Opportunities Fair Aims

To Bring Community Together

By Larissa Lytwyn  

Newtown Youth Services (NYS) will be hosting its first Opportunities Fair, including Amber Alert registration, in the Newtown High School cafeteria this Saturday, November 6, from 10 am to 4 pm.

“We were looking to do something that would empower the lives of youth and their families, as well as involve the community,” explained the nonprofit community agency’s executive director, Tony Tozzi.

He said that Pupil Personnel Services Director Michael Regan and Assistant Superintendent of Schools Alice Jackson had suggested an Opportunities Fair.

“We thought it was a great way in which we could highlight all the resources available to youth in collaboration with our district schools,” Mr Tozzi said. “We sent out a list to over 100 area businesses and community organizations, inviting them to participate.”

The organizations were chosen, he said, to appeal to all facets of youths’ needs, from physical to emotional.

Currently, the agencies and businesses expected at the fair include orthodontist Curtiss Beck, Charter Communications, which will advertise its student internship program, Cullens’ Nature Camp, Dental Associates, The Family Counseling Center, Girl Scouts of America, Venture Crew 70, Grassy Plain Drum & Bugle Corps, Graceful Planet, Little Explores, LLC, Misty Morning Daycare Center, the Newtown Center of Classical Ballet, Newtown Congregational Co-Op Nursery, the Newtown High School Greenery, Newtown Hikers’, the Newtown Junior Women’s Club and the Newtown Library Youth Council.

In addition, BMX rider Russell Menz, a Newtown resident, will be performing a bike safety presentation at noon and 2 pm.

Fellow Newtown resident Joe Kelly, founder of Smart Cycling, a bicycle rescue and safety promotion organization, is also likely to be on hand.

Fire engines from Newtown’s volunteer fire companies will also be featured, weather permitting.

“We will definitely have information on membership and other volunteer opportunities,” said Fire Prevention Officer Bob Nute. “It’s a great way to introduce ourselves to the community and tell people how they can become involved.”

A DARE officer and car will also be present, again, weather permitting.

“The list continues to grow,” said NYS Operations Administrator Anita Arnold. “Every day there are new additions!”

A highlight of the fair will be the Amber Alert registration program, sponsored by Danbury Rotary.

“Amber Alert allows parents to register their child’s picture and precise physical description, including their height, weight and eye color,” explained NYS board member Kathy Jordan. “The Connecticut Department of Public Safety encourages parents to submit new cards every year when their children are young, as their appearance can change as they age.”

The Amber Alert allows state police to immediately release the information statewide, increasing the likelihood of a kidnapped child being recovered more quickly.

“The first hour [of a child’s abduction] is crucial,” noted Ms Jordan. “With Amber Alert, a parent doesn’t have to race home and find a picture. Everything is already right there, ready to be released!”

“We’re very excited about this event and encourage everyone to come and find out what’s available,” said Mr Tozzi. “People can find out about a variety of individual resources in one place. It’s a truly special opportunity.” 

For more information on the NYS Opportunities Fair, call NYS at 270-4335.  For more information on Amber Alert, visit the Connecticut Department of Public Safety at www.state.ct.us/dps/Amber_Alert_FAQ.htm.