This year marked the first time the nation observes 9/11 as a national day of service and remembrance. The JLMC participated in this historic day by providing the mothers and children of Linkages with a “Me and Momma Rock” musical workshop Friday September 11th at Linkages in Tinton Falls. Rooted in the principals of our successful “Nurturing Parenting” Facilitator training last October, JLMC volunteers will provide the clients and over 20 children of Linkages with a musical morning featuring Miss Sherri of Honeychild Music in Red Bank.

The following is a recap of the event from the Junior League event chairwoman, Jen Diehl.

On the National Day of Remembrance, September 11, CREW had its first event with our community partner Linkages in Tinton Falls. We planned a fantastic morning for the kids to enjoy music, crafts, food, and fun with their Moms. Miss Sherri, award-winning musician from Honey Child Music of Red Bank, performed for and with everyone in attendance...she had her guitar, puppets, noise makers, hats, balloons… the kids went crazy! The children (along with the Moms and JLMC members staffing the event) danced, sang and laughed for an hour straight! Following the music class, each child got their own pair of wooden maracas to decorate and keep. The kids also received acrylic picture frames to decorate, and photos of each child will be given to the families to place in their personalized frames. Face-painting was the hit of the day. The children were thrilled to be covered with hearts, rainbows, flowers, and more. Even the Moms got in on the action and had their faces painted. A delicious lunch of pizza, wraps, fruit and homemade brownies capped off this very rewarding day. The event was a huge success! I know I can speak for all the Junior Leaguers that were there, that seeing the smiles on the kid’s faces is what makes volunteering with our organization all worthwhile! I personally cannot wait to go back in October. Many thanks to all who joined us: Bennett Coleman, Jennifer Collins, Susan Comer, Kim Kennedy, Natalie Viggiano, and Laurie West. On a final note, I know many of us have items our children no longer use (clothes, toys, etc.) and would like to donate to a worthy cause. Linkages accepts everything (household and adult items too). If you are interested in donating to a worthy cause, please contact me at jennyd1919@yahoo.com. I will gladly see that it gets to them.

THANK YOU! Jen Diehl, Me, Momma & the Junior League Rocks Chair