eco-friendly - South Jersey MOM

Transcription

April
2012
KIDS CAN’T
COMMUNICATE?
Don’t Blame it
on Technology
ECO-FRIENDLY
SOLUTIONS
for your
family
organizing the
DISORGANIZED
child
Table of
Contents
Dear Readers,
pg. 12
EcoFriendly
Solutions
for Your
Family
letter from the editor
April 2012
mom 2 mom
6 8 Shopping Tips for Dining at Home in
a Dine-Out World
8 Organizing a Disorganized Student
10 Celebrate Earth Day’s 42nd
Anniversary
moms R women 2
16 8 Ways Stressed Out Moms Can
Revive
18 Tackling Multiple Sclerosis with a
“Can Do” Attitude
features
20 Capturing a Moment In Time for Your
Children
32 Summer Camp Guide
know 2 grow
24 The High-Tech Tongue-Tied Tween
25 Fighting the Fight of a Lifetime
27 Cloth Diapers You Say?
also in this issue
3
14
23
28
30
37
38
editor’s note
business spotlight: english septic
recipe corner
just born
making a difference
things 2 do
resource guide
www.southjerseymom.com
S
pring is upon us and I’m so excited for
this next season. Not just for the nicer
weather, but for the new “season” in my
life. So much has changed in the last 15
months! And more changes are a’ comin’! But
change can be hard…often because we are
afraid of the unknown. We get comfortable
and want things to stay that way.
But this season for sure will bring positive change for my family. My kids are now
home; I am home schooling them both. Funny
thing is, we are learning just as much about
being a family, as we are academia. Sometimes,
the life lessons you learn about working
through conflict, forgiveness and putting others first is more valuable than any lesson in a
textbook.
I have a stronger bond with my children
than I did when they were gone all day at
school. We do everything together and are
growing closer. I’m actually getting to know
my children. I’m learning how much I DIDN’T
know about them too! I had no idea home
schooling would have such a positive impact
on our entire family. And, since my husband is
still home recovering from his surgeries, we all
get to do this together – building our relationships and learning some very important
lessons.
As I said, more changes are coming…
and I don’t know my future yet, but I do know
that whatever happens, my family will be doing
it together! If you are a home schooling mom,
or are even considering it, visit my new blog,
fromseeds2sprouts.blogspot.com, where
I will be chronicling my adventure!
Even if you don’t home school, I urge you
to use this new “season” to get in the routine
of spending extra time with your family, growing and learning about each other, and
strengthening your bond!.✲
Your Friend and Fellow MOM,
“ Like” South Jersey MOM magazine on Facebook and find
out about local events, win prizes and connect with other
moms in the area! www.facebook.com/SouthJerseyMOM
April 2012 | 3
STILL trying to figure out WHAT works?
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4 | April 2012
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April 2012 | 5
mom 2 mom
8 Shopping Tips
for Dining at Home in a Dine-Out World
R
emember all those tips saying you should cook rather
than eat out? Well the USDA says we might just be wrong
about that in the near future. A recent study by the government agency estimated the price gap between eating at home and
dining out will narrow even further in 2012. Grocery prices are
expected to rise 3 to 4 percent, while menu prices will likely go up 2
to 3 percent.
That does not mean you have to resort to the McDonald’s Dollar
Menu, however. It’s still cheaper to eat at home, but amateur chefs will
have to cut even more corners this year. Here are a few tips on dining
at home frugally in a dine-out world.
1
2
3
4
5
6
By Andrea Woroch
Shop on Tuesdays
Wednesdays are the heaviest shopping day for supermarkets
as that’s when they publish their weekly newspaper ads.
(Manufacturer ads are usually distributed with the Sunday
paper.) That means grocery stores are interested in ditching
last week’s produce and meats on Tuesday night. Talk to the
butcher and produce clerks about slapping a better price on
those products they’re about to toss.
Use Mobile Coupons
Shopping on Tuesday means you can’t take advantage of
Wednesday coupons. Happily, you can access mobile
coupons right there in the store from the Coupon Sherpa
app. This fab app allows you to search for your favorite local
store, access desirable coupons, then download them to
your store loyalty card.
Plan Your Meals Around Ads
If you plan on shopping after newspaper inserts are printed,
plan your menu around featured items and build a list before
you hit the store. You can use apps like Grocery Gadget
(Apple) and Grocery IQ (Android) to create lists based on
your supermarket’s layout.
Shop Stores That Double Coupons
Not all supermarkets are willing to double-up on coupons,
and not all maintain such a policy continuously. The acceptance rate has gone down since the advent of “Extreme
Couponers,” so check before you start clipping. This practice
is usually limited to specific days and allows you to double
the face value of a coupon, up to a certain amount.
Don’t Overbuy Bulk
It may be tempting to buy the super-sized box of Cheerios,
but you have to consider whether you’ll actually eat all those
little oat donuts before they turn into rocks. Buy just enough
to last until the next sale.
Limit Produce Purchases
Americans throw away roughly one quarter of the food we
buy. For a family of four, that figures out to $2,200 a year in
food, according to “American Wasteland“ author Jonathan
Bloom. Rather than grab fruits and vegetables that look
appealing, stick to your list and avoid spoilage. You’re also
more likely to use produce if you don’t hide it away in your
refrigerator’s bins. Keep it in plain site or make a list of contents that you stick on the fridge drawer as a reminder.
6 | April 2012
7
8
Avoid Temptation
Walk in the door and you’re immediately assaulted by the smell of
stunning flower arrangements, fresh deli items, and beautifully arranged
produce. It’s tempting to fill your cart in this section, so be on your
guard. Also beware of the non-food items for sale, including everything
from furniture to high-end jewelry.
Don’t Use a Cart
Ditch the carry-all cart and carry a basket for quick trips. The
less room you have to fill, the less likely you are to make impulse
purchases.✲
Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc., and has been featured among top news outlets such as Good Morning America, NBC’s Today, MSNBC, New
York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more.
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1
Understand Their Procrastination. According to Organizing
the Disorganized Child, kids often adopt an “I’ll get to it later” habit
and put off school projects or studying for several reasons.
Sometimes they simply have a poor concept of time. Sometimes they
have poor memory for how procrastinating has failed them in the past.
And sometimes they are simply sidetracked and unable to resist temptation to do something more appealing.
Kutscher and Moran remind parents that most often such issues are
“the fault of the undeveloped brain, not the child” and urge parents not
to yell or punish. Instead, stay positive, offer support, and help them break
larger tasks into chunks. They offer these tips to get organized:
ORganizing 2
a Disorganized
student
3 savvy strategies
to set up your student for
success
By Michele Ranard, M.ed.
“Hey mom…just so you know, I’ve got a test on Friday I’m gonna fail.” My
sixth-grader has barely stepped through the front door when he utters
this. He is an excellent student so my head is spinning.
“What do you mean FAIL? You’ve got three more days to study?”
But he is already grinding his perfectly straight teeth, scowling as he
announces, “I can’t do it.”
Still calm, I unsuccessfully try to appeal to his reason. Within seconds, I am shouting, “THEN I GUESS YOU’LL BE GROUNDED FOR A
MONTH!” Sound familiar?
Disorganization Woes
What my son was actually communicating after school that day was “I
feel distressed, mom. I have no idea how to get organized for this test.”
Unfortunately, like so many parents, I let myself grow overly emotional
and failed to truly hear his fear and concern.
Organizing the Disorganized Child by Martin Kutscher and Marcella
Moran provides a helpful guide for explaining in plain English how disorganized habits may interfere with school success and create chaos within the home. The following issues addressed in the book are particularly
relevant to helping your child develop healthier habits to achieve more.
8 | April 2012
1. Write down assignments in a planner.
2. Ask the teacher or a buddy to double-check their planner to
be sure it’s correct.
3. Place all materials touched that day into a take-home section
of a folder.
4. Mark a calendar with completion dates for steps in preparing
for a project.
5. Put completed work in a Take to School section of a folder.
6. Weekly purge the backpack and folders of papers no longer
needed.
Teach Them to Question Everything. The authors of this
guide believe in addition to good note-taking and study skills,
the key to your child’s education is questioning everything. Teaching your child to ask the following questions will enhance your child’s
learning:
1. What did the teacher just say?
2. What did I just read?
3. Why is that so? Is it true?
4. Where have I seen information like this before?
5. How is this different from material I’ve previously learned?
6. How can I summarize this in as few words as possible?
7. How can I visualize this in pictures or flowcharts?
8. What else do I need to learn about this?
9. What questions about this are likely to be on the test?
10. Why is this important to me and the rest of the world?
11. So what?
3
Test Taking Smarts. All students can use a refresher for how
to best manage time on a test, and the following strategies are
recommended by Kutscher and Moran:
1. Turn over the sheet and jot down keywords, dates, formulas,
and phrases you memorized.
2. Look over the entire test quickly to anticipate what’s
coming up.
3. Read directions carefully. Underline keywords of the
directions.
4. Answer easy questions first.
5. Place a question mark next to answers you guess on.
6. Sometimes the answer to one question is contained
somewhere on the test.
7. Sometimes you may be able to get help or clues from the
teacher i.e. “Can you rephrase the question?”
8. If you have leftover time, check your answers and scan for
careless mistakes. Only change an answer when you’re certain
the new response is correct.
9. If unsure, guess.
The authors remind parents “We can’t completely fix everything overnight. We can, though, expect continued progress over a mountainous
terrain toward an ultimately successful future.”✲
Michele Ranard has a husband, two children, and a master’s in counseling. Find her at
hellolovelyinc.blogspot.com.
