Cultural Events

Next Hearts Of Hope Newtown Event To Benefit Children’s Program Pathways To Hope

Published: Jun 30, 2025 7:00 am

On Wednesday, July 16, Hearts of Hope-Newtown will partner with the Ladies Auxiliary of Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue and Newtown-Strong Therapy Dogs to host a Paint with a Purpose event. Participants will paint inspirational ceramic hearts in a group setting, accompanied by personal messages of caring, compassion, and hope to be donated for charity.

Therapy dogs will be present for all to interact with. Heart-painting tables will also be open, along with a Touch-a-Truck station, where kids can receive small firefighter hats and have the opportunity to view and touch a fire truck. Firefighters will be on hand for the fun and family-friendly activity.

The hearts will be gifted to Pathways to Hope, a program from the Center for Family Justice that provides support for children ages 7-17 whose lives have been adversely impacted by the trauma of domestic or sexual violence. Program participants are from the communities of Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull.

The second in Hearts of Hope’s three-part Summer Series, this event will take place from 6 to 8 pm at the Sandy Hook VFR main station, 18-20 Riverside Road. The Touch-a-Truck segment will run from 6:30 to 7:30.

Cost is $10 per heart; donations to Hearts of Hope will also be welcomed. The event is suitable for all ages and all artistic abilities.

Hearts of Hope Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities find hope in the midst of grief. The organization was born from tragedy and emerged with a vow to serve those facing grief with the necessary tools and education to cultivate empowerment, resilience, healing, and growth. The first local chapter was founded in Newtown, following 12/14.

For more information, visit ourheartsofhope.org.

Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Ladies Auxiliary will host its next Hearts of Hope-Newtown Paint With A Purpose event in mid-July. All ages are invited to paint palm-sized ceramic hearts with messages of hope, to be donated to a local charity. —Bill Glass photo

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Dan was a real gentleman. I had the honor of knowing him for about 10 years from high school and into early adulthood. He was always upbeat and amiable. His love of golf was boundless. I remember him droning on about the type of wedge this or that professional golfer was playing at any given time. He loved to play also. Dan made the winning putt that clinched a championship for NHS men’s golf in 1984. It was a snaking, downhill putt that few people would have had the nerve or imagination to have holed at such a critical moment. It was magic!! You are a true gem, Dan. May your eternal reward be endless days of long, straight drives and the sound of difficult putts finding the bottom of the hole.

Daniel R. Baker

Congratulations John! This is quite a feat & shows a lot of perseverance, endurance, & commitment while becoming more healthy & having fun! The ultimate achievement! Wishing u a long healthy life!

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“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” The 1st Amendment does NOT say "except when there's a budget problem, or when some people wish things would quiet down." There is no way a proposed ordinance can be construed as other than singling out RockthisDemocracy, and also no way the town does not get expensively buried in court should it be foolish enough to go down this path.

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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.

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.

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Next Hearts Of Hope Newtown Event To Benefit Children’s Program Pathways To Hope

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