(NEWTOWN, CT) – In January, two family-friendly events and a community program will “create hope” and support our Armed Services members and Veterans. The community is invited on two dates to join the American Legion, Post 202 (serving Newtown and Brookfield) and Hearts of Hope (Newtown) in painting and decorating Hearts of Hope gifts for our military troops, military dogs, and canine handlers. Each participant will create a message of caring and compassion to accompany the heart they design.
Two events take place Wednesday, January 22 (6:30 to 8:30pm) at Port 5 Naval Club, 69 Brewster St. Bridgeport, CT and Wednesday, January 29 (6:00 to 8:00pm) at Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson St, Newtown, CT. Hearts of Hope gifts and messages will be delivered to the Canines and Handlers of the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) – aka the “Green Berets” – at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida and the Connecticut National Guard at the 928 Military Detachment in Newtown, Connecticut. RSVP to Ivy@heartsofhope.org.
On Saturday, January 25, the public is invited to meet members of the American Legion Post 202, serving Newtown and Brookfield, to learn about the American Legion and how to get involved in supporting veterans, service members, and the families who pledge to protect our nation. The American Legion is one of many participants in the Global Community Engagement Day, hosted by the CH Booth Library on Saturday, January 25, from 1:00 to 4:00pm on the second floor. The event provides an opportunity to speak with community members who are involved with the American Legion.
WHO: The American Legion Post 202, serving Newtown and Brookfield, and Newtown Hearts of Hope
WHAT: Family-friendly event to “create hope” by painting and decorating beautiful Hearts of Hope gifts for our military troops, military dogs, and canine handlers. Participants will create a message of caring and compassion to accompany each heart.
WHEN: Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 6:30 to 8:30pm
WHERE: Port 5 Naval Club, 69 Brewster St. Bridgeport, CT
COST: $10/heart
RSVP Contact: Ladiesauxport5@gmail.com or Ivy@heartsofhope.org
WHO: The American Legion Post 202, serving Newtown and Brookfield, and Newtown Hearts of Hope
WHAT: Family-friendly event to “create hope” by painting and decorating beautiful Hearts of Hope gifts for our military troops, military dogs, and canine handlers. Participants will create a message of caring and compassion to accompany each heart.
WHEN: Wednesday, January 29, 2025, 6:00 to 8:00pm
WHERE: Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson St, Newtown, CT
COST: No Cost, thanks to a community grant
RSVP Contact: Ivy@heartsofhope.org
WHO: The American Legion Post 202, serving Newtown and Brookfield
WHAT: Meet members of the American Legion Family at Global Community Engagement Day
WHEN: Saturday, January 25, 2025, 1:00 to 4:00pm
WHERE: CH Booth Library, 2nd Floor, Newtown, CT
COST: No Cost
I am not a veteran. I am a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the United States Air Force Auxiliary. But in 1991, personal loss brought me to a place I never left.
Over two decades later, that loss led me to the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, Connecticut, where I took on the coordination of Wreaths Across America — which grew into the largest and fastest growing veterans program in the state. I didn’t do it for recognition. I did it for them.
In 2016 I founded the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin. Not because I served, but because I believe those who did deserve to be honored, connected, and kept alive.
Twenty-two veterans die by suicide every day. I knew about that number before it became a hashtag. I knew it personally, long before anyone was talking about it.
This publication exists because that number is unacceptable. Because every veteran in Connecticut deserves to know someone gives a damn.
That someone is me.
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