A Truly Community Event

To the Editor:

On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce of Newtown, Inc., I would like to express my thanks to all of the people and businesses of Newtown who helped the Chamber sponsor our Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Ram Pasture.  The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting is truly a community event made possible by the generosity of many sponsors and volunteers.  In addition to the corporate sponsors of the tree lighting, Newtown residents were invited this year to make donations by buying a bulb or luminaria in memory of a loved one.  My thanks to Nina Franconis, co-president of the Newtown Business and Professional Women, for sharing this wonderful fund-raising idea with the tree lighting committee, based on a tradition she observed in Stowe, Vermont.

I would like to also thank the following people and organizations who have contributed to the ongoing success of the Christmas Tree Lighting:  Janet Woycik, Diana Johnson, Dan Dalton, Stan Perrone, Barbara Kasbarian, Barbara Miles, Marge and Alex Atkinson, Bob McCullough the Luminaria Committee, The Newtown Bee, People’s Bank, Union Savings Bank, Dr Henry Gellert, Newtown Hardware, Newtown Ambulance, Newtown Hook and Ladder, Newtown Police Department, Park and Recreation Department, Newtown High School band and chorus and Dunkin Doughnuts.

The combination of perfect weather, the tireless efforts of Janet Woycik’s committee, and of course, Santa and Mrs Claus, made for a picture perfect evening of fun and holiday spirit for everyone in Newtown to enjoy.

                             Sincerely,

                        Anne M. Ragusa

President of the Chamber of Commerce of Newtown, Inc.

PO Box 314, Newtown                December 14, 1999