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As practicing pediatricians who have lost patients to gun violence, we join our colleagues in mourning the 20 children and their teachers who were killed in Newtown, Connecticut, on December 14, 2012. Our sadness is deepened by our knowledge that the deaths, terror, and post-traumatic stress of the relatives and friends left behind could have been prevented.  Prevention is the core of pediatric work. We aim to protect children from all things that can harm them. Injuries are the biggest threat to U.S. children over 1 year of age. In 2010, gun-related injuries accounted for 6570 deaths of children and young people (1 to 24 years of age). That includes 7 deaths per day among people 1 to 19 years of age. Gun injuries cause twice as many deaths as cancer, 5 times as many as heart disease, and 15 times as many as infections (see graph).1
How can we prevent gun injuries? We know the behaviors that place children and adolescents at high risk. Little children explore their worlds without understanding danger, and in one unsupervised moment, an encounter with a gun can end in fatality. School-age children often enter the worlds created by television shows, movies, and video games. Because of their developmental age, school-age children don't necessarily understand that people who are really shot may really die. A firearm in their hands can transform fantasy into tragedy. Even in our own lives, this risk has been manifest: to this day, one of us is haunted by the childhood memory of aiming a loaded rifle at a babysitter. Teenagers get into fights over girlfriends or sneakers, get furious or scared. Alcohol and drugs may impair their judgment. A fistfight may cause transient injuries, but a gunfight can kill rivals, friends, or innocent bystanders. Depressed young people may attempt suicide. Less than 5% of such attempts involving drugs are lethal, but 90% of those involving guns are.2 Our niece might be alive today if she hadn't had easy access to a handgun at 18. Finally, permitting guns to reach the hands of severely deranged persons can have monstrous results. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recognizing all these vulnerabilities, declared in a policy statement on firearms in October 2012 that “the absence of guns from homes and communities is the most effective measure to prevent suicide, homicide, and unintentional injuries to children and adolescents.”2 In the early 1990s, there was a surge of violence and firearm-related deaths. The death rate was so high (nearly 28 of every 100,000 people 15 to 19 years of age)2 that pediatricians joined with other professionals (police officers, clergy, and educators) to find ways to combat the epidemic. Pediatricians began to address the protection of children from gun-related causes alongside the prevention of other types of injuries, poisonings, child abuse, lead toxicity, and infectious diseases. Screening tools and basic interventions became routine practice through nationally accepted programs such as Connected Kids and Bright Futures. AAP guidelines recommend that when families report the presence of firearms in the house, pediatricians should counsel about gun removal and safety measures (gun locks and safe storage). One mother responded to routine screening questions asked by one of our colleagues, “Why, yes, I have a loaded gun in the drawer of my bedside table.” Until that moment, she had apparently never considered the risk to her child. Although such screening and counseling are important in general, it is particularly important that children's health care providers have the opportunity (and time) to discuss the issue of guns with the families of children and young people who have developmental, behavioral, or mental health problems. In the United States, far too little attention is paid to the seriousness of our children's mental health problems. Families are often left unsupported as they try to protect their children who may be depressed, impulsive, or combative. Since 1994, the AAP has conducted periodic member surveys to ascertain physicians' attitudes about gun safety and to see whether doctors are performing recommended screening and counseling. In both 2000 and 2008, approximately 70% of physicians reported that they “always or sometimes” asked whether there were guns in the home and recommended unloading and locking guns. In 2008, 50% of the doctors surveyed reported “always or sometimes recommending the removal of the guns from the house.”3 A recent AAP research analysis of these data show that doctors who live in states with high levels of gun ownership are just as likely as those in states with low levels to ask about guns in the home but are likely to counsel families about safe gun storage rather than removal. In a randomized, controlled, cluster-design study by the Pediatric Research in Office Settings network, the intervention group that received specific gun-safety counseling from their doctors reported significantly higher rates of handgun removal or safe storage than did the control group. This study showed that families do follow through on pediatricians' recommendations about gun safety.4 Despite this evidence, in 2011, Florida passed legislation, the Firearms Owners' Privacy Act, making it illegal for a doctor to conduct preventive screening by asking families about guns in the home — essentially “gagging” health care providers. Under the aegis of the Second Amendment, the First Amendment rights and the Hippocratic responsibilities of physicians were challenged. In response, the AAP's Florida chapter brought suit, and in June 2012, Miami-based U.S. District Judge Marcia Cooke issued a permanent injunction banning the state from enforcing the law. Governor Rick Scott has appealed the ruling, and similar bills have been introduced in three additional states. At the federal level, problematic language was introduced into the Affordable Care Act. Section 2717(c) sets restrictions on the collection and aggregation of data on guns in the home. Furthermore, Congress has restricted the research activities of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by stipulating that no funds that are made available for injury prevention and control at the CDC “may