The second annual Spring Awakening luncheon will be held at Wainwright House on May 20 from 12-2:30.

The second annual Spring Awakening luncheon will be held at Wainwright House on May 20 from 12-2:30. This year, the holistic center is proud to introduce the Fonrose Wainwright Condit Heart and Soul award honoring local members who exemplify the advancement of human potential and serve humankind through spiritual, philosophical, and ecological paths.

The inaugural honorees are Dinah and Jim Howland, Catherine Parker and David Walker, and Patti and Doug Wood.

Jim and Dinah Howland moved to Rye in 1991 and immediately became involved in local organizations. A past president of the Rye YMCA Board, Dinah is currently President of the Board of the Port Chester Carver Center and chairperson of the Healthier Communities Coalition of the Sound Shore, sponsored by the Rye Y. Jim, a Managing Director of Morgan Stanley Private Equity, is Clerk of Session at Rye Presbyterian Church, where he also led the Pastor Nominating Committee and co-chaired the stewardship drive. The couple both began their careers as McKinsey & Co. consultants.

County Legislator Catherine Parker and David Walker are of the same mind and spirit. Catherine has held leadership positions with the Rye Chamber of Commerce, Rye Arts Center, and LWV, and served on the City Council. She is Chair of the Environment and Energy Committee for the Board of Legislators, and is also a small business owner (Parkers). A former actor, David has “brought to life” many famous artists for children as part of the Rye Arts Center’s Famous Artists Program, and is a beloved reader in the Rye City Schools. Rye Presbyterian Church also calls upon David for his oratory skills as a lay reader. He served on the search committee to select a new minister. David works as a licensed massage therapist specializing in sports injuries.

Patti and Doug Wood, residents of Port Washington, Long Island, have been longtime conservation advocates at Wainwright House through the work of their organization, Grassroots Environmental Education.

Founded in 2000, Grassroots’ mission is to inform the public about the health risks of common environmental exposures using science-driven arguments for clean air, clean water, and a safe food supply, and for stricter regulation of chemical toxins. Patti, who is the Executive Director, is an author and documentary filmmaker and Visiting Scholar at Adelphi University’s School of Nursing and Public Health. Doug, Associate Director of Grassroots, is also a documentary filmmaker whose focus is emerging environmental topics. Two of his recent films are being used extensively to shape the debate over hydro-fracking in New York State. Active in the music world, he is a board member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, and a founding director of the Council of Music Creators. Patti and Doug host a bi-weekly radio show in New City called “Green Street.”

Enjoy a light buffet by Corner Stone and stroll the beautiful grounds. Fee: $75.