A bit of news to keep you in the know about things happening with Multiples of America.
Be sure to check out the quiz at the bottom for your chance to win a gift card!

A Winner!
Ten members emailed their answers to the October quiz. Everyone who joined in the fun was entered into the drawing. The winner of the gift card drawing was Lisa Schmidt, DuPage Doubles (IL).
 
Happy Thanksgiving
When I count my blessings this holiday, I am thankful for this chance to serve with our Board of Directors, and join in the work they are doing to build support for and connect with member clubs and members from across the country. I am also thankful to be a part of a powerful team of National Worker volunteers who are graciously sharing their time and talents for our organization. And I am thankful for each of you as members and member clubs for your support and help as we work to move our organization “Together Toward Tomorrow”. May your Thanksgiving Day be filled with family, fun, joy, and perhaps a bit of pumpkin pie!
 
Board News
The board is working with our volunteers to deliver the services and benefits you enjoy from year to year as well as develop new initiatives focused on support and connection.
• Stories, Special Guests, and Sugar Cookies. Our first zoom connect will be a Holiday Event, Sunday, Dec. 18, 3 p.m., CST. I know many clubs are holding holiday parties, some with families and some as adult socials. One club is even planning a holiday sock party! But we’re hoping amid all that fun, you’ll also have time to connect with friends from across the country. Families, grandparents, even the family dog, can be there with you as we spend time together via zoom decorating cookies, making an ornament, hearing holiday stories, and welcoming a special guest. Sign up to join in the fun online at:  https://multiplesofamerica.org/zoom-connects/  After you sign up, we’ll send an email with the special zoom link, plus information about some supplies you can have one hand if you want to join in the cookie decorating and ornament making.
• Other Zoom Connects will begin in January on the second Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. CST! Flyers in the Fall Mailing, Part 2, which is now on the website in the Members’ Only section, show specific topics for each connect.
• Kim England, Parliamentarian, wants to remind all that the deadline for any proposed bylaw or standing rule amendment is December 15. If assistance is needed, please reach out to Kim prior to the deadline at parliamentarian@multiplesofamerica.org
• An update of our pamphlet, “Your Multiples and You”, is nearing completion. It’s a resource that clubs can access as a part of their outreach to parents who are expecting multiples. Thanks to the Documents Update Special Committee for their work in preparing this update!
• Our Communication and Marketing team is putting together some special Local Club Spotlights to share club’s activities, services and more. The spotlight will include posts on social media as well as articles in Multiple Connections and Club Connections. Contact Claudia Contreras, marketing@multiplesofamerica.org if you would like to the team to spotlight your club.
 
Make Twice the Difference
Gift and Give Multiplied is our annual fundraising campaign. This year’s campaign, running Nov. 15-29, aims to raise $2,000, and an anonymous donor has agreed to match all donations up to our $2,000. goal. So when you give your gift is truly multiplied and makes twice the difference! Supporters can elect to target their donations toward specific areas, or offer a general donation. Check out more about the campaign online at: https://multiplesofamerica.org/gift-and-give-multiplied/
 
Point of Order
The Parliamentarian and the Parliamentary Practices Special Committee would like to hear from members and clubs. They are seeking questions or concerns on the following: Updating Bylaws and Standing Rules, Procedures and Elections. Please send your questions to the Parliamentarian at: parliamentarian@multiplesofamerica.org.
 
In Case You Missed It
Two Fall Mailings, Part 1 and 2, were sent to club leaders in October and November. The mailings included important news about the organization and our plans for the coming term. All members can access those mailings, which are posted online in the Members’ Only section of the website. (You’ll need the username and password below.) If you haven’t seen them yet, please take a moment and check them out.
Fall Mailing, Part 1: https://multiplesofamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/fall-mailing-part-1-FINAL.pdf
Fall Mailing, Part 2: https://multiplesofamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/fall-mailing-part-2.2-FINAL-1.pdf
 
Members’ Only Password Changes December 15
The password for the Members Only section changes every December 15. The current user name and password is:
 
User Name:     MembersOnly
Password:       Pr0gress2022MOA! (Note the 0 in Progress is a number)
 
On December 15, the user name and password will change to:
 
User Name:     MembersOnly
Password:       2ward2morrow! (Think: Together “Toward Tomorrow!”)
 
