Meeting Program

General membership meetings are held the first Monday of each month in the lower level of the Christ Episcopal Church in Columbia, MD. Doors open at 7:00 PM. New Member sign-up and Club Social take place from 7:00-7:30 PM. The business part of the meeting runs from 7:30-7:45 PM, and the program part of the meeting goes from 7:45-9:00 PM. For more information contact the Club at 410-750-1322 or email our Program Directors.

The Volunteer Sign-Up Binder for upcoming events will circulate through the meeting. Before and after the meeting you may find the binder at the Sign-In Desk.

We welcome your suggestions for future program ideas. Please email the Programs Committee with your ideas.

Date

Meeting Topic
August 2, 2010

Ice Cream Social and Board Inductions

Tonight's meeting is our annual ice cream social which includes board inductions. Take a break from going to the pool, running the kids back and forth to summer camp or whatever else keeps you busy this summer and join us. You will have a chance to reconnect with old friends, get to know some unfamiliar faces and meet the 2010-2011 CAMOM board while enjoying an ice cream treat. Hope to see you there.
July 12, 2010

Note date change because of holiday

Traveling with Multiples

Just in time for summer traveling! At July's meeting Kit Orloff, car seat technician, will outline appropriate steps to installing a car seat including infant carriers, standard car seats and booster seats. She will bring car seats for demonstration. She will also share her expertise on traveling, particularly flying, with multiples. Kit has worked on the set of Extreme Makeover, Home Edition and oversaw the transportation of the families receiving home makeovers. Please join us for an informative evening.
June 7, 2010

Vendor Night and CAMOM social

At June's meeting is the return of vendor night! Vendors, including fellow CAMOM members and local business owners, will be selling their products or highlighting services that they provide. Some examples of participating vendors include Tastefully Simple, Juice Plus, NutriiVEda, Shaklee, Pampered Chef, Discovery Toys, Lia Sophia and Arbonne. Please join us and get a head start on your holiday shopping. Don't worry if you are not ready to buy, just come to socialize with other CAMOM members. Light refreshments will be served.
May 3, 2010

Personal Fitness and Well Being

May’s meeting will feature Daniel Hanson, Marketing Representative with Road Runner Sports and Lisa Martin owner and personal trainer of Wellness Evolution. Road Runner Sports has helped our CAMOM running group in the past with group running shoe fittings, recommendations, and tips about running. Danny will highlight the types of running shoes, explain why it is necessary to be fitted properly and some general tips about running.
Lisa Martin of Wellness Evolution, holds a B.S. from the University of Maryland in Dietetics and personal training, youth and senior fitness certifications through AFAA. In addition, she is a certified strength and conditioning specialist through NSCA, the only certification to require a health related degree or equal experience. As the owner of Wellness Evolution, she brings over 10 years of experience in the fitness industry working with clients as young as 9 and as old as 80, women recovering from breast cancer, individuals and small groups.
Please attend and get ready to get excited about personal fitness!
April 5, 2010

Keeping Active and Safe this Summer: Fun Ideas for the Kids, Family Activities and even Adult-Only Events!

April's meeting will begin with Megan Freer, recreation coordinator and aquatics director with the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks. Megan will highlight available summer camps for the kids, adult-only trips and tours, and special activities for the whole family. Following Megan, Tara Girch will discuss water safety. Tara, co-founder of Ellicott City based Martar Swimming, has been teaching swim lessons for over 20 years with an expertise in teaching children with special needs. Please attend and get a jump start on planning your safe summer fun!
Monday March 1, 2010

Divine Design, Part II: Redesigning your Home Interior

As a follow-up to November’s meeting where a landscaper was featured, at tonight’s meeting we will be joined by Arlene Snyder, an interior designer. Arlene, who has an office in Columbia, has over 20 years experience in interior design that includes starting an interior design program at Howard Community College where she still teaches currently. She will provide tips for working with an interior designer, design ideas including the rationale behind them and will have design boards on display. Come and get inspired.
Monday February 1, 2010

One and the Same

Join us for an intimate discussion with NYC based author Abigail Pogrebin (www.abigailpogrebin.com). In October 2009, her second novel, One and the Same: My Life as an Identical Twin and What I've Learned About Everyone's Struggle to Be Singular, was published which presents multiple stories of twinship including her own personal memoir of being an identical twin.  She interviewed numerous twin pairs in various walks of life, including football stars Tiki and Ronde Barber, and included contributions from twin counselors, clergy and philosophers to gain further insight into the unique relationship between twins. Abigail has also written for many national publications and has produced for 60 Minutes.   If you ever wanted to ponder the twin relationship further, including the struggle to balance intimacy and individuality, this is the meeting for you.  Signed copies of One and the Same (cash or check only) will be available for purchase at the meeting.  Hope to see you there.
Monday January 4, 2010

