It has been quite an exciting couple of months since our last issue of Baby Bytes back in early April. And while we associate summertime as the time to slow down – we seem to be just as busy as ever. Here is a little recap to get you up to date, and links to articles and web pages, if you wish to read a little more.

April led off with two very special events, the graduation of our first Fatherhood Mentorship Program class at Joseph C. Carter Park, as well as our follow up to the 2008 Call to Action, with the Best for Broward Babies Community Forum at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center. Special thanks to Lilac & Lilies for hosting a benefit Trunk Show for HMHB on April 21, and to all those who came and shopped; your support is most appreciated. We glammed it up as well in April for the Sun Sentinel Society Scene Cover photo shoot. It was a fun day and great recognition for our organization and all we do.

As many know, our Mother’s Day Luncheon is always the highlight of May. We are very proud to announce we raised $50,000 that afternoon, and in as much, are grateful for the outpouring of support. To all our event sponsors, including presenting sponsors, Pediatrix, Coventry and United Healthcare, to our honorees, mistress of ceremony, Trina Robinson, and special guests - a heartfelt thanks for your support. And to our D.O.D., Babette Ferre-Kosar,words will never express our gratitude for your hard work.

May also shined a spotlight on two members of our staff, Jennifer Combs the first, being named Boca Raton Regional Hospital Nurse of the Year. Program Manager, Michelle Reese, also made her television debut. Look for her interview with Spiro Canton on CNN’s Comcast Newsmakers the week of June 16 – 25.

For more news and photos, we welcome you to visit our Facebook Page or the Press Room on HMHBBroward.org. While there, you may want to head over to the HMHB Online Mall and check out the great travel deals through Orbitz and La Quinta hotels. Summer is here, and while there is no time to rest – we all could use a vacation!

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies
Board Secretary, Mike Weissberg  

Board Member Spotlight
Mike Weissberg, Secretary

We have all, at one time or another, been asked to fill in for a colleague at a business function. For Mike Weissberg, the request came from a colleague at the Broward County Health Education Services School District Office, who asked if Mike could represent her at several HMHB Board Meetings. Soon after, and upon his colleagues retirement, the Board asked if Mike would like to take her seat. That was 13 years ago – and a decision Mike is proud he made.

“One of my first experiences on the Board that stands out the most was the first "Forget Me Not" day at the park. It moved me to see how much this day meant for all those that attended and I was very proud to be part of the organization that made this day possible. ”

A former educator, Mike spent over 40 years in both the New York and Broward County school systems. In 2007, he retired after facilitating a grant from the CDC for HIV/AIDS and other STD's Prevention Education for the students and employees of the Broward School System.

In addition to assuming the role of secretary on the HMHB Board, Mike is also a volunteer with the "PAL" program at the Broward County Humane Society, and stays active by going to the gym and playing golf with his wife at their golf condominium in Naples, FL.

“I feel good knowing that I'm using some of my free time to help other people as well as animals to live a better life.”
 

Save the Date! Wednesday, July 20
Meatballs & Martini's at Anthony's Runway 84

Celebrate summer and join Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies of Broward on July 20th from 6-8PM at Anthony’s Runway 84 in Fort Lauderdale for “Meatballs and Martinis”.

Enjoy good food, good friends, good music and a great raffle all for a great cause. Your $30. donation includes a complimentary Martini, Meatballs, Rice Balls and more. Additional vodka drinks are $6.

Special thanks to Ryder Charitable Foundation for their support of the event.

For more information please email Babette Ferre-Kosar at
BFerre-Kosar@hmhbbroward.org or call (954)765-0550, Ext 316. 

Partner Spotlight: Baby Wellness Massage

HMHB of Broward County is pleased to announce a new partnership
with longtime supporter and friend, Marie-Josee Berard, of the
Infant Massage Institute.
 
Marie-Josee is generously donating 50% from the sales of her
Infant Massage DVD available on her website,
www.BabyWellnessMassage.com

A natural approach for getting in touch with your baby at home,
the instructional DVD teaches you techniques that enhance for
bonding, relaxation and  body functions.

An easy to follow program that make a difference; this DVD 
makes a great gift for a new mom.

The Fatherhood Mentorship Program is generously funded by the National Center for Chronic Disease and Health Promotion, Broward Co Human Services Dept, Community Partnerships Div, the A.D. Henderson Foundation and the Community Foundation of Broward.

Support HMHB: Shop the HMHB Online Mall
Gifts for Dads and Grads that keep on giving 

If you are looking for that perfect gift for Dad, or a college Grad, you might want to check out the HMHB Online Mall as a place for inspiration. 

Packed with thousands of great gift-giving items, from over six-dozen of your favorite retail stores, you'll find everything from Sporting Goods to Electronics, iTunes cards to Dorm needs, and a whole lot more.  

Best of all, every sale generated through the HMHB Online Mall supports our mission of providing access to prenatal care and education to deliver the most precious gift; the gift of a healthy mother and baby - and now fathers too!

To learn more about our Fatherhood Mentorship Program, visit www.B4BB.org.

Recipe of the Month: Roasted Corn Salad 
A simple combination that tastes like summer in a bowl

Most of us associate corn with summer - hot off the grill and on the cob slathered in butter. But did you know that stripped away of all that buttery gooiness these high-fiber, fat fighting kernels of goodness are hearty and satisfying  - and as a  low-complex carbohydrate, it deserves a regular place on the table!

You might be surprised as well to learn that corn is a great source of several vitamins, including folic acid, niacin, and vitamin C. The folic acid in corn is now known to be an important factor in preventing neural-tube birth defects. It's just as important in preventing heart disease, according to studies that show folic acid can prevent a buildup of homocysteine, an amino acid, in the body.

So listen up, and grab some ears of corn, then head over to Facebook.com/HMHBBroward to view this recipe and others.

 For more information on our programs and services, please visit HMHBBroward.org