1. Increase the Peace:

As I write this, we are preparing for National Night Out.  My mind boggles at the thought that a similar event is occurring all over the State, all over the USA, in fact, with so many acting in concert for a shared purpose.  We are indebted to the East Windsor Police Department, Council and Mayor for causing this to happen in our community.

Once again, sharing in the event, Better Beginnings will be making peace offerings to young people who pledge to "Silence the Violence."

2. What can one person do?Contemplating the immensity of the hatred, violence, war making, gang fighting, bad mouthing, and bullying in the world, on the television, and in the schoolyard, it is hard not to throw up one's hands and retreat to a quiet place and spend long hours looking at one's navel.

Then one person has an idea.  Others hearing the idea do not throw cold water; they encourage, they believe, they help:  and a worthy event is born.   Believers in other places are heartened and decide to join in.   Soon it becomes an annual event, then a nationwide statement.  One person, one group, one community CAN make a difference.   My dearest hope is that we take the message with us and make it our year-round recitation and occupation:  keeping our homes, our neighborhoods, our communities, our world a safe and peaceful place to be.

Yes, it is a mighty big dream; but no dream can come true unless some one or two or group first dreams the dream.

I read somewhere a day or two ago that the latest thing is to wear a bracelet that reminds you and others of a cause or, in my case, a dream.   Example is the yellow bracelet that supports the Lance in his fight to cure cancer.   So I am presently making some "Peace" bracelets for distribution at the NNO (National Night Out) and later.

Wouldn't it be a kick if the idea catches on?  Imagine young people and grown folks wearing a bracelet around that reminds them to keep the peace and keep themselves safe!

4. Stop and Think:

Similarly, for FunWork, families and young students are making "Stop and Think" pendants to remind us when we are angry to stop and think about it before we say or do something regrettable.  FunWork activities are posted, in Spanish and English, at our Website, www.princetonol.com/groups/bbcdc

5. Drug Free Homes:

Along the same line, PACT (Peacemakers and Counselors in Training) members are painting birdhouses and door hangers stating, “Drug Free Homes” for the NNO.

            (cont.)

What a great idea!  You might say we are getting the word out.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) recommends that children need a space in the classroom where they can retreat and regroup.  Young children entering a group setting for the first time also need such a space from which they can safely watch the activity and events of the classroom before deciding where and how they will enter in.   Classroom faculty has been working on ways to improve this amenity.  George Medary, hearing this, put his woodworking genius to work, and designed and built such a space.   The octogenarian Purple Heart WWII Vet even figured out a way that it could, when necessary, be folded up.   He brought one to see if it fit the bill.  It did, and immediately found a home in one of the classrooms.   He is now involved in the process of making three more.    One more example of why his is called the Greatest Generation.

7. Joy in Sharing:

Joyful are we to have friends who find so many ways to support us.   For example, Mary Tulloss, a Roosevelt neighbor, brings us preschool magazines and a delightful Mother and Daughter Doll; Allison Polanski brings household items and toys.  Faithful "Mr. Jonathan" Craig, brings a roll of pennies for our drive, films and tapes, as well as a spyglass on loan.  Sarita Kelkar brings toys, books and backpacks.

Loida Wilson, a member of Better Beginnings' Board of Directors, observes that juice for morning snack is needed, and fills the void.    Our friends at Cranbury United Methodist Church also bring juice, as well as fruit and school supplies.  The Community Action Service Center surprised us with ten new Walkmans.   Allan Geller, long time advocate and friend, noting that the first day of school approaches, brings joy to many a heart by donating many school supplies.  Added to that donated by our friends at Cranbury Methodist, we now have something to put in the backpacks Sarita donated.   I love it when our friends, without even knowing it, work together like that.  Coincidence?  I don’t think so.

Greater Hightstown Juniorettes have been constant friends in a summer project which includes regularly reading to the young students.   Those who have participated are Kristin and Kathryn Schwacha, Dana and Alysha Obst, Megan O'Brien, Liz Werfel, and Brittany Binetti.

Meanwhile, our regulars Joan Freeman and Jerry Turkel faithfully continue to be classroom volunteers.  Also volunteering in the classroom at a time when badly needed (faculty on vacation, open position) is Board Member Mercedes Vargas, as well as our friend Andrew Loss.

We are grateful to all of give of themselves for the benefit of our families and children, sharing in the manifestation of our dream that they will reach their full potential.