Pediatric Urology

Dr. Timothy Phillips will join us to discuss the most common pediatric urology issues including neonatal circumcision, urinary tract infections, bedwetting and potty training. Dr. Phillips is a Pediatric Urology fellow at Johns Hopkins. Please join us for an informative discussion regarding these issues for our children.
Monday, December 7, 2009

Holiday Party

Join us at The Rumor Mill Restaurant in Ellicott City for our annual year-end holiday social.
Rumor Mill Restaurant: 8069 Tiber Alley, Ellicott City, MD 21043
This event is always a great chance to get an early start on your holiday festivities and have some fun time out before the true craziness of the holiday season kicks in. We will begin at 7pm and end at 10pm for this meeting to allow extra time for socializing. CAMOM will provide non-alcoholic beverages and appetizers. You also can order dinner, dessert and any drinks you may like at your own cost. Please RSVP via Big Tent, so that we can plan the correct amount of food and seating.
Monday, November 2, 2009

Divine Design, Part 1: Landscaping

Need to add some curb appeal to your current landscape? At tonight's meeting, a landscaper will present multiple ways to spruce up your yard. The speaker will provide ideas that will give you the "biggest bang for your buck." Come and get inspired!
Monday, October 5, 2009

Ask a Pediatric Allergist

Are you wondering if your children's persistent sniffles and sneezing is just a cold or could it be allergies? Do your children have unexplained skin findings? Dr. Glenn Silber & Associates will join us to discuss the most common pediatric allergy issues including food allergies, asthma and eczema. Dr. Glenn Silber has over 20 years experience treating children with allergies. He has offices in Columbia, Eldersburg and Baltimore. Please join us for an informative discussion regarding a common issue for our children.
Monday, September 14, 2009

Note date change because of holiday

Taking Care of Yourself: The Secret to being a Better Mom and Partner

Tonight’s meeting is all about taking time for yourself, so please join us for a few hours of me time. The meeting will begin with a book exchange. Please bring a fiction or non-fiction novel (no self-help or parenting books please) to exchange for a book from another CAMOM member. Following the book exchange, Mia Redrick (www.findingdefinitions.com), author and mom coach, will tell us how to plan a day that includes time for ourselves and effective strategies for self-care. According to Mia, “You do not have to sacrifice your well being to be a great mom! In fact, you will be a BETTER Mom if you take care of YOU!” Mia’s book “Time for mom-Me” will be available for sale (cash and check only) before and after the meeting for anyone interested. Hope you can join us.
Monday, August 3, 2009

Ice Cream Social & Board Inductions

Please join us for our annual ice cream social which includes board inductions. Take a break from going to the pool, running the kids back and forth to summer camp or whatever else keeps you busy this summer and join us. You will have a chance to reconnect with old friends, get to know some unfamiliar faces and meet the 2009-2010 CAMOM board while enjoying an ice cream treat. For those interested in partaking, we will also play a gift exchange game (White Elephant) tonight. Further details to follow. Hope to see you there.
Monday, July 6, 2009

Summer Social

Please join us for a Summer Social. This evening will be a time to socialize with your fellow CAMOM members, ask burning questions and support new moms and members.
Monday, June 1, 2009

Interested in ways to improve your family’s safety?

Ever wondered how to be safer when traveling with your children? Looking for a few tips that you can use right now? Join us at the June meeting when Lt. Ed Marsh, husband of fellow CAMOM member Meg Marsh, will be presenting information on these and related personal/family safety topics. Learn some new techniques and share ideas.
Monday, May 4, 2009

Sibling rivalry for better and worse

What parent doesn't worry about sibling rivalry and relationships? Please join us in May when Dr Kay Abrams, family psychologist joins us to discuss sibling rivalry and other challenging behaviors. Dr Abrams has expertise in behavioral assessment and management of young children, parent coaching, adolescent psychology, and eating disorders. She will present information relevant to all parents and open discussion with a Q&A session.
Monday, April 6, 2009

Wanting what you already have: How to keep desire alive in your marriage

Parenting brings many new challenges to a marraige, not the least of which is maintaining intimacy and sexuality. Join Risa Davis-Ganel, a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist for a frank discussion on maintaining intimacy during the parenting years. Questions to be addressed include: - why great sex often fades for couples who claim to love each other as much as ever? - can we want what we already have? - why does the transition to parenthood so often spell sexual disaster?
Join us for a fantastic evening!
Rescheduled : Please check Big Tent for information!

