This Month at

March 2025

History-making Women

March is Women's History Month

March is Women’s History Month. Here are just some of the history-making women whose stories span the geographical, historical, and ethnic diversity of the United States.

Elizabeth Freeman was born a slave and later used the Massachusetts Constitution in a 1781 court case to gain her freedom. This was the first in a series of “freedom suits” that eventually led Massachusetts to outlaw slavery in the state.

In the 1850s, Lucy Stone was a strong advocate for the abolition of slavery, a significant organizer for the women's equality movement, and the first woman from Massachusetts to earn a college degree. When she got married in 1855, Lucy kept her last name, sparking a trend toward more equality within marriage.

Patsy Mink, the first Asian American woman elected to Congress, was the major author of Title IX, the landmark 1972 legislation that prohibits sex-based discrimination in schools and education programs.

Equally influential was Dr. Helen Rodríguez Trías. She championed women’s health justice, including reproductive rights, and worked steadfastly to include the perspectives of minorities medical care.

Finally, Wilma Mankiller, whose Cherokee surname "Mankiller" (Asgaya-dihi) refers to a high Cherokee military rank, became the first woman elected chief of a major American Indian tribe in 1985. While she was the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, she revitalized the Nation’s tribal government and worked tirelessly to improve education, healthcare, and housing.

Celebrating the contributions of these and other inspiring women not only honors the causes they advanced but also pays homage to Project SAGE’s very beginnings. Started as a volunteer-run organization by women who saw a social need and stepped up to address it, Project SAGE is now staffed by over a dozen employees serving all six towns of the Northwest Corner. Want to help us make a difference? Become a Project SAGE certified volunteer or summer intern.

Spotlight on Project SAGE

Trade Secrets Tickets Go On Sale April 1st!

Tickets for Trade Secrets 2025 go on sale at midnight on April 1st—don’t miss your chance to experience this incredible event benefiting Project SAGE.

Join us for a weekend celebrating rare plants, stunning gardens, and timeless garden antiques, all while supporting vital domestic violence services in our community.

🌿 Garden Tours | Saturday, May 17th

Featuring breathtaking private gardens, including those of Bunny Williams, Clove Brook Farm, and more.

🌿 Rare Plants & Garden Antiques Sale | Sunday, May 18th

Shop from top growers and dealers at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, CT.

Tickets sell out quickly—secure yours starting April 1st at midnight at www.tradesecretsct.com/purchasetickets.

Thank You to the Trade Secrets Sponsors

Upcoming Events

Small Towns Run On Volunteers: Recruitment Event

Friday, April 4 | 5-7 PM

Hotchkiss Library of Sharon

Want to learn more about becoming a Project SAGE volunteer? Come visit our table at the Hotchkiss Library of Sharon on April 4! This Sharon Volunteer Recognition and Recruitment Event is a great opportunity to learn more about us. Click to learn more!

All Pro Dads Group

Wednesdays, April 16, May 21, June 18 6-7 PM | Hotchkiss Library of Sharon

Calling all fathers and father figures! Bring your kids (ages 3-12) and join Project SAGE for a free, fun night of pizza and activities. Register online or by phone at 860-364-5041.

Volunteer Certification Training

Thursdays, April 24 - May 29 | 3-5 PM

Scoville Library

Join Project SAGE for our 2025 Spring Volunteer Certification Training over 6 consecutive Thursdays, April 24 to May 29, 2025 from 3pm-5pm. Trainings take place at the Scoville Library (or remotely on zoom) located at 38 Main Street in Salisbury, CT. Sign up before May 1, 2025 to join this year’s spring training.

BINGO Benefiting Project SAGE

Saturday, April 26 | 6-8 PM

Morgan's Restaurant

Join us for a fun evening of BINGO benefitting Project SAGE! $25 All-You-Can-Eat Buffet, $5 beer, $9 wine, and $12 cocktails. Reservations required: (860) 435-9878. Prizes donated by Honeychurch Home, Privet House, and more!

Volunteer with Us!

25th Annual Trade Secrets

Sunday, May 18

Lime Rock Park, CT

Trade Secrets is the principal fundraiser for Project SAGE, and you're invited to volunteer in this year’s 25th-anniversary celebration at Lime Rock Park! We have several roles available. Click to learn more and sign up today.

Click Here to View Our Full Calendar of Events

Resource Roundup

ARTICLE: Neuropsychologist shares the one sentence boys need to hear (over and over again)

Neuropsychologist Dr. Sanam Hafeez reports that “middle school boys often absorb societal messages that discourage emotional expression….[and] suppressing emotions can lead to stress, anxiety and difficulty forming healthy relationships.” How can parents help counter these harmful messages? Read the article now.

ARTICLE: Understanding Boundaries and Consent in Relationships

Just as your home may have a fence that divides your property from your neighbor’s, a boundary is a virtual fence that separates your body, emotions, and energy from someone else’s. Boundaries help establish limits for what you deem acceptable. Read this guide to see examples of healthy boundaries and learn more about the importance of consent in every relationship.

PODCAST: S6 Ep 5: Power To Break Free

Listen as Anisha Durve – survivor, author, and motivational speaker – uncovers the red flags of abusive relationships, explores the critical role communities play in either enabling or preventing partner abuse, and highlights the resilience and healing that survivors can achieve. Watch and listen now.

Tech-related Resources

A Special Roundup for the Year of Digital Safety

ARTICLE: Digital Childhood Starts at Age Two: Landmark Study Shows Evolution of Young Children's Media Use

New research finds that 40% of children have a tablet by age 2 and spend about 2.5 hours per day on screen time. Gaming time has surged 65% since 2020, and traditional TV viewing has declined, while short-form video platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts are on the rise, underscoring the increasingly complex media environment that parents must navigate in their children's early years. Read more key findings and find the full report here.

VIDEO: Digital Essentials for Seniors

This video by Older Adults Technology Service (OATS) and AARP explores how to create strong passwords, spotting and avoiding online spam and phishing attempts, securing online banking, and other useful digital tips. Watch now.

ARTICLE: Digital Essentials: Online Safety

Research shows that deepfake pornography makes up 98% of all deepfake videos online, and 99% of the individuals targeted in deepfake pornography are women. It now takes less that 25 minutes and costs $0 to create a 60-second deepfake pornographic video of anyone using just one clear face image. Create a free account with medium.com to read more about this troubling trend.

VIDEO: Unpacking the Threat of Chatbots

Research shows kids spend more time on Character AI than TikTok. Why? Companion bots (chatbots), like Character AI, are more addictive than social media because they simulate real human relationships without the potential for conflict. They offer 24/7 validation - a “friend” who is always there to support, entertain and agree with you. It’s nice in theory but harmful in practice. Digital safety advocate Adam Dodge unpacks this phenomenon here.

Access Our Full List of Resources

Project SAGE in the News

The Kent Dispatch

Hiking for a Cause at Skiff Mountain South

A group of teens joined Project SAGE for a hike at Skiff Mountain South. The event aimed to raise awareness and support for victims and survivors of teen dating violence, bringing together local organizations, schools and advocates for a day of outdoor activity, reflection and solidarity. Read the article here.