By: Bettie Witherspoon
Day of caring
Sunday, Dec. 3 was one of those days that give clarity to our reason for loving this community so much. I sometimes feel that we at Better Beginnings live in a cloistered world, one in which only those infused with loving kindness cross our doorstep. On this particular day, the day of caring for Better Beginnings, which was the kickoff event for our 40-year celebration, that atmosphere bubbled over into the whole town.
For starters, right here in one of our classrooms, Detective Ben Miller volunteered his time to provide identi-kits for our little ones. As one young student explained it, "This is so that if we get lost, we can find ourselves." For 50-plus children, he took photos and complete finger and thumbprints, which he gave to each parent. Helping him were faculty members Althea Lewis, Emma Randolph and Brenda Werner; also, family board member Laura Rodriguez.
Detective Miller made friends with every one of them, children and family members alike. Earlier, about a month ago, when our school-age children were concerned about hearing that threats had been made against the public schools, he took the time to meet with them and provide comforting and intelligent answers to all their questions.
We particularly appreciate that the First Presbyterian Church of Hightstown granted us special permission to have use of the classroom for this purpose on Sunday, which exceeds our agreement. Of course, every day is a caring day for them. Without the "place" they give us, Better Beginnings would not have space in which to exist at all, much less 40 years.
From there, the caring spread out all around town, from Jenny’s Deli, around the shopping area that includes Krauszer’s, Famiglia’s, the Bagel Shop and Society Cleaners, and then up Main Street, through the psychic, Orlen’s Tea Pottery, Raul Express, Carriblos Express, G&C Varledades, across the street and continuing through the Hightstown Pharmacy, Roberts Opticians, Johnny’s Deli, Shop for Less, with a quick stop at South Pacific Flowers where children’s books were being collected, and on to Mannino’s and Diamond Cleaners (both offered tangible prizes), through the Heritage group, then a stop at the gift shop, Little Bit of NYC (where Luz Nereida Horta provided translation services) and Pretty Nails, both of whom offered a percentage to Better Beginnings for the magic hours, and a nice respite where friends were gathering at the Slow Down Café for the "Better Beginnings" panini of the day!
Yes, I did stop at every one of those shops, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I left in each shop some nice pencils with Better Beginnings’ name on them and beautiful brochures designed by Executive Director Luz Nereida Horta. If you decide to visit, you are in for a great treat. That particular street is like no other that I have heard of. You might think you are on a trip around the world. You will be greeted courteously and cheerfully by Indian, Chinese, Italian, Russian, Vietnamese, Latin American, African, and more. You will also find a fine array of services and beautiful merchandise. In sum, whatever the variety of "nationalities" involved, they have much more in common: All have lots and lots of heart and good character.
Having a happy holiday while struggling
For those (especially those with young children) who are struggling, living in a community like ours is very heartwarming. Community members do not want to see any child hungry or disappointed or feeling in any way "less than." So it is that we see a high level of generosity and sharing at this time. Mr. Dennis McClary has just dropped off the 12 most wanted Christmas toys, with instructions for us to distribute them as we deem most fair. We appreciate the trust and his caring ways. Others are collecting also so that no one will feel left out. This includes the Hightstown Police Department, which seems to have a special arrangement with that dear old man, Santa, and is planning to escort him to visit us soon. This is one of the most special, magical days of the year for us.
In the meantime, Penny Pincher, who has a few children of her own, especially dotes on Penny Saved and Penny Earned. They always managed a highly enjoyable, low-cost celebration.
She suggests that handcrafted gifts and decorations are a lot of fun, and ideas can be found in books at the library, or on the Internet. If you have no home computer, again, the library does.
The Pincher also likes to look in the community section of the newspaper for free programs, musicals and community events.
Add some extra joy to the season by finding ways to help others. Many nonprofit organizations can use extra hands at this time of year.
Watch for TV specials that are family oriented and watch as a family, while munching on some homemade popcorn.
Take the time to play board games, concentration or jigsaw puzzles together.
Make cookies together. Enjoy the aroma. Eat some. Put some in a hand-decorated container as gifts.
Go for a winter walk and talk about all you see. Draw pictures upon return to home. Date and write a little story about them for posterity. This could become a tradition.
Exchange big hugs.
Enjoy!
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If you have comments, suggestions, an idea for Penny Pincher or want to put in your 2 cents, donate, contribute or volunteer, please write to us at P.O. Box 187, Hightstown, NJ. 08520 or [email protected], or call Executive Director Luz Nereida Horta at 448-6226.
Bettie Witherspoon is a former executive director of Better Beginnings, which has provided affordable child care to the East Windsor/Hightstown area since 1967. Penny Patter originated in 1997 when Better Beginnings started a million-penny drive as one effort to deal with severe budget cuts. Her column appears on the second Friday of each month.