April 2012 | 9
Celebrate Earth Day’s
42nd Anniversary
By M.B. Sanok
A
pril 22 marks the 42nd anniversary of Earth
Day! We still have a lot of work to do though to
keep this planet in fighting shape. Celebrate by
keeping conservation alive and well with these
fun and easy ideas for you and your family. Any little bit helps
our planet, so grab a paper towel tube and strike up the band
in honor of saving and enjoying our beautiful planet Earth.
FASHION TIPS FROM THE RED…ER, GREEN CARPET
Wear green or brown to celebrate. Take up sewing and repurpose old clothing by turning t-shirts into tote bags or toddler
dresses. Patch a pair of ripped jeans with old fabric or chop off
the legs for shorts. Use the seat of the pants to make a pretty
apron trimmed in lace and ribbons. Or stitch a change purse
from a backside jeans pocket. Use mismatched buttons,
seashells and puzzle pieces to create funky jewelry, together or
separately.
RECYCLE/REUSE/RECREATE?
Recycle trash and empty junk drawers. Instead of throwing
away the “junk,” try to make something out of it.
For fun, make instruments for the kids from paper towel
rolls, boxes, tape, rubber bands and paperclips. Practice the art
of origami using scrap paper. Darn it all and make sock puppets
out of old ones. Use old make-up brushes as child-sized paintbrushes – just wash off the residue first!
Make framed collages from used magazines and books.
Use puzzle pieces, seashells or pressed flowers in frames.
10 | April 2012
Decorate a room with record album covers and game boards
or dress up a wall with an old map. Save pretty tea canisters for
holding jewelry, make-up or other small items. Ask your local
coffee chain if they have any empty ones they could spare. Save
empty wine bottles to create a sculpture in your backyard with
a stand purchased from a gardening catalog.
Need wrapping paper? Use comic strips or an old Mylar
balloon. Take pictures and affix them to plain recycled note
cards for unique birthday cards. Don’t leave a drink unattended
– place a wood floor sample from the hardware store underneath your drink.
DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR PRODUCE HAS BEEN?
When purchasing produce, check the numbers on the fruit
labels. From the label, you can tell what type of fruit it is and
where it grew. Four numbers denote conventionally grown
fruit; organic fruit uses five, starting with the number nine; and
genetically engineered fruit also uses five, starting with the
number eight. (J-Tech Systems.com)
Plant your own garden. Use egg cartons to grow herbs.
Entice the kids by cultivating a “pizza garden,” planting most of
the ingredients in pizza.
Show kids how to make dirt and where earthworms dwell!
Start composting your fruit and vegetable peels, leaves and
scraps, coffee grounds, and even eggshells, to make fertilizer.
Sell your freshly grown produce or donate your wares to a local
shelter.
PARTY LIKE IT’S EARTH DAY
Throw an eco-friendly party, using recycled
products and distributing seed packets as
party favors. Send invitations online. Host a
pizza-making or planting party. For a costume
party, wear thrift store finds or dress up like
your favorite fruit/vegetable or animal. Reward the most exotic with a silly used knickknack prize.
ONE PERSON’S TRASH IS
ANOTHER’S TREASURE
Look for old books, costumes, dress-up clothing, jewelry, toys and more at thrift stores, consignment shops, library book sales, flea markets and yard sales. Initiate a clothing/book/toy
swap between friends and neighbors. Go
through old toys and donate them to a school
or day care center. Host your own yard sale
and make “trash” into cash.
CELEBRATE THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Schedule visits to playgrounds and beaches
where you can help clean up litter. Patronize
zoos, aquariums and nature centers. Organize
a scavenger hunt, either snapping pictures of
flora and fauna or collecting natural objects.
Build a bird feeder out of milk cartons and
learn about bird watching. Plant butterfly bushes to attract them or raise your own and
release them into the fresh air. Consider
adopting a pet from a shelter or raising poultry, abiding by zoning laws.
COOK UP SOMETHING GOOD!
Start canning your own fruits and vegetables.
Introduce your kids to cooking and baking
from scratch. You can make your own seasoning mixes, snack and trail mixes, ice cream, tea
and lemonade, even dog treats. Make your
own household items like make-up and nontoxic cleansers – kids can help concoct them
from edible, safe ingredients. Cook an Earth
Day-themed meal, focusing on locally grown
and organic food. Serve a cup of “dirt and
earthworms” for dessert.
GAMES PEOPLE PLAY…OUTSIDE!
Host a bike rodeo where friends and neighbors bring their bikes over for games and a
safety inspection. Build a maze or obstacle
course in your backyard, using boxes and old
toys. Set up a mini-golf course or croquet
game and invite friends and neighbors. Engage
in star gazing or watching thunderstorms for
exciting “reality” entertainment.
WASTE NOT; WANT NOT!
Challenge yourself! Only purchase items that
can be reused or recycled. Instead of throwing
something out, see how it can be reused. For
one day, fight the urge to use any electronic
devices unless absolutely necessary. Devise a
contest between family and friends to see who
lasts longest.✲
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856.462.6801(fax)
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1065 Rt. 47 South
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Rio Grande, NJ 08242
Phone: 609.898.5500
Fax: 609.898.5501
CUMBERLAND OFFICE
415 West Landis Ave.
Suite 202
Vineland, NJ 08360
Phone: 856.462.6800
Fax: 856.462.6801
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6 North Broad Street
Suite 300
Woodbury, NJ 08096
Phone: 856.628.8600
Fax: 856.628.8601
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5 Route 45
Suite 100
Mannington, NJ 08079
Phone: 856.469.6100
Fax: 856.469.6101
April 2012 | 11
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12 | April 2012
CHILDREN’S CONSIGNMENT
SJ’s finest children’s consignment shop,
located in downtown Pitman. Recycling “likenew” kids clothing back into cash since 1984!
Why pay the difference, when you can’t tell
the difference? Call (856) 589-7171 or visit
www.kidstuffonline.net.
HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE TO COFFEE
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GREEN CLEANING PRODUCTS FOR
YOUR HOME
GNLD’s cleaners are perfectly safe to use
around your children. These cleaners are the
only cleaners safe enough to use in rare butterfly exhibits to remove bacteria, viruses,
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SOYBEAN PRODUCTS
Pink Zebra, a direct sales company has
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m
business spotlight
English Septic’s Green Savings
By Makema Douglas
hat is environmentally
friendly, green, and
passes through most
of our hands… but is never enough
or received too often? It’s the
almighty dollar. In a time when each
dollar has to stretch its fibers and
last twice as long, the aphorism, “An ounce of
prevention is worth a pound of the cure,”
becomes a constant thought. Economists, environmentalists and most families are asking the
questions, “How can we save money and what
can we do to make what we have last longer?”
Everyday preventive care, management and
maintenance are part of the solution.
English Septic Disposal Inc, has taken an
aggressive stand in the matter of long term
savings and invested their resources in a project called the “Green Initiative.” The wellestablished sewage company has provided
superior products and service to the South
Jersey region for almost four decades.
In addition to introducing several new
eco-friendly products, the green initiative
includes a purchase of 285 solar modules.
With solar panels in place, the company can
enjoy clean, natural and inexhaustible energy
while supporting its new “green philosophy.”
Installation of the solar modules is an estimated equivalent of planting about 250 acres of
W
trees. Marketing Director, Jamie Pepper,
believes the company must “practice what
they preach” about the health of the community and protecting the environment.
At English Septic, an honest and upfront
approach has kept consumers knowledgeable
about environmental hazards and prepared to
make decisions that will secure their homes
and the world. General Manager Joe Garner,
says, “Green philosophy assists in helping customers make intelligent decisions about septic
systems and home care,” and, Garner adds,
“Going green is about longevity, it’s a look into
the future.”
A look into the global future has caused
them to endorse two major products, the
EcoHancer and Groundfos Systems. Both systems are active care tools necessary for home
maintenance, pollution reduction and waste
management.
The EcoHancer is a product made from
peat. Peat has many natural uses. In this case, it
works to increase the activity and strength of
normal bacteria, allowing the septic system to
function more efficiently and inevitably much
longer.
Garner explains, “It’s simply a multivitamin for the septic system that assists in bacteria breakage and drain field performance.”
Along with regular pumping, the septic system
would require a monthly dose of the product
to ensure maximum performance. In the long
run, a properly kept septic system protects everyone. On the other hand, a
malfunctioning one creates conditions harmful to the environment,
humans and pets. Consequently,
replacing a septic system can be
costly. An investment in products
such as the EcoHancer will prove to
be worth its value over time.
According to the U.S Geological
Survey, the average person utilizes
about 80 to 100 gallons of water per
day. The most water usage comes
from flushing the toilet, followed by
baths then showers. A dishwasher
cycle can average about 20 gallons a run while
a clothes washer can use about 25 gallons,
depending on the efficiency of the machine.
Overall, the average family wastes about 31
gallons of water a day.
The Groundfos Comfort System remedies part of that problem. Imagine having hot
water instantaneously. The system pumps hot
water through existing piping within the
home, minimizing wait times and decreasing
wasteful usage of water. Basically, unused hot
water is sent back to the hot water heater by
way of the cold water lines. Unused water is
then forced back into the cold water supply
lines. Groundfos is intended to save time and
money on the water bill.
Eco-friendly choices do not have to
include large budget plans or drastic life
changes. A quick online search to find “10 easy
ways to go green” will render a large scale of
choices. There is something to meet all levels
of commitment. Think long term and join
Septic English in “green” savings.