Preparing for the Sale and Social

Sale, sale, who's ready for the sale? Major changes have been implemented for the spring sale which may leave you with many questions. Our March general meeting will be dedicated to reviewing the new system and answering any questions you may have. Not a seller? Don't worry, we have something for you too! March is a great time to meet new people and make new friends. We will be serving light refreshments and setting up space to mingle. Come out from the cold and join us for an informal meeting.
Monday, February 2, 2009

Organize it!

Can't seem to get rid of the clutter in your home? Is getting organized one of your New Year's resolutions? At this month's meeting, Tara Donohue, owner of a professional organizing business, will give us tips on getting our homes in order. In addition, she will provide specific strategies for an area of your home (closet, basement, garage) if you submit a picture of your "problem" area to her in advance. To submit a picture for feedback at the meeting, please email your picture along with a description of your concerns to Tara@NoMorePiles.com. Hope you can join us!
Monday, January 5, 2009

Ask the Pediatrician

This month will feature one of our fellow members and pediatrician, Dr. Zee Beams. She will address common health topics that are sure to be on our minds as we raise multiples. Topics that will be discussed include nutrition/growth, respiratory problems, schedules/ disciplines and spit up/reflux. Please join us for an informative and casual meeting where all your medical questions will be answered.
Monday, December 1, 2008

Holiday Gathering

Join your fellow CAMOM members for an evening of socialization and preparation for the upcoming holiday season. Our December general meeting will be a holiday social and will be held at the new Houlihans at 175 and 108 in the Costco plaza in Columbia. The gathering will begin at 7 and we will have a private room at our disposal until closing time. CAMOM will provide appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages. Members are encouraged to purchase any additional drinks, meals, or desserts. Please join us for a delightful evening out on the town!
Monday, November 3, 2008

Quick, Easy, and Delicious Family Meals

This month will feature a fun and informative cooking class held by the husband of our own Chris Sheeler. John Sheeler is a former chef of local hotspot, Iron Bridge Wine Company. His knowledge of cooking principles and his experience converting that knowledge to home cooking will surely be of value to all of us! Come hear some tips of trade and taste some delicious morsels!
Monday, October 6, 2008

Financial Planning Seminar

Raising multiples, especially in these tough economic times, presents some challenges involving our finances. Christopher Moser, a financial planner from Ameriprise Financial, will speak and answer your questions. He will cover the topics of estate planning and wills, disability insurance, budgeting and educational savings for your family. Please join us as it is never too early to plan for the future.
Monica Ullom, a fellow CAMOM member, will also be speaking at October's monthly meeting. Monica created a coupon sharing website, afullcup.com, and will be giving us day-to-day tips for saving money.
Monday, September 8, 2008

Ask the Pediatric Dentist

Dr Ginsberg of Ginsberg, Simon, and Associates will join us for an informative evening about children’s dental care.  He will provide a brief discussion of general recommendations regarding dental care and then will open up to audience questions.  Please feel free to email questions in advance to programs@camom.net
For those of you pregnant or with infants who may not be interested in this topic, we will be setting up a separate space for general discussion regarding pregnancy and infancy issues.   
Please join us for a great evening of information and social networking.  And please note that our meeting for September will be one week later due to the labor day holiday.
Monday, August 4, 2008

Ice Cream, Inductions and Icebreakers

Join your fellow CAMOM friends for an ice cream social that will include the induction of the 2008-2009 CAMOM board members and some fun icebreakers to help us get to know our fellow club members a little better.  CAMOM will be providing a variety of ice cream flavors and toppings so you can make yourself a yummy summer treat to enjoy while hanging out with your CAMOM friends. 
Monday, July 7, 2008

Game Night

Come join your CAMOM friends for Game Night. We will set up several different games for members to participate in – think Outburst, Taboo, etc. Feel free to email us at programs@camom.net if you would like to recommend or request a certain game and we’ll try and incorporate those requests. Light refreshments will also be provided. Spouses are welcome to join the fun but are certainly not mandatory.
Come take a much needed break from the pool, summer camp, work or whatever has been keeping you busy during the summer. This meeting will be a great chance to relax, have some fun, meet some new CAMOM members and get to know your existing CAMOM friends even better.
Monday, June 2, 2008

Let The Party Begin – Party Planning the Easy Way

Need some help planning that next birthday party or family reunion? Come hear what guidelines Laura Betz of Thumbs Up Party Planning uses. She'll share creative ideas and tips on how to pull together a fun, memorable event with the least amount of stress. Program topics will include:
  • Time line: before, during, and after
  • Guest list, invitations & thank you notes
  • 5 Senses Decorating
  • Games & Activities
  • Q&A
Come relax and have some fun! You are sure to go home with a smile....and maybe even a prize.
Monday, May 5, 2008

Get those questions answered!

