Warwick townlively.com
JUNE 26, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXV • NO 16
“With Me” unlocks poetry’s soothing powers BY JEFF FALK
BY JEFF FALK
H
ere ’s the hy pothesis: Wood ash may or may not be a stronger building material than sand when combined with concrete. Here’s the conclusion: Austin Van Grouw enjoyed a potentially path-altering experience and learned important life lessons. Oh, what a grand experiment
it was. After enjoying success at the local level, Van Grouw, a rising junior at Warwick High School, competed at the prestigious International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) held in Los Angeles from May 11 to 17. The involvement got Van Grouw thinking and opened his eyes to some things, not the least of which was his future.
“I had an oppor tunity to present my project to experts in their field,” said Van Grouw. “The international competition was very challenging, and I felt like I performed well, even though I didn’t place. But it was an amazing experience. I got to meet new people and learn new cultures. I got to experience things I never had before. It was my first time on the West Coast. Most people
Author Carolyn Staffieri displays her book “With Me: a Poetic Expression of God’s Faithfulness.”
recently self-published “With Me: A Poetic Expression of God’s Faithfulness,” a 135-page book of 122 poems, some of which were directly inspired by her struggles with the neurological disorder and some of which weren’t. “It is ‘why me?’” said Staffieri. “It draws on my experiences with faith, hope and love. It See “With Me” pg 8
Flag football levels the playing field BY JEFF FALK
Exercise is good for the body. Play is good for the soul. On the surface, the Chuckie Magee Flag Football and Cheerleading League for adults with disabilities is all about physical activity. But just below it resides elements of competition, socialization and fun. “Everybody needs physical activity,” said Randy Samuels, a coach and the coordinator for the program. “A lot of these
young people don’t get out as much as others. Some aren’t very fast, but we get them out there running and having a good time. They learn teamwork. They get to socialize with their friends.” Affiliated with Aaron’s Acres, the Chuckie Magee Flag Football and Cheerleading League has opened registration through the early days of July and the program is looking for players, sponsors and volunteers. The program consists of a 10-game
See Austin Van Grouw pg 2
See Flag football pg 5
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Austin Van Grouw experiments with engineering while exploring his interests
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While standing next to the presentation of his project, Austin Van Grouw holds the trophy he won at the North Museum of Nature and Science’s Science and Engineering Fair.
A form of rhythmic writing, poems cannot cure epilepsy. But they can be therapeutic. Carolyn Staffieri of Lititz k nows some things about epilepsy and poems. Her book “With Me: A Poetic Expression of God’s Faithfulness” embraces her jour ney with epilepsy through poems. “I don’t think there’s a connection with epilepsy and poems,” said Staffieri. “Some artists have the ability to write and be a positive influence despite their circumstances. I want people to know that if you find yourself in a world without explanation, you’re not alone. I’ve had a glorious story, a painful story, a joyous story that’s more than epilepsy. I want people to find someone to walk with them. Epilepsy is just a part of my journey.” Staffieri, who was diagnosed with epilepsy 30 years ago,