Lakewood’s ‘Moms & Muffins’ a sweet start to the day

By Tara Cavanaugh

Weekday mornings can feel like a timed race. Starting with a screaming alarm clock and ending with a frantic drive to school, there’s often barely enough time to make sure one’s shoes match.

But once a year at Lakewood Elementary, morning slows to a glacial pace with its “Moms & Muffins” breakfast. The cafeteria is set up with a spread of juice, coffee, yogurt, fruit and muffins. There are moms. There are kids. And suddenly there is a luxurious 35 minutes of time to just be together.

Some moms helped their children with homework. Others just chatted. Some even posed for a professional photo taken by Ken Hornak, a local photographer. Hornak provides the families with free pictures after every “Moms & Muffins” event.

“Moms & Muffins” has taken place for at least a decade, said Chris Cerda, a PTO parent who organized the event. PTO dads put on the mom’s breakfast and PTO moms throw the similar “Donuts with Dads.”

“It’s a reflection of the warm and engaged community we have,” Cerda said, surveying the bustling cafeteria. “It’s a diverse school, and we truly like each other.”