CT-Moms has a group rate for the SATURDAY, APRIL 26th show at 11am.
Regular seats in this front & center section 100 range from $39-$66 PLUS Ticketmaster fees of $10.25 PER Ticket.  We have purchased and secured these seats for $40-$45 inclusive of all fees.   Remember, anyone  over the age of ONE requires a ticket and non-ticket holding children cannot occupy a seat.
You can get more information about the show by clicking the image.  Remember, this Paypal link below is only for the CT-Moms Section for the Saturday, 4/26/14 11am show.  Any other shows or sections, you can purchase on Ticketmaster.

Coastal Fairfield County ~ MOMS Initiative

The United Way of Coastal Fairfield County is beginning a new initiative targeting helping urban moms in our area receive the training, support and resources they need.  So much energy, money and resources are spent towards children in schools and cities but the foundation of a child’s life begins at home with their parents and, often, in a single mother household.  So, CT-Moms is joining with United Way to give ALL area Moms the support of their communities to help us all become better mothers and citizens.

This program is beginning with a 9 week trial “basic living” seminar sponsored by Optimus Healthcare for 20 at-risk, low-income, young urban expecting moms in Bridgeport, CT.  These moms will be taught everything from what to expect with their newborn to how to nurture a sick baby, developmental milestones, how to play with children at different stages, feeding kids healthy but inexpensive foods and everything in between.  There will also be professionals donating their time to teach these moms everything from infant massage to how to take care of _themselves_ during this transition.

This session begins on Wednesday, April 3rd and we would like to welcome these women with a “baby shower” of sorts.  A simple time to not only congratulate them on the beginning of this amazing journey, but to stock their homes with things that a new mother may not think of as necessary to have on hand, but are essential.  Please join us to help prepare these mothers by joining in this first step.  There are THREE ways you can participate:

1. “Sponsor A Mother”  - Interested local moms can choose to “sponsor” one of these moms with a one-time donation of $250 to cover their shower basket.  Throughout the 9 week session, this mom may also be asked for individual needs this mom might have and be may be emailed questions or concerns this particular mom may have for a response.  This Mom will also be invited (although not required) to the “graduation” ceremony on the last day of the 9 week course to congratulate the new mom(s)!  You can sponsor a mom simply by clicking here.

2.  We are looking for individual items to put into these baby shower baskets.  Please consider purchasing some of these items and dropping them off to either the United Way offices in Bridgeport or the home of one of the coordinators in Westport, Fairfield or Stamford BEFORE March 31st.  Examples of items needed are hooded towels, saline spray, diaper rash cream, board books, infant small toy and much more.  We will need 20 of EACH item.  You can see the list of items needed here and sign up to purchase.  

3.  You can also make a donation towards the purchase of items for these baskets.  While each basket will cost about $200-$250, any donated amount will help towards putting these moms on the best starting path.  Skip your manicure this month, or Starbucks this week.  Have your entire Moms group contribute $5 each towards this initiative to help local moms.  You can donate any amount by clicking here. Remember, a mom with realistic expectations, proper training and a supportive community around her is more likely to rely on that community and her training when things get tough rather than getting upset at the child.

KOMEN CT RACE FOR THE CURE – WESTPORT – MAY 11, 2013

WHERE: SHERWOOD ISLAND STATE PARK, WESTPORT, CT

WHEN: MAY 11, 2013

WHAT: 5k Run, 5k Walk, 1.5k Walk, Kids Short Run, Survivor Recognition Events

 Did you know that Connecticut has the second highest incidence of breast cancer in the United States? 

That is why the work of Komen Connecticut is so vital right here in our state, making a critical difference in the lives of women in our communities. There is no other organization in the state that does what we do on a grassroots local level.

