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Ram Pasture Tree Lighting Donations Continue Arriving

Published: Dec 19, 2025 7:00 am

Donations continue to arrive at the office of Newtown Parks & Recreation to support the 41st annual lighting of the trees for the holidays at Ram Pasture. This year’s tree lighting took place Friday, December 12.

Donations help cover the costs associated with the annual tree event, which is co-sponsored by the Borough of Newtown and Newtown Parks & Rec.

All are invited to contribute $10 for a bulb or luminaria to honor someone special. Readers are asked to use the coupon printed on this page to indicate who they are honoring, and whether they wish to honor or memorialize someone with a luminaria or bulb.

Checks should be made payable to Newtown Parks & Recreation Park Gift Fund, and mailed to Newtown Parks & Recreation, 8 Simpson Street, Newtown CT 06470.

Checks can also be dropped off at the Parks & Recreation office, within Newtown Community Center on Simpson Street.

Donations can also be submitted online, at newtown-ct.gov/parks-recreation.

If going through the website, be sure to indicate within the message option if a donation is for a bulb and/or luminaria to honor someone.

Contact Parks & Rec at 203-270-4340 for additional information.

The fundraising effort will continue through the end of the year.

The following donations were received as of December 9:

In Honor/Memory Of...

Chris Capozziello, 1 bulb donated by Barbara Capozziello

The Hromyak Family, 1 bulb donated by Al & Janet Stockalis

10 bulbs donated anonymously

Diana Johnson, 1 bulb donated by Sandra Johnson

Nancy J. Martin, 1 bulb donated by Alan, Arianne & Ami Martin

Logan Szulewski, 1 luminaria donated by Joanna Szulewski

Terry Jossick, 1 luminaria donated by Sandra Anderson

James Jossick Sr, 1 luminaria donated by Sandra Anderson

Betsy & Sven Andersen, 1 luminaria donated by Sandra Anderson

Lanny Andersen, 1 luminaria donated by Sandra Anderson

Stella & Fred Maynes, 2 luminaria donated by Paulette Huray-McDermott

The Stockalis Family, 1 luminaria by Al & Janet Stockalis

Ron Calderone, 1 luminaria donated by Paulette Calderone

Jacqueline Harris/Mommie & Grandma, 1 luminaria donated by Rachel Taback

Marthe Szigeti, 1 luminaria donated by Michelle Szabo

Ike, Arlo & Isla, 1 luminaria donated by Nora Dahn

Diana Johnson, 1 luminaria donated by Sandra Johnson

Elowyn John Burdick McCall, 1 luminaria donated by Sarah Howard

Nancy J. Martin, 1 luminaria donated by Alan, Arianne & Ami Martin

Donations continue to arrive at the office of Newtown Parks & Recreation to support the 41st annual lighting of the trees for the holidays at Ram Pasture. The fundraiser will continue through the end of the year.

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My darling, You were the best GRANDmother a child could ask for. You created so many great memories & traditions that I have passed down to your Great grandchildren. You brought joy into every room you stepped into. Your laughter, singing, whistling and the signature Rockettes high kicks, is something I will always hold in my heart. There was something about walking into your home and being greeted by your beautiful face. *kiss on each check* followed by HELLOOOOOO Darling! The classical music playing softly in the background and your love and comfort made your home, a safe space. Somewhere, where love knew no boundaries. It was so much more than a home. I aim for the same in my home, and play the classic music 24/7, but it will never be the same. I pray I can be 1/4 of GRAND, you put in GRANDmother. You were so resilient. You found the positive in every situation. I look up to you so much. I remember begging Mom and Dad for years to change my name to “Carmen”. They didn’t officially change my name, but eventually started calling me “Carmenita” as I am a little you. THE HONOR. You were there for me, no matter the day or hour. You were always the one who would talk me through whatever hard situation I was going through. When my baby passed away, I refused to talk to anyone for 3 weeks. Except for you. You said to me “Better days are coming, babes. There’s always a rainbow after the storm”. Of course, you were right, because you are GRAND. I picture you in heaven dancing and laughing with him. Uncle Jay playing the money game with him. To know you are with your children again & with mine does bring me some joy. Twas the night before Christmas & New Year’s Eve, will never be the same. Another tradition you created. A memory that will last forever. Not just with me, but for generations to come. It may not be the same, but we won’t let it die. It will live on, in your name. To be your first GRANDchild was a blessing. I could write an entire book about you & all the amazing things about you. Even though we were robbed of time together & it makes me angry, I know I will see you again. This isn’t a goodbye, but a “see you later”. Just like we ended every phone call. Ciao, darling. I love you. MWAH MWAH! Love your GRANDchild, Kimberly aka Carmenita

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Ram Pasture Tree Lighting Donations Continue Arriving

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