East Greenwich, R.I. – It has been hard to know how to respond to the unspeakable loss suffered by Newtown, Conn., on Dec. 14 beyond teddy bear drives and Facebook posts. But, motivated by her many personal connections to Newtown, East Greenwich resident Wendy Schmidle had a vision – to organize a giant photo op of the people of EG to send to the people of Newtown.
She thought of it as a way for East Greenwich residents to be able to, in her words, "send their well wishes of peace and love to Newtown."
Schmidle contacted EG Patch because she knew there was a Patch site in Newtown where the photo could be shared. The plans came together quickly with the EG Fire District agreeing to help by sending photographer Jeff Stevens up in the bucket of a ladder truck.
More than 150 people, young and old, came out to East Greenwich High School for the photo Sunday, Dec. 23.
For Liam Shaunessey, 15, said the gathering represented peace and goodwill, "and hope that Newtown parents can find peace."