Special Notice:  Do you have a few hours to give this worthy organization over the next few months?  This is our FIRST race in Fairfield County and we need a few leaders to step up to help with the following chair positions.  Please see below for the titles and a brief description and feel free to email Jeanine, co-chair of the Westport race,  with other questions or with your interest!
–Can you motivate, cheerlead, get people excited?  We’re in need of a chair for the “Teams for a Cure” position who will be responsible for motivating Fairfield county residents to form teams for the Race.  The committee is also responsible for creating and implementing strategies around how to increase Race participant fundraising amongst teams.
–Do you have a high schooler, teach at a school or otherwise have a passion to work with teens?  We are in need of a chair position for “Teens for a  Cure” who will be responsible for bringing awareness of the Westport RFTC  (Race for the Cure) to Fairfield County high schools, and encouraging students to participate in the Race.
–Are you super organized and love to lead and pay attention to the details?  We are in need of a Logistics co-chair who will be responsible for implementing and overseeing all ‘behind-the-scenes” aspects of the Race Day experience.  The committee is divided into four sub-committees, all assigned a specific task on Race Day – Park Manager, Water Manager, Supplies Manager & Zone Leaders.  Committee responsibilities include but are not limited to, securing water for Race Day, planning tent layout, purchasing and/or organizing ALL supplies for Race Day, etc.
–Would you love to help out on race day, in charge of one critical aspect in it’s entirety?  We are in need of someone to manage the Food Tent from start to finish.  Responsible for managing the Food Tent on Race Day.

Again, email  Jeanine Gutauskas with your interest for any of the above positions and clear your calendar for Saturday, May 11th, 2013!

Komen Connecticut‘s primary focus is on the local community: seventy-five percent of the proceeds raised remain in Connecticut and are invested in educating the women and men in our state on the importance of early detection, funding free screening services and providing support to those who are diagnosed with breast cancer. Seventy-five percent of the funds we raise remain in Connecticut, and are invested in local breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs across the state. The remaining twenty-five percent is invested in research to find the causes and cures for breast cancer. None of these funds support Komen National.

A Few Breast Cancer Facts:

For Women in the United States for 2012:

It is estimated that among U.S. women there will be:

• 226,870 new cases of invasive breast cancer (includes new cases of primary breast cancer among survivors, but not recurrence of original breast cancer among survivors).
• 63,300 new cases of in situ breast cancer (includes ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), of those, about 85 percent will be DCIS). DCIS is a non-invasive breast cancer and LCIS is a condition that increases the risk of invasive breast cancer. Learn more about DCIS and LCIS.
• 39,510 breast cancer deaths.

To learn more Breast Cancer facts and information about local support click here.

For those who are concerned about the debacle regarding Planned Parenthood please click here to read an open letter directly from the Executive Director, Anne Morris, of Komen CT addressing this issue.

So, who out there wants to run or walk for this great cause? You don’t have to do it alone, either – we have a team ready for you to join!

JOIN OUR TEAM!!!   JUST CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CT-MOMS TEAM!!!  

We are proud to participate in the Komen CT Race for the Cure on May 11, 2013 in honor of a local mom Aileen who has been a part of our CT-Moms community for the past five years and is currently fighting breast cancer.  She is just like all of us and we can all work together on her behalf to raise funds for a cure.

To learn more about Aileen stop by the blog she keeps about her fight with cancer called Fight & Write.

Kidologie Gets Ready For Summer is a Children’s Fair for kids of all ages and their parents.  Kidologie’s semi-annual event is coming to Newtown’s Reed Intermediate School located at 3 Trades Lanes in Newtown, CT, on Sunday, March 10, 2013, from 11am – 4pm.

You can keep up with all of their announcements at their website or on their Facebook page.  It seems we can’t go a day without another great vendor or sponsor being announced such as FREE pictures by Picture People, Face Painting by The Learning Experience, A Performance by Jester Jim, Magic by Bryan Lizotte, Balloon Art by Twisty Brothers and even a visit from the Newtown Police Department.

Kidologie Gets Ready For Summer welcomes all to a fun day of live entertainment, interactive and learning   activities, local area businesses providing information on kid-friendly activities, health, spring and summer programs and more. 

Win the Golden Ticket.  A Family Summer Getaway Package to the all inclusive Woodloch Family Resort located in Pennsylvania.  The family 4-Pack valued at up to $3,000 includes a 3-night, 4-day package including all meals and family fun activities. The Woodloch Family Resort was voted by Traveler’s Choice the top 10 USA and top 15 in the World “Best Family Resort in 2012″.

Signature goody bags containing treats for kids and parents will be distributed to the first 400 families.  Parents that reserve their Goody Bag online and pick it up by 12 noon the day of the event will have a chance at receiving the bag containing the “Golden Ticket.” Reserve your Goody Bag today by visiting kidologie.com/attend

All proceeds from the sale of admission and raffle tickets will be donated to the Newtown Memorial Fund.

