Let our professional staff help you find the gas fireplace solution that is right for you. Visit our showroom to see the largest selection of burning displays in South Jersey. Our professional staff is available to assist you weekdays, 8 a. We accept MasterCard, Visa and Discover. Please visit our web site: Starting prices installed can be under 1, and can substantially reduce your energy cost. Quality Home Center Rt. So are pens that have goofy rubber hair or that feature talking characters from the TV show Family Guy, like Stewie: Oh, you re so observant, aren t you are you a detective?
Why don t you shut up for about a week? These pens are unlikely to be on any school-sanctioned supplies list. Talking pens might even be considered by some schools as disruptive see related story on page A1. It just goes to show, that what is needed for school, and what kids want, are sometimes as far apart as the first and last day of the school year. And there s a tug of war that plays out in store aisles now between kids wanting all the latest gizmos, school officials fi guratively peering over their students shoulders, and the parents who inevitably have to pay the bill in line at the cashier.
School supplies can be expensive. For offi ce superstores like Staples, and other big name office supply stores, this time of year is big business, similar to the Christmas season for other retail outlets. Solazzo said there are common items that fly off the shelves, regardless of the latest crazes. Everybody needs binders, knapsacks, pens, pencils, staple stuff, because schools don t provide them for the kids anymore, he said.
Texas Instrument calculators are popular, he said, and camouflage designs on folders and notebooks are popular with boys. Some girls like sparkles and bright colors, said Debbie Chase, electronics specialist. Crayola Total Tools pens that are easy to grip for younger children are out this year, and portable palm-sized USB port flash drives that range in size from K to 8 gigabytes and allow quick transfer of data between computers are selling, said Chase. Also popular are magnetized school locker accessories, she said. New this year at Staples is a promotional penny and nickel section of discount supplies for those seeking to keep costs down.
Cynthia Sherbin, of Malvern, Pa. She views it as a shift of responsibility from the schools onto individuals. One school I know has a deal with Office Depot, she said. To me it could be a fi nancial burden to a lot of families, especially kids who are struggling. Nancy Daino of Ocean View was trying to keep the lid on while shopping with her daughter Catherine, School list in hand at Staples, she negotiated the aisles, with her three other daughters in tow, Julia, 3, Laura, almost 2, and Amanda, 9 months, getting Catherine ready for her fi rst day at Dennis Township Middle School.
I look for the sales. I pinch pennies, she said. They know ahead of time going in that saving money here will free up money for other things. It s all part and parcel to going out to a restaurant, or for ice cream or a movie, she said. There s nothing you need in life, except oxygen and water, said Daino with a grin, and the quick pace of a busy mom. SPLS conducted an online poll and found teens had a lot to say about what supplies they want as they return to school in the next few weeks, and about how they plan to use those tools. Getting An Early Start: More than 8 percent of teens usually do their backto-school supply shopping before school starts, and two-thirds of them shop a month before their first day back.
Only 7 percent of students shop for school supplies the weekend after school starts. Some 92 percent of teens said they select their own supplies for the school year, not mom or dad. The number one product teens can t live without? The majority 56 percent said they must have traditional planners and notebook products, while 23 percent chose binders as their go-to product. What s Cool For School: One-half 49 percent of students said that fun colors and styles are what make school supplies cool.
Surprisingly, only 9 percent are looking for products with features like ipod holders. Write It Your Way: In addition, 2 percent reported using highlighters, while 17 percent sought gel pens because of the color variety. What Is In Your Notebook: More than a quarter 27 percent of respondents said that if you looked in their notebook you would find doodles, while 19 percent said notes to their friends. Multi-tasking has become a way of life for teens.
It s no surprise that 44 percent noted that they do their homework at the same time that they re chatting online and watching TV. Participating in the Rock Your Locker poll were 5 teens from 13 to 2 years old. The online poll was conducted in July by Staples and Alloy Marketing. The sweepstakes Web site and online community can be found at through Sept. According to the DOE, the report provided detailed information on a wide range of incidents, from bullying, fighting, trespassing, theft and fireworks possession to major behavioral problems such as sex offences, assault, extortion and possession of firearms and drugs at the state s approximately Photos by Susan Avedissian Colorful designs on Dickies brand items make them popular with kids this year.
Incidents are divided into four categories: In this county, 1 of the 17 districts reported five or fewer incidents and five of those reported none at all including: Five schools reported more than 25 incidents including: Ocean City topped the other districts in incidents of violence, 5, and vandalism, 11, while Middle Township had the most incidents of weapons, 4, and substance, The study said throughout the state a total of 18, incidents were reported statewide in , an increase of two percent over the number reported in According to the report, the increase was driven mainly by a two percent increase in reported incidents of violence and a nine percent increase in reported incidents of vandalism.
