M.O.P.S.
A Fun Group for Mothers of Preschoolers
By Kate Hofstetter               

       Reducing the stress, uncertainty and loneliness of being a new mom are some of the reasons MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) was formed at Smith Mountain Lake in 2003.
         Terry Saul, the impetus behind the group and its team coordinator, said the club is especially helpful to mothers new to the area or who may be living away from their immediate family. MOPS is a pleasant way to help moms cope with their awesome responsibility, she said.
         “MOPS has been a great way for me to meet other young moms in the area,” said Andrea Fansler, mother to 18-month-old Sam, who moved to the Lake in 2004 from Richmond. “I’ve formed wonderful friendships and really enjoyed the meeting topics. The speakers have been great.”
         Guest speakers are invited to the monthly meetings and address such topics as child safety, discipline and other parenting concerns. Other topics might include marriage issues, health concerns or insight on that first year of school presented by a Kindergarten teacher.
         Saul said that in addition to the guest speaker, meetings also feature a creative activity such as “spa night,” which includes a massage and makeup demonstration, or a hands-on craft project “simple enough for anyone, but with appealing results.”
         Every year the group selects a “Mentor Mom,” an “older, wiser” woman who has been through early child rearing years and is available to listen or give advice and encouragement. Lea Larsen is the Mentor Mom for this year for the second consecutive year.
         MOPS meets on the second Tuesday of each month from September through May at Bethlehem United Methodist Church, across from the Moneta/SML library. Free childcare is provided for the moms so they may bring their children. The kids, known as “moppets,” are divided into age groups and appropriate activities are planned for them. The moppet coordinator is LaVonne VanAalsburg.
         During the summer months when club meetings are suspended, play dates are scheduled at local playgrounds.
         MOPS, an international organization, was started in 1973 in Colorado. Support from MOPS International has been helpful in providing ideas and information for meetings, Saul said. For additional information or to join, call 540.297.7957 and leave a message. You may visit their web site at mops.org.