be used to advocate or promote gun control.”5 Strictures like these often have a chilling effect on the gathering of important public health data. The Newtown tragedy is galvanizing a national understanding of the pervasive threats that guns pose and the toll they take. The picture of wailing children leaving Sandy Hook Elementary School is seared into our collective consciousness like the image of the Kent State students or the smoking Twin Towers. The country's heart goes out to the families. It is time to act for these families and for those who continue to lose children to gun violence. Newtown concentrated the horror in one place for one hour, but the same outrage occurs daily in U.S. cities, suburbs, and rural areas. As a nation, we have it in our power to protect our children from gun injuries, as other countries have done. Doctors, teachers, city and state officials, gun owners, families, and young people must come together with a creative and meaningful commitment to improving our society. We believe that, at a minimum, several specific measures should be taken. First, the ban on assault weapons should be reinstituted. Magazine and ammunition capacity and the tissue-destruction capability of ammunition should be limited. Rather than increasing the number of guns in public places, as was recently suggested by the National Rifle Association, we need to set a goal of reducing the number of guns in our homes and communities. This reduction can be accomplished through tighter consumer-safety regulations, as well as licensure and certification of gun owners. Federal restrictions on the collection of public health data about gun-related injuries should be reversed.5 Continued emphasis should be placed on limiting children's viewing of violent material on TV and through video games. Finally, we must dedicate more state and local funding to effective treatment of young people who are identified by parents, schools, and law-enforcement or mental health professionals as being at high risk for committing interpersonal violent acts. If we take these steps, we will honor our children who have died needlessly. Our nation can prevent the loss of precious lives.
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 PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA |
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DISCLAIMER:
When taking any medications, make sure to seek solid, sound medical advice. When taking such moodaltering drugs, individuals have been known to have life threatening reactions- including birth defects and thoughts of suicide.
THE ANSWER, is having the right amount of support. Having a place to go in crisis. And learned behavior of how to many stress/anxiety.
http://www.cchrint.org/AntidepressantEffects
Life is a gift. And sometimes we all need help.
THE ANSWER, is having the right amount of support. Having a place to go in crisis. And learned behavior of how to many stress/anxiety.
http://www.cchrint.org/AntidepressantEffects
Life is a gift. And sometimes we all need help.
WHAT IS PTSD?
You feel on edge. You experience recurring nightmares. Sudden noises make you jump. You’re staying at home more and more... Could you have PTSD?
If you have experienced severe trauma or a life-threatening event, you may develop symptoms of posttraumatic stress, commonly known as posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD, shell shock, or combat stress.
Maybe you felt like your life or the lives of others were in danger, or that you had no control over what was happening. You may have witnessed people being injured or dying, or you may have been physically harmed yourself.
What are the signs of PTSD?
A wide variety of symptoms may be signs you are experiencing PTSD:
It’s not just the symptoms of PTSD but also how you may react to them that can disrupt your life. You may:
If you have experienced severe trauma or a life-threatening event, you may develop symptoms of posttraumatic stress, commonly known as posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD, shell shock, or combat stress.
Maybe you felt like your life or the lives of others were in danger, or that you had no control over what was happening. You may have witnessed people being injured or dying, or you may have been physically harmed yourself.
What are the signs of PTSD?
A wide variety of symptoms may be signs you are experiencing PTSD:
- Feeling upset by things that remind you of what happened
- Having nightmares, vivid memories, or flashbacks of the event that make you feel like it’s happening all over again
- Feeling emotionally cut off from others
- Feeling numb or losing interest in things you used to care about
- Becoming depressed
- Thinking that you are always in danger
- Feeling anxious, jittery, or irritated
- Experiencing a sense of panic that something bad is about to happen
- Having difficulty sleeping
- Having trouble keeping your mind on one thing
- Having a hard time relating to and getting along with your spouse, family, or friends
It’s not just the symptoms of PTSD but also how you may react to them that can disrupt your life. You may:
- Frequently avoid places or things that remind you of what happened
- Consistent drinking or use of drugs to numb your feelings
- Consider harming yourself or others
- Start working all the time to occupy your mind
- Pull away from other people and become isolated
The foundation in charge of distributing the lion's share of post-Dec. 14 donations announced Tuesday it would seek volunteers from the Newtown community to help properly distribute its remaining $4 million in donations.
The Newtown-Sandy Hook Community Foundation, established by United Way and the Newtown Savings Bank after the shooting, has already paid $7.7 million out of its Sandy Hook School Support Fund to the 40 families most affected by the shooting.
"Distribution committee members must possess integrity, an ability to appreciate perspectives from a range of stakeholders, or affinity groups, while also displaying the ability to think broadly about others' needs," said spokesperson Patrick Kinney in a statement Tuesday. "Members must have ability and desire to address both short and long-term needs in the community that have and will continue to result from the tragedy of Dec. 14."
