Box 1642

Gracie Square Station

New York, NY 10028

PRESORTEDFIRST CLASS MAIL

US POSTAGEPAID

PERMIT 667TONAWANDA NY

SMC

ISSUE 120 • SPRING 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

“Family” — A Word Filled with Questions page 2by Heather Van Looy

The Leap from Fear page 3

To Chose, Again page 4by Cheri Tabel

Interracial Donor Children page 5by Monie

The Luck of the Irish page 6by Anonymous

A Message from Jane Mattes page 7

What’s the Buzz page 10

Arrivals page 11

Newsletter edited by Cheri Tabel — ctabel@hotmail.com

Design by Mico Promotions, Inc. — www.micopromotions.com

SMCI S S U E 1 2 0 • S P R I N G 2 0 1 2

single mothers by choice

From the Editor

It is spring, which means everything is new again! In this issuewe’re looking at making choices. Isn’t that what spring isabout, after the dark days of winter, considering what ispossible? If you have an article idea you would like to share,send an email to ctabel@hotmail.com. I am also looking forSMC members who would like to review books or family filmsand local chapters that would like to be profiled in upcomingnewsletters.

Enjoy, Cheri

2

“Family…”A WordFilled withQuestions

SMC • SPRING 2012

Before I had my son, I used tothink of myself as a mother who didn’thave a baby yet. As a child I wanted tobe a dancer, and then later that dreammorphed into becoming a lawyer. Incollege my vision turned toward arttherapy, and I finally ended up teachingin the classroom. Throughout my lifemy career ambitions have changed, butI have always known I wanted to be amother. The thought of life without achild was simply unbearable and wouldbring me to tears. In April 2011 I wasblessed with the birth of my son Carter,and I am over the moon withhappiness. That aching hole that longedfor a baby to love is no longer there, andI feel complete.

I am certain that Carter will growup happy, healthy, and secure becausehe is loved beyond belief. I have awonderful, supportive network offamily and friends, who all adore mylittle guy! I don’t worry about whetheror not he will be okay growing up in anSMC family. At the same time, though,all of the love in the world can’t changethe fact that my decision to have a babyon my own means that he will deal with

issues in his life that other kids justdon’t have to consider. Even the word“family” is a complicated issue for mylittle boy.

Lately, it seems the media is filledwith stories about sperm banks anddonor conceived children. I recentlywatched the documentary, “SpermDonor: 74 Kids and Counting” and itraised a lot of questions for me aboutwho should be a part of Carter’s family.One segment of the program followedtwo girls who discovered each other onthe Donor Sibling Registry (DSR)website. One of the girls was thedaughter of a SMC who had passedaway when she was a little girl. At theage of 18 she was living on her own andpreparing for her Senior Prom. Herhalf-sister felt badly about the fact thather sister didn’t have a mother in her lifewith whom she could share her specialday, and she wanted to do something tomake it a memorable occasion. Withthat plan in mind, she decided to flyout to surprise her. The cameras wererolling for the big day as the girls metface to face for the first time.

What struck me most about thereunion was the instantaneous bondthat these two girls shared. I wassurprised to find that they related toeach other as sisters, even though theywere strangers for most of their lives.Their genetic connection and desire forfamily ties created a closeness and lovefor one another that I foundunexpected. Of course, my thoughtsturned immediately to my preciousCarter. Would he long for siblingrelationships that the DSR couldprovide for him? On the other hand, Iwasn’t sure if I wanted to know theinformation that I might find on the

DSR. I was afraid that I might find outCarter had “74 siblings and counting.”What would that mean for our littlefamily? Would I be better off notknowing? I viewed the DSR a bit likePandora’s Box; once it was opened, Iwouldn’t be able to go back.

With that said, I kept recalling thejoy and sense of connection felt bythose two girls. I decided that I woulddo anything for my baby boy, includingputting aside my own uneasiness aboutthe DSR. I logged-on and discoveredthat Carter has 4 half-siblings listed onthe registry. All five babies were bornbetween April and June 2011. I havebeen in contact with two of thefamilies, and they have expressed aninterest in having the kids meet eachother. However, I’m still not sure whatkind of relationship I ultimately wantfrom these connections.

Should Carter and I meet his halfsiblings, as some of them would like?Should I wait to see if he expresses aninterest before doing anything, orwould he be better off just growing upknowing his “extended family?” Whatshould I tell him about these otherpeople that we share such a uniqueconnection with? When should I tellhim about them? Will he think of themas his brothers and sisters, or just asplaymates?

