By
gostrum
/
WASHINGTON, DC (January 25, 2020)–Father Philip Ramos led a group of Ram Students down to Washington, DC on Friday, January 24, 2020 to March for Life with Catholics from all over the world. Here is the Gloucester Catholic contingent with Bishop Dennis Sullivan, Diocese of Camden.
Related:
Gloucester Catholic
Religion
Gloucester City News
Gloucestercitynews.net (February 5, 2020)–Many people seek chiropractic care to relieve pain and aid recovery from falls, sports-related injuries, and injuries from car accidents. It’s popular as a component of a larger medical treatment plan to help people reduce their dependence on pain
image unsplash.com
medication and get back on their feet faster.
Chiropractic treatment isn’t a substitute for any other medical treatment, although it can be very effective for pain management with acute injuries and for regaining flexibility. Spinal manipulation
self-improvement tools
may also be an effective treatment for managing chronic pain and helping patients avoid more invasive surgical options.
How It Works
Trained chiropractors work to help you physically align your body and give your body the ability to heal quicker and more effectively on its own. They usually work with their hands to manipulate your neck and spine to alleviate nerve issues and vertebral problems. A
chiropractic adjustment
is called so because the chiropractor physically adjusts your spine by applying force with their hands.
Some chiropractors may also use massage or electrical stimulation as well. All of these methods of treatment are meant to aid your body in its natural healing process. You can discuss with your doctor and your chiropractor some of the different methods and how each may or may not serve your needs.
Benefits
Many patients appreciate chiropractic treatment because it helps them recover quickly without depending on habit-forming pain drugs and it doesn’t involve any kind of invasive operation. Manipulation by a chiropractor can help you align your body for better recovery, reduce pain and get your full range of mobility back after an accident.
Chiropractic adjustment has shown some benefits for treating sciatica, neck pain, back pain, shoulder issues, and migraines. Spinal manipulation may also be an effective treatment for
managing
chronic pain
and helping patients
avoid more invasive surgical options.
Risks
While chiropractic adjustment is not invasive and can be very beneficial, that doesn’t imply there are no risks. When you make your first appointment with a practitioner, they should go through your health history with you so they can consider whether or not doing an adjustment would be helpful and safe.
If you have low bone density because of osteoporosis, chiropractors will need to be extra gentle in your treatment. If you’re at risk for a stroke, you might also want to take some precautions with your treatment. In very rare cases, manipulation of the neck can damage an artery.
As with any health procedure, chiropractic treatment is not for everyone. You should talk to your primary physician about your condition first and ask them if they think it would be beneficial for you to work with a licensed
chiropractor
.
Making an Educated Decision
If you’re interested in giving chiropractic care a try, you should talk to your doctor about it and ask for a referral. You and your doctor will be able to make an informed decision together about what might work for you and your body.
Philadelphia, PA (February 2020)
– Every February, the celebration of Black History Month observes the importance of African Americans in United States history. Nigerian-born entrepreneur and fashion designer Addie Elabor and her clothing line
D’IYANU
celebrate these achievements regularly by encouraging self expression and empowering individuals to express their cultural pride through all of their collections. With its official release on January 24, 2020, Elabor and her team present
D\’IYANU’s Black History Month Collection.
Inspired by traditional African prints, the Black History Month Collection features fashionable formal wear for men, women, and children. Ladies can make a bold statement in
African print maxi dresses, maxi skirts, peplum blazers, matching pants, and head wraps.
Men are sure to stand out in colorful, African-inspired prints in long and short sleeved tee shirts. The collection also includes matching designs for children to create a photo-worthy family look. The eye-catching patterns and vibrant prints, ranging from
$19.99-109.99
, set this collection apart while still offering the affordable price range of the previous collections.
D’IYANU welcomes customers interested in the Black History Month Collection to visit their Norristown showroom. Located on
910 E. Main St.
, the beautiful showroom is open
Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
and offers guests a uniquely intimate personal shopping experience. Elabor and her team of stylists are available onsite either by appointment or walk-in to answer questions about fit, fabric selections, and help inspire confident and bold D’IYANU wardrobes. The collection is also available
online
.
Connect and follow the latest trends with D’IYANU on
Facebook,
, and
. Shop the 2020 Black History Month Collection and best sellers on their
website
.
For media inquiries and/or interview requests, please contact
Ta
mara@PhillyPRGirl.com
.
###
About D’IYANU
The tough, competitive, and nerve-wrecking fashion industry didn’t stop designer Addie Elabor from following her heart and launching
D’IYANU
in January of 2014. Iyanu translates to “miracle” or “wonderful” in the Nigerian Yoruba language, and D’ means “of” or “from” in French. With the combination of her Yoruba and French background, the name
D’IYANU
, “of something wonderful” was established to remind everyone they are uniquely made and to dress like it. Addie also made it her purpose to help build schools and clinics for underdeveloped communities in Nigeria and other African countries.
The Afua is sure to be your next favorite maxi dress.The gorgeous African Print (Black Gold Mudcloth) is bold and vibrant. At the top, the Afua dress has an off the shoulder cut. It features a unique high-low cut at the bottom which leaves room to show off your best heels.