According to the foundation, the 8-12 members will either be Newtown residents or represent one of the following groups:
The Newtown-Sandy Hook Community Foundation, established by United Way and the Newtown Savings Bank after the shooting, has already paid $7.7 million out of its Sandy Hook School Support Fund to the 40 families most affected by the shooting.
"Distribution committee members must possess integrity, an ability to appreciate perspectives from a range of stakeholders, or affinity groups, while also displaying the ability to think broadly about others' needs," said spokesperson Patrick Kinney in a statement Tuesday. "Members must have ability and desire to address both short and long-term needs in the community that have and will continue to result from the tragedy of Dec. 14."
According to the foundation, the 8-12 members will either be Newtown residents or represent one of the following groups:
- Families who lost a loved one in the Sandy Hook School shooting
- Families whose children survived in the most directly affected classrooms
- Families who have children in Sandy Hook Elementary School
- Teachers or school staff
- First Responders
- Faith Community
- Business Community
- Mental health, finance, nonprofit, education or legal experience
- Name and contact information
- Community stakeholder group or expertise
- Brief statement on why you want to serve on the committee
- Brief bio or resume
- Three references
FRIDAY. 25 October 2013 ALL TRACES OF EVIL WILL BE FOREVER ELIMINATED
Sandy Hook School Project's 'Phase One': The Next Steps
Sandy Hook School Elementary demolition is scheduled to start Friday, and Ellington-based asbestos removal company Bestech are still clearing hazardous materials from the site where a new school is planned to rise by 2016.
Meanwhile, architects from firm Svigals + Partners will meet with the Board of Education Nov. 6 as they continue spec work for the new school's design. Officials say the firm has requested an advisory committee be formed, including town officials. Board of Education head Debbie Leidlein has asked member Kathy Hamilton, John Vouros and Laura Roche to be part of the committee. Svigals + Partners will work through November and December to prepare schematics for the project.
"But to meet the timetable, schematics should be finished by end of January," Superintendent John Reed said at a Board of Education meeting last week. "That means they'll be into serious design in January. November is pretty fluid: kicking around concepts, mobile ideas, drawings ... Then, in December, they'll feel the pressure a bit more."
Officials said the firm were caught off guard because they didn't realize the schematics were due in January. But Reed said he didn't expect any delays in the project or complications stemming from the ramped-up timetable.
"They understand, as we all do, because of the nature of the gift it puts pressure on all of us," he said. "Certainly this project is going to receive more attention [than their previous projects.] If they do a wonderful job, I'm sure they'll be thrilled with the attention."
Demolition Begins Friday
Bestech will spend this weekend beginning demolition, working wing-by-wing as asbestos is removed from each section of the school, according to WTNH. First Selectman Pat Llodra told WTNHno materials from the old school building would leave the site.
"It might become part of the base for the new road or the foundation, or you know, the contractors will make the decision how best to use those materials," she said.
Llodra told Patch abatement, which began earlier this month, is necessary before demolition can begin.
"We have to get rid of the hazardous materials on the site before we can do anything else," she said.
Crews from Bestech and construction company Consigli & Sons drew attention when they were required to sign non-disclosure agreements, prohibiting them from publicly discussing the school grounds, taking photos or removing material from the site. At a Monday night Board of Selectmen meeting, Selectman Will Rodgers said the move was made to respect privacy and prevent photos from the site going viral on social media.
Demolition is expected to take at least two weeks, ideally completed before Thanksgiving, according to Public Building and Site Commission chair Robert Mitchell.
"Nothing is going to keep us from having the building down at an appropriate time," he said.
Llodra: 12/14 Anniversary Will Be 'Quiet, Personal and Respectful'
Posted by Davis Dunavin (Editor) , October 21, 2013 at 005:1 PM
All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.
NO RUBBER NECKERS PLEASE!
(BUT WHAT ABOUT THOSE WHO NEED HELP???)
Families ok?
First respomnders who've been out of work.
Trauma/PTSD??
Posted by John M. Rinaldi (Editor of this site) , October 16, 2013 at 05:51 PM
WILL 30 ROCK STAND-IN?
First Selectman Pat Llodra says Newtown will host no official events of any kind on the first-year anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting according to her Newtown Blog.
FAMILIES, UPSET!
The feeling among those most affected is that the recovery in Newtown is turning out to be more about the TOWN, AND NOT ABOUT THE WOUNDED FAMILIES still struggling! NO ONE wants a 3 ring circus, but there must be some level of respect and honor placed on the lives lost. To simply do nothing is dishnorable, disingenuous, and just wrong.
Posted by John M. Rinaldi (Editor of this site) , October 16, 2013 at 05:56 PM
"We ask now for patience and understanding as we approach the first anniversary of the shootings at Sandy Hook School," Llodra said. "Our community is choosing to remember and honor those who lost their lives in that awful tragedy in ways that are quiet, personal, and respectful — centered on the themes of kindness, love, and service to others. We are wishing fervently that those many persons who wish us well, and the media, will allow us this time to be alone and quiet with time for personal and communal reflection."
