Support for Moms!

In it Together
Support for Moms

Women need other women in the upcoming year more than ever. Family is not always close, grandparents are still working full-time, and neighborhood helping hands are not what they could be. Whether you are looking for breastfeeding advice, a mom’s night out, or some playgroup time, reach out to other women who can make all of the difference in your life (and your child’s) in the new year.

Please help baystateparent make this list grow in 2010. E-mail a helpful support group in your area to editor@baystateparent.com

Happy New Year!


BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT THROUGH MOTHER-TO-MOTHER ASSISTANCE

Mothers & Company provides a warm and nurturing environment for families to connect with each other and grow together. Feel free to drop-in to breastfeeding support in West Boylston on Mondays from 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. mothersandcompany.com
La Leche League of Worcester will meet on Jan. 12 at the Blessed Sacrament Church’s Phelan Center on 551 Pleasant Street in Worcester from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. This group offers information and support to have a better breastfeeding experience. Join in a discussion of breastfeeding myths and facts and receive mother-to-mother support. Babies and children are welcome. Gently used maternity clothes will be on sale for just one dollar per piece. For more information, call 508-735-8616 or visit llleus.org/web/WorcesterMA.html.


CONNECTING AND SOCIALIZING WITH OTHERS MOMS WHO UNDERSTAND
Chelmsford Mothers Club helps mothers of children age 5 and under feel supported and connected as they make their journey into motherhood. Members include residents of Chelmsford and surrounding towns, including Lowell, Billerica, Tyngsboro, Dunstable, Tewksbury, Acton, and Westford. Members do not have to reside in Chelmsford; members from all communities welcome. Annual dues are $25. Visit chelmsfordmothersclub.org
The MOMS Club® of Millbury is a local chapter of an international support group for stay-at-home parents in the Millbury and Grafton communities. Every month they offer a variety of kid-friendly activities including fieldtrips, playground outings, themed and age-based playgroups, and family fun days as well as mom’s night out. Annual dues are $25 and monthly socials are held on the second Wednesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. Anyone interested in more information can contact Caryn at athenacaryn@gmail.com or Danielle at dbrochu@charter.net.

The MOMS Club® of Montachusett meets in Ashburnham and welcomes mothers in Gardner, Westminster, Ashburnham, Winchendon and Athol. They provide kids activities, moms social time, refreshments, and so much more. For meeting times, contact 978-334-8789 or montachusett-moms.com.

Editor’s Note: To find a MOMS Club® (Moms Offering Moms Support) closest to you, visit momsclub.org.


Mothers and More Framingham meets the 2nd Monday and the last Wednesday of each month from 7:30 to 9 p .m. at Whitney Place Assisted Living Residence, Three Vision Drive, Rt. 9 West, Natick. Learn something new, bond with other moms, or just take a break for a few hours. Non-mobile infants welcome. Visit mothersandmoreframingham.com for more info.


WarmLines welcomes first-time mothers to their free New Babies/New Moms group in Newton. Moms will meet on Wednesdays at 225 Nevada Street from 1 – 2:30. Meetings are free, but moms must pre-register for this six-week session at 617-244-4636 or warmlines.org.

Mothers and More Assabet Valley offers snacks, conversation, and meeting topics at Whitney Place, 238 West Main Street in Northborough. Meetings are held the 2nd Thursday of each month from 7 – 9 p.m. Non-mobile infants welcome. Visit mothersandmoreassabetvalley.org.
Mothers & Company provides a warm and nurturing environment for families to connect with each other and grow together. Feel free to drop-in to their New Moms Group in West Boylston on Mondays from 12 – 1:15 p.m., Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. – 12 :15 p.m., and Fridays, 1 – 2:15 P.M. Your first visit is free. mothersandcompany.com


HELPING EACH OTHER THROUGH CANCER
This ongoing cancer support group provides an opportunity for men and women of all ages and with all types of cancers to gather together and offer one another support. The group will meet monthly to discuss common issues, experiences, and resources. This is a one-hour support group facilitated by a licensed social worker. Meets the first Tuesday of each month, beginning February 2, 2010; 4-5 p.m., in the Donaldson Conference Room at Emerson Hospital, Concord.
Contact Brianne Carter, LCSW, at 978-287-3189 with any questions and/or to register.