Our May meeting is a new twist on an old format.  We will have “special interest” groups meeting in two time periods to allow members to meet people going through the same ages and stages and to discuss issues that are important to them.  We will split the night into two time periods.  In the first session, we will break up by age: 0-6 months, 6-12 months, 1-2 years, 2-4 years, and school-aged children.  During our second session we will break up according to popular topics: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children with special needs, to separate or not to separate in school, and working moms.  This should be a great night to meet new people and work through some tough spots which we all go through. If you would be willing to facilitate any of these group discussions, please let us know by emailing programs@camom.net.  The discussion groups will be informal but in order to get the discussions started and keep them focused and moving along, we’d like to assign a facilitator/discussion leader for each group in advance.

**Photo Contest at the May Meeting

As a follow-up to the March meeting where local photographer Heather Owens taught us many tips on how to take better photos, our May meeting will also feature a photo contest.  Bring your best photos (4x6 preferred) in any or all of the following categories to enter the contest. No professional photos allowed.  There will be a prize awarded for the winner in each category as well as for overall “Best of Show”.  All members in attendance will cast a vote to decide the winning photos in each category. 
  • Milestones – First steps, First Meal, Birthdays, School, etc.
  • Vacation Memories – At the beach, amusement park, etc.
  • Funniest Picture – Kids having fun or being silly 
Monday, April 7, 2008

How To Lose Your "Mummy Tummy"

As we all know, your body is never quite the same after the delivery of a child, let alone after the delivery of multiple children. For most of us, our bodies will never be quite the same as they were and the trade-off of having our wonderful children is well worth the changes in our bodies. But there are many options available to you, to help get your body close to where it used to be. This meeting will feature a panel of speakers who will discuss options available to help get your tummy back in to shape and who will field your questions on this topic. The panel will include – Dr. Schuster, a plastic surgeon specializing in tummy tucks, Diane Benson, a personal trainer and mother of multiples, and CAMOM members – Karen Geppi and Lisa Cangialosi who will share their personal experiences with surgery. Also, Dr Schuster’s office manager, Karen will be present to answer any questions about insurance for plastic surgery. Bring a beach towel or mat and wear loose clothing to participate in a demonstration of tummy trimming exercises.
Monday, March 3, 2008

How To Photograph Your Child

This meeting will feature local photographer Heather Owens. Heather will train us on techniques to get that perfect shot every time, provide us with tips to improve our personal photography, and go over camera basics. Heather's work can be previewed at http://www.photosbyheatherowens.com. Our session will include expert advice for overcoming issues in your own photos, so please feel free to email photos in advance to the Programs committee. We will forward these to the photographer in advance and she will give feedback and suggestions during a very special slideshow at the meeting. If you have camera specific questions, feel free to bring your camera along to the meeting as well. Please join us for what promises to be a fun and educational meeting!
Monday, February 4, 2008

Raising Kids for Success

A child’s “I Can Quotient” is a more important indicator of being able to thrive in life than the traditional IQ. Lynne Ticknor of the Parent Encouragement Program (PEP) of Montgomery County will teach you strategies to increase your child’s sense of feeling connected, capable, competent and courageous.
Monday, January 7, 2008

How to Survive Multiples and Love It!

Diane Benson, who is a local expert on raising multiples and teacher of classes on this topic, will discuss survival strategies for parents of multiples 0-5 years. She will break down different age groups and focus a portion of her discussion on each age group.
Monday, December 3, 2007

Holiday Party

Join us at a Ruby Tuesday in Columbia for our annual year-end holiday social. This event is always a great chance to get an early start on your holiday festivities and have some fun time out before the true craziness of the holiday season kicks in. We will begin at 7pm for this meeting to allow extra time for socializing. CAMOM will provide non-alcoholic beverages and appetizers. You are also encouraged, but not obligated, to order dinner, dessert and any drinks you may like at your own cost. You will receive an Evite for this party in November. Please let us know if you do plan to attend, so that we can plan the correct amount of food and seating.
Monday, November 5, 2007

