FOR MOMMIES & INFANTS
DSN AIMS TO WARMLY ENVELOP NEW FAMILIES THAT MOVE TO NEW JERSEY. FOR THE YOUNGEST OF FAMILIES, DSN PROVIDES THE PERFECT PLATFORM. CATERING TO INFANTS 0-12 MONTHS, MOMMY AND ME PROGRAMS SERVE A FUNDAMENTAL PURPOSE AND ARE ALWAYS A SUCCESS.
They welcome new families to DSN and the community. The program keeps things fresh and vibrant with a variety of offerings: one-day events, hesed- related events, stroller walks, hangouts, music programs and several baby series’. One critical reason DSN membership is a lifeline for the Jersey Shore community is because of its vital programs and entertainment for children.
Every parent agrees that although the adult fitness and other adult programs are beneficial, their kids always come first. Adult Program Director Caleigh Silvera, who champions the program, enthusiastically stated, “We love organizing Mommy and Me programs, and the turnouts have been tremendous. We are grateful to be able to serve mothers and their precious, adorable babies.”
In September, DSN arranged stroller walks on the Asbury Boardwalk. Many mothers who are new to New Jersey were looking for ways to socialize and stimulate their children. Fortune Chalme, a mother of three noted, “I tell all my friends to do the stroller walks. What an easy and fun way to get some fresh air, hang with other moms and also spend time with your baby! I never miss one.”
DSN just welcomed Jacqueline Bailey, a new mother herself, who recently moved to New Jersey, as a Baby Music Instructor. Her first class boasted over 20 babies. It was immediately clear that everyone loved the class. So, reflecting the desire of the community, DSN created a music series, offered at different times for children with different nap schedules. Mom Becky Kassin stated, “Jacqueline was a burst of energy that captivated the children and left smiles on everyone’s faces. Mine included!”
DSN also proudly implemented its first ever Jewish Holiday Series with Gila Sutton, who previously taught children’s classes in New York City. Gila, a mother of three, noted, “tremendous planning and thought went into the execution of each of her four-part series, focusing on Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and finishing with Shabbat. I love that children could start to be softly introduced to different facets of Judaism.” Mom Liat Kassin was elated. She stated, “I have wanted something like this for so long! I’ve seen it done before in the city and was thrilled when I saw DSN post about this. I must have been the first to sign up!”
In each class the children did a focused activity—sensory play, book time, music and bubbles. On Rosh Hashanah the children stamped apples with washable red paint to make their first art pieces, played with pomegranate seeds and honey in separate plastic Ziplocs, read the book Rosh Hashanah is Coming by Tracy Newman, and truly had the best time.
Executive Director Sammy Sitt summarized, “There’s nothing that our community treasures more than our children. Seeing mothers and their infants coming together within DSN’s professional programming is very gratifying. Thanks to Caleigh Silvera and our entire staff for their passionate commitment to ensure our community is the best in the world.”
