News and Notes

NCJW Bergen County Section
Members and Volunteers at Community Services Events
for Women, Children and Families

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News From Hippy

HIPPY (Home Instruction Program for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) is ready for the new school year. Children, parents and home instructors are eager to embark on new and exciting learning experiences .

This year the weekly lessons and monthly workshops will be augmented by the Grow Up Great program. Through a special grant from PNC, our four and five year olds and their families will be introduced to science through free visits to Liberty Science Center's interactive exhibits. In addition, experts from the Center will travel to Bergen Family Center to create activities for the children to explore science through their senses and will use simple tools to test their ideas.

As in the past, NCJW volunteers will work with the children at monthly early evening workshops. We have always found the youngsters to be fun to be with and parents have been very appreciative of our work with their children. We hope you can help us at some of our scheduled workshops:

    Tuesday, October 19-Orientation new families
    Tuesday,November 16
    Tuesday,December 21-Holiday Party
    Tuesday January 18
    Tuesday,February 15
    Thursday , March 10
    Tuesday March 22
    Tuesday April 26-International dinner
    Tuesday ,May 17
    Tuesday, June 16-Graduation

For more information, please contact:
Evalyn Brownstein (201) 836-94444
Betty Feuer (201) 794-1540

YCS Camp Visit June 30, 2010

Sixteen members of NCJW/BCS spent a wonderful afternoon at YCS Summer Camp visiting with the children from the Holley Childcare and Development Center and several other YCS residences. NCJW/BCS has been showering love and care on the children of the Holley Center since it was founded over 30 years ago. Today, support from the Section helps provide enrichment for their daily lives and ensures that the children get to enjoy two weeks of carefree summer fun including sports and nature hikes, swimming and boating, arts & crafts and evening bonfires!

NCJW Bergen County Section presents grant for Israel Granting Program

At Washington Institute, Washington DC, NCJW's National Policy Conference March 21-23, on behalf of NCJW Bergen County Section, Carole Benson, Chair, Israel Granting Program, presented to Susan C. Levine, NCJW, National Board, Co-Chair, Israel Granting Program, a grant of $2,500.00 for the Center for Women's Justice. The Center for Women's Justice represents Israeli women in divorce cases and works to protect the rights of women in Israel's civil and rabbinic courts. By filing strategic lawsuits, advocating creative approaches to Jewish law, and engaging media and policy-makers, the Center promotes systemic solutions to the complex religious dilemmas that challenge the status of Jewish women, including: the agunah, get refusal, mamzer, and conversion. This grant will help fund the Center's Public Interest Litigation Program.

National Service Days this fall

As you may be aware, September 11 is a National Day of Remembrance, honoring the victims of the attacks and those who rose to service in response. All Americans are encouraged to voluntarily perform at least one good deed or another service activity on 9/11 each year. It is hoped that this will rekindle the spirit of service, tolerance, and compassion that unified America and the world in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. You can sign up projects in which volunteers can participate on the website.

Make A Difference Day, on Saturday October 24, is sponsored annually by USA Weekend and promoted across the country. What makes this year's Make A Difference Day special is that it will be heavily promoted on television. The Entertainment Industry Foundation is working with the major TV networks (ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC) to help make volunteering and service a national priority. The EIF has received wide-spread support from the entertainment industry (including Jersey's own Jon Bon Jovi) and will launch an unprecedented campaign beginning the week of October 19th. As a center piece, broadcast networks are incorporating themes of service into popular TV shows (dramas, comedies, talk shows) to shine a spotlight on the power of service.

The campaign will include public service announcements that will direct viewers to sign up to volunteer on Make a Difference Day.

So -- don't be left out! Because of the national promotion and the saturation of media in northern New Jersey, many prospective volunteers will be seeking ways to become involved. You can sign up and find much more information on the respective websites.

