Mothers' Association Looks to Get Back on Track

With a four-month-old, Meghan Sherwood Hillen, of Hampton Bays went on a hunt, seeking out other area moms to get advice from, grab a cup of coffee and organize a play-date with, however, she said, Hampton Bays, didn't have much to offer.

"It's hard to meet up with people," said Hillen, who is a teacher. "Especially, if you didn't grow up here. You can feel secluded."

Hillen said she did find some support among fellow moms at the , which offers a number of programs for parents and their babies and toddlers, but she said she was looking for something more.

She soon learned about a 10-year-old, popular mom's group, The Hampton Bays Mother's Association, that had faded away after the children of the two moms, who were heading the group, grew older.

During their heyday, Hillen said the group built the Foster Avenue Park, helped countless families through support programs and held family events like carnivals and fundraisers.

"Their kids got to be school-age and they didn't have the time anymore," said Hillen.

Now, two other moms, Bonnie Spellman and Michell Kelly have stepped forward to reinvigorate the group.

Hillen sits on the group's board of directors. 

The first step, said Hillen, is to recruit moms.  They plan to do so through a Facebook campaign and weekly meetings — the first of which is on Thursday at the Hampton Bays Library at 6 pm. Meetings will then be held on the first Thursday of every month and parents are welcome to bring their children. There is an annual membership fee of $25.

"You don't have to be from Hampton Bays to join," said Hillen, who pointed out that there are moms across the East End, who can benefit from the group.

"The group is open to everyone who has an interest in making our community a safer, friendlier, and more nurturing environment for our children to grow," she said.

Hillen says that with an army of moms, the group can not only support each other, but also work together on community projects, possibly teaming up with area businesses to offer discounts to the group's members, and support families that need help.