Continuing Mary Hawley’s Legacy

To the Editor:

Hopes and dreams, goals, objectives — we all have them. Whether planning personal goals for ourselves, objectives for work or hopes and dreams for the future of loved ones, we focus on the best of what the future has to offer and then begin a framework of behaviors that guide us to making those goals a reality. And so it is with the planning and running of the community we all call home, Newtown.

Changes in the location of several offices located in Edmond Town Hall present us the opportunity to revisit and continue to honor Mary Hawley’s legacy. As offices are vacated and the discussion turns to how the spaces can best be put to use, we must reflect on Mary’s desire for Edmond Town Hall to serve the cultural needs of the community. The Board of Managers not only acts to maintain the physical integrity of Edmond Town Hall, but is also the body that breathes life into the vision that inspired Mary to build a town hall that included a gymnasium, concert hall, movie theater, and more to serve her thriving community.

Mary Hawley had a vision, not only for Edmond Town Hall, but for her beloved Newtown. She recognized that by combining her financial resources and foresight with the resolve of her neighbors anything is possible. Hers is a living legacy that has served us well. What will our legacy be?

As a ten-year resident of Sandy Hook and IPN candidate for the Board of Managers, I look at the changes we face as exciting and stimulating and would be honored to serve our community as we extend Mary Hawley’s vision through the new century.

Please visit our website and compare your ideas, your dreams, and your goals for the future of Newtown with ours. Together we can work to make Edmond Town Hall a lasting treasure of our community: www.independentpartyofnewtown.com.

Respectfully,

Karen C. Pierce

IPN Candidate for

Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers

10 Chestnut Hill, Sandy Hook                              September 9, 2009