The Men\’s Bomani African Print Long Sleeve V-Neck Tee in the black and gold mudcloth print is especially made for the culturally confident gentleman. Rock African print in style by pairing the look with dress pants or blue jeans to achieve a day to night look.
Dress your little one in our comfortable Umi African Print Kid\’s Color Block Tee. Your child can represent their heritage while looking dope. From the classroom to the playground, this versatile piece can be worn in any setting.
For Renewals only from the 5
th
to the 20
th
of the month
TRENTON – New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Chief Administrator Sue Fulton today
announced the Commission will allow customers whose licenses/IDs are close to expiration to get
REAL ID
driver licenses and non-driver IDs without an appointment on a test basis. Such “walk-ins” will be allowed only for renewals, only on selected dates and only at participating locations.
Customers can only take advantage of the “walk-in” policy from the 5
th
through the 20
th
of each month in participating agencies that are fully
REAL ID
-operational.
Only drivers with licenses due to expire within three months of their walk-in visit will be eligible for a
REAL ID
without an appointment.
REAL ID
appointments, which are scheduled online and have been in place since the phased rollout was launched last September, will continue.
“The appointment-only system helped with the phased rollout and was necessary in the early stages for a smooth, controlled, and successful launch of
REAL ID
,’’ Chief Fulton said. “We have steadily built our capacity and are now ready to accommodate walk-ins on a limited basis.”
Chief Fulton said that interest in obtaining a
REAL ID
is high, revealing that over 200,000 New Jerseyans have signed up for appointments so far through
REALIDNJ.com
, the website where customers must make their appointments.
“It is clear to us that right now demand outstrips the number of available
REAL ID
appointments,’’ Chief Fulton said. “That is why we are testing
REAL ID
for eligible walk-ins during these designated days of the month, which are typically less busy than at the very beginning or end of the month.’’
The current participating MVC agencies are:
Bayonne
Camden
Cardiff
Cherry Hill
Delanco
East Orange
Eatontown
Edison
Flemington
Freehold
Hazlet
Jersey City
Lakewood
Lodi
Manahawkin
Medford
North Bergen
Oakland
Rahway
Rio Grande
Runnemede
Salem
Somerville
South Brunswick
South Plainfield
Springfield
Trenton
Turnersville
Vineland
Wallington
Washington
West Deptford
Customers should check back frequently at
REALIDNJ.com
for updates and added agencies.
Chief Fulton noted that
REAL
ID
requires additional identification documents beyond the six points of ID that have long been needed to obtain a standard driver license in New Jersey. These additional documents must include two proofs of address and one proof of the applicant’s Social Security number.
“Many of our customers believe that if they already hold a New Jersey driver license, they don’t need to bring all the documents for
REAL ID,
and that’s just not true,’’ Chief Fulton said. “There’s a user-friendly document selector at
REALIDNJ.com
. We tell everyone, even our own employees, to use that before you come in so we don’t have to send you away without your
REAL ID
.’’
Under Chief Fulton’s leadership, the NJMVC embarked on an ambitious
REAL ID
readiness campaign to prepare for the rollout. Campaign initiatives included:
Hiring and training hundreds of frontline agency employees, increasing window staffing from an average of about 50 percent to nearly 100 percent.
Expanding Saturday hours.
Implementing a take-a-ticket queuing system.
Upgrading to state-of-the-art Point-of-Sale counter capabilities.
Installing new servers in all 39 agencies.
Adding online services, including driver license renewals, to reduce agency foot traffic.
REAL ID
is the federally mandated identification that puts in place stricter federal security standards for driver licenses and IDs. Passengers will need a
REAL ID
to fly domestically in the U.S. as of October 1, 2020; unless a valid U.S. passport or another
federally approved
form of identification is used.
‘‘No one is required to have a
REAL ID
,’’ Chief Fulton said. “However, if you plan to fly domestically after September 30, 2020, you will need either a
REAL ID
, a valid passport, or some other form of ID that the federal government has approved for such travel.’’
“We will continue to offer standard New Jersey driver licenses,” added Chief Fulton, emphasising that those licenses will remain valid for driving. “The standard driver licenses, however, will no longer meet federal standards for boarding commercial airliners beginning October 1, 2020.”
Atlantic City, N.J. (
February 4, 2020)
– Don’t skip a beat at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City throughout the month of February. Treat that special someone to a night, or two, at out our first-class entertainment resort destination. Enjoy dinner for two with special dining menus at one of our exquisite restaurants. Catch a lights-out performance from Sugar Ray, Demetri Martin, Fitz and the Tantrums or Bob Saget. Or just relax at Rock Spa® and Salon with their couples’ massages.
Heart Health Month
February is ‘Heart Health Month’ and Hard Rock Atlantic City is celebrating with an exclusive “Don’t Miss A Beat” t-shirt available in the Rock Shop with proceeds going to aid Heart Health Awareness throughout the month of February. The property will also “go red” with their exterior lights and florals in effort to raise awareness for the disease that is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Team members will also wear red throughout the property on ‘National Go Red Day’ which is this Friday, February 7.
