April
Your Child Is Autistic:
NOW WHAT? must read tips, tools, resources, personal stories and more!
face
the BAD
ECONOMY with items already in your house
2010
4 steps to
vacationing with SPECIAL NEEDS children
Creative ways your family can help
TAKE CARE OF THE EARTH find a great summer camp for your child, pg. 34
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Table of Contents pg. 20 Your Child is Autistic: Now What? mom 2 mom 8 Do Your Part to Help Take Care of the Earth 10 Warning Our Kids About Predators
moms R women 2 12 Why Mommy Drinks 13 Face the Bad Economy with Items Already in Your House
know 2 grow 28 Is Your Child a Grumpy Gus? 30 4 Steps to Vacationing with Special Needs Kids
features 32 Dad Wanted: Let the Voting Begin 34 Summer Camp Guide
also in this issue 3 5 6 14 16 17 26 39 40 41 42
publisher’s note nana’s 2 sense life sentences chick lit just born business spotlight: jellybean jungle business spotlight: weisman rehab green mama book review things 2 do resource guide
www.southjerseymom.com
Dear Readers,
publisher’s note
April 2010
hen Kayden didn’t MAKE him do it. He actustarted pre- ally WANTED to do it and school back thought it was fun. Each week, he in September, his would do better and better. teacher explained to After a couple of months, he me that each day, could trace every letter perfectly. when he arrived in But each time we tried to write a class, he would “sign letter without tracing, he just in” and, even though he couldn’t even scribbled. Ugh! write the first letter in his name, by the But yesterday, when I picked Kayden end of the school year, he would be able to up from school, in his cubby hole was a write his entire first name all by himself. little stack of index cards. I pulled the Now this seemed impossible to cards out and realme since Kayden ized they were his couldn’t even write a sign in cards. He had single letter...let alone written his entire his whole name. Shoot, name, clearly, all he’d just started talking by himself, without six months earlier. If tracing! I grabbed you’ve been reading the teacher and said, “Did Kayden South Jersey MOM, you know that Kayden had write this? All by speech therapy and didn’t himself?” And she for bed. y ad re ng say mommy or daddy or said, “Yes, he doetti ge r babies Camille and he any other words until he sn’t even need the was 3 years old. Now they reference card anymore. He’s doing really wanted him to write his name? Wasn’t that well. Maybe we’ll start working on writasking too much? ing his last name too.” I didn’t really give it much thought I took the cards and left the school in until our first parent-teacher conference. tears. I couldn’t believe it! Kayden wrote The teacher showed me his sign in cards, his name! You might think this is hardly and it just looked like disorganized, unin- something to cry about, but if you’ve ever tentional scribbling. I glanced at some of had a child that wasn’t keeping up with the other children’s sign in cards and the milestones of his peers, you know why noticed that many of them could at least this was so amazing! write the first letter in their name, and It’s funny, since Kayden did so many maybe more. Great, here we go again. My things “late,” I had minimal expectations kid is slower than all the other kids. for Camille. I just went with the flow and So I asked what I could do to help didn’t keep track of what she was doing or Kayden at home. The teacher said I should when. I didn’t compare her to other kids, get those tracing pads where Kayden and when people pointed out that her could trace shapes and lines and letters. I speech wasn’t “great,” I said...so what, immediately went out and bought all that she’ll get there! It was so much less stressI could find. Kayden and I started working ful doing it this way, rather than expecting on them that night. I made it a “special” her to hit a certain deadline with each activity that mommy and Kayden did milestone. together. He loved it! For those of you who are in that posiI was pretty discouraged after the first tion now, wondering when your child will night. He couldn’t even trace a straight talk or write or count...don’t drive yourline! How would he ever write a letter?! I self crazy.... they will get there.... in their have to say, I was concerned that he own time. wouldn’t be able to accomplish this task by the end of the school year. Your Friend and Fellow MOM, But every night, we worked on tracing the letters. I didn’t push him, and I
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April 2010 | 3
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MOM 2010
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nana’s 2 sense
South Jersey
Shirt Crisper love April because most mornings still have that crisp refreshing chill, the one that makes me just want to get my day going as soon as possible. Unlike winter, when that chill lasts all day, I know the afternoon will bring the pleasant warmth of a soon-to-be-summer sun. Funny how certain words remind us of things of the past. Just the word “crisp” brings back another memory from my weird childhood. Most people keep fruit and vegetables in the bottom drawers of their refrigerator, the “crispers.” On any given day during my childhood, in those drawers, you would find articles of clothing, my father’s work shirts to be exact; odd fare for crisping drawers. Fruit was kept on the counter in a bowl. Veggies were on the bottom shelf of the fridge, except potatoes and onions, which were stored in a wooden bin in the corner of the kitchen. The shirts were in there in preparation for pressing. After laundering the shirts, my mother would give them a second rinse in a bath of liquid starch. She would then wring out the excess water and neatly fold and roll them. They were then individually wrapped in plastic and stored in the fridge to set until it was time to press them. “The cold sets the starch,” she would say. “It’s the only way to get them really crisp, professional looking.” I never quite understood why my father needed his work shirts “crisp and professional looking.” He was a furniture mover and truck driver. He would come
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home with his uniform dirty and mangled every day. My mother would argue that it didn’t matter what job you had, or what you looked like at the end of the day, you should always make a good first impression. After all, most of the folks he moved furniture for were quite wealthy. It was important to my mother that they know that just because we didn’t have money, didn’t mean we took no pride in our appearance or that our lives were less important than theirs. To my mother, your appearance was a direct reflection of how you lived your life; of who you are. The “starching of the shirts” was a perpetual process. I remember wishing, even just for one day, I would open the fridge and not see those big blue burritolooking things. I wished that just for one day she would get them all ironed and forget about it. Those shirts also made me feel like my mother never got a break. She would not allow us to help her, though, because we would not be able to do it right. Then again, maybe I had it wrong all these years; maybe she didn’t want a break. She took great pride in taking care of us… it’s who she was. Me, I like my vegetables crisp and my fruit cold. You will not find fruit or vegetables on my counter or shirts in my refrigerator.
Nana Jean
Nana Jean is a South Jersey grandmother with two daughters and six grandchildren. Enjoy her stories about her 38+ years as a mom and 19 years as a grandmother as she shares her experiences and lessons learned with lots of laughs and tears along the way.
On the COVER
“Cutest Kid in Town” winner: Carson (left) and Corey (right) are 4-year-old fraternal twins and live in Clayton. Corey was diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder at 20 months. He had a 10-word vocabulary and very little eye contact. He has made significant progress and now initiates and maintains conversations with everyone! Carson has been the most instrumental person in Corey's life. The boys love playing on their swing set, going to parks and the zoo. Photo by Lisa Ward Photography.
April 2010 | 5
life sentences
The Perfect Tool for the Near-Perfect Heroine I’ll figure it out. Nice talking to you, dahling.� Five minutes after we hung up, the little bombshell sunk in. Now that my brother has died, Mom lives alone. She does not wish to move and she is loath to call her children for help, which we would do gladly if asked directly. But she does not like to ask. No, she prefers to wrap the problem into a soft little Grandma bomb and let her progeny figure out if it’s an emergency or not. So now, I hear ticking in my cranium: she’s 84, she’s alone, and a storm is coming. Her master bathroom, where she keeps a hundred asthma inhalers, is blocked off and she cannot get to them. But she does not want me to worry; she will figure it out. Yep, I had better get up there. With this decided, I looked around my garage for the perfect tool. You know, like a slim, long-handled tool with which to lever a heavy plane of Our Center Offers: wood off the • Infant, Toddler & floor using only Preschool Programs the one hand that • Before & After could fit around School/Holiday the door. I would Care have to operate • Full & Part Time blindly because, Schedules although my head is quite small, • Meals Included
he crisis is mentioned casually at the end of a long phone chat in which my mother and I discussed her health, my health, the rain and wind storm predicted for that night, our relatives, her assortment of disabled friends, prayer and me coming up for a visit. It was already after noon and, with the storm likely to clutter the roads with downed trees and electric lines, we decided to postpone the visit. “Ok,� Mom said. “By the time I see you, I’ll probably be able to get back into my bedroom,� she says, with a no-bigdeal laugh. “The dining room table leaf – you know, the big table? – well I never use that leaf, so I stuck it behind the door in my room, leaning against the wall. For some reason, it fell this morning and it’s blocking the doorway. But don’t worry,
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it would not fit through the sliver of space that was still open. The perfect tool was not in the garage. When I was you- By Fran LoBiondo ng and money was tight and we children had scattered our father’s tools to the ends of the property, there were no perfect tools. Faucet broke? Snap a locking wrench on there. It’s not pretty, but it works. Need a tissue, paper towel, coffee filter, shoe polish applicator? Toilet paper was the perfect substitute. Thinking outside the tool box, I picked up my pizza peel, a large wooden spatula that I use to slide bread dough into a hot oven. I stashed the peel in my trunk. And there I was, like some mid-level action heroine – Artisan Bread Woman, say – charging up the parkway under lowering skies, speeding through the pygmy pine forest to the senior village where Asthmatic Mother waited with bated breath, deftly freeing the bedroom door by lifting the leaf and leaning it back on the wall. Crisis averted. Pizza peel. The perfect tool. You read it here first.
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April 2010 | 7
mom 2 mom
aking care of our planet is important. On April 22, we will celebrate Earth Day. This is a great opportunity for families to work together toward making their corner of the world a better place. Here are some ways your family can help celebrate Earth Day.
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Take Part in a Community Project Many communities have scheduled projects in April. Look up the number for the Chamber of Commerce and ask them if they know of any events. The local newspaper should also list upcoming activities. If there isn’t an event in your neighborhood, then start one yourself. Community events might include: • Perking up an area in your town. Plant flowers and trees to add a touch of color and beauty to barren or plain areas. • A neighborhood trash clean up. Get together with your neighbors and coordinate a time for everyone to sweep the streets and lots for trash. Consider making it a monthly event. • Help your neighbor day. Cut grass for the elderly or rake their lawns. Plant some flowers for those who are unable to garden. Paint a fence or wash down porch furniture. • Pass out flyers with ways to cut back on energy. Design your own energy saving tips and hand them out to all the houses in your neighborhood. • Hold a food drive. Call a local food bank and plan a date to gather food to share with the less fortunate.
Do an Energy Check on Your Home Go through each room in your house and write down ways you can make each room more energy efficient. Things to check for include: • Is the heating and cooling ok? Check for drafts, air holes and other energy robbers. • Check for water wasting; fix leaky faucets, install shower fixtures to control water flow, make sure your toilet uses the minimum water needed. • Are your appliances set for the energy efficient setting on the label? If not, adjust them. • Make sure your thermostats are set to conserve energy. • Are you re-using the backsides of paper and recycling in your office area? Celebrate Nature This is a wonderful time to take in some of the beauty that nature offers. And to teach your kids there is life outside video games. • Go for a nature walk. Try and identify the trees, plants or animals you see. Discuss ways you could help keep the area clean and safe for the plants and animals. • Build birdhouses or feeders and hang them in your backyard. Make a nesting bag for new bird families to use. • Plant flowers (such as honeysuckle) that attract bees. • Start a garden. Green beans, radishes and lettuce are easy crops to grow. • Visit a zoo and learn about endangered animals. Find out what you can do to help animals on the endangered list.
• Plant some wildflower seeds in an empty lot. Make sure you get permission before planting. Remember, there are many ways to protect our planet. So pick one, gather up the kids and get involved!
