June 18, 2004 Penny Patter

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BETTER BEGINNINGS
PENNY PATTER

June 18, 2004

**Helping Others Help Themselves:**
Encouraging and helping those who are determined to work hard at whatever employment is available, so that they can provide for themselves and their families; Encouraging young children to value themselves, to form good learning habits,		to believe in and fully develop their potential: there is something so inherently rewarding and enjoyable about such pursuits. But did you know that ...

**Helping Others Helps Yourself:**
We have always known that, right? All that feeling good inside, that sharing of wealth and joy has what we call "intrinsic rewards". But now we learn that besides all that, "The act of giving to someone else may have mental-health benefits because the very nature of		focusing outside the self counters the self-focused nature of anxiety or depression," according to researcher Carolyn Schwartz, ScD, of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and colleagues.

**So Help Us, Help our Families and Children and Help Yourself!**
We need volunteers, a favored way to make the most of what we have. Classroom assistance, office assistance, music makers, story tellers, board membership, fundraising, computer repairs, penny collecting: all of these are ways in which our volunteers provide assistance. Of course, for those who are not available during the requisite hours, your donations and contributions are		always very welcome. No, not just welcome, they are necessary for us to continue our service to families, children and community. Everything you give is an investment that reaps great returns. But we knew that, didn’t we?

**So Help me, it seems like Only Yesterday:**
Oh, it WAS yesterday! On the 16th day of June, our bright-eyed nursery school graduates marched two by two as proud family members and friends looked on., and George Simmons played Pomp and Circumstance. Pastor Barbara McDonald was Honored Guest and presented the		diplomas. Talented 1996 graduate, Christopher Werner, sang "I Believe I Can Fly". Our young students are upward bound, and will enter the "big school" Kindergarten this Fall. Congratulations! We will always love you. Keep reaching for the stars.

**TV Can Help or Hinder:**
Some shows, such as Sesame Street and Blue's Clues, can be a great learning resource. On the other hand, more and more violence, explicit sex, and bad language worrisome. Now even obesity is being blamed on too much TV and too little physical activity. When I asked for ideas for what young people might do instead of watch TV (especially unsupervised) Marsha Fais was the first to respond, in fast time, saying it was an easy one!! Here are her ideas: Now that the warm weather is here - take water in a bucket and give the kids a paint brush and let them paint pictures with water on the ground - no fuss - no muss!!!		Read READ READ Tell stories Encourage them to help you make dinner instead of watching TV while you do it. Play hit the penny with a basketball on the sidewalk Give them the Sunday papers and ask them to cut out ALL the coupons for you. Great ideas, Marsha, and I notice that every one of them develops a skill, engages a learning style and an intelligence.

**FunWork Helps Parent/Student Interaction:**
Week-end FunWork for June 18 (and earlier) in Spanish and English is posted at www.princetonol.com/groups/bbcdc . Look for the Week-end Fun Work button. A safe alternative for Independence Day		Celebration is our "Sparkley Spinner" which Penny Pincher also loves because it is made with tubes from paper towel rolls. Check it out.

**Our condolences**
to the family of Pat Glackin, a community leader who was supportive of Better Beginnings and gave willingly of herself and		her talents to many community organizations. We miss her.

**Our Help Comes From**
many contributors and donors such as Maurice Dupont Lee, Jr., Charles and Marilyn Fischer, Katherine Christie, "Mr. Jonathan" Craig, Jesse Rosen, Mothers & More, Theodore L. Lucas Jr., and Mark R. Warfield. Gifts range from contributions, sports equipment, pennies collected, United Way designations, toys, and more.		Minnie Bell and Frances Rios made their monthly contribution in memory of brother and uncle, Jimmy Jackson. Thank you all. With your help, we can continue to provide a service that nurtures the present and invests in the future.

**People Say They Like to Help Better Beginnings.**
One reason: The center is right here in the community. I can visit and see my contribution or donation at work. What do		YOU say is a good reason to help Better Beginnings. When responding, please indicate whether we can use your name.

**Help me out!**
Penny Pincher wants good ideas for re-using materials to make a useful item. Please write to me at bewith@mail2peace.com or PO Box 187, Hightstown NJ 08520 with ideas, comments, suggestions. Visit us online at www.princetonol.com/groups/bbcdc.