Valentine’s Day Food & Beverage
Council Oak Steaks & Seafood
will offer elegant and sophisticated dining with a special menu, including: Burrata (Roasted Squash, Apple, Pistou and Pecan Truffled Honey Vinaigrette)
,
Surf and Turf (Wood Fired Grilled Filet Mingon, Lobster Sauté and Spicy Lobster Sauce) and Day Boat Scallops (Kohlrabi Puree, Hazelnut, Golden Raisins and Brown Butter).
Kuro
known for their exotic flavors and romantic vibe, will offer West Coast Oysters with pomegranate, yuzu and shiso, scallops with carrot, shishito and asparagus.
Il Mulino New York
will offer their a la carte menu as opposed to a Prix Fix menu for Valentine’s Day.
Hard Rock Cafe
will host a bouquet bar, where customers can build their own flower arrangements, and a special Valentine’s Day “Love All, Serve All” menu featuring Lobster Flatbread, Lobster Cobb Salad, Surf & Turf Deluxe Steak, Deluxe Steak Special with Marinated Mushrooms, a Raspberry Martini and a Chocolate Cake for dessert.
Sugar Factory
will have a ‘Naughty or Nice’ theme to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Throughout the month of February, Sugar Factory will offer their new Goblet and Milkshake. The Diamond Rosé Goblet made with Vanderpump Rosé giving the drink a beautiful soft pink color representing the “Nice” portion of this promotion. The Naughty portion will feature the Hearts of Love Insane Milkshake, featuring a deep dark red chocolate ganache, a cookies and cream milkshake, dark chocolate dipped rice Krispy treats, dark chocolate hearts, fresh and dark chocolate dipped strawberries and chocolate sprinkles.
Food & Beverage Events
Valentine’s Day Pastry Class
– On Saturday, February 8 at 3 p.m., join Hard Rock Pastry Chef Kristen Moorer at Backstage Cafe in Hard Rock Cafe for this creative class and depart with decadent recipes and tools to recreate these specialties at home for your Valentine. Surprise your Valentine by making your own Valentine\’s Day pastries or make them together. Learn to make Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Strawberry filled Red Velvet Pinwheels and indulgent Chocolate Truffles!
Sparkling Wine & Champagne Class
– At Council Oak Steaks & Seafood on Saturday, February 15 at 2 p.m., wine enthusiasts are invited to explore different styles of sparkling wines & Champagnes by touring different regions from Spain, Italy, South Africa, North America, and of course France featuring Moet Chandon. Couples packages are available!
National Margarita Day
– In partnership with Allied Beverage, the property will offer a pop-up Patron Bar on Saturday, February 22 featuring Margarita Specials throughout the day exclusively using the Hard Rock Atlantic City selected Patron Barrel.
Sonoma Cutrer “Les Pierres” Chardonnay Barrel
– Council Oak Steaks & Seafood is also very excited to host an exclusive 4-course wine pairing dinner with wine maker, Cara Morrison, from the vineyards of Sonoma, California on Thursday, February 27 at 7 p.m. Cara will curate the pairing with a selection of fine wines such as Sonoma Cutrer Russian River Ranches, The Cutrer, and Pinot Noir. The grand tasting will occur with the Hard Rock Barrel Signature selection from the Les Pierres Vineyards.
Lying at the southern end of the Sonoma Coast appellations is the Les Pierres vineyard. It is here where only a select lot of grapes are used to make this acclaimed Les Pierres Chardonnay. This Chardonnay is extremely rare and only two barrels were released in the State of New Jersey.
Tickets to events can be purchased at
hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com
.
Hotel Offers
Winter Escape Package
– Hard Rock Atlantic City offers a chart-topping
Winter Escape Package
starting at $79, which includes an overnight stay (Monday through Thursday), a Fresh Harvest Buffet for two and a pair of Comedy Club show tickets to laugh the night away. Take time to unwind with our
Winter Escape Package
today at
hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com
.
$79 Buy One, Get One Free
– Throughout the month of February, let\’s spend the night…or two together! Buy one $79-night mid-week and get the second one on Hard Rock Atlantic City. Resort fees and taxes are not included. Book your stay at
hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com
.
Casino Promotions
New Wild Card Members
– Sign up and play on Hard Rock Atlantic City. Receive $15 in Free Play OR $15 Express Bet when you sign up for Wild Card Rewards. Plus, earn $5 Comp Dollars on the day you sign up and receive $25 in Gas at Rocktane® in March.
Rock Spa® & Salon Specials
Treat your lover like a Rock Star at Rock Spa® & Salon in February Monday through Thursday with these amazing specials:
“Your body is a Wonderland” Couples Retreat – 2 hours $475 (reg.$590)
– The ultimate in sensual delights for you and your partner in our lavish couple’s suite. Begin with a full body scrub then paint your partner with nourishing rainforest mud and Soak your stresses away in a delicious bath of Himalayan salt. Our therapist will return to the suite and complete this exotic treatment with a relaxing 50 min couples’ massage. Your ultimate romantic retreat will include Champagne and Chocolates (tea may be provided in place of Champagne).
“It Takes Two” Couples Connect Massage – 80 min $315 (reg.$390)/120 min $475 (reg.$590)
-Share a massage with that special someone in Rock Spa® & Salon’s luxurious couple’s suite. This sensual ritual helps promote reconnection on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. Incorporating aromatherapy to encourage a beautiful union of body, mind and soul. Will include Champagne and Chocolates (tea may be provided in place of Champagne).
