About the Alumni Club
The Ohana Alumni Club is a group of parents dedicated to community and open-mindedness. Founded by three moms who met in an Ohana Mom & Baby Group, the club seeks to foster community among parents by creating space for connection and conversation. We hope to become part of your village!
Activities
The club hosts periodic workshops, social hours, and other special events geared toward parents with babies and young children. You can also join our Facebook group to ask questions and talk with other expecting and new parents by clicking here.
Membership
Alumni of Ohana childbirth classes, doula services, mom & baby / dad & baby groups, or concierge services are members free of charge and automatically receive the member rates for all events. All other families can participate in events at non-member rates or can become members for a small annual family membership fee.
Upcoming Events
Friday, April 17, 10:30am – “Playdate at Gather”
Playdate at Gather
Join the Ohana Alumni Club members for a playdate at Gather. It is a great opportunity for parents to socialize while the kids play in the playspace.
Cost: $8 for the first child (and $4 if you have a second) for a full day of play! The cost of admission will be discounted if you inform the front desk that you are there for the Ohana Alumni Club playdate. Socks are required.
Past Events
Friday, March 13, 10:30am – “Playdate at Gather”
Playdate at Gather
Come join the Ohana Alumni Club members for a laid back playdate at Gather. It is a great socializing opportunity for parents while the kids play in the playspace.
Cost: $8 for the first child (and $4 if you have a second) for a full day of play! The cost of admission will be discounted if you inform the front desk that you are there for the Ohana Alumni Club playdate. Socks are required.
Saturday, April 12, 1:00pm – “Soothing the Aches and Pains of Parenting”
Soothing the Aches and Pains of Parenting
Becky Liston, a physical therapist, yoga teacher, and mother of two, will teach us the basics of ergonomic baby care. Learn how to protect your back when lifting the baby out of the crib, how to handle new pressure on your wrists, and how to get the kinks out of your shoulders. Part talk, part family-oriented yoga class, this workshop aims to soothe! Wear comfortable, yoga-friendly clothing.
Cost: $10 per couple for Ohana Alumni (past and current participants in Ohana classes, groups, doula services or other offerings) and $15 per couple for non-Alumni.
Saturday, May 10, 1:00pm – “How to Talk to Babies”
How to Talk to Babies
Casey Lew-Williams (PhD, Stanford University) works with infants at the Northwestern University Lanugage Learning Lab. He loves talking with his two sons, and will teach us how to enhance language development by talking to our babies. Casey will discuss what kind of talking works best, how to address multiple languages at home, and how different learning experiences shape language outcome.
Cost: $10 per couple for Ohana Alumni (past and current participants in Ohana classes, groups, doula services or other offerings) and $15 per couple for non-Alumni.
Saturday, June 14, 1:00pm – “Financial Planning for Baby’s Future”
Financial Planning for Baby’s Future
Johannah Hebel, a senior associate at Matlin and Associates, is the mother of two and a lawyer who specializes in estate planning. She will discuss the difference between wills, trusts, power of attorney documents, and guardianship documents to help get things in order so you can set your mind at ease. Hebel is offering workshop participants a $400 discount on a “Simple Wills” package, which includes two meetings with estate-planning lawyers and the basic documents to arrange your family’s financial security for up to ten years, including language that allows the documents to accommodate second and third children without revision.
Cost: $10 per couple for Ohana Alumni (past and current participants in Ohana classes, groups, doula services or other offerings) and $15 per couple for non-Alumni.
Saturday, August 9, 1:00pm – “Reconnecting: A Workshop for Couples” (Adults only)
Reconnecting: A Workshop for Couples
While the arrival of a new baby can make couples feel closer, once the glow fades and the realities of sleep deprivation and new parent anxiety set in, many people take their frustrations out on one another. Research says the best thing you can do for your child’s emotional development is to foster a loving relationship with your partner. This seminar teaches practical strategies for reconnecting in the midst of the transition from two to three—a gift not only for your partner, but for your baby, as well. Taught by Mallory Rose, staff therapist at the Family Institute at Northwestern University. Join us after the seminar to meet other couples with new babies.
Cost: $10 per couple for Ohana Alumni (past and current participants in Ohana classes, groups, doula services or other offerings) and $15 per couple for non-Alumni.
Saturday, September 13, 1:00pm – “Natural Cleaning for New Families” (Babies welcome)
Natural Cleaning for New Families
Learn to make your own nontoxic, Earth-friendly, natural and green cleaning supplies—the better to keep your home clean while keeping baby safe from harmful chemicals! Kate Jakubas (MA, Environmental Engineering, and head of natural cleaning company Meliora K) will present well-researched information from the Environmental Working Group to discuss which products and ingredients to avoid, and which are safe and effective. Her approach is that safe and healthy cleaning is about simplicity: she will teach us how to stick to the basics and use familiar ingredients, in store-bought products or those you make yourself! Kate will do a demonstration and send attendees home with samples of natural, baby-safe laundry soap. Remember to join us for a social hour after the workshop, where you can meet like-minded new parents.
Cost: $10 per couple for Ohana Alumni (past and current participants in Ohana classes, groups, doula services or other offerings) and $15 per couple for non-Alumni.
Saturday, October 11, 1:00pm – “Costume Swap” (Babies welcome)
Halloween with Baby
In preparation for Halloween, the Ohana Alumni Club is hosting a costume swap and fall social hour this month. Bring a costume to donate and you’ll get to take one home from another family for free! We’ll have cider and donuts to get in the fall spirit.
Cost: $5 for Ohana Alumni and $10 for non-alumni. For each costume you bring, you can take a costume home for free. Or you can donate an additional $10 to the Alumni Club to take a costume if you don’t have one to contribute.
Sunday, December 7, 3:30-5:30pm – Holiday Social Hour and Photography Sessions with Just Peachy Photography
Holiday Photography Sessions
Join us for mini photography sessions with Just Peachy Photography! From 3:30pm-5:30pm on Sunday December 7, the Ohana Alumni Club will be hosting a holiday social hour and mini photo sessions, just in time for the holidays. For $40, you will receive a mini family and/or maternity photo shoot, including approximately 10 minutes of shooting, and one edited digital image for your own use. Prints and additional images will be available for purchase from Just Peachy Photography.
The background for these photos (pictured in the event photo) is a beautiful neutral winter background, with optional winter props. For your session, you are welcome to include adults only, children only, or the whole family. You will just need to specify when you pre-register for the event. For children 3 months and under, parents may be required to be in the photo at the discretion of the photographer. During time before & after your session, you are welcome to relax, enjoy refreshments, and enjoy the company of the other families in attendance.
This event is open to Alumni Club members and non-members, but we only have 12 slots available so you MUST pre-register and pre-pay to reserve your spot. Click here to sign up.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Alumni Club Chair Amber Kozawick at a.kozawick@yahoo.com.
