Week in Review: Ledyard Responds to Newtown Shootings, Prepares for Christmas

Merry Almost Christmas!

This week follows an unimaginable tragedy when a shooter walked into an elementary school in Newtown, some 90 miles from here, and killed six adults and 20 children before himself last Friday, Dec. 14. Hearts broke around the world on that day and there has been an outpouring of support, love and compassion for the people of Newtown.

This Christmas, those parents, friends and family members would do anything to be standing in an endless line at Best Buy or slaving away in a crowded kitchen if it meant being with the one’s they had lost. So in their honor, take the bad just as willingly as you take the good and celebrate the time you have with the ones you love.

In a response from the school shootings last week, the Ledyard Police stood guard at schools to allay insecurities that students, staff and families may have after the tragedy. Police officers were at each school all day on Monday and increased patrols to each of the schools for the rest of the week.

The week went smoothly although a student at Ledyard Center School found a bullet on the floor one day early in the week. Police investigated and concluded that there was “no credible threat” to the school or students. Police continue to investigate the origins of the bullet but school administrators are left trying to allay fearful rumors and speculation about the incident during a time of heightened anxiety over school security.

Prior to their school visit, the Ledyard Senior Center opened its doors to residents and guests Wednesday for to spread holiday cheer with a pot roast lunch, a chocolate cake dessert, Christmas decorations, a gift exchange and a visit from Santa.

“We’re trying to get the word out that our doors are always open,” said Director Lauren Rapp. “It’s about connections.”

This is the first Christmas party organized by Rapp and Program Director April Sauchuk who joked, “it really feels like Christmas; we were up all night decorating and we were up early and we’re still going.”

The two started working at the Senior Center less than a year ago and their efforts were a big success and greatly appreciated by attendees of the party.

“I had a very good time,” said Marnie Reubelt. “My tummy’s full, I’m fine.”

Then their social calendar took them to Carol Ambrosch’s third grade class at LCS, where her "Shining Stars," met with their elder friends just in time for the Christmas holiday.

Everyone sat down together and catch up and exchange gift over a buffet lunch with a smorgasbord of desserts. The students later sang holiday classics like "Jingle Bells," "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and "Dashing Through the Snow" for their guests. Here’s a video of the performance they practiced “a million times for.”

Speaking of food, if you’re looking for something different to serve to overnight guests, check out Fay’s recipes for Savory Christmas Pancakes.