Make a Bird Nesting Bag Here’s a fun way to help our feathered friends during nesting season. Remember, the brighter the yarn the better. They especially love reds, oranges and yellows, but other bright colors can be used too. You will need: • Mesh bag – an old onion or orange bag would work, or a small mesh laundry bag • Bright pieces of yarn, three to six inches in length Fill the bag with the pieces of yarn. Pull some pieces through the mesh so they hang out and are easily seen. Hang in a tree or off your porch. Now watch the birds come and take the string to build their nests. Later, take a walk around your neighborhood and see if you can spot some nests that have been made with your string.
Do your part to help
TAKE CARE of the
8 | April 2010
By Belinda Mooney
EARTH Visit our website and sign up for our e-newsletter
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K i d r s u O A G bout PREDAT N I N R A W OR S By Terri Akman
I
t’s every parent’s worst nightmare. Just imagine your child being pulled into a moving van, getting lured to the home of a convicted sex offender or being molested by a family friend. While we can not stop bad things from happening to our kids, parents can warn their children of potential dangers, to keep them as safe as possible. According to Sergeant Brian Randazzo of the Voorhees Police Department, “The age to begin talking to your child depends on their maturity. You don’t want to scare the heck out of the kids, but you really need to make sure they understand what you’re talking about. It’s important for kids to understand that strangers are people who you do not know. What comes into play is if a stranger becomes a dangerous stranger.�
A dangerous stranger is someone who tries to trick or harm a child, often with lures. You need to teach your children that adults do not come to kids for help. If a grownup needs directions, is looking for a lost puppy, or wants to ask for help, he will ask another adult, not a child. Tell your child if someone he does not know tries to offer him candy, a game, or something else, that is a sure sign he should run away. “It’s important for kids to know it’s a dangerous stranger if they are offering you something,� explains Randazzo. Give your child a plan if they do find themselves in this situation. If they are approached by someone in a car, they should run in the opposite direction. If a person tries to grab them, they must kick, scream and draw attention to the situation so someone can help. The problem is that, in many cases, child predators are people whom kids do know. In that case, children need to understand right from wrong and how far to trust someone. “You need to make it clear that only Mommy and Daddy have the right to help you wash your private
The American Academy of y l i Pediatric Dentists recommends m a F r establishing a “Dental Home� u o n i for your child by their o J e 1st Birthday om
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10 | April 2010
parts, which are the parts covered by a bathing suit,� explains Randazzo. “If anyone ever touches you there, tell an adult right away. Say no and try to get out of the situation. Always tell your parent or someone you trust what happened.� Registered sex offenders are required to list their current home address and this information can be accessed by visiting www.familywatchdog.us. If you discover there is a registered sex offender in your neighborhood, it’s important for you to explain that to your children. If the child can avoid the house, that is best. If not, they should not enter the home or engage in conversation with the sex offender. Whenever possible, they should not be alone when they are in that area. “Up until a certain age, we hang on close to our kids,� points out Randazzo. “We want to keep them close and we want to keep them safe. But at some point in time we have to let go.� Arming them with information of how to stay safe is vital. The Voorhees Police Department visits third graders using the McGruff Crime Dog organization. Their website, www.mcgruff.org, provides parents with tips to help broach these sensitive topics with their children. Terri Akman is a freelance writer and preschool teacher at M’Kor Shalom in Cherry Hill. She has three children and lives in Voorhees. Check out her blog at www.preschoolteach.blogspot.com.
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April 2010 | 11
moms R women 2
I
t might seem strange to be reading an article about alcoholism in a parenting magazine, but the truth is, motherhood is hard and all mothers, from the beginning of time, find ways to cope. Not all of them turn to alcohol, but more do than you realize. Most moms say they just have a drink in the evening to “take the edge off,” but sometimes this can lead to dangerous behavior. The reasons for picking up the glass of wine are very, very real for those women who drink excessively. You might be surprised to learn that the mom in your playgroup or in the PTA is an alcoholic. Alcohol does not discriminate by age, background, income level or social or ethnic group. Moms who drink may have young, teenage or grown-up children. Alcohol can totally disrupt family life and cause harmful effects that can last a lifetime. According to the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, 76 million American adults have been exposed to alcoholism in the family. Alcoholism is responsible for more family problems than any other single cause. One of every four families has problems with alcohol. Young children of moms who drink heavily may have frequent nightmares, bed-wetting and crying. Older children may show such depressive symptoms as obsessive perfectionism, hoarding, staying by themselves or being excessively selfconscious. Alcohol also has negative effects on the spouse. The spouse may have feelings of hatred, self-pity, avoidance of social contacts, may suffer exhaustion and become physically or mentally ill. Very often, the spouse has to perform the roles of both parents. Family responsibilities shift from two parents to one. As a result, the non-drinking parent may be inconsistent, demanding and often neglect the children. Having financial difficulties is another issue families of alcoholics have to deal with. The family may have to give up certain privileges because of the large amount of money spent on alcohol and possible joblessness. Financial difficulties are also one of the major reasons for divorce. Today, experts who study alcohol have learned that spouses and children may contribute to the drinker’s habit and make it worse. Some families allow heavy drinking
12 | April 2010
to continue, rather than deal with serious family problems, and keep the habit going in exchange for keeping the family together. Denial is an essential problem for alcoholics and family members. Family members use denial to rationalize the drinker’s alcohol dependency. In the beginning, denial is understandable because every family loves and wants to protect its members, but there comes a time when denial negatively affects family members. When family members deny the obvious and refuse to look for help, their behavior can trigger multiple emotional problems in the children of the family. If you drink alcohol every day, or even a few times a week, take the Alcoholism Signs Self-Test to find out if you have developed an alcohol addiction. Most moms do not even realize the extent of their problem until it’s too late. Alcoholism Signs Self-Test: 1. In the last month, have you taken a drink first thing in the morning? 2. In the last year, have you had a drink while driving or have you driven while under the influence of alcohol, even just a couple of drinks? 3. Do you consume more than seven alcoholic beverages a week? 4. Do you hide your drinking from any friends or family? 5. Have you failed to keep a promise to yourself or a loved one that you would quit drinking? 6. In the last year, have you done anything while drinking that you regret? 7. Do you find it difficult to stop after one or two drinks? 8. Does your drinking worry your family? 9. Do you drink when you feel angry, sad or stressed? 10. Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking? 11. Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking? 12. Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking? Scoring The Alcoholism Signs Self Test: A. If you answered “Yes” to any of the above questions, you should investigate further and monitor yourself for these things over the next 3 months. B. If you answered “Yes” to two or more
of the above questions, you may be an alcoholic. C. If you answered “Yes” to four or more of the questions, you are probably an alcoholic and may have significant physical damage from your alcohol addiction. In addition, this is probably causing relationship issues in your family. Lots of moms drink occasionally and that in no way makes them a bad mom or an alcoholic. But for some moms, the dependency on alcohol to help them “deal” with the stresses of motherhood can become dangerous. If you or someone you know has a problem, contact the local chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous at www.aasj.org or call (856) 486-4444.
WHERE TO TURN FOR HELP Cooper House Women’s Recovery Program 7250 Westfield Ave, Ste J Pennsauken•(856) 662-0221 Drug Rehab & Substance Abuse Programs at Seabrook House, Inc. Seabrook, NJ•1-800-761-7575 Center for Family Services Glassboro, Williamstown and Voorhees (856) 881-7045 AtlantiCare Behavioral Health Atlantic County 1-888-569-1000 Hampton Behavioral Health 650 Rancocas Rd, Westampton 1-800-603-6767 Maryville 129 Johnson Road, Blackwood (856) 227-2717 Visit our website and sign up for our e-newsletter
items already Face the BAD ECONOMY with in your house ith economic indicators fluctuating wildly, it’s impossible to know when the economy will recover, and many households are still struggling with the task of making ends meet. The foreclosure rate in 2009 rose by 21 percent and nearly four million homes were lost, so the worries are very real. However, one expert believes the key to weathering the storm may already be in your possession. Donna Every, author of What Do You Have in Your House?, learned that pulling from the hard assets already in your home and the often overlooked assets inside yourself can help keep the ship afloat. “When times get tough, some people feel it’s their lot to sit back and accept their ‘fate.’ However, I have seen the best that human potential has to offer, so I don’t accept that – and neither should anyone else,” says Every, an MBA who is also a former Ernst & Young chartered accountant. “We can make things happen because we all have some gift or ability, some skill or some resource we can use to transform our financial situation. All we need is the faith and determination to make it happen.”
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Every’s Tips For Getting Through The Tough Times: • Liquidate Dormant Assets – With the massive wealth accumulated in America, most people have possessions or property of value sitting in their attics or garages. With the advent of craigslist and eBay as online sales resources, many of these dormant assets can be turned into cash. Also, if you have any unwanted gold jewelry around the house, selling it can get you a nice chunk of change since the value of gold is high right now.
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• Mine Overlooked Assets – Everyone has something they can do well, and if they do it well enough, it’s not much more difficult to market it. Some people can sew and cook, while others are artists or musicians. In most households, just making a little extra money every month can make all the difference, so part-time jobs doing something you do well can help fill the gap. • Keep the Faith – Belief in yourself, your motivation and your abilities is a far better path to tread than giving in to despair when the tables turn against you. Meeting challenges head on can not only save the day – they can also change your life. Donna Every has a degree in Mathematics from the University of the West Indies and is a Chartered Accountant and an MBA. Every is passionate about helping people improve their lives and has shared proven principles and practical steps to achieve this over the years. She has been married for nineteen years and has two children. Learn more at www.donnaevery.com.
April 2010 | 13
chick lit
April Chick Lit Pick By Keri Mikulski
LOVE UNDER COVER By Jessica Brody ennifer Hunter is back and better than ever in Jessica Brody’s Love Under Cover, the sequel to the October 2008 Chick Lit Pick, The Fidelity Files. While in the midst of a serious relationship, and after spending the last two years of her life as Ashlyn, an undercover fidelity inspector hired by wives to lure and gauge their husband’s cheating potential, Jennifer has vowed to distance herself from the business by opening up the brand new Hawthorne Agency, filled with five fidelity inspectors she manages from afar… until one of her employees seeks out her help and Jennifer finds herself back in the cheating trenches. Will her relationship survive? And can an undercover fidelity inspector ever really trust anyone?
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Two More Must Read Treats MOMMY PRAYERS By Tracy Mayor From missing pacifiers to late preschool pickups to postpartum, you will find yourself laughing and wiping tears from reading this mommy prayer book of perfect timed treats.
THE BABY SLEEPS TONIGHT By Shari Mezrah Sleep schedule specialist and expert, Shari Mezrah, shares her proven schedule of feedings, naps and wake time so you and your baby can stop crying and start sleeping through the night. Keri Mikulski is the young adult author of the upcoming Pretty Tough Series (Penguin/ Razorbill), Screwball and its sequel, Change Up. Her first book in the Pretty Tough Series will be available in Winter 2011. Keri lives at the Jersey shore with her husband and daughter. Disclaimer: Occasionally, the columnist receives books from authors and publishers for the purpose of a review and/or recommendation. However, recommendations are based solely on South Jersey MOM’s intended audience and items sent directly to the columnist do not guarantee a recommendation. 14 | April 2010
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April 2010 | 15
just born
Looking for the latest gadgets, toys, books or family related products? Look no further! Each month, we highlight the latest and greatest just for you. Take a look at these “just born” products and add them to your list of must haves!
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41 Things To Know About Autism by Chantal Sicile-Kira Providing a palatable introduction to this unique spectrum disorder, Sicile-Kira takes complex information and makes it understandable and practical for those who want or need to know about autism. This book is a wonderful first introduction to autism for parents, teachers, relatives and neighbors of a child on the autism spectrum. $9.99, Available where books are sold.