In short, this article is aboutquestions; questions that I don’t havethe answer to. What I know for sure isthis: Carter has a mommy who loveshim and wants to provide him with thebest. Since my need to have a baby hasleft him with a life bound to be full ofquestions, I feel a big responsibility tomake sure that I carefully consider all ofthese concerns. I want to make sure thatI give him tools that will empower himas he makes his way through life. Theseare questions that I will considercarefully with the love of a mother forher son, and I won’t act hastily as Ithink these things through.

by Heather Van Looy

I am certain that Carter will grow up

happy, healthy, and securebecause he is loved

beyond belief.

3

The Leap from Fear

For many of us, making thechoice to become a single motherrequires overcoming fear. InJanuary there was a beautifulthread on the Forum regarding a member’s question:

“I’ve thought, imagined,coveted others, wanted to pourmy love, been sad I don’t have achild but somehow that leap is so hard to take – what is it thatmade you say ‘I’m doing it’ ifyou were fearful?”

Over 20 of you respondedwith wonderful words of wisdom.

• The moment for me was the starkrealization that my child was waitingfor me to DO SOMETHING so shecould be born.

• Realizing that being absolutely,positively, 100% certain I could dothis wasn't a requirement, but havingfaith that I wanted it enough that Iwould make it work and figure it outalong the way.

• If it helps, I just started. I didn’t look atit as “this is going to result in a baby!”so much as “let me take it step by stepand we'll see what happens.”… Takelittle steps. Pause if you need to. But Ithink just getting started can help clearaway some of the fog and help youknow whether you’re moving in theright direction, or not. It’s easy to getfrozen in place.

• Turning 40 and deciding I don’t wantit to be all about me anymore. I want afamily that’s me, my dog and a child.

• For me, the fear of taking the leap wasoutweighed by the fear of never beinga mother, dying alone, never havinggrown children, and grandchildren.Of not having any of it.

• For me, it was when I realized theonly thing holding me back was thefear that my family and friendswouldn’t be supportive or wouldthink conceiving with a sperm donorwas just too strange. So my taking theleap was telling my best friend. Shewas very supportive. So I told mysister. Also supportive. Then I told myother sister. And my mom, and onand on... Of course they're allsupportive!

THETRUSTEDCHOICEFOR

DONORSPERM

(800) 338-8407 • www.fairfaxcryobank.comFairfax, VA Austin, TX Philadelphia, PA

FAIRFAX CRYOBANK FAMILY FORUMSAND SIBLING REGISTRYJoin our online community to ask questions, share stories and meet others who used the same donor.

OUR PREGNANCY PLEDGETMoffers you a free vial if you are not pregnant(see full program guidelines online.)

CHECK DONOR MEDICAL STATUSthe only sperm bank that lets you check online if there is an increased risk to other offspring.

JUST FOR SMC MEMBERS! $50 OFF!You can purchase any donor information item and get $50 off. Use special coupon code ‘SMC50’ when you order online or by phone.

FAIRFAX CRYOBANK FAMILY FORUMSAND SIBLING REGISTRYJoin our online community to ask questions, share stories and meet others who used the same donor.

OUR PREGNANCY PLEDGETMoffers you a free vial if you are not pregnant(see full program guidelines online.)

CHECK DONOR MEDICAL STATUSthe only sperm bank that lets you check online if there is an increased risk to other offspring.

JUST FOR SMC MEMBERS! $50 OFF!You can purchase any donor information item and get $50 off. Use special coupon code ‘SMC50’ when you order online or by phone.

This is one of my favoritepictures of Jackson. It was takenwhen he was three days old. Heand I were both still in thehospital, me recovering from anemergency c-section anduncontrollable high bloodpressure; him, needing to be“stabilized” before being releasedfrom the hospital. When I took thispicture, it was just he and I in myhospital room. It was late afternoon andthe sun hit his face just right. I love thispicture for many reasons, but mainly Ilook at it and see perfection ineverything about him that was meant tobe.

My parents will tell you, I was neververy good at decision-making. Thateverything was fine and dandy for me,as a child, up through my senior year ofhigh school, because pretty much anydecision-making was limited. Mytoughest choices were what to wear toschool each day and who to go to thefootball game with on Friday nights.

After high school, I floundered. Iwent to three universities (one of themtwice) before graduating. I changed jobsfour times in the first two years aftergraduating with a bachelor’s degree. Andrelationships were never easy – one day Iadored the guy, the next day I was afraidof committing.

