Relay Matinee At ETH–

‘Luminaria Saturday,’ Relay Boot Camp May 10

By John Voket

Newtowners will have two ways to help support the upcoming Relay For Life this weekend, either by purchasing luminaria or participating in a boot camp fundraiser at the high school track — the site of the annual American Cancer Society event.

Every year, visitors and volunteers at Newtown’s Relay For Life are touched by the special Luminaria Ceremony. This year’s ceremony, set for June 7 at 9:30 pm, will once again serve as an opportunity to remember those lost to cancer, and to honor people who are still fighting.

Organizers are expecting to see hundreds of glowing luminarias lining the Blue and Gold stadium track.

“It will be beautiful when all the bags with candles are illuminated around the track — it takes your breath away” said Laura Warren, luminaria chair.

This Saturday, May 10, is “Luminaria Saturday,” which provides an chance for any supporters to purchase luminaria in various locations around Newtown and Sandy Hook.

Kathy Nostrand, luminary sales chair said, “This event was very successful last year and we have added locations this year.”

Luminarias can be purchased outside of Dunkin’ Donuts, Newtown Drug and Newtown Hardware, Mexicali Rose Restaurant, Sandy Hook Liquor Store, Booth Library, Down on Main Street, Newtown Savings Bank (Stop & Shop Plaza location). Luminaria are available for a $10 donation and will be labeled with the honoree’s name as well as the person making the donation.

Luminaria are also available for purchase from any Relay For Life team member. The Newtown High School Tech Club puts together a slide show every year that is broadcast during the luminary ceremony. That presentation helps honor friends and loved ones who are battling cancer, as well as those who are gone. By many accounts, this slide show presentation is one of the most moving parts of the entire Relay event.

Anyone in Newtown, regardless of their affiliation with the Relay, is invited to submit pictures for the slide show. Digital images can be e-mailed to ntv@nhstech.org. Pictures can also be dropped off to be scanned at Sandy Hook Barber Shop and the Prudential Connecticut Realty Office on Church Hill Road. Photos must be submitted by the May 16 deadline.

For more information on the Luminary activities, visit the blog at newtownluminary.blogspot.com.

Anyone interested in working out for the cause is called to the Blue and Gold track Saturday at 8 am as the Fitness Loft Relay team holds its “Boot Camp” fundraiser. Fitness Loft owner Cody Foss promises there will be workout challenges for beginner, intermediate, and advanced level participants, so all are welcome.

The Boot Camp donation is $15, and anyone interested in participating is asked to contact organizer Laura Terry via e-mail at lauraterry@charter.net

In other news, Charlene Calandro and her Walking for a Silver Lining Team are working with Tom Mahoney, the manager of the Edmond Town Hall Theater on a Relay Matinee. Mr Mahoney is donating the theater and his time May 17 to showcase the hit comedy Night at the Museum at 1 pm. 

The film features a star-studded cast including Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Dick Van Dyke and Mickey Rooney. Tickets are $5 each, with all proceeds go to the Newtown Relay for Life. Ms Calandro’s team will also be holding fundraising in the lobby before and after the show to support the cause. The public is invited.

For information on other activities and fundraising tied to the 2008 Newtown Relay For Life, visit main.acsevents.org/rflofnewtown.