North Sails comforts its own in shooting

A mass shooting at a Connecticut elementary school on Friday has reminded employees at a Minden sail factory how small and fragile the world really is.“As the events unfolded on Friday, I, like everyone else, was glued to the TV,” said Jeff Holden, master scheduler of North Sails. “On Saturday, we received an email from the corporate office informing us that in fact (co-worker Brian Engel’s) daughter had been killed ... I grieved with everyone else, and then I figured out what I could do to make a difference.”According to Holden, Brian Engel is the manager of cloth and materials at North Sails’ manufacturing facility in Milford, Conn. His 6-year-old daughter, Olivia Rose Engel, was among 20 small children killed when a gunman forced his way into Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown and opened fire in a classroom of first-graders.“I personally know Brian,” Holden said. “As master scheduler, I work with him on a weekly basis on materials and other things.”Discovering his personal connection to a tragedy that has shocked the nation, Holden said he was overwhelmed with a desire to help.“Everyone has that mindset — What can I do to help?” he said. “It’s especially true in a tight-knit community like Carson Valley. People can make a difference, and at least help this one family. I want to give people that outlet.”On Thursday, North Sails will be accepting monetary donations, cash and checks, between noon and 6 p.m. in the front lobby of their Minden facility, 2379 Heybourne Road.Additionally, Coffee on Main will be accepting monetary donations throughout the week at both locations: 1572 Highway 395, Minden; and 795 Tillman Lane, Gardnerville Ranchos. “Rest assured, this money will go directly to one of the families,” Holden said.Holden said the family needs it. “They have another child who was in the school,” he said. “A little boy who will grow up the rest of his life wondering what happened to his sister. He’s going to need therapy and counseling and everything else.”A page has been set up in Olivia’s memory at www.facebook.com/FriendsofTheEngelFamilyFund.Walton’s offers way to help Newtown victimsWalton’s Funerals & Cremations is partnering with its website host, FrontRunnerPro.com, on a Book of Memories honoring the victims of last week’s shootings in Newtown. Northern Nevadans are invited to post their condolences on a page, which can accessed by visiting www.WaltonsFuneralHomes.com. Now through Jan. 1 Walton’s is also partnering with FrontRunnerPro.com to donate all website Memorial Candle proceeds to the Town of Newton Connecticut through the Connecticut Funeral Director's Association. To light a Memorial Candle for a loved one, simply visit www.WaltonsFuneralHomes.com and do a search for the person’s name.