Superintendent of Schools Joseph V. Erardi, Jr, introduced Newtown Middle School student Guy Bacon to the Board of Education during its meeting on Wednesday, November 4, for what he said would be a "very special celebration."

Guy's parents, Joel and JoAnn Bacon, were also in attendance for the event, along with other supports and family members.

Guy recently published a book called, The Dogs of Newtown. It is a 34-page hardcover book devoted to highlighting 15 comfort dogs that offered their services when students returned to school following 12/14.

Guy is the older brother of Charlotte Bacon, who was killed that day, and a program has since started in her name, Charlotte's Litter, to support therapy dog programs. Charlotte was also a dog lover.

Charlotte's Litter is overseen by Newtown Kindness, which also hosts the Charlotte Bacon Acts of Kindness Awards annually for Charlotte's birthday.

"I had the opportunity to have a great conversation with Guy this morning," said Dr Erardi.

Guy, the superintendent said, is kind, intelligent, humble, and courageous.

"Guy you need to know that you made an extraordinarily strong first impression with me," Dr Erardi said.

The superintendent then read from The Dogs of Newtown dedication.

"Guy is an extraordinarily talented author," Dr Erardi said.

The book was dedicated to Charlotte, and Guy thanked his former Reed Intermediate School teacher Karen King "for helping me through this long process."

He also thanked the book's photographer Mary Bloom and Sandy Cornell, who was in the audience with two dogs, one of whom was featured in the book, in the dedication.

"The Dogs of Newtown is a book the Newtown Public Schools is extraordinarily proud of," said Dr Erardi, before explaining the Board of Education will keep a copy, hopefully autographed, to be brought to a classroom or a library.

A copy of the book is already in the middle school's library.

"You are a very special young man standing in front of us this evening," said Dr Erardi. "... We are absolutely privileged to recognize you this evening as the young author of The Dogs of Newtown. Congratulations."

Board of Education Chair Keith Alexander presented Guy with a Certificate of achievement.

Guy's book was released on Amazon.com on September 29. It is available for purchase for $15.

More information about Newtown Kindness is available online at newtownkindness.org, and more information about Charlotte's Litter is available online at charlotteslitter.org.

"Good Dogs, Great Listeners" Book Signing Saturday

Mr and Mrs Bacon are also set to represent Charlotte's Litter this Saturday, November 7, at the Christ the King Lutheran Church Fall Fair, running from 9 am to 3 pm, at 85 Mt Pleasant Road, according to a Newtown Kindness Facebook announcement. The Bacons and Renata Bowers and artist Michael Chesworth collaborated to publish a book called Good Dogs, Great Listeners, The Story of Charlotte, Lilly and the Litter.

This year’s fair will feature crafters, tag sale items, and more. Breakfast and lunch will be available, as well as a silent auction, live music, and free childcare in the church nursery. The event is indoors, and admission is free for the family friendly event.