The Forward - Winter2006
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Feature Article
PCIL’s Fund Raiser Dinner Dance: Successful and Fun
The first annual PCIL fundraiser was a crowning achievement due
to the unwavering support of volunteers, the many generous guests
who joined the celebration and all who supported PCIL's program
book, 50/50 raffle and silent auction. The event was held on
November 4, 2005 at the Doral Forestal in Princeton.
Once you negotiated your way to the entrance through the maze of
road blocks and yellow tape - due to the untimely paving of their
parking lot, you arrived at the stunning, yet dimly lit lobby, which
made the bright glow leading to the event even more dramatic.
The auction room was large with a beautifully decorated
hors d’ oeuvre table in the center. Offered up for auction were
an array of discerning items from original artwork, fine wines
and jewelry to bird feeders and electric drills. The numerous
auctions items were displayed on several large tables giving
guests plenty of room to mingle and move along them. The
attendees were extremely charitable in their bids, in a many
cases biding far beyond the suggested price of the item.
Congressman Rush Holt offered his allegiance to the organization
and gave an inspirational talk during the cocktail hour.
The theme of the event was music. Once the guests entered the
dinning room the tables had names such as Jazz, Rock and Roll,
Meringue and Disco. The flower arraignments were gorgeous -
put together by the wife of PCIL's Director Scott Elliott. They were
given to the guest at each table who was first to name-that-tune
played by the DJ.
The Dinner was absolutely divine. And then, came the dancing
were the young and old shook it up, let loose, and had a great time.
Board President Huntley Forrester made an opening address and
Executive Director Scott Elliott gave a special awards to Valerie
Nelson for being a faithful volunteer for 8 years and to volunteer
Karen Brokaw for her hard work and dedication to the fund raiser.
At the end of the evening the 50/50 winners were announced as well
as door prizes which included a few no bid auction items. All who
attended sincerely cared about PCIL because of the profound
difference they make in so many lives of people with disabilities.
Volunteer Contributor
PCIL Board President Huntley
Forrester and his wife, Marjorie
Michelle Turanansick, Eric Laufenberg
and Peg Kirkuff are all smiles.
Anne and Mike De Vito of Ringoes enjoying
the dinner.
Joe & Susan Hammerman, Shalvo & Monroe
Berkowitz and Leonor & Pedro Coello
COMMENT
PCIL Puts the Word FUN in Fund Raiser
PCIL just concluded a very successful fund raising dinner
dance. Our staff, board, volunteers and others helped to
make this event a huge success.
PCIL entered into its first large fund raising event not
knowing what to expect. We learned and worked together,
with participation and assistance coming from all.
Before I knew it the evening was here and with anxious
enthusiasm, it all began. There were some hiccups along
the way including the parking situation at the event, but
when all was said and done the evening was just flat out
spectacular. Everyone I spoke to afterward sincerely said
they had a wonderful time and would come again next year.
From program book ads, silent auction donations, raffle
sales, cash donations, to people attending the event, it all
hit me very proudly, proud of a team that made it happen in
a very triumphant way.
Again hard work, dedication and kindness all payed off and
I expect we at PCIL will continue to live up to what we are
charged to do. Our assignment to work with people with
disabilities and their families so each can have choice and
live in the community, while leading an independent lifestyle
will only be strengthened by this event.
Scott Elliott
Mind/Body
10 Tips for Winter Health & Stress Reducers
1. Take time for reflection. The introspective nature of winter
provides an excellent opportunity for greater reflection and
self-assessment. Take an honest look at where you are. At
the same time, be gentle with yourself. If you are somewhat
depleted, you may also feel more vulnerable and more
susceptible to illness. Your emotions may be high, or you
may be more sensitive than usual. See if you are able to accept
yourself more fully in as many areas of your life as possible.
2. Reduce stress. That will help you conserve energy and slow
down unnecessary drains on your energy. Assess the type of
stress you are experiencing - is it physical or emotional? Are
you feeling stress from your environment, an illness, your work,
or your relationships? Write down a few tips to help with your stress.
3. Get quality sleep. Sleep involves both your state-of-mind and
body chemistry. If you go to bed feeling stressed or laden with
worries, even if you don't normally have insomnia, your sleep
may not have the quality it does when your mind is relaxed. On
the other hand some people report that they sleep more deeply
and more easily if they supplement with certain nutrients, such
as calcium and magnesium.
4. Increase the relaxation in your life. Learn some relaxation
exercises or practice yoga, Tai chi, Qigong, or Pilates
exercises. These gentle practices can be done almost anywhere,
regardless of the weather.
5. Nourish yourself. In this still cold time of winter, provide
your body with the extra raw materials it needs. Emphasize
warming foods - more concentrated sources of fuel and
nutrients, including whole grains and beans, nuts and seeds,
and quality proteins. In cold or damp weather, you also require
a few more calories and spices such as ginger, garlic, and
cayenne to heat your body.
6. Be sure you're getting enough essential nutrients. You also
need some nutrient enhancement to protect you from the
stresses of cold, wind, dampness, and the decrease in sunlight.
[This is the reason cod liver oil, containing vitamins A, D, and
good fatty acids, was a staple in healthy families in the 19th
century.] The antioxidants are important, especially vitamins A,
E, and C. Nutrients that address stress include the B complex
vitamins (with B5 and B12). Make sure you get enough friendly
fats and oils - the essential fatty acids you all need to operate
the nervous system, rebuild and protect your cells, and assure
good brain function. Remember that these fats do not make us
fat - in fact, you're more likely to gain weight if you don't have
them, because the lack may increase your food cravings.
7. Avoid over-indulgence. If you feel like you're "running on
empty," it makes sense to give yourself a little extra nurturing.