Llodra said houses of worship will provide their own religious services for congregants on the day, that schools will honor the event in appropriate ways and that other organizations — including Parks and Recreation, C.H. Booth Library, Edmond Town Hall and the Senior Center — may provide additional services.
Llodra suggests families, organizations and businesses spend the weeks prior to day "pledg[ing] an act of kindness to one another," using the anniversary as a chance for learning and growth.
"Maybe this tragedy can serve as a reminder for all families to set aside a few minutes to talk together about the importance of compassionate acts – that those acts become the glue that binds us together in our humanity," she said. "Maybe some small amount of time can be set aside in school classrooms for appropriate and meaningful discussions about kindness and service. It is not that these things don’t already occur from time to time, but just think about the power of so many thinking the same good thoughts and acting to benefit others at the same time. There is great power in a community supporting and believing the notion that each of us can and do make a difference and that it is our compassion and genuine caring for one another that connects us not just in Newtown but as citizens of this country."
Superintendent John Reed said the statement was reviewed by numerous town officials, community leaders and business leaders at a meeting Wednesday -- and, in part, the point is to ask out-of-towners to respect Newtown's privacy.
"In a nice way, we're trying to say, 'please leave us alone,'" he said.
Some media companies and advocacy groups have tried to rent space at Booth Library or Edmond Town Hall, Reed said at a Board of Education meeting Wednesday.
"The town is working, not to be rude, but not to be overly accommodating," said Reed. "Throughout Newtown is a green sign that says 'We choose love.' What does that really mean? One of the ways you choose love is by service to others. If you want to honor the people whose lives were cut so tragically short, you can best honor them by doing service to others."
Reed said this could be done not just on Dec. 14, (1214) but throughout the year.
"You can do this on a day-to-day basis," he said.
Reed added no tests will be given on the Thursday, Friday or Monday surrounding the anniversary, and no homework will be given over the weekend.
Voters Approve Sandy Hook Project
In a landslide, voters approved a $50 million grant from the state of Connecticut at Newtown Middle School Saturday -- funds that will now go to pay for a new Sandy Hook Elementary School, to be built on the site of the old school at 12 Dickenson Drive.
Supporters cheered as the vote was announced at about 8:26 pm.
Advocates for the measure took to the street Saturday, stationing sign-bearers at the corner of Church Hill and Queen Street and in the center of Sandy Hook. Prior to the results, Legislative Council member Mary Ann Jacob credited a "Text 5" grassroots campaign with turning out voters.
"We asked people to text 5 friends to [remind them to vote]," she said. "Our challenge is always the same: get the yes votes out. And we like to see strong showings."
Now that the measure has been approved, officials say work can begin in earnest on the school. Prior to the vote, First Selectman Pat Llodra said the goal is to have the school open by September 2016, but construction firm Consigli Construction feels they might be able to get the school completed by January 2016.
More news on the way. Stay connected to Patch for updates.
In a landslide, voters approved a $50 million grant from the state of Connecticut at Newtown Middle School Saturday -- funds that will now go to pay for a new Sandy Hook Elementary School, to be built on the site of the old school at 12 Dickenson Drive.
Supporters cheered as the vote was announced at about 8:26 pm.
Advocates for the measure took to the street Saturday, stationing sign-bearers at the corner of Church Hill and Queen Street and in the center of Sandy Hook. Prior to the results, Legislative Council member Mary Ann Jacob credited a "Text 5" grassroots campaign with turning out voters.
"We asked people to text 5 friends to [remind them to vote]," she said. "Our challenge is always the same: get the yes votes out. And we like to see strong showings."
Now that the measure has been approved, officials say work can begin in earnest on the school. Prior to the vote, First Selectman Pat Llodra said the goal is to have the school open by September 2016, but construction firm Consigli Construction feels they might be able to get the school completed by January 2016.
More news on the way. Stay connected to Patch for updates.
Llodra: 'No Plan B' For Sandy Hook Project ReferendumOfficials say a failed Oct. 5 referendum would remove the $50 million in state bonds for Newtown from the table.
Read the first part of Patch's interview with Pat Llodra and John Reed, published Tuesday.
First Selectman Pat Llodra and Superintendent John Reed both say they're confident residents will vote to accept nearly $50 million in state bonds at a townwide referendum Oct. 5 -- enough to destroy and rebuild Sandy Hook Elementary School.
In anticipation, they're answering questions from residents at a series of "informational meetings" (the next is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 30 at the Newtown Senior Center. On Thursday, the town also released its fifth Q&A about issues surrounding the vote. (See attached PDF.)
"The action of this referendum is different than any other we've ever had," Llodra says. "That causes some attention to be drawn to it."
She's hoping for a high turnout, while adding it's difficult to predict numbers or outcomes. But what happens if the referendum fails?
"I honestly don't know how the state would interpret it," she says. "I think they would be shocked and embarrassed -- I would be as well. And I worry about what message that would send to the state."
