Conference moira::parenting

986.0. "Stow Massachusetts parents network..." by PINBOT::ERVIN () Wed Jul 19 1995 17:16

    This is a group that my wife has made use of with our first child, and
    it has worked out well for us.
    
    >>>Joe Ervin
    
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		***STOW AREA PARENT'S NETWORK***

Families with young children in Stow and surrounding towns are no longer
isolated from each other or frustrated by the lack of support and organized
activities.  In the winter of '95 the Stow Area Parents Network was formed to
bring families together and provide a much needed resource of parenting
education and services.  Last year,  Betsy Wisch, M.A., mother of two year old
Caleb, began running new mother support groups and from that pool organized a
core of volunteers to help run the network.  These services are open to anyone;
moms, dads and young ones who reside in Stow and surrounding communities.  The
network's goal is to validate the work we do as parents while building a
stronger sense of community.  

The network currently offers a variety of services which are described below. 
Most events are geared towards families with children under the age of three. 

We offer New Mom's Groups that are great for getting to know other area moms
and for discussing the many issues facing new parents.  A drop-in Play group
meets on Fridays with children ranging in age from 3 to 18 months.  We have two
Weekly Walks; one for strollers and one for snugglis and backpacks.  Both start
at Delaney Pond in Stow.  Once a month we hold a Mom's Night Out which meets at
Coffee, Tea and Melody.  This is a perfect opportunity for moms working outside
the home, as well as stay-at-home moms, to meet and chat.  We also organize
Monthly Adventures to such places as the New England Aquarium, Drumlin Farm and
local parks.

The Stow Area Parents Network also organizes Talks and Courses on various
topics including parenting, CPR, and infant massage.  All members receive a
Monthly Newsletter listing upcoming events and announcements.  And finally, we
have a baby-sitting cooperative up and running which is open to new members.

For further information about any of the Network activities, please call Betsy
Wisch (897-0231), Donna Woelki (897-8407) or Jennifer d'Entremont (897-4551).