NEWS
MOMS Club Joins the March of Dimes March for Babies
On Sunday, April 26 the MOMS Club joined the March for babies from the March of Dimes at Rentschler field in East Hartford.
Every day, thousands of babies are born too soon, too small and often very sick. The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Funds raised in March for Babies support research and programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives. And they will be used to bring comfort and information to families with a baby in newborn intensive care. |
The Healthy Mama Challenge
The Healthy Mama Challenge was initially the brain-child of one of our MOMS Club members. With the ideas and support from the 14 members who signed up to participate in the challenge, an eight week transformative experience took place! Each team member focused on her own personal goals as well as weekly challenges to stay well physically, socially and emotionally. Two members became partners-in-crime to come up with silly and serious contests to keep members on their toes. At the end of the eight weeks, though we all went through our ups and downs trying to stick to our goals, this is what some of the HMC participants had to say:
"The challenge has been a reminder that I won't make a positive change unless it feels doable, and at this point, that means very small steps... And that's ok."
"I have made some healthy lifestyle changes that I have maintained throughout the challenge such as drinking more water, eating more vegetables, having a green smoothie every morning and going to bed earlier. I have also lost 15 pounds. I don't think this would have been possible without the challenge to motivate me."
"Doing this challenge made me start thinking about everything I'm doing and putting into my body. My personal challenge was to cut out all products like pasta, white breads as well as caffeine and to cut back on alcohol. This lead to me questioning more things that I do that aren't very good for me. I've now changed to non sulfate wine at home, green cleaning products, non toxic nail polish, natural shampoo and hand soaps...and on and on....so to sum it up- it kick started a decision to make huge changes in my life all around."
"The challenge has been a reminder that I won't make a positive change unless it feels doable, and at this point, that means very small steps... And that's ok."
"I have made some healthy lifestyle changes that I have maintained throughout the challenge such as drinking more water, eating more vegetables, having a green smoothie every morning and going to bed earlier. I have also lost 15 pounds. I don't think this would have been possible without the challenge to motivate me."
"Doing this challenge made me start thinking about everything I'm doing and putting into my body. My personal challenge was to cut out all products like pasta, white breads as well as caffeine and to cut back on alcohol. This lead to me questioning more things that I do that aren't very good for me. I've now changed to non sulfate wine at home, green cleaning products, non toxic nail polish, natural shampoo and hand soaps...and on and on....so to sum it up- it kick started a decision to make huge changes in my life all around."
MOMS Club Open House a Success
MOMS Club of Portland & Middletown hosted a Fun & Fitness Open house on 9/27. Geared towards providing resources for attendees to learn about adult and youth fitness, healthy eating and more.
There was face painting, raffles, information, free gifts, and free healthy snacks. Sponsors of the event included Middletown Stop and Shop, Price Chopper, It’s Only Natural, Whole foods of Glastonbury, Portland Family Dollar, Hulafrog Glastonbury, and Gottas Farm.
Vendors who were able to attend were Inner Circle Family Martial Arts, Children’s dance with Alicia Currier, Middlesex YMCA, My Life, Total Body Fitness, Beachbody Fit, Aerobic Lates, Stretch Studio, Access Agency.
Thanks to the group for a great event!
There was face painting, raffles, information, free gifts, and free healthy snacks. Sponsors of the event included Middletown Stop and Shop, Price Chopper, It’s Only Natural, Whole foods of Glastonbury, Portland Family Dollar, Hulafrog Glastonbury, and Gottas Farm.
Vendors who were able to attend were Inner Circle Family Martial Arts, Children’s dance with Alicia Currier, Middlesex YMCA, My Life, Total Body Fitness, Beachbody Fit, Aerobic Lates, Stretch Studio, Access Agency.
Thanks to the group for a great event!
A Great Youth Services Family DayEverybody had a great time at the Youth Services Family Day. The MOMS Club was so happy to participate. We raised $25 for the club, thanks to the delicious baking club members.
We also had some people signing up for the raffle of the two beautiful baskets - one of the winners was so very touched, she said that she never wins anything! |
A Great 2nd Annual Community Baby Shower, hosted by The MOMS Club of Portland & Middletown, CT.
The MOMS Club of Portland & Middletown hosted their Second Annual Community Baby Shower, on June 29 at the Portland Senior Center.
The event brought expecting mothers (and a few already new moms!) together to enjoy food, door prizes and information from local support groups like Le Leche League, Connecticut Childrens Medical Center, Middlesex Hospital, Early Head Start, Greater Hartford Women’s Health, Middlesex Hospital, Pregnancy & Birth Center, and Match Point Yoga.
A special Thank You to the businesses who made donations: Tri Town, Tritown IGA, LA Photography, Headworks of Glastonbury, Portland, Subway, On The Border, and Laurice Panzella.
The event brought expecting mothers (and a few already new moms!) together to enjoy food, door prizes and information from local support groups like Le Leche League, Connecticut Childrens Medical Center, Middlesex Hospital, Early Head Start, Greater Hartford Women’s Health, Middlesex Hospital, Pregnancy & Birth Center, and Match Point Yoga.
A special Thank You to the businesses who made donations: Tri Town, Tritown IGA, LA Photography, Headworks of Glastonbury, Portland, Subway, On The Border, and Laurice Panzella.
Great time had by all at the Scarecrow Open House
Moms and kids joined forces to build an amazing scarecrow mom (accompanied by a scarecrow toddler, 2 scarecrow babies and a scarecrow bun in the oven). For us all, making this scarecrow was a first - but we pooled all of our great ideas about how to put this crazy thing together and she turned out fabulous!! We had a few interested moms come to help out and learn about the MOMS Club, and a great time was had by all!! Thanks to all the moms who helped, donated clothing and accessories, helped plan, and contributed great ideas!!
Portland and Middletown Baby Shower for 2013 was a sweet and intimate gathering with many wonderful women.
Invitations were signed, sealed, and delivered. Sunny Hill Preschool graciously provided a discount on rented space and set us up with tables and chairs. All who attended were able to receive free resources promoting mommy, baby, and family wellness! Specifically, tips on health, birthing, breastfeeding, safety, parenting, pediatrics, and even the TDAP shot! Expecting mommies received gift bags overflowing with many free items including diapers, clothes, toys, bottles, gift certificates, and were able to pick and choose from a wealth of other free items donated to the club.
We had thirteen guests register as well as six educational speakers/vendors. The event, as promised, was as much fun for the guests as it was for the members with sandwiches donated from California Pizza Kitchen, an overflowing vegetable platter from Whole foods, water from Stop & Shop, cake from Chimirri's Bakery in Wethersfield and even one from my own kitchen too.
Thank you to all who participated! It really meant a lot to have you there providing a warm welcome to the expecting mothers, newborn, and families, (a couple daddies too!) that were able to attend. All of the final touches and last minute errands made the event a truly empowering yet relaxed environment.
We had thirteen guests register as well as six educational speakers/vendors. The event, as promised, was as much fun for the guests as it was for the members with sandwiches donated from California Pizza Kitchen, an overflowing vegetable platter from Whole foods, water from Stop & Shop, cake from Chimirri's Bakery in Wethersfield and even one from my own kitchen too.
Thank you to all who participated! It really meant a lot to have you there providing a warm welcome to the expecting mothers, newborn, and families, (a couple daddies too!) that were able to attend. All of the final touches and last minute errands made the event a truly empowering yet relaxed environment.