English Septic appreciates its customers
and works tirelessly to guarantee long term
solutions while earning confidence, respect
and trust. For further information about their
supreme services or green products contact
them 24/7 at 1-888-SJ- PUMP1.✲
Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter at
14 | April 2012
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April 2012 | 15
moms R womem 2
Eight Ways Stressed Out Women Can
Revive and Renew– Mind, Body, and Soul
ou’re a modern woman…
which means you are barely
surviving. You work yourself
to the bone for ever-diminishing
returns, thanks to the rising cost of
everything from gas to food to
health insurance. Meanwhile, you
serve as cook, maid, shrink and tutor
at home. When life’s little “emergencies” crop
up—a broken water heater, a toothache, a parent-teacher conference to discuss your son’s
recent homework boycott—well, those land
on your plate, too. No wonder you feel you
are one permission slip away from a complete
breakdown!
Women should not accept this state of
stressed-out existence and call it living, insists
Vickie Milazzo. “Today’s woman has taken on
an extreme life crammed to overflowing with
commitments and responsibility,” observes
Milazzo, author of the new book Wicked
Success Is Inside Every Woman. “It’s not possible
to stretch yourself to the breaking point every
day and not break.
Read on for eight of Milazzo’s tried-andtrue suggestions to help you renew yourself in
the midst of your manic life:
Y
Plan for renewal. With days, weeks, and
months that are packed full of responsibility,
you cannot exactly head to the spa, to the
nearest mountain for a hike, or to wherever
you go to relax and reflect on a moment’s
notice. (Heck, you can’t even paint your own
toenails in the bathroom without being interrupted!) So if you want to renew your energy,
you are going to have to schedule time for
relaxation just as systematically as you would
plan to complete a long-term project at work.
If you keep waiting for the right moment to
kick back and smell the roses, it will never happen because life will get in the way.
bank account, the price of gas…the list goes
on. It’s easy to spend all of your energy fretting
and contingency planning. Sooner or later,
though, you will hit emotional rock bottom (if
you have not already), and you will go through
life bitter, put-upon and exhausted. Plus, if you
do not renew emotionally, you are likely to
overreact or underreact to various situations,
which will only multiply the number of things
you have to fret about! To avoid this fate, you
need to allow your emotions to recover and
be uplifted on a regular basis.
Renew spiritually. All other types of renewal will be temporary fixes unless you have a
deep-seated sense of serenity within you to
draw upon. Spiritual discipline is definitely a
journey, not a destination, but its benefits are
peace, calm and enlightenment. Figure out
what works for you, whether it’s meditation,
prayer, study, service, or something else, and
incorporate it into your routine. Just a few
“time-out” moments at the beginning and end
of each day can make a significant impact.
Renew physically. While many of us would
like to think that frequent trips through the
drive-through do not have that much of an ill
effect, the truth is that these empty calories
have a negative impact on our short- and longterm health. The same goes for poor sleep and
insufficient exercise. Look honestly at your
eating, fitness and resting habits. Are they helping or hurting? If it’s the latter, you need to
know that it’s not only your body that is affected; your productivity, energy, creativity and
motivation will also take a hit.
Renew mentally. Most of us never stop to
consider how often we feed our minds lessthan-healthy fuel. Whether it’s reality TV, bad
romance novels, talk radio, or Farmville, the
activities we pursue in our downtime often do
not renew our energy (and may even deplete
it). No, you do not have to read scholarly articles and watch educational documentaries
every day, but it’s important to throw some
thought-provoking activities into the mix.
Consider visiting a museum, gallery or arboretum that you normally pass by, or try your
hand at something creative like painting or
writing.
Renew emotionally. These days there is
certainly more than enough to worry about:
healthcare, cutbacks at work, your dwindling
Celebrate to intensify renewal. Think
about it: life without celebration would be one
long stream of to-do lists, thankless tasks and
16 | April 2012
mindless drudgery. When you accomplish a
goal or pass a milestone—big or small—it’s
smart to take a little time to celebrate your
success. Even thirty seconds of allowing joy to
bubble up inside you can act as a great pickme-up and keep burnout at bay.
Renew with the people you love. Have
you ever noticed that we often work ourselves to the bone to benefit the people we
love…and end up rarely spending time with
them as a result? No, you cannot blow off all
work and responsibilities, but make sure that
close relationships stay at the top of your priority list. The fact is, since life and love do not
happen in a vacuum, surrounding yourself with
people you love guarantees you more positive
experiences.
Renew by giving back. The phrase “giving
back” often conjures up the mental image of a
wealthy philanthropist writing sizeable checks
to various charities and organizations. No
wonder many of us do not consider ourselves
to be givers—we are more focused on making
sure that our own accounts are not overdrawn! However, giving does not have to mean
cracking open your wallet—time, mentoring
others, or giving spiritual or emotional
support are all just as valuable.
“Ultimately, taking the time to renew yourself will give you the energy and capacity to
enjoy the life you were blessed with—even in
the midst of tough times,” Milazzo concludes.
“Remember that it’s okay, and even encouraged, to take care of yourself. While periodic
and strategic renewal will not get rid of all
your problems, it will lighten your load and
help you to remain solid in the midst of the
chaos.”✲
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April 2012 | 17
Tackling Multiple Sclerosis
with a
“Can Do” attitude
By Angela De Groot
D
anielle Witsch’s 4-year-old son knows his mommy is different. She
cannot walk as fast as he can and he can only give her gentle high
fives. Danielle Witsch has Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
While on a family vacation last year, Witsch experienced a metallic
taste in her mouth and numbness in her tongue. When the numbness
spread to the left side of her body, she thought she was having a stroke.
After testing, including a MRI and spinal tap, MS was confirmed.
Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that attacks the central nervous system. Symptoms can include fatigue, vertigo, chronic pain, loss of vision
and mobility, weakness, tremors and cognitive difficulties.
When she was first diagnosed, Witsch shut down, “I was scared; in
denial.” After spending time talking it through with her younger sister
who has CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy),
Witsch decided she could not feel sorry for herself anymore. “MS isn’t a
disease that’s going to kill me.”
A year later, Witsch and her family are still adjusting to the life
changes dictated by MS. They moved in with her mother-in-law and
Witsch had to go out on disability. Leaving her job behind was tough –
Witsch had been employed with her company for ten years; she loved
what she did and the people she worked for. “I want that part of my life
back,” Witsch says. “I’m not ready to let go of it.”
Witsch’s son is becoming increasingly aware of her condition and
the limitations it imposes on her. He knows her legs bother her and she
needs to lie down and rest. “He’s very compassionate,” Witsch says.
Danielle and her husband answer all their son’s questions about her
condition with complete honesty. She is no longer able to do certain
activities with her son that other moms take for granted. “Like the
beach, I can’t sit with him in the sand or take him into the water. The
heat causes major flare ups.”
When Witsch was diagnosed in February 2011, she weighed 268
pounds. Now, she is 100 pounds lighter. “I needed to lose the weight. I
couldn’t function. I looked at myself in the mirror and thought, how are
you going to survive this, looking like that?” Witsch completely changed
her eating habits, cut out fried foods and soda and took part in Weight
Watchers meetings during her lunch hour at work. Whenever she was
able to, she went on walks with her mother-in-law. “My diagnosis was a
shock. I was depressed, stressed out and I still lost weight.” The more
weight she lost, the better she felt. “I’m in a better place now to take on
MS.”
Witsch gets her positive attitude from her father who died from
stomach cancer four years ago. “My dad was an awesome guy. His attitude kept him alive much longer than he should have lived. Even his doctors said so.”
Along with the support from her family and friends, Witsch is also
grateful to the National MS Society who is funding her physical therapy.
When she talks about her physical therapist, John Marmarou of Total
Rehab and Fitness in Cherry Hill, her face lights up. “He’s crazy enthusiastic about keeping people active. I couldn’t be more blessed.” Last year,
when her symptoms were so severe she had to use a cane, Marmarou
helped her work through it. Along with PT sessions, Marmarou gave her
exercises to do at home.With hard work, dedication and constant moti-
18 | April 2012
vation from Marmarou,
Witsch got to the point
where she no longer needed the cane. “He’s amazing
and Total Rehab and
Fitness is my family away Danielle with her son.
from family. It’s like that TV
show, Cheers. When I walk in, everybody goes, ‘Hi, Danielle.’”
Witsch urges those newly diagnosed with MS to remember they
are not alone. “Don’t keep it in, talk about it. Interact with other MS
patients – they know what you’re going through.” The most important
thing, Witsch says, is to “stay active, keep moving. Physical therapy is so
important.”
Danielle Witsch has always been strong and determined for other
people. MS has shown her that she can be strong and determined for
herself.✲
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April 2012 | 19
Capturing a Moment in Time for Your Children
By Samantha Gill
July 30, 1979: “Please God take me before Joe and the kids. I just couldn’t bear it to lose them.”
his is an excerpt
from my mom’s
personal journal.
Little did she know how
this one statement – actually everything she wrote
– would sting as much as it
did, as I read it for the first
time. Her prayer to God
eventually came true in
November 1987… my
mom passed away at the
age of 45.When I read this
part of the journal, I
immediately felt this
squeeze in my chest... and
then tears. Lots of tears.
My poor mom. How I miss Samantha, Audrey and Adalynne
her so.
Recently, my dad came to visit me and my two daughters, and before
he left he handed me an envelope. Inside were three journals. Journals
my mom had written, and I never knew they existed. I couldn’t believe
it. I am sure most would scramble to open them, read them… see them.
