The Parent University

To the Editor:

It is with humble appreciation that we acknowledge the following individuals and organizations for making our first Newtown Parent Connection “Parent University” such an enormous success. Beginning with Attorney General Blumenthal, the day was truly inspired. Over 200 participants and 60 children had an edifying morning of enlightenment and entertainment on topics pertinent to raising children in the present culture. Special thanks first to our Board of Directors: Joan Ponsky, Rob Ryder, Chris Lyddy, Temple Whitaker, Roseanne and Jim Loring, and Dolores White. Also, the remainder of our Parent University Committee: Joan Rogers, Joan Piscitelli, Anna Wiedemann, Barbara Bloom, Beth Agen, Lesley Gomez, and Maryanne VanAken. Jen Van Epps and Sarah Hemingway were wonderful in their respective roles. All of these individuals worked tirelessly over several months to organize and facilitate a fantastic event, and for that we are truly grateful.

Heartfelt thanks is extended to Newtown Savings Bank for sponsoring the children’s program. We also thank Newtown Youth & Family Services, Newtown Prevention Council, and the Newtown Police and Fire Departments for donations of time, talent, or funding. Fr Bob Weiss — thanks to him for promoting this function and always supporting our efforts. Our gracious hosts — Newtown Middle School and their entire staff — did a phenomenal job offering a hospitable welcome to our community.

 Finally, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to Eric Randlov and the Newtown High School Tech Club whose skillful members videotaped each of the workshops and are making available a DVD of Parent University. Anyone interested in purchasing a DVD of the program can order on the website www.newtownparentconnection.org.

Thank you, Newtown, for helping us to save children one family at a time. We look forward to continuing to serve our community.

Sincerely,

Dorrie Carolan & Donna DeLuca

Newtown Parent Connection

PO Box 187, Newtown                                                      April 23, 2008