Time for Mom to have the day off

Simon, 5, and Lucy, 2, Duthler finger paint at the Ludington playgroup, held at Pere Marquette Early Childhood Center.

By Kate Krieger.MCP Correspondent.

PERE MARQUETTE TWP. – When juggling a household, children, work and all the other things that moms possibly deal with on a daily basis, the work, at times might not ever seem to be done and a day off from it all is never really in the cards. There is hope, the Mom’s Day Off event is being held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 10 at the United Methodist Church in Ludington, located at 5810 Bryant Road. The event will feature different product vendors, arts and crafts vendors and pampering services that please just about any mom looking to relax and get away for her busy life, even if just for a couple of hours.

All proceeds benefit the 2014-2015 season of the Great Start Playgroups in Mason County, which include sites in Ludington, Scottville and Custer. Playgroups provide a free opportunity for children ages 0-5 to learn, grow and play through developmentally appropriate activities. Parents also have time to meet and talk with other parents as well as learn about local resources and other family supports.

“We won’t be able to fund the playgroups through the Great Start Collaborative next year,” event coordinator Lexi Alvesteffer said. “We will need to support it in other ways, but hopefully we will be able to keep doing them next year.”

A $1 cover charge will buy a coupon book, which includes savings at every booth. Vendors and crafters currently signed up for the show include: Thirty-One, Cupcake Creations Plus, It Works, Just Jewelry, Kris Castillo & Theresa Ely, Magnabilities, Mary & Martha, Mary Kay, Origami Owl, Rodan & Fields Skin Care, Scentsy, Tastefully Simple, The Vintage Tub LLC and Tupperware.

A Pamper Parlor will also be available and will offer express manicures by Michelle Kmiecik, facial waxing with Noelle Welch of Salon 22 and chair massages. A fee will be charged for each service.

The event will also include free childcare, a café style lunch available for purchase, a raffle and door prizes. A representative from Hospice will also be handing out free plants to every mother who attends the event.

Booth spaces are still available for the event. To purchase a coupon book, secure a booth or for more information, call Lexi at 231-425-7768 or e-mail browneyedgirl780@gmail.com.

“Playgroups really benefit kids who are in the pre-preschool age range because it offers play and learning in a structured way,” Alvesteffer said. “The kids get used to a structured day and it also helps with socializing around other kids, especially for those who may not be around other kids their own age. The other half of playgroups is giving parents an outlet to be around other parents.”

Coupon books are available for purchase at the Ludington/Scottville Chamber of Commerce, located at 5300 W. US 10 in Ludington, beginning Friday, May 2. They will also be available at the door.

“These playgroups are just so valuable,” Alvesteffer said. “We want to be able to continue them in the area.”