But the choice to be a mom wasone that never confounded me.The decision to become a single

mother by choice is not easy. Each of usconsider single mother-hood differentlyas we reflect upon the multitudes offactors: finances, emotions, logistics,what will people think, what will my

family think, work, relationships – thelist goes on and on.

And then once the decision is made,even more decisions are needed: toconceive on our own or adopt?Anonymous sperm donation, open IDor known donor? Deliver throughnatural childbirth or have an epidural?To circumcise or not?

And I conquered each one like achamp. No one and nothing would getin the way of me and my dream.

And then comes the easy part,right?

A million little choicesI thought once I had my child, the

choosing part of the “single mother bychoice” would be over. <insert laughterhere>

In the past seven and a half yearssince Jackson was born, my daily life hasbeen nothing but choices:

• Diapers• Daycares• Babysitters• Schools• Extracurricular activities• Doctors• Medications• Religion• Food• Clothing

• Toys• Haircuts• Babysitters• Television viewing• Books to read• Movies to watch• Playdates• Birthday parties• Vacations

You name it, each day there aredozens of little decisions necessary forhim, for me, for us, to get through theday.

And I wouldn’t have it any otherway.

Being a single mom by choice isn’tfor everyone. Being a mother isn’t foreveryone. We all have our own path. Forme, though, making this choice andchoosing this path was the right one. Ithas made me a better person.

I wish I could tell you that sincehaving Jackson, choices are easier for menow, but they’re not. I’m still the lastone to order in a restaurant, and Iusually have to ask the waitperson’sopinion on what I should have. I canstand in the bread aisle for hours,comparing ingredients and nutritionalvalue. And to alleviate my morningangst over what to wear, I limit mychoices to what is clean and hanging inthe closet.

I look at the photo and seevalidation of my choice.I have copies of this photo in many

places at work and at home. Looking atit takes me back to when I took thephoto on a sunny, September day, whenmy son and I were just starting ourjourney together and I’m reminded ofthe power of choice.

4

SMC • SPRING 2012

To Chose, Again by Cheri Tabel

5

Interracial Donor Children by Monie

Explaining the minority experienceis not easy when you aren’t a minority. Iam a minority. My experience is directlyattributed to the racial climate I grewup with, my family and education.How do I explain to my child why theirdonor is white? The age-old saying is,"if you have an ounce of black in you,you are black.” Interracial children candefinitely have identity issues.

What if you look white and can bemistaken for white? This is not a newissue. It was very well depicted in the1959 movie, “The Imitation of Life.”The black maid's daughter lookedwhite and was suffering with identityissues. She wanted to be white, becauseshe saw that white people's lives werebetter than blacks. If she separatedherself from her mother, no one wouldknow she was black. It was a very sadstory.

This issue has been the topicamongst several of my minority singlemothers by choice friends. Most ofthese women never thought they wouldever have to make the choice to be asingle mother. It was a long hardprocess for me to accept this option. Ihad to mourn the dream of having amarriage before the baby carriage.

Once I dealt with all the emotionsand the choice made, one of the nextsteps was picking a sperm donor. Thereis a small percentage of minority spermdonors compared to the percentage ofwhite donors — not a small percentageof any particular minority, but of allminorities in general. To me personallythis is not a big issue as I had twointerracial grandparents. My family willbe more accepting of the race of thechild then how the child was conceived.

I had a conversation about thiswhen I was talking to other minoritysingle mothers by choice and how theypicked their donors. A Latina SMCmom was happy to get her hands onLatino sperm. Another AfricanAmerican woman was trying to hold onto her African American sperm becauseher donor was no longer donating. A

friend and I went through many spermbanks trying to find her more AfricanAmerican open ID sperm.

The best explanation I've heardabout this issue came from a woman inthe movie "Plan B." She was Caucasianand picked Caucasian sperm. Shethought the child already didn’t have afather, and was conceived with donorsperm, and she didn’t want to give thechild another issue to have to deal with.

I remember watching a discussionof this on "Donahue” years ago, whichwas one of the first talk shows to openlydiscuss it. There were black women on

the panel that had children withwhite men. Their children lookedwhite. One of the women talked aboutwhen her baby was in the hospitalnursery, and she asked the nurse tobring her child to her, the nurse told herno black babies were born that day.Another woman told about a timewhen she was in the park with herchildren, and a woman came up to herand asked her about her nanny services.