First all work would cease, Llodra says. And because the referendum specifically calls for the demolition and reconstruction of the school, the town couldn't accept the $49.25 million bond for any other alternative project. There is, she says, no "Plan B."
"It's not like they're writing us a check for $50 million," she said. In short, if the town does not accept the funds for this project, there may not be state funds available for any other project.
Renovating the school would cost almost as much as building a new school. And it couldn't be done without the state funds. In the words of the recent Q&A issued by the town:
"If the Town does not accept that action, then the State will not provide this gift to our community and other alternatives would have to be found for the entire elementary school population of Sandy Hook, some 450 students counting the district's pre-K program."
Some Work Already Underway
When residents in attendance voted to accept $750,000 in starter funds for the Sandy Hook School project, work began on a series of measures. These include removing oil tanks from the property, mapping wetlands and completing surveys -- work Llodra says "would have had to be done anyway." She says some money still remains from the initial $750,000 grant.
"We're only going to pay for work that has to be done," she says. "We don't want to get ahead of the community."
The town is also negotiating with homeowners to purchase property at 10 and 12 Riverside Road. This would create a new access road to a future Sandy Hook Elementary School, which Newtown's task force decided would be preferable for the project.
Earlier this month, building officials named their choices for teams to lead the design and construction of the school project. New Haven-based Svigals + Partners will serve as architects and engineers, and Consligi, a firm based in Milford, Mass., will oversee construction. Officials narrowed down the choices from a shortlist of nine firms over the summer.
"Any one of those firms would have done a wonderful job for us," Llodra says. "They're experienced, responsible, accomplished, with great tech, great vision. It could have gone in almost any direction."
A hazardous materials abatement plan is in place for the property, with abatement scheduled to start in October. Officials say they expect the school to be demolished sometime in November, assuming the referendum passes.
Newtown-Sandy Hook Community Foundation Looks for VolunteersPosted by Davis Dunavin (Editor) , September 24, 2013 at 11:03 PM
211
The foundation in charge of distributing the lion's share of post-Dec. 14 donations announced Tuesday it would seek volunteers from the Newtown community to help properly distribute its remaining $4 million in donations.
The Newtown-Sandy Hook Community Foundation, established by United Way and the Newtown Savings Bank after the shooting, has already paid $7.7 million out of its Sandy Hook School Support Fund to the 40 families most affected by the shooting.
"Distribution committee members must possess integrity, an ability to appreciate perspectives from a range of stakeholders, or affinity groups, while also displaying the ability to think broadly about others' needs," said spokesperson Patrick Kinney in a statement Tuesday. "Members must have ability and desire to address both short and long-term needs in the community that have and will continue to result from the tragedy of Dec. 14."
According to the foundation, the 8-12 members will either be Newtown residents or represent one of the following groups:
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Meanwhile, architects from firm Svigals + Partners will meet with the Board of Education Nov. 6 as they continue spec work for the new school's design. Officials say the firm has requested an advisory committee be formed, including town officials. Board of Education head Debbie Leidlein has asked member Kathy Hamilton, John Vouros and Laura Roche to be part of the committee. Svigals + Partners will work through November and December to prepare schematics for the project.
"But to meet the timetable, schematics should be finished by end of January," Superintendent John Reed said at a Board of Education meeting last week. "That means they'll be into serious design in January. November is pretty fluid: kicking around concepts, mobile ideas, drawings ... Then, in December, they'll feel the pressure a bit more."
Officials said the firm were caught off guard because they didn't realize the schematics were due in January. But Reed said he didn't expect any delays in the project or complications stemming from the ramped-up timetable.
"They understand, as we all do, because of the nature of the gift it puts pressure on all of us," he said. "Certainly this project is going to receive more attention [than their previous projects.] If they do a wonderful job, I'm sure they'll be thrilled with the attention."
Demolition Begins Friday
Bestech will spend this weekend beginning demolition, working wing-by-wing as asbestos is removed from each section of the school, according to WTNH. First Selectman Pat Llodra told WTNHno materials from the old school building would leave the site.
"It might become part of the base for the new road or the foundation, or you know, the contractors will make the decision how best to use those materials," she said.
Llodra told Patch abatement, which began earlier this month, is necessary before demolition can begin.
"We have to get rid of the hazardous materials on the site before we can do anything else," she said.
Crews from Bestech and construction company Consigli & Sons drew attention when they were required to sign non-disclosure agreements, prohibiting them from publicly discussing the school grounds, taking photos or removing material from the site. At a Monday night Board of Selectmen meeting, Selectman Will Rodgers said the move was made to respect privacy and prevent photos from the site going viral on social media.
Demolition is expected to take at least two weeks, ideally completed before Thanksgiving, according to Public Building and Site Commission chair Robert Mitchell.
"Nothing is going to keep us from having the building down at an appropriate time," he said.
