LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Thanks to all for ‘Over the Edge’ success

To the Editor:

We would like to express our thanks to those involved with our recent fundraiser, Over the Edge NWCT held on Sept. 16 at the Torrington Towers. This event achieved so many goals:

Over $77,000 was raised for our three non-profits to help narrow the critical funding gaps; 48 “Edgers” were recruited to help achieve success; 540 donors, many of them new to our organizations, were engaged through their sponsorship; over an estimated 300 people attended this event in person; the event was widely publicized, both in print on the radio, enabling more individuals to learn about the work of our three organizations; and over 3,100 views of the FB Live coverage of that day, and social media featuring edger stories throughout the summer.

We were proud to include the Torrington Housing Authority as one of the key sponsor of the event, together with Sharon Hospital HealthQuest, PAC Group and O&G Industries.

Claudia Sweeney, executive director for the Housing Authority of the City of Torrington who oversees everything to do with Torrington towers was by our side every step of the way. From our first meetings, to detailed communications with the Over the Edge corporate managers and our three nonprofits, Claudia capably managed the many details to assure to the safety, needs and logistics of her residents throughout the process. We saw, firsthand, the care that Claudia takes in ensuring that the culture at the Towers is a positive one.

The Over the Edge logistics team, who travels throughout the USA to orchestrate these events, shared that Claudia and her staff made their work go extremely smoothly. They commended her and her staff for their accessibility, efficiency and rapport.

For many of the people in attendance, this was the first time they had been at Torrington Towers. Accolades included amazement over the beautiful grounds with its gazebo, numerous picnic tables and lovely fountain, as well as compliments about the cleanliness and security of both the building and grounds.

We feel privileged to have worked with Claudia and her staff and to have such a dedicated housing authority to provide safe, affordable housing to elderly, disabled, handicapped and other citizens in need.

— Lisa Lynch, executive director, Prime Time House; Amy Wynn, executive director, Northwest Connecticut Art Council; JoAnn Ryan, president and CEO, Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, Torrington

Torrington Library is a library for the community

On a recent Friday, I traded my usual happy-hour spot for cheese and crackers, red and white refreshments, free books, and the smiling face of Jill Veras. On Friday, Oct. 6, educators working in Torrington were treated to a bag of freebies (and some light refreshments) courtesy of the Torrington Library. Open to educators only, the Torrington Library supplied bags to fill with books and movies. The range of subjects was varied; travel, politics, even autobiographies of professional wrestlers.

The hospitality and generosity that the library showed to the educators was an awesome example of what it means to be part of the community. After a rough few weeks for the public schools, this act of selflessness was much needed.

As a thank-you to my friend Jill and the library staff, I would ask all of you readers to at least sign up for a library card if you haven’t done so already. If you are a member of the library, please make a pilgrimage to see many of the services they offer. The Torrington Library has been good to this community; let’s be good to them too!

— Bruce Harrison, Torrington