A Legacy Of Commitment

To the Editor:

After more than ten years, Roseanne Loring has resigned from Newtown Youth Services. Although she feels uncomfortable when the spotlight of public praise is turned on her, Newtown owes Roseanne its gratitude.

With her eyes focused on the needs of Newtown’s children, Roseanne worked tirelessly to build bridges. Her question to those in the schools and other town agencies was this: How can Youth Services support you? Roseanne not only facilitated her colleagues’ work, but expanded the programs for which she was responsible.

Roseanne’s legacy is more than her unfailing kindness, strong organizational skills, hard work, and commitment to Newtown’s young people. It was in establishing and living the mission of Youth Services — the creation of positive and safe places where all children can learn critical skills, participate in community service, develop friendships, and have fun. Like a rock thrown into the ocean, the number of children and families Roseanne has touched ripples out in ever-widening circles.

Henry David Thoreau wrote, “Be not simply good; be good for something.”

Roseanne Loring is more than a good person; she was good for the children of Newtown. Saying thank you to such a woman seems inadequate, but it will have to do. Thank you, Roseanne, for being a tireless advocate for Newtown youth. Thank you for teaching our children the importance of community service. Thank you for providing positive experiences through which they can learn and grow. Thank you for seeing them as the phenomenal people they are.

Sincerely,

Jan Lee Brookes

38 Hundred Acres Road, Newtown                             October 3, 2007