Llodra: 12/14 Anniversary Will Be 'Quiet, Personal and Respectful'
Posted by Davis Dunavin (Editor) , October 21, 2013 at 005:1 PM
All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.
NO RUBBER NECKERS PLEASE!
(BUT WHAT ABOUT THOSE WHO NEED HELP???)
Families ok?
First respomnders who've been out of work.
Trauma/PTSD??
Posted by John M. Rinaldi (Editor of this site) , October 16, 2013 at 05:51 PM
WILL 30 ROCK STAND-IN?
First Selectman Pat Llodra says Newtown will host no official events of any kind on the first-year anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting according to her Newtown Blog.
FAMILIES, UPSET!
The feeling among those most affected is that the recovery in Newtown is turning out to be more about the TOWN, AND NOT ABOUT THE WOUNDED FAMILIES still struggling! NO ONE wants a 3 ring circus, but there must be some level of respect and honor placed on the lives lost. To simply do nothing is dishnorable, disingenuous, and just wrong.
Posted by John M. Rinaldi (Editor of this site) , October 16, 2013 at 05:56 PM
"We ask now for patience and understanding as we approach the first anniversary of the shootings at Sandy Hook School," Llodra said. "Our community is choosing to remember and honor those who lost their lives in that awful tragedy in ways that are quiet, personal, and respectful — centered on the themes of kindness, love, and service to others. We are wishing fervently that those many persons who wish us well, and the media, will allow us this time to be alone and quiet with time for personal and communal reflection."
Llodra said houses of worship will provide their own religious services for congregants on the day, that schools will honor the event in appropriate ways and that other organizations — including Parks and Recreation, C.H. Booth Library, Edmond Town Hall and the Senior Center — may provide additional services.
Llodra suggests families, organizations and businesses spend the weeks prior to day "pledg[ing] an act of kindness to one another," using the anniversary as a chance for learning and growth.
"Maybe this tragedy can serve as a reminder for all families to set aside a few minutes to talk together about the importance of compassionate acts – that those acts become the glue that binds us together in our humanity," she said. "Maybe some small amount of time can be set aside in school classrooms for appropriate and meaningful discussions about kindness and service. It is not that these things don’t already occur from time to time, but just think about the power of so many thinking the same good thoughts and acting to benefit others at the same time. There is great power in a community supporting and believing the notion that each of us can and do make a difference and that it is our compassion and genuine caring for one another that connects us not just in Newtown but as citizens of this country."
Superintendent John Reed said the statement was reviewed by numerous town officials, community leaders and business leaders at a meeting Wednesday -- and, in part, the point is to ask out-of-towners to respect Newtown's privacy.
"In a nice way, we're trying to say, 'please leave us alone,'" he said.
Some media companies and advocacy groups have tried to rent space at Booth Library or Edmond Town Hall, Reed said at a Board of Education meeting Wednesday.
"The town is working, not to be rude, but not to be overly accommodating," said Reed. "Throughout Newtown is a green sign that says 'We choose love.' What does that really mean? One of the ways you choose love is by service to others. If you want to honor the people whose lives were cut so tragically short, you can best honor them by doing service to others."
Reed said this could be done not just on Dec. 14, (1214) but throughout the year.
"You can do this on a day-to-day basis," he said.
Reed added no tests will be given on the Thursday, Friday or Monday surrounding the anniversary, and no homework will be given over the weekend.
Voters Approve Sandy Hook Project
In a landslide, voters approved a $50 million grant from the state of Connecticut at Newtown Middle School Saturday -- funds that will now go to pay for a new Sandy Hook Elementary School, to be built on the site of the old school at 12 Dickenson Drive.
Supporters cheered as the vote was announced at about 8:26 pm.
Advocates for the measure took to the street Saturday, stationing sign-bearers at the corner of Church Hill and Queen Street and in the center of Sandy Hook. Prior to the results, Legislative Council member Mary Ann Jacob credited a "Text 5" grassroots campaign with turning out voters.
"We asked people to text 5 friends to [remind them to vote]," she said. "Our challenge is always the same: get the yes votes out. And we like to see strong showings."
Now that the measure has been approved, officials say work can begin in earnest on the school. Prior to the vote, First Selectman Pat Llodra said the goal is to have the school open by September 2016, but construction firm Consigli Construction feels they might be able to get the school completed by January 2016.
More news on the way. Stay connected to Patch for updates.
In a landslide, voters approved a $50 million grant from the state of Connecticut at Newtown Middle School Saturday -- funds that will now go to pay for a new Sandy Hook Elementary School, to be built on the site of the old school at 12 Dickenson Drive.
Supporters cheered as the vote was announced at about 8:26 pm.
Advocates for the measure took to the street Saturday, stationing sign-bearers at the corner of Church Hill and Queen Street and in the center of Sandy Hook. Prior to the results, Legislative Council member Mary Ann Jacob credited a "Text 5" grassroots campaign with turning out voters.
