Many Hands And Hearts Provided Luminarias

To the Editor:

Thank you Chamber of Commerce for being the primary underwriter of the entire Christmas Tree and Luminaria Event for the past 22 years!

The 30 luminarias initially placed around the pond for safety purposes has grown now to 2,500.

Until two years ago, unstable waxed baker’s bags were used. Many tore. If the December winds blew that night, a good number caught on fire. If rain or snow appeared the bags became soaked, collapsed and snuffed out the candles.

So our deepest appreciation is extended to the people at Curtis Packaging for providing stable, functional and beautiful box-type luminarias: Don Droppo, Karen Landgrebe, Brad Howe, and Peter Sturges.

The red wagons and garden carts of the past have been replaced by motorized lawn vehicles. We are so grateful to Parks & Rec Director Barbara Kasbarian and her hardworking crew for assuming the Ram Pasture set up: Linda Gillette, Chago Soto, John Moore, Joe Freebairn, Jim Tani, Amandio Dos Santo, John Benvenuti, Luis Oterro, and Archie Palorian.

Packaging of luminaria kits, home distribution, set up, and lighting are all performed by dedicated volunteers too numerous to list, because of space constraints.

This year we recognize Boy Scout Troop 70, The Leo Club ,and the Cullens Youth Association for their spotless, next day cleanup.

We extend our thanks and appreciation to the hundreds of volunteers who provide this spectacular gift to Newtown.

Diana Johnson

Janet Woycik

Joy Kopesky

26 Parmalee Hill Road, Newtown                           December 7, 2005