| Author | Message | ||
     Maplemom |
Hi, We are moving to the area in May and I have a very active 1 year old. I am a stay-home Mom looking for some good Mommy & Me classes that will both entertain and help us to meet other moms/toddlers in the area. Any help is appreciated! Maplemom | ||
| Napes |
I don't know about Mommy and Me, but my 15-month-old takes Kindermusik, and she loves it. We've met many other parents this way. It's held several times a week at the Ethical Culture building on Prospect St. | ||
| Poster |
Well we belong to Music Together which we love. It's different than Kindermusik (and personally I like MT's philosophy better than Kindermusik) and there are Mommy and me type classes/groups offered at Overlook Hospital and the JCC - Jewish Community Center in West Orange. There are also Gymboree classes in Summit, West Orange, Montclair, etc. And the library offers some stuff too.Good luck. | ||
| Hismom |
Another good way to meet moms & kids is Mothers and More. You can get hooked up with a playgroup through them, too. | ||
| Newjackfam |
I am also the mother of a very active 1 year old, and moving to the area in late May from Brooklyn. Maybe we can compare notes. I've just started looking into pediatricians, activities, etc. I can be e-mailed at vmlorino@earthlink.net | ||
| Alidah |
The Connection in Summit has some classes for 1 year olds. About Kindermusik V. Music Together--if you're interested in music classes, check each one out. They both offer demonstration classes. Having done both, I have a strong preference for one, but don't feel like starting a Kindermusik/Music Together war  There will be lots more for your tot to do when they turn three. You'll be limited now. I've met tons of mothers in the playgrounds. Think about joining the pool, too! | ||
| Maplemom |
Hi Thanks for the helpful info! Alidah, how do you join the pool? Is it public or private, what's the name? Thanks Maplemom | ||
| Alidah |
I don't want to give you incorrect info, so it would be best to call the Maplewood Recreation Department and get the details from them. I think it's called the Maplewood Community Pool, but they'll know what you're talking about. But do call soon because the membership fills up. | ||
| Barleyrooty |
We moved here at a similar stage and found lots of support. Definitely try "Mothers and More" (flyers around) and the Newcomers Club which has playgroups, park playdates etc. The Pool is a great place too. For pediatrics we've been very happy with Dr Bender at Summit Medical Group in Short Hills. Vicky at 761-6093 does a great Mommy and Me yoga but yours may be a little young yet. Also check out Music Together, Messy Fun and Stories in Motion at a little space in S.Orange next to the sports goods store in the car park off Taylor. Good luck! | ||
| Algebra2 |
Are there any "mother's groups" geared at all toward working mothers. I have been living in town for two years and really haven't had time to meet people or make new friends. My son will be two in June, and I'm just curious. | ||
| Hismom |
Mothers and More has about an equal split of moms who work outside the home, work from home as well as stay at home moms. That's the only group I know of around here. They do park play dates, play groups as well as their meetings 2x a month. | ||
| Eliz |
How old are most of the kids in the Mothers and More group? | ||
| Maplemom |
OK, a few questions/additions... First, I know the mothers and more website is http://www.mothersandmore.com Info on Kindermusik with Susan call 973-762-3730 or email susanleone@hotmail.com Now for my questions..... Can you tell me more info on Messy Fun and The Connection in Summit, and Music Together's contact number? Info like what the classes are like and how long they run. If you have a phone or website that would REALLY be great. Again, Thank you for your enthusiastic responses and help. Maplemom | ||
| Maplemom |
Oh ya, how do I get involved with the Newcomers Club? I went to their website (from this site) and emailed the contact person a few weeks ago, no response. Also, unless I read it wrong it said they shut down for the summer months?? How inconvenient since that's when most people move to new areas. Any info on that would be helpful, too. Thanks Maplemom | ||
| Eliz |
I think they have meetings one a month - you can check the "calendar" on MOL homepage. | ||
| Barleyrooty |
Newcomers of M+SO General meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month, September through June at 7:45 p.m. at Morrow Memorial Methodist Church, 600 Ridgewood Rd. (at Baker St.) in Maplewood. Just look for the pineapple flag. Babysitting is provided free of charge at all general meetings. If you plan to bring children, please call Christina Lynch at 761-6447 by Monday 10:00pm. Our speakers at the May meeting are from the Maplewood and South Orange Public Libraries: Phyllis Kalb, Program Manager for South Orange Public Library, and Rowland Bennett, Library Director for Maplewood Memorial Library. They will speak about the libraries' various activities and programs. | ||
| Barleyrooty |
Believe it or not, Newcomers has 8 different playgroups for different pre-school age groups (including a Saturday group) + additional activities. Best place for info is the monthly meeting or contact Kathryn Reilly, Playgroup General Coordinator at 275-0303 | ||
| Lah |
The M-SO YMCA also has Gymboree type classes for one year olds. I think one is geared for kids who don't yet walk and another that is for walking until 3 years. If you're trying to meet "locals" this may be better than the Connection. The Connection has better classes, but I always found it frustrating that I was mostly meeting moms from Summit, New Providence, etc. | ||
| Maplemom |
Thanks again to all replies, I got some really helpful info! Maplemom |