But don't confuse self-care with self-indulgence. Continue to
minimize sweets and simple starches and avoid the empty
calories of junk food. Portion sizes may also be a factor. Provide
yourself with quality nutrition and supplements rather than
constantly jump-starting yourself with caffeine.
8. Have fun. Laugh. Hang out with your most fun-loving and
light-hearted friends, including animal friends. Simple pleasures
are stress reducing and very healing.
9. Make time for love. Touch and intimacy are also good for
your health. If you're not in an intimate relationship, get a
massage, renew an old friendship, or make time for some
close emotional interchanges with a trusted friend or family
member.
10. Nourish others. Notice how very deeply that nourishes you
in return. Build giving into your life. Another important aspect
of giving is remembering to keep reasonable limits or boundaries,
so you don't feel swallowed up or depleted by your generosity.
That brings us full circle to the idea of conserving energy at the
end of winter, in preparation for the rebirth of spring.
Taken from archived columns by Elson M. Haas M.D.
Thumbs Up/ Thumbs Down
thumbsup to Allies Inc. for having new accessible office
space for PCIL to use for our Mercer County office.
thumbsdown to North Plainfield High School for allowing
accessibilty issues for a student with disabilities to reach
the courtroom instead of being handled.
thumbsdown to Somerset County for not having an accessible
courtroom for the above mentioned trial to be held.
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LEGISLATIVE/ADVOCACY
Finally some good news, on Monday December 5, 2005
individuals with disabilities as well as disability advocates
came together to show their support for bill A-3892. This
bill requires that affordable housing units be made adaptable
for use by elderly and disabled persons.
The Assembly Housing and Local Government Committee
heard testimony from individuals representing the NJ
Association for Centers of Independent Living, The
Progressive Center for Independent Living and many other
organizations. One by one they each spoke about the
importance of Affordable/Accessible Housing for individuals
with disabilities.
After hearing testimony the Committee chaired by Assemblyman
Jerry Green unanimously voted to pass the bill with some
amendments made.
The bill renamed S-2725 will be heard by the Community and
Urban Affairs Senate Committee on Wednesday December 14,
2005. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that they also agree to
pass this version as well.
For more information about this bill and/or other legislative
information please contact Nicole L. Davis at (609) 581-4500.
Nicole L. Davis
DID YOU KNOW
? ? ?
New Jersey's Winter Termination Program of The New
Jersey Board of Public Utilities maintains a written policy,
known as the Winter Termination Program (WTP) by which
regulated electric or gas utility companies cannot discontinue
service to certain households during the period of November
15 through March 15. A residential customer that receives any
of the public benefits such as Lifeline, Home Energy Assistance
Program (HEAP), Work First New Jersey/Temporary Assistance
to Needy Families (WFNJ/TANF), Federal Supplemental Security
Income (SSI), Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled
(PAAD) cannot have service discontinued as long as they make
good faith payments if you have the ability to do so. Customers
protected by the Winter Termination Program should contact the
Board's Division of Customer Assistance at 800-624-0241 for details
of their rights and responsibilities
PCIL PICKS
The Summit Playhouse is offering ACCESS matinees this season
with audio-description, large print programs, signing, and assistive
listening.
Please pass it on to those people who might be interested. The
Playhouse is A.D.A. compliant.
Individual tickets may be ordered by calling 908-273-2192. The
ACCESS coordinator will call you back.
Prices: $17 (adults)
$12 (students 18 and under).
Play subscriptions are also available:
$40 (adults), $27 (students 18 and under).
Reduced rates area available for groups of 10 or more.
Please call early to reserve space and equipment.
The shows that remain this season are:
Sunday, Mar. 5, 2006, 2 p.m.
James Goldman’s THE LION IN WINTER
Sunday, May 7, 2006, 2 p.m.
Wendy Wasserstein’s THE SISTERS ROSENSWEIG
The Summit Playhouse is located at:
10 New England Avenue,
Summit, NJ 07901
just a few steps from the Grand Summit Hotel, which is
located on Springfield Ave. To visit their website:
Feedback/Announcements
Mercer County Transition
School is back in session and Ewing High School has
again asked PCIL to continue its Promoting Self-Advocacy
program. This year Mike Mattle, Ewing High Social Worker,
has allowed us to expand by introducing this program to the
juniors. Seniors meet with me three times monthly and juniors
once per month. This year the students are developing a
portfolio which they can share during their IEP meeting. We
add to it weekly with various topics we cover. I am most
impressed with the dedication these students demonstrate
by attending on a regular basis since the program is totally
voluntary.
Renee Pfaff
In The Know
Where to Go for Utility Bill Help
With the cold temperatures upon us and the rise in energy
costs there are a few places to turn to help pay your bills.
Depending on where you live here are some sources:
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
or by calling the toll-free hotline at 1-800-510-3102.
Call (609)989-6544 in Mercer County and
(908)782-0612 in Hunterdon County.
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities created the Universal
Service Fund (USF) to help low- and fixed-income residents pay
for electric and natural gas service. The tollfree number is
1-866-240-1347.
The Board of Social Services can refer residents who do not
qualify for LIHEAP to programs that best fit their needs. For more
information call (609) 989-4320 in Mercer County to schedule an
interview with an intake counselor. In Hunterdon County call
(908)788-1300.
In Hunterdon County financial aid is available for winter heating
expenses for households with a total monthly income of no more
than $1369 for one person and $1872 for two persons. Call
NORWESCAP at 1-888-454-4778.
Mercer County Human Services Department also has utility
funding distributed through ten different agencies throughout
the county. The same monthly income of no more than $1369
for one person and $1872 for two persons applies. Call to be
directed to the appropriate agency at (609) 278-4846.
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