A Weekend Awash With Holiday Cheer

By Kendra Bobowick

‘Twas days before Christmas, when all through the town …

Friday, December 4 — One father’s voice rose: “Look, it’s really him, look who’s here …” A finger pointed toward Santa Claus crossing Ram Pasture Friday evening, seconds after the tree’s rainbow of light poked red, green, and yellow holes in the night and brushed the crowd with a pale glow.

Again beckoning holiday spirit this year is the decorated tree, doubled by its reflection in Hawley Pond. Friday night caught a glimpse of the season as hundreds of people gathered for Newtown’s annual tree lighting and celebration. The high school choir sang, the Hawkettes danced, and crumbs from chocolate chip cookies clung to children’s cheeks, and lips glistened with cinnamon-scented apple cider.

Bundled in his red suit with Mrs Claus beside him, Santa at last sat in his sleigh; children pushed forward for a chance to hand him a letter, receive a candy cane, and whisper their wishes into his ear.

Holding her children’s hands, Laurie DiNallo pulled Noah, Emma, and Joshua toward Santa’s sleigh. “This is fantastic and beautiful,” she said. Ms DiNallo loved the tree and her children “love it too,” she said. Mrs Claus was also a surprise.

“We don’t get to see her often,” Ms DiNallo said.

Huddling together and overwhelmed by the bustle were Meghan, Jackie, and Shannon Hegarty. Julia Frattaroli, Meghan Logan, Shaina Stamp, and Lauren Harrison stared at the tree, the friends standing with their arms intertwined. Jack and Olivia Buchler stayed closer to the refreshment table with treats in hand, enjoying holiday sweets thanks to union Savings Bank representatives Vinny DiGilio and Dave Zavarelli.

Chewing on cookies, Olivia Doersch and her young friend Mikayla Maurer, who clutched her teddy bear, kept their eyes on Olivia’s parents. Caleb Brower perched on his father’s shoulders as Ben Brower walked him toward the tree. His sister Elliana and mom Deanna were nearby. Filled with sugar and cider were friends Josh Harrison, Sam Cox, Ryan Kiss, Nick Samuelson, and James Carney.

Amazed by the white lights outlining reindeer figures on the lawn were Jayden Cordora, Ashley Guerrera, and Thea Trotta. A few feet away, Santa and Mrs Claus welcomed boys and girls: Katie Pfeiffer sat with them as she took her turn with old St Nick. For Michael Ihlefeld, Chris Cringle had come to life. The boy stared at the bunched white beard, then turned to Mrs Claus for a hug.

After carols faded and the spotlights from Newtown Hook & Ladder Company No. 1 dimmed, Newtown Director of Social Services Ann Piccini and Hook & Ladder Chief Jason Rivera had the honors of lighting the tree this year. Mr Rivera gathered his wife Christine and son Evan for a photograph. Also taking a last look at the tree were fire company members Chris Prouly, Chris Gindraux, and Matt Lynch.

Away to the festivities, they flew like a flash …

Saturday, December 5 — Side-by-side again Saturday morning, Santa and Mrs Claus faced a roomful of parents and children waiting for a turn with Jolly Old St Nick.

This time the couple was in the cafeteria at Newtown Middle School, where tables were filled with crafts and snacks, thanks to Newtown Parks & Recreation Department. Receiving another taste of the season, Maria and Katerina Ringes etched colorful snowmen at a back table. Behind them were Jacob, Alex, and Maria Goldstein with their nanny Seria Christensen. Five-year-old Mia Patrice Hochstetler watched as a holiday elf tossed artificial snow into the room.

Girl Scout Troop 651 members Katie Wojcik, Lauren Henchcliffe, and Ryan Cassin — dressed as elves — frosted cookies at the Kids in the Kitchen table run by owner Sharon Martovich. Contributors that morning were Bagel Delight, Starbucks, Andrea’s bake Shop, and Dunkin’ Donuts. Residents also brought donations for the food pantry.

Up the hill, another breakfast was sizzling on the griddle as the Rotary Club of Newtown members poured pancakes and browned sausage in the Edmond Town Hall Alexandria Room for its 49th year. Casey Flynn and Samuel Antunes kept their fingers out of the way as Duane Giannini filled their plates. Next in line was Mr Giannini’s daughter Ali and granddaughter Olivia Farrell.

Also underway was an Amber Alert ID session where children, including Elle Wilson, sat for photographs that could be used in the event of an emergency. Newtown Savings Bank and Associated Refuse sponsored the event held by the Rotary Clubs of Newtown and Danbury.

Adding a pine scent to the season and decorative wreaths and centerpieces, The Garden Club of Newtown held its annual greens sale at Newtown Meeting House.

