TOWN TOPICS, PRINCETON, N.J., WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013 • 20
BACK TO SCHOOL Experts, Organizations, and Schools Offer Help To Siblings of Disabled Children Facing Challenges
A
lmost six million children in the United States are living with disabilities. Most of these children have brothers and sisters. The effect of the disability reaches every family member, influences many, if not most, aspects of family life, and can have a deep impact
on the child’s siblings. At any given time, a brother or sister can be embarrassed, annoyed, upset, angry, sorry, understanding, compas sionate, or even proud of the special needs child’s behavior. Depending on the type and extent of the disability, siblings may feel left out and resent the extra
attention the disabled child needs and receives from their parents. Uncertainty, confusion, and frustration about what to expect from their sibling’s moods and attitudes can also lead to anxiety and worry. Sometimes, siblings will act out, displaying their own negative behavior. In contrast, some children try to be “perfect�, somehow trying to lessen their parents’ stress. The pressure on parents to balance the needs of their normally-developing children with those of their special needs child can be enormous. Even when they try their best to be as evenhanded as possible with all their kids, they are often surprised to learn later what their children are really thinking. A Princeton resident and mother of two grown children, one of whom is autistic, had such an experience. “My son was diagnosed with autism at three years old. My daughter was six and a half, and we told her about his diagnosis and that he needed to learn differently than she, and that he needed special therapy.� “Sibling Day� “His limited speech resulted in difficulty communicating his wants and needs, and he had also lost the ability to point,� she explains. “He had to be taught to point again to show us what he wanted. There were many tantrums, but he was always very lovable and did not avoid touch.� At four, he was able to attend the Eden Institute, and this made a big difference, she adds. “This helped our
situation at home immensely, as they provided us with support, training, and education. They even provided ‘Sibling Day’ for our daughter and other siblings. It included a sibling support group as well as giving them a chance to work with the autistic sibling.� She explains that outwardly her daughter seemed to accept the situation. “She did not act out or show resentment. We are friends with other families with autistic kids so she knew that she was not the only sibling dealing with it. She was also extremely involved in watching his therapy. Of course, he needed more attention, but we made sure to take our daughter on special outings just for her.� Years later, the mother was surprised when her now grown daughter shared her feelings and concerns about her brother. “We found out that even at a young age, our daughter felt that she would have to be responsible for him when he got older, even though we had told her not to be concerned about that.� This is not unusual, points out Princeton resident and psychologist Terri David, PhD. “As children age into adolescence and wider awareness and approaching adulthood, they may begin to worry about having to care for their disabled sibling later in life.� A variety of factors can affect the siblings’ attitude toward the special needs child. These include the age of the siblings, the number of children in the family, personality traits, and parental guidance, notes Dr. David. Emotional Reactions “You nger children are more prone to direct emo-
tional reactions, unfiltered by intellec t,� she adds. “They may include resentment over being replaced as the focus of the parents’ attention, especially if the disabled child requires lots of it. Older children, as they learn more about the world around them, may become more protective of their disabled sibling, particularly if they see the sibling bullied in school or the neighborhood. Yet that same feeling of protectiveness may not linger inside the home. “Another factor is when the siblings are older or younger than the disabled sibling. If older, they may resent being displaced as the ‘apple of their parents’ eye’, which is often the case, even with a non-disabled sibling, but is exacerbated by the additional attention demanded by the needs of the disability. “If the sibling is younger, there may still be that resentment, not of being replaced, as that is not the issue, just not of getting the attention needed by that child,� continues Dr. David. “As a school-age child, there may be embarrassment at being connected to the disabled sibling, and sometimes inner shame at the embarrassment.� The personalities of the siblings is another component, she adds. “Some children adjust more easily to obstacles, change, etc., while some find this quite difficult. Some children are inherently anxious, others not. Another factor is the number of siblings in the family. If there are only two — the disabled sibling and the non-disabled — the latter will tend to shoulder a large burden, both emotionally and practically. But if there are more than two children, that burden is shared, and
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
,'+ 1/ 1+" 5 !0, #. 0& $,. ,1. -#+ ,1/#
#.2'+% %. "#/ 0&.,1%& +" -,/0 %. "1 0#/ 333 &1+/!&,,) ,.%
the siblings have a support system within the family.� No less a vital factor is the parents’ influence,� she continues. “The degree to which the parent helps or hinders the adaptation of the nondisabled sibling is itself dependent upon the parent’s own personality, level of education, emotional wellbeing, etc. To the degree that the parents themselves have accepted the disabled sibling and understand his/ her needs, those parents will be better equipped to meet the needs of their other children. “Children have great powers of understanding if allowed to express them, which requires first that they have the conditions and needs of their sibling explained to them, in age-based terms, in a calm manner, while also discussing the effect on the sibling, not negating it. Allowing the child permission to have emotional reactions and to express them appropriately to their parents is important.� Family Dinner Sue DiDonato, interim special education director of the Robbinsville School District, agrees that the parents’ role is crucial. “Generally speaking, I believe that most siblings react with empathy and compassion, which may be directly related to how the parents handle the added pressure that they encounter in a child with disabilities.� Depending on the severity of the disability and other variables, the impact ranges from minimal to significant, continues Ms. DiDonato. “For some families, a simple family dinner in a restaurant or day at a theme park can be challenging. There are often financial and medical pressures as well.� Ms. DiDonato also points out that siblings may experience different emotions, such as guilt, sadness, anger, jealously, embarrassment, and even a heightened sense of responsibility. “Some children feel added pressure to be ‘perfect’ to avoid any added stress for their parents. “Most families work out these issues, as do other families when one child is very bright, or is a gifted athlete, or talented dancer, etc. However, in the case of siblings of special needs children, there is more specialized support available when ne e de d t hrough pr ivate therapists, psychologists, social workers, and school guidance counselors.� Some parents take a very active role in sharing their child’s (both the disabled and the non-disabled sibling(s)) experience with others. My Holly: A Story of A Brother’s Understanding and Acceptance was written by Julie Leavitt Wolfe, the mother of two children, Ryan and Sydney. Severely disabled when she suffered a stroke at the age of one, Sydney is now three years old. The book is dedicated Continued on Next Page
Continued from Preceding Page