“Just the Two of Us” Couples massage – 50 min $215 (reg. $250)/80 min $350
– Why be a Soul Survivor when you can take your best friend along? Enjoy a classic Swedish style massage side by side and share the relaxation. Will include Champagne and Chocolates (tea may be provided in place of Champagne).
“Kiss From A Rose” Luxury Facial – 50 min $95 / 80 min $155
– Most luxurious amped up treatment of all time! Incorporating Red, White and Black rose extract for a more youthfully radiant complexion. The Red Damask rose will instantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, The White Rosa Alba extract balances out irregularities in skin tone and the Black Baccara rose provides the ultimate protection and counteracts premature environmentally induced skin aging. The ultimate Kiss From A Rose Facial experience!
“Hair Toss and Check My Nails”
– 20% off Hair color services, beginning at $50. Hair services are customized, and pricing is determined by length and condition of hair.
Mani/Pedi Combo – 50 minutes, $65
– Perfect time to check the nails with a 25 min Hard Rock manicure combined with a 25 min Hard Rock Pedicure.
Book your treatment today by calling (609) 449-5380.
Entertainment
2/3 – 2/6 – Lynne Koplitz & Jeff Shaw – Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club
2/7 – Sugar Ray – Sound Waves
2/8 – Demetri Martin “Wandering Mind Tour” – Sound Waves
2/10 – 2/13- Carmen Lynch & Terry Thomas – Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club
2/15 – Fitz & The Tantrums – Sound Waves
2/16 – George Dalaras – Sound Waves
2/17 – 2/20 – Jimmy Shubert – Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club
2/22 – Eros Ramazzotti – Hard Rock Live @ Etess Arena
2/22 – Bob Saget – Sound Waves
2/24 – 2/27 – Greg Morton & Ben Moore – Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club
DAER Nightclub
2/1 – 4B
2/7 – Rick Wonder
2/8 – Deorro
2/14 – Neil Jackson
2/15 – Fetty Wap
2/21 – Eric D-Lux
2/22 – VICE
2/28 – Chachi
2/29 – Lost Kings
###
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
Set on 17 acres, with the legendary Atlantic City Boardwalk as its backdrop, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City has become Atlantic City’s go-to entertainment destination, boasting 2,200 slots, 120 table games, more than 20 first-class restaurants and lounges, and world-class entertainment, including Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, the beachside Sound Waves and Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club. The hotel and casino also features the iconic Hard Rock Cafe, overlooking the Atlantic City Boardwalk, showcasing a brand new elevated menu and state-of-the-art stage, allowing for an amplified level of service and entertainment. Along with an endless array of upscale amenities, including world-class shopping and the brand’s signature full-service Rock Spa® and Salon, featuring 31 treatment rooms, the new, music-inspired property offers lavish guest rooms and suites, with stunning views of the city and Atlantic Ocean. From family vacations and business trips to weddings, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City offers an unparalleled experience. Each of the hotel’s guest rooms and suites radiates a contemporary style, including Hard Rock’s signature The Sound of Your Stay® music amenity program, which allows guests to set the mood with complimentary vinyl records or jam out on a Fender guitar in the privacy of their own room. Hotel guests can enjoy high speed, property-wide Wi-Fi, 24-Hour In-Room Dining, towel and chair service at Hard Rock Beach or at the indoor pool, and access to Body Rock® Fitness Center. For more information and to book your stay, please visit
hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com
.
About Hard Rock®:
With venues in 76 countries spanning 262 locations that include owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops® and Cafes – Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world\’s most valuable collection of music memorabilia at more than 83,000 pieces, which are displayed at its locations around the globe. In 2018, Hard Rock International was recognized as a Forbes Magazine Top Employer for Women and Land Operator of the Year at the Global Gaming Awards. In 2019, Hard Rock International was honored as one of Forbes Magazine’s America’s Best Large Employers, Forbes Magazine’s Top Employers for Women and No. 1 in J.D. Power’s 2019 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study among Upper Upscale Hotel Chains. Hard Rock destinations are located in the world’s greatest international gateway cities, including its two most successful flagship properties in Florida and home to the world’s first Guitar Hotel® in South Florida, where its headquarters are located. The brand is owned by HRI parent entity The Seminole Tribe of Florida. For more information on Hard Rock International visit
www.hardrock.com
or
shop.hardrock.com
.
PHILADELPHIA, PA–Inclusivity is embedded in the original promise of Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. Today, the region keeps that promise to residents and visitors with sensory sensitivity. Some of Philly’s most popular attractions, including
The Franklin Institute
and
Please Touch
Museum
®
have sensory-friendly policies and programming. So, too, do eminent arts organizations such as
Pennsylvania Ballet
and
The
Philadelphia Orchestra.
Much credit for the region’s expanding sensory-friendly offerings goes to professor
Roger Ideishi
and
Art-Reach
,
who, together, facilitate arts and cultural environments that respect both the needs of people with cognitive disabilities and the expression of the artists and attractions themselves.
