abington 
Cost: Full Privilege members $5; Program Members $10
Preregistration highly recommended
Information:  215-884-9622

Silver Knights Chess Club

For boys and girls ages 4-14
Learn to play chess, from rules to advanced tournament strategies. Classes split between lessons and play. Students play opponents of similar level. Silver Knights students have competed in local, state, and national tournaments.
Thursdays, January 14-March 18, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Held at Ardsley Community Center, 2828 Spear Avenue, Ardsley
Cost: $199 for Abington Township residents; $115 for non-residents
Information & Registration:  Abington Bureau of Parks & Recreation at 215-576-5213 or www.abington.org, then click Departments and select Parks & Recd.

Abington Art Center 2009 Summer Class Registration

Police Athletic League (PAL)

Knitting: Come learn to knit!

This Month Bowling-- new season; Cooking Class--sign up for nest series featuring international recipes;

Enjoy  Pool, Ping-Pong, Air Hockey, Arcade Basketball, and Foosball, and flying helicopters!

Site Location:
Glenside-Weldon School, 409 N. Easton Road, Glenside

PAL Van Pickup from 2 Location:
1. Crestmont, Roslyn, & Willow Grove area kids take shuttle from Crestmont Park parking lot, across from Willow Grove Park Mall. PAL sign posted on light standard
2. Rubicum Park, Rubicum & Washington, Crestmont
Friday and Saturday nights from 6:30-7:45 p.m. Return shuttle begin at 10:00-10:15 p.m.

Kids or parents with questions can contact Abington PAL by e-mail: PAL@abington.org or call Abington Community Policing at 267-536-1071.

Those 11 years old through senior high school, who either live in or attend a public, private, or parochial school in Abington Township, are admitted free. No one admitted after 9:30 p.m.

PAL is open Fridays & Saturdays from 7:00-11:00 p.m. It offers a changing variety of recreational activities and educational programs. It is a place to hang out with friends! Activities free. Refreshments sold. Supervised by site director and managers, police officers, and volunteers. More volunteers always needed! (See “Volunteer Opportunities.”)

Expanded information at www.abingtonpal.org

Teen Night at YMCA

For those in grades 7-12 
Featuring basketball, swimming (7:00-8:00 p.m.), racquetball (YMCA supplies equipment), foosball, pool, double dutch, and more
1st Friday of each month, 7:00-10:00 p.m.
Next Teen Night: Friday, March 5
Abington YMCA, 1073 Old York Road, Abington
Membership not required
Cost:  Full Privilege Members Free; all others $5 (Y membership not required)
Information:  215-884-9622 ext. 1856

Tween Night

For boys and girls in grades 4-6
Enjoy swimming, gymnastics, organized games, basketball, hockey, arts and crafts, and more! Also splash parties & dances periodically.
Abington YMCA, 1073 Old York Road, Abington
3rd Friday of each month, 6:00-9:00 p.m., Next Tween Night March 19
Cost:  Full Privilege Members Free; all others $5 (Y membership not required)
Information:  215-884-9622 ext. 1856

Young Life/Wyld Life

For 7th through 12th graders
Club is a weekly informal gathering featuring fun activities and a thoughtful message. . Next All-Area gathering Thursday, February 25
Campaigners is a weekly Bible study Meets Tuesdays ar 8:00 p.m.
Wyld Life is a monthly evening event in local homes and features fun activities and a message for junior high students
Summer Camp Week 2010: July 28-August 2, Rockbridge, VA                
Call for details
For information and details, call 215-470-7317. Area Director: Katie Gorbey, email younglife.montco@gmail.com or visit www.montcopa.younglife.org

Website for Jewish Teens

Publicizes what is new and what is hot for those in 6th through 12th grades
Sponsored by the Community Youth Initiative to gives young people an opportunity to meet new friends, explore Jewish identity and cultural programs, participate in community service events, and collaborate with teens from synagogues and youth groups throughout the Philadelphia area and the surrounding counties. 
Visit www.jewishphilly.org/teens.
Information:  Contact the Community Youth Initiative at 215-446-3030

