Before Heather Belson of North Andover decided 2 1/2 years ago to stay at home to raise her newborn son, her commute to Boston and her work hours didn't leave much time to get to know her community. While some first-time parents go online for virtual companionship with all the comforts of home, Belson said she found a more personal touch in The Mother Connection.
Created 26 years ago by a group of 11 women, The Mother Connection now serves nearly 1,000 families with young children throughout the Merrimack Valley. Offering educational resources, workshops, family events, support, and networking opportunities, its members form playgroups when their children are small and friendships that endure years after they begin school.
Now president of The Mother Connection, Belson recently accepted the 2008 Children First Award on behalf of the entirely volunteer-based organization from the Professional Center for Child Development of Andover. The award is given to a group or individual who has enhanced the lives of families by putting children first.
"The Mother Connection is such a wonderful resource," said Belson, remembering one mother who was alerted to her son's speech delay by participating in a playgroup.
"We talk about sleepless nights, diapers, feedings, you name it," she said. "In the beginning, I relied on these women for camaraderie, but since then, they've become my closest friends. I feel honored to be part of so many lives."
To learn more, visit themotherconnection.org.
PRIME EXPOSURE: Dan Pennachio of Winchester was in the fifth grade when his father's interest in photography began to rub off on him. Since that time, he has participated in photography clubs at his middle and high schools. Now, at 18, he's trading the darkroom for the spotlight.
About a half-dozen of Pennachio's photographs are on display as part of an exhibit featuring 40 students from Winchester High School and the Boston Arts Academy. "Photosynthesis III" is in the main gallery of the Griffin Museum of Photography in Winchester through next Sunday.
Pennachio specializes in nature photography, particularly images he captures while walking around Horn Pond in Woburn. His images often capture the visual changes that occur when photographing such objects as a coin or dollar bill in extreme close-up.
"It's pretty exciting and fun to have my work professionally done up and hanging in a place where my friends and family can see it," said Pennachio, a senior who is a teacher's assistant this year in the photography club at Winchester High. "I hope this will encourage people to take student photographers more seriously and see that our work is interesting enough to be in professional exhibits."
The museum is also exhibiting Lowell resident Marla Sweeney's photographs at beaches throughout New England. For more information, visit griffinmuseum.org.
People items may be submitted to Cindy Cantrell at cantrell@globe.com.