to Ms. Wolfe’s son Ryan. Like a Baby The story is told in the words of “Jack� about his younger sister “Holly�, and covers the range of Jack’s emotions and attitudes toward Holly. These include s ad nes s, conf usion, an noyance, resentment, acceptance, love, and even pride. As Jack says, “The thing is Holly isn’t like most threeyear-olds. To me, I just think she looks like a baby! When Holly finally came home from the hospital, things weren’t really the same because I had to get used to sharing my mom and dad’s attention, and Holly took up a LOT of their attention. “I never wanted to help out with anything that had to do with Holly either. She wasn’t any fun, and sometimes I secretly wished she weren’t around. Then I’d feel bad for feeling that way — I knew it wasn’t Holly’s fault that she couldn’t do stuff.� But, he adds, “Holly is kinda cute. She always smiles or laughs at me no matter what I’m doing.� The tendency of some disabled children to express enjoyment from simple pleasures is exemplified by a child with Down Syndrome, who is the third child in a family of six children. Now 15, Catherine is, as described by her father, “funny, kind, entertaining, and caring. Without fail, she lights up and smiles and says hello to anyone she sees, and wants to interact with them. “Also, she teaches us more than we teach her. She reminds us what is important, as she is so unfazed and unaffected by all the nonsense, pressures, and negative factors out there. She is very trusting, happy, and content, lives in and enjoys the moment.� Constant Smile Catherine attends a public high school, but is in special classes for many subjects. She also has an aide with her for other classes. She has an individualized education plan (IEP) in which the principal, teachers, aides, occupational, speech, and physical therapists, and pare nt s a l l have i nput, and set specific goals for her each quarter. This has worked very well for her, as her father notes. “She loves school; the teachers rave about her attitude, work ethic, her constant smile. She speaks, waves, and says hi to everyone. “I have noticed that some of the kids do laugh or just look at her oddly in some situations, but that is mostly from kids who don’t know her or haven’t been exposed to someone like her.� Catherine’s siblings have been very supportive, he adds. “I think they all realize how hard she works and tries, and appreciate her positive, cheerful attitude. They say they aren’t embarrassed by her — only when she does something odd or dances or sings or gestures loudly inappropriately in public. But she listens to them, and they are able to redirect her or suggest she not do something.� Catherine’s younger sister Mary has said she sometimes wishes she had a “regular� older sister, so she could
share “girl talk� and confide in her. Mary is probably the closest to Catherine, as they share a room, and she often helps Catherine. Occasionally, Mary becomes impatient, but really not much more than any 12-year-old would with, in her words, an “annoying� or “taking too much time in the bathroom, dressing, getting ready�, etc. regular sibling. Mary has also said that it has been nice in one way, since she has had Catherine longer to play with than if she were off doing her own thing, as many 15-year-olds would do. In some ways, it has made them even closer. “Catherine is eager to participate in every activity,� adds her father. “She is very perceptive about others’ feelings, tone, mood, etc. She has not a mean bone in her body, and lives in the moment, has strong likes, follows a pretty clear routine, likes order and structure, and has a really good memory.� Inclusive Education Catherine’s positive experience in school and other social activities brings her into contact with many different people, and this is not only a benefit to her but to the others as well. As Dr. Terri David points out, “The aura of acceptance in the school or neighborhood has recently been improving, particularly since the advent and increase of inclusive education of special needs children in regular education schools and classrooms. This has served to unmask and demystify the disabilities and the children who have them, making life easier for them and therefore for their siblings.� Princeton resident and learning consultant Suzanne Hunt agrees that inclusion of special needs kids in regular classrooms can be beneficial for everyone. “In my work, I was case manager for a student who was moderately handicapped with a learning disability as the result of seizures she experienced as a very young child. She had a wonderfully supportive family which included a brother and sister. Her sib-
lings were involved in the help that was provided for her as she moved through her school years. “Her brother became especially interested in the interventions at home and school, and as a result, he made the decision to become a doctor, to study and learn more about how to help children like his sister. Today, he is a practicing physician. “In the area of special education, there are teachers who entered the field either because they had a family member with special needs or because they themselves experienced some learning difficulty as they were growing up,� continues Ms. Hunt. “I became a reading specialist because in the first year of my teaching, a student in my seventh grade class could not read, and I felt unprepared to give him the help he needed. I resolved to be able to assist any student like him who came into my class in the future.� Helping children to learn about and understand the needs of their special needs sibling is the mission of many organizations. The National Dissemination For Children with Disabilities can put people in touch with resources and support groups. The Carer National Association supports “young carers�, whom it describes “as anyone under the age of 18 whose life is in some way restricted because of the need to take responsibil-
ity for the care of a person, who is ill or has a disability. These restrictions may include, among others, having their schooling affected, not being able to do day-today activities, and being deprived of opportunities to see friends.� Similar Circumstances The organization also sets up Sibling Support Groups, allowing siblings the chance to get together with other young people who have similar family circumstances. They can exchange advice, information, and share experiences.
4IGERZ &ENCING !CADEMY at atŠŠ0RINCETON Princeton University +BEXJO (ZN
(University campus)
Gi`mXk\ Klkfi :\ik`Ă”\[ k\XZ_\i B$/ cffb`e^ ]fi X ]\n jkl$ [\ekj kf gifm`[\ `e[`m`[lXc`q\[ c\Xie`e^ `e cXe^lX^\ Xikj# i\X[`e^ i\X[`e\jj Xe[ i\X[`e^ Zfdgi\_\ej`fe% @ Xd [\[`ZXk\[# gXk`\ek#Xe[ i\jlckj fi`\ek\[% @ jg\Z`Xc`q\ `e [\m\cfg`e^ X gXjj`fe ]fi c\Xie`e^ Xe[ j\c] ZfeĂ”[\eZ\ `e jZ_ffc% 8ZZ\gk`e^ B$^iX[\ / jkl[\ekj% :fem\e`\ekcp cfZXk\[ `e k_\ d`[[c\ f] Gi`eZ\kfe Xe[ Dfek$ ^fd\ip kfnej_`g% J\k iXk\ +' g\i c\jjfe% :fekXZk d\ kf[Xp kf i\j\im\ X jgfk Xj jgXZ$ \j n`cc Y\ c`d`k\[% DXi`cpe 0.'$.-0$+'*(%
Continued on Page 23.
Personalized care for you and your family as well as modern, up-to-date equipment you can trust. $0.165&3 (&/&3"5&% 9 3":4 t */53" 03"- $".&3" 7*46"- &91-"/"5*0/ $&*-*/( .06/5&% 5 7 4
Gentle care for the sensitive patient. Emergencies Welcomed • Most Insurance Accepted • Saturday & Evening App’ts
609-924-8300 James J. Cally, D.M.D. Montgomery Knoll Complex, 192 Tamarack Circle, Rt. 206, Skillman, NJ www.mysmiledoc.com
Sign up for Beginner or Advanced $MBTTFT JO BMM UISFF XFBQPOT Classes run from Sept. 3 – Nov. 30, 2013 #FHJOOFS DMBTT t "EWBODFE DMBTT 1SJDFT BSF JODMVEF NFNCFSTIJQ BENJOJTUSBUJPO GFFT
#SJOH B GSJFOE *G TIF IF TJHOT VQ ZPV XJMM HFU EJTDPVOU 0XO FMFDUSJD GFODJOH FRVJQNFOU JT SFRVJSFE t 0OF PG UIF CFTU GBDJMJUJFT JO UIF 64 t PGmDJBM FMFDUSJD NFUBM TUSJQT t *WZ $IBNQJPO /$"" $IBNQJPO DPBDIFT t 0QFO UP BHFT UISPVHI BEVMU BU BOZ MFWFM t (SPVQ BOE JOEJWJEVBM MFTTPOT BSF BWBJMBCMF JO GPJM FQFF BOE TBCFS t 'PS TBCFS JOEJWJEVBM PS HSPVQ MFTTPOT DBMM
'03 */'03."5*0/ $"-- r &NBJM [PMUBO!UJHFS[GFODJOH DPN r XFCTJUF XXX UJHFS[GFODJOH DPN
VIGOR not
RIGOR Consider The Pennington School if you can think for yourself, like to be creative, have fun, and believe that the arts, athletics, and service are just as important as academic excellence. We are an extraordinary, diverse, and empowering community. Talk with us.
OPEN HOUSE Sunday, October 20, 2013, 2 pm to 4 pm Grades 6–12 coeducational, day and boarding
609 737 6128 | admiss@pennington.org | www.pennington.org
21 • TOWN TOPICS, PRINCETON, N.J., WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013
Disabled Children Siblings
TOWN TOPICS, PRINCETON, N.J., WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013 • 22
COLD SOIL ROAD PRINCETON, NJ 08540
" " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " '" '""" " " " " " " " """ '" " '" " " " " (( & &""
TRENTON FARMERS MKT SPRUCE STREET
! ď€
AN APPLE IN EVERY LUNCHBOX
" " %" '" '" '""
" " ""
www.princetonfriendsschool.org
#+,*"""""""""" ) "" $,.((#+,*"""""""""" ) /-" " """"""""""!*$ /-" " """"""""""!*$(($,. ď€
Organic Vegetables Ginger Gold Apples 1FBST r 1FBDIFT Nectarines
PYO
at Van Kirk Road Opening Labor Day Weekend
Educating the Mind, Nurturing the Spirit
APPLE DAYS Sept. 14 and 15 10 to 5 (609) 924-2310
Read and Pick: Apples
Parents and young children are welcome to celebrate everything wonderful about apples. $7 per child. Pre-registration is requested. Tues,

