Area moms connect through online community

A chance meeting at the Ontario Early Years Centre between two Kanata mothers quickly grew into a huge community of moms who stay connected for discussions, events and weekly get-togethers.

As a new resident of Kanata, Lisa Casselman was looking to meet people in the area, especially other mothers, so they could do things with their children. She met Erin Hines at the centre in July, and they talked about staying in contact to set up events. They decided Facebook, the huge social networking site, was the best way to stay in touch.

Casselman created a group that evening, and by the end of the week it had 30 members.

“It blossomed from there: she said, adding that it started with her inviting other mothers she knew, who in turn informed their friends. Now, only three months later, the Moms in Kanata online community has over 140 members and many of them see each other several times a week.

Casselman said she wanted to get exercise, so they started with walking every week. Now a group of about 10 women walk eight kilometers, three times a week and are now looking for a way to continue their routine indoors during the winter.

The also swim once a week and have lunch together, plus Casselman sends out information about other events through the group to get as many people involved as possible. There are also discussions on the website that allow moms to ask questions and receive feedback about concerns or share information, such as home care options or other community events.

“For people who don’t know others, it’s a great way to meet new people”

said Casselman, who added that the members are from all over the Kanata area.

“Something needed to be done,” she said about the disconnect among local mothers before the group formed. She also wanted to find inexpensive outings for her kids that she could enjoy with other mothers.

“We get together three or four days out of the week” said Hines about their exercise routine, “and we spend no money.”

The have also enjoyed outings at The Moo Zoo in Stittsville, and the Early Years Centre is aware of their community and directs mothers to get involved. Casselman said people send her new ideas all the time for events and ways to stay connected.

“I have people calling me…. We even approached moms at the pool about joining the group,” Casselman said about getting the word out. She added that some people have created a Facebook account solely to get connected to the Kanata online community.

“Its for everyone; people havfe kids of all ages,” she said. “And the kids seem to be getting along great playing together while their moms get to know each other.”

Since she met her goal of 100 members of the group within two months, Casselman is now aiming for 200 and beyond. “ We’re like a cult,” She joked.

“The Moo Zoo” can be reached at 613-831-1131.

Its website can be found at www.themoozoo.com