Community Corner

Sandy Hook Arcade Makes Kids' Summer

The Sandy Hook Arcade Center at Sand Hill Plaza wasn't supposed to be here this summer. But co-owner Andy Clure says he couldn't close the doors when he saw how much fun kids were having.

"We were going to close in April," says Clure. "But we had such a great success -- not monetary success, but people having fun and playing, kids and parents hanging out together."

Owners opened the arcade after Dec. 14 and operate it free of charge for Newtown kids. Clure says they've tried to keep a "low profile" this summer -- opening only certain days, like today, to give kids a break from the rain.

"It's very rewarding," he says. "On a Tuesday like today you'll see families spending time together-- parents enjoying coffee, kids playing games they've never seen before."

Owners are currently trying to raise money to ensure the arcade stays open through December. After that, says Clure, it will probably shut its doors. But he says one more lease on life is "always a possibility."


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