NYS Benefits From Youth Power

To the Editor:

We at Newtown Youth Services have always been most fortunate to watch so many children grow into young, responsible adults. Nowhere was that more evident than this past week as we prepared our annual mailing for distribution. Surely, Maryanne Radmacher-Hershey must have had Youth Services in mind when she said, “May your walls know joy, may every room hold laughter,” for that certainly was true of our agency!

It is generally accepted that the staff, interns, board members, friends of the board and their families participate in the labeling, stuffing, and sealing — all the fun things that a mass mailing requires. However, it is the stamina of our youth that makes all the difference. Many of our young volunteers, most members of our Youth Advisory Board, worked several days, even returning when they were not scheduled, because they wanted to help. Is there anything better than to hear children/young adults laugh? Amid laughter, music, and, of course food, these young people accomplished so much in such a small period of time that I am in awe.

I cannot extend my thanks or appreciation more sincerely to the following youth who worked on this project with me: Karen Schwartz, TJ Mueller, John Burns, Ashley Duncan, Christie Czarnecki, Kate Kelleher, Kayla Rustici, Alina Schwartz, Carolyn Bell, Veronica Parsloe, Joe Pisacreta, Joe Fedak, Kate Bamberg, Anthony Klabonski, and Bryant Aliga.

It seems fitting, with St Patrick’s Day almost here, that an Irish saying is so true, “Two hands shorten the road.” Except in the case of Newtown Youth Services it was so many more than two!

With gratitude,

Roseanne G. Loring

Director, Program Services

Newtown Youth Services

10 Glen Road, Sandy Hook                                       March 15, 2006