Welcome to Momstown

Fairfield Momstown, a new online resource for local mothers, provides information about the town's businesses, recreation facilities, children's classes, schools and library programs.

Fairfield mother and founder, Andrea Krollman, strives to make the website "user-friendly."

"I want it to be easy for moms to find all of the necessary information that they are looking for," Krollman said. "I want it to be a place where moms could come to and feel positive about being a mom. It's important that moms feel excited about being a mom, and I really try to encourage them to take advantage of all that the town has to offer."

A relative newcomer to Fairfield, Krollman moved to the community two years ago with her husband. They now have two young children, ages 2 and 5 years old. Without a doubt, the couple was attracted to Fairfield's family-oriented environment, Krollman noted.

"We came here for the kids," Krollman said. "I'm the biggest cheerleader for this town."

This enthusiasm is conveyed in her postings at FairfieldMomstown.com. Featuring stories about activities for children, Krollman also publishes comprehensive monthly calendars that let parents know when story times are scheduled at the Fairfield Library, for example, or information on registration for summer camps, athletic teams and town-sponsored events.

To receive FairfieldMomstown's free newsletter, which is sent out every Thursday, go to www.fairfieldmomstown.com.

Krollman's website is part of the national momstown online community. Two mothers in the Midwest started an online blog in support of mothers who opted to work from home or stay at home full-time to raise their children. As a subscriber, Krollman enjoyed connecting with other mothers who shared similar experiences to her own.

Last year, when Krollman's husband lost his job on Wall Street, she felt that it might be time to return to the workforce. Coincidentally, Krollman also learned that the Momstown team was expanding to local communities throughout the United States and mothers were encouraged to launch their own websites highlighting their town's activities.

Although Krollman also works part-time as a physical therapist, last August she ensured that FairfieldMomstown.com went viral.

Krollman pays to use the Momstown name and is charged a monthly fee for support services rendered, however, she is responsible for making her website unique to Fairfield. "I had a blank slate and I was free to make it however I wanted," Krollman said.

In other words, she designed its physical site and contents. Krollman is also responsible for recruiting advertisers and sponsors. "I had to create it from the ground up, and I've learned a lot in the process," she noted.

One of Krollman's good friends who lives in Rhode Island also liked the Momstown concept and she, too, created a own website for her community. "It was wonderful because we had each other to bounce ideas off of," Krollman said.

After all, moms supporting each other is the underlying theme of momstown.com.

Closer to home, Krollman feels fortunate to have another good friend, Robin Phillips, to offer encouragement as well as practical help, too.

Phillips has posted stories on Fairfieldmomstowns.com detailing her family's travels to child-friendly sites, such as Sturbridge Village and Mystic Seaport. "We are looking to share information at FairfieldMomstown," Phillips explained.

Krollman welcomes other creative mothers to submit stories about parenting in Fairfield for the website.

She also would like to use the website to promote Fairfield's business district and encourage residents to shop locally.

"Andrea is concerned about caring for our local merchants," said Phillips. "We have a great Main Street here in town and Andrea doesn't want local businesses to close. We are a community of moms who spend money. Andrea is hoping to connect us to make Fairfield feel a bit smaller than it actually is."

Both Krollman and Phillips like the idea of giving back to the community.

"This is a community effort," Krollman said. "I hope to create a strong network of moms who all give back to the community."

So far, response to FairfieldMomstown.com has been positive.

And, Krollman is having a great time launching her new business.

The easiest part, she admits, is the writing. "I hadn't written since high school but I really enjoyed my English classes back then," Krollman said. "It's been really fun."

Her next task is to sponsor a FairfieldMomstown program this summer, which would provide a networking opportunity for other women who wanted to start their own businesses or who are already entrepreneurs.

"We will be posting the details online so please go to FairfieldMomstown.com for more information," Krollman urged.