FIRST UP on GMW is an occasional column that highlights shorter announcements or updates, and helps you get a quick start to the Wilton news of the day. Have a news tip, item or something you know people are chatting about? Email us at editor@goodmorningwilton.com.
Wilton Library Hosts Ice Cream Social
Wilton Library (137 Old Ridgefield Rd.) is hosting a good old-fashioned Ice Cream Social on Saturday, June 7, from 12:30-2:30 p.m. in the library parking lot. All members of the Wilton community are invited to attend this special event. College Creamery will once again be handing out free ice cream bars and snow cones, while supplies last. Enjoy live music by library trustee Matt Greene and friends (weather permitting). New Wilton residents are encouraged to sign up for their library cards. Visit the Wilton Library website for more details.
Trackside Teen Center Offers Pop-Up Burger Bar
Rising senior James Lillis has elevated the cafe menu at Trackside Teen Center all year long. Calling the kitchen his “lab,” he has playfully experimented with a variety of signature chicken sandwich offerings, coming up with some seriously scrumptious sandwiches like “The Korean Kick,” “The Honey Sriracha” and “The Classic.”
For months, Trackside students have been lining up to try his creations and now Lillis is offering to serve up his mouth-watering burgers to the whole community.
The community is invited to Trackside this Friday afternoon, June 6, between 4-7 p.m. and experience Lillis’ Pop-Up Burger Bar.
Enjoy a delicious burger and tots with specialty sauces and lots of fixings — and support a Wilton teen.
No advance registration is required.
Cheer On Wilton Police on 2025 Special Olympics Torch Run
The Wilton Police Department, accompanied by members of the Ridgefield, Redding and Weston Police Departments, will be participate in the 2025 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run on Friday, June 6. The WPD is inviting community members to come out and cheer for the department members as they make their way along the route with the Flame of Hope.
The run typically sees about two dozen officers carrying the torch as they run from the WEPCO Church Complex (36 New Canaan Rd.), down Wolfpit Rd., through Wilton Center (River Rd./Old Ridgefield Rd.) and along Danbury Rd. to finish at Wilton Town Hall (238 Danbury Rd.).
Each year, CT police officers carry the Flame of Hope across the state to honor Special Olympics athletes and promote inclusion and acceptance for people of all abilities. Officers also run a final leg of the torch run during the Special Olympics Summer Games Opening Ceremony at Southern Connecticut State University on Friday, June 6, helping to light a large cauldron and kick off Summer Games weekend.
Student Volunteer Fair Connects Wilton Youth with Local Organizations
Students from both Wilton High School and Middlebrook Middle School had an exciting opportunity to explore community engagement at the WHS PTSA‘s first annual Student Volunteer Fair. Held in the WHS LLC in May, the event featured more than 20 local organizations eager to connect with student volunteers. From environmental groups and food banks to animal rescues and teen centers, the fair offered something for everyone interested in making a difference.
Students and their parents visited tables, learned about volunteer roles and signed up for opportunities. Organizations including Stay at Home Wilton, Open Doors/Feeding 500, Rising Starr Horse Rescue and Trout Unlimited praised the enthusiasm and interest from students. Nonprofit leaders were especially excited by how many students signed up to further pursue volunteer roles in their organizations.
“Everyone loved it. [Wilton First Selectman] Toni Boucher was delighted to have a pop-up table, and she left with a list of students interested in internships in her office. SLOBs is already planning for next year’s event, and another nonprofit leader mentioned inviting her church group to participate next year as they do outreach and need volunteers,” WHS PTSA President Sue Robins said, adding, “I think everyone was blown away by this event!”
The fair was sponsored by the Wilton High School PTSA and chaired by Michelle Baranowski. WHS Principal Bob O’Donnell and WHS guidance counselor Pam Scott both attended to help answer any questions students might have had, highlighting the school’s commitment to building civic responsibility and a culture of service. With strong turnout and positive feedback from both students and nonprofits, the event is expected to grow even larger next year.
Organizers added that connecting students with real-world causes and concrete opportunities with the Student Volunteer Fair helps foster a spirit of service and community engagement that extends far beyond the classroom.