February 2011

Cabin Fever Set to Sizzle on February 13by Lexi Coen

HFA is proud to welcome you to Hoboken’s hottest family event: The 9th Annual Cabin Fever festival on Sunday, February 13. What is Cabin Fever? Consider this indoor playground an open house where you can sample a large number of children’s activities offered in and around Hoboken. Cabin Fever is our flagship event. We use this opportunity to provide an overview of HFA’s events, programs, and philanthropic work. Cabin Fever is also an excellent opportunity to meet other Hoboken families and HFA members.

Polka Dot will perform and emcee the sound stage and raffles. We have several new acts and participating vendors this year. In addition to the scheduled programs, you can expect to see:

• Boo the Clown and Rachel Evans Face Painting • Little Gym of Jersey City with all day tumbling• Mimi Kids Yoga with all day yoga• Valentine’s Day photo booth and decoration center • Family-friendly catering by Anthony David’s• Raffle prizes (chance to win a Mutsy stroller, a Graco carseat, a Stokke highchair, free classes, gift cards, camp discounts, etc.)• Other activities include: M. Avery Designs, Super Soccer Stars, The Drum Den, Romparoo, HUMC CPR and child safety demonstrations, cooking fun with Cooktivity, Recreation and family fun from the City of Hoboken, Department of Health & Human Services

Performance Schedule (Subject to Change)Start/End Time Performance Staging Area

10:00 am Polka Dot (introduction)

10:10 – 10:40 am Mimi Kids Yoga 1

10:30 – 11:00 am Be Vocal 2

10:40 – 11:10 am Guitar Bar 1

11:00 – 11: 30 am Mile Square 2

11:30 am – 12:00 pm Music TogetherDave Lambert/Lisa Orinn 1

12:00 – 12:30 pm Hudson Dance and Movement 2

12: 30 – 1:15 pm Kindermusik 1

1:15 pm Grants and Awards 2

1:30 – 2:00 pm Garden Street Music 1

2:30 – 3:00 pm Prizes/Polka Dot

Click here for last year’s Cabin Fever photo slideshow © KennethChenPortraits.com.

HFA FEB ‘112

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HFA members receive $50 off vacation bookings of $750 or more now through 12/31/10. One discount per booking; not to be combined with any other offer. New bookings only.

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HFA’s Annual Community Neighbor AwardsA key purpose for hosting Cabin Fever is awarding of our annual grants. The finalists

for HFA’s Seventh Annual Community Neighbor Awards are Hudson Milestones, Hudson Casa, Hoboken University Medical Center, Hudson Cradle, Women Rising, York Street Project, and Hudson Perinatal Consortium Doula Program. Each of these organizations are not-for-profit and serve children or families in Hoboken and surround-ing areas. HFA’s grant money will be used to directly provide a service for families or children. We invite everyone to attend the grant announcement at 1:15 pm and read about these wonderful organizations by clicking here.

Raffle PrizesHere are some of the Cabin Fever raffle donors and prizes. We are working hard to

grow this list! Please click here for the latest list of raffle prizes.

