CNJ+ October 2023

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Timmy’s Story: A SENSORY FRIENDLY BIRTHDAY By, Pam Teel Young Author Tim Rohrer, who has overcome many obstacles in his life due to his autism, is set to release his second children’s book. The book is a sequel to his first book, Timmy’s Story: A Story About Autism and Friendship . His first book, focuses on inclusion, and is based on his own past life experiences. His second book, Timmy’s Story: A Sensory Friendly Birthday, also is a reflection of his past, and teaches one about autism through the eyes of someone who lived it. For those with autism, sensory sensitivities may make birthday parties difficult to enjoy. Tim’s second book tells a true story, with that in mind, about how his teacher and his classmates made his birthday party one that he could enjoy. Tim’s brother Daniel, who is a senior at Allentown High School, is doing his senior practicum helping behind the scenes of “Tips4Inclusion.” He did the book editing for his brother. Tim has not only become an author but a speaker, self-advocate, and educator of disabilities. He has been asked to speak at schools, conferences, and has also received a commendation from the NJ State Senate and Assemblymen. He is also a managing partner of a teen founded nonprof it organization called 5Help Foundation. To learn more about Tim and the amazing resources he created, check out his website at: https://tips4inclusion.wixsite.com/disabilityinclusion. Tim’s new book is now available to purchase on Amazon. button on her cash register, I was amazed that it all came to over $200.00. Dad opened up his wallet, and without flinching payed the cashier, with a smile on his face! As we drove home that fateful afternoon, Dad said to me, “Richie, this’ll probably be my last Halloween. I want it to be one that will make the neigh borhood kids happy!” When we got home, Dad showed Mom all of the toys he bought. My moth er didn’t say much, although she was rather surprised that my father had purchased all so many little toys. After supper, I helped Dad gift wrap each and every toy, with brightly colored wrapping paper. When Halloween came upon us, Dad sat by the front door, looking out to our front yard. He had his array of little wrapped toys, neatly lined up on a card table that I had set up for him. As each and every boy and girl came to our front door, Dad invited them in and told each child to pick out two of the wrapped toys. As the children smiled, Dad smiled back to them. Eighteen years have come and gone since then. Dad went Home to be with the Lord on the sixth of May of 2006. The Halloween of 2005, was to be Dad’s last Halloween. Somehow my father knew that. In memory, I often return to Dad’s very special Halloween. I try my honest best to be true to the compassionate spirit that abided in my father’s heart. Sometimes, I feel that I fall short of the mark. Life is short. Love one another. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard most recently published a book of po etry and short stories. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com.

tion conditions, threat of a typhoon, and lack of enough medical facilities, Matthew still had a great experience. Through Scouting, he has learned that obstacles aren’t things that stop you from going forward. They just force you to find a new way to proceed. He went for one big jamboree adventure and ended up being a part of another big adventure. Matthew stated that it was a trip of a lifetime for him and that he had no regrets. He did a lot of trading and swapping with other scouts from other countries for some really cool items such as: neckerchiefs, hats, patches, Koala Bucket hat from Australia, a Queen funeral patch, and a King Charles coronation Patch, Woggle made from the tail of a Spingbok by a South African Scout, and neckerchiefs from around the world. While at the base, they toured around South Korea- they went to a wa terpark, an underground mall, a baseball game, more temples, a botanical garden, saw many cultural shows (dancing, drumming, kpop, costumes, etc) and yes, ate more rice. On their last night, they went to The World Cup Stadium in Seoul to get back together with the whole group for the closing ceremony and the pass ing of the flag to the Poland Contingent. Jamboree 2027 will be in Gdansk Poland. 20 K-pop acts took to the stage after a ceremonial closing of the 25 World Scout Jamboree. “My grandfather went to the 9th world jamboree in England 1957. He always talked about his trip! He was SOOOOO excited for me to go! He passed away in January. I took his neckerchief and patch with me to South Korea,” Matthew stated. “All in all, it was a very positive experience and it was amazing to be able to interact with people from all over the world!”

4 CNJ+ | FORMERLY THE MILLSTONE TIMES

31 MAY 2023

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