A hero passed, but still present -

"There's only one person in the whole world like you." Mr. Rogers' presence offered compassion, self-esteem, calm, and safety in a world that was and is often frightening to children. He was a purveyor of values and good character in a TV world that was frequently violent and scary. A parent could actually walk away from the TV for a few minutes without fearing that some unwanted element would intrude. He was kind and non-judgmental.

"What will always remain in my memories of Mr. Roger is '"Won't you be my neighbor."', says Luz Nereida Horta, Executive Director of Better Beginnings. "If only, this invitation would become global...but first it would need to start, right here, right now, in this country, in this state, in this county, in this community "Won't you by my neighbor...."'

He acknowledged feelings and suggested ways of handling them without being destructive or hurting others. He said, "Of course, I get angry. Of course, I get sad. I have a full range of emotions. I also have a whole smorgasbord of ways of dealing with my feelings. That is what we should give children. Give them ... ways to express their rage without hurting themselves or somebody else. That's what the world needs."

Children loved him and trusted him. I did too. He was one of my heroes. But we have much to draw on. Although he passed on February 27, he is still very much around, in videos, and on the internet. At http://pbskids.org/rogers/ we can find many developmentally appropriate activities, we can hear his songs, we can enjoy an interactive story, we can even get advice on explaining his death to your children. Thank you, Fred Rogers, for adding so much to the early childhood years and knowledge base.

"Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one." Dr. Suess, another hero contributed so much to the love of reading with his rollicking rhymes that his birthday has been designated "Read Across America" Day, and the whole month devoted to literacy.

Literacy is critical. We participate in Read Across America and One Book New Jersey because they bring attention to the importance of literacy, but our commitment is year-round.

Pre-literacy is important. That means building confidence, self-esteem, and providing an abundance of the developmentally appropriate activities that precede the actual reading process. I like to explain it this way: For a young student to learn to read the word "apple" he must first know what an apple is. First there is the concrete experience when he learns all about apples, then we transfer that to a picture of an apple, and finally to the printed word (which is another kind of picture) "apple".

-Love of Reading is a present to the future-

Many experts suggest that parents, as first teachers, read to their children, helping them develop a love of stories and poems, so that they want to read on their own. Indeed, studies show that children who are read to regularly develop communication and thinking skills at a much earlier age. Unfortunately, these suggestions do not take into account the possibility that the child’s parent may not be literate. Nor do they acknowledge that while some parents may be literate in their first language, they are so anxious to have the child speak English that they are reluctant to read to them in the first language. We encourage parents to read to their child in any language.

The pre-literacy and emergent literacy component of Better Beginnings is vital. If you would like to help with Better Beginnings’ programs, please call 609-448-6226. If you would like to help with literacy for adults, the County Libraries will welcome you.

If you would like to donate a computer, or help fix donated computers, that is a literacy effort too, because they are many opportunities for learning via software or internet. I am particularly fond of some websites that read books to children. Example: www.Mightybook.com.

After all, as Mr. Rogers said, ""We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It's easy to say 'It's not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.' Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes."

April is the Month of the Young Child when we traditionally recommit ourselves to ensuring that every child experiences the type of early environment--at home, at child care, at school, and in the community--that will promote their early learning. Within the month are other special events and celebrations. These include National Volunteer Week (April 27-May 3, 2003, National Youth Service Days (April 11-13) and the new National Holiday that celebrates and uplifts all children in the United States, El Dia de los Ninos (April 30, 2003). We hope that others will join in this month-long celebration, which will culminate in a multi-cultural covered dish dinner when we will "hear" the children, and honor the volunteers who serve them in so many capacities. For more details, 609-448-6226.

The Heart Friends have some "old" 33 educational records they would like to play. If anyone has a record player they are not using, these children would be grateful to have it. Super Doopers are still looking for a little wooden train.

Great News! The For All Kids Foundation, (Rosie O'Donnell, President), has awarded a $5,000 grant to Better Beginnings for the completion of their expanded playground. With this, Better Beginnings will be able to comply with all State requirements, and move closer to accreditation.

Dennis McClary has made another very, very generous contribution. His gifts come as a big surprise and always seem to come just when they are needed most.

Empire Corporate FCU continues to keep Better Beginnings in mind, delivering via Anita Briggs, a generous contribution and a collection of pennies.

Ondina and Wilfred Jeffers, continue to honor their monthly pledge, and also provide papers goods. "Tuesday is Paper Day", when donations of all manner of paper goods help Better Beginnings stretch its pennies.

Minnie Bell and Frances Rios continue to make their monthly contribution in memory of brother and nephew, and our friend, Jimmy Jackson. All through the month, Minnie continues to send in many gifts. This month alone, she sends black history books, Jets & Ebony magazines, photographs for Black History Month, and a treasure, Teddy who talks and teaches children to zip, button, etc.

Glenn Palmer has gifted the children with a fish tank and all the accouterments, to their great delight and increased learning.

Leon Brostoff has donated a computer, as has Peg Donor. Now two lucky families can straddle the digital divide.

The Junior Friday Club made yet another contribution and added another Dr. Seuss book, The Lomax, to our growing library. Linda Trost is our own "Cat in the Hat" and will be returning to read to the children.

"Mr. Jonathan" Craig brought another gift of clothing, a carton of books, and a bunch of toys. He has been "under the weather" and we are glad he is feeling better.

Betty Sterling, on behalf of the 4 Leaf Clover 4H Club, remembered paper day with arts crafts supplies, games and toys. Anne Roche also brought supplies. What a joy to have young people who care about others.

Clara Martino has crocheted and donated another eight blankets. Every child who enrolls in Better Beginnings has their own special blanket to use now and keep as a memento.

Once again, Harry & Gert Horowitz have chosen the gift that keeps on giving. In honor of friend Annette Littman's birthday (we're not saying which one), they have made a contribution in her name to our fledgling endowment fund. Her name and a copy of the certificate go in our Book of Honors, and the proceeds of the investment will help to defray expenses in this year, and many years ahead.

What great neighbors! The children and families of Better Beginnings are very grateful.

Penny Pincher is away on a visit to see her twins, Penny Saved and Penny Earned. If you have any tips for her, please send them to me at BeWith@Mail2Peace.com, or to PO Box 187, Hightstown NJ. 08520. Encouraging words, suggestions and ideas are also desired and welcomed.