Making Halloween Sweet

To the Editor:

On behalf of the Main Street Halloween Committee, I am writing to express a huge thank you to everyone in the community who donated candy to Main Street this year. I would also like to thank the managers of Big Y, Caraluzzi’s, and Stop & Shop for allowing us to place collection bins in their stores.

Six years ago Newtown Girl Scout Troop 50891, which I am now co-leading for the seventh year, began sponsoring a candy donation drive for Main Street residents. Nina Rhyins, of 54 Main Street, was a member of our troop and her mom, Miriam Rhyins, acted as the resident coordinator.

The effort evolved over the years and we eventually formed the Main Street Halloween Committee, with Miriam spearheading the donation drive, and Nina and Sophia Rhyins helping their mom with all tasks. Mary Salley, a friend and Middle Gate mom, assisted us with collection, sorting and delivery the past few years.

With Miriam not able to participate this year, Mary and I decided to go ahead with the donation drive in honor of her past efforts and to continue this much needed, community service project. New committee member, Jeanine Chau (a leader of two Newtown Girl Scout troops) assisted in this year’s drive. New Main Street resident Debbie Moreno helped us coordinate the distribution of candy. Rick Rhyins, Nina and Sophia’s dad, chose to not assist the committee this year due to personal reasons.

Although we had a late start, we were able to place collection bins at Stop & Shop, Caraluzzi’s, and Big Y for one week leading up to Halloween. We collected a significant amount of candy, with each participating house receiving at least one shopping bag full of donations.

A special thanks goes out to a Sandy Hook family (whose preference was to remain anonymous) that made an extremely generous, cash donation which enabled the committee to purchase 46 bags of candy containing 150 pieces of chocolate each.

We look forward to continuing the tradition in years to come!

Sincerely,

Gina L. Wolfman

Main Street Halloween Committee

30 Obtuse Road Newtown                                        November 2, 2010