March 2010Hoboken warmed up at Cabin Fever by Heather Khazen

On the Thursday night before Cabin Fever, I contemplated moving the party due to the impending blizzard. Thankfully, I decided against this change since the big blizzard turned out to be a

dusting of snow. In return, the event was one of our best to date. We welcomed 80 new families to HFA.

This was our 8th Cabin Fever and we strive every year to change some things and expand the fun. We were fortunate enough this year to have vendors and entertainers from Big Fun Toys, Kenneth Chen Portraits, HUMC Infant CPR Demonstrations, Hartshorn Portraiture, Boo the Clown, Face Painting with Rachel Evans, Computer Demonstrations from Little

Detectives, Super Soccer Stars, Musical Demonstrations by Garden Street Music, Be Vocal, Arts & Crafts from Bright Horizons, Hudson Dance and Movement and Abrakadoodle, and Yoga from MiMi Kids Yoga. Thank you to all of the people and merchants that offered time and resources.

We are especially grateful to YogiBo who outfitted the Baby Lounge with cushions and mats. Many thanks to Anthony David’s Catering for serving hot comfort foods to our families.

We had entertainment from Romparoo, Travelin’ Tumblers, Garden Street Music Choir, Be Vocal, Every Little Movement, Hudson Dance and Movement, Music Together, MiMi Kids Yoga while Polka Dot kept everything moving and fun as the emcee for the day.

All raffle proceeds went to HFA Project Play. A&P Supermarkets in Hoboken donated delicious cupcakes and cookies, which we sold to boost our overall Project Play contributions.

A special note of thanks to the local supporters that made donations for the event: without your assistance we could not host such a large event. Please view our website for all of our supporters, we ask that you consider supporting them by using the stores, restaurants, programs and services that have been so kind to our Hoboken families. Also be sure to check out the gorgeous slideshow from Kenneth Chen Portraits of all our families.

page photos by Kenneth Chen Portraits.

Calendar of EventsSwap MeetSaturday, March 1312:00pm - 2:00pm St. Joseph’s Church, 61 Monroe Street

Easter Egg HuntSaturday, March 2711:00am – 1:00pmChurch Square Park

HFA Bi-Annual Swap Meet by Michele Hulsman

The HFA Swap Meet is for baby/children’s clothes and maternity clothes only. (We will not be accepting any adult clothing.)

When: Saturday, March 13, 2010 Drop off: 9:30am -12:00pm Swap Meet: 12:00pm - 2:00pm Where: St. Joseph’s Church, 61 Monroe Street. Parking available in the church lot. Non-HFA Members: $5 suggested donation; remainder goes to charity

How Does it Work?Bring your items to the swap meet and get credit for each thing you bring. For example, you

receive one credit for one item of clothing or multiple credits for larger items. You can exchange credits for clothing, shoes, coats, and toys. Larger baby gear items are for cash only. If you don’t have any items for exchange or would like to take home more items than you brought, you may purchase items.

To expedite the process and avoid waiting in line when the swap commences, please try to drop items off during the drop off period. You will be issued a credit that you will be able to use during the sale. During this drop off, you can check in and have your hand stamped. You can still drop off items during the sale. For information on how to donate, see below.

Can I drop off items before the swap?If you would like to donate or drop off items for credit for the swap, you may do so at Club H

Fitness, located at 110 Sinatra Drive.Drop off dates: Friday, March 5 through Thursday, March 11 Time: 7:00am – 7:00pm To receive credit for the day of the swap, please include your name, phone number or email

address and number of items per bag, number of bags, and we will have your credit waiting for you at the door. If this information is not included, it will be assumed that the items are for donation.

What to Bring?• All baby, toddler, and children’s clothes, shoes, and coats. (Items in condition from gently used

to new, unstained, with all pieces included.)• Baby, toddler and children’s Halloween costumes.• Baby gear (strollers, bouncy seats, diaper bags, etc. – please be sure to bring all pieces for

these items). Diaper Genies, potty seats and car seats will not be accepted.• Toys and children’s books. (Only complete items with all small parts in a plastic bag taped to

toy and books in readable condition.)• Maternity clothes and nursing tops.• HFA will take a collection of formula, diapers, medicines, food and other baby essentials for

donation to Hudson Cradle.

Helpful Hints• Sort and label your clothing donation by gender and size.• Bring anything you find in good enough condition for you to use. If you do not find it acceptable,

neither will anyone else.

What not to bring?• Furniture, stuffed animals, adult clothing (aside from maternity clothing), and items without all

their parts

How to donate?Feel free to bring donations to the swap meet. Any items you bring, in excess of your pur-

chases, will be considered donations. If you cannot make the swap meet, you can donate by dropping off items at Club H Fitness. Donations will be given to Hudson Cradle and In Jesus’s Name.

