Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • July 14, 2010 Glen Rock Borough man writes children’s book on bullying Drawing on his experience as a father and a teacher of Tae Kwon Do, Glen Rock resident Gary Stevens decided to write a book about how children can deal with bullying. The title of the new publication -- “If I Called You a Hippopotamus!” – refers to the silly name he used to call his sons when they would resort to teasing and name-calling at home. Stevens recognized that this common behavior has the potential to have a negative impact on children’s feelings and, ultimately, their self-esteem. His method was to infuse humor into the situation, by tickling the boys or by calling one (or both) of them a hippopotamus. Stevens has been living in Glen Rock for the past 25 years and raised two children in the borough. He is the owner of Gary Stevens TaeKwonDo, and his wife owns The Grow-cery, Ltd. “From my experience with my own children and countless others, I wrote an illustrated children’s book to teach children about how to better deal with bullying and name calling,” Stevens explained. The book uses rhyme and rhythm to drive home its message: Humor can be the best way to stop a bully in his or her tracks. Stevens is a black belt (sixth degree) who has worked with countless children during his 37-year career. He works with students to teach them self-confidence, respect, and methods to resist peer pressure and bullying as they study the basics of Tae Kwon Do. An active member of his community, Stevens is also a member of the Glen Rock Volunteer Ambulance Corps and a member of CERT – the Community Emergency Response Team. The book is available through the publisher’s website: strategicpublishinggroup.com. Gary Stevens The cover of Stevens’ new book for children. Break the Highway Trend! ...not your community’s back. Local businesses are the backbone of your community and the trend to shop the big guys on the highway hurts us all.Your local businesses have what you want... at the right price... and close to home. So, why hassle with the highways? Save Time! Save Gas! Save Money! SAVE YOUR COMMUNITY! We Need You SHOP LOCALLY. IT’S SMART. ...and besides, it’s so convenient!