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Preschool moms form support group
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Aut Mori Grotto clowns made balloon animals for the children attending the MOPS of Canfield kick-off carnival.
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MOPS of Canfield member Betsy Tiger and her son, Dane, were in charge of the pick-a-duck game at the MOPS kick-off carnival Saturday.
By ABBY SLANKER
MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers, of Canfield kicked off the fall with a carnival at Boardman Park’s Chester Long Pavilion Saturday.
The carnival offered free food, games and prizes for the whole family, including gift cards from local businesses and family-themed gift baskets.
According to Kelly Anzevino, MOPS special events coordinator, the carnival’s purpose was to help build awareness and promote the group and let people know MOPS is a group of moms who get together to socialize, share the joys and challenges of motherhood and support one another.
“We are there for support and to offer a break to moms. We hope this carnival helps the community learn more about the group,” said Christy Fowler, coordinator of Mentor Moms for MOPS of Canfield.
MOPS offered memberships at the carnival and, according to Anzevino, there were many new sign-ups.
Children attending the carnival were given tokens and were able to play carnival games, including bean bag toss and pick-a-duck, which were donated by rentacharacter.com and Bounce-A-Round. Aut Mori Grotto clowns also made balloon animals for the children.
The carnival also included a basket raffle with donations from local businesses. Sponsors of the group include dentists Robert F. Ohl and Doug Styka, Dunkin Donuts, Mahoning Valley Historical Society, Skate Zone, Heartland Christian School, Masterpiece of Boardman, The Robert and Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science and Technology, Old North Church, Aut Mori Grotto, Home Depot, Cornersburg Dairy Queen, State Farm, Bounce-A-Round, Panache Hair Salon, Planet Fitness, Tender Touch Carpet Cleaning, Chuck E. Cheese, Steak and Shake, Target and Walmart.
The MOPS of Canfield is open to mothers with children in kindergarten or younger, and also expectant mothers, and meets from September through May on the second Tuesday of each month from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and the fourth Tuesday of each month from 7-9 p.m. at Old North Church, which is the group’s sponsor church.
The meetings include speakers on topics that relate to mothers and families, creative activities, games, discussion groups and refreshments. The organization also offers free childcare to members during the meetings, called MOPPETS, which includes games and crafts for the children.
“This is a time for moms to get away, drink a cup of coffee and have uninterrupted time with other moms,” said Ami Lightly, coordinator of MOPS of Canfield.
To join or for more information, contact Katie Farrell at 330-360-6681 or visit Facebook - Old North Church MOPS.