Don’t Stop Talking To Our Kids… They’re Listening

To the Editor,

On Labor Day I had the pleasure of attending the Newtown Annual Labor Day Parade. I was invited by my dear friends John and Jane Vouros to view the festivities from their front yard at the Dana-Holcombe House on Main Street at the Flagpole. I had never attended before and I was told to be at the Inn before 9 am or I wouldn’t have a chance of getting up Main Street. Well, what a wonderful sight as I drove past the Police Station. The streets were lined with men, women, children, food vendors, balloons, cotton candy... Disneyland in Newtown was all I could think. From the organizers, to the sponsors, to the civic organizations, the church groups, the school teams, bands, and the thousands who attended, this event represents all that is great about America.

The reason for my note is to focus on an experience I had that should make the townspeople, teachers, and coaches of Newtown realize that they are doing a great job with our youth. Being the father of two sons, I have lived the teenage years and although challenging, always tried to instill the values of respect for others, honesty, and integrity at any cost. The same values my parents preached to me. My wife and I were always hoping they were listening as do all parents, but you never know until you see it in action.

A young man whose name I don’t have was wearing a Newtown High School Football jersey and very respectfully asked a group of us if we’d like to donate and buy a booster card with discounts to businesses in town to support the team. Having been the parent of high school athletes and the president of a parent organization I know how expensive it is to support athletics. I try to take every opportunity to contribute because of how important it is in the lives of our youth. I had a pocket of single dollar bills and counted out ten and got my card. The young man thanked me and continued to walk up Main Street. About ten minutes later, to my surprise he returned. He came up to me and said, “Sir, when I was going through my money I noticed one of the bills you gave me was a twenty and I wanted to return it to you.” This young man could have kept that twenty without me ever knowing. I wanted to recognize him and commend his parents, teachers, and coaches who instill the values of honesty, integrity, respect, and overall just being a good person. This is one fine young man that all of Newtown should be proud of.

So, a good day for me, turned great. The lesson for me is, when we think we’re wasting our breath preaching traditional values to our children, don’t stop, they’re listening...

Peter Cincogrono

135 Tower Road, Middlebury                              September 4, 2007