Free Maritime Center admission for Newtown residents

Press release:

In response to the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is offering free general admission to all residents of Newtown, as well as to Newtown educators and first responders and their families, from Dec. 26 through all of 2013.

“We at The Maritime Aquarium are heartbroken by the events of Dec. 14 and strongly feel the need to reach out,” said Jennifer Herring, the Aquarium’s president. “Ours is a small but heartfelt gesture that we hope will help the people of Newtown.”

Herring emphasized the healing power of animals. Numerous studies show that interactions with animals can be especially relaxing and relieving in times of stress.

“Perhaps our offer will mean some nice ‘quality time’ for Newtown families,” she said. “However it may help, we would be honored.”

Here are the specifics: The offer for free Aquarium general admission is good from Dec. 26, 2012, through Dec. 31, 2013. Residents of Newtown should bring proof of residency (such as a driver’s license or utility bill). The offer also is good for educators and first responders who are employed by the town of Newtown, and their immediate families – with some form of work identification. (The offer is not available for online tickets.)

The Maritime Aquarium is at 10 N. Water St. in Norwalk; about a 45-minute drive from Newtown. For more details, go to www.maritimeaquarium.org or call (203) 852-0700.

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Jim Shay