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Autism Awareness Necklace for Moms The “Solve the Puzzle” Necklace was created to raise autism awareness and funds to support families affected by autism spectrum disorders. The “Solve the Puzzle” charm dangles with a puzzle piece charm and single white pearl on an 18” sterling bead chain. 25% of the sale price will be donated to Autism Awareness Charities. Charms are made of 100% recycled silver. $165, www.heartandstonejewelry.com
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EmFinders EmseeQ This new device gives peace of mind to the millions of at-home and occupational caregivers in the country by working with 9-1-1 to locate children with autism who have wandered and become lost. The EmSeeQ (pronounced m-seek) is a watch-like wearable device and service that works nationwide so missing persons can be found. $185 and up, www.emfinders.com
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EASe Funhouse A therapeutic videogame for children on the autism spectrum. The unique, interactive and non-violent video game is based on research that has proven the positive effect of sound-based intervention for children with autism and other sensory processing disorders. These games help children learn to cope with noise and experiences in the real world. $39, www.easecd.com
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BRIK-A-BLOK The system of brightly colored panels is fun-filled, well-designed and easy to assemble. They enable kids to recreate their world on a children’s scale indoors and out. They also stimulate children’s imagination while fostering the development of their social skills and problem solving abilities. They disassemble quickly and carrying case is included. $109 and up, www.brikablok.com
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Mrs. Bloom’s Direct The only national fresh-cut flower fundraising program that delivers beautiful blooms directly from growers. A unique and colorful alternative for schools, corporations, religious organizations and other non-profit groups interested in raising funds. Mixed bouquets, roses, tulips and other flowers are assembled year-round to coordinate with holidays and special occasions. Prices vary, www.mrsblooms.com
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Organic Bistro Eating for health and with pleasure is the principle behind Organic Bistro. Natural and organic ingredients, rich in fiber, whole grains, lean protein, omega 3 fats, vitamins and minerals for delicious recipes. Tasty meals based on what they put in, not what they take out. Prices vary, Whole Foods stores or www.theorganicbistro.com
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Jack Cards Organize all your greeting cards for the year in advance. You can make sure you never forget to send a greeting card – on time. Each card is delivered to you just before each event with a stamped addressed envelope. All you need to do is write your message inside or have Jack Cards hand write a message for you. Choose from over 1,500 cards for every occasion. $3.25 and up, www.jackcards.com
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Wallaroo’s York Hat April showers bring May flowers. Now you can be prepared with the Wallaroo’s York Hat. This hat is waterproof, nylon and looks great on anyone. The angled brim keeps the rain off your face and neck. The nylon material is perfect for the mild spring weather, rain or shine. $40, www.wallaroohats.com
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Jellybean Jungle By Addison Steele
T
he look on the kids’ faces, as they peek inside Jellybean Jungle in Marlton, is priceless. They just gotta get in there—fast! Inside, kids under 5 are climbing, jumping and laughing their way through ball pits, climbing through tubes, heading down slides and taking center stage in the theater area. Jellybean Jungle offers a broad variety of imaginative and developmentally appropriate activity centers that lead children on an adventure of social and physical exploration. The innovative setup offers parents the chance to enjoy special bonding time with their kids and gain invaluable insight into their development. Children can explore interactive zones, opening tiny doors to an animal matching game, tapping their feet to the beat in the music garden, shouting orders from the bridge of a pirate ship or riding a miniature carousel. There is also a play area just for infants. It’s a place where kids can just let loose while parents and guardians always have a bird’s eye view of their children. The Jungle is a favorite play date destination for moms to enjoy visiting with each other while their children are playing close by. Most people are surprised to find out Jellybean Jungle is celebrating 15 years in business. “It’s so rewarding to be in this business. We now have former staff who worked [here] many years ago who are now bringing in their own kids to play at the Jungle and current staff who played here as kids when we first opened,” says Mike Lausi, owner. While Jellybean Jungle is a great place for open play, it also offers parentchild and preschool classes with a bit more structure, such as story time, crafts, singing and games. Their most popular www.southjerseymom.com
class, Safari Cubs, exposes children aged 2 1/2 and young 3’s to their first experience of a school routine. Children delight in a fun and educational curriculum. The class maintains a 1:6 ratio and is led by a New Jersey certified teacher. Each class runs for two and a half hours with an extended fun care program also available. In early May, Safari Cubs becomes Camp Safari Cubs, where field trips and guest visitors are incorporated into the program. Special visitors, such as firemen, teach youngsters important lessons about fire safety and other topics in a way they can understand. Parents have the flexibility of registering for one to three days a week, May through August. Enrollment is underway now for this popular summer activity. When it comes to birthday parties, no one knows fun like the crew at
business spotlight
Jump Into
Jellybean Jungle! They have been voted “Best of South Jersey” for children’s birthday parties five years in a row. Jellybean Jungle has party planners to help you plan the perfect birthday bash. Private rentals are available on Sundays and are open to children of all ages. It’s never too early to book your party because the Jungle schedule fills up fast! Jellybean Jungle is located in Crispin Square Shopping Center, 230 North Maple Ave., Marlton, NJ. Store hours - Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday 9:305 pm, Thursday 9:30-6 pm, and Friday 9:30-8 pm. Call (866) 596-8889 or visit www.jellybeanjungle.com.
Celebrating 15 Award-Winning Years!
Play and Learn Adventure for Kids 5 and Under
April 2010 | 17
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You have a lot of questions about parenting. Get the answers at the South Jersey MOM Conference for Parents. You'll learn how to:
Register now to access:
• overcome power struggles with your children • balance family, work and personal time • help your kids be happy and confident • help your family be financially literate • parent special needs children • raise resilient kids • discipline effectively and consistently • recognize learning disabilities early and get treatment • get proper nutrition for women and children ...and much more!
• 12+ sessions • 15+ expert speakers • 40+ local vendors that serve parents • Amazing prizes and FREE massage!
Register Today! Register by April 12th for a Full Conference Pass for only $79! Seats are limited and almost sold out! Tickets will not be sold at the door.
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You Don't Want to Miss Our Special Speakers! Karen Rogers, 6abc Action News Karen Rogers is the weekday traffic and weather anchor for Philadelphia's 6abc Action News Mornings. She earned a certificate in Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University and also holds degrees in Communication and Sociology from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, where she was valedictorian of her communication class and the class speaker for commencement. In addition to her work at 6abc, Karen is active in supporting young people. One of her most rewarding experiences was working with the Child Assault Prevention Program teaching elementary school students empowerment skills for reporting and preventing abuse. Karen was born and raised in New Jersey along with her nine brothers and sisters. She drives to work every morning feeling blessed to work for a station which is committed to excellence and feels like family. Karen and her husband Kevin have three children and live in South Jersey. Karen, like most moms, has to balance a career and family. Karen went back to school for three years to become a meteorologist while working full time (getting up at 2:30 a.m., 5 days a week) and taking care of two young children – and she was pregnant. All moms will be able to relate to her experience and will be inspired by her story and drive.
Dena Blizzard, Comedienne Dena Blizzard first garnered attention in 1995 as Miss New Jersey in the Miss America Pageant, where she proudly ranked in the "Top 50." Since then she has worked as a television host, corporate spokesperson, mother and comedienne. Dena has enjoyed performing for audiences at Paula Deen’s cooking show “Paula’s Party� on the Food Network, as well as, for Emeril Lagasse. Dena’s comedic take on marriage, motherhood and Miss America has garnered her the title “One Funny Mother.� In 2008, Dena launched her one-woman show “One Funny Mother: I’m Not Crazy� to rave reviews and tours her show all around the country. Dena happily juggles the struggles of raising three young children while pursuing her comedy career. She and her husband reside in South Jersey. Learn more about Dena at www.denablizzard.com.
Vicki Glembocki, Author Vicki Glembocki, who appeared on Oprah as one of “the boldest moms in the country,� is the author of the memoir The Second Nine Months: One Woman Tells the Real Truth About Becoming a Mom. Finally. She’s an award-winning magazine writer and essayist, a writer-at-large for Philadelphia Magazine, a columnist for Reader’s Digest, and a blogger (a.k.a. “Blunt Force Mama� at vickiglembocki.blogspot.com). Her articles have appeared in many publications including Playboy, Ladies Home Journal, Parents, Women’s Health, More and Fit Pregnancy. She lives in Westmont, NJ, with her very patient husband, Thad, and her daughters, Blair, 4 and Drew, 2. Learn more about Vicki at www.vickiglembocki.com.
Interested in sponsoring this event or being a vendor? Visit www.sjmomparentconference.com for more details or contact Adrienne Richardson at 856.692.MOMS or adrienne@southjerseymom.com.
Your Child is Autistic:
Now What? N
o parent ever wants to hear the words, “Your child is autistic,” but, unfortunately, it’s an all-toofamiliar phrase. More and more parents are hearing this diagnosis when their child has developmental delays or behavioral issues. First of all, it’s normal to feel pain, and even despair, when learning your child is autistic. In fact, many people feel a sudden numbness, as if all their hopes and dreams were suddenly stolen from them and their child. So, if you are faced with this type of diagnosis for your child, what is the next step? Where will he or she go to school? What services are available – and just as important – what services are available for
20 | April 2010
you? There is no exact path; however, there is help available to assist you on your journey. Below are some suggestions to help you focus and find a place to start. Educate, Educate, Educate! As soon as you hear your child’s diagnosis, you should learn all you can about it – its history, symptoms, therapy, diet, sensitivities and medications. The more educated you are about your child’s diagnosis, the more you can help them. Start with your child’s pediatrician or family doctor, who can define your child’s diagnosis and give you advice and suggestions on a plan of action. They can also inform you about local services and state programs available for your child.
By Kim Goff Learn As Much As You Can About Other Children Who Have Similar Situations Or Diagnoses. What type of schools do they go to? Which therapists do they see? What services do they utilize? What kind of diet or medication are they using? Keep in mind, autistic children are all different and each one needs an individualized plan of action for treatment. However, knowing this information can help you determine what to try for your child. What works for one child may not work for another, but this valuable information can give you a place to start and, through trial and error, you might well discover what works.
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Get Support. Get involved with support groups in and around your community. Support groups can provide you with additional information about your child’s diagnosis, as well as recommend local services and groups that can assist you. For a list of local support groups visit www.southjerseymom.com. Find Out About Your Local Schools. When your child is approaching preschool age, find out what school district they are assigned to and learn about the programs they offer. If they do not offer autistic support or classes, they should be able to direct you to a school district that can assist your child. Communication Is Key. Stay in touch with your pediatrician, family doctor, child’s teacher, therapist, psychologist, etc. The more you communicate with them, the better they can help your child. Always inform the people who have a hand in your child’s development about overall improvements in speech, health and physical development, as well as setbacks – emotional meltdowns, social issues, etc. Your child’s teachers and therapists can alter the educational program for your child, and it will also help them know what they can try next and what they should avoid. Do What’s Best For You And Your Family. Parents and primary caregivers of the child are the ones who know the child the best. Therefore, as parents, we all want to do what is best for our child, as well as what is best for our personal situations. No one expects you to do it all; if you can, try to get involved in autistic support groups and playgroups. Do not feel pressured into doing anything you do not want to do. If you are doing anything that is making you, your family and, most importantly, your child, miserable it may not be worth it. Treatments, activities, support groups and therapy should always be positive and supportive. Trying to always “think positive� when it comes to raising and dealing with your autistic child is easier said than done. There is nothing wrong with acknowledging negative feelings (with friends, support group, therapist) you may have toward your current situation. Parents of autistic children face a very stressful and challenging uphill battle every day. Someone once told me “as a parent, you are the biggest advocate� your child can have. Sitting back and accepting things that feel wrong is only cheating your child out of something else that could be more beneficial to them. If you are not inquisitive about your child’s situation, you could be holding your child back. By accepting “what is� you will never know “what could be.� Kim Goff currently works as the Communications Director for the United Way of York County. She is also a freelance writer and author of “Female Empowerment – A Personal Journey� that shares insights and experiences dealing with life-changing obstacles such as divorce, depression and raising an autistic child. For more information email kimandbill1@comcast.net.
www.southjerseymom.com
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MICHAEL I. INZELBUCH Attorney-at-Law • IEP Development • Due Process Hearings • Service Procurement Phone: 732.905.0325 Fax: 732.886.0806 Email: Michaelinz@aol.com Lakewoodlaw555@aol.com Member NJ & NY Bars April 2010 | 21
You Don’t Know Benjamin By Rebeca, Haddon Twp.