Sixth Hour Coffee House

For people18-30
8:00-11:00 p.m. and most third Fridays Next coffee house March 19
Held at The Omega House (on left a you pull into New Life Community Church 2680 Huntingdon Pike, Huntingdon Valley)
Music: provided by local artists 
Interested musicians contact Sandy at 215-219-1241
Drinks: Smoothies, Coffee, & Espresso provided FREE!  NO CHARGE for entry, drinks or music. Just come and enjoy!
Information: 215- 947-1880

Briar Bush Nature Center Fall Programs for Children

Briar Bush Nature Center is located at 1212 Edge Hill Road, Abington
Information, fees, & registration: 215-887-6603 or www.briarbush.org
These programs will return in September

Infant Sign Language
For babies/toddlers up to age 2
Sundays, 3:30-415: March 28
Guest educator Katy Abbott teaches signs for words and concepts in nature such as “turtle”, “wind” and “spring” as parents and toddlers/babies explore the museum and trails at Briar Bush. Snack is included.
Classes $10 each; additional children are $5.00 each.

Magic Mornings
For 2-3 year-olds with adults
Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.: F March 11 or 12, 25 or 26, April 7, 8, or 9; 21, 22, or 23, May 5, 6, or 7; 21, 22, or 28
Toddlers, bring your favorite adult and learn about nature. Make nature-based crafts, hike a trail or touch an animal. Adjacent Thursday and Friday classes duplicate curriculum. Snack included.
Classes $10 firs first child; additional children are $5.00 each.

Preschool Pioneers
For 4-5 year olds
Tuesdays, 1:00-2:00 p.m.: March 2, 9, 16, 23; April 6, 13, 20, 27; May 4, 11, 18, 25
This nature adventure is a monthly series with hands-on activities, nature hikes, crafts, and stories about the natural world.
Cost: $32 per series

Junior Birders Club
For all grades; must be able to read
Thursdays, 3:45-5:00 p.m.; TBD
Join us for a fun-filled program of watching birds and the places in which they live. You’ll love exploring the trails and Briar Bush’s Bird Observatory all year round! Bring binoculars and field guide, if possible.
Cost: $8/class; $12/field trip

St Patrick's Day Event

For children in Kindergarten through 6th grade
Enjoy an evening of Irish culture and dance with the Timoney Irish Dancers Learn Irish step and folk dancing
Monday, March 8, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Held at Roslyn Branch Library, 2412 Avondale Avenue, Roslyn,
Refreshments served
Registration begins February 15
Information:  Celia at 215-886-9818

Making Zines & Mini-Comics

A hands-on workshop for children ages 8 & up
Thursday, March 25, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Abington Free Library Community Room, 1030 Old York Road, Abington
Presented by Katie Haegele, Freelance Writer
Discover the world of zines (pronounced “zeens”) – small magazines or comic books you can make yourself.  Turn a sheet of paper into your very own zine, using markers, rubber stamps, clip art and more.  Bring a story or comic idea to explore.
Registration begins Monday, March 15 in the Children’s Department  Space is limited to 15 children.
Information & Phone Registration:  215-885-5180, ext. 28. 

Magic Tree House Series

For ages 5-8
Join Jack and Annie on their magical adventures! 
Read any title from the series or read them all  Then come play games and make a craft. You can even wear a costume!
Monday, April 5, 6:30 p.m.
Held at Roslyn Branch Library, 2412 Avondale Avenue, Roslyn
Cost:  Free
Registration begins March 15
Information & Registration:  In person or  886-9818 or ww.abingtonfreelibrary.org

Amelia Bedelia Celebration

For children ages 5-9
Amelia Bedelia says she does exactly what she is told.  She takes words literally.  Laugh along with her as you discover all of her hilarious mix-ups!  Read any or all of her books and come prepared to share them with a small group.
Enjoy doing a fun craft eating a delicious snack.
Monday, May 3, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Held at the Roslyn Branch Library, 2412 Avondale Avenue, Roslyn
Cost:  Free              
Registration begins April 12
Information and Registration:  215-886-9818 or cfrankford@mclinc.org.