SUNDAY MAY 5, 2013 11:00-4:00

**Please note the NEW Location below!!**

Danbury Ice Arena at 1 Independence Way, Danbury, CT

Cost:  Ages 3-11 $7.00     /      12 and Older $10.00

Proceeds from Admissions will be donated to the American Cancer Society

Click HERE to purchase tickets!

Be sure to LIKE Danbury Kids Expo Facebook Page for updates!

CT-MOMS Online is happy to be a partner with the Danbury Kids Expo this May.  It will be a great day for kids, old and young, with: tons of activities for children, information about local kid friendly events and organizations and  something for everyone in your gang!

Activities Will Include:

Come at take your picture with the Storm Troopers

Curious Creatures will be on hand to showcase their exotic animals.

The Magic of Danny Diamond

Mechanical Animal rides by Safari Rides

Activity Center by Kidz on the Go *

Free Caricatures by Judy Tourangeau

Free Balloon Animals by Twisty Bros.

Come and see the 2012 New Uniform Unveiling

Slot Car Racing *

Bounce House provided by Super Fun Inflatables

Airbrush Tattoos by Magical Memories Entertainment

Face Painting provided by Desert Moon Griile

Sand Art *

Who wants to ride the Roaming Railroad? *

Lyrical Dance Routine by Kira Flynn

* Additional fee applies

Exhibitors Will Include:

Introducing BIG.  Believe. Inspire. Grow.
We are smart.  We are part of a community of intelligent and creative women.  We are Interior Designers, Accountants, Lawyers, Photographers, artists.  Some of us have MBA’s. Some have MFA’s.  Some of us are stay-at-home moms. Many of us have great ideas. Or talents.  Maybe our dreams were put on the back burner because it wasn’t the right time.  Some of us have started our own business and are looking for new ideas.  Others are in between jobs, or looking to make a career change.  This is simply about establishing momentum – even for those of us who don’t know where we’re headed at the moment.

Introducing B.I.G.
Where connections are made.  Paths crisscross.  Brainstorms happen.
Dreams re-emerge and we get inspired.
This is where uncertainty and intimidation perish.
And you flourish.

Come See what it’s all about

The Stamford/Greenwich Area
B.I.G. Launch Event
January 29 from 12PM to 1:30PM
Kona Grill, 233 Tresser Boulevard;  Stamford, CT

Meeting in private dining room. Lunch (optional) will be available for $14 per person including tax and gratuity.

In the meantime, check out the website www.believeinspiregrow.com

RSVP by January 25^th to:

Orna Fomin, Stamford/Greenwich Area B.I.G. Leader, 203-594-6762 or

Elaine Lanzillotti, Stamford / Greenwich Area B.I.G. Assistant Leader,203-716-1392

]]> http://www.ctmomsonline.com/big/feed/ 1 http://www.ctmomsonline.com/march-for-gun-control/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=march-for-gun-control http://www.ctmomsonline.com/march-for-gun-control/#comments Wed, 16 Jan 2013 05:17:31 +0000 Ann Katis http://www.ctmomsonline.com/?p=800

We are setting out to March on Washington to show support for gun control along with One Million Moms for Gun Control (not affiliated with the One Million Moms religious organization).
The March for Gun Control will take place January 26, 2013.  Please see below for more information and to sign up to represent Connecticut.

Gun Control March is an event to take place on January 26, 2013
Time: 10:00 AM

Where:  Washington, DC – Begin at the Capitol Reflecting Pool on 3rd St., NW (across from the Museum of the American Indian)
The March will progress down Constitution Avenue and end with in a rally with speeches and music and the Washington Monument northeast quadrant.  There will be speakers and events as well as a silent spiritual march down Constitution Avenue.

Interested people can RSVP to the event at Gun Control March’s Facebook page  One Million Moms for Gun Control National Facebook page OR our local chapter of 1MMfGC for Fairfield County

You can also join us for a Round Trip Bus Ride in a Luxury Chartered Bus (complete with bathroom and reclining seats) from Fairfield County, CT (location TBD) to Washington DC and back for this event.  If you are interested in joining on this bus with us, please fill out this form so we can better gauge interest and details. The bus IS a definite, so just fill out the form and wait to hear from us with instructions!  Our fellow Bus Riders will be able to march front and center at the Capitol as a tribute to the recent victims in Newtown, CT.