But for me…I put them in my bedside table and waited until I knew I
would be alone and would have time to spend with them. It was so precious to me. I haven’t had my mom in over 20 years. I was so young when
she died that I have very few memories of her.
So when I finally had time, I sat in the quiet of the house and opened
her journals. Just to see her handwriting caused a huge wave of emotion.
I have never seen her penmanship before! Amazing!
She starts by saying it’s not a private journal – it’s a journal to be
read by her children someday. She wanted to chronicle time, her life and
events. She didn’t write consistently – she wrote, she says in the journal,
“as the feeling moves me.” Here are some of the things she wrote:
T
April 5, 1968: “Last night Martin Luther King was asassinated in
Memphis, Tenn. It is indeed a tragedy for he represented hope in that he preached non-violence. Now
is the time I wonder about our world, our values and
our destiny. We’ve lost something. I fear that Man will
ultimately destroy himself if he can’t learn to live
together peacefully.”
June 5, 1968: “Senator Robert Kennedy shot in
California during victory ceremony in primary. At this
point he is extremely critical… Once again I begin to
wonder… what is happening in the U.S.?”
als
My Mom’s Journ
June 6, 1968: “ RFK is dead.”
July 16, 1969: “Believe or not, we are on our way to a landing on the
moon. Today astronauts Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins were launched by
the Saturn 5 Rocket on the Apollo 11 Mission to the Moon!!!!”
July 30, 1979: “On July 23, 1979 at 10:59pm, I lost my Daddy. What
can I say? How do you write about losing someone you love? He suffered
so. He was a good father….helped me all the time. I pray God will keep
him safe for me when we meet.”
When I was done, I sat and cried. How I miss her so! But then I was suddenly motivated. I need to do the same! I need to start a journal. Where
to begin? I selected a special notebook and started to write. I used my
mom’s journals as a guide.
MY GUIDE TO WRITING
✲ Always start with the date and year.
✲ Share things that may seem silly. Really, when I read my mom’s journals, I loved everything she included! For example, the price of stamps,
gas, what her mortgage was, what a car costs, etc. (I couldn’t believe
when my mom wrote, that she made a little more than $300 a month
working as a teacher!)
✲ Talk from the heart. My mom spoke what was her truth. What she
felt when she lost her dad and what she felt about herself and our
country.
✲ You do not have to write every day. That may make it seem more like
a job or something to add to your “to do” list. When you feel it’s
important…write!
✲ Write about the birth of your children. It was so heartwarming to
read about my birth and what my mom felt about me.
✲ Most importantly, even though my mom wrote about tough things like
assassinations, the death of her Dad, Vietnam, etc. My mom still kept
it positive. I felt VERY loved after reading it. She never complained
about her children and her husband. She repeated over and over in
the journal how much she loved my dad, my brother and me.
✲ Just start. Don’t worry if your children are already 10 or 12. Start now.
It’s never too late.
✲ And finally, along with writing a journal, my mom wrote both me and
my brother one letter each, sealed it, mailed it back to herself and
kept it safe. It was a letter to talk to us “privately” about how she felt
about us individually. It’s the most precious gift I have ever received.
I hope that starting these journals for my two daughters
(3 and 16 months) will help them know who I am, what
I believe in and just how much I adore them.
My mom started writing her journals when she
was 24 and wrote my special letter when I was just a
baby, without knowing the significance of them. She did
not know at the time, that she would succumb to cancer at such a young age. What a wonderful woman. I
feel like I will always have a little bit of her with me
now. And that is priceless.✲
Samantha Gill is mom to Audrey (3) and Adalynne (16 months) and wife to Craig. She lives
in Northfield and works full time as a social worker. She loves being a mom and enjoys writing about it, too. She earned her bachelor’s of social work from Richard Stockton College and
hopes to complete her master’s degree, which she started at St. Joseph’s University some time
ago, when she finds the time!
July 20, 1969, 10:51p.m. Sunday: “Neil Armstrong steps on Moon and
says, ‘One small step for man… One giant leap for mankind.’
20 | April 2012
Students at our special education schools experience a school
day as it should be—filled with discovery, achievement, learning
and friendship. Here, they have people they know they can count
on—outstanding teachers, therapists, counselors, psychologists
and job coaches who constantly encourage and support them.
Our students feel cherished, well cared for and respected for a
very good reason—it is part of our mission and our commitment.
Our schools are welcoming places where students feel at home
and are able to enjoy a rich and rewarding social life.
With individualized attention, on-site therapies and vocational
training, 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 … along with
plenty of smiles.
These unique services are provided at NO COST for families.
Find out if private special education is the right fit for your child.
Our staff can help answer your questions. To find out more
about what programs may be right for your child, call us at
Brookfield Schools
HollyDELL, Inc.
Garfield Park Academy
Kingsway Learning Center
And we make sure
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St. John of God Community Services
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www.SpecialEducationSchools.org
Copyright
2012 Coalition of Special Education Schools
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.
April 2012 | 21
22 | April 2012
By Lisa Ann Panzino DiNunzio
Fun this Spring!
pril is a great month to bake up something fun with the children in
your life, be it your child, grandchild, niece, nephew, etc. Springtime
parties are usually going on at school, church or home, and it’s so
rewarding and exciting to serve up something homemade versus store
bought, if time allows.
Every April my niece Christina (now 12) and I make our annual
“Spring Lamb” cake, made in a mold that was handed down to my mom
by her grandmom. I love that we are continuing a family culinary tradition, and I encourage you to share your special family recipes and traditions with the children in your life, and let them help with age appropriate tasks in the kitchen. They will be so proud of their accomplishments,
and will also enjoy eating the foods a little more knowing they helped
prepare them!
A
SPRING LAMB CAKE
1 box yellow cake mix or organic cake mix
2 large (16.2 oz.) containers whipped vanilla frosting or homemade
buttercream frosting
1 (14 oz.) bag shredded sweetened coconut
Green food coloring, for decoration purposes
Chocolate chips, for eyes and nose
• Preheat oven to 350°. In a bowl; prepare cake mix per directions on
package.
• Grease lamb molds with nonstick cooking spray.
• Pour batter into molds until 3/4 full.
• Bake per directions on cake mix package, or until a toothpick
inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
• Allow cakes to cool in mold for 3 - 5 minutes, turn cakes out onto
serving dishes. Allow cakes to completely cool, then frost.
• Using the shredded coconut, sprinkle all over one of the lamb cakes
until fully covered. Add two chocolate chips for the eyes, and one
chocolate chip for the nose.
• For the second lamb cake just frost, but omit coconut, add eyes and
nose using chocolate chips. In a bowl, add some shredded coconut,
and a few drops of green food coloring, stir, add more food coloring
until your coconut reaches the color of green grass.
recipe corner
Bake Something
Christina (at 10 years old) with her Spring Lamb cake, a family tradition she makes every
year with Aunt Lisa
• Add the green coconut around the bottom of the lamb cakes to make
it look like their standing on grass.
• Sprinkle jellybeans throughout the coconut grass if desired.
Note: The lamb cake mold my niece and I use is very old, but they have similar molds at baking supply stores and online. I personally do not make the lamb
cake as one cake, but fill both sides of the mold with batter and bake them as
two separate cakes. That way it serves more people, and they are much easier to make and decorate, and I can serve one without coconut for those who
do not like it.✲
Lisa is the author of the cookbooks “Seasoned With Love, Treasured Recipes” & “Lisa Ann’s Seasoned With Love II”, and author of the children’s book “Snicker Learns an Important Lesson.”
For more recipes, visit her “Let’s Get Cookin’!” Blog at lisaanndinunzio.blogspot.com or follow her Facebook Food & Recipe page at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001935347501.
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April 2012 | 23
know 2 grow
The High-Tech Tongue-Tied Tween:
Why So Many Kids Struggle to Connect with Others
By Maribeth Kuzmeski
weens and technology. These days they are as inseparable as toddlers and their teddy bears. And here is the
irony: Today’s young people are more “connected” than
any other generation in history, but they have a general inability to, well,
connect. In fact, many can barely carry on the most basic conversations
and have trouble articulating what they want or need.
I’m not saying the digital world is the reason why young people struggle to function in the real one. At least it’s not the only one. It’s more like
a crutch. Because technology is so pervasive, tweens use it as a substitute for real conversations. And so they do not hone those critical skills.
Learning to engage and connect, of course, begins long before the
tween years. Kids learn by doing. And just as we must push kids to clean
their rooms and do their homework, it’s up to us as parents to
force them to interact with others in persuasive, polite and
engaging ways.
Technology is only part of the problem.The other
part is that we tend to do things for our kids
that we need to be teaching them to do for
themselves. We set up their dental appointments, for example. We place their
orders in restaurants. We talk to their
teachers. We call in sick for them
when they need to miss a day of
school. We do these things because
we have always done them—and in
the process we squander what
could be rich learning opportunities.
Read on to learn strategies you
can incorporate into your family’s life,
as well as the skills they will help your
kids develop naturally and organically:
T
Have them place a restaurant order.
The next time you are dining out, use it as
an opportunity for your child to interact
with the server in a way that gets results.
Instruct him to order his own meal, complete with requests to hold the pickles or
bring extra ketchup or ranch for the fries.
Help them return an item to a
store, especially at a busy time. At
some point, your child is going to receive
a birthday gift she already owns, a
sweater from Aunt Grace that might have
fit her two years ago, or a toy that is
damaged or missing a part. When you
make the trip to the customer service
desk, be sure to bring your daughter
along. Ask her to explain why she is
returning the item and to specify
24 | April 2012
whether she would like an exchange, cash, or store credit. And (as
always) remind her to use “please” and “thank you.”