Here’s a look at Philadelphia venues and groups that have recently expanded their sensory-friendly programming:
Sensory-Friendly Attractions
:
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University –
Philadelphia’s dinosaur museum offers children with autism and their families exclusive Access to Science six Saturday or Sunday mornings (9-11 a.m.) per year. For these occasions and any day, visual, easy-to-follow pre-visit Museum Stories help prepare visitors of all developmental abilities for exploring the museum, including the exhibition
Survival of the Slowest
(February 15 – September 20, 2020)
.
January 26, February 23, May 2, June 7, July 11, August 23, September 26, October 24, November 18
and
December 29, 2020.
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 299-1060,
ansp.org
Brandywine River Museum of Art –
A bucolic campus surrounds galleries known for three generations of Wyeths, which open select mornings for free Sensory-Friendly Saturdays. Registered families receive pre-visit social stories and enjoy hands-on activities, along with support from experienced volunteers, fidgets, noise-cancelling headphones and sensory break areas. Any day, visitors may borrow a sensory-friendly museum pack containing social stories, fidgets, noise-cancelling headphones and activities suggestions.
March 28, 2020
.
1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford, (610) 388-8120,
brandywine.org
The Franklin Institute –
On five Sensory-Friendly Sundays per year, the tri-state area’s most-visited museum opens its doors early (8 a.m.), modifies exhibits and employs trained staff and volunteers to create a comfortable environment for visitors on the autism spectrum. Guests who pre-register are admitted free of charge, as are visitors who arrive before 9:30 a.m. The event ends at noon. Every day, sensory alert maps are available for permanent and temporary exhibits.
March 15, June 14
and
October 4, 2020.
222 N. 20
th
Street, (215) 448-1200,
fi.edu
LEGOland Discovery Center
®
Philadelphia –
At Special Sensory Days (really, early evenings, 5-7 p.m.) at this indoor Montgomery County attraction, staff trained with The Ruttenberg
®
Autism Center help create a calm, quiet, gentle environment for children to play with the world’s most popular toys. Break rooms, reduced light, music therapy from Keep Music Alive and pre- and during-visit social stories are available to families, along with a reduced ticket price.
February 4, May 5, July 7
and
November 3, 2020.
Plymouth Meeting Mall, 500 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, (267) 245-9696,
legolanddiscoverycenter.com
National Constitution Center –
The museum dedicated to the four most powerful pages in U.S. history holds Sensory Friendly Days several times a year. Each all-day event comes with pre-visit guides, emotionally safe spaces, modified programming and staff trained to assist all guests.
February 3, 23
and
24, March 9, June 7, September 6
and
December 6, 2020.
525 Arch Street, (215) 409-6700,
constitutioncenter.org
Philadelphia Museum of Art –
Sensory-Friendly Mornings take place quarterly before select Sunday Family Programs within galleries of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and on select summer Wednesdays and Saturdays as part of
Art Splash
, an interactive exhibition for children. With lowered lights and volume, fewer crowds, the 1.5-hour session offers sensory break areas, on-hand occupational therapists and hands-on art activities geared toward many developmental levels. Registered participants receive a pre-visit social guide.
February 23, 2020.
Main Building, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway; Perelman Building, 2525 Pennsylvania Avenue, (215) 763-8100,
philamuseum.org
Philadelphia Zoo –
America’s first zoo worked with the Center for Autism Research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to create KidZooU, a hands-on, child-centric exhibit that uses the Universal Design concept to offer an inclusive, enriching experience for children. Pre-visit materials, including a picture-exchange system, are available on the zoo’s website. 3400 W. Girard Avenue, (215) 243-1100,
philadelphiazoo.org
Please Touch Museum
®
–
The premise of this boundless little kid destination: Children learn through play. Every day, Please Touch offers a dedicated quiet space, sound-reducing headphones and staff trained to help everyone. Several Sunday mornings per year, Play Without Boundaries serves children with learning and developmental disabilities and on the autism spectrum with a sensory-friendly, all-access museum experience with Floreo virtual reality, therapy animals and community health experts.
March 1, April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5, August 2
and
September 6, 2020.
Memorial Hall, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, (215) 581-3181,
pleasetouchmuseum.org
,
pleasetouchmuseum.org/pageblocks/accessibility-play-without-boundaries
Sesame Place –
Just over 25 miles northeast of Center City, this vibrant amusement and water park, home to Elmo, Big Bird, Abby Cadabby and Julia, has trained its staff in sensory awareness, motor and social skills, emotional awareness and communication. Sesame Place offers designated quiet rooms and low-sensory areas and a sensory guide for its attractions. 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, (215) 702-3566,
sesameplace.com
Sensory-Friendly Performances
:
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts –
The centerpiece of the Avenue of the Arts select productions with relaxed house rules, designated quiet areas, trained staff and Art-Reach volunteers and sensory-friendly kits (noise-cancelling headphones, weighted bean bags, fidget toys). Audience members are welcome to bring their own sensory-friendly stress relief devices and move about as they wish. New sensory-friendly performances dates TBA. 250 S. Broad Street, (215) 893-1999,
kimmelcenter.org
LiveConnections –
This music nonprofit prioritizes accessibility across its educational and concert programming, especially
Bridge Sessions,
at its partner venue, World Cafe Live. Skilled teaching artists lead 75-minute educational performances that mix in interactive activities and provide multiple ways for all-age participants to engage in music-making through call-and-response, movement, playing percussion instruments, creating rhythm poems and more. Lighting and sound adjustments, cool-down space, sensory toys and know-before-you-go guides are available. Dates TBA. 3025 Walnut Street, (267) 295-2946,
liveconnections.org
Montgomery Theater –
This intimate venue puts on one relaxed performance per family musical, play or comedy, offering pre-visit materials, partially up house lights, loosened rules, quiet space, sound mitigation and a modified refund policy. The next such performances:
The Marvelous Wonderettes
,
April 11, 2020;
Frozen Jr.
