Stories

On the Children's Shelf: When your secrets go viral…

<p>How do you keep things private in a digital age? When things can easily be shared online? When hackers can access devices and cloud storage, is anything ever really safe?</p><p>In “In Case You Missed It” by Sarah Darer Littman we see what happens when your safe protected cloud storage is hacked and shared online. Sammy, a high school junior is busy with the APs and getting her driver’s license. She keeps a personal diary on her computer so her little brother can’t find it and read it.</p><p>Sammy’s dad is the CEO of a major bank. He is under enormous stress because there are protesters outside the bank protesting bank actions. Sammy is aware of his stress, but she’s a teenager busy with her own school stress. While it might seem like there is no overlap, their whole world is turned upside down when hackers hack into bank documents then turn their attack on her father, personally. They hack into the family’s cloud storage and start sharing everything they find online…including Sammy’s personal diary.</p><p>Every thought, every frustration, the time she lied to her parents…all out there for her classmates and parents to read. Things at the bank are worse than ever and her dad stays at work for days on end because he is dealing with the issues there. Her entire school has read her diary, her friends are furious and refuse to speak to her. The ultimate irony in Sammy’s mind is that her mom tells her not to read any of their emails or texts shared online but Sammy’s mom reads her diary. On top of losing her friends, Sammy is caught lying to her parents through her diary and is now grounded. While Sammy’s secrets are on the internet being read, so are her parents’ secrets and Sammy learns the biggest secret they’ve been keeping from her. Definitely check out this book to see what happens when all those private thoughts and email exchanges are now available for the whole world to read.</p><p>This YA book is well written and readers of all age can identify with the question – how safe is anything online? The story flows well, is captivating and took turns I didn’t expect (which I really enjoy in a book). Friendships end, family dynamics change, Sammy learns a lot about herself, her real friends, and if you have to choose who is going to snoop through your diary….she’d rather it was just her little brother. I highly recommend this book.</p><p>Jessica Collins is an award-winning writer. Her column "On the Children's Shelf" has earned multiple Connecticut Press Club awards and national recognition. Read more on her blog: <a href="https://onthechildrensshelf.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://onthechildrensshelf.com/</a></p>

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 Greater Danbury Spring Career Fair on April 3 at Danbury Fair Mall

