The Tuesday evening staffing crew from Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps was pleasantly surprised this week at our usual place for dinner, the Pizza Palace. As happens frequently, we were toned out to an emergency call during our dinner. As we tried to pay our share for our dinner (throwing money on the table for payment by the remaining crew!), we were informed that our dinner had been paid for by our Newtown neighbors.

The friendly neighbors had asked our waitress to tell us our dinner was paid for as a sign of appreciation for volunteering. Upon leaving the Pizza Palace to jump on the ambulance, I saw a couple who had been sitting near us and were just getting into their car. I took a chance and walked to their car and asked if they were the kind couple who graciously and quietly paid for our dinners. They said that they appreciate all the help we give and that we had helped them out a couple of times. I expressed our thanks and appreciation to them for such a wonderful surprise!

Marilyn, Susan, Joe, Gaye, and Nancy (the Tuesday night crew) say a big thank you to our unidentified Newtown neighbors who have shown the spirit of appreciation to Newtown volunteers.

This act of kindness will be passed on.

Sincerely yours,

Nancy McLachlan

(former 40+ year resident of Newtown)

231E Heritage Village, Southbury                           February 22, 2006