The Mothers' Club of Amador County is hosting an evening to discuss and learn about Shaken Baby Syndrome on Aug. 21 at 6 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Sutter Creek.

The event is open to the public free of charge including free daycare. Guest speaker Robin Valencia from Amador County Child Abuse Prevention Council will give the presentation.

"Nobody thinks it'll happen to them," said Leslie Vasquez, Mothers' Club Director, "but apparently a little jolt can do a lot of damage and if you consider the baby's unconsolable screeching, an exhausted caretaker, and frustration, it can be a lethal combination even in fun-times like games where dad tosses a child into the air."

"It can happen to anyone if they are not prepared and have a plan in place," Valencia said. She'll show a seven minute video, demonstrate with a doll, and have time for discussion and questions.

Everyone is encouraged to come to this informative event including dads, grandparents, baby-sitters and older siblings. R.S.V.P. to Vasquez by calling 296-3750 or send an e-mail to vaz@volcano.net before Aug. 17.

Moms of every age and situation are invited to join the Mothers' Club of Amador County, including first-time pregnant women. Registration forms will be available for anyone interested.

It doesn't cost anything to join the club. Club members provide meals to mothers for the first month of a baby's life. As their children grow, members participate in parties, picnics, and field trips and can utilize the network of moms for information on parenting, activities, or swapping items.

In addition to Mom's Night Out, mothers are invited to impromptu activities like snow-play dates, campouts and hikes and kept informed of local classes or events related to parenting. The Mothers' Club of Amador County was founded in 2002 to create an environment of support, education, and socialization for mothers and their families and it continues to transform depending on membership involvement and funding.

The club holds meetings at the United Methodist Church in Sutter Creek, who donates space for meetings, activities and events. The Mothers' Club of Amador County is funded by grants from First 5 Amador, The Sutter Creek Woman's Club and other fund-raising efforts. See the Web site to support the Mothers Club by making a donation and becoming a sponsor.

For more information or to join this club, go to www.mothersclubofamadorcounty.com.