Over the two years, county schools saw a decrease in all four categories particularly in incidents of violence, to , 11 percent; and weapons, 27 to 15, 44 percent. In this county for the school year, seven districts had five or fewer incidents and five reported no incidents. During that year, there were four districts with more than 25 incidents: Ocean City had the most incidents in three categories: Some locks for bikes now have word combinations available, which makes remembering your combo a bit easier. Lockermates are fun items that decorate school lockers; they re magnetized so you can take them home at the end of the school year.
Talking pens are not popular with school officials. What Not From Page A1 be carried but not used in school. And Heelys, those sneakers with rear wheels, are forbidden. Richard Turco, principal at Wildwood Catholic, said students are not permitted to wear colored bandanas, large pieces of jewelry, flip flops or hooded sweatshirts during the school day. Cell phones and ipods are not allowed in the classroom, he said, but students who bring them to school can store them in their locker. Cape May Elementary School Superintendent Victoria Zelenak said no ipods are permitted because they are expensive to replace if lost.
Pokemon Cards, in addition to cell phones and Heelys, are also outlawed. Zelenak said students fill their backpacks with more items than they need making them heavy. She said students tend to take their books home, every night, which is necessary. Cell phones may be brought to the school but must be kept in a locker, not carried to class. He said it is not necessary for students to bring a phone to school to stay in touch with their parents. If you need to get your kid, call the office, we ll get them for you, said Castellucci.
If a parent finds it necessary that a student must bring a cell phone to school for emergency purposes, they can check the phone in at the main office, he said. But we do have phones in each classroom that can be used if necessary. Anderson said that there are a number of reasons for saying no to elementary school students bringing certain items to school.
Anderson also noted that it isn t uncommon for a number of the forbidden items to go missing if a student manages to bring it in to school. If a cell phone is stolen, it is not the school s responsibility. A number of ipods have disappeared, he said, And I ve had parents go so far as to ask for reimbursement.
Mostly it is for the students safety, Anderson said. The other reason is to try and eliminate distraction in the classroom. Wissahickon and other districts with that policy are looking to avert tragedies like the Columbine incident and last December's gunshot suicide by a student inside another Montgomery County school.
In 23, when Atlantic City High School was labeled persistently dangerous by the Department of Education, the school board there implemented the use of see-through bags. No school in this county mandates students to carry these bags. The young men, all from Pennsylvania, agreed to make restitution for the damage they created by each paying Neil R. David Hess, who also had his property damaged, was not present in the courtroom.
See a Problem?
Damage for the vandalism spree totaled more than 6,. Damages totaled over 2,8. Thirteen street signs and posts were destroyed at a cost of 1,6 in materials. Labor to install street signs totaled over 9. The cost of labor to the borough s Public Works Department for four employees removing item from Lake Lily totaled Beverly Carr, owner of Cape May Carriage Company had her fiberglass replica black quarter horse Stoney stolen from the front porch of her Sunset Boulevard home. It was found on the island on the middle of Lake Lily May 13, missing a leg. She said the horse was worth 2,5 and was not repairable.
His leg was found on Sea Grove Avenue. DeWeese said he was satisfied with restitution being made by the men, all 18 and 19 years old, and dismissed charges. He stipulated the restitution be paid within 1 days. Contact Fichter at 69 Ext 3 or at: A worship service will be held at 1: Speaker will be Rev. Jim Hughes, evangelist and Christian dramatist. A Family BBQ is set for 4: Meat and drink will be provided.
Gone by Julie Elizabeth Powell
Please bring a side or dessert to share. A special drama presentation by Jim Hughes will be held at 6 p. We can avor your child s medicine! Obituaries are submitted by funeral homes; family members who submit information must provide the funeral home name. He was a veteran of World War II. She was a resident for many Would you like to thank all those who were kind to you and your family during a recent loss or eulogize your loved one? Call Janet or Rachel exts. She was a volunteer for the Shore Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.
He was employed by the casinos in Atlantic City for many years. Born in Mocanaqua, PA. Survived by daughter Christine Tina and husband James J. Raised in Manayunk and lived in Conshohocken, PA. Coast Guard, Navy and Army. She was an active member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. She was a resident of the area for 3 years and a member of the Cape May Lutheran Church. She is survived by her husband, William M. Box , Wildwood, N. Fisher, III would be appreciated. She was a resident for five and a half years. She was a retired judicial secretary and a member of the Episcopal Church of the Advent.
She was a lifelong resident, and a member of the Daughters of American Revolution. He was retired from the Woodbine Developmental Center as a cottage-training technician. He was a resident since , veteran of the U. Past Trustee and member of the Crest Community Church. Residing in Wildwood Crest for over 4 years. For the past two years she resided at Eastern Shore Nursing Home where she received excellent care. Predeceased by her husband Leonard Henderson and her son Mick Henderson.