M
y eldest son started preschool in September 2006 just after his third birthday. I was really excited for him. Even though Benjamin was shy, I knew he was bright. He knew all of his letters, numbers, colors, shapes and loved books. Unfortunately, preschool was a disaster. During his first two weeks, I watched as he seemed to turn into a different child: hiding in the corner of the classroom counting every hole in a peg board behind a bookshelf, coming home and destroying his toys and tearing up his beloved books. Then came the daily “bad behavior” reports from the teacher. And then she said those dreaded words, “You know, he never speaks in school.” My husband and I hired a psycho-logist to do an in-school evaluation. The results were devastating: Autism Spectrum Disorder. The doctor explained that although our son could speak, he had a host of serious problems: motor planning, sensory processing and significant social delays. My husband asked, “What does this mean for our son’s future?” The doctor replied, “When your son gets older, he will have few friends, he will never be the captain of the football team or the valedictorian of his class.” I’m sure the doctor was just trying to prepare us for a long, difficult journey, but his response was unacceptable to me. He did not know my son or my family. Besides, being the football team captain or the vale-
dictorian of his class was not the means by which I would measure my son’s success in life. I just wanted him to be happy. Then and there, I began my journey to recover my son. We pulled Benjamin out of preschool and started seeing a psychoanalyst weekly to help with his negative behaviors. Per her recommendation, we had ADOS testing done; this is considered the “gold standard” for diagnosing autism and pervasive developmental disorders. The $1,200 test confirmed that our son had PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Delay-Not Otherwise Specified). We were told that, as he matured, he might be diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. We were given a long list of therapies essential to help him: Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Art Therapy/ Music Therapy and Behavioral Therapy. The cost would total more than $60,000 per year, well beyond our means. To make matters worse, Benjamin was sick with chronic constipation, had low muscle tone and had become an anxious and unhappy child. One night, I found several gray hairs in his head. I was losing my mind, my marriage was stressed and our financial situation was awful. Miraculously, I met two women who would change our lives forever: Joyce Rosenblum, a Holistic Health counselor, and Terri Sikkema, an RDI consultant. Joyce explained that our son was having digestive problems. His gray hairs and prob-
lems with core strength were a result of his inability to absorb the nutrients in his food. With her guidance, we started eating organic food and began the Gluten Free-Casein Free diet. Terri introduced us to a family-centered therapy called RDI (Relationship Development Intervention). RDI is a research-based, parent-led program to correct the core problems that create obstacles in the lives of people with Autism. She taught us to slow down our interactions with our son in order to help him process the minute social steps that are the building Photo by Mark Zeigler blocks to human relationships. It has been two years since we changed his diet and started RDI. My husband and I made it through this crisis together and we no longer worry about our son’s future. Benjamin is 6 years old now. Academically, he is doing extremely well and, most important, he has started to play with some of his classmates completely on his own and unprompted! His teacher has also noticed that he is no longer anxious and his facial expressions are much more natural. His physical strength and motor planning have greatly improved. He loves playing with his younger brother and I am amazed at the affection they show towards one another. All a mother wants is for her children to be healthy and happy. Today, I can say I have been blessed to see this little miracle come true!
DOES YOUR CHILD STRUGGLE WITH SPEECH? u Therapy by an experienced professional that is
designed specifically for your child u Quicker results with parent involvement u I make learning fun so kids love to come Call me for an appointment
PEARL SPEECH ASSOCIATES Sharon K. Pearl, M.A., C.C.C.-S.L.P. Licensed Speech Language Pathologist 18 Barclay Pavilion East, Cherry Hill, NJ (Located in the Barclay Farms Center on Route 70)
856.429.1505 22 | April 2010
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Something Just Wasn’t Right M By Linda, Washington Twp.
y three pregnancies included one miscarriage, the birth of my daughter and, two years later, the birth of my son. The pregnancies were identical, in that I felt the normal morning sickness in the first three months, followed by the normal weight gain and the ability to continue working right up through my ninth month. Although I was in labor for 18 hours with my daughter, I ultimately had a C-section and that was true for the birth of my son, as well. I attribute having my daughter and son two years apart to helping with the realization that “something just wasn’t right.” I can not necessarily say that the language delay with my son was a trigger, just the fact that there were so many inconsistencies and that he was giving the term “terrible two’s” a whole new meaning. Getting the diagnosis at age 3-and-ahalf left my husband and I a little frenzied; we learn half of what we know by the age of five... and I was feeling a little pressured! The pediatric neurologist told us to “enroll him in a preschool handicap program and teach him sign language since he’ll never develop any ‘useful language.’” You are going through every emotion imaginable and, I guess, getting this “life’s path” laid out to you through a very highlyrespected neurologist can shatter every hope and dream you have for your child... if you allow it to. We chose not to allow it. We met with the Child Study Team and enrolled him in our Township’s own Early Intervention
Program. In addition, I researched Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and discovered that the earlier and more intensely this is applied, the better the results. We then presented this to the school district, which embraced the idea and began to provide the 30 hours of ABA per week required. My advice is to trust the professionals, but also trust your heart and let your child be your guide. Since Autism is a Spectrum Disorder, depending on the level your child is at today, constantly reassess where you ped believing in my son and will be forevwould like him to be. Do not ever allow a er grateful to the professionals, educators professional to infer that something will not and therapists, as well as families and work; try it. Sometimes, the greatest gains friends, who have contributed to his sucare achieved by tweaking an idea and cess because they believed in me and, at reaching half the goal. times, my unconventional ideas! Anything Our son is now in 12th grade and has is possible if you believe... and your child developed useful language; he will cowill be a constant reminder of that! author a book we hope to have published this year. He also just finished his Varsity football season and received the Spirit Award, which will be The Center for Autism Who are we looking for? given to a football Research at The Children’s • Infant siblings of player from this Hospital of Philadelphia is typically developing year forward in his children looking for participants for • Infant siblings of a research study focusing name. children with autism on early brain development. If you were to ask me if I had dreamed this was possible, I would tell you yes. I never, ever stop-
Is Your SPECIAL NEEDS Child Getting an Appropriate Education? Mothers at Law®— Representing families of children with disabilities. Krizman Law LLC 1930 East Marlton Pike, Suite Q • Cherry Hill
856.751.4131• www.krizmanlaw.com Covering all of South Jersey
www.southjerseymom.com
• IEP Review - Advise whether and how to dispute IEP or 504 Plan • School Program Options - Advocate for obtaining services and placements • One-time consultation or ongoing representation
April 2010 | 23
Make Trips and Outings Work for Your Child with Autism
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arents do not have to give up on dinner at a sit-down restaurant simply because they have a child with autism. In her new book, My Child Has Autism: What Parents Need to Know, Dr. Clarissa Willis provides simple strategies parents can use to help their child learn to communicate, avoid sensory overload and prepare to experience new places.
TIPS TO PREPARE FOR ANY FAMILY EXCURSION: Talk to your child before you leave so they know where you are going and what to expect when you arrive. If your child is non-verbal, use picture cards. Pack headphones and sunglasses. Controlling noise and light
can help prevent children with autism from becoming overwhelmed in new places. Get restaurant menus ahead of time and help your child select what they might order. If your child is non-verbal, make a picture list of what they want to order so they can present it at the restaurant. Have a plan for meeting the unique sensory processing needs of your child. Before the trip, pack items that meet their sensory needs, such as a squeeze toy, weighted blanket or weighted vest. Remember to pack their favorite objects, such as favorite toy, blanket or book. The unexpected often happens. If your first trip is unsuccessful, try to determine what factors you can change to make subsequent trips more enjoyable for you and your child. For example, is there a better time of day to go? Is there a better place to sit in restaurants? Can you make your child feel more comfortable by bringing favorite items from home? Clarissa Willis, Ph.D. is the author of five books from Gryphon House, Inc., including My Child Has Autism: What Parents Need to Know. She currently works as an early childhood consultant and is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences.
Are you looking for the right mix of services for your child with special needs? Want a school that provides a whole array of special services, not just a few arbitrary accommodations? Do you want your child to fit in, participate and be part of a family? Then you want private special education. With individualized attention, on-site therapies, vocational training and inclusive social events, our schools deliver unparalleled services for students with special needs. New Jersey Department of Education certified special education teachers, licensed therapists and counselors provide expert, advanced instruction and support, and adhere to the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. These unique services are provided at NO COST for families. Find out if private special education is the right fit for your child. Our Executive Directors can help answer your questions. To find out more about what programs may be right for your child, call us at
1-800-697-8555 —or visit our website at
www.privatespecialedsnj.com
Copyright Š 2010 The Coalition of Southern New Jersey Private Special Education Schools
Brookfield Schools HollyDELL, Inc. Garfield Park Academy Kingsway Learning Center Larc School St. John of God Community Services
Private special education is an option for many children, and provided at no cost to families. Finding the appropriate educational option for your child can sometimes be a complicated process. We have access to education and legal experts who can help you navigate through the process. For more information or for help in understanding your rights, call us at 1-800-697-8555. 24 | April 2010
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Educating Your Child with Autism: Quick Tips to Your Legal Rights
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Our team of experts provides a variety of therapies including occupational, physical and speech therapy services. For more information call 856-507-8585.
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Watching your child grow is an amazing process. However, some children are challenged by injuries, illnesses or birth defects. SJH Kids RehabCare helps families in our region by treating and managing pediatric disorders like brachial plexus injuries, cerebral palsy, autism, speech/swallowing disorders and developmental delays.
When medical problems become ďŹ nancial problems.
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Krizman Law LLC, 1930 East Marlton Pike, Ste Q, Cherry Hill; (856) 751-4131; lisakrizman@krizmanlaw.com
When your child has a medical condition or illness, you’d pay anything to make it all better. But sometimes the cost is more than you can afford—even if you have health insurance. That’s why there’s the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund. Through the Fund, all New Jersey families may be eligible to receive
medical bills, prescriptions and other health expenses. For more information and an application, call or visit our website.
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1. Your child has a right to a free appropriate public education. 2. Read Parental Rights in Special Education at www.state.nj.us/education/specialed/form/prise/prise.pdf to find out what steps you need to follow to get that appropriate education. 3. You have a right to find out how your child is really doing at school. Ask for evaluations in all suspected areas of difficulties. Ask to observe the child yourself. Hire a private educational consultant to observe your child at school. 4. An appropriate education includes teaching academic, social, emotional and motor skills that will provide your child with meaningful progress in all these areas, based on his or her unique capabilities. 5. You are entitled to participate as a “team member� in the development of your child’s special education.
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Hablamos espaĂąol.
