Thanks For Countless

Hours Of Service

To the Editor:

I would like to thank Mary Jo Runkle for her five-plus years of tireless service as the referee coordinator for Newtown Youth Basketball. Thank her for the countless hours spent testing, hiring, scheduling, and managing “her kids,” helping them learn the responsibilities of having a job and navigating the world of work. Thank her for driving around all day on Saturdays and checking on the refs, teaching them the ins and outs of scoring and proper record-keeping. Thank her for caring about the kids who were in the midst of family illness or difficulties and giving them her Italian-style extra support. Thank her for going to get food or drink for the refs who filled in for others and needed some fuel. Thank her for all of the other invisible things she did to keep the program running smoothly. Newtown Youth Basketball families will feel the loss of her presence.

As many in Newtown know, Mary Jo has a heart of gold and is one of the first people to stand up and volunteer in this community, whether it be at basketball or at St Rose church. Her contribution will be missed.

Sincerely,

Lisa Floros

32 Queen Street, Newtown                                        January 30, 2012