Sangha: Incorporating Social Skills

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He loved mathematics. Hoffer dominated the conversation, raising questions about various elements of calculus, trigonometry, etc.

It lasted for over two hours. The professor tried to return to the topic of automation. He was unable to do so. Hoffer wanted to talk about mathematics. I did not engage as these subjects were beyond my ability to comprehend. I did, however, listen and watch. It was, of course, interesting. Unknown to Hoffer and myself, the visitor and our visit would have national significance.

Now that 55 years have passed since that visit with the visitor, added background is revealed. Hoffer died in 1983. The mathematics professor died last month at the age of 81. He was serving a lifetime term in prison. His name was Ted Kaczynski. He became nationally notorious in the decades that followed our visit. It was not, however, for his brilliance with mathematics. It was for his criminal mind and activities. He became known by another name – the Unabomber.

Kaczynski’s crimes have become among the most studied in criminal history. A brilliant mathematician – educated at Harvard and teaching at Berke- ley – these were high credentials in the world of academics and education. Yet, he became a killer who frightened a nation because of the unexpected and untraceable nature of his crimes. He was also unidentified for many years, except for his nickname – the Unabomber.

The unusuality of this visit that occurred long ago is palpable. The unexpected happened with a person that went unidentified for years, except for his nickname. The manhunt to identify and capture him is considered to be the largest in FBI history. He ended up being identified through fortuitous circumstances – identified by his writing style in a manifesto that was published by the Washington Post. It was titled “Industrial Society and Its Future.” In his article, Kaczynski references several factors that Hoffer had written about in prior writings. Hence, the connection.

It was this connection that led to the visit that occurred 55 years ago. There was no indication that the mathematics professor would become a mass killer that would terrify a nation. If only we had known, we would have picked up a phone to alert those who needed to know. It was a chance visit with the person who would become one of the most notorious criminals in our nation’s history.

HOROSCOPE by Salomé © 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Keep a lid on your temper, despite any attempts made by someone who might be trying to goad the Sheep into flaring up. Staying cool helps put your adversary into a deep freeze.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): All you Ferdinands and Fernandas need to take time to smell the flowers. You’ve worked hard. Now, stop and indulge yourself with the vacation you so richly deserve.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): There’s good news for single Geminis who feel incomplete without someone special in their lives. A peek at Cupid’s checklist reveals that a Scorpio or Virgo will soon be knocking on your door.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Don’t fret if things at work might be going too slowly for you. Everything’s on track. Meanwhile, gather your family and friends for a lovely summer outing.

LEO (July 23 - August 22): You might feel you’re being virtuous dedicating all this time to your project. But a little time off for summer fun with loved ones will help you relax and refill your energy reservoir.

VIRGO (August 23 - Sept. 22): Your emotions might mislead you, but not your instincts. Do what you know to be right, even if you’d rather make other choices. Time will show that you chose well.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - October 22): This could be a good time to reevaluate some of the business decisions you’ve made during the past several months. A new advisor offers some much-needed counsel.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): A personal challenge involving someone close to you needs precisely the kind of courage and honesty you can bring to the situation. Go to it -- and good luck.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): Continue to build your self-confidence by taking additional steps to assert your rights Cheer up. The process gets easier with each clear-cut victory.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19): Despite your keen Capricornean sense of what’s right and what’s not, you still need facts to back up suspicions about a co-worker. Bide your time. The truth will come out.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18): A relationship you hope to save might seem too far gone to be rescued. But continue working with your partner to try to mend the misunderstanding.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20): You need to keep your emotional side in check and let your logical self sort out the problem that threatens a longtime association. Expect some hidden truths to be revealed.

The kids worked in a team—taking turns holding the signs, delivering the lemonade, collecting donations, and pouring the drinks. Some of the kids did not know one another; however, since they were tasked with a shared goal, they instantly built a relationship toward completing their mission—and did so joyfully. There was a real feeling of accomplishment and a sense of purpose to their duties. And they poured that into every cup of lemonade.

