Ruby Johnson’s Passion

For Education

To the Editor:

Newtown has, indeed, been saddened by the passing of Ruby Johnson, a long stalwart supporter of the best of Newtown. In her clear, positive way, she was always able to synthesize local situations and from her role as an experienced, well-informed, taxpaying citizen was able to share her wisdom and thoughts.

While she did offer to share her thoughts with us, she was also always willing to share her time and effort with many of the volunteer groups and organizations that make things happen in this town — the Legislative Council, the Board of Education, Fairfield Hills, to mention just a few that made up countless hours, weeks, and months. 

Everyone knows about Ruby’s long-lasting passion for education, but not many people realize that her passion for education really began with preschool. She was among the first to recognize the need and value of preschool for children and for their working parents. When the Children’s Adventure Center needed a permanent home, Ruby, then serving on the Newtown Board of Education, was immediately supportive and worked to help CAC secure the use of a narrow strip of land left over from Sandy Hook School — and someone’s leftover became a handsome new home for CAC, thanks to Ruby’s leadership.

Some time later, Ruby was invited to serve on the Board of Directors of the Children’s Adventure Center. In spite of her overextended schedule, Ruby did join the board for a while and worked to help raise funds for a playground, which included our single largest donation from her personal friend, Doris Bucky.

Thank you Ruby; you are well remembered at CAC and with much gratitude.

Gratefully,

Mae S. Schmidle, Chairman

The Children’s Adventure Center

14 Riverside Road, Sandy Hook                             February 22, 2012