If you want to donate but can’t make the swap, have any questions or would like to volunteer, contact hfaphilanthropy@yahoo.com.

HFA MARCH 20102

HFA MARCH 20103

Beyond Basic Learning • Bright Horizons at Maxwell Place • Fastframe • Ford Wealth • Hartshorn Portraiture • Hoboken University Medical Center • Hudson Dance and Movement • IRMS • Kids Communicate • Liberty Science Center • Progressive Pediatrics • Romparoo • Stevens Cooperative School

Thanks to Our Gold Level Sponsors

buildWe’re constructing a new child care and early

education center that’s designed to nurture and

encourage exploration and discovery.

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HFA Launches Online Member Database by Steve Walkowiak

One of the biggest jobs for the HFA is maintaining our member database–making sure that people are up to date with their membership dues, that contact information is correct and tracking all of the sponsors and donors that help to sustain our mission. Up until now, all

of our member-related correspondence has been through the mail. Members had to fill out an application form and mail it with a check in order to join or renew.

We added a new feature to our website which allows people to join, renew and pay online using PayPal. It also gives current members the ability to maintain their own contact information and see when and if they need to renew their membership. There are several other features, which will be phased in shortly, such as online event registration, donation processing, and sub-scription services for email lists and electronic newsletters. We will also be automating the renewal process so you can then renew your membership online by using PayPal.

As a current member, an account has already been set up for you in our system, but you must retrieve a password in order to use it the first time.

To set up:1. Go to www.hobokenfamily.com/login to access the login page (or go to our website, and under

the About Us tab, select the Log In To Your HFA Account option).

2. At the bottom of the login screen you will see a link that says: “Forgot your password? Get Help.” Click on this link and enter the email address you used to register with the HFA.

3. A new password will be emailed to you.

4. Once you are logged into the system you should double-check a few things from the drop-down options menu:

• Change Your Password: Select something that is easy to remember.

• Update Profile: Make sure contact information is accurate and current.

• My Membership: Check to see when your current membership expires.

If you have any problems with any function of the membership system, email info@hobokenfamily.com.

HFA Announces Community Neighbor Awardsby Michele Hulsman

Our annual Community Neighbor Awards are given to organizations that serve families or children in Hudson County. Organizations are considered for an award after submitting an application or being nominated by a community member. This year, we’ve granted four

organizations with the award, which were presented at Cabin Fever. Hudson County CASA educates and supports volunteers to serve as court appointed advo-

cates for the needs, services, and treatment of over 700 foster children in Hudson County with the ultimate goal of finding a safe an permanent home for each child. HFA’s grant enabled Hudson County CASA to fund one of their child advocates.

Hudson Cradle is a group home providing full, nurturing care to homeless infants with special needs. They serve babies that have been drug exposed, some have been HIV exposed, over half are born too early and too small, and some are victims of child abuse and neglect. HFA’s grant funded a professional music therapy program.

Hoboken University Medical Center is a leader in providing family-centered educational services for all community members. Some topics of this education include immunizations, special nursery care, childbirth education, breastfeeding and infant CPR. HFA’s grant funded the purchase of CPR mannequins for instructional purposes, as well as instructional media equipment.

Hudson Milestones is an early intervention provider agency in Hudson County. HFA funded a grant for a training series for parents and practitioners focusing on sensory integration and behavior modification techniques for young children with special needs. These training sessions will enable the parents and educators to network and support each other.

Congratulations to HFA Community Neighbor Award winners. We truly look forward to support-ing your efforts in 2010.

4HFA MARCH 2010

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Project Play Update by Regina Gannon and Zabrina Stoffel

Cabin Fever Festival on Saturday, February 6, was a perfect opportunity to get out of the house, dance, eat and win great prizes! The light snow didn’t stop anyone from the jam-packed raffle table with 111 raffle prizes ranging from classes, programs, nights out, spas,

camps, photo sessions, and more.Set up started at 8:00am with volunteers arriving from Stevens Institute of Technology and

HFA Project Play. It was a big job and they were all fantastic at keeping it streamlined and effi-cient. A huge thank you to Alicia Warburton, Shannon Swiatek, Francoise Vielot, Scott Delea, Peta Moran, Natalie Wright, Jessica Adler, Stacy Mello, Dr. Chandra Budi Prasetyaningrum, Bindya Bhalla, Jessica Engelhart, Michele McCue, John Tamasi, Kate Rockland and Rebecca Howden. Net proceeds from the raffle table amounted to $2400 which will go straight to HFA Project Play.

