Official says Newtown will decline further gifts
Jul 2, 2013, 2:38 PM
NEWTOWN, Conn. (AP) – The chief executive of Newtown, Conn., is asking organizations and individuals to refrain from holding any more special events for the town as it attempts to heal from December’s mass shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Numerous concerts, sports clinics and celebrity visits have been held for the children and families in the months following the shooting in which 20 children and six educators were killed.
Newtown will decline any further special events not already on the schedule or being planned for this summer, First Selectwoman Pat Llodra wrote in a blog post.
She wrote that the community is thankful for the outpouring of support, but she believes the time is coming for the town to “move into a quiet period of rest, recuperation, and healing.”
“In order to support that quiet time for the community, the town will respectfully decline any further special events not currently scheduled by the town or currently being planned for July/August,” she wrote.
The town has several major events already on it schedule, including a trip to Yankee Stadium for about 4,000 residents. The Boston Red Sox and New York Mets are sponsoring similar events.
A major concert featuring artists that appeal to children is planned later this month.
Llodra said the town will continue to provide programming for children and families through the town’s Parks and Recreation department.
“Newtown has always been a nurturing community-oriented town and we will continue to develop and deliver programs of growth and excellence for all of our citizens to enjoy,” she wrote.
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Online:
Town of Newtown:
http://onenewtown.org
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