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Cathy's Corner: Little Sacrifices

May 28, 2021

“It does not take a great supernatural or magical hero to save the world. We all save it every day, and we all destroy it -- in our own small ways -- by every choice we make and every tiny action resulting from that choice.” Vera Nazarian


What a long, strange year it has been. I think about those who have sacrificed so much to help others and keep us safe and educated and healthy, but also each of us who has sacrificed for their family by staying home, some working crazy hours while cooking, cleaning and taking care of their kids. I'm inspired by your kindness and selflessness. That said, I hope you enjoy your Memorial Day weekend and take care of yourself. While you're at it, please check out some inspiring events as well as resources below. Keep checking back and share your ideas so I can post them as well. Have a healthy and safe week ahead. Cathy


Looking for a fun way for your kids to make new friends and engage in storytelling? Story Hour with Jenny — interactive readings of social justice-themed picture books for kids in grades K–3 — is moving to the Westport Playhouse with space to play, sing, and read together on their beautiful patio. Coming up on Sunday, June 6 is Lubaya's Quiet Roar, a lyrical, impactful story of how every child —even the quietest — can make a difference in their community. Every ticket includes a copy of the book we’ll read together, plus a bonus activity booklet and crayons for kids to take home. Space limited! All readings take place in-person. 

Get out for a fun family run! Sign up for the 27th Annual Weston Memorial Day 5K. This race is VIRTUAL, so you can run/walk your OWN course between until 5/29 2021. Sign up today! 

In honor of May being mental health awareness month, Lifelines, a local mental health organization, is offering free mental health workshops everyday. A few more days left! Click here for more info. 


Free cupcake! To show their support for those who get vaccinated Forever Sweet Bakery, 235 Main Ave, Norwalk is offering a FREE Cupcake and a chance to win a free cake to anyone who shows their Covid-19 vaccination card until the end of May. 


Maritime Aquarium is open at full capacity, but you still need to make a reservation and practice social distancing and wear a mask. MoCa Westport will be offering several outdoor concerts again this spring and summer, so check out their line up in my calendar. 


LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester has reopened! Experience the ultimate indoor LEGO® playground and  the new safety procedures ensuring guests have a memorable and safe visit! Limited capacity for 2-hour playtimes.  I am offering a pair of tickets for a fun family giveaway! To enter, please visit and like my instagram page, tag 2 friends, and DM me. You must be a subscriber of this edition to enter! 


Beardsley Zoo is open! They will be reserving tickets in two time frames to reflect 50% Zoo capacity, as required by the state. Visit them online for tickets. Get some fresh air and say hello to the animals! 

If you know of any other happenings, please email me. 

Charity Scavenger Hunt Download this safe, fun activity for the whole family. Hop in the car and let our scavenger hunt take you around town to think, see and discover together! A portion of proceeds goes to various charities around CT. Visit Rock Paper Scissors Events for details! 


Need a quick couples getaway? Check out the Delamar Hotel in Greenwich or Southport! 


Suffering from anxiety, joint pain, insomnia or ADHD? From CBD gummies to chocolates, creams and oils, check out New England Hemp Farm and get a special 15% reader discount when you enter code MACKID15. They are a CT based company with a store in Westport. Makes a great gift! 


Find wellness virtually. Join an online meditation session or take a mindfulness class from the comfort of your home with virtual offerings at Copper Beech Institute.


The Happiness Lab
 
- In "The Happiness Lab" podcast, Yale professor Dr Laurie Santos takes you through the latest scientific research and shares some surprising and inspiring stories that will forever alter the way you think about happiness.

Please check my Facebook page or here for updates about other ways to give back. 


A mental-health guide for navigating small stressors and emotional disasters from Womens Health. Read here. 


Got a little baker and chef at home? A fun activity not just for the whole family. Also a great party idea. The Little Cake Bosses box from Aux Delices has everything you need for your creation: chocolate cake, chocolate and vanilla frosting, assorted colored piping bags, fondant cutouts and sprinkles! Order for curbside pickup or delivery. 


For both safety and exercise, kids must learn to swim. Thankfully Goldfish Swim School is open in Norwalk and now in Stamford, and practicing safe social distancing. Contact them for classes today. 


Zoom with a therapy dog for 15 minutes on selected Tuesdays starting at 4pm. Read, chat, do show and tell, this is an offshoot of the popular "reading to rover" program serving the community for over 15 years. Register on the westport library website or email lperrigo@westportlibrary.org. 


Get your farm fresh food! The Stamford Farmers Market continues Saturdays in its new location on Spring Street 9am -2pm. Visit for a wide variety of locally grown fruits, vegetables and flowers. You’ll also find breads, jams, baked goods, cheeses, oils and more! We proudly accept WIC & SNAP.Also come to Latham park for Saturday morning yoga! The Westport Farmers Market is now open outdoors every thursday until fall. For home delivery of farm fresh food, be sure to contact Mikes Organic Delivery  at 203-832-3000 or email orders@mikesorganicdelivery.com.

Explore the farm so close to home with at Wakeman Town Farm. Learn about sustainable farming first-hand through planting and caring for a garden, feeding and caring for animals and more. 


Feeling overwhelmed? For Yoga and Meditation classes in person or online, visit Kaia Yoga. For socially distant yoga class and camps at home for kids and adults, check out Childs Pose Yoga


Looking to give back?  Volunteer Square a truly unique website that helps you find the perfect volunteer opportunity. Drop off food donations at a local shelter...they need it now more than ever! Donate to Kids in Crisis or No Kid Hungry! Another great idea? Check out Food Rescue US: It's an app that connects excess food from local restaurants to people in need. 


Melissa & Doug free printables! Help with reading, writing and math. Visit them online! 

From Fit4Moms: Whether you're looking to unwind before bed with a restorative workout like this oneor get outside and soak up fresh air in your backyard or on a walk around the block with an at-home stroller workout like this one, we've got options Mama! New to class and our village or haven't been for a while? We would love for you to join us for a free class to see if it works for you! Email hanajones@fit4mom.com to set up a quick video chat.


Parents of teens. I NEED YOUR HELP! Please share any thoughts on what you need for TEENS! Want more events? Shopping, book and food reviews? Tech reviews? Parenting strategies? Volunteering ideas? Email me or comment below! More giveaways and special offers coming soon! 

Know an Inspiring Person or Charity? Please Share It!  Email me at catherines@macaronikid.com and let's celebrate those in our community who help make a difference and inspire others.


Experience Bereavement Camps are one-week summer camps for children who have lost a parent, sibling or loved one that help build confidence, encourage laughter, and navigate grief through friendship and fun. They also provide support with year-round programs. If you or someone you know has experienced a loss, please share this info with them. 


Stay Tuned: Kids Eat Free Guide, Moms Work at Home Guide, Mac Kid Giving Back Guide, Birthday Party Guide, Make a Difference Guide, Learning Vacations, Mac Kid Fashion, Haydn's Reel Reviews & Games, and Preston's Gluten Free Foodie Reviews and much more! Watch out for the Food Dudes!!
 
About Macaroni Kid 
Proudly serving Fairfield County: Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, Norwalk, New Canaan, Westport, Wilton, and Weston. Your resource for the latest kid-friendly events, activities, reviews, recipes, giveaways and more! Connect with other parents and find information on fundraising, childcare, wellness, nutrition, learning, schools, camps and birthday parties. For updates, like me on Facebook or follow me on Instagram and Twitter.