Please feel free to email Dave with any questions.

One Million Moms for Gun Control is a grassroots effort formed in the wake of the devastating mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.  The groups founder is Shannon Watts of Indiana and thousands have joined her.  They are growing by the day with more members and dozens of state and local chapters.  Together they hope to prevent more moms from experiencing pain and heartbreak from gun violence.

Gun Control March is a non-partisan group of concerned citizens who have gathered to create a march on Washington for Gun Control through the leadership of Suzanne Blue Star Boy and Molly Smith.  Two women for whom the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School was a turning point and they believe now is the moment to act.  The issue is about ensuring common sense regulations, not taking away anyone’s right to have a gun.

PICK UP LOCATIONS FOR EACH CITY.

Our hearts are broken.  Not just in Connecticut, but around the country.  All eyes are on Connecticut right now.  What will we do about it?  What can we do about it?  Put all of us together as a collective, unified voice all focused on one singular goal and the answer is – everything.  We have all of the power.  Be heard. Help us: -Change the Conversation. Change the Culture. Change the Laws.

Together, we partner with Connecticut Against Gun Violence and their grassroots movement, March for Change, as we gather on the steps of the capital building in Hartford and plead with our legislators to enforce  common sense gun laws to protect our families

The march will take place from 11am-12pm on THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14th at the Hartford State Capital building.  See HERE for a map of where we’re meeting in Hartford.
We ask everyone to come wearing green to honor the victims that have forced this nation into action.  Your families, including children, are welcome to join.  Please bring a friend.  Come dressed for the cold weather as we stand together in solidarity.

All bus seats have been closed as of 11pm on Wed 2/13. There are still some cities left with a few open spots on their buses, specifically Stamford, Westport, Easton, Fairfield, Wilton, Redding and Ridgefield. If you would like to get on one of those buses and really waited until this last minute, email that coordinator above and donate the $26 for the ride with the button below.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO "SPONSOR A RIDER" OR OTHERWISE DONATE TO THE TRANSPORTATION EFFORTS FOR MARCH FOR CHANGE, PLEASE

ALL buses will be at the pickup spots by 9:15am.  The march will be over by 12 or 12:30pm so estimate a return time of about 2-3pm to your same location

Weston also has buses running from their town, but collecting names and RSVPs in person, if you would like to join a Weston bus, please email Nadine.
Bridgeport also has buses leaving, but not through this page.  If you are interested in leaving from Bridgeport, please email Madeline.
Greenwich has buses leaving organized by the League of Women Voters, Greenwich and leaving from Greenwich High School at 10 Hillside Road at 8:15am. $10 for members, $25 for non members.  Please email Claudia to join in Greenwich.
Litchfield County has their own system for buses.  Please email their respective coordinators for payment and pick up instructions.
Jessica from Litchfield
Heidi from Kent
Lori from Warren
Chrissy from Washington

New London has buses being arranged by Sally leaving from All Souls Church at 9am.  Email her for more details.

Newtown will also have buses running to Hartford for this march, which will likely be comped, if you are in Newtown and would like to join a bus there please email Nancy.

If you are unable to pay for a bus seat but still want to join us for this march, email the organizers as we do have sponsored spots available on each bus!

If you are unable to attend this march but would like to “Sponsor a Rider” or otherwise donate to the operations of this march, please click here.
Note, donations made through this link are NOT Tax-Deductible as this is going towards a legislative effort, not a charitable or education effort.

-Change the Conversation.  Instead of MORE armed guards, how about LESS guns?  Instead of taking an extreme approach, let’s respect everyone’s rights, including our right to safety.
-Change the Culture.  Instead of making this a polarizing political conversation, let’s all approach this as concerned parents and citizens looking to protect our most precious asset – our children.
-Change the Laws.  It’s a lengthy process and one that, appropriately so, requires an uphill battle.  But, WE are the people.  We get to decide.  It can be tiring, time consuming and sometimes expensive to make our voices heard but our children and communities are worth it.