Survived by her daughter Janice H. Farber, sonin law Robert Farber, daughter-in-law Chris Henderson, brother Bud Christensen, sister Dolly Jordan, 4 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Please call for an appointment. Anyone who has trouble hearing or understanding speech or words clearly is welcomed to have a test using the most modern electronic equipment to determine if their hearing loss is one which may be helped. Everyone should have a hearing test at least once a year if there is any trouble at all hearing clearly. Worship service will begin at 1: Sunday school for children, ages 3 to 9, will be from At 35, he has, for over 2 years, worked with and, watched my father a plumber fix a sink, install boilers and septic systems, and so much more.
What he and other skilled tradesman came to realize, knowledge doesn t count until there s a state license on the wall. Breuss, not as a skilled apprentice with years of practical experience under his belt, had no recourse other than to enroll in the county Technical School s four-year Plumbing Apprentice program, state mandated for the trades. There are three apprenticeship programs given at the school: All programs are four years in length, and students must attend hours of classroom instruction each year, two nights a week, three hours per evening for 32 weeks, said Rusty Miller, district director of Adult-Continuing Education.
Apprentices must also complete 2, hours of work annually with their employer, doing tasks that reflect their learning experiences, Miller added. Our electrical apprentice program is in the first semester of year four, one plumbing apprentice program is in the second semester of year three, and the other is in the second semester of year four, set for completion this coming December, Miller told the board. Laura Elston, district apprenticeship coordinator accompanied Breuss and Kajander to the meeting, and gave an overview of the need for the programs.
Many apprentices are not true apprentices. Many are established businesspeople, Joseph Breuss is one of those, Elston said. She pointed to the state licensing requirement, and the call for a full apprenticeship program.
NEWS DI GESTS School s Open, Drive Safely
We have some true apprentices and some pretty experienced people, Elston added. Of Kajander, Elston said he gave me the expertise to get the program going. He is a true advocate of the program. Prior to the district s programs, Kajander said unions, which allowed the person to learn and work for their employer, offered some programs. Then, the book education would take place in classes and on the job training, would enhance didactic training.
A vital link was missing, Kajander said. A lot of men went to work as plumber s helpers, and put in a number of years. Then they found they were unequal when they had to take a test and didn t have the formal education, Kajander continued. This program filled a big gap in that, he said. The Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Council, a nationally recognized entity for its teaching materials, publish texts used in the program Kajander told the board.
At the end of the four years, students have been taught, and had practical experience working with piping, drainage, gas pipes and more. They are taught in the field as well as in the classroom, he said. This program is a very vital and necessary thing for our plumbing industry in this county, Kajander said.
Even though he Breuss has plenty of experience, he s not official until he takes the course and gets his Master Plumber License, Kajander said. Breuss took the floor to tell his feeling about the program. It irked him on the first day of the class, as an experienced plumber, to be seated with others who had two days of experience, and at the end of four years, they are just as qualified as I am to take the test. I work every day and go to school for the knowledge, Breuss said. There should be two different classes, he added.
We weeded through a lot of people, Breuss said. We started with 3 and we re down to seven or eight. The second year class started with 3 and there are still 27, he said. There is big interest in the upcoming class. Two people in my company still want to go through it, said Breuss. Superintendent William Desmond said the apprentice programs grew from Miller s saying there was a major need in Cape May County for such a program.
He cited the new classroom for masons, built as part of the school s recent enlargement and at the urging of local masons, who could not get skilled help in their trade. This is another part of what we do for all the citizens of Cape May County, Desmond said. Miller said the district is working on an articulation agreement with Atlantic Cape Community College in conjunction with the apprentice programs. Interested students could attend the college and take general courses, as well as accounting and business classes that would give them 6 credits.
That would enable them to earn an associate degree which, coupled with their apprentice certificate, would enable them to hang their shingle, and be ready to start a business, said Miller. Miller said Richard Layton teaches another plumbing course while Art Jacobs teaches the electrical course. Contact Campbell at 69 Ext 28 or at: JUMBO 1 89 doz.
SUPER 1 99 doz. One gift per customer, please. Buy a box of cigars, get a 5-cigar sample pack and a T-shirt free! The class begins today and runs through June, following the school year calendar. The class prepares graduates for jobs related to dentistry that include dental technician, dental assistant and dental hygienist. Candida Ditzler, a certifi ed dental assistant, and Saundra Pickens will teach the class. The curriculum covers pedodontics, perio-dontics, orthodontics and endodontics and students learn dental-related tasks such as operating and maintain dental equipment, positioning patients in dental chairs, taking impressions and making dental models, making custom trays, mixing dental cements and bases, and mounting dental x-rays.
