<p>The Lazy .5K Charity “Run” is set for Sunday, October 27, 2024 from 10am to noon at Dockside Brewery 40 Bridgeport Ave in Milford, CT.</p><p>The Lazy .5K Race is a fun, Halloween-themed event to raise funds and awareness for Bridges Healthcare’s community mental health services.&nbsp;Put on your best Halloween costume and join in for games, food and a leisurely .5K stroll to the finish line.&nbsp;Tickets are $35 per person (plus fees) and include 2 drink tickets and light fare after the “race”. Register at <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/halloween-themed-lazy-5k-charity-run-tickets-976253409227" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/halloween-themed-lazy-5k-charity-run-tickets-976253409227</a></p>

<p><strong>Lauralton Hall Varsity Volleyball Team Achieves an Impressive 15-0 Record with 45 Straight Set Victories</strong></p><p><strong>MILFORD, CT</strong> – The Lauralton Hall Varsity Volleyball Team has achieved an outstanding 15-0 record with 45 consecutive set victories this season. The team's unwavering dedication, skill, and teamwork have propelled them to the top of the league standings, leaving a lasting impression on the volleyball community.</p><p>Under the leadership of Head Coach Laura Discenza, the team has showcased exceptional athleticism and strategic prowess on the court. The players' relentless pursuit of excellence has not only led to their success in matches but has also fostered a spirit of unity and sportsmanship that extends beyond the game.</p><p>Coach Discenza shares, “The team is led by a class of eight seniors who have set the tone for the program. Through their hard work and trust in each other, this group has established a new standard for Lauralton Volleyball. These girls bring more than just athletic talent to the team; they have become outstanding leaders in our program. They show our underclassmen how hard work, fun, and a love for the game can combine to produce amazing results. I am so proud to coach them every day.”</p><p>Lauralton’s Athletic Director, Chris Lindwall, credits the team's success to rigorous training, a strong team bond, and their commitment to supporting each other both on and off the court: "Every game is a new challenge, and we face it together."</p><p>The team is eagerly looking forward to their next away game on Thursday, October 10 at 4:30 p.m. at Fairfield Ludlowe High School, where they will continue their pursuit of excellence.</p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Lace-up your sneakers and join the 2024 Run for MWS this October, a fundraising event aimed at raising critical funds and awareness for individuals and families affected by Mowat-Wilson Syndrome (MWS). Whether you run, walk, or stroll, every step supports the Mowat-Wilson Syndrome Foundation (MWSF), a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the lives of those impacted by this rare genetic disorder through family support, education, and research initiatives.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Participants are encouraged to organize their own events, whether it’s a solo run, a group race in their town, or even a simple walk around the block. The goal is to raise awareness and bring communities together in support of MWS.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Here’s how it works:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Decide on the event type – single runner, a group run, a race in your town, a fun run around the block, or even a walk around the block!</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Pick a date during October</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Register your event by clicking </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdsrFrKL1rfsQ0elg3M9bW1lxHSuA9E3ExSl3Hxd189GAEWuQ/viewform" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Send us a photo and we will send you a frame and promote your event!</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Create a Facebook Fundraiser </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/fundraisers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/fundraisers/</a></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">After registering for your event, you will receive two MWSF t-shirts and a fundraising toolkit!</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">WSF President Paul Jacobi's 1-mile Fun Run Supporting Bella in Milford on October 13!</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">One highlight of this year’s campaign is a special event organized by MWSF President Paul Jacobi. On October 13th, Jacobi will host a 1-mile Fun Run and pizza party in Milford, CT, in support of Bella, a local child affected by MWS. This gathering aims to unite the community for a meaningful cause, and attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the disorder and how they can help. Jacobi explains, </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"I have raised money for the Mowat-Wilson Syndrome Foundation for so many years. Here in Milford, Ct., I am supporting my amazing friend Bella and her amazing family who deal with this disease every day. Her family was once advised that Bella might never walk. Tell that to Bella who has now run several mile races, plays baseball, participates in musical productions and spreads light wherever she goes. Please give whatever you can. Your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps. Thank you for your support. You are my friends and family and every contribution is gratefully accepted."</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Support Paul's run on October 13! Click </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/donate/537100412061215/9127458790603247/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Learn more about the 2024 Run for MWS </span><a href="https://mowat-wilson.org/runformws/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://mowat-wilson.org/runformws/</a></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p>Join the Milford Garden Club for our October 8th&nbsp;program featuring Wildlife Biologist, Peter Picone, who will address:&nbsp;Improving our Local Environment and Wildlife Habitat by Restoring Native Plants and Managing Invasives; the Challenges of Restoration Efforts to Plant Native Trees on Charles Island Natural Area Preserve.&nbsp;Peter’s presentation begins at 1:00 pm and will be held at the DAR Chapter House, 55 Prospect Street, in Milford.&nbsp;The admission fee is $5.00. payable in cash or check.&nbsp;To reserve your table space, please text or call Membership Chair Bunny Elmore by October 8 at 203-848-7459</p><p>The Milford Garden Club’s mission is to advocate for the preservation and restoration of our natural environment, and to beautify and educate our community through programs and civic projects.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We meet monthly on Tuesdays from September through June.&nbsp;</p><p>If you are interested in joining the Milford Garden Club, please contact Bunny Elmore at 203-848-7459.&nbsp;</p><p>Learn more about the project: <a href="https://www.charlesislandreforestation.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.charlesislandreforestation.com/</a></p>

<p><strong>Milford, CT</strong> – Last week, officials from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) announced the names of over 16,000 Semifinalists in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall, is proud to announce that senior Caroline Gouley is among these distinguished students.</p><p>Head of School, Beth Coyne, praised Caroline, saying, "Caroline is an outstanding member of the Lauralton Hall community both in and out of the classroom. Along with her strong academic achievements, Caroline is an active member of the National Honor Society, Engineering Team, and Youth and Government. Additionally, she serves as the Debate Team president, a Peer Mentor, and is the co-founder of Crusader Consignment. We are incredibly proud of Caroline and all she has accomplished!"</p><p>These academically gifted high school seniors now have the opportunity to continue competing for approximately 6,870 National Merit Scholarships, worth nearly $26 million, to be awarded next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must meet several requirements to advance to the Finalist level. Around 95% of Semifinalists are expected to reach Finalist standing, with about half of those earning the Merit Scholar® title.</p><p>The NMSC, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1955, conducts the annual National Merit Scholarship Program without government assistance. Scholarships are funded by the NMSC and by approximately 280 businesses, higher education institutions, and individual donors who share the goal of honoring the nation's top scholars and promoting academic excellence.</p><p><br></p>

<p>Rm 4 Young Adult Drop- In Center is having an Open House event on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 from 2:30-7PM at 570 Boston Post Road in Milford.</p><p>Young adults (ages 17-25), parents, educators and social workers are invited to come and learn about our social and life skills workshops, SMART Recovery® meetings, meditation sessions and nurturing environment.</p><p>Enjoy light refreshments, raffles prizes and giveaways. For more information visit <a href="http://www.bridgesct.org/Rm4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.BridgesCT.org/Rm4</a></p><p>Rm 4 is a Bridges Healthcare program and is sponsored by Youth Recovery CT.</p>