800-335-FUND 800-33 35-FUND njcatastrophicfund.org www.southjerseymom.com
April 2010 | 25
business spotlight
Weisman Offers a Cutting Edge AUTISM PROGRAM
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t sixteen months old, Maya Gordon gradually stopped speaking and suddenly stopped responding to her name being called. Concerned, her parents sought Early Intervention and Maya was diagnosed with Autism. The Gordons immediately enrolled Maya in Weisman Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital’s program for autistic children, the leading provider of pediatric rehabilitation services in the Delaware Valley. “We definitely see some improvement in Maya,” says her mother Lakisha Gordon. “I see the benefit in the therapy.” That therapy includes two hour-long visits each week, one for speech and the second for occupational therapy. The hospital also provides physical therapy to children who need it. Among the program’s many great strengths is their commitment to coordinate efforts between departments. Each highly skilled staff member consults about every child, in order to provide the most effective help. Each member of their experienced staff has a high level of education and training specifically in rehabilitation. “Whatever I’m working on, as far as the sensory integration system or engagement activities, the speech therapist does as well in her session,” explains Grace Weikel, Occupational Therapist. “We work a lot on using movement and all the different senses to get a child to engage, and learn how to play more effectively.” Children with autism are treated with therapeutic listening, sensory integration therapy and a play-based approach. All three are designed to improve the child’s
By Terri Akman
engagement, interactions with others, play skills, self-help skills and fine motor development. Maya enjoys her visits to Weisman, which include a lot of swinging, climbing and jumping. Through these activities, she is learning to increase eye contact and engagement and she has further developed her fine motor skills. “It’s like play to her, so I don’t feel While the Gordon’s still receive Early that I’m subjecting her to anything too Intervention services for Maya, they feel grueling,” Gordon adds. “I love their staff. that combining those services with the proI feel very fortunate for the people Maya gram at Weisman has been invaluable. works with. I like the therapy she’s getting “The more, the better, so contracting and also the support from other parents Weisman in addition to Early Intervention who bring their children here. My husband has helped Maya,” Gordon insists. calls it my support group.” Weisman is an insurance-based pediWeisman Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital has locations in Marlton, Pennsauken, Atlantic City atric program that dedicates itself to chiland Sewell. For more information, visit dren and adolescents from birth to 21 years www.weismanchildrens.com. of age. The hospital prides itself in offering comfort and support to every child, adolescent, family member and friend who walks inside their doors. For the Gordons, Weisman Private Early has helped the entire family. In Childhood Education For addition to the ther6 Weeks To 8 Years apies provided at the hospital, the ome let your child explore the staff creates a comwonder of learning, where they plimentary prowill create, discover and make new gram for families to friends, nurtured by teachers follow at home. “It’s also edudegreed in early childhood education cational for me,” and a curriculum designed for their points out Gordon. age and their imagination. “I didn’t know much about autism Enroll Today! before Maya was diagnosed. She’s home with me most of the time so they’ve taught me ways I can help her at home while she’s Love Of Learning still young. There’s ® ... Begins Here a greater chance of success when you start early.”
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know 2 grow
Is Your Child a
Grumpy Gus?
By Kate Hogan
W
hat causes your child’s bad mood? Hunger, exhaustion Emotional Stress: The old saying, “Sticks and stones will and not getting his or her way are all at the top of the break my bones, but names will never hurt meâ€? is actually not list. However, these three reasons are relatively short very true. One of the most prevalent causes for a child’s ill humor lived and, to a certain extent, can be prevented. The fourth cause is because they feel another person has been mean or hurtful to is emotional stress; when someone hurts their feelings or they hurt them. Now, it may be because a friend did not want to share a parsomeone else’s, it can be a bit trickier to handle. ticular toy or because you made them get a haircut. But “what Essentially, a baby cries because they are uncomfortable. seems like nothing to an adult can be very upsetting to a child,â€? Hunger and exhaustion are unpleasant feelings. Pediatricians and says Matz. other child experts harp on instituting schedules and routines with Meredith Erdman of Cherry Hill, mother of two girls, ages 7 your child from very early on. At a minimum, routines will help and 4, has noticed that if something upsetting has happened at you control your child’s hunger and exhaustion levels. Danielle school that day, her 7-year-old will become withdrawn. Graffeo of Cherry Hill, mother of two children, ages 6 and 4, tries “As a parent, I try to pay attention to these signs and will sit to keep with a routine, and makes it clear what she expects from with her to talk about the problem. I make sure to hug her and her children in new situations. make sure she knows how much I love her and how important she “I let them know what’s ahead in the next few days‌ it is to our family.â€? leaves little to surprise, but prepares them for events, school and Make your home a refuge. “Once a child knows everything is extra activities.â€? ok at home, generally they will start to feel better. However, if you If you do happen to get off your routine and find yourself with notice your child has a persistent problem with crying or sadness, a tired and hungry child, here are a few tips to help control their lasting more than two weeks, then it’s time to contact your pediamoods. trician,â€? says Matz. Exhaustion: If you are running errands and your child falls asleep in the car, off schedule, let them have a power nap. Ten minutes will refresh them, but not throw them off their routine too badly. A Cosmetic Skin Care Specialists of Cherry Hill few hours later, you should still be able to get them down for some type of nap – it may be at wants to help you start a later time or even abbreviated, but by compromising on your routine a little bit, you might be able to save your sanity. Hunger: Children’s hunger levels can fluctuate due to growth spurts, activity levels and even the content of previous meals. Dr. Paul Matz of Advocare Haddon Pediatric Experience 3 simple steps to Group suggests “healthy, reasonable snacks SMOOTHER, BRIGHTER, that have complex carbohydrates or proteinâ€? – apples, cheese sticks, peanut butter crackers, YOUNGER looking skin with our even yogurt covered fruit snacks (which are Glytone Antioxidant Facial! easy to stash in your purse or car). Not Getting Their Way: Giving in to Call Today... your child’s whims each and every time is a recipe for disaster. However, giving your child 1-800-MAKEOVER the life skills to deal with disappointment is a Lyle M. Back, M.D. much greater gift than any toy or piece of Cosmetic Skin Care Specialists candy they might pout for. Of Cherry Hill • www.lylemback.md
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guests and their families. The park’s SAM program allows special needs children and one guardian to go to the front of the line if a condition makes waiting difficult (www.lakecompounce.com). Traveling with children, especially kids with special needs, isn’t a magic carpet ride. However, it’s quite probable that somewhere a real vacation awaits you and yours.
W
hen family members have special needs, finding the right vacation is a prickly path. Start your search months ahead and be prepared to fizzle a few times before you find pay dirt. The good news is that there are many choices. Many special needs vacations are free, affordable or have scholarships for the needy. They are also getting more specialized. Talisman Camps in North Carolina (www.talismancamps.com) specializes in Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and ADD/ADHD for ages 8-21. The bad news is that many programs are seasonal or are held only randomly.
Vacations for special needs families have become so many and varied, there is even a vacation for children with PKU thanks to VeeBar Ranch in Wyoming. Photo by VeeBar Ranch
Janet Groene is a professional travel writer, author and columnist who blogs at www.CreateAGorp. blogspot.com. This listing does not constitute endorsement by either the magazine or the author.
4 Stepsto Vacationing with
Special Needs Kids Vacations for specific challenges, such as impaired hearing or sight, diabetes, breathing disorders or children with terminal illnesses: Start with the support organization for your child’s disease or disability. Group cruises sometimes target diabetics or people on dialysis, but you are unlikely to hear of them unless you network with juvenile diabetes or kidney disease support groups. In July, Vee Bar Guest Ranch in Wyoming (www.veebar. com) offers PKU Week featuring special diets for kids with phenylketonuria. Sleepover camps for special needs children only: Some camps do not permit parental visits. The goal is to give parents and children a total break from care giving stresses. Dragonfly Forest in Philadelphia, for example, has separate camp sessions for children (no parents) who have autism, bleeding disorders or asthma (www.DragonflyForest.org). Camp Sun N Fun is a day and residential camp where children age 8 and up with developmental disabilities gain independence and build self-esteem. Located in Williamstown, NJ the camp serves children with ADD, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy, Hearing Impairment, Mental Retardation, Limited Mobility, Speech/Communication Impairment, Spina Bifida and Visual Impairment/Blind (www. thearcgloucester. org). 30 | April 2010
Since 1983, The Valerie Fund has offered Camp Happy Times to cancer patients and survivors ages 5 to 21. The camp is nestled in Wayne County, PA and promotes friendship, independence, a spirit of cooperation and a recreationally therapeutic environment, which engages participants while building self-esteem, confidence and trust (www.thevaleriefund.org). Resorts, cruises, hotels, etc. that offer a mainstream vacation for everyone while also including those with special needs: Kura Hulanda, a luxury resort in Curacao in the Caribbean, offers kidney dialysis (www.kurahulanda.com). Also in Curacao is the Dolphin Suites Hotel, a posh beach resort that is wheelchair accessible. It has day or 24-hour care or nursing plus Brucker Biofeedback therapy for patients with damage to the brain or central nervous system. The Curacao Dolphin Therapy and Research Center adds to the choices of special treatments while you are on the island (www.dolphinsuites-Curacao.com). Use local resources: As you travel, you will find pleasant surprises in each city: fat tire wheelchair rental for the beach, “kneeling” buses, rental wheelchairs or mobility carts, rental vans with lifts. Philadelphia’s Independence Hall provides a video guide in American Sign. At Lake Compounce Theme Park in Bristol, CT, staff is trained by Autism Speaks to understand autistic
By Janet Groene
More Resources For Your Family • For children with breathing or allergy problems, see www.PureRoom.com. Click on a city to find hotels that offer Pure Rooms. They are said to be clear of up to 98 percent of bacteria and viruses. • Skiing can be adapted for blindness, developmental disabilities and mobility challenges. Many major ski resorts have special equipment and instruction. Check too with www.sitski.com for places offering sit-down snow and water-skiing. • Extreme Sports Camp in Aspen, CO offers high-energy sports training to autistic youngsters. (www.aspensno mass.com/schools/autism__ camp.cfm)
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Is Your Child walking on tippy toes? having any feeding issues? having trouble running, jumping or climbing? having difficulty with language skills? We provide a wide variety of therapies and services including: Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Speech and Feeding Therapies Sensory Integration Aquatic Therapy If you have any concerns about your child, call Weisman for an evaluation... Weisman Children’s Rehabilitation Centers Are Conveniently Located Throughout South Jersey: Marlton 856-489-4520 92 Brick Road Marlton, NJ 08053
Washington Township 856-218-3280 405 Hurffville-Cross Keys Road Sewell, NJ 08080
Pennsauken 856-675-1450 5261 Marlton Pike (Rt. 70) Suite B Pennsauken, NJ 08109
Atlantic City 609-344-8400 1401 Atlantic Avenue Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Check us out on Facebook! or Visit us at weismanchildrens.com www.southjerseymom.com
April 2010 | 31
DAD WANTED:
E
ven though South Jersey MOM is mainly read my moms, we know that dads are just as important. A few months ago, we set out on a search for a local Dad to become a regular columnist. We had a TON of entries and after careful evaluation, we’ve narrowed it down to five. These dads were asked to submit a letter that would give us an idea of who they are and what they can bring
Name: Brian Fountain Town: Atco, NJ Children: Molly (6), Jack (4), Sadie (2) Status: Married, 7½ years Occupation: General Manager for Seafood Restaurants in Atlantic City As a husband and father of three, I often have to take a step back in order to comprehend what my life has become. Gone are the days of clean carpet, new clothes, disposable income and sweet silence. They have been replaced by sticky floors, stained t-shirts, stretching dollars and the din of sibling squabbles. Not that I’m complaining, mind you. Along with the latter come unique and unexpected joys: Homemade artwork that, in my mind, is more worthy of the Smithsonian than the refrigerator, quotes so darn cute they bring you to your knees, and hugs so tight you can’t imagine how you ever got through a day without one. When I was young, I envisioned becoming the writer of my generation. And when I married the girl of my dreams, I had the perfect life (before I knew what perfect was). Seven years, a crosscountry move and three children later, I have a new definition of the word. As South Jersey transplants, we have worked hard to discover all this area has to offer. Stained hands from picking strawberries, knees skinned on a moon bounce and swimsuits full of sand may seem annoying to some, but we see them as symbols of time well spent and memories that will last a lifetime. At first blush it may seem my writing has taken a backseat over the years. On the contrary, I feel that I write the most fulfilling stories of my life on a daily basis. Now that I am a father, my life is full of new chapters. Not a day goes by that my family doesn’t provide me with a laugh, a few tears, or both. It’s just that now, these stories are usually written in crayon… and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
32 | April 2010
to the magazine. These dads won’t be writing parenting advice each month…instead they will provide a unique perspective on parenthood from a man’s point of view. These dads are depending on your votes to become the first “DAD” in South Jersey MOM. Visit www.southjerseymom.com to vote for your favorite! And don’t forget to tell your friends to vote too!