Students also partici-pate in observations and affiliations with local dentists and dental clinics. Classes are open to adults, 18 years of age or older, with a high school diploma or equivalent. For information about the class, the required preentrance test, tuition and tuition assistance, call the Technical School District at , ext Nothing happens unless first a dream. Due to the Holiday, Showtimes not available at press time. Please call theatre for complete showtime listing. Defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt: Williams, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon and receiving stolen property on May 27 in North Wildwood, of a.
Tupling, criminal mischief, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, tampering with an antique musket on Aug. Dewel Smith, 2 nd, theft by failure to make required disposition of funds, third degree 8 counts , and fourth degree four counts , in Lower Township, Middle Township, Wildwood Crest, and North Wildwood. Richardson, robbery, conspiracy and possession of an imitation firearm, May 2, Wildwood. McKenzie, robbery on June 3, Ocean City.
Amanda Lee, robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery with an unindicted juvenile, theft and using a juvenile to commit a crime, on July 9 in Middle Township. Kriner, theft, on June 27 in Lower Township. Kirwin, eluding and receiving stolen property, a 21 Acura automobile, on July 2, in Lower Township. Donna Gallner, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, cocaine, schedule II on June Workshops are from 9 a. Call and leave a voice mail with your name, telephone number and the name of the workshop you wish to attend.
Registration is now being accepted for the following classes: Many of the skills learned cannot be Janine M. Visalli, daughter of Judge and Mrs. Sept Library Catalog Essentials Sept. Oct 9 Hotmail 11 Oct. Please call if interested: Just click on the link Computer Classes. June through July, Duffy, aggravated assault, North Wildwood, July Cottrell, burglary, theft for entering a structure at 91 Asbury Ave.
Gesvaldo, burglary, conspiracy, using a juvenile in a crime, for unlawfully entering a vehicle a 26 Dodge in Wildwood Crest on Julyl 7. Brooks, Keith Dalton, possession controlled dangerous substance, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance and distribution of a controlled dangerous substance within 5 feet of a public property, cocaine, schedule II, on June 3, in Wildwood. Donte Alston, throwing bodily fluid, resisting arrest, in North Wildwood on June 3.
During the s and the s, I lived in Turin and Bologna, Italy. Bologna is known for three aspects: Indeed, the population of this beautiful city is easy going and very hospitable. For five hours a night, we throw out the canned music charts and follow our hearts and allow listeners to make their requests and dedications and for a little while, radio becomes like it was when we were growing up where we have a connection with the disc jockey and community with one another. The reason I share this with you is because this Friday, Sept.
Don McLean immortalized the event as the day the music died, in his legendary song American Pie. But somehow their music didn t die at all for it still entertains and even inspires many of us to this day. As a matter of fact, a new credit card commercial uses a Buddy Holly tune to advertise its service. It was as if I was transported back in time to the frigid Midwest where most of these shows took place.
Sunday Morning Service Sunday Evening Service 6: Children s Bible Club Wednesday 6: Are you looking for that piece that completes the puzzle of your life? Regardless of who you are, or where you ve been, you can find that piece in a community of friends who share your journey. What I want to bring in the light today is that Buddy never really wanted to be on that tour in the first place. If you think that music artists from the 5 s and early 6 s were financially set for life, you d be sadly mistaken.
Most of the money was made by agents and business managers. It was the fact that most of Buddy s money was tied up under the control of somebody else that forced him to go out on the road when his real passion was just to continue to write down and record the melodies swirling in his head and perfect the sound that showcased the genius he really was. His heart told him to stay home but the so called experts advised him to do differently and this leads to my point that it is always a dangerous deal when you compromise your heart to try to make somebody else happy. It may even cost you your life.
Is the music still alive in your life or have you allowed somebody else to steal your song? Our signature tunes get crashed when we lose our heart along the way. It leaves us stuck sleepwalking through our daily 24 hours when we try desperately to make somebody else happy but deny the spirit that is calling us to wake up and belt out that hit record that only we were meant to croon. Peer pressure pulls the plug on us.
We get too comfortable with our excuses that we forget that we don t sing to live- but we live to sing. I can t help but think how many more wonderful songs we would have heard if Buddy Holly followed his heart. But ours is to cherish the catalogue of masterpieces he did leave us because he did leave us. But you are still here so what about you? God didn t put you in the choir of humanity to lip-synch somebody else s voice.
He gave you a heart and soul and mind and voice so that you could be heard. You will find that the truth is often unpopular and the contest between agreeable fancy and disagreeable fact is unequal. For, in the vernacular, we Americans are suckers for good news. The music never dies but unfortunately for too many it never gets heard because we get too busy following another s agenda and abandon God s plan for us for our few short years we inhabit this planet.
