This column will run frequently each week, highlighting shorter announcements or updates, and help you get a quick start to the Wilton news of the day. Have a news tip, item or something you know people are chattering about? Email us at editor@goodmorningwilton.com.
A Must-See Wilton Rendition of “Hallelujah”
Wilton talent was on display at the Wilton Playshop this past weekend for Love Acoustic Style, an intimate evening of heart-warming and toe-tapping acoustic love songs. The night featured local talent from Big Deal Band, Bob’s Your Uncle, Captain Obvious, Deaf Horsefish, Joni & The Keepers, The Treeshakers and members of Acoustic Wilton and Wilton Rocks.
The one-night-only concert featured an especially moving performance of “Hallelujah,” by two of Wilton Rocks’ standouts, Andy Schlesinger on guitar and Gerry Lee on vocals. It’s a version everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy.
Good for the Eyes and Good for the Earth
There’s beautiful music from Wilton adults, and then there’s gorgeous art from Wilton’s younger residents–Miller-Driscoll students, whose most recent contribution to the arts is good for the planet too.
They created a wall mural made completely from recycled items, including cast-off household items and garbage. The underwater scene hangs in a hallway and provides great inspiration to care for the earth that give us all so much.
Prepare for Earth’s Bounty
It’s not too early to think Spring!
Now is a perfect time to plan for warm summer days of fresh produce from your own garden. To help, Ambler Farm is offering a wide range of vegetable, herb and flower transplants for sale.
Ambler Farm transplants are 100% organically grown in the farm’s greenhouse from seed in a compost-based, biologically-active potting soil, and are lovingly tended by Ambler’s director of agriculture, Farmer Jonathan Kirschner.
Anyone ordering early will have access to many options that are “Grown to Order Only.” The last day to order some transplants, including leeks, onions, scallions and some flowers is Sunday, Feb. 24, so don’t delay!
Ambler Farm will begin selling cold weather transplants at the farm in mid-April and warm weather transplants in mid-May. There are many more details on the Ambler Farm website, so let your gardening imagination run wild as you check out the transplants and order online. Contact Farmer Jonathan via email with any questions.
Earth’s Candy–Citrus!
The Kiwanis Club of Wilton‘s annual Citrus Sale is in full swing and there is still time to get orders in for delicious grapefruit, oranges and clementines. If you don’t know a neighbor who’s a member of Kiwanis, visit the Kiwanis Club’s website to place an order.
The last day for ordering is Tuesday, Feb. 19; fruit will arrive in Wilton for pickup on Friday, March 1 from 12-5 p.m.; Saturday, March 2 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, March 3 from 12-5 p.m.. Pick up will be at ECS Transportation (390 Danbury Rd., across from Wilton High School).
All profits go toward helping the Wilton community through the many local charities the Kiwanis Club supports. We thank you for you help.
Better Angels Among Us
Circle of Care recently received a very generous donation from a single donor, thanks to Matt Russo of neighboring New Canaan who secured a $50,000 grant for the Wilton-based cancer charity.
Russo’s grant came via his employer, Northwestern Mutual NYC Midtown, which recognized the longstanding support Russo and his financial advisory team have given over many years to children and families impacted by cancer. They have often hosted and participated in events to benefit both Circle of Care and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. In recognition of the positive impact Russo and his team have had on in the fight against childhood cancer, the Northwestern Mutual Foundation awarded the NYC Midtown office its 2019 Childhood Cancer Impact Award and $50,000.
Russo says his commitment is personal, something that began years ago when his close friend and co-worker lost a son to cancer.
“Over the eight years we have been working with Circle of Care, we have seen first-hand the impact they have on children with cancer and their families, and it is an honor to give them this grant for the outstanding work they do for families in Connecticut and the New York area,” he says.
This grant ensures that a network of volunteers is available at the grassroots level to provide support, and that direct emergency financial assistance can be offered to families who are struggling to make ends meet while caring for their sick children.
“Northwestern Mutual has made a significant and meaningful impact on the children with cancer we serve,” said Liz Salguero, President and co-founder of Circle of Care. “We are so grateful to the entire team not only for this grant, but for the incredible support they have given Circle of Care over the last eight years. They truly want to make a difference in the lives of children with cancer, and they are doing it.”