Once again, (see below) the police were called on two teens that were selling cupcakes and other treats to make some extra money. This happened in Chappaqua, NY and the kids were 13 year old Andrew DeMarchis and Kevin Graff.
This story was just released today by Associated Press, and while it was reported by many sources, the story was always the same-with no additional details to help us understand why this happened. So the details you and I would want are not available yet. I just can’t help but think there was more to this apparent injustice.
It seemed the boys had a brisk business selling cupcakes, cookies, brownies and Rice Krispie treats in a local Chappaqua (CHAP’-uh-kwah) park, but New Castle Councilman Michael Wolfensohn had a different opinion and called the police last month on the boys.
Kevin’s mother, Laura Graff, says the teens are “good kids” who were scared by the police call. She said Monday
they haven’t set up shop anywhere since. The councilman is said to have conceded that calling the police might have been a half-baked decision, but also stated that “rules are rules”. It looks to me like maybe there was an ordinance that the boys and their mother may have overlooked.
Moral of the story:
Whenever you and your young entrepreneurs decide to sell anything to the general public (I think that you can trust close friends and relatives not to call the police) you need to first stop at your city hall and ask if there are any laws or ordinances regarding the sale of your wares. Be sure you mention the age of your young salesmen/women.
Also see the story on the Lemonade Stand that provoked a call to local authorities. . . .
http://homeschoolent.com/2010/08/how-not-to-encourage-young-entrepreneurs/











