On Friday, December 12, Newtown Parks & Recreation, along with the Borough of Newtown, hosted the 41st Annual Ram Pasture Tree Lighting. Amy Mangold, director of Parks & Rec, first welcomed guests to the event and thanked the many sponsors that helped make it a success.

Mangold then welcomed dancers from Lathrop School of Dance, followed by Newtown’s poet laureate, Lauren Clifford, who read her poem “Evergreen Wishes.” The XY Chromotones, the Accouschicks, and Newtown High School Singers, led by Jane Matson, finished the performance segment of the evening. Leading the countdown to the lighting of the two Christmas trees were spouses Jan Brown and Bruce Goulart.

Mangold said of the couple, “They support local organizations, they mentor athletes, and they have championed the ever-growing sport of pickleball right here in Newtown. They are medalists, advocates, teachers, and dear friends. Bruce recently completed his remarkable quest to run a marathon in all 50 states — which deserves a medal of its own — and Jan’s dedication and leadership have earned her honors including Connecticut’s Masters Athlete of the Year and Newtown’s 2024 Athlete of the Year."