SIDETRACK
ON A HIGH NOTE: Here’s a reason to not hate Mondays: Dont’a Hightower is once again hosting his
Monday Night Football VIP Tailgate benefiting the American Diabetes Association. Now in his fifth year, the New England Patriot and his teammates will be posting up in the parking lot of Dan O’Brien Kia of Norwood on Sept. 9, when they and guests will be enjoying an evening filled with food, fun and football. Celebrity pitmaster Chad Ward will be manning the grills, as folks chow down, take red carpet photos with Hightower, rub elbows with all the players present, play games and get in on some silent auction action. For more details and to snag tickets to the rain-or-shine event, head to its website.
OPA!: Maria Menounos and her family are celebrating life, marking the third anniversary of her mother Litsa’s glioblastoma discovery with a big fat Greek blowout at their Connecticut home this weekend. “Love my parents so much! Had the best time celebrating my mom-three years ago this month she was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer,” the Medford native shared the morning after the massive party. The fest featured a bouncy house and dunk tank, plenty of traditional cuisine, as well as music and dancing — especially on the part of her father, Costa. “We were terrified,” she continued. “I feel we were guided every step of the way and I try to share what we have done with everyone I can whether through my podcast or directly. So grateful for every moment we get together.”