Adding Light To The World

To the Editor:

According to Henry James, “Three things in human life are important: The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.” Members of the Middle School Youth Advisory Board (MS YAB) recently took his words to heart.

As a community service based organization the YAB was searching for a way to offer assistance to those in need, particularly during holiday times. Thus was born the “Millennium Candle Project.” Students worked in stages to bring this plan to fruition and the results were wonderful. The intent of this endeavor was to hold a fund-raiser, the proceeds of which would benefit local charities. Members held a weighted voting to determine to whom the moneys would go. The Newtown Fund and Canine Advocates of Newtown were chosen. Now all the YAB had to do was market their “creations.”

Part of the advertising campaign was that each pot was unique, truly one of a kind, hand painted and decorated by YAB members, and the purchase would help a worthy cause. Once again, Newtowners did not fail. The successful efforts of the Youth Advisory Board members would not have been possible without “a little help from our friends.” Our gratitude is offered to Linda Manna, Newtown Country Mill, whose suggestions and assistance were invaluable; to Diane Sherlock, MS principal, for enabling our group to set up shop at the Middle School; to Linda Oswald and Terry Gottleib, Middle School B-wing office, who graciously collected funds; to the staff of the Booth Library who also displayed and sold the candles; and to all those who supported YAB’s efforts by your purchase.

Not to be overlooked are the dedicated students who put so much time and effort into the “Millennium Project.” Your commitment to raise funds for the Newtown Fund and Canine Advocates of Newtown is truly commendable. Compassionate and kind would be two words that come to mind as descriptive of your personalities. You’ll probably never know how much light you added to someone’s world.

Gratefully,

Roseanne G. Loring

Newtown Youth Services

Advisor, MS YAB

41-A Main Street, Newtown                                       January 11, 2000