FAQ:

There are TWENTY school buses across the lower Fairfield County region waiting to be filled to take us up to Hartford and back.
Each person is asked to share in the costs of these buses at $26 per person round trip.  Parking at the Capital building is tough so this eliminates the need for each of us to drive (~80 miles) , park, find the location and drive back.  Not only that, but we can socialize all of the way!
You can choose any pickup/dropoff location that is convenient for you when booking your reservation.  The list below is constantly being updated with new locations, all at commuter parking lots – any ideas or suggestions please feel free to email us at marchforchange@ctmomsonline.com

All persons riding need a ticket except lap-riding children.  There is also an option to be a bus “sponsor” just to donate funds without the need for a seat.  If you would like to “sponsor a rider” simply fill out the form and indicate that you don’t actually need the seat so we can allocate it for someone else.

All Payments for bus seats and donations towards MFC are non-refundable and NOT tax-deductible.  If you find you are unable to go to the march and have paid for a bus seat, you can transfer your seat to another person by emailing the new name to marchforchange@ctmomsonline.com  but because bus payments are due and final, no refunds can be made.

If your town says “subject to deletion” you WILL be notified before we combine/delete and will get a refund if you’d prefer not to get on at any other stop

EVERY Single person who purchases a bus seat at ANY location will get an email confirmation by 2/11 from “ctmoms@ctmomsonline.com” confirming your city, coordinators name and pick up location address and time

EACH city, based on the people on their buses, will be able to choose a pickup TIME all of their own.  So, if your school drop offs in City X are later than most, that’s OK!  Just tell your coordinator you guys want to leave a bit later and your bus will be there waiting for you.  The same with return times, if you would rather not stay until 1pm, that’s OK!  Just tell your coordinator and decide as a group to leave Hartford by 12, 12:15, 12:30 – whatever.  Meet back at your waiting bus and be on your way.  Each coordinators name and email is above and all riders will be connected with their coordinators prior to 2/14 as well.

You can ALWAYS directly email your town coordinator by clicking on their name to email them or emailing us at marchforchange@ctmomsonline.com if you have no Coordinator listed

Yes, we love you

Yes, there are websites you can donate to, lots of memorial funds and talk beginning on changing the legislation.  However, as fellow moms, here are some really simply yet powerful things we can each do in our own homes to honor the memory of those lost.  As a parenting collaboration of CT-Moms Online, we have decided to contribute to the MOMS Club of Newtown, a chapter of the International MOMS Club, in their efforts to build or revitalize a children’s playground in Newtown in honor of the victims from Sandy Hook Elementary.  All funds raised (less fees charged by the Indiegogo donation site) will be used for the purchase of all materials, permits, fees, etc. used to construct memorial playground and a memorial marker. Extra funds collected will go to a playground maintenance fund and a victims’ family fund. PLEASE NOTE: If for some reason our goal is not met or we have logistical problems with location/zoning/town, etc, we will work with another Non-Profit organization to construct a memorial.

Find out more information here and see below for dozens of other ways to help – either monetarily or with your time.

United Way, a global nonprofit that works to improve families and individuals’ education, income stability and health, has set up the Sandy Hook School Support Fund through its Western Connecticut chapter. The fund will provide support services to the families that have been affected by the mass shooting. Donations can be mailed to: Sandy Hook School Support Fund c/o Newtown Savings Bank 39 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470 or submitted online  If you have questions on the fund, you may call 800-461-0672

The Newtown Parent Connection, a nonprofit that addresses issues of substance abuse, also offers bereavement group counseling on the first Wednesday of every month. The organization told The Huffington Post that it’s going to try to bring in additional counselors to accommodate the needs of those affected by the Sandy Hook shooting.

Danbury hospital has partnered with other local counseling and mental health agencies within the community and is providing crisis intervention services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Find out how you can contribute here. 

The Newtown Memorial Fund aims to help victims’ families pay for funeral costs, set up a community-wide memorial and a college scholarship fund for the students of the Newtown Public Schools. Find out how you can get involved here. 

The American Red Cross of Connecticut provided more than 50 units of blood platelets and plasma to the Danbury Hospital, where some of the victims were transported, spokesperson Melanie Pipkin told the Huffington Post. The aid organization has also distributed food and water to first responders and is setting up a family reception center that will provide initial grief counseling. The aid organization is not seeking blood donations at this time and is asking supporters to reach out to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund.

