To the Editor:

Now that the 39th annual book sale to benefit the C.H. Booth Library has drawn to a close, the Friends wish to extend our gratitude to the many volunteers, local officials, businesses and civic groups whose support made the event so successful. The substantial funds raised through the annual book sale will underwrite the acquisition of materials and technology, and the many programs that we so enjoy in our town library.

The devoted and energetic book sale volunteers deserve our deepest thanks. Current and recent residents of Newtown, we were joined by friends and family from near and far, as well as by members of the NHS girls’ soccer team (coach: Marc Kenney) and cheerleading squad (coach: Susan Bridges), and Boy Scout Troops 70 (Robert Taylor and Jim Wruck) and 270 (Peter Lubinsky).

Our local officials and school staff provide foundational support during the book sale and throughout the year. We wish to express our gratitude to First Selectman Pat Llodra, Borough Warden Jim Gaston and Public Works Director Fred Hurley, as well as the Land Use Agency and Police Department; and to Anne Uberti and her staff—particularly Ron Patterson, Sr. and Rich Mills—at the Reed Intermediate School, and Kitty Latowicki and Gregg Simon at Newtown High School.

The Friends enjoy a special relationship with the staff and governing board of the library. Our particular thanks go to Beryl Harrison (acting library director), Brenda McKinley (new library director), and the Board of Trustees (Bob Geckle) for being our partners in this and other fundraising efforts year-round.

The list of local and regional businesses that have provided support is extensive: Armstrong Movers, Associated Refuse Haulers (Pat Caruso), Bagel Delight (Eunice Laverty), Big Y, BJ’s, Bottle Stop Wine and Spirit Superstore, Butcher’s Best, Caraluzzi’s Market, Carminuccio’s Pizza (Eddie Martino), Chartwell, Cork N Barrel, Costco, DOrazio Sisters Bakery, Dunkin’ Donuts (Jeff Dymerski), Franco’s Pizza (Marcio Dossanto), McKinney Communications (Dana McKinney), Nestle Water N. A., Newtown Savings Bank, People’s United Bank, Pudelz Tee Shirts (Jane Hellman), Rooster Wines and Liquor, A Sign Depot, Stew Leonard’s, Stop and Shop, Trader Joe’s, World of Wine & Spirits (Jeff Oetjen), and Yankee Discount Wines & Liquors.

Finally, we extend our thanks to all the people who donated the quality books, CDs, DVDs, LPs, etc. that were offered at the book sale. Keep those donations coming! The 40th annual summer book sale is already on the drawing boards.

Sincerely,

Denise A. Kaiser

2014 Book Sale Chairwoman

on behalf of the Board of Directors

Friends of the C.H. Booth Library

25 Main Street, Newtown                     July 22, 2014