Gardner turned to the Internet to research mothers' clubs in the area. She couldn't find any.

"I swore to myself I would do something to change it when I could manage it," said Gardner.

Three years later, Gardner did just that. In May 2004 she founded the Tahoe Mothers' Club, a network of local parents designed to offer support and provide educational programs and activities for families. The club quickly grew from an initial 45 members to its current 150.

"There was a huge need for this," said Gardner, 40, who now has three children, ages 2, 3 and 5, and works full-time.

The club, which costs $30 a year to join, offers moms nights out, a babysitting co-op, playgroup coordination, newsletters, and general meetings five times a year. The meetings include presentations by child or relationship experts, such as Patty Wipfler, founder of the Parents Leadership Institute, and Rita Wespi, a math enrichment consultant.

The club focuses on families with children ages 0 to 6. Gardner said she chose this age group because once kids enter kindergarten or first grade, parents are introduced to a community of other parents through PTA meetings and soccer games.

"Our goal is to build community before the kids reach school," she said.

The club is not just for mothers. It's also open to fathers and expecting parents. In fact, Gardner said many of the club's members are dads.

On Oct. 29 the club is hosting its annual Halloween Party at the Fairway Community Center in Tahoe City. The party, which costs $5 for non-members, includes a costume contest, games, and a potluck. Last year, according to Gardner, 100 people attended.

The club's next general meeting is in January. It will feature a school expo, where representatives of all the local daycare centers, pre-schools, and kindergarten classes will be present.

"Parents will be able to come to one location and find out what everyone has to offer," Gardner said.

In addition, the club has a pre-school binder for members. It lists all the pre-schools in the Truckee-North Shore region, as well as parents' ratings, fees, hours, and contact information.