Weekly Roundup: Author pays visit to Whitman Elementary, Jefferson to host sleep disorder and drowsy driving program
In other news, registration is now underway for Gloucester County residents to attend a defensive driving course and remove up to two points from driving records.
Author and illustrator Timothy Young visited Whitman Elementary School students on April 19, and Jefferson will host a free sleep disorder and drowsy driving program at Margaret E. Heggan library on May 2. Catch up on all the top stories in our Weekly Roundup:
Registration underway for defensive driving course
Gloucester County residents can now register for a defensive driving course that can save money on vehicle insurance and remove penalty points assessed for driving violations. A $10 processing fee is charged for class materials and the cost of removing up to two points from a driver’s record with the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission. Checks should be made payable to the National Safety Council. Vehicle insurers give a five percent premium reduction for completing the course, which uses lessons developed by the National Safety Council. Participants must be Gloucester County residents and have a valid New Jersey driver’s license. To enroll, e-mail Phyllis Covici at pcovici@co.gloucester.nj.us or call (856) 384–5534.
Wedgewood teacher and students raise $1,047 for Alex’s Lemonade Stand
Wedgwood Elementary School second grade teacher Marla Ruh and her students recently hosted the 14th Annual “Lemonade for Sale” event on Friday, April 13. The class had its most successful event in its history, selling 730 cups of lemonade and raising $1,047. The sale has a special meaning in Washington Township — where a number of district students are survivors of neuroblastoma, the form of cancer that afflicted Alex Scott, founder of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.
Sleep disorder and drowsy driving informational program
Learn about the impact of sleep on driving safety at a free Jefferson Health wellness program, “Proper Sleep Can Keep You Awake, Alert and Alive,” set for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 2 at the Margaret E. Heggan Free Public Library. The program will focus on the impact of undiagnosed sleep disorders that affect more than 40 million Americans, impacting their daily quality of life and safety behind the wheel. For more information, or to register, visit www.KennedyIsJefferson.org/classes, or call 1 (800) 522–1965.
Whitman welcomes author and illustrator Timothy Young
Timothy Young, author and illustrator of eight children’s books, paid a visit to Whitman Elementary School on Thursday, April 19. Young has also previously worked on “Pee Wee’s Playhouse” and “Doug” television shows, creating and sculpting for the Muppets and brainstorming and producing different toys. Among Young’s creations were the first run of “Simpsons” dolls, where he had to turn the television characters into 3D figures to be sold in Burger King restaurants. He also helped produce a line of dolls called “Meanies,” a spinoff of Beanie Babies. More information about Young, his books and his career can be found at www.creaturesandcharacters.com.
“Taste of Community” fundraiser to benefit Volunteer Center of South Jersey
This year, the Volunteer Center of South Jersey’s “Taste of Community” fundraising event will be held on Monday, April 23 at Auletto Caterers in Almonessen. Festivities will begin at 6 p.m., with a VIP reception at 5 p.m.
“Taste of Community” benefits the VCSJ, a nonprofit organization that acts as liaison between many nonprofits and volunteers to change lives, empower individuals and families and improve the communities in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties. It also offers educational, consulting and other support services to help nonprofit organizations grow, so that volunteers and the business partners can serve the community.