Teaching social skills can be incorporated into your child’s life simply by using your everyday experiences. Here are some ways you can put this into practice:

1. Communication: Ask your child to lead the communication at the check stand when you go to the grocery store. Practice “small talk” with the cashier and even have them complete the transaction by helping to make the payment.

2. Collaboration and Teamwork: Decide on a shared goal; maybe host a family yard sale and ask your child to plan and lead its execution. Keep it small and easy, but let your child make the decisions and work with them to problem solve.

3. Flexibility: Brainstorm scenarios with your child where plans change; they need to model being flexible and finding alternatives. Have your child think of options beforehand while planning activities and help them pivot to them when needed.

By instilling social skills in children early on, we equip them with a strong foundation for success in the workplace and beyond. However, it’s im- portant to note that social skill development is an ongoing process, and continued support and reinforcement throughout our kids’ lives can further enhance their abilities to thrive in various professional and personal settings. Give it a try.

Jagmeet Kaur Sangha is a board-certified Behavior Analyst who lives in Castro Valley. Her organization, Behavior Pivot Consulting, partners with organizations to cultivate neuro-inclusive environments that understand brain-based differences and promote men- tal wellbeing. For more, information, please visit: www. behaviorpivot.com

Gun: Reform Needed

continued from page 5 which combats three-dimensional (3D) printed ghost guns by making it illegal to print, possess or distribute designs for a 3D printed gun and AB 1420 (Berman) to strengthen and improve oversight over gun dealers.

“There is too much gun violence in our community. Too often anger, resentment and unresolved mental health challenges meet and cause injuries or death to our community members. We must combat the influx of ghost guns, keep guns from those who cannot legally possess one, and support victims of gun violence,” added Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price.

Emily Viola McManus

March 17, 1984 ~ May 23, 2023

Emily Viola McManus (39) passed away on May 23, 2023. Emily was welcomed to this earth by Stephen and Beverly McManus on St. Patrick’s Day in 1984, and she spent her early years in San Francisco. When she was seven, the McManus family moved to Castro Valley. Emily’s Elementary School years at Stanton Elementary and the San Francisco Waldorf School enabled her to hone her artistic nature, and as a teen, she excelled at Creekside Middle School and then Castro Valley High School. She was accepted into the Honors Program at Cal State Chico, and then transferred to New York University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude, with a major in Writing and Literature. Her love of children and teaching led her to the Master’s program at Rudolf Steiner College and to her career in education.

Emily taught in the San Francisco Unified School District for over a decade. As the Teacher-Librarian at Martin Luther King. Jr. Academic Middle School in San Francisco for the past eight years, Emily loved (and was loved by) her students, and made sure that each was seen as valued members of the community. She inspired students to read, and created innovative ways to help them build their reading skills while having fun, including a Makers’ Space for crafting, student activity clubs, and a Doll Library, where students could check out a doll to read stories to and care for. Emily was recognized as a collaborative colleague with kindred spirits who shared her passion for education and literacy.

Emily loved traveling, especially to the coast and to New York City, and relished orchestrating elaborate and memorable family gatherings, like picnics in the redwoods, themed parties, and weekend getaways. A prolific writer and artist, Emily also loved music, and was never happier than when singing with her talented circle of friends at San Francisco’s landmark Mint Karaoke Lounge, enjoying Opera in the Park, and attending Broadway shows.

Emily unexpectedly died after a brief illness, and she is now in the tender embrace of the loved ones who preceded her, including her father Steve, grandparents Trev & Sylvia Blazzard and Dell & Marcia McManus, and the love of her life, Christopher Torres. She is survived by her mother Beverly McManus, her sister Mary Ella Dugger (Jerry), and her nephew Miles and niece Molly, along with a large circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, students, colleagues, and friends.

Because Emily was passionate about children’s literacy throughout her life, the Emily McManus Memorial for Children’s Literacy GoFundMe has been established so that those who loved her or whose lives she touched can help continue her legacy. Emily’s life can be an inspiration to hone our own creative outlets, to love well and deeply, and to create fun in whatever we undertake. There will be a private family interment.