A former Sandy Hook student has set up the Sandy Hook Elementary School Victims Relief Fund through Crowdrise, to raise funds for the victims, families and others affected by the tragic shooting. Donations will be directed to the Sandy Hook PTSA, according to the fundraising site.

Newtown Youth & Family Services, Inc., a nonprofit mental health clinic, will be open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for emergency counseling for families, community members or staff involved in the Sandy Hook
Elementary school tragedy. All donations made to the organization will benefit those affected.

The Connecticut PTSA has met with the PTA and community leaders in Newtown and Sandy Hook Elementary to offer their assistance at this very difficult time.  Following are a few ways you can help:

Snowflakes for Sandy Hook  Please help the students of Sandy Hook have a winter wonderland at their new school in Monroe! Get Creative!!  No two snowflakes are alike. Make and send snowflakes to Connecticut PTSA, 60 Connolly Parkway, Building 12, Suite 103, Hamden, CT  06514, by January 12, 2013.

Project Linus, a nonprofit that brings comfort to children in crisis, has arranged to send more than 700 warm, cozy handmade blankets to children affected by this latest shooting.

Coins for Sandy Hook  Students can collect spare change to support their peers at Sandy Hook.  Other fundraising ideas include Walk- A -Thons, Spirit Days, Pajama Days, etc. Please send contributions to “Connecticut PTSA Sandy Hook Fund” by February 14, 2012.

Ongoing Fundraising Efforts  Donations are being accepted indefinitely to the: “Connecticut PTSA Sandy Hook Fund” to support the ongoing needs of the Sandy Hook Community. Send checks to “Connecticut PTSA, 60 Connolly Parkway, Building 12, Suite 103, Hamden, CT 06514. Mail snowflakes or donations to: Connecticut PTSA, 60 Connolly Parkway, Building 12, Suite 103, Hamden, CT 06514.  Phone: 203-281-6617

You can send letters of support to families of the victims for Christmas. Email letters to sandyhookchristmas@gmail.com

Send your words of support and comfort to the Sandy Hook families, to aid them in their healing process.

This Christmas Eve join the many families across Fairfield County, and the country, who will be lighting a luminary for each life lost at Sandy Hook Elementary. A local fairfield family is trying to get the word out to as many people as possible. For more information email NRusso@microboard.com

In addition to the list of organizations above that will benefit Newtown, below is a list of the charitable contributions identified by some of the victims’ families.

Charlotte Bacon : Christ the King Lutheran Church, 85 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Newtown, CT 06470.

Daniel Barden : In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Daniel’s name to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund, c/o Newtown Savings Bank, 39 Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470, or checks may be dropped off at any Newtown Savings Bank branch location. To donate online, go to https://newtown.uwwesternct.org

Olivia Engel, 6, was shot and killed during the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. To help the family of the little girl who longtime family friend, Dan Merton, said “had perfect manners” and was the “teacher’s pet, the line leader,” supporters have set up the Friends of the Engel Family Fund.  

Josephine Gay : In celebration of her joyful and giving spirit, a charitable fund is being created in her honor. Information about this fund and her life will be released to the media shortly.

Dylan Hockley : Memorial contributions may be made to the Dylan Hockley Memorial Fund, 34 Charter Ridge Road, Sandy Hook, CT, 06482

Catherine Hubbard : In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to the Newtown Animal Center, PO Box 475, Newtown, CT 06470

Chase Kowalski : In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Chase Kowalksi Scholarship Fund, c/o Peoples Bank, 470 Monroe Tpke., Monroe, CT 06468

Jesse Lewis : In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Voice for Joanie Inc., 5 Glenwood Rd, New Milford, CT 06776 voiceforjoanie.org

James Mattioli : In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in James’ memory to the James R. Mattioli Memorial Fund c/o Newtown Savings Bank, 39 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470.

Anne Marie Murphy : In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Autism Speaks, 1060 State Rd., 2nd Floor, Princeton, NJ 08540, www.autismspeaks.org

Noah Pozner : Memorial contributions may be directed to the planting of trees in Israel.  Family members remember Noah Pozner, 6, — one of 26 victims killed on Friday — as “just a really lively, smart kid.” According to a Facebook page set up in Noah’s memory, supporters can send letters of support to a friend who will deliver them to the family later this week. Cards can be mailed to: Friends of Maddie 1534 North Moorpark Road Suite 284 Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

Caroline Previdi : Contributions in Caroline’s memory may be made to “The Toy Chest”, St. Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown, CT 06470.

