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Families United In Newtown Wraps Up The Season With Celebration At Dickinson Park

Published: Jun 28, 2025 8:00 am

Families United in Newtown (FUN) capped off another memorable year on Sunday, June 8, with a gathering at the Dickinson Park Bandshell. Over 75 attendees came together for an afternoon full of of fun, food, and celebration.

The potluck spread was a highlight, featuring a wide variety of delicious homemade dishes, as well as sweets and a special graduation cake to honor this year’s graduates.

In a touching tradition, FUN presented star necklaces to their outstanding adult volunteers, graduates, and friends. Each honoree also received a handmade “spirit pin” adorned with heartfelt messages of support and pride.

The “Senior Send Off” included fun and games for everyone to enjoy, from corn hole and Jenga to bubbles and a bounce house; each bringing laughter and excitement to participants of all ages.

The celebration continued with one thrilling presentation after another. Teddy and Brian from Sky Hunters in Flight returned with their engaging birds of prey program, delighting the audience with their up-close demonstration of raptor care and prevention.

Jim Knox from the Beardsley Zoo also captivated attendees with a hands-on look at zoo artifacts and fascinating animal facts. The Zoo generously donated a “fun” raffle for a personal tour of their facility for up to 7 participants. Paul Hickey was excited to be the proud winner of the donation.

The day wrapped up on a high note with dancing, thanks to DJ Chris Samson. Under sunny skies — finally dry after many rainy days — FUN enjoyed a perfect afternoon to mark the end of the program year.

FUN representatives said they look forward to seeing people again in the fall for the annual Labor Day Parade on September 1.

For more information about Families United In Newtown, visit familiesunitedinnewtown.org.

Families United in Newtown leaders, volunteers, and mentors celebrated graduating high school seniors who have been FUN volunteers as they prepare for their post-secondary educations. Those attending included, from left, FUN Co-Founders Linda and Duane Jones, Kara Halpin, Peter Lucsky, Doris Samson, Chris Samson, Bonnie May, Tim May, and FUN Treasurer Jay Thomas.—Bee Photos, Glass

Jim Knox, zoologist and the Curator of Education for Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, holds a beaver skull as part of his presentation on animals found in Connecticut.

FUN participant, Paul Hickey, shows his delight at being the winner of a “Behind the Scenes Tour of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo” raffle.

FUN mentors Blake Heim (left) and Sadie Singlak (center) react as the block tower they were building collapses as FUN participant, Gina Zetye (right) looks on in amusement.

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The Way We Were

The Editor suggest a meeting between the "Rock This Democracy " and the Police Commission. As a former Police Commissioner the Chief should have followed the chain of command and discussed this with the Police Commission. The Chief reports to the Elected Police Commission not our Republican First Selection. Can't help but feel this is Republican politics again making an issue out of a non issue.

Assembly Ordinance?

I support Chief Kullgren’s request to explore permitting, and cost-sharing for large gatherings. The right to protest is a cornerstone of our democracy, and I fully support the constitutional right to free speech and assembly. However, where and how often these protests occur matters. Main Street is not just a symbol — it’s a vital artery for daily life in town. When events are held there monthly, and at increasing scale, they cause disruption to residents, businesses, and traffic. While the Rock This Democracy group may describe these protests as unique or urgent, the frequency — roughly once every two weeks this spring — suggests more of a recurring series than a singular, spontaneous moment of civic expression. This isn’t about silencing anyone. It’s about fairness, public safety, and fiscal responsibility. Every time a protest happens, our police department is forced to assign resources, often on overtime. That expense adds up quickly. If any group wants to use public space regularly, particularly in a way that impacts traffic and requires police presence, then it’s reasonable for the town to consider permitting and cost-sharing — just as we do for other organized events like races, festivals, or parades. Let’s protect everyone’s rights — including the right of the community to function smoothly and the right of taxpayers not to bear undue cost for repeated events. I trust the Council to consider a reasonable path forward that balances speech with responsibility.

David, your passion for transparency would carry more weight if it weren’t routinely wielded like a cudgel. Let's set the record straight: no one is against easier access to documents or better online availability—we all want an informed public. But there's a difference between constructive advocacy and the kind of grandstanding that costs this town time, morale, and taxpayer money. You cite Ridgefield’s practices—great. Let's talk about that like adults. But instead, what we see is a steady stream of accusatory posts, legal challenges, and FOIA blitzes aimed less at solving problems and more at creating headlines. It’s not “slander” to point out that your approach often does more to divide and exhaust than to help. I’ve been at the very meetings you claim are inaccessible or opaque. I’ve seen your group turn logistical hiccups into conspiracy theories. I’ve watched as staff—who already work overtime—are dragged into another fishing expedition while real civic needs are left hanging. You’re not just pushing for access; you’re using the tools of open government to grind its gears to a halt. That’s not progress. That’s obstruction dressed up as advocacy. And the people paying for it—literally—are your neighbors. Let’s stop pretending it’s just about uploading PDFs. The issue here is how we engage. We can have real conversations about modernization without constant accusations, FOIA skirmishes, and Facebook pile-ons. Until then, I’ll continue to call out tactics that undermine, not uplift, our town.

Calls For Policies To Create Greater Transparency

The bottom line is this: costs are up, and no group—including teachers—is exempt. Ignoring Anthem’s recommended 22% increase last year may have directly caused the $2 million shortfall. Everyone has to share in the fix. That might mean higher premiums and leaner benefits. Complaints alone won’t solve the problem—realistic solutions will. I urge all Newtown Teachers to email their Union leaders and express their support for higher premiums.

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Its really easy to make assertions and cast doubts from behind a keyboard....a little too easy aparently. You might try conducting the actual research BEFORE doing it next time. If you do, you too will find that there's no need to imagine such a policy to improve public transparency and participation. Take a look at Ridgefield's P&Z meeting agendas on their website for starters. They are just one town that provide links to electronic copies of applications and other public documents, so that their commissioners and residents can easily access them and be well-informed, before meetings and public hearings occur and without making them drive to town hall (during business hours) to ask their land use staff to pull the files and make copies of them, saving everyone time (time is money), and gasoline, and missed work. Most applicants alrleady submit electronic copies, and for those who don't, it's a lot easier for a staffer to scan them once, than to have to make copies every time someone asks for them. And please don't misrepresent or slander those who advocate for smart, low impact & sustainable development policies and practices as 'anti-development'.

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Families United In Newtown Wraps Up The Season With Celebration At Dickinson Park

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