 August

 27

 •

 Two

 Sessions:

 9:30

 and

 11am Cold Soil Rd. 0QFO .PO 'SJ UP r 4BU 4VO UP r XXX UFSIVOFPSDIBSET DPN
"QQMJDBUJPOT BSF DVSSFOUMZ CFJOH BDDFQUFE GPS Additional information can be found at www.nassaunursery.org or by calling 609.466.4499 Founded over 45 years ago, Nassau Nursery School is a cooperative nursery school situated just steps from downtown Princeton, NJ at Trinity Church. Through creative daily curriculum and extensive special program offerings, Nassau Nursery School provides a uniquely inspiring learning environment for children ages two and a half through junior kindergarten.
Since 1982
A co-educational, progressive, Quaker day school welcoming students in pre-K through grade 8.
Town Topics | 609.683.1194 1/4 page ad| 5.125w x 8h 470 Quaker Road, Princeton www.princetonfriendsschool.org
REGISTRATION FOR
FALL CLASSES NOW OPEN!
Exciting new offerings as well as returning favorites for Children, Teens & Adults Register online, call or come in! Classes begin September 23 PAUL ROBESON CENTER FOR THE ARTS 102 Witherspoon St, Princeton 609-924-8777
artscouncilofprinceton.org
Continued from Page 21.
In addition, the Sibling Support Project is a national program focused on to the interests of brothers and sisters of those who have special health, developmental, or mental health concerns. T he E den I ns t it ute i n Princeton is dedicated to helping autistic children, and it of fers an annual three-hour sibling day, notes school counselor Dina Kormondy. “Siblings are divided into age-appropriate groups, ranging from five to 15 years old. They take part in discussion groups, activities with their autistic sibling, and even attend a short workshop run by our speech department on sign language or the use of augmentative devices. Older students have
an opportunity to observe their siblings working with their teachers. “The discussion portion of the day is helpful in that the visiting siblings share experiences in an open and nonthreatening atmosphere. We let them know that all emotions are okay. We find that our young visitors are exceptionally caring and compassionate, often telling us that though their sibling with autism may “act weird� or do things that embarrass them, they still love them. “A l s o, d u r i n g t h e P E groups we have, the siblings have the chance to interact. This is often the best part of the day for the kids, since a real challenge at home for the families is finding activities that all the siblings can participate in together, regardless of their age and
ability levels. In addition, Ms. Kormondy points out that when siblings see the their autistic brother or sister perform in school, they are very impressed. “Another challenge for our students and families is the generalization of skills from the school to the home environment. I’ve had an older sibling return from a visit to a classroom simply amazed at how her brother could independently unload the dishwasher and and set the table. While she was amazed, she also told me that she’d be informing her parents that her brother should also have some chores at home, since he was so good at these tasks!� Similar Programs Other schools, including
Continued on Next Page
Cambridge School Proven Leader In educating students with Dyslexia and other Language-Based Learning Differences Cambridge
 
 is
 
 a
 
 nurturing,
 
 multi-Âsensory,
 
  co-Âeducational
 
 day
 
 school,
 
 grades
 
 K-Â8
 
  utilizing
 
 state-Âof-Âthe
 
 art
 
 technology Contact
 
 the
 
 Admission
 
 OfďŹ ce
 
 at
 
 609-Â730-Â9553, visit
 
 us
 
 at
 
 www.thecambridgeschool.org, follow us on Facebook 100
 
 Straube
 
 Center
 
 Boulevard,
 
  Pennington,
 
 NJ
 
 08534 Accredited
 
 by
 
 the
 
  Middle
 
 States
 
 Commission
 
  on
 
 Elementary
 
 Schools
Chihuly Student Artwork
Where Children Who Learn Differently Thrive
- * . / . 0 * 0 ) 1 / *2/ 3,(
$ % ! ! " "&' ()( % ! # $ ! % " "&' ()(
* ! # $ ! & " +& ()(
* ! # $ ! " ,& -()(
! " #
OPEN HOUSE Saturday, September 7
th
9AM – 12PM
See why PDT offers the area's finest dance education.
Photos by Rosalie O'Connor and Melissa Ackerman
Meet PDT’s world-class staff and take FREE classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Hip-Hop.
gin
s be e s s a l C
r e b m e Sept th
16
“Dance lives here.�
Please visit www.princetondance.com for Open House schedule.
Forrestal Village , 116 Rockingham Row , Princeton, NJ 08540 , 609-514 -1600
23 • TOWN TOPICS, PRINCETON, N.J., WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013
Disabled Children Siblings
TOWN TOPICS, PRINCETON, N.J., WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013 • 24
The Laurel School of Princeton, have similar programs. The Laurel School for children with dyslexia works closely with families and siblings. That so many parents and siblings of disabled children are able to provide the best family life they can under the most difficult circumstances is really a tribute to the human spirit and the ability to face adversity with kindness and grace. One cannot always know the feelings and underlying concerns that are circulating among the siblings of disabled children. Many times they surprise their parents, when they reveal the extent to which they have been affected and influenced by their special needs sibling. Catherine’s older brother, Dan, wrote the following essay for school, titled “A Personal Statement”, which included the following. “There are some things in life that may have positive or negative effects on someone. Maybe it’s something that seems so negative but somehow has a positive effect. This is the case for me. “Coming from a large family of six children, my closest sibling is my 15-year-old sister Catherine, who has Down Syndrome. Most of the time, I think ‘Why her?’ and I sometimes feel sorry for her. Then I realize all the good things that come from this. Most people don’t look at the good things that can come from this. I am so appreciative of her because of the way she rubs off on me. Catherine has taught me to be very tolerant, patient, and compassionate. Seeing the way she enjoys life while always wearing a smile helps me to appreciate the small things in life and to take nothing for granted. “If anything, having somebody like Catherine in our family betters everyone. She teaches us all to work together and get along as best as possible, which are both key factors in having a big family. The word that comes to mind when I think of her is motivation. Watching her going through all the struggles she had to overcome makes me want to work harder for whatever I want to accomplish. Just about any goal that I’ve reached in life I would like to attribute to her. Whether it’s excelling at the sports I play or making good grades in school, she helped me do it. Catherine is one of my biggest role models in life. She will continue to be as I strive to keep excelling and to stay on track. Catherine is my hero.” —Jean Stratton
Rider
Furniture
Starting in September
… 2012 National Blue Ribbon School Of Excellence
“BABY & ME”
… Proven Successful K-8 Co-Ed School
Mindful Parenting with your Baby from Birth-14 Months
… Proud to Announce our New Preschool Opening September 2013 ... Nurturing Catholic School Environment
Wednesdays 9:00-10:30 AM
... A Dedicated, Experienced Faculty ... A Family-Oriented Community
Register online by visiting princetonmontessori.org Click on Mommy & Me under Programs
... Affordable Tuition and Financial Aid
Princeton Montessori School Infant - 8th grade
OPEN HOUSE
Teaching Children the Way They Learn Best
Sunday October 20, 2013 11:00am to 2:00pm
Tours on Thursdays 9:00 AM or by appointment www.princetonmontessori.org #HERRY 6ALLEY 2OAD 0RINCETON s ACCREDITED BY:
American Montessori Society (AMS)
National Council for Private School Accreditation
Middle States Association (MSA)
After graduating from Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, Caroline McCarthy received degrees in History of Science and Creative Writing from Princeton in 2006. Since then, she has built a reputation as a rising star, earning her the #1 spot on Forbes’ Tech’s Twenty Most Media Connected Writers in 2010, and landing her on the 30 Under 30 in Media list in 2012.
Caroline began her career blogging about digital advertising, social media, entrepreneurship, and innovation which led to a position as a columnist for CNET.com in 2007. She has appeared on national TV and radio as a commentator on digital media, including NBC’s Today, CBS’ The Early Show, NPR’s Talk of the Nation, as well as CNBC, Fox Business, BBC America and G4.
It’s hard to imagine that in 9 short years, Caroline went from a Stuart graduate to a leadership role at Google, but that’s exactly what she did. By 2011, she was Managing Editor of Google’s Think
Stuart is an independent K-12 school founded in 1963 just for girls. We believe that in developing
Quarterly journal. And in 2012, she became a
the mind, body and spirit together, a Stuart education produces young women leaders who
Google+ Marketing Manager, working with some
think critically, creatively and ethically. Our challenging curriculum takes advantage of the way
Being a Stuart graduate means you carry
agents for positive change in our world.
with you a responsibility for challenging your community and yourself. Caroline serves as Vice Chair of the board of directors at MOUSE,
“Fine Quality Home Furnishings at Substantial Savings”
4621 Route 27 Kingston, NJ
609-924-0147 www.riderfurniture.com Mon-Fri 10-6; Sat 10-5; Sun 12-5 AmEx, M/C & Visa
improve their schools through technology. She is a global ambassador for Ladies Trekking, which connects women who love the outdoors with causes in the places where they climb, and in 2013, Caroline climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Wednesday October 16, 6–8 PM Thursday November 7, 9 AM–2 PM Sunday January 12, 1–3 PM
THINK. LEAD. CHANGE.
25 • TOWN TOPICS, PRINCETON, N.J., WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013
Back To School In Style 2013
TOWN TOPICS 4 Hulfish St. Princeton NJ 08542 609-924-1188
Open 7 days a week! www.lajoliesalonspa.com
La Jolie
Chosen
Top Salons nationwide
Salon&Spa
Westerly Learning Center
Congratulations to our amazing team of Stylists, Colorists, Spa Technicians and Guest Advisors! It is because of your artistic aptitude, professionalism and devotion to your craft that you continue to receive accolades from your peers.
Princeton
Visit any one of our talented Stylists or Spa Technicians and discover for yourself why La Jolie Salon & Spa was chosen as one of the Top 200 Salons in the country.
“College Ready�
Gift certificate purchases for Valentines on sale now & receive a complimentary gift. Visit us on Facebook to view all of our events and specials.
academic enrichment programs for homeschoolers ages 5+
10% Student Discounts 4VOEBZT 5VFTEBZT .VTU 1SFTFOU 7BMJE 4DIPPM *%
OPX JOUSPEVDJOH TLJO BOE CPEZ DBSF 4 Hulfish Street Princeton t XXX MBKPMJFTBMPOTQB DPN
OPEN HOUSE Thursday, September 5 at 1 pm Academic Excellence Moral Integrity
Christian Foundation
www.westerlylearningcenter.org
Early Childhood Center at Har Sinai Temple Building the Hearts and Minds of Our Community’s Next Generation
your community music school
t $SFBUF t &YQMPSF t -FBSO t (SPX t &YQFSJNFOU t #VJME t 3FTQFDU t -JTUFO t %JTDPWFS t &YQFSJFODF t *OUFSBDU t "DDPNQMJTI t %FWFMPQ t 1MBZ t 5ISJWF
Preschool classes 2 ½ year olds, 3 year olds, 4 year olds and pre-Kindergarten Warm, nurturing environment, experienced teachers
Toddler Time Together 15 – 24 month olds Arts
 
