Cultural Events

Choose Love, And Kindness, Sunday At Ben's Bells Studio

By Shannon Hicks

Published: Jun 20, 2014 12:00 am

The Ben’s Bells mission recognizes that everyone has the capacity to be kind, and that kindness can be cultivated through intentional practice.

The mission of The Sandy Hook Project, Inc is to emphasize that the expression of love for others and yourself are key elements of healing, health and well-being; raise funds to make mental health resources affordable for those affected by the Sandy Hook School shooting; and educate about the symptoms of trauma, so that those struggling know when and how to seek help.

The two groups will join together on Sunday, June 22, when the Ben’s Bells Newtown studio hosts a special We Choose Love… and Kindness bead-making session. All are invited to visit the studio, at 17 Church Hill Road, any time between 10 am and 1 pm. Visitors will be invited to make and decorate ceramic beads and materials to adorn Ben’s Bells chimes, which will be hung in public places in an ongoing effort to spread kindness, one act at a time.

Reservations are not required for Sunday’s gathering.

A suggested donation of $5 per family is being requested, and will benefit The Sandy Hook Project — We Choose Love organization. The donations will be wholly used to support mental health counseling services for anyone affected by 12/14.

For additional information, send email to info@SandyHookWeChooseLove.org or visit SandyHookWeChooseLove.org.

The Ben’s Bells Newtown studio is usually open on Wednesdays from 10 am to 3 pm and 6 to 9 pm. It recently extended its Saturday hours, and is now open from 10 am until 3 pm (instead of the former 12-4 pm stretch) each weekend.

Projects vary at the studio, but typically include painting or working with clay to create beads for Ben’s Bells or Kindness Coins. No artistic ability is needed to visit and participate in Ben’s Bells projects, and all ages are welcome.

For additional information about the local chapter send mail to ben’s bells newtown, PO Box 191, Newtown CT 06470; send email to newtown@bensbells.org, visit BensBells.org/newtown.find the studio on Facebook, or

All ages are invited to visit the Ben’s Bells Newtown studio on Sunday, during a special project session that will double as a fundraiser for The Sandy Hook Project.

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The voters certainly spoke — and I respect the outcome — but let’s not forget that a “majority” doesn’t mean everyone agreed. Many of us are deeply concerned about the rising cost of living here. Supporting schools and services is important, but so is ensuring that residents can afford to stay in the town they love. We all want Newtown to be a great place to live, but lately, it’s starting to feel less like “Nicer in Newtown” and more like “More Expensive in Newtown.” That’s not sustainable, and it’s not a criticism of the town itself — it’s a call for responsible budgeting and long-term planning that doesn’t rely on tax increases year after year. I hope future decisions will reflect not just the desire to maintain services, but also the need to ease the financial burden on residents.

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I appreciate the passion behind this message, and I absolutely understand the desire to invest in our town. That said, I voted no — not because I don't care about Newtown, but because I do. Fiscal responsibility is not about ignoring problems, it’s about making sure we address them in a sustainable and transparent way. It’s frustrating to feel like every year there’s a new “urgent” reason to raise taxes, with little serious effort to curb spending or prioritize needs. I worry this just sets the stage for another round of increases next year. That doesn't mean I’m against education, safety, or our town’s future — it means I believe in accountability and in asking tough questions about how our money is managed. Voting no wasn't a rejection of Newtown — it was a call for more thoughtful, balanced leadership. I hope future conversations can include all perspectives, not just those willing to write a bigger check.

The Voters Chose Newtown

The voters spoke, loud and clear that they support our schools and municipal services. The majority vote was a mandate to keep delivering well rated education services and keep it" Nicer in Newtown."

Great effort by the those who attended to shine a light on the attacks on Democracy. Thanks for the article so all can understand whats happening.

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Thank you LeReine, for speaking out about this. The list of public servants who are unfairly targeted for abuse just for doing their jobs has been growing. It is a testament to the power of propaganda that otherwise good and well-meaning people can get so emotional as to act out in this way.

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Choose Love, And Kindness, Sunday At Ben's Bells Studio

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