'Mothers and More' celebrates 20 years
By Mary Shane Contributing Writer

PHOTO/ MARY SHANE (l to r) Janet Cathcart, founder of the Assabet Valley Chapter of Mothers and More, and new member, Jeanne Petrangelo.

Region - About 11 years ago, Westborough resident Janet Cathcart read a newspaper article about the nationally-known Mothers and More organization. Cathcart decided to check it out.

She joined the Central Massachusetts Chapter, but decided that the activities were too far away. She also wasn't meeting mothers from her town, so she decided to form another chapter closer to home. She founded the Assabet Valley Chapter 185 of Mothers and More 10 years ago.

Mothers and More is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of mothers through support, education and advocacy. It addresses mothers' needs as individuals and members of society, and promotes the value of all the work mothers do. Mothers and More was originally called Formerly Employed Mothers at the Leading Edge or at Loose Ends (FEMALE).

Nationally, Mothers and More is celebrating 20 years of bringing mothers together with local chapters holding birthday parties during September, October and November. The Asabet Valley Chapter's party was Oct. 24 at the National Grid building in Northborough and will celebrate its 10th birthday in February 2008.

"One of the things that makes us diff erent from other groups is there is a large focus on the woman, not just mothering," Cathcart said. "We talk about family issues, finances, getting back into the work force. Some meetings are light and fun. The common bond between these moms is that all have worked for pay outside the home or continue to work. We are first and foremost a support group."

Another group, Hoots and Howls, is unique to the Mothers and More organization according to Cathcart.

"It stands for Husbands Out Of Town and Husbands Out Working Late," she said. "Families get together and have pizza. The Assabet Valley Area Family Network in Marlborough has been a great support, spreading the word about the group and letting us use their facility."

Mothers can join via the Web site, by attending a meeting or by calling Mothers and More.

"Moms from any town can join," Cathcart said. "We do lots of advertising, people read about it, we spread the word. It's really a good group of women."

Prospects can attend two meetings before they decide to join. There is a $45 annual fee; scholarships are off ered if someone is in financial need.

Monthly meetings focus on a particular topic and are held at the National Grid building in Northborough.

"We have guest speakers, mom's weekend away, mom's night out, book club, play groups, and children and family activities," Cathcart said. "There is a sub-group called 'Seasoned Mom' that deals with school and morality issues."

Approximately 80 women from 16 surrounding towns currently attend.

"We are a volunteer-run organization," Cathcart explained. "We do an awful lot. Whatever we do is because of the members. It's their time, their ideas."

For more information, contact Mothers and More at www.mothersandmoreassabetvalley. org or 508-936-6882.