Empowering Parents

To the Editor:

On Saturday, March 24, the Newtown Parent Connection held its 5th Annual Parent Empowerment University. It was a resounding success marking record attendance with parking spots at a premium. What a fantastic “problem” to have!

Thank you to our wonderful co-sponsors, the Brookfield Substance Abuse Coalition and SMART (Southbury/Middlebury.) As they say, “a journey shared takes half as long” and we are most appreciative of the efforts of our colleagues in those organizations.

I would like to acknowledge some of the unsung heroes of the weekend. An endeavor of this magnitude is never possible without the help of so many people working behind the scenes. Without the wonderful staff of the Newtown Middle School, in particular, Cheryl Arendt in the C-wing office with whom I worked for several months on the logistics of the day. Cheryl was instrumental in coordinating everything with the teachers, whose rooms we commandeered — and a special thank you to them as well. To Don Roos and his amazing custodial staff, Tom Carapezza and Roberto Rodriguez, in particular, without whose assistance, both prior to and day of the event, would have made smooth sailing a very difficult outing. To Lori Vande Weerdt of the cafeteria staff, thank you so very much for accommodating our access to the kitchen and equipment, and Bruce Moulthrop who was our MS technical advisor. To these people who said they were merely doing their job, I beg to disagree. All went out of their way to assist with any requests and often anticipated something before I knew I needed it. My deepest appreciation.

To Bee staff members Sherri Baggett, Shannon Hicks, and John Voket — thank you for being the people you are and going out of your way to aid with publicity for this major event. To Newtown resident Sybil Blau, thank you for your special contribution as well. To Tony Salvatore, assistant principal of Sandy Hook School, who thought he was attending a “Bullying” seminar but actually began a Q&A session until our workshop presenter arrived — thanks so much for being in the right place at the right time (at least for us!) This is but a brief list of all to whom we are indebted. More acknowledgements to come.

With much gratitude to so many.

Sincerely,

Roseanne G. Loring

Newtown Parent Connection

45 Main Street, Newtown                                            March 28, 2012