I really cannot give you the formula for success. But I can give you the formula for failure. Try to please everyone. So it is time to rave on Peggy Sue because it s so easy to not fade away when everyday you think it over and let true love always be the heartbeat that makes you shout, oh boy! That ll be the day when these words of love written early in the morning challenge you to tell those other voices that it doesn t matter anymore because maybe baby today will be the day a new number one hit record will be written and sung by you!
First Presbyterian Church, 7th and Wesley Ave. The Origin of the Bible, Dr. AM Join us September 9th 9: Reverend Sharline Fulton Priest in residence for Sept. We ll list ALL your items on ebay to help you sell them From small antiques, collectibles and estate items, to large items like trucks and furniture We take the photos We write the ad We manage the entire sales process We pack, then ship the item out We send you a check 15 Rt. Listen to Medically Speaking on the web! A good community newspaper is a community in conversation with itself. Walter Lippman You must identify your town.
This newspaper will edit messages according to our space, your brevity, timeliness and good taste. No more than one contribution per week, please. The Herald invites you to contribute to Spout Off, your positive statements whenever possible and, when necessary, your constructive, negative thoughts. To do so, please visit our website and click submit under the Spout Off Heading. Your comments will be submitted anonymously from this form and limited to 6 characters.
You may also mail, bring or fax a brief written comment, which must arrive by 9 a. Or you can call the Spout Off line at You will have one minute to anonymously voice your views on any subject of public interest. If you would like share your views on a topic in greater detail, consider submitting a letter to the Herald s editorial page. Please send your letters to Be sure to give your name, address plus a phone number so we can call to confirm your submission. The Herald publishes only letters submitted exclusively to this newspaper. Check Online at Stone Harbor s sidewalk sale is great, but I think it s time they closed off that block of 96th Street same as the Sail into Summer promotion to allow more room for the merchants and shoppers - too big now for just the sidewalk.
Make sure your cars are locked at all times. Parents need to watch what their children are bringing home and hold them accountable for what they do. If it isn t theirs, then ask them where they got it. Rio Grande I would just like to say that this is my 1th season as a homeowner in Stone Harbor, and every year I appreciate the peacefulness of spending my summers here with my family. Once you cross the bridge, your troubles leave you and the fresh air reminds you of what to be grateful for in life.
It was worse than listening to rap music because the small children could actually understand what was being said. Ocean City The solution to Stone Harbor s rec center seems rather simple. Stone Harbor classes are so small that two grade levels are combined with one teacher. Not an ideal situation for children or teachers.
The Stone Harbor School could then be converted to a Community Center with plenty of space for parking. A win-win for Stone Harbor a better learning environment for the children and a huge saving to taxpayers in not having to construct a new building as a Rec center. Avalon Time for another volunteer session.
Volunteers are wanted to plant dune grass. It s a joke; nobody cares. Children and others plant the grass then beachfront property owners damage the dunes digging them out to provide front yards and parking areas that do not belong to them. This property is city-owned and supposedly maintained to provide protection during storms.
You complain and the city, state nor any other agency listens. It s a joke until the next storm hits. Sea Isle City Parents, where were you at 2 a. Villas Have you ever driven down 26th Street on a Friday or Saturday night and seen all of the cars parked illegally on the side of the road by the boardwalk? The cops are right at the top of the ramp; can t they see this? Wildwood This is to the spouter spouting off about other spouters using Spout Off to spout about issues they perceive to be non-spout worthy third week of August Herald. Is this not America? Or maybe you d prefer to live under Taliban rule?
Avalon We need a McDonalds in Avalon badly. The underused Veterans Plaza could be converted into a McDonalds. It could have a veteran s theme with pictures of our armed forces all around. All military people and boy scouts would always receive free Freedom Fries.
They could have a male and female Ronald McDonald in various military uniforms to honor those who protect our free economy. There is room for a drive through and the whole place could be the centerpiece of the Memorial Day parade. I heard Eisenhower cut the ribbon at the first McDonalds in Gettysburg so this is totally appropriate.
We have the hottest styles! What s on tap for Avalon? Let s not start something we might regret in the future. I do think the borough would consider selling naming rights to some streets. Perhaps for the right price Dune Drive could become Utz s Drive? Let s not give Stone Harbor an idea for funding that Community Center they want so badly. Avalon The beach erosion at the Cove Beach is unbelievable. The owners of the Cove Restaurant might get their way when the ocean reclaims the sand dune next to them.
