CAMOM did an online drive for the Howard County NICU. Our members stepped up.  They purchased 40 Halo swaddles in Newborn and Preemie size, as well as 14 mobiles for the cribs.  The older babies especially will like stimulation.  This is a partnership we would love to continue in the future! 

For their monthly June board meeting, the CAMOM board stuffed bags for the NICU familes.   We stuffed 25 bags, one for each NICU bed, with chapstick, water, snacks, and and other self care items.  The goal was to provide a little support for all the families in the NICU for the July 4 holiday.  They were well received!!

On June 15, 2021, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced the end of the COVID-19 state of emergency in the State of Maryland. He also announced that all emergency mandates and restrictions will be terminated as of July 1. There will no longer be a statewide mask order in effect for any settings, including schools, camps, and child care facilities. These decisions are based on the data that Maryland has now surpassed 6.5 million vaccinations and the positivity rate is a record-low 0.82%. 

Based on changes to state guidelines, the CAMOM Board has voted to also lift all mask requirements for upcoming CAMOM events. Masks are always welcome, and we continue to encourage mask wearing for the protection of our pregnant mothers and prematurely-born babies and children. We also encourage families to follow public health recommendations from the CDC for unvaccinated adults and children and in indoor settings. As we begin to select new venues, masking requirements will also be subject to the discretion of the venue policy. 

We look forward to seeing your smiles again!

- The CAMOM Board

Earlier this week, Governor Larry Hogan lifted the outdoor mask mandate in the state of Maryland.

Following state guidance that face coverings are still required for "large, ticketed venues, the Board decides that CAMOM events will still require mask wearing for adults and children ages 2 and up until further notice. This decision aims to protects our pregnant members, preemie babies, and unvaccinated children and adults. 

Thank you for helping all of us to stay COVID safe!

- The CAMOM Board

Earlier today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, and First Lady Yumi Hogan demonstrated their shared commitment to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in Howard County and Maryland. In Ball's public statement, he noted that Howard County is home to nearly 60,000 Asian Americans, and many of our neighbors operate beloved businesses, restaurants, and services in our neighborhoods.

The recent hate crimes against Asian Americans in Georgia and around the country are not consistent with CAMOM values and we condemn them in the strongest manner possible. As an organization that supports families of multiples, we stand in support of our Asian American families and all those impacted by this recent showing of hate and racism in our communities. We want to remind our members of our Member Code of Conduct that promotes inclusiveness and support of our members. 

Maria Strohmayer & Rebekah Allen
CAMOM Co-Presidents

Due to COVID-19, CAMOM has cancelled the Spring 2021 Consignment Sale. Instead, we are ramping up efforts for CAMOM’s FUNDrive, an eco-friendly fundraiser for non-profit organizations. We are collecting donations of used clothing and household textiles at various locations in Catonsville, Columbia, and Laurel now through April 2, 2021. 

A socially-distanced drop-off is scheduled for Saturday, March 27th in a central Columbia location. Please register here for more details.

We are happy to announce the official launch of a new online space for CAMOM members through www.camom.org. Access to CAMOM's revamped member portal (Wild Apricot) and helpful CAMOM resource links can all be found through this new integrated website. In this transition, we have officially left MemberPlanet and our previous .net domain. 

Your account is already waiting for you! Here's how to log in for the first time:

1. Select the Member Log-In on the upper right corner of the website.
2. Choose "Forgot password" and enter your email associated with CAMOM to personalize your account.
   **Note: At the time of your next scheduled membership dues, you will receive an email prompting you to enter your up-to-date payment information through the portal.  

Suggested activities after logging in:

• Update your member profile.
• Check out and register for April & May events through the Upcoming Events Calendar.
• Skim over resources like CAMOM News, Terracycle Recycling, and Member-Only Content. There, you can find our discussion forums, member discounts, member directory, and more.
• Download the Wild Apricot Member app to your phone for CAMOM on-the-go!

At CAMOM, our purpose is to help families of multiples build and maintain connections with each other while being supported with resources for their parenting journeys. We created this new website as a means of strengthening these connections and interact with fellow members.

We would like to publicly thank and acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of our Board members, Amanda McGuire (Secretary/Philanthropy), Leann Craumer (Treasurer), Jessica Silver (Membership), Susan Moris (Webmaster), volunteers Tom McGuire and Nicholas Strohmayer, and mentor Miriam Paska of Montgomery County Parents of Multiples. We extend our gratitude for their time and thoughtfulness in ensuring the success of our transition.  

Stay tuned for more CAMOM programs, events, and fun!

Best Regards,

Rebekah Allen & Maria Strohmayer,
Board Co-Presidents, CAMOM