Merchants include: Aarra * Amanda’s * Ariele’s Apothecary * Barefoot in Hoboken * Baskets of Distinction * Battaglia’s Home * Be Vocal * Bella Bellies Studio * Bellie and Katrina * Benny Tudino’s * Big Fun Toys * Drs. Brescia, Migliaccio, Chinn & Tully * Caru Hair Salon * Chazin Group * Ciao Belly * City Bistro Restaurant * City Paints (ACE Hardware) * Club H Fitness * Club KO * Clutter Be Gone * Complete Nutrition & Wellness * Cornerstone Pets * Court Street Restaurant * Crop Shop * CTNP Orthodontics * Daily Outfit * DeerKill Day Camp * Dew Drop Photography * Doodle Doo’s * Edible Arrangements * El Bambi Baby * Elysian Café * Empire Coffee * Energy Kitchen * Everdayjun * Fast Frame * Marion Farag, DDS * Fleet Feet * Garden Street Music * Guitar Bar * Hartshorn Portraiture * Hoboken Bagels * Hoboken Chiropractic & Wellness * Hoboken Dance Academy * Hoboken Family Pharmacy * Hoboken Gold * Hoboken Golf * Hoboken Pediatrics * Opal Horvat, IBCLC, RLC * Hudson Dance & Movement * Hudson Family Chiropractic * HUMC * J Loren Photography * Jessie James * Joe’s Meat Market * Johnny Rocket’s * Jos. A. Bank * June Bee Baby * Lelia Marcus * Little Grocery * The Little Gym * Lounge 11 * LovePrint Jewelry * LUA Restaurant * Luca Brasi’s * M Avery Designs * Mad One Jacks * Madison Bar & Grill * Major League Baseball * Makeovers * Mandarin Together Fun * Marie Papp Photography * Massages at the Apothecary * Maxwell’s Bar & Restaurant * MiMi Kids Yoga * Monroe Street Movement Space * Music for Aardvarks/Hoboken Aardvarks * Music Together * Musicology * Nail Bar * NJ Devils * NYSC – North Hoboken * Padilla Sport Taekwondo * Paramus Meats, Inc. * Peper Apparel & Parlor Shoes * Priority Chiropractic * Re: Organize * Revive Therapeutic Massage * Romparoo * Salon Rouge * Sky Club Fitness and Spa * Small World Pediatrics * Solid Threads * Sonia Petrocelli Reflexology * Spa H * Stacks Pancake House & Café * Starbucks * State Farm * Stella and Dot Jewelry * Stewart Organizing Services * Studio A Images * Super Soccer Stars * Surya Yoga Academy * Sweet Cupcakes * Texas Arizona * The Candy Shoppe * Three A’s Restaurant * Tiger Schulmann Karate * Travelin’ Tumblers * Truglio’s Meat Market * Turning Point Restaurant * Urban Arts * Urban Kitchen * WeeCare Occupational Therapy

Hartshorn Portraiture Fundraiser: March 5 through 7, Hartshorn is offering their services at a special discount with 15% of each session fee going to Project Play. The session is $395 which includes a 30 minute photo session, one 8x10 and two 5x7’s prints. Sessions book fast, call Hartshorn Studio at (201) 610-1199 or email to studio@hartshornportraiture.com.

In addition, Hartshorn Portraiture will offer a special print of the Manhattan skyline from Pier A will be for sale in various locations. Each limited edition, archival print will be signed by the photographer, Mac Hartshorn and all proceeds will go to HFA Project Play. Prices start at $95 for a 14x6 print. Larger sizes are available upon request.

Spin-a-Thon: On Saturday, March 13, take your pick of one, two or four spin classes with awesome spin instructors and pumping music at Club H Fitness. The cost is $25 for each class. Classes will begin at 12:00pm and go in one hour intervals until 4:00pm. This great event is sponsored by Liberty Realty. Sign up to reserve your spot and collect pledges at www.hoboken-family.com/spinathon. If you have any questions, contact Alicia Warburton at projectplay-spinevent@gmail.com.

Project Play is Cooking: Join fellow cooks, bakers and eaters to create Hoboken’s “go to” cookbook! Start thinking about your best recipes and enter them into the website below. Once they are entered, we will publish the books and make them available in the spring.

www.gandrpublishing.comUsername: ProjectPlay Password: GoTo123

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Mile Square Theatre supports HFA Project Playby Regina Gannon

Mile Square Theatre presents Richard Dresser’s comedy Rounding Third beginning April 1 through April 18.