CENTER FOR FOOD ACTION GOLF CLASSIC, MONDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2009

Oritano Golf Classic to benefit the Center for Food Action. Enjoy a relaxing day of golf while helping support CFA's effort to fight hunger and homelessness in our neighborhoods. Monday, September 21, 2009. HAWORTH COUNTRY CLUB, 5 Lake Shore Drive, Haworth, NJ
Add your name and address to CFA's Golf Classic invitation list by emailing: Rosanne Buscemi, SVP at RBuscemi@Oritani.com or Stephanie McCaw at Smccaw@cfanj.org

YCS HOLLEY CAMP VISIT, THURSDAY JUNE 25, 2009

On June 25, 13 members of NCJW BCS visited the Holley camp site at Linwood MacDonald Camp. It was as perfect a day as it could possibly be and the weather was kind to us and the kids Thanks to our YCS hosts, Ruthie Harper, Co-Executive Director; Robin Peck,Co-Executive Director; Fran Tobin, Director of Foundation Relations; Owen Brook, Administrator, Situational Response Team; all the CITs; the rest of the staff, and each and every one of those wonderful kids, we were provided with education, inspiration, warmth, hospitality, and love, and, last but by no means least, a lavish, and delicious lunch.

Over 100 YCS kids were there for two weeks to enjoy life in the open air, good food, exercise, fun and teamwork, to empower them for their futures.

Not only that but the camp site is magnificent with superb facilities and nature's bounty provides it with towering trees, lakes and lush foliage. Those of us who were fortunate enough to be there sincerely believe those youngsters will remember with fondness the wonderful experiences, caring, love and all the activities and fun times provided by Owen and his awesome YCS team for the rest of their lives.

Signed Adele Plotkin, CS chair, YCS Kilbarchan

HIPPY GRADUATION, TUESDAY JUNE 9, 2009

Thirty-six smiling youngsters clutching their well-deserved diplomas were the highlight of the 2009 HIPPY graduation. While delighted parents,home instructors and NCJW volunteers looked on, each child in cap and gown enjoyed a special moment after three years of working with the Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters program. The children marched in to "Pomp and Circumstance", sang some specially prepared songs, and enjoyed refreshments after the ceremony. Luis Ocampo, one of the children, expressed hiimself with the following speech:

Thank you teachers for helping me read and write in English and Spanish. It was so much fun. When I grow up, I want to become a smart person like you and all the other kids in this group. I think I am ready to graduate HIPPY and continue my childhood.

Gracias Maestras por ayudarme a leer aand escribir en ingles y espanol.
Era divertido. Cuando sea grande, yo quiero ser como ustedes y tambien todos los en este grupo. Yo creo que ya estoy listo para graduarme del HIPPY y continuar con mi vida.

"KOMEDY FOR KIDS" RAISES IMPORTANT FUNDS FOR MINI GRANTS, FRIDAY MAY 1, 2009

100 people, including several NCJW BCS members, were entertained by four standup comedians at a dinner performance "Komedy for Kids", hosted by St. Elizabeth's Church in Ridgewood. Volunteers from the YCS Northern Region Advisory Council (several of whom are members of our section) sponsored the event, which will supply mini grants to YCS foster care, group homes and special education schools in northern New Jersey.

SWIM-IN ANNUAL YEAR-END LUNCHEON, SUNDAY MAY 17, 2009

At the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Englewood on Sunday May 17, multiple sclerosis "Swimmers", their family and friends, together with volunteers from the National Council of Jewish Women, Bergen County Section, and the local community joined to celebrate the Swim-In program at their annual, year-end luncheon. Entertainment was provided by the Garden State Harmonica Ensemble and Mark Wright on the piano synthesizer.

In the photo from left to right are NCJW BCS members: Jane Moser of Teaneck; Priscilla Lindenauer of Teaneck, Lottie Wolfe of Bergenfield (recipient of 20 year Swim-In volunteer pin); Mike Silverstein of Teaneck - Swim In Co-President and Board Member; Ava Weiss of Fort Lee, Carole Benson of Englewood - NCJW BCS co-VP-Community Services; Peggy Kabakow of Demarest, NCJW BCS co-VP-Community Services; Ed Kabakow of Demarest, Abbot Reff of Fort Lee - Swim In Board Member ; Ruth Cowan of Teaneck - Swim In Co-President and Physical Therapist and NCJW BCS Board Member; Karen Sandberg of Fort Lee; Susan Siegel of Fort Lee; Roxanne Reff of Fort Lee- Swim In Board Member and NCJW BCS Board Member; Millie Graye of Norwood.