,
May 16, 2020;
The Witches
,
October 17, 2020;
The Carols
,
November 28, 2020.
124 N. Main Street, Souderton, (215) 723-9984,
montgomerytheater.org
Pennsylvania Ballet –
Philadelphia’s eminent ballet company proudly offers sensory-friendly performances throughout the season and during the wintertime run of
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
®
. This spring, the PA Ballet 2 company will perform
Snow White
in a sensory-friendly setting at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center. Pre-show materials guide patrons on going to the theater and tell the stories behind the choreography, music and characters. The theater adjusts sound and lighting and relaxes its rules — free movement and expression are welcome — and adds a quiet space and gluten-free concessions.
Snow White
,
April 18, 2020,
Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, 601 N. Lansdowne Avenue, Drexel Hill, (610) 622-1189,
udpac.org
;
Nutcracker
,
December 30, 2020,
Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad Street,
(215) 551-7000,
paballet.org
,
paballet.org/season-tickets/sensory-friendly-performances
People’s Light –
The mission of this large, nonprofit, professional suburban theater is education through performance. During Relaxed Performances, the house becomes a shush-free zone, so patrons with autism, ADD, ADHA, dementia and sensory sensitivities can freely express themselves during musicals and more. House lights remain low; startling lighting is reduced; sounds levels are lowered; crowds are limited; the lobby opens a quiet area, and fidget, stress- sensory toys and disposable ear plugs are available. Upcoming performances include:
Shakespeare in Love,
March 15, 2020
and
Songs for Nobodies
,
August 28, 2020.
39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, (610) 644-3500,
peopleslight.org
,
peopleslight.org/visit/accessibility/relaxed-performances
The Philadelphia Orchestra –
The orchestra has long shared its talents with children and families during their
Sound All Around
concerts, held on the comfortable carpet of the Academy of Music ballroom. The group also designates the Saturday edition of these popular, intimate performances as sensory-friendly (Brass,
February 8, 2020;
Ensemble,
March 21, 2020
). . The full orchestra’s sensory-friendly performances—and most family concerts—feature a no-shush policy, cool-down spaces, lighting adjustments, trained helpers and both planned and impromptu interaction between musicians and audience members, in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
Carnival of the Animals
,
March 7, 2020;
The Life and Times of Beethoven
,
May 2, 2020.
Academy, 240 S. Broad Street; Kimmel, 300 S. Broad Street, (215) 893-1900,
philorch.org
Theatre Horizon –
This Montgomery Country theater began offering an Autism Drama Program a decade ago and has served 680 children and adults in six-week, spring-through-fall sessions. Each season brings relaxed performances of major productions, dates TBA. 401 DeKalb Street, Norristown, (610) 283-2230,
theatrehorizon.org
VISIT PHILADELPHIA
®
is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy.
On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog,
visitphilly.com
and
uwishunu.com
, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.
Has your child heard you tell any of these “harmless” fibs? Experts say you may be teaching your child that lying is okay.
by:
Charity Ferreira
|
Greatschools.org
I already gave to your organization. It’s no trouble at all to feed your cat while you’re on vacation. We have plans that weekend. I won’t have time to stop by this afternoon.
That last one was said during a phone call with my dad, and generously speaking, I was stretching the truth. I had time. I just didn’t want to spend it stopping by my dad’s. When I noticed my son eyeing me suspiciously as I ended the call, I hastened to explain. “I want some downtime this afternoon,” I said, “and I didn’t want to hurt his feelings.” My son was nonplussed and I was chastened. We think of so-called “little white lies” as harmless, but what about when our kids hear us tell them?
By the most conservative estimates, the average American adult lies at least once a day. Most of these lies are benign; they’re called “prosocial lies” by researchers because they smooth our interactions with others, making our lives easier and helping us avoid conflict. We tell them to avoid hurting someone’s feelings (
I already have plans
), to excuse our own behavior (
I’m late because the traffic was terrible
), and to make someone feel better (
I can hardly see that pimple
). Most of us don’t put these kinds of lies in the same category as lies that cause obvious harm to others or break laws. One survey found that the majority of adults don’t consider “white lies” to be lies at all.
So maybe you don’t think twice when your child hears you tell a friend that you love the gift they gave you, or the cashier at the movie theatre that your just-turned 13-year-old is 12. Maybe you’ve told your child they can’t have ice cream because you don’t have money with you, rather than open the door to an argument about sweets before dinner. But when kids hear adults lying, research suggests they’re more likely to lie themselves. A study done at the University of California, San Diego found that 5- to 7-year-olds who were first told a lie by an adult were both more likely to cheat and then more likely to lie about it afterward.
