To the Editor:

I believe that it was a long-ago statement by a Peanuts character, perhaps the renowned Charlie Brown, namely, that said, “A friend is someone with who we dream dreams.”

I would suggest that this past year’s front page of the Christmas/Holiday edition of The Newtown Bee, illustrated by Steven Kellogg, has the potential of bringing many people together And, in fact, I have an example of where such is already the case.

Mr Kellogg’s opening lines on the upper portion of the Bee’s first page state: “If everyone has the same Christmas dream, it might come true.” On beautiful banners below that statement, he highlights the words: “PEACE on EARTH.” Beneath this all-important message for all seasons, he offers a large array of images, in black and white, that covers a vast ensemble of secular Christmas themes, including Santa, a few children, and a variety of animals — from a lion to a lamb (the prophet Isaiah would be proud.)

Now what has all of this introduction to do with today’s article?

As the chaplain to the Lutheran Home of Southbury, I suggested to our recreational staff that we might make copies of the original black and white page of the paper and offer such to our Residents as a coloring project, perhaps following Mr Kellogg’s theme on dreams “Dreaming in Color.” Each could work on his/her respective page at their own pace.

We looked upon such an activity as a rather long-term project, retrieving a copy from time to time, and coloring or painting it as they felt moved to do so.

One Resident returned her completed page within two days which amazed all of us on staff. We saw this as a fine example of “art therapy.” The Resident, Susan Carraturo, threw herself into the project beyond all of our expectations. Susan is one who participates in every activity offered by the Recreation and Pastoral Care staff. Yet, she took the time to respond to this unique activity with full acumen.

Susan, with others to be inspired to follow, has taken up the Bee’s Mr Kellogg’s message as “dreaming the dream for Peace on Earth” and she is doing such, “in color.”

Rev Leo McIlrath, Ecumenical/Interfaith Chaplain

The Lutheran Home of Southbury