Hudson Farm Club Hosts International Night of Celebration on Behalf of Project Self-Sufficiency

The Hudson Farm Club will host a local celebration of the internationally acclaimed “Open That Bottle Night” in support of Project Self-Sufficiency on Saturday, February 24th, 6:00 p.m. The unique event was conceived more than 20 years ago by the former authors of the Wall Street Journal’s “Tastings” column, John Brecher and Dorothy Gaiter. This year’s affair will include fine wines, sumptuous food, and an auction. Musical entertainment will be provided by the jazz quartet Meant to Be. In addition to the excellent wines which will be available, participants are also invited to bring their own bottle of wine along so that they can share their story about its origin with the other guests. The event will be hosted by Peter and Cynnie Kellogg, Blake and Cathy Ellman, and Lou and Kathy Esposito.

The worldwide Open that Bottle Night celebration of friends, families and memories encourages those who have been saving a special bottle of wine to gather with other wine-enthusiasts and create a memorable wine-tasting experience. The bottles of wine brought along to the occasion need not be particularly expensive. The popular event is now celebrated around the world, in places as far flung as Antarctica and Hawaii.

Organizers of this year’s event include Project Self-Sufficiency Leadership Council members Blake and Cathy Ellman as well as Board member Kathy Esposito and her husband, Lou. “What could be better than enjoying the company of friends at a beautiful place like the Hudson Farm Club, drinking great wine, and making a contribution to benefit the life-changing services that an organization like Project Self-Sufficiency provides?” remarks Blake Ellman.

“Open That Bottle Night is not just a celebration of our fine wine; it's a toast to the spirit of resilience and community in Sussex County,” adds Kathy Esposito. “At Project Self-Sufficiency, we believe in opening doors and extending our hand. This event is a reminder that sometimes, the best way to savor life is by uncorking the moments that bring us together. Cheers to shared stories, shared bottles, and the shared journey toward self-sufficiency!”

“Open That Bottle Night is a significant component of our annual campaign, and one whose message reminds us that we need not wait for a special occasion to celebrate with family and friends,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. “We are grateful to Peter Kellogg and the members of the Hudson Farm Club for their extraordinary hospitality.”

The affair will be held at the Hudson Farm Club in Andover, a 3,800-acre private hunting preserve originally owned by railroad magnate John P. McRoy who operated a dairy farm on the property. In 1920 the property was donated to The Hudson Guild, a charitable organization located in New York City.

Sponsorship packages for Open that Bottle Night are available at a variety of levels, ranging from $500 for individual tickets to the “Oenophile” level at $10,000. To purchase tickets, visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org/open-that-bottle-night, or call 973-940-3500.

Little Sprouts Recognized for Excellence

The Little Sprouts Early Learning Center was recently awarded a four-star rating from Grow NJ Kids , the state-sponsored initiative to raise the quality of child care and early learning throughout New Jersey. The rating is based on a rigorous process which considers documentation, classroom environment, in-person observations, and other factors. The Little Sprouts Early Learning Center is an expansive childcare and preschool facility which offers space for 83 youngsters, ages 6 weeks to 6 years, and is operated by Project Self-Sufficiency at 127 Mill Street in Newton. Jennifer Blohm is a Technical Assistance Specialist from the Central Jersey Family Health Consortium , one of three agencies assigned to provide technical assistance and support to programs participating in Grow NJ Kids. Blohm was so impressed by the quality of the Little Sprouts Early Learning Center environment, that she decided to enroll her own child in the preschool. “The goal of Grow NJ Kids is t

High School Diploma Program Launches in March

Enrollment for the next session of the New Jersey Youth Corps program at Project Self-Sufficiency is underway. The sixteen-week program launches in March and is currently being offered as a hybrid of virtual and in-person curricula and activities. The New Jersey Youth Corps gives those who have not completed high school the opportunity to boost their literacy skills, prepare for the high school equivalency exam, obtain on-the-job work experience, and transition into a career, college or the military. Interested participants are invited to attend virtual Open House hosted by Project Self-Sufficiency to learn more about the New Jersey Youth Corps and to complete an application. Virtual Open Houses will be held on Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m., January 19 th , 26 th , February 2 nd , 9 th , and 16th, as well as Thursdays at noon, January 21 st , 28 th , February 4 th , 11 th, and 18 th . In addition, Project Self-Sufficiency is offering a $100 gift card to those who refer a young a

Volunteers and Paid Instructors Needed for High School Equivalency Program

Paid instructors and volunteers are needed to work with young adults in the New Jersey Youth Corps high school equivalency and employment skills training program at Project Self-Sufficiency. Program coordinators are searching for help with tutoring in science, math, social studies, and English as well as assistance with community service projects. Tutors will also assist with basic reading comprehension and vocabulary. Opportunities are available Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; a part-time, flexible schedule is offered. "The situation is ideal for college students or educators who might be taking a break from their regular schedule due to the pandemic,” notes Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. Those with experience in business, construction trades, building maintenance and landscaping are particularly welcome. The New Jersey Youth Corps gives young adults the opportunity to augment their literacy skills, prepare for the hig

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