Hearts of Hope (HoH) of Newtown has two special events planned for this month.

The first is the group’s regular monthly Curbside Pick-Up, planned for Thursday, June 17, from 6 to 7 pm at Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street. Weather permitting, volunteers will have a table set up in front of the building,.

Kits can be ordered in advance, and include one, five, or ten palm-sized ceramic hearts ready to be painted with simple messages of hope and positivity. Paints and brushes are also available, as is the final glaze for each heart.

Reservations/advance purchase is encouraged. For those who do not order online, extra hearts will be available Thursday night.

The second event this month is a painting night to celebrate and thank Newtown teachers. This event is scheduled for Thursday, June 24, from 6 to 9 pm, at Aquila’s Nest Vineyard, 56 Pole Bridge Road.

Dr Lorrie Rodrigue, Superintendent of Schools, will be the guest speaker at 6:30PM.

There is no admission to the vineyard, but those who wish to participate are asked to reserve a spot for the HoH paint event at aquilasnestvineyards.com. Guests can paint a heart and write a personal message of support to a Newtown teacher for $10 each heart.

HoH has a goal of creating a heart to welcome back every Newtown teacher next fall. This is a fitting way to fulfill Hearts of Hope’s purpose of “creating hope one heart at a time.”

Guests can carry in their own food for the June 26 event vineyard, but all beverages must be purchased on site. Wine and non-alcoholic beverages are available.

For those unable to attend event, Hope Kits with one or more unpainted ceramic hearts, paints, brushes, ribbons, gift bags, message card, and instructions are available for purchase. Send an e-mail to newtown@ourheartsofhope.org and reference Newtown Teachers. Kits are also available at the regular monthly curbside pick-up at Newtown Community Center.