Sandy Hook Roundtable Discussion

An open discussion was held today at a press roundtable in Newtown with Pat Llodra (First Selectman), John Reed (Interim Superintendent of Schools), Mike Kehoe (Police Chief), Matt Crebbin (Senior Minister for the Newtown Congregational Church & Coordinator of the Newtown Interfaith Clergy Association) and Cody Foss (Co-Director of the Newtown Youth Academy).

The participants were candid, honest, grounded and genuine in their answers to questions about the building of the new Sandy Hook School, how people can best help our community, operational plans for potential media disruptions on 12/14, how we can teach our children to give back, and continuing open communications and honoring Newtown.

Highlights of comments shared today:

Plans for an alternative access to the new school is currently being discussed. Use of the Dickinson Drive access road has an association with the trauma suffered on 12/14/12.  It may be impactful to create a change to the design and function of the site. The old building has been fully demolished and the site is clear. The hazardous materials have been removed and disposed of according to protocols.

In answer to a desire to help from communities near and far, it is asked that contributions are made in kind to their own locality in the name of the people who suffered. Right now Newtown is in reasonable good shape with supplies. There will be one memorial. Newtown appreciates the great generosity and kindnesses. Now, it is requested that people who want to help, take care of someone in their own community. The concept of paying it forward has the power to do some good in a sustainable way. The town wants our children to understand how important it is to give back. The act of giving is an integral part of the journey in health and healing.

In preparation for 12/14, protocol has been established for spontaneous displays of teddy bears, candles and other memorials. Items will be removed as soon as they are placed. There is an operational plan for traffic jams with an expanded police presence along with parking restrictions. There is both an emotional and economic component to the request for respect to leave us be. We live this every day and do not need to be reminded. The village of Sandy Hook and its businesses were negatively impacted by the volume of media last year. A call for privacy and a request for the media to stay away has been made public.

The events of last year touched every component of our community including our youth, our clergy, our schools, our businesses and our residents. It is important to keep the communications open between all our services to continue to understand how to best cope. Kindness is a word we need to remind ourselves in this journey of grief. There is stress and challenge on a daily basis. People are resilient but we need to listen and talk with each other and experiment to find what is helpful to our community. There is not a playbook on dealing with the tragedy. There is, however, a natural inclination to want to help in the face of unimaginable destruction.