I am sure blame is being given to those with no control over Mother Nature. I just hope the stripers are biting off the newly-exposed jetty this fall. Cape May To the tall, brown-haired man in the turtle t-shirt running on the beach on Saturday morning: You should really watch where you are going.
Just because you are in the midst of a workout does not mean that you have the right to run over small children, and then continue on without looking back. You are extraordinarily inconsiderate. Cape May Our flag was at half-staff July 23, 24, 25 and Does anybody know why? I for one would appreciate the courtesy of an announcement, stating the reason why, in some sort of public forum. If the flag is to be flown at half-staff, people should be informed as to the reason why Is anybody getting my drift here?
Corzine ordered flags on state and county offices to fly half staff on July 2 in memory of Firefighter Stephen Dembski; on Aug. Maria Ortiz; on Aug. Gone has been described as 'a journey of wonder, perfect, beautiful, magnificent, captivating, moving and sprinkled with fantastic humour' and ' View all 3 comments. Sep 02, Maria rated it it was amazing Recommends it for: I enjoyed this book. It is a wonderful story which kept me interested from the beginning right through to the last page.
It is based on a true event in the authors life which inspired the tale. By the end you are left wondering whether Avalon is a real place, and kind of hoping that it is! The author has done a great job telling her I enjoyed this book. The author has done a great job telling her tale. Charley, the main character, has a brain-damaged daughter, and she has lived with the guilt of giving her daughter away to be looked after by someone else.
She no longer recognises her daughter whenever she visits, and has in fact stopped visiting her very often. One day Charley has a heart attack and ends up in a place called Avalon, there she meets her daughter and the story begins. I would highly recommend 'Gone' to anyone who loves a good book. Sep 15, Rosary McQuestion rated it it was amazing. A modern day Alice in Wonderland Her lovely daughter is neither here nor there.
Due to a tragic accident, her daughter lives in a state of limbo in which her heart beats within a shell of a body. And in finding her daughter, Charley begins the journey to find herself. The whole time she is fighting for her life. Since the book is based on a real life event, I have to think that writing the book was cathartic, a cleansing of the mind, so to speak for the author. There were so many times throughout the book in which I could feel her emotions of hurt and pain. However, like I said, the story is uplifting and once you reach the end of this fabulous fantasy, you will know the meaning of the title, "Gone.
Jun 24, Jennifer Kelland Perry rated it really liked it Shelves: Gone is a fantasy tale inspired by true tragic events in the life of the author, Julie Elizabeth Powell. This type of book is a definite departure from what I usually read, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
It deals with facing fear as well as the possible existence of an afterlife, both achieved in a powerful and imaginative way. I can only imagine the grief that instigated the story, yet I can understand how writing this novel helped Powell work through her loss, while t Gone is a fantasy tale inspired by true tragic events in the life of the author, Julie Elizabeth Powell.
I can only imagine the grief that instigated the story, yet I can understand how writing this novel helped Powell work through her loss, while taking us along on the main character's vivid and emotional journey. Reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland? Yes, in many areas. That said, it still has plenty of originality and heart. Feb 17, Kathleen Garlock rated it liked it.
How does one deal with the loss of a child? Badly, I would suppose. At least it would be true in my case. Charley Woods has faced and shouldered that most awful of burdens. Her daughter is not dead, but trapped inside a body and brain damaged by a tragic accident suffered as a toddler. That there might be worlds beyond our physical plane; a place where souls might thrive beyond our sight, while their bodies diminish How does one deal with the loss of a child?
That there might be worlds beyond our physical plane; a place where souls might thrive beyond our sight, while their bodies diminish under our sorrowing gaze. Places where mythic creatures pose riddles, tempt the unwary, and teach much needed lessons about courage, self-sacrifice, and most importantly, self-awareness.
All while instilling hope that while the essence of those we love might be somewhere else, they are never truly gone. I was confused and bemused as often as I was enlightened and entertained. For me it was if two unrelated stories had been badly spliced together. Or better, two dream worlds collided. Lapses in logic, as well as a simplicity in philosophy and storytelling, which other readers might find charming, ultimately led me to give this heartfelt novel a 3 rating.
Highly recommended for those looking for a sweet and very inspirational read. May 31, Sara Gauldin rated it it was amazing. This fantasy book was powerfully inspired by a real life emotional event. That sense of emotion and grief interspersed with joy and acceptance is a continual undertone in the book. The characters are realistic and their journey through the other worlds beyond are poignant and touching. The author devotes a huge amount of thought, and description to careful world.
The premise of this book is intriguing to me. A mother, Charley has watched her daughter who was once a healthy child wither in a hospital bed; a shell of the person she had once been. As time goes by she wrestles with the guilt of her avoidance and emotional turmoil surrounding the daughter that she lost, but whose body remains as a painful anchor to that loss. Charley finds herself at what seems to be the unexpected end of her own mortal life when she suffers a heart attack.