Ask them to set up an appointment. Whenever he needs to visit
the doctor, dentist, or hairstylist (or even when your dog needs to go to
the vet!), ask him to call and book the appointment. Instruct him to be
as detailed as possible when requesting a visit time, and help him to look
at the calendar before confirming to make sure there is not a conflict.
Help them to decline invitations. Between friends’ birthday parties,
cousins’ graduation celebrations, classmates’ bar mitzvahs, and more,
your child is going to be invited to events that she is unable to attend.
Once she has looked at the calendar and seen that she is
already busy, go over polite refusals with her so she
knows what to say.Then ask her to call the event’s
host and explain why she can not attend.
Make them do their own fundraising. At some point between kindergarten and high school graduation,
most children will be asked to participate in fundraising. Whether she is
selling cookies for her Girl Scout
troop, magazine subscriptions to raise
money for a band trip, or coupon
books for her school, require that your
child do all of the selling herself. Instead
of taking her catalog and order forms to
work, let her come to the office—if only
for thirty minutes during lunch—and make
her pitch in person. You can also prompt her
to approach people she knows at church and
in your neighborhood, and to phone friends and
relatives.
Regardless of your child’s age, making these
connections might not be easy at first. Depending
on your kids’ ages and personalities, they may balk
at being asked to get into the proverbial driver’s
seat. But be insistent and consistent.Your children’s
comfort levels will increase, and especially as they
begin to experience positive connecting outcomes,
they will become more and more proactive.✲
To learn more about how you can help your child connect and
communicate effectively, check out The Engaging Child: Raising
Children to Speak, Write, and Have Relationship Skills Beyond
Technology by Maribeth Kuzmeski, MBA, CSP. For more information, visit www.theengagingchild.com.
Fighting the
Fight of a
Lifetime
By Mary Oves
A
s mothers, our first response to the discomfort of
our children is to want to
protect them, to take away the
hurt. When they are well, we are
thankful, and wonder how we
would handle it if they were not.
I would crumble, you think. If
something happened to any of my
children, I would fall apart.
But 33-year-old Marilyn Roser,
of Wenonah, realizes that falling
apart in times of trouble and
misfortune is no way to run a
family. As a mother of four to
Michael, 9, and 4-year old triplets
Scott, Spencer and Sterling, she
Sterling Roser
knows the importance of sticking
together.
Michael was diagnosed with PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental
Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified) when he was 3, she was initially devastated.
“I always knew something was wrong, but to actually hear it, was like
someone reached inside me and ripped my soul out. I had no clue what
to think, my first thought was, ‘Oh my God, my son is never going to live
a normal life.’ I had a very hard time coping,” says Marilyn.
PDD-NOS is one of the autism spectrum disorders, and describes
individuals who do not fully meet the criteria for autistic disorder or
Asperger Syndrome. When someone has mild symptoms, or have symptoms in one area but not another, they may be given the PDD-NOS diagnosis.
Marilyn says when Michael was young, it was tough. “His younger
years were awful. He didn’t speak, had constant meltdowns, wasn’t a
good sleeper, it really was sad. But with constant therapy, and all the different programs he’s been in, he has come a long way. If it wasn’t for the
support and strength from my husband, I don’t know where I would be
right now,” says Marilyn.
Michael is doing very well in school and Marilyn is proud of his
social skills and improvement. “He is in regular school, and up until this
year, he had a one-on-one aid. He loves school and is very popular with
his peers. Michael is doing so well it really doesn’t affect our everyday
lives.”
Marilyn was shocked when she discovered she was having triplets.
“I almost passed out. I did not take any fertility drugs, it happened
naturally.”
Michael, Scott, Spencer & Sterling
Marilyn’s grandmother has raised her since age 10. “My grandmother Elizabeth, is my biggest inspiration. She is the sole reason I am the
mother, wife and strong woman I am today. I love and admire her more
than she’ll ever know. I thank God for her every day, and could NEVER
imagine life without her. She is my best friend!”
On February 12, 2011, Marilyn was handed another challenge, this
one seemingly tougher than the first. Three weeks after his 3rd birthday,
Sterling, one of the triplets, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic
Leukemia.
Marilyn credits her husband and her children for the strength and
motivation to get up and face each new day.
“I myself have no clue how I have made it through this last year. I’m
not the inspiration in this story, my children are. They are stronger than
I will ever be. They are so resilient, such beautiful little human beings. I
look up to them. They amaze me everyday with their love and kindness
for one another and life. I am the luckiest mommy in the world.”
Normalcy is important to Marilyn, especially since her children’s
happiness is important to her. Sitting around the house brooding does
not benefit anyone.
“If you were to come to my house or see my family out in public,
you would NEVER know anything was wrong.We are always laughing and
smiling. The kids make me strong; I really have no choice in the matter. I
thank God I have so many children who need me, because if Sterling was
my only child, I would probably want to curl up in a ball next to him and
give up on life.”
Marilyn admits to getting so angry at the cancer that she barely feels
she can go on some days.
“I have felt defeated when Sterling is so ill and I can’t make him better. I remember sitting in his cancer clinic in August, when he was at his
worst, with his bald little listless body in my arms, no longer able to walk
or talk or eat, and asking the doctors, ‘Is my son going to die?’ I am crying right now even sharing this. I get through it because I get really angry
at the cancer and my mommy mentality takes over and I will not let this
cancer break me, I need to be there for my children.”
The advice Marilyn would like to offer other mothers is to remember that there is always someone worse off than they are.
“I thought autism was the worst thing that would ever happen to
one of my children, until cancer struck. But my son has a good prognosis – other parents know their child will not survive.”
Sterling continues to fight his fight at CHOP in Philadelphia, and
makes his family proud.✲
April 2012 | 25
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26 | April 2012
Are You Allergic to Spring?
Come see the doctors at
Allergy and Asthma Care!
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Norman Koven, MD Pediatric Allergist
Frederick Cogen, MD Family Allergist
Min Ku, MD Family Allergist
Haddonfield Office
213 Haddon Avenue
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
Visit us at
www.aacallergy.com 856.795.5600
Pavilions at Voorhees
2301 Evesham Road
Suite 207
Voorhees, NJ 08043
856.651.9700
Cloth Diapers You Say?
By Melanie Hones
Y
es, you heard
that correctly! Hundreds
of families in South
Jersey use cloth diapers. Why, you may
ask? Some use them
for the savings, some
for the environment
and then there is the
cute factor.
But before you
start using cloth diaMelanie Hones and daughters Savannah, 5 and
pers, you have to do
Sophia, 15 months.
some research. And
there is an initial investment. Choosing what cloth diapers to use can be
very overwhelming, so here are some do’s and don’ts for success.
m DO your research.There are many different types of cloth diapers out
there to choose from. These are not your grandma’s cloth diapers.
There are prefolds, flats, fitteds, covers, pocket diapers, All-inOne(AIOs), All-in-2(AI2s), hybrid diapers and WAHM made (work-athome mom) to name a few.
m DO find a cloth diaper-safe detergent. Many mainstream laundry
detergents have enzymes and optical brighteners in them that will
damage your diapers and could cause repelling issues resulting in
leaks.
m DO try different brands and types. Not all babies are created the
same shape and size. Trying different brands and types allows you to
find the best fit for your baby or toddler. There are some web sites
that allow you to do a cloth diaper trial or rental programs. Make sure
you read the return policies when purchasing diapers.
m DO plan on washing every other day. That is the recommended time
between washing diapers.
m DO use your diapers for your next child, donate or sell them to
recoup more savings.
m DO NOT get discouraged. When in doubt ask for help. There are
groups of moms throughout South Jersey that meet and discuss cloth
diapering. Also, call the retailer or manufacturer of your cloth diapers;
they have knowledgeable customer service representatives.
m DO NOT use zinc-based or petroleum-based diaper creams. These
creams leave a residue on cloth diapers and either stain them
permanently or cause them to repel fluids. There are a number of
cloth diaper-safe creams on the market. If you must use these creams,
use a liner or something between your baby and the diaper and wash
it separate from your cloth diapers.
m DO NOT dry your waterproof materials in the dryer. Hang dry
covers to prolong the life of the waterproof layer and elastic. High
temperatures, such as those in a dryer can cause your diapers to
delaminate and cause leaking.
m DO NOT use bleach on your diapers unless absolutely necessary.
Check with the diaper manufacturer first, as this may void
warranties. For stains and to disinfect diapers, hang them in the sun to
dry. The sun is a natural bleaching agent and sanitizer for diapers.
m DO NOT be scared of “poop” in your washer.There are several ways
to dispose of solids before putting them in your washing machine. Do
some research to find the best solution for you. I use a diaper sprayer,
which attaches to the toilet and allows me to spray solids into the toilet so there is nothing visible on the diaper when it goes into the
washer. Plus, the diaper sprayer is useful for many other household
chores as well.
If you are looking to see cloth diapers in action, come to the Great
Cloth Diaper Change event in Pittsgrove on April 21, 2012. Join me and
many other cloth diapering moms as we try to break a Guinness
Book record. For more information, visit greatclothdiaperchange.com
or www.facebook.com/pages/The-Great-Cloth-Diaper-Change-2012Southern-NJ/150292788425825.✲
Cloth Diaper Resources:
Rental Programs: www.jilliansdrawers.com
Trial Programs: www.nickisdiapers.com
Social Networking:
www.facebook.com/groups/281090941956302
and www.facebook.com/pages/Try-Cloth-Dipes/
120771694614606
Resources for learning about cloth diapers:
www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com
April 2012 | 27
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!