In 1976, Ruth Cowan, a physical therapist, designed, created and founded this program that, since then, has improved the lives of hundreds of people living with MS and the lives of the dedicated volunteers who work with them.

Many of the 36 Swim-In volunteers are NCJW BCS members. Funding is provided jointly by NCJW and the MS Society. All volunteers get a two hour training class by the MS Society and by the Swim In Co-Presidents at the JCC on the Palisades in Tenafly. They learn about MS and the benefits of water therapy. Program runs from September through May every Wednesday between 12 and 2 pm consisting of approximately 30 sessions. The volunteers exercise the swimmers in the JCC pool which is important both for physical benefits and socialization. The program is nationally recognized and "remarkably" has been in existence for 33 years.

HOLLEY CENTER BARBECUE, MAY 6, 2009

Sixty-seven youngsters who are residents of the Holley Child Care and Development Center entertained volunteers from the National Council of Jewish Women Bergen County Section for a barbecue supper on May 6th. The Center, located in Hackensack, is part of the Youth Consultation Services. The barbecue was planned to thank NCJW volunteers for their help to the YCS Holley Center by providing birthday cakes for the children, an annual Christmas Party (complete with Santa Claus), gifts, bed linens, and other contributions when needed.

YCS Holley is home to at-risk children between the ages of six and 12, whose parents are not able to care for them.

2008 YCS HOLLEY CENTER NCJW ENRICHMENT GRANT YEAR IN REVIEW

The National Council of Jewish Women has been so generous and gracious to the children at the YCS Holley Center this past year. Their donation was beneficial to the children in so many ways - from parties and outings, to dance lessons and sport leagues. Without the help of NCJW, these children would not be able to enjoy and participate in these very important (and often not possible) activities.

When a YCS child is being discharged from the Holley Center, a party is thrown for him or her. The child is able to choose their favorite dinner, which also includes the children in their unit. There is always a special party theme and music is always included! Although this is a special time for the child being discharged, it is also a healing process for not only that child, but the children who must remain behind at the center waiting for their turn to leave. In 2008, thirty-five children were discharged from the center at a total cost of $2,835. These special "going away" parties would not have happened without the support and dedication of NCJW.

The 67 children and staff at the Holley Center were more than thrilled to be able to visit the movie theater three times throughout the year, which cost $1,827. This is such a treat for the children, something most of us take for granted. This donation has offered the children their dream of seeing their favorite movies on the big screen instead of having to watch them on a DVD on the center's television.

What makes the children enjoy being indoors on rainy or snowy days? Taking hip-hop dance lessons! These classes, originally meant for girls at the Holley Center, ended up being one of the most attended classes by some of the younger boys. To see the look on the children's faces while they were dancing and laughing was amazing. Even though the cost of the hip-hop dance lessons was $1,100, in reality, it was priceless.

Although the children of the Holley Center are in the care of YCS, they were fortunate to participate in the town's recreational sporting leagues. These included football, baseball, and basketball. The $1,800 designated to this program allowed YCS to afford the registration fees and uniforms for the children who participated. Some of the children also took part in a bowling league. These children met at the bowling alley once a week and competed against others. This helped with their social skills and built confidence and self esteem. The children also enjoyed the end-of-the-season bowling party, which included pizza and trophies for all participants of the Holley Center!

The Holley Center is always in need of new sporting equipment, such as basketballs, soccer balls and kickballs, as well as indoor sporting activities and board games. Such items and activities are a wonderful way for the children to express themselves and show their athletic ability, while also learning about competition and being a team player. The Holley Center spent $600 purchasing these necessary items.