<p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">The Greater Danbury Spring 2024 Career Fair will take place on Wednesday, April 3rd from 3 to 6 p.m. (snow date 4/4)</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">at Danbury Fair Mall. Open to the public! All are welcome!</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Sponsored by the Danbury Chamber of Commerce &amp; the WCSU Career Success Center. </span></p><p><em style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Employers are always being added - please check back to see updates </em><a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/careersuccess/career-fair" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.wcsu.edu/careersuccess/career-fair/</a></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); background-color: transparent;">Employer</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.careers.abcsupply.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">ABC Supply Co. Inc.</a></p><p><a href="http://www.abilitybeyond.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Ability Beyond</a></p><p><a href="https://careers.bankerslife.com/careers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Bankers Life</a></p><p><a href="http://btwanewhaven.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Booker T. Washington Academy</a></p><p><a href="http://www.buffalolodging.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Buffalo Lodging Associates</a></p><p><a href="http://www.ccsu.edu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Central Connecticut State University – Admissions</a></p><p><a href="https://www.chick-fil-a.com/locations/ct/brookfield" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Chick-fil-A Brookfield, CT</a></p><p><a href="https://www.nationalguard.com/connecticut?utm_campaign=fy24paidsearch&amp;utm_source=89&amp;utm_medium=c2bingbrand-1698858976&amp;utm_content=web&amp;gclid=ff9869d2b725127546470c4f13b1650b&amp;gclsrc=3p.ds&amp;msclkid=ff9869d2b725127546470c4f13b1650b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Connecticut Army National Guard</a></p><p><a href="http://www.ct.gov/deep/site/default.asp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP)</a></p><p><a href="http://www.breakthrubev.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Connecticut Distributors Inc.</a></p><p><a href="https://www.ctjuniorrepublic.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR)</a></p><p><a href="https://www.uwwesternct.org/danburyworks" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">DanburyWORKS</a></p><p><a href="http://www.devereux.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health</a></p><p><a href="http://www.ebnercamps.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Ebner Camps</a></p><p><a href="https://careers.enterprise.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Enterprise Mobility</a></p><p><a href="https://equitable.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Equitable Advisors</a></p><p><a href="http://www.ess.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">ESS</a></p><p><a href="https://www.expresspros.com/DanburyCT/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Express Employment Professionals - Danbury, CT</a></p><p><a href="https://jobs.tsa.gov/law-enforcement" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Federal Air Marshal Service</a></p><p><a href="https://www.fbijobs.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)</a></p><p><a href="https://www.bop.gov/jobs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Federal Bureau of Prisons</a></p><p><a href="http://www.danburychamber.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce</a></p><p><a href="http://www.greenchimneys.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Green Chimneys</a></p><p><a href="http://www.holeinthewallgang.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Hole in the Wall Gang Camp</a></p><p><a href="http://hvcu.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Hudson Valley Credit Union</a></p><p><a href="https://www.impea.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Imperial Electronic Assembly, Inc.</a></p><p><a href="http://www.restaurantdepot.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Jetro Restaurant Depot</a></p><p><a href="http://www.kellyservices.com/global/home/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Kelly Services</a></p><p><a href="http://www.mhconn.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Mental Health Connecticut, Inc.</a></p><p><a href="http://www.joinstatepolice.ny.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">New York State Police</a></p><p><a href="https://www.nsbonline.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Newtown Savings Bank</a></p><p><a href="http://www.nemitchell.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Norbert E. Mitchell Co., Inc.</a></p><p><a href="http://norwalk.nm.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Northwestern Mutual - Norwalk</a></p><p><a href="http://www.oakridgewaste.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Oak Ridge Waste and Recycling</a></p><p><a href="https://www.pmc1.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">PMC-STS, Inc.</a></p><p><a href="http://www.sbdanbury.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Savings Bank of Danbury</a></p><p><a href="http://www.silverhillhospital.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Silver Hill Hospital</a></p><p><a href="http://www.workplace.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">The WorkPlace</a></p><p><a href="https://www.glastonburyct.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Town of Glastonbury</a></p><p><a href="https://www.manchesterct.gov/Employment-Opportunities" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Town of Manchester</a></p><p><a href="https://www.secretservice.gov/careers/special-agent/STAR" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">U.S. Secret Service</a></p><p><a href="https://www.unionsavings.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Union Savings Bank</a></p><p><a href="https://www.websteronline.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Webster Bank</a></p><p><a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/careersuccess" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) – Career Success Center</a></p><p><a href="https://www.yardscapeslandscape.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">YardScapes Landscape Professionals</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

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Finding Fireflies and Friends at Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary

<p><span style="background-color: transparent;">Finding Fireflies and Friends at </span>Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary <span style="background-color: transparent;">July 10 / 8:15 – 9:45 pm (rain date July 11th)</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent;">FREE</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent;">Every night, a world arises from the twilight, bringing forth some of the smallest insects often hidden from sight during the day.&nbsp;Have you ever seen a big dipper firefly or common eastern firefly? Or a potato leafhopper, northern caddisfly, or June beetle? Join us at the sanctuary to meet our amazing nighttime insect friends! Together, we’ll watch the woodlands come alive with hundreds of twinkling firefly lights…a rare and truly magical experience you’ll never forget. Using all our senses, we’ll also listen for forktailed bush katydids, snowy tree and field crickets, and maybe catch a glimpse of a luna or cecropia moth.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent;">Led by renowned entomologist, Dr. Rayda Krell, we’ll use a few entomological “tricks” to get a closer look at just how many of these creatures are out at night. By the end of the evening, you will have seen over 30 insect species and thousands of individual insects!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent;">Link to register:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.cvhfoundation.org/event/finding-fireflies-and-friends" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">https://www.cvhfoundation.org/event/finding-fireflies-and-friends/</a></p><p>Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, <span style="background-color: transparent;">8 Commerce Rd.</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

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Newtown Community Center Spotlight: Sharon Hoyt, Champion of Community Spirit

