For the past year, the Northern Virginia Chapter of the Holistic Moms Network has been providing support, information and camaraderie to Northern Virginia families who share a common interest in natural health and green living.

Founded and lead by two Centreville moms — Alexa Hutchins of Singleton’s Grove and Laurie Cunningham of Country Club Manor — the organization has filled a need here and has grown quickly.

"We have 65 members now," said Hutchins. "This year has been great. There’s so much interest, it’s been amazing. And our members come from all over — even from as far away as Leesburg and Springfield."

And now, the group is inviting parents from Fairfax and surrounding areas to join in celebrating its one-year anniversary on Tuesday, April 7, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Members will meet for conversation, sharing and support at the City of Fairfax Regional Library, 10360 North St. in Fairfax.

Families and children are welcome. Local businesses supporting healthful living and parenting are contributing to this event, providing food and prizes for the members and guests.

The Holistic Moms Network is a national, nonprofit support and resource network for moms interested in natural/alternative health and mindful parenting. This Northern Virginia chapter meets the first Tuesday of each month, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., in the conference room of the City of Fairfax Regional Library.

The meetings are topical meetings and often feature guest speakers. Discussion subjects include organic gardening, deciphering food labels, yoga for the whole family, nontoxic cleaning, nutrition, vaccine awareness and managing commercialism.

This chapter also coordinates playgroups, a lending library and other opportunities to meet and socialize with like-minded families. For more information, contact Chapter Co-Leader Laurie Cunningham at 703-988-0285 or at HMNofNOVA@gmail.com. The Web site is http://nova.holisticmoms.org and the blog is at http://hmnofnova.blogspot.com.