b'I could effectuate change and create a DO YOU HAVE A SUMP PUMP? different outcome for myself. Morgan What happens when the power goes out? felt deeply supported, saying, It was an uplifting, enlightening and provocative experience. It was a great gift to myself.From Bascio and Palazzos perspec-Dont Let a Storm tive, our circle work helped them to Ruin your Home solidify their plans. They were able to see the arc more clearly and improve Protect your basement from flooding with ourtheircurriculumandcontent.They emergency backup pump. Instead of using a The group responded to several promptshave been working on a more substan-that related to their intention for thetiveintakeprocess,focusedonwhat battery backup that lasts just a few hours, our pumpmeeting.commonalities will make a group gel, is powered by municipal water and will continue tocarefultoensureparticipantshave work, even when theres a power outage. facilitate makes you feel comfortable similar life experiences, knowing that the prompts and topics they choose arecreating connection also creates com-CALLthoughtful and relevant. They put in amunity.Readytogrow,Bascioand FOR A FREElot of work, and it shows. Palazzo have added a corporate partner QUOTEAsourmeetingscontinued,theto develop a more substantial program 973-391-3663 miracle of connection became evident.and will be focusing on bringing their Palazzo and Bascio crafted the conver- business into the workplace as well.sation so that we were able to share ourThese friends and partners know of a insecurities,perceivedmistakes,andcertainty that creating circles of women disquietingfearsopenlyandwithoutworks, and with their guidance and fa-fearofjudgment.Emotionsflowedcilitation, magic can and does happen unobstructedaswomanafterwomanfor the participants, but also for them.20 years of experienceprofessional & reliablequality plumbing solutions responded to the prompts set forth. InAsPalazzonotes,Thegroup discussing how to handle the intensity,changed me. I came into it clinically to diegoplumbingheatinganddrains.com Bascioexplainsthatattimeswhen focus on the work at hand. But when Oprahwasinterviewingduringanpeople share their stories, we cant help emotional segment, the camera wouldbut be moved and connect to them. cut to her, and tears would be stream- Itallowedmetoexperienceagroup ing down her face. If I am listening toof women as I never had before. She someoneelseshare[theiremotions],realized it was possible to coach, listen my job is to hold space for that person,and grow without speaking. Sharing is and not make it about my emotions.thatpowerful.ForBascio,thegroup According to Palazzo it is mission-crit- confirmed for her that stories matter. icaltoremainengagedbutdetached.She was honored by the trust in the The only time we share is to offer reflec- group and reflected that it made her tion and move conversation forward. realize who she is and who she puts out With their guidance, we got betterto the world, and constantly reminded at sharing, better at connecting the dots her she is enough. OPEN in our own lives and helping our circleFor me, I came to the group insist-partners to connect theirs. We gaineding I wanted to limit my responsibility HOUSE more confidence individually but alsofor others. By the end, I realized help-asaunit,andtheconversationwenting others is a core value for me and deeper until it seemed we had brokenI could still honor those values while SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13 TH downalmosteverywallthatexistedretaining some flexibility and space by duringourfirstcautiousmeeting.Itembarking on a new career path. But was clear with the expertise of Basciomostimportantly,andsurprisingly, andPalazzowehadcreatedatightlycircling with these women was some- Meet our Director & Teachers knitweboffriendship,support,andthing I came to cherish. And while Re- See the new outdoor classrooms compassion. Group member Christinebecca and the ramen drew me in, its Lynch says it best: Im all about womenthe magic of that circle that made meLearn about our play-based program lifting women up and supporting onestay. As Colon so aptly stated, I hated for 2.5 year olds through PREK-5 another. You: Intentionally Designed ishaving to break for the summer. The a testament to that process. I was abletruth is, we all did.600 Ridgewood RdMaplewood, NJ 07040 to come to terms with a life experienceTami Steckler traded her empty nest for a thathadmoremeaningandimpactcircle of women and found out, after 63 (973) 763-5460 www.morrowpreschool.org than I understood. I also learned that years, that she might be a joiner after all. 40/ matters magazine / fall 2022'