 and
 
 cra
 
 s
 
 and
 
 music
 
 fun
I’ve Got Rhythm
6 – 14 month old children’s music class Instruments
 
 and
 
 fun
 
 for
 
 everyone
Register Now for Fall 2013
2421 Pennington Road Pennington, New Jersey 08534 Phone
 
 (609)
 
 730-Ââ€?8100
 
 •
 
 Fax
 
 (609)
 
 730-Ââ€?8400 e-mail: magdahst@aol.com
TOWN TOPICS, PRINCETON, N.J., WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013 • 28
Safe Driving Tips for Today’s Teenagers In the Age of Texting and Smart Phones s MILLON ACCIDENTS IN s INJURIES EVER Y YEAR s DEATHS IN TEEN DEATHS EVERY DAY s .EARLY PERCENT OF ALL CAR ACCIDENTS x 7HAT DO THESE ALARMING STATISTICS HAVE IN COMMON !LL ARE RELATED TO TEXTING OR TALKING ON A HAND HELD PHONE WHILE DRIVING !ND THIS IS NOT ALL )N AD DITION TO THE ABOVE CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING s 4EXTING WHILE DRIVING IS ABOUT SIX TIMES MORE LIKELY TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT THAN DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED s ! DRIVER IS TIMES MORE LIKELY TO BE IN AN ACCIDENT WHEN TEXTING WHILE DRIV ING s 4EXTING SLOWS BRAKE REAC TION BY PERCENT h)T REMOVES THE MIND FROM DRIVING REMOVES YOUR HANDS FROM THE WHEEL REMOVES YOUR EYES FROM THE ROAD v EXPLAINS 3ANDY 3PAVONE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF 4HE .ATIONAL /RGANIZATION FOR 9OUTH 3AFETY ! 6IRGINIA 4ECH TRANSPOR TATION STUDY REPORTS THAT TEXT MESSAGING DIVERTS A DRIVER S ATTENTION FROM THE ROAD AN AVERAGE OF SECONDS )F THE SPEED IS M P H THAT IS EQUIVALENT TO DRIVING THE LENGTH OF A FOOTBALL FIELD BLINDFOLDED Major Participants 4HE ADVENT OF CELL PHONES AND IN PARTICULAR TEXTING HAVE ADDED A NEW COMPO NENT TO THE RISKS FOR DRIV ERS TODAY 7HILE USE OF CELL PHONES AND TEXTING WHEN DRIVING ARE NOT EXCLUSIVELY THE DOMAIN OF TEENS THEY ARE THE MAJOR PARTICIPANTS !CCORDING TO A .IELSEN STUDY THE TYPICAL TEEN SENDS TEXT MESSAGES PER DAY 4HIS TRANSLATES TO TEXTS PER MONTH &URTHER ! .A TIONAL -UTUAL )NSURANCE SUR VEY FOUND THAT PERCENT OF PEOPLE AGES TO TEXT WHILE DRIVING /THER SURVEYS CITED BY 4HE .ATIONAL (IGHWAY 4RAFFIC 3AFETY !DMINISTRATION SUG GEST THAT MORE THAN DRIVERS ARE TEXTING AT ANY G IVEN DAYLIGHT MOM ENT WHILE MORE THAN DRIVERS ARE USING HAND HELD PHONES WHILE DRIVING ! SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE !MERICAN !UTOMOBILE !S SOCIATION !!! FOUND THAT TEENS WHO TEXT WHILE DRIVING SEND AN AVERAGE OF TEXTS MONTHLY WHILE DRIVING AND MANY OF THESE ARE NOT JUST ONE MESSAGE BUT CONTINUAL BACK AND FORTH hCONVERSA TIONSv !LMOST IN TEEN DRIVERS PERCENT HAVE DRIVEN WHILE DISTRACTED EVEN THOUGH PERCENT SAY THEY KNOW THEY SHOULDN T !S A YEAR OLD DRIVER NOTED h) THINK THE PROBLEM WITH DISTRACTED DRIVING IS NOT SO MUCH THAT PEOPLE ARE UN INFORMED ˆ EVERY TEEN HAS HEARD TIME AND TIME AGAIN HOW BAD THIS CAN BE WITH OR WITHOUT DRIVER S ED (OW EVER THE LAW IS HARD TO EN FORCE BEFORE A PROBLEM OC CURS BECAUSE IT IS NOT ALWAYS AS OBVIOUS AS SOMETHING LIKE SPEEDING "ETWEEN THE REBELLIOUS NATURE OF TEENS AND THE FREQUENT LACK OF PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT TEENS SUCCESSFULLY SEND A QUICK TEXT OR TAKE A CALL ONCE AND THEN FEEL INVINCIBLE BEHIND
IS DISTRACTED BY SENDING OR TOTAL DRIVING ATTENTION STEIN MANAGER OF 3AFETY RECEIVING A TEXT MESSAGE h7HEN IT COMES TO CELL &IRST $RIVING 3CHOOL IN +EN $RIVING SCHOOLS ALSO PLAY PHONES WE HAVE THE STU DALL 0ARK h7E MAKE THEM AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN SHAP DENTS SILENCE ALL PHONES AT AWARE OF THE LAWS AND PENAL TIES FOR FAILING TO DO SO 4HE THE WHEEL !ND IN SO MANY TALKING ON HAND HELD PHONES ING STUDENTS ATTITUDES BE THE START OF EACH LESSON AND THREAT OF A SUSPENDED PERMIT HIND THE WHEEL AND CREATING ADVISE THEM TO DO SO ALL THE IS ILLEGAL IN STATES INCLUD CASES THIS FEELING CAN OFTEN Continued on Page 30. ING .EW *ERSEY AND 7ASH AWARENESS OF THE NEED FOR TIME v REPORTS $AVID 3CHARF LAST UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE v "Y THEIR VERY NATURE TEENS INGTON $ # DOES NOT AP FEEL INDESTRUCTIBLE 4ERRIBLE PEAR TO DISSUADE TEEN DRIVERS THINGS HAPPEN TO OTHERS FROM THE HABIT 7ITH TECH NOT TO THEM IS THE MIND SET NOLOGY HERE TO STAY ˆ "UT ˆ hTRAFFIC CRASHES ARE TRILLION TEXTS WERE SENT IN THE THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATHS 5 3 IN COMPARED TO FOR TEEN DRIVERS v SAYS "ETH BILLION IN ˆ WE FACE -OSHER ! ! ! DIRECTOR OF A DAUNTING PROSPECT PUBLIC AFFAIRS h"ECAUSE OF #ONSEQUENTLY MANY IN THEIR LACK OF DRIVING EXPERI DIV IDUALS ORGANIZATIONS ENCE AND PENCHANT TO TAKE SCHOOLS POLICE DEPARTMENTS RISKS IT S IMPERATIVE THAT AND OTHER GROUPS ACROSS THE TEEN DRIVERS ˆ LIKE OLDER COUNTRY ARE TRYING TO FIND SO DRIVERS ˆ REMAIN FOCUSED LUTIONS BEHIND THE WHEEL v .EARLY ALL TEENS TAKE DRIV ER S EDUCATION THESE DAYS Strong Taboos .OTING THAT DEATHS DUE AND THE FOCUS ON THE DANGERS TO DISTRACTED DRIVERS HAVE OF TEXTING IS UP FRONT REPORTS RISEN WHILE THOSE DUE TO *OHN -IRANDA 0RINCETON ALCOHOL HAVE DROPPED $R 0UBLIC 3CHOOLS SUPERVISOR Offering a full assortment of !NDREW !DESMAN CHIEF OF FOR HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDU CATION h!LL TH GRADERS ARE DEVELOPMENTAL AND BEHAV IORAL PEDIATRICS AT #OHEN S REQUIRED TO TAKE A DRIVERS S #HILDREN -EDICAL #ENTER ED COURSE AND DURING THE NOTES h7E HAVE VERY STRONG CLASSES WE EMPHASIZE THAT TABOOS AGAINST DRINKING AND TEXTING AND TALKING ON THE DRIVING +IDS DON T DRINK AND PHONE WHILE DRIVING IS A BIG DRIVE EVERY DAY "UT SOME @./ ./ 7E SHOW VIDEOS KIDS ARE OUT THERE TEXTING AND PICTURES OF ACCIDENTS AND DRIVING SEVEN DAYS A RELATING FROM THIS AS WELL WEEK ˆ AND THEY ADMIT IT AS TESTIMONIALS FROM TEENS &IFTY PERCENT OF HIGH SCHOOL AND OTHERS WHO HAVE BEEN STUDENTS OF DRIVING AGE AC INVOLVED IN ACCIDENTS DUE TO KNOWLEDGE TEXTING WHILE DISTRACTED DRIVING AND WHAT Huge selection of Vera Bradley IT HAS MEANT v DRIVING v One Moment Save up to 30% on retired Styles & patterns 4HE #ENTERS FOR $ISEASE # ONT ROL A ND 0 REVENT ION