Friday, December 18, 2020
www.towntimes.com
Volume 26, Number 38
Yard signs promote message of peace By Nadya Korytnikova Town Times
Even though it's been a difficult year with the global pandemic, political divisiveness, and social unrest, a local nonprofit is trying to unite the community with three simple words — Peace on Earth. In an effort to spread a message of kindness and hope, while also raising money to support its outreach efforts, the Durham Lions Club began selling winter-themed yard signs depicting a white dove and “Peace on Earth” message.
“The more money we can raise, the more things we can do to help out our community,” said Robert Proctor, Durham Lions Club treasurer. “We will get through this pandemic together.” The club started the project to help make up for the loss of its major fundraisers — the Durham Fair and comedy show — both of which were canceled after the virus outbreak. The sign idea came from the Middlefield Lions Club, which sells “Be Kind” signs for a donation of $30 or more.
For a donation of $25 or more, the club will deliver the sign to residents of Durham, Middlefield, and Rockfall. Those who live outside of these areas are asked to pick up the sign at 414 Blue Hills Road. All proceeds will go towards the club’s efforts to aid local organizations and individuals in need.
Schuch set to take the reins of RSD13
“It’s a double whammy: On one hand, you have more people in need than ever before because of COVID-19, and at the same time we lost our most important fundraisers,” said Proctor. “If you ever planned to give money to the charity, or help out your neighbors, this is a good time to do it.” See Signs, A24
By Bronwyn Commins Special to Town Times
Wallingford residents Greg and Joanne McCoy make a donation to Lyman Orchards’ Save-A-Suit drive. Nadya Korytnikova, Town Times
Lyman Orchards collecting suits for veterans By Nadya Korytnikova Town Times
Lyman Orchards teamed up with Save-A-Suit, a Connecticut-based nonprofit, to provide veterans with professional attire and confidence to succeed. Until Sunday, Dec. 20, Lyman Orchards will hold a suit drive to collect new or slightly used business clothes for returning veterans to wear during job interviews. Most needed donations include men’s and women’s suits, ties, shirts, dresses, and coats.
For a donation of $25 or more, the Durham Lions Club will deliver a “Peace on Earth” yard sign to your home. Photo courtesy of the Durham Lions Club
Check or cash donations will also be accepted. Residents can drop off clothes at 72 Lyman Road, and will receive a 50 percent off lunch coupon at 1741 Pub & Grill located at the Lyman Orchards Golf Course.
Scott Sokolowski, an Air Force veteran, founded Save-A-Suit in 2009. Since its inception, the organization provided suits and other necessary resources to more than 5,000 veterans. According to the Save-ASuit website, Sokolowski was inspired to start the nonprofit after conducting an interview with a young man who was too casually dressed for the occasion. When Sokolowski asked, “Why aren’t you wearing a suit today?” The young man replied, “I can’t afford one.” “I couldn't comprehend how our heroes who were sacrificing their lives for our freedom could be coming back and be unemployed, so I decided to do something about it,” said Sokolowski. See Suits, A11
Incoming Superintendent of Schools Doug Schuch and I have so much in common. He has lived in Virginia; I have lived in Virginia. He was a teacher, and I was a teacher. He has run endurance marathons, and I once bought a pair of running shoes. Eerie isn't it? There may be more similarities, but I am going to focus instead on what Schuch plans to bring to our community. Innovation The experience Schuch spoke of was a professional development day supported by skits of educational content, written with high school students from a locally recognized drama program, and presented for principals. Following the program, performers facilitated discussions of how to support educational growth and honor cultural norms. This educational model was disguised as fun with an “everyone belongs” approach. Students first Referring to the design teams established through the Google model, Schuch expressed reverence for the “learner voice,” complemented with the inSee Schuch, A20