The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Trailside Museum Association are pleased to present a special Columbus Day holiday matinee, “Penguin Pointers” beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, October 8, at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

“Penguin Pointers is a great educational activity for children on the Columbus Day holiday,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “After they learn about penguins, they can explore the other wonders of the Trailside Nature and Science Center and enjoy an early autumn afternoon in the woods of the Watchung Reservation.”

Staff from Jenkinson’s Aquarium in Point Pleasant Beach will be on hand to tell all about these amazing birds and introduce a live penguin. The audience will learn about their biology, geography, care and feeding, and the conservation efforts to protect these unique creatures.

The fee is $5 per person. Tickets go on sale at 1:00 p.m. The show is recommended for ages four and older. Strollers are not permitted in the auditorium.

As a special “thank you” to members of the Trailside Museum Association, all members and family members will be admitted free of charge. Please R.S.V.P. at 908-789-3670.

The Trailside Museum Association is an organization dedicated to assisting the staff at Trailside in their ongoing efforts to interest and educate people in all aspects of nature, science and conservation by assisting with funding, volunteering and advocacy. The annual membership cost is $15 per individual or $20 per family. Membership sign-up will be available in advance and at the event on Oct. 8. Call 908-789-3670 for a membership brochure.

Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a facility of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. For information about other activities and programs at Trailside, visit www.ucnj.org/trailside.