h7E EMPHASIZE CONSTANTLY #$# ALSO REPOR TED THE THAT YOU HAVE TO BE AWARE GOOD NEWS THAT ALCOHOL USE EVERY MINUTE AS A DRIVER )T AMONG TEENS DRIVERS HAS DE ONLY TAKES ONE MOMENT OF CREASED BY PERCENT SINCE DISTRACTION ˆ ONE MOMENT 4EXTING HOWEVER HAS ˆ WHEN YOU HAVE THE POTEN SKYROCKETED IN THE LAST FIVE TIAL TO RUIN LIVES 9OUR OWN OR SOMEONE ELSE S /NCE THIS TO SEVEN YEARS 4 HE .ATIONAL (IGHWAY HAS HAPPENED YOU CAN T GET 4RAFFIC 3AFETY !DMINISTRA THAT MOMENT BACK v TION STATES THAT DISTRACTED )N ADDITION -R -IRANDA DRIVING OF ALL KINDS IS A POINTS OUT THAT STUDENTS ARE GROWING HAZARD /FFICIALS INSTRUCTED TO KEEP A SAFE DIS DESCRIBE TEXTING AS ONE OF TANCE FROM THE CAR AHEAD BE THE WORST OF DRIVER DISTRAC VIGILANT ABOUT SUDDEN MOVE TIONS BECAUSE IT INVOLVES SI MENTS OF CHILDREN OR ANIMALS Luggage Factory - 78 Route 202/31N Ringoes, NJ 08551 MULTANEOUS MANUAL VISUAL WHO MAY DART OUT IN FRONT OF THE CAR ˆ ALL OF WHICH CAN AND MENTAL DISTRACTION www.luggagefactory.com 908-788-4810 4HE FACT THAT TEXTING AND BE DIFFICULT TO AVOID IF ONE
LUGGAGE FACTORY
Offering a full assortment of Offering a full assortment of
full assortment of Luggage, Duffels, Bags, Luggage,Offering Duffels,a Laptop Laptop Bags,Briefcases, Briefcases, Luggage, Duffels, Laptop Bags, Briefcases, Backpacks, Leather Backpacks, Leather Goods Goods&&Travel TravelAccessories Accessories
Backpacks, Leather Goods & Travel Accessories Luggage, Duffels, Laptop Bags, Briefcases, Backpacks, Leather Goods & Travel Accessories
Huge selection selection of of Vera VeraBradley Bradley Huge Huge selection of Vera Bradley Save up to 30% 30% on retired retired Styles patterns Save up to on Styles &&patterns
Save up to 30% on retired Styles & patterns
Luggage Factory - 78 Route 202/31N Ringoes, NJ 08551 Luggage Factory Ringoes, NJ NJ 08551 08551 Luggagewww.luggagefactory.com Factory -- 78 78 Route Route 202/31N 202/31N908-788-4810 Ringoes, www.luggagefactory.com www.luggagefactory.com 908-788-4810 908-788-4810
The Nutcracker Suite
Auditions: Saturday, Sept. 14
The Competitive Elite Team Auditions: Sunday, Sept. 15
Tap Into Class For The School Year! CLASSES OFFERED: Ballet New! Boys Hip Hop Flamenco Hip Hop
Jazz Kindersteps Lyrical New! Modern Pilates
Pointe PreDance Storytime Tap Tiny Tots
2013 Open House/Registration Dates: Friday, September 6th 5:00 -8:00 pm Saturday, September 7th 9:00-12:00 pm TRY OUR FREE SAMPLE CLASSES AT OUR OPEN HOUSE! $PNQFUJUJPO 5FBNT I 881%$ %BODF $PNQBOZ I 4VNNFS %BODF $BNQT
t 5PEEMFST 5P "EVMUT t #FHJOOFST 5P 1SPGFTTJPOBMT t 5XP 4UBUF 0G 5IF "SU 4UVEJPT t 0OF $POWFOJFOU -PDBUJPO
t -BSHF 8BJUJOH "SFB t -BSHF 7JFXJOH 8JOEPXT t -JNJUFE $MBTT 4J[F t :FBS 3PVOE 3FHJTUSBUJPO
Friday 9/6/13
Saturday 9/7/13
PREDANCE CLASS
PREDANCE CLASS
HIP HOP CLASS
LYRICAL CLASS
Ages 3-6 @ 6:00-6:30 PM Ages 6-12 @ 7:00-7:30 PM
FREE Gifts! Come On Down!
Ages 3-6 @ 9:30-10:00 AM Ages 6-12 @ 10:15-10:45 AM
BOYS HIP HOP CLASS
Ages 6 & UP @ 11:00-11:30 AM
4PVUIýFME 4IPQQJOH $FOUFS t 1SJODFUPO )JHIUTUPXO 3PBE t 8FTU 8JOETPS /+ –– 3FHJTUFS POMJOF ! XXX UIFEBODFDPSOFS PSH PS DBMM
TOWN TOPICS, PRINCETON, N.J., WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013 • 30
MAP TO HAPPINESS Thank you for encouraging me to write my book, “MAP TO HAPPINESS: Straightforward Advice on Everyday Living.� If you would like a copy, it is now published. Cost: Hardcover $27.95 Paperback $17.95 To order: Visit www.iUniverse.com or www.amazon.com or Call 1-800-AUTHORS (1-800-288-4677, Ext. 5035). The Rev. Peter K. Stimpson
22 Stockton Street Princeton 609-924-0060 QUALITY, CARING, COMMITMENT Sliding Scale • Evening Hours Managed Care Approved Advice for daily living Family Advice Column: Back to School: Back to Being Overloaded? By the Rev. Peter K. Stimpson
QUESTION: Oh God, the kids are going back to school, and schlepping them from activity to activity has them and me absolutely overloaded! Can you help me? ANSWER: 1. STRESS IN MY CHILD? Are you pushing your child too hard? Some parents, with the best of intentions, may unwittingly overschedule their The Rev. Peter K. Stimpson children in the hope of giving them an edge over their peers in our competitive society. Sadly, 1 out of 3 children suffer from stress-related illnesses. 2. SIGNS OF OVERLOAD: The goal is not to avoid structured time, but rather to not overdo it. Here are some behavioral signs of overload: physical symptoms (headache, stomachache), being tired and falling asleep in class, being irritable and agitated, grades dropping, cheating on tests, less interest in activities, preferring to stay home and being more dependent on you. 3. SOLUTIONS: a. Find a Balance: Limit the number of activities, providing time to play and just “be a kid�. b. Realize the Benefits of Play: Encourages creativity & independent problem solving, improves social skills, and relieves stress. c. Take a Day of Rest: Make 1 day per week free of activities, giving you and your children a well-deserved break — sort of a non-religious Sabbath. d. Choose Gifted Programs that are Gifted: More work, but less creativity, will make matters worse. e. Choose Sports that Build Self-Esteem: While teaching teamwork and cooperation are fine, equating worth with performance, and having a coach or teammates who berate your child are not. Ask your child the simple question: Are you having fun? f. Examine Yourself: Is your child overloaded because you are overloaded? Consider escaping pressure yourself rather than feeding it to your child. Being pushed to be the smartest, most athletic, fashionable, thin and popular kid in the class has been shown to push kids away from being happy. Perhaps examining your own view of life might help. This Wellness column is funded through the generosity of a grant from the J. Seward Johnson, Sr. Charitable Trusts. If you would like Father Stimpson to answer a question of yours on family life, daily living or emotional health, you can write to him at: Trinity Counseling Service, 22 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ 08540. Trinity Counseling Service provides clinical or pastoral counseling on a sliding fee scale for all who need help and support. Phone Trinity Counseling Service at 609-924-0060 to set an appointment.
