Most of us know that self-care is the key to our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. But so many of us struggle with finding a way to carve out some “me time,” and it often ends up on the back burner.
Knowing what me time truly means for you is the first step in finding a way to make it a priority, and to make it happen. And if catching a movie–sans kids–once in a while sounds like nirvana, you are in luck.
After two successful seasons in Greenwich, the Morning Movie Club will expand its offerings to Wilton this fall. Promotional materials have started appearing at the Bow Tie Wilton Cinema 4, as well as CT Coffee, Village Market, Village Luncheonette, and Tusk & Cup.
Co-founders and Greenwich moms Kerry Anderson and Michelle Howe launched the business to give local mothers some time to themselves and enjoy a currently running movie at a time that was friendly for those running households. In its first season, 250 people signed up, and the following year, membership grew to just under 400.
The concept has also expanded beyond the initial target of stay-at-home-moms. Retirees–like Anderson’s father–have jumped on the bandwagon, as have couples and working professionals who are able to tweak their schedule accordingly. And now Wilton residents will have the opportunity to enjoy movies in the morning, with benefits that the Morning Movie Club brings.
Included in the $99 Morning Movie Club membership are eight movies played at Bow Tie Wilton Cinema 4, typically shown the first or second Thursday of each month, beginning in October and running through May. Anderson and Howe hope to replicate what they have done in Greenwich and offer members several discounts from local businesses.
“We all have our passions and concerns and for us, it’s about trying to support local businesses,” says Anderson. “Like Greenwich, Wilton’s movie theater is a Bow Tie, which is family-owned. Wilton is also similar to Greenwich in offering that downtown feel where the movie theater is located. It’s an easy walk to town center, restaurants, and shops, which we hope will in turn benefit local merchants.”
With four screens in Wilton, members will be able to choose from four different movies and enjoy snacks from the concession stand. All movies will start at 10:00 a.m., and since previews aren’t shown, members are typically in and out in two hours.
“We send an email out about a week in advance that includes the movie options, as well as links to the previews, so people have some time to review their choices and select what is most appealing to them,” says Anderson.
The big message, Anderson and Howe hope the community gets, is that it’s OK to take time for yourself. “We had one mother who admitted that she initially didn’t want to tell her husband about the Morning Movie Club, because she felt guilty. Once she told him, she said her husband was thrilled that she was doing something for herself,” recalls Anderson.
So, Wilton, what do you think? It’s time to take time for you. And you don’t have to figure out how to fit it in; the Morning Movie Club has taken care of all the scheduling–you just have to sign up and show up.
To sign up for the Morning Movie Club, register here. For more general information and answers to commonly asked questions, please visit the website or reach out via email.