<p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">In the bustling heart of Newtown, where the vibrancy of community life is palpable, the Newtown Community Center has become a beacon of unity, inclusivity, and shared joy. Amidst its myriad of activities and programs that cater to all ages and interests, one individual stands out for her remarkable contribution and embodiment of community spirit: Sharon Hoyt. This month, we are thrilled to celebrate Sharon as our first Newtown Community Center Spotlight Winner.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Sharon Hoyt is not your average community member; she is a testament to the power of dedication, passion, and the belief in bringing people together. An avid swimmer since childhood, Sharon's love for the water is matched only by her love for the Newtown Community Center. However, it's not just the center's exceptional swimming program that has captured her heart but its overarching commitment to serving everyone—regardless of age or background.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Sharon's journey with swimming began as a young girl in Danbury where her father first taught her to swim. Over the years, her passion for the sport has only deepened. As a director of swim programs in the area, a lifeguard and instructor-Sharon has dedicated much of her life to the pool. Now battling some health issues she credits her longevity and ability to keep the symptoms of her current affliction at bay to her dedication to consistent physical activity.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Beyond the lanes and the cool embrace of the water, it's the sense of belonging and community that truly resonates with her. The Newtown Community Center, with its warm, inviting atmosphere and diverse offerings, has become a second home to Sharon and many others.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Sharon has a magical and unwavering belief in the community center as a vital hub for bringing people together. She sees it as a place where barriers are broken down, and individuals from all walks of life can connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. Her enthusiasm and active participation helps to foster an environment of mutual respect, understanding, and camaraderie.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Sharon's influence extends beyond the pool. She is a vocal advocate for the community center's role in enriching the lives of Newtown's residents. Whether it's through organizing events, volunteering her time, or simply spreading the word about the center's initiatives, Sharon is always at the forefront, championing the cause of community unity.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Sharon truly epitomizes the heart of the community at Newtown Community Center. Her passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to bringing people together under one roof are what make her our first Spotlight Winner. As we celebrate Sharon and her contributions, we are reminded of the essential role that community centers play in our lives—not just as places of recreation, but as vital centers of connection, support, and shared humanity.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Congratulations, Sharon, and thank you for being a shining example of what it means to be a part of, and contribute to, the heart of our community. Your spirit and actions inspire us all to engage more deeply with each other and the world around us.</span></p><h3><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span class="ql-cursor"></span> </span><span style="color: rgb(20, 20, 20);">See the&nbsp;</span><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001sCllIkcw0j3HUqyJ2EQoRKKsj96ecE3OXgnwzYeHy9mlZY2d4yalUg3Of_YOSNb9ycY2278mVVrsrj8eMIDglncAeO4aKqBrK0LmTPI9YXEKPJ6rLg5k_Qjsui-kwIlHHOoelenNQT9a8HMeb3rvsvvwAO_HYN-QPmQDlfJESxI=&amp;c=881d5Fn-VfnS3MhXQ2NyPbUrfywFRjDVkGVd83f_tA1Q_QCzSngvNg==&amp;ch=aHG9fMycYGLu-yRQ4MNqKMvVDMRNSkfSePG0g4S_ee0rAnlTA7K_fA==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(20, 20, 20);">video interview here</a></h3><p><br></p>

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Newtown Youth & Family Services Safety Town Camp

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(40, 79, 161);">Safety Town Camp - Teaching Kids Important Life-Saving Lessons!</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Newtown Youth &amp; Family Services' Safety Town program is a&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">one-week interactive safety education camp</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;developed to teach important life-saving lessons on strangers, traffic, fire, pedestrian, poison, drug, playground, bus and water safety.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Safety Town combines classroom instruction and the use of a miniature town designed to provide a complete hands-on experience. The miniature town has a fire house, police station, library and even features the historic Newtown, CT flag pole. Within this town, there are working traffic lights, crosswalks, bicycle lanes and signs which create an environment for children to practice what they have learned through constructive play.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">All safety topics are taught in collaboration with local community and health agencies.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Register </span><a href="https://newtownyouthandfamilyservices.jumbula.com/SafetyTown/SafetyTown2024" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001m02rax4HhQHUCOki4VNMrEVMt1hYp9cw5DWPkCMEG5FuIt7vJxofZQQxrZFejJdHeWQ6qFVnrm3XDCKKXiFDq5peqNlNTzVnHLNKiSl1S4uJVXhICVRUGZl0helHw0DPsDVs67JOaGpG4ugUqT1ZSyDW2C41YoLo5-mVCdQ_xcJhMN00jfD_fPFJUQllHQgVWMOrUS0NDKtFuJnGTYo1DA==&amp;c=71vWKvw7-O3uNxla8_BBEpXnvdo3lnXAON7j8ozhMv8f6GiM6aIH9Q==&amp;ch=juj6qIAn7S9qHIoCWd9u3r7ICjUE7lUZi_2cNXG2SrtiDxfwW2q_Uw==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>REGISTER HERE &gt;&gt;&gt;</strong></a></p>