1
Pura Stainless Steel
Pura Stainless Steel’s Kiki line features electro-polished stainless steel bottles made from the highest quality, food service grade stainless steel,
making them resistant to corrosion and staining. The brand new textured
silicone bottle sleeves prevent condensation and keep little hands from
getting hot/cold. $6.99 and up, www.purastainless.com
2
Slick Sugar – Keep the Music Alive Tee
SlickSugar lets little kids do good while they look good. A percentage of
proceeds from “Keep the Music Alive” tees go to the non-profit organization Little Kids Rock, a leading provider of free music lessons and musical
instruments to underprivileged children in public schools. Sizes 6 months
through 5/6. $26, www.slicksugar.com
3
4
Miniclasix Children’s Clothing
With spring styles for the swankiest sandbox soirees to durable cotton tees
capable of withstanding the roughest tumble, Miniclasix children’s clothing makes dressing a cinch. Fabrics that are soft to the touch, adorable
trompe l'oeil, and extensive detailing mark the undeniable style and quality of Miniclasix’ Spring 2012 collection. $40-75, www.nordstrom.com
and www.saksfifthavenue.com
Company Kids La Crosse® Jr. Tcs® Down Comforters
This exclusive down comforter is packed with TCS® Down fill, plump and
cozy in a 232-thread count cotton cover. 12” stitched squares not only
carve out a classic baffled design, they also prevent the fill from shifting
for comfort that lasts all night long. $89 and up, www.thecompanystore.com
5
Lakeshore Learning Downloads
Lakeshore Learning Materials are designed specifically for children ages
3–11, their new titles provide parents and teachers with an exciting—
and affordable—way to help kids build important skills in language,
math and science…while having fun! Over 100 titles to choose from.
$14.95, www.LakeshoreLearning.com
6
Wuggle Pets
Wuggle Pets are a new activity kit of adorable baby animals that are easy
to make and fun to collect! These snuggly friends come to life as children
create their own pet right at home. Children simply add stuffing using
the Fun Fill Factory (winding stuffing machine), sprinkle a little magical
dust, put in a personality charm, and watch as it grows. $19.99,
www.wugglepets.com
7
Every Which Way to Pray by Joyce Meyer
Hayley and Harley Hippo want to pray, but believe that in order to be close
to God, they must pray quietly in a church – with heads bowed, hands
folded and dressed in their Sunday best. With the help of a quirky pelican,
the zoo‘s sheepish librarian, and a bear police officer, the readers discover
that prayer is simply talking to God as a friend. $15.99, available in
book stores
28 | April 2012
8
Sidekick Child Carrier Diaper Bag
Sidekick is the first and only full-size diaper bag with a built in child
carrier. Adjustable strap allows you to carry baby at either hip. Includes
spacious compartments and pockets for all of baby‘s and mom‘s things.
Multiple colors to choose from. Designed for infants and toddlers up
to 35 pounds and between 6 months and 3 years old. $129,
www.gogobabyz.com
9
fohawx
Fohawx are an embellishment kids can add to any safety helmet, allowing
them to be safe and look great at the same time. With fohawx, safety
never looked so cool. From long flowing strips fashioned like dreadlocks,
to wacky and colorful punk shapes and high-top Mohawks, kids can wear,
collect, and swap these unique accessories. $19.99, www.fohawx.com
10
Plum Organics Baby Food
Yummy baby food that’s always made with care, always certified organic,
always nutrient rich, no icky stuff, BPS-free packaging and earth friendly.
Prices Vary, Target and Babies R Us
11
Snapparel
Snapparel premium denim jeans and capris allow girls to attach a variety
of decorative hemline cuffs to suit her mood. The cuffs are available in
three different lengths, so as girls grow they can attach longer cuffs to
extend the life of their favorite pair of Snapparel jeans. Jeans and capris
are available in 2T up to size 10. $7.99 and up, www.snapparel.com
12
Little Angels DVDs
Preschool twins Alex and Zoe are blessed to have eight Little Angels
watching over them – literally! These Little Angels “live” on the ceiling of
their bedroom, painted there so they are the first things the kids see when
they wake up in the morning and the last thing they see before they fall
asleep at night. The angels come to life when the children need them
most, helping guide them through the challenges of their young lives.
$12.99, www.christianbook.com
13
Live Clean (baby) Products
Baby‘s bath time is essential, and choosing the right wash that is not only
safe for you and the baby, but safe for mother earth is a challenge. Made
with all natural ingredients and purified water enriched with organic
lavendar, chamomile & aloe, this tear-free product will keep baby‘s skin
nourished, clean and smelling good. $7.99, Walgreens
14
iNTAKT Boys Clothing
Stylish, sensible and fun surf, skate and street pop inspired tees, shirts,
hoodies, shorts and pants for boys 12 mos. to 7 years. Cool designs for
boys that parents will love! $22-55, www.intaktclothing.com
2
5
11
3
13
4
9
10
7
12
6
14
1
8
April 2012 | 29
making a difference
Local Organization Makes
an “Impact” on Humanity
By Adrienne Richardson
I
n Spring 2007, Harry Behrens, of Buena, went to Waveland, Mississippi
on a short term missions trip to help rebuild after Hurricane Katrina.
Over and over again he spoke with people that lost all of their personal belongings – from photos to houses.
On his way home from Mississippi, Harry had an overwhelming urge
to get rid of all his debt and material attachments. He told his wife Valerie
he wanted to sell their house and rent, to free themselves from the
bondage of owning so they could freely follow God. This was not
received well at first, but eventually Valerie agreed.
A year and a half later, after a lot of patience and waiting, they finally sold their house. Harry, his wife, and his two sons, Anthony and Tyler,
moved into their grandparent’s old house, situated on seven acres of
land.
Shortly after moving in, Harry noticed an elderly woman walking
past his house carrying grocery bags. After catching up with her and giving her a ride home, he learned this was a normal routine for the woman.
Harry and his wife arranged to take the woman to the store once
a week. They learned she was on food stamps and never bought produce
because it was too expensive and goes bad quickly.
After almost a year of taking the woman to the store, Harry planted a garden in his back yard to help the elderly woman get fresh produce
and to also help others in need.
“I just looked at this empty field in the backyard and figured I should
start doing something while I wait for God to tell me what to do with
my life,” Harry says. He had every intention of buying plants and seed for
the field. But Tom, a man from his church, offered to give him a few leftover plants he had. Tom showed up with 800 heads of lettuce!
Throughout the summer, with the plants Tom donated, and $0
additional out-of-pocket expenses, Harry planted 800 heads of lettuce,
200 tomato plants, 300 pepper plants, 100 watermelon and cantaloupe
plants and a bunch of corn. Of course, he did all of this with the help of
his family.
30 | April 2012
“In the beginning, my wife and kids were the only helpers,” says
Harry. “They came along side me and we did this together, as a family. We
felt so led by God to do this, there was no way I would have done it without them; my family was so supportive and helpful.” Harry continued
tending the garden in addition to working his full time job at Comcast.
Later that year, Harry’s friend Rich started a garden at his house
also. Harry and Rich realized this thing was bigger than they were. After
a lot of prayer and discussion, Impact Harvest was born. Impact Harvest
became an organization that gives free produce to anyone in need.
In 2011, Impact Harvest gave away approximately $30,000 worth of
produce to thousands of people. They had six distribution sites in
Cumberland and Atlantic County and 150 volunteers throughout the
season.
Their goal for 2012, is to give away $100,000 worth of produce. To
reach this goal, Impact Harvest is in need of volunteers and financial donations. “This is a great volunteer opportunity for families to do together.
Children as young as 4 years old can participate,” says Harry. “It’s a joy
to watch the children learn how a farm works, how they are helping their
community and how to work together.”
“Last year,” Harry shares, “we heard stories about volunteers bringing produce to their neighbors. Neighbors they never spoke to. This kind
gesture opened doors for them to connect with others in a way that didn’t exist before. People were touched by their care for humanity, and
were amazed by the generosity of Impact Harvest.”
If you can volunteer at the farm in Buena one day a week, or one
day a month consistently, contact Impact Harvest. May 19 is their first
planting day of the season. To learn how you can make an impact, visit
www.ImpactHarvest.org.✲
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April 2012 | 31
summer camp guide
The Lazy, Hazy…Anxious? Days of Summer:
What Every Parent Should Know Before Sending Kids to Summer Camp
oon school will be out, temperatures will rise…and that means
kids and their parents are gearing up for day camps and sleep-away
camps. The problem is, not all soonto-be campers are excited about
their summer schedules. Some children are unsure about spending so
much time away from their homes
and parents…and some are downright terrified by the prospect. Yes, most children experience some degree of separation
anxiety, and many eventually learn to deal with
the absence of their parents without experiencing undue stress. However, assuming that
your homesick child will “get over it” might be
a false—and even dangerous—assumption to
make.
“There are many different degrees of homesickness, and it’s important to deal with them in
appropriate ways,” says Todd Patkin, author of
the new book Finding Happiness: One Man’s
Quest to Beat Depression and Anxiety and—
Finally—Let the Sunshine In. “It’s especially crucial to note that about1 in 25 children suffers
from Separation Anxiety Disorder.