Name: Roger Baker Town: Mullica Hill, NJ Children: Harrison (9), Rachel (4) Status: Married, 17 years Occupation: Media Services Sales I’m a transplant to New Jersey, having moved to Mullica Hill in August 2006 to facilitate a transfer for my wife. Though I’m a California native, born in Hollywood, my wife and I both felt that after three decades in southern California, it was time to pursue opportunities and adventure outside the Golden State. So when she was offered a transfer to the Philadelphia office of her firm, we decided to accept and see what the Garden State had to offer. In many ways, we’ve got a relationship that is the reverse of most couples. While she travels five days out of seven and works 70 hour weeks on the partnership track, I’m the parent who oversees bedtime routines, enforces homework and TV viewing rules, fixes endless chicken nugget and pasta dinners and, every so often, even loses my temper. At the end of the day, there’s plenty I’ve done right, but there’s always a few things I wish I’d have done better. And there’s always something that I’ve learned about being a better father, husband, son and human. As my wife has continued to pursue her career, with success, I’ve returned to the full-time workforce in Philadelphia, working in sales for a media company. Still, I’ve managed to keep Harrison involved with soccer and baseball, start both kids in swim lessons at the Y, paint 75% of my house, indulge Rachel’s love of the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, become a den leader to ten rambunctious Cub Scouts and establish a pretty solid life. It hasn’t been easy with my wife being away so much. There have been some rough patches for us as work, travel and family demands leave little time and energy for the two of us, but we’ve managed to work through them or just plowed ahead and come out the other side intact. Through it all, I’ve discovered that perhaps there’s more than a little fun hidden in the abyss of diapers, baseball practices, bedtime arguments and report cards. Nothing compares to hearing, “That was awesome, Dad. Can we do it again tomorrow?”
Name: Geoff Gollihur Town: Hammonton, NJ Children: Drew (6), Carter (2), Brenna (2), Emily (2) Status: Married, 10 years Occupation: Middle School Teacher I don’t know if I’ll make a great columnist as it isn’t anything I’ve really done before, but I do enjoy sharing stories and consider myself an experienced parent. I have been teaching for over ten years, have spent the last fifteen summers as a camp counselor and even taught in a day care center for three years. My proudest and most enjoyable work in child care however, has been my six years as a father. My wife and I are lucky to be blessed with four wonderful children. Drew (6), is in Kindergarten this year. He’s reading independently, playing the Wii and participating in town sports. Our 2-year-old triplets, Carter, Brenna and Emily keep us alert as we try to maintain scheduled naps, explore potty training and attempt more “outings” as a family. Our biggest challenge has certainly been medical, as our daughter Emily has a rare chromosome disorder and a host of complicated medical issues including Infantile Spasms, which have significantly hindered her development. We watch her triplet brother and sister run, giggle, eat, tease, climb, sing, scream and brush their teeth while Emily is still unable to sit up on her own, cannot eat anything other than a few spoonfuls of baby food every other day (all the rest is via g-tube) and spends most of her day sleeping. Although there are many things Emily cannot do, she shows us daily that the little things she can do amaze us all. We watched our double income/no kids transform into a single income/four kids and we haven’t missed a beat. I can still host a poker night once in a while, can still read a book or play a video game after the kids go to bed and can still spend snuggle time with my beautiful bride of 10 years. But nothing comes close to hearing the delightful screams of “Daddy’s home!” when I walk in the door after work. I love being a dad and I hope to share my enthusiasm and experience with you each month. Visit our website and sign up for our e-newsletter
Let the Voting Begin!
Name: Matthew Bove Town: Moorestown, NJ Children: Two boys, 17 and 6; One girl, 4 Status: Married, 8 years Occupation: Editor by day, Instructor by night I have often been perplexed when picking up a nationally distributed “parenting” magazine and finding a father’s voice absent from its pages. For this reason, I applaud South Jersey MOM magazine for seeking a father’s viewpoint. Fatherhood is not bestowed to a man upon the birth of a child. He must learn the role, distilling the lessons of his life upon the new life. The lessons of my life are drawn from my parents, my missteps and my triumphs. I am a father of two boys and one girl. My boys are 17 and 6, and my daughter is 4. I cherish every moment I have with them and their mother. Our weekends together are sacred; they are the times when our family is united and indivisible. We find joy in attending parties together, running errands together, building Legos together, dancing or reading or playing together, together, together. My family was forged when I met my bride while awaiting the start of an English course at Rowan University. She was a single mother of a little boy. I became his Cub Scout Den Leader. I became his role model. I became a father and she became my wife in 2001. Our little ones came in 2003 and 2005. My wife and I wanted to provide them with the start we were both provided by our mothers staying home. So, I began working two jobs in order to fund the one most important job: my wife’s work at home. The road that led me here has formed my view of fatherhood. I believe in a hometown, where a child can have a sense of belonging to a community. I believe in travel, whence a child’s world view expounds. I believe in family, where a child learns love and returns love. I believe in teaching by example, how a child sees goodness rewarded and discerns hypocrisy. I believe in freedom, how a child develops self reliance and worth. I believe in fatherhood. I hope you will allow me to share my fatherhood stories by selecting me as the DAD columnist.
Name: Mike Urbach Town: Cherry Hill, NJ Children: Two girls, 11 and 3; One boy, 10 Status: Married, 14 years Occupation: Sales I am writing this piece while I sit waiting to board a flight at PHL. I am very tired. Not because I am about to embark on one of my many business trips where I am in and out of some US city in less than 24 hours but because my 11-year-old daughter came into my bedroom at 3:00 AM while my wife and I were fast asleep. Did she have a bad dream? Was this the start of that stomach virus that has been going around? Not at all. My daughter was in a complete panic over a text message she received on her cell phone at 8:00 PM the night before. She received a chain text message, that, to summarize stated that if she did not forward to 10 other people her family would die a horrible death. In an effort to save her family from impending doom, my daughter bravely woke up in the middle of the night and promptly forwarded this message to ten of her friends before entering our bedroom. Now my wife and I are trying to comfort my daughter that nobody is going to die, without waking my other two children. While comforting my daughter, I am wondering if when she hit the send button that put us over our allotted family plan text messaging limit. Does that count as one text message or ten? We are still in our first trimester with my daughter having her own cell phone so there exist some kinks that still need to be worked out. Am I going to be charged a fee so my daughter can save our family while at the same time put ten of her friends through the same trauma? These are not questions I need to deal with before I go off to a meeting for an important presentation. I am in charge of sales and marketing at a small health care software company. In this role, I am responsible for managing a team of sales people and growing a business. That role seems simple compared to my role as father.
Vote for your favorite at www.southjerseymom.com
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summer camp guide
Choosing a Camp:
MYTHS AND FACTS
arents are constantly barraged with information about camps and, sometimes, it’s hard to separate fact from fiction. You will want to know what’s true and what’s not as you answer the all-important question, “What will I do with my kids this summer?”
P
Myth: “Overnight camp is only for the rich.” Fact: The truth is that there is a camp out there to fit every budget. And, if you plan ahead, you can take advantage of early enrollment discounts and financial aid. Applying early, it’s possible to get a 20-50 percent discount off camp tuition, based on need. Also, inquire about shorter sessions and discounts for multiple children from one family. Myth: “If I send my child to camp with a friend she will feel more comfortable.” Fact: What outwardly seems to provide a safety net has its pitfalls. A friend can sometimes act as a barrier to your child making new friends. All too often, one of the campers has a difficult time. The other child then feels responsible for the friend, which can be extremely burdensome. In addition, your child may choose his activities based upon his friends’ interests, rather than his own. It’s important to weigh the comfort of going with a friend with the possible drawbacks. If going with a friend is the only way your child will try camp, it might be worth it. Just pre-
pare your child with possible scenarios and provide him with the problem-solving strategies. Myth: “My son plays sports all year long so I want to give him a break from the routine.” Fact: While it’s a nice break for some kids to fish and hike at camp, others just want to play ball! Parents should look for a camp that can provide the sports the child likes, plus some new challenges the parents might want for their child. Summer sports are far different than sports during the school year. There is less of an emphasis on winning. A child who cannot make the select baseball or soccer team at home may shine in a camp environment. There are no “helicopter parents” hovering over their kids or yelling on the sidelines. One camp director told me at the beginning of each session, the campers focus much more heavily on the sports because this is how they are comfortable socializing. Yet, by the middle to end of the session, the kids are much more comfortable in taking risks – both athletically and socially. Whether it’s up to bat or on the boat, these camps hire counselors who serve as role models to teach qualities like good sportsmanship, teamwork and learning to lose gracefully. Tips on Trips and Camps is one of the oldest and largest camp advisory services. Established in 1971, “Tips” has advisors in 16 cities, relationships with over 600 sleep away camps and programs, and each year provides advice and guidance to thousands of families. For more information visit www.TipsonTripsandCamps.com.
Send Your Kids to Notre Dame Regional School Summer Camp #1 in Catholic Education
• Weekly Theme Activities • 7:30 a.m. thru 5:30 p.m. • Loving and safe environment • Open to children 2 yrs- 8th grade
At the Landisville Campus
SUMMER DANCE PROGRAMS
Contact Melissa Knapp at (856) 697-3456 ext.112 for more information
Summer Dance Intensive-July 12-16 Sign up for the day or for the week! Ages 7-24, Divided by age group 9am-3pm Ages 4-6, 9am-1pm Zumba Classes-Adult & Kid Classes Tuesday evenings starting July 20th Tiny Dancer Classes-Ages 21⁄2-4 Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Gym-Ages 4-6, 7 & up Hip-Hop Camp-Ages 7-12 July 19-23, 10am-2pm
Register online at www.mulforddance.com before June 19th and get a FREE Registration!
MULFORD DANCE STUDIO 245 S. Black Horse Pike • Mt. Ephraim, NJ 34 | April 2010
856.931.1830 Visit our website and sign up for our e-newsletter
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April 2010 | 35
PARENTS
What are your kids doing this summer?
Serving children ages 18 months to 15 years. Celebrating 125 years of YMCA Camping!
Send them to college! Monday through Friday June 28 through August 27 9 AM-noon and 1 PM-4 PM • Programs for children ages 5-16 • Before and After Care available • Professional instructors • Many enrollment options available New This Year Programs for teens 14-16!
Weekly Sessions • Swimming • Sports • Healthy U Program Specialty Camps • Arts & Crafts • And More!
Our day camps are held at: YMCA of Vineland and Camp Merrywood 9:00am-4:00pm Before and after care available 7:30am-5:30pm For information please contact Cindi Gant at 856-691-8600 ext. 345
New experiences. New skills. New friendships.