"We asked people to text 5 friends to [remind them to vote]," she said. "Our challenge is always the same: get the yes votes out. And we like to see strong showings."
Now that the measure has been approved, officials say work can begin in earnest on the school. Prior to the vote, First Selectman Pat Llodra said the goal is to have the school open by September 2016, but construction firm Consigli Construction feels they might be able to get the school completed by January 2016.
More news on the way. Stay connected to Patch for updates.
Llodra: 'No Plan B' For Sandy Hook Project ReferendumOfficials say a failed Oct. 5 referendum would remove the $50 million in state bonds for Newtown from the table.
Read the first part of Patch's interview with Pat Llodra and John Reed, published Tuesday.
First Selectman Pat Llodra and Superintendent John Reed both say they're confident residents will vote to accept nearly $50 million in state bonds at a townwide referendum Oct. 5 -- enough to destroy and rebuild Sandy Hook Elementary School.
In anticipation, they're answering questions from residents at a series of "informational meetings" (the next is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 30 at the Newtown Senior Center. On Thursday, the town also released its fifth Q&A about issues surrounding the vote. (See attached PDF.)
"The action of this referendum is different than any other we've ever had," Llodra says. "That causes some attention to be drawn to it."
She's hoping for a high turnout, while adding it's difficult to predict numbers or outcomes. But what happens if the referendum fails?
"I honestly don't know how the state would interpret it," she says. "I think they would be shocked and embarrassed -- I would be as well. And I worry about what message that would send to the state."
First all work would cease, Llodra says. And because the referendum specifically calls for the demolition and reconstruction of the school, the town couldn't accept the $49.25 million bond for any other alternative project. There is, she says, no "Plan B."
"It's not like they're writing us a check for $50 million," she said. In short, if the town does not accept the funds for this project, there may not be state funds available for any other project.
Renovating the school would cost almost as much as building a new school. And it couldn't be done without the state funds. In the words of the recent Q&A issued by the town:
"If the Town does not accept that action, then the State will not provide this gift to our community and other alternatives would have to be found for the entire elementary school population of Sandy Hook, some 450 students counting the district's pre-K program."
Some Work Already Underway
When residents in attendance voted to accept $750,000 in starter funds for the Sandy Hook School project, work began on a series of measures. These include removing oil tanks from the property, mapping wetlands and completing surveys -- work Llodra says "would have had to be done anyway." She says some money still remains from the initial $750,000 grant.
"We're only going to pay for work that has to be done," she says. "We don't want to get ahead of the community."
The town is also negotiating with homeowners to purchase property at 10 and 12 Riverside Road. This would create a new access road to a future Sandy Hook Elementary School, which Newtown's task force decided would be preferable for the project.
Earlier this month, building officials named their choices for teams to lead the design and construction of the school project. New Haven-based Svigals + Partners will serve as architects and engineers, and Consligi, a firm based in Milford, Mass., will oversee construction. Officials narrowed down the choices from a shortlist of nine firms over the summer.
"Any one of those firms would have done a wonderful job for us," Llodra says. "They're experienced, responsible, accomplished, with great tech, great vision. It could have gone in almost any direction."
A hazardous materials abatement plan is in place for the property, with abatement scheduled to start in October. Officials say they expect the school to be demolished sometime in November, assuming the referendum passes.
Newtown-Sandy Hook Community Foundation Looks for VolunteersPosted by Davis Dunavin (Editor) , September 24, 2013 at 11:03 PM
211
The foundation in charge of distributing the lion's share of post-Dec. 14 donations announced Tuesday it would seek volunteers from the Newtown community to help properly distribute its remaining $4 million in donations.
The Newtown-Sandy Hook Community Foundation, established by United Way and the Newtown Savings Bank after the shooting, has already paid $7.7 million out of its Sandy Hook School Support Fund to the 40 families most affected by the shooting.
"Distribution committee members must possess integrity, an ability to appreciate perspectives from a range of stakeholders, or affinity groups, while also displaying the ability to think broadly about others' needs," said spokesperson Patrick Kinney in a statement Tuesday. "Members must have ability and desire to address both short and long-term needs in the community that have and will continue to result from the tragedy of Dec. 14."
According to the foundation, the 8-12 members will either be Newtown residents or represent one of the following groups:
- Families who lost a loved one in the Sandy Hook School shooting
- Families whose children survived in the most directly affected classrooms
- Families who have children in Sandy Hook Elementary School
- Teachers or school staff
- First Responders
- Faith Community
- Business Community
- Mental health, finance, nonprofit, education or legal experience
- Name and contact information
- Community stakeholder group or expertise
- Brief statement on why you want to serve on the committee
- Brief bio or resume
- Three references
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Read the first part of Patch's interview with Pat Llodra and John Reed, published Tuesday.
