Program gives Ansonia teens food for thought

Bill Sanders, a presenter with Rachel's Challenge, speaks Thursday to students at Ansonia High School.

ANSONIA - I attended a presentation Thursday at Ansonia High School about the importance of showing kindness and respect and the students there - sophomores and seniors - seemed genuinely moved by what he had to say.


The freshmen and junior classes saw the program earlier that morning.

Presenter Bill Sanders works for Rachel's Challenge, a non-profit based in Littleton, Colo. 

The organization was started by Darrell and Sandy Scott, the father and stepmother of Rachel Joy Scott. 
Rachel was the first of 13 people to be gunned down by two students on April 20, 1999 at Columbine High School in Columbine, Colo. 

Sanders said more than 18 million people have heard the program. Schools across the country have have taken action to fight bullying and deal with issues that make teens feel isolated. 

After the presentation students were invited to sign a banner pledging that they will take the challenge.

Raw emotion is evident at anti-violence march in Ansonia (video)

Marchers proceed down East Main Street toward Veterans Park on Main Street.

ANSONIA - On Saturday I walked alongside more than 100 supporters of resident Shawn Venson in the second annual 'Stayin' Alive 25' community march downtown.

Venson lost his oldest child, Daryl Rhys Venson, 25, on March 9, 2011 when he was shot and killed in front of a convenience store on the corner of Hill Street and Root Avenue. 

No one has been arrested for the crime, yet Shawn Venson has said there were at least 15 witnesses.

As friends and supporters of all ages gathered at the corner to take part in the march, Shawn Venson said quietly that it was an emotional time. I'm sure that was an understatement.

At the rally at Veterans Park on Main Street, Shawn Venson said his "quest to live is stronger than ever." He said authorities are not doing enough to solve the murder and said he simply wants answers.

I didn't know Daryl but since the shooting I've gotten to know Shawn Venson, who happens to be a neighbor of mine. I can't begin to understand his pain.

We should all hope a witness does come forward and provide information about the slaying to police so the person who killed Daryl can be brought to justice.  

Anti-violence march slated at 5:30 p.m. today in Ansonia

Note: This is a re-post for anyone who may have missed it on Monday.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Ansonia march to raise awareness about gun violence

ANSONIA - Resident Shawn Venson has organized a second annual “Stayin’ Alive 25 Community March” at 5:30 p.m. Saturday in memory of his son, Daryl Venson.

Daryl Rhys Venson, 25, was shot and killed March 9, 2011 in front of a convenience store on the corner of Hill Street and Root Avenue. He was unarmed when he was shot in the back in front of 3 Hill St.
No arrests have been made in the case.

The march will start at the corner where Daryl Venson was slain and proceed to Veterans Park on Main Street, adjacent to City Hall.

Last year 200 supporters turned out to march with Shawn Venson and his family to raise awareness about violence in the city. 

 

Ansonia march to raise awareness about gun violence

ANSONIA - Resident Shawn Venson has organized a second annual “Stayin’ Alive 25 Community March” at 5:30 p.m. Saturday in memory of his son, Daryl Venson.

Daryl Rhys Venson, 25, was shot and killed March 9, 2011 in front of a convenience store on the corner of Hill Street and Root Avenue. He was unarmed when he was shot in the back in front of 3 Hill St.
No arrests have been made in the case.

The march will start at the corner where Daryl Venson was slain and proceed to Veterans Park on Main Street, adjacent to City Hall.

Last year 200 supporters turned out to march with Shawn Venson and his family to raise awareness about violence in the city.