Safe Driving Continued from Page 28
USUALLY HITS HOME MORE THAN FINES BECAUSE THEIR PARENTS PAY THE FINES h7E ALSO TALK ABOUT DRUNK DRIVING AND ITS DANGER AND WE HAVE SIMULATOR GOGGLES WE MAKE AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS v CONTINUES -R 3CHARFSTEIN h4HESE DISTORT THEIR VISION IN ORDER TO PROVIDE A MORE PRACTICAL DEMONSTRATION OF IMPAIRMENT h!LSO A VERY IMPORTANT PIECE OF ADVICE WE TRY TO IM PART TO THE KIDS IS TO KEEP A SAFE FOLLOWING DISTANCE AND A SAFE STOPPING DISTANCE -OST ACCIDENTS COULD BE AVOIDED IF THE PROPER DISTANCES WERE OBSERVED )N ADDITION WE OF FER PARENT ORIENTATION CLASS ES TO HELP PARENTS WORK WITH THEIR TEENAGE DRIVER AND WE ALSO ADVISE THEM THAT FRONT AND ALL WHEEL DRIVE ARE BET TER THAN REAR WHEEL DRIVE FOR NEW DRIVERS v Worst Results 2EGARDING PARENTAL IN VOLVEMENT .EW 9ORK 3TATE STRONGLY STRESSES THE NEED FOR THIS ! PARENT OF THREE TEEN DRIVERS IN .EW 9ORK DE SCRIBES THAT STATE S REQUIRE MENT h"EFORE THEY ARE SE NIORS THEY HAVE TO GO TO A MEETING WITH THEIR PARENTS WHICH ALSO INCLUDES A POLICE OFFICER A FUNERAL DIRECTOR AND AN INSURANCE REPRESEN TATIVE TO TALK ABOUT WHAT CAN HAPPEN 4HIS DID IMPRESS MY KIDS v 0OLICE DEPARTMENTS ARE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN TRAFFIC SAFETY OF COURSE AND UN FORTUNATELY OFTEN SEE THE WORST RESULTS OF DISTRACTED DRIVING 3GT 4HOMAS -UR RAY OF THE 0RINCETON 0OLICE 4RAFFIC 3AFETY DEPARTMENT HAS DILIGENTLY COLLECTED STA
TISTICS AND REPORTS ON THE DANGERS OF TEXTING AND CELL PHONE USAGE FOR TEEN DRIV ERS (E WANTS TO BE ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN THE EFFORT TO FIND SOLUTIONS h7HENEVER WE ARE ASKED BY SCHOOLS OR ORGANIZATIONS AND GROUPS WE WILL GIVE A PRESENTATION OF THE SITUA TION AND WHAT CAN BE DONE 4HERE IS A LOT OF INFORMATION OUT THERE ON THE WEB FROM !!! THE .ATIONAL (IGHWAY 4RAFFIC !DMINISTRATION AND ALSO FROM THE AUTOMOBILE COMPANIES INSURANCE COM PANIES TEEN MAGAZINES AND EVEN CELEBRITIES WHO ARE ALL TRYING TO FIND WAYS TO REDUCE
THE TEXTING h#OMING UP ON 3EPTEMBER THERE IS A @.O 4EXT $AY PLEDGE SPONSORED BY !4 4 AND THE HOPE IS THAT TEENS WILL NOT TEXT IN THE CAR THAT DAY v 3GT -URRAY POINTS OUT THAT ALTHOUGH IN .EW *ER SEY TEXTING AND SPEAKING ON A HAND HELD PHONE WHILE DRIVING IS ILLEGAL IT IS A DIF FICULT LAW TO ENFORCE (E NOTES HOWEVER THAT SOME STATES ARE ISSUING HARSHER PENALTIES FOR DISTRACTED DRIV ING )N .EW 9ORK DRIVER S LI CENSES WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR Continued on Next Page
The Dupree Center for Children
˜ Bifhif]b[ WUf]b[ hYUW\Yfg ˜ @ck W\]`X!hc!hYUW\Yf fUh]cg ˜ =bbcjUh]jY `YUfb]b[ Ybj]fcbaYbh ˜ GUZY gYWifY ZUW]`]hm cb h\Y Df]bWYhcb H\Yc`c[]WU` GYa]bUfm 7Uadig *&& ;ccedi :h$ š Fh_dY[jed" D@ &.+*&
1.800.873.3461 r XXX )JMEFCSBOEU-$ DPN
Continued from Preceding Page
DAYS AFTER ONE INCIDENT OF TEXTING OR USING A HAND HELD PHONE IF DISCOVERED BY POLICE (E ALSO ADDS THAT TECHNOL OGY IS BECOMING AVAILABLE TO PREVENT THE PHONES FROM OPERATING WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION AS WELL AS PRE SENTING OTHER ALTERNATIVES &OR EXAMPLE !4 4 $RIVE -ODE AUTOMATICALLY SENDS A CUSTOMIZABLE REPLY TO INCOM ING MESSAGES WHEN THE CAR REACHES A SPEED OF M P H $RIVE3CRIBE CAN BLOCK ALL INCOMING CALLS AND TEXTS ON !NDROID PHONES AND OFFERS GIFT CARDS FOR SMART DRIVING $RIVE3AFE LY READS MESSAGES ALOUD AND ALLOWS FOR VERBAL RESPONSES BY THE DRIVER 4HESE ARE JUST SOME OF THE DEVICES AND OPPORTUNITIES
AVAILABLE NOW AND MORE ARE COMING ALONG ALL THE TIME Epidemic Proportions 4HIS IS A PROBLEM THAT ACCORDING TO THE #$# HAS REACHED EPIDEMIC PROPOR TIONS WITH RAMIFICATIONS THAT ULTIMATELY CAN AFFECT ALL DRIVERS WHO MAY COME INTO CONTACT WITH A DISTRACTED DRIVER !ND STUDIES DO IN DEED SHOW THAT DISTRACTED DRIVERS COME IN ALL AGES )T IS NOT JUST TEENS ! RECENT #ALIFORNIA STUDY OF ADULTS BETWEEN AND FOUND THAT NEARLY TWO THIRDS AD MITTED TO USING A CELL PHONE WHILE DRIVING WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND ONE THIRD AD MITTED TO TEXTING WHILE DRIV ING 4HESE DRIVERS ARE NOT SETTING A GOOD EXAMPLE 5LTIMATELY IT COMES DOWN TO THE PARENTS #ERTAINLY TEENS ARE HUGELY INFLUENCED
Chapin School SOLID FOUNDATION. STRONG CHARACTER. LIMITLESS FUTURES.
Pre-K - Grade 8 4101 Princeton Pike Princeton, NJ 08540
Please call to schedule a visit: (609) 986-1702 www.ChapinSchool.org
BY THEIR PEERS "UT BEFORE THEY CAN SIT BEHIND THE STEER ING WHEEL OF A CAR PARENTS HAVE HAD YEARS TO SHAPE THEIR CHILD S CHARACTER AND LEAD BY EXAMPLE !S 3GT -URRAY SAYS h7E LL ONLY EVER SOLVE THIS WHEN THE PARENTS BECOME INVOLVED AND SET THE EXAMPLE v 4HIS REMINDER IS REPEATED AGAIN AND AGAIN BY AUTOMO TIVE AGENCIES AND ORGANI ZATIONS AND EVEN BY THOSE MOST AT RISK ! BRAND NEW YEAR OLD DR IVER SAID h4HE LAW CAN ONLY DO SO MUCH WHEN PARENTS DO NOT GET INVOLVED OR ENFORCE THE RULES FOR THEIR KIDS +IDS REC OGNIZE THAT AND GO THEIR OWN WAY v ! ND HE ADDS h 7 HEN YOU RE A KID AND WATCH YOUR PARENTS DRIVE IT LOOKS SO SIMPLE 7ELL IT S NOT AS SIMPLE AS IT LOOKS 4HERE IS A LOT GOING ON THAT YOU HAVE TO BE AWARE OF 7HAT ) REALLY FEEL IS THAT YOU HAVE A RE SPONSIBILITY TO OTHERS WHEN YOU RE DRIVING 9OU HAVE TO THINK IS THIS ONE TEXT WORTH AN ACCIDENT OR HURTING SOME ONE v h)F A PARENT TEXTS AND DRIVES OR SPEEDS OR USES AL COHOL WHILE DRIVING THAT IS STRONGER THAN ANY RULE OR LECTURE THERE IS v SAYS $R 4OM &RIEDEN DIRECTOR OF THE &EDERAL #ENTER FOR $ISEASE #ONTROL AND 0REVENTION !ND ADDS 4INA 3AYER EN GINEER AND TECHNOLOGY SAFETY EXPERT AT 4OYOTA #OLLABORA TIVE 3AFETY 2ESEARCH #ENTER h"E THE DRIVER YOU WANT YOUR TEEN TO BE v —Jean Stratton
