MFA Programs
The Maynard Family Association has a variety of ongoing programs for children and parents alike. If you are interested in any of the below programs, please e-mail the contact person for further information.
- Playgroups
Playgroups are a great opportunity for both children and parents to socialize. MFA playgroups meet once a week at a designated time in a member's house on a rotating basis. Groups are either infants, toddlers, preschoolers or a mix. Each group consists of four to seven families. Most groups meet in the morning for about two hours, but there are a couple of afternoon groups. Groups are continually forming, so join at any time during the year.
Contact Person - Pam Leskovac - playgroups@maynardfam.org
- Future Classmates
The purpose of the program is to get kids who will be the same grade level in school to get to know each other over the years before they start kindergarten. For this upcoming year, we're going to try to plan 4 quarterly events for each group. (one fall, one winter, etc.) We are going to plan the events on weekends to accommodate as many families as possible. When they enter kindergarten, your children (and you!) will be able to recognize some friendly faces.
Contact People - For Kindergarten 2008 Liz Ward - classmates08@maynardfam.org
For Kindergarten 2009 Colleen McGary-Smith - classmates09@maynardfam.org
For Kindergarten 2010 Jill Pierantozzi - classmates10@maynardfam.org
For Kindergarten 2011 Jennifer Cooper Ulbaldino - classmates11@maynardfam.org
For Kindergarten 2012 Audra Kaplan - classmates12@maynardfam.org
- Storytime
Join us for the MFA's monthly story and craft time at the library. We meet the second Friday of each month at 10:15 for stories and a related craft. The program is geared toward toddlers and preschoolers, but all ages are welcome to attend. (The MFA sponsored storytime is separate from the library's weekly storytime.) Storytime is free, but please register by email by the Monday before each session so we can plan for craft supplies.
Contact Person - Jill Pierantozzi - storytime@maynardfam.org
- Babysitting Co-op
Dreaming of a night on the town with your spouse, or just some time by yourself but don't know a sitter or can't afford one? Join the co-op and have an experienced parent take care of your child(ren).The MFA Babysitting Coop provides free babysitting among its 20 member families. Families trade babysitting services for poker chips, reciprocating with other families in the group. We have quarterly meetings and four fun family events, such as Pizza Night and Pot Luck BBQ.
Contact Person - Kristy Bouley - babysitting@manyardfam.org | Enrollment Form | Fact Sheet
- Mom's Night Out (MNO)
Moms' Night Out is a monthly date for MFA members and friends to get out and socialize without the kids. We usually meet the third week of the month on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday at 7:30 p.m. We welcome all familiar and new faces to join us for our monthly outing - it's a great way to meet other moms, try new places and cuisines, and socialize without the kids! In December, we host a catered dinner and cookie exchange. Some events that we have planned for this year are an evening at The Gathering Kitchen, Game Night and Movie Night. We're always looking for suggestions for things to do and new restaurants to try! Please contact Melinda with suggestions, as well as for information on upcoming dates and events.
Contact Person - Melinda Monty - mno@maynardfam.org
- Dad's Night Out (DNO)
Once the dads caught on to how much fun the moms were having at MNO, they decided they needed a night of their own. Dads meet every so often to play poker, watch the Sox or Pats at a local establishment, or just have a night out. DNO is a recent addition to the MFA and is always looking for some new faces.
Contact Person - Scott Monty - dno@maynardfam.org
- Book Club
Read any good books lately? The MFA book club has! The book club is a fun way to socialize with others while discussing some great books. The book club meets every 5-6 weeks at the home of one of our members. We select books from a wide variety of genres so there's always something for everyone. There's no pressure to commit to every meeting or finish every book to come join our informal lively discussions.
Contact Person - Colleen McGary Smith - bookclub@maynardfam.org
- Hospitality Committee
The Hospitality Committee arranges to have three meals prepared and delivered by MFA members to families with new babies. This is a wonderful gift that welcomes the littlest members of our community and provides some relief to their parents. This is also a great way to introduce the organization to families who are unacquainted with the MFA. The Hospitality Committee is always looking for new chefs. If you would be willing to cook an occasional meal for new parents or know some new parents who would appreciate a helping hand, let the hospitality committee know.
Contact Person- Jodi Larkin - hospitality@maynardfam.org
- Community Outreach
Maynard is a wonderful town for raising young children so the Maynard Family Association enjoys giving back to the community in various ways. Each year we support the Food Pantry with Thanksgiving donations and holiday gifts for children. Some of our other recent donations include a new rug for the children's section of the library and raffle items to support Green Meadow School. Many of our members have been involved in the Community Chest's annual triathlon to raise money for several deserving local service organizations. We welcome suggestions for new ways to get involved with our community!
Contact Person - Patty Crossland - outreach@maynardfam.org