Dobbs Decision 3rd Birthday Picnic, Softball tournament to raise awareness about OTC medicines to infants

Vermonters are invited to come together this summer for two unconnected yet heartfelt community events that combine fun with a powerful purpose: honoring the gift of life. 

VDC combines notice of these two events in one story on its own initiative. Despite their lack of organizational connection, and the distance in both date and location, in our opinion they celebrate the value of young lives.

Editor’s note: an earlier post mistakenly said the overdose that killed Harper Rose Briar was accidental. It was not and the person who administered the dose was sentenced to prison. Also, event founder Michelle Newton McLaughlin is not the mother of the deceased child. Our apologies for these errors.

Dobbs Decision 3rd BIRTHday Picnic – Saturday, June 21 – Marking the third anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic Dobbs v. Jackson decision, a “BIRTHday Picnic” will take place on Saturday, June 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the lawn of the Vermont State House in Montpelier (115 State Street). This family-friendly celebration will feature joyful music, inspiring testimonies, and classic picnic fare including hot dogs, birthday cake, and ice cream.

Organizers encourage attendees to bring their own picnic lunch and a blanket or lawn chairs to enjoy the festivities on the State House lawn. The event is an opportunity for families and life advocates to connect and affirm the value of every human life.

Guests are also encouraged to spread the word on social media and among their church communities. “Let’s show Vermont that LIFE and BIRTHdays are worth celebrating!” organizers said.

Two prayer opportunities will precede the picnic:

Respect Life Mass: Bishop John McDermott will celebrate the Annual Diocesan Respect Life Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Augustine Church, preceded by a rosary at 10:00 a.m.

Non-Denominational Prayer Gathering: “An Appeal to Heaven” prayer service on the State House steps at 10:30 a.m.

Street parking in Montpelier is free on Saturdays.

For more information about the Respect Life Mass, contact Eileen Haupt at respectlife@vermontcatholic.org or 802-658-6110 x1201.

Honoring Harper: 7th Annual Harper Rose Briar Softball Tournament – August 23–24 – Later this summer, Vermonters will once again rally in remembrance of Harper Rose Briar, a beloved infant who passed away in 2019 at just six months old due to a non-accidental overdose of an over-the-counter medication while in daycare.

The 7th Annual Harper Rose Briar Men’s Softball Tournament will be held Saturday and Sunday, August 23–24 at Kampersville in Salisbury, Vermont. Founded by Michelle Newton Laughlin, the tournament is a way to both celebrate Harper’s short but meaningful life and raise awareness about the dangers of common medications in children.

Hosted by the Harper Rose Briar Foundation, the tournament supports the Foundation’s mission: “We share her story, so it doesn’t become yours.”

With sponsorship from local businesses including Colburn Construction, Gramma and Papa Greeno, Mae’s Place, Maple Ridge Builders, and Royal Group, the tournament continues to grow in participation and impact. All proceeds benefit a local family or nonprofit in need.

Tournament details – Entry Fee: $300 per team. Deposit: $100 non-refundable, due at registration. Registration Deadline: July 23.

Team spots are limited and fill quickly. To register or learn more, contact Brenda Colburn at 802-772-5015 or bcolburnmsw@gmail.com.

Whether you’re sharing a birthday cupcake on the State House lawn or hitting home runs in memory of Harper, both events remind us of the power of community, compassion, and celebrating life in all its stages. – Editor