Chanukah Wonderland!
Nov. 28- Dec. 3rd
Free crafts and games for children of all ages
open all day!

www.chabadtysons.com

PP- and anyone else-- I'm a member of the group, but I haven't participated in any of their events. I did find a nice group of moms through their message boards, and we've gotten together a few times for coffee, walks, etc. We all work full-time or nearly full-time, so our meet ups are on weekends. If you are interested in joining us, shoot me an email and I'll loop you in. pawlowsr@hotmail.com.

Anonymous wrote:I'm resurrecting this thread to see if anyone has suggestions for other moms groups in the Vienna/Fairfax area - apparently since I live barely on the Fairfax side of Nutley/I-66 (but in the dreaded 22031 zip code) I'm not allowed to join the Vienna Moms group, despite doing all of my daily living in Vienna. Oh well. So are there other alternatives out there?

No moms groups to offer you, just wanted to say I've felt your pain -- I live just outside of Cap Hill in DC, and of course was declined to join their mom's group, mothers on the hill. At first it seemed ridiculous, but I've found that when groups set boundaries like this, the members/leadership often have set ideas about people in the surrounding areas that you probably wouldn't want to expose your child(ren) to anyway.

Good luck finding an inclusive group, I also suggest meetup.com

I'm resurrecting this thread to see if anyone has suggestions for other moms groups in the Vienna/Fairfax area - apparently since I live barely on the Fairfax side of Nutley/I-66 (but in the dreaded 22031 zip code) I'm not allowed to join the Vienna Moms group, despite doing all of my daily living in Vienna. Oh well. So are there other alternatives out there?

We recently moved to Vienna, VA with two kids and are still learning our way around and looking to meet more families. Just now I set this group up for old and new friends: https://www.facebook.com/groups/316454765066224/
(Moms of Vienna, VA)

FYI - This is what we have done in response to concerns.

October 4, 2010
Dear Vienna Moms,

We've recently heard that some members, especially new ones, do not always feel welcome at our monthly meetings. We want to change this and have some ideas on how to do it, but we need your help, too.

For starters, at future meetings, we'll ask newer members, and those who have never attended a meeting, to identify themselves with different-colored nametags. Please make an extra effort to say hello when you see new members. We'll also continue to have babysitters, when possible, to help play with the kids so moms can chat.

It still may be challenging to meet people at our meetings as we often have to run around after our kids while trying to greet old friends and meet new ones. When we meet at a park, this can be more difficult, but parks give the kids a chance to run around and us more flexibility when it comes to meeting times.

Aside from monthly meetings, we have many opportunities to get to know each other. Our monthly moms nights out are a great way to chat without worrying about watching the kids. We always have signs at the table so you can easily find us. Also consider joining one of our subgroups, like the book or cooking club.
Playgroups are another great way to meet other moms.

We also are looking into hosting coffees or wine and cheese parties a few times a year for new members. If you're interested in helping plan these, please contact Andrea Banyas at andreacroot@yahoo.com or (703) 537-0970.

We've just put the finishing touches on a welcome packet for new members, which is available on Big Tent under the "files" tab. It includes info on our club and activities, contact info for our board and officers, and a list of some of our favorite places around town.

If you're a working mom, stay tuned for some changes to our working moms playgroup. The group will be expanding its activities, and play dates, pizza nights and moms' nights out are all in the works.

Finally, we'd love to hear your suggestions. Let us know how you met fellow moms when you first joined and please pass along any suggestions on how we can continue to make everyone feel welcome.

Sincerely,
The VMI Board

The only thing I don't like from the Meetup new member form is that I have to agree sharing pictures of me and my DS on the web.

I agree with those who mentioned that the monthly meetings that used to be held at people's houses were awkward and not welcoming. Since then, the moms that have taken over and changed things a bit have done a really good job of making events more open and I don't find it nearly as "clicky" as it was when I joined 3+ years ago.

I can credit VMI with helping me make some of my best girl friends through playgroups and social events (MNOs). It really is what you make of it and as long as you're willing to go to events and try a few times if you have an experience that wasn't what you expected, I think it's worth the time and effort.

The park thing this weekend was weird, but every VMI event I've been to before and since has been pretty good.

I have met a couple of my really great friends from the group, and I do think they try really hard.

I have had to take the initiative and seem like a stalker by reaching out to people (I may have just compromised by anonymity!), but it has been well worth it!