She is able to chronicle her journey as she leaves the living world and encounters an entire plane of existence beyond what she expected. Charlie is reunited with her lost daughter and is faced with a new reckoning with the emotions she was not comfortable addressing. Her reunion sparks a series of adventures that are extremely imaginative and intriguing. I particularity enjoyed the other worldly concepts and the ideas about the spirits role in and out of mortality.
This story takes you into the realm of Avalon, full of fantastic characters and colorful experiences. Every chapter encourages the imagination to stretch a little wider, while echoing profoundly honest doubts and feelings most would try to bury. Creating a unique take on the after-life, this story raises questions about life after death, and sheds light on the basic fears of the unknown. Full of wonderful and colorful characters, this story mixes fairy tale and mystery.
While the main character This story takes you into the realm of Avalon, full of fantastic characters and colorful experiences. While the main character embarks on an incredible journey, she meets a wild cast of creatures who help her find herself, and the key to her future. Leaving the book with a sense of hope, these characters help teach invaluable lessons. Much like the mind of the main character, the writing style of this book seems confused, and is a bit maddening.
Not necessarily that it's poorly written, but rather the character we're following is full of confusion and madness. Reading this story gave me the distinct feeling that each time I grasped the feel, began to understand what was going on, I was spun in another direction and confusion returned. Overall, I did enjoy this book. It's honest, and while it did leave my head spinning a number of times, I think that's part of the point.
Life is confusing, and this author did a fantastic job of showing the reality of pain and fear, mixed with the fantastic world her imagination created. Aug 16, Billy Young rated it it was amazing Recommends it for: This is a fascinating and very thought provoking story from a wonderful new author. You follow the journey of Charley a middle aged woman who has suffered great tragedy through out her life but just after achieving a successful new contract for her business is struck down by a heart attack.
From here we are led of a exciting and sometimes confusing journey through what we suppose maybe the afterlife, yet still the question nags is she rea Gone a review by Billy Young author of A Winter Journey. From here we are led of a exciting and sometimes confusing journey through what we suppose maybe the afterlife, yet still the question nags is she really dead is this all real or has the character lost her mind and we are travelling through the deluded mind of a mad woman.
As we travel questions are answered as more questions seem to surface as Charley finds strengths she never knew she had and we the reader see the world from a new perspective. A truly great read that all fantasy fans should find a really break from the usual run of the mill scifi fantasy genre but still is filled with the wonder of other realms. May 03, Grant Leishman rated it it was amazing Shelves: It's not often this writer is left speechless, but Julie Elizabeth Powell, take a bow.
Your book Gone has achieved that for me. When I first picked up Gone and glanced at it, I figured it would be a tough, angst-ridden look at the pain and suffering of a parent whose child has suffered a serious health issue that has left her in an almost vegetative state. I was fine with that as I learn so much from other people's memoirs and the ways in which they cope with the vicissitud Okay - WOW! I was fine with that as I learn so much from other people's memoirs and the ways in which they cope with the vicissitudes life sometimes can throw their way.
I couldn't have been more wrong. What Gone is, is a delve inside the imagination of one woman's view of what the afterlife might be. Although this story was motivated by the author's own experiences with her daughter, who suffered such a fate, it was an attempt to view her experiences through a different prism, from a much more positive perspective.
How to describe the story? For me, this wild ride inside Powell's imagination was a cross between Alice in Wonderland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and one of Robin Williams' lesser known films, What Dreams May Come, which also explored the afterlife. The adventures the main character Charley undertakes in this vision of the afterlife are surreal and fantastical and yet there are so many lessons, homilies, morals and thoughts about life that each incredible encounter brings us.
I particularly enjoyed the references to the power of the mind and thoughts, which aligned very much with my own perceptions and rules for living. Charley gets to experience so many things that the rest of us only dream of and in this quest is the answer to the two burning issues in her life; Why? Why did this horrible thing happen to her and her daughter? Also, she needs to confront the overwhelming sense of guilt she feels over her inability to care for her damaged daughter and her desires to end it all for her and take away the problem and the pain. I have no doubt the telling of this story was incredibly cathartic for the author and allowed her to address these same issues in her own mind.
As you may have guessed by now, I was in awe of the author's imagination, her ability to weave words and the incredible story in general. I have read some amazing books by some incredible authors over the last few years, but this sits right up there with the very best.
