First and foremost today, we want to express our most sincere apologies to our readers — especially to our print subscribers who, along with our faithful advertisers, are the lifeblood of our publication and whose support keeps this hyperlocal newspaper on the presses each week.

Due to a number of factors, particularly that Election Day fell just four days ahead of the US Postal Service’s Veterans Day closures and just hours ahead of our early print deadline last Wednesday morning, the post-election report in the November 11, 2022 paper was rushed to press without the usual amount of time permitted for proper review. Unfortunately, the result was numerous incorrect ballot counts and turnout percentage miscalculations.

Almost as equally frustrating were the several changes and updates we had to make to our online version of the report at newtownbee.com. As indicated, we can only produce information that reflects what is supplied by our sources, which in this case included the Newtown Registrars of Voters office.

We previously acknowledged the important and challenging work our registrars and Town Clerk's office staff, and the dozens of poll workers and volunteers do for each election and referendum. Further, we greatly appreciate their post-election review and reflections that have been provided in our final Election Day update today.

With the mechanics and processes behind-the-scenes during elections coming under such scrutiny and criticism from certain circles locally as well as nationally, we admire the ability and willingness of our registrars to be transparent in their detailed explanations of the challenges that delayed the submission of the last, best and most accurate balloting results here in Newtown, and we encourage all readers to review the report.

The Permanent Memorial Opens

Without a gaggle of media, photographers, and satellite trucks that too often accompany any major activity related to our 12/14 tragedy, the Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial was opened privately on November 12 for a brief but moving ceremony that welcomed most of the immediate families of victims, fellow educators, first responders, devoted members of the Permanent Memorial Commission (which included several immediate family members of victims), and a number of local and state officials including most of the Newtown statehouse delegation, Governor Ned Lamont, his wife Ann, and Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz.

We were humbled by the invitation extended to several members of The Newtown Bee staff who were among the first to respond to the school on that fateful morning, and who stayed close throughout much of the day.

As detailed in our report today, attendees heard brief but inspired words from memorial commission member JoAnn Bacon, who lost her daughter Charlotte on 12/14, the commission’s vice chair Alan Martin, First Selectman Dan Rosenthal, and the governor.

As if directed by the 26 angels above, predictions of clouds and heavy rain cleared the vicinity earlier than expected, washing the memorial site off Riverside Road with radiant sunlight and mild temperatures, beckoning all in attendance to remain for quite a while after the speaking program and to gather around the circular memorial to experience its peaceful yet powerful elegance.

The 12/14 memorial is truly a tribute to every person involved in its creation. More importantly, it serves to keep very much alive the memories and spirits of those who were so senselessly taken from our community and their loved ones that horrific day in 2012.

We hope and pray the memorial remains a comfort, to the extent it can, to all the immediate survivors and the entire Newtown community, as well as every visitor who views the site for the right reasons and with the appropriate mindset.