Rounding Third is the story of two little league coaches who don’t see eye to eye on how to lead their young team through the baseball season. Don wants to win at all costs, while Michael thinks the kids should be shielded from intense competition. Despite their differences, the two men find common ground in a hilarious and touching play.

Rounding Third opens on April 1 at 8:00pm with a special benefit for Project Play. On opening night, Mile Square Theatre will donate half of the box office revenue to HFA Project Play. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. To make a reservation, call (201) 208-7809 or for advance tickets, visit to www.milesquaretheatre.org.

Location: Monroe Theatrespace, 720 Monroe Street, 2nd FloorNote: Rounding Third contains some adult language.

Olympic Spirit at the Jubilee Center by Michele Huslman

The Jubilee Center held a Winter Olympics themed January birthday party. The kids made their own personal snow bunnies out of miniature flowerpots and they lined up to win prizes in both hockey and ice-fishing games.

Thanks to Karen Flannery for the candy necklaces fished out of ice buckets and for the much needed tacky glue. Cindy Altberger made 80 cupcakes designed with gold medal ribbons. And finally, thank you to our on-going party goods suppliers, Angie Krueger, Cindy Altberger, Tracey Gavant and especially to our volunteers who run the party.

The February party was on Friday, February 12 and had a Chinese New Year theme. The March party is Friday, March 19.

Donations Needed: • Small and large paper plates• Cups• Birthday candles• Plastic tablecloths (about 10 all the same

color) • Small gifts and prizes for kids ages 5-12

In addition, the Jubilee Center needs paper and/or disposable plates and cups on an on-going basis so they can serve dinner to the children daily. If you can help, contact Colleen Castle at ccastle34@gmail.com.

Creating a Healthy Easter Basket by Michele Hulsman

Easter is coming soon and that normally means plenty of sweet goodies for our kids. With so many healthy initiatives around wouldn’t you like to create a healthy Easter Basket?

There are many things you can do to ensure your children get a healthy (and tasty) basket. Most importantly, be sure the items you select are something your child will appreciate and enjoy.

Some healthy choices include:Small boxes of raisins/yogurt covered raisins, fruit leathers or Fruitabu® (organic fruit rollups,) natural licorice, Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies Crackers®, dried fruit, rice crisp bars/cereal bars, healthy cookies, and SunDrops®- a natural alternative to M&M’s®.

Another option is to add some non-candy alternatives:Stickers, small stuffed bunny or chick, puzzles, sidewalk chalk or bubbles, small books, a special DVD, creative gifts such as paint, brushes, coloring books and crayons.

Many of the items listed above can be found at Basic Foods, Hoboken Farm Boy, Big Fun Toys, King’s, Whole Foods or www.naturalcandystore.com.

HFA MARCH 20106

Dog Gone Reading by Lois Gross

Some kids just don’t like to read. As parents and professionals, we know it’s a skill they need to perfect, and practice makes perfect. Thinking out of the box, the Hoboken Public Library found a fun and original way to help young readers build confidence while reading.

Since October, the library has hosted a monthly program welcoming trained therapy dogs, Sofie and Sheffield, and their very patient owners as official “reading dogs.” Every third Wednesday of each month at 3:00pm, Sofie and Sheffield join the library and young readers for special poochy appointments.

The program is aimed at children who already have reading skills, but need to practice with non-judgmental coaches. Kids can bring a book that they are working on at home or at school, or choose a library book to share with the dogs. There are a total of 12, 20-minute appointments available on each reading dog day. During the appointment, each child gets approximately 10 minutes to read to one of the dogs.

Children are encouraged to practice reading every day so that they can read well when they meet their coach. This program is designed for children in the early school grades, not for tots or toddlers.

Upcoming Library EventsOne Saturday each month, October through June, is set aside for programs sponsored by the

Friends of the Hoboken Library. All programs start promptly at 2:00pm.

• March 13: Magician Mark Zacharia

• April 10: Once Upon a Time Puppet Theatre

• May 1: Tickles Summer Safety Show

• June 5: Snakes and Scales Live Snake Show

For more information about the upcoming events or if you’d like to make an appointment, call the Children’s Department at the Hoboken Public Library at (201) 420- 2348. Please be on time for the Reading Dog appointment or if you need to cancel, call so another child can participate.

Come to the library and check out the book discussions, movies and other cultural and edu-cational programs for adults. No one is too young or too old to enjoy events at the Hoboken Public Library.

A note of thanks from Jersey City WICDear HFA,

I would like to take the opportunity to personally thank you and the entire membership of the Hoboken Family Alliance for your generous toy donation to the Jersey City WIC participants. I assure you that when we distributed the toys to the children, their eyes lit up (my eyes were teary) and it was a joy to behold....so shines a good deed in a weary world... It is refreshing to know that there are still caring, compassionate and kind people in this world, especially during the Holiday Season!!!