Lying lessons
When it comes to kids and lying, conventional wisdom has been that young children outgrow lying as they learn the difference between lying and telling the truth. But research — not to mention our own lie-telling behavior as adults — reveals otherwise.
“Children don’t start out thinking lies are okay, and gradually realize they’re bad. The opposite is true. They start out thinking all deception — of any sort — is bad, and slowly realize that some types are okay,” writes Po Bronson in his 2011 book
Nurture Shock: New Thinking About Children
.
Kids tend to be blunt truth tellers when they’re between the ages of 2 and 3. By about age 4, most children tell lies, usually to avoid getting in trouble. Prosocial lying, or lying to avoid hurting someone’s feelings, develops around the same time or a little later, as empathy develops, says Victoria Talwar, associate professor in the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology at McGill University in Montreal. Talwar, a leading researcher on the development of lying in children, found that while 72 percent of 3- to 5-year olds would tell a white lie, 80 percent of 6- to 8-year-olds and 84 percent of 9- to 11-year-olds told white lies. Essentially, kids lie more — and get better at it — the older they get. It’s a skill they learn, at least in part, Talwar says, by observing the behavior of the adults around them.
“It’s one thing to say to kids that honesty is important,” she says, “but then if they see you lying, it sends a mixed message.”
When kids hear us lie, the implicit message is that sometimes lying is okay. And then there are the times we explicitly encourage our kids to lie — about liking a gift, for example. We all want our kids to be honest, but we tend to be proud when they tell a polite lie to avoid hurting someone’s feelings. And for good reason — the ability to lie is a developmental milestone associated with intelligence and social sophistication. Picture your second grader opening a dictionary from well-meaning Grandma. Of course you’re pleased and proud if he convincingly says he likes it.
But these sanctioned falsehoods come at a cost.
“Encouraged to tell so many white lies, children gradually get comfortable with being disingenuous. Insincerity becomes, literally, a daily occurrence. They learn that honesty only creates conflict, while dishonesty is an easy way to avoid conflict,” writes Bronson in Nurture Shock. And, he concludes, it’s a slippery slope from small polite lies to telling other kinds of lies.
Rx for honesty
We want to raise honest children. We also want them to be socially adept and sensitive to other people’s feelings. And as parents, surely we can be cut some slack for sometimes wanting to make things a little easier on ourselves. Is there a truth-telling prescription that accomplishes all of these ends?
“We want to teach our children to be honest, but we want to teach them to be kind as well. We need to teach honesty in a way that potentially helps others rather than potentially hurts others,” says Talwar. She recommends that parents model and teach what she calls “strategic honesty,” which she describes as being honest without hurting the person with the blunt truth. It’s a similar strategy, she says, to praising the action rather than the result when talking with kids.
“When a child brings us a scrawled drawing they’ve made, we don’t tell the child, ‘Your drawing is a big scribble.’ You discuss the details. You say, ‘I like how you used the color yellow.’”
In the case of a gift, try finding something nice to say about it that feels honest. Rather than, “I love this sweater, I’m going to wear it every day,” maybe you say how soft it is or that it looks warm.
The reason we don’t use strategic honesty more often, Talwar says, is that it’s more work. For sure, it would have taken a little more effort — and perhaps invited conflict — to tell my dad, “I want some time at home this afternoon. Can I come next week?” Or to tell the person on the phone, “I am not interested in donating to your cause. Good luck with the rest of your calls.” Or my friend, “I’m late because I didn’t give myself enough time to get here. Thank you for waiting for me.”
Teaching truth
While it may feel like more effort in the moment, there are good reasons for teaching kids how to get along in the world without making a habit of relying on small lies — and for telling fewer of them ourselves. Studies show that lying takes a toll on our mental health, leading to anxiety and depression. “Even the lies we call prosocial can have negative consequences,” says Angela Crossman, professor and chair of the Department of Psychology at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice at City University of New York. “They can backfire. Your credibility can come into question.”
Even kids recognize that telling the truth just feels better. Talwar’s research found that telling 9- to 11-year-olds that they would feel better about themselves if they told the truth decreased the chances they would tell a lie. And as Talwar points out, none of us likes to be lied
to
—even politely. “If you think about the people in your life who always tell you the truth, those people are really valuable.”
If you catch yourself telling a lie in front of your kids, treat it as an opportunity, says Dr. Peter Stavinoha, a clinical neuropsychologist and author of the Stress-Free Discipline series of parenting books. “I’m a big advocate for parents stating what was in their head at the time. Let your child know why you said what you did.” And if you want to really spark discussion, he says, ask if they have ideas for what you could have done differently.
“Kids really like to engage if you say, ‘Wow, I really could have handled that better. Can you think of any ways I could have?’ That’s a very non-threatening way for a child to problem solve.”
Recently my son was invited to a sleepover where the kids, middle school-aged boys, were going to be watching movies. He is sensitive to violent movies, even ones most kids his age love. I wondered if he would tell the other boys he was busy that night. It’s what I probably would have done. Instead he told them he “didn’t do” violent movies. Would they consider watching a comedy? To my surprise they agreed, and when another sleepover party invite came the next week and the boys opted to go with a gory sci-fi movie, my son was comfortable saying he’d pass — no lie necessary.