The $8,000 enrichment grant that YCS was so fortunate to receive has enabled the children at the Holley Center to experience things that not only were thought to be impossible, but things they truly deserve. Due to huge financial constraints, YCS was not able to provide these opportunities, but thanks to NCJW, the children were granted these wishes and made their dreams a reality. NCJW made it possible for the healing process to begin - so that these children are no longer victims.

YCS SHOWS ITS APPRECIATION TO NCJW

To read the April YCS Newsletter in which this article appears, click on http://www.ycs.org/janis-newsletters/vol19/recenteventsAPRIL2009.pdf

NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH -- BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA -- A PROCLAMATION

Click here to view, download or print: White House Briefing Room Proclamation
Click here to download and print: Proclamation.pdf

The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence is thrilled to be able to forward you the first Presidential Proclamation released, April 8, 2009, in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month! Please forward this far and wide and use it in your ongoing activities this month. NAESV, along with PCAR and the National Center for Victims of Crime, worked extremely hard over the past several months with the White House as well as the Vice President�s Office to make this happen. In addition, it's important to note that the Office of Violence Against Women was extremely supportive of this endeavor as well.

In addition, Congressional resolutions will be introduced later this month in the Senate and House. As soon as they are introduced we will post them here for your attention.

UPDATE ON StoP

The StoP (Strategies to Prevent Domestic Violence) committee has a new project. They are providing gift cards to the NCJW BCS Thrift Shop for $50. The residents at the shelter are invited to take advantage of the merchandise available in the shop. Volunteers may drive the women, or just assist them in their shopping.

The year has been busy with holiday gift wrapping. It was a good way to help SOS with their fund raising. Collecting personal care items for the women in the shelter was also most successful.

We are also working on an updated poster for the police stations and hospitals in the area. The poster gives emergency numbers for the shelter, ADV (Alternatives to Domestic Violence), and Rape Crisis Hotline.

Many thanks to the many, many volunteers who worked at the Clothesline Project, gift wrapping, donations of used cell phones and personal care items. On June 13, we will need more volunteers for the annual picnic; come and join us.

BERGEN FAMILY CENTER ADULT DAY CENTER

There are two programs at the Bergen Family Center Adult Day Center. They are the Life Program, which provides living independence for the elderly, and the Shining Lights Program, which aids the visually impaired.

The Shining Lights Program is the only program of its kind in Bergen County. It helps people from ages 18 to 101. The NCJW BCS members, pictured below, give one-on-one shopping assistance, one day a month. We also provide a once-a-month Birthday Party for all whose Birthday occurs in the month. Ice cream - with all the fixings - cake, songs, small games, and token gifts, which raise the spirit of everyone.

The Center can use a lot of additional help. You are truly needed if you can lead an art class; perform or teach a musical program; set up a small gardening or plant project; lead an exercise group; or teach any kind of mind-expanding subject.

You will be more than repaid by the hugs and kisses that you will receive.

YCS TESTIMONIAL

Ruthie Harper, co-Executive Director, writes:

The YCS Holley Childcare and Development Center and Kilbarchan Group Home are extremely grateful to NCJW Bergen County Section for your on-going support of the children in our care.

The funds from NCJW enrichment so generously given to the children of the Holley Center mean the difference between these children having a life of meaning or simply existing. YCS provides the children with three meals a day and a safe, warm bed each night. NCJW provides so much more. Without your help, they would never know the feeling of brand new sheets and blankets. They would never know brand new clothes of their very own -- "for keeps". Click here to read more.......

GOLDBERG/BERDAIS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER VALENTINE'S DAY PARTY

Tuesday, Feb 10th was bright and sunny this year and it was a great day for our annual Valentine's Day Party at the Goldberg/Berdais Child Development Center in Westwood. We were greeted by a bunch of smiling and very appreciative children, patiently awaiting the arrival of Daisy D Dots, our wonderful clown. Daisy very generously donated her time to the Center for our show, for the second year. We are truly appreciative of her kindness to the center. Our volunteers included Stephanie Kissler, Joanne Graff, Andrea Jacoby,Fran Schwartz, Arleen Sugarman, Pat Hoffman, and Sara Zurndorfer. (Please forgive me if I omitted anyone.)