Summer Academy for Kids at Cumberland County College 3322 College Drive Vineland, NJ 08362-1500 www.cccnj.edu/safk
Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA 1159 E. Landis Avenue • Vineland, NJ
856.691.0030 www.ccaymca.org camp@ccaymca.org
Register and pay in full for 9 weeks by Healthy Kids Day on April 17, 2010 and receive Before and After Care. $180 Value!
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is a GLAMorous alternative to sports camp for girls ages 4-12.Weekly girly clinics are offered, such as fashion shows, accessorizing, bedazzling, and cooking. Campers also enjoy scrapbooking, dancing, gardening, water slides and more! Grace • Glamour • Dignity Camp runs for 11 weeks. 9am–4pm, with before/after care available. Flexible scheduling: 3 or 5 days...Join us!
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1855 Hurffville Road, Sewell, NJ 08080 856.401.8111 www.sportsandmorefun.com Visit our website and sign up for our e-newsletter
SUMMER CAMP! July 7th - August 20th 8-4 M-F • Ages 3-7
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EXCELLENT! An Exciting and Enriching program full of Enjoyable Exploration..
NOW Enrolling: Ages 8 wks - 5 yrs
1385 Magnolia Road Vineland, NJ 856.405.0711 www.allkidsfirstnj.com www.southjerseymom.com
Our program is Energizing and Encouraging! Children Engage in various activites. Different theme each week. An Enthusiastic Environment at All Kids First! April 2010 | 37
LIBERTY LAKE DAY CAMP Conveniently located off Routes 295, 206, and 130, Liberty Lake Camp is a high quality, elective-based program for ages 4-14. Tuition includes transportation, lunch, and the most dynamic program in camping! (609) 499-7820, www.libertylakedaycamp.com.
June 21 – September 3. Incredible value starting at $135/wk. Extended Day is available. Visit www.ymcagloco.org for info. MAGIC IS UP OUR SLEEVE AT MAINSTAGE CENTER FOR THE ARTS Celebrating it’s 22nd season of SUMMER STAGE, South Jersey’s most affordable summer performing and visual arts camps, a safe and creative place to send your children entering second grade through college. (856) 227-3091 or www.mainstage.org.
PERKINS CENTER FOR THE ARTS! Day Camp for children ages 5-11. Visual & Performing Arts Classes based on the theme of Heroes, Myths, and Legends! Voted Best Summer Camp in SJ Magazine’s Reader Poll, 2009! Extended camp day available through partnership with the YMCA. Call (856) 235-6488 or visit www.perkinscenter.org.
SIGN UP FOR SUMMER CLASSES AT THE LEADING DANCE SCHOOL IN THE AREA! Core Academy of Movement has got you covered...a renowned early childhood dance program, award winning contemporary dance company and hard hitting adult fitness classes! Winners of Best of Burlington 2009! (856) 778-5955, www.coremovement.com
SEND YOUR CHILD TO COLLEGE THIS SUMMER! Cumberland County College offers a 9-week summer camp for kids ages 5-16 yrs. Featuring: Theatre, Cooking, Robotics and much more! June 28 to August 27. Call (856) 691-8600 ext. 345 or visit www.cccnj.edu/safk. UNIVERSAL SOCCER ACADEMY One of the best Soccer Academies in the United States, known for their work with Olympic Level students. Let our professional staff provide your child with a unique soccer experience. Taking Summer Camp applications now. Visit www.UniversalSoccerAcademy.com.
SPORTS & MORE DAY CAMPS: CAMP SAM AND CAMP GLAM Camp SAM, sports-oriented fitness & team spirit. Camp GLAM lets girly girls revel in manicures & fashion shows. 11 wks, 9a-4p, before & after care available. Ages 5-14. Flexible Scheduling: 3/5 day camps. Weekly themes, Waterslide & Rockwall and more. (856) 401-8111, www.sportsandmorefun.com
GREAT TIMES DAY CAMP Two in-ground pools, a 25 acre lake, tennis and swim lessons, arts & crafts, full Great Times sports program. Over 10,000 sq. ft. of air-conditioned Day Camp space. All State Certified teachers as counselors. Hot lunch, transportation and weekly trips are included no extra charge. www.greattimesdaycamp.com.
INTERACTIVE KIDS SUMMER CLASSES For All Kids: Drama/Theater Camp and Let’s Get Ready for School. For Special Needs: Weekly Groups: Play, Social Skills, ADD/HD Specific, Teenage Young Adult & Adult Groups. Intensive Social Skills Group & Peer Buddie Pairings. (856) 810-7599, www.interactivekidsllc.com.
YMCA OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY SUMMER DAY CAMP Summer Day Camp for grades K-10. Enjoy field trips, swim lessons, creative arts, sports and special events! Our expert staff is caring and creative.
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• The Bug Lady Insect Museum • The Blue Rocks Game • The Gloucester County 4H Fair • Water Slide Fun • The Franklin Institute Serving • Mr. Softee Gloucester
• Bowling • Swimming • Indoor Soccer • Kids Planet • Children's Theater
County for 29 years!
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270 Landing Road • Clarksboro, NJ Conveniently located o of Cohawkin Rd. and Rt. 295
Pat Zeck, Director www.toddlersntotspreschool.com
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38 | April 2010
$" # # $- ( )"" & ( $ ! &' . $(' Visit our website and sign up for our e-newsletter
Every month, South Jersey MOM will feature a local child on the cover! If you think you have the cutest kid in town, send a 4x6 photo and a $15 entry fee to P.O. Box 2413, Vineland, NJ 08362-2413. If your child(ren) is/are selected, we will arrange a FREE professional photo shoot and they could be on our next cover for all your friends and family to see! Sorry, photos cannot be returned. Parent Name: __________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________________ Child(ren) Name(s) & Birthdates: __________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
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GET PLANTING By Sheila Taney, RN, MSN
green mama
Is your child the CUTEST KID IN TOWN?
start to think about my vegetable garden at the first signs of spring. I am not a master gardener by any means, but I enjoy planting with my children. I begin in April by planting the first set of seedlings. I let my children pick some seed packets at the local garden center and I buy fertilizer-free soil. I set up the outdoor table with seeds, spoons, soil and small yogurt cups and let my kids get messy. They place soil in half the cup, place some seeds and top with more soil. They mark the seed cups with a recycled popsicle stick. The cups sit on my kitchen windowsill to grow as my children watch the seeds sprout. It’s like their own science experiment. The fun part is picking out the seeds. Each year, we pick something different and I never know what our success rate will be. Last year, we planted cherry tomatoes instead of beefsteak and did not get many tomatoes. We planted eggplant and got gorgeous plants that yielded only two eggplants, but now I know we can successfully grow eggplant. Romaine lettuce has been the hit for two years in a row. The plants yielded leaves for many wonderful salads. My son loved to “snip” them each night before dinner. New Jersey is located in Growing Zone 6, which means the last frost is between March 30 and April 30. Seed packets list the suggested date of planting after the last frost. Seedlings need approximately two weeks to grow indoors before being planted outside. So, if a vegetable says it can be planted five weeks after the last frost, then the seedling needs to be potted at seven weeks. Home vegetable/fruit gardens are not difficult to grow. All it takes is a little time, patience and water. Your family will reap the benefits of fresh, chemical-free food from your own backyard.
I
Sheila Taney has two children and resides in Cherry Hill. She is passionate about teaching her children and others how they can participate in saving the environment.
We Make Happy Party Faces! • Face Painting • Balloon Animals • Full Size Characters • Princess Parties
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April 2010 | 39
book review
Tale Spin Stories Read-to-Me Book Reviews By Kathryn Ross, a.k.a. “Miss Kathy”
he Easter holidays flood me with memories of mother making me a new dress and the eager anticipation of wearing my Easter bonnet trimmed with daisies. Ah, nostalgia! Perhaps that is what attracts me to Mary Englebreit’s work. As a young girl, Mary loved poring over her mother’s old picture books with such charming illustrations of early 20th century childhood. Absorbing every color and sense of the drawings, such experiences helped form the award-winning artist she grew to be, with a world-wide fan base and various gift items, calendars, books, fabric, stationary, and more, available for lovers of nostalgia and innocence. Among her many works, is the irrepressible Ann Estelle, the young heroine of her children’s books. Far too sophisticated to be satisfied with simply being a “princess,” Ann is decidedly a “Queen” – of Christmas, her class and, for Valentine’s Day, of hearts. So, of course, when Easter comes around with its promise of new dresses, shoes and bonnets, Ann will be Queen of that, too. But her anticipation of a new Easter bonnet is dashed when it turns out to be a plain straw hat with a simple blue bow. Yuck! Ann leaves her new hat on the front porch and proceeds to pout about it inside. The next morning, something amazing has happened to her hat – a lady robin has built a nest in it and laid her eggs. Well,
T
THEME: Happy Easter! BOOK: Queen of Easter AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Mary Englebreit EAN: 9780060081843
now all the neighborhood has to stop by to visit and see Ann’s fabulous Easter bonnet. This is wonderful – but it also means Ann will have to make do with last year’s hat for the neighborhood Easter Parade. But do not underestimate our heroine. With artistic flair, she finds a way to recycle something old into something new and quite spectacular. So, just who will win the prize for best Easter hat? All I can say is that Ann will be delighted and so will you! Follow-up Activity: What kind of Easter bonnets can you make? Find a couple of old hats at a thrift store and provide the kids with all manner of ribbon, sequins, fabric, flowers, etc. Find cool stuff to make a wild and wacky hat for the boys, too. Then, go to it! Have your own Easter parade and make up silly prizes for the winners. Then for an extra bonus – punch out the Ann Estelle paper doll included and dress Ann for her Easter parade yourself! Anybody out there remember cutting out Betsy McCall from McCall’s Magazine every month? Kathryn Ross is a professional storyteller celebrating the love of learning and literacy with children of all ages. She hosts Tale Spin Stories every Tuesday for preschoolers at the Cumberland Mall in Vineland. To learn more about Miss Kathy programs from Pageant Wagon Productions, visit www.pwpstorytellers.com.
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For a complete list of events, log onto www.southjerseymom.com
To submit your event, send an email to calendar@southjerseymom.com. Entries are due six weeks prior to the event and are filled on a first come first serve basis. Space is limited. ATLANTIC COUNTY Little Learners’ Craft Class April 16 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Open to 4 & 5 year old preschoolers accompanied by an adult. Transform everyday objects into works of art with Recreation Program Specialist Karen Zindell. Lots of fun, but potentially messy. Please bring a smock if you have one. Specify which session you want when registering. Estell Manor Park, 109 State Highway 50, Mays Landing. NO FEE. Call Karen Zindell at (609) 645-5960. Saturday Storyhour April 17 at 10:30 a.m. Enjoy story time every Saturday through May 22. Ages 3–5. Atlantic County Library System, 801 Shore Rd, Somers Point. (609) 927-7113. Spring Release Weekend Bellview Winery April 10 & 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The release of the 2009 Dandelion Wine and a whole host of others. Free. Bellview Winery, 150 Atlantic St, Landisville. (856) 697-7172 or www.bellviewwinery.com.
BURLINGTON COUNTY South Jersey Parenting Conference April 18 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Don’t miss this conference jam-packed with information from local parenting experts. Topics such as overcoming power struggles with your children, balancing family, work and personal time, raising resilient children, parenting the special needs child & more covered. Guest Speakers include Comedienne Dena Blizzard, Karen Rogers, from Philadelphia’s Action News and author Vicki Glembocki, named “the boldest mom in the country” by Oprah. $79/person. Includes breakfast, lunch and access to all speakers and breakout sessions. Tickets WILL NOT be sold at the door. Register online at www.sjmomparentconference.com or call (856) 692-MOMS. Spring Wildflower Walk April 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. A botanical walk through a highly unique forest habitat, searching for spring wildflowers. Dress for the weather and wear proper shoes for hiking. Raindate April 11. Registration required. Free. Crystal Lake Park, Axe Factory Rd, Mansfield. (609) 265-5068. www.southjerseymom.com
Rancocas State Park, Spring Cleanup April 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come out and help remove litter and other debris from forest and wetland areas. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Please wear long sleeves and pants. Bags and gloves will be provided. Registration required. Rancocas Park, Hainesport. (609) 499-1001 x266 or cleancomm@co.burlington.nj.us.
