Polo Match to Benefit Project Self-Sufficiency

 

Plans are underway for the second annual Project Self-Sufficiency Polo Classic to be held at the Grayfields Polo Club in Allamuchy on Saturday, September 12^th. Proceeds will benefit the agency’s services for low-income individuals and families in northwest New Jersey.

 

“We are excited to be partnering with NJ Polo to raise funds for the programs and services which are essential for struggling families in our area,” said Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. “The Project Self-Sufficiency Polo Classic invites people of all ages to come together in a fun and relaxing environment, see an exciting sporting event, enjoy a tailgate and time outdoors, and support local families in need.”

 

The event kicks off at noon as VIP Tent ticketholders will be treated to hors d’oeuvres, fine cuisine, and signature drinks catered by Andre’s Lakeside Dining while tailgaters will welcome their guests to their elaborately customized spaces, and general admission ticketholders will set up their viewing areas. The match will get underway at 1:15 p.m. with the singing of the National Anthem by Senior Airman Gianna Perez, United States Air Force.

 

During half-time, spectators will be encouraged to take part in the treasured tradition of divot stomping, smoothing the field for the second half of the polo match. During the divot stomp, all are invited to enjoy a festive performance by the Mike Lawlor Band. Throughout the event, other activities will include competitions for best hat and best tailgate, a silent auction, and naming of the match MVP and Best Playing Polo. 

 

Teams bearing the names of sponsors First Hope Bank and Lakeland Construction will be participating in a spirited competition for the winners’ circle. Additional sponsorships for the Polo Classic are available at a variety of levels, from $2,500 - $25,000.

  

Current sponsors include Mercedes-Benz of Newton; Sue and Greg Murphy; Comet Security; Ellman Discovery Foundation; Robert Soldoveri/Whispering Pines Enterprises; Royal Buick; Dee and Jim Fernandez; George’s Salvage; Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, & Heating, Inc.; Lorraine and Tim Parker; the John and Margaret Post Foundation; Franklin Mutual Insurance; the Karen and Mark Cummins Family; Tony and Mary Ann DeSantis; Blue Ridge Lumber; Stocker Bus Company; HQW Architects; and Eastern Logistics/the Nicholson Family.

 

Seasonal sponsors include Acrisure, Allied Beverage/Sir Davis American Whiskey, Biondo Investment Advisors, Black Stallion Winery, Provident Bank, Selective Insurance, and Techflex.

 

Vendors and attractions at the Project Self-Sufficiency Polo Classic will include the Black Forest Inn Food Truck, the Cupboard Shop, De Gracia & Estevez Cigars, Father John’s Animal House, Fleece Finds & More, Flying Bee Farms, Kathleen Little Jewelry & Metalsmith, Kona Ice, and Peter’s Valley School of Craft.

 

More information about available sponsorships, tailgates spaces, VIP and general admission tickets can be found at www.projectselfsufficiency.org  and www.njpolo.org.  Questions can be directed to Project Self-Sufficiency by calling 973-940-3500 or emailing Bruce Tomlinson, btomlinson@projectselfsufficiency.org.

Learn How to Prepare for Baby's First Year

 

Expectant parents and those with young children are invited to receive up-to-date information about preparing for their child’s first year at a Baby Beginnings Fair offered by Project Self-Sufficiency, Thursday, August 27^th, 1:00 p.m. Representatives from the Child Mind Institute will address the importance of self-care during pregnancy and the months following the arrival of a new baby. Attendees will also be able to access the resources they need to be successful, including free and reduced cost activities for families, information about early childhood health and development, positive parenting techniques, and other topics. Lunch will be provided along with free baby items, prizes and unique giveaways. The Baby Beginnings event is part of a Family Connects NJ program which supplements Project Self-Sufficiency’s robust programs for pregnant women and parents of young children, including home visitation programs, monthly Mommy Parties, and Parent Cafes. Pregnant women and parents of young children are invited to call 973-940-3500 to register.

 

“Accurate information about early childhood and development is crucial for the success of new parents and we are grateful to offer this information session to the community,” explains Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “In addition to free items for baby and family, the Family Connects NJ Baby Beginnings Fairs allow pregnant women and new parents to engage with area experts and meet others in similar circumstances.”

 

Project Self-Sufficiency will be joined by representatives from the SNAP-Ed, the Sussex County Library, and Zufall Health.

 

To register for the Family Connects NJ Baby Beginnings Fair, to discuss your early childhood parenting needs, or to find out more about other programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500. 

Workshops Teach Helpful Parenting Strategies

 

Project Self-Sufficiency will offer a unique roster of online and in-person parenting courses beginning in August, including the 24/7 Dad course for fathers as well as the ACT Raising Safe Kids Program, which was designed by the American Psychological Association for parents and caregivers of young children.

 

Fathers are invited to attend special workshops created just for them, either online or in person, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. Created by the National Fatherhood Initiative, the 24:7 Dads program focuses on five characteristics of nurturing and effective fathering and has been proven to transform families and communities. The 24:7 Dad curriculum is designed for expectant fathers as well as experienced Dads. Participants will examine what it means to be a man, health, handling emotions appropriately, discipline, and co-parenting. Twelve consecutive sessions will be held at 6:00 p.m. at Project Self-Sufficiency, August 18^th – September 24^th; classes will be offered in-person and online. Pizza and childcare will be available for in-person attendees.

 

“We are excited to continue offering the 24:7 Dads program to the community,” explains Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. “This curriculum invites fathers to examine their relationships with partners and children, and addresses topics like anger, competition, communication, and fun.  We are confident that fathers and families will be transformed as a result.”

 

“’24:7 Dads’ has given me the confidence to open up and share my feelings which I was not able to in the past,” remarks class participant Leland Prehn. “It has given me patience and it has improved my ability to co-parent and do what’s best for my children.”

 

The ACT Raising Safe Kids Program invites mothers and fathers to learn how to build positive parenting skills, prevent behavioral problems, and encourage effective anger management.  The parenting classes were developed by the American Psychological Association with the goal of educating parents and other adults who raise and care for young children about creating environments which protect them from violence.  Classes will be offered via Zoom on Tuesdays, September 15^th – November 3^rd, 6:00 p.m.

 

“We are delighted to continue offering these innovative parenting courses to the general public,” explains Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “Effective parenting is an important factor in preventing behavioral issues and violence, and the curriculum in both programs invites participants to examine their relationships with partners and children, and address topics like anger, competition, communication, and fun.  We are confident that families will be transformed as a result.”

 

Interested participants are invited to call Project Self-Sufficiency, 973-940-3500, or register online, https://www.projectselfsufficiency.org/parenting-classes.