Doggone Good Readers

Read to the world's best listener--A Dog!
For children in grades 1-5
Saturdays, March 6, April 3: 10:15-10:45 or 11:00-11:30 a.m.
Held at Abington Free Library Community Room, 1030 Old York Road, Abington
Practice reading in an exciting new way. Get to know lots of friendly dogs and meet other kids.
Cost:  Free
Registration begins Monday, January 18 Children do not have to attend all 3 Saturdays.
Information:  215-885-5180 ext. 28

Doggone Good Story Times

For children in age 3 and up and parent or caregiver 
Mondays, February 22; 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Held at Abington Free Library Community Room, 1030 Old York Road, Abington
Listen to stories read by Karen Udell and pet her golden retriever Mitzi, a certified therapy dog
Cost:  Free
Registration not required
Information:  215-885-5180 ext. 28

Preschool Pajama Parties at Abington 

For ages 3-5
Wear your pajamas and bring a stuffed animal to cuddle.
Wednesdays, 7:00-7:30 p.m.
March 10, April 14, May 5
Held at Abington Free Library Community Room, 1030 Old York Road, Abington
Cost:  Free
Registration not required
Information:  215-885-5180, ext. 28.

Pajama Parties at Roslyn 

Monday:   Mar.15 ; 6:30-7:00 p.m.
Roslyn Branch Library, 2412 Avondale Avenue, Roslyn
Stories, songs, finger plays, and crafts.
Children are invited to wear their pajamas and bring a stuffed animal to cuddle.
Registration begins December 21 for 2010 parties 
Cost:  Free
Information:  886-9818 or ww.abingtonfreelibrary.org

Winter Story Times at Abington  

For children ages two through five
First Session of 2010 runs January 4-February 9
Held at Abington Free Library Community Room, 1030 Old York Road, Abington
Two-year-olds & parents/caregivers meet Tuesdays, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
            Registration for 2010 "Times" begins Monday, December 21
Three-, four- and five-year-olds will meet Mondays, 10:30-11:00 a.m.
           Children may attend independently or with parent/caregiver.
Registration required
Information:  215-885-5180 ext. 28

Winter Story Times at Roslyn

For children ages two through six and a parent or caregiver to enjoy as a pair.
First Session of 2010 runs February 1-March 18
Held at Roslyn Branch Library, 2412 Avondale Avenue, Roslyn
Two- and three-year-olds & parents/caregivers meet Thursdays, 11:00 a.m.
Three-, four- five- and six-year-olds will meet Mondays, 1:30 p.m.
Registration begins January 11
Information:  215-886-9818

Preschool Story Times at Roslyn  

February 1-March 18
Roslyn Branch Library, 2412 Avondale Avenue, Roslyn
Ages 3-6 – Mondays, 1:30 p.m.
Ages 2-3 – Thursdays, 11:00 a.m.
Registration being accepted now
Information:  215-886-9818 or www.abingtonfreelibrary.org

Toddler Story Times at Abington  

For children of ages 12-123 months who can walk independently and a parent or caregiver
Next date to be announced
Held at Abington Free Library Community Room, 1030 Old York Road, Abington
Cost:  Free
Registration begins January 18 for Abington Township residents; January 22 for non-residents
Information:  215-885-5180 ext. 28

Baby Days at Roslyn Branch Library

For babies 8 months to two years old and their caregivers
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:00 a.m.: April 6, 13, 20, 27; May 4, and 11 
Sing songs, read stories, and do finger plays.
Registration begins Oct. 27 either in person, by phone at 215-886-9818 or online at
abingtonfreelibrary.org
Information: Celia Frankford at 215-886-9818.

Drop-In Story Times at Abington  

For children of all ages and a parent or caregiver
Thursdays, 11:00-11:30 a.m., now through May 20
Held at Abington Free Library Community Room, 1030 Old York Road, Abington
Cost:  Free
Presented by Jenkintown Kiwanis Club volunteers.
Information:  215-885-5180 ext. 28

5th and 6th Grade Dance

Roslyn Boys & Girls Club, Hall and Hamond Ave., Roslyn
(Take Susquehanna Rd. west to light at Maple Ave. Hall Avenue is the next right.)
Second Fridays for 5th & 6th grader dances
Time: 7:00-10:00 p.m.
Cost: $5 at the door
Chaperoned by Abington Police Department Community Service Officers, adults from the Roslyn Boys & Girls Club, and Abington High School juniors and seniors. Lock-in: parents must come inside to pick up children early.
Information: Terry Ehly at 215-659-1266

Children release butterflies at
Abington Library summer program