NETWORKING WITH OTHER WOMEN
The Newton Mothers' Forum regularly meets at the Longwood Cricket Club on 564 Hammond Street in Chestnut Hill for dinner and speakers. Dinner and the speaker are free for members, $30 for non-members. Contact: Rebecca at 617-332-3632 or Cindy at newtonmoms@yahoo.com.

Women’s Club Swans is a social club and networking group for women.
The group will meet on March 18 at McGoverns on the Water, 310 Shove St., Fall River from 6 - 9 p.m. Swans is open to all women interested in an evening of fun and inspiration and connecting with other women. Good for moms who need a night out as this is a great opportunity to connect with other women! Enjoy dinner and an inspiring speaker, Joanie Winberg, who will share "5 Tips on How to Enjoy a Happy Relationship and Keep it That Way.” Fee is $30 for non-members (includes dinner). Contact 401-694-1284, or wcswans.com.

PARENTING KIDS WITH EMOTIONAL NEEDS AND THE CHALLENGING CHILD
This weekly, on-going support group is for parents of children with emotional needs. It meets on Thursdays at Y.O.U. Inc. on 205 School St. in Gardner at 6:30 p.m. Visit youinc.org or contact Kathy Hamelin at 978-630-4918 x 38 or hamelink@y.o.u.inc.org for information.
Y.O.U. Inc’s Worcester branch is located on 81 Plantation St. in Worcester, and meets on Tuesdays from 12-1:15 p.m. Groups are in Spanish and English. There is no fee. 508-849-5600 x 260. Ask for Francine.

Parenting A Challenging Child is a new group facilitated by Parenting Solutions of6 Colonial Drive in Westborough. The group will meet on January 26 from 6 - 7:30 pm
This ongoing monthly group provides support and strategies for parenting children with the more difficult temperaments. Cost to attend is $30 per person and $45 for a parenting couple.
508-366-7557 or parentingsolutionsprograms.com


RAISING CHILDREN HOLISTICALLY
The Holistic Moms Network Boston/North Shore Chapter meets regularly at 1005 Osgood Street in North Andover. Meeting begin at 7 p.m.The Holistic Moms Network is a non-profit support and discussion network for moms with an interest in natural/holistic and alternative health and parenting. For more information contact: holisticmomsnetwork@gmail.com
or visit holisticmoms.org.

SUPPORTING CHILDREN WITH ALOPECIA
The Children's Alopecia Project Support Group was incorporated as the only non-profit devoted specifically to children living with alopecia. Their goal is to generate awareness of the disease, build self-esteem via support group participation for children, and provide support to the CAP kids and their friends and family. Meetings are held bi-monthly at the Newton Wellesley Hospital. The next meeting is Sat., Jan. 9 from 2 – 4 p.m. For more information, visit childrensalopeciaproject.org or contact Cindy at cindy@childrensalopeciaproject.org.



WORKING THROUGH DIVORCE
A new support group for divorcing and divorced parents will be held on the 2nd Thursday of the month from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at 6 Colonial Drive in Westborough. Sessions are $30 each and led by Sylvia Sirignano, Ph.D., a developmental psychologist and divorce mediator.
To register, contact 508-366-7557 or visit parentingsolutionsprograms.com.




We are all in this together! Show your support for another mom in the new year by emailing us a helpful moms’ organization in your area: editor@baystateparent.com.

Winners to the January 31st Worcester Sharks Game!

Congratulations to the following readers who won family four-packs to the
Worcester Sharks' Jan. 31st game featuring Twilight werewolf, Chaske Spencer!

