Help Kick for Nick with Soccer Gear Donations for Rwandan Orphanage
Kick for Nick has put out a call for donations on behalf of children in need on the other side of the world.
Bill and Shalini Madaras started Kick for Nick in tribute to their son, Wiltonian PFC Nicholas Maderas, who was killed in Iraq in 2006. The organization was created to fulfill Nick’s dream of spreading peace and goodwill to children around the world in war-torn and poverty-stricken areas, using donated soccer balls and gear and distributed by U.S. service people.
Bill was recently contacted by a friend who works at an orphanage in Rwanda, who asked if he could obtain donations of new or used youth soccer jerseys and soccer balls for the children there. According to Madaras’ contact, soccer is the only recreation the children at the orphanage enjoy.
To help the effort, donations are being sought with the help of the Wilton Soccer Association. Donations are being collected at two locations in Wilton: either at 35 Signal Hill Rd. (items can be left in a bag in or under the mail box) or at the American Legion Post at 112 River Rd. in Wilton Center. Balls can be thrown into the large bin outside the American Legion office. Jerseys can be dropped off on weekdays during office hours, by going inside the front door, then make an immediate right and going through the next door, and then simply drop the jersey(s) at the bottom of the staircase. Please note, the front door is open only on weekdays during office hours (9 a.m.-5 p.m.).
Wilton Marks Veterans Day with Town Ceremony
Wilton will officially mark Veterans Day, honoring town veterans, today, Wednesday, Nov. 11. Organized by the members of the American Legion Post 86, the events will begin at 10:15 a.m. with a parade march from Wilton Library to the Veterans Memorial (at the corner of Old Ridgefield Rd. and Center St.), where the ceremony will begin at 10:30.
Among the items on the schedule are a proclamation reading by Wilton’s first selectman Bill Brennan; remarks from Post 86 Commander Don Hazard and state senator Toni Boucher; and musical presentations, including America the Beautiful and God Bless America, sung by Griffen King; and taps, played by WHS trumpeters Jordan Riechgut and Elliot Connors.
The ceremony will conclude by 11 a.m..
Register Now for Exclusive “Private Tour” of Wilton Historical Society
As part of its 40th anniversary celebration, the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation will hold a “Private Access Tour” of the five historic buildings on the Wilton Historical Society‘s campus at 224 Danbury Rd., on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 11 a.m.– 12:30 p.m..
The one-of-a-kind talk and tour, given by Wilton architect Rob Sanders, will include commentary about the evolution of Wilton’s early architectural styles and a chance to explore the interconnected Betts House (c. 1740), Burt Barn and Fitch House (1772), as well as the 1860 Abbott Barn and blacksmith shop.
Sanders, whose architectural practice has a strong presence in historic preservation, restoration, and renovation, was instrumental in moving the historic buildings to their current location. Open to the public, the event will conclude with a light reception.
The Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, in partnership with the 1772 foundation, awarded the Wilton Historical Society a grant of $15,000 for exterior painting of the Betts House, the Burt Barn and the Fitch House in 2014. Jordan Sorensen, membership and events manager is, “thrilled to be able to showcase the Wilton Historical Society’s dedication to the upkeep of their historic buildings and their innovative programming and exhibitions.”
The painting project was finished this summer. The special access tour is a way to mark both the Trust’s 40th anniversary and the completion of the project.
Tickets are free, but online registration is required as space is limited. Ample parking is available next to the main buildings located at the Wilton Historical Society Museum Complex.