Air Studios * Ariele’s Apothecary * Baby Talk * Bailemos/Creative Groove Studio * Baskets of Distinction * Be Vocal * Bella Bellies Studio * Bellie Katrina * Benny Tudino’s Pizza * Big Fun Toys * Brass Rail * Camp Oval * Camp Riverbend * Carlos Bakery * Chazin Group * Ciao Belly * City Bistro Restaurant * City Paint & Ace Hardware * Club KO * Cooktivity * Cornerstone Pets * Court Street Restaurant * CTNP Orthodontics * Curves for Women * Daily Mastery * Daily Outfit * Dave Lambert * Deer Mountain Day Camp * DeerKill Day Camp * Dew Drop Photography * Devotion Yoga * Doodle Doo’s * Dozzino Pizza * Drs. Brescia, Migliaccio and Tully * Dunkin Donuts * El Bambi Baby * Elizabeth Arden * Elson Speech and Accent Services * Empire Coffee * Energy Kitchen * Evan Uhlfelder Photography * F.A.S.T.E.R Today, Triathlon Training * Five Guys Burgers * Fleet Feet * Food Network * Galatea Linens/Lingerie * Ganache * Garden of Eden * Garden Street Music * German Language Autobahn * Giochiamo in Italian * Giorgio’s Bakery * Greetings from Hoboken * Guitar Bar * Hair Cult * Happy Family Brands * Hartshorn Portraiture * Hoboken Bagels * Hoboken Boot Camp/Simply Fitness * Hoboken Chiropractic & Wellness * Hoboken Dog Wash * Hoboken Family Pharmacy * Hoboken Golf * Hoboken Gold * Hudson Dance & Movement * HUMC * Hurley Training & Development * Imago Beauty Salon * Joe’s Meat Market * Johnny Rockets * KC Kids Hoboken * Kenneth Chen Portraits * KoKo Fitclub * LakeView Day Camp * Lelia Marcus, Personal Trainer * Liz Sbala * Local Barre * Look Out World * LovePrint Jewelry * Lua Restaurant * M Avery Designs * Mabels Labels * Mad One Jacks * Madhu Maron Career Coaching * Major League Baseball * Mandarin Together, Fun * Manhattan Penthouse on Fifth Avenue * Massage Envy * Me on a Tee * Melting Pot * Mile Square Theatre * MiMi Kids Yoga * Monroe Movement Center * Music for Aardvarks * Music Together * Musicology * Mutsy Stroller * NJ Devils * Nutrition by Lisa * NYSC - Uptown Location * Opal Horvat, IBCLC, RLC * OXO * Party Maniacs * Pelican Ski Shop * Peper Apparel and Parlor Shoes * Pleasant Road Spa * Polka Dot/Ron Albanese * Preschool of Rock * Purple Lab Make-Up * Puppetonia * Rachel Evans – FacePainters * Renaissance Pilates * Romparoo * Salon Rouge * Silly on Sixth * Sky Club Fitness & Spa * Solid Threads * Sparrow Wine * Spring Lake Day Camp * Starbucks * Stella and Dot Jewelry * Stevens Basketball Camp * Stevens Junior Tennis Camp * Stevens Swim Camp * Stokke Chair * Studio A Images * Super Soccer Stars * Surya Yoga Academy * Texas Arizona * The Candy Shoppe * The Cheese Store * The Drum Den * The Little Gym * Think King * Tiger Schulmann’s Karate * Truglio’s Meat Market * Turtle Club * Urban Arts * W Hotel * West Spot Supper Club * Wicked Wolf Tavern * Work it Out Gym * Zack’s Oak Bar & Restaurant *

HFA FEB‘113

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Summer Camp OptionsFor the first time, summer camps will participate in Cabin Fever. There are six

camps outside the area offering bus service to Hoboken. They are:• Camp Riverbend, www.campriverbend.com • Deerkill Daycamp, www.deerkilldaycamp.com • Deer Mountain Day Camp, www.deermountaindaycamp.com• Girl Scouts of America/The Oval Day Camp, www.gshnj.org • Lakeview Day Camp, www.lakeviewdaycamp.com • Spring Lake Day Camp, www.springlakedaycamp.com

Each will have an activity for future campers and parents will have the opportunity to meet camp staff.

Click here for last year’s Cabin Fever photo slideshow © KennethChenPortraits.com.

HFA thanks our Gold Level financial sponsors: Avanti Cleaning Service * Beyond Basic Learning * Bright Horizons at Maxwell Place * Camp Riverbend * Drs Brescia, Migliaccio, Tully, Chin, Moon, & Safi * Garden Street Productions * Hartshorn Portraiture * HBK Travel * Hoboken University Medical Center * Hudson Dance and Movement * IRMS Reproductive Medicine * John Wiley & Sons, Inc. * Kids Communicate * Liberty Science Center * Muller Insurance * Prompt MD * Priority Chiropractic * Progressive Pediatrics * Romparoo * Spring Lake Daycamp * Stevens Cooperative School * Super Soccer Stars *

Our membership list will be available at the door. Please bring your HFA card for speedy check-in. The $20 admission fee for non-member families will be waived if you join HFA at Cabin Fever. Please continue to check our website, www.hobokenfamily.com, for the most up to date event details. You can click here to view additional pho-tographs from last year’s Cabin Fever festival.