2/10/2013
First Selectman Pat Llodra and Superintendent John Reed both say they're confident residents will vote to accept nearly $50 million in state bonds at a townwide referendum Oct. 5 -- enough to destroy and rebuild Sandy Hook Elementary School.
In anticipation, they're answering questions from residents at a series of "informational meetings" (the next is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 30 at the Newtown Senior Center. On Thursday, the town also released its fifth Q&A about issues surrounding the vote. (See attached PDF.)
"The action of this referendum is different than any other we've ever had," Llodra says. "That causes some attention to be drawn to it." She's hoping for a high turnout, while adding it's difficult to predict numbers or outcomes. But what happens if the referendum fails? "I honestly don't know how the state would interpret it," she says. "I think they would be shocked and embarrassed -- I would be as well. And I worry about what message that would send to the state."
First all work would cease, Llodra says. And because the referendum specifically calls for the demolition and reconstruction of the school, the town couldn't accept the $49.25 million bond for any other alternative project. There is, she says, no "Plan B."
"It's not like they're writing us a check for $50 million," she said. In short, if the town does not accept the funds for this project, there may not be state funds available for any other project.
Renovating the school would cost almost as much as building a new school. And it couldn't be done without the state funds. In the words of the recent Q&A issued by the town:
"If the Town does not accept that action, then the State will not provide this gift to our community and other alternatives would have to be found for the entire elementary school population of Sandy Hook, some 450 students counting the district's pre-K program."
Some Work Already Underway
When residents in attendance voted to accept $750,000 in starter funds for the Sandy Hook School project, work began on a series of measures. These include removing oil tanks from the property, mapping wetlands and completing surveys -- work Llodra says "would have had to be done anyway." She says some money still remains from the initial $750,000 grant.
"We're only going to pay for work that has to be done," she says. "We don't want to get ahead of the community."
The town is also negotiating with homeowners to purchase property at 10 and 12 Riverside Road. This would create a new access road to a future Sandy Hook Elementary School, which Newtown's task force decided would be preferable for the project.
Earlier this month, building officials named their choices for teams to lead the design and construction of the school project. New Haven-based Svigals + Partners will serve as architects and engineers, and Consligi, a firm based in Milford, Mass., will oversee construction. Officials narrowed down the choices from a shortlist of nine firms over the summer.
"Any one of those firms would have done a wonderful job for us," Llodra says. "They're experienced, responsible, accomplished, with great tech, great vision. It could have gone in almost any direction."
A hazardous materials abatement plan is in place for the property, with abatement scheduled to start in October. Officials say they expect the school to be demolished sometime in November, assuming the referendum passes.
In anticipation, they're answering questions from residents at a series of "informational meetings" (the next is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 30 at the Newtown Senior Center. On Thursday, the town also released its fifth Q&A about issues surrounding the vote. (See attached PDF.)
"The action of this referendum is different than any other we've ever had," Llodra says. "That causes some attention to be drawn to it." She's hoping for a high turnout, while adding it's difficult to predict numbers or outcomes. But what happens if the referendum fails? "I honestly don't know how the state would interpret it," she says. "I think they would be shocked and embarrassed -- I would be as well. And I worry about what message that would send to the state."
First all work would cease, Llodra says. And because the referendum specifically calls for the demolition and reconstruction of the school, the town couldn't accept the $49.25 million bond for any other alternative project. There is, she says, no "Plan B."
"It's not like they're writing us a check for $50 million," she said. In short, if the town does not accept the funds for this project, there may not be state funds available for any other project.
Renovating the school would cost almost as much as building a new school. And it couldn't be done without the state funds. In the words of the recent Q&A issued by the town:
"If the Town does not accept that action, then the State will not provide this gift to our community and other alternatives would have to be found for the entire elementary school population of Sandy Hook, some 450 students counting the district's pre-K program."
Some Work Already Underway
When residents in attendance voted to accept $750,000 in starter funds for the Sandy Hook School project, work began on a series of measures. These include removing oil tanks from the property, mapping wetlands and completing surveys -- work Llodra says "would have had to be done anyway." She says some money still remains from the initial $750,000 grant.
"We're only going to pay for work that has to be done," she says. "We don't want to get ahead of the community."
The town is also negotiating with homeowners to purchase property at 10 and 12 Riverside Road. This would create a new access road to a future Sandy Hook Elementary School, which Newtown's task force decided would be preferable for the project.
Earlier this month, building officials named their choices for teams to lead the design and construction of the school project. New Haven-based Svigals + Partners will serve as architects and engineers, and Consligi, a firm based in Milford, Mass., will oversee construction. Officials narrowed down the choices from a shortlist of nine firms over the summer.
"Any one of those firms would have done a wonderful job for us," Llodra says. "They're experienced, responsible, accomplished, with great tech, great vision. It could have gone in almost any direction."
A hazardous materials abatement plan is in place for the property, with abatement scheduled to start in October. Officials say they expect the school to be demolished sometime in November, assuming the referendum passes.
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