Lake Zurich to Light the Night for Newtown

Village President Suzanne Branding encouraged Lake Zurich residents to light luminaria, Friday night, in support of the families and community of Newtown, CT, where 20 children and six adults died in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Dec. 14.

The effort was inspired by a luminaria lighting in Grayslake and fueled by Lake Zurich Patch Facebook fans, including Shelly Carlson, who responded to a link to the Grayslake story.

Trustee Jonathon Sprawka saw the Facebook posts and suggested the village hold a luminaria night for Newtown as well. Village President Suzanne Branding announced, at Monday’s village board meeting, that the village will hold a luminaria night on Friday, Dec. 21, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Lake Zurich residents are encouraged to put a luminaria on their front porch that evening. 

Branding wrote an e-mail to First Selectman Pat Llodra (First selectman in New England is comparable to mayor--the head of the board of trustees for a town), extending sympathy on behalf of Lake Zurich. 

Branding wrote:

"The tragedy you are experiencing is beyond belief. Please know that we are standing by you in our thoughts and prayers and are announcing tonight at our board meeting to light candles on Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, from 7 to 9 p.m., to honor and remember the families in your community and lost loved ones. We weep with you. You are not alone."

Share this story with friends and neighbors to show support for Newtown. 

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