Moms and Tots

CONTACT: Kathy Mastriano ♦ (908) 696-8499♦ kmastriano@verizon.net

Six mothers, who met by chance at local parks, founded Moms and Tots in 1984 as a vehicle for socializing their preschool children and reaching out to other mothers for advice, support and companionship. Several were parishioners of Saint James and thanks to Monsignor Capik, they began to run the playgroup in chapel auditorium. Over the years, the group has grown through word-of-mouth and notices in the church bulletin. We are particularly indebted to Saint James Church for allowing us to use the parish facilities. To that end, we annually hold a bake sale, donating all the proceeds to the church.

All other activities are designed for the sole benefit of our children. They are the most important part of the group. The Saint James Moms and Tots playgroup is parent-run and gives moms and dads with children ages birth through preschool a chance to socialize and participate in constructive play. The group meets on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the chapel auditorium. Playgroup consists of approximately one hour of free play followed by 20 minutes of organized activity such as songs and instruments, Play Doh, or parachute time.

Field trips are also offered. Among these are a hayride, story time at the library, an airport tour, pony rides, firehouse tour, trips to local playgrounds, and a tour at the Environmental Center. There are also holiday parties and a year-end family picnic. Visiting musicians, dancers, and magicians come a few times a year to perform and entertain the children and their parents.

Moms and Tots also promotes service through projects like the annual toy drive, food drives, and seasonal visits to the Somerset Hills Adult Day Care Center.

New members are always welcome. Our mission today is the same as it was in 1984: To create a welcoming, fun and wholesome opportunity for moms (and dads!) and their tots to interact with each other and to meet new people who share their values.

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. — Psalm 127:3