The sun came out just in time for the party thrown by the Southold Mothers Club yesterday at Founders Landing Park to celebrate the group’s 20th birthday.
The weather was, in fact, perfect for the 150 or so guests to enjoy the park — some even took a dip in the bay — and the activities planned throughout the afternoon. Two-time Grammy nominee Brady Rymer provided musical entertainment. Rymer is a local dad whose family participated in SMC activities years back.
“It’s a great organization,” he said yesterday after performing for the crowd.
The club offers meals for new parents, events each month for children from infancy to age 6, weekly playgroups for all ages and regular outings and activities that are educational and informative for kids and moms alike, said public relations coordinator Julie Dantes.
It also offers help and support to familes going through health crises or other hardships, she said. There’s a private Facebook group that allows moms to discuss things, ask questions and help each other.
The group offers mothers of young children a much-needed opportunity for social interaction too, Dantes said — especially for young mothers new to the area, as she was just two-and-a-half years ago. There’s a book club and a monthly “moms night out” that varies each month, she said.
“It’s really a great way to learn about the community and make friends, especially friends who have young children,” Dantes said.
Southold Mothers Club, founded in 1996, has roughly 100 members. As kids “age out” and moms leave the group, new families join up. “It ebbs and flows,” Dantes said.
Yesterday, moms, dads, kids and grandparents enjoyed the sunshine, sno-cones, popcorn and birthday cake. In addition to music by Rymer, there was entertainment by Kevin Krueger of PartyKidz NY, plus face-painting, balloon animals and craft activities.
SoutholdLOCAL photos by Denise Civiletti