Friday, October 2, 2026
Rain changed the plans for this year’s annual welcome brunch, but it did not stop Mothers of Malverne from bringing local moms together.
The organization, which dates to 1978 and is approaching its 50th anniversary, holds the brunch each year around the beginning of the school year, giving new and returning members an opportunity to learn about the group, meet its executive board and connect with other mothers.
For the past two years, the event has been planned at Crossroads Farm at Grossman’s, offering families outdoor space and activities for children. This year’s plans included a bounce house, bubble station, coloring activities, bagels and coffee, along with an artisan craft fair at the farm.
Rain, however, forced organizers to change plans for their Sept. 13 event. The brunch was moved to Grami Caffé, where members gathered for coffee and conversation. Partners and children were welcome, while moms also had the option of attending on their own.
For membership coordinator Kellie McNamee, the event reflects one of the organization’s central purposes: giving mothers an opportunity to build friendships and find support while navigating family life.
“Even though the rain put a damper on our brunch plans, we still wanted to provide a space to meet new moms, to see returning moms and to give them the opportunity to come out,” McNamee said.
Mothers of Malverne has grown in recent years. The organization had 97 paid members last year and has had more than 100 members at points during the past year. Registration for the new membership year remains open.
The organization is also expanding its programming based on member feedback. Family events and children’s activities remain part of the calendar, but this year’s schedule includes more moms-only activities, including a mahjong and matcha night, a local bar crawl, a moms’ night out and a fitness class.
Community service is another component of the group’s activities. Children’s events throughout the year incorporate opportunities to support local causes through toy, food and clothing donations.
The group has also expanded its executive board and added a Sunshine Committee to support families celebrating milestones, welcoming new babies or going through difficult times.
Although Mothers of Malverne is rooted in the village, membership extends to women within a five-mile radius, including surrounding communities such as Valley Stream, Lynbrook, West Hempstead and Oceanside.
“Our group is living and thriving,” president Monica Theodoropoulos said. “At almost 50 years old, it started with a handful of moms who just wanted to have a social group and find community.”
Nearly five decades after a small group of mothers came together to find friendship and community, Mothers of Malverne continues that mission while adjusting its activities to the interests of its current members. The organization remains focused on helping mothers form connections with other families in Malverne and surrounding communities.
“We want to continue to be a staple and have our roots well planted here in Malverne,” she said.