HFA FEB ‘114

Thank You for Your Generous Donationsby Michele Hulsman

As philanthropy director, I help run the annual toy, pajama and book drives. This year, we donated goods to four charities (NJ DYFS, In Jesus’ Name, Pajama Program and The York Street Project). Here are two thank you letters we recently received. I would like to extend the same thank you to our family alliance, who made it all possible.

Letter 1

I just wanted to take this opportunity to let you know how much we appreciate the toy donation provided by Hoboken Family Alliance. The Division of Youth and Family Services work with so many families in need that it is very difficult to make sure all of our children receive a treat during the holidays. In collaboration with your agency we were able to jointly provide gifts for so many children and families this year. Through your generosity we were able to put smiles on the faces of numerous children both in and out of their natural homes.

We here at the Hudson South Local Office look forward to working with your agency in the future!

Thanks again,

Georgina Anzivino State of NJ: Department of Youth & Family Services (DYFS)Hudson South L.O. CC#463

Letter 2

“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief...and unspeakable love.” -Washington Irving

This holiday season was marked by the streaming of tears from each of our women. Some cried as they were accepted to move into our Home; because the best gift any-one could have given them was a safe place to live with their children. Some cried because they were moving on from York Street, many for the first time. And some cried out of worry that they would not have anything to give their loved ones.

But then, the tears flowed because the Hoboken Family Alliance (HFA) and friends like them made an extra special effort to make the holiday bright for their children. The guilt and anxiety melted from their faces as they joyously cried for the gift of people who care about them and take the initiative to do something just for them.

Through the generosity of the HFA, mothers were able to take gifts home to their children and celebrate the joy of giving and sharing that surrounds so many during this time of year. Your gifts to us were not simply a way to help our families; they were a message of hope. They spoke louder than the feelings of sadness or inability, they spoke emotions that our women could never explain—their tears were indeed mes-sages of unspeakable gratitude and love.

We begin another year with hearts full of wonder, gratitude and deep thanks for all the many blessings we have received. It is both wonderful and necessary to have people on whom we can count to help us in our mission to break the cycle of poverty and we are so grateful that you are amongst them.

In gratitude,

Susanne M. Byrne Executive Director The York Street Project*

(*Comprised of Kenmare H.S, St. Mary’s Residence, The Nurturing Place, St. Joseph’s Home)

HFA FEB‘115

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Adoption Enters an Era of Open Cooperationby Heidi Conlin

The November 2010 death of Betty Jean Lifton—writer, adoptee and adoption-reform advocate—reignited debate in the adoption community regarding the spectrum of “openness” between the birth and the adoptive families. The recent movement toward open adoption has taken place in the larger context of social change in public perception, attitudes and awareness surrounding the adoption choice. The product of such empowerment is growing the trend away from a process shrouded in secrecy toward an open, selfless and proactive life decision.

Despite common misconceptions, there is range of “openness” available to accom-modate the best interest of all parties along the adoption continuum.

In “confidential adoptions”, no identifying information is exchanged. In “semi-open or mediated adoptions”, information is relayed through a mediator (attorney or agency representative) rather than through direct contact between the birth and adoptive fami-lies. Interaction directly between birth parents, adoptive parents, and often the adopted child, is defined in an “open, or fully-disclosed” adoption. Modern arrangements often reflect a step further toward a good faith, “cooperative or post-adoption” agreement between birth and adoptive parents. (However, in most states such an agreement is not legally enforceable.) Proponents of such an agreement advocate adoption as an on-going, fluid process, rather than as a discrete event. Communication and information needs evolve as the adopted child grows and matures. Participation is built on the premise that birth and adoptive parents share a mutual, on-going concern for the child’s mental and physical well-being.

Societal perception of adoption issues over the past twenty years reflect the trend of diminished secrecy and a shift toward a freer-flowing exchange of information, emo-tion and communication. As our population becomes more diverse and family struc-tures evolve, there is a greater acceptance of and confidence in open adoption arrangements.

If you or someone you know has adopted or is considering adopting, you are invited to attend a free Adoption Forum on February 25, 10 am, at The W Hotel, Hoboken. The program will be hosted by The Law Offices of Kimberly K. Glatt, LLC and facili-tated by Heidi Conlin, Esq. Contact heidi@kimglattlaw.com to RSVP. There is no obli-gation and all are welcome.

