NEW HAVEN - Less than five years have passed since 12/14, which claimed the lives of 26 people at Sandy Hook Elementary School that Friday morning - including four educators with ties to Southern Connecticut State University: Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung, Anne Marie Murphy, Mary Sherlach, and Victoria Soto.

The university recognized the four posthumously during graduate commencement exercises the following spring. And now, SCSU plans to create a "reflection garden" that would honor these four victims, as well as provide a peaceful space on campus that promotes the values of dignity, respect, compassion, civility, and kindness.

In an effort to raise money for the reflection garden, the SCSU Foundation is organizing an August 5 fundraiser called "Paddle 4 Peace." The event, which will be held at Lake Kenosia Park, 63 Christopher Columbus Avenue in Danbury, will feature competitive and recreational paddle racing in which participants are required to bring their own kayak, canoe, or paddle board, as well as a paddle and a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (life jacket).

The paddle route will be on Lake Kenosia marked with buoys. There will be two options for those participating in the paddle event. One designated route for those who will paddle competitively will include timed starts/stops. For those who wish to paddle for fun and in solidarity, they will be guided to areas of the lake that maintain clearance for the competitive course.

Cost is $45 per paddler.

In addition, lawn games, a splash board, and other fun activities will be available both to participants and spectators at no charge.

Registration will be held that day from 8:30 to 9:30 am. The competitive paddling event will start at 9:30 am, and the fun paddling (for children and noncompetitors) will begin at 10.

SCSU President Joe Bertolino, honorary chairman of the project, said the creation of the reflective garden exemplifies the university's commitment to advance the public good.

"It will be a peaceful haven to honor those who have died and reinforce our commitment to creating a peaceful society and building a better world," he said.

For additional information, contact Dan Camenga, associate vice president for institutional advancement, at 203-392-5038 or camengad1@southernct.edu. Additional event information is available here.

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