Our program is income based so all the participants are at or below the Federal 185% income guidelines. One never knows if and when a person might need our services, so if you need to contact me, please do not hesitate.

Thank you again for your generous donation. Sincerely,Deborah M. Murray, DirectorJersey City WIC Program

HFA MARCH 20107

Hoboken Schools helping special needs students and parents by Theresa Howard

As part of the newly initiated Parental Advisory Group for Special Needs children, more than 25 parents attended a meeting on February 8 to learn about identifying and understanding medication treatments for children with ADD and ADHD.

Guest speakers Dr. Robert Freeman and Dr. Vincent Aniello led the meeting, organized by the Hoboken Public Schools Special Services Department.

Dr. Freeman encouraged parents of children with medication plans “to go low and slow” refer-ring to determining the best dosage for your child. He also pointed out that one of the primary side-affects for treatment medications for ADD and ADHD can be loss of appetite. He suggested that children get their biggest meal before receiving medications.

“Appetites can be suppressed and you can offset that by giving them their biggest meal of the day in the morning,” said Dr. Freeman. He also noted that kids may be extremely hungry once the appetite finally returns and reminded parents to “feed them!”

He also cautioned parents:

• To make sure they are comfortable with a doctor’s treatment rationale and prescription regiment and that the child should receive the simplest regiment available. If parents are not comfortable, they should seek a second opinion.

• Don’t take children off medications without a physician’s input; any reductions should also be made incrementally.

In addressing medication plans for children and school relationships, Dr. Aniello told parents that communication, collaboration and cooperation are the three key components to establishing a thriving environment for a special needs child regardless of medication. “You have to be an active participant,” Aniello said. “If you sit back, nothing’s going to happen.”

The next meeting is scheduled for April. If you are a parent of a special needs child and would like more information on the meetings please contact Interim Director of Hoboken Public Schools Special Services Department, Liz Falco at efalco@hoboken.k12.nj.us or HFA Director of Special Needs, Theresa Howard at thoward315@gmail.com.

WANTED: Volunteers

Volunteering is a great way to get more out of your HFA membership. Not only will you be involved in the action but you will also meet other Hoboken families.

Upcoming Volunteer Events:Easter Egg Hunt VolunteersSaturday, March 27Volunteers needed on day of event for bake sale, do the egg hiding, set-up and clean-up. For more information, contact Heather at hthomas29@yahoo.com.

Blog Mavens Are you an HFA member that stays current with things that are going on in town (and the world

in general) and you would like to be able to post items of interest to our blog? We could use your help! We are looking for new ways to make our website more informative by expanding the offering of topics and events that we post to our pages. We are always looking for things to do around town, tips about good products or services in the area, and news items that are helpful or informative to our members. You could also help post items that come in to us from various sources like local merchants, museums and charities.

If you have a particular topic that you are interested in, you could consider becoming a regular blog correspondent (writing your own stories). Just send us a sample post, and we let you know if it is appropriate for our site.

No major computer skills are necessary, but writing and editing skills are a plus. Our website is run on the Wordpress blog platform, and we will show you everything you need to know. We could use several people for this task, so if you are interested, send an email to swalk@hobokenfamily.com.

NON PROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAIDPERMIT NO. 5195

NEWARK, NJ 07102

HOBOKEN FAMILY ALLIANCEP.O. Box 1194Hoboken, NJ 07030

Address Service Requested

Hoboken Family Alliance Contactswww.hobokenfamily.com

Community Affairs Director

Laura Burkhart, hfacommunity@gmail.com

Director for Special Needs Children

Theresa Howard, thoward315@gmail.com

Finance Director

Amy Kron, hfafinance@gmail.com

Marketing Director

Shana Lee, hfaadvertising@gmail.com

Membership Director

Mimi Park, hfamembership@gmail.com

Newsletter Editor

Lexi Coen, hfaeditor@gmail.com

Philanthropy Director

Michele Hulsman, hfaphilanthropy@yahoo.com

Special Events Director

Heather Khazen, hthomas29@yahoo.com

Web site Director

Steve Walkowiak, swalk@hereiam.com

The purpose of the Hoboken Family Alliance is to improve the Hoboken Community

and its way of life through the efforts of individual and family volunteers. The HFA focuses

its efforts on education and parenting issues, philanthropy, children’s resources and events.

Additional Hoboken Family Alliance contacts: For adoptive families: Lynn Danzker, lynn@thehuntergroupllc.com For Hoboken School Liaison: Erin Bellissimo, hfaschools@gmail.com

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