This whole SMC process is a seriesof hard choices. It is a reality that this isone of them for minority SMCs.

6

SMC • SPRING 2012

On Saint Patrick’s Day two yearsago, towards the end of a busy work day,my mother busted me for frozen sperm.I was moving around a lot at the time,and had had all my mail forwarded toher house. If there is one thing that myretired librarian mother is good at, it’skeeping track of things. So I get thisemail from her, quite different from herusual updates (for example, sheinexplicably sends my brother and Idetailed records of everything that sheeats). She had meticulously typed outthe entire contents of a document thathad come for me in the mail, including atypo and the return address. It was a billfor the annual storage costs of a fairlylarge batch of frozen sperm. I hadforgotten to contact them to change mymailing address to a friend’s, and mymother was now in possession of ahighly incriminating document, andworst of all I had no one to blame butmyself.

My staff was asking me all sorts ofquestions about a project, I’m trying toact normal, but I stare at the computerscreen trying to figure out how on earthto respond. Total blank and I’d promised

my running club to get to an Irish pubearly and hijack a big table for everyone.I decided to reply to my mother when Igot home that evening, knowing whatkind of shape I’d be in after a SaintPatrick’s Day pub crawl with the guys.So there I am parked at a huge emptytable, with a cold Guinness and anextraordinarily awkward email to answer.The running club guys trickle in as theyget off work and then finally, at lastanother woman shows up.

“Psst! Holly! I need to talk to younow!”

And I go on to explain that mymother has busted me for a stash offrozen sperm (who, helpfully, I’venicknamed Ace for “ace in the hole”).“Oh!” she squeaks. “Oh! These areModern Girl Problems. You needanother drink.”

I knew Holly would say just theright thing. We go back to the table andHolly cracks up hysterically every timeshe glances my way.

Okay, so now it’s 11 p.m., I’mactually not too worse for the wear, andI have an email to answer. I arrive homeand discover I’ve managed to lose mykeys, and my housemate Lisa isn’t home,nor is she answering her phone. Ohyeah, this night is getting better andbetter. I literally have nowhere to go, butto a party and further celebrate St.Patrick’s Day. Lisa is totallyincommunicado, but other friends arethere who respond to my crisis bylaughing and buying me more drinks.

Somewhere around 3 a.m. I finallymanage to get a hold of Lisa to let meinto the apartment. Morning comes. Onautopilot while waiting for coffee tobrew oh-so-painfully slowly, and beforeeven showering I check my email. Mycomputer is set to automatically log meinto Skype, and before the screen evenbrightens my mother is calling me on it.She has clearly been parked in front ofthe computer, staring at it unmoving,like my cat does when there is a mousebehind the kitchen cupboard, waitingfor my log-in so that she can POUNCE.And there I am onscreen, stumblingaround with a raging hangover, hair likea hornet’s nest and that special slept-in-

smudged-mascara look. I think shecould actually smell the stale mint beeron my breath over the internet. We aretalking the model of responsible singlemotherhood here.

Becoming an SMC is an enormousdecision that no one takes lightly; it isone born, so to speak, by the deepest ofsoul searches and painful stocktaking ofyour life, your options, your dreams, andyour beliefs about yourself and others.And unlike for heterosexual marriedcouples, it is not a decision that isautomatically celebrated by others. Howand when to tell your family about yourdecision to pursue this extraordinarypath is sensitive, often loaded, andapproached delicately. All of the SMCbooks discuss this at length, and it’s anendless topic of discussion on themembers-only forum. My example ishow not to go about it.

And here I am, two years later,expecting my baby girl any day now, andI’ve got my fingers crossed she’s aredhead like me and that anonymousIrish donor I bought online. I’m so verygrateful to be part of the first generationof women with both the technology andthe social space to pursue singlemotherhood on my own with integrity.

by Anonymous

The Luck of the Irish

SMC DONATION

If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to SMC,we are a non-profit 501.3corganization. You can send a check(SMC, PO Box 1642, NY NY10028) or donate anywhere on theSMC website by clicking on the"Donate" button. We appreciate alldonations, large or small and wewill send you a letter ofacknowledgement promptly afterwe receive your donation.

Becoming an SMC is an enormous decisionthat no one takes lightly;

As you may know, I've beenworking with a TV documentarycompany to produce a show about theprocess of becoming an SMC, andthings are moving along. I've met withthe people involved several times now,and I'm very impressed with theirplans for the show -- they want to showseveral upbeat, positive thinkers whoare celebrating their choice to becomea single mom and who are involvedwith a supportive single mothers bychoice community as they go throughtheir journey -- and I would like tohelp them in any way I can. To do that,I really need your help.