Before sending your children away from
home this summer, read on to learn how to
spot separation anxiety and how you may be
able to alleviate it if it appears, provided it isn’t
severe:
your own apprehensions to the pile. (And certainly do not bring up worrisome what-ifs
yourself—for example, “I just don’t know how
I’m going to make it a whole week without you
here, Junior!”)
S
HOW TO ALLEVIATE NON-SEVERE
SEPARATION ANXIETY
Talk it over with your child. Before signing
up for any camp or an away-from-home activity, talk to your child about it. Ask him how he’s
feeling and what he thinks about these plans.
Above all, be sure to acknowledge your child’s
feelings as legitimate. Even if you do not believe
there is any real reason for him to be upset,
remember that his feelings and fears are very
real in his own mind.
Realize that some amount of separation
anxiety is normal. Yes, listen to your child
and give her wishes some weight. Also realize,
Feed your child’s interests. Sometimes
homesickness can be sparked by boredom and
unhappiness—so do not assume that just
because you enjoyed science camp in your
youth, for example, your child will too. It’s
always a good idea to make sure that any camp
you are considering for your child is a good fit
for him. After all, if he is happy and engaged, his
attention is more likely to be focused on
what is right in front of him, and not on what
he is missing.
though, that at some point you are likely to
hear some variation on the “Mom, Dad, don’t
leave me—I’ll miss you!” theme from any
youngster. The timing and duration vary, but
every child experiences some level of stress
when facing a separation from his or her loved
ones—so there might be no need to panic. The
fact is, no matter how independent or self-possessed your child is, chances are she will probably be reluctant to leave you. That is normal.
Look for causes. While almost every child
does experience some degree of separation
anxiety, these feelings do not always originate
within the child. They can also be caused or
exacerbated by outside circumstances. If your
child is feeling distressed for another reason,
he will be in need of extra comfort and security…which can easily lead to a stronger-thanusual desire to be with his parents in familiar
surroundings.
Stay calm and positive. You have probably
noticed that negativity, pessimism, and worry
tend to breed more of the same—and it should
come as no surprise that this trend holds true
when it comes to your children. If your
prospective camper voices worries, acknowledge them, but do not feed into them by adding
Let your child take “home” with him.
Your child may be traveling miles away, but
there is no reason why she needs to leave
home behind altogether. Send familiar objects
with her, such as a favorite stuffed animal, a
small picture of you and phone numbers. She
will feel less cut off from everything that is
familiar, and will therefore be less likely to
experience severe homesickness. It’s even better if she can go to camp with a friend from
home.
Don’t be too quick to provide an out.
When dealing with separation anxiety, this is
often the hardest line of all for parents to walk.
If your child is upset and emotional and begs to
be with you, you would need to have a heart of
stone not to be affected. Many parents soon
give in to their child’s pleading rather than
endure their own resulting anguish!
“I believe there are very few children who
won’t at least feel a twinge of homesickness
when overnight camp—or any significant separation—rolls around,” concludes Patkin. “But if
you approach the situation positively and
rationally and encourage your child to do the
same, you’ll both be better prepared for the
separation—and you will be better equipped
to determine if your child’s anxiety levels aren’t
normal or healthy.”✲
LIBERTY LAKE SUMMER CAMP
Teamwork, Independence, Integrity, Looking to the Future and Building Friendships – These are the core values of Liberty Lake Day
Camp. Rt. 295, Exit 52A – for the Best Summer Every Summer! (609) 499-7820, [email protected],
www.LibertyLakeDayCamp.com.
CHRISTIAN PLAYCARE CENTER SUMMER CAMP
Ages 6-12 are invited to enjoy our large indoor/outdoor facility which offers weekly themed crafts and activities, weekly trips and a
large outdoor pool with a certified lifeguard. Mention this add for FREE registration! 1737 Cooper Street, Deptford. Call Today!
(856) 227-5596, www.christianplaycare.com.
32 | April 2012
Registration for the 2012 Wow! Science Camp® has begun
Register early to join the trip to the White House, make your own chocolate at the Hershey Factory,
meet NBC10’s Glenn “Hurricane” Schwartz at camp, and much more!
2012 camp runs from June 25 to August 17. For ages 5 to 14.
Locations: Clementon, Cherry Hill, Glassboro.
Visit www.wowsciencecamp.org to register.
Be sure to check out our virtual open house.
Register today as space is limited.
For inquiries call (877) 541-CAMP (2267)
or email [email protected]
Wow! Science Camp® is
a nonprofit summer
science camp committed to
promoting children’s interest
in science.
We offer fun, hands-on
science experiments and
projects, math games and
simulations, etiquette and
money management lessons,
review of STEM careers, and
eight thrilling field trips.
Arden Drama School
Summer Camps
2012
GO TO BASKETBALL
OR DANCE CAMP
THIS SUMMER!
SIGN UP
TODAY!
Action packed Kids’ Crew Camps are taught by theatre professionals,
with classes each day in Acting, Storytelling, Improvisation, Dance,
Music, and Design. Each session is centered on a different theme,
creating a unique experience every week. Some camps include a
field trip inspired by the camp theme.
215.922.1122
SIXERSCAMPS.COM +215.389.9443
ardendramaschool.com
40 N. 2nd St., Old City, Philadelphia
April 2012 | 33
YMCA Camps of Medford
www.ycamp.org
609-654-8225
“The best experience a parent can give a child.”
“The counselors were wonderful role models.”
x
Boys and Girls Overnight
Camps and Co-Ed Day Camp
x
x
x
x
x
x
Convenient Session Dates
Affordable, Flexible Rates
Safe, Supportive Atmosphere
Active, Adult Role Models
Fun and Rewarding Programs
Promotes Friendships &
Positive Self-Esteem
x
Encourages Individuality
and Independence
Present this ad at any one of our
Open Houses (Sundays, 1-4 pm, 4/15, 5/20
& 6/3) and receive $50 OFF* each new
camper r egistration.
*New Families Only Registering at Open House
34 | April 2012
• Daily Swimming
• Geo Treasure
Hunting
• Culinary Contests
Adventure Team: 8-10 yrs old
Explorer Club: 6-7 yrs old
Discovery Zone: 3-5 yrs old
New
activities
and age
groups!
• Cool Science
• Outdoor
Adventures
• Team Games
THE COURTYARD SCHOOL
Established 1982
1270 S. East Avenue • Vineland
856.692.0414
Preschool • Wrap Care Services • Summer Programs
Open House:
Sunday, April 15th
1:00pm-3:30pm
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www.greattimesdaycamp.com
Experience the
Excitement of Sailing!
Kids ages 9-18 and adults alike can enjoy
our beginner and advanced programs
Sessions run Monday - Friday
9am to 12pm or 1pm to 4pm
Register online at:
www.CooperRiverYC.org
Collingswood, NJ
U.S. Sailing Certified
Instructors.
Sessions run every
2 weeks
Call us at:
856.869.9145
7500
7
500 Squ
Square
are Ft.
Ft. Fully
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Air-Conditioned
ir-Conditioned G
Gym!
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YMCA OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY
SUMMER DAY CAMP
FOR BOYS & GIRLS ENTERING K-10TH GRADE
,QGRRU3RRO6ZLP/HVVRQV)LHOG7ULSV
Included in Weekly Rates
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Plans Available!
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Logan-Swedesboro area, just ask!
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235 E. Re
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Bank
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Ave, Woodbury,
Woodbury, NJ
NJ 08096
08096
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April 2012 | 35
Three Independent Divisions
Custom Build Swimming Pool & Renovations
Coping • Tile • Plastering • Liners • Water Features • Computer Design
Hardscaping & Masonry
Interlocking Pavers • All Phases of Concrete • Natural Stone
Veneer • Stucco • 5 Year Guarantee on all Interlocking Pavers
Construction
Composite Decks • Pavillions • Pergolas • Pool Houses
Additions • and More!
300 sq ft Paver Patio
16’ x 32’ Liner Pool as low as
$2,990
$19,500
With this ad. Limited time offer.
2 FREE Pillars
with a 500 sq ft patio
With this ad. Limited time offer.
500 sq ft Free Form
Gunite Pools starting at
$27,500
460 Pitman Rd • Sewell
856.218.8911 • www.theburpeegroupllc.com
Children’s Dental
Associates
South Jersey’s Premier Comprehensive
Dental Care for Children & Teens
Dr. Crystal Choi, DMD, a graduate of Harvard Dental School,
Voted Top Dentist by SJ Magazine 3 Years in a Row!
• Expert management of
fear & anxiety
• Specializes in individual
patient care
• Dental care for 6 months
to 19 years of age
• Laughing gas (Nitrous
Oxide) available
• Weekend and evening
hours
Suite 1602 Liberty Place • Sicklerville
Inside Lakeside Business Park
856-629-0577
www.dentalcare4kidsnteens.com
Mention the code “SJ MOMS” and receive 15% OFF your next visit
(For new patients only)
36 | April 2012
For a complete list of events, log onto
To submit your event, send an email to [email protected].
Entries are due six weeks prior to the event and are filled on a first come first serve basis. Space is limited.
ATLANTIC COUNTY
2nd Annual Atlantic City
Boardwalk Rodeo
March 30 – April 1
Thrilling bareback, tie down and
team roping events, to the electrifying saddle bronc, steer wrestling,
barrel racing and bull riding
events, the action takes place from
one end of the arena to the other!
