Lessons Learned At Treadwell

To the Editor:

Last Thursday night before dinner, the phone rang, and our five-year-old granddaughter, Molly, said, “Oh Nana, can I speak to Pop Pop?  They burned down the playground he and Daddy worked on this weekend.”  We could not believe it when she told us what had happened at Treadwell Park because on Sunday afternoon we had driven by the playground to see it, and saw several Lions plus Tammy Marks and some others still working on it in the fading light.  It symbolized a year-long project. School children had donated pennies, the PTAs and other local organizations and townspeople had contributed time and money, and the Lions provided the manpower.

Molly and her family came over later that evening to console us, and as we sat around the dinner table we tried to explain about how evil operates in the world.  We told her that some people do not consider the consequences of their actions, that it had been a terrible thing to do, but perhaps some good would come from it.  And do you know what?  A great deal of good has emerged from the ashes of that little playground.  People and businesses have responded from all over the area expressing their support and contributing money to rebuild the playground as well as some of the bigger section for the older children.

But it will take a great deal of money to finish the project.  The Lions are holding a Casino Night on November the 11th at the Fireside Inn.  All the proceeds will go towards completing the playground.  We urge everyone to come out that evening and continue the incredible community support that exemplifies the spirit of Newtown. Please put November 11th and Casino Night at the Fireside Inn on your calendars.

Molly has learned a valuable lesson from this experience; that bad things exist in the world, but the resilience of human nature can be a positive life force.  It is a lesson we wish we never had to teach her.

Sincerely,

Liz and Paul Arneth

4 Settlers Lane, Newtown                                          October 31, 2000