To the Editor:Editor's Note: For the past year, Bee Editor Curtiss Clark has shared his editorial writing duties with staff writer Nancy Crevier. Ms Crevier was the author of the editorial entitled "That Grain Of Sand," which appeared in the 1/29/16 edition of The Bee.)

As a writer, I commend The Newtown Bee staff on its "Year in Review," which so ably condensed and reported on the many 2015 highlights as well as future challenges. I especially value Editor Curtiss Clark's weekly front-page editorials. Whether I agree with his views or not, Curtiss has a special facility for explaining a complex issue and providing his observations in very few words.  The editorials are informative and thought-provoking.

The editorial "That Grain of Sand" in the last issue cautioned readers not to be worn down by the smaller grains of sand on the journey to their final mountainous goals. The comments reminded me of an earlier editorial on the community center, which noted the importance of getting input from those who do not normally attend focus groups: "Take the extra effort to listen to the less vocal members of the community and add their views to the discussions and deliberations."

To successfully meet its challenges, Newtown organizations need to collaborate and determine like goals, now particularly for the community center. One of my most memorable experiences was as a communication specialist for the Annie E. Casey-funded "Bridgeport Futures," where educational, nonprofit, private, and governmental agencies worked together to meet the needs of city parents and children -to fill in service gaps, cut redundancy and share programs.

In another Bee letter to the editor, I stressed the import of collaboration of mental health service providers. Just this week, because of my previously published reference guide on Newtown services, I received several calls asking "where can I go to get help for my (child/parent/spouse)?" As many mental health specialists state: trauma only becomes worse over time if not treated.  Post-traumatic stress will be a major town concern for many years to come. It is imperative that we continue to have a central location where people can find answers to their personal needs.

We community residents also have our responsibilities: attending meetings, voicing our concerns and interests, getting involved.  For example, as many citizens of all ages and backgrounds need to attend the current Newtown library focus groups and/or complete the library's survey that will be used for strategic planning.

Humans are typically reactive, not proactive. We wait until something is decided before acting.  Being proactive is the only way that we can hope to meet future community needs. The town, its organizations and residents all have the responsibility of looking toward the future together.

Sharon L. Cohen

8 Eden Hill Road, Newtown         February 3, 2016

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