Notes From The City: An Abundant Life - For Our Children's Children's Children

Everyone is special to God, no matter what their age or background. Because of the scriptural messages about children in particular, people sometimes say there is a special place in God's heart for children. But we are all God's children, large or small, old or young, and so we can see in each of those scriptural references an encouragement to each of us to be like children and to take care of others who need care, no matter their age, with the care and love and support that we would give to a child. After I was born again, the first place I was called was to work with a community meal program that served the most in need - people who were living on the streets or in shelters or other less than optimum housing, many of whom had addictions and physical and emotional and psychological challenges. When I first saw the dingy environment and the unhealthy food and unhappy faces of the volunteers serving, the words that God spoke to me at that time were, "Only the best for my children." In the years before that time I had developed relationships with so many purveyors of fine foods, and I also had my own business in public relations and marketing and events planning, and so it was natural for me to start going to stores and restaurants and talking to organizations about donating products and other kinds of supportive services. The next place God sent me to was a youth program in the heart of the lower east side's Alphabet City, and with the same mandate for quality I began discussions with individuals and agencies in an effort to bring programming and education in the arts. In a very short time God had opened doors for both programs to access healthy food, and the youth had access to programs in the arts, culture, sailing, golf, math and science, and were able to start a community garden. It was from those beginnings that I came to the work that I do in youth and community development, and to teaching nutrition and health to youth and adults, and I have never forgotten the words that are engraved on my heart that for God's children of any age, only the best will do.

This past week, two lovely people I know who are always treating me to the best things in life, David Bistany and Rolando Iglesias, invited me to Sabor de HoLa 2016, a fund raising event in support of the Hoboken dual language charter school, HoLa. An annual event, it is a highlight of Hoboken business, art, culture and delicious food, and as the invited guest of one of the sponsors, I had the opportunity to enjoy myself to the fullest. And full I was - there was so much good food and so much good cheer that I am still riding on the wave of it. The organizers of the event did a magnificent job - as someone who was involved in events planning for years, I know how much work they put in to make it seem like so much effortless fun. It was held in one of my favorite restaurants, Battello, on the waterfront in Newport Yacht Club and Marina, and from my vantage point it was the smoothest of sailing. The views were spectacular, the food divine, the company uplifting, and the cause a great one. What a lovely way to support the education of children and to be treated to the treats of adulthood that help us all to feel cared for and loved.

Sabor De HoLa 2016

At Battello

502 Washington Boulevard

Jersey City, NJ

(201) 798-1798

www.battellojc.com
For A Complete List Of Sponsors And Restaurants
www.holahoboken.org/support/sabor_de_ho_la

Amazing Food

Amazing Sponsors

An Amazing View

David Bistany and Rolando Iglesias With Council Member Michael DeFusco

Two Princes For Escorts - David Bistany and Rolando Iglesias

Being The Difference

Last fall I met a beautiful young woman who walks the beautiful talk she talks. Not only is she an encourager to everyone she meets, she has designed a line of clothing that keeps on giving her beautiful messages to the world. Be The Difference, LLC is a game changer - check out her designs online and get on her mailing list to visit her locally. The designs she creates are meaningful, beautiful and astonishing, and she works with artists and individuals to create custom made and unique pieces for any and every encouraging and inspirational need.

Be The Difference, LLC

bethedifferencellc.com

A Percentage Of Proceeds Donated To
Congenital Heart Disease Foundation Hayden's Heart
www.haydensheart.org

Styles For Adults, Children, And Babies

Two Customers So Happy They Have Become Spokespeople

Spring Fling

Yesterday may have been cold and gray and rainy, but there was sunshine as always at AaRaa. One of my favorite destinations for shopping and fun, there was a special event to welcome spring and to give a preview of their newly designed interior. Beautifully styled by Tiffany Pinero, it reminds me of places I have loved in years past in New York City's SoHo, the East and West Village, and even longer ago in Boston and nearby Cambridge and Central Square. Always an exquisite boutique, it has the additional feel of a gallery now, airy and light with gold and silver accents and cases to display some of the glittering pieces at their finest.

Spring Fling At AaRaa

408 6th Street

Hoboken, NJ

(201) 386-0101

www.aaraa.com