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Students invited to participate in Newtown's "I Voted" sticker contest

<p><strong style="color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">"I Voted" Sticker Contest Announcement</strong></p><p>The Office of the Registrar of Voters is excited to announce our first-ever "I Voted" Sticker Contest! Students in grades 5th-12th are invited to design and submit artwork. One winner will be chosen from each age group. </p><p>The winning artwork will be featured on 2-inch stickers and will be distributed to voters at the polls for all elections taking place in Newtown in 2024.</p><p><strong style="color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">Submission Guidelines:</strong></p><ul><li>Artwork should be submitted to the Registrar's Office no later than May 1st, 2024.</li><li>"IVoted" must appear in the design.</li><li>Artwork must be the student’s original creation.</li><li>Artwork must be Newtown-themed.</li><li>Students must reside in Newtown.</li><li>Artwork cannot be political.</li><li>Artwork must be drawn in the sticker template provided; THE TEMPLATE CANNOT BE ALTERED.</li><li>Artwork must include the year 2024.</li></ul><p>Please submit all artwork to the Municipal Center in the Registrar's office or the Town Clerk's office by May 1, 2024. Include the student’s first and last name, age, grade, and school.</p><p>For any questions, please contact us at registrar.of.voters@newtown.ct.gov or call 203-270-4250 for LeReine Frampton or Erica Canfield. </p><p>Additional information <a href="https://www.newtown-ct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif12216/f/uploads/sticker_contest_application_and_rules_0.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>

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Attention Newtown Voters: Absentee ballots available Tuesday, March 12

<p><strong>Absentee ballots available Tuesday, March 12th for Republican and Democratic Presidential Preference Primary</strong></p><p>Absentee ballots may be applied for by any qualified&nbsp;voter unable to vote at the polls</p><p>due to the following reasons:</p><p><strong>My active service in the Armed Forces</strong>&nbsp;of the United States</p><p><strong>My absence from my&nbsp;town of residence</strong></p><p><strong>Sickness</strong></p><p><strong>My religious tenets</strong>&nbsp;which forbid secular activity on the day of the election, primary or referendum</p><p><strong>My duties</strong>&nbsp;as a primary, election or referendum official at a polling place other than my own during all of the hours of voting</p><p><strong>Physical disability</strong></p><p><strong>&nbsp;**ONLINE PORTAL OPTION TO APPLY FOR AN ABSENTEE BALLOT**</strong></p><p>If you are a registered voter and have a valid CT DMV Driver’s License or State ID, you can now apply online for an absentee ballot.&nbsp;</p><p>The Town Clerk will be notified of your online application and will promptly mail your ballot to the address designated on the application starting October 6th.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://oabr-sots.ct.gov/OABR/absenteeBallotReqPortalHome.do" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Click here</strong></a>&nbsp;to access the online portal.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>If you do not have a valid CT DMV ID on file with the state, or do not with to use the portal, then you must complete a paper application.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.newtown-ct.gov/town-clerk/files/2023-ed-3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Click here</strong></a>&nbsp;to download paper application.</p><p><strong>Returning your ballot options:</strong></p><p><strong>Official Ballot Drop Box</strong>-Outside the North and South Entrances of</p><p>the&nbsp;Municipal Center available&nbsp;24 hours</p><p><strong>By Return Mail</strong>:</p><p>Town Clerk</p><p>Debbie Aurelia Halstead</p><p>3 Primrose Street</p><p>Newtown, CT 06470</p><p><strong>In person</strong>&nbsp;Monday-Friday 8am to 4:30pm</p><p><strong>If you should have any questions regarding absentee ballots, please email the Town Clerk’s office at:&nbsp;</strong><a href="mailto:town.clerk@newtown-ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>town.clerk@newtown-ct.gov</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;or call&nbsp;</strong><a href="tel:203-270-4210" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>203-270-4210</strong></a></p><p><a href="http://www.newtown-ct.gov/node/324476" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read more</a></p>

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