An Enthusiastic Reception

To the Editor:

There’s no place like home!

Thank you, Newtown, for your exceptionally warm and enthusiastic reception of Newtown’s first ever magazine, The Newtowner.

Newtown came out in droves to celebrate the launch of The Newtowner on the evening of Saturday, December 11. The C.H. Booth Library’s Conference Room was transformed into an elegant soiree and champagne reception celebrating the launch of the inaugural issue of Newtown’s very own arts and literary magazine, The Newtowner.

The number of people that attended (over 140) and their enthusiasm, excitement, and effusiveness about the launch of The Newtowner was overwhelming.

Thank you to all of the patrons, supporters, and friends who attended the launch gala reception for The Newtowner. I am deeply grateful to those who helped to make this dream a reality: the staff members, the writers, contributors, and advisors to The Newtowner; the C.H. Booth Library for its steadfast support and encouragement; the businesses whose willingness to advertise provides the foundation for our venture; Dan Kennedy and Keno Printing who brought our stunning spectacle to the printed page; our First Selectman Pat Llodra, whose proclamation officially welcomed us as a cultural entity; and the people of Newtown who once again demonstrated a willingness to believe in a big idea.

Henry David Thoreau wrote, “To enhance the quality of the day... that is the highest [purpose] of the arts.” The Newtowner’s mission is to live up to Thoreau’s vision. We believe that a community is indeed enriched by an appreciation for its arts, and we are deeply honored to expand Newtown’s longstanding commitment to this ideal.

With much gratitude,

Georgia Monaghan

Founding Editor

The Newtowner

PO Box 456, Newtown                                             December 15, 2010