Local woman appointed national state liaison for club

Date: 9/14/2009

By Debbie Gardner

PRIME Editor



EAST LONGMEADOW In 2003 when Heather McCarthy's twin boys, Jake and Connor, were just three months old, the self-described "overwhelmed mom" joined the Hampden County Mothers of Twins Club (HCMOTC) looking for support and advice from moms who had "been through it."

Little did she know that six years later, she'd be working with the Mothers of Twins organization on the national level.

This July, McCarthy was appointed National State Liaison for the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs (NOMOTC) at the organization's annual convention in Las Vegas.

In her new role, McCarthy will be responsible for corresponding with all the state-level Mother of Twin Clubs as well as keeping updated listings of their state conventions, officers and contacts.

She will also be penning articles for NOMOTC's quarterly magazine, "Notebook."

"I never thought I would have any type of leadership role in the organization," McCarthy told Reminder Publications. "[But] as time went on, I realized how special the bond between mothers of multiples is, and how important the support we give one another."

This new role is an expansion of the work McCarthy has already been doing with the Mothers of Twins organization. Since joining the local club she's held posts as assistant treasurer, first vice president, president, newsletter editor, state representative and Web master.

A trip to the 2004 national NOMOTC convention convinced her to deepen her connection with the organization, and she became a regular at the event.

Three years ago she volunteered to serve on the membership committee, and sent out letters to prospective mothers of multiples who wanted information about starting clubs in their areas. Her appointment as National State Liaison builds upon this role.

McCarthy said both she and her family are excited by her new role with NOMOTC.

"I love being able to learn and share my experiences with other moms," McCarthy said. "I feel like I am a better mom, wife and person by being in this organization. Besides the support, the friendships I and my kids have made are priceless."

McCarthy said the HCMOTC meets on the first Monday of every month at the Baystate Campus, 3300 Main St. Cafe, on the first floor. There's a 7 p.m. COPE session followed by a 8 p.m. meeting. For more information on the club, visit www.hcmotc.org.