Heidi B. Conlin, Esq., is an attorney specializing in forming families through adoption. To learn more about adopting, follow up on a feature or to suggest a topic, contact Heidi at 201-850-1901 or heidi@kimglattlaw.com. The information contained in this article is only a general summary of adoption practices. It is not intended to substitute for legal advice about any particular individual or situation.

Save the DatesSpring Fling and Egg Hunt—Saturday, April 16

This year’s egg hunt is going to be more eggciting!

HFA 10th Anniversary Gala—Tuesday, May 10Come celebrate HFA’s 10th Anniversary at the W Hotel... Details to follow

HFA FEB‘117

Mom Tips on Traveling with Kidsby Dalia Tole

• Locate drug and grocery stores close to your hotel. They are your cheap source for water, snacks, diapers and milk.• Research family-friendly restaurants (e.g. in Tripadvisor) before leaving home.• Reserve a pack ‘n play and microwave. Skip the refrigerator if there is a minibar. • Pack your child’s medicines, including painkiller/fever reducer, teething pain relief, gas relief, sunblock, topical antihistamine and probiotics. TSA allows children’s meds, milk and juice that are more than 3.4 oz in carry on bags.• Carry a few favorite (small) toys, books, and some new cheap toys as well. Pack activity books, crayons and stickers for toddlers and up. Many kid-friendly hotels have games and DVDs you can check out.• Take an umbrella-type stroller (not a full size one) and an infant carrier. • Avoid packing too many white clothes. Stick to off-white, earthy colors and prints that hide messes. • Bring lots of wipes. Baby wipes double as family face wipes. Antibacterial (Wet Ones) wipes and flushable wipes are useful too.• Pack Ziploc bags (different sizes), rubber bands, plastic cutlery and tupper-ware.• If you prefer not to carry a carseat, ask the car rental company if they can provide a complimentary car seat (Hertz does under AAA promotion). • If flying, feed your child water or juice during takeoff and landing to prevent ear-ache from change in cabin pressure. • Finally, don’t over-schedule. Vacations are for relaxing and kids get tired fast.

Celebrating Diversity at the LibraryBy Lois Gross

February is a great month to celebrate America, where diverse people have come together to form a great country. Chinese New Year falls on February 3. 2011 is the Year of the Rabbit. Children born this year are considered both sweet and ambitious.

We also celebrate Black History Month in February. This year, the Hoboken Library will be hosting a special program of African American storytelling on Thursday, February 3 at 3:30 pm. Our guest storyteller, Tahira, will share tales of freedom for children and families. There is no registration for this program and we invite school groups to attend and share the fun.

Meanwhile, to celebrate the rich diversity of our country, read some of these books, available at the Hoboken Library:

• A Gift, by Yong ChenAmy receives a gift from her aunts and uncles in far-away China.

• Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope, by Nikki GrimesA biography of our first African American president.

• Chinese New Year Crafts, by Karen BledsoeMake gifts to celebrate the year of the Rabbit.

• Our Children Can Soar, by Michelle CookA celebration of African American heritage for children.

Upcoming Library Events: Feb 5, 2 pm: performance of Little Red Riding Hood

For a list of upcoming events, visit: http://hoboken.bccls.org/html/newsletter.htm

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

Newsletter Director and Editor

Dalia Tole, hfaeditor@gmail.com

Community Affairs Director

Francoise Vielot, hfacommunity@gmail.com

Director for Special Needs Children

Theresa Howard, thoward315@gmail.com

Finance Director

Rachel Matthai, hfafinance@gmail.com

Marketing Director

Shana Lee, hfaadvertising@gmail.com

Membership Director

Cindy Altberger, hfamembership@gmail.com

Philanthropy Director

Michele Hulsman, hfaphilanthropy@yahoo.com

Special Events Director

Lexi Coen, lexicoen@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.

HFA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. For membership, upcoming events, and parenting resources please visit

www.hobokenfamily.com.

If you have stories or story ideas for upcoming issues please email hfaeditor@gmail.com. Submissions become the property to HFA and are subject to copyright rules.

Articles and photos cannot be republished without permission.

Stevens

Cooperative

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A Leader in Progressive

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Newport 201.626.4020

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Stevens Cooperative School is accredited by the

New Jersey Association of Independent Schools