Community Corner
Wilmington Resident Organizing Sandy Hook Vigil
Stacie Murphy said she needs the help of fellow volunteers to organize an event honoring the victims of Friday's school shooting in Newtown, Conn.
Since the news of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School broke last week, it seems like people everywhere are searching for a way to make a difference. Not since the September 11th attacks has it seemed so important for people to seek comfort and, at the same time, comfort those around them.
In Wilmington, one of those people is Stacie Murphy. A lifetime resident, Murphy is an active member of the local community as well as the chairman of the Housing Authority.
She knows what it’s like to be a part of the Wilmington community. She also knows how many people in Wilmington have been touched by the tragedy in Newtown and hopes that she can find a way to bring solace to both communities.
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“I don’t have any children but I love kids and it breaks my heart when I think about what happened,” Murphy said. “I truly do feel that as a community we can support each other and show the people of Newtown that we are behind them. Everyone in that town was affected by the shootings and I know that we can come together and support them. ”
Ideally, Murphy would love to plan a candlelight vigil to bring the Wilmington community together and, at the same time, show support for
the Newtown community.
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“This (tragedy) could happen anywhere, including Wilmington,” she said. “How would we react as a community if it did? How would we want others to support us?”
Of course, planning such an event is not without its challenges. December is a busy month and Murphy hopes to find a date somewhere between Christmas and New Year's that will work for as many local residents as possible.
“Due to the circumstances, the town is willing to work to accommodate an event,” she said. “It just means finding a date and volunteers to make it happen.”
Murphy is hoping to enlist the support of the community and is looking for ideas and help from anywhere she can get them.
“If anyone wants to speak or offer support I would welcome it,” she said. “I would love to see students along with every group, organization and church in town to come out and make a difference.”
“I’m looking for people to bring their ideas,” Murphy continued. “I hope we can all find a way to comfort each other.”
Anyone interested in helping plan the vigil or participating can reach Stacie Murphy at stacimurph@aol.com.
