FORTY FORT, Pa. — At Be Well NEPA in Forty Fort, occupational therapist and co-owner Mary Vanesko showed Newswatch 16 around the pediatric rehabilitative therapy and wellness center. It is one of four locations and is a collaboration between Vanesko's Well-Nurtured Development and Pottsville native Chelsea Zimmerman's Lingua LLC.
"We realized that moms really needed a place to connect. One of the biggest things we hear is, 'We don't know where to go for such and such.' And it's just plugging in those services for them that gives them peace of mind," Vanesko said.
Over the past year, Vanesko teamed up with Melissa Obuch, the founder and director of MamaBird, a nonprofit that provides diapers and feminine hygiene products to women in Luzerne and Wyoming Counties. Together, they are hosting MomCon this weekend at Mohegan Casino.
"We thought, wouldn't it be wonderful to help moms navigate the journey to motherhood and everything that comes from that," Obuch said.
"Having this big event where all the vendors are in one place at one time is really just a magical thing for them, for us, and everyone involved," Vanesko added.
MomCon falls on Mother's Day weekend on purpose. There will be workshops, inspirational speakers, and more than 40 local vendors, all important resources for moms.
"Knowing your body is really important and taking care of yourself. As a mom, that's something I really struggled with. 'When is it OK to take time for myself?" said Erica Zangardi, owner of The Cycle Yard.
That's why Zangardi will be at MomCon on behalf of her Pittston-based Pilates studio, talking about fitness, stretching, and breathing, both prenatal and postnatal.
The owners and women behind First Glance 3D will also be there.
"Moms, when they have their ultrasound appointments at the doctor's office, they can't bring their family with them. They're focused on the medical aspect of it. We provide the fun part of it," said April Calvey, co-owner of First Glance 3D.
You won't be able to get an actual 3D ultrasound at MomCon, but you can make your appointment, get a discount code, and see how the 3D ultrasounds work.
"The grandparents have the best reaction because this wasn't around when they were younger. When they get that first look, it warms my heart," said Allysia Flint, co-owner of First Glance 3D.
Mom Con is this Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Mohegan Pennsylvania Casino. Tickets are $10 and kids are free, for more information, click here.