Hats Off To The

Bell Ringers

To the Editor:

Once again the excitement and busy times of the holidays are behind us and it is time to reflect on the generosity of so many to the bell ringing efforts of the Newtown Service Unit of the Salvation Army.

Our volunteers were so enthusiastic this year and were out there ringing the bells in all kinds of weather. Our thanks to The Newtown Bee for its continued coverage and assisting us whenever possible.

The following businesses allowed us space for the kettles: Dunkin’ Donuts, Stop & Shop, Lexington Gardens, Yankee Discount Wine & Liquor, CVS, Pizza Palace, and Bagel Delight. Thank you all!

Sincere thanks to the following bell ringers: One Hour: Lions Club members Jim Manzo, Jerome Mayer, Paul and Liz Arneth, Dick Kovacs, Don Ferris, Stan Wyslick, John Kopins, John and Lydia Christianson, Jack Russo, Kevin Corey, Paul Krueger, Wayland Johnson; Newtown Congregational Church Men’s Club members Doug Body, Bill Brett, Bob Shaw, Bob Hall, Gordon Williams, Bob Klein, Skip Roberts, Jerry Cole; Hugh Findley, Barbara and Howard Gorham, Bill and Barbara Webb, Pat Caruso, Joe and Jan Bojnowski, Peggy Katick, Kaaren Valenta, Dan Cruson, Chuck Leety, Lynn Buttner, Bob, Sylvia, Augusto and Vincent Poulin, Marie Smith, Alan Clavette, Don and Marg Studley, Ann Piccini, Lilla Dean, Scott Senete, David Smith, Allan Graves, Barbara O’Connor, Betty and Gordon Mounts, Patricia Bailey, Bill and Sallie O’Neil, Laura Carminucci, Lesley Nagot, Bill and Evie Watts, Bill Calderera, Chris Martin, Al and Coke Cramer, Mary Ann Bellinson, Jane Sharpe, Barbara and Billy Bloom, Carolyn Signorelli, Matt DeAngelis, Jim Larin, Walt Schweikert, Lincoln Sander, Amy Grasso, Bill Brimmer, John and Chris Reed, Nita and Jon Hill, Don Sharpe, Taylor, Michael and Linda Tuccio-Koonez, Brandon Unger, Marie and Gary Difilapantonio, Anne Rosa, Paul Lux, Bill Timmel, Bill and Milda Kolesar, Gene Marks, Colleen and Dan Honan, Mary Edwards, Marge Eldridge, June and Artie McCroary, Sheila Tabreilli, Ed Miklaszewski, Jean and Alison James, Jean Rau, Wendy Fong, Barbara and Ken Bigham, Joan, Kristene and Sarah Salbu, Marilyn Alexander, Nancy Larin, Ginny Chiaramonti, Pat Denlinger, and Terri, Hunter and Casey French.

Two Hours: Joe Humeston, John Cochran, Alan Martin, Ed and Glenna Rees, John O’Byrne, Joe Borst, John Klopfenstein, Jim Gulalo, Rich DeLollis, and Betty Lincoln.

To all who offered to ring if we got “in a pinch” we thank you also for being there. What a comfort it was to know we had back up if necessary.

Taunton Press and its employees presented us with its usual generous donation of $1,000. A check was also received from Matt DeAngelis of Yankee Wine & Liquor donating $500. We acknowledge with thanks the checks and donations of all of your individuals who I know who you are. Time and space just doesn’t allow for us to name you all.

Knowing how generous and giving everyone was through this past year of hurricanes, flooding, and all different kinds of crisis, we realized $8,347.62, which we believe is absolutely fantastic. This is a little less than last year — but just as much appreciated. Thank you everyone!

Very sincerely,

Marie and Dick Sturdevant

Sylvia and Bob Poulin Co-Chairmen

Newtown Service Unit, Salvation Army

36 Hearthstone Drive, Brookfield                            January 13, 2006