We sat with the children during the clown show, then went off with them for our craft project, making snow globes.

The kids had a great time, as did our volunteers.

Thanks to everyone for your time and commitment to the center.

Sharon Kozinn

BERGEN FAMILY CENTER INTERGENERATIONAL ART PROGRAM

Sponsored by NCJW BCS, this year's Intergenerational Art Program at Bergen Family Center was, once again, an artistic and fun event, enjoyed by all.

BRIGHTENING THE HOLIDAY FOR HOLLEY CENTER CHILDREN

Good smells�big smiles�and Santa. All of this at YCS Holly Child Care Center on December 25, 2008. Our Bergen County Section volunteers and many spouses arrived to serve lunch and helped to brighten the day for the residents�who had to spend their Christmas at Holley.
WE DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

HIPPY HOLIDAY PARTY 2008

On December 18, HIPPY, Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters, held an exciting family holiday program at the Lincoln School in Englewood. Everyone enjoyed a delicious turkey dinner followed by a magic show, a visit from Santa Claus and gifts for all the HIPPY youngsters. Our NCJW Bergen County Section volunteers helped set up and serve and were delighted to see all the smiling faces of the children and their parents.

JEWISH HOME AT ROCKLEIGH HANUKKAH PARTY 2008

On Dec. 22, 2008, The National Council of Jewish Women volunteered their talent and time to host a Hanukkah party for the residents of the Jewish Home at Rockleigh. An elegant dinner was served and entertainment was provided. Carol Silverman-Kurtz and Susan Laskin performed a medley of songs, some of which were composed by Susan.

By email: Thank you so much for NCJW's participation in our Hanukkah Elegant Dining Program. Our residents raved about the entertainment. They loved the gifts. Most of all, they loved all the attention from the "very sweet women" of National Council. Thank you once again for adopting us and for all you do. We appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts!

Sincerely,
Charlene Vannucci
Director of Recreation and Volunteer Coordinator
Jewish Home at Rockleigh

NCJW SUPPORTS CFA'S HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION PROGRAM

The National Council of Jewish Women of Bergen County is a long-time supporter of the Center for Food Action (CFA). NCJW recently made a donation to help support CFA's Homelessness Prevention Program. Due to the extraordinary increase in requests, the government funds for this program have been expended for the year, making this donation all the more critical to helping local families keep their heat and utilities turned on.

Sincerely,
Jennifer A. Rothman
Center for Food Action
Coordinator of Community Affairs & Volunteers
(201) 569-1804 x28 www.cfanj.org
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."

CENTER FOR FOOD ACTION THANKSGIVING

The Thanksgiving distribution was a tremendous success due to the generosity of so many people in our community. It was truly heartwarming to see the outpouring of food and checks that made this year's donations so special. I would like to share a couple of experiences we in the CFA office had. - The unknown man who asked "How many turkeys do you need?" and an hour later appeared with a station wagon filled with turkeys. The older lady who handed me a check and said "I wish it was more, but we are retired on social security." The Asian couple who counted out $1000 from funds they collected at their church and the $10 check from a young girl.

Special thank you to all the Bergen County section members who donated and helped with the distribution and to INEZ SWARTZ for the very generous gift from the Swartz fund.

NCJW HELPS HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS 'CRACK THE CODE'

The 4th annual Powers and Possibilities was held on October 18 at Bergen Community College and over 50 girls from area high schools came together for a day of sharing and self reflection.

Bergen County Section of NCJW has joined forces with the YWCA of Bergen County as well as other service organizations, businesses and individuals to create the Bergen County Girls Coalition. The goal is to create empowering and inspirational programming for girls that will not only expand their realm of thought, but also enlighten them to the endless possibilities that are available to them as they become women.

The theme of the daylong program 'Cracking the Code', was centered around the secret code that is based on the hidden culture of aggression in girls. Ninth through 12th graders attended workshops designed to build their self-confidence, self-esteem and leadership skills. The day was about sharing individual experiences and deciding to change emotionally unhealthy behaviors.