I have now begun a fictional story by this same author and am enjoying that equally. In my mind, Julie Elizabeth Powell is an author to follow and to watch. Five plus stars for this surreal fantasy, Gone. Dec 07, Susanna Mahoney rated it it was amazing. GONE by Julie Elizabeth Powell A truly amazing tale of fantasy of facing questions, doubts, fears and deep sorrow not in the earthly realm but in a magical wonderland of tests and trials for a lost soul who was to suffer the challenge of losing her two year old to brain trauma and had to live with the guilt.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Until it consumed her mind, body and soul; causing the defense mechanism to develop causing fear and guilt from preventing the wounded person from living a full life of happiness and enlighten GONE by Julie Elizabeth Powell A truly amazing tale of fantasy of facing questions, doubts, fears and deep sorrow not in the earthly realm but in a magical wonderland of tests and trials for a lost soul who was to suffer the challenge of losing her two year old to brain trauma and had to live with the guilt.
Until it consumed her mind, body and soul; causing the defense mechanism to develop causing fear and guilt from preventing the wounded person from living a full life of happiness and enlightenment. Until she is drawn into a mysterious realm where she has to face and conquer her fears and learn to forgive herself for the dark thoughts we all think when confronted with desperate pain and choices.
The mother suffers a trauma and as she lies in a coma she is transported to a Netherlands of wondrous adventures and meets creatures of all sorts who help, chase and assist her on the journey of forgiveness and a new beginning. It was a thrilling and mind stimulating story to share with others. It could open the mind to explore 'what if' and how thoughts transform life every day.
This author is very talented and shares her personal journey to help others to heal and learn forgiveness to move forth during difficulties. It is not all heart wrenching, it is fun and exciting to read as the character goes on a quest to locate the cup and finding herself along the way. This time Charley found her face falling into the sticky surface of the door. But it was the jumble of thunderous sounds, indistinguishable to her ears, which caused her heart to quicken. Jul 22, Maria Haskins rated it it was amazing.
Julie Elizabeth Powell's 'Gone' is a wonderful, trippy, mind-bending, and deeply touching story about a woman who has lived with a terrible loss - the near-death of her child - and the tragedy of how that child's body is brought back to life, even though her consciousness seems to gone, kept alive by machines for years and years. Inspired by the author's own experiences, this is a rich book: Even in the darkest places, Julie Elizabeth Powell's 'Gone' is a wonderful, trippy, mind-bending, and deeply touching story about a woman who has lived with a terrible loss - the near-death of her child - and the tragedy of how that child's body is brought back to life, even though her consciousness seems to gone, kept alive by machines for years and years.
Even in the darkest places, this story finds gleams of light and love and insight and even fun. There, she encounters a creatures, people, and beings that challenge and tempt and help her. She also encounters the daughter she lost many years ago and she is forced to confront her own feelings and fears and her own inner grief and darkness. Her odyssey through Avalon is vividly told, and Powell's writing is both expressive and engaging. Powell draws you into the realm of Avalon, and brings you along on a unique ride inside one woman's grief, love, and the longing for hope and redemption.
It's a terrific read, and I highly recommend it. View all 5 comments. Jan 24, Y. Lee rated it it was amazing. I'd been wanting to read, 'Gone' for some time, and was delighted to receive a copy in exchange for an honest review. Having read other books by Julie Powell, I'm a fan. This author has an incredible imagination.
It takes the reader on an amazing journey to a place called Avalon. I have my own Biblical, and imaginative ideas as to what heaven is like; however parts of Avalon certainly come close. Which makes the story even more poignant. Charley the main character, dies of a heart attack and finds herself in the amazing and sometimes frightening world of Avalon, where she meets a lovely young girl, Jenny.
Hunters, on two legs and four, hound not just the Heir, but her rescuers as well.
The pace was grueling No place was safe, no rest was to be had on the bare plains or in the wild jungles that stand between those who seek and the one sought. For the enemy is more cunning, more ruthless, and more numerous than any had anticipated.
- Modelling of Mechanical Systems: Discrete Systems: 1.
- Ebook Box Light Fallen The Avalonan Herstories Book 2 Mobi | Free digital books library.
- A Catholic Interlinear New Testament Polyglot: Volume III: The Catholic Epistles and The Apocalypse in Latin, English and Greek;
- Physiological, Developmental and Behavioral Effects of Marine Pollution!
- Decoding Your Life;
- Buy for others.
- Penny Dreadful (The Penny Dreadful Series Book 1).
The danger was greater than they imagined Without that power, can the High Family retain the High Throne? Can the Realm stand when the infallible might of the magic of light has fallen? Read more Read less. Books In This Series 6 Books. Page 1 of 1 Start Over Page 1 of 1. Kindle Cloud Reader Read instantly in your browser.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed. Page 1 of 1 Start over Page 1 of 1. Product details File Size: December 22, Sold by: Share your thoughts with other customers. Write a customer review. Showing of 2 reviews. Top Reviews Most recent Top Reviews.