0AGE TO 3TAGE IS A SERIES OF STAGED READINGS OF PLAYS ADAPTED FROM OR INSPIRED BY LITERATURE AND IS FUNDED BY THE .ATIONAL %NDOWMENT FOR THE (UMANITIES )T WAS DEVELOPED BY -ONOKIAN AND LIBRARIAN *ANIE (ERMANN IN AS A MEANS TO PROMOTE READING IN A FUN AND PHYSI CAL WAY 3EVERAL PAST 0AGE TO 3TAGE PERFORMANCES HAVE INCLUDED Revolutionary Readings A THEATRICAL READING OF THE BOOK Revolutionary Voices IN *UNE AND LAST YEAR S ADAP TATION OF The Arabian Nights FOR WHICH /VERTON WROTE THE MUSIC 4HE SERIES HAS ALSO IN CLUDED REPEAT PERFORMANCES OF Eurydice 3ARAH 2UHL S REIMAGINING OF THE CLASSIC MYTH OF /RPHEUS !LL 0RINCETON 0UBLIC ,I BRAR Y PROGRAMS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC &OR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LI BRARY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES CALL OR VISIT WWW PRINCETONLIBRARY ORG
C
NO CHUNKS! Our whisper thin foil HIGHLIGHTS create the expensive look of NATURAL dimensional COLOR at our AFFORDABLE prices. evening hours tues & thurs until 8
OF PRINCETON
14 Spring Street 609-924-1824
Let Your Son’s Voice Be Heard!
Page to Stage Teen Workshop At Princeton Library
!S PART OF THE ONGOING 0AGE TO 3TAGE SERIES A DRA MA AND LITERATURE WORKSHOP FOR TEENS IS TAKING PLACE AT 0RINCETON 0UBLIC ,IBRAR Y DURING THE WEEK OF !UGUST THROUGH /PEN TO RISING EIGHTH GRADERS AND ABOVE THE WORK SHOP WILL BE LED BY DIRECTOR AND PLAY W RIGHT "RANDON -ONOKIAN AND ACTRESS AND COMPOSER +AITLIN /VERTON 4HE FOCUS WILL BE THE .AOMI )IZUKA PLAY Anon(ymous) A CONTEMPORARY WORK BASED ON (OMER S EPIC POEM The Odyssey WHICH IS PART OF THE %NGLISH DEPARTMENT S FRESH MAN CURRICULUM AT 0RINCETON Jane Jane & Pam Grecsek & Pam Grecsek (IGH 3CHOOL 4HE WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD FOR THREE HOURS DAILY AND WILL CULMINATE IN PERFORMANCES Day&&Boarding BoardingAvailable Available¡ Rolling ¡ RollingAdmissions Admissions Day AT AND P M ON &RIDAY !UGUST IN THE ,IBRARY S #OMMUNITY 2OOM For more information, contact Assistant of School, For more information, contact Assistant Head of School, For more information, contact Director ofHead Admissions, %NROLLMENT FOR THE WORK KP Weseloh at admissions@americanboychoir.org SHOP IS LIMITED TO STU KPWeseloh Weselohatatadmissions@americanboychoir.org admissions@americanboychoir.org KP DENTS AND A COMMITMENT FOR or by calling 1-888-BOYCHOIR. THE ENTIRE WEEK IS REQUIRED This This program is made possible part funds fromthe the New program is made possible in in part byby funds from New This program is made possible in part by funds fromthe 2EGISTRATION CAN BE COMPLET Jersey Jersey State Council on Arts/Department State, a Partner State Council onCouncil thethe Arts/Department of of State, a Partner New Jersey State on the Arts/Department of State, Fernando Malvar-Ruiz, ED IN THE EVENTS CALENDAR AT Agency of Endowment Arts aAgency Partner Agency ofNational the National Endowment forthe the Arts. of thethe National Endowment forfor the Arts Litton-Lodal Music Director WWW PRINCETONLIBRARY ORG
TheAmerican AmericanBoychoir BoychoirSchool School¡ ¡Princeton, Princeton,NJ NJ The OpentotoBoys BoysininGrades Grades4 4-8-8 Open
$MBTTFT GPS Ăœ ZFBS PMET 3FHJTUFS /PX t .PNNZ .F $MBTT t &YUFOEFE %BZ 0QUJPOT "WBJMBCMF t #SJHIU BOE 4QBDJPVT $MBTTSPPNT t &OSJDINFOU 1SPHSBN Serving the community since 1958
The The Princeton Princeton Review Review is is back back in in Princeton! Princeton! Grand GrandOpening: Opening:September Septemberof of2013! 2013! Prep Prepcloser closerto tohome homeat atour ourNEW NEWPrinceton Princetonlocation! location! Class ClassDescription Description
Dates Dates
Days Days
SAT SATSmall SmallGroup Group[112622] [112622] SAT Ultimate [101738] SAT Ultimate [101738]
9/29-10/29 9/29-10/29 9/29-1/19 9/29-1/19
Su Su&&Tu Tu&&Th Th Su Su
ACT ACTSmall SmallGroup Group[121005] [121005] ACT Ultimate [111692] ACT Ultimate [111692]
10/19-12/11 10/19-12/11 12/11-2/5 12/11-2/5
We We&&Sa Sa We & Sa We & Sa
*Other *Othercourses coursesstarting startingsoon soonininLawrenceville, Lawrenceville,Skillman, Skillman,Montgomery, Montgomery, West WestWindsor, Windsor,Franklin FranklinPark, Park,Hillsborough Hillsboroughand andSouth SouthBrunswick!* Brunswick!*
DIFSSZIJMMOVSTFSZTDIPPM PSH
Our Ournew newclassroom classroomspace spaceisislocated locatedat: at:
194 194Nassau NassauStreet, Street,Lower LowerLevel Level Princeton, Princeton,NJ NJ08542 08542
Enroll Enrollbefore beforeAugust August31st 31stand andsave save$200!** $200!** ||ACT SAT SAT ACT Promo Code: TownTopics200 Promo Code: TownTopics200 800-2Review 800-2ReviewI IPrincetonReview.com PrincetonReview.com ÂŽÂŽ
ÂŽÂŽ
*Visit PrincetonReview.com/guarantee forfor details. **The $200 discount is is valid only onon new enrollments between August 14-August 3131 in in SAT and ACT Ultimate (Classroom & Small Group) *Visit PrincetonReview.com/guarantee details. **The $200 discount valid only new enrollments between August 14-August SAT and ACT Ultimate (Classroom & Small Group) Discount cannot bebe combined with any other offer. Test names areare trademarks of of their respective owners. The Princeton Review is is notnot affiliated with Princeton University. Discount cannot combined with any other offer. Test names trademarks their respective owners. The Princeton Review affiliated with Princeton University.
31 • TOWN TOPICS, PRINCETON, N.J., WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013
Safe Driving
“T
