To the Editor:

Many of your friends and neighbors contribute a multitude of goods and services to provide this one night of spectacular brilliance.

Thank you Chamber of Commerce for being the primary underwriter of this Christmas Tree and Luminaria event for the past 31 years.  Additionally, we are so fortunate to have creative and committed partners: (Park & Rec and Public Works), who string Christmas tree lights, place luminaria, and provide props such as staging and Santa’s sleigh:  Amy Mangold, Debbie Denzel, John Moore, Fred Hurley and their teams.

The spectacular trees and sparkling luminaria left many of us breathless.  Certainly the reinstatement of candles in the luminaria boxes was welcomed by all.

The original 30 luminarias placed around the pond 25 years ago have now grown in number to 2,200.  Thank you to both the Leo’s, who light up Ram Pasture and to the  Newtown residents on Main, Elm and Glover who do likewise, for enabling the hundreds of “drive-bys” to also enjoy these beautiful luminarias.  Thank you Curtis Packaging Corp: Don Droppo Jr., Bill Peck, Jennifer Landgrebe (this year’s tree lighter)  and all of the employees who help to produce these beautiful, yet sturdy boxes.

Twenty volunteers contact and deliver luminaria kits to more than 100 residents. The enthusiasm and commitment of this team along with the coordination of the participating residents resulted in the best display of luminaria – ever!  Positive comments were heard from many who attended. 

Thank you Leo’s for lighting the candles, rain, sleet or snow and also Newtown Hardware,  for providing the Ram Pasture candles since the very first tree was lighted.

More thanks for the gallons of cider and dozens of cookies, served for several decades now by Carol George (Peoples Bank) and Peggy Valthusan (Union Savings Bank).  Their treats have been  enjoyed by countless numbers over the years.

Lathrop Dancers, XY Chromotones and Newtown High School Chorus, thank you for entertaining us with your sparkling energy and talent. And Tim Haas, thank you for stepping in to help MC.  Your enthusiasm was catching!

Bob & Josie Schmidt, your ability to delight and engage the children as they report  their Christmas  hopes and dreams ‘to Santa and Mrs. Claus’ is now legendary.

Cub Scout Troop, Pack #70, your clean-up the next day, done out of the limelight, is so much  appreciated.

And to our police, fire and emergency personnel who maintain our safety: we thank you.

Stan Perrone, Joy Kopesky, Jeff Dymerski, Dave Spence Sound,  Jeff Cowden, Mike Neiman, thank you for your valuable contributions.

New committee member, Renia Marini,  your support was invaluable.

There are not enough words to express how much we should all appreciate the input and efforts of Janet Woycik, who helped create this event and has loved it for all of these 31 years. On behalf of Janet, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this sparkling evening.

Diana Johnson

26 Parmalee Hill Road, Newtown     December 8, 2015