CAMDEN COUNTY Charity Auction April 24 at 5:30 p.m. Over 100 quality items will be auctioned including vacation and golf packages, sports tickets and memorabilia, restaurant and theater gift certificates, artwork, furniture & more. Free hors d’oeuvres served. Proceeds benefit The Saints Prison Ministry. (856) 866-9428 or www.saintsprisonministry.org. Collingswood Junior Women‘s Club April 16 at 7:30 p.m. Looking to make a difference in the community and new friends too? Collingswood Juniors Club will be hosting a meet and greet for local women interested in its club. Peter Childs Room, Collingswood Library, 771 Haddon Ave, Collingswood. (856) 979-7578 or jojoleero@hotmail.com. Wunda’land –Alice with a Twist April 25 at 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. You’ve never seen Alice like this! Kids and moms won’t want to miss this adventurous tale complete with film, acting and dynamic dance movement and music. Join the adventure. Scottish Rite Theater, 315 Whitehorse Pike, Collingswood. $12-$18. (856) 313-2093 or www.remixtheater.com.
CAPE MAY COUNTY Lego Club April 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. The Cape May County Library is offering a new club for kids age 7–12 and their parents. Members will be able to read related books to get some ideas and then build, build, build! Parents are encouraged to stay with your child and build. Main Branch of the library, 30 Mechanic Street, Cape May Court House. Registration is required along with a library card in good standing. (609) 463-6354 or www.cmclibrary.org.
things 2 do
April Calendar
Winter/Spring 2010 Art April 26 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Children ages 6 - 10 are invited to read a Hawaiian tale and make block printed “tapas” cloths. Woodbine Public Library, 800 Monroe St, Woodbine. Registration and a valid library card are required to attend. (609) 861-2501 or www.cmclibrary.org.
orable and rewarding day for the whole family. Local celebrity appearances, music, costume characters, face painting & more. Registration 8 a.m. Rowan University, Carpenter St and Joseph Bowe Blvd, Glassboro. (856) 874-9050 or www.marchforbabies.org for more locations in every South Jersey County.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Powerful You! Women's Network presents O2B Clutter Free with Cathy Ayars April 8 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Learn to regain control of your home and your life with de-cluttering and organizing solutions designed to help you downsize, organize, relocate, or right-size. Powerful You! open to all women with interest in networking & connecting with other women on a business level. Adelphia's, 1750 Clements Bridge Rd, Deptford. $25/members & new attendees. $35 non-members. Contact Shaun Stephenson @ (609) 560-8370 or shaun6@comcast.net or www.powerfulyou.com for more info.
SPCA Annual Step For A Pet Walk April 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Save the date for CCSPCA’s 16th annual Step for a Pet Walk. Something for everyone, prizes, entertainment, free refreshments, adoptable shelter dogs, pet micro-chipping and spring pet photos for you and your pooch. Parvin State Park, Pittsgrove. Registration at 10 a.m. by beach-front pavilion. Rain date April 25. $10 for walkers. Pets and kids are free! (856) 691-1500 and ask for Lauren. Contemporary Flamework April 1 to May 16—10 a.m. to 5 p .m. Displays of work from Salem Community College by the featured artists of the college’s International Flameworking Conference. Work will range from unique goblets to one-of-akind sculptures. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, 1501 Glasstown Rd, Millville. Free Admission. (856) 825-6800 x 155 or www.wheatonarts.org. Social Service Information Forum April 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. CASA welcomes you to learn about local resources available to you and your family! Calvary Chapel Church, 930 Main Rd, Vineland. Sponsored by CASA of CGS and Parents Anonymous. Call LaTisha at (856) 459-0061. Drama on the Vine April 8, 9, 10 at 7:30 p.m. Calvary Chapel Vineland presents “Tales from the Vine: Ripened, Restive, & Risen!” Written and directed by Kathryn Ross - a theatrical Easter meditation. 930 N. Main Rd, Vineland. Tickets $5. (856) 696-9409.
SALEM COUNTY Wire-Wrapped Jewelry Making April 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. Learn to wrap your fused dichroic jewelry pieces in gold or silver wire. Glass Delights, 8 Isaacs Dr, Pennsville. (856) 935-5267. Bluegrass Music April 24 at 4 and 8 p.m. The Music From the Crooked Road: Mountain Music of Virginia tour celebrates the vibrant, musical culture of Southwest Virginia. The tour features Old-time, Bluegrass, Mountain Gospel Music and Flatfoot Dance. A Pre-Show BBQ from Bassetts Catering will delight you with a bountiful buffet of country BBQ, complete with dessert and beverages. Davidow Theatre at Salem Community College, 460 Hollywood Ave, Carneys Point. $15/Adults, $7.50/Children 10 and under. (800) 394-1211 or www.appelfarm.org.
GLOUCESTER COUNTY March of Dimes March for Babies April 25 at 8 a.m. The most urgent infant health problem in the U.S. today is premature death. Participation in this walk raises money for the cause, but also provides a memApril 2010 | 41
resource guide
BUSINESS SERVICES OWN A SMALL BUSINESS AND FEELING OVERWHELMED? Let C&C Consultants take one hat off your head! We offer bookkeeping services and financial record clean up. As Certified Proadvisors we also offer Set up, Training and Consulting. Free initial phone consultation. Call (856) 616-1875 or email candccnslt@aol.com; www.qkbkadvisors.com
CATERING SWEET SISTERS CATERING Custom catering in your home. Baby and bridal showers, birthday parties, graduations, religious celebrations. Hand decorated cookies, special occasion cakes and personalized party favors. Vegan and Allergen Free menus available. Email for your custom menu, sweetsisters catering@gmail.com. See our work at www.sweetsistersbaking.blogspot.com.
CLASSES LEARN TO SEW! Sewing is always a valuable life skill, especially in the current economy. Hand sewing (age 5+), and machine sewing (age 8-adult and mother-daughter), small day and evening classes; machines available. Contact Lori at (856) 358-8553 or Lorizstudio@aol.com for further details. Trained sewing educator. GET MESSY, BE CREATIVE AND HAVE FUN WITH ABRAKADOODLE! Learn how Abrakadoodle received 7 nods from Nickelodeon’s GoCityKids for “Best Art Program� in 2009. For ages 20 mnts-10 yrs. Visit www.abrakadoodle.com/nj01 for class schedule & locations. NOW REGISTERING for spring & summer classes. (856) 914-0521.
FOR THE HOME BRIGHTEN UP YOUR HOME FOR SPRING! Let Lori's Stitching Studio help you prepare your home for spring after a dull winter, with new window treatments, bedding, slipcovers and
light upholstery. For in-home consultation and fabric selection, contact Lori at (856) 358-8553, Lorizstudio@aol.com or wwwLorisStitchingStudio.com. Also offering clothing alterations. CAN'T GET THE TOYS, LAUNDRY AND OTHER KID STUFF UNDER CONTROL? If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the "stuff" consuming your house, let BB’s Clutter Solutions reduce your stress, create order and help you find a place for everything...for good. Contact Barbara Berman at (856) 912-0077 or www.bb-clutter-solutions.com and get your house back today! GOT POOP? Call The Poop And Nothing But The Poop! We remove dog waste from your yard so your kids can play in a clean, poop-free environment! Perfect gift for new parents! Rates as low as $10/wk. Burlington & Camden Counties. www.thepoop andnothingbut.com, (856) 296-6206
Check out our New Boutique on Wheels. We bring the store to you! COME H.O.M.E. TO TUPPERWARE! Get Healthier, Organized, Make & Save Money, while saving our Environment! Save Time, Space and Waste! In home Parties, Catalog Sales or join our winning team! No experience necessary, FUN Guaranteed! Ed Maher at (856) 616-1515, http://my.tupperware.com/ed or tupperwareboy@aol.com
PARTIES-CHILDREN CELEBRATE YOUR SPECIAL DAY WITH CARVEL Order your party cakes today. Custom flavors and designs. Gluten & egg free available. Made fresh daily. Open year round. Mention this ad and receive a 15% discount for April. Have your next Party at Carvel! (856) 478-4599.
PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
TAKE A REST, WE CLEAN THE BEST! Let us customize a cleaning service for your needs. Experienced, thorough, bonded and insured. Free in-home estimates. Covering Cumberland, Gloucester and Camden counties. Call Maid 2 Clean at (609) 553-0431 or (856) 507-9411, www.maid2cleannj.com.
NEED HELP GUIDING YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENTAL JOURNEY? At The Schlinic, happy childhoods are our specialty. Kids come for awesome motor equipment, fun sensory experiences and developmental play. Parents come for answers, professionals who listen, assessments and research-supported intervention. Learn more at www.schlinic.com or call Dr. Jodi at (856) 692-9292.
GIFT IDEAS
WILLS & INSURANCE
GREAT PERSONALIZED GIFTS FOR ALL AGES At JUST FOR LITTLE PEOPLE (and others, too!) we specialize in new baby gifts both hand-painted or embroidered. Beautifully wrapped and available for pick-up at our new Gibbsboro location, or we can ship it for you. Call (856) 627-8901 or check out www.justforlittlepeople.com.
WHO WILL TAKE CARE OF YOUR CHILDREN? Appointing Guardians for your minor children is one of the most important aspects of Estate Planning. Complimentary initial consultation. Mention this ad and receive 15% discount for Apr. Contact James F Fahy, Esq., LLC to learn more. Call (856) 287-3107 or email JFahylaw@verizon.net.
PARTIES-ADULT
HOW WILL YOUR FAMILY LIVE WITHOUT YOU? Help protect your family's future with life insurance. Call Susan Holtzer, New York Life agent, about an affordable way to protect what matters most. When it comes to your family, you can't be too careful. Call (856) 488-6965 for a no-pressure consultation.
NOOKIE PARTIES Host a Nookie Party & earn FREE romance products! Cash-n-carry available! Free 2- night vacation for party hostesses! Book your party today! (856) 397-2234 or www.NookieParties.com.
¡ Bonded & Fully Insured ¡ Honest & Reliable ¡ Family Owned & Operated ¡ Local References
609.846.8666
www.thoroughpc.com Serving Burlington, Camden & Gloucester Counties
42 | April 2010
We Use Non-Toxic Products Which Are Safer For You, Your Family and Pets
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! r u o H y r e v E S E O Win SH ! r a e Y a r o f S E O H S Win ! s a m a h a B e h t o t E S I U R C a n i W
Tuesday is
Shoesday L I S T E N TO W I
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April 2010 | 43
• Free hot lunch & snacks • All trained, state licensed teachers on staff • Daily swim lessons in our 2 inground pools • 25 acre lake for boating & fishing • Horsemanship included • Basketball, Baseball, Street Hockey, Tennis, Soccer, Volleyball, Kickball, Newcomb, Archery & More • Treehouse with nature instruction • Ropes course with zip line & climbing wall • Arts and crafts, nature, music, talent shows and cooking • Weekly trips included: baseball games, bowling, roller skating, blueberry farm • Door-to-door transportation
Campground Location Waterford-Blue Anchor Road (App. 4 miles from Berlin Circle)
Waterford www.greattimesdaycamp.com
609.567.2166
Sunday, April 18, 2010 Sunday, May 16, 2010 1:00PM to 3:30PM