Women's Philanthropy and Teaching Children the Art of Giving

Although women have long been involved in philanthropic activity, during the last 25 years women's participation as donors, fundraisers, nonprofit leaders, and change agents has expanded exponentially. As women have assumed greater leadership roles in the workplace, and as decision makers in their homes, they are looking to impact philanthropy in innovative and creative ways. One way is to engage their children in philanthropy. With many families stretched for time and resources, however, fitting giving activities into the family schedule may seem daunting. But, it can actually be quite easy and natural. Among the keys to raising charitable children are starting when they are young, being a role model, and helping kids explore their options for places to donate time and money, then letting them make their own choices. Learn about the growth of women's philanthropy as well as new trends and practical ideas for teaching children about giving, and take home the publication "A Plan of One's Own: A Woman's Guide to Philanthropy". This presentation will be given by Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz who is the Communications Director at the Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers (ABAG), the Greater Baltimore region's premier resource on philanthropy, dedicated to informing grantmakers and improving our community. ABAG members include representatives of more than 130 private foundations and corporations with strategic, ongoing grantmaking programs. Buffy has co-authored a book on women's giving entitled "A Plan of One's Own: A Woman's Guide to Philanthropy," co-authored the national report: "Growing Philanthropy Through Giving Circles," and was a contributing author to the recently published "The Transformative Power of Women's Philanthropy." She currently writes a bi-monthly column in SmartWoman Magazine called "Philanthropically Speaking" and is an active volunteer serving on a number of boards and committees in the community.
Monday, October 1, 2007

The Good Enough Child: How to Have an Imperfect Family and Be Perfectly Satisfied

Dr. Brad Sachs is a psychologist specializing in clinical work with children, adolescents, couples and families in Columbia, MD. Dr. Sachs is the author of the nationally acclaimed book – The Good Enough Child: How to Have an Imperfect Family and Be Perfectly Satisfied. Dr. Sachs will help us to understand both the sources and consequences of the many unrealistic expectations that we tend to have for our children. According to Dr. Sachs, “Once we let go of the image of the perfect family and accept ourselves and each other for who we are, we will become the best and most loving parents a child could ask for.” We hope you will join us for what promises to be a wonderful CAMOM program. Dr. Sachs book will be available for sale at the meeting (cash or check only) for anyone who may be interested in purchasing the book before or after the meeting.
Monday, September 10, 2007

Note Date Change due to Holiday

Keeping Your Child on Track Developmentally

How do you know whether or not your child is on track developmentally? What do you do if you think there is a problem? Once you have determined that your child does have a developmental delay or special need, how do you proceed? How do you advocate for what your child needs? There are a wealth of resources available to you in the county in which you live and the school system as well as in the private sector. It can be overwhelming to figure it all out. This panel of experts and experienced moms will answer your questions and share their experience and knowledge with you. Panelists will likely include a speech language specialist, a school psychologist, an occupational therapist, a special education teacher and advocate and parents who have experienced the challenges of dealing with developmental delays with their children.
Monday, August 6, 2007

Board Installation and Member Social

Join your fellow CAMOM friends for an ice cream social that will include the induction of the 2007-2008 CAMOM board members and some fun icebreakers to help us get to know our fellow club members a little better. CAMOM will be providing a variety of ice cream flavors and toppings so you can make yourself a yummy summer treat to enjoy while hanging out with your CAMOM friends.
Monday, July 2, 2007

Dads of Multiples Panel

Join us for a question and answer session led by some of our fathers of multiples. This is an excellent opportunity to get some practical answers to parenting from the men who experience life with multiples every day.
Monday, June 4, 2007

"Feeding Strategies and Healthy Food Choices for Young Children - presented by Amy Allen-Chabot"

Nutritionist Amy Allen-Chabot will join us to discuss feeding strategies and healthy food choices for young kids. As we prepare to enter summer – camp lunches, snacks at the pool, vacation, etc. – this is a great time to learn some tips on how to eat healthy even when on the go. Dr. Amy Allen-Chabot is an Assistant Professor of Nutrition and Biology at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, Maryland. Her areas of expertise include weight management, diet for prevention of chronic disease, and nutrition labeling. She is also the mom of a four-year old son.
Monday, May 7, 2007

"Discipline 101"

Sandra Acaso, founder of Loving Families, will give parents an understanding of age-appropriate behaviors, effective discipline techniques and tools for coping with challenging behavior such as temper tantrums, disrespect, sibling rivalry and use of foul language. Sandra will also address how to establish household routines and family rules. Finally, she will provide you with tips on how to improve parent-child communication. Sandra is a former high school teacher and child care provider with an M.A. in counseling and extensive experience working with kids from infancy through teen years. Loving Families is a service that comes into your home to consult, observe families and set goals for parent child interactions.