his industry has really been around from the time of the old Persian markets, when the caravans of camels would bring in goods, and people gathered to see what was available.� James McLaughlin, Sr., partner in MAC Events, located in Spring Lake, refers to the time-honored custom of showcasing products and services for consumers to examine and evaluate in a central and convenient location. “If you build it, they will come� was the famous line in the movie Field of Dreams. That happened to be about baseball, but the concept is similar. Offering opportunities for interested consumers to see a large number of products in one setting is a proven winner. “These kinds of shows and events are a multi-billion dollar business,� repor ts Mr. McLaughlin, who has been in the business since 1969. “It really started when I was in the RV (recreational vehicle) business. By Labor Day, we always had a lot left over, so we decided to have an event featuring them. We rented Convention Hall in Asbury Park, and it was a big success. So, I got into the promotion business. Now, we promote businesses with Home, Flower, and Women’s shows. We have nine consumer and two trade shows every year. They are currently held in New Jersey and Virginia.� Three Areas The consumer shows enable businesses to exhibit their products for the consumers. The trade shows are business-to-business. That is, a business displays items that other businesses are interested in. For example, a builders show featuring building supplies would draw builders and contractors. The consumer shows focus on three areas: home, flowers, and products and services appealing to women. “In the Home shows, we h ave e ve r y t h i n g e xc ept furniture,� points out Mr. M c L au g h l i n. “ Wi n d ows, doors, kitchen supplies, interior decorating, exterior siding, etc.� Flower shows highlight flowers, gardens, landscape design, garden accessories, outdoor lighting, and more. The Women’s events offer an interesting variety, he adds. “They can include fashion, cosmetics, and jewelry, as well as travel and food, and information on health and medical issues. Health professionals can be on hand
to give seminars and educational material.� Celebrities are often invited to the events, reports Mr. McLaughlin. “They will come and meet and greet the consumers, sign autographs, answer questions, etc. Some of our most popular celebrities were the people from the PBS This Old House TV series. They were great, ver y dow n -to - ear t h and friendly.� Mr. Mclaughlin’s specialty is looking for and finding opportunities in advertising, marketing, and research. These shows and events are a win-win situation both for businesses and consumers, he believes. Best Value “If someone buys an ad in a newspaper that they can afford to pay for, they hope that enough people will see it and respond. We can run ads in many newspapers that will be seen by many readers, as well as ads on line, on billboards, etc. This is the best value for a small business for display and presentation and the most efficient way to see products. Take it directly to the consumer who is interested in that product. For example, if someone is planning a new kitchen, they can see the possibilities first hand.� Once he and his partners decide on the focus for an event, then they find a suitable location, he explains. “If we decide to have a show in Edison, for example, we have to find the right setting. This could be a shopping mall, banquet hall, college campus, arena, etc. We have had events all over, including in Giant Stadium in the Meadowlands. “Next, we rent the place, and t hen find t he businesses to participate. We have anywhere from 150 to 300 to 400 companies, most typically between 200 and 300. 85 percent are repeat businesses. We can get anywhere from 2,000 to 25,000 consumers coming to the event, which lasts two to four days, with consumers coming within a 20 mile radius, even 40 miles for the flower shows.� MAC Events provides the place and the booths, and the companies are responsible for setting up their displays. All sizes of businesses, including retail stores, participate. Planning and Execution Mr. McL aughlin enjoys seeing all the planning for the event come together. “The organization and execution of the event is very s at isf y ing. I als o really
enjoy walking up and down the aisles, watching people buy flowers, seed, lawn care products and equipment, whatever they’re interested in, and just generally enjoying themselves. “Also, one of the nicest things about this business is that we don’t have inventor y to worr y about. We don’t own a thing; we rent everything.� The Home and Flower shows are typically held January to March and also in October and November. For further information on MAC Events, call (800) 332-3976. Website: www. macevents.com. —Jean Stratton
#! #! ""
Congratulations and Good Luck
The American Boychoir School Class of 2013!
Performance Highlights 2009-2010
2011-2012
New York Philharmonic Lincoln Center, New York, NY
New York Philharmonic Lincoln Center, New York, NY
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Carnegie Hall, New York, NY
London Symphony Orchestra Lincoln Center, New York, NY
Television broadcast from the Crystal Cathedral Garden Grove, CA
Television and radio broadcast with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Salt Lake City, UT
Philadelphia Orchestra Kimmel Center, Philadelphia, PA
2012-2013
2010-2011
Philharmonia Orchestra Lincoln Center, New York, NY
Tanglewood Festival Lenox, MA NPR From the Top New Jersey Symphony Orchestra NJPAC, Newark, NJ Philadelphia Orchestra Kimmel Center, Philadelphia PA
The Christmas Rose with Jane Seymour Carnegie Hall, New York, NY Smithsonian Museum of American History Washington DC Christmas performances with Nathan Gunn Princeton, NJ New Jersey Symphony Orchestra NJPAC, Newark, NJ Philadelphia Orchestra Kimmel Center, Philadelphia, PA
CONSUMER-FRIENDLY: “We bring consumers and businesses together in one place. It is the most efficient way to see products,� says James McLaughlin, Sr., partner in MAC Events, LLC. Shown is a photo of a MAC Events Home & Garden Show at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Va.
NPR From the Top Still accepting applications for boys in grades 4-8 for the fall. Call today for a tour! 75 Mapleton Road, Princeton, NJ, 08540, 1-888-BOYCHOIR, ext 633
33 • TOWN TOPICS, PRINCETON, N.J., WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013
Home Shows, Women’s Expos and Flower Shows Are Specialty of MAC Events Annual Showcases