This is part of a new series on
how the science of character development can help parents
promote
honesty
,
diligence
,
gratitude
, generosity, forgiveness, and curiosity in their children.
https://www.greatschools.org/
Couple’s Obsession Led Them to Plan Attack
Elizabeth Lecron and Vincent Armstrong were obsessed with mass shooters.
The Toledo, Ohio, couple immersed themselves in online subculture dedicated to the topic. In 2018, they traveled to Columbine High School to visit the site of the 1999 school shooting, where they took pictures of themselves dressed like the shooters and posing with weapons. Lecron also wrote to one notorious mass shooter in prison to express her admiration for him.
But investigators say it wasn’t just a morbid fascination.
The couple, led by Lecron, wrote detailed plans making it clear they intended to become mass shooters themselves. They expressed violent, anti-government beliefs and their plans to act on them.
“Unfortunately, we address these types of threats frequently,” said Special Agent Ryan Presley, who oversaw this investigation out of the FBI’s Cleveland Field Office. “The challenge is figuring out who is just talking and who is making serious plans.”
In this case, the would-be shooters documented their violent plans.
Thankfully, a concerned citizen who became aware of their activity called the Toledo Police Department, which shared the tip with Detective Louie Espinosa and FBI Special Agent Sara Pedersen of the Bureau’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF).
The JTTF learned that the couple’s plans were serious and that they had stockpiled weapons and bomb-making materials.
“This is an example of why the JTTF model works—everyone worked together to keep our community safe from a potentially dangerous threat.”
Ryan Presley, special agent, FBI Cleveland
Lecron and Armstrong had scouted out venues for their attacks. One was a Toledo business the couple frequented. They knew the business had few entrances and exits, which they thought would make it difficult for potential victims to escape. They discussed details down to the type of shoes they would wear and how to create a diversion at the scene.
With the overwhelming evidence against them, Lecron and Armstrong both pleaded guilty. Lecron admitted to providing material support to terrorism and was sentenced in November 2019 to 15 years in prison. Armstrong pleaded guilty to a lesser conspiracy charge and was sentenced in December 2019 to six years.
Lecron’s prosecution is believed to be the first time a material support charge—a very serious charge usually brought against international terrorism suspects—has been used in a domestic terrorism case. Presley attributed this to the work of the investigative team and partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Ohio.
And without the tip from the concerned citizen, this story could have ended in a mass shooting—instead, the two would-be shooters are behind bars.
“I can’t say enough good things about the Toledo Police Department,” Presley said. “They have created an environment in which citizens feel comfortable bringing these types of things forward. This is an example of why the JTTF model works—everyone worked together to keep our community safe from a potentially dangerous threat.”
Resources
Toledo Woman Sentenced for Planning Two Terrorist Attacks
Toledo Man Sentenced for Planning Terrorist Attack in Toledo’s Entertainment District
Trooper Joseph Bullock
Florida Highway Patrol, Florida
End of Watch
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
PALM CITY, FLORIDA (February 5, 2020)–Trooper Joseph Bullock was shot and killed when he encountered a subject at a rest stop on I-95 in Palm City.
Additional details have not yet been released.
Trooper Bullock was a U.S. Air Force veteran and had served with the Florida Highway Patrol for 19 years.
RELATED:
Via
Officer Down Memorial page
CNB Crime
Blue Line
CNBNews Tips and Snippets
CNBNews Point of View
BREAKING NEWS
published Gloucestercitynews.net | February 5, 2020
While Continuing To Ignore Camden Tax Incentive Scandal
Gustafson says Norcross should “stop whining about this impeachment nonsense.”
COLLINGSWOOD – Claire Gustafson, Republican candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s first
Gloucestercitynews.net graphic files
congressional district, called out Congressman Donald Norcross over one of his campaign’s social media posts today. The post said, “The President is guilty & everybody knows it. Senate Republicans are sweeping this under the rug & trying to cover it up from the American people. #ImpeachmentDay”
“It’s laughable that Congressman Donald Norcross who
bragged
he ‘led the charge on getting the Economic Opportunity Act passed into law,’ the very law that led to the tax incentive scandals that Governor Phil Murphy
said
was ‘a rigged system’ and ‘was designed by special interests to benefit special interests’ has the guts to claim anyone is guilty of anything when some of the special interests the Governor was talking about were Donald Norcross’ family members,” Claire Gustafson said, “There was possibly wrongdoing involved with the tax breaks that went to companies that moved to Camden and everyone, including the Governor, knows it.”
Gustafson added, “If Donald Norcross is truly concerned with anyone being guilty of anything maybe he should stop whining about this impeachment nonsense and answer my challenge for him to use the bully pulpit of his congressional seat to have an honest investigation launched into exactly what led to the Camden tax incentive scandal and that if any wrongdoing is discovered those responsible are punished.”
“Maybe, while Governor Murphy is here in South Jersey to headline a fundraiser for Norcross, the Governor can explain why he is supporting the guy who bragged about getting the law passed that led to the ‘rigged system’ the Governor complained about. I and many other folks in South Jersey look forward to hearing the Governor explain it,” Gustafson said.