Download the November 2009 issue (PDF) - Inside Chappaqua

AdvertisementThe Eyes Have It...Undiagnosedvision problemsaffect students’ability to learnt the start of the new school yearAgetting children ready to learn isa parent's number one priority. Theback-to-school season is an idealtime for parents to take their childto an eye doctor for a comprehensiveexam. Currently, only 14 percentof children under age six havereceived a comprehensive eyeexam, according to the U.S. Centerfor Health Statistics. A careful evaluationyour child's visual demandsand symptoms will best help toenhance your child's ocular health,vision and general well-being.One in four children has a visionproblem that could impact their academicand athletic performance, andit's important to realize that childrenmay not recognize that they have avision problem, particularly childrenwho are too young to know thealphabet or even to speak.Fatigue when reading, poor comprehension,headaches, difficulty concentratingand poor test taking are amongsigns that there may be somethingwrong with your child's visual system.Children can have problems withfocusing, eye coordination and evenbe functionally blind in one eye, andit may not be noticed at a typicalvision screening given by the pediatricianor school nurse.An eye exam will help diagnose commonvision problems, such as nearsightednessand farsightedness as wellas more serious conditions such asamblyopia or turned (crossed) eyes.Amblyopia, commonly known as lazyeye, affects about 5 percent of childrennationwide, and due to the lackof early eye care, it is the leadingcause of blindness in Americansunder 40. However, the condition istreatable and preventable if detectedearly. In fact, most visual problemsfirst present from six months of ageuntil age five or six, and some canonly be fully corrected if they aretreated before age six.575 MAIN STREET • ARMONK, NY 10504273-7337S P E C I A L E V E N T S / H A P P E N I N G STeenagers Transformed by Library“Learning Ambassadors” Experience10th grader Ellie Kotz of Chappaqua participated as aLearning Ambassador over the summer.Teens often do not havehigh expectations for summeremployment. A joboffers something to do, afew new skills, and maybea bit of spending money.For 12th grader JalenBridges, her summer job atthe Croton Free Librarygave her so much more. Asone of 28 WestchesterLibrary System (WLS)Learning Ambassadors,Jalen learned to workhands-on with a diversegroup of library-goers inher community. Her supervisor noticed her transformation from a shy teento a more outgoing young woman. While it is not unusual for teens to workin libraries as pages, where their primary duty is to shelve, organize, andmaintain books and materials, it is unusual for them to be trained to interactdirectly with children and adults who visit their local library.The direct benefits to Learning Ambassadors go far beyond the average summeremployment. Zahra Baird, Head of Teen Services at the ChappaquaPublic Library, points out that the program promotes community building.“Area teens have a chance to work, have fun, and make a difference in theircommunity. Everything starts locally—at home and in our own backyard.”Baird continues, “Participants learn how to get along with people, deal withdifferent personalities, organize their time, and prioritize. They discover thattheir input is valid and that they’re a contributing member of our community.It’s really important for other teens to see their peers in these roles.”Learning Ambassadors are mentored by members of the library staff, treatedas equals by library employees, and valued for their assistance in other servicesareas, including their work with adult patrons as computer aides. Thisprocess helps program participants gain both confidence and self-assurance.For more info, or or a complete list of programs and events throughout theWestchester Library System, visit the WLS website atwww.westchesterlibraries.org.Chappaqua Gift and Craft Fair at BellIt’s free admission for all on Saturday, November 14th at the25th Annual Chappaqua Craft Fair. Over 70 artisans andvendors will be offering their beautiful and unique wares.Budget friendly handmade gifts are perfect for anyone’sholiday wish list. Participate in our daylong TrickyTray raffle offering opportunities to win more than50 vendor-donated gifts and craft items. Select frombeautifully handcrafted jewelry and clothing, designerhandbags and accessories. Take home custom artworkand one-of-a-kind furniture, distinctive householditems, and gourmet foods. The fair will be held at theRobert E. Bell School from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.Enjoy this opportunity to choose from (or win!) some of Westchester's finestartisan crafts.8 Inside Chappaqua November 2009