Tickets are $16 and up. Atlantic
City Boardwalk Hall, 2301
Boardwalk. www.acboardwalkrodeo.com, (609) 348-7000
Ringling Bros. And Barnum &
Bailey Presents Barnum Bash
April 19 – 22
Ringling Bros. Presents Barnum
Bash has assembled the most
amazing international acts
including The Mighty Dmytrio,
Motorcycle Mania, Epic Asian
Elephants, Wheel of Steel, and
Hand Balancers. All are tricked-out
for the circus party and ready to
perform wild feats of wonders and
strength, to contemporary pop
music and in 21st century Barnum
style. Tickets $20 and up. Atlantic
City Boardwalk Hall, 2301
Boardwalk. (609) 348-7000
BURLINGTON COUNTY
Earth Day Celebration
April 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day in the
Burlington County Park System!
Families can participate in free
conservation-minded activities
ranging from recycling and composting workshops to kids' games
and crafts. See website for more
specific information and itinerary
for each park. (609) 265-5858,
www.co.burlington.nj.us/parks
VIVA Goodwill: A Sure Bet
Fundraiser
April 26 at 6 p.m.
This fundraising event will raise
money to support Goodwill’s high
caliber job training programs and
career services that help prepare
local residents with disabilities
and disadvantages for competitive
employment in the community.
Festivities include a buffet dinner,
open bar, and casino games ranging from Blackjack and Craps to
Texas Hold’em Poker and Roulette.
$125/person. Aloft Hotel, Mt.
Laurel. (856) 439-0200, ext. 224.
CAMDEN COUNTY
Hansel & Gretel
April 3, 4, 5, 7,10, 11, 12, 14
at 2 p.m.
Follow the trail for a sweet tale of a
brother and sister who lose their
way in the woods and find a tasty
house with an unsavory occupant.
The Discovery Museum, 2040
Springdale Rd, Cherry Hill. $10.95
for adults and children; under 12
months are free. (856) 424-1233,
www.discoverymuseum.com
Dino Day & Bug Bonanza
Family Festival
April 14 and 15 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Celebrate dinosaurs and insects
while digging for fossils in Dino
Garden! This festival includes
educational activities, a fun
planting activity, and themed
crafts. Camden Children’s Garden,
Camden. (856) 365-8733,
www.camdenchildrensgarden.org
Earth and Arbor Day Family
Festival
April 28 and 29 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day amid the
beauty of 4.5-acres of children’s
themed gardens and the
Philadelphia Eagles Four Seasons
Butterfly House. This festival
includes planting activities, a
ladybug release, crafts and educational activities to learn about and
to help celebrate Mother Earth!
Camden Children’s Garden,
Camden. (856) 365-8733,
www.camdenchildrensgarden.org
CAPE MAY COUNTY
Easter Egg Hunt
April 8
Morey’s Piers Easter Celebration is
sure to delight the kid in all of us
with rides, food, entertainment
and even an Easter Egg Hunt for
the little kids. Morey’s Piers,
Wildwood. (609) 522-3900,
www.moreyspiers.com
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
"PAWS FOR ART" DOGS INVITED!
Pet owners are invited to bring
their dogs onsite to engage in
various animal-themed activities
including a dog parade, a dog
caricaturist, a face painter, book
readings, a children’s animal art
exhibition, working dog demonstrations and exhibits, pet
supplies, animal-themed glass
making demonstrations, kids
activities, and animal awareness
organizations. (856) 825-6800
www.wheatonarts.org,
Tea & Teaching for Home School
Families Workshop #2
April 7 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Constellation Academy will provide lots of hands on activities in
this fast paced, interactive workshop – plus make & take and
things to do and use right away to
enhance your home schooling
goals! For both novice and veteran
Christian home school families.
$15/person (spouse is free); Tea
refreshments served. Includes
binder and other supplies.
Vineland Public Library, 1058 E.
Landis Ave, Vineland. PreRegistration Required. E-mail:
ConstellationAcademy@ gmail.com
or call (856) 205-9334.
ConstellationAcademyHSRN.blogs
pot.com
The Cumberland County College
5K Fun Run/1 Mile Walk
April 28
Step out with the CCC Alumni
Association to help provide an
affordable education for all
Cumberland County students!
(856) 691-8600 x 390
GLOUCESTER COUNTY
Combination Yard Sale/
Clothing Drive
RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW! 18 X
20 space for $10 (bring your own
table). Set up starts at 7 am.
Blackwood Elementary School, 260
Blenheim-Erial Rd., Blackwood.
Contact Angela Barr at (609) 9234931 or [email protected].
All Aboard for Tea & The Titanic
April 15 at 2 p.m.
You are cordially invited to attend
a tea party to commemorate the
100th anniversary of the Titanic.
things 2 do
April Calendar
Hosted by Amelia's Teas &
Holly and Jennifer Myerson
& Lori Yeager of Literary Ladies.
Enjoy music, tea, desserts, trivia,
displays & more! Meet "Real" survivors of the Titanic including Mrs.
Margaret "Molly" Brown and more.
Period dress encouraged, but not
required. (856) 223-0404 or
www.ameliasteasandholly.com,
26 South Main St, Mullica Hill.
The Princess and The Pirate
April 20 and 21
An original story by Mr. Malcolm! A
princess from a far away kingdom
meets the son of a pirate king and
the two fall madly in love. But
there is a problem: both kings are
enemies of one another. Will the
prince and the princess ever be
able to be together? Will the two
kings ever settle their disputes?
Broadway Theatre of Pitman, 43 S.
Broadway, Pitman. (856) 384-8381,
www.thebroadwaytheatre.org
SALEM COUNTY
Springtime Surprise
March 31 – April 1
Come out for a day of fun at the
farm! Activities include: hayride,
visit with the Barnyard Bunch, egg
hunt, craft, games and so much
more! $14/child and $3/adult. 4
events to choose from. Reservation
required to [email protected] or (856) 358-5169.
Coombs Barnyard, 20 Rte 77, Elmer.
www.coombsbarnyard.com
Jim West in North, South, East,
and Jim West
April 14 from 2 to 3 p.m.
Travel the globe with Jim West’s
multicultural extravaganza of puppeteering including puppetry, classical music, storytelling and geography – this thrilling show has
something for everyone! Appel
Farm Arts and Music Center, Elmer.
$8/person. www.appelfarm.org
Taste of Throwing Workshop
April 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Here's your chance to get a taste of
creating pottery in just one class.
Ages 6 and up (1 adult/1 child)
(856) 358-2472. Appel Farm
Arts & Music Center, Elmer.
www.appelfarm.org/node/1123
April 2012 | 37
resource guide
FOR MOM
HEY MOMS: TAKE A BREAK!
Take time for yourself and enjoy a yummy latte or smoothie.
Meet a friend or bring a good book! Text LARRYS to 91944
and receive a coupon for a FREE beverage in the café.
Larry’s II, 907 N. Main Rd, Vineland. www.larrys2.com
GIFT IDEAS
At BASKET CASES, “There’s a BASKET for every case!”
We design personalized Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Birthday,
Anniversary, Get Well gift baskets and more. Also offering
party favors for weddings, birthdays, church functions and
any other kind you can think of! Kourtney Ippolito @ (609) 8058089, [email protected]. On Facebook @ BASKET CASES
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. Visit www.justforlittlepeople.com or call
(856) 627-8901.
JEANNETTE’S BLOOMERS
Offering beautiful LOCALLY grown flowers from May through
September. Our flowers are grown specifically for use in floral
arrangements and live longer. Before your next event, call us for top
notch quality and competitive pricing! Local delivery available.
(609) 501-2572
HOME SCHOOL RESOURCES
TOUCH THE STARS: NEW HOME SCHOOL RESOURCES NETWORK!
CONSTELLATION ACADEMY provides Christ-centered home school
course instruction, Principle Approach parent/teacher mentoring,
group field trip coordination, and other services to home
schooling families in 2012-2013 school year. (856) 205-9334,
www.ConstellationAcademyHSRN.blogspot.com.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
EARN EXTRA INCOME ON YOUR SCHEDULE
Are you a DRIVEN, MOTIVATED FEMALE who wants to earn extra
income on your schedule? No stocking or delivering products.
National Health & Wellness Company with 26 yrs of proven success.
Call Brenda Regalbuto at (609) 685-5684 for more info.
PARTIES
CELEBRATE CREATIVELY!
Abrakadoodle’s CUSTOMIZED CELEBRATIONS are perfect for
BIRTHDAY, PLAY DATES and SCOUTING events. Every child takes
home a FRAMED masterpiece! Hosted at your location we provide an
ARTFULLY FUN teacher, materials & frames. Call 856-914-0521 or
visit www.abrakadoodle.com/nj01.
FUNKY FUN FACEPAINTING
Kids, teens, and adult theme parties. Contact: Michele Peraino &
Christie Chandler at (609) 247-4275 or [email protected].
PAINT ME
Paint Me offers amazing, affordable face painting using quality
paints, glitter tattoos, balloon animals and workshops. How
fun would it be to have your kids do the face painting?
www.paintmebodyart.com or (856) 905-4066
GET NEW BLING FOR SPRING
Invite your friends over for a Girl’s Night Out with Premier Designs
Jewelry and receive FREE jewelry! Choose from over 700 beautiful,
affordable pieces. Makes the perfect gift for Mother’s Day. Made in
the USA. Call (609) 209-5327 today!
38 | April 2012
NOW HIRING!
BECOME AN ADVERTISING ACCOUNT
EXECUTIVE WITH South Jersey MOM
• Flexible hours - 20 hours per week minimum
• Work from home - must have home office setup
Interested applicants should send cover letter
and resume to [email protected]
*Experience preferred, but not required. Full training provided.
April 2012 | 39
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