We're currently working on thecasting of the show, which is the mostcrucial part. A young woman from theproduction company would love totalk to you and/or come to visit somechapter meetings to talk to yourchapter about the show. It would bewonderful if she could visit as manychapters as possible. She understandsconfidentiality and privacy, and willtotally respect that. No one will beobligated to go beyond the point of aninitial contact unless they are interestedin doing so, and if you decide toparticipate, you will not have youridentity revealed in any way until you

actually become a mother. (Adoptionor conception are both fine for theshow.)

Can you help? I would reallyappreciate it, as this show is something that could really help us toeducate the public about who we are.Let me know? mattes@pipeline.com ismy email address.

If you want to write to Beccadirectly, her email is Becca Mondshein<becca@OffTheFence.com>

Announcement from Jane Mattes

7

8

SMC • SPRING 2012

7

The SMC Forum is an onlinediscussion site for our members wherepeople can hold conversations in theform of posted messages. Whether youare thinking about becoming a SingleMother by Choice or are trying toconceive or preparing to adopt; whetheryou are pregnant or are already amother, you will find a welcomingcommunity here.

Forum discussions include subjectsdedicated to every aspect of the SMCjourney. The messages are divided upinto various sub-forums covering topicsdedicated to all stages of parenting, aswell as practical matters, like sharingtips on dating, budgeting, householdmaintenance, recipes, and much more.Within each sub-forum, members maystart individual threads to ask questionsor discuss issues of interest to them andother SMCs.

The Forum is a place to get 24/7support and information from othermembers who are going through thesame things, and from those who havebeen through them already. To protectyour privacy, membership in the SMCForum is restricted to those who areregistered members of SMC.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR JOINING THE FORUM

In order to participate on theforums, you will need to create a newaccount. To register, please go tohttp://forums. singlemothersbychoice.com. Click "register" and follow thedirections.

Create a user name and password.Your user name will be visible on all ofyour posts. Write down your user nameand password as you will need them.

To complete registration you mustfill in the text box marked "address".Your name and address cannot be seenby other members, but this informationallows us in the SMC office to confirmyour membership.

You will be notified by email whenyour account "goes live." After youregister, there will be a short delay inbeing able to access the boards untilyour request is processed, usually lessthan 24 hours. Once you get a secondnotice of activation from the forum,you're good to go, and if you'd like topost an introduction, there is anIntroductions thread under many of thetopics where you can do that. Enjoy!

If you have trouble registering,please email the Listmamas at

SMC-listmamas-all@yahoogroups.com and describe the problem.

JOIN the SMC DISCUSSION FORUM

SMC now has a blog! It can be found at:http://singlemothersbychoice.blogspot.com/

The posts are from members, me and interested others, so if there's something you'd like to post, send it to me (mattes@pipeline.com)and let me know how you want it to be signed, or if you want it to be anonymous. The blog is public and available to be read by anyone,so keep that in mind. No particular length is required. And remember that we also would love to get newsletter articles from our membersfor the newsletter, which is aimed at our membership, rather than the general public.

9

The primary purpose of the CP is to welcome new members of SMC and to let them know what is happening on thelocal level. The CP assists in setting up organizational meetings for new members and organizes local chapter meetings.The roles and responsibilities of a local chapter are distributed amongst those who are interested in having an activechapter. If you’re interested, contact the SMC office at smc-office@pipeline.com.

Nancy Nisselbaum is a new CP in New York City. She canbe reached at (718) 897-3413 or nancyjane_98@yahoo.com.

Heather Woods is a new CP for South Bend, IN. She can bereached at hlwwoodsce@aol.com or (574)233-3042.

Traci Kodeck is a new CP for Baltimore, MD. She can bereached at bettylouise1@yahoo.com or (410)627-4234.

Sara Kustan is a new CP for Norwich, CT. She can bereached at petunia375@aol.com or (203)685-0751.

Trish Ingraham is the new CP for Ohio, specifically theCleveland/Akron/Canton area; Trish's email is:TRICIA676@hotmail.com.

Jen Kulak is a new CP for the Philadelphia, PA area. She canbe reached at jenkulak@hotmail.com or (610)955-3376.

Dulcie MacQueen is a new CP for Livonia, MI. She can bereached at dulcie315@msn.com or 561-351-8436.

