ST. CLAIR SHORESmoms

Local Group Offers Low-Key Hangouts for Moms & Children

BY ANNA SWARTZ

St. Clair Shores resident Amy Florek suffered eight miscarriages before she and her husband David welcomed their son Callan, which means “brave little warrior,” in 2021. Florek calls Callan, who will turn 2 in July, a miracle and the reason she founded St. Clair Shores Moms Social. A Facebook-based group with 100 members, it’s geared toward local mothers and their children looking for monthly planned weekday meet-ups as well as adult-only gatherings. Members are also welcome to post spontaneous outings and share child-related content in the online group, too.

“We’re very welcoming and easygoing,” says 39-yearold Florek. “You can drop into an event. Come as you are and get involved as you would like.” There are no dues. It’s just moms and children socializing and getting out of the house – bonus, all the of planned get-togethers are in St. Clair Shores.

While Florek is the creator of the group, she met fellow St. Clair Shores resident Melissa Piaseczny at the group’s first meet-up. The two became friends, and Piaseczny (who has a 15-year-old and a young foster child) now serves as a co-administrator for the group.

Mom-only outings, which bring together mothers with children of all ages, attract on average anywhere from seven to up to about 40 women. The largest turnout was a night out at Caché Cocktails & Wine Bar in downtown St. Clair Shores held on a weekday evening in November. An iceskating event at Civic Arena, coupled with a white elephant gift exchange with hot cocoa and cookies at the Senior Activity Center, drew a more intimate crowd.

Parent/child meetups typically include mothers with babies through preschool-age children and have included events such as Muffins with Mom at the Blossom Heath Bath House featuring local author Lindsay Gizicki. During warmer weather, Florek anticipates outings such as play groups at the city’s various parks.

“I think I'm such a positive mom and so happy all the time because I do these things,” Florek says. “I take my son out of the house practically three days a week. We are doing something social with somebody else. I think that is what keeps my sanity to be honest.”

If you’re a local mother who would like to join the group, scan the QR code to the right. You can also search for “St. Clair Shores Moms Social” on Facebook.