Smarty Mom: Jill Halverstam

I am so happy to get the honor of introducing you to Jill. She is fantastic. She shares my love of cooking (I would rather eat at her house than any other restaurant in town). She is insanely quick witted, we just need to lock glances in social situation and we are busting out laughing. She gets me. We trade recipes, work out together once a week and share the woes of being a banker’s wife. And her “Popular Girl” hair has me running to the nearest hair salon with envy.

She is a loving mother and avid volunteer, especially when it comes to her work as a board member for The Jewish Preschool on Sardis.

I was so proud of her when she told me about the event they were putting together to help combat Bullying in our schools. We all know what an issue this is with our kids. We have covered it before on CSP. Make sure you check out how to win 2 tickets to this fantastic Two-day event January 15-16, Joined In Education, where you will get the chance to meet Lee Hirsch the director of “The Bully Project”. They will cover topics like when is bullying real bullying and what you need to know about cyberspace.

The conference will help teachers to bully proof their classrooms.

Lets meet Jill and hear all about it:
Family Life? Husband/ Kids? Married to Andrew for 10 years, Oliver 6 and Ivey 3
Hometown: Columbus, GA (did I really just admit that?)
Years in Charlotte: 8 years

How did you get involved with The Joined in Education Project?

Joined In Education is a partnership with three full time Jewish educational institutions-The Jewish Preschool on Sardis, Charlotte Jewish Preschool and Charlotte Jewish Day School. These institutions recognized a need in the community for quality education for parents and teachers with respect to bullying. Last year, the three institutions worked together for the first time and sponsored a nationally recognized leader in the area, child psychologist Dr. Wendy Mogel. Over 1,500 people attended her talk in Knight Theater and workshops the following day. I am on the Board of the Jewish Preschool on Sardis and am fortunate to be involved with this very important initiative this year as we welcome the director of the powerful film “Bully”, Lee Hirsch. Also joining us will be best selling author on topics including parenting, teaching and discipline, Barbara Coloroso. Barbara has been on all the major networks and Oprah (before the new channel!). We are thrilled to have both of these inspirational leaders join us.

How do you think Bullying has changed since we were kids?

Bullying is such an important topic that crosses all socio-economic lines and is an issue that will affect all parents and our children at some point. I am not an expert, but one of the more frightening things that I have seen and read about is cyber-bullying. The Internet and social media are powerful vehicles where kids can go and make comments or share pictures without seeing the hurt of the victim. Technology is changing so quickly and once something is posted on the Internet it is there forever.

I think having a conference for teachers is a fantastic idea. What kind of information do you hope they come out of it with?

Both the workshops for parents and teachers are tremendous. The speakers are nationally recognized and the fact that we will have such a respected group in Charlotte for the conference will benefit the entire community. Teachers affect change in the classroom. Teachers will also learn easy behavior modification techniques that they can incorporate into their already busy schedules. Hopefully, teachers and parents will be able to adopt some practices to stop bullying before it begins. This is why it is so important for as many teachers and parents to attend. Kids will be kids but it is our job as parents and educators to guide them so they realize that aggressive behavior is inappropriate.

Specifically they will walk away with the words to use to positively arm kids against bullying.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could have a “kinder” environment for our kids.

Now for the fun stuff…

You are a wonderful cook. What is your favorite dish to make?

Now that the temps have dropped below 60 degrees, I will braise and roast anything that comes home from the grocery/farmers market. My last dinner party consisted of roasted beet and pistachio salad, braised short ribs with roasted cauliflower puree and roasted apple and cranberry crisp. I love cooking comfort food.

Minivan or Suv?

Currently in a suv that is in need of a little Auto Bell love.

Favorite Date Night Spot:

We adore a movie and then heading to The Wine Shop at Foxcroft.

Favorite Family dinner place:

Mellow Mushroom or Deejai Thai. You can find the Halverstam family at the Pancake House every weekend. We all order the same thing every week and many of the waitress’ tell the kids that they remember when they used to wait on us when they were in mommy’s belly. Oliver often tries to ask questions about being in my belly and we quickly tell him that he can order chocolate milk so we can change the topic.

Best kept secret about Charlotte?

When I read this question the first thing that came to my mind was the top parking deck at southpark mall between Nordstrom and Belk. Instant access into the mall and easy parking. Probably not the answer you were looking for  I also think that Charlotte is a quintessential family town.

How does your hair always look so fabulous?

Most people don’t know about my hair since I wear it in a ponytail 98% of the time. I have naturally thick hair, but I have never had a perm (that is a bold statement coming from a child of the 80’s), I dry my hair once a week and only wash it twice a week. I guess low maintenance pays off.

Guilty Pleasure?

Anything truffled, good red wine and smelly, gooey cheese.

Most important lesson your kids have taught you?

My children have taught me to listen closely, and have shown me that a laundry room full of dirty clothes is a lot less important than tea with Bitty Baby or a game of Battleship.

Be sure you check out the Joined in Education website to read all about this great event. Also if the smarty readers put “sm” in the checkout we will take 20% off of ticket sales to all events.