Dawn Peters is a new CP for Sandy, UT. She can be reachedat (801)455-4072 or az0425@hotmail.com

Caitlin Maloney is the new CP for Rhode Island –maloney.caitlinm@gmail.com .

Debbie Carlo is the new CP in the Dallas/Ft.Worth, Texasarea – DEBCARLO1973@gmail.com.

WANT TO BE A CONTACT PERSON FOR SMC IN YOUR AREA?

10

SMC • SPRING 2012

What’s the Buzz

• DVD of panel with Grown Children of SMCs: What was it like to grow up in anSMC family?

• DVD of panel on Looking for Genetic Roots: All children have questions abouttheir genetic heritage. How aboutours? (Donor Sibs: Wendy andRyan Kramer; Bio-families: JoniMantell; Research: Rosanna Hertz)

• DVD of panel with Moms of Grown SMC Children: How do they view being an SMCnow that their children are grown?

• DVD of a talk by Jane Mattes,Founder and Director of SMC:What We Have Learned — ThePast 30 Years. How does growingup in an SMC family impact thechildren and how can we help themto best deal with it?

30th Anniversary Celebration Panels DVDsEach DVD is $30 and the four DVDs as a set are $99.

AnniversaryCommemorative Key Ring Buy a limited edition SMC 30thAnniversary Key Ring

To commemorate our 30th anniversary,we made a limited edition SMC KeyRing. This is a silver key ring with ourlogo, in either green or black, on a whitebackground. Once these are sold, therewill not be any more manufactured, thesewill only be available for as long assupplies last. The SMC key rings are $10each, including shipping & handling, ortwo for $15.

Order now!

If you don’t want to pay online, send a check to: SMC, PO Box 1642, NY NY 10028.Visit http://www.singlemothersbychoice.org/materials/ to order the DVDs or key ring.

Arrivals

11

Remember to notify us when you become a mother! If you have someone new in the house please send the information to ctabel@hotmail.com.

Saralyn Klein is pleased to announce the birthof her second child – Madeline Rose Klein –born 5-9-11. Her sister Rebecca is thrilled tohave a little sister. We are indeed the Klein girls.

Jossie Acosta is proud to announce the birth toher daughter, Emma Rose. She was born onher due date, July 25, 2011 at 11:15pm, inMorristown, New Jersey and weighed 7 lbs., 3oz. and 20 1/4 inches long. Emma is a littleangel sent from heaven and her Mom's dreamcome true.

My name is Eileen Fredes and I've been amember for about two years. When I joined, Iwas just a thinker, but I have since become amom to a beautiful baby boy named JorgeAntonio, (via IUI with sperm donor) bornSept. 27, 2011.

SMC Founder and Director: Jane MattesAssistant to the Director: Lynn Peterson

Graphic Designer: Eric MarchNewsletter Editor: Cheri Tabel

This newsletter is published quarterly bySingle Mothers by Choice Inc., anonprofit founded in 1981. Annualsubscriptions to this newsletter areincluded free with a membership ($55for first year, $35 for renewal) or bysubscription at $25 per year. Giftsubscriptions are available. We are anonprofit 501(c) corporation, anddonations are tax deductible to the extentallowed by law.

We welcome submissions of originalmaterial. All material is published at thediscretion of SMC and may be edited.SMC claims sole editorial authority andresponsibility for the contents. Articlespublished in this newsletter represent theviews of the author and not necessarilythat of SMC. Send submissions to CheriTabel at the SMC office or by email toctabel@hotmail.com.

Work published in the SMC Newsletteris intended for distribution to SMCmembers only. Authors retain the rightsto their work and may use their ownwork in any form without the permissionof SMC. SMC may ask if it can re-publish authors articles in future SMCpublications for distribution to SMCmembers. SMC will not publishnewsletter writings in any other format(such as on the web, in anotherpublication, etc.) without written orverbal permission from the author.

The SMC Newsletter acceptsadvertising. Please call or email for rates.

Jane Mattes, CSW, the publisher of thenewsletter, is the founder of SMC andauthor of Single Mothers by Choice: AGuidebook for Single Women Who AreConsidering or Have Chosen Motherhood.Jane is also a psychotherapist and can bereached at (212) 988-0993, atmattes@pipeline.com, or at the SMCoffice at Box 1642, Gracie SquareStation, New York, NY 10028.

Entire contents copyright © 2011,Single Mothers by Choice Inc. All rightsreserved.

Newsletter design:Mico Promotions, Inc.www.micopromotions.com