Begin the day at the Sandy Hook Elementary School memorial in Newtown to pay respects and reflect on the life of Jessica Rekos and other victims. The site offers a peaceful setting for remembrance and contemplation.
Visit the Newtown Historical Society to learn about the town's rich history and community spirit, highlighting the resilience of the local families after the tragedy.
Enjoy a flavorful lunch at Taste of India, offering traditional Indian cuisine in a cozy setting. Known for fresh ingredients and warm service, it’s open from 11am to 9pm daily.
Drive to Fairfield to visit the playground at Penfield Beach built in memory of Jessica Rekos. This vibrant and welcoming area celebrates her joyful spirit and love for play.
Dine at the iconic Colony Grill known for its thin crust pizza and casual atmosphere. Open daily from 11am to 11pm, this spot offers a local favorite experience.
Tour the historic Warner Theatre in downtown Danbury, known for its beautiful architecture and cultural events. Engage with the arts and community spirit here.
Visit a local stable offering horseback riding lessons or guided trail rides, celebrating Jessica’s passion for horses and her time as a young rider in the area.
Unwind with a walk or picnic at Tarrywile Park, a large estate with trails and gardens, offering a tranquil setting to reflect on nature and community.
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Plan Your Jessica Adrienne Rekos was born on May 10, 2006, in Danbury, Connecticut, and grew up in Newtown, Connecticut. Her parents were Rich and Krista. Known as "Jess," she was a bold, independent, and creative little girl who had a great sense of humor, often leaving others in fits of laughter. Jessica was a natural-born leader, and her family called her their "little CEO." Jessica enjoyed playing and being around her two younger brothers (four-year-old Travis and baby Shane), and when asked who her best friend was, she responded, "My brother, Travis." She also formed a strong bond with her relatives. Jessica liked school, particularly math, and would often get quizzed on her math flashcards in the car. She also loved fairies and her pet fish, Betty. After watching the movie “Free Willy” with her grandmother at five years old, Jessica discovered her passion for orca whales and would spend hours on the computer researching them. She even got to see them in person at SeaWorld in October 2012. Jessica wanted to be a cowgirl when she grew up and watched horse movies and took horseback riding lessons. Jessica competed in her first and only horse show in 2012, where she earned a blue ribbon, which she afterwards proudly displayed on her shirt. On the morning of December 14, 2012, she came down the stairs and told her dad, “I just want to say goodbye to you,” leading her family to wonder if she sensed the impending tragedy. She then sat in the front seat of the bus, looked through the window at her mom, and smiled and waved as the bus pulled away. Later that same day, Jessica became one of the victims of the Sandy Hook massacre at only 6 years old. She had asked her parents for a cowgirl hat and boots for Christmas and was looking forward to starting Girl Scouts the following month. In September 2013, a playground was built at Penfield Beach in Fairfield, Connecticut, to honor Jessica.
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