Happy Mother’s Day, to all who celebrate!
Best wishes from Jolantha, Weston’s favorite sow. (Photo/Hans Wilhelm)
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An update on the AWARE event May 30: The acronym stands for Assisting Women Through Action, Resources and Education. Each year the organization selects a women’s cause, then partners with a charity to benefit it. Through a fundraiser, hands-on activity and educational event, AWARE shines a light on a different meaningful women’s issue.
This year, they’re working with Susie’s House.
The 124 Compo Road North residence is run by Homes with Hope. Named for former director Susie Basler, it provides stable, affordable living for 6 young women ages 18 to 24 who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness.
Susie’s House helps resident get back on their feet through education and employment, eventually moving on to independent living. Each woman has a mentor, community support and case management.
The goal for this event is to raise $12,000 in educational scholarships — $2,000 for each of the 6 women. Grants go toward educational expenses such as 4-year or community college, driving classes or professional training.
Pop-Up Bagels and Granola Bar will provide brunch. Local experts will offer gardening tips. And 2 women graduating from college will be celebrated too.
Click here to buy tickets, and for more information.
Susie’s House
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Rhododendrons are getting ready to bloom.
And area residents can get ready, at a special event with Wakeman Town Farm, Blau House & Garden, and the Connecticut chapter of the American Rhododendron Society.
On Sunday, May 17 (10 a.m., Wakeman Town Farm)Melissa Finley, senior curator at the New York Botanical Garden, will speak on “Rhododendrons: From Wild Roots to Modern Blooms.”
Guests then head to Blau House — the spectacular garden off Bayberry Lane — for a private tour.
The day includes coffee and pastries at 9:30 a.m., and a box lunch. Click here for registration, and more information.
Rhododendrons at Blau Garden.
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For nearly 20 years, the Staples High School boys lacrosse team has sponsored a “Sticks for Soldiers” game. 100% of funds raised go to a military veteran who was injured in combat.
This year’s honoree is Master Sergeant (ret.) Joseph Deslauriers. The Massachusetts native and Silver Star recipient lost one arm and both legs, and suffered a traumatic brain injury and PTSD after stepping on an IED in Afghanistan.
The game is May 19 (5 p.m., Paul Lane Field) against Wilton — an important one.
A custom store is open, for special shirts and hats that youth players and families can wear to the game. $8 from each sale will also be donated to Sgt. Deslauriers. Sales close tonight!
For apparel questions, email Jim at teamstore@macwear.com. For Staples lacrosse “Sticks for Soldiers: questions, email Adam Vengrow: vengrow@ven2port.com.
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Speaking of Staples: Congratulations to Elijah Falkenstein and Zander Bauer!
The 2 seniors are winners of the Connecticut Bar Association’s Ralph J. Monaco Memorial Award for excellence in civics education and civic engagement.
They were recognized at the annual Law Day Ceremony last week, at the Connecticut Appellate Court in Hartford. Each student received a $1,000 grant.
The honor is presented to one or more Connecticut high school students who demonstrate a significant commitment to advancing civic engagement, civics education, and/or the rule of law. .
The pair co-founded the first Connecticut chapter of the national non-profit Make Our Schools Safe. It empowers students and staff to help create a culture of safety and vigilance, while advocating for laws that promote safer schools.
Last year, Zander and Elijah testified before the state legislature, for a bill calling for installation of silent panic alarms directly linked to law enforcement, which dramatically reduces response time. The legislation passed.
This year they traveled to Washington. They advocated for passage of Alyssa’s Act, which would set national standards for emergency response systems.
Elijah Falkenstein and Zander Bauer with “Stop the Bleed” kits — another project of the Make Our Schools Safe club.
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The Clubhouse has everything: golf and other sports simulators. A bar and restaurant. Karaoke. A rooftop lounge.
Plus speed dating.
A special event is set for May 13, 7 to 9 p.m.). It includes a casual mixer kickoff, guided conversational ice-breakers, and a “simple matching system.” Mutual matches receive contact information the next day.
It’s advertised for singles ages 35-49. But, organizers — the private Sips & Sparks group — say, “it’s not a strict rule. If you feel like you’d vibe with this crowd, you’re welcome to join. Our goal is to create a well-balanced group where connections actually make sense.”
Click here for more information, and tickets.
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For its first 9 years, the Dog Festival has advertised itself with yard signs, a banner at the Winslow Park site, emails, and (of course) mentions on “06880.”
This year, the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce — the hard-working sponsors — add YouTube (and AI) into the mix.
The host Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce has produced a short, cute video starring “Wrex” (a play on Staples Wreckers, and a typical dog’s name).
Click here or below to view. But if you need another reminder: It’s next Sunday (May 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Winslow Park).
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Mother’s Day is all about flowers.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image comes, appropriately enough, from a very talented photographer with the happily apt name of June Rose Whittaker.
(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)
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And finally … our traditional Mother’s Day song:
(Like every good mama, “06880” is here for you, 24/7/365. If you appreciate all the work we put in — it’s a motherload, BTW — please click here to support this hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