 

Their eyes, how they twinkled, their voices, so merry …

Saturday evening — Wet snow flakes melted on wool hats and dripped from carolers’ lashes during Sandy Hook’s tree lighting ceremony. Matthew and Renee Knapp shared popcorn on the sidewalk. Michael and Kat Barton were around the corner humming along to DJ Gary Shipp’s holiday songs. Singing “Jingle Bells” were friends Sage DeSimone and Demi Martens, throwing their laughing voices into the night.

Bonnie Fredericks and Amy Belval worked hard to stay dry, while welcoming Karin Halstead, EMS captain for Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company, along with Dave Corsi, Andy DeWolfe and other members of the fire company. The fire company provided lighting and members helped residents safely cross the street that evening.

Assembling himself again, Santa — in another of his many renditions this weekend — stepped in on the celebrations with Irene Caulfield’s help. They both frequently righted the antlers their dog Rudy shook from his head. Joining her friends Sage and Demi to wink at Santa Claus was Quinn Karp.

Claire Beiter, Jillian Gibney, and Mackenzie Macchiarulo were among those shivering in the wet snow and waiting for the 6 pm tree lighting. Umbrellas speckled the tableau in Sandy Hook Center where Trevor MaCombeu, Jeremiah Rowan, and Jesse Rebar peeked from beneath their cover to see Alexis Barra pull tight her hat with its elf ears and stripes. Listening to the middle school students singing from books of carols were Melody Lewis, Katie Dabin, and Emma Humgaski.

As Santa turned to wave and snow and slush splashed underfoot, the tree threw its colors into the night.

 

The decorations were hung by the mantle with care…

Sunday, December 6 — Between 11 am and 5 pm Sunday was the 24th annual Holiday Festival presented by Newtown Savings Bank to benefit Newtown Youth & Family Services, Inc. Residents found endless activities along Main Street, including a gingerbread house contests and a festival of trees at the library to a tour of decorated homes.

The day raised more than $20,000 to benefit NYFS said program manager Jessi Zeigler, which was “a good turnout considering the economic times.”

Festivities were many. From the Alexandria Room’s stage came tinkling notes of holiday cheer. Kris Soyland dropped sheet music into place and played the piano, while guests filled seats at Sunday’s Victorian Tea. Residents signed a guest book where Linda Rocco greeted those who entered. Along a buffet table were silverware and cups and saucers, while servers including Caitee Talon and Amy Pruner helped with selections. Attendees Stephanie Haas and Emily Zmek said they both preferred the raisin-filled scone.

One flight below, Linda Jones promoted her the jewelry line started by her autistic son, Tyler, before his death earlier this year. The 16-year-old had hoped to express through his jewelry making that he was able to pursue work that he enjoyed, while also enlightening fiends about autism.

Off the town hall’s main lobby in The Mary Hawley Room, Santa again awaited young visitors. Photographer Cynthia McIntyre offered free portraits to those who sat with Santa Sunday. Helping her process the images onsite was Brian Agen.

Escaping closed theater doors were the sounds of The Nutcracker Suite performed by the Malenkee Ballet Repertoire Company, directed by Jennifer Johnston. Onstage were ballerinas flowing within the enchanted forest and moving through the Sugar Plum Palace. With sparkling eyes and lipstick, the dancers twirled under stage lights, their toe-shoes shimmering as Ms Johnston narrated the tale through two performances.

Downstairs found a craft fair of local vendors selling items that would likely be wrapped and under a tree as gifts in coming days.

Outside, foot traffic carried sightseers to front doors along Main Street, Schoolhouse Hill Road and (thanks to shuttle bus service) Tory Lane, where decorated homes and holiday activities beckoned.

At 44 Main Street, young docent Mairin Hayes and others welcomed guests to tour the historic Matthew Curtiss home, which had been decorated the day before. Shirley Paproski fixed evergreen bows to the mantel, while Emma and Elisabeth Gotschlich reached for garlands of cranberry and popcorn.

Footprints revealed a path down the sidewalk where residents traveling on Sunday’s house tour encountered a lone refreshment table. Kate Luongo and Henry and Felix Summ sold baked cookies and candy.

Also on the walking tour was the home at 10 Main Street. Among those enjoying the fireside decorations there were Freida Potok and her daughter Michelle Wittko. Up the hill on the other side of the flagpole, 65 Main Street’s rooms also welcomed the public. Waiting to see the trees and decorations inside were Brookfield residents Sandy Slifka and Diane Peterson.

Booth Library, Newtown General Store, Trinity Episcopal Church, and Newtown Meeting House also added to the celebration, along with 78 Main Street, 9 Tory Lane, and 1 Schoolhouse Hill Road where owner Meghan Rice welcomed visitors. Unique to her home were the cards donated by a host of businesses. She asked that guests sign a card, which she intends to send to troops overseas this season. Seated at the long dining room table dressed with bows and candles was Mary Giarratano, filling out her card.