Jessica Rekos : Memorial contributions may be made to the Newtown Rotary Sandy Hook School Fund, PO Box 263, Newtown, CT 06482.

Victoria Soto : The family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Victoria L. Soto Memorial Fund for Education, through the Funeral Home. For more information or to make an online condolence please visitwww.adzimafuneralhome.com .

Benjamin Wheeler : It is suggested that contributions in Benjamin’s memory be made to the Benjamin Wheeler Fund. The B.C. Bailey Funeral Home of Wallingford has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Special Thanks to Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk for the Obituary Links

We give sincere thanks to Connecticut Against Gun Violence for all of the statistics and information below, but more so to it’s Executive Director, Ron Pinciaro, for presenting a workshop in Westport immediately after the tragedy in Newtown, along with Congressman Jim Himes, to inform all of us about what the current state of gun legislation is and how it can be improved upon.  Many of us are ignorant to the culture of guns, although we know how dangerous they can be with small children in the home.  We don’t understand the vocabulary much less the legislation.  Take a moment to familiarize yourself with where our State stands, what we have already done well and what we have yet to do and how.  Please note:  We are NOT saying that any or all of these changes could have or would have changed the terrible outcome of December 14th, 2012 in Newtown, CT.  However, we do want to honor the memory of those precious, innocent lives to do anything possible to try to prevent another mass shooting and attempt to combat this pervasive gun culture we’re in.

We are in talks with the Brady Campaign to coordinate a Million Mom March here in Connecticut.  There are many logistical challenges, not the least of which is that we don’t even _have_ a CT chapter yet!  So, be patient.  In the meantime, we are partnering with CAGV for a MARCH IN MARCH to take place on the 3 month anniversary of this tragedy, Thursday March 14th, 2013.   So, Mark your Calendars to March in Hartford with us.  We will be arranging transportation, food and everything else (except babysitters!) to make this as easy as possible to get at least 2,000 local moms on our Capitol’s steps.  Congressman Jim Himes has promised his full support and says it’s time for our level, the Grass Roots level, to make a change.  If we can get at least 2,000 Moms there, change will happen.   Let’s put some action behind our words, starting with you.  It’s worth a day off from work.

Thank you for your interest in helping to change laws that are designed to enhance gun safety.   If you are compelled to take action, following is our suggested list of ways that CT AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE would benefit from our support:

SHORT TERM ACTION
1. “Like” CT AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE (CAGV) on FACEBOOK

2. PLEASE SIGN ‘Demand A Plan Petition‘ 

3. CALL THE WHITE HOUSE (202) 456-1414 and ask what President Obama is doing to close the gun show loophole; ensure background checks for all secondary gun sales; reinstate the assault weapons ban.

4. ASK – “Asking Saves Kids”/Any time your child goes on a play-date, ask “Is there a gun in the house where your kids play? Is it locked up?”

5. SAVE THE DATE:  Thursday, March 14th, 2013/ PLAN AHEAD! WE NEED YOU TO STAND WITH US
“MARCH in MARCH!”

6.MAKE A DONATION TO CAGV – earmark dollars for “MARCH IN MARCH” (please note: donations are not tax deductible as CAGV is a political lobbying organization)

7. PASS IT ON.  Share this message!  

8. TALK, TALK, TALK ABOUT THE ISSUES/CHANGE THE CONVERSATION, CHANGE CULTURE, CHANGE THE LAWS.

“MARCH IN MARCH” Thursday, March 14th, 2013
 HARTFORD, CT  – details to follow

For more information and statistics on the current gun laws please log on to:  www.cagv.org or www.bradycampaign.org

As we learn more on the status of the upcoming bill to be presented to the State Legislature, we will keep you informed on how you can participate by writing letters, calling your representatives, attending a press event in Hartford, etc.

Because we lobby for sensible gun laws, contributions to CAGV are not tax deductible for federal
income purposes. If you wish to make a tax-deductible gift, please visit the CAGV Education Fund web site.