An unusually diverse group of girls from Teaneck, Hackensack, Tenafly, Dwight Morrow, Bergen Tech and Paramus Catholic high schools shared experiences, participated in workshops and made new friends at the daylong event.

NJCW Bergen County Section supported the day by actively participating in the program and workshop planning and donating the lunches. We also provided scholarships to nine girls living in another NCJW-affiliated community service, the Youth Consultation Service's Holley residential treatment facility. NCJW members delivered leftover lunch items to the Center for Food Action and Walk-in Facility.

CHILDREN'S COURT CARE CENTER 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Members of National Council of Jewish Women, Bergen County Section (NCJWBCS) recently joined Bergen County Superior Court personnel in celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Children's Court Care Center. The Children's Court Care Center, the most advanced court facility for children in New Jersey, provides a warm and safe environment for children who need care while their parents or care-givers attend court proceedings.

NCJWBCS has been involved with the Center since the project was suggested by Family Court officials over a decade ago. Over the years, the Center has serviced thousands of children enabling them to avoid the trauma of hearing their care givers testify in domestic violence matters, custody hearings, or other civil and criminal cases. Retired Assignment Judge Sybil R. Moses, the Center�s most avid supporter, stated: "It's very disruptive for children to be in court. It's not good for the parents, the kids, or the judicial system."

The Center has two full time employees, Kathleen Andreano and Kerry Wotman, supported by a loyal cadre of NCJWBCS and community volunteers, coordinated by NCJW co-chairs Phyllis Becker and June Marks and their consultant, Ellen Jacobs. The Bergen County Bar Association and the Women Lawyers of Bergen County and other community donors are very generous benefactors of the Center. Anyone interested in volunteering can call Kathleen Andreano at 201-527-2528.

Born out of need and sustained through the commitment and team work of NCJWBCS and the County, the Children's Court Care Center demonstrates how the government and the public sector can successfully cooperate for the good of the community. NCJWBCS has been acknowledged for "giving the court a heart."

Pictured from left to right: Carole Benson, NCJWBCS Vice-President Community Services; June Marks, NCJWBCS Co-Chair of Court Care; Johanna Antonacci, Family Division Manager; Phyllis Becker, NCJWBCS Co-Chair of Court Care; Peggy Kabakow, NCJWBCS Vice- President Community Services; Ellen Jacobs, NCJW National Board Member; Jon Goodman, Trial Court Administrator; Roz Altman and Terry Linefsky, NCJWBCS Volunteers; Kerry Wotman, Assistant Court Care Coordinator; Kathleen Andreano, Court Care Coordinator, Nola Steele,Volunteer CDR Coordinator; Seated, Judge Sybil R.Moses

HIPPY HALLOWEEN PARTY

Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2008
Place: Lincoln School, Englewood

Princesses and pirates, superheroes and spiders all had a wonderful time at HIPPY's annual Halloween party. There was food, games, songs and a parade of excited three to five year olds enjoying the holiday celebration while delighted parents and grandparents looked on.

Our dedicated group of NCJW volunteers was there to help out. They also work with the children at the monthly workshops.

HIPPY, Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters, is a program to show a parent how to become the child's first teacher. Using workshops and activity packets, parents learn how to prepare their boys and girls for later schooling. It is a national program which is locally supported by Bergen Family Center and co-sponsored by the Bergen County Section of the National Council of Jewish Women

THANK YOU FROM KILBARCHAN

Dear National Council of Jewish Women:

On behalf of the children of the YCS Kilbarchan Programs, we would like to thank each and every one of you for your generosity. The Birthday Cakes allow our residents to have a festive and joyous celebration for their special day.

As you know, sometimes birthdays mark a very difficult time for a child, considering that they may be away from their families. Each boy and girl in our campus appreciates that your organization cares about their need to feel loved.

Your generosity touches the lives of every girl and boy on our campus. We look forward to continuing working with your great organization.

Sincerely,
Barbara Bishop Wells and James Magazine
Site Administrators
Youth Consultation Service
Kilbarchan Campus
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