This Wonderful Town

To the Editor:

When I moved to Newtown in 1989, I came to a small New England town that opened its calming arms to me and made me feel at home immediately. Coming to the “country life” was scary and new for this New York gal, but I knew it was going to be a great place to raise my son and continue my career as a teacher.

For 20 years this town has provided many emotions from hilarity to reverence, but none so apparent to me than on December 22, 2008. This wonderful town collectively came to my rescue. I was in a very serious accident on Route 25 and Meadow Brook Road, I was saved by Newtown’s finest EMS, Botsford Fire Rescue Company, which needed to use the “jaws of life” to release me from my car, and the Newtown Police Department, who all watched over me while I was unconscious in the car for over an hour.

We forget how truly remarkable their jobs are and how many lives are saved daily by these dedicated men and woman. In our lives we go about our daily regimen without thinking of how quickly that can change — life is a gift. My gift on that day was to live and my present were these incredible men and woman who came to my rescue. My heart and mind will always demonstrate the respect and praise you deserve. It is with deepest gratitude that I say “thank you” for what you did for me and what you do every day for the residents of Newtown.

Valerie Pagano Hepburn

5 Meadow Brook Road, Newtown                             February 3, 2009