Please remember this information is for members of clubs for whom dues have been paid at the national level only. It is very important that it be kept secure and not published online in newsletters, news groups (Yahoo, Facebook, Big Tent, etc.), club websites, or any other print media that is not accessed only by member or secured by a password.
 
Annual Meeting News
I know many members are waiting for news about our 2023 annual meeting. The board is reviewing financial information, costs for the annual meeting, and sponsorship options. They are also reviewing survey results from 2022 Virtual Summit, and considering options of virtual, hybrid, in-person. Look for details about a decision in early December.
 
Watch for This
Our website is growing and changing almost daily. Check out this updated item:
Our volunteers, who are called National Workers, live and do their work from their homes across the country. The National Worker Directory is a listing of each of our volunteers and their appointed or elected positions this term. Use this resource when you need to contact a specific department about a club or individual need. Of course, our Executive Office at info@multiplesofamerica.org can always help you get any question into the right email inbox. Find the National Worker Directory in the Members’ Only section of the website.
https://multiplesofamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2022-2023-National-Worker-Directory-No-Addresses-v2.pdf
 
Local Clubs Giving Back
Northwest Houston Mothers of Multiples (TX) joined in the Lasagna Love project (www.lasagnalove.org), which connects volunteer chefs with families in need nationwide. Members held a club fundraiser to get the funds for needed groceries, then met together along with their children to make lasagna dinners for 12 local families. The 11 kids that joined in even made cards for the recipients!
 
Greater Nashua Parents of Twins and More (NH) has held toy drives over many years, donating to Toys for Tots, member families in need, and St. Joseph’s Hospital.
 
Arlington Mothers of Multiples (TX) headed to the non-profit Mission Arlington for a day of service this fall. It was a family affair with dads and kids joining in as the group sorted clothes by season, put clothes on racks, and sorted beauty products that would be available free to anyone in need in the Arlington area.
 
Many member clubs also give back by hosting preemie closets, snow gear closets, loaner equipment closets, even Halloween costume closets. Many local clubs also arrange meal trains for new parents or member families in need. Others make donations to national or local non-profits.
 
I’m thinking all members of Multiples of America deserve a big pat on the back for all the ways in which we give back to each other and to the communities in which we live!
 
Take a Quiz
Numerous famous people have a connection with multiples, from Shakespeare to Celine Dion. See if you can name these well-known parents of multiples:

1. A dad of twins who composed the melodies for “Moon River” and the “Pink Panther theme”:

1. John Williams
2. James Horner
3. Nat King Cole
4. Henry Mancini

2. An author of children’s and young adult fiction, bringing to life well-loved characters such as Beezus, Ribsy, and Ralph S. Mouse. She is mom to boy/girl twins:

1. Beverly Cleary
2. Amal Clooney
3. Laura Ingalls Wilder
4. Ann Landers

3. A child television star, he grew up to be an actor, director, producer, screenwriter, and a dad of twins:

1. Steve Harvey
2. Brad Pitt
3. Ron Howard
4. John Wayne

4. This famous dad of multiples has won one Tony Award, two Academy Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards:

1. Hugh Jackman
2. Denzel Washington
3. Bing Crosby
4. Matthew Broderick

5. Hillary Swank, an expectant mom of multiples, currently stars in a primetime television series, set in this state:

1. Alabama
2. Kansas
3. Alaska
4. New Jersey

 
Think you got them all correct (or even if you just guessed)? Email me your answers at president@multiplesofamerica.org
 
Those who join in the fun will have their name entered into a drawing for a gift card!
 
Send Your Ideas/Share Your Stories
I’d love to hear from you. Let me know what questions you have about any of these items or other services provided by Multiples of America. Share some news about your club: its successes or challenges. Contact me at president@multiplesofamerica.org