Plano mom Christie Gore is plenty busy, with a 6-year-old-son, Randy, a 2-year-old daughter, Kylie, and a brand-new daughter born in mid-July. But she still finds time to stay involved in her grownup lifeline: the Far North Dallas Early Childhood PTA. The group, which has about 45 members from Plano, Frisco, Richardson and Far North Dallas, welcomes guest speakers who discuss topics of interest to moms, from infant CPR to home organization tips. And the mom’s nights out, wine tastings and fun children’s activities (weekly playgroups, field trips and holiday parties) help group members stay connected. The PTA has been going through a rebuilding period this year, and membership has doubled, according to Gore, the group’s treasurer.
"We would just love for new members to have fun at our events, become educated on topics to help them with everyday life and make friends for their family.
"We are not affiliated with one preschool or geographic region. If you have infants to preschool-age children, you are welcome to join. This coming year, we plan on having a silent auction in the fall just in time to get some Christmas shopping done. And we will also plan on doing a charity event that our small children can get involved in. This will help them learn about volunteering and helping the less fortunate at a young age.
"My favorite part about being involved in the PTA is meeting other moms, and the playgroups are a great way to get some adult time while the kids play. You also can swap valuable information with the other parents about where to go, things to do, preschools and pediatricians that you couldn’t get on your own. I have also made some friends that I hope will be around for a long time. I’ve even made some friends for my husband to hang out with too!
"The children, for the most part, get along great. Like most kids from infants to preschool-age children, there will be some disagreements. My son met friends that he will go to kindergarten with so he won’t be as nervous. My son asks all the time when he will see certain people from the group. It’s great!
"I am treasurer of the group and have been for a year, but I am giving up my position to become playgroup coordinator. Michele Mecca is the president and has done an outstanding job this year. We have been in a rebuilding phase this year, and she has doubled our membership. The dues are $25 per year, which covers the costs of some parties and Texas PTA dues.