David Mc Barron of Auburn

and

Michele Murch of Hubbardston

Lee Jeans Slender Secret Jeans

Some of the winners of baystateparent's LEE Slender Secret jeans giveaway are:

Michelle Trudeau of Webster
Shelly Fietz of Fitchburg
Veronica Gold of Worcester
Tracy Poplawski, Webster


baystateparent gave away 20 pairs of LEE jeans in all.
Congratulations ladies!

Appetizer Ideas for Holiday Parties

Struggling with what to bring to your holiday parties? Here are two very easy appetizers that you might want to consider. If you are really short on time and energy, what always seems to be a hit, is a pretty platter of store-bought chocolate-covered pretzels (Trader Jo's is great!). Do you have any ideas for easy appetizers? Comment here.

Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Cook and cool 2 chicken breasts (or more). Shred the chicken into pieces.

Mix 1 cup of Frank's hot sauce
1/2 cup of Marie's Blue Cheese dressing (found in the lettuce section)
1 brick of cream cheese
Mix 2 cups of cheddar jack cheese (shredded) and shredded chicken together

Put in an oven-safe dish for 20 minutes at 250
Serve with tortilla chips


Granny Smith Apple Dip

Spread a block of cream cheese onto a serving platter.
Warm a tub of T. Marzetti carmel apple dip (found in produce section) until warm.
Drizzle and spread on the cream cheese.
Sprinkle granola on top.
Cut up granny smith apples and place around the edges for dipping!

Old Sturbridge Village: Twelve Nights of Christmas

Bonnie Mousseau won two free tickets (worth $28/both) for Old Sturbridge Village's "Twelve Nights of Christmas" Dec. 17 - 20 from 4 - 9 p.m.
Join our facebook page if you'd like to stay updated on freebies (posted several times per week). Just search " baystateparent Magazine."

Hotel for Dogs and Monster Vs. Aliens

Congrats to the latest DVD winners. Pick up every issue of baystateparent because
we give away the latest DVDs....


Hotel for Dogs DVD:

Austion Comeras, Natick
Brett Dickhaut, Oxford
Amanda Kasper, Ashby

Monsters vs. Aliens DVD:

Maria Martin, Waltham
Tristan Ohler, Acton
Exodus Gonzalez, Worcester
Bella Kristina Calnana, Whitinsville

First Concerts that will Rock their World: Great Shows in Central Mass

Sat., Jan. 9

Girl Authority in Concert. West Boylston Middle/High School, 125 Crescent St., West Boylston. 3:30 p.m.
Pop songs and dancing by a talented 9-girl singing group. All girls are from Massachusetts. A great first concert for girls of all ages!
girlauthority.com. $12 per person. Seating is general admission. For advance ticket information, visit wbaf.org.
Snow date: Sun., Jan. 10 at 3:30 p.m.

Fri., Jan. 29
Michael and Marisa in Concert. West Boylston Middle/High School, 125 Crescent St., West Boylston.
6:30 p.m. Massachusetts brother and sister music duo performing classic rock, pop and original songs. A great first concert for all ages!
michaelandmarisa.com. $12 per person. Seating is general admission. For advance ticket info: wbaf.org.
Snow date: Sat., Jan. 30, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Good to Know:
* Take $2 off each ticket if you attend both shows.
* Shows are open to families in all communities.

Live Nativity December 5th in Hopkinton

Community Covenant Church of Hopkinton will host their annual Live Nativity Saturday night, December 5th from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. The church is located on the corner of West Elm and South Streets. The event is free and the public is invited to attend.

The Live Nativity features volunteers playing the roles of the holy family, wise men, shepherds, and angels. Sheep, goats, donkeys, horses, and rabbits will be grazing nearby, and children will be singing carols intermittently throughout the event. Complimentary cocoa, coffee, and cookies will be offered in the fellowship hall.

A collection for “Project Just Because” will occur that evening as well. Donations of canned food items, winter hats, scarves, mittens, and jackets may be placed in the wooden sleigh in the church’s yard. All donations will benefit the need for food and warm clothing as winter approaches.

Please come experience the true meaning of Christmas. For more information, please visit our church web site at comcovhop.org, or call the church office at 508/435-3723.