THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2007

Moms Connect Through Meetup Group

By DENISE FLEISCHER

Lifestyle Editor

Elk Grove Village resident Elaine Beamer wanted to meet other local mothers. She also wanted her children Jessica and Jimmy to have friends who would eventually go to school with them.

The solution was in the online website Meetup.com where Beamer was a registered member and was able to easily establish the Elk Grove Village Moms Meetup group.

Originally from New York, Beamer lived a few years in Michigan before moving to Elk Grove.

"I created the group on Sept. 12, 2006 because I didn't know anyone and found it hard to meet people," Beamer stated. "Everyone had friends and I was looking for a social outlet. Something where I could click on (in the Internet) and keep in touch with my friends. I wanted to be able to organize play groups, Mom's Night Out events and Couples Nights Out."

Beamer belonged to a different meetup group for about a year. She acted as an assistant organizer, posting events on the online group's calendar. Then she realized she could do the same thing for a group closer to home. It was easy to set up the group, but takes time to customize it. She researches appropriate events for the group in the Northwest suburban and posts the type, time, description and if reservations are needed.

Average age range of moms, in the group is 25 to 43, Beamer said, and children are newborn to 8 years old. The majority of the children are 5 to 6 years old.

Beamer is a very proud at-home mom. Her group's members are both at-home moms (which is a full time job) and are employed in the work force. Because of this, activities are held morning, afternoon and evening so all can participate. At least half of the group's members are attending programs. Popular playdates take place at local libraries. For instance, children play at train tables and moms read them books or chat. Mom's Night Out allows group members to explore various restaurants while the dads babysit. So it's easier to keep an eye on the little ones, events are planned at smaller venues.

There are even craft events at members' homes or at the library. The girls have had a beading party and soon there will be a Valentine's Day craft project.

A wonderful activity took place at a local doughnut shop where the kids made their own doughnuts and brought some home.

"We have one activity coming up at the RecPlex and another at Randhurst Mall," Beamer said. "I'm in the process of organizing a baby and toddler play group that meets weekly at a member's home. We just had a tour of the Elk Grove Fire Department and we've had a Family Night Out at Pilot Pete's near Schaumburg Airport."

Beamer believes the group is a great way to bring moms and their kids together who would not have had a chance to meet otherwise.

"I've made some great friendships. Everyone is very supportive and understanding," Beamer said, adding that she looks forward to every event and message on the group's message board. There's always advice posted about something and moms respond within minutes.

What are the other moms saying about the group?

"I love that my kids get to socialize with children they will actually go to school with. All my experiences have been positive. It's great to talk to someone who knows what you're going through," said Elk Grove Village resident Melissa McGregor. For the last three years she belonged to another meetup group and was e-mailed when this one started. McGregor's children are 1 and 5 years old.

Rosa Dolcimascolo moved to Elk Grove Village in June. She works full time in outside sales for LaSalle Bank. Her children are 2 and 5 years old. She learned about the Elk Grove Village Moms Meetup group through a library event.

"I met the organizer there and basically looked over at her. She stated that she organizes a mom's group in Elk Grove and that I should go to some of the activities," said Dolcimascolo.

She has gone to three events so far with her daughter, Veronica, who has "automatically clicked" right into new friendships with the children. The group easily bridges Veronica socially.

"I had no idea there was even a meetup group in the community," Dolcimascolo added. "I applaud Elaine for taking the initiative for getting the group started."

Sunny Karnazes of Park Ridge and her 3-year-old daughter, Bella, are also members. Karnazes is an at-home mom.

"I was actually looking online for playgroups for my daughter," stated Karnazes. "I happened to stumble on the group, registered immediately, filled out the application and Elaine got back to me right away."

For three months she's been attending the activities, going to the library play dates, children's concerts and even a meet-the-animal program.

"I've got to meet a lot of great, friendly moms. I look forward to every get together. It's a great form of early social interaction for my daughter and we've had some great experiences."

Christine Low of Hoffman Estates has a 1 year old daughter and 4 1/2 year old son. Low works part time in the optical engineering field for the defense industry.

"At first I thought it would be a good advice networking tool, but it's not just that. It's a wonderful place to make some wonderful friends. We have fun with and without the kids. We've attended play dates, birthday parties, Mom's Night Outs. I've participated in clothing swaps, which is a good thing," stated Low.

For more information, log onto http://www.moms.meetup.com/1530.