Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), Gloucester chapter, has launched a new year with a full lineup of speakers and activities for area moms. MOPS is an international organization for mothers of infants through 7-year olds.

The goal of MOPS is to help mothers be the best they can be by providing friendship, community, resources and support, a release said. The group gives moms a chance to meet each other and enjoy quality time together, while hearing helpful speakers and participating in activities.

The Gloucester group meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month (September through May) in Room 312 of Petsworth Baptist Church, 2471 Hickory Fork Road. Child care is provided for children of all ages during the fun, informative meetings.

The next meeting will be Wed., Nov. 3, and features Dr. Karen Ransone discussing, "What I Wish Every Mother of Preschoolers Knew." Ransone is the mother of three children and a pediatrician with the Fishing Bay...