They Did Their Very Best

To the Editor:

Abraham Lincoln said: “I do the very best I know how — the very best I can; and I mean to keep on doing so until the end.” The same can most certainly be said for our owner-operators!

Eighty years of service to the Newtown community officially ended on June 30, but on June 29, it was a celebration — a tribute to those drivers and many who preceded them. It was a day of various, predictable emotions, but also lots of picture taking, memory sharing, hugs, great food, and much gratitude.

The celebration’s genesis was an e-mail on Tuesday, June 19. Not surprisingly, Newtown did what Newtown does best — rally and lend a hand. Within a day’s time frame a committee was formed, paperwork was completed and filed, food was delegated and we were off and running. Network sites buzzed and word spread. “What can I do to help?” was the prevailing question.

Numerous people contributed, and much gratitude to all who donated, but I would be remiss if I were not to specifically thank Chris Girgasky and Anna Wiedemann; the two completed the circle and helped in miraculous ways. It was a spectacular, albeit, hot day and our grillers deserve a big nod: Dennis and Barbara Bloom, Tom Catalina, Ed Bryan, and Joe Girgasky. LeReine and Sara Frampton worked all day Friday preparing the delicious salads. We had the thought to provide a sign for each driver and a special shout out to Kristen Mattera for organizing that project. Not to be outdone by his parents, Mitchell Girgasky designed journals as a memory book for each of the operators. He and Lindsay Fuori added large, colorful banners for the event.

John Voket stepped forward, once again, and donated his DJ services and Kendra Bobowick went, literally, above and beyond to climb the aerial ladder to get just the right Kodak moment. Rich Frampton and Rob Manna from Newtown Hook & Ladder and Anthony Capiozziello from Sandy Hook Fire Company really made things happen! Pat Caruso of Associated Refuse provided much-needed trash containers and a dumpster. Thanks, also, to Suzette LeBlanc of the Health Department for walking us through the many steps involved.

All those thanks pale in comparison to our beloved owner-operators and transportation coordinators, Cathy Hydeck and Maritza Nezvesky. To those who celebrated with us amidst a sea of yellow T-shirts and to the families of those who have left this earth, our deepest gratitude for so many years of safely transporting our children. There are not enough words to convey our gratitude. I’m a fan of Green Day and their words seem apropos: “It’s something unpredictable but in the end it’s right. I hope you had the time of your life.” We did!

Gratefully,

Roseanne Loring

9 Cobblestone Lane, Newtown                                          July 3, 2012